Beast: Learning to Breathe Devil’s Blaze Duet

by Jordan Marie

  “Umm… just one thing,” I tell him, through a whole body tremble as he takes his cock in his hand and strokes it once.

  “What’s that?” he asks, but I’ve stopped watching him. My eyes are glued back to his massive cock, and I watch as a bead of pre-cum appears on the head.

  I want to lick it. I want to taste him on my tongue. I almost fall to my knees on instinct, but he’s so damn big I need him inside me again.

  “Hurry, Michael,” I answer honestly. “Please, hurry.”

  78

  Beast

  I rub the back of my neck in irritation. I don’t like being away from Hayden. Shit. The truth is it almost killed me to leave her today to meet with Victor Torasani. I came close to taking her with me. Diesel had sent some of his men to help out. The truth is, I don’t know a fucking one of them, definitely not enough to trust them with Hayden. Then Crusher and Dani walked in. I’ve never been so glad to see two people before. I left him in charge of keeping them safe and told Dani to behave—which will be hard for her. Damn woman is a spitfire.

  Still, here I am, waiting in a damn hotel suite, wishing I was back at Hayden’s. I look around the room. One night in this fucker probably costs more than I’ve spent on hotels my entire life. Leather high backed couch, with matching chairs, plush carpeting with mahogany furniture, and crystal lamps and accents. I may have money—more than most would think from looking at me, but I’m not comfortable with this shit. I would rather be in Hayden’s rundown house. I’ve been thinking on her house. It’s not a bad place, with some work it has possibilities. I’ve been working on her porch, but I think it really needs an extension. If I add on to the back of the house, I can enlarge the bedroom and put a door in it that could lead to an outside patio. Hayden would like to sit out there and watch the sunrise…or the stars.

  “I’m sorry to keep you waiting. I’m afraid I will have to keep our meeting short. I need to get back to the hospital. We’ve decided to terminate the machines today,” Victor says, coming into the room. He sits down across from me as I digest his words.

  “Hayden will want to be there.”

  “Is she yours?”

  “She is.”

  “My wife, she thought a lot of her. Enough to ask me for a favor, when she vowed to never speak to me again,” Victor says, and for a moment, he seems like he’s lost in thought. I think he might be unaware he even spoke the words aloud.

  I want to question him further about Charlie, but I don’t. That’s his business. I just need to make sure that Hayden is protected and Blade stops breathing air.

  “Bring her to the hospital around five. I’ll give her a few moments alone with Charlotte. I’m sure you understand I want to be the only one with my wife in the end.”

  I nod my head, yes, but I don’t understand much of anything. Then again, it doesn’t matter.

  “About the Dwellers—” I start, only to have Victor interrupt me.

  “I’ve neutralized their club. Unfortunately, I’ve been unable to find the waste of space called Blade. I did get a confession from one of his men that confirms he was the one that ran my wife off the road and shot her. His time is short.”

  “He can’t be left unfound. He’s a threat to Hayden.”

  “I’ll deal with it.”

  “No offense, but my men tell me he’s still on the loose this morning. I’m not waiting.”

  “He may be a threat to your woman, but he took Charlotte. His life is mine.”

  “Is Charlie…Charlotte the real reason you had protection over this town?”

  “It is. My wife couldn’t handle the…shall we say, the business side of my life. She put up with it, but she never fully understood. I did something she found unforgivable, and then I compounded my mistake and let her leave. I was a fool,” he says and the weight of the guilt in his words reaches me.

  I understand guilt and failure. Those are emotions that I’m old friends with. I probably understand Victor more than anyone. Still, it’s not changing my stance.

  “Blade is after Hayden. He’s hurt her. He’s left her afraid. I’m not sitting around and waiting for you, if I get my hands on him,” I tell Victor, looking him straight in the eye. I need this ended now.

  “I want to be the one to end him,” Victor says, his voice hard. His hand even slightly shakes with his anger. It’s probably the most emotion I’ve seen from the man since I met him.

  “So do I.”

  “You still have your woman. This filth took mine. It is my right. Anything less would make me appear weak, and a man does not live to be my age by being weak, Mr. Jameson.”

  I cringe at the use of my surname. It doesn’t surprise me he knows it, I just don’t particularly like it. I’m having a hard enough time getting used to being Michael after all this time. I scratch my beard, letting my thumb seek out the indention of the scar underneath.

  “If I get him, I’ll end him. It’s simple as that. I can’t allow a threat to Hayden to live, even if you have certain rights.”

  “Your…Hayden. She’s pregnant, correct? My men tell me the child is this Blade’s.”

  “Hayden and the child are innocent. You will not use them to lure the man to you. I will kill you first,” I growl, everything inside of me going cold at his words. I’ll rip him apart limb by limb if I have to. No one will hurt Hayden or Maggie. If I have to take on the Torasani syndicate, I will.

  “Calm down, Michael. May I call you Michael?” he asks, and I grunt in reply. He apparently takes that as acceptance. “I would not harm Hayden or her child. Charlie’s last words to me were that she’d do anything to keep them safe. I will make sure they are. All I meant was that I don’t think you want to be the man to put a bullet and end the life of the child’s father. I don’t think that’s a burden you need to carry, nor something you want the child to find out later in life. Because trust me, our sins always find the light of day.”

  I go over what he said in my mind. I don’t like it. I hate it. The truth of what he said is presently sitting in my gut like lead weight and it’s burning. Only, it has nothing to do with the fact that he’s trying to deny me the pleasure of ending Blade’s life. It’s more elemental than that. I don’t like that he referred to Maggie as Blade’s child. Fucking hell.

  “If I find him and you’re not available, he’s not polluting the air a second longer,” I growl, giving in, but not sure why.

  “Fair enough.”

  It takes me a few minutes to get out of there. My mind is racing. I need time to think. I need to figure out what’s happening here. I need to get…control.

  Fuck.

  79

  Hayden

  “So…”

  “Yeah?” I look over at the stick-thin, just walked off a fashion show, runway model staring at me across my old kitchen table. I want to like her. I don’t think I do. She’s loud, but that’s not why. She’s beautiful, and even though that’s intimidating, that’s not even why. The reason is simple. I heard Michael call her Hummingbird and I watched him hug her—affectionately. Now I’m trying really hard not to hate her.

  “You and Beast do the mattress mambo yet?” she asks, with a grin on her face that I find myself wanting to slap off there. Her husband, a man Michael introduced as Crusher spits out his coffee.

  “Hellcat, behave,” he chastises. His face taking on a warning look. He’s good looking, though definitely not in the same zip code as Michael. He’s got dark hair, and his skin is a golden tan, but you can tell it’s been warmed by hours in the sun. He’s got weathered lines on his face that crinkle with a peace, even happiness when he looks at his wife. I wish for a moment that I could elicit the same kind of response from Michael.

  “What, Zander? It was a simple question.”

  “One you don’t have a right to ask.”

  “Beast is my friend. I have every right,” she dismisses her husband’s concerns.

  “Is that all you are?” I find myself asking, and I can admit that jealousy is eating me al
ive.

  “What are you asking?”

  “Ladies, I think now would be a good time to—”

  “Stay out of this, Zander. She’s got questions, I think the least I can do is answer them.”

  “Jesus, Hellcat, quit stirring up drama. Don’t you think Hayden has been through enough.”

  “I think Beast has been through enough. He needs a woman who is strong, who can help him heal.”

  “I don’t need sympathy,” I tell him at the same time Dani answers. Her answer makes me stop though. “You think I’m weak?”

  “I think you’re broken,” she says with a frank honesty that I could almost admire.

  “So? I’m still here,” I tell her totally bluffing. I hate that she sees me as weak. I hate it because that’s exactly how I see myself.

  “But why I wonder? Are you here because you care about Beast or because you need someone to save you?” I can see it in her eyes that she genuinely cares for Michael, but that doesn’t stop my jealousy.

  “I didn’t ask Michael or anyone to save me,” I tell her, and I swear I think I grunt at the end which sounds a lot like Michael. I fold my arms over my stomach.

  “Michael…” she says sounding confused and her face goes pale. “Beast’s name is…Michael?” she gasps.

  Her man curses under his breath and puts his arm around her, pulling her into his body. I don’t understand what’s going on. I think I should probably feel pity for Dani, because she looks like someone just killed her puppy or something. Instead, I’m mentally high-fiving myself because she didn’t know Michael’s name. It’s a small victory, but still a victory.

  “I guess you don’t know everything about him,” I mutter, unable to stop myself.

  “I know if you hurt him, I’ll make you sorry,” Dani snaps back.

  “I think that’s about enough. Come on, Hellcat, I know you want to protect your friend, but Hayden is not the enemy,” he says, leaning back in his chair.

  “Thank you,” I huff, wondering if he would still take up for me if I scratch his wife’s eyes out.

  “No problem. I mean, I think it’s amazing you’re willing to saddle yourself to an overgrown, hairy giant, who looks like he fell out of an ugly tree and hit every damn branch on the way down.” He smirks, appearing so satisfied with his assessment of Michael.

  Oh my god! Did he just say that? Suddenly my anger is turned from his wife to Crusher himself. Are these two on crack? I can’t believe Michael took all the others with him, but decided these were the two he should leave me with. He obviously doesn’t know how crazy they are. Maybe they’re on drugs. That’s the only explanation.

  “Zander, I can’t believe you said that,” Dani says shaking her head. She has more color now too. Which is unfortunate, because she looks pretty again. I’d rather she be pale and at least not model-of-the-month pretty when Michael comes back.

  “I can’t either. There’s nothing ugly about Michael,” I bark, getting up to put my dishes in the sink. I don’t think I want to sit and pretend to be friendly to his friends anymore. I’m pretty much thinking they’re not his friends. No wonder all he does is grunt. Who would waste time talking if these were the kind of people you had around you?

  “Come on now girls, he’s so freaking big. Hell, he practically has to bend down and walk sideways to get through a damn door.”

  “You’re exaggerating now. What are you up to?” Dani asks watching her husband and she’s almost smiling. I decide to ignore her, I’m too upset over the way this man—who is supposed to be someone Michael trusts, is talking about him.

  “He’s not too tall. He’s just right,” I mutter. “I like that he’s so tall. It makes me feel small and…safe,” I continue, not realizing I’ve said that last part out loud.

  “Well, okay, but you can’t deny he’s hairy. That man has so much hair he—”

  “I like his hair too. And he let me trim it and you can definitely see his eyes now and how they twinkle when he laughs. Besides he’s got beautiful hair,” I lament remembering Michael’s laugh, as I rinse my dishes in the sink.

  “You make him laugh?” that comes from Dani, and I like that she sounds surprised.

  Score! Another point for me.

  “Well, I guess keeping his hair long is good. I mean it covers all those scars. Those can’t be easy for a woman to look at all day,” Crusher says and that’s enough.

  I’m holding my cup in my hand and I’m fed up. I spin around and throw it at him, wishing it was one of the heavier ones instead of being lightweight and some useless metal. “I think that’s enough. Michael is supposed to be your friend. He’s been nothing but nice to both of you, and I won’t allow anyone in our home talking badly about him.”

  “Our home?” he asks, holding the cup—which unfortunately he caught. He’s also got this look on his face that says he may laugh at any moment, and he and Dani are both smiling.

  I think I hate them. I want them out of here. Michael doesn’t need people like this in his life. No wonder he’s so closed off at times. “Exactly and you will not talk about him like you have been. Michael is beautiful, he’s kind, caring and he’s a real man.”

  “A real man?” Crusher asks, and this time, he does laugh—the asshole.

  “Yes! He doesn’t need to belittle someone about the way they look, so he can feel better about himself,” I growl, and this time, Dani laughs.

  “She’s got you there, Cowboy,” she giggles. Giggles!

  “I wasn’t belittling him, whatever the hell that is. I was just simply stating facts. He is covered in scars,” he returns, and now I get the feeling he’s watching me closely. Good. Let him, because once I tell him off, I want him out the door. I won’t have Michael hurt by his stupidity.

  “I like his scars.”

  “You—”

  I cut the man off before he can continue. “I like his scars. They’re a part of him. They show that he endured something horrific, but he is still alive. They show he’s strong, and tested by the world. They show he is a survivor. He’s someone you should admire and be glad to call a friend, not put down. He’s more man than you’ll ever hope to be.”

  “Damn,” Crusher says, and when I force myself to look up at him, I’m surprised. I see his face is in shock, but more than that, I see…respect.

  “I guess she told you, Cowboy. I like you, Hayden. I think you’ll be perfect for Beast,” she says, surprising me.

  “Gee thanks. I don’t think I like you,” I mutter, annoyed that she still looks beautiful. About the only mark she has against her is her attitude—which sucks, and part of her finger is missing on one hand, and I kind of feel like a bitch for thinking that makes her less beautiful. Great. She’s probably a better person than I am too. “I’m going to go outside and check the laundry on the line,” I huff, disgusted with myself and them too. I need fresh air—away from them.

  “I’ll come with you,” Dani offers.

  “I think I’d rather be alone,” I tell her, honestly. I don’t know what I expected, but her laughing wasn’t exactly it.

  “Then I’ll stay here and help Zander find his balls,” she snorts.

  I pick up the old laundry basket by the pantry shelf and head toward the door.

  “I’m all the man you need, Hellcat,” he tells her, and even I can admit his voice sounds kind of sexy—for an idiot.

  “For once, I can’t argue with you, Cowboy. You’re one hell of a man,” she says, and I can hear them kiss as the door slams behind me.

  They both need medication.

  80

  Hayden

  “Morning, Hayden” I look up from pinning Michael’s shirt on the clothesline to see Pastor Sturgill standing there smiling.

  “Good morning, Pastor. You’re early, I didn’t expect to see you until later this evening,” I tell him with a smile. I finish pinning the shirt to the line, and dry my hands on the sides of my pants.

  “I came by to collect the baked goods you made for the yard sale,�
�� he says.

  “I have them ready, Pastor. I thought that Michael and I were bringing them by this evening,” I tell him, and I take the time to really look at him. He looks like he hasn’t slept, his hair—which is always well-groomed even looks unkempt. Then again, he was friends with Charlie, all of this must be affecting him too.

  “I did too,” he says with a shrug. “But Michael called me at the church and asked me to swing by and pick them up. He said the two of you had plans for this evening,” he answers, and I’m glad I turned around to go back inside while he was talking.

  His words are completely innocent, but I can’t help but blush. I remember what Michael and I did together last night. I really want more of that. Is that why Michael called him? The thought makes me smile as I make it to the steps.

  “Well, I want to see Charlie later, once evening visiting hours begin, so maybe he is just planning ahead,” I tell him.

  “Probably. I’m sorry that you had to worry about fixing items for the church. I probably should have canceled the sale, but so many depend on the good that the church does. It wouldn’t be possible without our fundraisers.”

  “It’s no problem, Pastor. I promise,” I tell him, turning around. I don’t want him to feel guilty. I’m glad he depends on me for help. I owe him and Charlie a lot for saving me. “Besides, I was nervous and upset. Baking helps me. Do you know if there has been an update on Charlie?”

  “Not that I’ve heard. I actually was just about to drive by there and check on her. Would you like to go with me?”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Crusher interjects, standing on the top step by the door. Dani is behind him, standing at the screen door. I had almost forgotten how annoying they can be.