Cal (The Ride Series Book 5)

by O'Brien,Megan

“The last thing I want to do is piss you off more, Jackson.” The large man spoke again. “But you’ve got quite a woman there.”

  Cal’s eyes remained on mine. “I know,” he agreed resolutely.

  I raised a brow in silent question as to whether they’d do as I asked.

  After another moment a small smile tipped the corners of Cal’s gorgeous mouth. “All right, baby, we’ll let you get to work.”

  I nodded once and turned back to my task.

  “Dude, you are awesome.” Connie grinned once I’d finished up with Hunt and had parked my tired butt in a seat outside.

  “Thanks,” I murmured. “I need to go get Mason, but I’ll just get off my feet for a few.” I sighed. “Who are those guys anyway?”

  After I’d finished up with Hunt they’d taken a meet with our men. They were still inside despite my protests that Hunt needed to get to a hospital.

  Such a stubborn lot.

  “Members of the Outlaws,” Kat replied as she fed Wren, who’d woken up just a few minutes ago. “There’s no bad blood between us. You know how it is. The guys just get territorial. I think they were taken aback another club was with their women without them here.” She rolled her eyes.

  I snorted. “Sounds about right.”

  “Luckily, we had badass Jill to set everyone straight.” Connie grinned.

  I laughed as I stood up. “Well, ladies, I gotta jet. I’ll catch you later.”

  “Later!” they called.

  I debated whether or not I should interrupt Cal. They were still behind closed doors. I shot him a quick text letting him know I was heading out to get Mason.

  I heard a door open immediately and Cal came into view. As always, the mere sight of him stole my breath. The look in his eye had my heart pounding as he stepped into my space, tipping my chin up. “You’re so fucking gorgeous,” he murmured reverently.

  My cheeks burned with a blush as my pleasure at his words let itself be known.

  “I’m so proud to have you at my side,” he continued, his voice a low rumble as his lips skimmed my jaw. “So fucking strong with the softest heart I’ve ever known.”

  My knees weakened as my breathing accelerated.

  “I know you had to take care of him. It’s in your blood, baby. Still, didn’t like your hands on him,” he rumbled. “Tonight, after Bubs is in bed, gonna remind you who you belong to.”

  As if I needed reminding. Still, the prospect was far from unappealing.

  “Okay,” I managed, my voice breathless.

  He grinned at my reaction, his tongue sweeping out along the shell of my ear.

  My entire body quivered in response.

  He pulled away. “Get going, babe. I’ll see you at home in a few hours.” His hand smacked my backside, eliciting a yelp of surprise from me.

  “Jill,” he called as I was headed for the door.

  I turned.

  “Proud of you, baby.”

  I nodded with a smile. Truth be told, I was pretty proud of me too.

  Chapter 22

  “Babe, a word.” Cal’s serious tone had me pausing midpour as I refreshed my coffee cup the next morning. He waited until he had my eyes before continuing. “I gotta get to Vegas for a day, maybe two. The timing is shit but I can’t put it off another day.”

  “It’s okay,” I assured him. “Mason and I will be fine.”

  “Another type of trip, I’d take you and Bubs. As it is, one of my guys will be with you at all times. That’s non-negotiable.” He growled as though preparing for protest.

  On this he wouldn’t get one. Not when it came to Mason’s safety. “All right,” I agreed.

  His expression lighting with surprise was nearly comical.

  “I may be stubborn, but I’m not totally unreasonable,” I replied defensively.

  He chuckled. “Learn something new every day, I guess.”

  I rolled my eyes as he came around the counter to kiss my temple.

  “Will you miss me?” His deep voice at my ear had my knees quaking.

  “Yes,” I answered honestly.

  He reached up and squeezed my shoulder briefly. “Good. Because, babe, gotta tell you, I’ll miss the hell outta you.”

  He grabbed his keys and I was surprised that he was leaving right then. It felt sudden, but I squelched the desire to protest. I didn’t ever want to stand in the way of what he had to take care of.

  “Tag’s on the way in,” he told me, kissing me soundly as he headed for the garage.

  Poor Tag, it felt like he got stuck with babysitting duty a lot. It felt like a job more appropriate for a prospect. When I’d suggested something akin to that to Cal, I’d received narrowed eyes and a grumbled, “No man without control of his cock is alone with my woman.”

  “And Tag is?” I’d stifled a laugh.

  “Maybe not,” he’d allowed dryly. “But he’s known me long enough to know he’d lose it if he touched you.”

  Well, there was that to consider.

  There was also the “left alone with a man who spoke in monosyllables” consideration.

  Which was where I’d been for much of the day.

  “So, is it just me you don’t talk to, or is that your standard MO?” I quipped to a reluctant Tag later that night. I’d put Mason to bed and rather than just hide out in my room, I figured I’d try to get to know the man Cal trusted so much.

  He chuckled, accepting the beer I handed him. “Thanks.”

  “Sorry you’re stuck here with us,” I apologized, sitting across from him at the kitchen table. “I’m sure you have other things you’d rather be doing.”

  He shrugged. “If Prez wants me here, then I’m here.”

  I was struck, not for the first time, by the power Cal had over these men. The fact that he didn’t abuse it but used it to command deeper respect and trust was something I really admired about him.

  “Cal said you two have known each other a long time,” I hedged.

  He nodded. “Since the early days.”

  “He trusts you,” I murmured.

  Tag looked at me, his expression serious. “And I’d never betray that trust. It’s probably why I’m one of the few he’d approve of being alone with you.”

  “He did mention something along those lines,” I replied dryly.

  Tag chuckled, taking my meaning. “Yeah, I know. Prez would have my balls if I stepped out of line.”

  “Have you heard from him?” I asked. I’d been surprised Cal hadn’t checked in, but I hadn’t wanted to bother him.

  Tag nodded. “Just via text. He’s good.”

  “Ah.” I twirled my beer bottle distractedly.

  Tag cleared his throat. “I’m not one of the girls,” he broke in gruffly.

  I raised a brow, sarcasm lacing my tone. “You don’t say.”

  He made a growly noise and I could have sworn his cheeks tingled with color. “But I will say he’s… different with you. And you’ve made him different, in a good way.” He seemed to stumble through his words. “All I’m sayin’ is that if he hasn’t checked in it’s because he can’t.”

  He was trying to assure me in his own gruff way. I was touched by the gesture. “What do you mean, he’s different with me?” I asked, hoping like hell I could at least get that out of him.

  He grunted. “He’s… happy.” He shrugged. “I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve been inside his place—same for all the guys. Since you, all that’s changed. He’s letting you in and all of us with you,” he explained, and then his cheeks really did redden. “Christ, maybe I am one of the girls.”

  I laughed loudly. “I won’t tell, swear,” I promised, still grinning.

  He took a swig of his beer.

  “Most of the guys are settling down. You thinking of doing the same?” I asked, knowing I was pushing the bounds of our heart-to-heart but unable to quell my curiosity.

  He grimaced. “Maybe. If I could find a decent woman. It’s a small town.”

  Tag might be rough aro
und the edges, but I had no doubt he was a good man, and a handsome one at that. “I’m sure she’ll come along when you’re least expecting.” I winked.

  He grunted in response.

  I stood up, putting him out of his misery. He’d shared more than I’d expected and I didn’t want to push too much. “I’ll go get ready for bed. Thanks for staying,” I murmured.

  He nodded. “Night.”

  I headed off to the bedroom, going about my nightly routine before crawling into the bed that felt much too big without Cal in it.

  My phone rang just as I was drifting off. I grinned like a schoolgirl as Cal’s name flashed on the screen. “Hey,” I greeted with a smile on my face.

  “Hi, babe.” His sexy baritone rumbled through the line. “Were you about to fall asleep?”

  “Just about, but I’m glad you called.”

  “Your voice sounds sexy tired.”

  “Your voice sounds sexy always,” I murmured. “How was your day?”

  “Fine. I should be wrapped up by tomorrow afternoon. I shouldn’t be too late getting home.”

  “Good.” I sighed.

  “How’s Bubs?”

  “He’s good. He took a good nap and went down quickly tonight. Tag was playing with him a little bit.”

  “Good. Did you guys go anywhere?”

  I loved the seemingly benign routine of telling him about my day. I’d never had that, a partner to share my day with—to share any cute stories, or challenges I was having with Mason.

  “Tag wanted to stay close to the house,” I told him. “Sounds like Mack’s on duty tomorrow. Maybe we’ll head to Dixie’s or the club for a bit. It would be nice to get out.”

  “While I’m out of town I want you at the club or at home. Can you do that for me, baby?”

  His deep purr was enough to make me agree to just about anything.

  “Yeah,” I agreed softly. “We miss you. Hurry home.”

  “Miss you too. If I get home after you’re asleep, get ready to be woken up.”

  “Can’t wait.”

  I really couldn’t.

  ****

  As promised, Mason and I stayed close to home the next day, dropping into the club briefly with Mack to say hi to the girls. It was nice to get out, even for just a little while.

  Ettie had popped by for dinner, heading home when Mack deemed it beginning to get too late for her to drive.

  She’d rolled her eyes but given in all the same. All of us girls knew to pick our battles.

  Cal had texted to say he’d gotten a later start than planned, so I went ahead with getting ready for bed. When my phone shrilled, waking me, I assumed it was Cal.

  “Aunt Jilly?” Max’s small, scared voice on the other end of the phone immediately alarmed me.

  “Max? What’s going on?” I bolted up in bed.

  “Mom’s been gone a long time. She left her phone here.” He whimpered. “Emmie and I are hungry.”

  His response chilled me to the bone. “Are you home, honey?”

  “No.” He sniffled. “We’re at a motel.”

  “Okay, that’s good, sweetie.” I replied calmly despite panic lancing through me. “Are you still in Albuquerque? Do you know?” I was already rushing around my room throwing clothes on.

  The thought of my niece and nephew holed up in a motel room starving while my sister was God knows where had me nearly frantic, despite the calm tone I forced myself to maintain with Max.

  “No, we drove for a long time. I have the address here.”

  Such a clever boy.

  When he read off an address in Reno I was shocked. What the hell were they doing here? Why hadn’t Janelle called me?

  “Okay, honey, that’s good. You’re close to me. I’m going to come get you right now,” I soothed.

  “You promise? You’re coming?” His cautiously hopeful voice had my heart lurching. He hadn’t had much to depend on in life. I was determined to change that.

  I swallowed hard. “I’m coming, Max. I’m going to get there as fast as I can. I need you to keep the door locked. Don’t open it for anyone. I’ll be there within an hour. Hang tight. I love you, buddy.”

  It killed me to hang up with him but the sooner I did the sooner I could get on the road.

  “Okay, Aunt Jilly.”

  I hung up and immediately started throwing together the things I needed before rushing out to the living room. Mack was asleep on the couch.

  “Mack,” I whispered, shaking him urgently.

  He bolted upright, immediately alert.

  “We’re okay,” I assured him in a rush. “But my niece and nephew are in trouble. I have to go. Please stay with Mason.”

  I didn’t know what I’d be walking in to and I wasn’t risking bringing Mason with me.

  “Jill, you can’t leave,” he replied, his voice thick with sleep.

  “Mack, I have to,” I emphasized.

  “If you have to, then wait for one of the guys to get here. It might be a little bit but one of them will get over here and either they or I will go with you. Cal would have my ass if I let you leave here alone, Jill.”

  I had a sinking feeling that no amount of convincing was going to change his mind. My promise to Max echoed in my mind. I didn’t have time to wait and I wasn’t bringing Mason.

  That left me with one option. An option I knew to be risky. An option I knew would get me in major trouble with Cal. But the voice of reason was outweighed by the need to get to Max and Emmie.

  I pretended to consider his response before nodding. “Okay. I’ll wait.”

  I felt terrible lying to him, but I was desperate. He was still half asleep and accepted my acquiescence, picking up his phone to text one of the guys.

  I forced my feet to trudge back to my room.

  Without hesitation, I opened the bedroom window and pushed out the screen. Cal was going to be something beyond mad but I’d just have to deal with it.

  There were two kids who were depending on me, and I’d be damned if I let them down again.

  Chapter 23

  I sped down the freeway, debating how in the hell to tell Cal what was going on. Maybe I could get away with a voice mail? He was most likely on the road, since he’d called earlier in the evening to let me know he was headed for home. Maybe I could wait to call him.

  I was in full avoidance mode.

  I’d already heard an earful from Mack. I’d called to make sure he knew I’d left. I wanted to make sure he checked on Mason.

  My capacity for dealing with pissed off alpha males was already at capacity. Especially when it came to dealing with the alpha male.

  When Cal’s name flashed across my phone moments later, I winced.

  Speaking of the alpha.

  “Hello?” I answered hesitantly.

  “Tell me I heard Mack wrong,” he growled without preamble. I could hear cars rushing past and could picture him pulled off to the side of the road, straddling his bike with a scowl on his handsome face. “Tell me you didn’t climb out our fucking bedroom window!” he bellowed.

  “Well, I, um, could tell you that...,” I replied.

  “Do not fucking bullshit me,” he clipped. “I want you to pull over to the side of the road and wait for me,” he commanded. “Or better yet, turn your ass around and let me handle this.”

  My voice was quiet as my foot hit the accelerator that much harder. “I can’t do that, Cal. Max called. My sister abandoned them in a motel. They’re hungry and scared.” I choked out the last part. “I know you’re mad but I promised him that I’d come get them. I intend to keep that promise. I’m sorry.” I waited before soldiering through the tense silence. “This is something I have to do.”

  There was a long pause. “Fuck,” he clipped. “I don’t like it but I get it. I’m not far away—I want you to promise me you’ll wait out front for me. I’ll meet you there.”

  I nearly wilted in relief.

  He didn’t like it but he accepted it. For me. Because he knew this r
eally mattered and because I knew he cared about Max and Emmie.

  I knew then with a jolt that I loved him. I loved him in a way I’d never loved another man. He could be an over-the-top alpha who didn’t take no for an answer. But when it really counted, he listened. He respected my wishes. The man got me in a way no one ever had.

  I had to swallow back my emotion before I could answer him. “Thank you, honey,” I murmured, beyond moved.

  “You keep calling me honey in that tone of voice, I won’t need much else in the world, darlin’. Now, the address.”

  I lasted five minutes waiting out in my car. The dilapidated motel sat by the side of the freeway, its paint peeling and neon sign advertising it as an “otel.” In the short time I’d been sitting in the parking lot, I’d seen one drug deal and at least two women I could confidently classify as prostitutes.

  How had Janelle left her babies here? The realization had fury building within me, all while my heart ached for my niece and nephew.

  I was already itching to get to Max and Emmie. From my car I could see their room, which faced the parking lot. When a man emerged in the hall and stopped in front of their door, I scrambled out of my car without a second thought.

  He was banging hard on the door by the time I reached him.

  “Hey!” I exclaimed, using my most authoritative tone and hoping I didn’t sound as scared as I felt. “Back off.”

  His fist paused, poised to pound once again on the door as he turned bloodshot eyes in my direction. “Who’re you?” he slurred.

  “I’m Janelle’s sister. If you’re looking for her, she’s not in there,” I replied, my head tilting toward the door.

  He snorted. “Fucking figures.” His gaze seemed to clear some as he regarded me with new interest. “That bitch owes me money. We’ll just have to keep her debt in the family.” He leered, his gaze tracking my frame as he took a step closer to me.

  The growl of a motorcycle tore through the night and I sighed with relief. I’d worry later about how mad Cal would be that I’d disobeyed him—again.

  “You’re going to want to back up,” I told him firmly, meeting his glazed gaze head-on.

  He scoffed, moving further into my space so that my back was pressed to the wall. “You don’t want to piss me off. Janelle owes me five G’s. I need that fucking money.” His breath was rancid and I turned my head to get away from the foul odor.