Guns & roses

by Glenna Maynard

“Good girl.”

  My mind drifts to the last time he said those words to me. Last week in our bed, face down and ass up, my hands were bound behind my back as he drove into me relentlessly.

  “What are you thinking about?”

  I blink and realize we are pulling up to the valet. “Being good for you.”

  “You’re perfect, baby.” He brings my knuckles to his mouth and kisses my wedding ring.

  My door is opened by the valet, but Abel is jogging around the car to take my hand and help me make my exit.

  As we make our grand entrance, I concentrate on not fidgeting when our picture is snapped. “Think we’ll be on the society page in next week’s local paper?”

  “Nah. That was only a formality. The last thing Sanchez wants is to be tied to me publicly.”

  “Then why not meet in secret?”

  “Because it’s easier to talk business here. Lots of eyes and ears but all too busy to notice him slipping away for five minutes.”

  “Why am I here?”

  “To look pretty.” He kisses me on the mouth chastely when I roll my eyes. “Because I want you here. I’ve missed having you close to me this week.”

  We move through the crowd and Abel takes a flute of champagne. I raise a brow when he hands it to me. “Pretend to drink it. If anyone is watching us, I don’t want them knowing that you’re pregnant. They’ll use it against me.” I take a seat at a table in the corner where I can discreetly toss my drink into a plant. My husband is working the room getting closer to Governor Sanchez.

  A redheaded woman wearing a gold wrap dress sinks down in the seat next to mine. “Don’t get up.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Raul Hernandez says you look stunning in the dress he picked for you.”

  My heart leaps to my throat. “What do you want?”

  “I’m only a messenger. He says to get up and go to the bar. Order a drink then walk out onto the terrace that is to our left. Do you see it?”

  “Why would I do anything that freak wants?”

  “Because he has something that you want.”

  “What’s that?”

  She smiles. “Your freedom.” Before I can say anything more, she is up and moving to the exit.

  I scan the room for Abel and surmise he must be speaking with Sanchez. I’m probably going to regret this, but I find my feet moving to the bar. I order a martini and take it out to the terrace just as she said. I sit my glass on the railing and look at the view of the flower garden below. The door closes behind me, and Raul Hernandez steps out of the shadow.

  “You’re even more beautiful than I remembered.”

  “My husband will be looking for me.”

  “I will return you without a hair out of place that is if you want to return to him once I make you my offer.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “I’ve been trying to get your attention for some time.”

  “You have five minutes.”

  “How you have changed since we last met.”

  “Your thugs held me at gunpoint at a gas station.”

  “I could have taken you then, but I would have preferred you to come to me willingly but that no longer matters. You married your outlaw and turned him into a made man, but what if I told you I can give what you want?”

  “And what is it you think I want?”

  “The other brother. I can get him out of jail and put you both on a plane to wherever you choose. No one will come looking for you, and the two of you can ride off into the sunset with your child. It isn’t like Abel would miss you. He has his whore on the side still, but you already knew that.”

  I swallow and my hand goes to my stomach out of habit. He’s wrong about my husband. He doesn’t keep a whore. He promised. He gave me his word and it’s my legs he crawls between every night. It’s my pussy that stains his lips every morning.

  “Yes, I know that you’re pregnant. Would you like to know who the father is?”

  “What do you want?”

  “Your territory.”

  “It isn’t mine to give.”

  “Ah but it is. Your stepmother may have control of some of your father’s money and properties, but the Leone Cartel is yours.”

  “And what of Abel? If I were to accept your terms. What would happen to my husband?”

  “Does it matter? You can’t trust him. You think you know him, but he has you fooled.”

  “I guess not.”

  It matters…Abel is my world. He’s the father of my child. It’s his love that fills my heart and his cock that warms me every night. “What would make me trust you? You sent me photos of my father’s death.”

  “Wasn’t me. Maybe you should ask your husband about that. My number is sewn into the bra of your dress. Text with a number two if your answer is yes, but I must warn you, time is of the essence. I’m tired of waiting for what’s mine.”

  “Men like you don’t give chances or warnings. And you sure as hell don’t do anyone any favors. I thought I was what was yours?”

  He chuckles. “I bet you’re a tiger in bed. Too bad you married that biker trash. We could have been good together. My offer still stands. You get the man you love, and a new life, and I get the empire I helped your father build. I want the keys to the kingdom. That key was once you, now it’s your freedom.”

  “Time’s up.” I move toward the door and when I look back, he’s gone.

  The door crashes open and Abel stares at me. “What are you doing out here?”

  “Just needed some air.”

  “Come on, let’s go get you out of that dress.”

  Raul’s offer rings in my head. Three months ago, I would’ve wanted nothing more. The fantasy I had about us—Axel and me going off to Italy plays through my mind and the memories I’ve kept locked away come flooding back feeling like they were a lifetime ago. His mouth on mine, his touch tingling on my hip, and now…now I have Abel and a new beginning.

  I already have that fresh start I craved. I have it and more.

  A life I never dreamed I wanted but a life I can’t be without. The thought of leaving Abel and running off with Axel brings me physical pain. My chest squeezes tight and my palms itch with sweat.

  Abel squeezes my hand as he pulls in at the clubhouse. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I’m just creeped out that you’re not the one who bought me this dress and that someone was in our home.”

  “Don’t worry. I promise you…I’ll handle it.”

  “I know you will.”

  Chapter 11

  Ainsley

  I hate lying to my husband, but I know if I tell him that Raul cornered me and I let him he will go off and do something stupid. I can’t afford for him to get himself killed. Not because he is my protector but because I love him. It hits me hard in the chest as my heart thumps in my throat. I’ve completely fallen for my husband and maybe it makes me horrible and selfish, but I don’t care if Axel ever comes back. He gave me away. He threw me away without looking back. I have nothing for him.

  My choice is easy. Abel…I choose Abel and the life we are building together.

  We walk into The Inferno and his boys are here and they all start chucking. “Can we help you, man?” ATL strokes his chin and studies us. “This pretty thing can stay but your pretty boy ass needs to get the fuck out.”

  “Fuck off,” Abel growls at him and removes his jacket. He holds his sleeves out to me wanting me to remove his cufflinks. I drop them in his palm and shoves them in his pocket before loosening his tie.

  Yap. Whine. I turn my head at the sound of Petunia and my blood runs cold when I see that cunt holding my dog. Abel watches me closely when I take a step toward her with murder on my mind. Grabbing my wrist, he stops me. “Snoop. Walk the dog then bring it upstairs to my room.”

  Anger seeps through my veins. Why is he always stepping between us and trying to keep the peace? Does he care about her? Is h
e afraid she’ll leave? I suck in a breath and mentally slap myself. I’m doing exactly what Raul hoped by planting that seed of doubt. I’m questioning my husband’s loyalty. I know Abel is faithful. I’m not going to entertain the thought. Maybe she’s on Raul’s payroll. Maybe that’s why she keeps hanging around so she can feed him information.

  Goldie smiles at me and waves from her perch on the barstool next to Trucker. Uno is probably home with Stephanie and Ruger. Teagan is behind the bar serving drinks. She waves me over, but Abel is still holding me against his chest.

  “Go upstairs to my room and wait for me. One of the boys will bring up your bag and Petunia. I’ll be up soon. I need to speak with Murphy first.” He dismisses me with a kiss to my hair. I snub my nose at Oaklyn when I pass by her on my way to the stairs. It’s her I don’t trust. I see the way she stares after my husband. He may be blind to it but I’m not.

  I stomp up the stairs and to his room wishing I could just go home. I no longer want to be here. I slam the door to the efficiency style room harder than necessary, but it makes me feel good to burn some of my anger off.

  I kick my heels off and reach around my back for the zipper of my dress. The red material falls to the floor puddling at my feet. Stepping out of it I unhook my bra and toss it overhead. I grab a t-shirt from the drawer and pull it down over me. The white t-shirt hangs to my knees and smells of Abel.

  A knock sounds at the door. “Who is it?”

  “Can we talk?” My skin crawls at the sound of her voice.

  “What do you want?” I throw the door open but block her from coming in.

  Reaching out she tucks my hair behind my ear. Thwack. I smack her hand away.

  “Don’t fucking touch me.”

  She laughs and smiles at me.

  “I wish you didn’t hate me. The three of us could have a lot of fun together.”

  “What?” I blink wondering if I misheard her. “Are you asking for me to allow you into our bed?”

  “You ever had your pussy sucked by a woman before? No one knows how to please a woman better than another woman.” She shrugs.

  “I’m only going to say this once. Stay away from my husband. Stay away from me. If I ever see you touching my dog again, I will make damn sure that you and any other bitch who thinks to try me remembers exactly whose daughter I am. I have the blood of Tiny Leone flowing through my veins. I dare you to try me.”

  Her red painted nails caress my cheek. “Maybe you do deserve him.” I glare at her and she moves in and kisses the corner of my mouth. “My offer still stands. Hearing you all pissed off just now made my pussy wet, but I can see you’re not ready to explore what my mouth could do to yours. Yet.”

  “Get the fuck out of my hu—my clubhouse.”

  She laughs as she walks away.

  I’m going to kill that cunt. I wipe at the corner of my mouth where her whore lips touched mine. I close the door and contemplate where to hide her body. Maybe I am my father’s daughter after all.

  Minutes later my husband comes into the room with my dog and my bag. He places both on the bed, and I keep my back to him. I’m still pouting and stewing though he didn’t really do anything wrong. “I wanted the pleasure of undressing you,” his husky voice whispers against the shell of my ear and he grabs my shoulders, giving me a squeeze.

  “I don’t want that cunt touching Petunia.”

  “Why? She’d never mistreat your pet.”

  “Why?” I snap and jerk out of his hold. “Why do you jump to her defense? Does she mean something to you?”

  “No. You’re being childish.”

  “I’m being real. I see how she looks at you. She wants you.”

  “She can’t have me. I belong to you same as you belong to me. You have nothing to be jealous of. It’s you who makes me crazy mad with desire.” He takes a step toward me. “It’s you I bury myself inside of every night and make love to.” Abel puts one hand on my stomach and the other to my heart. “I only love one other as much as you and that’s the baby I planted in your womb.”

  I freeze and then I smile. I smile big. “You just said you love me. You’ve never told me that before.”

  “I show you every day.”

  “I like hearing it though. Tell me again.”

  Grabbing my face between his hands he stares deeply into my eyes. “I love you, Ainsley. More than you could ever know. Now get ready for bed so I can show you.”

  I snatch my toothbrush out of the bag and disappear into his private bathroom. When I return to him, he’s on the bed in only his boxer briefs and Petunia is on his chest. “It’s about time you two became friends.”

  “I think she missed me.” My husband grins as I sink down on the bed next to him then he frowns because Petunia abandons him for me. Abel goes to the bathroom and while he’s gone guilt creeps up on me. I know I should tell him about Raul and the phone number, but I know he will be pissed that I kept it from him this long. I should’ve told him at the party. If I say anything now, he will think I didn’t speak up because I am tempted to take the deal. I know that there is a part of him that always wonders if I am comparing him to Axel or using him as a stand-in but I’m not.

  I love my husband and I want him safe and with me…always.

  Abel comes back to bed. The bed dips with his weight and he draws me to his side. His large fingers stroking my hair, his other hand moves to my belly, pushing up the shirt I’m wearing. The ink on his hand looking beautiful laying over my baby bump.

  “Do you know how happy you make me, baby? I’d kill anyone who dares to try to take you from me.”

  “Ditto.” I move up to kiss his lips.

  “I love you so much, wife ‘o mine. Now take this shirt off. You know I like you naked in my bed.” That he does. He prefers me naked so he can take me anytime he pleases.

  I move over him and lift my t-shirt over my head, my jealousy long forgotten. All I want is to feel Abel skin to skin. Rubbing my fingers over his chest, tears spring to my eyes. He has new ink. My name is scrawled on his chest. “What’s this?”

  “Thought it was time I made shit official. I put your name on me because you’re my world.” I crash my mouth down on his, breathing in his taste and savoring it. Nothing could ever be better than this. Better than us…

  If I were to go right now, I’d die happy tonight being loved by this man of mine. The only thing I fear is losing him. Not loving him enough but I do. I love him so much I feel him deep in my bones. He’s my moon and stars and all I see every night when I close my eyes.

  Reaching between us I grab his cock and squeeze. “You ever go near another woman…I’ll cut this off.”

  Abel grins at me. “My baby has claws. She has fire. She burns for me. I promise you this. I’d rather cut my dick off myself than betray you like that.” He raises up, wrapping his strong tattooed arms around me. “I’m going to lay you down. I’m not going to fuck you. I’m going to take you soft and slow and make love to you.”

  His hand wraps around my throat and squeezes as I grind over his rock-hard erection.

  “You ever look at another man and I’ll choke every last breath out of you.”

  Arousal coats my inner thighs. I’m soaked.

  “Bet that pussy is so wet I could just slide right in, huh?” he nips at my bottom lip and rubs a thumb over my clit.

  I gasp when he shoves me back.

  “Lay back and give your man what he wants. Open those legs for me.” My head goes to the foot of the bed, and I fall to pieces under his touch. My man looms over me gripping his cock ready to please me but he wasn’t lying when he promised me slow. As though he has all the time in the world Abel grips his cock and rubs the head back and forth through my slick heat and juices. His gaze burns into me. Those blue velvet eyes drowning me with their love and devotion they hold.

  Bowing my back, I arch my hips, begging him to sink inside me.

  Smirking at me he brings his mouth down to
mine and kisses me. I part my lips and my thighs further as he inches inside me. Tongue in my mouth and cock in my pussy. As promised, he rocks into me softly…slowly…with tender kisses and gentle touches…my king worships his queen.

  Chapter 12

  Axel

  Somewhere, Kentucky

  “What the fuck do you want?”

  My little brother smiles at me through the glass. “Maybe I missed your sorry mug.”

  “Cut the shit. We both know you’ve been living it up, enjoying playing king of the kingdom. Thanks for getting the Colombians on my ass. You trying to piss everyone off?”

  “That fucker tried to poison me. He had it coming.”

  “Why are you here?”

  “I came across some information…you could go free sooner than you think.”

  “And you’re what just going to hand me my freedom so I can come home and take my place but not where I should be, right? You want me under your boot or somewhere else?”

  Abel runs a hand over his head and cups the back of his neck. My little brother has grown into quite the man. “You’re right, I’m not stepping down for you. No fucking way. I’ve been working my ass off and holding my territory.”

  “Careful what you say, brother. There are eyes and ears everywhere here.”

  “I came here to make you a deal.”

  I laugh. “What’s that?”

  “Ainsley, we’re happy. She’s pregnant. It’s mine. I have the test to prove it, but that’s not important. If I get you out…I want you to leave her alone. Don’t come to Texas. I’m looking into expanding. You could start over in Cali or Nevada. Build your own empire.”

  “Just don’t try to steal yours.”

  “Exactly.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “What’s to think about? You don’t want to sit in here and rot your life away.”

  “So if I say no, you just gonna leave me here?”

  “If you think you’re going to come to Texas and make a play for my wife then yes. As your brother, I’m not asking. I love her.”

  “The answer is no. I had her first and I’ll have her last.”