by Zara Teleg
Juliet left in a huff. I couldn’t wait to get this night behind me and go home to the man that everyone was so concerned about hurting me.
“I knew it,” Amber came from around the corner.
Here we go again.
“So you were listening.” I crossed my arms, waiting for her chastising.
“Yes,” she huffed. “I saw you.” Her tone was accusatory.
“What are you talking about?”
“At the Black Rock Brewery the other night. You and Kai. How could you not tell me?” Amber said.
“Are you serious? How could you not tell me that you’ve had a thing for Kai since you were a kid, that you used to hook up with him, that your cousin was the source of his pain, and that you were still pining for the man you couldn’t have?” I raised my voice at her more than I realized.
“I-I don’t, I mean, not anymore.”
“You think I didn’t realize you only became my friend when you knew it would get you closer to Kai? I may not have right away, but I saw you too, hanging all over him one night.”
“That’s why you stopped answering my calls and hanging out with me?” She was putting the pieces together.
I closed my eyes and rubbed at my temples. “Is this really why Daisy is in town?”
Amber’s face dropped, guilt was written across it.
“I didn’t mean for Kai and me to be together. And maybe if you were honest about how you felt about him to begin with, I would have respected it,” I said. “But it’s too late now, and I’m sorry if I hurt you, but this conversation is over. I’m with Kai now. And I really care about him, and I think he feels the same. I hope you can accept that and be happy for us. Because I know I would have done that for you.”
Amber’s eyes filled with unspilled tears. She placed her hand on mine. “I’m sorry, Paige. I just…I have carried feelings for him for so many years. Before Daisy, I thought I could be more to him than just an easy fuck.” She sniffed.
“I guess I made a mistake bringing her here for a visit.” She nodded her head toward the dining area where Daisy was still entertaining the men and bossing people around. She placed both her hands around her neck as if she was choking herself. We both began to laugh as she offered me a hug.
“Can you forgive me?” she asked, and I hugged her back. “I hope you two get a happy ending. I guess if it wasn’t going to be me with Kai, I’m glad it was you and not some ho-bag, or worse, Daisy.”
We both laughed in our embrace.
Chapter Nineteen
Kai
All the brothers showed up for our meeting today. The early meeting had the men looking less than happy. Yawns, stretches, and heavy bags under their eyes were the theme around the table.
“Boys, it’s not that early. Why do you all look so miserable?” Colt looked at his watch and then waved in Dolly, the newest club girl trying to earn her place in the clubhouse.
“Morning, sorry, I would have been here earlier, but I got stuck waiting for the train to pass.” She opened the bags she was holding, placing trays of pastries and bagels on the table. She left the room and returned with boxes of coffee, creams, sugars, and cups.
“There ya go, boys.” She winked at Jonah. “Colt, ya need anything else?”
“No, sugar, you can go.”
Multiple hands lunged for breakfast, their grumpy faces now full of food as they all emptied the trays. I tried to ignore Rage, who was staring a hole through me.
“So, we need at least four men to attend the Cajun Kings club opening,” said Colt. There was a unanimous grumble. “I know, I know, none of you want to go to the freak show masquerade, and lucky for you, Kai and Ledger are already on the docket.” He looked at each of us with a knowing grin.
“I need only two more of you.” His eyes shifted around the table. No one was talking. “Okay, since you are going to make it difficult, we will draw straws.”
Colt held out a hand with straws to the middle of the table. Rage, Hawk, Tiny, Leo, Hack, and Jonah all drew one.
“Sucker.” Ledge slapped Hack’s back.
“Fuck,” Jonah growled.
Okay, now that that’s settled, you all will have to make a plan for Saturday. You should probably make arrangements for spending the night in Torrentsville; the club will cover the rooms. But you fucking damage anything, it’s on you.” Colt pointed to each of us. “Now, onto other business,” he continued.
I stopped listening when my screen lit up with a text from Paige. I smiled as I zoomed in on the picture. She was in an old Stained Souls T-shirt, which was cropped up to her tits. Her long blond hair had sexy waves and was so bright against the black shirt. She had on red lace panties and her over-the-knee boots. Her eye makeup was smoky and her lips were red to match her panties. I was getting hard just looking at the photo. Her text read:
Paige: Hurry back—got to leave for work soon.
The banging of the gavel had me startled. “So, you all got that?” Colt looked directly at me.
The meeting ended and we all began to shuffle out. Colt grabbed my shoulder. “Kai and Rage, a word.”
Rage sent a menacing glare in my direction. I just looked at the floor and waited for the lecture.
“You two, I’ve hoped you’ve gotten this disagreement under control, but I can see it’s not the case. We can’t have this in our club. Tension leads to mistakes, so you better work it out. Your gossiping sisters, Hack and Ledge, have informed me of the issue.” He placed a heavy hand on each of our shoulders. “Rage, I understand you are trying to protect Paige, but she is a grown woman and can make her own choices, even if they are bad.” Colt looked at me and smiled. “You can’t control her. And Kai, you better not fuck this up. We all love Juliet, and Paige has been growing on everyone too. She’s a good kid, and we all know you aren’t the type to be in a relationship, so better think long and hard before you break her heart.”
“I have no intention of breaking her heart. This is different.” I shook my head.
“Of course, you don’t. But you can’t help yourself.” Rage cracked his knuckles, leaning in the doorjamb. “You know what, I don’t care what you do. I tried. Now it’s on you.”
I hated that they all had such little faith in me. The past few days had been the best in my life. Every time Paige and I had sex, it was like the first time, and each time was better than the last. Everything in me wanted to take care of her, protect her, love her. I wanted to show her she meant everything to me and that it was different with her.
I left the club and went directly home. Paige was waiting for me. I busted in her apartment, threw her to the bed, and fucked her for the hour and half of the two hours before she had to be ready for work.
I lay back on her bed, watching her dress. The bra barely contained her tits as she pulled up the straps over her shoulders.
“Kai, you wore my makeup off,” she teased as she leaned over into the mirror, reapplying it. “I’m glad you were able to make it back since I have to work a double. I can’t wait until Angelica gets back to town.” She smacked her forehead. “I can’t believe I just said that.” She tied up her boots and stuffed her purse. “At least I will get lots of tips. Wednesday nights are the best. Guys are generous on ladies’ night.”
“Text me on your way home. I hate that you’re on the road at 2 am. I could come to get you if you want.” I took her hand in mine, rubbing my thumb in her palm, waiting for her answer.
“I might take you up on that. My tire pressure has been bad. I had to fill it up twice this week.”
“I can take you now?” I offered.
“No, I’m still good. I got to run a few errands before I go in.”
“Well, call me when your shift is almost over. I have a few club things, then I can come to get you.”
“Okay.” Paige leaned over and kissed my cheek, leaving a plum stain.
Paige
Ladies’ night was crazy, and we were short-staffed. The band playing had drawn a lot of new faces fro
m their hometown in the next county. I was running back and forth like a crazy person for two shifts.
I thought a slightly tipsy Daisy was going to pitch in, but she just continued to get wasted, flirting with every man who looked her way.
“Tracy, I need another round of Jager for table three.” I leaned on the barstool, rubbing my calves that were on fire from the boots I wore.
“Here ya go.” She placed the shots on the tray. Her hand grabbed my wrist, causing me to look up.
“By the way, congratulations,” she yelled over the music.
“On what?”
“On Kai, of course! I’m so happy you two finally made it official.”
My eyes were wide with surprise. I hadn’t told anyone but Amber.
“How did you—”
“Oh, hunny, he has warned all the guys off you. Made it real clear they are to treat you with respect.”
“Oh.” A smile spread across my face. Before I could say anything else, someone bumped into my back.
“Hi. Paula, was it?” Daisy asked snidely, studying me. Her perfect lips pursed as she waited for me to answer.
“Paige,” I snapped. “Dandelion, was it?” I asked, returning the sarcasm.
“Daisy,” she hissed.
“Oh, right, I knew it was some sort of weed.” I smiled sweetly.
“Poor thing, do you have to work all night?” She downed the last of the fancy-looking martini that she had Tracy ordering special ingredients to make.
I looked at the wall; it was only 11 pm. “Yes, but I’m sure the tips will be worth it.”
“I’m sure they will.” Her smile was wicked as she turned her back toward me. Thankfully, it was the last I saw of her for the evening.
“Want to have a drink?” Amber pointed to the empty seat next to her at the bar; the other was taken up by her feet. “I didn’t think tonight would ever end. Ladies’ nights have been bringing them in from all over.”
“I think it was the band.” I looked across the room that was now empty as a few busboys cleared the last of the tables. Sully was paying the band members as they gathered their gear.
“I think I cleaned up tonight.” Amber blew a loose curl from her eyes as she reached into her smock and grabbed a wad of cash. She skimmed through the pile, smiling. “This might mean a mall trip,” she sang, biting her lip and pumping her fists. “We should totally go out on Saturday night since we both have off. I have some making up to do.” She put her arm around me, pulling me into her side. “Where is the she-monster anyway?”
“I haven’t seen her in hours.”
“Thank God,” we both said.
We finished our drinks, and I grabbed a water bottle.
“I will catch you guys tomorrow night.” I yawned and twisted my back, cracking it.
“Ow!” Tracy and Amber both flinched at the noise.
My nose was icy as I drove with the window down to stay awake. I noticed the red and blue lights when I got to the intersection I needed to turn on to get home. The road was being blocked off by a police car.
The officer waved flares in the air, indicating right turns only. I slowed when I recognized it was Doug.
“Paige, I thought that was your truck.” He walked over and leaned in. “You just getting home now?”
“Yeah. It’s been a long night, and I need my bed.” I rested my head on the wheel. “Please tell me I can go straight and I don’t have to go through town.”
“Sorry, a live wire’s down. I’m waiting on the electric company’s emergency crew,” he explained. “You know where you are going?”
“Yep.” I shook my head in frustration.
“Alrighty. You have a good night and drive safe.”
I was forced to pass the main strip and then go down the road that only had one building on it, The Starlight Motel. It sat at the top of the hill with the best views. It was tiny and probably used by college kids who didn’t make it out of town before the last train left for Black Rock.
The sign was lit and ironically missing the T, but it sure did have quite a view. My eyes zoomed in on the only couple in the lot—a long-haired man with his arm around a blonde. They walked, or stumbled, toward a room. When they came under the light from the building, my heart stopped. My stomach lurched, and all of its contents threatened to heave their way up.
Kai
I sang along to “Hotel California,” which was playing on the only station my phone was picking up. My earbud was wedged in one ear under my helmet, so I could still hear my surroundings. It was still too early to pick up Paige when I arrived back at the house. I had enough time to shower, change, and grab something to eat before I went to The Ridge to make sure she got home safely.
I dismounted my bike and tapped a smoke out of the pack as I walked up the stairs.
“What the?” I jumped when a lighter lit in front of me.
“Since you haven’t come to see me, I thought it was about time I came to see you,” the familiar voice purred. Her hands smoothed over the leather of my cut. “And what a sight you are.”
Daisy squeezed her hands around each of my biceps and then took the cigarette from my lips, inhaling deeply before blowing out the smoke in a sexy circle.
How was it possible that she had grown even more gorgeous with age? Her hair shone under the moonlight. Her eyes still had that sexy sparkle. Her lips pouted as they puffed again. Mischief and mayhem were her signature scent.
“Kai, you going to have a drink with an old friend?” She leaned over, picking up a bottle of Absolute Vodka from beside her purse, holding it out to me.
Of course, it was what we used to drink together.
“Daisy, what are you doing here?” I took a step back from her, ignoring her gesture.
“Now, Kai, don’t be rude. You and I have some catching up to do.”
“No, we don’t. That ended fourteen years ago.”
“Has it been that long?” She looked at her nails and back at me. “All the more reason.”
She twisted open the bottle, putting it to her lips and taking a long guzzle before pushing it toward me.
“See, just like old times. Only back then, you would have already begun to rip my clothes off.” She opened her long jacket. Her red bra and panty set matched her shoes and was adorned with black garter belts. Her flat stomach was decorated by a body chain that went around her still-perfect tits and her tiny waist.
“Not interested, Daisy. Put your clothes on.” I turned away and took another step toward the door.
“Kai.” Her voice was desperate and shaky. The same way it had been all those years ago when I would have done anything this woman asked.
“Kai, please, can’t we talk? Please.” She pulled her jacket closed, tying it as embarrassment flushed her cheeks. I didn’t know if her eyes were glassy from unshed tears or the alcohol that was obviously coursing through her veins.
“Daisy, we have nothing to talk about. I’m not interested in repeating history with you.” I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall, kicking my feet up.
“How did you get here anyway?” I looked around, not seeing any unfamiliar cars.
“I got dropped off. I was hoping I wouldn’t need a ride until tomorrow,” she said, looking at the floor. She slowly lifted her head, her eyes big and sad like a lost puppy’s. It stilled my heart for a moment, remembering how I used to love those eyes.
“If you really can’t find it in your heart to just hear me out, I’ll start walking.” She twisted the bottle open again, swallowing down gulps. I reached out, swiping the bottle.
“Stop. You are going to end up in the hospital.” I took a sip, the liquid fueling even more memories about the broken woman before me, not the confident woman she pretends to be. I always loved how, when we were alone, she took the mask off. Everyone else just saw her outer beauty, but I saw much more.
“What do you care?” Her eyes were filling as she snagged the bottle back, bringing it to her lips.
“Daisy, g
ive it,” I commanded. She pulled the bottle away from her face and swallowed. Tears spilled over, her perfect makeup now leaving watery trails down her cheeks.
“Kai, I’m so sorry about how I left things. How I left you. I understand why you must hate me.” She sniffed.
“I don’t hate you.” God, I was a sucker for tears.
“Well, then, you should,” she whispered. “I was awful. I was cruel. I should have never rejected your offer.” Her fingers swept across her cheek, wiping away the tears. “I hate me.”
“Don’t say that. You were right. If I had followed you, I would have ended up hating myself. It was the best thing for both of us.”
She moved toward me, leaning against me. “You really don’t hate me?”
“Nah, I could never hate you,” I answered.
She placed her head against my chest. The scent of strawberries rose up and awakened more memories as I put an arm around her body, giving it a squeeze. Her arms went around my waist.
“I’m so sorry. My life would have been so different with you,” she said.
“Nah, Daze, you would not have been happy. We both had a lot of growing up to do.”
“My life is falling apart. My husband left me. I’m thirty-two with no kids and no job. When Amber called, I jumped at the chance to escape my life and return to the last place I was truly happy. In seven years of marriage and two years before that, Mel never made me feel the way you did.” She lifted her face to look at me. “Kai, I wish we could just have one night. One night to remember each other, see if the pull of all those years ago is still there.” She found the hem of my shirt and slid it up, rubbing her hand over my bare stomach.
I gripped her wrist lightly, pulling it out. “Daze, I can’t do that. I’m with someone.”
“The young hottie from the bar?” Her words were slurring. Daisy’s eyebrows knitted together, and her hand slapped at my chest. “Kai, there is no way that little girl can satisfy you. Please, one night.” She whispered in my ear, “If there are no sparks, I will never bother you again.” Then she nabbed my earlobe and sucked on it.