by Katie Ball
They had the same dark blonde hair, though Cole’s was longer, stopping at his jawline. He kept having to sweep it back, in the end he tied it back, so it was out of the way.
He was too far away for me to see his eyes, but I bet they were green just like Talon’s. Talon was right though; his brother was not little. Easily matching his brother in height, not as broad as Talon though. He looked ripped with bulging muscles, more than capable of causing some serious damage.
“Where’s he been to get a welcome back party.” He took a sip of his beer. Why did he suddenly look nervous about answering that question?
“You sure you want to know?” I just stared at him. Why wouldn’t I want to know?
“Yes.”
“Prison.” The way he said it was like it was nothing. Probably among the Kings of Chaos, it wasn’t that big of a deal.
“What did he do?” Talon took a deep breath.
“He dealt with someone who needed dealing with.” It should have been enough to clear things up, but it didn’t. It only raised more questions.
“Who did he deal with?” He leaned closer to me.
“Someone who was out of our reach.” Why was he trying to scoot around this? Not wanting to give me a straight answer. Did he think it would change the way I viewed his brother?
“Talon, you can tell me. I mean I know what you plan to do when you find my stepfather and it didn’t send me running away.” I wasn’t naïve. His world was full to the brim with bloody violence, it was second nature to him. That ruthless side that peeked out every now and then. A ferocious glint in his eyes that showed the savage beast within. Nothing he told me would make me run from him. Nothing.
“Your right, you didn’t run away.” Sighing in defeat. “We were after the guy who killed our father. He was from a rival club, thought it would help him rise amongst them. It backfired, badly. His club abandoned him, knowing full well what kind of shit that was going to bring to their doorstep. You don’t kill a president from another club and expect no consequences. So, in the end, he made a run for it. Ended up in prison thinking we wouldn’t follow. He was mistaken. We could have had one of our men on the inside take him out but me and Cole agreed it should be by done by one of us. Cole took it upon his shoulders since I had to step up and become the new president to the Kings.” I should be disgusted or afraid but all I felt was understanding.
“So, I take it he was dealt with.” Talon smiled softly at me, glad that I wasn’t shaking in terror. I’m under no illusions about him and the Kings. But no matter what, I would never run from Talon. Not when I felt like I found my home.
“Yes, Cole avenged our dad.” His free hand cupped my cheek and drew me in for a kiss. Breathing in his scent, I grabbed hold of his shirt. His tongue moved with mine, so slowly, teasingly. Making my legs clench, remembering how it felt to have that tongue between my trembling thighs.
As the kiss deepened, he took the air out of my lungs. I would never get enough of kissing him.
“Get a room for fuck sake.” Breaking apart, I found the man of hour grinning at us.
“You fuckers would still find a way to interrupt us no matter where we were.” Cole slumped down into the booth, ignoring his brother, focused entirely on me.
“Now I see why my brother has been so distracted. You got a sister? A cousin?” Shaking my head at him.
“Afraid not.” Cursing under his breath.
“Just my luck. You know, if you get tired of this boring fucker, I’m always available.” Nodding in Talon’s direction. He just scoffed at his little brother, not worried in the slightest.
“In you damn dreams brother.” Cole winked at me.
“You know it. Fancy a game of pool Hazel?” How could I say no?
“Sure, as long as your prepared to lose.” Laughing at my confidence.
“Oh, you’re so going down.” He stood there waiting for me now. Taking a quick look at Talon, I saw the joy in his eyes.
“You sure about this? His pretty good.” Edging closer to him. Whispering in his ear so Cole wouldn’t hear.
“So am I.” Winking at my King.
Time to show these men that I can hang with the best of them.
Chapter Twelve
Sliding out of the booth, I followed Cole through the crowd with Talon right behind me. They all stepped aside, not wanting to get in the way of either of these fearsome brothers.
The guys were already resetting the table as we approached, someone handed me a pool cue. Talon moved behind me, his hand brushed along my lower back making me gulp from the slight contact.
“Want me to hold your jacket?” Such a gentleman. Slipping my jacket off, I let him hold it for me. He joined the others at one of the tables, making sure he had a good view. Mac, Gunner and Tank were with him, eager to watch us play apparently. Hog appeared then, glancing between me and Cole. He gave me a brief nod as he settled in for the show.
People were looking at us or rather at me, wondering what the hell I was doing. They thought I was just a silly girl trying to play a man’s game. They had no idea I had a few tricks up my sleeves.
“You can still back out if you’re scared?” Oh, I was going to wipe the floor with him, he had no idea what I was capable of.
“I’m good. Why don’t you break since it’s your party?” He underestimated me, something I was familiar with. He wasn’t the first and he probably wouldn’t be the last.
“As you wish.” I watched as the balls scattered, eventually settling. He picked solids, which left me with stripes. Didn’t make a difference to me, I would win either way.
He was good, I give him that. I was better. After he pocketed two balls, he fell short on the next one.
Taking up my position since it was my turn, lining up the shot. I planned to go easy to start with. When I had lulled him into a false sense of security, then I would show him just who he was playing against.
When I missed one, I could see he was getting cocky. Thinking he had this in the bag. Like he could tell I wasn’t a worthy opponent.
“You know I can give you a few pointers if you like.” Cole looked so confident he had already won. I couldn’t wait to wipe that smirk of his face.
“I think she might be in over her head.” Gunner mumbled to the others, loud enough for me to hear though. Maybe it was time to show them.
“Don’t underestimate my Queen.” Talon growled at him, backing my corner.
I waited for my turn. When it came around, I had already figured out the shot I was going to take. Lining up one hell of a trick. I had to get this perfect, if I was off ever so slightly, that would be it.
Here goes nothing. Striking the ball, it ricocheted off the next one, then bounced off another…pocketing all three. I had executed it beautifully.
Everyone around me went deadly silent. Glancing up at Cole, his jaw was slack, and those emerald eyes had widened in disbelief.
“Holy shit.” I heard Talon murmur, he sounded impressed.
“Shit brother, I think you’ve been played.” Mac chuckled. Others joined him when they figured out what had happened. I just held Cole’s stare, not backing down.
“It’s like that is it?” Shrugging as if I didn’t know what he was talking about.
“Just playing a friendly game of pool. I mean if you want you can still back out. I wouldn’t hold it against you.” I heard muffled snickers from the rest of the Kings. Cole just shook his head, pointing his finger at me now.
“You are still going down.” Slowly wandering around the table, I spotted another good shot. I had a sneaky suspicion he was hoping I wouldn’t see it. Bad luck for him, I already had.
“We’ll see.” Lining it up…and boom, just like that, another two pocketed. After this, I didn’t give Cole another chance. Emerging victorious.
Cheering erupted around me. Cole couldn’t believe he had been played like that. Suddenly I felt arms go around my middle, hoisting me up in the air, throwing me around like I weighed nothing. Managing to
catch a glimpse of Tank over my shoulder, realising he was the one spinning me around like a mad man. Well, I suppose to him, I was as light as a feather.
“Take that, you cocky bastard.” Putting me down then, hugging me until I couldn’t breathe. I wasn’t going to complain, not when they seemed to like me.
After I managed to escape his bear hug, I went to Talon. Cuddling up to him, feeling his arms wrap around me and hold me close. Kissing me so heavenly. I’ll take this as my winner’s prize.
“Someone finally knocked you off your pedestal.” Gunner patted Cole on the back. I guess, not many people won against him. He was a good player but not as good as me.
“I like her. Don’t fuck it up brother.” Cole announced. So, his brother approved of me…Thank god, I could breathe with relief now.
“Not going to give you a chance to steal her off me Cole.” No one was ever going to be steal me away from him. Talon was it for me. The only man I would ever want. Always and forever.
“Here you go Hazel.” Hog moved off his chair, offering it to me. A hint of smile on his lips, only a slight one but I still clocked it. He was warming up to me.
“Thanks.” Sitting down with Talon beside me, though apparently, there was too much space between us. So, he grabbed my chair with me still on it, dragging it closer to him. Making sure there was no space left between us. I’m surprised he didn’t just haul me into his lap.
Gunner and Mac played against one another now. It felt like a right little family here. Ok so not so little since there was so many of these giant beefy bikers but still, it felt like the kind of family I wouldn’t mind being a part of.
This was something I never had growing up, something I longed for. Now, I felt like I had finally found the family I always wanted. People who would look out for you, support you, protect you, fight for you. How different my life would have been if I had been a part of this family when I was growing up.
“Hey Talon.” A club girl appeared out of nowhere, leaning in close to Talon, resting her hand on his bicep. Jealously swirled within me. The green-eyed monster ready to throat punch her if she didn’t remove her hand from Talon within the next ten seconds.
“Not now Diamond.” Pouting at him like that would get him to change his mind. He didn’t even look in her direction.
With her bleach blonde hair and way too much make-up coating her face. A red bikini top with the shortest leather skirt I had ever seen. It barely covered anything. In heels that were way too tall, I’m surprised she could walk in them.
“I thought you might like to catch up. It’s been a while.” Was this bitch serious? I was sat right here.
“Diamond go bother someone else. I’m not interested.” Her jaw dropped along with her hand. I was glad she was no longer touching Talon. It made me livid to see her hands on him.
Glaring in my direction now. Not saying anything else, she stomped away from us.
“Before you ask, it was a while ago. I’m not interested in revisiting her or anyone else. Just you.” He whispered the last part against my lips before he kissed me once more. Amazed at how natural this felt, like this is where I should have always been.
“I wasn’t going to ask.” The look he gave me told me he wasn’t buying it.
Just then, another club girl came heading towards him. Seriously? Obviously, I needed to make it very fucking clear to these girls that Talon wasn’t available anymore.
“I hope you don’t mind.” I muttered as I climbed onto his lap. His arms went around me, one hand resting on my hip whilst the other was on my thigh. He smirked at me, knowing full well what I was doing. By the twinkle in his eyes, I’d say he was enjoying this new development.
“Feel free to sit on my lap whenever you want. I won’t argue.” Chuckling at his response, I would be taking him up on his offer.
“Good because I have a point to make.” These club girls needed to realise Talon was with me and I didn’t plan on sharing.
“You know its sexy as fuck when you get possessive.” Playing with his hair as he gazed up at me. We shared that opinion. There was something about him getting territorial that just made me quiver with desire.
I felt someone tap me on my shoulder. Glancing behind me, I found a fearsome giant stood there. Long dark wavy red hair, it had a feral look to it. To be honest, the man himself looked wild, like a cave man. Sapphire blue eyes that had a dangerous sparkle in them.
“These cupcakes are delicious.” Smiling up at this friendly titan. Well, friendly to me at least. I doubt many people got to see this side of him.
“Thank you.” Holding his hand out to me.
“I’m Red.” Inspired by the stunning rare colour of his hair I’m sure.
“Nice to meet you Red. I’m Hazel.”
“You got a shop? Where I can buy more of these?” A shop? He thought I had a bakery, I wish. A girl could dream right. It was something I had thought about for a while now, but I knew it wasn’t a possibility since I was always on the move…but maybe one day.
“Ermm, no afraid not.” He huffed in disappointment.
“You should get one…you’d make a killing.” He left with no warning, just like that, no more words exchanged.
“His got a point, you should have your own bakery.” Not wanting to make a big deal out of it.
“It’s a nice dream.” He eyed me with curiosity.
“It doesn’t have to just be a dream.” I didn’t want to go down that road. What if things didn’t work out? I didn’t want to get my hopes up only to have them shattered at the last moment.
“I think I might go get another drink.” Before I could move away from him, his grip on me tightened. Holding onto me, not letting me escape that easily.
“Probably best if you stay right here darling, the vultures are waiting to swoop in.” Fuck, he had me there.
If I left, then those club girls would be all over him. I had no option, I stayed right here. Not giving them the opportunity, they were waiting for.
“It would seem you have some more admirers.” Following his eyes, I found three guys heading right for us. One was shorter than the rest. Muscles for day, he could easily be a bodybuilder. Dark eyes met mine. The buzzcut he had only made him appear harsher.
“Hazel, this is Beast. Then you have Reaper and Toes.” Reaper was a tall man, lean and thinner than most of the men here. Gaunt almost. I could tell why he was called Reaper. Dark brown eyes that were almost on the verge of being black. His dark hair that fell around his face. There was a cruelty in his eyes. Alarm bells were going off in my head. My gut instinct was telling me he was not to be trusted.
Turning my focus on Toes now, anything to get away from Reaper. His name raised some questions, though I don’t know if I actually wanted the answers.
Glistening baby blue eyes ran down my body with keen interest. Honey blonde hair that was slicked back. He was the least intimidating out of all of them.
“Nice to meet you all.” They were all just staring at me. Where they waiting for something? Did I have something on my face?
“What do you fuckers want?” Talon took charge, not liking the way, they were just stood there gawking at me.
“We were just admiring your latest play thing.” Talon guided me off his lap, standing to his full height. He blocked their view of me, shielding me from them.
“Watch your fucking mouth. She’s not a play thing.” Toes held his hands up, acting like it was an innocent mistake on his part.
“Sorry brother, I just assumed.” Talon’s hands were balled into fists. His anger was swirling around him, ready to be unleashed if they weren’t careful.
“Come on Pres, since when have you been interested in one pussy. Does it sparkle or something?” Reaper snarled. Was he looking for a fight?
Everything seemed to pause for a few seconds. The air sharpened, charged with fury, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I knew what was coming, I had worked in enough bars to know when the all hell is about to bre
ak loose.
Talon suddenly lunged at Reaper. Driving his fist into his face, knocking him off balance. A vicious fight broke out. It was almost like it had been simmering beneath the surface, waiting for that one spark to ignite the carnage.
I cursed then as everyone around me joined in. Most of them fighting for no reason. Jumping at the chance of a good old brawl. Men…honestly.
Strong arms went around me, carrying me out of the danger zone. Taking me to the corner booth, I was pushed into the seat, well out of range of everyone. It had been Hog who pulled me out of there, getting me out of harm’s way.
Trigger appeared as well, standing guard with Hog. Creating a barrier between me and the ferocious bikers. It was mayhem out there.
I spotted Talon in the mix of things. He was pummelling Reapers face in, making him regret his words. He was unforgiving, merciless. Talon was not a man to be crossed. He was a warrior, a brutal one at that.
Cole stayed close to his brother, holding off the guy Talon called Beast. He looked like he was good friends with Reaper. Trying to get to him so he could help even the odds out against Talon. Cole wasn’t letting him though, protecting his brother.
“Can we not stop this?” Surely there was something we could do. Hog just shook his head at me, shoving someone away when they got to close to us.
“They got to get it out of their system. Talon has a point to prove. He’s the Pres, you don’t fuck with him or with you.” Oh, there could be no doubt I was definitely more than a play thing.
I couldn’t stand watching them fight. I guess my inner bartender was coming out to play. I had been in these situations before. I knew how to handle this, I just needed something to get their attention.
Looking around frantically for something, for anything. Finding a very nice-looking baseball bat on the wall. It was a part of some kind of display, but it was going to get some use tonight. Climbing over the table, I ripped it off the wall.
“What the hell are you doing woman?” Hog bellowed at me. I ignored him as I took in the scene before me. It was insane out there. Christ, these men were a bunch of first-class morons. They were all going to be hurting in the morning and they would only have themselves to blame. I needed to put a stop to this.