Vengeance MC Box Set - Volume 2: Gage ~ Cash ~ Knight (Vengeance MC series Book 8)

by Natasha Thomas

  “So maybe now’s a good time for you to tell me why you set his ass on met then. You know I wouldn’t touch your woman; I don’t have a fucking death wish so what gives?”

  “Just thought you could do with a little reminder of what will happen to you if you forgot our deal,” I state, rounding my truck to grab my duffle out of the bed.

  “Like that’d happen,” he mutters. “You made it perfectly clear, in detail, how you plan to extract my intestines through my nut sack if I even looked at Zara that way. What you didn’t tell me was how fucking hot she is, though.”

  I know he’s talking shit, but that doesn’t mean I appreciate it regardless of the fact he’s doing it to get a rise out of me.

  “Watch it. I’d hate to have to kick your ass and make you cry like a little bitch when we climb in the ring,” I caution.

  “Hey, Knight. Been a while,” Simon shouts from across the lawn.

  Gripping my shoulder, Brent offers,

  “Why don’t I show you where to put your shit so we can get started. I’ve got a training session with a pretty girl after we’re done that I don’t want to miss.”

  I pull my arm forward, jamming my elbow into his ribs and grin at his grimace.

  “Just for that, I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear you when you call mercy later,” I inform him as he leads the way into his temporary home.

  *****

  The place is beautiful; I’ll give him that much. Brent’s done well for himself during his time on the MMA circuit. I always knew the money would be good when the sport began to increase in popularity, but while the rewards will never be as good as they are for boxers in the same class, it’s nice to see these guys getting paid more than the peanuts they used to be.

  Brent gave me a quick tour before telling me he had to talk to Simon about an upcoming charity event, leaving me to explore the rest of the house and grounds by myself. I wasn’t here for that, though. I couldn’t care less about the seven bedroom, five bath rental, complete with its own hot tub, sauna, state of the art gym, and wine cellar. I was here for Zara.

  Dumping my duffle in the room Brent allocated me, which is conveniently located across the hall from Zara’s, I sit down on the bed and try to formulate my game plan.

  Making the decision to come out here was spur of the moment, but the time it took to make it happen felt like forever. A week. A whole fucking week I haven’t seen Zara for. A week missing her husky laugh and sweet smiles. For seven days, I’ve had a taste of what it would be like without her in my life, and I hated it. Every goddamn second of it.

  There are few people I trust my family’s business with, and even fewer I trust to keep their mouths shut about where I am for the next couple of days. I don’t usually give the first fuck what people think, but until I know for sure that the woman I’m falling for is going to take a chance on us, I’m not saying shit to anyone. Which is why I chose the one man no one is stupid enough to question, but I trust with my life to keep an eye on things while I’m gone. Nix.

  Vengeance MC deserves my undying gratitude for finding and taking care of my ex-wife after she was kidnapped and brutally abused for weeks, however, my loyalty is an entirely different matter.

  Over the years, Nix has saved my ass more times than I can count. While he was President of the Hells Riders, Nix was untouchable, at least, as far as the law and the citizens of Lower Falls were concerned. No matter what went down in this neck of the woods, Nix made sure people were safe, protected his own, and for the most part, kept to himself. It wasn’t until three of his own MC brothers went rogue, planning and exacting retribution from a man who didn’t earn their wrath that Nix waded in, effectively ending his reign and his chapter of the club.

  Regardless of what anyone thinks of him, Nix is a decent guy, a fucking good father to his daughter Lacy, and an even better husband to his new wife, Madison. Not once in the years we’ve been friends have I had to question our friendship or the lengths he’d go to make sure me and mine are safe. He’s proved what he’s capable of with the right motivation, and let’s put it this way; I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of one of Nix’s lessons.

  There’s no doubt in my mind that when Boss and his VP, Fury find out I’ve got Nix working for me they won’t be impressed, but to hell with them. This isn’t their fucking business, and I don’t have to answer to them. That’s the beauty of being your own boss; there’s only one person I’m accountable to, and that’s me.

  Seeing now is as good a time as any, I dial Nix’s cell and wait for him pick up.

  “It’s been four hours, Knight. The gym’s still standing, there haven't been any mass membership cancellations, and Locke hasn’t killed me yet, even though he looks like he wants to,” Nix relays.

  “Don’t worry about Locke, that’s his permanent resting bitch face. He’ll get over it,” I assure him.

  Locke and Nix have a rocky past. Their mutual dislike for each other is barely contained on the best of days. If it weren’t for Scarlet, Zara’s best friend and Madison’s sister, there’s a better than good chance the two men would have killed each other by now.

  Straight to the point, Nix questions,

  “Why didn’t you ask the asshole to cover you here? He’s been around long enough to know how everything works.”

  “Locke’s got other things to worry about.”

  “I’m sure he does. From what I hear, Dark Knights is the premier male entertainment provider in eight counties,” Nix says.

  “I should fucking hope so seeing as we’re the only one,” I scoff in reply.

  “You’re going to have to start rethinking your line of work if you’re serious about Zara, man. I highly doubt her dad or her Pop will break out the good bourbon to celebrate their little girl hitching her star to a male hooker, Knight,” Nix answers as if I need the reminder.

  “Just worry about keeping the gyms doors open, and I’ll worry about my woman and her family.”

  “I would, but Chase was in here earlier talking to his cop friend about how his daughter is headed off to the bright lights of Las Vegas I a few months, and how much he’s going to miss her. If I were you, I’d pull my finger out of my ass and make a move on that chick, or you’re going to lose her.”

  Demanding he tell me everything he heard in detail, I close my eyes tightly willing away the deep ache in my chest. When Nix is finished, I order,

  “If you hear anything else, call me. I don’t give a fuck if it’s the middle of the night, if you remember something, call.”

  “Will do, but a word to the wise, Knight,” he returns carefully. “If she’s worth it, don’t wait. I learned my lesson after nearly fucking up with Madison, and Locke learned the hard way too. Don’t be an asshole like we were; fight for her if you have to. Fucking fight.”

  “I plan to,” I rasp before disconnecting and pocketing my cell.

  *****

  Five minutes later, walking into Brent’s temporary training facility, I surreptitiously glance around at his set up. Housed in a large outbuilding which looks like it used to be a barn, two of the four walls are taken up with treadmills, cross trainers, rowing machines, a weight bench, free weights in various sizes, and a free-standing resistance frame.

  Vaulted ceilings with reinforced beams mean that Brent’s been able to hang multiple boxing bags of differing sizes and filling materials from them, along with speed bags, and a pull-up bar. I’m not sure how he got approval to install some of this equipment. The bags and frames need to be bolted into the framework of the building. However, Brent is known for being extremely convincing when he needs to be. Especially if the owner is female and under the age of fifty.

  Zara’s voice reaches my ears before I see her. Hanging back to watch while I can because I know Zara’s going to try and kick my ass out when she knows I’m here, I follow her every movement as she helps Brent warm up.

  Today, her thick, shiny mane of multi-colored hair is pulled into a tight braid that reaches half way d
own her back. At first, I hated the pink and purple, preferring her natural jet black, but now, the vibrant streaks have grown on me. Much like the woman herself. Zara is everything that I’m not; funny, friendly, and vivacious with an attitude that would test even the most patient of saints.

  Obviously only just finished with her own workout, Zara is still dressed in the tiny spandex booty shorts she loves to wear when she runs, and it’s taking every ounce of my willpower not to strip off my shirt so I can go over there and cover her up. Zara’s body isn’t for anyone else eyes but mine. I don’t want men leering at her, even if I know they wouldn’t act on the filthy thoughts running through their heads.

  “Looking tense there, big brother,” a deep voice chuckles at my side.

  Without a seconds thought, I grab Nate and pull him into a crushing hug. It’s been two and a half months since I saw him last, and I’ve missed the annoying bastard. If anyone has the ability to piss me off as much if not more than Zara, it’s my little brother.

  “Fuck. It’s good to see you. How was Alabama?” I ask, curious as to why he’s back early.

  Nate left weeks ago to fulfill a contract for one of his regular clients. Ms. Chilton, a rich as fuck divorcee, needed an escort on her three-month long trip to oversee business matters that were demanding her attention. In other words, Ms. Chilton, or Deidre as only Nate is allowed to call her, wanted a portable sex toy, and none other than her precious Nate would do.

  “Long story for another day, brother,” he sighs. Looking toward the bags where Zara and Brent have migrated to, Nate wiggles his eyebrows at me. “So, how’s my little sister doing? Keeping out of trouble or is that why you’re here?”

  For as long as he’s known her, which is almost all of her life, Nate has called Zara his little sister. Zara hated it, in the beginning, claiming to have too many brothers as it is, but she got used to it quickly because Nate didn’t give her a choice not to.

  The two of them get along like a house on fire. In fact, when they’re together they get into so much trouble the house may actually catch on fire. I can’t tell you how many times that if it weren’t for Chase’s best friend being the chief of police Zara and Nate would have ended up in lockup for the night, but rest assured it’s enough for me to know it’s best if they have a chaperone at all times.

  “Anything I need to know, just in case Deirdre decides to sue our asses?” I question seriously.

  “No. Nothing like that. Deidre’s trip finished earlier than expected, and since I’d told her I have shit to take care of here, she said I could take off. No breach of contract. Full payment for services rendered,” he replies, not once taking his eyes off Zara.

  Just as I expected, Nate can’t resist drawing attention to himself, yelling,

  “Hey, good looking. What’s shaking other than your smoking hot ass of course?”

  Zara squeals in delight at the sound of his deep baritone, until she catches sight of me. Looking between us, Zara settles on frowning at me, her eyes widening as her mouth opens and closes a few times before saying,

  “God, it’s good to see you, Nate but why did you have to bring him? I’m on a self-proclaimed mental health vacation from all things Knight, and him being here isn’t exactly conducive to that.”

  Enveloping her in his arms, Nate leans down and mutters something in Zara’s ear that I don’t catch that makes her throw back her head and burst out laughing. Jealousy hits me hard and fast at the husky sound. I hate that she’s so free with her emotions with everyone but me. I want to be the one to make her smile and laugh. I want to be the one she grins up at while she’s tucked into my arms. I want it all, and the fact my brother is getting even a small part of her that I consider reserved for me grates on my nerves.

  Brent gestures for me to join him in the ring in the center of the room and because I’m close to beating the ever-loving shit out of my own flesh and blood, I leave them to it.

  “I’ve known him as long as I’ve known you,” Brent nods at them, “and we both know he’s not interested in her like that, so take it down a notch or two. Better yet, how about you try and knock me out to get rid of some of that pent up aggression. What do you say?”

  “You’re on,” I answer, jumping down off the platform.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  ~ Zara ~

  “The chains on my mood swing just snapped. Now I suggest you run.”

  – Zara’s warning for Knight

  “Play nice, kitten,” Nate chuckles, hooking his arm around my neck. “Big bro can be an asshole sometimes, but he cares about you, so go easy on him would you?”

  “No,” I snap, elbowing him in the ribs. Score! Direct hit, I congratulate myself at Nate’s wheeze.

  Coughing, Nate winks at me.

  “Fuck, you’re a violent little she-devil aren’t you?”

  “Sure am, and you’d be wise to remember that.” Propping my hands on my hips, I ask, “So tell me the truth; why are you here? Don’t you have women to service and condoms to fill?” Maybe it’s below the belt but so is his job title, so the way I figure it, Nate can hack it.

  Nate blinks a few times, looking back and forth between the two men sparring in the ring and me. Meanwhile, I keep my gaze focused on him, trying and failing to block out the alpha male display of dominance going on to my left.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I can see the beads of sweat rolling down Knight’s muscular chest, just begging for me to collect with my tongue. His biceps flex with every jab, and the power in his legs as he moves adeptly around the ring is usually something that would command my attention, but not today. Today, I want to know what the hell Knight and his brother are doing here.

  Clearing his throat, Nate appraises me.

  “Do you actually know something, or are you just digging here, beautiful?”

  “You’re hopeless,” I snort. “Do you ever talk to your brother while you’re off on whatever the adventure of the month is?”

  “We talk. Not often, but we do,” Nate answers warily. “Apparently, Knight didn’t deem it necessary to share with me that you found out about his rather lucrative side business, though. And for your information, Missy, I wasn’t off thrill seeking, I was working.”

  I laugh at him. Working; a likely story.

  “If you classify what you do as working, then I suppose you could say that,” I agree. “But seriously, Nate; what are you doing here?”

  “I missed you, Z,” he says sincerely. “That and, Nix told me Knight took off up here after you and I had to come see if there’s going to be fireworks or an explosion. Why else would I drive two hours into the middle of nowhere after almost three months of no sleep?”

  “Your lack of beauty sleep is self-inflicted, so no sympathy for you, mister.”

  “Have a heart, Z,” Nate pleads, giving me big puppy dog eyes that more often than not have women’s panties melting on the spot. “My back hurts, my balls are running on empty, and my cock has been fucked raw. The least you can do is be a friend and commiserate with me.”

  Giggling at the playful side of Nate that I’ve grown to love over the course of our friendship, I wrap my arm around his waist and give him a tight squeeze.

  “Fine. You poor, poor baby. There, there,” I coo, patting Nate’s abs with my free hand.

  “Much better,” he sighs, kissing the top of my head. “Now, how about we blow this joint and catch up properly? I have a hankering for some of the top shelf scotch I saw on Brent’s counter, and you’ve got a hell of a lot of explaining to do young lady.”

  “I can’t,” I decline, shaking my head. “Brent wants me to ref his sparring session, so you’re on your own for now.”

  Taking me by the hand, Nate drags me toward the exit, calling out,

  “I’m borrowing Z without the intention of returning her. If anyone’s got a problem with that, take it up with Knight.”

  Not waiting for a response, Nate shuffles us out the door and across the grassed expanse between the barn and the
house. He doesn’t let go of my hand until he’s nabbed the bottle of scotch, two glasses, and settled us both on the sectional under the large picture window overlooking the woods beyond.

  Nate startles me by admitting,

  “He freaked the fuck out, Zara?”

  “Huh?” I mumble.

  “Knight. He freaked out and called Nix. Told him to get his ass down to the gym, said he was going out of town for a while and to watch over the place, and then took off. My big brother doesn’t blow off his responsibilities, Zara. That’s not in his make up, so be honest with me; why did he feel like he needed to drop everything and run after you?”

  How do I answer that? It’s not like I can tell Nate the whole truth, is it? Although, I have a feeling he already knows most of it. Well, more than I’ve shared under the influence of copious amounts of liquor and bad karaoke that is.

  “Who? Ebonee or Scarlet?” I ask quietly. Someone has to have told him, and by the look on his face, I hit the nail on the head with the former. “Traitorous bitch,” I hiss under my breath.