by C. M. Steele
Morgan smiles at him but eats without saying a word.
It takes him a few minutes to break the silence. “Crystal, so what are your plans? Are you going back to school?”
“Nope. I’m moving to Dallas in a couple weeks to start working.” He nods after a moment of silence. A cold attitude comes over him and he doesn’t continue with that line of questioning. It’s only eight by the time we’re done eating and I’m ready to call it an early night. I’m thinking of heading to Dallas early. I have a place there that I’ve been renting since I graduated, so there’s really no need to invade Morgan’s space. I’m worried about her, but her brother makes me feel things that scare me. And that doesn’t happen easily. I’m hard when I need to be and that’s always been my way around men—until Boomer.
“I’m off to bed. I’ve got a headache,” I say, getting up off the couch.
“Thanks, Crystal. I’m sorry I ruined our plans today.”
“Don’t be. I could have gone out with some friends. I’m just glad you’re feeling a little more you. Good night.”
“Good night, Tigress.” I wave him off and walk to my room. He’s more than a girl can handle. He’s interested, which is obvious, but he’s acting all hot and cold. Not that I want to be involved with him. Okay, I do, but he’s too much. I need to be with a guy that’s less intense. Boomer has me all messed up.
Chapter 5
Boomer
When Crystal left to go to bed, I wanted to creep in there and crawl into bed with her. I don’t need to fuck her, I want to hold her. Instead, I help Morgan clean up. I leave my sister’s with two prospects guarding the building. I’ve got Church in a little while. After changing rides, I arrive at the club just before midnight where every member is waiting.
“We have a problem. Wrench, tell them what’s going on,” I tell him.
Everyone waits for him to say something. His fists are clenched, knuckles whitening by the second. “This morning, someone set a small fire at my shop. It was intentional. I caught the pipsqueak who did it. It seems he was paid and threatened to do it. He claims not to know who the people are, but they aren’t from around here.”
“Do you have tabs on the shit?” Doc exclaims, slamming his hand on the table.
“Yes, he works at the pizza place in the strip mall.”
“Oh, you mean Derek?” Cowboy asks.
Wrench shakes his head, then shrugs. “I don’t know the little shit’s name. He hung around after the fire. I saw him lurking and found out it was him.”
“Oh, well he’s normally a good kid. His dad is a ranch hand of mine. Do you want me to tell him anything?”
“No, we want to keep this under wraps, Cowboy. If the kid’s telling the truth, then his family is in danger. I don’t want to draw attention to the fact we know,” I answer.
“Okay, Pres. What’s the plan then?” Boss asks, spinning his blade on the table. It’s his habit like people who click their pens all day, but a fucking lot less annoying. He’s a decade older than me and our former CO hence the reason we call him Boss. He handles a lot of administrative work for us.
“I want eyes on the kid. I’ve already added protection for my sister. I suggest we all do that for our families. We need the surveillance footage for the strip mall. I want to know everyone who’s walked into that place over the past week.”
“That’s going to take forever, but I’ll pull it and check out the new ones,” Cyber says. He’s our tech guru and handles the ins and outs on the latest in gadgets and weaponry.
“Do what you can. Once we have a clue who these people are the sooner we can eliminate the threat,” I remind them. We always attack after assessing the threat. It may not have always paid off, but it’s the smart thing to do.
We break for the night and head out. Our prospects are roaming the town looking for anyone ready to cause trouble. I’m fucking exhausted. If one of these bitch ass punks comes rolling through looking for a fight, it’s going to be the last thing they find. I hop on my Harley and drive back to my house. It’s huge and only about five minutes from the clubhouse. I head to the shower, letting the heat hit my aching shoulder. Getting old is a motherfucker, but it doesn’t help that some of the shrapnel got my ass there, ending my career in the service.
I slip on some boxers after drying off, then fall on the bed.
Chapter 6
Crystal
I decided to take a day trip back to Dallas. Staying away seems like the best thing to do. I text Morgan as soon as I get to my apartment to let her know I’m safe.
Me: Here. Spending the day cleaning then hanging with friends. I’ll be back tomorrow.
Morgan: Boomer is freaking flipping his lid that you left.
Me: What the fuck for?
Morgan: He thinks you’re not safe on your own.
Me: Well, I won’t be on my own for long. TTYL.
I laugh to myself thinking the man is controlling as fuck, but I left his sleepy town so I’m no longer under his purview. I start with my kitchen that has seen better days. It’s only been a week since I’ve been here, but it’s a total mess. My roommate is a fucking slob. I really need to get my own place. At least unlike the last one, Corey isn’t trying to steal my clothes. I love them, and no one touches my babies. Corey’s into me, but I don’t want shit to do with him. He’s the brother of a friend who just got married. I took over her share of the rent. Luckily, he flirts and keeps walking. Never has he tried to push me. He’s the kind that likes to play around too much.
Suddenly, I wonder what Boomer would think if he knew I had a male roommate. Fuck, I need to stop thinking about him. He’s the brother of another friend, just like Corey. My phone rings just as the front door opens.
Corey comes in and smiles at me, reaching my phone first. “Give it to me,” I screech.
“Hello,” he answers. I can hear that voice. He’s got my number. Fucking Morgan.
“This is her man,” he taunts Boomer. I close my eyes because I know Boomer isn’t a guy to mess with. I hit him in the back of the knee, making him nearly fall over, then snatch my phone from him.
“Boomer,” I answer.
“Tigress, you didn’t tell me you have a boyfriend,” he growls into the phone.
“Well, you didn’t ask. Besides, I don’t. He’s my roommate.” I give Corey a dirty look because he’s laughing his ass off.
“Roommate?” he asks. The growliness is still there, but not as rough. It strikes me that he’s jealous.
“Yes, you’ve heard of them, right? You know when you don’t own a whole freaking town, you have to make decisions,” I tell him.
“I’ll be there in an hour. Be ready.”
“What? I’m not going anywhere.”
“Tigress, I won’t let you spend the night with another man.” And that’s when my body turns to mush. My pussy throbs and now I know resisting him is futile.
Chapter 7
Boomer
I’m ready to kill a motherfucker as I drive to Dallas. Morgan didn’t know Crystal’s address, so I called Cyber and he gave it to me. The guy has the skills needed to get things done. I didn’t see red until he said that they were fucking. Not exactly, but it was close enough for me. I want to send him to the hospital. If he gives me any shit, I will. I hop into my truck with three of my men following. I was at the club, looking at footage from the pizza place when the prospect called and said Morgan’s friend left. I drove to my sister’s only to learn that she went back to Dallas. She texted Morgan as I stood there.
This woman is going to be the death of me. I want her more than I can describe. She’s all I can think about. What should be a short drive feels like forever. My temper heating up with every mile.
Tigress is asking to be nailed to the wall with my dick buried inside her. I have lost all ability to let her go. I’m going to do my best to take it slow, but if she pushes me to the max, I’m going to put my kid in her.
As soon as I get to her apartment building, I jump out a
nd see Crystal sitting on the step.
“Waiting for me, Tigress? That’s a good girl.”
“Shut up. Let’s go before I change my mind.” She stands, giving me a scowl, but I only smile at her.
“Get her things,” I tell my guys who come up behind me.
“Yes, Pres.”
“Come, Tigress. Let’s get your pretty ass home where you belong,” I order, grabbing her hand, taking her to my truck. As soon as she’s buckled in, I walk around, get in, and drive. It takes everything in me to stop from kissing her. I’m no fool, she’s afraid of me. Not because I’d ever physically hurt her, but that I’d end this. She has no idea that I’ll never leave.
“So why didn’t you finish school?” I ask. I want to know what’s going on with that pretty head of hers. Why is she living with a man instead of being in a dorm with girls her age?
“What makes you think I didn’t?” she asks. I look at her, quirking my brow then return my eyes to the road.
“You mean you graduated from college?”
“Yes, I actually met your sister while I was picking up my transcripts and last paycheck from my old job. We’ve only known each other for about two weeks. I decided I could use a little vacation before I started my new job.”
“Wow, so you’re not eighteen?”
“No, I’m twenty-two.” I take a deep sigh of relief. She’s mine. I take her hand and bring it to my lips.
“Thank fuck.”
“How old are you?”
“I just turned thirty.”
“What the shit? You built an empire at thirty?”
“Yes, it’s been a labor of love. I’ve had a fuck ton of help from my brothers.”
“How many members are in your club?”
“There are ten and about thirty prospects.”
“Prospects? Like the guys standing guard outside Morgan’s place.”
“Yes, they want in, but it takes a lot to be accepted.”
“Do you all kill people?”
“Not since we left the service, but if anyone fucks with my family and town, we will.”
“Damn, Boomer. I know there’s something between us and I want more, but can we take it slow?” That took the wind out of my sails fast as fuck, but if that’s what she wants.
“Tigress, yes we can. But fuck if you’re not living with me.”
“Wow, that’s not slow at all.”
“It’s not, but I want you safe.”
“Why can’t I stay with Morgan?”
“How can we get to know each other if I can’t see you? I made an excuse to visit Morgan. I work a lot, then I’ve got club business. Having you at my home makes more sense.”
“Okay, but there’s something you need to know.” She rubs her hands together, sliding them between her tightly closed thighs. I have a feeling it’s not something I want to hear.
“What’s that?” I’m gripping the steering wheel until my knuckles whiten as I wait for the thing that’s going to piss me off.
“I’m a virgin.” I nearly crash at those words. I pull off to the side. Fuck me, I’m going to be her only one. The thought drives the possessiveness in me to a new level.
“Did you just say you’re a virgin?” I ask, swallowing the lump in my throat.
“I did. Don’t start asking questions.” She throws her hands up, stopping me from talking. Shit, I don’t know what to say that won’t make me come off as the total caveman I feel like. “I’m a virgin because I’m a bitch who wants something better than teenage fumblings which were totally a waste of experience.”
“I get that. I promise when you’re ready, I’ll make sure you never regret it.” Even as I say it, I know damn well it’s going to be hard as fuck to hold back. I want to climb into her soul and possess every inch of her being.
“Thank you for understanding, Boomer.”
“Crystal, that’s not something I need to understand. It’s to be appreciated. I hadn’t thought you would be. I’m a lot older, but most teens experiment. Even at eighteen, I thought you had at least one partner. I respect it and I have to say that as your guy, I fucking love it.”
She starts laughing, hard. “Of course you do.”
I smile as I pull up to my gate. Hitting the code, I enter and park in my garage, feeling like I won the ultimate prize.
Chapter 8
Crystal
His house is huge. Like he’s a single guy overcompensating for something. “Wow, do you think it’s big enough?”
“Depends, Tigress.”
“On what?” I know I’m asking for it because he’s giving me a look full of dirty thoughts.
“On how many babies we have.” I don’t say anything because I’m not ready to surrender to the idea of forever with him. It scares me to think he could leave me. Then what would I do?
“So, show me around.” It’s still sunny out, and yet all I can think about is going to bed…with him. Damn, I’m the one who wants to slow down, and yet, being near him sends naughty tinglings through me. What are we going to do for the rest of the day?
“Yes, ma’am,” he says, bowing to me. He takes my hand and walks me into the house. It’s freaking stark, empty as if new.
“How long have you lived here?”
“A couple years,” he remarks offhandedly, shrugging while walking through his barren living room. There’s a large TV with a couch and small table. That’s it. This place should be decked out.
“Never considered adding anything to it?” I question.
“I work a lot,” he adds, taking me into a bad ass steel and marble kitchen with black wood cabinets. I’m in love.
“How much is a lot?” I ask, rubbing my hand along the island countertop.
“About ninety hours a week.”
I whip my body completely around to face him as he leans on the kitchen sink. “Damn, wow, no one wonder you want me to stay here. The only time we’ll see each other is when you get home before bed.”
He closes the distance, trapping me with his hands pressing onto the island’s surface, his face inches from mine. “I’m going to make time for you, but for now I need to go back in.”
“I’m surprised you came for me.”
“There was no way in hell I was leaving you with someone else. I don’t give a fuck that he’s just a roommate. Living with a man other than me…well that shit’s not going to happen.”
“You’re very territorial,” I accuse him.
He nods, then leans in running his nose down my neck. “That I am.” He places a small kiss on my shoulder. I want one on my lips, but he backs away.
“Do you want to stay here or come with me?” he asks, grabbing my hand and leading me upstairs to a spacious bedroom. There’s a large bank of windows that face a huge yard with the same black metal fence that surrounds the entrance. The grass is well-maintained, but that’s about it. The rest of the yard is just as empty as the house. I close my eyes and I can swing set and little children running around laughing.
“You like it,” he asks, sliding his arms around my waist and rests his chin on my head. It feels so natural that I melt into it and slide my arms on top of his as we stand there.
“I do.” I turn around in his arms and ask, “How long are you going to be?”
“A few hours. I’m meeting some potential buyers for a couple storefronts we had built.”
“There’s still a lot of places to expand here.”
“I noticed, but I figured since the population’s small it wouldn’t need a lot more.”
“People want more choices and jobs. Speaking of, what were you going to Dallas for?”
“A substitute teacher position. I’m certified, but they are full and I didn’t want to work too far from home, so I could only get the sub spot.”
“Fuck, we can always use more here. What grades do you teach?”
“Kindergarten through fifth.”
“That’s great. I can call the principal.”
“Please don’t pull any s
trings for me.”
“I’m not, Crystal. I’m calling because you want to teach, and we need them.”
“Yes, but you’re who you are. Everyone will just do what you say. Merely a suggestion to him and I’m getting the job.”
“Baby, I’m not going to bullshit you. They will do what I ask. But you know once they find out you’re mine and anything you want will be given. How about you get your files to submit and I’ll stay out of it. Hopefully, they’ll review it before they find out you belong to me.”
“Oh, I have all that at the apartment.”
“Okay, hold on.” He steps away and pulls out his phone. “Hey, Rico, yeah. Make sure you grab all her files. Oh yeah?” He turns to look at me but doesn’t say anything. I wonder if they found anything or maybe Corey said something stupid to get himself in trouble. I don’t care what happens to him. I’m kind of glad he’s satisfied with waiting because Corey acted differently today. “Yep, bring that too. Tonight, same time as yesterday. Yes, she’s at my house. Bring her things here after you stop at the club. Thanks, brother.” He ends the call, then turns to me. “I’m sorry, Tigress. I need to go.”
“Okay, I’ll find something to make for dinner.”
“If there’s nothing here, call for a pizza. Here,” he says. He drops a hundred on the table, squeezes my hand and then rushes out the door. Fucking bastard didn’t even kiss me goodbye.
Chapter 9
Boomer
I run out of the house, hating to leave, but if I stayed things would have gotten more intense than she’s ready for. Besides, I’m ready to fuck a little punk up. The bastard had a busted lip and apparently trashed the apartment. It makes me wonder why she waited outside for me. Warm or not, she made it so that I wouldn’t go inside.
I head to the strip mall on the other side of town, meeting the lawyer and potential renter. “Hello, I’m Garrett Steele.”
“Hi, I’m Penny Banks.” I arch my brow at the name.
“I know. It’s something my parents thought was cute,” she smiles coquettishly at me. I can’t tell if she’s being flirtatious or just a bubbly person. I don’t care for women who do the former with me.