Lady Guardians_Forgiven

by Reana Malori

  His buddy Wren had been calling him lately, trying to convince him to join his MC. They’d known each other back in the Army, had come up through the ranks together and served in the desert for far too fucking long. They each had scars, both inside and out. Wren had gotten out a year before him and came home to Virginia, hoping for a new beginning. The MC Wren joined had been his father’s MC and he’d needed something to hold on to, to keep him grounded now that he no longer had the Army.

  Reed, on the other hand, didn’t need anyone. More than that, he didn’t want to need anyone. Life was too fucking hard and to get caught up in another person wasn’t what he needed. He had his work, his mom, his siblings and his ride. What was better than that? Not a damn thing.

  “Can I get you anything else?” Reed looked up at the blond waitress standing next to him. Her smile was open and inviting him to partake in everything she was offering, including the items not on the menu. Tempted to take her up on her offer, his attention was pulled away by a voice calling out a greeting in the bar. Tilting his head slightly, he noticed the brown-skinned woman with the leather cut walking across the room. Well, damn. That was interesting.

  “Sir, anything else?” the pretty woman asked again.

  Glancing up at the woman, he lifted his glass, “Just another one of these, darlin’.”

  “If you’re sure,” she hedged.

  “I’m sure,” he smiled, removing his eyes from her face and taking another swing of the dark liquid.

  Shrugging her shoulders, she tossed her hair over her shoulder and walked away.

  Not giving her another thought, he continued watching the brown beauty as she sat on one of the stools and began chatting it up with the bartender. At first glance, it looked as if she were simply wearing a leather jacket, but now that the waitress was no longer blocking his view, he saw what he’d missed before. Patches were proudly displayed on the arms, with a larger one on the back of what he now knew to be an MC cut.

  “Lady Guardians,” he said out loud to no one but himself. Intrigued, he waited until the waitress brought his drink.

  “Here you go,” she said, placing the glass on the table in front of him.

  Pulling out his wallet, he threw enough money on the table to cover his tab. “Thanks. I’m headed over to the bar, but this should cover my tab with you.”

  He wasn’t wearing his cut tonight, even though he felt naked without it. When he met with clients, he traded his leather for a suit jacket. Laughing at the one time he’d seen some of his brothers when he’d been dressed in his monkey suit, they hadn’t recognized him. They gave him shit for weeks because of that. Prez had to step in and tell them to cut the shit. They could hardly get through a damn monthly meeting without someone bringing it up, and that would just bring on all the laughs and catcalls. Fuckers.

  “Are you waiting for anyone,” he said, climbing onto the seat next to the woman who’d captured his attention from the moment he heard her voice.

  As her gaze turned toward him, he was struck by the beauty of her face. Deep brown eyes framed by long, thick eyelashes that curved up, giving her a smoky look, stared at him. Perfectly formed lips colored with red tinted gloss were closed tight. Not smiling, but neither were they turned down in a frown. Her long brown hair was pulled back and covered with a pink bandana.

  She looked him up and down, not bothering to answer for a few seconds. He returned her stare, glad for the opportunity to look at her without needing to come up with an excuse. Apparently, she got her fill, because she turned away, lifted her drink and took a long swallow.

  “Since you’re already sitting down, I don’t think it matters.”

  “Well, it would be good to know if I need to be worried your Old Man coming up in here with hurt feelings. I don’t think either of us wants that, now do we?”

  Cutting her eyes to him for just a moment, her lips held the hint of a smile. “That was smooth. And no, I don’t have an Old Man.”

  “That’s just what I wanted to hear.” Swallowing the last of his drink, he motioned to the bartender for another. “Want a refill?” he asked, motioning to her almost empty glass.

  “Sure, why not,” she shrugged, giving a signal to the bartender.

  They sat in silence for a few minutes as they enjoyed the moment. Sometimes sitting quietly with someone could be better than having animated conversation with someone else. Reed felt good sitting here with this lady, whose name he didn’t even know.

  “What’s your name?”

  “Geneva. What’s yours?”

  “Reed.” Although it was technically his last name, that’s the only name he answered to for anyone besides his Mama. Even his little brother called him Reed, especially once he’d followed in the family tradition and joined the military. When he’d called and told Reed he’d signed the papers, he’d been so proud of his little brother, but he’d also been nervous as hell. A big brother’s job was to keep his younger siblings safe. He’d called in every favor he could to make sure Casey got into a unit with some of his buddies. Knowing he was Reed’s little brother, they’d do whatever they could to keep him safe and send him home in one piece when his contract ended.

  The velvet tones of her voice reached his ears, breaking him out of his thoughts. “Nice to meet you, Reed,” she raised her glass in a toast, which he returned.

  Looking around the bar, he’d noticed the change in clientele. This group was a bit rougher, and a hell of a lot louder. His senses went on high alert.

  “Ditto Geneva. So, how about we address the elephant in the room,” he said, his eyes motioned down to her cut.

  “What’s there to talk about?” Her eyebrows raised in question as she glanced down at him. “I think we both know exactly where the other stands.”

  Considering he wasn’t wearing his normal attire, he wasn’t sure how to take that. Then again, his client visit today could be a blessing in disguise. If he’d been wearing his cut, he was almost certain he wouldn’t have gotten this far. He knew he should have told her right away that he was a patched member of another MC, but he was being selfish. He wanted a few more minutes of just being Reed and spending time talking to a gorgeous woman.

  “Hmmm,” he mumbled, taking another swig. He’d come across female members of MC’s before and had no interest in getting to know them further. An acknowledgment to show respect was all he’d ever felt the need to do, and then he’d go about his business. But this woman caught his attention from the moment she walked in the door. With the crowd getting larger, he needed to make sure she was comfortable talking with him. He knew her crew was local to the area and her Club Prez had met with his on occasion, but he didn’t think that was a regular occurrence.

  “Cat got your tongue,” she teased.

  “No. Just wondering why some cat hasn’t made you his old lady yet.”

  Her entire demeanor changed at his words. She gave him another side glance, probably wondering why he was using that lingo. “I don’t need an Old Man.”

  “Never said you did, darlin’. But let me just tell you this, I’m surprised as hell there isn’t a line of men standing in this bar right now waiting for you to show them just a little attention. And that’s all I’m going to say on that for now.” Bold, yes, but he didn’t usually hold back his words, and there was no reason to start now.

  Laughter rang out and he smiled at the sound. It wasn’t loud and obnoxious, but neither wasn’t it a tinkling, giggling sound either. She had a woman’s laugh and he liked the way the sound traveled over his skin. “Well, damn Reed, tell me how you really feel.” Shaking her head, she took another sip.

  “In that case, let’s move from this bar. I want to look at you while we talk. Plus, this place is getting too crowded.” He wanted her all to himself and they were too exposed sitting here.

  Glancing down at her watch, she nodded. “Sure, okay. I don’t have anything better to do tonight. Let’s grab a booth. Hey Charlie, we’re gonna head over to grab a booth. Can you trans
fer our tab?” Geneva climbed off the stool and motioned with her head for him to follow.

  Watching as she led the way to their new location, he bit his lip as a jolt of electricity passed through him. His dick jumped at the sight of all those curves in his direct line of sight. He didn’t even think she was doing this shit on purpose. No. This was just her. And something about her called to his baser instincts. Taking a moment, he adjusted himself within his slacks before she could see. It wouldn’t do him any good to look like he was a randy teenager.

  She’d taken off her cut and gently folded it over her lap as she sat down. He didn’t blame her. There was no telling what kind of crap was on these seats. Even though they were fine sitting on them, a cut should never be placed upon something unknown. And neither could she hang it up in full view of others without it being on her back.

  The level of respect she showed her cut, made her even more interesting. There was no way in hell he was leaving this place without her. It may not be the gentlemanly thing to do, then again, he’d never claimed to be anything more than what and who he was. A son of a bitch (who’d more than likely smile at his phrasing) with a death wish, a big dick, and a knack for falling for the wrong woman.

  GENEVA LOOKED at the man sitting across from her and knew there was more to him than he was letting on. Although he looked and dressed like any other man sitting in this bar, there was something different about him. He was a little too comfortable in his speech. What normal guy asked a woman where her Old Man was? Then again, he didn’t have the look of an MC surrounding him and he looked clean-cut and business-like in his dark slacks and striped long-sleeve button-up shirt. The only things missing were his power-tie and dark blazer.

  The night was dwindling down and as she looked at her watch, more than two hours had passed. She’d texted one of her sisters earlier and told her she’d had a change of plans. She’d catch up with them this weekend. It felt too good having a man approach her and just want to sit and enjoy her company.

  “So, we’ve talked about where you’ve traveled, where you’d still like to go, your favorite foods, and the creepy crawlies that keep you up at night.” Reed’s voice flowed over her like molasses. Every time he spoke, she wanted to climb over the table and plant her ass over that large ass bulge she’d noticed earlier.

  “Sounds about right,” she hedged. Normally a private person, she was always hesitant to give out more information than necessary. These topics were safe.

  “What if I want to know more?” he asked.

  “I think what we’ve shared is plenty.” No way in hell she was falling into that trap.

  “I don’t think so. You know what I want to know?” His gaze fell on her breasts as they pushed up against her t-shirt.

  Without even looking, she knew her nipples had pebbled under his intense stare. He’d been doing that shit all night. Undressing her with his eyes as if he had fucking x-ray vision. Now, if he weren’t so fucking sexy, she’d be able to get her body under control and stop her core from quivering with need every time he gave her that look. The one that said he wanted to be balls deep inside her.

  “What do you want to know Reed?” Was that her voice all breathless and filled with need? Damn, it’s been much too long since she’s had some good loving.

  Leaning forward, he rubbed one long, thick finger against the back of her hand. Her breathing hitched, and she almost jerked away at his touch when she’d felt the zing of pleasure travel through her body at the touch of his skin along hers.

  “I want to know what you sound like when you moan my name.”

  Two could play this game. After all, she put Good Girl Geneva to bed for the weekend. “Maybe I’ll sound as good as you will when I make you call out God’s name and beg for mercy.”

  His smile almost brought a tear to her eye. Reed was too simple a name for him. His momma should have named him Lucifer, because he was definitely a fallen angel.

  “Baby, you make me beg for mercy, I’ll do whatever the fuck you want. I can guarantee you that.” Turning her hand over, he traced a pattern on her palm. It took every ounce of willpower she had to stay still as he teased her skin. “We don’t know much about each other.”

  “I know,” she said, not sure where he was going with this.

  “Do we need to? Is there more you need to know about me?” His blue-eyed gaze caught hers again and held her frozen in place.

  “Why would I need to know more about you?”

  “Because I plan to take you out of this place and fuck you until the sun comes up,” he said without a change of inflection. It was if he was talking about the weather in Florida.

  Shocked by his words, she stared at him as he continued holding her hand, waiting for her response to his question. Could she do this? Was she ready to sleep with a strange man she’d met in a bar? Looking over at him, her pussy screamed out Hell Yes, while her brain told her to slow down. To wait. That he was hiding something, and she needed to find out what it was.

  Then again, it was just one night. She’d probably never see him again. Who cared if she gave in for one and just let herself feel and enjoy life? Why not give herself this night? No work. No concerns about being the dutiful daughter and overachiever. Nor would she be the woman men looked at differently once they found out she was part of a motorcycle club. Reed looked at her with need and desire. What woman didn’t want that in her life, even if only for one night?

  Sure, she was pretty, so it wasn’t like she couldn’t get another man to fulfill her needs. But there was something about Reed that made her want to throw caution to the wind.

  “No, I don’t need to know anything else about you. Not tonight,” she finally answered.

  “Will there be a tomorrow,” he quizzed.

  Ignoring the question, he asked, she nodded to his drink instead. “Why don’t you close-out the bill. I think it’s time for us to leave.”

  “Damn right it is,” he said, pulling out a thick wad of cash and throwing it on the table.

  “That’s too much. You need to wait for the bill.” The accountant in her couldn’t stand by and allow him to leave that much money. The money he'd dropped on the table had to be almost double the amount of their actual bill.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” he said with a serious face. She almost laughed at how fast he was trying to get out of the bar. Looking down at his pants, she couldn’t hold it in any longer and burst out laughing. The man had to be in pain. The size of his erection was visible to anyone lucky enough to be looking at him from any direction. Placing her in front of him, he blocked the most visible view of his dick straining to break free. “You think this is funny, don’t you?”

  “Yup,” she laughed, waving to the bartender as they exited. “Night Charlie.”

  “Night, G.”

  “How come I don’t get to call you a nickname?” he groused, as they continued walking out.

  “We don’t know each other like that. I’ve known Charlie for years. Oh, you should know he probably has like ten pictures of us sitting together.” They exited the bar into the cool night and she broke away from him and headed over to her bike.

  “So, it’s like that, huh?” he questioned.

  “Yes, it is,” she said, climbing onto her baby and turning over the ignition. “Meet you across the way,” she said, pointing to a midsize hotel that looked like it was meant for business travelers.

  “Lead the way, sweetheart.”

  She watched him walk towards a big ass black truck that looked to be the newest model dually. It fit him.

  Smiling to herself, she wondered when she’d gotten so brave. Hell, it didn’t even really matter. That six feet four-inch man could give her exactly what she needed to make her feel good tonight. He was exactly what the doctor ordered, and she wasn’t turning back now. Pressing on the throttle, she pulled out of the driveway of the bar, Reed right behind her.

  Chapter Three

  As soon as the door closed behind them, Reed grabbed he
r around the waist. Careful of her cut, he brought her close and leaned his head down. “I’m very glad I stopped in that bar for a drink tonight.”

  “I’m glad you stopped as well,” she said, leaning up to kiss him lightly on his perfectly formed lips. Her tongue came out for a slow swipe along his bottom lip and he moaned low in his throat. Pulling back, she tilted her head. “Give me a second.”

  Releasing her from his grasp, he took a step back and watched her as she began undressing. The room had a desk with a chair and chaise lounge. Nice place for an unplanned rendezvous. Removing her cut, she took the time to place it in the closet on a hanger before coming back to stand in front of him. “Condom?”

  “Yes…I have plenty,” he responded in a strangled voice.

  Straddling his lap, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Rubbing her body against his, she knew he could feel the heat coming through her jeans. “That means you think we’re going to do this more than once tonight.”

  “Baby, I guarantee you that neither of us is falling asleep anytime soon. If you had plans for tomorrow, you should consider canceling them. You’re gonna be too tired to do anything but sleep.”

  “Cocky, aren’t you?” she teased, unwrapping her arms from his neck. She removed her T-shirt. The red satin bra was the perfect complement to her skin tone. “Should I be the only one getting undressed?”

  “Hell no,” he practically yelled. Grabbing her under the ass, he lifted her from the chair and stalked over to the bed. With a smile hovering on his lips, he dropped her down on the king-sized mattress. “Now let’s really have some fun.”

  Geneva was in awe of the man standing in front of her. He was rough around the edges, but polished and kind all at the same time. He had an air about him that told the story of things better left unsaid, but he also had this kindness to him that he couldn’t fully hide. And the way he looked at her, as if she were the only thing that existed in the world for him, did funny things inside her body.