A shuddering breath rips from my body and suddenly I feel completely drained.
I grab the towel and dry my skin with the fluffy fabric and stalk back into the room. Eyeing the bed—which looks rumpled—I get the need to rip the sheets off and throw on some clean ones. Checking the cabinets, I find what I need and a moment later I’m snuggled tight into Kinney’s clean, king-size bed. I’m wearing one of his black, faded t-shirts with the letters “Fallon Brothers” printed in a classic font on the front.
My mind wonders about how I ended up here in the bed of a biker. Willingly. A trade of favors. Though he isn’t aware he probably saved me since I didn’t look past the point of saving Yara. No job. No home. No nothing. Yet now? A roof over my head, clean sheets and shirt, and taken care of for at least the next three months.
And sex. Let’s not forget about the man who this bed belongs to and the promise he gave me before his tight, sexy ass walked out of here. Perks. Not something I should let myself fall for, but getting him to crave me sure would benefit me and the whole situation Yara and I are in.
Another deep breath slowly flows out of me and my shoulders start to relax. I grab one of the four pillows and hug it tight. My eyes drift close and I allow myself to surrender to the serenity of being safe, to eventually let sleep claim me.
CHAPTER FOUR
— Kinney —
“It’s been three fucking days since they shot up the strip bar. And now they planted a damn bomb underneath my car. Are you sure that fucker Leon didn’t kill Luigi?” Shea stares at me and waits for an answer.
It was in fact three days ago when his kid was murdered by Aspen. Not that anyone would ever find out she was the one who sliced his throat. “We’re pretty convinced Leon didn’t kill him. The fucker we found dead in the alley did.”
“Well.” He slides both hands alongside his head as if to smooth his thick, black hair back in place. Not that it’s necessary because the fucker is always looking high-class and flawless. “At least that’s something. I wouldn’t want my enemies to think they can kill my blood without repercussions. Talking about repercussions, any news about what you have planned against Leon? I want him dead sooner rather than later. And I have another request for you to take care of.”
“We have eyes on him and two of his men who handle most of his stuff. They expect a hard and fast blowback from us, but we are planning instead of going at them guns blazing. Did you know the DEA has eyes on you because of Luigi and Leon? Luigi made some kind of deal with Leon and sold the drugs he got from him, but didn’t give Leon the money since the fucker spent it all snorting it himself and the extravagant parties he liked to throw. With the shooting and the car bomb they planted—thank fuck your guy discovered it in time so no one got hurt—I’d say we’re past the point of making a deal to smooth things over. And like I said, all eyes are on you guys. Having a meeting with the two of you present would be bad right now.”
Shea nods at my words. “True. But I want the fucker dead and in the ground before this week ends.” He touches his expensive watch and mutters, “I know the DEA has eyes on me. I hoped Luigi’s death would end the situation since all ties to drugs were gone the moment he expelled his last breath.”
“We’ll see. First, we’re going to end Leon and two head pieces in that shitty drug gang he thinks he can run in our city. We could chop off their heads and serve them on a silver platter, paste a little note with the address of their supplier on their heads and have it delivered to the DEA. It would give them something to write a report about and follow up on. Maybe make them think there’s another drug gang coming to play who has wiped out their competition.” I shoot him a grin and he nods in appreciation.
“Smart thinking. It would keep their hands busy to track back the drugs coming into the country and send them on a wild goose chase to track down a new gang who doesn’t exist. I like it. Make it happen,” Shea says.
“Already in the works. It’s the reason we’re taking a few days to arrange shit and to throw them off since Leon and his guys are expecting an immediate blow back. What was the other thing you wanted me to handle?” I question.
“Luigi knocked-up a woman a few months ago. I haven’t heard what he did with the woman and I need for you to find out what there is to know. I suspect she would be around three months into the pregnancy, fuck if I know. I’ll get you the papers since Luigi used the doctor I have on my payroll. It’s the only reason why I know about it since the doc is loyal to me. Also, because he knew I’d give him a fat fucking bonus for telling me. Anyway, I want the woman found and brought to me. That’s our bloodline she’s carrying and the kid is mine, the woman too. I want them in my house.”
Fuck.
“Get me the papers and I’ll get into it,” I grunt, seeing no other option at this time.
Our bloodline. Something I haven’t mentioned to Aspen since not many know Shea and I share the same father. It’s why I mentioned to Aspen I wasn’t a bastard, a little inside joke on my account since Shea is the one who wasn’t really the son of the man who raised him.
Shea glances at his watch again. “I have to go.”
“Hot date?” The moment it slips out of my mouth I regret the words and wince. Dammit. The man loved his wife and he just lost her.
To my surprise Shea cringes himself. “Something like that. I ordered the new redhead to the apartment for a test run. I might add you normally take this on but you texted Sandro you’re not available anymore. Mind telling me what changed?”
“I have an old lady now. My dick is off the market,” I state.
Shea raises his eyebrow. “I never thought I’d see the day. How on earth is it possible for you to claim an old lady in the blink of a damn eye? Who is she?”
I place my arms in front of my chest in a defensive move. “From what we know she used to be an assassin for the government.”
A growl rumbles low in his throat. “I don’t have to tell you how stupid you are and the fucking risks you’re taking, right?”
“Not your problem, mine. But if you have to know, binding her to me is what gave me all the intel since her supervisor is the one working with the DEA keeping track of you.” I give him a hard stare and can see the wheels in his head turning.
“Not stupid at all then,” he mutters. “Can I meet her?”
“Fuck no,” I instantly growl.
This guy is fifteen years older than me and had an arranged marriage at the age of eighteen which resulted in Luigi. He might have loved his wife but the fucker is a womanizer. He has been given a nice deal in the looks department and women crush on the fucker left and right.
No damn way am I letting him near Aspen. With all the shit going on I haven’t even spent much time alone with her, let alone get my dick inside her. Three. Days. I’ve been walking around with a damn hard on.
The corner of his mouth twitches. “Now I definitely need to meet her. I’ve never seen this level of possessiveness from you. Not when it comes to a woman.”
“Don’t get any ideas. She’s mine and off-limits,” I tell him with a loud warning in my voice.
“Touchy, touchy, Kinney.” The fucker chuckles. “I just lost my wife. At this moment I’m not looking for any long-term chick. I made the appointment with the new lady for a little distraction.” A sigh rips from him. “To get back in the saddle so to say. It’s been awhile with my wife being sick before she died, and I need to put the past in the past. I’m young enough to remarry and you know as well as I do how in my line of business it benefits to forge alliances by arranged marriages. And I’ll be sure to keep my hands, and dick, away from her. Now can I meet her?”
“She’s sleeping.” I shrug.
“And?” He also shrugs.
Motherfucker. “Fine,” I snap, knowing he won’t leave or stop nagging until he gets his way.
I stalk to the door and bellow at Nics. “Get Aspen here.”
He hesitates for a second or two and I keep glaring at him until he disappears
into the hallway. I close the door of church and it doesn’t take long before it opens with a harsh swing revealing a very angry Aspen.
“You could have thrown on some fucking pants before you stalked in here,” I snap.
I’m hit with an even deadlier glare when she says, “And you could have let me sleep, clearly neither of us get what we want. Now why the hell did you send Nics to wake me up and drag my ass here?”
“Sassy,” Shea says in a husky tone.
Anger surges through me driven by jealousy and it’s a foreign feeling.
Aspen’s eyes narrow when they land on Shea and I can see her shoulders stiffen but she does step forward and offers him her hand. “The one and only Shea Rusposito. It’s an honor to meet you.” She steps away from him and inches closer to me before she adds, “I would say I’m sorry for the loss of your son, but he was an asshole and got what he deserved. I do regret any grief this might have caused you if that’s any consolation.”
I grind my teeth and inwardly curse. Why in the hell would she taunt him like that? It’s not common knowledge for outsiders that Shea hated Luigi. I wrap an arm around Aspen’s waist and she lets me pull her against my body.
“No need to protect her, Kinney.” A grimace slides over his face. “I’d rather have her honesty straight to my face than a backstabbing cunt licking the corners of my mouth.”
“He said cunt,” Aspen mutters underneath her breath and it makes me chuckle and place a kiss on the top of her head.
Shea eyes the movement and I instantly regret openly showing how this woman affects me more than any other I’ve encountered. Even if Shea and I are connected by blood I hate giving anyone ammunition to use against me.
“Kinney.” Shea’s gaze lands on me. “I will get you the document later tonight and I expect you to find the pregnant woman.” He nods in Aspen’s direction. “Lovely meeting you.”
“Likewise,” Aspen says in a way too sugary voice making Shea chuckle as he leaves church.
The door closes behind him and I know what she’s going to ask the instant Aspen whirls around to face me.
“Yes, he’s looking for Yara,” I sigh, keeping my voice to a mere whisper. “Luigi used a doctor on Shea’s payroll so the doc received a nice fat bonus when he spilled the news about the woman Luigi got pregnant.”
“Shit,” Aspen mutters. “Now what?”
“Now I need to talk to Yara.” The corner of my mouth twitches when I see her confused look. “What? Did you expect me to take action without asking for her opinion? Believe me, if she had a dick I wouldn’t be asking her shit but would hand her over without thinking twice.”
Aspen rolls her eyes. “If she had a dick she wouldn’t be pregnant.”
I shake my head and I have to smile. “Come on, let’s see if Kier will come at me when I mention all of this to Yara.”
There’s a huge grin on her face. “If I knew he would become this protective of her the first time we met, I would have come with you without a fight.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” I chuckle and place a hand on her lower back to guide her toward the door.
The main room of the clubhouse is as good as empty besides Nics and a prospect called Chance, who’s cleaning up. When we get to Kier’s room I rap my knuckles against the door and it takes a few breaths before it opens slightly.
“What’s up, Pres?” Kier whispers.
I place my palm on the door and push it open, forcing him to step back. “I need to have a little chat with Yara.”
“Can’t it wait till morning?” Kier glares at me and I raise my eyebrow as a fucking warning.
Can’t it wait till fucking morning? Who the hell does he think I am?
“Sorry, Pres.” He hangs his head. “It’s just that...she hasn’t been sleeping well...not an excuse, I know.”
“He wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important,” Aspen says with a gentle voice.
Kier gives me a tight nod and lets us in. Aspen closes the door while Kier stalks to the bed and gently wakes Yara. She sits up and rubs her eyes. After three days she finally has some color on her cheeks but she still has a long way to go.
I clear my throat, causing her eyes to land on mine. “Sorry to wake you but there have been some developments you need to be aware of. After I tell you the details you need to make a choice, because in the end this is about you and the kid in your belly, yeah?”
I can feel Kier’s eyes on me but I ignore him and give Yara my full attention. She’s wide awake now.
“Okay.” Her voice is soft but the single word comes out with determination.
“Luigi’s father was just here. He knows Luigi let a doctor examine you and he has the records to prove the pregnancy. He wants you found and brought to him since he knows about the baby.” As soon as my words are out, Kier is standing in front of me, blocking me from Yara.
“It’s not going to happen. No one is touching, or coming near, her. That fucker ain’t going to steal her kid,” Kier seethes.
I’m about to grab him by the throat and push him back but Aspen shoves him hard against his chest. “Didn’t you hear a single word your Pres said before he gave her the information? Count to ten and take a chill pill instead of barking up the wrong tree.”
Kier is glaring at Aspen. His eyes slowly slide to me and I can tell Aspen’s words made him think back. “You’re giving her a choice?”
Yara has her fists wrapped tight in Kier’s leather cut. Kier guides his arm back to find one of her wrists and he pulls her to his front, embracing her in his arms. I give Kier a nod to ensure him it’s her choice what she wants to do.
“Then I’ll give her a choice too.” He cups Yara’s face to make sure she knows the words are for her. “I’m prepared to say it’s my kid and claim you as my old lady. Problem solved. You stay here with the protection of the MC and we get you a new name and a new ID and shit.”
Aspen steps forward and comes to stand next to Kier as if she’s making a point to show me she’s on his side.
“You’re sure? And you agree to his claim, Yara?” I don’t have to ask what her choice is since she is practically glowing with gratitude and snuggled closer to Kier as if the man is her utter savior.
“Yes, I want Kier,” she says.
Kier tightens his arms for a breath or two, kisses the top of her head, and addresses me. “If he has proof, he won’t quit looking. I bet he has his twisted mind set in marrying the woman who is pregnant with his bloodline so he has another wife and new kid all set in place. It’s all about status and upholding the family.”
“True. I’ll let Nics know never to say a word about Yara the day we found her. She came to live here on the night Luigi was killed but that’s the only pinpoint some of the brothers have who were in the main room of the clubhouse that night and saw you carry her to your room. But it was the same night I brought Aspen and claimed her as my old lady, she’s also her friend. I’m not gonna talk to them since it will create more people to be in the know. For now, it’s just me, Nics, and you who know what situation we pulled her from. Besides Aspen and Yara herself but I’m guessing you two won’t say a word, right? Because if we do this there will be a war if it ever gets out. Blood or not, fucking Capo or not, he will want my head.” I keep my stare pinned on Aspen whose eyes are now huge.
A grin slides on her face. “Capo. I’ll be damned. This whole MC is one badass thing to throw off the fact you’re actually part of the mob. Wait. You said blood. Shea is a part of your family?”
“My father impregnated Shea’s mother right before they married her off to the head of the Rusposito family. They all lived in the US at the time and my father was in love with Shea’s mother, but so was his best friend. There wasn’t a way for my father and Shea’s mother to stay together. Their parents set the whole arranged marriage in motion. It was a way to connect the Irish mob with the Italians to forge alliances. Shea’s mother and his stepfather went to Italy to marry and live until it was time to take over his res
ponsibilities here in the US around seventeen years later. Shea’s father knew he wasn’t his real son as he was infertile but kept it quiet since Shea was a boy, and having a son as a firstborn made it possible to uphold status instead of it being known he was someone who couldn’t provide an heir. Add the fact it was the son of his best friend and with growing up in the mob world, he knew no one had a choice in the matter. Also, the reason Shea has an Irish name instead of an Italian one. My father didn’t know he had another son until he came face to face with Shea years later when they relocated to the US and they ran into each other during one of the parties that brought mafia families together. They had no choice but to spill the secret since the little shit shares my father’s unique eyes. But enough about my family issues. Here’s to the happy couple. Are we going to have a party to celebrate? Tell others about the pregnancy?”
Aspen shakes her head at my last words. “No. I don’t think that’s wise. Shea is looking for a pregnant woman. I’d say she wears slightly bigger clothes to hide her little baby bump. Let them think they have been seeing each other off and on for a few weeks but are now together. Then in a few weeks, mention you knocked her up and couldn’t be happier. Create some foundation to fall back on, get her as far away from a connection with Luigi. Maybe it’s good to change her hair drastically? Would anyone be able to recognize you from when Luigi took you?”
Fuck. I didn’t think of that. All eyes are now on Yara.
“It was during the theme party where everyone was either dressed up like someone else or wore masks. I was wearing both a blonde wig along with a lace black mask to hide half of my face and keep the wig in place. The only one who knew who I was and where I lived was Luigi because he snatched my purse and got hold of my ID. I never should have gone to that party.” Yara sighs and adds on a whisper, “Biggest mistake of my life.”
Kier places a kiss on the top of her head and says, “That might be, but it brought you to me and now I will deal with it, along with my brothers. I fucking vow no other harm will come to you.”
The Fallon Brothers: Kinney Page 4