Lady Guardians: Back Off

by Toye Lawson Brown

  No one is saying anything but Cowboy who is urging me to finish her off.

  Her crew is shouting for her to get up. Since I’m not sure if she’s pretending, I bend down to hear if she is breathing. She swings at me. I use my right fist to punch her in the face over and over. The rage in me has finally been unleashed. I’m fed up, and give her a hit for each day of hell she’s put me through.

  I feel strong arms around my body. “Carrie, it’s over. Stop fighting,” Jonah says, lifting me up and off Tequeela.

  I see Dawn standing over Tequeela, but watching me. “Damn, Carrie. You beat her ass down!”

  I don’t feel victorious but heartbroken. I’m not a violent person and have dedicated my life to helping others. I’ve reduced myself to Tequeela’s level. I’m trembling, and Jonah holds me tighter.

  “I got you, baby. We’ll take care of it from here,” Jonah says softly.

  “What have I done? Did I kill her?”

  “She isn’t dead but will remember the fight for a long time.”

  I can’t get the sounds out of my head. What will my mother think when she hears about it. I look up and see Cowboy and Dawn dragging Tequeela over to her crew members. I get a little relief when I see her get on the back of a bike and they speed off.

  “Will she call the police?” I ask in a weak voice.

  “Nah, bikers don’t roll like that. Tequeela took her beating, and now the Hell Dolls will leave the Lady Guardians alone.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  He smirks. “Fifty percent sure. Hey, don’t worry about her retaliating. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen.”

  “I’m going to take you up on that; I don’t want to fight ever again.”

  “Consider it done. Let me take you home and tend to your wounds.”

  We start to walk to my car. “You know you have to get a tattoo to signify your first MC battle,” Jonah says jokingly.

  “Ugh. Is that a real requirement?”

  “No, but it would look sexy as hell on you,” he says as he helps me into the car.

  14

  Carrie

  Party Night

  I worried up until the day of the party. After the fight with Tequeela, I felt I was being watched. I’d look over my shoulder if I were walking alone, paid attention to who was in the elevator with me, and locked my doors and windows at night.

  Tequeela has a large following, and thoughts of retaliation have stayed with me day and night. I know Jonah thinks differently, but I put nothing past her diabolical mind.

  I imagine the spanking she received at my hands has inflamed her hate for me. Because of that, Jonah, Cowboy, and Brick are armed. Jonah forbade me hiring off-duty police to provide security. He did not want cops on B2R premises. I hate the idea of guns being at the event, but my hands are tied. My safety is paramount, and so is the safety of my guests. Plus, I’m still nursing my wounds. I have a lump on my head, bruises on my body, and a black eye under the ton of makeup I’m wearing.

  Tonight, I force myself to put the thoughts of Tequeela crashing my event out of my head. So far, the party has gone on without a hitch. People are enjoying the food and, music, and, most importantly, the wallets are opening. Mayor Bond canceled at the last minute. That didn’t upset me. I wouldn’t have to worry about B2R and the mayor’s personal security clashing.

  “Damn, babe, you look fantastic,” Jonah says.

  I smile, proud he approves. I took a lot of care selecting the perfect dress. The red dress clings to my curves and shows just enough thigh for Jonah to keep his eye on me. “I’m glad you like it. You’re looking handsome as ever, too.”

  “I don’t feel right in this shit. You, on the other hand I will keep a close eye out for damn perverts. If a man puts one finger on you, he’s dead.”

  I raise my brow. “Don’t cause any problems, man. I like a man a little jealous but not insanely jealous.”

  “I’m insane for other reasons. Jealousy isn’t one of them. But I will hurt a fool. I have to check in with Cowboy and Brick; I’ll be back to check on you.”

  “Be careful outside, Jonah. We don’t know what Tequeela has up her sleeve.”

  “It better be her damn arm, but I’ll be careful,” he promises.

  I’m watching the guests have fun on the makeshift dance floor. The DJ has everyone up and moving to the lively music. I’m happy the few people who are aware of any danger interrupting the evening, are not giving off a vibe. B2R is holding it down without anyone knowing. Jonah made the right call not having any police here.

  “Carrie, the party is a success. You outdid yourself, honey.”

  I snap from my thoughts and look at my mother. Hearing that from her means a lot. “Thanks, Mom. Did you get enough to eat and drink? I can fix a plate for Dad.”

  She shakes her head. “No, dear. I had plenty and I cooked for your father. You know how he is.”

  “Your food is better anyhow.”

  “Where is Jonah?” she asks, looking around.

  Good question. I haven’t seen Jonah in a minute. “I don’t know where he wandered off to. He might be hiding. Formal events aren’t his thing.”

  “Too bad; I hate to leave without saying goodbye. Will you be over for dinner Sunday?”

  I nod. “Yes. Jonah and I will be at dinner on Sunday.”

  Her eyes light up. “Does that mean what I think it means?”

  My heart warms to tell her finally. “We are going to give it a try. Please don’t go overboard, Mom. Jonah and I want to take it slow.”

  “I will not do anything to mess up your relationship, Carrie. I’m happy you took my advice. Has he said those three little words yet?”

  “Way too early for that, Mom.” I have to cut her off, or she will go on forever. “I have to circulate and talk to the other guests before they go.” Sarah is walking by, and I grab her. “Talk to Sarah until I get back, Mom.”

  I find Millie, Anita, Vicki, and Pepper at the bar. “Ladies, we did it,” I say.

  Pepper smooths her hands down the front of her black beaded dress and says, “I had doubts the bar would work.” She breaks out with a big smile. “You proved me wrong, Carrie. You turned it into a formal palace. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done.”

  I ask the bartender to pour us shots of vodka. Holding up the glass I say, “We did a great job. I could not have done any of it without you.” The liquor is top shelf and goes down nice and smooth, unlike the cheap stuff Jonah served me.

  “Oh, I did a quick financial update,” Pepper says, excitedly. “If we collect every pledge after the ride, we’ll have met our goal. The Lady Guardians will be the only motorcycle club in Cleveland’s history to raise thirty grand for a single organization.”

  “Wow, Carrie, that is huge,” Vicki says, clapping her hands.

  I nod. “Next year we will go for more and split it with other organizations. Why stop there? We can send a student to college or donate computers to schools.” I grin. “We are the Lady Guardians, and the sky is the limit on what we can do.”

  We agree and salute each other with another round of vodka shots.

  My feet hurt, my body aches, and the chair my tired behind is plopped in is so comfortable that I could fall asleep. Soon. The clock displays two in the morning; the party has come to an end. When the bartender announced last call an hour ago, the guests began to leave in droves. My dad used to say, Cut off the liquor and watch a party end. In twenty minutes, everyone should be gone.

  I get up to make sure the caterers are done. Walking into the kitchen, I see Kiana is talking to one of the servers. Honestly, I thought she would’ve resigned after the fight. The strain between her and Dawn is thick enough to cut. She had to sense Dawn knew she was Tequeela’s spy.

  Anyhow, holding my tongue has been hard. Lately, she’s gone out of her way to prove loyalty to me. Vicki and Anita have been digging into her life. What they uncovered was shocking. It is time for Kiana’s dirty little secret to be let out of th
e bag.

  “Kiana, can I talk to you for a minute?”

  “One second, Carrie,” she answers, holding up one finger.

  “Now,” I demand. I dismiss the server and drag Kiana out of earshot of the caterers.

  Kiana’s arms are crossed tightly over her chest. “What is your problem?” she asks with narrow eyes.

  “You are my problem. You have a lot of nerve playing host tonight when your ass doesn’t give a damn about sick kids or the LGs.”

  She appears shocked at first. “I-I… What?”

  “Stop stammering. I know you’re Tequeela’s freakin’ sister by another mother. How long did you plan to keep that a secret?” I’m tapping my foot to keep from putting it up her ass.

  Kiana snarls. “You’re right. I don’t give a damn about your organization. If I had more time, I would have destroyed the Lady Guardians.” She gives me the sistah finger snap. “A friendly reminder; family doesn’t forget. You better watch your back.”

  I kick off my heels and get close to her face, whispering in a condescending voice, “Was it work to take down your jackass sister? Yes. Your skinny ass, though, will be a breeze.”

  We are locked in a staring match. However, I can see her thinking. She had to see Tequeela’s battered body and knows I won’t roll over.

  The squeaky back door opens. “Carrie, what’s going on now?” Jonah asks.

  I can’t break my death stare to answer Jonah. “Kiana wants to settle the score for her sister.”

  “Who the hell is her sister?”

  Kiana chimes in, “Tequeela is my sister, fool!”

  A bright flash bounces off an object in Kiana’s hand. My pulse quickens when I see it is a blade about eight inches long. How do I get out of this unscathed?

  “Put the fuckin’ knife down, Kiana. You know damn well you won’t get out of here in one piece,” Jonah says sternly.

  “Are you sure about that, dude? The sight of your boo-thang’s blood on the floor might make you think otherwise.”

  I hear the click of Jonah’s gun. Immediately, panic sets in. I’m hyperventilating and trying to control my breathing. “Kiana, don’t be stupid. Jonah will kill you and not blink.”

  She shakes her head. “No he won’t, and I’ll prove it.”

  “You got too much confidence, Kiana. Take one step, and it will be your last one,” Jonah warns.

  I don’t have to see Jonah’s face to know he is serious. Kiana isn’t aware of his reputation and is putting her life in grave danger to even the score for Tequeela. Suddenly, she drops the blade. I kick it away while Pepper subdues Kiana in some kind of judo or karate hold.

  The look on my face causes Pepper to say, “I took a defense class; don’t judge me.”

  After the dust settles, Pepper’s husband takes her home, and Kiana is sent away with a message from Jonah for Tequeela. If the Hell Dolls have any sense, they will never engage with the Lady Guardians or B2R again.

  I put my arms around Jonah’s waist, and kiss him on the cheek. “Thank you for protecting me.”

  His tired eyes are focused on me. “I will always protect you, Carrie. “As my woman, I will make sure you are safe when you’re with me or not. Anyone who tries to get to you, they’ve got to go through me first.”

  My heart is weeping with joy. “I’ve never had a boyfriend care about me the way you do.”

  He smiles. “Get used to it.”

  “Can I ask you a question?”

  “What?”

  “You wouldn’t have shot Kiana, would you?”

  “In a fuckin’ heartbeat. Now can we go so I can take off this damn penguin suit?”

  I make a frowny face. “You look so handsome in a tuxedo.”

  “Next time I wear one will be at our wedding. Let’s go. I’m crashing at your place tonight.”

  How can he say that like it’s nothing? But I’m too tired to get into it now, so I just obey and leave with him.

  15

  Carrie

  The next morning I’m up early. Jonah is sleeping next to me. His breathing is steady and relaxed. My eyes scan the sinful six-pack defining his chest, and muscular arms that beg me to touch them. His chest is covered with tattoos, as are his biceps. I’ve never wanted a tattoo because of my fear of needles.

  I inhale, willing my hands to stay. Not every inch of his skin is covered, but enough. He has colorful angels, a large crucifix, B2R spelled out from shoulder to shoulder and other artistic drawings that I’m sure to have some meaning behind them. He doesn’t have any female names tattooed anywhere; that makes me happy.

  I trace my finger lightly over the scar above his bellybutton. When he draws in a deep breath and moves, I stop.

  “Don’t stop,” he says in a commanding voice.

  “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  “Yeah, you did,” he says in a groggy voice. ”Find anything you like on my body?”

  His voice is doing a number on me. How are men so damn handsome when they first wake up? Anthony had the same effect on me until I learned the truth about him. I get sick when I think of the other women who enjoyed the view that was supposed to be meant for me.

  I circle the lines separating his abs with my finger. “I love everything about your body. The tattoo work is masterfully done. The scar.” I trace it with my fingernail, “is fading nicely.”

  He squirms under the sheet. “That’s nothing compared to what happened to Cliff. I’ll never forgive myself for what happened to him.”

  “I guess a level of guilt is expected when a friend is hurt, but there is nothing you can do to stop it.” I hope I don’t hit a nerve by saying that to him.

  Jonah turns his head away from me. A man as strong as him won’t want a woman to see his weaknesses. “He shouldn’t have jumped in front of me. The bastard had me down, the gun cocked and ready to shoot me. Cliff saved my life.”

  God, I knew that bullet was meant for him. I bend my head and flick my tongue across his nipple. It hardens instantly. He is staring at me. Those deep brown eyes that are usually cold are warm and full of compassion.

  I circle his nipple again with the tip of my tongue. “And you saved mine.”

  I shudder as jolts of electricity fire through me as Jonah’s rough hands are gentle on my skin. God, I need him right now. I reach up to run my fingers through his hair. He pulls me up until my face is even with his. A growl comes from deep in his chest. His hand snakes around my neck with a pressure that is painful, but exciting, as he devours my mouth.

  My hand has found his erection. My fingers curl around the thick shaft, causing my womanhood to throb with excitement. Jonah’s other hand squeezes my ass, then inches up between my legs to finger me, dipping in and out. I’m so wet for him that I moan with pleasure. Our lips are inches apart and not touching. We watch each other as he moves his fingers, reaching my core.

  “I love how wet you are for me, babe,” he murmurs while he continues to tease me with slow and deliberate finger movements.

  I move my hand up and down his shaft, pumping him gently. As I increase my speed and pressure, he groans and kisses me harder and deeper until he abruptly pulls away. He grabs me around the waist and flips me over on my back, leaning over me. Pushing my hair to the side he kisses my neck, sucking and biting as his lips move lower.

  Jonah removes my nightie so he can cup my breast, pinching my nipple between his fingers. His mouth soon replaces those long magical fingers on my nipple. I am so lost, and my body is alive with his touch. I gasp as his mouth leaves my breast and he travels down my stomach, kissing my skin, licking my belly button. Then he moves lower.

  Oh, dear Lord, he is killing me with the teasing. My head thrashes on the pillow. The sheet is balled in my fists as he sucks my stomach. My legs are quivering as he runs his hand down and then back up to my hip, tracing, teasing. Then his mouth finds me. His tongue dips between those lips while his thumb massages my clit. His tongue soon replaces his finger. He’s using the tip of his tongue to cir
cle my sensitive nub. My body is quivering like a bowl of gelatin; I have no control whatsoever. The harder he presses against my clit, the deeper his fingers probe.

  Between the sucking, licking, rubbing, and gentle biting, I’m close to one of the most intense orgasms I’ve ever had. When it explodes, I scream, letting the waves of pleasure take me over.

  I crash and crumble when the waves diminish, leaving me spent. Jonah moves up on the bed, and I rest my head on his shoulder.

  “Babe, you okay?’ he asks in a husky voice.

  I lift my head and look him in the eyes. “I’m more than okay.”

  He grins. “I gotta tell you, my cock is so ready to be in you.”

  I kiss him passionately. Lips, tongues, and teeth are colliding, setting my nerve endings on fire.

  He breaks the kiss and eyes me wildly. “Damn. I need you.”

  I nod. “Yes, now.” He doesn’t have to ask me twice; I’m on the same page as him.

  “Not now, but later,” he mutters.

  “What?” I can’t believe my ears. “Hey, what gives?”

  He smacks me on the ass. “I’m hungry. Let’s get breakfast.” I watch him get off the bed. “Mind if I take a shower first?”

  I could just punch him. What the hell is he doing to me? “Go ahead,” I say, numb from his actions.

  “I’ll only be a minute. Think of a place to get breakfast.”

  I lie against the pillow, listening to the water in the shower. I’ve never been with such a dominating man in my life. I love being dominated by Jonah in the bedroom, but I wasn’t expecting this.

  A memory of Anthony invades my brain. I sigh. He used to get me off orally then turn over and go to sleep not wanting anything for himself. I finally came to believe he did that when he was with the other woman. I shake my head. I guess he didn’t feel it was right to sleep with two women on the same day.

  Then I could be overblowing it. Jonah suggested we take it slow, but my patience is running out. If I keep forcing the issue, he could put the brakes on the entire relationship before we get it going. I run my hands through my tangled hair, waiting for him to finish his shower. I slip on my nightie and sit on the side of the bed looking out the window.