by Wilder, L.
Maverick was quick to reply, “The kids will be fine, Henley.”
“I’m not talking about the kids!” Henley held on to the table as she stumbled over to Maverick. “I’m talking about Cotton and Cass!”
A look of surprise crossed Maverick’s face when the others quickly started gathering their things. “Seriously? He’s the president of Fury. I think he can handle a couple of kids.”
“Not our kids,” MJ fussed.
Each of the ol’ ladies worked their way over to their men and latched on to their arms for support while Lauren remained seated at the table. Looking like she didn’t have a care in the world, she continued to sip from her straw and watched as the brothers fussed over their women. When Two Bit saw that Lauren hadn’t moved, he fussed, “Yo, Lauren. Time to go.”
“Nah”—she waved her hand at him—“I’m good.”
“Not leaving you here alone,” Two Bit fussed.
“I’m not alone.” Lauren motioned her hand in my direction as she told him, “Flynn’s here.”
She’d barely gotten the words out of her mouth when Q walked in with Catch trailing close behind. Quinton barreled through the others and strode straight over to the table where Lauren was sitting. He leaned towards her and ordered, “Time to go, babe.”
“Hey, Quinton.” My stomach twisted into a knot as I watched her mouth curl into a drunken smile. “We were just talking about you.”
“Lauren,” Hadley warned. “Come on, let’s go.”
“I’m not going.” Lauren’s eyelids looked heavy as she muttered, “I’m staying here with Flynn.”
“You’re plastered, Lauren,” Q barked. “You’re going home with us.”
“No ... I’m going home with Flynn. He’ll take care of me.”
I was engulfed in rage the second Q replied, “Yeah, looks like he’s done a real great job of taking care of you tonight.”
I had nothing but respect for Cotton and his brothers—not because I was afraid of what they might say or do, but because I knew what kind of men they really were. Sure, they were more than likely involved in some shady shit, but overall they were good, decent men who never abused the control they had over this town. Lauren had once told me about Q’s interest in her, but I’d never held it against him. Instead, I’d always held the same respect for Q—until now.
Now, he’d come into my bar and was running his mouth over something he didn’t know shit about. When I started to step out from behind the counter, Pappy called out to me in a warning tone, “Flynn.”
“I’ve got it, Pappy.” I walked straight over to the group, and with my eyes trained on Q, I asked, “There a problem?”
“As a matter of fact, there is,” he snarled as he motioned his hand over in Lauren’s direction. “She’s three sheets to the fucking wind.”
“She’s had a few drinks, just like the rest of the ladies, but she’s holding her own.” I looked over to Lauren. “And she’s more than capable of deciding when she’s had enough.”
“See!” Lauren was practically beaming as she waved her hand in my direction. “He gets it!”
“He doesn’t get shit!”
“He gets more than you think.”
Q was about to say something else but stopped when Catch stepped over to him and placed a hand on his bicep. “I think it’s time for us to go.”
“Catch is right. It’s time for you to go.” Lauren stood and walked over to me. She looped her arm around mine, then rested her head on my shoulder. “I’ll be just fine.”
Q stood there glaring at me like he wanted to end me, but he didn’t say a fucking word. Instead, he turned and stormed out of the bar. He was pissed, but I didn’t give a flying fuck. I had my girl by my side, and that was the only thing I cared about. Seeming unfazed by Q’s abrupt departure, Lauren turned to Hadley and slurred, “Isn’t Flynn the best? I mean, just look at him. He’s so adorable.”
“Yeah, girl. He’s great.” Clearly amused by her drunken declaration, Hadley giggled as she added, “You are so gonna hate yourself tomorrow.”
“No, I’m not.” Lauren brought her hand up, curving her fingers around her mouth like she was about to whisper a secret, but spoke loud and clear when she said, “Doesn’t he have the most adorable lips? I could just kiss on them for days.”
The blood drained from my face the second the words left her mouth. Before I had a chance to stop her from saying more, she leaned back to look behind me and said, “He’s got a great ass too. Like a really great ass.”
Maverick and Two Bit immediately looked over at me with daggers in their eyes, and I had the sudden feeling that I’d just turned into public enemy number one. I knew I had to do something before Lauren dug my grave even deeper. I leaned down and with my mouth close to her ear, I whispered, “Hey, babe, I’m gonna need you to stop talking, okay?”
“Ooo-kay.” She placed two fingers over her mouth and mumbled, “Mum’s the word.”
“’Bout time for us to head out.” Maverick’s eyes were still trained on me as he asked, “You good with her?”
“Yeah, I’ll be sure she gets home safe and sound.”
Maverick nodded, then turned to Two Bit and said, “Get the girls to the SUV. I’ll be right there.”
“You got it.”
The girls staggered and swayed as they came rushing over to Lauren. After a slew of hugs and silly goodbyes, Two Bit led them out, and Maverick turned his attention back to me. “I’m gonna need a word.”
“Okay.” I looked to Lauren. “Why don’t you have a seat, and we’ll head out as soon as I’m done talking to Maverick.”
“Um-hmm.”
I led her back over to her chair, and once she was settled, I stepped over to Maverick. He immediately motioned his head in Lauren’s direction. “You serious about this thing between you two?”
“Absolutely.”
“I like ya, kid. Took some balls to come over here like you did, so I’m gonna give you a word of advice.” His tone grew firm as he said, “Go talk to Cotton.”
“That really necessary?”
“It is if you wanna get off on the right foot, and trust me, you do.” He crossed his arms. “We all know you’re a good guy. Hell, even Q knows it. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have gotten as far as you have with Lauren, but you gotta remember something. She isn’t just some girl you picked up at a bar. She’s the president of Satan’s Fury’s daughter. There are some rules that go into play.”
“I understand.”
“I hope so, ’cause there’s not a brother in the club who wouldn’t put their life on the line for her.”
“And I’d do the same.” I glanced over at Lauren. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her.”
“Then you shouldn’t have a problem talking to Cotton.”
I nodded. “Yeah, I’ll talk to him.”
“Knew you were a smart kid.” As he turned and started out the door, he ordered, “Take care of our girl, or it’ll be your ass.”
I didn’t get a chance to respond before he was out the door and on his way. I took a moment to consider what he’d said, and I knew he was right. I needed to talk to Cotton, and the sooner the better. When I turned back to Lauren, I was surprised to find she was no longer sitting at the table next to me. A rush of panic washed over me as I quickly scanned the bar looking for her. Pappy noticed my distress and pointed over to the jukebox—where Lauren was flipping through the various songs. I walked over to her and slipped my hand around her waist. “You doing okay?”
“More than okay.” She slowly turned to face me and wound her arms around my neck. “I need you to do me a favor.”
“Okay, what’s that?”
“Take me home.” She purred, leaving no doubt what she had in mind.
As much as I’d love to carry her home and take her straight to bed, that wasn’t an option—not when she’d had so much to drink. I didn’t want to burst her bubble, so I replied, “You got it.”
I took her hand in mine, led h
er over to the bar, and after I’d told Pappy we were leaving, we made our way out to the parking lot. I got Lauren settled in the passenger side of my truck, then got in next to her. I’d barely started the damn engine when Lauren leaned over and placed her hand on my thigh. We were both silent as I pulled out of the parking lot and onto the main road. My touch was innocent; hers was not. I was trying to focus on the road ahead when I felt Lauren’s hand slowly trail along my inner thigh, making my cock stir to life. It didn’t take long before the throbbing got to me, so I eased up and shifted in my seat. I’d hoped that would give her the hint to stop, but it didn’t. Instead, her fingers wandered even closer, and when she finally reached my cock, she pressed her hand against the bulge in my jeans, giving me some much-needed relief.
She had me all tangled up, and it was all I could do not to stop the truck and take her right then and there, but unfortunately, that wasn’t a fucking option. Unable to stand it a second longer, I reached down and wrapped my fingers around her wrist, carefully moving her hand away from my pulsing erection. “That’s enough of that.”
“What?” she asked innocently. “Is something wrong?”
“You’ve been drinking, Lauren.”
Those gorgeous blue eyes locked on mine as she replied, “Yeah, and?”
“And I’m not going there with you until you sober up.”
“Seriously? What is it with everybody tonight? I’m fiii-nne,” she fussed. She was fighting to keep her eyes open as she grumbled, “I just had a few drinks.”
“Um-hmm.” I shook my head. “Let’s wait and see how those drinks are treatin’ ya in the morning.”
I was just about to pull into Cotton’s driveway when Lauren sat up and placed her hand on the dash. “Wait! I thought we were going to your house.”
“Not sure that’s a good idea.”
“It’s a very good idea. Now back up, and let’s go to your place.” When I didn’t do as she asked, she let out a sigh. “Please, Flynn. I don’t want to go home yet.”
“Damn.” I started backing up and replied, “Cotton’s gonna have my ass.”
Lauren didn’t say a word. She simply sat back in the seat with a smile and waited as I pulled up my drive. Once we were parked, she followed me up the front porch and inside the house. I locked the door, and when I turned around, Lauren was already gone. “Lauren?”
“Back here,” she called from the bedroom.
Knowing she was up to something, I stopped and took in a deep breath, hoping to brace myself for the trouble ahead. Once I’d collected myself, I made my way down the hall and into my bedroom. When I walked in, I found her sprawled out on my bed with her eyes closed, wearing nothing but one of my t-shirts and her lace panties. Damn. She looked fucking incredible. “How ya doing over there, babe?”
“I’d be better if you were in this bed with me.”
“I already told ya. I’m not going there with you.”
“You sure about that?” She opened one eye. “You’re missing out.”
“I’m fully aware.” I kicked off my boots and jeans, then lay down on the bed next to her. I’d just gotten settled when Lauren inched up next to me with a mischievous look in her eye. I could tell she was about to test me and wasn’t sure I had it in me to resist her much longer, so I looked down at her and said, “Next time, I’ll drink right along with ya, and then you can show me exactly what I missed out on tonight.”
“Fine.” She nestled into the crook of my arm. “I’m kind of tired anyway.”
“Good.” I leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “Get some rest.”
She closed her eyes, and in a matter of minutes, she’d drifted off to sleep. Having her snuggled up next to me felt so fucking good, and hearing the soothing sounds of her breathing made it impossible to stay awake.
I woke up the next morning with Lauren sprawled out on the bed next to me, and the minute I laid eyes on her, I had to have her. Her eyes remained closed as I eased up on all fours and positioned myself above her. I felt a little guilty for waking her, especially after all she’d had to drink the night before, but after torturing me for the better part of the night, she’d brought it on herself. I hovered over her for a moment, appraising her gorgeous body, and watched as her beautiful, full lips curled into a smile. Sliding my hands underneath her, I reached for her lace panties and eased them down her long sexy legs. “Good morning, beautiful.”
She never opened her eyes as she replied, “Good morning.”
“How you feeling?”
“Not too bad, actually.”
“Good.” I lowered my head between her legs, and with my mouth just inches from her, I asked, “Did you sleep well?”
“Umm-hmmm.”
I brushed my tongue across her center and watched with a sense of satisfaction as her back arched off the bed. “Do you have any idea how messed up you had me last night?”
Lauren’s eyes opened as she looked down at me and shook her head no.
I eased my fingers deep inside her, massaging the spot I knew would drive her wild. “I’ve been up half the night thinking about all the things I wanted to do to you.”
A pleasured moan vibrated through her chest as I started to move my fingers faster, and her breath quickened when I covered her with my mouth. With the sounds of her soft whimpers echoing through the room, I placed my hands on her thighs, holding her in place as I continued to work her over with my mouth. Her taste had my cock throbbing with an uncontrollable need to be inside her, and when I couldn’t wait any longer, I quickly removed my boxers, slipped on a condom, and settled myself between her legs.
I placed my mouth close to her ear and whispered, “You drive me crazy, Lauren. I’ve never wanted anyone like I want you.”
Without saying a word, she pressed her lips to mine in a possessive, demanding kiss as she wrapped her legs around my waist, pulling me to her. We spent the better part of the morning in bed making love and talking, and we would’ve stayed longer if I didn’t have business to attend to. After I made Lauren some coffee and a bite to eat, she headed back home, and I took a shower. As I got out and started getting dressed, I tried to think about what I would say to Cotton. I went over and over the conversation in my head, and when I thought I had it down, I got in my truck and drove over to the clubhouse.
As soon as I reached the gate, one of the members came up to my window, and I forgot everything I’d planned to say. It wasn’t like I didn’t have a good reason to be a little rattled. I’d never actually stepped foot on Satan’s Fury’s grounds, and the guy at my window was built like a tatted-up UFC fighter who was looking for his next match. He gave me a peculiar look and asked, “You lost, kid?”
“I’m here to see Cotton.”
“He know you’re coming?”
“No, sir, I’m sure he doesn’t.” I motioned my hand across the street and said, “I’m Flynn. I live up on the hill. I’m here to talk to him about his daughter.”
“Give me a minute.” He stepped away from my truck, made a quick call, then returned. “Pull up to the front door. Stitch will meet you there and take you to see Cotton.”
“Thanks.”
I did like I was told and parked, then took a minute to look around. The place was surrounded by trees, making it difficult to see anything beyond the gate—unless you were up in the old treehouse I’d built as a kid. Hell, with the thickness of the woods, you couldn’t even see Cotton’s house, which was less than a quarter mile down the road. I’d seen the clubhouse a million times from the tree in Gran’s front yard, but I never remembered it being so fucking cool. It reminded me of a modern log cabin. Over the past year or so, I’d seen big construction trucks come and go and heard all the hammering and sawing, so I knew they were doing some renovations; I just had no idea they’d completely changed the place. I shouldn’t have been surprised. The club had its own construction company, where many of the brothers worked full time. It made sense that they’d use their skills to update their clubhouse.
“Thanks, man.”
He gave me a slight nod, then turned and walked away. I didn’t knock. I didn’t move. I just lingered there, trying to calm the storm of thoughts racing through my head. I had no idea how long I was standing in that spot when the door flew open and Cotton appeared just inches away from me. “You gonna stand out here all day, or are you gonna come inside?”
“I’m coming in.”
I followed him into his office and waited as he made his way back to his desk. As he sat down, he motioned for me to do the same. Once we were both settled, he said, “Lauren didn’t mention that you were coming by.”
“I didn’t tell her I was coming.”
“I see. Then, why don’t you tell me why you’re here.”
“I came here to talk to you about her.”
“Lauren?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What about her?”
“You know I’ve always thought a lot of your daughter. She’s been one of my best friends since she moved here. We’re about as close as two people can be. I want you to know that I know just how special she really is.”
“There a point you’re trying to make with all this, son?”
“Yes, sir. I’d like your consent to date her.”
“Thought you two were already seeing each other.”
“We have been, but I wanted you to know my intentions before we take things any further.”
“And what exactly are your intentions?”
“I want her in my life, sir.” It was impossible not to feel intimidated by Cotton. He sat there radiating a power like I’d never known. It made me feel small and insignificant—mainly because, deep down, I knew I wasn’t good enough for his daughter. I had no family, just Pappy and friends I’d acquired over the years. I was far from wealthy. I had a small savings and Gran’s place, but that was about it. The man had every right to send me on my fucking way, but I was still sitting there. I hoped that meant he’d give me a chance to prove myself. “I’ll do everything in my power to make her happy.”