by Erin Trejo
“What is it? Somethin’ goin’ on I need to know about?” Running his hand through his hair, he sighs. Here it comes.
“Flame’s haven’t officially said shit to me, but word is they want half our turf back home.” No way in hell are they getting it. They want a war; I’ll give them a war.
Our turf has been just that for a long time now. We haven’t had a war in years over what or who comes through there. It won’t start now.
“I see the look. Let’s just get this fuckin’ weekend over with. Once we get home, we’ll have church, get this shit straightened out.” Wrapping the towel around my neck, I nod.
“Shit pops off, I can’t make no promises, Prez.” He knows that. I didn’t need to tell him, it was more of a fair warning.
“Heard, that. Let’s eat.” Backhanding me in the chest, I follow along behind him toward the fire. I miss these nights back at home. We used to have them all the time but lately, we’ve been slacking.
“Look who joined us.” Flipping Ghost off, he laughs before passing me a plate of food.
“You cook? Thanks, bitch.” Ghost doesn’t laugh, but I do. Grabbing a beer, I take a seat next to the fire while I eat. Good food, good friends. This is perfect. If life ended right now, I’d be one happy son of a bitch. With my stomach full, my cut back on, and my legs kicked out in front of me, I’m at peace right now. That’s always short lived, though. Just like I thought, my phone rings. I slide it out, noting the number isn’t one I have saved.
“What the fuck?” Grinning at Devil, he shakes his head.
“Roc?” I don’t recognize the voice on the other end of the line.
“Who is this?” Sitting up a little straighter, I hear the tear-filled voice.
“Roc, it’s Aria.” Why the hell is she crying?
“What happened? What’s wrong?” Here sniffles fill the line before I hear commotion in the background.
“Come on, sweetheart. We ain’t waitin’ all night.” That’s no one from my club.
“Roc–help me–please.”
“Where are you?” Leaping out of the chair, I stand there running my hand through my hair.
“Near the back of the hotel.” The line goes dead before I turn and run. Running through sand is harder than I thought it would be. This isn’t my usual stomping grounds. I make it to the hotel but as soon as I start to round the corner, I slam into someone.
“Shit, watch out!” Hollering louder than I needed to, I start to shove the person out of the way.
“Roc?” Looking down, I see her teary face.
“Aria, what happened?” Before she can speak, someone rounds the corner.
“There’s our slut.” My eyes lock on one of the Flame’s. My stomach cramps as my chest tightens. My hands clench at my sides as I look the asshole in the eye.
“What did you call her?” Taking a step closer, I want to rip his spine out.
“She was all over us, man. She ain’t wearin’ no cut.” He knows he fucked up. I can see it all over his face, but he will try to keep his cool.
“That means shit, and you know it. I’d suggest you take a walk.” His eyes widen but he won’t back down. I know his type. They think they're hot shit, when they are really just a bunch of punks.
“I’ll walk, when you give me the tease.” Aria’s hands clamp onto the back of my shorts in a death grip. I want to grab her and hold her, but I can’t, not right now.
“Tease? I heard the girl screamin’. She doesn’t want you, brother. You need go back to your boys before you start a war you can’t handle.” My fists clench and unclench, ready to strike at a moment’s notice. My cell phone screams in my pocket, but there is no way I’m answering that right now.
“A war? Seems we’re already gettin’ one of those.” That’s it. He’s pressed the last button I have. My fist collides with his face. Blood splatters from his mouth across my face. I don’t stop either.
“When a woman says stop–you stop.” Another slam of my fist, and we’re on the ground. Our worlds collide at that moment. Our fists are fighting for the hardest punch. Someone grabs a hold of my shoulders, yanking me away from the punk.
“Get off me!” Snapping, I’m ready to swing at whoever’s behind me. That is, until I see it’s Dragon.
“What the hell is this?” Looking between me and the asshole climbing off the ground, I shrug.
“Nothin’ much.” Aria’s hands go back to being clamped around my shorts. Dragon looks from her, back to me, but I don’t say shit.
“You might wanna take a walk, now.” Pointing back to where the asshole came from, he pulls himself up.
“This ain’t over.” Pointing at me, I smile.
“Didn’t expect it to be.” Dragon grabs the front of my cut, shifting me so I’m in front of him.
“What part of wait, didn’t you get, Roc? I don’t need a Goddamn war out here!” I’m about to respond when Aria steps out from behind me.
“It was my fault. He was helping me.” Aria stands there with as much boldness as I’ve ever seen in one person, holding her bikini top together. I didn’t notice the bruises or red marks that now mark her pale skin. Grabbing her arm, I yank her in front of me.
“He do this?” She doesn’t answer me. She doesn’t have time. Dragon shoves her to the side, getting in my face.
“For a piece of ass? You are gonna get a war started over some pussy?” He’s pissed. Well, that would be an understatement.
“I’m sorry.” Aria starts to walk away but I don’t let her. I drag her back next to me before looking at Dragon.
“They were comin’ anyway. He stood here and said it. He got what he deserved.” Dragon scrubs his hand over his face before looking around.
“He said it?” Nodding once, he looks down before he speaks.
“Get her cleaned up. If you need me, I’ll be out by the fire.” As quickly as he appeared, he’s gone.
“I didn’t mean to get you in trouble.” The laughter that erupts out of me is crazy. I sound like a lunatic.
“Let’s not get that fucked up. I’m not in trouble, sweetheart.”
Chapter 8
Aria sits on the edge of the bed as I kneel in front of her. I bring the wet rag to her lip before she jerks away.
“Hold still.” She looks down, not looking me in the eye.
“He do all this, or was there someone else?”
“Just him.” I dab at the blood that’s now drying on her lip.
“What the hell were you thinkin’ goin’ out there alone with him?” Her eyes jerk to mine, a hatred floating in them.
“I didn’t go with him. What’s the difference anyway? I walked off with you, didn’t I?” Shaking my head, I grin at her.
“I’m not them. That’s the difference. You might think it’s all fun and games to get fucked by the big bad bikers, babe, but you need to watch who they are. Not all of us are friendly.” Aria slams her hands into my shoulders, knocking me to my ass on the floor. I watch her with amusement as she stands and starts to stomp past me.
“You’re welcome.” Mumbling, I hear her laugh. It’s a beautiful laugh, too. One I wished I could hear more of.
“Oh, you wanted me to thank you, for insulting me?” As quickly as she walked toward the door, she stands back in front of me. I don’t move from my place on the floor either. In fact, I bend my knees up and rest my elbows there as I watch her.
“I mean; I did just beat his ass for you.” Her hands hold the bikini top that has been torn up against her chest as she glares at me.
“Are you expecting a thank you, fuck? You got me all wrong.” Raising my eyebrows, I can see the way she looks at me. She wants me, and she knows it.
“I don’t go around pickin’ fights for the hell of it. I sure as hell don’t start a war between clubs for a woman!” She’s making my nerves fire off one by one.
“Then you shouldn’t have answered your phone.” Look at her, testing my patience. I shove myself off the floor. Standing in her face, I reach f
or her.
“You like pushin’ me, darlin’?” My fingers skim over her shoulders before moving down her arms. I can tell she’s enjoying it as much as I am.
“I wouldn’t dare. I need to go.” Her eyes dance with lust. I can see it.
“So, go. I’m not stoppin’ you.” Aria licks her lips, killing my dick a little more with each swipe of her tongue.
“I can’t go like this. My friends will worry.” Reaching over my shoulder with one hand, I tug my t-shirt off. Letting go of her, I slide my shirt over her head before reaching under, grabbing the bikini top. My fingers skim over her already hardened nipples. A groan escapes my lips, but Aria’s eyes never leave mine.
“There. Now you have sufficient clothing.” Our breathing has picked up, but neither of us move. We watch each other for even the slightest movement.
“If you’re thinkin’ about stayin’ here tonight, I will fuck you senseless.” She knows I’m not playing. She knows what I want.
“Fine.” She turns her back to me, heading toward the door. I let out a breath that I’d been holding, hoping she would stay with me tonight. I don’t turn to watch her go. I run my hand through my hair, turning toward the bed. I hear the lock click into place. I slowly turn around, to see her standing there in nothing but my t-shirt.
“That’s the most beautiful thing, I’ve ever seen.”
***
Her hands are above her head just like I told her to do. She doesn’t move, and I love that. I kiss the inside of her thighs while making my way up. Her knuckles turn white from the way she’s gripping the sheets.
“This has to be the best tastin’ thing in the world.” Growling against her, she wiggles slightly.
“Are you gonna be a good girl–and lay still for me?” I wait for her to answer but when she doesn’t, I bite down on the inside of her thigh. Her breathless cries make my stomach tremble.
“Yes. I won’t move.”
I continue my assault as I make my way down her body. I run my finger through her wetness as I groan. I can hear her panting already. I close my eyes when I slide a finger inside of her. I’ve never felt so much perfection in my life. I move my finger in and out of her, loving how her body writhes on the bed beneath me. I lean my head down, taking a long, slow, lick. I deliberately miss the spot she so wants me to touch.
“Roc, please,” She cries. I chuckle against her, but I don’t give her what she wants. That would be too easy.
Adding another finger inside of her, her back arches off the bed. I hook my fingers inside, pulling at every part of her. Aria screams my name when my tongue goes to work on her clit. That little bundle of nerves has sat there unattended for long enough. I need to taste her–all of her. My tongue moves as fast as my fingers, bringing her to the edge.
“There you go, baby.” I work her up then place my mouth over her clit. Sucking and licking, I feel her body locking up around me. A few more flicks of my tongue, and Aria explodes in a wave of pleasure. My heart hammers in my chest. I lick up everything she has to offer before climbing up her slack body. Aria lays there in a world of her own but that isn’t good enough for me. I need more, I want more. I grab the condom out of my jeans before kicking them off. Rolling the condom on, I kneel between her thighs. Just looking at her with her eyes closed–mouth parted–gives me a thrill. She’s so different, yet perfect. Without saying a word, I reach down and slide into her. I’m not rough this time either, which is unusual for me. I lean down, cupping her face in my hands, resting on my elbows on either side of her head.
“Look at me, Aria.” Her eyes open slowly before jerking right to mine.
“What are you doin’ to me?” My hips rock slowly, taking my time with her. She doesn’t know what to say. She watches me. Without another thought, I lean down and brush my lips over her soft ones. The tingle that hits me isn’t what I expected it to be. I want this woman, in more ways than one.
Chapter 9
My phone rings like crazy on the floor where I kicked it last night. I slide out of the bed before grabbing it.
“What!” I snap into the phone. I don’t want to hear anyone’s shit today. I was enjoying my sleep.
“You haven’t been answering your phone, Rocland.” That one voice sends ice cold chills down my spine. It’s the one voice, I wished like hell I’d never come in contact with.
“I do have a life outside of you.” His huff means nothing. I don’t give a damn if he has me by the balls or not, he won’t run my entire life.
“I control your life–need I remind you.” His tone pushes me closer to breaking. I don’t need his shit today.
“What is it you want, Martin?” I ask before glancing over my shoulder at Aria.
“That’s better. I hear you’re out of town at the moment, but as soon as you arrive home, we need to talk.” I close my eyes because talks with Martin never end well.
“Talk now. I have shit to do.” I have to stay clipped with him. There is no other way. This man is the epitome of the devil.
“I need your services, Rocland. I won’t discuss details over the phone. I expect you in my office in two days.” The line goes dead before I can say anything further.
“Fuck!” I want to slam my fist into a wall. I want to rip that motherfuckers head off.
“Are you ok?” I jerk my body around to look at Aria as she sits on the bed, holding a sheet to her chest.
“Yeah. Sorry I woke you.” The slight smile on her lips makes my heart melt. I don’t know what it is about this girl, but she pulls me in.
“I need to get up anyway. We’re leaving today.” There it is. The stake to my heart.
“Oh.” I can’t say anything else. What the hell am I going to say? Please stay with me? I’m feeling things I’ve never felt in a two-day period? What kind of wimpy shit is that? I grab my jeans and drag them back on while Aria goes for hers. I don’t know what to say to her. My mind is a mess at the moment with club shit, and now Martin and his blackmail are now in play. I run my hand through my hair before dropping on the couch. I place my head in my hands as everything seems to overwhelm me. I don’t look up until I feel her warmth.
“We don’t have to say goodbye. We only live thirty minutes apart, Roc.” As much as I’d like to say that’s true, I can’t. We have to say goodbye.
“We may live thirty minutes apart, sweetheart, but our lives are a million miles away.” I reach up and grab her hips before pulling her into my lap.
“I won’t say that it isn’t temptin’ though. There’s somethin’ in you that brings out a light of hope. Never lose that.” Pressing my lips to hers, she doesn’t move. She doesn’t kiss me back either. It’s a strange feeling that slams into my stomach. The one good thing I’ve found in the last few days, is the one thing I can’t have.
Just my luck.
***
Being home is the best. I’ve never realized how much I missed it. The guys go on about business but now I have to deal with Martin. The ride to his office is perfect. The air is warm but the sunshine is incredible. I often find myself wondering what my boys in the prison think about. Do they think about all the women they are missing out on–the sun–the air in general? I hang my helmet on the handlebars. Cracking my neck from side to side, I shake out the anger that rears its ugly head inside of me. I can’t go into this meeting ready to cut the son of a bitches head off, or he might have my ass joining my boys in prison. I strut into the building with my head held high. I may hate the motherfucker but I won’t let him break me down in front of anyone. I am who I am. I press the button for the elevator and wait, when a pretty little thing steps up next to me.
Her eyes roam over my body before actually looking at my eyes.
“Hi,” she says, her sweet soft voice calling to me. I know her type, though. The type that wants to take a ride with a bad boy for the night. Not happening this time. Corporate stuck up bitches. We step into the elevator, only her and I. She presses herself extremely close for it only being the two of us.
“Stop tryin’ to play with the big boys, sweetheart. We bite.” The doors chime behind me signaling my time to get off. I leave her there in a world of want that she will never get. I saunter my way down the hall toward assholes office. I don’t knock. I don’t give a shit what he says.
“Meetin’s over,” I say as I glance around at the three other men in the room before they all turn to look at me.
“Rocland Bishop. Have you no manners?” Martin asks, as he gives me a slight grin only to appease his little audience.
“You told me to be here.” I lean against the wall with my arms crossed over my chest.
“Gentlemen. If you wouldn’t mind, we will move this meeting to the conference room.” I watch the uptight asses shove out of their chairs before marching in a perfect line past me. Martin slams the door before getting in my face, which isn’t the best decision on his part. My arms fall to my sides as we stand in a silent stare down.
“You’re rude,” he says, walking away as I laugh. Rude?
“That’s the best you got? I’ll take it,” I chuckle, walking back over to sit in the chair across from his desk.
“I called you to come in, not to make a fool of yourself. Don’t forget, I own you.” I have to cut him off there. I don’t need to hear his line of shit again.
“You think you own me. You know things you shouldn’t. That’s the extent of that.” I say, resting my elbows on my knees as I glare at him. I dare him to keep this little charade of his going.
“I need Malcom Davidson, dead.” Shocker. I saw that one coming a mile away.
“Of course, you do. How long?” Short and to the point.
“By the weekend.” Passing me a file, I scan through it quickly. Name, address, phone numbers. Bar’s he likes to attend. It’s all the same. Pulling the picture free of the paperclip, I pass the file back to him. I won’t be needing all that evidence.