Wayward Soul

by K. Renee

  Gunner takes the phone from my trembling hand and sets it on the desk. He turns me around in his lap so that I'm straddling him. He wipes the tears from my eyes and gently kisses my forehead. His phone beeps and I jump out of his lap.

  Brantley: Keep an eye on them.

  Gunner: Will do, brother. Let me know if you need me in the meantime.

  "Is Charlie working tomorrow?" I ask quietly.

  Gunner’s face instantly changes. "Is he the fucker hurting her?" He starts to get up from the chair.

  "Please don't do anything!" I beg. "I don't want him knowing that we know. I want to get her away from him first. Please.”

  I can feel the tension radiating from his body. He nods and grabs my hand, raising it to his mouth. He kisses my knuckles and I melt. I’ve missed his touch, but I know he’s not relationship material.

  "I have to go. I have to work today and tomorrow. I get off at two a.m. Call me if they get here earlier and I’ll do what I can to get off before that.”

  "Okay,” he rasps, kissing my head. I walk out the door, praying that nothing happens to her or the boys tonight. I hope Charlie stays gone until we can get her out of that house.

  Chapter Twenty

  Fuck! When Casey walked into my office earlier, I thought maybe she was ready to work on us. How the fuck did I miss that Anslie was in trouble? Brant is going to be mad as hell that I missed this. I can't believe I didn't suspect something sooner. That little motherfucker works for me! I watch him go home with women every fucking night, but I never would have thought the bastard was hurting her. He can’t hold his own at the club.

  As much as Brant loves her, I can't believe he would drop everything for her, especially one with kids who aren't even his. My cousin is so fucking whipped, it's not even funny.

  I spend the rest of the night taking care of the paperwork for the club. At around ten-thirty, I can't sit still any more. I want nothing more than to be between Casey's legs. Seeing her was like finally being able to breathe again. I didn't think I could miss anyone as much as I missed that girl.

  I’m contemplating texting her when my phone dings. Grabbing it, I see a number on it that I haven't seen in years.

  Unknown: You still owe me, motherfucker.

  Me: Dream the fuck on

  Unknown: I’ve seen that pretty little redhead leave your club. You want her to get in our crosshairs?

  Me: Don't know who you're talking about.

  I sit back in my chair and think about Casey. I can't let her get involved in my problems. It's a good thing she and I aren't together. I can't let him know she's important to me, though.

  Unknown: Don’t bullshit me. I see the way you look at her.

  Shit. He's been watching me. I need to keep her safe. It would destroy me if someone hurt her. My phone beeps again and I see the name I programmed into my phone for Casey.

  Beauty: Hey, Gunner. Thank you. I know things didn't end well with us, but I am thankful for you helping.

  Me: I’ll always have your back, beauty. I should have paid more attention. Maybe then Anslie wouldn’t be in this mess.

  Her response is almost immediate.

  Beauty: Gunner, this isn't your fault! This is Charlie's fault. I just don't want her or the boys to get hurt.

  Me: Case, you know I won't let him hurt her again. I'll keep him working late or something until B and Dom get here.

  Beauty: Thank you, Gun. You’re amazing!

  God, she has no idea what she does to me. I want nothing more than to make love to her all night long. I don't reply because I can't. There's too much I want to say and I'm still not sure how to say it. She has no idea about my past and what is about to happen. I need to keep my distance for her sake…and my sanity.

  When Brantley finally gets into town, he calls me. I start to speak before he can even say anything, "Hey, brother. Casey's on her way home now." I’m watching Charlie hit on some bitch over by the bar. Brant doesn't know she's married and I really don't want to be the one to tell him. When I hear him say Casey's already there, I say, "Let me talk to her for a sec."

  "Yeah. Hold up."

  When I hear her voice on the phone, I relax. "Hey, Gunner."

  "Hey, beauty. He’s still here, but he's getting ready to walk out the door with some bitch."

  I hear her take a deep breath. "You sure?"

  I smile. "Yeah, baby girl. I'll keep an eye on him. Let me know when you’re leaving and I'll meet you guys." I can hear the guys in the background, talking to each other.

  "Okay. I'll talk to you later." She sounds relieved.

  "Later, beauty." I hang up and continue watching Charlie. When they leave, I follow them to what looks like a penthouse. This must be where he brings all of his whores when he's not at home with his wife and kids. I sit outside of his place, waiting. I want to make sure I give them a heads-up in case he heads home tonight.

  A quarter to four, my phone buzzes with a text message.

  Beauty: We are getting ready to leave and go to the clubhouse.

  Me: K. I'll meet you there.

  I crank my bike and take off.

  Pulling into the driveway, I don't see Brant or Dom. After parking my bike, I go straight to the bar inside. Pinky comes sauntering towards me, her top already off. I'm not a big fan of the girl, but she means well.

  She runs her fingers down my chest and shakes her small, perky tits at me. I smile and take a sip of the beer that was placed in front of me when I sat down.

  "Yo, Gunner. It looks like your cousin just showed up,” one of the prospects shouts.

  I stand up and give Pinky a wink, then make my way out to the lot. When I get outside, Casey and Anslie are looking around with wide eyes. She's never really been here before and I can tell she's out of her comfort zone. From what Brant told me, she and Anslie weren't allowed at the house when they were younger. Thank fuck for that. Otherwise, she probably would have been shacked up with one of the brothers.

  When I first walk outside, I see all my brothers eyeing the girls. I make my way to Casey and pull her into my arms. She screeches as I press my lips to hers. Translation: Hands off. I see Brant doing the same thing with Anslie.

  I won’t give her another chance to say no to us. We are going to be together. I will keep her naked and in my bed if I have to just to make sure she understands she is the only girl I want. Even with the threat that is looming, I need her to know how I really feel about her once and for all. For her protection, I'll send her home with my cousin, but when everything is taken care of, I'm bringing my girl home where she belongs.

  "Gunner,” she says breathlessly.

  "Beauty,” I groan. Fuck, I'm already hard. Casey nervously looks around and wraps her arms around my waist. "Don't worry, baby. They won't touch you, unless they want to start something with me."

  I feel her breath quicken. She looks up with an expression I can't figure out. "Are you claiming me, Gunner?" she asks with a mischievous smile.

  So she knows what I’m doing. I’m impressed. I nod my head and kiss her lips roughly. I can hear the cat calls and I just flip them off behind her back.

  I watch my cousin walk over to me holding two children who are the spitting image of him. Holy fuck. I thought these were Charlie's kids, not my cousin’s. "Gun, these are my boys, Remington and Severye."

  I look over at Anslie, then back at the boys. "What? I thought you had Charlie's kids?" Anslie just shakes her head.

  “Gun, I need you to send someone over to Charlie’s to clean up before he gets back.” I nod and motion to a few of the prospects. When they come up to me, I tell them what I need done and give them the address.

  Turning my attention back to Casey, I try to block out the drama going on behind us. I'm trying to stay out of their business, but it seems that my prez doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut about Anslie. Everyone who knows Brant knows never to say anything about Anslie without being prepared for a war. Brant and my prez have never gotten along and I can see this mig
ht get ugly. When Brant punches Prez, I run over, wrapping my arms around him to keep him from going after him again. “Chill, cousin,” I say in his ear.

  I watch him back away and he walks to Dom, taking one of the boys from him. “Don't ever say another thing about my girl again. Gunner, can we stay at your place until we leave? We need to get the boys in bed.”

  I walk over to him and hand him my keys. “All yours, brother,” I say, shaking his hand. I walk over to Casey and whisper in her ear. "You going with them?" She nods and I run my nose along her neck. I lightly nip and suck on her soft skin, hearing her let out a small moan. "I'll meet you there. You are staying in my bed tonight." I suck her neck once more, leaving a mark. I release her and she walks to the car on wobbly legs. She turns and looks at me one more time, a sexy smile on her face.

  Tonight, I’m making her mine.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  When we get back in the car and start to make our way to Gunner’s, I can tell Anslie wants to ask. Before she can, I just blurt, "Gunner and I have been seeing each other off and on for the last year-and-a-half. I’m in love with him, but his life is so violent.”

  Her brows furrow and she looks like she's confused. "Did you originally break things off because of what happened to me?" She looks hurt.

  "I don't know, Ans. I was scared and I didn't want something like that to happen to me, too. I'm not as strong as you are. I don't think I could have survived that."

  She keeps opening and closing her mouth like she’s going to say something but can’t get it out. "Say something, Anslie. You're my best friend. Tell me what I should do."

  She looks in the back to make sure the boys are still asleep. "Case, you know I love you and I know things between us haven't been the best lately, but I hate that you gave up someone you really care about just because you're scared. That's not the girl I know. My best friend is feisty and doesn't take ‘no’ for an answer. You have never been afraid of a guy being too much for you. I love you and want you to be happy, and if Gunner makes you happy, then I say go for it!"

  I smile through the tears. "I love you, Ans! I'm gonna tell him tonight."

  She smiles and pulls into the driveway of what I assume is Gunner's house. It's beautiful. It's a white two-story with a three car garage. The lawn and landscape is done perfectly. I can't believe a biker lives here. Anslie and I both get out of the car and make our way to the back seat, the bikes pulling up next to my car. Once we have Sev and Remy out of their car seats, Brant takes them from us.

  Walking inside, I see that the whole place is done in a sleek, modern theme. Everything is black, red, and white…big black leather couches, white walls, and red accents. It reminds me of club Black.

  This place is bigger than I imagined. I walk around, looking at everything, then make my way down the hall until I come to Gunner's room.

  Flipping on the light, I drop my bag on the floor and look around his room. His massive king-sized bed takes up most of the space, and dark drapes and furniture make up most of the décor. I walk into his bathroom and see that it is incredibly clean. There is nothing out of place. I wonder if he even comes here...

  Suddenly, a hand wraps around my body and I'm being pulled back, my body melting into his. "Beauty, you look good in my room."

  My breath catches. "You probably say that to all the women you've had here." My stomach sinks, thinking about him bringing other women here.

  He chuckles. “Baby, you are the first woman who has ever seen this room. I fuck at the clubhouse only. Never my bed."

  I turn in his arms and see the sincerity in his eyes. His hand comes up to my face and he rubs his thumb across my bottom lip, leaning in and pressing a sweet kiss to my lips. I deepen it and run my tongue along his. When he picks me up, I wrap my legs around his hips, feeling his erection through his jeans. I'm tired of fighting what I feel for him. Even if I end up getting hurt, at least I know I tried.

  We pull away, struggling for breath. He sets me down to pull my jeans off, then he lifts me back up and pushes my back against the bedroom door. I pull away so I can unbuckle his pants, pushing them down just enough so I can get his cock out. He kisses down my neck as I line his cock up with my opening. He thrusts inside of me. "Ahhh,” I choke out.

  "Oh god, baby. You feel so fucking good,” he grunts into my ear. His mouth fusses to mine and our tongues dance. With every thrust, I feel myself getting closer to my release. His fingers are digging into my ass, and I scrape my fingernails down his back hard enough to almost draw blood. "Fuck,” he hisses. His mouth descends onto my collarbone, where he nips and then laps away the hurt. "Come for me, beauty,” he grunts in my ear, thrusting at an even faster pace.

  His words are all it takes for me to let go. My whole body shudders as I come around his cock. I squeeze my legs around his waist and I hear him groan, pumping into me a few more times before moaning my name as he fills me.

  "Fuck, beauty. I've missed your pussy. So fucking good,” he hums as he slides out of me. I release my legs and slide down his body, his come dribbling down my legs.

  My god, I forgot how good he makes me feel when we are together. Part of me can't get enough of him, and the other part of me wants to scream with how frustrating he is. Soon, my good mood is darkened when I realize what we just did.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Shit. We just had sex without a condom! I start freaking out. "Gun, we just had sex without a condom!" I screech. Over the last two months, I’ve toned it down and stopped sleeping with anybody, so I stopped taking the pill.

  He looks over at me from where he's cleaning himself and just laughs. I want to scratch his eyes out! "Beauty, I'm clean. So, unless you're not, I see no problem."

  Is he fucking serious?! I want to punch him in his handsome face. "I could get pregnant, you asshole!"

  Walking over to me, he picks me up and throws me over his shoulder, walking to the bed with me kicking and yelling for him to let me go. He slaps my ass and tells me to stop yelling because the twins are asleep.

  After dropping me on the bed, he sits next to me. Grabbing my face, he kisses me softly. “Beauty, we’ve never used anything before and I don’t want anything between us now. If you get pregnant, I'm game. I'm tired of fighting what we have, but you have to trust that I will always do right by you. You can't ask me to choose between you and the club. It doesn't work that way, but I'm not gonna sit around and let you ruin this, either. Now, I need you to do something for me." I am in shock. I never knew bikers, other than Brantley, were committed to one person. I nod. "I need you to go with Brant and Dom for a while." The blood drains from my face. He just said he wanted to be with me. "Stop thinking all those bad thoughts. I just need to keep you safe until the shit here blows over. I can see your mind spinning, but I won't let you freak out and run."

  "What's going on, Gun?" I ask nervously. I'm not sure I really want to know.

  He sighs. "Someone from my past is trying to hurt me, so will hurt anyone I care about. A threat has already been made and I won't let anything happen to you. Brant and Dom will provide you protection until I can eliminate the problem."

  I let out a startled gasp. Someone is making threats on me? Holy fuck. How will I know if they are coming to make good on it?

  "Baby, I can see your mind spinning. Stop. They won't let anyone near you. When you guys get back to Vegas, you will be on twenty-four hour watch. No one will hurt you there. I need to know you’re safe, and my cousins and uncle are the only ones I trust you with." He leans in and kisses my lips. There are so many things I want to say to him, but I have no idea where to start. He wouldn't protect me if I didn't mean something to him, right? "Say something, beauty. I need you to tell me you understand."

  I look into his eyes and all the emotions he is feeling flashes through them. "I understand, Gunner, but when can I come back?" I whisper.

  He runs his fingers through his messy hair and groans. "I'm not sure, but once I know you're no longer in danger, I’ll bring
you back here, yeah?”

  I can feel my eyes start to water, but I don't want to cry. We already spent the last six months apart from each other. What’s a few more weeks? "Okay,” I say nodding.

  He kisses me deeply and I moan into his mouth. Pushing him onto his back, I straddle his body and pull him up to take his shirt off, then push him back onto the bed and kiss my way down his body. His hand reaches for my hair and I keep sliding down his body until I come to his erection.

  Rubbing my cheek against the silky smooth tip, I run my hands up his chest. Turning my head just a fraction, my tongue darts out and licks him from the root to the tip. His breathing deepens as I swirl my tongue around him. "Fuck, Case…” he groans as I take him as far as I can in my mouth.

  "Mmm,” I moan, working his length with my mouth and my hand. His fingers tangle in my hair and he yanks on it, making my juices start to run down my leg. I reach my hand down and rub my clit. Growling, he pulls me up and I release his swollen cock.

  "Beauty, I don't want to come in your mouth. I want to come inside that pussy of yours.”

  My face heats and I can feel my desire skyrocket. Gripping my hips, he pulls me up his body so I am straddling his waist. I drop down, connecting our bodies in one fluid motion. Gunner lifts his hips and thrusts into my aching core, as I tweak my nipples. I hear a growl come from him. His hands grip my hips even harder, and I can feel my climax approaching. I lean forward and Gunner pulls one of my nipples into his mouth. He bites it, then soothes it with his tongue. Grinding down on his erection, I feel my body start to tremble. Eyes rolling into the back of my head, I ride out my orgasm. Gunner continues to thrust his hips up then, grabbing hold of my hair, he roars his release.

  I collapse onto his chest, breathing heavily. "Fuck,” I hoarsely whisper.

  I can feel his whole body shake with silent laughter. "Fuck is right, darlin',” he says. I can feel my body falling into exhaustion. He draws patterns on my skin as I drift off to sleep.