by Jones, Kim
I was shocked. His last statement hit home with me. I knew he was not trying to be a smart-ass, even though it kind of sounded that way. Did I think it was worth it? I knew it was worth it. I had seen the way these guys were with each other and it amazed me. This life was not for everyone, but for PROSPECT MARTY, it most definitely was. I could relate, because it was worth it for me too. “Yes, Marty I do.” I smiled at him and he smiled back, passing me over another shot.
“Excuse me ma’am.” He turned and headed to the other end of the bar, checking on the ladies making sure there was nothing they needed.
“Such manners he has,” I said to Red who was eyeing me. “Rule number one, be respectful. When the guys are prospecting, they are walking on thin ice. Some of the things they do may seem a little overboard but the meaning for it is there. There is not a man in that room who did not go through the same thing.”
“What’s the meaning?” I asked.
“The greatest thing a man possesses is his pride. That is not something that is easily given up. If a man is willing to swallow his pride for the club, that is a true sign of loyalty. Women will come and go. Material items can be replaced, but pride is something in your soul, something a real man cannot live without. So, when these guys have to lower themselves to waiting on grown men hand and foot and doing things that belittle them, their pride is taken. But, respect is earned in its place.” Red seemed to be in deep thought over what she just said. I could tell she was struggling with something. I decided to drop the subject and move to another more important one.
“Why did you need Luke to stay with me last night?”
“It was not safe here,” Red said to me as if the answer was obvious.
“Well I know that, but Luke is a big boy.”
“Well that ‘big boy’s’ safety is the most important thing right now. He was safer with you than he was on his bike alone and vulnerable trying to come back here.”
Alone and vulnerable? Was someone after Luke? “I don’t understand. Why would anyone want to hurt Luke?”
Red laughed, “You’d be surprised.” That was her only answer. She took a draw from her beer and turned to me, curiosity consumed her expression.
“What did you say to him to make him stay?” That awful feeling I had in my gut resurfaced. I didn’t want to relive what I did last night. Lying to Luke was one of the hardest things I had ever done. I felt like shit for making him choose between me and the club, and I was ashamed at the feeling of satisfaction I got when he chose me.
“It was bad. Let’s just leave it at that.” I couldn’t look at her. She nudged my shoulder and placed her hand over mine.
“Hey, look at me.” I turned to meet her serious gaze. “You did the right thing, Dallas. Thank you. And speaking of doing the right thing…,” Red said raising her voice. The chatter died down and Red walked behind the bar, grabbing a bottle of tequila and lining up a row of shot glasses. She filled them and everyone grabbed one and turned to me.
“To Dallas, for standing up and taking care of business when business needed taking care of. I am proud to call you my sister.”
“To Dallas!” The ladies all said in unison and through back the shot in my honor. Red was already refilling glasses. Luke was going to have to carry me inside at this rate. I forced the drink down my throat and looked up into the eyes of the ladies standing before me. I wasn’t sure if they wanted a speech or a thank-you or what, but I was glad I had already had several shots of liquid encouragement and my voice came out smooth and strong.
“It is an honor to be a part of this family. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms; to love, loyalty and respect.” I raised my now full shot glass to the women and once again, as if they had rehearsed this a million times, they chanted in unison. “Love, loyalty and respect.”
I took the drink easily this time and looked over my shoulder to see Luke and all the guys standing behind us. Luke had a very pleased smirk on his face and it seemed the others were pretty happy too. I figured a happy Luke meant a happy club. He sauntered over to me and once again, we were the only two in the room. I wanted him to kiss me. I could feel his mouth on me everywhere and my breath was ragged and shallow.
“You seem to have made some friends,” Luke said smiling down at me, but not touching me. I almost whined as I shifted, trying to draw his attention to my body. He leaned down and whispered in my ear, never letting his body touch mine. “You will have to wait, baby. We have a house full of company.” A groan escaped my lips before I could catch it and his amused expression didn’t sway me in the least.
“Fuck the company.”
He through his head back and laughed, “Not much longer baby, I promise.”
I suddenly remembered my trip tomorrow and the realization must have been all over my face because his expression turned to concern.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, I am just wishing I didn’t have to work tomorrow.” I wasn’t sure why I had not come out and told him, but it made me feel somewhat rebellious and I liked that. He smiled at me, the worry gone from his eyes.
“Well we still have the night. Stay with me?” Like he had to ask…
Chapter 16
It was after midnight when everyone left. I was exhausted and knew I had a long drive ahead of me, but when Luke pulled me into his arms sleep became the last thing on my mind.
“Take off tomorrow. I’ll take you to the beach.” I pulled back looking at him. He was smiling so big his cheeks must have been hurting. I was tempted to say yes. The beach with Luke would be incredible, a whole day of seeing him completely shirtless.
“I have to go to Tupelo tomorrow,” I said pouting.
“Tupelo? For how long?” he asked incredulously. My eyes looked everywhere but at him. Why did I suddenly feel like I had done something wrong? “When were you going to tell me Dallas?” He asked, his voice harsh.
“I didn’t know until Sunday and with everything going on, I didn’t want to bother you.” He dropped his arms from around me and stalked into the bedroom. Did he seriously want a fight? “Luke!” I called stalking after him. “What the hell is wrong?”
“Nothing,” he stated not looking at me.
“Something is wrong.” He was undressing to get in the shower and the fight was out of me as I stood there watching. He had his back to me and I watched as his muscles flexed while he took his shirt off. He was completely naked when he turned around and finally spoke.
“Get undressed.” I was slightly taken aback by what he said. I stood there in shock, not sure what to do. Luke walked slowly towards me. The darkness in his stare was so intense that I had to look away. When he was only inches from my face he stopped. I could tell he was mad, but was trying to control it. “You belong to me. When you decide to just up and leave the city I need to know about it.” I wanted to slap him and tell him I belonged to no one, but when I opened my mouth he silenced me with just a look. “Raise your arms up Dallas.” He spoke with authority in his voice, but so softly that I had almost asked him to repeat it. I raised my arms and he pulled my shirt over my head and then unclasped my bra. He grabbed my belt loops on the front of my jeans and pulled me up against him. Luke was pissed. I remembered seeing him this way only twice before. Once at my house and the last was when I left him at the bar. This could go either way and I knew it. I was scared to death, but a thrill of excitement coursed through my veins.
“A man broke into my house yesterday. He came into my bedroom and touched the face of the girl I love. Yesterday, she was so beside herself that she could not be alone. Today it is as if nothing has happened. Then, this incredibly frustrating woman plans a trip-out of town-and somehow forgets to tell me about it. Now, I am not sure what the fuck is in her head, but I can assure you that within a matter of minutes she will think twice before she ever does that bullshit again.”
His voice was full of malice, his eyes that of stone and I had never wanted him more. I raised my arms around his neck to bring hi
s face down to mine. I kissed him hard, pulling the back of his head down to me and letting my tongue invade his mouth. I could tell he was torn, but when he groaned into my mouth, I knew I had him. He pulled back from me and viciously ripped my pants off. He was like a predator and I the prey. I didn’t care that he had just ripped the buttons from a pair of my favorite jeans, or that I was probably not going to be able to walk tomorrow. At that moment all I wanted was him. He grabbed me around my waist and lifted me onto the counter.
“I love you so much. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you.” His confession came out like a strangled groan. I could tell he was in pain and worried-about me. It seemed that sex was his release and I wanted him to know that we were okay. I wanted him to know that I was ok and that I was sorry. We couldn’t get enough of each other. Our kisses were not enough and even though our hands wondered freely over each other’s bodies, I knew we wouldn’t be satisfied until he was inside me. He wrapped my legs around his waist and in one swift movement was inside me. I cried out from the harshness of it, and he covered my mouth with his. Luke’s arms were resilient and he lifted me with ease, pushing in and out of me.
“Stop. It’s too much,” I moaned between kisses, but I knew it was not too much. It was just enough. He slammed into me harder and a whimper escaped my lips.
“You can take it baby. This is what you want, what you need and most definitely what you deserve.” His voice was softer this time, hypnotizing. Luke knew my body better than I did and just as he promised; the feeling became phenomenal. I could feel myself building and I threw my head back allowing Luke to take full advantage of my throat. “Tell me whose pussy this is, Dallas,” he growled into my ear. Fuck me. “It’s yours Luke, I’m yours.” “Come for me baby,” he whispered into my ear. His unremitting arms lifted me high, and then pushed me back onto him, so that he was buried deep inside me. I came apart on top of him, crying out his name. He came with me, as his mouth found mine. When he broke the kiss I was breathless and could do nothing more than lie my head on his shoulder. I silently hoped he wouldn’t put me down. I feared that if he forced me to stand, my legs would buckle. He must have known that, because when he slid out of me, he boosted me higher, tightening my legs onto him and carried me into the shower. “You ok babe?”
“No,” I pouted. He chuckled into my ear and I was happy to know that the tension was gone and we were back to normal.
“Someone is grumpy. Usually you are in a good mood after we make love,” he said to me. I could feel his smile even though I couldn’t see it.
“That wasn’t even close to love making. You fucked me…hard and now I won’t be able to walk tomorrow.”
He laughed at my reply and kissed me on my head. “Well I’ll just have to make it better.” I wasn’t sure what all that would entail; but the promise gave me a delicious chill. He pulled my legs from around him and stood me under the water. “Let’s get you clean. Someone has a big day tomorrow.” I could see the disappointed look in his eyes, but he kissed my head and gave me a tight smile, and I knew he was trying to be reassuring. We bathed quickly and Luke found me a t-shirt to sleep in before crawling into bed behind me.
I was expecting him to wrap me in his arms, but instead he crawled between my legs, and without any warning placed his mouth on my sensitive flesh. My back came off the bed at the feel of his tongue, so soft and velvety smooth. He moved his mouth over me slowly, devouring and worshiping my most intimate parts. It was only a matter of minutes before I was moaning his name and coming once again. He kissed up my stomach, stopping to suck my nipples softly before kissing me tenderly, and then slid in beside me. I was so exhausted that I couldn’t even respond when he whispered in my ear, “Good night my love.”
The ride to Tupelo, so far, was long and uneventful. I smiled at myself remembering how wonderful my morning had been. Luke had surprised me with breakfast in bed consisting of instant oatmeal and orange juice. He was in a much better mood this morning and I wondered if he was happy to be rid of me for a few days.
We still had not had a chance to talk about what had happened the other night. Every time I tried to bring it up he changed the subject or distracted me with his mouth or hands. I figured whatever was going on was either not that important or so important that he didn’t want to tell me.
I remembered that Red owed me a favor and since she had been sure to put her number in my phone, I figured it would not hurt to call her. Using my car’s hands free device, I dialed Red’s number in hopes of getting some answers about just what in the hell was going on.
“Dallas?” Red answered sounding worried.
“Hey, Red do you have a minute?”
“Of course, what’s up?” It sounded like she stopped whatever she was doing and walked to another room. I thought I was prepared to talk to her, but I wasn’t sure this was the right time. I started to chicken out and make up some phony excuse as to why I called, but she interjected before I could. “Dallas, you can talk to me about anything. That’s what I’m here for.” Her voice had lowered and I could tell she was being sincere. I needed her. I needed a friend and although I had Lindsey, I needed someone on the inside to talk to.
“He won’t tell me anything,” I blurted out. “I have tried talking to him, but he keeps distracting me. I haven’t pushed him. I have only asked him a couple of times, but he doesn’t want to tell me anything. I understand that this may be none of my business, but I can’t help but feel that it is.” I sucked in a deep breath and waited for her response. I hadn’t realized it, but my eyes burned and I knew I would cry any minute. Damn. Why did I have to be such an emotional wreck?
“Yes, it is your business. You deserve to know the truth about what is going on. I was hoping Luke would tell you this himself, but since he wants to be an overprotective asshole, I’ll tell you.” I wiped the tears from my face and sat straight up in the vehicle. Red had my full attention. “As you know, Sunday night a man broke into Luke’s house. We figured he was hoping to catch him alone, but when he saw you he freaked out.” A chill ran through my body as I thought of how panicked Luke had become when he thought I had been hurt. I swallowed nervously, willing Red to continue. “We are not sure if the broken window on the club house was intentional or not. It may have been a deploy to get Luke’s attention or to see if you would come outside.”
Oh shit. Good thing I was not a light sleeper, because just like in all the scary movies, I would have gotten up to investigate.
“At the bar the other night, the woman Maddie was fighting with is an ol’ lady to a rival club. They are not allowed in Hattiesburg, but for some reason they have been showing up lately. We’re not sure, but we think it has something to do with Luke.” My mind started to spin as I remembered the red and gray colors the lady at the bar wore. They matched the ones on the motorcycles that passed my office just yesterday. Was that something I needed to share?
“Where were their men at?” I asked, silently praying she would say they knew where they were.
“Who knows? They are not allowed around these parts. The only way the girls pulled it off was by bringing their cuts in inside their purse. After the guys walked out they went to the bathroom to put them on. That’s when Maddie confronted them.”
“Red, I saw those guys,” I said softly. I didn’t want to start a war, but this seemed pretty important.
“What guys?” Red asked confused.
“The guys that wear red and gray cuts. They passed by my office yesterday just before Luke got there.”
“Did you tell Luke?” Red practically shouted at me.
“No, I didn’t think about it. I had no idea who they were.”
“Dammit Dallas!” Red yelled. I could hear someone who I thought was Regg in the background asking what was wrong.
“I’ll call you back.” The call ended and I was left wondering what crime I had committed this time. I was getting tired of them expecting me to act like I knew what the hell I was doing. I was new t
o all of this. How in the hell was I supposed to know who was allowed and who wasn’t. My phone rang distracting me and I glanced down to see that it was Luke. I cringed at the thought of him chewing my ass.
“Hello?” I tried to sound cheery, but my voice betrayed me. I sounded like my underwear was stuck in my ass.
“Hey baby.” Luke’s smooth silky voice took me by surprise. I was expecting his wrath, but instead he talked to me like he missed me and was excited to just hear my voice. “Dallas? You there?”
“Uhh… Yeah, baby. I’m here,” I stuttered. I was such a loser.
“I just got a call from Red. She was freaking out on me. Is there something you want to talk about?” Why was he being so calm?
“You’re not mad at me?” I asked cautiously. Maybe this was the calm before the storm.
“No, babe. Why would I be mad at you?” he asked shocked. Wow. This was a turn of events.
“I just thought since I didn’t tell you about those guys you might be mad.”
“Babe, you had no way of knowing who those men were or what they wanted. I’m sorry I have been so evasive the past few days, I just didn’t want to worry you.” Damn, he was so sweet.
“I love you,” I said breathlessly. He had a way of removing the air from my lungs-even from miles away. Luke laughed softly.
“I will never tire of hearing you say those words to me. I love you too, baby, now talk to me. What’s on your mind?” Knowing he was not mad at me and that I could speak freely, I spilled my guts.
“Yesterday I was standing outside my office when I heard all these motorcycles. I thought it was your guys, but they were wearing red and gray. I thought they might be friends of yours so I waved, but none of them waved back. There was a guy in the pack. He had a large scar on his face. When we got to Shenanigans, he was there too.” Luke was eerily quiet on the other end and fearing the silence was a bad sign I quickly continued. “He was sitting on the pool table when the fight broke out and he grabbed my arm and said something to me.”