Possession

by Violetta Rand

  “It’s a generous offer,” Mr. James pointed out.

  “Maybe,” Tina said. “But I’m pissed beyond expression.”

  “Understandable.” To his credit, Mr. James did sound genuinely sympathetic. “I’ve taken the liberty of promoting you to a full associate. Your belongings have already been moved to a corner office.”

  She tried to take it all in. Wondered how twenty-four hours had made all the difference. In her heart she knew the answer. Her outlaw had taken control, paid a visit to Kline, threatened and beat him scared, then tracked down those guardian angels from the bathroom at the restaurant. No wonder he lied about an officers’ meeting yesterday. Vincent Ramos was the perfect vigilante.

  Most women would walk away, but not her. Although she abhorred violence, this one time she understood. She gazed at him with deep appreciation and more respect than she’d ever held for anyone. Even more than she had for her father.

  She focused on the paperwork again. The language contained in the nondisclosure statement didn’t raise any warning flags. She’d supervised the writing of dozens of these during her tenure at James and Bronte.

  “I’m open to this arrangement if you agree to a couple of additions.”

  “Such as?” Alex tapped his fingers on the table.

  “Addendum one—Mr. Barnes must attend anger control management classes for the next year, then provide a certificate of completion to me, and a copy of the paperwork will be included in this file. Addendum two—Mr. Barnes will donate fifty thousand dollars to the Corpus Christi Women’s Shelter.”

  Kline made a strangled sound, but Alex hushed him by whispering something in his ear. “We accept.”

  “Shall I wait while Christine types this up?” Tina asked.

  Alex and his nephew cleared the room.

  Tina turned to Vincent. “What did you do?”

  “Have I told you I love you today?”

  “Vincent.”

  “Club business,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest.

  That’s when she knew he’d never say a word. She could badger and beg for answers, but he’d never break.

  Mr. James returned fifteen minutes later, alone. “Please review the nondisclosure agreement again, then when you’re ready to sign, Christine will act as a witness and the notary.”

  The whole process was over quickly. Mr. James shook hands with Vincent, then her. “Do you want to see your new office before you go?” he asked.

  Vincent draped his arm across her shoulders. “We have all week,” he said.

  “Actually, Mr. James, I appreciate your efforts. Really I do. But after our meeting yesterday, I could never represent this firm again. My heart is invested elsewhere.” She met Vincent’s dark eyes, pride radiating from her. “Please accept my immediate resignation.”

  He looked stunned. “I understand, Ms. Bethel. Christine will prepare the paperwork, including a letter of reference and three months’ salary; it will be ready for you tomorrow. But if you ever change your mind…”

  “I won’t,” Tina said, then pulled Vincent out of the conference room, ready to get away from all the bad memories.

  Chapter 33

  THREE WEEKS LATER, THANKSGIVING DINNER…

  Vincent felt as much pride as Tina did when he studied the adoption certificate Dustin proudly shared with him at the dinner table. “Deserves a toast.” Vincent held up his wineglass. “To family,” he said.

  “To family…” everyone chorused.

  Vincent had made a choice earlier as he dressed for the holiday party: he could live without wearing his colors for one evening. Out of respect for Tina and her family, he decided to give them some time to adjust to the idea of their daughter living with a 1%er. Yes, he’d asked Tina to move into the clubhouse full time until they bought a house together. She wanted to use some of her settlement money for the down payment.

  Mr. Bethel handed Vincent a bowl of mashed potatoes, then the gravy boat. Everything smelled good.

  “I received a hand-delivered notice from James and Bronte yesterday,” Tina offered as she spooned some dressing on her plate. “Kline Barnes relocated to San Antonio. The hospitals there offer better rehabilitation programs. And the donation to the women’s shelter was made in my name.”

  “That’s wonderful news, sweetie,” her mom said.

  “Did you get an address on Kline?” her dad asked. “I’d like to check on him once in a while, make sure he stays where he belongs.”

  The nondisclosure agreement forbade Tina from discussing the settlement outside her family unit. It seemed Mr. James possessed the wisdom to foresee her need to share her experience with her parents. For that, Vincent was grateful. He watched lovingly as she interacted with her parents and brother, desperately missing his sons. No longer satisfied with weekly phone calls and the occasional sleepover, he’d decided to change things. Just how, he didn’t know yet.

  After the meal, they played Call of Duty with Dustin for a couple of hours, then decided to visit the clubhouse for dessert.

  “You’ll come back tomorrow for brunch?” Tina’s mother asked as she hugged Vincent goodbye. “It’s a Bethel family tradition.”

  “Only if you’ll let me make the mimosas,” he whispered near her ear. “I like to add rum sometimes.”

  She smiled and squeezed him again. “I’ve never thought about adding rum—what a novel idea.”

  Tina embraced her father and brother, then kissed her mom. “Eleven sharp,” she said as they stepped outside.

  “Your mother bakes a mean turkey.”

  “Turducken,” Tina corrected, her eyes twinkling in the fading sunlight. “Thank you for coming. I know family gatherings can be uncomfortable.”

  “Not with you.”

  Her smile rivaled the sunset. “So am I following you, or do you want to leave your bike here until tomorrow?”

  “Actually…” He gripped her hand and walked her to his Harley.

  She spotted the black leather jacket and half helmet sitting on his seat right away. “What’s that?”

  “For you.”

  He always felt an incredible sense of achievement whenever he surprised her. She lifted the jacket, finding the Property of Vincent patch on the back. “Is this a joke?”

  That one hurt, but he deserved it after the tongue lashing he gave her at the café weeks ago. “Remember what I told you, Tina? My bike is sacred territory. The honor of sitting on the back is reserved for the next woman I fall in love with.”

  “Yes.”

  “That’s you, baby. What do you say, want to go for a ride?”

  The jacket fit like a glove, hugging her slim waist and arms. “There’s one condition,” she said, as she zipped up.

  He’d seen her negotiating skills at James and Bronte; the girl had game. “What?”

  “I’ve decided to open my own practice with some of the money. And since I’m the new girl, I desperately need a first client.”

  “Me?”

  She nodded enthusiastically. “Time to request a new custody hearing, Vincent. Those boys need you. I need you. The whole fucking world needs you.”

  He chuckled, unable to deny the woman he loved anything. “Okay. But what’s your retainer fee?”

  “Two hundred and fifty an hour.”

  He picked her up and spun her around. “For that kind of money, you better do something special.”

  “Oh I will, once we get back to the clubhouse.”

  He buckled the helmet chin strap for her, then straddled his bike. “Wrap those legs and arms around me.”

  She slid behind him, resting her feet on the foot pegs. As soon as her arms locked around him, and he felt her perfect tits against his back, he started the bike. It rumbled to life underneath them. He snapped the throttle, loving the sound of that engine almost as much as he did Tina.

  Fucking perfect night, he thought as he pulled into traffic. Actually, a perfect life. For the first time, Vincent had everything he wanted. He’d hoped and dr
eamed for years to find the right woman. And now he had a real shot at getting his sons back.

  They arrived at the clubhouse a half hour later, the party well under way. Kids were running around outside, the industrial-sized grill pumping the air full of mesquite-scented smoke. Vincent guided Tina through the crowd, several Brothers eyeing her jacket. Silent, congratulatory nods were answered by Vincent’s pride-filled smile. He knew how blessed he was. Tina actually added prestige to the old ladies. He shook hands with Arni and kissed his wife on the cheek before they went inside to grab a couple of drinks.

  “So this is what a celebration looks like at the clubhouse,” Tina observed.

  “Like it?”

  “I like you.”

  Call him pathetic, but every time she expressed her adoration, it made his heart swell…and something else. He kissed the top of her head, laughter from a few kids hanging out by the big screen prompting feelings of regret for not having his sons around. “I wish the boys were here.”

  Tina squeezed his hand. “Soon. Just say the word and I’ll file that motion.”

  Nothing stood in his way now, except himself. And since she’d so generously offered to legally represent him, there was really no reason to put it off. His ex-wife had taken advantage of his silence for too long. Sons needed their fathers. And the meal with Tina’s family reminded him of that. Her adopted brother, Dustin, was happy and well adjusted. He wanted the same for his boys. An equal chance to raise them. Unlike his ex, he’d share the responsibility willingly. They deserved to know both of their parents.

  “Vincent.” J.T. approached with a grin.

  “Brother.” Vincent embraced him.

  “Happy Thanksgiving, J.T.,” Tina said.

  “Looks more like Christmas to me.” J.T. whistled at her new leathers. “Give me one of those model pivots. I want to see that patch.”

  Tina slowly turned, pausing with her back to J.T.

  “I never thought I’d see the day when you’d let a woman ride on your bike. I’m happy for both of you.”

  “Thank you.” Tina gave J.T. a hug. “Now what about you?”

  “Me?” J.T. took a long swig of beer. “I’m too young to settle down. Twenty-five and living a dream.”

  “Too young?” Vincent repeated sarcastically. “Just too stubborn—something I remember you telling me a few months back.”

  “Maybe.”

  “I have a couple of single girlfriends,” Tina offered.

  J.T. held up his hand. “Take it easy on me. If I wanted an old lady, I’d drive to Colorado and drag Violet back here like a caveman.”

  “Violet?” Vincent asked. “That girl you picked up from the Denver Art Museum on our last long-distance run? The one who ran screaming from the clubhouse?”

  “Yeah.” J.T.’s smile faded to a frown. “She didn’t run, Brother, she walked out.”

  Tina wrapped her arm around J.T.’s waist. “You like her?”

  He nodded. “More than I should.”

  “Then don’t let her slip away.” Tina stepped back and took Vincent’s hand. “Think we could take another short ride before dessert?”

  “Anything for you.” Vincent fist-bumped J.T., then walked Tina outside.

  He felt like an asshole for pressing J.T. The man obviously had his own demons to contend with. Love had punched Vincent in the gut a few times until recently. And he wanted nothing but the best for his favorite Brother. J.T. had shown how valuable he was to the club. And if Vincent were ever president, he’d choose J.T. as his vice. That’s how much he respected and trusted him with his life.

  After he climbed on his bike, Tina perched behind him, her arms once again locked around his center. “I love you, Tina.”

  “Promise to say that to me again and again.”

  Vincent laughed and started his Harley.

  As the wind whipped through his hair, he chanted the Sons of Odin creed. Live hard. Die hard. Now a third part needed to be added. Love hard.

  And he would, forever.

  The book is dedicated to Holly R., with all my love.

  Acknowledgments

  Thanks to Jill Marsal and Sue Grimshaw for believing in this series.

  Hugs to Scarlett Cole and Jessica Jefferson. I’m grateful for all the wonderful ladies who are part of my street team, Violetta’s Valkyries.

  Deepest appreciation for my readers who continue to support my books—none of this would be possible without you.

  BY VIOLETTA RAND

  Devil’s Den

  Surrender

  Seduction

  Sin

  Lies & Leather

  Loving Lucas

  Sons of Odin MC

  Persuasion

  Possession

  Property of J.T. (coming soon)

  PHOTO: DAVID JENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

  VIOLETTA RAND holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental policy and a master’s degree in environmental management. Having served as an environmental scientist in the state of Alaska for over seven years, she enjoys the privilege of traveling to remote places few people have the opportunity to see.

  Violetta has been in love with writing since childhood. Struck with an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, at five she wrote short stories illustrated by her best friend and sold them in her neighborhood. The only thing she loves more than writing is her wonderful relationship with her husband, Jeff. She enjoys outdoor activities, reading whatever she can get her hands on, music, and losing herself in the worlds she loves bringing to life in the pages of her stories.

  violettarandromance.com

  Facebook.com/​ViolettaRandRomance

  @ViolettaRand

  The Editor’s Corner

  April is a promise of spring, and Loveswept romance is here to warm things up.

  L. P. Dover continues her edgy, emotionally gripping Second Chances series with the story of a beautiful widow who can’t resist a chiseled NFL player in Catching Summer. The Society of Gentlemen series from K. J. Charles continues with the sizzling A Gentleman’s Position. For a new series, ladies, meet Micah, a man who takes what he wants—until he meets the one woman he needs, in Stacey Kennedy’s Bound Beneath His Pain. An epic love affair steals the show in Stina Lindenblatt’s This One Moment. Annie Rains continues her small-town Hero’s Welcome series with a cowboy turned marine in Welcome Home, Cowboy. Gillian Archer is hot on the trend of MC romance, introducing her True Brothers series with Ruthless. And MC Sons of Odin returns with Violetta Rand’s irresistible novel about a sexy-as-sin biker who tempts a good girl to go bad, Possession.

  Off the Hook, from USA Today bestselling author Laura Drewry, is the first in her Fishing for Trouble series, featuring three unforgettable brothers—each of whom is a great catch. Then the swoon-worthy McKinney Brothers series from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Connor continues with J.T. in Worth It All. USA Today bestselling author Alexis Morgan kicks off her new Sergeant Joe’s Boys series with Always for You: Jack, where a foster son learns about love and life in record time. And the new Fireside series tells a story of an old love reunited in His to Love, from new Loveswept author Stacey Lynn. USA Today bestselling writing duo M. J. Fields and Chelsea Camaron are back with the Caldwell brothers in Jagger, which is not only full of swagger and sensuality but also packs an emotional punch, as the last bachelor standing fights for a woman who’s worth every ounce of trouble. And yet another Aces Hockey romance from Kelly Jamieson releases this month, featuring pro hockey hunk Duncan in Icing. There’s also something naughty for you from New York Times bestselling author Jen McLaughlin in Lust Is the Thorn, where a soon-to-be ordained priest has to decide who he loves more. Then prepare yourself for razor-sharp suspense from New York Times bestselling author Patricia Rosemoor with His Deception. Two words for you: secret bodyguard. And for fans of the hit TV show Empire, Lisa Marie Perry’s Sin for Me kicks off the sizzling Devil’s Music series.

  Friend Loveswept and let the romance begin!

&nbs
p; Until next month—Happy Romance!

  Gina Wachtel

  Associate Publisher

  Read on for a sneak peek at

  Property of J.T.

  Sons of Odin MC

  by Violetta Rand

  Available from Loveswept

  Chapter 1

  DECEMBER

  ASPEN, COLORADO

  On a normal day, Violet didn’t believe in coincidence. Nothing happened at random. But meeting someone from Corpus Christi who lived a few miles from her childhood home at a party in Colorado qualified. Because she would never look twice at a guy clad in leather from head to toe, with MC patches on his back. Spilling a glass of champagne on him after she tripped over the edge of an area rug might have something to do with it, too.

  “What the fuck?” He wiped the front of his jacket, then looked down at her, his frown slowly disappearing. “You okay?”

  “I just wasted a glass of Don Perignon,” she complained. “But beyond that, fine.”

  He grinned then, perfect white teeth and dimples distracted her. “I’m sure there’s more where that came from.”

  She shook her head. “It’s not worth the cost.” She looked in the direction of the bar, set up in the living room of the Aspen mansion.

  “If you’re short on cash…” He reached inside his open jacket and pulled out a black wallet. “I’ll buy you a drink.”

  She shifted on her heels, laughing nervously. “I have money,” she said. “I meant it’s not worth getting another glass if I have to talk to Ash.”

  “The bartender?”

  “No,” she answered. “My boss.”

  His wide blue eyes were too expressive, and that face belonged on a fashion billboard in New York. His unshaven jaw and full lips were sexy as sin. And she couldn’t remember ever feeling so small; he towered above her like some gladiator. “Violet Banderas.” She extended her hand.