HEARTLESS

by Storm, Franca

  “Please. I know you love how I don’t sugar-coat nothing. A Prince Charming type ain’t gonna satisfy the spunky, bad girl in you, sweetheart.” I nudge her with my elbow. “Right, ain’t I?”

  She chuckles.

  That’s twice I’ve made her laugh now in only a few minutes. Thank fuck. All I been doing lately is upsetting her and keeping that beautiful smile of hers locked up tight. It hits me, just how much I’ve missed it. I wanna see it more.

  “You know,” she says in between bites of her pizza. “I’m only a bad girl for you, Smiter.”

  “Nah, can’t believe that, Hal. It’s part of your makeup.”

  “I’m serious. Just you.”

  I cock an eyebrow at her. “Just me?”

  She shrugs. “I don’t trust a lot of people, but I trust you.”

  After what she told me last night, I’m pretty sure these trust issues she’s talking ˈbout all stem from that fucker who hurt her. Makes me realize just what it really means that she’s giving me her trust.

  I reach out and stroke her hair. “I get what that means coming from you, Hal. Thank you.” I whisper in her ear. “My sweet Halle.”

  She giggles as my breath on her ear tickles her.

  I kiss the top of her head and we both eat up in silence for a bit. A real peaceful silence. It ain’t awkward or nothing. It’s real nice.

  I watch her outta the corner of my eye.

  I never noticed before, cuz we ain’t spent time eating meals together, but the way she eats is real fucking cute. She don’t rip off giant pieces of the pizza with her teeth and almost swallow it down whole like I do, tearing into my food and devouring it with no mercy. Nah, it’s the opposite. For a tough girl like her, it don’t really fit. She’s so careful with it, taking her time, nibbling at it.

  I can’t hold it in and I laugh out loud.

  “What?”

  “Nothing,” I choke, thumping my chest to try to stop my laughter.

  “You’re making fun of me, is that it?”

  “You eat like a little squirrel, Hal.”

  “I do not.”

  “Oh, fuck, you do, Hal.” I snatch my phone up. “Let me video this.”

  “Absolutely not, you ass!”

  “So, you’re fine with me shooting some videos of us fucking, but when it comes to you eating, that’s off the table.”

  “Those were tasteful. Plus, I had my makeup on, my hair done. Right now, I’m a mess. It’s embarrassing.”

  That’s a real weird rationale. She snatches the phone outta my hand, but it buzzes.

  “Dammit,” she mutters. “Saved by the bell.” She hands it back to me, getting that I always gotta answer right away. Even though she ain’t a club chick and wasn’t brought up ˈround my kinda life, she gets a lot of it. Then again, Hal’s a hell of a lot smarter than she likes people to think. The way she acts and the intense way she flirts makes her come off as a blonde bimbo type. Does it on purpose. It’s part of her armor. Having people underestimate her to put ˈem off balance and give her the upper hand.

  “One sec,” I tell her as I open the text.

  I tense up right away as I read it.

  Meet with Frankie’s set. Get outta Brockford. Keep out, ˈtil I give the word. You feel me?

  Fuck.

  I’d been doing real well putting that fucker outta my mind for the last few hours. Now, Ax’s message has it hitting me right in the gut. Knowing Frankie’s gonna be here somewhere, in the same city I’m at right now, makes me sick to my stomach. I know why Ax is telling me. It’s in case I found out another way. It’s real likely, cuz there ain’t much that gets by me. Ever. He’s warning me to stay away, though.

  I text back. Feel you. With Halle. Gonna take off soon.

  I lock my phone and slide it across the table.

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah, sweetheart.”

  She don’t say nothing more, but I can feel her watching me. Woman knows something’s up, but another thing she gets ˈbout the club is I can’t be talking ˈbout its business.

  But, I did make some promises to her last night.

  “Some shit’s going down that Ax don’t want me mixed up in. It ain’t sitting right with me.”

  “Because you’re usually front and center, in the thick of things, as their enforcer. You’re used to being the first line of defense and taking charge. Ax keeping you out of it makes you feel powerless and you don’t know what to do with yourself, how to handle not being in control this time.”

  Jesus Christ. “Pretty much.” Aside from the revenge-on-Frankie part, she’s right on. Not being in control really fucking bothers me. It ain’t a feeling I’m used to. I got everything running like clockwork up at the clubhouse with security and all that. “You’re damn good, Hal.”

  She shrugs. “I just know you, that’s all.”

  Huh. Yeah, she does know me. I know her, too. It’s real messed that I put so much effort into denying we were anything beyond fuck buddies, cuz the whole time we’ve been getting to know each other real well.

  I finish off another slice of pizza, then she puts the box back in the fridge.

  As she makes her way back to me, an idea hits me.

  “You’re off today, right? You usually got one of the other girls supervising at Temptress on Sundays, cuz it ain’t that busy.”

  She cocks an eyebrow. “Wow. It’s a little scary how much of a handle you seem to have on my schedule, Smiter.”

  I laugh. “I pay attention when I want to, sweetheart.” I down the rest of my coffee and then slide my stool back and get to my feet. “Wanna go for a ride with me today?”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You want me on the back of your bike?”

  “You were on it last night.”

  “That was different.”

  I can’t get nothing past her. Last night was different. I only had her on the back, cuz it was an emergency situation. Her car was outta gas. Me asking her now is about me wanting her with me. She gets what a big deal it is.

  I take her hand, giving it a squeeze to get her attention. Her sexy, blue eyes lock with mine. “I want you on the back of my bike, Miss Belmont. That clear enough for you?”

  “I… yes,” she murmurs, stunned.

  “This is gonna be a date. I’m asking you out. Wanna spend time with you.”

  A huge smile lights up her beautiful face. “I want that too, baby.”

  “Good.”

  She shrieks as I catch her off guard and lift her off the floor, my hands on her hips. She wraps her legs ˈround me, as I carry her outta the kitchen.

  “Smiter!” she cries. “Where are we going?”

  “Where’d you think, Hal? Need a shower before we head out on our date, don’t we?”

  “Definitely,” she says, kissing my neck and driving me crazy.

  “I’m gonna dirty you up real good first.”

  “I can’t wait,” she returns, giving it right back to me as usual.

  “You ain’t gonna,” I tell her, kicking open the bathroom door.

  I’m slamming her against the wall a second later, ready to devour every inch of her.

  All thoughts of Ax’s text and his meeting with that fucker leave me, my brain taking a backseat, as Halle’s hands start sliding up and down every inch of me. Fuck me, the woman’s got skills.

  Chapter 10

  ~Halle~

  Amazing.

  This is the second time I’ve been on Smiter’s bike now. It’s way more fun this time around, because that initial first-time fear has gone. I know what to expect, how to turn into the corners with him, how to hold him properly. Now I can really appreciate every moment of it.

  I moan happily as the wind whips through my hair. There is nothing more refreshing. The thrill of hurtling down an empty country road at incredible speed with no doors and windows offering any protection, is unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. It’s so… freeing.

  I tighten my hands arou
nd Smiter’s waist, giving him a squeeze. Riding with him is incredible. Watching him take control of the bike in such a powerful way, holding his body pressed firmly against mine, drinking in his skill at riding, sharing this passion with him… it’s all such a major turn on. It’s all I can do to keep my hand from drifting down to his cock and treating myself to the very impressive handful he’s packing. I don’t want to distract him, while he’s riding.

  Instead, I release another pent-up moan of bliss and rest my head comfortably against his leather-clad back.

  I feel a chuckle reverberate through his body. He calls over the roar of the engine, “Having too much fun back there, Hal?”

  “No,” I lie. “I’m all sexed-out from this morning.”

  He chuckles again. He doesn’t believe me for a second.

  I slide my hands underneath his t-shirt and run my fingers over his hard abs, feeling his muscles tense at my touch.

  He turns his head slightly, so his mouth is close to my ear. “Know what you’re up to, Hal.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You’re tryinˈ to get me all riled up, so I pull over and satisfy that fantasy of yours.”

  Right, him fucking me on his bike. “Nope. I told you I’m all sexed-out.”

  “Sure,” he laughs. “We got pigs flying overhead too.”

  I pull my hands from under his shirt and return to my more innocent grip on him. “You think you know me so well.”

  He takes one hand off a handlebar and reaches out to stroke my hair briefly. It’s a gentle gesture that says so much. We’re not just playing around anymore. It’s not just about sex. He cares about me. Last night, we knocked down some of the walls that had been standing between us for far too long.

  Some of them.

  One wall that’s still up is the work he does with his motorcycle club. I saw his mood change in an instant when he received that text message earlier. When I’d asked if he was okay, he’d been really vague with his response. It was obvious that whatever’s going on is upsetting him a great deal. It’s personal. That’s strange for him, because Smiter is always professional when it comes to his work. I’ve never seen him react emotionally before. I knew better than to push it. He’s told me before that he can’t talk about any club business. I’m more than fine with that. Having a wall up when it comes to our business dealings works well for me too. I don’t want him knowing what’s happening with me at the moment. I don’t need the interference.

  Just because we’ve agreed to let each other in and to make this thing between us more than just fucking, it doesn’t mean we have to tell each other absolutely everything.

  Besides, having some secrets is healthy, right?

  Plus, it keeps the mystery alive and I’m definitely not someone who likes boring and predictable.

  ***

  Smiter helps me off his bike and I wince as my feet touch the ground.

  My butt and my thighs are burning from the long ride. Three hours. Smiter had asked me several times if I’d needed to stop for a bit, but I’d refused. I’d been enjoying the ride far too much to want it to end. But my body is definitely not happy about it. I guess this is what happens to new riders. It’s only my second time on a bike, so it’s not like I’ve had the time to acclimate to it. The clothes I’m wearing aren’t helping either. I feel so stiff and constricted.

  Before we’d started off on our ride, Smiter had taken me to a shop in Brockford that sold riding gear. He bought me a sexy, silver helmet and insisted that I dress safely for the ride. He ended up buying me some leather pants and a tough red and black leather jacket to put over the low-cut bustier I’d been wearing. The leathers are heavy and feel how I’d imagine wearing armor would feel.

  He wolf whistles as I walk up and down beside his Harley, stretching my legs and any other body part that I can. I stop and turn, my hands on my hips. “Can I help you?”

  “Just appreciating your sweet ass in those pants.”

  “Yeah?”

  He nods. “Looking smokinˈ, sweetheart.”

  “I know.” I slide down my zipper and fan out my jacket, exposing my cleavage. “Ah,” I sigh. “Much better.”

  “Can’t stand being covered up, can you, Hal?”

  “Hey. I’m not going to look this good forever.”

  He closes in and slides his hands around my waist. “I like you in leathers.”

  “You didn’t need to—”

  “I did. Want you safe when you’re on the back of my bike. These are top of the line.”

  “That’s not what I meant.”

  He presses his finger to my lips. “Know what you meant. Can’t a guy buy his girl a present?”

  “Your girl, huh?”

  “Yeah.”

  He takes my hand and starts leading me away from the parking lot at the back of The Cove. We turn onto the main street running through Reirdon Falls.

  “We’re not going inside?” I ask. I thought he brought me up here to take me to the infamous restaurant he hangs out at regularly, figuring he was going to show me what all the fuss is about. It’s right by the docks and overlooks the water, giving the place a really romantic feel.

  “Nah,” is all he says.

  Disappointment settles in the pit of my stomach. What was I thinking? Smiter isn’t a romantic type of guy. Why did I think he’d be up for doing the wining and dining thing?

  I focus on the fact that we’re actually on a date. It’s been a hell of a long time coming. I never actually thought we’d ever get to this point. So, now we have, I’m going to enjoy every moment of it.

  I take in the stores and little businesses lining either side of the street. I’ve never actually spent any time here before. I’ve only ever passed through on my way to see Rox or Sarah and, last night, to the clubhouse. It’s startling how quiet it is here, compared to the busy, fast-paced surroundings I’m used to back in the City of Brockford. This place is quaint and peaceful. I’ve always considered myself a city girl, but seeing this now has me reconsidering that.

  Smiter leads us across the street and I smile as I see the familiar pink neon sign. Sarah’s Place. It’s bigger and more vibrant than the one that’d been over her diner back in the city. The building is freshly painted, a bright white. There are crimson curtains in the little windows. The whole place looks very homely. Lovely.

  Although, I miss her having Sarah’s diner in Brockford, it seems well-suited here. Plus, she’s happy now with her husband, Runner, and their six-month old baby boy, Carter. I keep losing my girls to this place and its biker bad boys. First, Rox with Ax. Now, Sarah with Runner. It has me wondering who will be next. I might end up losing several members of my staff to them, for all I know. I chuckle at the thought.

  “What’s so funny?” Smiter asks, peering at me curiously.

  “Nothing,” I say, smiling up at him.

  He kisses the top of my head and then opens the door to the diner, his hold on me never breaking as he leads us inside. I glance around, taking everything in. It’s really busy. It’s not surprising, seeing as though it’s lunchtime. I don’t see Sarah working behind the counter, just a couple of girls that I don’t recognize.

  “Sweetheart.”

  Smiter is pointing to a booth over in the corner.

  “Oh my God!” I cry.

  I was so distracted checking out Sarah’s new diner that I didn’t even notice what’s going on in the corner. Both my girls are there with their men, waving us over.

  As we reach them, Rox and Sarah are smiling, but Runner and Ax are eyeing Smiter weirdly. I’m not sure what that’s all about.

  I see Smiter study Ax for a few seconds, like he’s checking if he’s okay, or something. What’s going on?

  Rox pats the space next to her, but Smiter grabs my hand, holding me to him. He flashes me a smile and then he addresses the table. “You all know Halle. My girl.”

  Wow. I know why he brought me here. He’s making it official to our friends.

  “About time,�
�� Rox says, shaking her head at Smiter.

  Sarah claps excitedly and Runner laughs, capturing her hands and kissing them across the table between them. “Too fucking cute, angel.”

  Smiter releases me and I slide in next to Rox, while he joins Ax. “Glad to hear it, brother,” Ax says, with a slap to his shoulder. “Finally.”

  “Finally, is right,” Runner says. “Never known no man to take this long to seal the deal.”

  Smiter holds up his hands. “All right. Cool it. Know it took me a real long time.” He smiles at me and grabs my hand across the table. “You ain’t getting away now.”

  “Better bring your A-game,” Runner says. “Sounds like she’s gonna make you work for it, brother.”

  “All the good women do,” Ax says, winking at Rox.

  “That’s right,” Rox agrees. “When we’re busting your balls, you know we’re worth it.”

  All of us burst out laughing.

  “I didn’t do that to you, did I?” Sarah asks Runner.

  Reaching across the table and stroking her cheek, he tells her, “Angel, you had my dick in a fucking vice.”

  “Zeb!” she cries, slapping him away. “That’s not true!”

  “Aw,” he teases. “Come here.” He reaches across the table and somehow manages to lift her out of her seat and onto his lap. For a smaller guy, he’s really strong. He settles her onto his lap and wraps his arms tightly around her. The two of them are ridiculously cute together.

  I see Ax and Rox exchange a look. It’s clear they’re still getting used to seeing Runner in this light, as an attentive, loving husband. I am too. It wasn’t that long ago when he was causing trouble at my club with his wandering hands and untameable sex drive. I even had to kick him out once. But the man he is today is a world away from all of that.

  Ax and Rox are a different story, though. The two of them haven’t softened much, despite also being married and having a kid. They’re still both the feisty, hard-asses they were before they settled down together.

  Is that also why Smiter brought me here to hang with them? Is he trying to show me that we can have that, too? That might be a bit of a stretch, because it’s still really early days for us. But, maybe some day. One step at a time.