King of Kings

by Shreffler, Betty

“Yeah, but we need someone reliable. We don’t have the time to deal with someone who no-shows a lot. Everyone around here has their own job to do.”

  “I’m reliable. I promise you.”

  “How about your experience? You know how to run a register, balance a drawer, keep efficient reports, and organize invoices?”

  “Yeah, I’ve managed a bar and the books.”

  “You got a resume?” She looks to the sheets of paper in my hand.

  Handing them to her, Liz takes a minute or two to read them. When she’s finished, she sets them down and looks me over, studying me closely. This girl’s smart. I can tell.

  “I’d like to offer you the job. You can start tomorrow as long as it’s not too soon for you.”

  “It’s not. Thank you, Liz. I appreciate this.”

  Hand on my forearm, she stops me from leaving.

  “Stay clear of my brother, Nix, for a while. He’s going through something. Lost someone he cared for deeply.”

  “That the guy I spoke to?”

  “Yeah.”

  “The person he lost… I look like her?”

  “No, just the red hair. It’s similar.”

  “Did you know her well?”

  “Since we were kids. She was my best friend.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss.”

  Head lowered, she holds her emotions in.

  “Me too.”

  Seeing the pain in her eyes, I feel for her. I know that pain.

  “You a… want to have a beer together? Technically, you’re not my boss until tomorrow.”

  With a laugh, she rises from the chair and motions her head to the bar. “Yeah, come on.”

  Two beers in and I already like Liz. Talking with her feels natural like we’ve been friends for a while. It’s nice. I haven’t had this in years. Most women I came across were desperate to become a biker’s girl and screwed over any other woman to get to the dick they wanted.

  “How old is Liam?”

  “Six months. He’s so damn cute. Wait until you see him.”

  “Where is he?”

  “With my Aunt May. She’ll be dropping him off soon. She watches him if Jake and I have to work. Today is my day off, but I needed to help Nix catch up on things around here.”

  “You two close?”

  “Very. He pretty much raised me. Made sure I went to college. Now I’m an RN at Nashville Medical Center. I’m thankful for everything he did. He ran the bar and bike shop and sent me money every month.”

  “Sounds like a good man.”

  Tipping her beer back, she agrees.

  “He is, he’s just lost right now, but he’ll find his way. I don’t know anyone stronger than my brother.”

  It’s good to know my new boss isn’t a dick. It’s not something I need right now. I can use all the friends I can get. I’m alone, no family, no protection, completely starting over, and it’s scary as hell. If the rest of the Kings MC is anything like Liz and her brother, I might’ve found a new home. It’s what I need. Three months of keeping on the move has taken its toll on me.

  “I’ll steer clear of him, give him his space. I won’t cause trouble. I need this job.”

  Eyes roaming over my face, she studies me, clearly taking in every detail.

  “What’s your story?” she asks with a confident expectation. “Is there anything we should know?”

  “I didn’t bring any baggage with me if that’s what you’re worried about. I left it all behind.”

  Looking me in the eyes, she searches for signs of deceit. When she finds none, her lips turn up in a kind smile.

  “Why don’t you come back tonight? There’s a party, and its fight night. The whole club will be here. It’ll be good for you to meet everyone.”

  It feels good to be welcomed. Her friendship is what I need. Having been raised in an MC, I miss the feeling of family, of people having your back.

  “Thanks. I’ll be here.”

  Pulling her phone from her back pocket, she awaits me to do the same.

  “I’ll text you later.”

  We swap numbers, and I leave, feeling hopeful for the first time in months.

  * * *

  —NIX—

  Leaning back in one of the clubhouse chairs, I tip the shot glass and down my liquid cure. Beneath me, the chair scrapes the gritty wood floor as I rise to my feet. Each step is heavy as I enter the makeshift ring. A new prospect is going through his initiation, but I’m not worried about this one. Guaranteed, Dominic will be the last one standing after he fights all of us. Arms like boulders, he raises them, ready to lay me at his feet. I sure as hell won’t make it easy for him.

  Going in fast, I bury my fist in his ribs. He anticipates my next shot, blocks, and rocks me in the mouth. With my burning, busted lip, I gather the rage I’ve been carrying and unleash. Dominic’s the perfect opponent, giving me back what I give him. I need this—to let go in the ring with someone who can handle it.

  It’s a dance of skill, rage, and blood. It spatters the floor when I spit and drips from the broken skin of his brow. I’m pretty damn sure he’s enjoying this as much as I am. Stepping back, we each take a breath and analyze our next attack. Red hair catches the corner of my eye, and I turn my head to see the woman from earlier today strolling through the club. What the fuck is she doing here? With my thoughts distracted, Dominic’s fist plows into my stomach, and I buckle. Fuck! His fist feels like a brick. Chasing the breath that’s been knocked out of me, I tap out, and Max goes in next.

  Pushing through the crowd, I see her approach Liz and Liam. Scooping him up in her arms, she stares at him with soft eyes. Agony rips its way through my heart. The memory of Jenna holding Liam flashes through my mind. Shaking the thought away, I redirect to the bar. I can’t do this, not now. I need to keep it together. I can’t fall apart every time I see a woman with red hair.

  “What can I get ya?” Jeff looks at me concerned. I’ve been drowning my sorrows at the bottom of a bottle of Jack for five months now. I know he’s worried that’s where I’m headed again. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Red hand Liam back to Liz.

  “Three bottles of beer.”

  With three cold bottles in hand, I walk over to my sister and Red. Handing them both a bottle, she looks up at me surprised.

  “Thanks.”

  “Liz, can I talk to you alone?”

  Red’s expression changes, becoming worried, but she still nods and tells Liz she’ll watch Liam.

  Stepping a few feet away, my eyes narrow. “Tell me you didn’t hire Red.”

  “Her name’s Synne, and I did. She’s qualified, seems reliable, and we need that position filled yesterday. Don’t hold it against her that there are similarities to…”

  Seeing the look on my face, she doesn’t say her name. It’ll hurt too damn much to hear it said out loud, and she knows that.

  “She can’t help she’s a natural redhead.” With sorrow in her eyes, I soften at the hint of her tears. “I miss her, Nix. I miss my best friend.”

  Pulling her to me, I hold her head against my chest, soothing away her tears of pain. “I miss her too.” With a kiss to her head, I let her go. “All right. Red stays, but you’ll have to show her how things are done around here. I can’t. You understand?”

  Wiping a stray tear away, she nods. “I do.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  NIX

  Walking into the front office, there’s a fresh mug of coffee waiting for me. Scooping it up, I take a drink, but I can’t completely relax from the refreshing liquid. Sitting on the stool behind the counter, I can see Red’s black leather leggings tight around her ass, her red top cut low, revealing more of her creamy, full tits. My dick jerks, and I grimace. I’m going to need to blow this load I’ve been carrying around into a bike bunny’s mouth for fuck’s sake. I can’t take this shit anymore.

  “Liz get you up to speed on everything?”

  “Yeah, I got last month’s invoices filed, and current invoices in alphabetical o
rder. Two are outstanding. I already called them this morning. And a guy called and asked if he could drop off his scooter. I didn’t see anything on the calendar, so I booked him for eleven a.m.”

  Damn, she’s good.

  “Nice job, Red. Keep the coffee coming.”

  Pretty hazel-green eyes light up at my praise. Before her smile can get wider, I dart out of the office. In the garage, I pull my cell out of my pocket and adjust my junk.

  “Lindsey, you wanna come by the club tonight? I could use the company.”

  With a little whining about what happened last time, she agrees. I know she’d like to be my ol’ lady, but I can’t do it. I’m an asshole for using her, but I need the touch of a woman.

  Lunch rolls around, and I know it’s that time by the sound of my grumbling stomach. I really need to make eating a priority—coffee and liquor aren’t cutting it anymore. The garage door opens, and Red walks in with a leather jacket on. The cut fits her curves perfectly, and I look away before my cock gets a mind of its own again.

  “You hungry?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I’m going to drive over to Louie’s and get a couple of sandwiches for us. That cool?”

  “Yeah.” Not looking at her, I lift the new tire onto the raised bike in front of me.

  “All right. See you in a few.”

  Moments later, I hear the sound of a Harley take off. Stepping out of the garage, I see Red is the owner of the Harley. Watching her ride down the road, she disappears, and I realize how long I’ve been watching. So, I might be a little impressed she can ride. With her out of sight, I get back to work.

  When the rumble of her Harley returns, it’s not long after the garage door opens.

  “You didn’t say what you wanted, so I got you turkey bacon. That work? If not, I can give you my ham and cheese.”

  She’s thoughtful; that’ll be nice to have at work.

  “Turkey and bacon is fine.”

  “Great, I’ll leave it here for you.”

  Glancing over at her, her leather jacket is off. Leaning over to set the sandwich on my tool counter, her shirt fabric falls forward. Fuck me, she doesn’t have a bra on. A glimpse of her nipple has me staring like a horny ass teenager. Damn it, I need laid.

  “Thanks.”

  Lingering, she watches me, licking her pretty pink lips.

  “You have a nice ride,” I tell her, breaking the awkward silence.

  “Thank you. It’s a smooth ride. It’s picked up a hissing sound, though. I don’t know what it is.”

  “An exhaust leak. I heard it when you left. Bring it in after lunch. I’ll take a look at it.”

  “Thanks, but I don’t have the money for that right now.”

  She seems embarrassed, and I feel guilty mentioning it.

  “On the house. Payment for lunch. I can seal it. It’ll only take me minutes.”

  “I appreciate that. Really.”

  “Don’t mention it.”

  “Nix…”

  Whatever she wants to know, it’s territory I don’t want to enter into.

  “Thanks for picking up lunch. You better get back to work.”

  She seems to understand I want to be left alone and closes the office door behind her.

  * * *

  Soft blonde hair fisted in my hand, I move Lindsey’s head up and down my cock. I needed this. Needed to get my shit blown and get my head straight. Moaning, she swallows my cum, and I sit back, muscles lax. Light blue eyes look up at me, and I hiss from the sensitivity of her cleaning my head. Smile wide, she backs off, then straddles my lap, long legs touching the floor on each side of my office chair. Fingering the patch on my cut, she circles the word, President.

  “Maybe we should make this a thing. You and me?”

  Hand on her hip, I scoot her off my lap. “Too soon, Linds. I’m not looking for that kind of commitment.”

  Standing, I tuck my dick back in my jeans and head toward the door. The party is active in the clubhouse, and with her talk, I’m motivated to join it.

  “I like you, Nix. I want to see you more.”

  “Fuck, Linds. I just want to keep this simple.”

  “Simple as in I blow you when you want it, and I get nothing in return?”

  Getting my cock sucked wasn’t worth this kind of nagging.

  “It’s too damn soon for any woman, don’t you get that?” My bark comes out strong, and she straightens her shoulders.

  “I’m sorry. I…”

  “Forget it. We’re done. I’m not going to use you. Thanks for tonight, but don’t expect my call again.”

  Walking out of my office, leaving her there, I feel like a complete asshole, but it’s best I end it. She wants more, I don’t. No need to lead her on. A woman doesn’t deserve that. Standing outside the door, I hear her cuss me out and knock shit off my desk. I’m pissed she’s disrespecting me, but really, I don’t blame her.

  Entering the clubhouse, I grab a beer on the way past the bar before joining my VP, Max and old Wesley at the pool table. Glancing around the clubhouse, I see Liz on Jake’s lap, him whispering in her ear. Won’t be long and they’ll be in a room fucking. The clubhouse door opens, and Dominic and his girl, Erika, enter. Those two are never apart. I respect that about him. Watching him greeted by my brothers, I think about his final initiation and the vote to make him a full patch member. I already know what everyone will vote. He’ll fit right in.

  Walking tall and with tense shoulders, Dominic approaches Jake. A few words are spoken, and Jake’s expression changes. Searching for me, Jake finds me and tips his head for me to join them.

  With a whistle to Wesley and Max, they follow behind me. Entering the courtroom, we stand facing one another.

  “What’s going on?” I ask Dominic.

  “Royals. Ran into one at the Harley shop. Erika was shopping, and one of the dumb fucks approached her and grabbed her ass, calling her a Kings’ whore. I dragged him outside and broke his face.”

  “Any witnesses?” Jake asks.

  “Only the cashier.”

  “Daisy won’t say anything,” Max assures him. “Daisy and the manager favor the Kings.”

  Dominic’s shoulders relax. “Good, I don’t need any heat on my back.”

  Jake pats his shoulder. “We got your back. Max and I will visit Daisy and make sure there won’t be any statements made if the police show up asking questions.” Jake looks at Max. “You know if they got any cameras outside in the parking lot?”

  “Pretty sure they do.”

  “We’ll get it erased,” Jake replies confidently.

  “Thanks, brothers.”

  “Head on out, Dominic. I need to speak with the board.”

  Dominic leaves, and I look at each of them.

  “We need to vote on him becoming a full patch. If it’s unanimous, I think we should give him his patch at Full Throttle.”

  “That’d be a hell of a patch ceremony,” Jake grins.

  “What about Ink?” Max asks, “He’s been prospecting longer than Dom.”

  “We’ll vote on both. Patch them both.”

  “That mean you’re joining us?” Thumbs tucked into his cut, Wesley awaits my answer with hope in his eyes.

  “Yeah, my ass will be there.”

  A few pats on my back etch a smile on my face.

  “It’s good to have you back, brother.” Max’s smile is large and genuine.

  “Thanks for taking care of shit while I was down and out.”

  “Of course, we all got your back.”

  “The Royals—” Jake presses.

  “Not tonight. I just got my head clear.”

  “We’ll talk later. Let’s get you a beer and some pussy.”

  Arm around my shoulders, Jake leads me back out to the clubhouse and bar. It’s a busy place tonight. Every club member is here, including our newest prospect, Ink. He and William are talking to Red, hanging on her every word. By the looks of it, William’s new girl, Maci, isn’t digging it. I see
a catfight in the near future. That, I wouldn’t mind watching. My money’s on Red.

  Jake waves his beer-filled hand around the room.

  “There’s a lot of bike bunnies here tonight. Who’s it gonna be?”

  “Let’s start with a beer.”

  “You telling me you’re gonna pass up on the new girl?” Jake points the top of his beer bottle at Red. “She’s got a hell of an ass on her.”

  “Don’t let Liz hear you say that. She’ll kick yours to the next state over.”

  “You know hers is the only pussy I want, but I’m not blind, brother.”

  Red turns to talk to someone else, and that ass comes into view. Jake’s right. It’s full, round, and would take a good pounding. Ink and William seem to think so too. Ink grabs a cheek and squeezes. Elbow to his chest, Red turns on him and throws a punch, knocking his ass back a step.

  “Damn, she’s got an arm on her,” Jake laughs.

  Whatever Red said to him has Ink raising both hands for mercy.

  “She’s a spitfire. That’s for damn sure.”

  Liz approaches us, taking Jake’s hand and pulls him toward the stairs.

  “Sorry, Nix. I need my man. We’re off parenting duty tonight.”

  Jake shrugs his shoulders and winks at me, a mischievous grin splitting his lips.

  “See ya in a while, brother.”

  Still watching Red, my curiosity grows. I don’t know anything about the woman—where she’s from, her family, if she’s got any. It’s my job to protect this club and the members in it. It’s time I do some digging.

  Getting two fresh beers, I step up behind Red. Ink and William make space for me, respecting the patch.

  “That’s going to be a hell of a shiner, Ink.”

  Red turns at the sound of my voice, expression softening when she looks at me. I tilt my head, surprised to see the change in her body language.

  “I brought you a beer. We should talk.”

  Body stiffening, she accepts the beer and follows me to the back porch behind my office. Sitting down, I pop the top of my beer and bring my legs up, resting them on the railing. Taking the seat next to me, she looks nervous.