“Sounds good.”
Then he was gone.
Devon
Two months later, I walked into Hatch’s kitchen to find Maisie on the phone. I was takin’ Jamie to karate or somethin’ because they had shit they needed to do.
“Well, darling, maybe you should just go out with him,” Maisie said.
My ears perked up. I hoped to God she wasn’t talkin’ to Poppy. She and I had finally got back on track and the thought of her datin’ anyone gutted me.
“If he’s nice and you find him attractive, what’s the problem?” Maisie suddenly realized I was in the kitchen and her cheeks pinkened. “Right, well, whatever you decide, sweetheart. I know you’ll make the right decision. Yes, of course. Okay, love, I’ll talk to you soon.” She hung up and slid her phone into her pocket. “Hi, Dev. Thank you so much for doing this. We kind of double booked ourselves tonight.”
“Yeah, it’s not a problem, Maisie,” I said. “Everything okay with Poppy?”
“Hm? Oh, yes. One of her TAs keeps asking her out and since she’s almost done, she’s thinking she might say yes. No more conflict or something.”
“Right.” I forced a smile, but the fact she was looking to date someone gutted me.
Fuck! I couldn’t fault her. It’s not like we could be together, but that didn’t make this hurt any less.
“Devon,” Jamie said. “Are you ready to see my karate moves?”
I chuckled. “Yeah, bud, I’m ready. Just don’t sweep my leg, okay?”
Maisie giggled, but the reference went right over Jamie’s head. Maisie pulled Jamie in for a hug, kissing his head. “You be respectful and polite...”
“Yeah, Mom, I know. Or you’ll brain me... whatever that means.”
“Ready?” I said, and Jamie nodded, so I led him out to the car.
* * *
For the next month, I dealt with jealousy that wasn’t entirely logical, and the closer it got to Poppy coming home for good, the worse things got for me.
Knowing she was fuckin’ some asshole drove me to make some pretty stupid mistakes at both my job and the Club. I needed a change. I needed to know I wouldn’t see her again.
So I set a meeting with my VP and arranged a transfer for a while. Wasn’t sure how long the transfer would be, but I needed a change of scenery.
“You sure you want to head to Savannah?” Booker asked.
“Yeah, man.”
“I know they could use the help with expansion of the compound and renovation of the clubs... not to mention, the fuckin’ Dixie Mafia closin’ in, but remember where your real family is, yeah?”
I nodded.
“Okay, I filled Doc in on your skillset and he’s got a room for you out there. Crow’s also approved a temporary transfer.”
Doc was the President of the Savannah Chapter, and despite being a good twenty years younger than our President, Crow, he’d earned his place and was highly respected.
“’Preciate it.”
Booker shook my hand. “Don’t make it forever, kid.”
I nodded again and left the compound. Now I had to tell my dad and Hatch that I was leaving. Wasn’t sure how that would go, but I knew it wouldn’t go easy.
I walked into the house to find my dad in the kitchen making nachos, or something else that would give him a heart attack. “Hey, bud.”
“Hey. Can I talk to you about somethin’?”
“Of course.”
“I’m gonna be headin’ out for a few months.”
Dad leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. “Club stuff?”
“Yeah.”
“Or Poppy stuff?”
“Club stuff,” I lied... sort of. “Does this fuck up your schedule?”
“You know I’d rather have you work for me than your uncles, but we’ve got you covered if you can’t be here.” He grabbed a couple of beers from the fridge and handed me one. “More concerned about where you’re at with the Poppy shit.”
“What Poppy shit? There’s no Poppy shit.”
“Where are you goin’?”
“Savannah.”
“Awful close to Atlanta, don’t you think?”
“She graduates in less than a month, then she’ll be headin’ back here, so, no.”
“See you’ve given this some thought.”
I neither confirmed nor denied.
He shrugged. “Okay, bud. You’re an adult, you’ve got a good head on your shoulders, so it’s your call. Just make sure you know whether you’re running from her or toward her. Might help you sort out your next move.”
I swigged my beer but didn’t comment.
“Whatever you need I’m here,” he said. “Got your back one-hundred percent.”
“’Preciate that, pops,” I said. “And I won’t be gone forever.”
“Fuckin’ hope not.”
I grinned and grabbed ingredients to make another batch of nachos.
* * *
Poppy
I stared at my phone... again... and sighed. I’d texted Devon a couple of times over the last week and he hadn’t responded. It wasn’t like him at all. We’d been going strong with our communication and long-distance friendship, so now I was a little worried he might be ghosting me.
The doorbell pealed and Grace yelled, “I got it!”
I pulled my hair into a ponytail, and headed out to the living room. Our friend Lemon was joining us tonight at a Dogs of Fire pig roast and she’d been squawking about it for a week. Yes, her real name was Lemon... her parents were old family southern with a shit ton of money, but you’d never know it if you met her. Lemon was as down to earth as they came.
“Ohmigod, I can’t wait to meet all these hot bikers you promised.”
I giggled. “Don’t get too excited. I don’t know who’ll be there, but if you see someone you like, let me know and I’ll introduce you.”
“Are you sure it’s okay if we stay with your friends, or should we find a hotel?”
“Dash and Willow are excited we’re coming,” I said. “It’s all good.”
My parents had met Dash and Willow when they’d gone to Savannah over spring break. Willow’s father had been murdered in front of her and she’d rushed into the biker bar next to her church for help. Dash fell for her pretty quickly and they’d been inseparable ever since. He’d helped her deal with the death of her father, and even helped find the people who did it.
I’d met them a few times over the past year and I adored them. They’d become fast friends, and since Dash’s aunt lived in Atlanta, Grace and I would often meet them for dinner if they were up our way.
“We have a four-hour drive,” Grace said. “We should go now, because the amount Poppy has to pee adds time to the drive.”
“Suck it, Gracie,” I retorted, even though she was right. I had the bladder the size of pea.
Even though we were far from the club, we were super close to the university, which made it the perfect home. Mum and Hatch had bought the townhouse when Grace and I were looking for a place to rent ‘off-campus.’ We’d done dorm life our freshman year, but we wanted a space of our own going forward. Grace didn’t do well with crowds. She’d had a really rough childhood and it triggered some serious PTSD for her, so we’d always planned to find something if the dorms were too much... and they were.
Since rent wasn’t cheap, Mum decided buying would be a better investment, especially since they could rent to other students once we graduated... or sell if the market did well. For the moment, however, the place was ours and it was safe (gated community with security), and it meant we got to decorate however we wanted to.
And we did. Lots of blingy chandeliers and white furniture. It was awesome.
The home had two master bedrooms upstairs with their own bathrooms, along with another bedroom and bathroom. Downstairs was a small but functional kitchen, with a big island that opened into a huge great room, along with a half-bath and office overlooking the patio.
Grace and I both work
ed, so we paid for all our food, utilities, and cars, but I never took for granted anything I’d been given. My parents were the most generous people on the planet and I worked hard to deserve their generosity. Their generosity also meant Sparky could live with me, which I needed, since my horse Rocket had died a few years ago, and the thought of being without my puppy too was devastating.
After shutting everything off in the house, we loaded Sparky into his crate, secured him in my car (along with all our crap) and took off for Savannah.
* * *
Pulling up to the compound, Lemon let out a quiet whistle. “Oh, my word, this place is awesome.”
It was awesome. The main building was an old tobacco barn (like, 1700s old) that had been converted into their meeting hall. The space also had several bedroom/bathroom combinations for patched members and a couple of bunkrooms for kids and non-patched members. The land had outbuildings as well, which were homes for the officers and their families if they had them. This certainly beat Hatch’s club, which was at the back of an auto body shop. Don’t get me wrong, the Portland compound was cool, but this place was out of this world.
We headed inside and I introduced Lemon to a few people as we made our way to the bar. Jasmine and Parker (Willow’s besties) were both there, and I was excited because Jasmine had offered to cut my hair the next day. Jasmine owned the most popular salon in Savannah and had a waiting list a mile long, but she’d offered to come by Willow’s place for a girls’ day and cut our hair. I couldn’t wait.
I noticed the Club’s Sargent At Arms, Alamo, lingered. He kept his distance from Jasmine, but his eyes certainly didn’t. They were locked on her like a laser beam, although, he spent most of the evening talking with Parker, which I found curious. I didn’t have a chance to get nosy about it because Lemon interrupted my musings with, “I have to pee.”
“It’s just past the kitchen. I’ll show you.”
“I can find it,” she countered. “Order me a drink... something a biker would drink.”
“Shot of tequila coming up,” I said.
She giggled and headed toward the bathrooms. Grace and I sidled up to the bar and I grinned when I saw Badger pouring drinks. “Holy shit, Pops, Dash said you were comin’... thought he was pullin’ my chain.”
I giggled, accepting the hug he was offering. “Last Savannah get-together before I go home? No way in hell I was gonna miss it.”
Sparky went nuts, so Badger scooped him up and cuddled him. “Hey, boy. How’s our mascot?”
“He apparently missed you,” I said.
Badger laughed, setting him back on the floor. “What can I get ya?”
“Tequila,” Grace said immediately.
I chuckled. “Badger, this is Grace, by the way.”
He gave her a chin-lift. “Nice to meet ya.”
One of the older guys, Curly, approached, and I found myself sidling closer to Grace. Don’t get me wrong, Curly was always pleasant, but he was a hulk of a man and he intimidated me a little. He’d transferred to the Savannah chapter about a year ago, and I knew Hatch knew him... just wasn’t sure how much, or if they were tight.
“Ladies,” he said, jovially. “Wasn’t expectin’ so much pretty to be here tonight.”
I smiled. “You’re a charmer, Curly.”
He chuckled, stepping behind the bar. “Just speakin’ the truth, babe.”
“You wanna open that Patrón for me, brother?” Badger asked.
“Sure thing.” Curly opened the tequila and poured himself a shot before handing the bottle to Badger.
“Oooh, can I have two of those please?” I asked.
Badger laughed and handed me a shot, then once I drank that, he poured me another.
Parker and Jasmine headed over to the bar and I hugged them both before introducing them to Grace, whom they’d never met before. We chatted while Badger poured more drinks.
Parker was a petite brunette with large green eyes, and a total sweetheart. Very quiet, but you could tell she had a wicked sense of humor and missed nothing. Jasmine, on the other hand, was tall and curvy and downright gorgeous. With a capital G. Red hair, blue eyes, and a body that could bring a man to his knees. She also had the personality that matched. Very funny, extremely confident, and a fire cracker. I adored her.
Before Badger finished pouring another four shots, Lemon rushed to my side, and grabbed my arm. “I found one.”
“Found one what?”
“The one. The one you need to introduce me to. Ohmigod, Poppy, he’s so pretty, I just want to lick him all over.”
Grace raised an eyebrow. “He’s lick-worthy? This I gotta see.”
“We’ll be back, Badger,” I said, and let Lemon lead me to the kitchen.
Where I stalled.
Then I almost passed out.
Then I nearly cut a bitch.
“What the fuck are you doin’ here?” Devon snapped.
Sparky growled at his angry tone, but my dog appeared to be confused, because he adored Devon, so probably couldn’t figure out why he was being such an asshole.
“Lemon, why don’t you come with me?” I heard Grace say as I was still frozen to my spot watching some skank rub herself up against Devon. The leash was tugged out of my hand and Grace took Sparky with her.
Devon disengaged himself from the whore and stalked toward me, jabbing a finger in the air. “Asked you a question, Poppy. What the fuck are you doin’ here?”
“I... it’s the last get-together before graduation... so Willow invited me.”
“You know Willow?”
“Well, yes. Through my parents.”
He dragged his hands through his hair. “Fuck me, this is not happening right now.”
I blinked back tears. I couldn’t understand where his anger was coming from. We were in a good place... no, a great place... but the hate written on his face was almost too much to bear. “I’ll just... um... wait... why are you so mad?”
“You bring your boyfriend?”
“What?” I stepped back like I’d been slapped. “What boyfriend?”
“The TA you’re fuckin’.”
“Um, not that it’s any of your business, Devon, but there is no TA I’m fucking. There was a TA who asked me out a couple of times and we went to dinner, but he was a douche. Still is, probably. I don’t know. I avoid him as much as I can.”
“Goddammit.”
“How did you know about Miller?”
“Who the fuck’s Miller?” he snapped.
“The TA.” I crossed my arms. “Keep up, Devon.”
The whore who’d previously been all over Devon sneaked out the of kitchen, and I was grateful I wouldn’t have to tear out her hair extensions with my bare hands. If she wore hair extensions. Whatever, I’d rip her hair straight from her scalp if she came anywhere near him again.
Devon swore and I watched him pace the room for a few seconds before asking, “What are you doing in Savannah?” I asked.
“Moved here.”
“What?” I breathed out. “When? Why?”
He didn’t answer, just kept pacing the room, his hands on his head.
“Devon? Are you going to answer my question?”
“No.”
Then it dawned on me, and I felt like an idiot. For about a second. Then my tummy fluttered and my nether regions zinged. “You moved here because you thought I was dating someone and that made you crazy.”
“Moved here because the club needs help.”
“Bullshit,” I countered. “The thought of someone, other than you, shoving their face in my pussy drove you to insanity.” I whispered the ‘shoving their face’ part, lest we be overheard. “And since I’m moving home in less than a month, you moved here to avoid me. Which is kind of stupid, Devon, considering I’m close to this chapter. I mean, if you really wanted to get away from me, you should have gone to London or San Diego... no chance of me going to either of those in the foreseeable—”
I didn’t get the rest of my argument out.
Devon’s mouth was suddenly on mine and I was shoving my tongue down his throat, while gripping his shoulders in an effort to stay upright.
Ohmigod, yes. More.
With a growl, Devon broke the kiss and stared at me. “You’re a fuckin’ pain in my ass, Poppy.”
I licked my lips and smiled. “Good.”
He kissed me again, but this time it was slower... more delicious. Good lord, I wanted this man’s face in my pussy.
“You really not fuckin’ the TA?” he asked after breaking the kiss.
“Devon, I’ve never fucked anyone. I’ve been waiting for you to pull your head out of your ass.”
“Fuck me, seriously?”
“Yes, seriously.” I smiled, going for sexy minx. “And yes, I’ll fuck you. Now would be good.”
He squeezed his eyes shut and breathed out, “Poppy.”
I gripped his cut. “Do you love me?”
He met my eyes and frowned. “Babe—”
“Do. You. Love. Me?”
“If I say no, what then?”
I shrugged. “Then I say goodbye, enjoy the hell out of this pig roast, and find me a nice man to settle down with. One who’ll shove his face in my pussy daily.”
“Goddammit, Poppy.”
I released him and smoothed my hands over his cut. “Okay, buddy. I’m gonna go ahead and rejoin my friends. Will you be home for Christmas? If so, I’ll buy you a gift. Just give me a couple weeks’ notice, okay? That way I’ll have time to shop.” I moved to leave him, but he pulled me back, leaning down to kiss me again, but I laid my hand over his mouth and shook my head. “I’m done doing this dance with you, Devon. I’m all in. If you’re not, that’s totally fine, but you need to make a decision once and for all.”
“Your dad’s gonna fuckin’ kill me.”
“He’ll get over it.” I stroked his cheek. “You know I love you enough to piss him off, right?”
“Yeah, baby.”
“But I’m pretty sure he’s going to be fine with this. We’re adults.”
He squeezed his eyes shut again. “Goddammit.”
“Oh my god, Devon. Sac up!”
His eyes met mine and he gave me a slow, take my panties off smile. “Come again.”
“Can’t be with a man who’s afraid of my daddy.” I wrinkled my nose. “Need one who’s willing to fight him for me. You know, cleave and leave and all that stuff.”
The Longing (Dogs of Fire: Wolfpack, #2) Page 3