by Chiah Wilder
“That’s what I thought. We got some serious shit going on with the club, and you’re acting like a fuckin’ teenager with outta-control hormones. Get your shit together. Now.”
Throttle kicked the chair with his boot and sat down, the fire still raging inside him. He couldn’t even look at Rags because he’d be over the table and in his face again in a second. He didn’t want anyone disrespecting his woman. And Kimber was his—he’d claimed her. Was he ready to make her his old lady? He wasn’t sure how she felt about him. He wanted her to tell him she loved him. Fuck, listen to me. I’m acting just like a girl. I’m so fucking obsessed with her. Not only obsessed but addicted to her scent, her taste, her soft skin, and her laugh. She consumed his heart and his every thought; she was the spark to his flame. How could he not beat the shit out of anyone who dared to diss her?
“You know damn good and well that if she weren’t fuckin’ Throttle and working for Hawk, we’d make sure she disappeared,” Hoss said. Jax and Axe held Throttle down.
“Calm the fuck down, will you?” Banger stared fiercely at him. “How involved is your woman with the Demon Riders?”
“She’s not,” he gritted. “She’s from Iowa, and she hooked up with one of the fuckers and became his old lady. She ran away after he beat the shit outta her, and she hasn’t been back since. That was a few years ago. She cut all contact with him. She didn’t even want to get involved with bikers again.”
“Did your cock change her mind?” Bones made sucking sounds and the brothers broke out in raucous laughter.
“Easy, man,” Jax said as Throttle started to rise.
Banger slammed the gavel down. “Enough of this shit. You trust her, Hawk?”
Hawk nodded.
“That’s good enough for me. Jax, you’re gonna be back in your Sergeant-At-Arms position ‘til Rock gets his ass outta jail. Cara and one of her lawyer friends in Denver are sorting all this shit out. Once he’s back, he gets his position back. Got it?”
Jax nodded. “I didn’t think Banger would ever let me near an officer’s patch again,” he said in a low voice to Jerry and Throttle.
“He’s mellowed since Harley was born,” Jerry said. “Instead of yelling at me and giving me dirty looks each time I come over when Kylie’s home from college, he does it every other time. I’m making some damn progress.” Jax and Throttle chuckled.
“There’s gonna be retaliation for killing one of the fuckers. The Demon Riders won’t forget it, even though they were aiming to kill me,” Banger said.
“It was self-defense all the way,” Axe replied.
“The bastard deserved to die. He was playing dirty, so he got snuffed out. We have our brother Rags to thank for saving our president’s life.” Hawk jerked his chin at Rags and all the members jumped to their feet, chanting, “Insurgents Forever, Forever Insurgents.” A swell of pride filled Throttle as he chanted along with his brothers, his fist held high.
After they settled down, they looked to Banger. “Dustin and Shack were there, and I wouldn’t put it past them to have been the instigators behind the fight. They’ve been aiming to kick our asses and kill me since we beat and ousted them from the Insurgents MC. We gotta watch them and keep our ears finely tuned to the grapevine. They will retaliate.”
The brothers nodded in agreement. “You think the Deadly Demons knew about this?” Jerry asked.
Hawk and Banger shook their heads. “Nah, I don’t think Reaper wants to break the truce we have. He’s a sharp president, and a fight at an expo wouldn’t be worth starting a war,” Hawk said. “Besides, they know we got a shitload more money than them, so we can buy the big-ass weapons.” He laughed.
“I saw Reaper earlier in the morning, and we acknowledged each other. I don’t think he knew the Demon Riders were gonna start shit, even if they are affiliated with the Deadly Demons.” Banger took out his bandana and wiped his forehead. “We’re on high alert. Hawk will be fielding the communications to see what pops up, but we all gotta make sure we keep our women and kids safe. If something comes up or escalates, we’ll have to do a lockdown.”
Lockdowns were common when the Insurgents were embroiled in a conflict or war with a rival club. It was a necessary evil in the outlaw world, and hated by the women who loved the outlaw bikers. Until a volatile situation was deactivated, the old ladies, children, and girlfriends were moved into the clubhouse for protection. They couldn’t venture one step outside the walls unless accompanied by one or two of the brothers. In times of war, they weren’t allowed out at all. The Insurgents hoped it wouldn’t come to that, but they had to be prepared for it; retaliation for killing a member of a rival club was inevitable. The only thing to figure out was when it would occur.
“Seems like that’s all we got to discuss for now. If something comes up, we’ll call an emergency church. Go on, grab a drink, and get some pussy. Church is adjourned.” Banger tapped the gavel on the table. The brothers shuffled out of the room and headed to the great room, where the prospects had their drinks waiting and the club girls had their legs spread.
Hunched over on a barstool, staring at the mirrors behind the bar, Throttle threw back his shot, the rich amber liquid sliding down his throat like a fiery caress. Sturgis was in one month, and he knew it would be a powder keg when the Insurgents and Demon Riders crossed paths again. He was up for the fight, but he didn’t want Kimber getting caught in the cross-fire. He knew he should tell her to stay home because it was too risky. Yeah, like she’s really gonna listen to me. Sometimes her stubbornness was too much. They could always go next year. So I’m planning for us to still be together next year? Of course I am. She’s in my fuckin’ blood.
“You wanna come by tonight to play some poker?” Jax asked as he popped a green olive in his mouth.
“Can’t. I’m taking Dawn, Olivia, and Kimber out to dinner.”
“I fuckin’ can’t believe that the brother who was the most cynical ‘bout our old ladies is lovesick over a mechanic.” Jax chuckled and popped in another olive. “These are damn good. Usually the olives we get taste like ass. You should try them.”
Throttle chomped on a couple. “They are good. One of the old ladies is responsible for this. Whoever it was probably tasted the shit we had and thought we deserved something better. I bet it was Belle.” The prospect ran over and filled the nearly empty bowl with more olives.
“What of it, man? Jax is right. You gave me so much shit about Addie, and here you are fighting any brother who even jokes about Kimber. Never thought I’d see the day you had an old lady.” Chas laughed.
“She’s not my old lady.” He narrowed his eyes.
“Yet,” Jax said, and Chas, Jerry, and Axe broke out laughing.
“Don’t sweat it, bro. Once you take the step, you’ll wonder how you ever thought easy pussy was enough.” Axe took a handful of peanuts from the bowl next to Throttle.
“I’d like to stay here and chat with you about the pros and cons of easy pussy, but I gotta change and head out to Kimber’s.”
As he walked away, he heard the guys say, “Definitely gonna make her his old lady. He’s so pussy-whipped.” He gritted his teeth and climbed the stairs to his room.
* * *
When she opened the door, Throttle’s gaze traveled up her body, caressing every inch of her. Her halter top, tropical print sundress hugged her in just the right places, and he felt his jeans tighten when he saw her pink-painted toenails in the strappy high heels. The image of her legs wrapped around his waist with her heels digging into his ass made his pants snugger.
“You’re early,” she said as she stepped aside. “I have to put on my lipstick and change out my purse.”
He drew her to him and dug his fingers in her inner thighs. Burying his face in the space between her ear and neck, he nibbled her soft skin, whispering against it, “Seeing you in your short dress and fuck-me heels drives me crazy. Your scent, your body, your look make me hard as hell. What’re you doing to me, babe?” He covered her mouth
She pulled away slightly. “Oh, Throttle,” she murmured on his lips before he pushed in deeper, swallowing her moans.
In and out he thrust his tongue inside her warm mouth, and she fisted his muscle shirt and rubbed her knee against his throbbing dick. She arched her back and pushed against him, her hard and erect nipples burning his skin. “You’re so fuckin’ irresistible,” he breathed. His hand glided underneath her dress and he slipped his finger inside her panties, tucking it between her wet folds.
“I love it when you touch me there,” she panted, then groaned when he inserted his finger in her heat.
“And I love it when you’re wet. It tells me how badly you want me.” He shoved his finger deeper.
Each groan, whimper, and yelp of pleasure hit him like a Taser straight to his dick. He couldn’t remember ever wanting a woman as badly as he wanted her. His fingers stretched and twisted inside her heated wetness while his thumb stroked her hardened nub, and he felt her skin tremble beneath his touch.
“You’re driving me crazy,” she said, then zipped down his jeans, freeing his throbbing dick. While she squeezed and moved her hand up and down, they kissed hotly, the fire in him raging.
“How do you make me so wild? All I ever want to do is touch you, fuck you, and just be with you.”
A whimper of enjoyment escaped from her throat, and he felt her walls clamp around his fingers. With her head thrown back, she screamed out, her body trembling in his arms. He held her close as he stiffened, a surge of tension ripping through him before he released his warm streams. He grunted, and they held each other as their climaxes peaked and then descended, pressed together as one. They panted softly into each other’s ears.
After several minutes, Kimber kissed him tenderly and broke away, pulling down her dress. “That was some greeting.” Her eyes sparkled.
“Yeah.” He looked down at the wet spot on his jeans and grimaced. “Fuck.”
Kimber laughed and held out her hand. “Give them to me. I’ll throw them in the dryer for a few minutes.” She took his jeans. “I have to freshen up. Grab a beer and I’ll be back soon.”
While he sat on the couch in his boxers, drinking a beer, his phone pinged. He looked down and smiled.
Dawn: U coming?
Throttle: Soon.
Dawn: When?
Throttle: 20 to 30 minutes.
Dawn: K. Livi’s been asking.
Throttle smiled.
Throttle: Tell her to hold on. I’m coming. I’m bringing someone.
Dawn: Who?
Throttle: Her name’s Kimber.
He braced himself for the onslaught of questions his sister would ask. He should have mentioned it when they’d spoken a few days before, but he wasn’t up to explaining what he had with Kimber. And all the shit that happened at the expo clouded everything else. He also suspected his sister was in cahoots with Mariah to get him back together with her. Another ping.
Dawn: She must be someone special for you to bring her. Never met any woman u know since Mariah.
Throttle: She is special. B nice.
Dawn: What about Mariah?
Throttle: What about her?
Dawn: Thought u 2 would hook up again.
Throttle: Fuck no!
“Your jeans are all dry—not a trace of evidence of any fucking.” Kimber handed him his warm pants and kissed him on the cheek. “Who’re you texting?”
He pulled her down next to him and kissed her shoulder. “My sister. Olivia’s freaking ‘cause I’m late.”
“Then we better go. I hope your sister likes me.”
“She will, and if she doesn’t, I don’t give a fuck.” He glanced down at his phone.
Dawn: U loved her a lot. She’s a changed woman. Don’t throw something good away because u can’t let go of ur anger.
Throttle: Not talkin’ about this. Done with Mariah. We’re leaving now. See you in 5.
He stood up and slipped his pants on, then put his vibrating phone in his pocket. “You ready?” he asked Kimber.
She nodded and, after setting the alarm and locking up, they walked to his pickup truck. “Where’re we going for dinner? I’m really hungry. I’ve been so busy with my small-business project that I haven’t eaten since last night.” She kneaded the back of his neck as he drove. “I’m taking tonight off. I’m free to do whatever.”
Throttle glanced at her from under hooded lids, a devilish smile dancing on his lips. “That’s good to know. I can fill up your free time real good.” He turned the corner and in less than ten minutes, he pulled up in front of Dawn’s house.
Before he could come around to the passenger’s side to help Kimber out, Olivia came barreling down the sidewalk, yelling, “Uncle Throttle!” He caught her in his arms, scooped her up, and hugged her close, planting a big kiss on her soft cheek. “You’re late,” she said, then giggled when he kissed her again.
“I know, sorry. I had shit to do, but I’m here now.” He put her down and grasped her small hand in his. Kimber closed the truck’s door and he turned to her, reaching out for her hand. “Kimber, this is Olivia, the cutest, smartest, and sometimes most ornery girl in Pinewood Springs.” He smiled as his niece giggled. “And Olivia, this is Kimber, the sweetest, prettiest, and most of the time most stubborn woman in Pinewood Springs.” Kimber swatted him on the arm as she smiled at him and Olivia.
“Where’s your mom?” Throttle asked as the three of them walked up to the house.
“She’s coming. She’s just finishing a phone call. Where are we going for dinner?” Olivia twirled around on the porch.
“I’ve been trying to find that out myself,” Kimber said softly.
“We’re going to Burgers & Beer Joint.”
“I love that place,” Olivia squealed, her dark eyes bright.
“You’re such a goofball,” Throttle said as he pulled her on his lap. “But that’s why I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Uncle Throttle. Mommy said you’re going to take us to the carnival next week.”
“Yep. It’ll kick ass. You can ask a friend to come along.”
“I already asked Ella and she said yes. I lost another tooth. See?” She pulled back her bottom lip, revealing a space.
“Pretty soon you’re gonna be toothless,” he said. She laughed loud like it was the funniest thing she’d ever heard.
Olivia wiggled off his lap. “I’m going to see what’s taking Mommy so long.”
When the screen door slammed behind the girl, Kimber brought Throttle’s hand to her lips and kissed it. “Thanks.”
“For what?”
“For sharing a part of you I didn’t think existed. Even though you don’t want anyone to know, you’re a real sweetheart.” She leaned over and kissed him gently on the lips.
Something deep inside him stirred and it twisted around his groin, moved up his stomach, and filled his heart. It scared the shit out of him; the biker who had blood on his hands from years with the brotherhood was afraid of love. He’d given his heart completely to Mariah, and she’d trampled on it. How could he be certain Kimber wouldn’t do the same? Even though she wasn’t anything at all like Mariah, she was still a woman, and women, in his experience, were fickle. Kimber hadn’t voiced her feelings for him other than having a good time when they hung out and loving the mind-blowing orgasms he gave her.
Looking at her right then, he saw something different in her eyes. Love? He wasn’t sure, but he didn’t want to go there until he sorted out whatever the fuck was coursing through him. He smiled weakly. “You know your ass is going to the carnival too.”
She burst out laughing. “Damn. I used to love going when I was a kid. I wouldn’t miss it.”
They locked gazes and a comfortable silence fell around them, only lifting when the screen door banged open and Olivia and Dawn came out. Throttle noticed the way Dawn checked out Kimber before he introduced them, and the way she kept staring at her began to irk him. He figured Dawn would have to get to know Kimber, and when she did, she’d see that his woman complemented him in a way Mariah never did. They settled in the truck, laughing and chatting all the way to the restaurant.
After dinner, he took them to Red Spot Creamery for ice cream. Kimber smiled and squeezed his hand, and he knew she was happy that he remembered it was her favorite ice cream place in town. He and Dawn waited to place their orders while Olivia and Kimber held their table.
“She’s real nice and pretty,” Dawn said as they waited in line. He nodded. “She seems so confident and driven. Damn, I don’t think I ever met a woman who was a mechanic. I’ve read about them, but I’m sure she’s the only one in town. I’m surprised you were attracted to her for that reason alone.”
“I gave her a hard time about it in the beginning. Fuck, I’m surprised too, but I like her confidence and independence. I was getting sick of all the chicks who acted like they couldn’t change a fuckin’ lightbulb.”
Dawn smiled, her gaze fixed on his. “You’re in love with her, aren’t you?”
Throttle darted his eyes from hers. “No… Fuck, I don’t know. I like being with her. That’s all.”
“You’re not fooling me. I know you better than anyone, and I can see by the way you act and look at her that you’re in all the way. I think it’s wonderful. You deserve to be happy and to have someone really love you. And she does love you. You know that, right?”
He shrugged. “Enough of this. What kind of ice cream do you want?”
“You’re not getting off that easily. You two need to stop hiding and tell each other how you feel. I want the mocha almond fudge, and Olivia wants the birthday cake. And you were right, Mariah is definitely not the right one for you. She couldn’t hold a candle to Kimber. Don’t fucking blow this.”
“You done now?”
“Yes.” She chuckled.
Dawn’s right. Kimber is the best thing that’s come into my life. And she’s the fuckin’ real deal. He placed their orders and helped carry the cones over to Kimber and Olivia. Sitting there eating ice cream with his three favorite women made him feel like he had all the pieces in his life. Since the day Mariah had shattered his heart, he finally felt like it had been put back together again, stronger and better.
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