Protective (The Houston Defiance MC Series Book 5)

by K E Osborn

  I exhale. “Zero knows. I talked to Oakley a little, but other than that, I just pump iron to get the frustrations out. That started as a way for me to keep those I care about safe. So, yeah, there’s that, but it’s also a release.”

  “That’s why you’re called Texas, and you say everything is bigger in Texas? It’s got to do with your body building, not your...” She glances down at my crotch, which makes me burst out laughing.

  “Yeah, the cock thing was a cover. A witty thing I came up with to put people off the emotional baggage I carry around with me.”

  She leans in closer, so close I smell the red wine on her breath. “I happen to think you’re amazing… even with your emotional baggage.” She tilts her head at me, a sincerity behind her gaze. With an innocent shrug of her shoulder, she says, “Just food for thought.” With that, she leans back, picking up her wine glass, taking another sip.

  I furrow my brows and huff. “I thought we weren’t drinking anymore tonight?”

  She gives me a nonchalant shrug as she looks at me. “May as well… don’t want to waste the glass.” As she finishes off her remaining wine, her tongue darts out to clear the stain left on her lower lip.

  Fuck! I think I’m in for a looong night!

  FINLEY

  My head aches as my eyes flutter open. A gentle breeze wafts in from my open balcony doors, the chiffon curtains billowing, reminding me that two burly bikers are residing in my home. Letting out a long, drawn-out huff, I roll over glancing at the clock. My alarm is going to go off any second, so I reach for my cell, pre-empting, and turn it off before the sound rattles my brain.

  Yanking my covers off, I slowly rise from my bed, looking down at my dusky pink, Derek Rose short pajama set, wondering how in the hell I managed to get into this. Last thing I remember I was snuggling on the sofa with Texas, talking all night long about our lives.

  And wine.

  So much wine.

  I was supposed to stop at glass number four. Remembering now, I opened a second bottle at some point—and I know Texas was not drinking with me—means I must have drunk it all myself. This hangover is completely my fault. I don’t tend to turn to the bottle when I feel like I’m not coping, but last night, it honestly felt like my entire world was changing, and there was nothing I could do to stop the roller coaster from derailing.

  So, I drank.

  To numb myself.

  To ensure I didn’t have to think.

  To make me dead inside.

  Not a healthy way to deal with my feelings, but I do have a lot going on.

  A convicted felon is walking the streets gunning for me. His men have already targeted me, and I have bikers making themselves at home, in my space. I’m not used to having anyone here, let alone a biker, who I’m fighting an impossible attraction to.

  It’s all a little much, even for someone who’s supposed to be strong like me.

  Knowing Maxen and seeing in every fine detail of the shit he’s capable of—yeah, it’s safe to say my unshakeable walls are well and truly shook.

  Walking over to the swivel chair in the corner of my room, I pick up my silk robe, shrug it over my shoulders and tie it firmly at my waist. The curtains blow inward into my room with a large gust of wind moving them to the side, and I spot Texas. He’s sitting on the chair outside, one leg over the arm rest of the chair awkwardly as he stares out onto the street. A slow smile crosses my face as I make my way out onto the balcony. I slide past the curtains, and my bare feet become cold as they graze the floorboards.

  When I look out, the sun is rising in beautiful hues of pinks and oranges as the clouds fill the sky looking like marshmallows. As I step in beside Texas, his head snaps up like he’s ready to pounce, but he relaxes again once he realizes it’s only me.

  I dip my chin and walk over to the railing as he stands, following me. “Beautiful morning.”

  He rests his elbows on the rails glancing up at the sky and hums under his breath. “Mmm… how’d you sleep?”

  I spin to face him, leaning my back against the railing. “Like a drunken baby.”

  He snorts out a laugh, craning his neck to the side. “Not really surprised. You insisted on opening that second bottle… nothing I could do would stop you.”

  Grimacing, I rub the back of my neck. “Well, at least I didn’t throw up. There is a positive in this.”

  “No… but you did pass out.”

  My eyes shift to him as I gnaw down on my bottom lip. “I did?”

  “Oh, yeah. It took the both of us to get you upstairs, you were such a dead weight. Do you remember anything?”

  Placing my head in my hands, I exhale. “No… I’m not normally like this.” My eyes take in my pajamas and my eyes widen. “Wait! If I was passed out, how the hell did I get into…” I wave my hand in front of my outfit.

  Texas smirks, tilting his head. “While I would love to take credit for changing you, we put you to bed in your clothes. The only thing I touched was your shoes. When I came in to take over from Phantom, you woke, stumbled out of bed, somehow changed yourself, and climbed back in.”

  Folding my arms over my chest, I focus on him. “Did you watch?”

  He chuckles. “I may have wanted to, but I gave you your privacy. All I did was listen in case you fell, or puked, or both. But you managed… somehow. I came back in when it sounded like you were in bed. I put your clothes away, pulled your blankets up, ‘cause you fell asleep again before you did that last part.”

  “Geez, I was a real mess.”

  “A hot mess.” He shrugs.

  I move my hand out, placing it on his forearm. That tingle ignites all the way from my fingertips straight up my arm into my chest. My heart thumps hard, almost knocking the breath from me as I try to compose myself. “Thank you… for everything you’re doing for me.”

  Texas places his hand on top of mine. “I’ll always be here for you, Fin.”

  Our eyes connect, his golden orbs stare back into mine, and it’s like the rising sun shines brighter. Like the sounds of the glorious morning birds’ songs are more harmonious. Everything is just better when Texas is looking at me like this. Like the earth is revolving just for us, pulling us together in this moment.

  But there’s a problem.

  I need to fight the pull.

  I can’t give in.

  I’m an attorney.

  He’s a biker.

  What else is there to say?

  Inhaling sharply, I break eye contact and look away, automatically feeling like the world dims. Like the vibrancy of the day diminishes in a flash. As I try to control my rapid pulse, I clear my throat. “I have to go into work today.”

  Texas snorts out a laugh. “Right, like that’s a good idea!” The sarcasm seeps off him in waves.

  My brows scrunch together as I snap my head around to face him. “I still have a job to do. Maxen may have taken the sanctity of my home away from me, but he can’t take my job from me as well, Texas. I won’t let him.”

  Texas huffs. “Fin, you can’t go to work on your own. He knows the building. He’s been in your office. You’re an open target. Get your files sent here. You have a downstairs office… work from home.”

  I glare at him. “It’s not as simple as that. There’s files, case notes, clients will call…” I shake my head. “No. I have to be in the office.”

  Texas stands taller, crossing his arms over his chest in defiance. “Then Phantom and I come with you.”

  “To the office?” I snap.

  “To the office,” Texas reiterates.

  I groan. “You won’t let this go, will you?”

  “I’m here to protect you, Finley. I can’t do that if I’m at your home and you’re at your fucking office now, can I?”

  He’s getting frustrated, but I am too.

  Goddammit! I can’t have bikers at the office all damn day. My staff will talk. Clients will be intimidated. It simply won’t work.

  “I can’t have two bikers standing around. My s
taff will know something’s up. They will think you’re the bad guys trying to hold something over me and call the cops.”

  “Then bikers don’t go with you.” He shrugs. “Phantom and I will dress in plain clothes, and we come as your new security detail.”

  He’s not going to back down on this.

  But I need to go into work.

  So, maybe this is the best I’m going to get.

  “Fine. All black clothes so you look like damn security detail. No misbehaving. No fucking swearing, and if you have to carry your goddamn guns, then hide them where no one can see them. I don’t need my staff scared shitless. When I tell them there’s a security risk, they’re gonna be worried enough as it is.”

  His lips turn up in the corner just enough for me to notice. “Done.”

  With quick, purposeful steps, I start to walk back toward my bedroom but turn back pointing at him. “Don’t make me regret this, Texas.”

  This time, he smiles widely. “I’ll never make you regret anything with me, baby.” He waggles his eyebrows up and down as I let out a scoff, flipping him the bird and storm off into my room while trying to hide my smirk.

  The thing about Texas is, he has a natural way of making me feel better. Even though we were talking seriously, he threw in one of his cocky, lame-ass jokes to lighten the situation.

  That’s the thing I adore about him.

  My life, my work, my world, it’s always so damn serious. Everything I do, every move I make has to be done with precision and perfect aim. But I love how with Texas, he’s so carefree and willing to live on the edge.

  I wish I could let go.

  I wish I could be set free.

  But I can’t. That’s not who I am. So I need to do the job I was born to do, and do it to the best of my ability.

  I want to protect.

  I want to help put the bad guys away.

  I want to make a difference in the world.

  And I can’t do that from the sanctity of my home.

  That would be a cop-out.

  So, I step into my walk-in closet to get dressed for another long day at the office.

  Texas held true to his word. He and Phantom are dressed all in black and give off that security guard vibe. It makes me think like maybe we might actually pull this off. If they’re carrying, I can’t see their weapons, which is also what I asked for. Texas is really coming through for me this morning.

  As we make our way past the reception desk, Dani glances at me, then to the two brawny men beside me. “Everything okay, Ms. Knight?”

  “If I wanted you to know, Dani, you already would.”

  Dani’s eyes flick back to her desk as she cowers like she fears me. “Yes… sorry, Ms. Knight.”

  Texas widens his eyes, a smirk crossing his face as he walks beside me. He leans in as we continue to the elevators. “Anyone ever tell you… alpha looks good on you?”

  As the three of us step inside the elevator, I snap my head toward him. Texas’ hand slowly slides out, resting on my hip. My eyes stay steadfast on the elevator doors, my body not moving an inch, as his fingers dig into my hip possessively. My breathing hitches, my pulse accelerates as the elevator ascends toward my office. His hand starts to slowly edge further around the front of my body, and I can’t help it as my breathing hitches. I’m not entirely sure why he’s doing this, but it’s driving me crazy. With Phantom right beside us, the thrill of being seen is intoxicating as the warmth of his hand slides further around. When the bell dings and the elevator doors open, I stand taller, and his hand quickly falls back to his side. I let out a long breath. Without pausing, I take off out of the elevator straight toward my office, even though a throb has formed between my legs and is now pulsating more than the ache in my head from my hangover.

  Who knew something as simple as digging his fingers into my hip could be such a damn turn-on?

  I’m in so much fucking trouble.

  Jovie walks from the copy room with her eyes wide. “Ahh… didn’t think you’d be coming in today, or for the next little while? It’s why I’m here to take on as much of your work as you need me to.”

  I reach out taking the McNair file from her, then shove it under my arm. “Thank you, Jovie, but I am plenty capable of still maintaining my work ethic, even if a homicidal maniac is on the loose and coming after me.”

  “I’m glad you’re here, Sunshine. Another set of eyes on Fin, can’t hurt.” Texas huffs.

  I roll my eyes. “Look, I know I came to the club for help, but maybe you guys are taking this a little too far? I mean Maxen hasn’t even tried anything else, so maybe I’m off his radar now?”

  Jovie, Texas, and Phantom all side-eye each other.

  “That’s not generally how this works, Fin. Trust me, I’ve been a part of the club long enough to know that when a bad guy sets their sights on you, they’re gonna follow it through. I mean, look at what happened with Kevlar and the kids, or me and my family… the bad guys always come looking for those they have beef with. But the good part about all this is, the club will always be there to step in when you need them,” Jovie answers.

  Texas and Phantom both shrug.

  “Sunshine is right, Fin. That’s why you called us because deep down you know this isn’t going away anytime soon, and when Maxen does come for you, you’re gonna need us.”

  Loudly, I huff. “Okay. I just don’t want any shit happening here. This workplace has to be squeaky clean.”

  “Got it!”

  “Now, let’s get out of this hall before everyone overhears. Jovie, if you can take on several of my clients, I can concentrate on some of the more important work.”

  “I got your back, Fin,” Jovie states.

  “We all do,” Texas adds as Phantom nods.

  Taking in a deep breath, I turn and start walking. As I step into the large corner office, a genuine smile lights my face. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the McKinney Street Children’s Playground and the bustling city streets below, but the atmosphere inside is warm and calm. A massive bookshelf filled to the brim with reference books lines the back wall behind my large mahogany desk I had handcrafted. My prized potted Monstera deliciosa plant, with its lush green leaves stands tall in the corner. The room is open and fresh. I wanted the area to feel spacious and not claustrophobic for the clients or me when I am working. Two large comfortable single seats sit opposite my desk, then two white leather tufted loveseats sit opposite each other on the other side of the room with a glass coffee table in the middle for smaller meetings. My guess is that’s where the guys will be parked all day today.

  Making my way to my desk, I sit in my chair, swiveling to turn on the large computer monitor. The guys walk in, closing the door behind them as I pull up my calendar for the day and start perusing the multitude of tasks before me.

  “So, you have a pretty big office!” Phantom calls out as he wanders around the space aimlessly.

  Slowly, I glance up from the computer, taking in a deep breath, already feeling the tension forming in my muscles from them being in here—in my private space. “Yes… I do.” My eyes shift back to my calendar. Taking note, I have a meeting this morning that I need to prepare for, so I slide my chair across to the filing cabinet, and open the drawer to pull out the file I need.

  “You own this practice, right?” Phantom asks.

  Texas chuckles as he slumps down on the love seat, making himself at home.

  I count to three in my mind then nod. “I’m sure you already knew that, Phantom. But yes… I’ve worked hard for this place and all my employees who work for me.”

  He nods his head seemingly satisfied with my answer, so I roll back to my desk and open the file, to grab the section of notes I need to start my preparation work.

  “Do you have any kind of freaky shit you can tell us? Like real fucked-up cases?”

  Letting out a huff, I slam the file down on the desk. “Phantom, I know this is going to be boring for you, but I have work to do. So, if you don’t min
d?” I ask, gesturing for him to sit on the opposite sofa to Texas who’s smiling so fucking wide—I can tell he’s enjoying this show.

  Phantom nods, slowly sitting down, his eyes darting all around the room like he’s still taking everything in.

  I open the file and start taking down some notes.

  “Do you like… need anything? Like some background music, or—”

  “A coffee, Phantom. You can get me a coffee.”

  His eyes light up. “Yeah, I can do that. Anything else?”

  Inhaling, I place my pen down. “There’s this cart that does amazing breakfast tacos a block over. Perhaps you could head there and grab us all some breakfast and coffee too?”

  He stands, almost jumping with the force. “On it… Texas, your usual?”

  He chuckles. “Yeah, brother. You got your cell?”

  Phantom taps his hip, then heads for the door. “Be back soon.”

  “Take your time.”

  Please!

  Texas smirks as Phantom walks out the door, closing it behind him. My eyes meet Texas’ and he shakes his head. “He’s a good kid, really. Gets bored easily.”

  Slumping my shoulders, I nod. “I know, but I really need to get this shit done.”

  Texas dips his chin. “Then consider these my last words.” He gestures zipping his lips shut, and I smile at him.

  “You’re the best.”

  He winks at me as I turn back to my file, noticing a discrepancy with the financial component of the case. Tilting my head, I move back to my large screen to check the figures and log into the banking details of the office to try and figure whatever the disparity might be.

  Some of the payment dates aren’t matching up.

  The figures seem erroneous.

  The only thing I can think of is that maybe the accounts have gotten mixed up somehow. Moving to my personal account, I check that the accounting department didn’t mix the two account numbers, and my eyes open wide as I let out a loud gasp. The blood runs from my veins which makes me feel faint as I frantically check every account, but they’re all reading the exact same figure.

  Balance: $0.00