by Nikki Landis
I didn’t deserve him. Not at all. The girl who stood before him was a confused, abused, emotional mess. She struggled with the multiple years of rape and sodomy, torture, and addiction to drugs. She was fighting to find her way back but some days she failed more than she succeeded.
Was I the right match for him? Or even good enough for him and all that he deserved? I wasn’t sure.
“I can see those wheels turnin’ in your pretty head. If I didn’t want you, Naomi Lyla Peters, I wouldn’t be here right now sharing one of the best moments of our life together.”
“One of the best?” I asked, letting hope sink a little further inside my heart.
“Yep. We got a lot more comin’. Trust me, baby.”
Trust. He never showed me anything that hinted he wasn’t worth the effort.
“I’ve had a lot of people let me down,” I admitted, allowing some of the past to surface and not rejecting the vile things I experienced. Every time I didn’t shove those memories away, I felt a little more exposed but also stronger.
Nothing was more frightening than opening your dark closet of horrors and flipping on the light for others to see what lurked within.
“I know,” he whispered as he placed a sweet kiss on my lips, “but that’s not me. I’m a Marine. We keep our word and we don’t run when shit is hard. I’m right here and I want to be here.”
“That’s what’s so amazing.” Shaking my head, I buried my face in his neck. “You’re everything I could ever hope for and I’m terrified something bad will happen.”
He set me down and cupped one of my cheeks. “I get that’s gonna be hard for you. When it gets to be too much reach out, talk to me. Maybe the problem is that you keep it all shoved down deep inside and then it fights until it bursts out. No fun for anyone when that happens. I’ve done it plenty of times to relate.”
“Have you?”
“When I first met Grim, I was angry and broken and I hated the whole fucking world,” he admitted with a chuckle, “but he saw through me and accepted that I had a lot of shit to work through before I was gonna be okay.”
“That’s awesome.”
“What I’m sayin’, sunshine, is that I see you and I accept that there’s gonna be a lot of rocky days before we work it all out. I’m in it for the longest ride.”
My lips lifted a little in a hint of a smile and he must have been pleased because I was hauled upward again, spinning as my arms released, opening wide, and I felt that same thrill racing through my body. Only this time I was in Patriot’s arms when it happened.
“Fuck, Mimi. You’re so beautiful.”
Maybe he just saw my potential instead of the broken girl he held but it didn’t matter. There was nothing more perfect than this moment.
When my feet touched the ground, I lifted my head and met the warmth in his gaze. My heart did a funny little stutter and I could swear that it was confirmation that Patriot was the kind of man I needed in my life. He was okay to trust. Even better, he was okay to love.
“I believe I can do anything when you’re around.”
“That’s because I’m fucking amazing,” he teased.
Believe it or not, I agreed.
“Your lips are distracting, sunshine.”
“Is that so?” I asked, laying on my side and facing Patriot on the bed.
Rael and Wraith caught up to us on Hwy 95 after we kissed but Patriot promptly remembered the danger and insisted that we return to the Crossroads. The moment we could be alone he led me down the hall and into his room, closing the door with a soft click. Shucking his boots and cut, he flopped on the bed and patted the mattress, wiggling his eyebrows up and down.
“Is this an attempt at seduction?” I asked, sliding my hand slowly across the mattress to reach the fingers inching in my direction. Our palms met and he intertwined our fingers, giving my own a gentle squeeze.
“Is it working? I was just hoping for another kiss from those sweet, soft lips of yours but I’ll take anything I can get.”
Giggling, I scooted a little closer. “Nope. I’m completely immune to your charms.”
“Ouch. That’s a low blow to a guy’s ego.”
Snorting, I couldn’t help but tease him. “Brings you back into the same realm as the rest of us.”
He smiled wide and didn’t deny the fact that he was cocky and we both knew it. I had a feeling he toned it down for me and it was endearing.
“You look like you’re about ready to ask me something.”
“I am.”
He groaned, exaggerating as my hand was released and he flopped onto his back. “Women and their endless questions.”
I smacked his chest and he quickly leaned to the side, snatching me up as he settled my body over his. My eyes widened when I realized I was laying half on top of him.
“You can move at any time. Anything makes you uncomfortable all you have to do is tell me. We can even have a safe word if you want but I want to hold you, baby. I’ve been wanting to for a long time.”
“I’m okay right now. I think.”
“But?”
“The safe word thing is a good idea.”
He adjusted, sitting up and propping his back against the headboard. I remained on his lap, curling into his chest. Patriot’s arm kept a loose hold around me as he played with a long strand of my hair.
“What’s a good safe word?”
Took me a few minutes but I finally thought of one. “Flag.”
“Flag?” A big, throaty laugh vibrated his chest. “Okay. Flag is it.”
“Can I ask you something else?”
“Always.”
My mouth opened but before I could ask there was a knock on the door and Rael barged in, dragging my sister with him.
“Well, fuck,” Patriot cursed, glaring at Rael.
Nylah gave me a bright smile and then rushed forward, practically tackling me on Patriot’s lap.
“I knew it!” she shouted, “That’s why you’re always hiding in here.”
“Jesus. Get off my brother, Nylah,” Rael admonished, “He’s got his hands full with Naomi.”
Patriot chuckled and managed to untangle himself from the two of us as he slid from the bed. “I don’t mind handling Mimi.”
“Fuck. You’re in over your head if Naomi is anything like her sister. Got the claw marks to prove it.”
Nylah pointed to her ass and told him to kiss it. Rael grinned wide and winked.
“You two are disgusting,” I laughed, shaking my head. “Devil man, we need drinks.”
My sister turned and shook her tits, jiggling the heavy globes in his direction. “Please, Rael. I need something to heat me up before you do.”
He licked his lips and then adjusted himself, hand lingering over his crotch. “Fuck, hellcat. Stop. I can’t walk around with a monster hard-on all night.”
“If you make it to midnight, I’ll have something special for you.”
Rael perked up. “Will I get dirty?”
“Very,” she replied huskily.
He shivered, practically running for the door. The wood slammed as he left and Patriot started laughing. “You lead him by the dick.”
“It’s the only way and happens to be my favorite.”
Both of us started giggling as Patriot held up his hands. “I can’t say that’s a bad thing.”
“No man could,” Nylah agreed.
He cleared his throat and then took a step toward the door. “Gonna get a few shots. Want anything, sunshine?”
“No, but thanks.”
He dipped his chin and then headed out, leaving me alone with my sister.
“Why are you never around?” I asked, teasing her. “I swear all you do is work.”
“Tell me about it,” she replied, flopping back against the mattress as she bounced lightly. “Rael and work. That’s all I ever do.”
Like it was a hardship. “You love it. Don’t deny it.”
She rolled over, resting her chin in her hands. “That’s
old news. What about you and Patriot?”
“We’re making progress,” I replied slowly. “He kissed me today.”
“What? Yes!” She sat up and crossed her legs, reaching for my hand. “That’s what you want, right?” Her concern was sweet. Nylah understood how difficult this transition was from the beginning and what a big step it was for me to consider any kind of romantic relationship.
“I like him. We’re taking things slow.”
“Nothing wrong with that.”
“Nope. He’s the most patient man I’ve ever met.”
“Rael has not patience at all but I absolutely love how he’s so passionate and unpredictable. It’s perfect for me.”
“Because you’re so rigid,” I teased.
“And that’s why Patriot is good for you. He’s solid and reliable and a protector by nature.”
“Yeah, he is.”
Nylah smiled and then changed the subject which I appreciated. I wasn’t sure where my relationship with Patriot was headed and didn’t want to speculate.
“There is one hell of a party going on out there. Tits and ass everywhere but the guys are on alert and not drinking as much as usual.”
“You think they’re preparing for something big?”
“Definitely. Rael is extra agitated and begged me to take the weekend off. He said it was club business but I think it’s related to you and those damn Russians.”
“You’re right.”
“Shit,” she whispered. “We’ll stick together then. Might as well lay low. We can watch some movies and eat a bunch of junk food.”
“Sounds good.”
Making plans with my sister was a great idea. I missed her and we had a lot of missed years to catch up on.
“There’s something you should know, Nylah.”
“Uh oh.”
“An assassin was sent to the hospital.”
“What!? Were you hurt?”
“No. Patriot took care of him.”
“Oh shit.”
“The Russians and that Black Market Railroad will never stop. They’ll keep hunting me down until I’m dead. I know too much, Nylah. I’m a loose end and a liability.”
She shook her head and then pulled me in tight for a hug. “The Royal Bastards will figure this out. They’ll make sure you’re safe.”
“I hope so.”
The reality was that every single member of this club was in danger because they took me in. I wasn’t stupid. Resnikov would finish the job and kill me next time. That Russian piece of shit was dangerous. He was the one in charge above Alexi and Solonik. When they died, he was left with the burden of making up for the loss.
He had to be pissed.
Alexi Voltoy was the nephew of Vladimir Solonik. One of the most powerful men in the country. The Black Market Railroad employed men all over the U.S., picking up girls and trafficking them into Canada and Alaska. Hundreds of women stolen from their lives and sold as sex slaves all over the world. Russia was only a springboard. They had business in every single country.
No one could stop Resnikov and the other Bratva crime lords. They were too powerful.
All I could think of was my friend Katya who was still their property and she was pregnant. Did they threaten to take her baby? End her pregnancy? Beat her for becoming pregnant and losing profits?
I had no clue and that wasn’t okay.
My thoughts were interrupted when a commotion outside the door alerted us and it swung open, banging into the wall. Patriot seemed highly distressed along with Rael as he appeared beside him.
“Mimi, there’s someone at the main gate asking for you.”
Surprised, I didn’t have a clue who would know I was here. “I don’t understand.”
“A young woman. She’s dirty and skinny with short blonde hair. Said her name was Desi.”
Desi! Shit!
Jumping up, I didn’t say another word, rushing out of the room and down the hall, pushing through the people gathered in the common room.
It was dark outside as I ran out the door and into the lot of the compound, heading right for the main gate. Desi was leaning against one of the thick steel poles of fencing, the only thing keeping her upright. Her eyes were bloodshot and she stumbled as she saw me approach. I knew right away that she was drugged with something strong, probably Rohypnol. She was filthy and appeared thinner than the last time I saw her. My heart clenched when I noticed she was holding her side, blood soaking into her shirt and trickling through her fingers, dripping onto the thirsty sand beneath her feet.
Patriot forgot one important detail when he mentioned that my friend was here.
Desi had been shot.
“Who is this girl?” I asked, hoping Nylah had some kind of idea.
“No clue,” she answered, watching her sister as Mimi demanded that Toad open the gate.
Prospect glanced in my direction and I nodded, keeping an eye on Desi. Seemed like Mimi knew this girl but that didn’t mean she was someone the club could trust. I already stuck my neck out far and so did Rael for these sisters. We weren’t letting anyone fuck with them or put the Royal Bastards at risk.
As soon as the gate was opened wide enough Mimi rushed to grab her friend but I cut her off, lifting my hands. “She needs a doctor, baby. Let me check her over first, okay?”
Mimi was almost frantic with worry but she nodded, following close behind me as I approached Desi.
“Hey, Desi, that’s your name, right?” I asked as I did a quick inventory of her injuries.
Bruises in different stages of healing marked her slender body that ranged from dark purple to fading colors of yellow and brown. There was a deep gash on her left knee that was bleeding as badly as the wound in her abdomen. Old scars marred her skin and proved her life hadn’t been easy for many years. From what I could tell she’d been tortured for a long time.
“Trixie.”
Her words were slurred when she answered, taking a step forward as her knees buckled and I caught her before she had a chance to hit the ground.
“Shit,” I cursed.
Her eyes rolled back in her head as I shouted for Wraith and Exorcist.
“Need a table cleared in the common room so I can check out this wound in her stomach. Looks like a gunshot but I can’t be sure if there’s a bullet lodged inside her until I can get her stable first.”
Wraith and Ex assisted me plenty of times when I had to sew up wounds or remove bullets from our brothers. They knew enough basics that I could count on them to gather the supplies I needed.
Mimi followed me back inside as the music in the clubhouse abruptly turned off and the cigarette smoke began to clear as Wraith swiped across one of the tables. Glasses, bottles of booze, and ashtrays scattered to the floor as I gently placed Desi on the surface. She passed out and it was probably merciful. If I had to dig out a bullet it was going to hurt like a motherfucker.
“Is she going to be okay?” Mimi asked as I glanced her way and cringed at the tears streaking down her face.
“I think so,” I replied honestly, “but she’s going to need a lot of care. I have to inspect this wound in her stomach first.”
My sunshine bit her bottom lip and nodded.
“It would really help if you could get a bowl of hot, soapy water and try to clean her up a bit. She’s dirty and that’s a breeding ground for infection.”
Mimi swiped across her cheeks and gave me a small smile. “Thank you for allowing me to help.”
“Of course.”
The next hour and a half lapsed quickly as I cleaned and disinfected Desi’s wound and removed the bullet. Some asshole really did a number on her but no internal organs were hit. Didn’t know how that was possible but this girl must have had a guardian angel somewhere.
Once that was done, I sewed her up and then washed my hands, glancing down at my patient. The girl was still unconscious and I knew the drugs in her system wouldn’t help her recovery. She needed an IV but I didn’t want to do that here in the
common room. She needed a bed first and a room where she could rest without being disturbed.
Lifting my head, I noticed the dull ache in my lower spine for the first time. My shoulders rolled back as I stood up to my full height and glanced around the room. Wraith and Ex were sitting at a table a few feet away, flipping quarters into empty cups and whenever one of them missed they had to take a drink. Snooki was lounging on one of the leather couches next to Mimi and I smiled when I saw that my sunshine fell asleep and her head was resting on Snooki’s shoulder.
Rael was watching Nylah sleeping across from Mimi but he ticked his head in my direction and stood, heading my way with a taunting grin. “There ain’t shit you can’t do, brother. Fuckin’ miracle the way you can heal others.”
“Just knowledge and experience,” I contradicted but the compliment meant a lot coming from Rael.
“Where do you want to put your patient?” he asked, looking down at her with a frown. “I know it sucks because it’s obvious she’s been trafficked or pimped out but I don’t trust her. This chick could have her own agenda and it might hurt my Nylah or Naomi.”
“Agreed.” Tired, I rubbed the back of my neck. “I need to get some sleep. I’m taking Mimi to bed.”
“Yeah, I hear you. I can take Desi to a guest room.”
“Thanks.” Walking over to the couch, I squatted down and picked up my girl, loving the way she instantly snuggled into my body for warmth.
“I’ll stay with Desi,” Snooki offered, “I promised Naomi.”
“She’ll appreciate it.”
“I know. She’s special, Patriot. Try to keep her close.”
“Already planning on it,” I announced, holding Mimi tighter.
Mimi didn’t wake up as I put her in our bed. I hated to break away from her but Desi needed that IV. Didn’t take long to get one going and then I ran pain medication as well as the saline solution to keep her hydrated.
Five minutes later I was out cold, one arm wrapped around the woman I was falling hard for, and nothing felt more right.
THE BED WAS EMPTY WHEN I yawned and stretched, blinking my eyes as they adjusted to the morning light streaming through the one window in my room. The blinds were shut but that didn’t stop the relentless light of the sun.