“Oh. My. God.” Arianne’s hand flew to her mouth. “What happened to his tat?”
“Jimmy.”
“Goddamn bastard,” T-Rex growled behind them. “That damn Brethren election can’t happen too soon. Everyone’s fighting to be on the team that goes after Mad Dog.”
“I think you’ve put in enough time waiting for that election. And Cade suffered for it.” She surprised herself with the sharpness of her tone, or the spark of defiance that wasn’t appropriate for a soon-to-be ex-old-lady.
Arianne gestured to the ring, defusing the tension that had curled around them. “Cade’s ready to fight. Nick is referee tonight, and he just gave the thumbs-up.”
Cade nodded at Nick, then looked out into the crowd. She knew the moment he saw her, felt the burning intensity of his gaze as he searched her face. His unspoken question was clear. But she had no answer to give him, except in that instant, she knew with absolute certainty she wanted him more than any man she’d ever wanted before.
Nick tapped Cade on the shoulder and he turned his attention to his opponent, now standing in the center of the ring.
Taller than Cade by about two inches, broader and more muscular, the Devil Dog wore a black bandanna and sported two silver earrings in his right ear. With a chest full of tats, he looked like a pirate, save for the Devil Dog patch on his back.
The fight started before the referee left the ring.
Cade jabbed, his fist pistoning back and forth so fast, the Devil Dog stumbled back. But he wasn’t fast enough. Cade followed through with a punch that dropped his opponent to the ground. Dawn almost thought the fight was over, but the man recovered quickly, jumping up and hitting Cade with a right hook that sent his head snapping to the side. Blood splattered across the grass. Dawn gasped and grabbed Arianne’s arm.
“You okay with the sight of blood?” T-Rex leaned over her shoulder. “You want me to take you inside?”
“I can handle the blood.” She’d cleaned up blood almost every day when she’d been with the Brethren, whether it was hers, Jimmy’s, the blood of one of his brothers, or that of one of their victims. “I just don’t like to see him hurt.”
Cade’s eyes glazed over and he snapped off a kick to avoid another punch from his opponent. Then he threw a vicious kick and a simultaneous massive right punch that dropped the Devil Dog to the ground. His opponent tried to stand and Cade thrashed him with a brutal knee.
“Oh God. Stop, Cade,” Dawn whispered.
Sweat glistened on Cade’s body. With his jaw slightly swollen and blood trickling from his nose, he looked vicious and violent and so unlike the man who had been so gentle and tender in bed, and yet he’d never turned that violence on her. Not once had she ever felt threatened when she was with Cade. Instead, she’d felt cared for. Protected. Loved.
Cade followed his kick with another hard right hand, followed by another. His opponent dropped and Cade followed him down, vicious and brutal, dropping hammer fists to his head as his opponent retreated.
Dawn wanted to leave, but couldn’t. Tried to look away, but didn’t. This wasn’t Jimmy, crazy, violent, and merciless, savoring his victim’s pain. This was Cade. Fierce, strong, calculating, and always in control.
Protective by nature. Generous of heart.
He stopped when his opponent went down, although the crowd was calling for blood. Nick lifted Cade’s arm for the victory salute, and moments later Cade was on his knees, helping his opponent to his feet.
Why had she doubted him? Why had she doubted herself?
After Cade left to shower and dress, Dawn mingled with the Sinners and their support clubs. Everyone was friendly, and curious about the woman who had brought the infamous Sinner playboy to his knees. By the time she made it to the edge of crowd, her face ached from smiling and she’d run out of answers to their questions about taming the untamable beast.
She sensed, rather than saw, him emerge from the clubhouse. Felt his hunger as he searched through the crowd. A thrill of fear shot down her spine at the prospect of being hunted, and she slipped away, hiding behind groups of people until she reached the far edge of the property.
He had almost caught up to her, when two Devil Dogs stopped him to talk about the fight. Dawn came out of hiding and leaned against a tree near the side of the clubhouse, watching him struggle to be polite as his gaze shifted from cool irritation to blistering heat.
He wanted her. Needed her. Just as she needed him. Instead of running away, what if she took control? What if she stayed and fought her own inner war?
With slow, deliberate movements, she unbuttoned her shirt, sliding her fingers along cool skin to the crescents of her breasts. Liquid lava spread through her body, pooling in her belly, flushing her skin with desire.
Cade’s eyes widened, but he couldn’t get away from his new friends. Emboldened by the fact that they had their backs to her, and no one else was around, she slid her hand into her shirt and cupped her breast, gently kneading her soft flesh as she watched sweat bead on Cade’s forehead.
So much fun. She’d never really teased a man before, and watching him watch her was more arousing than she’d ever imagined. Already she was wet for him, desire flooding through her body, ratcheting up her need to a whole new level.
She closed her eyes and imagined what it would feel like to have his hands on her, his cock inside her, his body hot and hard pressed up against her. She circled her taut nipple with her finger, pretending it was his tongue and her breath hitched. With gentle tugs she pulled her skirt up, exposing her thigh to his heated gaze. Then, when she was sure no one was looking, she slid her hand between her legs and stroked along her folds.
Ah God. So good. Her head fell back against the tree with a soft thud, and one of the Devil Dogs startled and turned.
“Free beer.” Cade raised his voice and pointed to the bar, diverting the Devil Dogs’ attention. His companions made a hasty departure, and Cade pinned her with one scorching look.
“Don’t even think about moving.” His voice carried across the lawn as he stalked toward her, his muscles taut and quivering, forcing her to back away until she hit the brick retaining wall surrounding the property. Dawn’s breathing quickened, her body ripe with desire and the hunger of need.
“Good fight.”
Cade stopped, only inches away. “You came. You stayed.”
“I am staying,” she said softly. “I’m not going into the witness protection program. I left a message for Doug before I came here. I’m not going to let Jimmy take away the life I’ve made in Conundrum. But I can’t fight him alone.” It was as close as she could come to telling him she wanted him, needed him. Loved him.
Strong emotion flickered across his face, but he didn’t speak.
Dawn bit her lip and let her words tumble out. “I’m sorry I hurt you, but I was scared, not just of Jimmy, but of how much I care for you and whether I can make a commitment to wear this cut.”
His face softened, and he bent down and kissed her, soft and sweet. Then he pressed his body against hers, his erection hard against her stomach. “You know what it does to a man when you give him a taste of something he shouldn’t see?” His voice dropped to a growl. “You know how hard I got watching you touch yourself?”
“Always about sex.”
He kissed her again. “Always about you.”
Dawn cupped his shaft and stroked him with the heel of her palm through his jeans. “Hmmm. It’s hard to tell. Maybe if I took these off.” She tugged at his belt and his hand dived between her thighs, ripping a gasp from her throat.
He was all predator. All man. Feral in his need. She had pushed him to the edge. Would he go over, or could she control her sexy beast?
“I missed you too, honey.”
Cade unleashed a low growl of frustration. “No more games. Lift your skirt and turn around. I’m gonna take you against the wall, then I’m gonna bring you inside and love you for the rest of the night.”
“I choose door numb
er two.” Dawn tugged down his jeans and then dropped to her knees in front of him. “Play.”
* * *
Play? He didn’t want to play. With the adrenaline still streaming through his veins after his fight and his cock throbbing after he watched his old lady getting herself off while he was trapped behind a wall of Devil Dogs, he wanted to bury his cock in her sweet pussy and fuck her hard. Now.
If she hadn’t come to the fight, he would have gone to see her, slipped into her bed and made love to her all night. Then he would have hunted down Mad Dog and dealt with him once and for all so she wouldn’t have to make a choice that would take her away from him, and endanger her forever.
You can’t stop people from doing what they want to do or being where they want to be.
Despite his best intentions, she’d made her choice.
She’d chosen to stay, and she wanted to stand and fight like a Sinner. So he would have her back. And then he’d convince her to make another choice—a choice that meant she would wear his cut and always be safe.
But right now, still primed from his fight, he wanted her with an intensity that took his breath away. Hard. Fast.
Mine.
“Up.” He tunneled a hand through her hair, urging her to her feet so he could claim her, sink his cock into her pussy, and give in to the incredible heat that burned between them. But it was too late. Her soft, warm hand wrapped around his cock, tugging him free, and then she licked him from balls to tip.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Jesus Christ.” His fingers tightened on in her hair, and instead of pulling her up, he drew her close. “You want to play, then we’ll play. Open up those lovely lips, beautiful, and show me what else that mouth can do.”
Her little pink tongue flicked out and danced over the tip of his cock, sending a jolt of lightning through his body. His woman. On her knees. Her silky blond hair a sexy tangle over her shoulders. Those lush, pink lips wrapped around his cock. Her breasts swaying gently as she moved …
Anyone could come around the corner. And the possibility of discovery just made the night all that much sweeter.
Too fucking much. He fisted her hair and jerked his hips, stroking into her hot, wet mouth. “Suck me, beautiful.”
She wrapped her hand around the base of his cock and dragged her tongue along the underside as she pulled away. Then her hand tightened and she swirled her tongue around his length, then back again. Damn that felt good. She knew what she was doing, but he didn’t want to think about how she’d learned, or his scratch list would get even longer than it was.
His cock thickened and his hips surged up, driving him deeper into her mouth. She took him easily and he dared to push a little harder. Dawn stilled for a moment, then worked her mouth in counterpoint to her hand. Fuck. He almost lost it right there. His body thrummed with need, every muscle taut to the point of breaking. But he didn’t want her like this. He wanted—no, needed—her trust.
With a groan he pulled away and sat on the cool grass, his back against the brick wall. From this position he would be able to see anyone coming through the trees, and hear people coming around the corner. Still dangerous enough to keep the adrenaline pumping but secure enough to keep her safe.
“On my lap.” His words came out in a husky rasp. “Back to me.”
Still on her knees, Dawn tipped her head. “I want you like this.”
“And I fucking wanted you like that, too. But it’s my turn for a game.” He gritted his teeth against the pain of his arousal. “Come.”
“So demanding, but okay. I’ll play.” She joined him at the wall, kneeling in front of him while he sheathed himself with a condom from his pocket. When he was certain he was in control, he shoved up her skirt and lifted her onto his lap, settling her with her back to his chest.
“This game is called trust.” He slid her panties down over her hips and ankles, and then he forced her knees apart, draping her legs on the outside of his, spreading her wide open.
“Cade! I can’t … what if someone comes?”
“Close your eyes.”
She stiffened and he cupped her mound with his palm. “Trust me, sweetheart. Trust me to keep you safe.”
Dawn trembled against him. He could almost feel her internal struggle, and his heart pounded in his chest. He needed this. Needed her. If she trusted him, she wouldn’t walk away. Even after Mad Dog was dead.
“I trust you, Cade.” She softened against him and closed her eyes.
Sweeter words he had never heard.
Cade stilled, listening to the party in the background, the wind in the leaves, and the scurry of animals in the underbrush. He heard a car door slam, a gate creak, and the steady thud of bass from the speakers the prospect had set up outside. The air was warm, fragrant with the scent of rich spring earth and newly mowed grass.
“If I recall, you were touching yourself here.” He slid one hand into her bra and cupped his hand over her left breast. Her heart pounded against his arm as he fondled the soft flesh, rolling her nipple until she squirmed on his lap. “This is mine to touch, sweetheart.”
She moaned softly and her skin heated beneath his palm, her nipple tightening into a hard bud.
“Very nice. Now I get to play with the other one.” He switched hands and teased her right breast until her breaths came fast and shallow.
“You like a little danger with your sex, don’t you, babe?” He widened his legs and Dawn shuddered.
“I’m too … exposed.”
“Yes, you are. Anyone coming around the corner will be able to see your pretty pussy, open and ready for me.” He pressed his palm over her mound, resting two fingers on either side of her clit. He loved that she would do this with him; trust him, follow him where he led. And right now, with his cock rock-hard and pressed between her soft cheeks, he was leading to a quick release.
“You’re so wet.” He stroked her clit and moved his legs wider, spreading her even more. “I like having you open so I can play.”
She sucked in a sharp breath and her fingernails dug into his thighs. So close. He pinched her nipples and Dawn whimpered. One touch and he would send her over the edge, but he wanted to be there with her, feel her pussy ripple around him. “Up, sweetheart.” Hands on her hips, he lifted her and lowered her down over his cock. Her pussy clamped around him like a silken glove and he held her still and took a deep breath. The urge to thrust was almost overwhelming, but more than that, he wanted to drive her past her inhibitions, past the fear, to the point where she wanted nothing more than the pleasure he would give her.
Once he was seated deep inside her, he slid his finger over her engorged clit, breathing in the lingering scent of her perfume and the intoxicating aroma of arousal.
“More.” She wriggled on his lap and his cock pulsed, demanding release. Unable to hold back anymore, he shoved up her bra and teased her breast with one hand, while he slicked his finger through her wetness and worked his way up and around her clit. When her body went taut, he slid his thumb over her swollen nub.
He barely managed to get his hand over her mouth before she let out a satisfying scream. Her back arched and her head fell back against his shoulder. But when her pussy rippled around him, he couldn’t hold back. With a low groan, he scooped her up and lowered her down to the grass, barely getting her on all fours before succumbing to the urge to sink into her slick, tight heat. His balls ached, tight with the need for release. He grabbed her hips and pounded into her. Hard. Fast. Rough.
“Feels so good,” she murmured breathlessly as she moved her hips against him. “I want to feel you come.”
Cade yanked her against him, and came hard, every muscle in his body twitching as his cock pulsed against her inner walls. Her pussy tightened around him, drawing his orgasm out until he was totally and utterly spent.
He collapsed on top of her, twining his fingers through hers as he nuzzled the soft hair on the back of her neck.
“You did well.”
&nbs
p; She gave a muffled snort. “Not a lot of skill involved in having a mind-blowing orgasm.”
“But it took a lot of courage to give me your trust after watching me fight, knowing how you feel about violence.” Every moment he spent with her, he discovered even more about her he liked. He wanted to peel back all her layers and find out what made her tick. He wanted to know every detail of her life, from what she ate for breakfast to the kind of friends she’d had as a kid. And he wanted to give her the kind of life she deserved—a life free of fear and pain and hardship. A life where he could see her smile.
Stay with me always, he wanted to say.
Trust me.
But this wasn’t the time. Not with Mad Dog still on the loose. So he sat back, pulled her into his arms, and held her until the party was over.
TWENTY-TWO
I will give my life for my brother as he would give his life for me.
SINNER’S TRIBE CREED
Cade didn’t show for the party.
Dawn rubbed her sweaty palms over her thighs before loading up her tray. Banks had been less than willing to hand over the keys to the bar. But once Jagger’s mind was set on something, there was no going back. He’d paid Banks five times the going rate and given his word he would make good any damage.
As with any biker party, the old ladies and sweet butts were expected to serve, except, of course, Arianne, who had taken up her usual station behind the bar.
With Gunner’s mix of hard-rock tracks blasting through the speakers, and the Sinners working hard to charm the Brethren, the bar had a good vibe going. Only Cade’s absence and Jimmy’s presence kept Dawn from enjoying the evening.
She could feel Jimmy’s eyes on her as she circulated the bar, and just once she’d made the mistake of meeting his cold, dark gaze. She knew that look. The hard menacing stare, the leering, supercilious expression, and the way he flipped the bottle cap into the air, catching it without a glance. He only flipped bottle caps when something bad was going to happen, usually to her.
The Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club, Books 1-3 Page 60