by SL Schiefer
Smiling into the phone, I tell her, “I’m going to let you go and head to the grocery store before I come pick you up.”
“Alright, I’ll see you in a little bit then.” I end the call after telling her bye, and then head back upstairs, needing to go into my office to look over the numbers.
I haven’t told anyone—not even Creep—that it might be someone in our club stealing from us. I want to be absolutely sure before telling anyone. Discretion is key here as I don’t want the bastard to catch on and stop before I can catch him. .
Slamming the door shut behind me and locking it, I walk over to the desk and sit down in the chair behind my desk. Rolling closer, I pull the laptop over so I can start analyzing and figuring out where we’re coming up short and on what nights. Once I get the dates pinpointed, I’ll be able to compare it to the schedule of who worked those days.
This is something I really hate doing. I tell people when I hire them, no matter what they do, they will almost always be forgiven, but if they betray my club or steal, they’re fucking done. That’s it.
There’s no coming back from that.
***
I went to grab Raven and Jazz from work only to find out Creep had already picked up Jazz. I wonder if Raven has warned him off of her friend. I hope not because I want to be there for that.
I waited until after I picked her up to go to the store. That way she could pick out some things she likes to keep at the house. My plan is to keep her there as much as possible.
“You’re coming into the store with me,” I tell her when I pull away from the shop.
“Okay, you’re going to make me go into the store all dirty?” She wrinkles her nose at that thought.
Laughing, I tell her, “You’re beautiful no matter what you have smeared all over you.” She just shakes her head at me and turns to look out the window.
After spending entirely way too much time at the store, we finally make it back to my house. Once the groceries are all put away, and she has stashed her tampons somewhere in my bathroom, we get started on dinner.
Raven told me while we were at the store that she wanted to make avocado egg salad and smear it over tortilla shells. I was really disgusted by the thought it. It sounds really gross, but I kept tasting it as she was making it and it’s actually pretty good.
“Where did you find the recipe for this?” I ask her as she’s spreading it all over some shells and rolling them up.
She glances at me, her eyes lingering on my lips before turning back to the food. “I get on Pinterest daily and stalk for new recipes. This body doesn’t stay toned by itself. I try to eat healthy as much as possible. And, as you know, I like to work out as often as possible.”
“Do you need me to install a pole in here? If you do, I’ll have it done tomorrow. You can practice your pole dancing for me. Naked. No clothes allowed.”
Bumping her shoulder into mine, she shakes her head at me. It seems like that’s all she does around me. “I’m not dancing for you on a pole in your house. I could be bribed to give you a lap dance, but that is as far as I’m going to go with that. Now, go sit down at the table, the food is done.”
Following her orders, I abruptly turn away from her and go to the table, picking a chair that places me right across from where she’ll be sitting.
Raven brings the food to the table and pushes a plate filled with a couple rolls on it over to me. When I pick one up to take a bite, she sets hers down and places both of her hands, palms down, on the table. She looks like she’s steeling herself to tell me something.
“Listen, we need to talk about something that happened today.”
Alright, she has my attention. After telling me everything was fine, she is now confirming what I thought.
“Jake came to the shop today, but my dad wouldn’t tell me why he was there. I will tell you that my dad and Luke don’t seem too happy about me being with you, but Dad was even less thrilled after Jake had left. Jake left in a hurry and didn’t look happy.”
Grinding my teeth, I feel a headache start to form behind my eyes. “Your dad wouldn’t tell you why he was there?” She shakes her head. “Well, I’m going to need to go talk to your dad. I need to make him understand that Jake is not allowed in your shop. I understand that’s where you work, and you don’t want me interfering with that, but Jake is not allowed near you.”
She doesn’t argue with me. Good sign.
Chapter Twenty-Nine – Raven
I DON’T KNOW if Gunner thought I’d be upset that he didn’t want Jake to be around me, but this is one order I have no issue with. At. All. With everything that’s happened, I prefer the asshole has a freak accident and dies. Painfully. If I wouldn’t waste away in prison over killing a piece of shit like him, I would.
Needless to say, I was shocked as hell to see him in Dad’s office. As soon as I saw him in there, I went to see how Jazz was. She keeps a brave front as much as she can, but I know my best friend—that would shake her up. And I was right, it did. She texted Creep after Jake left to pick her up when he was free.
I’m not sure what’s going on in her crazy mind lately, because we haven’t had a lot of time alone like we used to for me to pry. I normally can get a good feel just based on things she says or on her facial expressions, but lately, it hasn’t been that easy. She's been spending a lot of time with Creep it seems, but I don’t even know what’s going on with that. I really need to do a girls’ night with just the two of us.
After Jake left the shop, Dad was acting strange. He had pulled Luke in and they were in there for what seemed like forever. I kept busy with the pretty ladies that needed work, but it didn’t do much to keep my mind off of it all. After Luke left the office, he and Dad both were just… strange. I can’t even explain it. Not to mention, Dad had no filter as he continued to remind me that he doesn’t think I should be with Gunner. Thankfully, Luke kept quiet on that topic.
“What are you thinking about, Angel?” Gunner asks, popping my thoughts. I have to admit, I love that he calls me Angel. I’ve never had someone I cared about call me by a pet name.
“I was thinking I could really use a girls’ night with Jazz.” I avoid eye contact as I say it, because I know with everything going on with Jake, that shit isn’t going to fly smoothly with him.
“Sure. She can come here anytime and hang out,” he nods in agreement.
I finish chewing the food in my mouth before I look directly at him. “Unfortunately, that’s not going to work.”
“And why is that?”
“Because you have a dick between your legs. Kind of breaks the girls’ night only rule. No dicks allowed,” I wink.
“Raven, with everything—“
I hold up my hand to stop him from continuing. “I know exactly what you’re going to say, so just don’t. I’m not asking you for permission, Gunner. I’m telling you I’m going to be doing a girls’ night with my best friend, and only my best friend. You can accept it gracefully, or you can pout about it, but the fact is, it’s going to happen. I need to talk with her, in private. I need my best friend, and I need to know that she’s okay.”
I watch him as his brow pinches together, his lips pursed. His hands resting on top of the table clench into fists for a few seconds before he opens them flat, pushing off the table as he stands, walks over and sits down next to me, turning his chair to face me.
“Is something going on I don’t know about?” He seems almost insecure right now.
“No.” I shake my head. “But I need to make sure Jazz is okay, mentally, even emotionally, and I haven’t had a chance to talk with her alone, without prying ears around. Plus, I miss her.”
“Don’t you see her every day at work?”
“Yes, Gunner, I do,” I sigh. “But it’s not the same. That’s work.”
He nods once before forcing a smile for me. “Okay. But I think you could do it somewhere where I can be there. At least in the same building to make sure you’re both safe.”
“We’ll figure it out. Thank you for not flipping your shit over this.” I lean forward and press my lips to his. What was intended to be a quick kiss of appreciation quickly grows into something more heated and passionate.
My fingers thread through his silky hair, gently pulling at the roots. A groan vibrates through his chest as I move closer to him, sitting on his lap.
Breaking the kiss to get some air into my lungs, my lips move across his jaw to his ear. My teeth nibble on the sensitive lobe before my tongue traces the outer shell. His fingers dig into my hips, pulling me to him harder as his hips rotate up, allowing his denim-clad cock to rub against my covered pussy. Too many damn clothes are separating us.
“I love you, Gunner,” I whisper into his ear before my lips begin their descent down his neck. A harsh intake of breath fills him, and I’m hoping that’s good sign. I’ve never actually told him I loved him before now, but I do. He may be a bit possessive, but in a way, I love him for it. It means he cares. I love how he takes care of me and makes sure that I and those I care about are safe. I love how he looks at me like he wants to touch every part of me at every moment of the day. I love how he genuinely cares about the members of his club. I may not fully understand the whole club thing, but their integrity and commitment to one another is remarkable.
The tips of his fingers gently brush my skin as he pulls my shirt up my body and over my head. I bring my hands back down and place them on top of his shoulders, allowing them to explore every curve of his arms, relishing in the satisfaction that comes from causing his muscles to contract from my touch.
His lips trail up my shoulder, his hot breath tickling my neck as he pulls my head back by my hair, tipping my face up. Our mouths clash, tongues dueling. I can feel my pussy cry for contact.
“Gunner,” I whisper breathlessly against his mouth.
“Say it again,” he orders, his voice low and hoarse.
“Gunner.”
“No, say it again,” he says once more before his lips trail over my face.
“I love you.”
“It’s about damn time you admit it, Angel.”
“Gunner, I need you.”
Without words, his hands grope my ass, supporting my weight as he stands. My legs wrap around his waist and my arms around his neck, the hair at the nape of his neck tickling the tips of my fingers. He sets me down on the table and wraps his hands behind my knees, pulling me forward until my ass is at the edge. Making quick work of my jeans, he discards them on the floor. I rid myself of my bra as he rips my panties from my body.
He takes a step back, pulling his shirt over his head and adding it to the growing pile at his feet. His eyes are hungry as they take in every inch of my body on display for him.
“Lie back.”
I follow his command, laying my head down, but my eyes never leave his. His hands begin to undo his jeans, and I feel like time is taking forever. I don’t want to wait anymore.
I watch him watch me as my hands glide down my neck, pausing over my breasts to massage and tease. He drops his pants and begins to stroke his length and it’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.
Placing my feet on the table, with my legs spread wide, I allow my knees to drop to the side, allowing him to see everything. My fingers dip into my pussy, gathering my juices before bringing them up to my clit. I apply just enough pressure to feel good, but not enough to come. I want him to be the one to make me come.
“God, you’re so fucking hot, Raven.”
I shake my head, my vision glued to his magnificent dick, hard and ready. His hand stroking it only adds to the need of me wanting it in my mouth.
“Come here.”
He shakes his head no as his eyes go back to watching my fingers while I fuck myself.
“Gunner,” I spit out through clenched teeth. “Get your perfect dick over here now and stick it in my mouth, or I’m going to stop and get dressed.”
His eyes grow wide, his palm pausing its slow torture.
“I want to suck your cock. Now.”
With no time wasted, he walks around to the side of the table and climbs on top so he’s straddling my head. He teases the seam of my lips with the head before he slowly pushes his way in. He’s too big to fit all the way in my mouth without me gagging, so I wrap my left hand at the base and begin to pump as I he slips in and out.
My right hand continues its assault on my pussy as I do my damnedest to take him into my throat. I gag on his dick when I jump at the unexpected touch of his tongue on my clit.
He pulls his hips back slightly allowing me to breathe before continuing his rhythm. When I moan against him—the result of the delicious sensations coursing through me—I hear him groan, swearing a half dozen syllables.
I can feel every muscle tighten in my core as my body begins to shudder.
Fingers begin to pump out of me ferociously, his tongue unrelenting on my clit. His hips pick up the pace, the head of his cock just touching the back of my throat with each thrust. I tighten my grasp and seal my lips as tightly as possible around him. I do my best to keep my rhythm up as my body begins to shake, screams threatening to erupt. The violent thrusts only make me come harder as his essence shoots down my throat.
Once his hips still and my uncontrollable shaking subsides, Gunner licks me clean before he pulls out of my mouth. He jumps off the table, walks around to stand between my legs, and holds a hand out for me, helping me sit up.
“I love that look on you.”
“What look?”
“The look you get after I give you a mind-blowing orgasm. A sleepy, peaceful, half-smile on your face. One of these days, I’ll have to take a picture so I can look at it whenever the hell I want.”
“Or… you could just make me have this look on a regular basis. I’d be okay with that,” I tease.
“I—“He’s cut off by the sound of his phone. Tipping his head back, he groans before turning around to answer his phone.
“What?” he growls.
Does he ever know how to answer the phone like a normal person?
“What the fuck are you talking about? Where’s Drill?” His empty hand is clenched into a tight fist, his knuckles turning white. “I’m on my way.”
I can’t fight the butterflies taking over my stomach. I was hoping what we just did was only a prelude of how the rest of the night would go, but now I know that’s not going to happen.
“Change of plans, Angel,” he sighs. “I need you to get dressed.” He retrieves my clothes for me and places them next to me on the table without another word.
Chapter Thirty – Mace
WE’RE BACK AT THE CLUBHOUSE. I left Angel with Jazz in the main room after pressing a hard kiss to her lips. To say I’m pissed is the understatement of the century. It seems like once we find our footing together something has to come and fuck it up.
All the guys are already in Church when I finally drag my ass through the door.
Slamming the door behind me, I yell, “What the hell happened to Drill?”
Creep stands up, holding his hands out in front of him. “Man, calm down.”
“Don’t fucking tell me to calm down! Jake was at her shop today! Jazz could have been hurt again or Raven could have been hurt. I’m not willing to take any risks when it comes to either of those girls. I know you’re on board with me there.”
“No, I know. I agree, but I need you to sit down and force yourself to chill long enough for me to tell you everything I know.”
Jerking my head in a nod, I walk over to the chair at the head of the table. Sitting down, I cross my arms over my chest. My control is barely holding on by a loose thread. I look at Creep, giving him my best ‘get the fuck on with it’ glare.
“Okay. So from what we can gather, Drill was sitting in his SUV outside of the shop. One of Jake’s guys came up beside him and shot him. Gun had a silencer, so that’s why no one knew what happened. He’s in critical condition at the hospital.”
I just have one quest
ion. “Who found him?”
“Anders did. He took him to the hospital, dropped him off, and then called me to let me know what was going on. Also said he didn’t want to deal with whatever rage you would have over this.”
Makes sense. “Did you go to the hospital to check things out?”
“I sent one of the prospects. I thought it was better if we stay here and figure out our next step. We need to do something now. This can’t be put off any longer.”
Sighing, I rub my hands down my face. “I know. We do need to do something. I think we need to bring everyone in. Call in all the brothers. We’re riding out as soon as they’re here.”
The guys all start to stand, but someone asks, “What are we going to do?”
Pushing the chair back from the table, I stand up, placing both hands flat on the table in front of me. “Tonight, we set their clubhouse on fire.”
Yells of “alright” and “about damn time” and “yes” are shouted throughout the room. I don’t waste time standing there waiting; I head out to find my Angel. Creep will let me know when everyone is here, and the rest of the guys here will gather all the shit we need for tonight.
Raven and Jazz are right where I left them. Walking up to them, and mumbling an excuse us to Jazz, I grab Raven’s arm and help her stand from her chair. “We need to go up to my room.”
Not waiting for a reply from her, I just stalk off in the direction of my room, hoping like hell this isn’t a time she decides she’s going to exercise her independence.
“Gunner, what’s going on?” she asks as she comes up behind me in my room.
Turning around, I wrap my arms around her and pull her into a hug. “Christ, I just want a couple days with you. No club. No fucking bullshit. No Jake. Nothing. Just a cabin somewhere in the middle of the woods. No cell phones allowed.”
“That sound so nice, but before we start planning a vacation, why don’t you tell me what happened? I want to help however I can.”
I don’t know how I lived my life without her in it. She’s everything I could have ever hoped for in an ol’ lady.