“Yeah?” I retort.
“Yeah, man. You know this,” Jarvis confirms with a nod.
Reaching down, I pull up my jeans. “So what do you call this, huh?” My eyes fall on the fucked-up skin on my legs.
“Jesus, man. What happened?”
“Jeffries happened.”
“Because of the girl?” Jarvis asks with narrowed eyes.
“He warned me to stay away. Told me she was his and some bullshit about how he had made a deal with Carter Mellano. He sold out his own cousin to my father.”
“I didn’t think human trafficking was our thing,” Zane adds, humor lacing his tone. “But seriously, man. This is some fucked-up father-and-son shit.”
“The fuck am I supposed to do?”
“Plenty more pussy in the sea.” Zane laughs loudly. An audible tut comes from Emily.
“You guys.” She rests her hand against her chest. “You’re all heart!”
“That’s us, darlin’,” Zane replies, fluttering his eyelashes at a semi-naked Emily.
“Ever think that he may have feelings for the girl. That the girl…”
“Tara,” I interrupt.
“Yeah, Tara.” She smiles, correcting herself. “Well, maybe she isn’t just some pussy as you guys put it. Maybe she’s special, and that’s why Nate loves her.”
The guys chuckle. Zane widens his eyes and stares straight at Emily. “That’s some serious stuff, talking about love.”
“Behind those tattoos, beards, and motorcycles, are men who need to feel love too.” She kicks out her hip, pursing her lips together in some sort of sassy girl move. “Your manly exterior ain’t fooling anyone.”
Zane walks closer to her and I can’t help but notice how she clutches her top against her chest. “Looks like we got a keeper here,” he bellows, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and kissing her loudly on the side of her head. “Now that’s what I call old lady material,” he says with a nod and Jarvis slowly nods along in agreement.
“I don’t know about that,” she replies coyly, looking up at Zane through her long eyelashes. She blinks more than necessary, and I can’t help the smile that creeps up from the corner of my mouth. I recognize what is happening here. She likes him.
“I hate to break up this newfound friendship, but we got a tattoo to finish.” Reaching into the drawer, I pull out a new pair of gloves and get to work at setting up the tattoo gun. Emily resumes her position on the couch, still clutching her top to her chest. I lift my brows. Refreshing. Usually girls are dropping their clothes just to get their hands on one of the crew. Sitting on my chair, I swivel and push it along until I stop just in front of her.
“Get comfy, boys,” I instruct with a jab of my thumb. I hear the shuffling behind me, moving chairs and shit. Zane sits right behind me, just in the right position to carry on his conversation with Emily. I make a point of catching her eye before continuing. I need to know she’s okay with the pair being here. As soon as my eyes connect with hers I notice something I hadn’t seen before. There’s a light. No… not a light, more like a spark, a fire maybe. Yeah, that’s what I see. It’s fire flickering in her eyes. I dart my gaze to Zane behind me then back to Emily. It’s funny that I never really paid any attention to the little looks that are exchanged when attraction is in play. But since Tara, I notice all the little things I would never have batted an eye at before.
Placing the tip of the needle to her skin, I begin to scratch over and over, working on the color and shading of the tattoo. The guys chat with Emily, and I can tell she appreciates the distraction.
* * *
Hours pass by and I’m finally done with Emily’s tattoo. Leading her over to the mirror on the wall, I show her the final, finished tattoo.
“Oh. My. God. It’s amazing, Nate. Painful, but worth every second,” she says with a genuine smile on her face. She turns a little, facing in the direction of Jarvis and Zane.
“So good, right, guys?” she asks, almost like she’s seeking their approval.
“That’s some pretty cool ink, darlin’,” Zane responds, his eyes almost bulging out of his head. I stifle a chuckle, but now I need to get her wrapped up.
“Guys, why don’t you grab us a drink? Just give me a minute to finish up here.”
“Sure,” Jarvis replies, jumping up from his seat and making his way over to the door.
“Be right back,” Zane addresses Emily, and she smiles timidly, acknowledging him with the slightest movement of her head.
Following the guys over, I hold the door, ready to lock it when they have stepped out. “Just knock when you come back, okay?”
“Sure,” they both respond in unison. I watch them leave, bolting the door behind them.
“Right,” I say with a clap of my hands. “Let’s get you wrapped up.”
“What do I owe you for this?” Narrowing her eyes on me, she pulls in her lip, biting it a little.
“You owe me nothing. Well nothing but what was agreed. Your help with the Tara situation.”
“I don’t go back on my word, Nate. I said I would help you and I meant it.”
“Are you sure?” I ask with a tilt of my head, my eyes hard on her. “Because I saw how you and Zane were looking at each other.”
“What? You’re worried I will go back on my word? Oh, you don’t know me well yet, do you?”
“Considering we just met…” I quip, offering her a smirk.
“Look, the way I see it you’ve done so much for me already that there is no way I’d jeopardize what we have agreed. Yeah, sure, there seems to be some interest between me and Zane and getting to know him would be cool. But without you pulling me away from the party, making it look like something is happening between us, then God knows what could be happening to me with God knows who. I think I need you just as much as you need me right now.”
I place a hand either side of her face. Despite her natural beauty and her honest heart, I’m not interested in Emily, not in the slightest. Pulling her closely, I tilt her head down, kissing her on the forehead. Her hand finds my arm, and she caresses it gently.
“Thank you,” I whisper, only for my attention to be drawn to the sound of the door beside the garage door opening. Emily jerks in surprise, dropping her top and exposing herself completely. My eyes search for the cause of the sound, but there's nothing. I dart over to the door, pulling it open, and reach inside my vest, pulling out my handgun. I search the area trying to work out who just bailed. My throat feels like it’s tightening, and my hand begins to shake as my eyes find hers.
The familiar long brown hair sways as she runs like she’s afraid for her life.
“Tara,” I yell, but she doesn’t stop.
Shit.
What the fuck is she doing here? I pick up my speed, closing the gap between us as she runs out of the yard and toward the road.
“Tara,” I growl. “Stop, or I swear to God I’ll shoot.”
Her footsteps grind to a halt and she freezes on the spot. Turning slowly, her eyes fall on the gun I have pointed at her. I have no intentions of using it, but I needed her to stop.
“Really, Nate? You’re pulling a gun on me?”
“Just listen to me, okay,” I say, pushing the gun back inside the band of my jeans and rushing over to her and taking hold of her elbow. I guide her quickly out of sight, pulling her into the shadows of the trees.
“Baby.” I reach up, desperate to feel her silk-like skin against my hands.
“Don’t you baby me,” she says raising her hand up and slapping me with force across the face.
“I came here… I came to tell you that no matter what is happening, no matter how bad, we can work it out. I came to tell you that I can’t live without you, Nate.” Her voice quivers and tears stream down her face. My chest tightens. A mixture of pain and anger brewing in my chest.
“Only, you’ve moved on already, right?” Her teary eyes change to ones full of anger. “How could you?”
“It’s not what it loo
ks like…”
“REALLY? You’re really going to give me that bullshit.”
Before I can correct her, I hear voices calling for me.
“Nate, man. Nate. It’s Emily. Silver’s got her, man.”
Fuck. My head whips around trying to locate the voice.
“Baby,” I say leaning into her. “You need to go home.”
“You really don’t care, do you?” she spits out, but I’m worried that Silver’s games are some sort of retaliation.
I grit my teeth, narrowing my eyes on her. “For your safety, and mine, you gotta go. Please, Tara, just trust me.” I lean in, pressing my lips to hers. She softens in my arms and there’s no mistaking the taste on her lips.
Bourbon.
I grip the back of her head, kissing her in the way I’ve needed to for days. “Please, baby, I’ll be in touch but it ain’t safe for you here.” Dropping my hand, I look her in the eye, hoping that she recognizes my sincerity. I bite my lip, holding her gaze. Then I mouth the words that I know mean so much to her. I love you.
“Please don’t leave me,” she begs and my heart almost shatters.
“Nate,” the voice continues to call to me and I’m caught between staying and comforting her, getting her to understand the dangers, and checking out what shit is going down inside.
Stepping back, I release my hold on her. “I’m sorry. Really, I am,” I whisper. “I’ll be in touch. I promise.” I turn on my heel and race back through the gates, making my way over to the garage door. Throwing it open, my eyes search for Emily. Zane appears and I instantly see the panic in his eyes.
“Silver followed us. Shot open the goddamn door. He’s got Emily.” He points to the door that leads inside the clubhouse, and I sigh, running my hands down over my face.
“Motherfucker,” I growl, racing to the door and into the clubhouse. I tear through the hall, shouting out her name, my eyes searching for her. I look at the crew, half-cut or so deep down some whore’s throat that they don’t even bother to look what the commotion is about.
Tara
Collapsing to the ground, I realize just what a fool I’ve been. I’m here, declaring my love for him and he turns his back on me. I wanted to let him know that we could work, only he clearly doesn’t want to. A few days have passed, and he has another girl in his studio half-naked. And given the choice, he chose her. That whore who just couldn’t keep her top on or her tongue to herself.
This is a mess. Such a goddamn mess. Salty tears stream down my face and trickle into my mouth. Not only am I a mess emotionally, but I can only imagine what I look like. I turn to look in the direction he just walked, but there’s nothing. My body shakes and I feel like someone has just ripped my heart out.
Using my hands, I push myself up, standing on unsteady legs, the alcohol making me feel braver than usual. Lazily, I brush my ass, before straightening my top. I worked like a goddamn commando to get here to see him. There’s no way I’m letting him walk away. I’m going after him. I throw my purse over my shoulder and sniffle loudly, using my sleeve to swipe away the tears that have fallen. Pushing back my shoulders, I feign confidence as I stroll back towards the house. My head’s all over the place and I’m full of conflicted emotions. But one thing I’m sure of is I came here to speak to Nate, and no one is going to stop me.
“I heard we had a visitor,” his gruff voice calls and I’m halted to a stop. My eyes land on Jeffries and I blink repeatedly to try to clear the blur within them. Gripping my purse, I hold the palm of my other hand up to him in warning. Placing one foot behind the other, I slowly try to move backwards, knowing that this could be dangerous territory. I may be half-cut, but I haven’t forgotten what this man wants from me.
“You stay right there, mister.” My voice gives out.
“What’s the matter?” he asks, wearing a grin and tilting his head to one side. “Scared I’m going to hurt you?”
Shit. Shit. Shit. I feel my chest tighten as the panic grows deep inside.
“Yes,” I blurt out. “I’ve heard that you want me, but I’m not yours to have,” I spit back, venom lacing my tone. This asshole has done nothing but make my life a misery. “It ends here.”
Stepping closer to me, I instinctively take a step back, only to find myself hitting something hard. I swivel my head to see a leather-clad guy standing behind me. I try to focus, but his face is nothing more than a blur. His hands dig into the top of my hands where he grabs me.
“Get your… get your hands off of me.” A deep rumble of laughter vibrates against my back. Fighting against his hold, I wiggle furiously trying to get him to release me. But it’s no use. I’m too weak and he’s the size of a house. I thrash out my legs in a desperate attempt to fight him off. My throat feels like it's tightening on me as the fear and panic reaches a level I can no longer control. I’m fighting, but I know it’s not enough. I open my mouth to yell, to call for help.
“Help…” I cry, but my words are no more than a squeak. I open my mouth to try again, but my attention is drawn to Jeffries who barrels toward me.
“Shut your goddamn mouth,” he growls, placing his hands over my mouth, stifling any chance of noise escaping. “Someone has been hittin’ the bourbon,” he chuckles with a wiggle of his eyebrows. I continue to try to yell, only my muffled pleas don’t work, and slowly I stop moving. I have no fight left in me.
“This doesn’t end here. You are mine to have, the result of a deal with Mellano. I’m sorry you were unaware of the arrangements, but I’m calling in my reward.” He strokes his free hand down my face and across my collarbone. I tremble as he continues to work his fingers over my breast and down my stomach. I tense my body, trying to repel his touch. The smell of him so close invades my senses. The overpowering smell of cigars hits me hard. I gag against his hand, unable to control myself.
“Oh, good. She’s a gagger.” He chuckles, pushing his hand into my waistband, flicking open the button, allowing his hand space. He pushes down, his hand working back and forth until he finds my sex. “Such a wet, sweet pussy,” he taunts me, continuing to work his hand between my legs. I pull my body back, but the man behind me restricts my movements. My ass presses against him and I feel something hard. It dawns on me what it is, so I instantly flinch away. Sicko is getting excited watching this monster abusing me.
“Keep her still,” he demands to the guy holding me. I pinch my thighs together, trying to restrict his hands between my legs. God, I have to stop this. I have to do something. I try to cross my legs, pulling them together. But they counteract my movements. The guy behind me uses his leg to sweep my legs further apart.
“Good, good,” I hear Jeffries say as he presses down further, pressing a finger inside me. He’s rough and I gasp at the feel of this monster invading my body. “No,” I scream against his hand. But it makes no impact. My cries are muffled. Their laughter fills my ears and I can feel myself starting to zone out. My fight stops and I have no other choice but to stand there, allowing him to do as he pleases. I think of the times that I made love to Nate, trying to push the feeling of what is happening to me away.
“You are so wet, princess. You fucking want this. I know you do, and so does your body.” His eyes rake over my body as he eye-fucks me like one of his biker whores.
Shaking my head in protest, I manage to slip the hold he had on my mouth.
“Let me go,” I scream. “Please, just let me go.” My voice is now more of a whimper as I struggle to control my emotions.
Both men laugh. “I’ve only just gotten started.” Jeffries speaks through his laughter. Withdrawing his hand, I watch as he places it just under his nose and sniffs. “Hmmm, baby, I’m just getting a taste for what this perfect pussy has to offer. See, I’ve been saving myself for you, and once I have claimed you as my own, there’s no going back.”
“Brax,” I blurt out. “He’ll kill you the minute he finds out you’ve laid your scummy hands on me. You’re a dead man walking,” I spit out, despite my voice being sh
aky. Clenching my jaw, I glare at him in warning.
“So cute, baby, when you look at me all angry. Makes me want you all the more.” He cocks one eyebrow and I know he’s not going to stop here. “Taste.” Jeffries pushes his fingers toward the guy behind me. I twist my head, watching in disbelief as the huge guy behind me darts out his tongue and licks my wetness from Jeffries’ fingers. He doesn’t say anything, he just hums, nodding his head. “Sweet, right,” Jeffries adds.
“Sure is,” he says, increasing the grip on my upper arm and dragging me back toward him, digging his erection into my ass once more.
“I think it’s time to take this inside,” Jeffries instructs the guy with a nod of his head.
Digging my feet into the ground below, I attempt to stop him from taking me anywhere. My eyes bore into the man standing in front of me. His eyes are dark and menacing, but I don’t break the connection. If he’s going to do this, he’ll have to look me in the eye when he does. Arms crossed he never falters. With a tip of his head, he speaks calmly to the guy behind me.
“Do it,” he commands. “Enough fighting already.”
I draw in my brows, confused about what he’s saying. My head is woozy and swims as I try to look between the two men. My pulse thumps rapidly in my neck as I turn to look at him. He works to secure my hands behind my back.
“No,” I try to yell, but what comes out is pathetic. A little squeak of a sound. My teeth chatter together as my fear spikes. I know something even worse is about to happen, something so bad I can barely imagine what it could be.
A heavy, cold hand covers my mouth and nose. I try to focus, but it’s no use. Some material is pressed against my mouth and I’m sure they’re trying to kill me. I struggle, but my body is weakening. My brain is saying move, but nothing does. Suddenly the haze of alcohol becomes darker and darker. I’m struggling to breathe. Dammit, why can’t I breathe? My eyes start to close, despite how much I fight to keep them open.
The complete scars series: Books one-four Page 54