by Harley Wylde
“Too busy mooning over the guy on TV? You cheating me on me with some actor?” I teased.
“Of course not.” She stood and came toward me. “Where are we going?”
“Out for dinner. And before you get upset and decide you want to stay home, Titan invited us out. Can’t exactly say no to the Pres, can we?”
“Guess not.” She twisted her hands in front of her. “I need to shower and change. And Ember’s asleep…”
“Get to it. I’ll let Titan know we can head out in about a half hour, and I’ll ask someone to come sit with Ember.”
Her eyes went wide. “I only have a half hour?”
“Twenty-nine minutes now. Get moving, woman!”
She squeaked and took off to the bedroom. I smiled and shot Titan a quick text, then decided it wouldn’t hurt for me to at least change my shirt. I smelled like cigarettes thanks to being at the clubhouse the last hour. As much as I wanted to spend every second of the day with Phoebe, I knew she needed some space, and I probably did too. I didn’t give a shit about the whores at the clubhouse, but I liked having a beer with my brothers.
Pretty Boy volunteered to sit with Ember, since he had experience with kids. I knew the thought of taking care of Ember scared the shit out of some of my brothers. They’d never admit it, but I could smell their fear. It was almost funny.
By the time we rolled out, I noticed Titan’s bike was already gone, which meant he’d left before us. I pulled into the lot of the little Mexican place, stopping next to Titan’s Harley. I saw the Pres through the windows, a pretty blonde next to him. Phoebe tensed the moment she saw them.
“Blake, what’s going on?” she asked.
“Easy, baby girl. I think the Pres likes this one. She’s a nurse. Helped him when he got shot. Come on.”
I got out and went around to her side. I opened her door and pulled her from the SUV, knowing if I didn’t, she’d try to stay in the car. Leading her up to the front of the restaurant, I felt the tremor in her hand. I leaned down, my lips near her ear. “Remember, baby girl. You’re fierce. Strong. A survivor. You’ve got this.”
She gave a quick nod before we went inside.
I waved off the hostess and made my way through the restaurant. As we neared Titan’s table, I realized why he’d wanted the nurse to meet with Phoebe. Her face was deeply scarred, the lines trailing down her neck and under her shirt. More scars marred her hands and what I could see of her arms, and yet she laughed at something the Pres said and looked happy. She also didn’t seem to care if anyone in the restaurant stared.
I motioned for Phoebe to sit by the window and I slid into the booth next to her.
“Phoebe, Kraken, this is Aurelia. She’s the nurse who patched me up,” Titan said.
Aurelia gave an unladylike snort. “More like I threatened to tie your ass to the bed if you didn’t lie still so you could heal.”
Oh, I liked her. A lot. I grinned at Titan, but he was too busy staring at the pretty nurse to care. And she was beautiful.
“What do you do, Phoebe?” Aurelia asked.
“Oh, um…” Phoebe chewed on her lip.
“Phoebe hasn’t had a chance to think much about her future.” I reached over and placed my hand over hers where they’d knotted in her lap. “I’m kind of hoping she might like to just be a stay-at-home mom. We have a daughter, Ember, and I’d love to have more kids with her.”
Phoebe glanced my way, a smile curving her lips.
“Oh, where’s the little one right now?” Aurelia asked.
“We left her at home since she was sleeping,” I said.
“How did the two of you meet?” Aurelia asked.
Titan reached over, putting his arm around her and pulled her closer. “Why don’t we check out the menus? The server will be by any minute, I’m sure.”
Aurelia took the hint. I held Titan’s gaze, letting him know I was grateful for the interference. I knew Phoebe wouldn’t want to answer that question, or any other personal ones. Her life hadn’t been easy since the Sadistic Saints had gotten their hands on her. While anyone in the club, or having lived this life, would understand, I didn’t know if the nurse would. She’d probably seen her fair share of bad shit, and it was clear she’d suffered through something. I just didn’t want her making Phoebe feeling inferior to her in any way, even if it wasn’t intentional.
“Why did you become a nurse?” Phoebe asked. “I’ve always admired those in the medical profession.”
Aurelia motioned to her face. “Got this, courtesy of an ex-boyfriend. Spent some time in the hospital and found an appreciation for those who could help people in my situation. Decided I wanted to do that too. Took some classes, knew I’d made the right choice, and studied to become an R.N.”
“Your boyfriend did that?” Phoebe asked.
Aurelia nodded. “But seeing as how your man there can’t keep his hands off you, and not in a violent way, I’m guessing he isn’t the one who hurt you.”
I ran my hand down Phoebe’s hair. “Another club took her, cut her up. She’s only recently healed.”
Aurelia’s eyes widened. “The day Titan was shot. They took you, didn’t they?”
Phoebe nodded. “Yes. I went with him quietly so they wouldn’t hurt the other women and children. It was better for one of us to suffer than all of us.”
I pressed a kiss to her temple. “My fierce, protective baby girl. There’s not another like her.”
“So you and Titan are seeing one another?” Phoebe asked.
Aurelia’s eyebrows went up and she looked at the Pres. “I don’t know. Are we?”
Titan smirked. “Think you can handle me? The club? It’s not exactly a cakewalk.”
Aurelia leaned in closer. “Titan, I’ve worked in the ER during a full moon. Nothing scares me.”
“Then I guess we’ll see where this goes.” He pressed his lips to hers in a hard kiss. “But be warned. I tend to take what I want.”
“Looking forward to it, big guy.” Aurelia smiled.
A server hurried over, a smile on her face. “Hi! Welcome to Maria’s Cantina. Are you ready to order?”
We each placed an order for drinks and our meals, as well as getting a basket of chips and queso for the table. As we waited for our food, Aurelia and Phoebe got better acquainted. I didn’t know if they’d ever be friends, but at least my woman now saw that scars didn’t make someone ugly. If Titan did claim Aurelia, then she’d be around a lot. I wasn’t sure if the Pres was ready for that, or just enjoyed the nurse’s company.
Phoebe loosened up and seemed to enjoy herself.
When the food got to the table, she dug in, and seemed to actually enjoy her meal, something I hadn’t witnessed since Pitch had snatched her. I liked seeing that spark again, even if it was over queso.
“Do you like to shop?” Aurelia asked.
“Oh, um. I haven’t really done a lot of shopping, but I guess it’s fun.” Phoebe shoved a chip into her mouth, but if she’d hoped that would end the discussion, she was wrong.
“We’ll have to go to the mall sometime.” Aurelia leaned over the table and dropped her voice. “Without the men. We can get our nails done, have some lunch, and shop until we drop.”
“You really want to go shopping with me?” Phoebe asked.
“Of course. I don’t really have a lot of friends. I’ve found most women to be backstabbing bitches, but you don’t seem like the type.”
Phoebe gave her a cautious smile. “I think I’d like that.”
“Maybe the four of us can go out again sometime,” Titan said.
“I’m free on Tuesday night,” said Aurelia. “But that could change. If anyone calls in sick, I might have to pick up an extra shift. It’s kind of hard to make plans in advance because they could change at the last minute.”
Titan shrugged. “I’m okay with that.”
“What the Pres is trying to say is that if shit goes down with the club, he’d have to bail on you, so he’s understanding that pl
ans sometimes have to be broken.” Titan narrowed his eyes at me, but he knew I was right.
“You ever been around a club like theirs?” Phoebe asked Aurelia.
“Not until I had to patch everyone up. I’d say I should steer clear, but with all the sexiness over there, I have a feeling you’ll see me around.” Her gaze slid to Titan. “Especially if this big beast wants to try dating.”
“On that note, I think I’m going to get my wife home,” I said, standing and throwing some money on the table. I helped Phoebe out of the booth. “Nice to meet you Aurelia. Phoebe can get your number from Titan so the two of you can set up a spa day or something.”
I led Phoebe from the restaurant and helped her into the SUV. There was a slight smile on her lips as I got behind the wheel. I liked seeing her happy again. She’d needed to know that no one cared about her scars. They weren’t as horrible as she thought and didn’t detract from her beauty in the least. Not just to me, but to other people. I’d already told her how I felt, and she no longer tried to hide from me. But I’d worried I’d never get her out of the house and around other people.
“So your stitches are gone, and you seem to be healing nicely,” I said as I pulled out onto the road.
“Is there a point to this?” she asked.
“Just wondering if that means you’re cleared for… other stuff.”
She turned toward me. “Is that your way of asking if we can have sex?”
“Maybe.” I cut my gaze toward her. “Why? Do you want to?”
Her lips twitched. “Blake, I’ve been ready, even before the stitches came out. There’s no reason we can’t be intimate.”
“Then let’s hope our girl is asleep when we get home because I have plans for you.” I winked at her and her cheeks flushed. So damn adorable.
As I pulled up to the compound, the new automatic gate slid open. A Prospect patrolled just inside, and another sat in a guard booth, opening the gate only to those who were authorized to be here. I gave them a wave as I pulled down the road toward our home. Pretty Boy was on our front step, fiddling with his phone. Phoebe practically dove out of the car the moment it was parked.
“Is Ember okay?” she asked.
Pretty Boy smiled. “She’s still sleeping. Just came out to take a call so I wouldn’t bother her. She woke for about twenty minutes, but I changed her and tucked her back in. I think she’s out for the count.”
“Thanks for watching her,” I said, shaking his hand.
“No problem. She’s a little angel.”
He stepped down onto the drive and walked over to his bike. I ushered Phoebe into the house, locked up, then lifted her into my arms and carried her to our room. I kicked the door shut before letting her slide down my body. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her. It had only been weeks, but it felt like months since I’d been inside her.
“Get naked, baby girl.”
I reached back to twist the lock on the door, then shrugged out of my cut. I tossed it onto the dresser before taking off my boots and the rest of my clothes. Phoebe shifted from foot to foot, her eyes bright and her cheeks a rosy pink. I reached for her tracing the curve of her waist with my fingers.
“So damn sexy,” I murmured. “Beautiful. And mine.”
She melted against me. “Yes, I’m yours. Only yours.”
I tipped her chin up and kissed her long and deep. My cock throbbed and I only hoped I could last long enough to please her. My hand hadn’t been sufficient the last two weeks. I trailed my lips down her throat and nipped her shoulder.
“Blake, please… don’t tease me. It’s been too long.”
On that we could agree. “Not fucking you until you come for me. You want my mouth or my fingers?”
She whined and squirmed against me. “Fingers.”
I slipped my hand between her legs and stroked the lips of her pussy. “Damn, baby girl. You’re already soaked.”
“Need you, Blake. So much.”
I worked her clit with my thumb and eased a finger inside her. I felt her quick inhalation and her nails bit into my back as she held on tight. Phoebe wrapped her leg around my hip, opening herself to me. She pressed her forehead to my shoulder and made the softest, sweetest sounds as I fucked her with my fingers. I added a second one, driving them into her faster. Harder.
“God, Blake. So close. Don’t stop.”
“Wasn’t planning on it. Come for me, baby.”
She held on tighter, her body trembling, as she came all over my hand. I kept thrusting my fingers, not stopping until she’d come a second time. I carried her to the bed and turned her to face it. With a gentle push against her back, she bent over the side, ass in the air.
“Gonna be quick this time, but I promise to make it last on the next round.”
It was all the warning I gave her before sliding in balls-deep. I groaned at how fucking incredible she felt. Gripping her hips, I slammed into her again and again. I knew I was seconds from coming, and it was a dick move to not get her off again, but I couldn’t hold back. A growl built in my chest and spilled from me as I came inside her. My heart hammered in my chest, and my cock twitched inside her. Pulling out, I rolled her onto her back and bent her legs, spreading them wide.
“Love seeing my cum all over your pussy.” It leaked from her and appeased the possessive side of me.
She lifted her hands toward her breasts and I knew damn well what she was about to do. I released one of her legs and grabbed her wrist, stopping her. With a shake of my head, I tugged her hand away. No fucking way would she hide from me now. My dick was still hard, so I thrust deep, filling her up.
Phoebe’s eyes went wide and her lips parted. I held her thighs, keeping her spread open, as I powered into her. I added a little twist when I was buried inside her, brushing against her clit. It wasn’t long before her head was thrashing on the bed, and she’d fisted the bedding as if she needed something to anchor her.
I fucked her, driving into her with fervor, making the bed inch across the floor. Next time we’d do this over the foot so at least the wall would hold it in place. I reached down to grab the frame and haul it back in place. Phoebe giggled and I had to admit it was damn funny.
“Change locations?” I asked.
She nodded and I pulled out, then helped her up. She scrambled to the center of the bed and lay down with her head on the pillows. Looked like we were doing this the more traditional way. Didn’t matter to me. Being with her was amazing, no matter the position.
I settled between her thighs and slid into her again, her pussy gripping me tight. “Missed this.”
“Me too,” she said softly.
“Reach up and hold the headboard.”
Once she’d complied, I adjusted my hold on her, going deeper than before. Her eyes glazed and a flush worked its way up her chest and neck. Her pussy got hotter. Wetter. I reached for her nipple, pinching it tight and giving it a little twist. Phoebe cried out my name, her pussy clenching down as she came. I thrust into her, not stopping until I filled her with my cum.
“Note to self: Don’t get injured again because I don’t want to go this long without feeling you inside me ever again,” she said.
“Same.” I leaned down and kissed her. “But if I put a baby in you, we’ll have to forgo sex for a bit. I might not have been a dad before, but I do know that much at least.”
She sighed. “Well, in that instance, I think we’ll both gladly suffer through it.”
“Let’s get cleaned up.” I pulled out and rolled off her.
“Why? Aren’t you just going to get me messy again? Or are you done for the night?”
“I see my sassy girl is back.” I winked. “I like it.”
She cuddled against me, tracing a pattern on my chest with her finger. “Let’s just rest a bit, cuddle like this, and maybe you’ll let me play some. I want your cock in other places tonight too.”
Fuck if I was going to say no to that!
Chapter Twelve
Phoebe
I hadn’t ventured out of the compound on my own, and I didn’t like feeling as if I should look over my shoulder every few minutes. I knew Kraken had taken care of Pitch and the others, but what of the other chapters? Would they come for me in retaliation? Or did they not care? I couldn’t help but feel this was far from over, no matter how many times the Hades Abyss assured me otherwise.
Kraken seemed to think they’d taught a lesson to the Sadistic Saints. Maybe he was right, but what if he wasn’t? What if they were biding their time and would strike when Kraken and the others least expected it? I didn’t think those other chapters cared about me in the least, but as the only female at the Hades Abyss compound, I knew it put a target on me. No one cared about a club whore, but an old lady? I’d be stupid to think someone wouldn’t see me as Kraken’s weakness.
I parked my SUV outside the mall and hurried inside. Aurelia had asked to meet for lunch and shopping, and Kraken had insisted I accept. I knew he worried about me and wanted me to make friends. It was sweet, and just another reason I loved him. But being out in the open like this, especially alone, made my stomach knot.
I spotted the blonde nurse as I neared the food court. She waved with a big smile on her face. I hastened over and tried not to think of the people who might be staring. If it didn’t bother Aurelia, then I wouldn’t let it bother me either. I sat next to her and wondered how it worked to shop in pairs. I’d never gone shopping with another woman, except my mother, and she hadn’t been one to let me have any fun. I’d never been permitted to go anywhere without a parent or other adult with me, and even the times my sister had joined us, there had still been a reserved nature to our shopping trips.
“Never been shopping with a friend?” Aurelia asked.
“Is it that obvious?” I asked.
Aurelia held two fingers slightly apart. “Just a little. You look ready to bolt.”
“My mother would take me shopping when I lived at home. My dad was a preacher, so it wasn’t like I got to shop for the same sort of clothes all the other girls were wearing.”
“What about after you left home?” she asked. “I’m assuming you’re out of high school since you’re married to Kraken.”