by Katie Ball
“Would you like some coffee?” Mac beat me to the punch.
“Yes please.” Winnie’s eyes narrowed on him now.
“I wasn’t talking to you. Hazel?” Nodding eagerly, desperately needing some coffee.
“Yes please. I can’t really function without it.” Pouring me a generous cup. I took a sip, sighing with relief. God, that was good.
Winnie poured some for everyone, then came and sat down next to me. I could feel her watching me as I timidly tucked into my breakfast.
“Is it ok, Hazel?” She was obviously wondering why I wasn’t gulfing it down.
“It’s lovely. It’s just I don’t normally eat breakfast. I don’t remember the last time I did.” Raising her eyebrows at me as she regarded me with keen interest.
“What about when you were younger? Surely your mum did?” That was almost laughable.
“Not like this.” Most of time, I was left with nothing. Scavenging for any scraps I could find.
“She didn’t cook for you?”
“Not that I can remember.” Reaching out to me, she placed her hand over the top of mine.
“There will always be a cooked meal for you when I’m around.” Winnie was so sweet, nurturing. Though she was feisty towards the guys, but I feel like they needed that. She had this protective streak. I could see that in her eyes. I wish my own mother had been more like her.
“Thank you.”
“I’m glad I came over. When my boy told me about you, I knew I had to come and meet you.” Looking up at her now, slightly confused.
“Your boy?” Smirking at me.
“Talon, he’s my son.” Shit. I was sat here with Talon’s mum. A man I had been fantasizing about. The one I wanted to climb like a damn tree. The man I wanted to cling onto him as he did wicked things to me.
“I didn’t realise you were his mum.” I should have known. I mean the hair was similar, so were the eyes. I just didn’t piece it together.
“Talon been talking about Hazel, has he?” Mac winked at me. He had a cheeky look in his eyes, I knew what he was trying to insinuate. Ignoring his mischievous taunts. Not wanting to get my hopes up that maybe Talon could possibly be interested in a woman like me.
“Why wouldn’t he? His not blind.”
“Well, I think Gunner has his eye on Hazel.” Winnie scoffed at him.
“I love Gunner, his one of my boys but he is wasting his time.” I stayed very quiet, suddenly wishing I was invisible.
“He is a lady’s man though.” Mac was obviously backing Gunner’s corner. That earned him a glare from Winnie.
“A lady’s man my arse.” Winnie was just shaking her head at Mac.
Hog shocked me then as he joined in. Up until now, he had been pretty quiet.
“I wouldn’t be backing Gunner. He doesn’t stand a chance with Hazel.” What made him say that? Did he know something I didn’t?
“Maybe we should ask the lovely lady in question.” All eyes fell on me, instantly making me clam up. Feeling the pressure to answer, ending this argument once and for all.
Though that was not going to happen, I was not falling into this trap.
“I think…I’m going to go and get dressed.” Rushing upstairs in the hope of avoiding the question. I heard Winnie chuckling, knowing full well what I was up to. I may have escaped answering it for now, but I wasn’t a fool. It wouldn’t be forgotten.
Getting ready for my day of errands and work. Slipping on some fresh clothes. Pulling my hair up into a messy ponytail. Praying that when I went back downstairs, they had all forgotten about that particular line of questioning.
The answer was easy.
There was no competition, but I didn’t want to announce to them how I felt about Talon. How intensely I desired him or how fiercely the flames burned for him. I wasn’t ready to be that vulnerable with them yet.
I heard the rumbles of approaching Harleys. Cruising towards us. Was it, Talon? Excitement pulsing through me at the possibility of seeing him.
Grabbing my bag, I headed downstairs, eager to see Talon.
But it wasn’t him that walked through my front door though. It was Gunner who had a massive grin on his face, he looked like a damn Cheshire cat. When he looked my way, it only got worse. Baby blue eyes lighting up. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes as he made a beeline for me.
“Morning beautiful.” Leaning on the wall near me, gazing down at me with lust filled eyes.
“Gunner.” Not wanting to lead him on. Before he could say anything else, a man appeared over his shoulder. Slapping him upside the head.
“Leave the woman alone, she doesn’t need your arse bothering her.” He wrapped his arms around Winnie then, kissing the top of her head. “Hey mama.” A term of endearment?
I could tell she wasn’t his mother so I’m guessing it’s a nickname. Though I caught the look they shared. Something…more. Were they together? If they were, was he Talon’s dad?
“This is Trigger.” He was older compared to the others, he had to be in his late fifties. Dark inky black hair which was greying around the edges. It was pulled back into a bun at the nape of his neck. A beard that made him seem gruff and rugged. Trigger seemed friendly enough to me.
“Nice to meet you Hazel.” Apparently, he knew who I was. Did the entire club know?
“I guess that’s our cue to get the hell out of here.” Mac came over and gave me a one arm hug. I was warming up to both him and Hog. It was nice having them around.
Turning his gaze to Gunner, growing serious all of a sudden.
“Look after her.” Saying nothing more, they left. Leaving me with Gunner and Trigger. I guess they were watching out for me today.
“So, what you got going on today? Maybe I can take you out for lunch later?” Gunner was trying, really trying. Hoping that I agree, giving him a chance to win me over. It wouldn’t happen, not when Talon was all I could think about.
“I’ve got work. So, I’ll have to pass on that. I do however need to do some shopping.” If I was going to have people in my house, then I needed to get some damn food in.
So, Gunner and Trigger stayed close as I went about my day, keeping me safe. I was thankful to have them with me. Feeling better knowing they wouldn’t let anyone close enough to hurt me.
Thankfully, it was quiet at work, so it allowed me to lose myself in my baking. Forgetting about everything else. It was nice to silence all my worries even if it was only for a short period of time.
The kitchen door swung open, shattering my moment of solitude. Gunner wandered in, scanning the room quickly to make sure no threats were loitering nearby. When he was satisfied, I was safe, he turned his attention to me.
“There you are.” I couldn’t stop the groan that escaped my mouth.
“What can I do for you Gunner?” Cleaning up after myself while he watched me.
“You bake?” Talk about stating the obvious.
“I do.” He was staring at them with such longing. I figured I would be kind.
“You can try one if you’d like.” A massive grin crept onto his face. After deciding which one to try, he took a huge bite. Eyes widening in amazement.
“Damn girl, these are incredible.”
“Thanks. I try.” Watching him eat one of my cupcakes wasn’t even half as sexy as watching Talon eat one. No, don’t think about Talon, it’s safer not to. Especially don’t think about the way he coated his fingertip with the frosting, then seductively licked it clean.
No…do not think about that.
“You should open a bakery.” I scoffed at him and his crazy idea.
“Not likely.” Frowning at me like he didn’t understand why I wouldn’t want to.
“Why not?” Had I thought about it? Yes, but I knew it was never going to happen. Some things are just meant to be a dream and nothing more. Never becoming a reality.
“I don’t know. I just can’t get too settled in one place.” I knew they were doing everything they could to change that. Wanting
me to have somewhere to call home.
But what if that didn’t happen? I couldn’t set up shop if I would have to up and leave again.
“I think you should get settled here. This is your home, Hazel.” As lovely as that sounded, I couldn’t get my hopes up…just in case things went horribly wrong.
“Don’t get me wrong, I want to make a home here. I’m tired of running but I can’t truly settle until things have been dealt with.” He nodded in understanding.
“I get it. You should know though his death is a sure thing. He comes anywhere near you; we will kill him.” Was he trying to see if that thought frightened me? Was he testing me? Seeing if I could survive this life? It certainly felt like he was.
“Good, I want this to be over.” Reaching out to me, he placed his hand over the top of mine, reassuring me. Letting me know he had my back against my stepfather.
I think for a brief moment, he was looking at me as a friend, maybe even a little sister. Someone to take care of. There was no flirting right now. No trying his luck. He just wanted me to know he was here for me.
It was at this exact moment, Talon decided to walk through the door. I had been longing to see him all day and now he was here. Desire surging through me once again, consuming me. This man, he was glorious.
Talon glanced between me and Gunner, then his eyes dropped down, finding Gunner’s hands resting over mine. Those eyes of his darkened, narrowing on his club brother. He looked like he was about to kill Gunner. Murderous intent swirling within them emerald eyes.
“I need to speak with Hazel. Leave.” Gunner didn’t argue. No, he could see the promise of pain in Talon’s eyes. If he didn’t get out of here in the next ten seconds…well probably best he didn’t find out what would happen.
Without another word, Gunner stomped out of here, leaving me and Talon alone.
Talon didn’t move, he stayed right there, glued to the spot. His bright green eyes were filled with rage. Was he angry with me? I hope not.
“Was he trying it on?” Shocked that was where his mind had gone. I couldn’t help myself, I burst out laughing. He didn’t look amused. He looked damn right fearsome at the thought of his club brother trying his luck with me.
“When isn’t he trying it on? Though that right there, might have been the one and only time he was just being kind with no hidden motives.” Biting down on his jaw, not completely reassured about Gunner.
“You free tonight?” What? Why did he want to know? Was he asking me out? No, of course he wasn’t. I was reading way too much into this.
“I’m working.” Unfortunately.
“I’m sure they can manage.” As much as I would love to disappear into the night with Talon, I couldn’t leave Jane on her own.
“Not if it picks up.” Staring into those deep pools of green, I saw such longing. A yearning that took my breath away. What was tonight about for him?
As if the mention of her name summoned her, Jane poked her head through the door. Checking in probably.
“Everything ok?” Did she have a sixth sense or something? I highly doubt it. Knowing her, she had been eavesdropping at the door. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time.
“I was hoping to steal Hazel for the night.” Jane’s eyes lit up at the idea. Way too excited at the thought of Talon being interested in me. It was not the reaction I was expecting, the Kings of Chaos made her feel uneasy. I guess, having them around had warmed her up to them…slightly.
“Go, I’ll be fine.” I didn’t feel ok just leaving her. Wanting to argue but I could already see it would be pointless, I was outnumbered. It was two against one, I would just be wasting my breathe at this point.
“Only if you’re sure.” Judging from the look on her face, that was the only answer I needed. The ‘get your arse out of here right now’ look, said it all.
“One night, Hazel.” Talon announced. One night, for what? Is that all he was interested in? Or was that all it would take for me to fall for him?
Little did he know, I had already fallen for him. Hook, line and sinker.
“Ok.” I couldn’t resist. Curious what he had planned for me. Smirking at me, he held out his hand, calling me to him. Without hesitation, I went straight for him. Placing my hand in his, feeling his warmth wrap around me. I never wanted him to let go of me. Loving the way my hand fit so perfectly in his.
“Come on, love.” Leading me out in the bar, I grabbed my stuff while he quickly spoke with his club brothers. Would they be coming with us? I kind of hoped they didn’t. I wanted Talon all to myself. To be completely alone with him, just me and him.
“Call me if you need me.” Jane waved me off. Moving towards Talon now, I clocked the annoyance on Gunner’s face, he didn’t look too pleased. Trigger just sat there grinning at me and Talon, pleased with this development.
“Let’s get going.” I felt Talon’s hand press against the small of my back, sending sparks shooting up my spine. Making my core pulse with hunger. Liking the way his touch felt against the curve of my spine. Craving much more, so much more.
No one followed us. Gunner and Trigger weren’t joining us apparently. So, it really was just me and Talon. My heartbeat spiked then. Holy shit. I was going to be on my own with this divine man. I don’t know if I was ready for this. The last time we had been alone together, he had me pinned against some shelving as he gave me breath-taking pleasure, with his fingers between my legs.
Strolling across the parking lot now, Talon guided me over to his bike. My eyes went wide, were we going to ride that? I thought we might take my car, or I would meet him there. Obviously not.
“Wait, you want me to ride on your bike?” His eyes were swimming with carnal need. Why did I get the feeling that his mind had gone elsewhere?
His train of thought was contagious, making me forget how nervous I was to get on the back of his bike. Now all I could think about was him.
Sudden flashes of images raced through my mind. I couldn’t help but think about being pressed up against him. Body to body. Arms clinging on to him. Straddling him…riding him…holding onto him for dear life as I let him ravish me. Taking me however he wanted…wherever he wanted…whenever he wanted…
God, I was in trouble.
“I like it when you blush.” Was I blushing? Shit, I didn’t even realise, not surprising though.
His fingers reached up and caressed my blazing red cheek, making it hard to catch my breath. Chest feeling tight. Needy for more of his sensual touch.
“It’s not something I can control.” Stepping closer to me, a soft smile on his stunning face. God, he smelt so good. Tantalising. Tempting. My fingertips itched with the need to reach out and touch him.
“Good, I don’t want you to control it. Now, come on put this on.” Handing me a helmet now. Safety first, I guess. He checked to make sure it was tight enough, treating me like I was precious cargo.
“You ever been on a bike before?” Shaking my head. Though, I liked the idea of getting on the back of his bike.
“No, first time.” Taking a deep breath, he smiled down at me. Pleased with my answer.
“Hold on tight to me. If my body moves, so does yours, ok?” Trying to focus on the serious instructions he was giving me. Yet all I could think about was all the ways my body could move with his.
No…now was not the time for those naughty thoughts.
Watching him climb on his bike felt like damn porn. Well, to me at least. He looked so graceful and powerful, yet there was a roughness there.
Throwing his leg over, he perched on his Harley like the King he is. Effortlessly intimidating. I didn’t even realise I was just stood here, biting my lip as I admired the view.
Holding his hand out to me, I let him help me climb on behind him. When I was settled there, his hands gripped my thighs and pulled me closer to him, leaving no space between us. My legs pressed against his, his body was cradled perfectly between my thighs. It felt so damn good, I had to stop myself from moaning.
&nbs
p; Lifting my hands up, he rested them on his chest. Letting me feel all his muscles. I mean, fuck, he had enough of them. Unable to stop thinking about running my fingers over his skin and all those chiselled muscles…followed by my tongue.
“Ok?” Snapping me out of my mind, I just nodded. Trying to focus on anything else other than the way he felt against me right now. My breasts pressed against his back, wondering if he could feel how taut my nipples were, longing for his attention.
“Ok.” My voice nothing but a hushed whisper, struggling to keep my breathing under control.
“Hold on tight love.” Oh, I planned to.
Chapter Nine
His Harley roared to life, making me gasp. Christ, that felt amazing. Rumbling beneath me, humming through my body. It was energising. Lighting me up from within.
He smirked over his shoulder at me then, pleased with my reaction.
We started moving, flying through the night. It felt incredible. The wind whipping around us, making my hair dance in the breeze. Clinging onto Talon. He was taking it slow, not wanting to overdo it. I didn’t mind, I loved this. Felt like I was right where I belonged. I felt alive right now. Something I hadn’t felt in a very long time. I wanted to hold on to this feeling forever.
Weaving through traffic, Talon was an expert. At complete ease with what he was doing. This was second nature to him. At one point, he rested one of his hands on my thigh, massaging my leg. Wishing I had worn shorts today so I could feel his coaxing touch on my bare skin.
Stopping at a red light, he glanced back at me. Emerald eyes sparkling as he locked onto me.
“You alright back there?”
“Yeah, this is amazing.” Chuckling at my breathy excitement.
I don’t know where we were going. It didn’t even matter, I treasured every second I spent on the back of this bike, cuddled up close to Talon. Not wanting to miss a moment.
Turning off down some road, riding along the edge of a lake now. I could see the moonlight shimmering down on the rippling waters. Clusters of trees lined the water’s edge with small clearings dotted all around it. Mountains in the far distance. It was absolutely beautiful out here, so peaceful. I wondered what it would be like to go for a swim? Sure, it would probably be freezing cold, but I bet it would be amazing to feel the waters wash over you. That was one way to make you feel alive, invigorated, rejuvenated even.