by Debra Kayn
"God damn, I like looking at you," he murmured, twining his hand in her hair at her back.
She widened her knees and arched her back with the pressure of his hold.
He plunged, fierce and swift.
Her body pitched forward. He let go of her hair and gripped her hips, pulling her back. With each thrust, his balls slapped against her clit.
"You're mine, sis." He rode harder, faster.
Flesh slapping flesh filled the sparse bedroom. He shifted, pressing against her back, laying kisses down her spine until her skin prickled and her insides vibrated.
She moaned loudly, holding nothing back.
With him, she was free. Nothing was coming between them. He loved her for who she was. Loved every part of her. Loved being with her. Those were dedications she'd never heard before and wanted to hear her whole life.
He loved her to happiness.
He loved her despite her past.
He loved her as much as she loved him.
Her arms trembled, slowly losing strength. Her wetness coated him.
Whip wrapped his arm around her hip and slipped his finger over her clit from the front as he continued to thrust his cock into her from behind. Caught up in what he was doing to her, she panted.
Then, his lips were on her ear. "All mine."
His words unraveled her. She bucked against him, orgasming from deep in her soul. Whip, buried fully inside of her, grunted, adding a quiver of his own.
Her head fell forward between her arms as more of his weight pressed down on her. Every muscle in her body pulsed in a slow, heavy beat, squeezing out every bit of pleasure.
Then, her arms gave up. Her knees slid, and she plopped face first on the mattress with Whip laying on top of her.
Her breath left her body in a whoosh.
Whip's chuckle vibrated through her before he slipped his cock out of her and rolled to the side. She turned her head, reaching for him, and smiled.
His gaze softened. She sighed in contentment.
He'd confessed that he loved her, but she hadn't said it back to him. It wasn't that she was slower to discover what they had between them.
She was afraid of disappointing another person in her life.
If he stopped loving her, he'd shatter her heart.
He picked up her hand and held her fingers to his lips. As he kissed her, he closed his eyes, and that softening he only gave to her opened her mouth.
She blurted, "I love you."
He rolled to his side, facing her, and smoothed her hair off her forehead. "I'm claiming you in front of the club."
"Huh?" She lifted her head. "What's that mean?"
"It means you'll get every benefit Tarkio offers. If something happens to me—"
"Don't talk like that," she said.
"It needs to be said." His voice lowered. "If something happens to me, you'll get the money from the pot every month that was due to me, and Priest will make sure you're protected."
She sat up in bed. "That's not necessary. I have a job."
"You can keep your job or not. That's up to you." He rolled his stomach muscles and sat up, putting his legs over the side of the bed. "You'll be safe. If I'm not around, none of the members will touch you. They'll protect you like a sister."
Okay, that was cool. She reached for her discarded shirt. While staying here, she could see how the ladies belonging to the members were treated differently compared to the other women, like her sister.
"As soon as this shit with Cusclan is tapped down, I'll get us into a house." He stood and threw away the condom and hitched his jeans over his hips, buckling his belt.
"Aren't we going a little fast?" She scooted off the bed and searched for her panties and shorts. "I can't keep up with you."
"Life's short, sis. I've already wasted enough years." He glanced at her, lowering his gaze to her midsection. "I'm going to put a baby in your belly."
Her snort turned into a cough, and she sat back down on the bed. "Are you asking me to have a baby?"
The thought overwhelmed her. And, excited her.
She'd never given the idea of having a baby of her own a single thought before because she couldn't imagine herself in a committed relationship.
"If you want to tie the knot first, that's good, too." He slipped his pistol into the back of his jeans, underneath the waistband. "You can talk to my sister about that. She'd know who we need to contact."
"Whip?"
He stopped. "What?"
"Can I just enjoy today?" She remained on the bed, her shoulders rounding. "It was a pretty big thing for me to say I love you."
His mouth relaxed, and he came to her. Sitting beside her on the bed, he gathered her hand in his.
"It's a huge fucking deal to me, too, sis." He inhaled deeply. "It means everything."
"For me, too."
Several seconds passed, and he linked their fingers together. "Now that you're mine, you might want to warn your sister that if I ever hear her try to badmouth you, she's going to deal with me, and she's not going to like it."
"What did she say?" She could only imagine, and whatever it was, it couldn't hurt her.
"Doesn't matter." He kissed her. "I'm going out and having a smoke. Then, I'm going to talk to Priest."
"It's almost two o'clock in the morning." She yawned and plopped her hands down on her thighs. "I don't even know why I got dressed."
He kissed her again. "Get undressed and snuggle down in bed. I'll be back soon."
"I'll wait up for you." She yawned again.
He stopped at the door and looked back at her. His eyes softened in amusement. Her body warmed, loving the way he looked at her.
Stretching out on the bed fully clothed, bound to prove him wrong and stay awake until he came back, she waved him away. He slipped out of the room.
She'd only close her eyes for a few seconds.
Chapter 24
Whip
"I don't give a shit about the timing." Whip stabbed out his cigarette in the ashtray. "Cusclan has fucked up my life too many times. I'm not going to let them take this away from me. I want Twyla."
"I get it, brother. I trusted your dad with my life, and I trust you're doing the right thing for the club. You can make the announcement on Wednesday during the meeting." Priest tossed a stack of papers onto the table in front of Whip. "In the meantime, look at this."
He flipped through the papers, looking at the handwritten columns. "What is this?"
"The list of Tarkio members in the prison system. That's just for Montana. The first two pages are Tarkio members. The other pages are listings for the members of Cusclan, Moroad, Brikken and Notus in Washington, and Bantorus over in Idaho, Ronacks only has a handful, and the last page has California's records for Lagsturns Motorcycle Club. I don't think we should leave them out of the equation because of their influence." Priest leaned back in the chair.
He read through the names. Surprised that a lot of them he recognized and even met throughout his life. Without being told, he understood the reasons behind their sentences. Their crimes were done for the good of the club.
What citizens would never understand about the underground was the criminal aspect in motorcycle clubs and the mob. There was a sense of community with those walking the path that those living in the outside world were not privy to. Without some kind of control on the other side of the law, those in Missoula would suffer. Those living their life, protected from the harsher lifestyle, would feel the impact.
Letting their children walk to school would no longer be safe. Women would disappear. Many would be sold into sex trafficking. Innocent people would get killed. Those in higher power would take advantage of those in need.
Without anarchy, there was no Tarkio.
Priest leaned forward. "I talked to Walker. He gave a different insight into what is happening in the penitentiary.
"Did you find out something that will help us with Cusclan?" He stacked the papers, having seen enough. "I'll tell
you now, you'll have a revolt if you even bring up a merge."
"Fuck a merge." Priest's gaze hardened. "The answer is right there in front of you."
He cocked his head, curious about the direction Priest wanted to take Tarkio. "I'm not following you."
The corner of Priest's mouth lifted, shifting his beard. From the look on his president's face, he was more confident about his choices than he was the other day.
"You'll find out Wednesday, along with everyone else." Priest knocked on the table. "I have one more thing I need to do. If everything works out, I'm going to need more from you. So, from now until Wednesday, think over what you're doing. Make sure Twyla's the woman you want having your back."
"You make it sound like things are going to get touchy."
Priest dipped his chin. "Blood will flow."
Whip sat at the table for a few more minutes. His thoughts circled through everything he'd heard without knowing what the hell was going to happen.
Was it fair to thrust Twyla into life with him if there was a chance he would be taken out? That she would lose him?
He stood, the chair legs screeching against the floor. Change was coming.
"Send Curley in," said Priest.
"Will do." He stepped into the hallway and walked into the main room.
Frank passed him. He smacked his MC brother's arm, getting his attention.
"Have you seen Curley?" He gazed through the women dancing in front of the couch.
"About a half-hour ago. He was outside seeing Faye off."
"Was he planning on sticking around?" He noticed since Curley had Walker's niece move in with him, he chose to go home early or skip out on the parties.
"No idea."
"Thanks, brother." He walked across the room and went outside.
Banks, Slick, Jerry, and Roddy, stood together over by the motorcycles. He walked to the group and slapped Curley on the back, getting his Vice President's attention. Lifting his chin, he motioned toward the door, taking Curley a few feet away from the others.
"Priest wants you in the meeting room." He opened the front door.
"Thanks, man." Curley walked ahead of him.
Whip grabbed an unopened beer bottle off the table and continued to the hallway. Letting himself in the bedroom, he took in Twyla sleeping soundly on the bed. She probably keeled over as soon as he'd left earlier because she still had her shorts and shirt on and laid on top of the covers.
He flipped the light off and waited for his eyes to adjust to the dark before stepping over to the wooden chair below the window. Opening the beer, he chugged half the liquid before setting it aside and taking off his boots.
Gazing at Twyla, there was no choice to make regarding her. If she was in his life, she'd need to go through the tough times. All he could promise was that he would make more good moments than bad.
And he would do everything possible to stay free and alive. He wanted to spend a lifetime with her.
Chapter 25
Twyla
Whip sat on his motorcycle outside Mama Jean's Pie Shoppe. Twyla pushed out the front door and hurried straight to him. Throwing her arms around his neck, she kissed him
He cupped her ass, tugging her closer. She peppered his lips, smiling at him.
"What's got—" He kissed her. "You so—" He chuckled when she stole his words by capturing his lips. "Happy?"
She pulled back, barely able to contain herself. "I got a raise."
"You deserve it." He kissed her again.
"Mm." Her stomach fluttered. "That's not the best news."
"There's more?"
Her cheeks ached from her smile. "From now on, I'm the opening supervisor, and my hours will change. I'll be working from eleven o'clock until six o'clock. No more closing, so you don't have to sit out here in the dark—well, except when winter comes and the sun goes down earlier, but hopefully, you won't have to protect me by then, right?"
"Right," he muttered, flashing her a grin. "Congratulations."
She hugged him again. "I'll go jump in my car so we can get out of here."
He caught her wrist, pulling her back when she tried to step away. "Change of plans."
"Oh?" She stayed beside him. "What are we doing?"
"You'll see." He let go of her. "Follow me."
She nodded and walked to her car at a slower pace, not knowing where they were going. It wasn't like him not to tell her. As long as he'd stayed at her job while she worked, they'd always gone straight home. It was past eleven o'clock. Not many places were still open. The restaurants around town all closed at eleven, leaving only the bars available until two o'clock in the morning.
Turning on her headlights, she backed out of the parking spot. Usually, she led the way back to the clubhouse. But following him, she could admire the view of Whip riding his motorcycle.
He looked formidable in jeans and a leather vest. The black T-shirt stretched at his shoulders. His hair blew below the helmet on his head.
She squeezed the steering wheel, stopping at a red light, and caught him looking at her in his side mirror. A nervous bubble popped inside of her. He made following him exciting and mysterious.
One day, she'd like to ask him to take her on a ride with him. Even though she'd lived with Big, she had never ridden on a motorcycle before. Never had any desire before.
But she wanted to sit behind Whip and wrap her arms around him. He always appeared to exude power when he rode. She was sure she wasn't the only one who noticed.
The light turned green. She followed him through the intersection and crossed two streets, heading out of town. Before they reached the open county road, he turned and slowed down.
No streetlights aiding her way made it hard to see. She concentrated within the beams of her headlights on the dark road until she spotted Whip pointing his arm and turning onto a gravel driveway.
She slowed, keeping her distance from him, knowing he'd need extra time to navigate the uneven ground.
He stopped in front of a single-story house set back from the road with the lights on inside. She put the car in park and shut off the engine, but stayed in the car.
They were out of the neighborhoods, almost in the country. There wasn't a neighbor in sight.
Whip got off his motorcycle and walked back to her, opening her door. She stayed inside and looked at him curiously.
He hunkered down beside her and said, "My sister wants to talk to you."
"Now?" She glanced at the house, suddenly nervous. "Isn't it a little late to come visit?"
Her interactions with Tracy were stilted, at best. The last time she'd seen her, it was obvious that she was unhappy with her brother's relationship with her.
"It's a good time for her. The kids are asleep, and she can give you her full attention." He took her hand and pulled her from the car. "I'll take you in."
"Are you staying?" She walked beside him, holding on to him tightly, hoping he'd understand how much more comfortable she would be if he stayed by her side.
"I'll probably go in the garage with Rick and have a beer while you visit. All you have to do is yell if you need me."
She blew out her breath, trying to settle her nerves. It was one thing for Angie to treat her like shit. She wouldn't let Whip's sister make her feel like she wasn't good enough for him. Yet, she wanted to start their relationship off on the right foot.
Swallowing hard, she looked at the front door. Whip had told her how his parents had died and what his sister had lived through. She couldn't fault him for shooting the Cusclan members. He was protecting his sister.
Because he loved his family, she would do her best to get along with Tracy. But if his sister meant to chase her away and force her to break up with Whip, she wouldn't give him up without a fight.
He opened the door as if they expected him or he was welcome without an invitation to come in. She held his hand tighter and stepped inside after him.
"I'm in the kitchen," called his sister.
Led thr
ough the house, she stepped over stray toys littering the floor and stopped in the kitchen.
Tracy held up a pot of coffee. "Anyone want a cup?"
Whip let go of her hand and moved toward the fridge. "I'll have a beer. Is Rick in the garage?"
"Yeah, he's working on his motorcycle." Tracy looked at Twyla. "Coffee?"
"Sure. Thank you." She clasped her hands in front of her, not knowing what to do without Whip at her side.
He winked at her and walked through the door, leading to what she suspected was the garage.
"Sugar? Milk?"
"Black."
Tracy handed her a cup. "We can sit in the living room."
She followed her into the other room and sat on the couch. Whip's sister took the chair in front of the front window. Intentionally or not, she couldn't be sure. So far, Tracy was trying to make her comfortable.
"I'm glad you came." Tracy curled her feet underneath her in the chair. "My brother mentioned he's been watching out for you while you work, and I didn't know if you'd want to come over this late after being on your feet all day."
"It was nice of you to invite me." She sipped the coffee, not sure what else to say.
Tracy waved her hand in front of her. "I wanted to apologize for the other night and thought it would be easier here, without my kids interrupting. My reaction to seeing you and Whip kiss was rude."
"Oh." She held her breath, surprised by the apology. "It's okay."
"No, it isn't. I had no idea he was seeing you, and I know that things with Tarkio are hairy right now. I was actually pissed at him for getting involved with you." Tracy rolled her eyes. "The other women—fine. But, you—he knew better."
"I-I don't understand." She grabbed a coaster off the coffee table and set her cup down.
"Well, it's unfair to you for him to come and go, leading you on when he doesn't have the time to spend with you. I didn't know you were the reason why he's been gone, and he's making sure you're protected." Tracy raised her brows. "He told me that he loves you."
"He did?"