HURRICANE (Beasts of Prey Book 2)

by LC Lehesaho

  "Did you fucking take my clothes again?" Cobra stares at me, bringing me back from my memories. Her hands are on her waist, head tilted to the side with a nasty scowl. She's wearing only underwear now, and my eyes roam down her perfect body. All the scars combined with her black tattoos only boosts up her beauty.

  She's an angel who knows Hell.

  Just like I do, but I'm no angel, never been. I was born out of sin into a wicked world that made me a sinner. Cobra is way too good for me but as selfish as I am, I can't find myself to care. If someone would've told me two years ago that getting us together takes two fucking years, I'd probably kill myself that night. Patience isn't my strongest suit.

  I really don't know how I lasted this long. Maybe it's the reason why I'm bat-shit crazy about her—finally every dream I've ever had about her is true and I'm not going to let them slip away, ever.

  "Baby girl, do you remember when I kissed you the first time?"

  An astonished expression spreads on her face as she looks at me. "You mean at Purgatory?"

  "Well, it was a night gone fucking sideways, but no, I don't mean that," I retort, trying to vanish the memory of the night from my mind. Jesus fucking Christ, it was one giant clusterfuck.

  Cobra arches an eyebrow. "You mean two years ago? The fundraising night?"

  I nod with a smug smirk on my face. She remembered.

  "Technically, it wasn't a kiss," she says, climbing to bed and starting to crawl up to me. Her ass sways from side to side as she moves, and I don't know what to look at. That fucking delicious ass, the cleavage which calls my face or my cock in between, or the sinful smirk on Cobra's face as she comes up to me. She slides her hands over my hoodie, brushing my cheeks with her fingers, and takes hold of the headboard behind my head, bringing her lips hovering over mine. "Your lips were on my neck. This is a kiss."

  I move my hands to her hips when she sucks my bottom lip into her mouth, giving it a little nip before releasing it to sweep her tongue in, swirling with mine. She claims me with the kiss, owns me with it, and makes my pores bleed with need. My dick throbs in my sweats so hard it fucking hurts, and I jerk her hips down on it, trying to make her move to ease the ache.

  But she won't fucking budge.

  Her thighs tighten at my sides as she straddles me, and with one quick move, she grabs her clothes from under my head. Cobra straightens, sitting on top of me with a playful smirk on her face, and tosses her sweats to the end of the bed.

  "Tell me, love. Where are we going?" she purrs, looking down at me through her black, long lashes.

  "I'm not gonna tell you." My voice comes out hoarse, and my eyes almost roll over as she starts to sway her hips, dry-fucking me. I grip her hips in ecstasy, panting as I watch her bringing her hands to her tits, rubbing them together. "Fuck, that's so hot."

  "Yeah? Want me to make you feel good?" She grinds me harder, and I know I could come just by this. I've never let any chick be on top of me like this, but Cobra? She can do anything she fucking pleases to me.

  And I want her to.

  I nod, anticipation making my head explode. "Mmhh, I want you to ride me, baby."

  She grins, sliding her tongue over her teeth. "Ready to pay the price, kitty?"

  When her words sink into my brain, I blink at her, stunned. "You gotta be fucking kidding me?"

  "Na-a, love." Cobra, the fucking tease, wiggles her brows at me, and rolls her hips on my pulsing dick, making me pant.

  "No, no." I shake my head, keeping my mind. "You can't be this cruel."

  She stops moving and pulls on the hoodie from the bed, leaving me blinking like an idiot.

  "I'm not. But if you're not ready to make a deal with me, I guess then you just have to wait." Cobra hops off the bed, pulling the sweats on, and smiles at me, all angelic. "Let's go, kitty."

  I get up from bed, shaking my head in disbelief. "You're a fucking devil in disguise, baby."

  She chuckles, clinging onto my arm, and blinks those Bambi-eyes at me. "And you bind yourself to me till the end of days with a blood oath. You're so lucky to have me, right?"

  Warm floods in my veins, and my chest expands from joy to see her so playful. I cup her face with my other hand, placing a kiss to her forehead. "Yeah, I'm the luckiest guy in the world, worm."

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Our fingers are mingled together as we make our way to the downstairs towards Dad's office. I can't stop glancing at Tiger on every other step. His dark chocolate brown hair is tousled like always, and he is wearing his regular attire, a black hoodie which licks his muscled arms, and fitted sweats. There have been those adorable dimples on his cheeks since I woke up from his couch, and looking at his happy face makes me even happier. We boost one another, but that's how it's always been. Whatever one feels, the other one mirrors it right back.

  I'm slightly disappointed he had the backbone decline from my deal, but it didn't come as a surprise. My strength of will is like a fucking boiled macaroni when it comes to him, but Tiger's is a goddamn iron bar. Once he decides something, it's carved into the stone right away.

  It's an admirable trait.

  "Hey, one thing." I tilt my head, looking up at him while we walk down the stairs. "Why did you ask about the kiss?"

  Tiger gives me a charming smile, squeezing my fingers. "Just wondered if you remember it."

  Oh, do I.

  "I remember every single second with you," I tell him truthfully. "You wrecked my brain that night."

  He stops, eyes narrowing in suspicion. "I did what?"

  I remember how my heart was pounding out of my chest, my brain turned into a fuzzy mess, and all I could think about was that he was actually touching me. And nothing had ever felt better. When he took his hand away, his lips left my neck, and the fire he possessed vanished from my nearness, it felt like I was dropped into the North Pole. I wanted nothing more than to turn around and nestle against his heat.

  Now, I do exactly that because I can.

  Stepping closer, I flush my body to his, and keeping our hands entwined, I lift my other hand to the back of his neck, caressing his smooth skin. Tiger's hand comes to the small of my back, keeping me close, as he watches me with a question in his eyes.

  "I'd been in love with you for three years, but the fact you were my best friend and my brother didn't fit well with it. I was able to keep my mind in order just ‘cause you acted like a brother. So, when you suddenly did that..." I twitch my nose. "You were all over my brain and never left."

  A corner of his kissable mouth lifts up as he looks at me with a sparkle in his eyes. "You're still my best friend, worm, but I'm not even a bit sorry I wrecked you. We wouldn't be here if I didn't."

  "True." A salacious smirk spreads to my face. "And I really like the way you wreck me."

  A low, raspy laugh rises from Tiger's chest, making my insides bubble. "Keep that thought. C'mon now, little vixen, when I still have a little bit of self-control left so I won't change my plans."

  I wouldn't mind, because I'm ready to catch up these five years I haven't been all over him. Besides, Tiger's ways of distracting me are wicked, and I love it. I've been able to breathe so freely after our otherworldly kitchen session that I feel like I've been reborn.

  I don't want to fall in reverse and let my demons catch up again.

  Tiger pulls me towards Dad's office and knocks on the oak door, making the indistinct voices cut off behind it. Dad's rich timbre welcomes us in, and I bet he knows it's us. He knows everything.

  When we step in, two pairs of eyes glue to us. Dad is behind his desk, leaning back on his chair, hands resting casually on the armrests, and when our eyes meet, his face melts into a smile. I answer it, but still, a drop of sweat pushes out of my neck, and I clutch Tiger's hand tighter.

  It will take time to get used to this.

  "Cobra, it is so good to see you. Are you well?" Romero inquiries from the leather seat in front of Dad's desk. His custom pinstripe suit molds to his big form gained with cin
namon rolls, not with protein bars. Still, he has a certain charm in his presence, the kind of wisdom only life experience can give to a person. Romero stands in his late forties, and he's been in the game way before Dad came here. I heard he also climbed up the food chain on his days—he's not always dressed like a businessman with slicked hair and expensive watch. Pronto Muerte is a big gang, and Romero has his spoon in every possible soup—just like Dad.

  I've always liked him, probably because when we were kids, he brought us candies every time he paid a visit to Dad.

  So, I give him an airy smile, lifting my free hand in the air, palm up. "Still breathing, so I guess I am. How's Evelyn?"

  Romero adores his wife, and it shows on his face. "She wanted a new kitchen and is hustling with the renovations as we speak. It reminds me," he turns his charcoal eyes to Tiger, "Evelyn was hoping if you could do a painting to one of the walls there. Do you have time, let's say next week?"

  Tiger swifts his gaze on me, pondering. I know what's going on in his mind, so I give him an encouraging nod. "I can come with you."

  He turns back to Romero, rubbing the back of my hand with his thumb. "Tell her we'll stop by on Monday, and she can tell me what she has in mind."

  "Great, she'll be so pleased," he says and nods towards our linked hands, then glancing at Dad. "Does that mean I have to be the bearer of bad news for my Cassie?"

  A fucking what?

  Why the hell would our relationship be bad news for Romero's daughter?

  I flick my eyes to Tiger, but he is sporting an utterly stony expression on his face, giving nothing out. My blood pressure rises incredibly fast, higher than never before. Dad nods and takes a sip from his whiskey before answering. "I think you do." He cocks an eyebrow at us. "You're leaving now?"

  "Yeah," Tiger retorts. "We'll be back before dinner."

  "Good." He stands up and walks around the table with smooth steps, his other hand going to the pocket of his cinereous slacks. Clearly, he takes something into his hand because he keeps it closed at his side while stopping in front of us. Or more like towering over us. Dad is even taller than Tiger, and he's not a fucking shorty. I feel like a minion standing beside these giants. I've concluded my mother must have hobbit blood in her because there is no other explanation for my pathetic five almost five. Well, Falcon isn't any taller than me, but she's a fucking fairy, so there's that.

  "Here." Dad hands Tiger keys to... holy shit. His motherfucking Mustang. And not just any Mustang. His brand-new custom-made Bullitt. Tiger looks as dumbfounded as I probably do as he takes them, while Dad continues. "Let's drop risks at a minimum for a while, so I suggest Yamaha stays inside the garage." It's not a suggestion, and everyone in the room knows it.

  Tiger clears his throat, furrowing his brows as he gathers himself up. "Sure thing. Is this the part where you tell me not to wreck your car?"

  "I don't give a fuck about the car. All I care about is the people in it, so make sure you two get back home safe. Pietro will be following you," he states matter-of-factly before turning to me. He cups my face before I can say anything and leans down to kiss my forehead. "I love you, Angel."

  Usually, Dad doesn't do things like this in front of his associates, even though he is above them. So, his move takes me slightly off guard, and when I manage to tell him the same, it comes out mumbling. Then his hand goes to Tiger's shoulder as he gives him an encouraging smile. "You too, boy. Take care of our girl."

  I see Romero's wide grin as he watches us, but when Dad turns around, he quickly fixes his face, pretending he was looking at the painting on the wall the whole time. Even though he is way older than Dad, and kind of his business partner, Romero still knows his place.

  There's only one king.

  And I'm lucky to call him my father.

  ~

  As Tiger rolls the jaw-dropping Bullitt out of the garage, and when we're finally alone, I turn to glare at him.

  "What was that thing about Cassie?" I try to keep my voice even but fail miserably. I sound like a bitter bitch.

  He laughs, the sound is sexy as fuck, and it sends vibrations through me. "Is that jealousy I'm sensing, baby girl?"

  I'm not in a mood for his teasing when my brutal crazy bitch is lifting her, yes, jealous head inside me. "Don't mess with me, or I'll stab you. What was it?"

  "Nothing, baby," he says, placing a hand on my thigh. "I fucked her a couple of times, and she's been trying to get me to go out with her after it. Trust me—"

  "You've fucked Romero's daughter?" I stare at him, gritting my jaw. I almost feel the horns popping out of my forehead.

  "Well, yeah, but—"

  "When?"

  "Jeez, a fucking year ago. Don't lose your shit, baby." Tiger moves his hand from my thigh, finding my hand instead. "Bear has boned her too, it's not a big deal."

  My mouth drops open, blood pressure taking a hike again. "What the fuck? You two have been sharing chicks? Jesus, did you fuck her at the same time—"

  "Cut it, Cobra," he snaps, an angry spike in his voice. "We didn't fucking share. I was with her first, and then she tried to make me jealous by fucking Bear, ‘cause I told her there's no way I'm going out with her." A sinister smile creeps to his face as he looks at me, caressing my hand with his thumb. I ping-pong my gaze between him and the road, which he isn't looking at. "And now when you're trying to get all worked up about the past, be a good girl and list down every dick you've been bouncing on ‘cause I can't fucking wait to kill them all for touching you. When you're ready to do that, then I’ll allow you to go crazy on me about the meaningless bitches I've been fucking while you haven't let me fuck you instead."

  I bite my lip, flush creeping to my face after realizing how stupid I was. What the hell was I even thinking? My head is clearly more messed up than I thought, and my hormones are going haywire. Great. I just made a fucking fool out of myself.

  "Uh, yeah, sorry." I puff out my cheeks before letting out a heavy sigh and rub my temple with a free hand. "That was stupid, I know. My moods are just a little bit all over the place. Forget I even asked, okay?"

  Tiger glances at the road before turning his captivating eyes back to me, his expression now softer than ever. "Baby, remember, you can talk to me. I'm not pushing you to do so, but I want you to know you can tell me anything."

  My stomach turns into knots, but I still force myself to nod. "Yeah, I know." I look away from him, taking in the surroundings. I recognize the suburb where he drove us. It's a middle-class neighborhood, station wagons in almost every drive way of the well-kept detached houses with cute little yards filled with kids' toys. Tiger slows down the Mustang and veers it to the only yard I've been in this area.

  "What are we doing here?" I ask while waving my hand to Elena, who peeks from the kitchen window, greeting us. Last time I saw her was Purgatory's opening night when she did our make-up and hair.

  "You'll see." Tiger smirks secretively before getting out of the car. I follow him, question marks hovering over my head, and when I shut the door behind me, I see Pietro, who has parked one of our Expedition's to the side of the road. Right. I already forgot about the new safety standard. He stays in the car but greets at me with a hand wave while stuffing a sandwich in his mouth.

  Tiger takes my hand, grinning at my astonished ogling, and pulls me to the front door with him. It flies open before we even get up to the porch, and an adorable little fellow runs out, crashing straight to my thighs and hugs them with his tiny hands. It hurts like a motherfucker because his arm went directly over the stab wound, but I bite my tongue and crouch down to him.

  "Cobra!" Eddie Cortez shrieks, hands now clamping around my neck. "I have new toys! I got them from Uncle Emilio!"

  It's so funny to hear Havoc being called Uncle Emilio it always cracks me, and a burst of laughter escapes from me. "Sounds amazing, Eddie. Wanna show it to me?"

  "Eddie, for Christ's sake, let them come in first before you go all crazy on your favorite girl," Elena sighs with a smile
from the door, keeping it open for us.

  "It's okay, I wouldn't feel like a favorite if I wouldn't get a welcome like this." I lift Eddie in my arms, supporting his weight with my hip, and tousle his black hair. "Come on, little rascal, I wanna see your new toys."

  Tiger beams next to me as we walk in, and I have no fucking clue what he's been planning and why we are here, but his face tells me he's extremely excited about it.

  Elena shuts the door behind us when we get inside her cozy home and claps her hands together. "Eddie, you can go get your toys and show them to Cobra while I do her hair."

  My brows go sky-high, and I swipe my eyes from her to Tiger. "What? My hair?"

  "I asked her to help to get your pink hair back," he answers, smiling from ear to ear. "What do you think, baby?"

  Eddie wiggles in my arms and I let him slip down to get his toys, keeping my eyes on Tiger. "You asked Elena to dye my hair?" I manage to blurt out, stunned by his efforts. I can't believe he actually did something like this for me.

  Tiger tilts his head, cocking an eyebrow. "Yeah, I thought you'd like it."

  "I do!" I jump on him, wrapping my hands around his neck. My insides are bursting from happiness, heart galloping in my chest. "I love it! Oh, my god, you're the best!"

  His hands come around me, pulling me closer—if it's even possible—and I feel his hot breath next to my ear. "For you I want to be," he whispers quietly, before leaning back with a smirk on his illegally handsome face. "Go on now. I promised Leo we'd be on time for dinner and it would be a shame if, after all of this, he'd turn me into a meatloaf."

  "Mommy! I need help to carry my toys!" Eddie's bright voice comes from the other side of the house.

  I pet Tiger's juicy bicep, smiling from ear to ear. "Go help him, and I'm gonna go get my Pinkie Pie back."

  He kisses my forehead before leaving, and I watch his broad back as he walks away, unable to comprehend how fucking fortunate I am to have him. After he's disappeared around the corner, I turn to Elena, and she wiggles her black eyebrows at me. "So, Tiger, huh? Girl, you lucky dawg. The man is like a Greek God with a naughty boy written all over it. Havoc already gossiped to me about you two, but you know my brother, I can't be sure if anything he says is true."