by Chiah Wilder
The sound of crawling stopped, and every muscle in Smokey’s body tensed as adrenaline pumped through him. A tall man, dressed in black pants and a hoodie, slithered out of the bushes, and crouched down low as he moved toward the family room window. Smokey resisted the urge to tackle him, opting instead to see what the guy would do.
The man sprang up and lifted his arm to throw something at the window. Smokey guessed it was a rock, thus confirming his belief that this was the fucker who’d been tormenting his woman.
Quickly and silently, Smokey crept off the porch, like a cougar hunting its prey. When the culprit lifted his arm again, Smokey pounced, tackling the guy to the ground, his hard body pinning the screaming man down.
“Shut the fuck up,” Smokey gritted out. The last thing he wanted was a neighbor calling the fuckin’ badges. He had every intention of taking care of this bastard in his own way.
“Lemme go,” the man said.
Placing his elbow against the perpetrator’s neck, Smokey frisked him with his free hand. The only thing he found was a pocketful of stones. Smokey got to his feet, yanking the thin man up off the ground.
He buried a fist in the guy’s belly. “You fuckin’ asshole.”
The harasser doubled over, and Smokey kicked him in the jaw, sending him reeling backward.
“Fuck!” the man shouted as he landed on his back.
Smokey bent over and pulled him up, shaking him like a rag doll. “You fuckin’ sonofabitch. You’ve been harassing my woman.” He slammed his fist into the man’s face.
“Smokey, enough,” the man said weakly.
Caught off guard, he stopped the next blow mid-air. Hearing the douchebag say his name was like someone throwing a bucket of cold water over him.
Stepping back, he asked, “How the fuck do you know my name?”
The man wiped his face with the sleeve of his jacket and pulled down the hood, revealing his face.
“AJ? What the fuck!” Smokey grabbed the front of his hoodie. “Come on!” He dragged the young man to the garage. “You’re gonna tell me what the fuck is going on, or I’ll give you a beating you’ll never forget.” Pushing the button on the spare opener Ashley had given him, Smokey pushed AJ inside.
Stumbling, he landed against the trunk of Ashley’s car, holding up his hands.
“Don’t hit me no more.” He glanced over at the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. “I didn’t see your bike out front. If I knew you were here …” He looked down at the ground, his voice trailing off.
“Start telling me shit I wanna know. Now.” Smokey took a step forward, causing the man to flinch.
“I didn’t wanna do any of this fucking shit, but I had to. I told her it was stupid and crazy, and when you started hooking up with”—he wiped his face again with his sleeve— “Ashley, I told Sabrina it was suicide to keep doing this shit.”
Smokey grunted. He knew she was behind the minute he recognized AJ. The dude was a pathetic pussy, hopelessly in love with the cold, conniving bitch.
“When I told her you guys hooked up, it made her real mad. It was all she talked about. She wanted me to do more stuff more often.” AJ shook his head. “I didn’t wanna do none of it. I don’t even know the lady, but … I love Sabrina.” Tears rimmed his battered eyes. “What are you gonna do to me?”
Smokey gazed at the sniveling, beaten, lovesick fool. “What did the bitch hope to gain by all this?”
“She wanted her to go back to Denver. I told her it wouldn’t work, but she couldn’t see nothing through her hate. I was supposed to do a lot more shit, but I felt sorry for Ashley, so I told Sabrina I did everything she told me to do. I didn’t mean to do it, honest.” His voice hitched on the last word.
“You meant it, or you wouldn’t have done it. Stop being a fuckin’ pussy and man the fuck up. Whatever the reason why you did shit to my woman is different from the fact that you did it. You had a choice, dude, and you made the wrong decision.”
Fear crossed AJ’s face. “What are you going to do to me?”
“Beat your ass.”
His eyes widened. “Didn’t you already do that?”
“Nah—that was just a preview.”
“I’ll never do anything to the lady again. I won’t even look at her. If she’s on the same street as me, I’ll cross it, I swear. I’m done with all this shit, even if Sabrina don’t wanna see me no more. Please, Smokey. I’ll apologize … I’ll do anything.”
“What you’re gonna do is take your punishment like a man.” Smokey pulled out his cell phone and tapped in Rusty’s number.
A small gasp slipped through AJ’s bleeding lips. “Who are you calling?”
“Someone to dump your ass at home after I’m done with you.”
“Whatcha need?” Rusty answered.
“Come to 14789 Lodge Pole Circle. I’m gonna need you to take a pussy’s ass to …” He snapped his fingers at AJ.
“Adams Street, 2645. I’m in apartment 18,” he mumbled.
Smokey repeated the address to the prospect, then ended the call. AJ clung to the edge of Ashley’s car as if it would somehow protect him from Smokey’s wrath.
For a long while, Smokey stood perfectly still, his eyes fixed on the person who’d caused Ashley so much fear and grief. He’d rough him up—nothing major, but enough for the asshole to learn his lesson. AJ would have a broken nose, maybe a rib or two, and his face would look like something out of a horror movie, but he’d be okay in about a week, ten days at most. He knew where to hit, and how to maximize, or minimize, the damage.
Cool and collected, he rubbed his hands together, clenching them as he walked toward AJ. Trembling, AJ covered his face with his hands. Smokey lifted his fist and threw the first punch.
Smokey washed the blood off his hands with the hose, then rinsed down the garage’s floor before going back inside the house. The minute he turned off the alarm, Ashley came rushing toward him, crying, “You’re safe! Thank God you’re safe.”
Wrapping his arms around her, he peppered kisses across her face before pressing his lips to hers.
“I was freaking out. I thought something happened to you.” Burying her face in his chest, he threaded his fingers through her hair.
“I had to deal with the fucker who’s been harassing you.”
She looked up at him. “You found the man?”
“Yeah. It was Sabrina’s boyfriend, AJ.”
Confusion etched her features. “AJ? I don’t know him. Why would he want to do those things to me?”
“The bitch put him up to it.”
“Sabrina? I can’t believe it. I know she doesn’t like me—that was obvious from day one—but to have her boyfriend scare me and do damage to my car is crazy.”
“She’s a crazy bitch.”
“And in love with you. I can’t believe how far a woman’s jealousy will take her. Every time she sees me, she asks when I’m going back home, but I never put two and two together.”
“I didn’t know she was asking you that. I wish you would’ve told me sooner about what was going on. I could’ve prevented some of this.”
“So Jeffrey was never involved?”
“No. This shit was all Sabrina’s doing.”
“David and the cops were right all along. I’m relieved Jeffrey had nothing to do with any of this, because it tells me he’s moved on with his life. I do wish him the best.”
Smokey kissed her gently. “I know you do.”
“What happened with Sabrina’s boyfriend? I heard a car pull up to the house. I peeked out the window and saw a guy who looked like he could be your friend.” She smiled. “He was wearing jeans and a leather vest.”
He chuckled and tweaked her nose. “You’re cute. AJ won’t bother you ever again.”
“And Sabrina? She doesn’t strike me as the type that gives up.”
“I’ll take care of her tomorrow.” He wasn’t worried about AJ warning Sabrina. The jerk was hurting real bad.
“As crazy as this sounds, I was
almost convinced the handymen, Mark and Gage, were involved. I was even beginning to suspect Brady. I was going crazy.” She sighed. “I’m so happy and relieved this is over.”
Running his hands down her back, he rested his fingers on her round ass. “I think this is when you show me how glad you are.”
Tipping her head back, he kissed her, plunging his tongue inside. Her hand slipped under his T-shirt, her soft touches against his chest igniting a fire in his belly. Gliding her hands down, he sucked in a breath when she palmed his stiffening cock. Her fingers then fumbled with the button on his jeans, and once it was undone, she eased down his zipper. When she finally wrapped her hand around him, he groaned, palming her tits.
“Fuck, darlin’,” he whispered. “Tell me what you want.”
“I want you inside me. I want you to make me moan. I want all of you,” she replied breathlessly.
Pulling away, he scooped her up into his arms. “And I want all of you, darlin’.”
His mouth covered hers hungrily as he took her back to the bedroom.
21
The next morning, Smokey strode into the office, stopping in front of the reception desk. Sabrina looked away from the computer, flashing him a big smile while subtly pulling her top down to show a bit more cleavage.
“I need to see you in my office.”
“Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Yes. Can you get away now, or do you need a minute?” His voice was calm and cool, belying the anger bubbling just beneath the surface of his skin.
“Sure,” she answered, jumping out of her chair.
When they reached his office, he stepped aside and let Sabrina go in first, then closed and locked the door. Her ass rested against his desk as she faced him, a seductive smile playing on her lips.
“Don’t sit on my desk,” he said, his tone as sharp as a razor blade.
Her mouth fell open slightly then she moved over to the chair. “Are we okay?”
“No. I don’t like jealous bitches who put their fuckin’ noses where they don’t belong.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she huffed.
“Ask AJ in about a week.”
Her eyes widened. “Why in a week?”
“’Cause he won’t be able to talk so good until then. I know you got that pussy to do your bullshit.”
Shaking her head emphatically, Sabrina gripped the arms of the chair. “If he said anything to you about me, he’s lying. He’s mad because I’m not in love with him.”
He walked slowly over to her, bent down, and looked her straight in the eyes. “Shut the fuck up. I don’t believe a damn thing you’re saying.” Gripping her wrists, he squeezed hard.
“Let go! That hurts!”
“That’s the fuckin’ point.” He tightened his hold until tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I love you, Smokey. I try not to, but I do.” She lowered her head, sobbing.
Releasing her, he stepped back. “Sabrina, don’t.” Despite everything, he hated to see a woman cry.
Dropping her hands into her lap, she looked up at him. Snagging a tissue from the box on the corner of his desk, he handed it to her.
“You’re finished here. You can put me down on your next job application. You do good work.”
Dabbing at her eyes, she said, “I promise, I won’t interfere with you again. I’ll say I’m sorry to Ms. Callahan. Please, don’t fire me.”
“You’re lucky that’s all I’m doing. If you weren’t Klutch’s cousin, I’d arrange for you to disappear and never be found.”
Her face paled as she pushed up from the chair. “I’ll get my things,” she whispered.
“And don’t bother Ashley again, because I won’t be so easy the next time around.”
Nodding, Sabrina unlocked the door and walked out, closing the door behind her. Running his fingers through his hair, he went over to his desk. If Sabrina hadn’t been Klutch’s cousin, a whole different scene would’ve played out.
He picked up his phone and plugged in Ryan’s number.
“Hi, Smokey. I have good news.”
“Tell me.”
“That girl who said I did shit to her? She admitted that she was confused.”
“You mean she was lying.”
“Well, she said confused. Anyway, Cara said the DA is dismissing the case.” He laughed. Can you believe it?”
“Dismissing all the charges, or just the ones the bitch lied about?”
“All of them.”
“Sweet. But our deal still stands.”
“Deal?”
“Going to rehab.”
“I don’t need to go. I haven’t had a drink since Cara told me not to for the case.”
“You’ve done that before, and you always go back to the bottle. I’m not just trying to save your ass from problems with the fuckin’ badges, but I’m trying to save your damn life. Don’t you give a shit?”
“Should I?”
“Fuck yeah. You’re a decent-looking guy when you clean up, and I know you can get a good job. Hell, Willy will put you to work on his farm. It’d do you good. And when you’ve stopped the booze, you’ll have money to get your own place. Living with Mom could lead anyone to the bottle, or worse.”
Ryan chuckled. “Maybe I could meet a nice girl.”
“You could. But you gotta work on you first before you bring a chick into your life. We made a deal that I’d help you out with this case, and you’d go into rehab. Don’t be a pussy.”
“I’m not a pussy,” he huffed indignantly.
“You are if you go back on your word. A man doesn’t do that shit, only pussies.” Looking out the window, Smokey spotted Ashley getting out of her car.
“I’ll go.”
“I’ll talk to Cara about the different rehab centers, and you and I will check them out. You got this, dude.”
“I hope so,” he muttered quietly.
“Stop with that ‘hope’ shit. You gotta believe in yourself.”
“I’m not confident like you.”
“That’s what they work on in rehab.” Smokey watched Ashley cross the parking lot, admiring the way her pencil skirt and short jacked accentuated her curves, yet looked sophisticated and professional. His gaze took in her stilettos, and the way they made her legs look even longer. She’s so damn sexy. I’m gonna have to fuck her with those heels on.
“Do you want to? Smokey?”
“Sorry, dude. I zoned out for a sec. What’s going on?”
“I just asked if you wanted to go to dinner tonight.”
He craned his neck, watching her before she disappeared from sight. “Tonight? I don’t know.”
“It’d just be for an hour or two.”
“You good for Mexican?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay. I got someone I want you to meet.”
“Another club member?”
“No, a woman I’m seeing.”
“I can’t believe you’re letting me meet one of the club women face-to-face.”
A frown deepened the fine lines across his forehead. “She’s not a club woman. She’s heading up the company’s marketing campaign.”
“She must be smart.”
“Yeah, she is.”
“Then why is she with you?” Loud guffaws sounded over the phone. “You walked right into that one.”
A grin spread across his face. “I did. We’ll meet you there at seven.”
“Okay. I’ll call Cara right now and get the names of the rehab places.”
“Good deal. See you later.”
Leaning back in his chair, he sighed. There was no doubt he had a soft spot for Ryan, and he wanted to do everything he could to make sure his brother didn’t turn out to be a drunk like their old man.
There was a knock on his door, and he yelled out, “Come in.” The knob turned, and Ashley strode in. A warm feeling ran through his body. This woman’s turning me into a damn pansy.
“Hi,” she said, her blue eyes sp
arkling. “The marketing campaign is going great.” A wide smile lit up her face.
“I knew you could do it.”
“It’s still soon, but the numbers so far have been much better than I expected. If it keeps up this way, the end of the week will be phenomenal.”
“Good job. Now, come over here.”
She folded her arms over her chest.
“Don’t act shy now, darlin’.” He smiled, beckoning her with a curled index finger.
“We’re at the office,” she whispered, looking at the door.
“Is that what’s bothering you?” He crossed the room and turned the lock. “That problem’s solved. Now get your sweet ass over here.”
A pretty pink flush of arousal spread across her cheeks. “So damn bossy.”
Laughing, he watched as she approached him, her hips swaying with each
step in a mesmerizing and enchanting way. Impatient, he pulled her toward him, kissing her hard.
“You’re irresistible,” he rasped. Parting her lips, their tongues intertwined as he moved his hands down her legs, cupping her ass. “I love your sexy skirt.” One of his hands gripped the fabric, pulled it up, then reach beneath, sliding between her bare thighs.
She moaned, looping her arms around his neck.
Nudging her feet farther apart, he cupped her sex. “Fuck, you’re wet. Soaked right through your panties.”
Ashley ground into his hand, and he shoved it down into her bikinis to palm her. Stroking her pussy lips with his finger, he slipped it easily inside her wet slit. She moaned in pleasure.
“You like that?” he whispered into her ear.
“Yeah … it feels so damn good.”
Pulling out his finger, he slid it into his mouth, licking off her juices. “You taste real good, darlin’.”
Pressing his mouth on hers, he gently guided her to the desk, and with one hand, swept away the few items on top of it. Pulling away from the kiss, he groped for the zipper on her skirt. Finding it, he fumbled with the tab, then tugged it down. He felt Ashley shiver as his fingertips brushed against her skin. Smokey pushed her skirt down over her hip, and she wiggled out of it, letting it pool around her feet. His gaze went straight to her red sheer panties, and he sucked in a breath. Dragging his eyes away, they settled on her formfitting jacket. Licking his lips, he slowly unbuttoned it, groaning when he saw her lacy red bra.