Sterling: Kings of Carnage MC - Prospects (Kings of Carnage - Prospects Book 2)

by Sapphire Knight

  If only things were easy and I could attach a big glowing sign to him that told the female population to stay the hell away from him. That will never happen, and with the way things have been going where him and I are concerned, there may never be a chance for us to have a shot together. If we did though, would he want it? Would he take it? I know my answer. It’s never wavered, and sometimes that bit makes me feel a tad pathetic. I’m that woman you read about lusting after a guy, offering him every bit of my thoughts, and then turning around to lap at the crumbs he leaves behind. It makes him sound a bit like a dick as well, but he’s not. If he were, I wouldn’t want him so badly, that’s for sure.

  I adjust my bikini top, spreading the thin sunshine-colored triangles out a bit more. I don’t have any upper tan lines, and this color pops against my deep southern tan. I shimmy into a pair of faded cut-off jean shorts, thinking I may be drinking one too many smoothies at work because they’re a little tighter than usual. They’re shorter than what I’d normally wear as well, but I’m going to be washing cars, so the less material, the better, as far as I’m concerned. I curled my long hair and put it up into a high, messy ponytail, feathering shorter hair to frame my face a bit and kept my makeup light. I’m sure I’ll be a hot mess by the time the fundraiser is over, but at least I look semi-cute going into it. I spray the SPF fifty sport sunscreen on my face, then smooth over the rest of me with some lower SPF lotion and decide it’s as good as I’m going to get for this thing.

  I glance in the mirror, taking myself in briefly. I wanted to go with my red bikini, but I know Dad will say something if I do. I can get away with the yellow one, but if I put on red or white, then Dad will be barking at me to cover up. Not sure what the color matters, but I’m not trying to be embarrassed by it today.

  I search out my keys and purse, grabbing a bottle of water as I go. Uncle Jinx is supposed to bring his giant smoker to make some barbecue, and Mom’s providing the sweets with Mrs. Savannah to sell as well. Michaela is donating fountain drinks from the pub, and also a portion of certain sales. I’m in for a day full of good food and even better people—those are always my favorites.

  I’m not so secretly hoping Sterling will be there. I have my fingers, toes, and everything else crossed that he shows up and notices me before I become too sweaty and grimy. Of course, he should be around since he’s a prospect and gets stuck with a bunch of the grunt work. Maybe Heaven above will smile down on me today and have him washing cars beside me, shirtless. It’s not like I can ask anyone about his whereabouts without a viable reason or else it’ll come off suspicious. I definitely don’t want to scare him off before I ever get the chance to get him where I want him. Not to mention people will wonder why I’m looking for him without searching my brother out as well.

  I slip on an old pair of black flip-flops and spritz myself with Burberry ‘Her’ perfume, then grab a towel on my way out the door. I wonder if Sterling will bring his car out to be washed or if he’ll have his bike. Probably the motorcycle since the brothers will be there along with their families. I wouldn’t mind catching his expression if he did drive his Charger and I got to wash it for him. Though part of me wonders if he’d just tease me about it. I can’t seem to get him to separate me from being Ruin’s younger sister, but I’m more than that. I’m a woman.

  The drive’s short to Mooney’s Pub, cutting off my rambling thoughts. I turn down my radio as I pull into the parking lot to park off to the side. The bikes are lined up front while Michaela and Sly are usually parked in the back to make more room. We’re supposed to be having the car wash over on the opposite side. The club will fill up this side with their families, no doubt. Grabbing my things, I make my way towards the front of the building, past the bikes, smiling and greeting people as I pass them. Living in a town that’s in the middle of nowhere has this effect; you sort of know everyone even when you don’t want to.

  I wave to Michaela and one of her bartenders who’s helping her carry some filled Styrofoam cups out along with pitchers. She’s set out some plastic chairs, tables, and umbrellas, with the section roped off for the outside drinkers. Charity or not, the pub will probably make a ton of money today. I have a feeling most of the members will be hanging out and drinking here today with everything going on. I wouldn’t mind having a beer, but I won’t put Michaela on the spot and ask since I’m underage. I know if we were in her backyard, she wouldn’t care, but here it could mess with her business, and it’s the last thing I want for any person affiliated with the club.

  “Hey, Mom. Hey, Savannah. Can I help you two unload?” Mom presses a kiss to my cheek and Savannah leans over to give me a hug.

  “You get more beautiful by the day,” she says, and Mom agrees.

  “Here, love, straighten these out for us.” Mom gestures to items they’re busily unloading on a fold-out table. They have a shade set up for them, and they’ll need it if it gets any warmer today. I fix everything, making it look neater, and manage to swipe a monster cookie bar before taking off to my own job for the day.

  We get everything set up, me and Stryker up first to wash cars with Sawyer handling the donations. Sly will be around her, no doubt to make sure no one hassles her over the donations. He’s protective of us all. Some of the club girls are supposed to take over in an hour or so to give us a break. The meat smoker’s been going with the promise of Jinx’s delicious barbecue, and my stomach’s already grumbling for a taste.

  The first car pulls in. It’s covered in dust and mud, definitely needing a wash. I’m ready and waiting with my foamy sponge and bucket. We’ve run a few hoses over from the two closest businesses, so hopefully we get a system down and get these vehicles in and out. In the meantime, the drivers can check out Jupiter’s suped-up Mustang and get her business info, have a free drink, purchase a beer, a plate of food, or something to take with them from Mom’s table. It’s a pretty sweet setup, if I do say so myself, and even if it seems a bit silly, I’m excited for the day. I’m proud of how everything turned out. I know my father will be happy and proud of me for organizing everything too.

  I grin as the driver climbs out. It’s a guy I went to school with. He was always nice to me, so I offer a friendly welcome, grateful he’s here to show the fundraiser much-needed support. “Hey, Trevor, thanks for stopping by. How’ve you been?”

  We graduated last year, and while I see him occasionally, it’s usually while we’re with siblings or parents. I wasn’t really into the whole ‘party scene’ where he hung out a lot, I left that up to my brother and saved Mom the extra dose of worry I knew would accompany the late nights. Not that I couldn’t go out at all or anything. My parents trusted me and Ruin. I just preferred to work and hang out at the movies or whatever.

  His gaze casually rakes over the front of me, a pleased smirk overtaking his mouth. He pulls me in for a close hug, wrapping me into his body tightly before saying, “I’m doing much better now. Damn, you just keep getting better with time. How are you hotter every time I lay eyes on you?” He winks and I can feel my face flush with the compliment. I’m not a prude or anything, it’s just that we’re around my family. If Dad or Ruin catch Trevor saying stuff like that, he’s liable to end up with some flat tires to go along with his clean vehicle. I’m fairly sure customers won’t be donating if their vehicles end up getting vandalized before they leave the parking lot.

  I laugh it off, as I head for his car. “Glad to hear it. Thanks for coming out to support the fundraiser. It’s appreciated. Sawyer’s at that table taking donations. There’s also free coke’s if you’re thirsty.” I’m not sure what else I should say in return. I’m flattered, but he’s not really my type. I always remember him having a girlfriend before, so maybe that was why he never came on so strong back then? Who knows, and besides, if I’m being honest about it, I don’t care. There’s one guy that’s had my attention, and I doubt that detail will change anytime soon, if ever.

  I’ve just watched Stryker spray the car with the hose and put my soapy
sponge on the roof when the rumble of motorcycles vibrate around us. The sound is like a beacon, calling to my soul. The wind, road, and exhaust is in my blood. There’s something about it that comforts me. It always has.

  ZZ Top blares out of the large speaker in the back of Jinx’s truck, and the smell of barbecue permeates the air. Mix it with the throaty pipes from the club’s motorcycles and it has me comfortable, singing along and swaying my hips with the music as I wash. I’m in my own little world, trying to do a decent job, when a bike’s engine revs loudly before going silent. I turn around in time to catch Trevor staring where my ass was moments prior. He sends me another grin and a thumbs-up when he meets my eyes, but I don’t hold his for long.

  My attention pins on the pissed-off biker storming across the cement, clad in his jeans and vest proclaiming him a prospect of the Kings of Carnage MC. Dropping the sponge, I unknowingly push my chest out and cock my hip. My soaked hand rests on my waist, while my brows raise. It takes Sterling all of a few seconds to cross from his bike to Trevor. He gets in the guy’s face and snarls something before stalking towards me, anger clouding his gaze. He snatches my hand, his firm grip tugging me behind him.

  I follow right along because I have no idea what the hell is happening right now. Is something wrong? “Sterling?” I attempt to get out, but his pace is far too quick with his long legs, and it has me shutting my mouth, jogging to keep up. Something must’ve gotten into him because he’s never acted this way in the past. My curiosity is killing me to know what’s going on in his mind.

  He stops at his bike, spinning around, glaring but remains silent. He yanks his obsidian half-shell helmet from the seat and not so softly plops it on my head. He connects the snap and then is climbing on his bike. He tugs me towards the back and I swing my leg over, perching on the tiny bit of seat he’s left for me. I wrap my arms around his waist, not sure what’s gotten into him all of a sudden. He caresses my thigh, then lifts his middle finger to Trevor, barks something towards Saint that I don’t catch, and then revs his engine.

  I tighten my hold in time for him to release the brake and take off. I’ve never ridden on Sterling’s motorcycle like this. There were times when we were younger, if I begged enough, he’d give me short rides on his dirt bike around my parents’ property, but never like this. As far as I know, no one has ever ridden bitch on the back of his bike, and it has my stomach twirling with excitement and confusion.

  I hold on, not shying away from wrapping my hands around his waist. I’ve wanted to ride his bike since he bought it, I’ve fantasized many times of this day. Sure, it hadn’t gone down the same way, but that detail means nothing. What matters is it’s happening, and I finally have him in my arms, where I’ve always wanted him.

  Sterling doesn’t have a shirt on under his cut; he never wears one. The struggle is real not to run my hands over his abdomen and chest, feeling him up like some creeper. It’s what I want though. Jesus, I crave it fiercely. He’s warm, his skin sun-kissed and hot from riding around in the Georgia heat. He’s got a sexy tan, one that makes it seem like his cut is a permanent part of him. Then there’s his scent drawing me in, like my personal aphrodisiac to him. I lean in, inhaling deeply, not ever getting enough. He’s all road, wind, and spicy cologne teasing my nostrils, making my pussy clench wantonly.

  I wish he’d pull over and kiss me. I’d be down for removing my clothes as well if he’d allow it. He could fuck me over his bike on the side of the road. Or better yet, he could sit steady and let me crawl on him to ride his cock until he’s groaning his release for all of Georgia to hear. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s one fantasy I can anticipate coming true anytime soon, no matter how badly I silently will it to.

  He’s said absolutely nothing since we left the pub parking lot, and it’s driving me nuts to not say anything about it. I don’t like the quiet, especially when I feel like there’s so much that needs to be said aloud between us. Does this mean what I think it does? Do I dare hope? Will he finally see me as a woman, one he desires, or will it be the same as before? Surely, he wouldn’t go caveman on me in front of everyone and drag me away without it meaning something significant. Nearly the entire club was there, I’m sure they saw everything plain as day. How will he explain what happened, and if it’s not about me and him, then what the hell did I miss?

  “Sterling,” I say, wanting to ask him. He takes the curve a little quickly, steering us in the direction of the Kings of Carnage’s clubhouse. I’m enjoying this ride, and if we’re not going to do what I’d like us to, then I want to know what’s going through his mind. It’d be nice to have some sort of heads-up, before dealing with the repercussions of his actions. He doesn’t say anything in response, irritating me. Rather than allow him to ignore me, I shout his name, demanding some sort of acknowledgment as my hands hold him a bit tighter, making him feel my touch.

  Sometimes standing up for yourself can be as simple as waking away from a situation that does not support or honor your self-worth.

  -@THESMOKINGPROPHET

  I’m so fucking pissed inside, I’m boiling. The stupid douche back at the pub had some big fucking nerve to be staring at Leigh like he was in front of her family and the club. Just who the hell does he think he is to disrespect her like that? Did he think the members and anyone else would find it cute to witness him watching Leigh like she was a goddamn ice cream cone, licking his lips and adjusting himself like a disgusting dog? Frankly, I’m fucking stunned no one opened their mouths about it before I’d had a chance to watch for a few beats. It took me no time to see what was going on, where it was heading, and everything in me to stop from caving his damn face in.

  No one will ever disrespect Leigh like that in my presence, and they’d damn sure better not try it in my absence. I will hunt a motherfucker down and make him hurt for it. I’ve done it in the past for her and I’d do it again. She’ll never know as much. That’s between me and her mom.

  I have to take her to the clubhouse. There’s no way I can go to her apartment or my trailer. I’d end up fucking her just to prove a point…It’s wrong. She’s not mine to beat my chest over, and I shouldn’t think of her in that sort of way. It’s getting worse though, the temptation is there and it’s harder and harder to turn away from going for what I want. I’ll be damned if some flippin’ yo-yo like Trevor Billings gets his grubby paws on Leigh, it’ll be over my dead fucking body, that much I know for sure.

  “Sterling?” she calls over my shoulder. Her sweet melody only angers me further for losing control around her. She shouldn’t have witnessed me behave like that, I could’ve upset her, and that’s the last thing I’d ever want. I’m trying to protect her, to look out for her and her wellbeing. Surely, she can appreciate as much. At least, I hope she can. I’d want someone else to do it for Sawyer, only not have the sort of thoughts about her as I do with Leigh.

  “Damn it, stop talking, Boo!” I holler over the wind and my pipes. I need to concentrate, and having her firm little body pressed snuggly against my back has me doing everything but that. I want to pull over, bend her over my bike, and fuck her until she screams she’ll take no other cock but mine. Christ. I’m a mess, and this desire I have for her will only make Chaos bury me. It’s never been an issue before, never even mentioned to me because of Stryker. He’s closer to Leigh’s age, so Chaos and Dad were always concerned he’d end up interested in Leigh at some point. They never thought twice about me being the one who’d end up craving her. I don’t think anyone around the club would expect it.

  “Fuck!” I roar, allowing the road and wind to claim some of my torment. I hate losing my shit in front of her, but I feel like I’m ready to explode. I’m lost, my thoughts zig-zagging all over the place, and she’s firmly in the middle of them all.

  “Sterling, please!” she calls, and her voice crushes me inside. I’ve upset her, and it cuts me. I pull into the club, kick stand toed down in a rush, ignition off, and I hold my hand out to help her from my motorcycle. Once
she’s safely off beside me, I haul ass striding for the club. She jogs after me, but I’m quicker and make it into the quiet bar to find Chaos before she can get in front of me.

  “Do you see her? What she’s wearing?” I say, years of respect instilled in me. Even so, it has me struggling not to scream the words with hostility. This is his daughter; he shouldn’t let her out of the fucking house dressed like this without a man on her for protection. Someone would tempt their fate, I know it. Look at what just went down with Bruce, and now she’s nearly naked with no personal protection. Leigh is far too beautiful already, but toss in her tits and curvy little ass without a guard dog at her heels and it’s a recipe for disaster. I’m around her damn near every day and I still struggle with keeping my hands to myself.

  His lips settle into a frown, his jaw flexing as he clenches his teeth together. He stands, swiftly strolling towards me until we’re toe-to-toe. I’m no kid anymore. I’m the same height as him, maybe an inch or so taller, but that means absolutely nothing when it comes to Chaos. He’s the prez, and he’s lived the life. He has the experience and knowledge that I’m nowhere close to possessing, and to be honest, it’s intimidating as fuck.

  “Hm,” he grumbles, and my throat feels tight. He’s fucking pissed. “I see my little girl wearing her bathing suit because she was washing cars for a fundraiser that she organized herself. She was helping, like she said she would. You telling me you see something different, prospect?”

  Fuck. This is one helluva test. Releasing a tense breath, I say, “She was dancing around and singing. Shaking her hips. She barely has any material covering her body.” My jaw clenches before admitting, “Everyone would’ve been blind not to see it. I’m just brave enough to say it aloud.”