by Katie Ball
“What?” Facing his little brother.
“I was trying to get her out of the way. So, I tackled her to the floor, she ended up taking the brunt of the fall.” Talon’s fists were balled up. He better not put the blame on Cole. It wasn’t his fault, he protected me when it mattered.
“Talon, he got me out of the way before I could be shot. So, don’t be angry at him.” Looking over at me, hearing the reality of the situation. That this could have ended very differently.
Within the blink of an eye, he was at my side, kneeling beside me. His hands cupping my face as his eyes searched mine. Confirming to himself that I was very much still with him.
“I’m not angry at Cole. I’m angry that bastard tried to hurt you and got close to fucking succeeding.” Movement over shoulder pulled my attention away from Talon. Gunner and Hog were here as well, my house suddenly felt very cramped having five giant intimidating bikers in here.
“You ok Hazel?” Gunner asked. I could see all of them looking at me, assessing me to see if I was ok. They could all see my bruises. No wonder they looked pissed.
“I’m fine.” Finishing my beer. “So, what happens now?” Latching onto Talon, hoping he had an answer for me.
“Pack a bag, you’re coming home with me.” He wanted me to go home with him? It sounded like music to my ears. I wanted to be with him. Plus, this place wasn’t safe. Nathan had been watching me. He knew where I was living, I wasn’t safe here. It was only a matter of time before he showed up again. Maybe next time the bullet wouldn’t miss. Maybe next time, he would have had enough of toying with me. That thought alone sickened me.
“Ok.” Standing up now, he would hear no argument from me. Pulling my top down as I moved towards my bedroom. I felt like maybe I was in autopilot mode. Still trying to process everything.
Talon followed close behind me as I headed into my room, keeping a close eye on me. Could he tell that maybe I wasn’t ok? I mean I don’t even think I truly knew how I was feeling right now. Part of me was terrified, still trying to process everything. The other part of me, well, it was a jumbled-up bag of emotions.
I grabbed a large duffel bag out of my wardrobe and chucked it on the bed.
“What is that?” Talon was confused why I had a packed bag already to go.
“It’s my emergency bag, I always have one. It’s got all the essentials in ready for me to grab if I needed to get out of here quick.” His jaw clenched, furious about what he was hearing. It was something I had always done, just in case.
“This is the last emergency bag you’ll ever have.” The intensity of his gaze should have frightened me, but it didn’t. I could see the promise in his eyes. That there would never be a need for this type of thing every again, he would make sure of it.
I put some extra bits in since I had time. Talon stood in the doorway and watched me. I got the feeling that he wasn’t going to let me out of his sight anytime soon.
“Is that everything?” I nodded. It’s not like I had a lot of stuff.
Talon wrapped his arms around me, just what I needed right now. To be crushed against his chest. Feel the safety of his arms around me. Tipping my head back, his lips crashed against mine, devouring me. I whimpered when his tongue ran across my lips, then snuck inside my mouth. Tangling up with my own. Clinging onto him as he deepened the kiss. My body coming to life. Ready and waiting for him to push me back onto my bed and fuck me.
This strong dangerous man made me feel adored, cherished and worshipped, even in my darkest moment.
We pulled apart then, leaning his forehead against mine. Taking a deep breath of his tantalising scent. It helped to soothe my soul.
“I don’t know what I would do if I lost you.” Staring up into his eyes, I saw the raw truth in his words.
“You’re not going to lose me.” I was his until the day I died. Even then, my spirit would always belong to him.
“Come on, let’s get you back to mine.” Grabbing my bag for me, he led me downstairs where the others were waiting for us.
No one said anything. They didn’t need to. They moved out like a well-oiled machine. This was a natural formation for them, something they had done before. Ready to defend something important to them.
I let them take control of the situation.
Letting them lead me to safety.
Once we got to Talon’s I didn’t feel like stepping foot outside again anytime soon. I just wanted to curl up with him and feel sheltered from the raging storm outside.
I was on the couch whilst Talon cooked dinner for us. I did say I could do it, but he insisted. Told me to relax and let him take care of me. I wasn’t going to argue. It was nice to have someone caring for me, I hadn’t had it before.
My stomach was grumbling. Hungry for what he was serving up, it smelt so good.
My phone started buzzing then. Picking it up, it was Jane.
“Hey.” Pulling the blanket tighter around me.
“Hey how are you doing?” She sounded calm so that meant nothing was wrong. I wonder if Zach was with her. I hope he was I didn’t want her to be on her own right now.
“I’m ok, you?”
“I wasn’t the one being shot at.” She was still there when it happened.
“I know but you were still with me. You could have been hurt amongst all the craziness.” The last thing I wanted was for her to be hurt because of me. I would never forgive myself.
“I wasn’t though. No one was thankfully.” I was glad that no one had been injured in the cross fire. Talon had told me that everyone in the coffee shop was fine.
“Thank god.” My stepfather didn’t care though. Everyone else was disposable, unimportant to him. His only goal was to get to me, so he could hurt me once again. He didn’t care if anyone get caught up in the middle. All he was focused on was me.
“So, I take it Talon has upped security on you.” Taking a little peek over the back of the couch, I found him working away in the kitchen. I was getting flustered just admiring the view. He was my wildest dream, and he was all mine.
“Something like that. I’m staying at his now since my place is no longer safe.” It was funny, as soon as I walked through the door, I felt more relaxed. Maybe it was because I was surrounded by Talon. This was his home, his space. He was everywhere. No wonder it instantly soothed me. That was the power of his presence.
“You’re at his right now?” I could hear the change in her tone. No longer worried about me, she was intrigued by this development.
“I am, I’m safer here. The clubhouse is literally two minutes away.”
“It helps you got a sexy biker there with you.” Ok, so that may have helped…a lot.
“That has nothing to do with the decision to stay here.” Gazing over at him, I couldn’t help but bite my lip. It shouldn’t be legal for a man to be that handsome.
“What’s he doing right now?” I couldn’t help but smirk. Why did it sound like she was enjoying this a little too much?
“His cooking dinner.” His ears must have been burning as he looked up at me. Those shimmering emerald eyes lit up when he realised, I had been watching him. A slow sexy grin crept onto his face. That kind that melted your panties right off.
“Really? Ok, you got to lock him down.” I chuckled. Raising his eyebrow at me, curious what had tickled me. Quickly looking away from my mouth-watering King. Not wanting him to know we were talking about him.
“His mine, I’m his. We’ve already had this conversation.” He had made it very clear this was for the long haul. Not a brief encounter.
“So, you’re both off the market then?”
“Hell yes.” I didn’t want anyone else, only Talon.
“I’m happy for you Hazel. Just make sure he treats you right, if not, I’ll be having words.” She wasn’t joking either. She may have been scared of the Kings to start with but having them around had helped squash that fear. I think she was even starting to like them.
“I would expect nothing less.” Ja
ne went quiet for few seconds then. Frowning at her lack of words. That wasn’t like her. “Jane?”
“I was just…I was wondering if you could thank Talon’s brother for me. I mean, he kept us both safe and I appreciate that.” Holy shit…I figured that Cole was interested in Jane. Well at the very least felt an attraction to her but were the feelings returned? Could she be interested in him? Maybe I was just reading too much into it. It’s just, I don’t know, I had this feeling.
“I’ll let Cole know you said thanks.”
“Right…erm, I better go. Let you get on…or rather get on top of your man.” Rolling my eyes at her. She was in a rush to hang up before she revealed too much. We said our goodbyes and I knew I was on to something.
Glancing over the back of the couch at Talon once more. He had his back to me and what a mighty fine back it was. His dark blue t-shirt stretched over his shoulders and those arms of his. He was made for loving. I couldn’t fight the urge to go to him anymore.
Wandering over to him. Standing on the other side of the island.
“Is there anything I can do?” Meeting my eyes as he peered over his shoulder at me.
“It’s nearly done, love. Just need to dish up. Go relax for a few minutes.” Heading round to him, leaning my hip against the counter. I swear I saw him gulp as I got closer to him.
“I don’t do well with just sitting around doing nothing.” Smirking down at me.
“I noticed. Why don’t you set the table?” Grinning to myself, I moved past him to get to work. As I strolled past, I may have run my fingers along his lower back.
Teasing him.
He tensed from my enticing touch. I felt a little shiver run down his spine. Like he was trying to stay in control and not fuck me right here.
Sauntering over to the table, I felt his hungry eyes on me. Knowing I had riled my man up, tempting him to come and consume me.
I thought for a minute he wasn’t going to. I was just here setting the table, wishing my man would come for me. Just as I was about to give up hope, his hands grabbed my hips. Causing me to gasp when he pulled me back against his hardening manhood.
“You’re a little tease aren’t you.” I trembled as Talon’s hand moved up my body. Caressing me as he stopped at my breast, massaging me through my top. My nipples tightened and puckered for him.
“What about dinner?” Wrapping my hair around his hand, he gently tilted my head to the side. Allowing him to nuzzle the curve of my exposed neck. Laying heated kissed on my skin.
“Fuck dinner. I’m starving for you, love.” He growled, making me whimper. I wiggled my hips slightly to entice him further, not that he needed much convincing.
“I need you Talon.” The way he groaned against my skin; I could tell he was enjoying the sound of my soft moans.
“I want to worship every inch of you Hazel.” My core was pulsing with desire for my King. Molten hot and dripping wet, ready for him to thrust deep inside of me.
“Talon, I-” The sound of the front door opening shattered our moment. Talon cursed under his breath as his hand let go of me. Going down to my hips, keeping me pressed deliciously against him. This felt like torture for me. Having him so close and yet unable to actually have him.
“Only us.” Gunner and Cole strolled into the kitchen, unaware of what they had just interrupted.
“For fuck sake, you two got nothing better to do.” Both of them looked at one another and then back at Talon.
“Nope.” Wandering in and making themselves at home. Chuckling at Talon’s annoyance.
“We smelt food. Figured there might be some going spare.” I could tell Talon wanted to tell them to fuck off so we could continue what we had started but there was always time for that later.
“I’ll set two more places.” He sighed.
“Fine.” Talon went to finish off dishing up while I set the table for the four of us. Cole dropped a kiss on the top of my head as he walked by me. Gunner went to do the same, but Talon gave him a look that told him best not to. I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from laughing.
Eventually we were all sat around the table, eating dinner together. Talon on one side of me, Gunner on the other. Cole was opposite me, smirking at the whole thing.
“How you doing Hazel?” Gunner asked, trying to seem all innocent like butter wouldn’t melt. Talon just glared at him the entire time.
“I’m fine.” Nodding with such exaggerated interest, almost like he was trying to wind Talon up. I ignored the staring contest between Talon and Gunner. Sipping at my beer, hoping they both behaved themselves.
“This is good brother. Maybe I should have paid attention when mum tried to teach me.” Cole was trying to distract them, thank god. Though, it wasn’t working. Talon eyes never strayed away from Gunner, though he still managed to answer Cole.
“You could always get her to teach you. You know she’s desperate to.” Before Cole could speak, Gunner beat him to it.
“I bet you could cook up a storm Hazel.” I risked a glance at Talon, big mistake. I saw the territorial spark in his eyes. I think he was debating whether or not to pull me into lap and keep me there.
“I prefer baking.” Not encouraging him.
“Well, I would eat whatever you cook for me.”
“You are asking for a punch. You know, that right?” Cole stated, trying to make Gunner see some sense. He was playing with fire here. If he wasn’t careful, he would get burnt.
“I’m just making conversation.” Yeah, I don’t think anyone was buying that.
“Have you heard anything from Red?” Cole asked Talon, hoping to change the subject.
“No, not yet.” Briefly glancing my way. What was he waiting to hear about? Something to do with Nathan? With me?
“What is Red looking for?” Leaning back in his chair, he sighed deeply as he met my eyes.
“His looking for information on your stepfather. Anything that can help us find out where that motherfucker is hiding.” I knew what would happen when they found him, it would be brutally violent. They would make Nathan bleed and scream in agony until they had enough. Did that upset me? No. I wanted him to suffer before he met his end.
“Ok.” I hope Red finds something…anything. I desperately wanted this to be over.
“Hazel.” Talon rested his hand over mine, his gentle touch drawing my attention to him. Meeting those soft mossy green eyes. “Red will find him. Trust me.” I did trust him. He knew what he was talking about. If he trusted Red, then so would I.
“I think I’m going to head up to bed.” Standing up, I went to Talon. Leaning down so I could kiss those inviting lips of his. “Thank you for dinner.”
“Go on up, love. I’ll join you in a bit.” I went to reach out to grab my plate so I could clear it away, but Talon stopped me.
“I got it. Go up to bed Hazel.” He was too good to me. I don’t know what I had done to deserve him, but I was thankful to have such a loving man in my life.
Saying bye to the others before I made a quick escape upstairs. I hadn’t eaten a lot; I just wasn’t that hungry. Probably the mention of my stepfather, it squashed any appetite for food I had.
Exhaustion had hit me hard. The day had caught up with me and all I wanted to do was crash.
Going into Talon’s bedroom, I grabbed one of his shirts. Stripping out of my own clothes, excited to be drowned in one of his shirts. Slipping between the sheets, I took a deep breath.
Eager for Talon to join me. All I craved right now was him. Longing to be curled up in his arms. I don’t think I would sleep peacefully if he wasn’t by my side. He filled me with comfort and security. Protecting me as I slept.
I could still hear them downstairs. They were talking quietly but I could still hear the hum of their voices. I don’t know how long Talon was going to be. Maybe he would be five minutes or a few hours. I don’t know. Part of me wanted to wait for him.
But listening to the gentle hum of their voices, it lulled me into peaceful dreams.<
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There was no fighting it. I was tired. Sleep wrapped itself around me and I was pulled under.
Until all I knew was silence.
Chapter Seventeen
I felt arms wrap around me at some point in the night. A gentle kiss pressed against my lips. I don’t know what the time was or how long I had been asleep. I was still in a sleep haze, but something had caused me to stir.
Not completely awake. My eyes opened slightly, though it was hard to keep them open. I felt my body being pressed against something warm and inviting. I locked onto the person holding me close. A soft smile on my lips when I saw it was Talon. Gazing down at me with such awe in his green eyes. Having him here with me instantly warmed me up. Butterflies fluttering around in my stomach.
“Sorry I didn’t mean to wake you. Go back to sleep love.” I snuggled into his side. My head resting on his shoulder. Feeling his arms around me. His hands gently stroking my back and my hip.
“I take it they finally left.” How long had it been? It was pitch black outside. I was thankful for the dimmed lamp that I had left on. Needing some light otherwise I would never have fallen asleep. Too afraid of what prowled within the dark.
“Yeah finally.” Intertwining his fingers through mine.
“Why the white rose?” Frowning up at him, confused by his question. Where had this come from? What was he even talking about?
He held up my hand slightly, showing me my forearm. I couldn’t help but tense. He hadn’t noticed it before now. It was a miracle really. I mean, I didn’t show it off. It was on my inner forearm for a reason. My tattoo was for me, to serve as a reminder. For me, no one else. Though, it was in memory of someone.
“You don’t have to tell me.” Not wanting to push me. Wanting me to go at my own pace and tell him when I’m ready.
“It’s a sad story, both my tattoos are.” He raised an eyebrow at me then.
“Both?” He was intrigued. My tattoos were for me, not for display. That’s why people didn’t know I had them. A little piece of me etched into my skin. “You keep them well hidden.”
“I didn’t get them for people to see.” He looked at me with understanding, he knew exactly what I meant.