by Nicole James
He watches my face as he massages my foot, and then repeats the process with the other. When he’s through, his hands slide up my calves and massage them as well. I can feel the nervous tension melting away as I relax into the soft mattress. He drops my foot and stands, holding my eyes as he strips.
He undoes his watch and sets it on the nightstand. Next come the buttons on his cuffs. I have to remind myself to breathe as he slowly works the buttons down his shirt revealing that gorgeous chest a few inches at a time.
He pulls the tails out and shrugs it off, tossing it aside. His hands drop to his jeans and his silver bracelet flashes in the dim moonlight.
A moment later, he’s naked, and I sit up and take his erect cock in my hand, guiding it to my mouth. I look up into his dark, hungry eyes as I slide him over my lips, taking him into my mouth. He sucks in a breath, threading his fingers into my hair. I lick and suck and learn what he likes, what makes him moan, and what makes his hand in my hair tighten into a fist, demanding more. Finally, he stops me, pushing me back onto the bed and moving over me, his arms boxing me in. Supporting himself on his elbows, he lowers his body down on top of mine, and I feel the heat radiate off his skin before it presses to mine, searing me.
I suck in a breath at the exquisite feeling.
He dips his head and kisses behind my ear, under my jaw, down my neck and across my chest, climbing to my taught peak. It strains toward him with need and he gives it all the attention it demands.
He sucks hard, and I stutter in another breath and close my eyes, my head going back and my mouth falling open in an O.
He continues kissing his way down my body. By the time he works his way back up, I’m coming apart with need.
“Saint.” His name comes out as a breathy moan.
His mouth brushes mine, then works its way to my ear to whisper, “What do you want, sweetheart? What do you need?”
His hot palm settles between my breasts and it glides down to my belly, pausing just above where I need it most.
“You,” I whisper. “I need you.”
“I’m here for you, baby. I’ll always be here for you.” He takes one of my hands, presses a kiss to the palm, and places it on his chest. “Touch me, Kami. I want to feel your hands on me.”
I glide my hands along his chest and shoulders, marveling at his hard man’s body. I caress his muscled stomach and he sucks in his breath. I stop and he growls, “Keep going.”
I meet his gaze. There’s hunger burning there. Hunger I put there and it floods me with womanly power.
“Lower,” he commands. “Touch me.”
I do as he says, gliding my hand to his velvety hard cock.
He groans, his body shifting above me.
“Jesus, fuck, baby. Yes.” He closes a fist over my hand, teaching me how he likes it. His hand drops to cup my pussy and he slips two fingers inside me.
I react, gasping in, my hips lifting off the mattress.
“Easy, girl. I’ll be gentle,” he promises, his mouth pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Relax. That’s it.”
He thrusts in and out, and his searching fingertips find that spot that makes me crazy with need.
“God damn, baby. You’re so wet. Fuck, I want to be inside there.”
My head falls back and his mouth moves from my ear to my throat as he rubs and strokes until I don’t think I can take it anymore. When I’m writhing, he lifts his head and studies my face, watching me as he brings me to climax.
I cry out, clutching him as I slide over that precipice, moaning loudly. He presses a kiss to my lips, capturing the sound until I’m gasping for air.
“That was beautiful to watch.”
My hand closes tighter around his pulsing cock. His hand covers mine and he swirls the smooth head in my wetness, rubbing my sensitive clit.
“Oh, God,” I moan.
He lifts his chin to the far nightstand. “Top drawer, Kami. There’s a pack of condoms. Grab one and give it to me.”
I glance to the nightstand, and stretch and retrieve one, passing it to him.
He pulls back, tearing the pack open and rolling it on, then positions himself between my thighs, his knees spreading me wide.
He grabs his dick and brings it to my entrance, swirling it around and around until all I can think of is how much I want him inside me.
“You ready for me, babe?”
I nod. “So ready. Please.”
His eyes are focused on my pussy as he slides in slowly, inch by inch until he’s all the way.
Oh my God, the sensation is incredible. We’re as connected as we can be, and I wrap my arms around him. He lifts with his elbows, his hips rolling slowly in a sensuous rhythm as old as time. A male taking a female like they have since the beginning. Only it feels special. It’s just us in this room and the intimacy of having his body pressed tight to mine hits me in the chest. I splay my palms on the rolling muscles of his back as the realization sinks into my soul.
I love this man.
Maybe I have since the day he climbed up that tree and hauled me to safety.
He’s my knight. He’s my everything. How did that happen in just the three short months I’ve been here? I can’t say the words. He won’t believe them. Why should he? I’ll sound like a foolish schoolgirl. So I stay quiet as he monumentally rocks my world.
He kisses me again, and then he picks up his pace until he’s thrusting hard and fast, our skin slapping together loudly in the quiet room. His breathing is labored and he must be close, because he pulls up and rubs my clit.
“Come with me, Kam. I want to feel you come all over my dick.”
He shifts and hits that magic spot inside me, rubbing it over and over. Oh my God, I’m racing toward another orgasm. His thumb works my clit and I scream, flinging over the edge again.
“Fuck, yes.” He plunders harder with a couple more savage thrusts, then slams into me and holds my hips tight as he comes long and hard, roaring.
He’s beautiful to watch, and I love that it was me that made him feel that nirvana.
He collapses on top of me, breathing hard. I wrap my arms around him, holding tight, loving the feel of his weight pinning me to the bed. I don’t want him to leave. When he tries to pull back, I hold tighter.
He strokes a palm up my arm, kissing the side of my cheek, then takes my wrist and pulls my hand away. He strokes my face, watching my eyes, trying, I know, to read me. “You okay?”
I smile. “More than okay.”
He returns my grin, goes to dispose of the condom and returns, tucking me against his side. I lay my head on his chest, hearing his heart still pounding. As we lay there quietly, its racing rhythm slows back to normal. I put my hand on his chest and trace the swirls of his ink, until his big hand closes over my wrist, stilling my motions.
He presses a kiss to my forehead, and orders, “Sleep, baby.”
More content than I’ve ever been, I comply, falling fast and deep, my dreams all happiness and rainbows.
***
Saint—
I roll over, coming awake and reach out for Kami, but she’s not there. I swing my legs over the side and stand, pulling my jeans up. The bathroom is empty, so I stroll through the house. I grab a pack of cigarettes off the kitchen table and dip my head to light one up. I exhale the smoke and see her sitting out in the garden, her feet up on the low wrought-iron table she found somewhere.
I take another drag of the cigarette, letting the nicotine flood my veins, then smash it out in the ashtray, and make a cup of coffee. Barefoot, and shirtless, I carry the mug out to join her. Stopping next to her chair, I brush my palm over the top of her head and hold the mug out to her.
“Thanks.” She cups it in her hands and brings the steamy rich drink to her lips. My eyes move around the yard she’s fixed up. All the weeds are gone, and there are flowers growing along the fence. She’s also got a couple of pots of flowering plants sitting on the stone tile patio I didn’t know I had. I hear birds chattering and spot
them out by a stone birdbath at the back of the property.
“It’s peaceful out here,” I say quietly. It reminds me of the way her music made me feel last night. Calm. Serene. Tranquil.
“It is.”
I brush my hand over her hair again. “You like it here?” When the question leaves my lips, I’m not sure I’m only talking about the garden.
Maybe sensing that, she tilts her head to look at me. We stare into each other’s eyes, sharing the quiet moment. “I do.”
Her gaze drops to my chest and she lifts her hand, the back of her fingers lightly grazing along the trail of hair from my belly button to where it disappears into my unfastened jeans.
She shifts and leans forward, pressing a light kiss to the spot, and I cup the back of her head. My fingers thread into her hair. It’s like spun silk, and I let it sift through my hand. “Meant what I said last night.”
Our eyes connect.
“I’ll always be here for you,” I promise again.
She stands, setting the mug aside.
I cup her face with my palms, my thumb stroking over her plump bottom lip. The image of her lips wrapped around my cock last night pops in my head. Then I dip my head and fit our mouths together.
When I pull back, her eyes drop to my throat. “I’m eighteen now.”
“You are. Feel different?”
“Yes, but my age has nothing to do with it. That’s all you.”
I watch her, because if feels like she has more to say.
“Saint?”
“Yeah, baby?”
“Mary Elizabeth offered to let me come stay with her.”
My stomach sinks like a rock. “That what you want?”
She shrugs, her eyes filling with tears. “That was our deal, wasn’t it?”
“It was.” I stroke her cheekbone with my thumb. “Stay.” Her eyes widen. Is it hope I see?
“You mean that? You want me?”
The corner of my mouth lifts. “Sweetheart, I’ll always want you.”
We stare at each other, and I can see in her eyes, she’s wondering the same thing I am. But is it enough?
I clear my throat and change the subject. “Want to go visit your mom today?”
She squeals and flings her arms around me. “Yes!”
I grin, and push her back. “Go get ready.”
She stares up at me, happy tears in her eyes. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Now move.” I swat her ass and she runs in the house. I watch her go. I meant it when I asked her to stay. But what happens now, I haven’t a clue.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Saint—
The following Friday, I drop into a chair by Sly’s desk, my knee bouncing as he sits. He appraises me, and I shift in my seat under his penetrating gaze. I remind myself he’s been in this club for decades, and was one of those involved in taking over the club and turning it into the MC it is today.
“You done with the lies?”
“Yes, sir.”
“It happens again, you’re finished, understand?”
I nod.
“Women can fuck with a man’s head.” He lifts his chin toward the rest of the clubhouse. “We’ve all been there.”
“I want my patch. Kami won’t get in the way of that. I promise.”
“It’s not her getting in the way, I’m worried about. It’s the lying. This is all about trust. Can I fucking trust you, Saint?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Well, we’re about to find out.”
I stay calm on the outside, but his words jolt me, because I have no idea what’s coming.
He looks down at the desk, tapping his knuckles on the wood. When he looks up, I see the seriousness in his eyes. “I need you to do the pickups alone this weekend. Think you can handle it?”
“Yeah, sure. Of course.” I cover my shock well, but inside my mind is racing because this is not normal. From everything I’ve observed, letting a prospect handle that much money is out of the question. Does this mean I’ve all but earned my patch in his eyes? In the club’s eyes? Hope flares inside me.
He wraps his knuckles again. “Good. Just want you to be clear. This is a big deal.”
No shit.
He runs a hand over his jaw like he’s struggled with this decision. “This isn’t something I’d usually do, but I’m in a spot. Got some tricky shit we’ve got to deal with and it has to be this weekend. There’s no patch we can spare for this.” He drills me with his eyes. “So, I’m gonna put my faith in you here. Don’t fuck this up and make me look bad.”
“I won’t. I promise you.”
“There’s a chance we won’t be back in town Monday. So, I may need you to make the deposit. It’s gotta be in the bank first thing Monday, so you’ll need to drop it in the night deposit. I’ll give you the bags and deposit slips. That money gets split up between three banks. Never more than ten grand in any one bank. Less than five if we can manage it. Divide it as equal as you can.”
I nod. “Got it.”
“I’m gonna call and check the deposits are made the moment the banks opens. Goes without sayin’, but I’m gonna say it anyway, just so we’re crystal clear. You fuck this up; you’re done. You can kiss that patch goodbye.”
“I won’t fuck it up.”
He pulls out a stack of three deposit bags, laying them on the corner of his desk. He digs in the drawer and holds a single key out to me. “Key to my office. You get the money and bring it back here to divide up. If Centerfolds is less than ten grand, Aspen might have a bag ready for you, the deposit slip already filled out.”
“Okay.”
“You’re one penny short, I’ll kill you myself, and I don’t give a fuck what your buddy, Ruin says.”
I guess Ruin went to bat for me. I nod slowly, swallowing. Sly’s eyes tell me he’s deadly serious with that threat.
He jerks his head to the door. “Get out of here. We’re pulling out soon.”
“Yes, sir.” I stand and head out. My head is spinning as I make my way down the hall to the main room. I spot Ruin at the bar, and take the stool next to him.
He pours himself an inch of scotch from the bottle at his elbow, then turns to look at me. “He tell you?”
“Yeah.”
“Can you handle it?”
“I can handle it,” I repeat, staring into his eyes until he knows I’ve got this rock solid.
“Good.” He stands, downs his drink and then slaps me hard on the chest. “See ya round, prospect.”
“Dick.” I turn my head and watch him stride toward the door, chuckling.
The men are all loading up for something big. They spent an hour in Church earlier, where I assume they were making plans. Us peon prospects don’t get to know any of it. I look across the bar at Crow, who they’ve got bartending. All the rest of the club head out to their bikes, the Nomad included. I see Sly and North walk out together. Then Chaos and Bash.
Crow leans on the bar near me, his arms folded.
“You know what’s going on?” I ask.
“Nope, you?”
“Nope.”
I long for the day that patch is on my back and I’m privy to all the club’s business. Right now, I still feel like an outsider, and that feeling sucks.
***
It’s 8 p.m. Saturday night, and I’m picking up the payoff from the two gas stations at the edge of town when I get a text. I collect the payment, and head back out to my bike before I check it.
Kami: I cut myself and I can’t get the bleeding to stop.
Fear shoots through my body as I put the phone to my ear, calling her back.
She answers after four long rings and images of her passed out on the floor flood my brain.
“Hey.”
“Christ what took you so long to answer. You okay?”
“Yes, but the cut’s deep. It won’t stop bleeding.”
“What happened?”
“I was in the garden, trying to get one of the broken tiles up
to replace. I was loosing daylight, and getting frustrated so I used this pointy skewer I found and it jabbed into my hand.
“So it’s a puncture, not a cut?” That can be serious.
“I guess so.”
“I’m on my way, babe. Keep pressure on it. Okay?”
“Okay. Hurry, I don’t feel so good.”
I hang up and haul ass across town, roaring up the drive and taking the steps two at a time.
She’s sitting at the kitchen table with a bloody dishtowel wrapped around her hand. There are tears in her eyes when she looks up at me. “I’m sorry.”
I squat and take her hand, unwrapping it to examine the wound. “What are you sorry for?”
“I’m such a bother to you.”
“Babe, you’re not. Now hush.” It’s deep, and blood seeps out. I wrap it back up. “Can you stand?”
“Yes.”
I tuck her under my arm and guide her to my truck, loading her up and shutting her door. I grab the money from my saddlebag and dash around to the driver’s side, then rip off my cut and stash it and the money bag behind the seat.
I drive us like a bat out of hell to the nearest emergency room, which is in Hendersonville.
When I bring her inside, there are only a few patients. I sign us in and they pass me a clipboard with paperwork to fill out. I curse myself for not having an insurance plan, and swear to God, I’ll get one first thing next week. Since Kami’s my wife, any policy her mother had on her is no longer valid. It kills me to mark down uninsured, and I feel like I’ve failed her. The woman behind the counter takes the papers, and both our driver’s licenses and makes copies. She hands them back and she looks up at me after she sees the insurance information and the signed line where I agreed to pay for the services out of pocket.
“We’ll need a six hundred dollar deposit on the bill, sir.”
I pull out my wallet, and drop my bankcard on the counter. Surprisingly, they take us back to a curtained off area almost immediately. A nurse examines Kami’s wound and soon a doctor appears.