Mace & His American Rose: The Scarlet Runners MC

by Brair Lake

  ‘Not yet Little-Bird – You owe me a night.’

  Avery twisted harder, seeking the mouth he denied her when he began to place nibbling kisses on her thigh. His mouth moving lower until he reached the back of her knees. His tongue dipped into the recess at the back of her knee. Her toes curled into the mattress. Her hips slammed against the bed. ‘Mace – Stop – Shit Mace.’

  ‘Tell me what you want Little-Bird.’ Mace placed small kisses along her calves. His fingers following the same path until he reached her ankle. His lips suckle on the knobbley bone before his tongue stroked the sole of her foot. Avery’s body jerked against the mattress again as she made to free herself of Mace’s hold and touch. All to no avail when he licked her foot again. His tongue moving back up her shin, knee and thigh. When he went to latch on her pussy, Avery pulled back. Her fingers gripping his hair to pull him up to look at her.

  ‘You – Mace. I want you.’

  ‘What do you want Little-Bird. My mouth or my cock.’

  ‘Your cock. In me. Thrusting into me deeply until I can’t think.

  Chapter 17

  ‘That’s Willis and Dayton back on the books. That’s six clients back. I guess it’s a start, but we’ve still a long way to go.’

  Sinbad dropped the cue onto the pool table. Only turning to face Mace when he had his beer. ‘The other’s will soon come to their senses. – What about the Judge?’

  Mace kept his gaze fixated on a blade of grass outside. The Judge is a bone of contention for the club, and has been for a long time. The relationship they shared, is one of a marriage turned sour. He wanted The Scarlet Runners gone. Unfortunately, he needed them. Thoughts of the Judge brought Little Bird to mind. His frown growing. Just how well does she know her father and step-mother.

  ‘He needs bringing into line. Coats spotted Clipper hanging around the courthouse.’

  ‘You think they’re working together?’ Mace rubbed his hand through his hand through his hair, smiling when he remembered Little-Bird doing the same thing this morning just before she left.

  ‘Could be.’ Mace sensed Sindbad’s eyes on him, and still he refused to meet his presidents stare.

  ‘What are you going to do about the daughter?’

  ‘Nothing.’

  ‘Mace…’

  ‘The Judge’s campaign starts soon. He’ll not want to rock the boat.’

  Sinbad settled his large body on to one of the small wooden chairs. His legs stretching out in front of him. His hands lay clasped together hanging in-between his knees. ‘How much trouble can the Judge cause us.’

  ‘If he teams up with Clipper.’

  ‘Yeah.’

  Mace pushed a manila envelope he’d dropped on the table earlier, towards his president. His satisfaction evident when his smile turned to smirk. ‘None.’

  Sinbad tipped the photographs until they were spread over the table. His own smile, dark. ‘That was some party.’

  ‘Mississippi only gives the best. This is just the beginning’

  ‘Just as long as you know what you’re doing.’

  Mace collected the photographs, placing them back inside the envelope. His lazy smile replaced with a frown when he turned back to the window. Did he know what he was doing. He doubted it. What had started as nothing more than a light flirtation, is swiftly turning deeper. Avery Lyons is dangerous. Something he should have sensed the moment she stepped off the train, and his dick had begun to rule his head. Taking Little-Bird to bed was to have been a sure way of eradicating her hold over him. Fuck, if anything she is getting further under his skin, becoming a part of him. Maybe it’s time to put a little distance between them.

  ‘Hi Mace.’ Mace turned from the window. His gaze speculative and lazy as it lingered over Carrie. ‘I got you a gift.’

  With a fumble, she held out the square parcel which he accepted. His fingers sliding over the wrapping before slipping his thumb underneath the tape. Carrie watched him. Her gaze shifting from the present to him.

  ‘Well, do you like it?’ He studied the DVD Boxset. The front cover graced with a picture of Rita Hayworth. ‘I remembered you saying you like her.’

  Mace tried to recall the conversation. His frown deepening. Then it came to him. It had been the day he had finished working on Mississippi’s bike and Rita Hayworth had been the first woman he could think of to answer Carrie’s question. ‘Yeah.’

  ‘Maybe we could watch them together.’

  ‘Sure.’

  Carrie smiled, a small puff of air leaving her as she gazed expectantly at Mace. After a quick glance around the room, he turned to the redhead, dropping the DVD’s onto the pool table along with the photographs. ‘Thanks.’

  ‘Yeah – Well, give me a shout when you want to watch them.’

  ‘You shouldn’t give the woman hope.’

  Mace tore his gaze away from Carrie as she joined a couple of the other women, shrugging his shoulders. ‘Want to go for a spin.’

  Mississippi smiled as he flexed his cage free leg. ‘Thought you’d never ask.’

  Mace stopped the Harley, but didn’t turn the engine off. His gaze firmly on the biker going into the bank, then into Millar’s, the outdoor sports store.

  ‘When you asked. If I fancied a spin. I didn’t think you had trailing some deadbeat in mind’

  ‘You don’t have to stay.’

  ‘What, and miss whatever it is you’re up to.’ Mace didn’t answer as he switched the bike off then dismounted. Mississippi followed him into Millar’s, turning the closed sign and lock with a soft click. Frank Millar gave them a fleeting glance. Although the young Hybrid smiled, he made no move to leave. Mace and Mississippi stepped further into the store.

  ‘Hi Frank. How’s it going.’

  Frank’s lashes flapped furiously as his gaze switched between the bikers. His receding hairline accented by small beads of sweat. ‘Look fellas, I don’t want any trouble.’

  ‘There won’t be any.’

  ‘That’s right Mr. Miller. There’ll be no trouble today. Gentlemen.’ When the biker went to pass Mace, he stepped in front of him.

  ‘Not so fast. We need you to give a message to Clipper.’

  The bike’s gaze shifted between the two large men. Mace guessed that he had to be somewhere in his mid- twenties. As close as he is to him, he is suddenly assaulted with a whiff of stale cigarette, mixed with some cheap deodorant. His brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. The ends are in need of a decent cut. Not some home whack job.

  ‘Sure.’

  Mace smiled, then his fist landed in the polar region of the biker’s stomach, followed by a second one. ‘Tell Clipper that we’re taking our town back, and that Millar no longer needs his services.’

  Mace switched his gaze from the biker to the store owner. His brown eyes, making contact as he watched the blood drain from Millar’s face.

  ‘Isn’t that right Frank. You prefer your security to come from elsewhere not some bottom pond feeding scum.’

  Millar’s head bobbed so fast, Mace expected what little hair he had left, to fall off. ‘Thanks Mace – I’ll have your money in a couple of days.’

  ‘I hear there’s a game coming up.’

  Millar’s skittish gaze jumped from one biker to the other. His nod a lot slower this time. ‘Room for another player?’

  Again he was answered with a slow nod. ‘I’ll send someone over for details – What about women. Will you need any extra?’

  Millar’s thin slips stretched, but didn’t open as he straightened himself up.

  ‘Depends on what your wanting.’

  ‘What are you up to Mace.’

  Mace rolled his shoulders as he strolled into The Scarlet, pulling at his black leather gloves as searched the room, coming up empty when there was no sign of his prey. With a deep sigh, he strolled to the bar and grabbed a couple of beers, passing one to Mississippi. ‘I want The Hybrids out of my town.’

  Mississippi’s deep laugh brought a frown to Mace’s clear com
plexion as he swallowed a large amount of the cool liquid. With the back of his hand, he wiped his lips. ‘Something amusing you.’

  ‘No. Who are we inviting to this game.’

  ‘Insurance.’

  ‘What we have not enough for you Mace?’

  ‘No.’

  Mississippi nodded, his dark gaze on the club’s road manager. ‘You know he’s Dill’s. Right.’

  ‘I’m just setting everything up.’

  Mississippi’s frown deepened when the main doors open. His gaze appreciating the brunette in her black skinny jeans. His eyes on her tits when they jiggled. ‘What about Little-Bird?’

  ‘What about her.’

  ‘What if she gets hurt.’

  Mace snorted as he aimed, then threw his empty bottle at the trashcan. Watching it spin into silence. ‘Not so long ago you thought she was a spy.’

  The brunette is coming closer, and the men continue to watch her. ‘Well a guy can change his mind.’

  ‘And what if she is.’

  Mississippi straightened his body. His scowl deepening.

  ‘Everything okay Mississippi.’

  ‘Now that you’re here Little-Bird. It couldn’t be better.’ Mississippi turned to the bar and pulled an unopened whisky bottle from behind the counter.

  ‘I’m not sure.’ With a slap on Mace’s shoulder and a wink at Avery he ambled over to join Coats and Dill playing cards.

  ‘Was it something I said.’

  Mace trailed several small kisses along the back of her neck. His hand cupping onto her waist to pull her in closer.

  ‘No. More like something I said.’

  Chapter 18

  Avery’s gaze darted around the restaurant. A glance at her watch testifying her father is running late. A quick look at her cell clearly showing there are no missed calls or texts from him. When the waiter came to the table once more, she ordered herself a second glass of wine.

  As she stared out of the window, her thoughts drifted back to Mace. When she’d left him earlier, he had been sleeping. The temptation to touch was strong. To slip her tongue over his taunt stomach bared to her gaze. Mace slept without sheets. Something she was becoming used to. Her fingers had been eager to stroke his golden flesh, speckled with dark hair, and her pussy had twitched to life. Just as she’d given into the urge to stroke him, her cell rang. The caller was her father and he had been agitated, insisting they met for lunch. And now he was running late. She had cancelled plans with Anna to meet him. Draining the last of her wine, she made to stand when a hand landed on her shoulder, pushing her back onto the chair. Lips brushed against her ear, and Avery found herself face to face with the man, who had given her life. ‘Dad.’

  ‘Sorry I’m late Avery. My meeting with Sarah May over ran.’ Avery tried not to flinch at the name drop of the local anchor woman as she waited for her father to sit. Her gaze landed on the waiter who swiftly approached the table with a whisky and another wine for her. After she accepts the proffered drink, Avery smiled, at this rate, she’ll be tipsy before she leaves the restaurant.

  ‘What do you want Dad.’ Martin Lyons glanced over at his daughter, frowning as he watched her finish her wine in one mouthful. ‘Go easy with that stuff.’

  She frowned as she placed her glass back onto the table. Her fingers grasping the water jug to pour a glass. He was right. If she’s to listen to him, she’ll need a clear head. Otherwise, she might find herself committed to one of his projects or to a date with his new intern.

  ‘What was so important you couldn’t talk about it over the phone.’

  ‘Really Avery, where’s your manners. Let’s order lunch first.’

  Avery smiled weakly at the waiter hanging nervously on the edge. His gaze shifting from her to the Judge. Swiftly she gave her order, baked potato and salad. Her father ordered a steak.

  ‘Dad.’

  Martin Lyons stared at his daughter. His sliver grey hair perfectly groomed. The flesh on his face smooth, and he smiled. The teeth he reveals are his own. All perfectly capped. ‘I need you to stop seeing that biker.’

  Avery twisted her fingers on the glass stem, wishing it was wine instead of water. Resigned to a long afternoon, she raised her head, searches for, and finds their waiter. Raising her empty glass, she mouthed bottle. The waiter hid his smile with a dip of his head, turned towards the bar.

  ‘That biker has a name.’

  ‘I want you to stop seeing him.’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Avery you can have your little rebellious fling after the election. All I’m asking. Is that you stop seeing him while I’m campaigning. Everyone’s watching us, and it doesn’t reflect well on me.’

  ‘It isn’t a rebellion Dad, and I’m not going to stop seeing him.’

  ‘Avery – You either stop seeing him – Or there may be trouble for the club.’

  ‘Is that a threat.’

  Although Martin Lyons lips curved his smile didn’t reach his navy blue eyes. ‘No. Just a small warning.’

  Avery gulped her wine back, then filled the glass again. Smiling inwardly when her father’s lips pinched. ‘How much trouble can you cause them?’

  ‘Enough that they’d end up leaving Downy Lakes.’

  Avery placed her untouched wine back onto the table. Her fingers tapped the edge as she leaned back in her chair. Her gaze thoughtful while she studied her father. Did she love him. She wasn’t sure. Did she respect him. At this moment she would say not. ‘I don’t think you have that much power Dad.’

  ‘No – Rumor has it, that their leader’s wife's death wasn’t an accident.’

  She shivered. It had nothing to do with the air conditioning, and she wanted to leave. As she searched the restaurant, their waiter arrived with their food. His smile bland when he placed the tasteless meal in front of her. Avery rose from the table, her lunch ignored.

  ‘I’m not giving Mace up, and you’d best leave the Scarlet Runner’s alone.’

  ‘I hate him.’

  ‘Who?’

  Anna glanced up once more from the swatches of cloth samples to stare at Avery lounging in the overstuffed floral chair, her legs swinging over the arm. ‘Dad.’

  ‘What’s he done?’

  ‘He wants me to give Mace up.’

  ‘And are you going to.’

  ‘Nope.’

  ‘Then what’s the problem?’

  ‘He’s threatening to cause trouble for the MC.’

  ‘Can he?’

  Avery closed her eyes, the room spun slightly, and maybe she shouldn’t have accepted Anna’s offer of a beer. She would like to think the Judge was only making idle threats. Yet something niggled inside her. It may have been the set of his eyes. The hard glint she had seen when he stared at her. He had been confident. Maybe just too confident. Almost as though he knew something about Anna-Leigh’s death. Shit, she was getting all fanciful. It had to be the wine. ‘What do you know of Anna-Leigh Rogers death.’

  Anna rolled her shoulders as she smoothed the silver flock material. Her fingers gliding over the embossed pattern. ‘Nothing much. It was a few years back. Check the internet. I’m sure you’ll find something on there.’

  ‘I did – it just says she was killed in a hit and run, and that the driver was never caught.’

  Anna rolled back on to the heels of her feet. Her blue eyes watching Avery. ‘Does your father know something about her death.’

  Her stomach swirled. The growing knots tightening. After She finished the beer in one gulp, she bounced to her feet. Then wished she hadn’t when her head begins to pound. Groaning when the matter in her skull, hit the bones. ‘I don’t know… What could he know Anna?’

  ‘Nothing. Listen Avery – Talk to Mace. If there was anything to know. He’d know?’

  ‘Yeah, but would he tell me.’

  ‘Want me to talk to Mom?’

  Avery frowned as she glanced at Anna. Maria, Anna’s mom had left the Spanish Quarters of Downy Lakes while Anna was still a baby.


  ‘I doubt if she’ll know anything.’

  ‘She still La Abuela. And I have an uncle who has an interest in the Scarlet Runners.’

  ‘Forget it Anna. I’m sure if the Judge could have run the Scarlet Runners out of town. He would have done by now.’ Avery’s laughter is hollow in a self-derogatory way. ‘Hell, I sound like one of those victims out of a third rate B movie. I need to either cut back, or change my reading material.’

  ‘I see you more like the heroine out to save the love of her life.’

  ‘With the Judge as the villain?’

  Anna dropped the swatch of material, jumping up to come and stand beside her by the window. ‘Avery this campaign is important to your Dad. You don’t have to stop seeing Mace. Just be discreet about it.’

  She shook her head, grabbing her purse off the pale veneer covered coffee table. ‘I’m not hiding Anna. I’ve nothing to be ashamed of.’

  Avery glanced at her car. Her keys jiggling in her hands as she fumbled with the lock on the door. She isn’t drunk she tells herself when she drops the keys back into her purse. Just that she’s too emotional to drive at the moment. Besides, if she was pulled over for drunk driving, it’s more ammunition, providing her father with another excuse to have a go at her. To reign her in. As her hand rested on her cell, she changed her mind about calling Mace. She may need to talk to him. She also needs to do it with a clear head.

  Fuck, whatever happened to her fun free no hassle affair. She’s finally with the man she wants. The only one capable of making her juices run. The way her father is acting, you’d think she was planning on marrying the guy.

  Avery walked over to the wrought iron bench and plopped her body on it. Her gaze drifting over the street. A smile playing on her face as she opened the wine she’d just bought. The sound of a bike pulling to a stop in front of her brought her gaze up and she smiled whimsically at the dark haired biker. Her heart hitching when he returned the smile.

  She may not be planning on marrying him. But fuck, she sure was going to screw him. To hell with her father. Raising the bottle in a salute at Mace, she smirked before taking a large swallow. Her eyes squinting when he dismounted from the bike, and came to sit beside her on the bench.