Mace & His American Rose: The Scarlet Runners MC

by Brair Lake

  ‘Were you just passing by?’

  ‘Nope.’

  ‘Going somewhere.’

  ‘Kinda.’

  ‘Why doesn’t the Judge like you?’

  Chapter 19

  Avery blinked, but refused to open her eyes as she stretched her body. Mace’s warm tongue played between her legs. Slowly bringing her awake, and she wanted to stay in this dream like state longer. To enjoy his tongue as the blood rushed through her body. Her clit coming to life. Her fingers slid into his hair and she smiled, her body shivering.

  ‘Oh fuck Mace. A girl could become used to waking up to this.’

  His chuckle vibrated along her thigh as he nipped the flesh. His body sliding over hers until his mouth reached hers. Then their mouths mingled. Her hips arched up to his, he thrust into her. Powerful and deep he went. His hands holding firmly onto her hips. As he continues to plunge sure and swift into her pussy; Avery is unable to hold back, and her orgasm came quickly. Her body shaking while her chest constricted. Her head spun and the swish of wind echoed in her ears. Mace stayed where he was. His cock semi hard as he looked down at her. ‘How do you feel?’

  She smiled. It is a languid smile. Her blue eyes cloudy as she stroked the hair away from his face. A sigh escaped her when she reached up to kiss him on the chin before dropping back onto the mattress. ‘Great. Who wouldn’t be waking up like that.’

  Mace chuckled, wiggling his hips slightly and Avery tightened her thighs against his body. ‘I meant your head. Any headache.’

  Avery groaned, closing her eyes. The room isn’t spinning. She didn’t feel sick. However, there is a slight throb at the back of her head, and her throat is parched. ‘A small one.’

  ‘Do you want to talk about it.’

  Avery groaned again, her body rolling away from Mace’s, and for a moment, she missed the closeness. She missed having a part of him inside her. Slowly she rose to sit on the edge of the bed. Her gaze searching the floor for her clothes. When she spotted the blouse she was wearing the day before, she swiftly pushed her arms through the sleeves, fastening the buttons, then she searched for her pants. She found them under Mace’s jeans, and pulled them on, jumping up from the bed when she was done.

  ‘Avery.’

  ‘No, I don’t want to talk about it.’

  ‘When you didn’t come back to the club, I went over to your place.’

  Avery turned to look at Mace. He’s still spread out on the bed. The bedsheet pushed to the bottom of the bed. His cock bounced in its erected state. Pre-cum leaked from the tip, and Mace is oblivious to this as his dark eyes watch her. His hands cupped behind his head. She licked her lips, and for a moment, she contemplated about returning to the bed. About taking his cock into her mouth. Anything to make them forget about yesterday. ‘I wasn’t there.’

  Mace’s eyebrow rose, but he didn’t smile as he pushed himself up from the bed to stand before her, naked. Avery licked her lips, stepping back to reach for his jeans, thrusting them at him, which Mace simply dropped onto the bed. ‘No kidding.’

  ‘Look Mace I don’t want an argument okay. I’m a big girl. Quite capable of looking after myself.’

  ‘Then how come I found you drunk in the middle of the town square yesterday if you’re so good at looking after yourself.’

  ‘What Mace, have you never been drunk before – I had one glass of wine too many. Is it a crime.’ Avery licked her teeth. They felt rough, and her mouth is dry. She went to sidestep Mace with the intentions of cleaning her teeth. The slight throb at the back of her head is turning heavier. As she stepped around him, he grabbed her arm. Avery didn’t speak, she simply stared at his hand, and waited. And waited. ‘Are you going to let go of me?’

  ‘Are you going to tell me what’s going on.’ Avery shook her arm, and Mace let her go. His hand sliding through his hair as he watched her. ‘Avery, something happened yesterday. And it’s put you in a prissy mood.’

  ‘Strange really Mace. Because I woke up happy. Yesterday was all forgotten. In the past. Just as it should be.’ Avery stepped into the bathroom, quickly she searched for her toothbrush and toothpaste. A quick glance in the mirror, revealed Mace standing by the door. He still isn’t dressed, and she closed her eyes to hide his body from her sight.

  ‘So you’re not going to tell me what happened between your father and you.’

  She swilled her mouth with the minty mouthwash, spiting the cloudy liquid into the bowl before wiping her mouth with a towel. Then she strode past Mace, who turned and followed her into the kitchen, and watched her switch the pot on. Her hands brisk as she searched the cupboard for coffee beans.

  ‘Are you getting dressed?’

  ‘Are you going to tell me what happened?’

  ‘I had lunch with Dad then spent the afternoon with Anna. Happy.’ Mace accepted the coffee she handed him, then leant against the wall. His gaze on her, noticing the downward turn of her mouth. ‘I’d be happier if you told me what was eating at you.’

  Avery smiled, a smile which didn’t reach her eyes. ‘You were when I woke.’

  ‘What can I say. I woke up ready for breakfast.’ Avery sipped her coffee, looking out of the window. Her gaze followed a ginger cat chase a bird who is teasing him.

  ‘Whose cat is that?’ Mace came to stand beside her. She felt the familiar warmth spreading through her. She wanted to reach out and touch him. Instead, she continued sipping her coffee, watching the cat. ‘Nobody’s – its feral and has a family out there.’

  ‘You should get it neutered.’ Mace chuckled, his fingers lightly stroked her arm, the pale hair standing on end, causing her to shiver. ‘If you don’t mind getting scratched. You can try and catch him.’

  ‘Dad and I had a disagreement.’

  ‘About me.’

  Avery placed her coffee mug on the counter before turning to look at Mace. His normally warm gaze, serious as he studied her. She yearned to reach out, to wrap him in her arms. ‘Yes.’

  ‘You’re still here.’

  ‘He threatened the club.’

  Mace stilled, dropping the hand which was stroking her cheek. ‘How?’

  ‘Does it matter.’

  ‘Yes.’

  Avery smacked her lips. Her tongue coming out to lick them as she stared at Mace. ‘He kinda implied that Anna-Leigh’s death wasn’t an accident.’

  Avery watched Mace, looking for signs, looking for his guilt. There isn’t any. His shoulder’s sloped as he stepped away from her. ‘Do you think he knows what happened to her.’

  ‘It was a hit and run Mace. What more could it have been.’

  ‘We think someone killed Anna-Leigh along with a couple of other members of her family, to get at Sinbad.’

  ‘Do you have proof.’

  Mace hesitated. Avery is drawing him in, but she was still the daughter of Downy Lake’s one and only judge. ‘No.’

  Mace is surprised at how easy the lie came out. They had the name of the man who killed Anna-Leigh. They also knew who hired him. They just haven’t acted upon it yet.

  ‘Mace?’

  ‘Yeah?’

  ‘How well do you know my Dad.’

  Mace smiled. ‘We’ve had our run ins.’

  ‘Is he a bad man?’ Until yesterday, Avery hadn’t given it much thought. To her, he was never the best father. Always putting his career first, and his family second. Yet she has never doubted his honesty. With his veiled threat, she has begun to wonder if she knew him at all.

  ‘Why do you ask?’

  She stepped up to Mace. She wanted to watch his face. To find something, but was unsure what that something was. She also didn’t want to know the worse about her father. ‘I guess I’m just curious.’

  ‘There’s nothing to be curious about. If your Dad had the power to destroy us. He would have done it long ago.’

  ‘Were you really worried.’

  Mace frowned, wondering where the conversation was going now. He wasn’t sure if he was happy with Avery’s ans
wer to her mood yesterday. He knew the judge wasn’t happy with his relationship with his daughter, and he wondered just what the Judge knew about Anna-Leigh’s death. ‘About what?’

  ‘When you couldn’t find me.’

  He hooked his arms around Avery’s waist, pulling her in closer to him. He liked having her close. Being able to touch her. To smell her. He smiled down at her, his cock twitching. He’d found his release once this morning and he was ready for another bout of sex. This is the effect she has on him. Once is never enough. ‘Maybe a little.’

  Avery smiled at him and his heart lurched. He has to be careful. He’s stepping into territory he didn’t understand. He has witnessed what Anna-Leigh’s death has done to Sinbad, and he isn’t sure if he’s prepared to lose Avery if her father did have the power to destroy them.

  Chapter 20

  Mace sipped at his dark unsweetened coffee. His gaze flicking over the crowded club room. Which is in an uproar. Charcoal is missing, and his old lady isn’t happy he hadn’t come home the night before. He glanced at his watch, and after several attempts, he manages to catch Coats’ eye, and with a nod of his head, they move towards the back of the room. ‘Are we sure he isn’t with one of the whores?’

  Coats shrugged his shoulder. His gaze on Cat who has grabbed Dill by the arm. Her lips are moving, but neither biker can either hear, or make out what she’s saying. ‘He’s not answering his cell, and no-ones sure if he was in the clubhouse last night.’

  ‘Fuck Coats. You’d remember if he was here. He’s not actually quiet when he’s around.’

  ‘He has been over the last couple of weeks.’

  Mace rubbed his head. The beginning of a headache growing. His conversation with Little-Bird still playing in his head. Whatever occurred between her and her father, clearly upset her. And when Little-Bird’s upset. He’s upset. And now this mess. Charcoal’s a player. Just because he has an old lady, it didn’t stop him from playing with the club whores. Why the fuck he had to make Cat his old lady, Mace didn’t understand. His frown deepened as he speculated about swapping his coffee for a beer. ‘Talk to Cat. Find out what’s going on.’

  ‘Looking at Dill, whatever it is. Hasn’t left him too happy.’ Mace glanced over to redheaded biker, hiding his smile behind his cup. Cat still has a firm grip on his arm, and he’s slowly prying the fingers away. His scowl dark as he glares over at Mace and Coats. Mace chuckled, raising his coffee at the disgruntled biker. ‘A couple of Clipper’s boys were seen riding in town last night.’

  Mace’s frown returned. His gaze shifting from Dill to Coats. ‘Do you know who?’

  Coats shook his head. His blue eyes directly on Mace’s face. ‘That’s the third time this week since your run in with Millar.’

  Mace smiled coldly. He’s taking his town back slowly, and tonight he’s taking more of it back. ‘Fancy a bike ride’

  ‘Sure.’

  ‘Round everyone up. Then tell them to meet here for eight.’

  ‘What about Charcoal.’

  ‘He’s probably fucking some whore somewhere. Send Cat home and tell her, to get her man in fucking order. If she can’t do that. Then she needs to dump him, and stop bringing this fucking drama to the club. We have enough without having to worry about some wayward brother.’

  Mace might look as though he’s watching Cat with the two bikers, but his mind is elsewhere. It was on a certain blue eyed brunette. He had tried to talk her into staying. Into spending the day with him for another sitting, but she had refused. His cock ached and if she was here. He could satisfy himself. Instead, he’s going to have to wait a few more hours. Yeah a beer, not a coffee was in order.

  Sinbad revved his bike. His smile defining who he is. Behind him are fifteen other bikers, plus his officers. Next to him, is his vice president; Mace, who saluted him before turning his gaze towards the empty road. Although the street lights are low, they give enough of a glow for the bikers to see the road. Shutters were down on the shop windows. There is no moon, and only the odd star shimmered. Mace revved his bike. Sinbad revved his, his teeth flashing at Mace.

  Carrie stood in front of them. In her hand is an old southern flag. She waved it once, she waved it twice. On the third wave, Mace accelerated. His back wheel spinning in the dust. Then he is gone.

  As he rode down the street, he didn’t notice the shops. He didn’t notice the spectators. News quickly spread around the small town, that The Scarlet Runners would be racing in the streets. Yet Mace and Sinbad didn’t keep to the streets of Downy Lakes. Soon they left the town behind them. Taking the familiar circuit as they raced. Their bikes tilting onto their sides as they swung round the bends wide. Mace smelled the damp earth as it lifted. His bike coming close to Sinbad’s as he overtook him. Sinbad’s bike coming close to his when he passed. The engine vibrated between his legs. He was on the last run. As he glanced up, he spotted the first house leading back into Downy Lakes. The bike revved once more when he twisted the accelerator. From the corner of his eye, he saw the front wheel of Sinbad’s Harley. He smiled and accelerated again. The ride smooth as he hit the main street. In front of him, he saw his brothers. His smile growing. This is his race.

  Then it happened. Chaos descended on the street. Bikes were coming towards him. He placed his heavily booted foot onto the ground as he spun his bike around. Dust blinded him as he stopped the bike to watch Sinbad’s bike fall and slid. The bike skidded for several yards before it came to a stop. Grit rose and no one moved.

  He felt, more than saw his brothers stop beside him. When Sinbad didn’t move, he jumped from his bike. Only just remembering to put it on its stand, before he raced over to the still biker.

  Dirt settled over the bike and rider. Another shot is fired, and he ducked down. His gaze scanned the area to see if he could make out where the shooting is coming from. His body covered Sinbad’s as he patted him down. As he placed his ear over Sinbad’s heart, he heard feet running towards him, and an answering shot. His body lying flat over Sinbad as he waited, and waited. When the hand touched his shoulder, only then did he lift his head up.

  Tonight they were supposed to be taking back their town. The street race was the way they were going to do this. To cause mayhem through Downy Lakes. Instead, he’s lying in the middle of the main street. Sinbad’s head on his lap. Someone’s dragged his bike away, but he isn’t moving. More feet ran towards him. His gaze connected with Mississippi. ‘Did you get the fucking shooter?’

  ‘Coats, Dills and a few others are chasing him.’

  ‘I want him brought back alive.’ Mississippi nodded his head as he dropped to the ground. The sound of sirens filled the street. Then red flashing lights pulled alongside him. Mace climbed into the ambulance. ‘I’ll meet you at the hospital.’

  It was a long night. A night he paced the corridors while he waited for news on Sinbad. Sometime during the night, Little Bird joined him. Her hand silently slides into his. Gently she guided him to a chair. She hasn’t spoken to him as she petted and soothed him, and he had accepted her comfort. The way she held him. He fought his tears as he waited. The other brothers had arrived at the hospital, and now they waited with him.

  His head swung towards the door each time it opened. His body dropping when no one came with any news.

  ‘Mace.’ His head is slow to rise as he glanced up at the gowned covered woman. Her face grim as she watched him. His heart lurched, and his fist curled, squeezing Little Birds hand. He gulped, his mouth dry. His tongue licking his coarse lips when they stuck together. He didn’t want to hear what the surgeon had to say, although he knew he had to. ‘Yes.’

  ‘Sinbad’s going to be fine.’

  His knees gave way, causing him to sink into the chair. He loved that man in a way he loved no other. When Anna-Leigh had died, it had torn him apart. To him, Sinbad is immortal. A man who will live forever. Tonight had been too close a warning. He nodded his head at the surgeon. Only aware of Little Bird when she spoke, and guided him out of the hospital
, into her ford.

  Avery didn’t take Mace to the clubhouse. Instead, she guided him towards his studio. Once inside, she didn’t bother with lights as she escorted him to the bedroom. When he dropped onto the bed, she knelt before him. ‘He’s going to be fine Mace.’

  He stared at Avery, brushing the hair away from her face. His head lowered to hers, and their lips met. It’s a hungry, angry kiss. There was no room for gentleness as his hand gripped firmly into her loose dark hair, forcing her head back. As the kiss deepened, he pushed Avery onto her back. His fingers searching, and finding his zipper, then hers. There was no stripping of clothes. No soft touches or caresses. He just thrust into her willing body. Each thrust going deeper as she wrapped her legs around his waist, taking him in as far as she could. Their mouths didn’t break contact while he continued to thrust. When Mace climaxed he roared. His body shuddering.

  Chapter 21

  Mace remained where he was. His body stretched over Avery’s with his face buried in her neck. His lips brushed over the soft flesh as she stroked his hair. ‘I’m sorry.’

  With a slight nod, and smile, Avery shuffled from beneath him, to lie on her side. Her head leaning on her hand as she looked down at him. His brown eyes searched her blue ones. Her heart shuddered when he didn’t return her smile. ‘Why don’t we get into bed.’

  Mace didn’t move, instead he grabbed her by the wrist when she rose. Her gaze searched his. ‘Avery.’

  In an attempt to ease his pain, she brushed her lips against his. ‘Come on - get on the bed.’

  ‘I am sorry.’

  ‘I could have said no.’

  ‘But you didn’t.’

  ‘That was my choice.’ As she rose from the floor, Mace tugged her hand. Avery shook her head. ‘No - Now lie on the bed.’