I fall silent. Of course, this is all about his daughter. He married me as a means to an end for her future. He’s using me as much as I am him for protection. It’s a business arrangement and nothing more. Then why is that causing such devastation to my heart?
18
Ryder
I feel the anger growing in the pit of my stomach and I clench my fists. I look at the man responsible for destroying Ashton’s life as he pleads for her return. Ashton’s daddy and now my personal enemy. To the world, he’s a grieving father doing everything in his power to find his daughter. His face stares out at me from the screen and I long to drive my fist through it. I sense the guy’s unease as Snake says in a low voice.
“What’s the plan?”
Flicking the set off, I look at them and shrug. “We wait. I’ve no doubt he’ll find her and we’ll be ready. Tyler has returned home and should be putting the plan into action. Until then we carry on as usual.”
Brewer looks concerned. “What about Ashton? She’ll see these bulletins and it’ll worry her. What about when she takes Cassie to school? Someone there is bound to recognize her and report it. You could be putting her in danger by sending her out every day.”
Snake watches for my reaction and I lean back in my chair and stare at them both with a hard expression.
“Nothing changes. Ashton will be fine. I will prepare her and when they do come, nothing will change. It won’t be long before her problem is solved and we can get on with our lives.”
Brewer gins. “I’m guessing that little ladies’ problems are just beginning. It’s gonna be tough on her dealing with Cassie and her bastard of an old man.”
Stretching out, I pretend to frown. “She’ll be fine. When I’ve finished with her, she will thank the gods for bringing her to me. She’ll want for nothing and neither will Cassie. Nothing will ruin what I’ve started, and that includes this horny pack of bastards I live with.”
Snake laughs. “Well, if you’re sure, who are we to question it? Now, what are we gonna do about clearing up the mess we left at the Senator’s home this morning?”
Switching my mind away from my family, I set about doing the second thing I do best. Solving messy problems.
The day drags and by the time I’m ready to call it quits I feel a burning need to get home to my girls. This time I feel different as I close the door to my office and take the short walk to the house. It’s not just my baby I can’t wait to see. It’s the thought of that sexy woman waiting for me that puts power in my step and purpose in my heart. She’s been on my mind all day and I can’t shake off the image of her ass waving at me from across the yard. That dress is something else and I’m guessing what lies beneath is my dream come true.
I feel my cock hardening as I quicken my pace.
I hear Cassie’s screams of laughter as I push open the door and smile. I love it when she’s happy. It feeds my soul and gives me energy. I hear Ashton laughing and it’s like an Angel has come to stay. I feel my heart quicken as I head towards the laughter and lean against the kitchen door and watch the scene in front of me.
The two of them are covered head to toe in flour and attacking a big bowl of what looks like cookie dough. Cassie is eating more than she mixes and Ashton is laughing.
“Leave some for the rest of us, Cassie. You won’t eat your tea and there’ll be none left for your daddy.”
Pushing my way in, I say with amusement. “What won’t be left for me?”
Two pairs of eyes swing towards me and Cassie shrieks and jumps down from the step she is using. She flings her flour encased hands around my legs and shouts, “Daddy, I’m making cookies for you. Ashton knows how and we’ve made enough for everyone.”
Laughing, I look around at the piles of cookies dotting every work surface and then at the woman who has consumed my thoughts all day.
She’s looking anxious and just a little guilty. “I’m sorry, I hope we haven’t gone too crazy. It was such fun and I think we got a bit carried away.”
Lifting Cassie into my arms I set her down on the work surface and grab one of the finished cookies.
“Hm, I don’t mind at all. These are seriously good.”
I feed one to Cassie who looks at me with sparkling eyes. “Daddy, thank you for finding my mommy. I always knew you would.”
I see Ashton’s eyes fill up and feel the lump in my throat, as I look at the happiness in my daughter’s eyes. I smile gently.
“Anything for you, Princess.”
Dropping a kiss on the top of her head I notice that Ashton turns away. She appears to take a few deep breaths and then says lightly. “Anyway, we should finish up. Your daddy must be hungry and we have a nice meal waiting in the oven. Cassie, wash your hands and set the table like I showed you. You can pick us a nice flower for the table from the yard while I clear this mess up.”
Cassie laughs and rushes over to the sink to do as she’s told. I wait until she races off into the yard before I move closer to the woman who pulls me to her like gravity.
I notice her eyes darken with desire as I stand before her and feel the excitement growing as I recognize the effect I have on her. Reaching out, I wipe the flour from her cheek and run my finger gently over her lips. “Have you found everything you need?”
She just nods, her eyes staring deeply into mine. I shift closer and tilt her face to mine. I feel her trembling under my touch and it blows my mind. She wets her lips with her tongue and then bites her bottom lip and I feel my cock hardening. For some reason, I can’t move away although I know I should. She isn’t ready yet and I’m a selfish bastard for hoping to move this on quicker than I should. It’s like she’s a drug that I will stop at nothing to take. All reasoning and common sense go out of the window where she’s concerned. I need to taste this woman in every way and claim her once and for all.
Then Cassie runs in and the moment is gone. Ashton pulls away quickly and smiles at the flower Cassie is offering her.
“Mommy, I picked a pretty pink one for you.”
Ashton inhales the sweet scent with delight.
“This is beautiful, Cassie, just like you. You’ve chosen well.”
As she puts the flower in water, I echo her thoughts. Yes, I chose well too. Don’t ask me how I knew, I just did. The path that brought Ashton here was always meant to. I was keeping myself for her and when she entered the club, it sparked my soul into life.
Over dinner, Cassie chats excitedly about her day. Ashton laughs with her and I feel a peace that I’ve never felt before. What happened this morning with the Senator is forgotten as I settle into family life.
As the meal progresses I can tell that Ashton is anxious. She looks as if she needs to say something but doesn’t know how. After a while she says nervously, “Um. Lou and Lily mentioned earlier that we should meet up later and they’ll introduce me to the other ladies. They said that someone called Flo could watch Cassie, but of course, I said I needed to check with you first. It’s our first night and you may not want me to leave her.”
Cassie screams with excitement. “I love Flo. Will she bring candy? She makes the most scrummy candy, Ashton and we watch Disney movies. Please, can she come, daddy?”
I smile and fix my eyes on Ashton who looks worried.
“Of course, she can. I think it’s a good idea to show your mummy off to the club. We’ll head off after you’re washed and ready for bed.”
Cassie laughs and Ashton looks worried. “Are you sure it’s ok?”
“Listen, Cassie is used to spending time with the other old ladies. They love her and she adores them. You could use the time to get to know who lives here and it would be good for everyone to see the new wife of their president.”
She nods but I see the anxiety in her eyes. Me, on the other hand - I think it’s a great idea. I get to spend the evening cozying up to my wife to keep up the pretense in front of the club.
Tonight, I fully intend on making the most of it. Once again, my cock stands to attention
and I almost groan out loud with frustration. I need to step up my game to get what I want most. When I return tonight, the couch is the furthest thing from my mind. Tonight, I sleep with the first woman I have ever allowed into my bed and she better be ready for me.
19
Ashton
Cassie helps me clear the table and wash up and then I set about getting her bathed and ready for bed. I find myself easing into the role of her mother as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. She’s absolutely gorgeous and her high spirits make her even more adorable. She appears to love life with a passion and takes great delight in even the smallest thing. She loves to do crazy things and by the end of her bath I’m soaked through.
As she sits on my knee while I brush her hair, I feel as if I have everything I’ve ever wanted.
As we head downstairs, I hear the doorbell. Ryder opens it revealing a small woman with dark hair and kind brown eyes, staring at me with interest. Cassie squeals and runs to her shouting, “Did you bring me candy, Flo?”
Flo laughs and her eyes twinkle as she holds a little box wrapped with a ribbon high above Cassie’s head. “Patience young lady. This candy is for good little princesses who sit quietly and watch their favorite movie like a good girl.”
Cassie stops and stands quietly and smiles prettily.
“I’m a good girl, Flo. Can we watch Cinderella?”
Flo nods. “Go on then, go and get it ready while I say hi to your new mom.”
Cassie runs off and Flo turns to look at me. I feel Ryder watching and feel slightly nervous. She smiles. “You must be Ashton. I’m Flo and I live with Tiny and my son Beau and daughter Molli. They’re your typical teenagers and I apologize if you hear me shouting and cussing at them, not to mention my husband most days.”
Ryder grins and I feel myself relaxing. “I’m Ashton. I’m pleased to meet you, Flo. Thanks for coming over to watch Cassie. I promise we won’t be late.”
Flo laughs softly and looks over at Ryder and grins.
“I don’t expect you will, honey. This could be the shortest movie in history.”
I feel myself blushing as Ryder laughs softly.
“What do you expect? We’ve just got married after all.”
He moves beside me and pulls me close to his side, dropping a kiss on the top of my head. “Just make sure Cassie is nice and tired by the time we return.”
He winks and I feel my face turning as red as my dress as Flo laughs.
“Get out of here and leave us in peace.”
As she heads off to find Cassie, Ryder whispers.
“You look amazing in that dress. No need to change, we’ll head over there now. Now, remember the deal. They must think we’re together like every other newly married couple. They mustn’t suspect a thing.”
Ryder takes me to the barn that I remember from my first day. I feel nervous at what I will find and even with his strong hand holding mine firmly my legs feel weak with nerves and my mouth dry. I’m so out of place here. Everyone will hate me because of the hand I have taken, and it’s the thought of having to fight for my man that’s worrying me the most. Then there are the men. What if they discover the deal I’ve made? Will I be safe when Ryder isn’t about to warn them off? I feel so anxious and wish we could have stayed in with Cassie. There I feel safe and protected. I have a role and a part to play.
Then there is Ryder. The one that scrambles my mind and does strange things to my body. He is holding my hand firmly and I want nothing more than to feel those hands roaming freely over my body. I won’t beg him though. What on earth does that even mean? Why would he want me to?
By the time we reach the bar I’m a quivering mess of nerves and something else. The man beside me is dangerous to me in every way.
Ryder stops and looks at me with interest.
“You don’t have to worry. Nobody will harm you. I can sense your nerves but they have no place in your life here. This place is your sanctuary and if anyone steps out of line, they’ll regret it. Do you understand?”
I nod and bite my lip as I always do when I’m nervous. Ryder looks at me for a long, hard, minute and I see a battle waging in his eyes. He doesn’t speak but something is getting to him and I look at him anxiously. “What if I let you down?”
He shakes his head and leans down until I feel his breath fanning my face. He whispers huskily, “You could never let me down, Angel. You don’t know how powerful you are. Just one word from those pretty little lips would make me kill for you. Just one nod from that gorgeous head would make me go to the ends of the earth to make you happy. Those eyes of yours may be filled with fear right now but when you understand just what we have here, that worry will be replaced with the knowledge that you’ve crashed into my world and blown it apart. If anyone has anything to worry about, Ashton - it’s me.”
He winks and then pushes the door open leaving me in total shock. What does he mean? I’m not powerful. I have nothing to offer him. But the look in his eyes leaves me panting inside. That look was loaded with desire and took my breath away. It’s no secret Ryder wants me but I never knew how much - until now. That look mirrored my own and suddenly having to beg for something I want more than air itself is becoming a much stronger possibility.
The noise greets us as we head inside. As before the television is loud and men are sprawled on the couch watching a game. Some are playing pool and some have a woman on their lap or between their legs. I swallow-hard. This is it.
I feel the stares as we walk among them hand in hand. The curiosity of the room is reaching out and hitting me hard. These people are wondering why I’m here and how I’ve manage to snatch their president from them with no regard. I catch the eye of one of the so-called whores whose intense look burns through to my soul.
Gripping Ryder’s hand just a little tighter we carry on through to a table in the corner of the room. My heart sighs with relief when I see Bonnie and Snake sitting there with Lily and what must be her husband, Rock. I can’t tear my eyes away from him. He is huge and yet has a softness to him that draws your attention. Like the others he’s a commanding presence but his eyes are kinder and he’s fair where they are dark. He compliments Lily’s darkness and where she is petite, he dwarfs her in every way.
I see the way he is caressing the back of her neck, a hold that connects the two and shows a softness, a possession and a sense of ownership. They may not be speaking but the two of them are connected in the most potent of ways.
Lily looks up and smiles and I feel the relief flooding through me. She is kind and gentle and nothing like I thought a woman living this hard life would be. I smile warmly at her and then Bonnie laughs. “Hey, Ashton. Come and sit with me. Still wearing that knockout dress, I see.”
Ryder releases my hand as I head over and take the seat next to Bonnie. I can’t miss the sight of her man, Snake, as he leans back in his chair and looks at me with interest. I shiver inside as I see the large snake decorating his skin and the menace in his eyes. Like Ryder, this man is as hard as nails and even when relaxing looks as if he could shoot a man dead with just one look from those piercing blue eyes. He too has some form of contact with Bonnie and I notice his hand rubbing circles on her back as he sits staring at me with curiosity.
I briefly smile and then turn to Bonnie and sigh with relief. She is like an open book. Her friendly smile lifts my spirits, and she nods towards the bar. “Here, let’s get you a drink and settle those nerves. What’s your poison?”
Despite the fact I rarely drink alcohol I am feeling a strong need for some tonight. “A wine would be good, thanks, Bonnie.”
She nods towards the bar. “Come with me. You too Lily. Let’s leave these guys to do whatever they do when we’re not around. We’ll have a much better time gossiping about them behind their back.”
The guys grin and I’m grateful for the chance to escape. I feel Ryder watching me as I walk away and try to push the thoughts of the man from my mind as I follow the girls. I can’t deal with my n
eed for him at the moment. Everything is happening way too fast and I need some time to adjust to this strange situation.
As we near the bar, I see a couple of girls sitting there looking at me with curiosity. From the look of them they are whores as their dress is seductive. Their lips pout prettily as they flash sultry looks to a table of bikers nearby. Bonnie whispers, “Don’t be intimidated by them, Ashton. They’re nice girls, I’ll introduce you.”
As we approach, I watch as Bonnie smiles at them. “Hey, Marie, Sonia, this is Ashton, Ryder’s old lady.”
I feel my heart thumping as they look at me with curiosity and smile shyly. Marie looks interested. “Welcome, honey. You’ve caused quite a stir here you know. Nobody can talk about anything else. I can see why Ryder moved as fast as he did though. It’s obvious you’re no whore but these guys wouldn’t care. I must say you’re one lucky lady. Ryder will be sorely missed by those of us who have reason to mourn the loss.”
She winks as Sonia laughs softly. “We should hate every pretty little hair on your head but something is stopping us. Don’t pay attention to anyone who gives you a hard time. You’re a Reaper now and we protect our own. The only one who may have had cause to seek revenge is long gone.”
I feel myself relax at their words and know they must be talking about Kitty. I sit down on a bar stool and smile hesitantly.
“Are you talking about Kitty?”
Sonia nods. “Yes, she had designs on Ryder almost as soon as she saw him. He was never interested in anything more than he offered the rest of us. It used to send her crazy when he chose another to spend time with and the thought of you in his bed would have eaten her up inside. Ryder was right to send her away.”
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