by Katie Ball
“Zach nice of you to make an appearance.” Jane shot him a look, one of wishful longing. She liked him though she wouldn’t act on it. I could see he was interested in her. The problem with Zach was that he liked fucking around. Not interested in settling down. Whereas Jane was at the point in her life where she wanted something serious. She needed a man, not a boy who still had some serious growing up to do.
“Miss me, did you? Don’t worry I’m here now. Ready to save the day.” Winking in her direction, before he disappeared into the kitchen.
“Sometimes, he is such a cocky shit.” Smirking at Jane, seeing right through her.
“You like that about him though.” She just flipped me off, not impressed with me apparently. Probably because I hit the nail on the head.
“I do not like him.” Trying to hide my smile, she wasn’t fooling me. I knew the truth.
“Who are you trying to convince? Me or yourself?” Turning away from me, she went about serving some customers. Keeping herself busy and avoiding this conversation.
“She can do better than that boy.” Wilson wasn’t wrong. I wanted the best for her, and I don’t think Zach was the one for Jane.
“She certainly can.” Jane deserved someone who will treat her like the damn queen she is.
“What about you? Any lucky men in your life?” Shaking my head at him.
“Afraid not. None of them can compete with you.” It didn’t interest me. I’m pretty sure it was impossible for me to feel anything close to desire. That part of me was dead and gone now.
All thanks to him.
“You make a very good point.” Leaning on the bar, taking a moment to catch up with Wilson. Since, the rush was taken care of for now.
“How’s Greta?” Greta was his wife, such a lovely woman. So sweet with a massive heart. She was a good church going woman. That’s what she liked to tell everyone until she came in here and had a margarita. That’s when her wild side came out to play.
“Greta is lovely as always. Though she is trying to get me to go to church with her. I try and tell her it won’t happen. God will strike me down as soon as I step over the threshold.” Only Wilson would think like that.
“I’m sure he wouldn’t, his supposed to be all forgiving. I’d use that to your advantage if I were you.” Sipping at his beer, thinking over what I had just said.
“A very good point. I just don’t know if I’ve got it in me to stay awake throughout the whole thing.” I wasn’t one to talk. I didn’t attend church; it wasn’t for me either. After everything that happened in my life, I don’t see how he can be up there watching over me. Yet he did nothing to stop that monster from hurting me. It doesn’t make sense to me.
“Well maybe you should try it. Just once, for Greta. I’m sure she would be very thankful.” Waggling my eyebrows at him until he got the hint. Those big brown eyes lit up then. Suddenly liking the sound of going to church if it meant Greta would be very appreciative.
“You think?”
“I imagine so.” Necking the rest of his beer. In a hurry to get home to Greta now.
“Then consider me a good church goer as well.” I bet Greta was going to love hearing those words leave his mouth.
Saying his goodbyes, he hurried out of the door. Heading home to his wife.
I couldn’t help but look forward to the end of my shift. Dreaming about my bed right now. Not that I expected much sleep tonight. It would be the same as every other night. Waking up in a panicked sweat, struggling to breathe. Feeling like I was about to have a damn heart attack from the fear that would be crushing me.
Shaking those thoughts away.
The bar phone started ringing then, knowing full well who it would be. Only one person rang that phone. Olly.
“Hello?”
“Hazel that you?” Rolling my eyes. I’m sure he could already tell it was.
“Of course.”
“I need you to do me a favour. There might be someone coming in who might ask for me. Tell them you haven’t seen me. I’ve not been in for days.” Oh great, what the hell had Olly got himself in to? Something that had come back to bite him on his arse obviously.
“What does this guy even look like?” It would be nice to know who I was on the lookout for.
“Tall, bald, hazel eyes, leather cut. You’ll know when you see him.” Leather cut? Who the hell had he been messing around with? Dangerous people by the sounds of it. Now here he was, wanting me to lie to them.
Maybe it was The Kings of Chaos, they were the local Motorcycle club around her. A gang of lethal men who were not to be crossed. What was Olly thinking?
“You better not be involving me in some shady shit.” I didn’t want to get killed because of this arsehole.
“It’s fucking simple. You haven’t seen me. I’ve not been to the bar, end of. Nice and easy for you.” I didn’t want to be involved with this in any kind of way. I didn’t want this to come back on me. My stomach was twisting and turning at the thought of being caught up in this. My gut instinct screaming at me to stay well clear. Like this was going to go fucking wrong and I was going to be caught in the middle.
“Fine.” Slamming the phone down. Fucking bastard. What trouble had he got caught up in? Had he gone into hiding or something? Does that mean he wouldn’t be in anytime soon? Probably not. He would wait for it to all to calm down. Not taking the risk of being found. Then he would surface, darkening this place again.
Huffing in frustration as I went back to serving customers.
No matter how much I tried to distract myself, my eyes kept straying to the door.
Waiting…watching…wondering if this man would appear.
I was praying he didn’t.
Chapter Two
It was near enough ten o’clock and all was calm.
Well…apart from the bloke that Olly described just strolled through the door.
Tall. Bald. Hazel eyes. He looked dangerous and extremely deadly. He wasn’t alone either. Two other terrifying men followed close behind him.
He looked like trouble, they all did, and he was heading straight for the bar.
Fuck.
Jane was busy dealing with someone. Of course, there just so happened to be a gap in front of me. Leaving me wide open…just perfect.
A predatory look in his dark eyes as he locked on to me. Smirking at the prey in front of him. No doubt he could see the fear in my eyes. A spine-chilling sneer creeping onto his weathered face. One that promised agony if you crossed him.
A leather cut just like Olly said. A vest underneath, showing off his tattooed arms. A scar down the right side of his face. Rings on his fingers. Steel toe cap boots that looked ready to deal out some vicious damage.
He exuded power. Filled the room with his lethal presence. It was dripping from him. Oozing out of him.
No wonder people stepped out of his way. Rushing for the door, not wanting to be anywhere near him. Within thirty seconds, this place cleared out. Emptying right before my eyes.
He came to a stop right in front of me. His two buddies stood guard behind him. He didn’t say a word, just stared at me. Waiting until the last customer hurried out the door, leaving me and Jane alone with this man. If I weren’t so terrified of him, I would be in awe of the power he possessed.
“You must be Hazel.” Tensing up while my blood ran cold. That bastard Olly had given him my name. I would kill him. He had dragged me into this. What was he thinking? Probably wasn’t thinking, that was the problem.
“And you are?” I could see the little patch on his cut.
Torch…President.
I could also see they were a part of the Wild Hounds, not the Kings.
He watched me so carefully. The way a cat would study a mouse. Locking onto his target. Studying them. Observing them. Assessing them. Waiting for the perfect moment to pounce.
“I’m a friend of your employer.” I highly doubted that but I wasn’t about to call him out on it. I wasn’t that stupid.
; “You know Olly?” His eyes were alive with too much longing. Starving for the tempting little mouse before him. It took everything in me to keep calm.
“I do.” I just kept my hands steady on the bar, trying my best to hide my fear. Terror clawing at my body, threatening to pull me under. Dragging me to the deep, dark depths of hell, where my nightmares awaited. Eager to torture me for eternity.
“Can’t be easy being friends with such an arsehole.” His eyes narrowed on me, curious about my choice of words.
Then he suddenly burst out laughing.
“Oh, I like you.” I was trying so hard to keep calm.
The last thing I wanted to do was show him just how intimidated I was. He would enjoy it way too much.
“I’m Torch.” Resting his daunting hands on the bar. Showing off the selection of garish rings on his fingers. They may look clean, but I bet they were drenched in blood.
He didn’t take his eyes off of me.
“Can I get you something to drink?” I was trying to act as natural as possible. It wasn’t easy when this guy was giving me serious executioner vibes. Like he could slit my throat before I even realised what had happened.
“Whiskey.” When I placed the drink in front of him, he necked it in one, didn’t even flinch. I guess, he liked the way it burned his throat on the way down.
“Is there something else I can get for you?” I had to be smart here. Let him take the lead in the conversation, I didn’t want to put my foot in it.
“I’m actually hoping to speak with Olly. Is he here?” Unable to bite down the chuckle that escaped my lips. He really didn’t know anything about Olly.
“I thought you were a friend of his.”
“I am.” Smirking up at him, seeing right through his lies. I saw the wolf in sheep’s clothing staring down at me, hoping to fool me. He failed.
“If you were his friend, then you would know he is hardly ever here.” He was watching for any signs I was lying. Expecting me to be covering for him but I wasn’t, I was telling him the truth. Olly barely showed up.
“When did you last see him?” I pretended to think about it.
“Ermm…Saturday, I think.” Tapping his finger on the empty glass in his hands, showing his impatience. Growing bored of this dance between us.
“You haven’t seen him today? Or maybe heard from him?” Now, I could lie completely here but a man like Torch, he would know. He would be able to sense a lie. So, I had to tread carefully. The best lie is always laced with the truth.
“He did call earlier…to inform me that I was closing up tonight.” He was an intimidating man. There may be a bar between us, but it didn’t mean I was safe.
Taking a deep breath, he grinned down at me.
“And he didn’t mention when he would next be in?”
“No. Were you supposed to be meeting him here?” He may have a smile on his face, but it didn’t reach his eyes. It was almost like he was baring his teeth at me, showing his annoyance at my unhelpfulness.
“No.” He knew the likelihood that Olly would be here was zero to none. That wasn’t what this was about. He was fishing for information. Trying to find out where that slippery bastard was.
“Well, I don’t know when his next going to be in, but I can always pass along a message when he decides to show his ugly face again.” His pupils dilated. His lust fuelled gaze raked down my body, admiring me. I didn’t move a muscle, standing so still. Afraid to make any sudden moves. I was in the eyes of a predator, a panther readying to attack.
His eyes locked with mine, holding me in an invisible trap. I wanted to back up a little, but I didn’t though, I held my own.
“Tell me Hazel, do you have a man in your life?” Shaking my head at his inappropriate question.
“Nope.” Tilting his head at me with such curiosity.
“Why ever not? You’re sexy as fuck, I’m sure you have tons of men who would love to call you theirs.”
“I’m not interested.” Eyes lighting up with sudden perverted interest.
“Women more your thing?” Of course, his mind would go there. Typical man. Why else would a woman not want a man? In their mind it was the only logical explanation. The only thing that made sense to them as to why I wouldn’t be interested in dating them.
“No, I just don’t need a man.” Tensing up as I caught the movement of his hand. Reaching for me across the bar, touching my cheek. I was frozen to the spot, unable to move. I didn’t say or do anything, I stayed perfectly still. Careful not to rile up the devil.
I could feel Jane’s eyes on me. She had been silent during this whole exchange, not getting involved. Not sure what the hell was happening. It was better that way. I didn’t want her getting dragged into this.
My eyes didn’t move away from Torch though. No, he was the most dangerous person here. He had all my attention. The one who could end my life with a snap of his fingers.
“Maybe you just haven’t found one who can handle you yet.” Was he hoping to seduce me? In his wildest dreams.
“I’m not interested.”
“I see.” Letting his hand drop from my face. “Well, if you change your mind.” Placing his card down on the bar. Never looking away from my eyes.
“Oh, and if Olly does show up, tell him I’ll catch up him…real soon.” Winking in my direction. Licking his lips as he took one last leisurely look at me. “May our paths cross again Hazel” I just an arched an eyebrow at him.
“I hope not.” A wicked smirk crept onto his face, chuckling at my attitude.
Not saying another word, he strolled out of the bar. Taking his silent bodyguards with him. Leaving the bar empty and so eerily silent. Neither me nor Jane muttered a word until the door clicked shut behind him.
Once I knew he was truly gone, I leaned against the bar for support. Taking a deep breathe in the hope of calming my rapid heartbeat. What the fuck was that about? What the hell was Olly mixed up in? It couldn’t be good if he had men like Torch turning up looking for him. This was bad, really fucking bad.
“Holy shit.” Was all Jane could manage. Shaking her head in disbelief.
“I think Olly’s bitten off more than he can chew.” It felt like an understatement. Like I was just scraping the tip of the iceberg.
“What do we do now?” Both of us still staring at the door. Just in case he came wandering back in here, not letting us off the hook that easily.
“I have no idea.” One thing was for sure, Olly better be careful. He had the devil hunting him. I doubt there was anywhere in this world that Torch couldn’t find him. I dread to think what he would do when he found him.
Bad, sick things.
Fuck, just as long as we didn’t get dragged down with him.
The next day, standing in our local coffee shop waiting for my caffeine fix. Hoping today would be better.
Once I made it home last night, I may have drunk an entire bottle of wine and then fallen asleep. It had silenced the fear. Keeping the night terrors at bay. That was the main thing.
“Oh my god, you should have been there last night. It was fucking wild.” I was trying my best to ignore the two women who were also waiting for coffee by the looks of it.
“I can’t believe I missed it, just my luck.” Leaning against the pillar, wishing she would call my name already so I could get away from this mind-numbing conversation.
“Talon was looking mighty fine last night. You should have seen him; I swear my pussy was throbbing. He is so fucking hot. What I wouldn’t give to have a ride on that stallion.” Briefly glimpsing at the two girls, I noticed their clothing…or rather lack of. Did they forget to get dressed this morning?
One wore a mini skirt that barely covered her panties. A crop top that her boobs were almost spilling out of.
The other one wasn’t much better. Teeny tiny shorts, they looked painted on. There could be no breathing room in them. A small bralette, showing plenty of skin. Their hair was done and so was their make-up. I must look so fucking plain
next to them. I didn’t care though. Getting dressed up like that was not for me. I didn’t want attention whereas these girls were basically begging for it. Wanting all eyes on them.
“Did he fuck anyone last night?” The other girl chuckled as if the answer was obvious.
“Of course, he did. He’s the fucking president. A King of Kings. I don’t think he ever goes to bed alone.”
Shit, were they talking about the Kings of Chaos? It would make sense. They were always throwing parties though they were very exclusive, invite only. Known to always be wild and out of control.
I was never invited obviously, which was fine with me. I didn’t want to be on their radar. These women though, I was guessing they were the infamous club girls. Groupies for the Kings. Hanging around in the hope of fucking one of them.
“Hazel.” The barista caught my attention, smiling at me. I eagerly hurried over to her. Desperate for my coffee fix, needing to get the hell out of here. Not wanting to hear any more talk of Kings. I had no desire to get caught in the trouble that came with them. I had enough of my own to be worrying about.
No…I would be staying well clear of the Kings of Chaos.
Talon
“M mm fuck…yes…oh yes daddy.” Fuck sake, these bitches never learn. Silence was what I needed from them. A place to drown out the noise. Forget about the weight on my shoulders that was slowly but surely crushing me. I didn’t need all this…screeching.
Pushing her face down into the covers. My hand weaved through her hair, holding her there. Needing her to shut her damn mouth. Driving myself into her. Grabbing her hips with my free hand. Taking her from behind. Skin slapping against skin. Pounding her slick pussy. Needing this to be over with. I had shit I needed to deal with.
Closing my eyes and thinking of anything to get me off.
Tits…Arse…Pussy.
Repeating it in my head like a damn mantra. Saying it over and over again until I found my release. Chasing after it as I shuddered. Breathing heavy as I enjoyed the few seconds of pleasure.