by Ramona Gray
“I’ve dreamt about your soft skin the last two days, butterfly,” he whispered as he unhooked her bra and removed it.
He took off his shirt and pressed his chest against her back as he slid his arms around her and cupped her breasts. He teased her nipples into stiff points, and she moaned quietly when he slid one hand into her shorts and panties and cupped her warmth.
He rubbed her clit until it was wet and swollen and she was grinding her ass against his crotch. He dropped his pants and pushed her forward until she was leaning over the back of the couch. He stroked her ass as she widened her thighs and clutched tightly at the rough fabric of the sofa.
“Hurry, Jax,” she said as he ripped open the foil package.
He pushed his finger deep inside of her and she arched her back and thrust back against him. He growled his approval before sliding his finger out and pressing the head of his cock against her. As he slipped into her warmth, he leaned over her and pressed a warm, wet kiss against her bare shoulder.
“I can’t stay away from you. I keep trying but – “
“Stop trying,” she interrupted.
He kissed her shoulder again. “Whatever you say, butterfly.”
* * *
“With all due respect, Mr. Golden, I think you’re making a mistake with Jax.”
Jimmy leaned back in his chair and stared at Mulroney. “Do you?”
Mulroney nodded. “He’s a risk. I know you love him like a son but he won’t be a good lieutenant.”
“And why do you say that?”
“Just a feeling.”
Jimmy laughed loudly and Mulroney’s face flushed. “Sir, just hear me out. He doesn’t have the smarts to be anything more than your bodyguard. You know that or you wouldn’t have kept him in that position for so many years.”
“I’ve kept him where he is because I needed his protection,” Jimmy said.
“Exactly. And you need him now more than ever,” Mulroney replied. “Chan chopped Johnson’s body into fucking pieces as a warning, sir. He’s coming after you.”
“I can handle Chan.”
“Can you?”
“I’m growing tired of you questioning my abilities, Mulroney. Jax is my lieutenant now and you’ll treat him with respect and, when necessary, show him the ropes. Do I make myself clear?”
“Sir, I – “
“Do I make myself clear?” Jimmy repeated icily.
“Perfectly,” Mulroney snapped.
“Good.”
* * *
“You’re late,” Cal grinned at Jax as he hurried into the nightclub.
“Yeah, I know.”
Cal clapped him on the back. “I covered for you. Told Mr. Golden you had texted me and that you were stuck in traffic.”
“Thanks.”
“No problem. I’m always happy to help out a – “
Cal paused and a brief frown crossed his face as he sniffed at Jax.
“What?” Jax asked.
“Nothing. You’d better get to Mr. Golden’s office.” Cal walked away.
Chapter 13
“Penny for your thoughts?” Rachel placed a glass of whiskey in front of him and leaned against the counter. Her generous breasts were nearly falling out of her shirt and Jax sighed inwardly.
“Not tonight, Rachel. I’m in no mood.”
She scowled at him. “What the hell, Jax? You think because Mr. Golden promoted you that you’re too good for me now?”
“Now?” He raised his eyebrow at her and she flushed before straightening.
“You’re a real dick, Jax Anderson. You know that?”
“I do.” He tipped his glass to her before taking a sip.
She snorted angrily and flounced away as Cal slid on to the stool next to him.
“Bad meeting with Mr. Golden?”
Jax shook his head and stared at the amber-coloured liquid in the glass. They had discussed the location of the next shipment, it was in a week, and he needed to figure out how to get the information to Darvin.
Not that it mattered, he thought bitterly. He and Mulroney were making the drop and without Golden there, the information was useless to the FBI. He might as well just –
“You know, I really couldn’t figure out why you were so uninterested in Rachel,” Cal said. “She’s gorgeous and those tits…”
He trailed off and eyed her chest appreciatively as she stocked the liquor bottles behind the bar.
“I told you – she isn’t my type,” Jax replied.
“But my sister is?”
Jax jerked on his stool and gave Cal a cautious look. “What the hell are you talking about, Cal?”
Cal laughed. “Don’t play dumb with me, buddy. My sister’s worn the same perfume for ten years. You think I don’t recognize it by now?”
He leaned forward and sniffed at Jax. “You’re practically drenched in it.”
“Cal, it was just supposed to be a one-time thing but I – “
“Oh, that’s supposed to make me feel better?” Cal interrupted. “My sister’s only good enough for a one night stand?”
“No! That isn’t what I meant and it’s more than that, okay? Your sister is – “
“Annoying? Nosy? Always right?”
Jax frowned at him. “She’s great, Cal.”
Cal nodded. “Yeah, she is. I love her to death and I have to be honest here, Jax – I don’t really love the idea of you banging my baby sister.”
“She’s a grown woman. She can make her own decisions,” Jax said tightly.
“She is. And trust me, even if I outright told her not to date you, she wouldn’t listen. She doesn’t like being told what to do.”
“I know.”
“How serious are you two?”
Jax didn’t reply and Cal frowned. “Don’t hurt her, Jax. I know I don’t look tough but Court took seven years of boxing and I’m a dirty fighter. You might win in a fight against us but it doesn’t mean we won’t mess you up.”
Jax laughed. “Are you seriously saying that you and Court will beat the shit out of me if I hurt your sister? We’re not in high school for fuck’s sake, Cal.”
Cal grinned at him. “Yeah, I know, but what kind of big brother would I be if I didn’t protect my sister?”
“She doesn’t need protecting.” Jax pointed out.
“True, but she’s always worrying about us – I figured it was time to return the favour.”
Cal looked Jax up and down. “Truthfully, I never thought we would have to worry about Mel. She’s always played it safe, and always dated the good guys.”
“You think I’m not a good guy?” Jax asked.
Hurt was trickling in and he pushed it away impatiently. He wasn’t a good guy.
Cal shook his head. “I didn’t say that. But I do think you’re going to break my sister’s heart.”
He stood and walked away.
* * *
Cal studied the woman who had just entered the nightclub. She was tall and slender with straight blonde hair that fell just past her shoulders. She also looked vaguely familiar and he wondered for a moment if she had ever used his services at the escort agency.
No, he decided. He would remember a woman like her. He hurried forward. “Welcome to the Golden Club. My name is Cal.”
He helped her out of her jacket and draped it over his arm, trying not to stare at her body wrapped enticingly in a bright blue dress. “Will you be dining with a party this evening?”
She raised her gaze to his face and his breath stopped in his throat. Her eyes were a clear green and her complexion was pale and perfect.
“No, I’m dining alone.”
Her voice sent shivers of need down his spine and he struggled to keep his desire for her from showing on his face.
“Excellent. Let me show you – “
“Hello, Jax.”
The woman was looking behind him and Cal turned as a whiff of his sister’s perfume filled the air.
“Hello, Jade.”
Jax hesitated before leaning down and kissing the woman’s cheek. “You look good.”
“So do you. It’s been a long time,” she said.
“I’m surprised to see you here.”
She shrugged. “I was close by, thought I’d drop in and see what changes have been made to the place.”
She glanced around the club and Cal elbowed Jax in the ribs. He grunted softly and cleared his throat.
“Cal, this is Jade Wilson. Jade, this is Cal Thomas.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Cal gave her his most charming smile and took her hand. He pressed his mouth against her knuckles before smiling again at her. She was staring at him with a bemused look on her face and she tugged her hand free.
“Forgive me, Ms. Wilson, but you look very familiar,” Cal said.
“Do I?” She replied.
“Yes.”
“Jade is the district attorney,” Jax said. “You’ve seen her on TV.”
Cal’s eyes widened and he gave her an admiring look as she stared silently at him.
“It’s an honour to have you here,” Cal said.
He gave Jade’s jacket to the coat attendant before extending his arm toward Jade. “I think the best table in the house and a complimentary glass of wine is in order.”
“That won’t be necessary.” She took his arm and Cal led her toward one of the more private tables. Jax was following them and he glanced behind him and gave him his best ‘get lost’ look. Jax rolled his eyes but continued to follow.
“Here you are, Ms. Wilson.” He pulled her chair out and unfolded her napkin, placing it on her lap as she picked up the wine menu.
“Why don’t you join me, Jax,” Jade said.
Cal frowned. Was there something going on between Jax and the district attorney?
“Thank you, but I’d better not.”
Jade laughed bitterly. “Of course. It would probably upset the old man.”
“No,” Jax said immediately. “You know he’d be fine with us having dinner but I’m working and – “
“Still defending him, huh?” Jade laughed again as Cal’s frown deepened. “Doesn’t matter what he does or says, you’ll always have his back. Won’t you, Jax?”
“This is neither the time nor the place,” Jax said quietly.
“No, I suppose not.”
Jax hesitated before touching her shoulder. “What are you doing here, Jade? This isn’t a good idea.”
“What do you know of good ideas? You still work for him, remember? At least I was smart enough to get away.”
“Jade, he’s – “
“Jade?”
Jimmy’s voice echoed through the nightclub and Cal turned to see the old man hurrying toward them. He stopped beside the table, an unfamiliar look of nervousness crossing his face, before holding his hand out.
“It’s good to see you, Jade.”
She stared at his outstretched hand and he dropped it to his side. “What are you doing here?”
She shrugged. “I’m not allowed to be here?”
“Of course you are. I’m just surprised, that’s all,” Jimmy said.
“I bet you are,” she replied.
Jimmy glanced at Jax and Jade laughed. “Don’t worry, Jimmy. I’m done trying to help Jax see the truth about you.”
“I’m your father, Jade, and you’ll address me as such,” Jimmy snapped.
Cal’s mouth dropped open and he shut it with a snap as Jimmy leaned over the table. “And tell your damn FBI watchdogs to leave me the hell alone.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Jimmy snorted. “I mean it, Jade.”
“Sorry, Jimmy, you don’t get to tell me what to do anymore,” Jade said softly.
Jimmy’s face turned red and he clamped his hands around the edge of the table. “Always with the smart mouth. You’d better watch yourself or you’ll find your tongue ripped out of that smart mouth.”
Jax grabbed his arm and tugged him upright. “Enough, sir.”
Jade stared defiantly at her father as he breathed heavily for a moment before nodding. “You’re right, Jax, of course you are.”
He turned to Jade. “It was good to see you again, Jade. Have a glass of wine on me.”
He stalked away as Jax placed a hand on Jade’s shoulder. She jerked away. “Don’t touch me, Jax.”
“Jade, you shouldn’t – “
“Shouldn’t what?” She interrupted? “Shouldn’t goad him? Why the hell not? He spent years making my life hell, I deserve a little payback.”
She stood up as Mulroney joined them. “Jax? We need to go. There’s an errand we need to run for Mr. Golden.”
“Just give me a minute,” Jax said. “Jade – “
“This was a bad idea,” she muttered before storming past the three men. Jax groaned under his breath and Cal hesitated before chasing after her. Holding her coat over one arm, she pushed out of the club. Cal followed her, grabbing her arm and pulling her to a stop in front of the door.
“Let go of me,” she frowned at him.
“Are you alright?” He studied her face. Her cheeks were red with fury and she tossed her head impatiently before glaring at him.
“I’m perfectly fine. Let go of my arm.”
“Not until you calm down,” Cal said. “You shouldn’t drive like this.”
“Who are you? My mother?” She snapped. “I don’t need your help.”
He smiled charmingly at her. “Humour me then, alright?”
She stared up at him. “You think you can just smile at me and get me to do what you want?”
“It usually works on the ladies,” he said.
“Tell me, Mr….?”
“Thomas, Cal Thomas.”
“Tell me, Mr. Thomas, do you ever date women with any brains in their pretty little heads?”
He shrugged. “I dated a senator once. She dumped me for her personal trainer. Apparently I was too smart for her.”
She stared at him and he smiled again when her lips twitched. “Admit it, Ms. Wilson. You find me charming.”
“I don’t even know you.”
“That’s true. Why don’t I take you for coffee this week, and we can get to know each other better.”
“Not a chance. I don’t date men who are prettier than I am.”
He laughed. “I know you’re trying to insult me but considering that you’re drop-dead gorgeous, I’ll take that as a compliment.”
She pressed her lips together in an effort not to laugh and tugged on his hand. “Let me go.”
The door opened and Jax and Mulroney joined them. Jax gave her a worried look. “Jade, are you alright?”
“I’m just fine, Jax,” she snapped.
A car pulled up in front of the club and a man stepped out. Cal studied the automatic weapon in his hand with numb surprise. Why the hell did he have a gun? Was that type of weapon even allowed in the –
“Cal! GET DOWN!” Jax shouted as the man raised the gun.
Moving instinctively, Cal shoved Jade to the ground and dove on top of her as the man opened fire. The gunfire was deafening and dimly he was aware of Jade’s cry of fear under him as Mulroney screamed piercingly.
Mulroney was thrown backwards against the wall, blood pouring from the multiple bullet wounds to his chest and torso. He started to slide down the wall, already dead, and Jax cursed loudly and grabbed his body, using it as a shield as the man opened fire on him. He grunted in pain when a bullet went through Mulroney and lodged in his left shoulder. It spun him around and he slammed into the door before sinking to his knees. He fell forward, blood pouring from his shoulder, as the man moved toward Cal and Jade.
“I’m going to let you live.” The man had a thick accent and he pointed the gun at Jade. “So that you may give Mr. Chan’s regards to Golden.”
“Wait,” Cal said. “You don’t have to – “
The man turned the gun on him and Cal flinched when the shot rang out. The man stiffened and glanced down at
his chest. Blood was blooming on his t-shirt and he touched it lightly before holding his fingers out accusingly to Cal.
“What the fuck?” Cal whispered.
The man sank to his knees and Cal stared wide-eyed at Jax standing behind him and holding a gun in his right hand. Blood had soaked through his shirt and Cal’s eyes widened when he pressed the muzzle against the man’s temple.
“Jax, wait! Don’t – “
Jade screamed sharply and Cal flinched again when Jax shot the man in the head. He fell forward, his face smacking into the pavement, and Jax staggered back. He was panting harshly and Jade cried out when he tripped over the body of Mulroney and fell to the ground.
“Jax!” She wormed out from under Cal and crawled over to Jax. She pressed her hand against the wound on his shoulder.
“You’re going to be okay, honey. Just stay awake, okay?”
He nodded weakly and she glared at Cal over her shoulder. “Don’t just fucking sit there! Call 9-1-1!”
Chapter 14
Court sat up in bed and rubbed at his eyes before reaching for his ringing cell phone. He stared blearily at the number and groaned before answering it.
“Do you have any idea what fucking time it is, Cal?”
Julie stirred beside him and he rubbed her back lightly as he yawned. “Slow down, Cal. I can’t understand a word you’re saying.”
Julie sat up and turned the bedside lamp on as Court suddenly stiffened.
“Shot? What the fuck? Are you okay?”
Julie stared wide-eyed at him as he listened silently for a moment. “Are you sure you’re okay? Jesus, Cal. No, I’ll be right there, just hang tight, okay?”
He hesitated before frowning. “Mel? Why would I tell Mel?”
His eyes widened. “You’re fucking kidding me! Jesus Christ, what the hell is happening?”
Julie squeezed his leg reassuringly as he ran his hand through his short hair. “Okay, yeah, I’ll tell her. No, I’ll swing by her apartment and pick her up. If what you said is true, then I don’t want her driving. The last thing we need is for her to get in an accident. I’ll see you soon, Cal. I love you.”
He hung up the phone and Julie gave him a worried look. “What happened?”