The Last Check (Hell's Phoenix MC Series Book 2)

by Kristine Dugger

  Avery laughs, “Babe, Hays is coming.”

  “Oh, that is great. Another set of ovaries with a room full of dicks,” I say sarcastically.

  He laughs again, “Well, you woke up in a feisty mood.”

  “What if I don’t want to share you? What if I wanted to be locked up in this room all day with you?”

  Clearly amused by me, he laughs again, “Sharing is caring.”

  “Whatever.” I maneuver out of his hold.

  He grabs me back and lays me flat on the bed. “Where do you think you are going?”

  “To get dressed, so we can spend time with your friends.”

  My eyes bug out, feeling him sliding inside of me. He grunts, “Not just yet.”

  I perk up. “What do you think you are doing?”

  He thrusts deep in me. My eyes roll back and I moan.

  He grunts again, “What do you think I’m doing?”

  “I guess we won’t be down in a few minutes.”

  His lips slam into mine. No words. Just physical-ness. He pumps deeper in me. I wrap my legs around him, squeezing his narrow waist, raising my hips to feel him more.

  He groans, “Fuck, babe.”

  I order, “Avery, I want on top.”

  He pulls out and lays next to me. His rock hard cock points up as I grab him. I start to pump. Then down I go, putting his dick in my mouth. He groans, “Oh, shit.”

  He grabs a hold of my hair and twirls it. My head bobs up and down his shaft, taking his massiveness deep down my throat. Avery moans again, “Fuck, babe.”

  With every deep grunt, I suck harder.

  His cock tightens up. He is ready to release. I remove my mouth from his cock, sit up and slide on down his shaft. His eyes pop wide open. I move my hips in a rhythmic pattern. Avery grabs my cushiony hips and starts to guide me more. He moans, “Babe, I’m close.”

  I lean down and say, “I know. I want to feel you explode in me before I come all over you.”

  My hips continue to pump. “Babe, you.are.amazzzzzing,” he moans, surrendering all of himself in me.

  As he continues to come, something inside of me flips the switch. I go faster, absorbing his cock. The build-up was brewing. Screaming like a siren, I blare, “I’m coming. Oh my god.”

  Weak. Relieved. Satisfied.

  I lean down over him and kiss him. He grabs my hair and tugs, sparking the flames inside me once again. I cannot get enough of this man. I move my hips again. He pulls his lips from mine. He laughs, “Are you seriously wanting to go again?”

  I smirk, “You tugged my hair.”

  He shakes his head at me and puts his lips to mine. Our tongues dance together. I want to fuck him again but instead, we are just kissing. I will take it. This man has all of me.

  ***

  Avery and I walk down the stairs and to my surprise, along with his friends, Becks and Rosy were sitting there. The television was on and they were drinking mimosas. Becks looks up at me and says, “What’s up, girl?”

  I am taken aback. I ask, “What are you two doing here? Why is everyone here?”

  Rosy laughs, “Why don’t you ask Avery?”

  My attention goes to Avery and he was smiling like he was proud of himself. I comment, “You didn’t say my best friends were coming too.”

  He grins, “Babe, I wanted to surprise you.”

  “Why?”

  “Just because I felt like it.”

  “Okay. Not really answering the question.”

  “Babe.”

  I turn my body toward his, and wrap my arms around his neck and say, “Thank you.” I lean and plant my lips onto his. His arms immediately hug me close to him.

  Frankie interrupts, “Okay, you two.”

  We pull apart from each other and laugh. I am in awe over all of this. He has arranged all of this for me. Our friends, both here for a fun-filled day and night. Why, though?

  Avery

  Seeing the look on her face was enough for me. She has no idea what is going to happen tonight. I just hope she appreciates it and realizes the significance of what will happen. I grab a few beers from the fridge and head to the patio where our friends were socializing. My sister made it, which was a surprise. Knowing her, she probably wants to witness my interaction with Presley. Honestly, I do not give a fuck. Presley is my woman and I am not afraid to make that known.

  Presley’s brown hair flows in the wind, her head turns in my direction and she smiles. She lights up. Damn, she is beautiful. This is what I wanted for her. To be relaxed and enjoy herself with those who care about her. When she gets back to her life, it will all change. I cannot imagine what she is going to walk into when she gets with her family. I just hope they lighten up on her and let her be herself.

  I walk over to my woman and hand her a beer. She grins, “Thanks.”

  I sit down next to her and grab her free hand. Her blues twinkle at me.

  Dallas comes over by us. My sister being my sister, she comments, “I take it you two are official.”

  I squint my eyes at her and say, “Official?”

  “Like a couple, you know?”

  “Sis, we are seeing where this goes.”

  “You are holding her hand,” her voice rises.

  This catches Presley attention and she looks at us and says, “What’s going on?”

  Once again, Dallas being herself, she asks, “What’s the deal? Are you with my baby brother or not?”

  I warn, “Dallas.”

  Playing coy, Dallas says, “It’s a legit question.”

  Presley plays it cool, she states, “The deal is, we are where we want to be.”

  Dallas again, “That doesn’t answer the question.”

  Presley impressing me, she continues, “Dallas, I get where you are coming from. But to be honest, we are just enjoying each other.”

  “Ugh, you two are complicated! Fuck this shit, I’m going to bug Frankie.”

  My turn, I ask, “Why have you been talking to Frankie lately.”

  She answers, “Oh, is little brother getting protective again?”

  “Sis, he is my friend. You know how I feel about you and my friends.”

  “Well, why don’t you focus on your girl and not worry about what I’m doing.” And she walks away.

  If she is fucking around with another one of my friends, I am going to flip the fuck out. My boys know the situation with James was out of my control. But from then on, she is off limits. They can find someone else. Not Dallas.

  Presley looks at me. I say, “What?”

  She smirks, “Your sister is a big girl.”

  “Babe, I know this.”

  “If she wants to have some fun, let her.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  She gets up from her seat, comes over to me and sits on my lap. Her hand runs through my hair, rubbing the scalp. Those sapphire eyes shining down on me. Her hand continues to run through my hair. She points out, “Your hair is so soft.”

  My hand rests on her back. “I’m glad you approve.”

  “I plan to tug on that later.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Only if you’re a naughty boy.”

  I laugh, “Naughty boy?”

  She leans down, resting her forehead to mine. I turn my face up toward hers to kiss her but there is a commotion distracting us. We both look. It is Smith and Becks.

  Becks yells, “You’re an ass.”

  Smith rebuttals, “Well, you’re a fucking tease.”

  Presley looks at me confused. What the fuck is going on here?

  Becks again, “I’m a tease? Well, you’re a man whore.” Becks walks away and into the cabin.

  Smith yells, “Where the hell do you think you’re going?” He follows her.

  Presley shrugs her shoulders. Both of us confused on the scene between our friends. They were fighting as if they had something going on. I have to laugh at Becks’ comment about Smith being a man whore. She is so spot on.

  ***

 
As the fire reaches for the sky, all of us with beers in our hand. It was time. I look at James and nod. He gets up and heads over to a black bag. He pulls out a leather cut. Once he grabs the cut, I nod at my brothers. They stand up. All the women look at us strangely. Presley watches me. She asks, “What’s going on?”

  Since James will be the President of the club one day, he runs the show. I stand next to James and he hands me the cut. He speaks, “I want to thank everyone for being here tonight. Tonight, we honor one of our own. A brother who paid the ultimate sacrifice. He chose to protect us from the evil that haunts our country. With that, Lieutenant Logan Cooper is now an honorary member of the Hell’s Phoenix motorcycle club. Thank you for your service.”

  I glance over at Presley. Tears streaking down her cheeks. Becks and Rosy sitting beside her with their arms around her. They knew before coming. That is the main reason I invited them. To be here for her.

  James continues, “Ajax, will you present Presley with her brother’s cut with patch.”

  Her glazed eyes look up at me. She cries, “Avery.”

  I stand before her. Now, it is my turn, “Presley, please take your brother’s honorary cut. He is one of us.”

  She stands up and instead of taking the cut, she wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me. When she pulls away, tears continue to fall down her porcelain cheeks. She weeps, “Avery, all I can say is thank you. Thank you for all of this.”

  “Babe, this is what we do.”

  “Except, you did this not just for Logan but for me. I’m at a loss.”

  “Your brother needs to be honored in every way.”

  “I love you.” She covers her mouth, realizing what she just said to me. I bring her closer and plant my lips onto hers. This was an intense moment for the both of us. I am not sure if she meant what she said but I am going to take it for what it is worth. She has no idea that I am falling hard for her.

  ***

  Both Presley and I were physically and emotionally exhausted. Something did change a little in her after she said she loved me. We will talk about it another time. She needs to know the feelings are mutual, to some extent. I have never told a woman I loved her. None of them have fit the mold. Many times before, I have told myself that we come from different worlds. Mine the veteran freedom riders’ scene and hers the well to-do, prestige side. Our differences are what makes us, us. I need to tell her how I am feeling. Maybe this would help her out. I know I said I would not come in between her and her family, but I want to provide her with the family she deserves.

  Chapter 19

  Presley

  Well, I got caught in the moment of what Avery and his boys did for my brother. I cannot put into words how moved I was about it. They even included my friends, which says a lot. Avery thought of nothing but me. And there I go slipping saying I love you. Oh my goodness, what the hell was I thinking? I know we connected. He showed affection toward me in front of his sister and his closest friends. And last night when we slept, he held me oh so tight. Like he did not want to let me go. Like I was all his. Am I?

  I was packing up my clothes and am a ball of emotions. I am not sure if I want to break down and cry or hit something. I have never told a man I loved him. Those words are so damn strong and out they went, without a thought. Talk about leading a guy on. I am a fucking idiot.

  “Presley,” a faint female voice says.

  I look to see Hayden standing in the doorway. I have not had much opportunity to talk with her. I guess here is our chance. I say, “Hi, Hayden.”

  She smiles, “You can call me Hays.”

  “Okay. what is up?”

  “I hope you don’t mind me being frank with you.”

  “Okay.”

  “It is pretty obvious with Avery and you.”

  “Your point?”

  “I’m still new to this group. They are all great guys and would do anything for those they care about.”

  “Hays, where are you going with this?”

  “I can sense hesitation in you. I don’t know Avery very well, but I know these guys. James is a prime example. Once they establish how they feel, there is no turning back. Everything about them changes. They no longer become the thrill seekers, they are all about that one ride.”

  “Can I be honest with you?”

  “I would prefer it.”

  “You’re right. There is hesitation. It’s complicated. I like Avery. I like him a lot. And what he has done for me, I can’t even describe how much it means to me. But…”

  “But what? Presley, you need to be honest with him. You need to tell him what is holding you back. Because if you don’t, it won’t be good. A man like him gives it his all.”

  I look down, feeling like a complete douche. I understand where she is coming from. Everything makes total sense. I would be lying to myself, if I said I did not care for Avery, but my family is my main problem. I wish they would see past the tattooed, long haired biker imagine and realize that he is good for me. He would treat me like I deserve to be treated. I look at Hayden and say, “I get you. Thanks!”

  Before she could say anything, Avery walks in. Smiling from ear to ear, he says, “Hey, ladies.”

  Hayden acknowledges, “Hey, Avery. Thanks for the invite this weekend. We had a great time.” She looks at me. “It was nice chatting with you.”

  I look up and say, “Yeah. It was great.”

  Hayden leaves the room. Avery walks over to me and kisses me on the forehead. He and I need to talk about this. I need to be honest about our situation. I comment, “We need to talk. Like for real.”

  He smirks, “Yeah, I agree. I’ve been wanting to talk with you. Babe, I want to see where this takes us.”

  I breathe, “Okay.”

  His hands cup my face. “Babe, this is hard for me to say, but after last night and knowing how you feel. I need to tell you that I feel the same.”

  Oh, Fuck!

  My Freudian slip has gotten the best of me. How the hell do I fix this? He asks, “Babe, what is going on in your head?”

  “Avery, I’m an asshole. Flat out asshole.”

  “Babe, I’m not getting you.”

  “I don’t deserve you. With everything you have done for me. Honoring my brother. Being there for me and caring for me like you have. And here I am confused on the next step.” Freak out moment is about to combust. “My brother just died. My mother’s depression is out of control. With that, there will be more drinking on her part. My father will shut the world out with his work, like he always does when Logan is gone. Then, there is Max. He needs me. Fuck, I need him.”

  “Babe, you are losing me.”

  “Avery, I just don’t know if bringing someone new into my life right now is the best thing. My family’s standards will be even worse, with all their attention on Max and me. It’s not fair to you to be brought into this mess.”

  “Babe, that doesn’t bother me. We will take it one day at a time. Whatever I need to do to make this easier for you. Your parents will come around. Your father knows I’m in the picture. I don’t plan to leave, ever.”

  Water starts to caress my eyes. “Do you really think they will?”

  “Yes, they will see what everyone else sees.”

  “And what is that?”

  “The intensity between two opposites who are falling for each other.” He lifts my chin up and his hazel eyes burn holes into mine. “Presley, I fucking love you.”

  A few tears burn down my cheeks. Avery wipes them away. I am completely speechless to his confession. I feel the same way for him, but my family will throw an absolute fit if I brought him home. Especially too soon after Logan’s passing. It is too much right now. Can I start a relationship with my family in the morning? They need me. Then, my nephew. He has no one but his grief-stricken grandparents and his selfish aunt. Starting a new relationship is definitely not ideal. But with everything Avery has done for me, it is leaving me so conflicted. He has opened up about his struggles with losing his friends i
n combat. He put my feelings in front of his. I know my brother’s passing brought back memories for him. But he ignored those feeling to comfort me. I am a fucking bitch for even debating on what I should do. It is so obvious what my decision should be. But I am wanting to hold back.

  Avery

  My lips slam against hers. This woman has my entire soul. There is nothing I would not do for her. Normally, I am an impatient man. When I know what I want, there is nothing stopping me from getting it. I want her and will have her. But I must take my time with her. She is going through a lot. My mission is to not only give her all the love she needs but prove to her family we are something to reckon with. I want them to see how I make her feel. Her best interest is what I will take to heart. I want to help her with Max. He means everything to her. With that, he will mean everything to me. He lost his father. He needs someone to show him everything that his father was going to. I want to be that man. If anybody understands what Logan did for this country, it is me. Every day, I will put his father on the pedestal that he has earned.

  What the fuck is happening to me? It is as if I want what James and Hayden have. For the first time in a long ass time, I feel like myself again. The shit-talking, grinning soldier. Not the grumpy ass veteran, I once was. Presley brings out the good in me. This feels damn good.

  After I leave Presley’s house, I wave goodbye to Rhonda and ride off to my parents. I am pretty sure Dallas has already filled them in about how her baby brother is a new man.

  I walk my happy ass into the bar. Once again, my mother is cleaning the countertops of the bar and my father is stocking beer. They both look up at me and smile. Before they could say anything, Dallas trails in behind me. She razzes, “Aww, my baby brother is smitten.”

  My mother looks at her confused and ask, “Smitten? What do you mean?”

  I roll my eyes at my sister. Leave it up to her to use a word like smitten. I grin, “I guess you can say that.”

  With a surprise look on her face, Dallas questions, “Did you seriously just admit that?”

  My father watches us. My mother again, “Okay you two, what is going on?”

  Dallas sounding like high school girl, she coos, “Avery is in love.”