by L. Wilder
“I’m very good with that.”
“Okay … then what do you want to do?”
“Follow me over to my place. That way, you’ll have your car and can leave whenever you’re ready.”
As soon as I saw the spark in her eyes, I knew her answer long before she said the words. “Okay, but I can’t stay too long. I’ve got another big test tomorrow.”
“Understood.”
Riley gave me a quick peck on the lips, then rushed over to her car. She followed me back to my place, and as soon as we stepped through the front door, I pulled her in for a kiss. I’d tried my damnedest to be on my best behavior during our little excursion, but having her on the back of my bike and feeling her body so close to mine without being able to do a damn thing about it had taken its toll. I reached for the nape of her neck and took a hold of her hair, gently tugging it as I deepened the kiss. A needful moan vibrated through her chest as she inched closer, pressing her hips against mine, and I was happy to see that I wasn’t the only one who was feeling eager for more.
I knew we didn’t have much time, so I lifted her up. As I tossed her over my shoulder, she shrieked, “Whoa! What is it with you and the caveman act?”
“It’s all you, baby.” I gave her ass a light smack as I told her, “You bring it out in me.”
“Oh, really? Well, I’m not so sure that’s a good thing.”
“Oh, it’s definitely a good thing. You’ll see.”
I carried her up to my bedroom and tossed her onto the bed. A flash of desire crossed her face as I eased down on top of her, hovering above her for a brief moment before I lowered my mouth to hers. Riley’s mouth was warm and soft, and each swirl of her tongue made the blood rush straight to my cock. The feel of her body against mine sent me over the edge, and my hands suddenly became rough and impatient. I had to have her—all of her.
I lowered my mouth to her neck and whispered, “I never could’ve imagined”—I ran my lips leisurely from the curve of her jaw down to her shoulder—“that I’d find someone who can get to me like you do.”
“I feel the same way about you,” she rasped as she pulled her sweater over her head and tossed it to the floor. As she unfastened her bra, she whispered, “You’re all I can think about.”
I continued trailing kisses past her collarbone, and her fingers tangled in my hair, pulling me towards her when my mouth reached her breast. Heavy breaths and low moans filled the room as I flicked my tongue against her nipple. Her head fell back, and goosebumps prickled across her skin as my fingers worked their way across her abdomen, through the waistband of her jeans, and further down between her legs. A small whimper escaped her throat as my fingers grazed across her center, circling her, teasing her. Unable to contain herself, she rocked her hips forward, begging for my touch. Fuck. I could barely contain myself. Seeing her so wound up made my cock grow thick with need. I eased my fingers deep inside her, and I’d just begun to stroke her when she moaned, “Oh God, Lincoln … Please, don’t stop.”
The moment I brushed my thumb against her clit, I felt her begin to tremble. Knowing she was close, I increased the pressure as I grazed my fingers over her g-spot. Her breath quickened, and her head dropped forward as her entire body tensed with her release. When I saw her body jolt and writhe beneath me, I was done. I couldn’t wait a moment longer to have her; I withdrew my fingers and moved my hands to the waistband of her jeans. Once I had them unfastened, I gave them a tug, removing them in a blink and tossing them to the floor. Equally as eager, Riley reached for the hem of my shirt and pulled it over my head then started to work on my jeans. In a matter of seconds, we were both completely undressed, and we spent the next two hours tangled in each other’s arms. I didn’t want her to leave. I wanted her to stay there with me, safe and warm in my arms, but I didn’t listen to that voice in my head and let her walk out that door. It was a mistake I would soon come to regret. Once again, I’d forgotten my rules. I let myself push them to the back of my mind, thinking they didn’t apply to her, but I was wrong—very, very wrong.
14
Riley
There was no denying that I was attracted to Murphy. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I’d had to fight to keep my hormones in check. Obviously, there was good reason for my lustful reaction—the man was gorgeous from head to toe with a confident, no-excuses attitude that was impossible to ignore. I was intrigued by him, both mentally and physically, but over the past few days, I’d gotten the chance to see that there was more to him than just his sexy exterior. Murphy was fierce, demanding, and strong. He liked to be in control in all aspects of his life, and he had a short fuse. It didn’t take much to get him riled, but he also had a kind, compassionate side to him. Murphy put others first, even if that meant compromising himself and what he wanted. He was sweet and funny, and I felt good whenever I was around him. He made me happy, really happy, and because of that my feelings for him were quickly growing into something more.
After an amazing day in Tunica and a night wrapped in his arms, I went back home and found my father sitting at the kitchen table with a troubled look on his face. I wasn’t sure if he was thinking about me, Devon, or my brother, so I asked, “Are you okay?”
Without looking up, he answered, “I’m fine.”
“Have you eaten dinner? I could fix you …”
“I’m not hungry.” He sounded utterly defeated as he stood up and said, “I’ve got some things I need to tend to. I’ll be in my office if you need me.”
I wasn’t used to seeing him like this, so I asked, “Are you sure you’re okay, because you don’t seem like you are?”
“I told you I was fine. I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”
“Is it that Devon guy? Are you worried—”
“I’m handling it, Riley,” he bit out. “I don’t need you making things harder by asking questions.”
“I’m sorry. I was just trying to help.”
“If you want to do something to help, then stop seeing Murphy. That’ll give me one less thing to worry about. Can you do that for me?” When he saw the expression on my face, he grumbled, “That’s what I was afraid of. You’ve fallen for this guy. Dammit! A no-good-rotten-piece-of-trash has won the heart of my precious daughter, and I’ve got no one to blame but myself. I’ve made a mess of everything!”
“It’s sad how you can’t see that you’re wrong about Murphy, Dad.” I sighed as I started for the stairs. “I really hope you figure that out before it’s too late.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” When I didn’t answer, he stormed into his office and slammed the door. “Dammit!”
With a heavy heart, I went up to my room and crawled into bed. After I sent Murphy a text, letting him know that I made it home okay, I pulled out my books and tried my best to prepare for my test. I had no idea how long I’d been studying when I fell sound asleep. When I woke up the next morning, the house was completely empty with no sign of my dad or Hunter. Feeling relieved that I wouldn’t have to face another confrontation, I made myself some coffee and headed to class. As soon as I finished my test, I went out into the hall and took out my phone. I was about to call Murphy when I remembered that he’d told me that he was going on a run with his brothers. I had no idea what a run was or how long something like that would take, but I could tell by the way he spoke that it was important to him. When I’d asked him about it, he told me that club business was never discussed outside of the club. At first, I took offense to it, thinking our newfound relationship gave me privy to such information, but then he explained their reasons behind their secrecy. It was then that I realized there was still a lot about the club and about him that I didn’t know or understand, but Murphy assured me that when the time was right he would explain everything to me. I just had to be patient, which wasn’t exactly one of my strong suits, but Murphy had left me with no other choice.
Since Murphy wasn’t available, I decided to run by and see Grady. It had been a couple of days since that night at the bar, and I was hopin
g that he’d had a chance to cool off. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. It was just after two p.m. when I got to the bar, so I figured he was working in his office. I walked in and found him sitting at his desk going over some paperwork. I put on one of my best smiles as I said, “Hey, you busy?”
“Hey.” He glanced up at me and said, “I thought you were coming by yesterday after you got out of class.”
“I was planning to, but something came up.”
He didn’t hide his disapproval as he asked, “Did this something have anything to do with that guy from the other night?”
“Maybe.”
“And what did you two do?”
I couldn’t help but smile as I told him, “He took me to one of the casinos in Tunica. It was so much fun, and I actually won three hundred dollars!”
“Sounds like you had a great time.”
“I did.”
“And the other night when he carried you out of my bar like some kind of animal, did you have a good time then, too?”
“Grady.”
He paused a moment, then crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. “Look, I hate to be the one who puts a damper on this …”
“Then, don’t.” I went over and sat down in the chair beside his desk. “I’ve already heard it all from my father, besides … you’re supposed to be on my side.”
“I am on your side, Riley. I always have been, but I can’t help that I’m worried about you.” Sincerity crossed his face as he said, “You mean a lot to me, and I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I know and you mean a lot to me, too.” I placed my hand on his arm and added, “I appreciate your concern, but I really like Murphy, and I want to see where this thing goes.”
“I just don’t get it. What is it about this guy?”
“I don’t really get it either. I just know I feel more like myself when I’m with him than anywhere else.” I wasn’t sure if I was making any sense. “Do you have any idea what I’m talking about?”
“Yeah. I know exactly what you’re talking about.” His mood turned somber as he continued, “A connection like that is rare at best.”
“So, you get why I want to pursue this thing with Murphy.”
“I do, but if he hurts you, I’ll kill him. Be sure he knows that.”
“I’ll be sure to tell him,” I scoffed.
“So, what do you have going on today?”
“I should probably get back to the farm.” I stood up as I told him, “I’ve been a little busy, and I haven’t taken Anna Belle out in days.”
“You wanna grab a bite to eat or something before you go?”
I thought back to the night before and the worried look on my father’s face. I knew he was concerned about Devon, and I didn’t want him to face that alone, so I said, “I should really get home. Can I get a raincheck?”
“Sure.”
“Thanks, Grady. You’re the best.” I leaned towards him and gave him a quick hug. “I’ll see you soon.”
“You better.”
Once I’d left his office, I got in my car and drove back towards the farm. I wasn’t too sure if I wanted to be there when Devon came for the weapons he was after, but I didn’t like the idea of my father being there alone with him even more. When I got home, I was surprised to see that Travis was the only one around. Worried something might be wrong, I went over to him and asked, “Have you seen Dad?”
“Not since this morning.”
“Did he mention where he was going?”
“Yeah.” He continued to check Starlight’s hooves as he said, “He said something about meeting up with some guy. He had a package to pick up or something,”
Assuming the package he was getting had something to do with Devon’s threat, I asked, “Any idea when he’ll be back?”
“No idea.” He looked up at me and asked, “Why? You need something?”
“No. He never mentioned that he’d be gone, and I wanted to see where he was.” As I started towards him, I asked, “Have you had a chance to check on Anna Belle’s hooves?”
“Yep. I did a few minutes ago.”
“Great. I’m going to work with her a little, then take her for a ride.” As I started towards the house, I told him, “I’m just going to run in and change first.”
“I’ll saddle her up and take her out to the training ring for you.”
“Thanks, Travis. I’d appreciate that.”
I went inside and changed into my jeans. A cold front was coming in and it really was starting to get a little chilly, so I decided to put on an undershirt with one of my bigger hoodies. I grabbed an extra pair of socks and went downstairs to get my riding boots. Once I was ready, I put on my coat and headed towards the training ring. I was pleased to see that Travis was already there with Anna Belle. He was adjusting her saddle when I came up to them. “Thanks for getting her ready for me, Travis.”
“No problem. I’m sure she’ll enjoy some time out with you.”
I reached my hand up and scratched behind her ear. “Hey there, sweet girl. Are you ready to stretch your legs a bit?”
“Don’t be out too long. It’ll be dark soon,” Travis warned.
“I won’t.” I put my foot in the stirrups and pulled myself up. “I’ll be back in an hour or so.”
I tugged the reins and let her out of the training ring, and I was just about to head out to the back pasture when I noticed my father’s truck coming down the driveway. Curious to see if he was okay, I stopped and waited for him to pull up to the house. I watched as he got out of the truck, and the minute I saw his face, I knew something was wrong. Panic washed over me as I heard him tell Hunter, “We need to be prepared for the worst here, son. I’ve got no idea how this is going to play out.”
I got off Anna Belle and led her back over to the fence beside the driveway. After I’d secured her to one of the rails, I walked over to my father and asked, “You seem upset. What’s going on?”
“Riley!” His eyes widened with fright as he asked, “What are you doing here?”
“It’s after five, Dad. Why wouldn’t I be here?”
“Damn. You’ve got to get the hell out of here before Devon—” his voice was filled with urgency, “You need to get your things and go to Grady’s.”
Knowing it wasn’t a time to argue, I answered, “Okay. I just need to get Anna Belle back in the stable.”
“Make it fast. There’s no telling when he’ll show up.” As I turned towards Anna Belle, I heard Dad say, “Hunter ... go get your rifle. Get one for me and Travis too.”
He was trying to prepare for Devon’s arrival, but he was too late. I’d only taken a couple of steps towards Anna Belle when his black BMW came barreling down our driveway, much like it had two days earlier, but this time was different. This time Devon wasn’t alone. I glanced back over at my father, and he looked positively petrified. Seeing that he was terrified didn’t help the dreadful fear I was feeling as I watched the BMW park and four men get out. Devon walked over to my father and asked, “You got my shipment?”
“I-I’ve been trying to call you,” he stammered. “I’ve got everything lined up … but I need more time.”
“You had time, Nichols.” Devon turned to one of the men beside him and gave them a quick nod. He looked back to my father, and with a look of utter nonchalance, he told him, “Now, your time is up.”
The tall, bulked-up brute-of-a-man took a charging step in my direction, and I knew I was in trouble. I turned and began to run, but the sound of gunfire stopped me in my tracks. I stood there frozen, and the world around me stilled as I watched my precious Anna Belle’s lifeless body collapse to the ground. I thought back to the day my father had given her to me and how much she’d meant to me. My heart shattered into a million pieces when I saw the bullet wound between her eyes as I screamed, “No! Oh God, no!”
I’d only taken a few steps when I was quickly jerked back. “Where you do you think you’re going?”
The man lifted my
feet off the ground as he hurled me back over to my father. Devon took the gun that he’d used to kill Anna Belle and pressed it firmly against my temple as he growled, “I told you to have my shit here within forty-eight hours, and you disappointed me. I don’t like being disappointed, Nichols.”
“It’s on its way. I just need some more time,” my father pleaded. “It’ll be here by morning. You have my word.”
“You better hope it is, cause if it ain’t …” He motioned his head towards Anna Belle as he continued, “The same thing that happened to your horse over there is gonna happen to your girl. You got that?”
The blood drained from my father’s face as he said, “Yeah, I got it.”
“Let’s roll, boys.”
Devon kept his gun pointed at my head, and my heart was racing as he led me over to his car. When my father realized what was happening, he shouted, “Wait! What the hell are you doing?”
“What the fuck does it look like I’m doing?” He chuckled as he shoved me into the backseat. Horror washed over me when I heard him say, “I’m taking this sweet ass with me to make sure you follow through. You’ve got till morning, Nichols, or she gets a bullet in this pretty little head of hers.”
“Devon, please don’t do this. I’ll keep my word.”
Unfortunately, he didn’t listen. Once I was in the car, two men got in next to me, securing me on either side, then Devon and another man got in the front seat. Once they closed their doors, Devon started the car and whipped out of the driveway. When we drove by Anna Belle, my chest tightened, and I had to fight the urge to cry. My stomach was in knots, like I was stuck in a horrible nightmare, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t wake up. Only this was no dream. I was wide awake, and my life was hanging in the balance. I was lost in my own thoughts when one of the men next to me said, “Yo, Marcus. Did you see that dude’s face when Devon killed that fucking horse?”
“Yeah, man. He about lost his shit.”
“Well, he got the message.”
Devon chuckled. “Yeah, I made sure of that.”