King of Kings

by Shreffler, Betty

  “I’m sorry for hitting your prospect. That won’t happen again.”

  “That’s not what this is about, Red. And you’re free to defend yourself from unwanted groping from those fools.”

  Relief washes over her face, and she leans back into the chair, taking a swig.

  “Thanks.”

  “So, what’s your story? Why are you here? And don’t give me a spin on it. I want the truth.”

  Her brow rises, and she drifts off in thought for a moment.

  “All right. The truth is, I fell for a scumbag when I was young. The next five years I fell deeper in love, and he spent that time fucking every pussy that showed him attention. I broke it off and left.”

  “What MC was he in?”

  “Chicago, Sinister Sons.”

  She looks far more nervous having given up that detail.

  “Don’t worry. I don’t know them. Only heard the name. You running from him?”

  Looking off into the distance, she avoids eye contact with me.

  “Not just him. The Sons too.”

  “They outlaw?”

  She tugs on her beer a moment, clearly needing the liquid courage.

  “They’re headed that way. A patchover was scheduled.”

  “What did you do to warrant the animosity?”

  “Kicked his ass before I left. Walked out on him. Disrespected him in front of the club. If I stuck around, they would’ve punished me for it.”

  “What kind of punishment?”

  “Maybe rape, maybe a beating. Can’t say for sure. I wasn’t willing to stick around and find out.”

  “Jesus, you made the right decision leaving.”

  Emptying her beer, she sets it on the porch floorboards below her chair.

  “I know club business is private, but the Kings don’t seem like outlaws.”

  “We’re not, our shit’s legal. The most we’ll do is an escort for a business that needs protection from gangs or a one-percenter MC. It’s how we became rivals with another MC called the Wild Royals. Our clubs have a long, bloody history.”

  “Is that what happened to—”

  “I could use another beer. You mind?” Holding up my empty bottle, I give it a wave, disrupting where her conversation was headed.

  With her lips pinched, she nods, accepting the hint.

  “Yeah, I’ll get us a couple more.”

  As she walks away, I stare at her ass. Shaking my head, I laugh. I’m no better than Ink or William. While she’s gone, I look out at the dark sky dappled with stars. Closing my eyes, I take a breath, breathing in the cool night air. There were nights like this when the parties got wild, Jenna and I would sneak away, ravage each other in my office, then come out here. She’d sit on my lap, and we’d watch, waiting for a shooting star. It was something she loved, and I was happy making her happy.

  A warm hand touches my shoulder, and my heart skips a beat. Opening my eyes, I look up at Red. Glossy hazel-green eyes stare down at me, her expression affectionate.

  “You miss her, don’t you?”

  Taking her hand, I hold it in mine, running my hand over her soft skin.

  “Every day.”

  With her movement forward, I lower my legs off the railing, letting her step between my knees. Leaning against the railing, she hands me one of the two beers in her left hand. Setting the beer down on the wood floor, I move my hand to her hip, pulling her to me. Setting her beer on the railing, she runs her fingers through my short hair. The sensation is comforting and something I didn’t realize I needed. Forehead against her stomach, I breathe her in, the aroma of cinnamon drawing me in deeper.

  The sound of heels pounding wood disrupts us. Lindsey turns the corner, her expression quickly turning to rage.

  “Fuck you, Nix. I suck your cock earlier, you tell me to get lost, and now you’re trying to get into her too tight leather pants. You’re an asshole.”

  Stepping back, Red drops her hands. She seems pissed. I’m sure the sucking cock earlier bit initiated that. Tension rolls across my shoulders, bringing back every emotion that had momentarily ceased to exist.

  Rising to my feet, I head toward Lindsey. She’s clearly drunk and looks close to crying.

  “Calm the fuck down. What I do and who I do it with is my business. Now, come on. I’ll take you home. You’re drunk and making a scene.”

  Glancing over my shoulder, I nod to Red. “I’ll see you at work.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  SYNNE

  Pouring coffee into two mugs, I set one on the edge of the counter and bring the other with me. I haven’t seen Nix yet this morning, but I’m hoping when I do, it won’t be awkward. We had a moment at the party. What kind of moment, I don’t know. Maybe we’re both lonely. Maybe there’s a mutual understanding of having a broken heart. Maybe it’s both. Either way, what I do know is, there’s something that keeps pulling me toward him, wanting to know more. Beneath his striking green eyes is a man who’s broken but doing everything he can to mend himself for the people around him. It says a lot about his character.

  Even after the fender fluff, Lindsey, bitched at him he made sure the woman got home safely. Levi never would’ve done that. He would’ve shoved her, told her not to disrespect him and his ol’ lady, then dragged me out behind him, saying she’s a liar and nothing happened. What the fuck was wrong with me? I put up with that shit for years. Looking back, I’d like to slap sense into my younger self and tell me to stay as far away from Levi as I could. If he hadn’t been such a rockstar in bed, I doubt I would’ve stuck around as long as I did. Fuck that man for being so skilled.

  The garage door opens, and moments later, Nix walks in the office, running his hand through his short hair. Under his eyes, the skin is darker, sunken. He clearly didn’t sleep well. Gathering the mug, he walks behind me through the door to the clubhouse.

  “Thanks, Red.”

  Disappearing on the other side, he doesn’t say another word. William walks through the door behind him, grinning like a fool.

  “I’ll be in the garage today. Let me know if you need anything.”

  “What’s Nix doing?”

  “Club business, honey. Going on a ride with Jake and Max. I work with Nix in the garage, so you’ll be seeing a lot of me.” With a wink, he saunters over to the coffee machine and pours himself a mug full. “That was an impressive right hook the other night.”

  Looking up from the files in front of me, I notice the glimmer in William’s blue eyes. It’s evident he likes what he sees. He’s not bad to look at—tall, blond hair lengthier on the top, shorter on the sides, broad-shouldered with artistic ink curling around both arms—only he’s a little too pretty for my liking. I prefer dark-haired and rough around the edges.

  Lingering with his mug in hand, his attention is drawn toward the sound of Harleys. Nix and the other two Kings pass the front windows and disappear down the road.

  “So, where you from?” Placing an elbow on the counter, he leans forward, making it clear he’s here to stay awhile.

  “Chicago.”

  “Never been, but I’d be up for going. You like road trips?”

  Pointing the pen in my hand at my Harley outside, I raise a brow. “The green one out there. That’s mine.”

  “No shit, well damn, baby, you just got a hell of a lot hotter. We should take a ride together sometime. I promise it’ll be enjoyable.” With another wink, he ensures I catch his sexual innuendo.

  “What about your girl? How would she feel about you riding another chick?”

  Lowering his mug, he shrugs his shoulder.

  “Maci’s cool. We’re just hanging out. She’s not my ol’ lady if that’s what you’re asking.”

  This William is a real lady’s man, and I don’t mean that as a compliment.

  “Right.”

  Looking William in the eyes, I lean forward and his eyes drop to my cleavage before returning to my face. Curling my finger, I bring him closer. Licking his lips, his smile stretches into a
lascivious smirk.

  “This”—I point between him and me—“isn’t going to—”

  The rumble of Harleys speeding toward the shop cuts off my words. Shattering glass jerks me off my seat. Throwing myself against the wall, my eyes go wide as I look over the counter at the smoking, broken bottle on the floor.

  “Get down!”

  Mug gone from his hand, William jumps at me, taking us both down to the floor. Heart pounding rapidly in my chest, we both await bullets, but thankfully, none come. Easing me out of his arms, we peer over the counter. The sound of Harleys become distant as they quickly make their escape. I catch a glimpse of a back patch—Wild Royals.

  Darting to the burning rag on the floor, William snuffs it out, stomping on the flames with his heavy boot.

  “Fucking Royals! I need to call Nix.”

  “What the hell was that about?”

  Ignoring me, he dials and puts the phone to his ear.

  “Royals just paid a visit. Put a burning bottle taped to a brick through the front window.” William’s attention turns to me. “Yeah, she’s good. Pissed off and confused, but fine… All right, see ya when you get here.”

  Pocketing his phone, he tilts his head toward the garage.

  “Let’s get this shit cleaned up. We have duct tape and plastic sheets in the garage.”

  “Why did they do this?”

  “Retaliation.”

  “For what?”

  “Club business.” With a stern look, he indicates that’s all the information I’m going to get.

  With the floor clean and the last corner of plastic taped to the frame of the window, I hear motorcycles entering the parking lot. Looking through the glass door, I see Nix and the other two Kings. Red-faced and jaw tense, Nix’s expression reveals his rage. Stopping a few feet away from the entrance, he stares at the window, then says a few cuss words before coming inside. Right away, he looks at me.

  “You okay?” Unexpectedly, he rubs his hand over my hair as his eyes roam my face, inspecting me. “If you want to quit, I understand.”

  His anger is hidden behind something else—worry. Vibrant green eyes lock on mine, and my composure softens. Every damn time he’s near me, my body reacts to him, tingling in all the right places. Taking his hand from my hair, I link my fingers with his, momentarily enjoying the feel of his strong hand before I release it.

  “I’m okay, and a bottle through a window isn’t going to scare me off.”

  “Good. I was just starting to get used to you.”

  Hand grazing my shoulder, his smile is brief. Attention turning to William, he dips his chin.

  “Come into the clubhouse. We need to talk.”

  All four men slip through the side door to the clubhouse. Nix stops in front of the door.

  “Can you call and see how much a window replacement is going to cost us?”

  “Yeah, I’ll take care of it.”

  “Thanks.”

  The door closes behind him, and I get back to work.

  * * *

  —NIX—

  After calling in all the members, concern etches their brows as they take their seats around the courtroom table.

  “Tell them the details, William.”

  With a recap of the morning event, I sense the anger growing throughout the room.

  “Synne okay?” Ink asks.

  “Yeah, she’s all right. Didn’t shake her. She’s tough,” I assure him.

  I’m glad to see the guys are taking to her. It’s a good sign she’ll fit in with us.

  “They’re taking the opportunity to send a message. They think the Kings are weak.”

  I know Dominic is right. Rubbing my fingers over the scruff on my face, I take a moment to think about my words.

  “After five months, I’m sure Reed thinks I don’t plan on retaliating for what he did to me. He probably thinks I’m afraid, but the truth is the opposite.” Leaning forward, I put my hands together, rubbing my thumb over the other. “I didn’t plan a retaliation because I was a drunken mess. Jenna’s death tore me up bad, brothers. It’s taken me a while to get my shit together, but now that I have, it’s time we remind the Royals who the Kings are.”

  A few fists pound on the table, letting me know they agree.

  “We’re behind you on this,” Jake tells me.

  “We’ve been waiting for you to be ready.” Max taps me on the shoulder.

  “All of you on board?”

  In unison, Trevor, Max, Wesley, William, Ink, Axel, Dominic, and Jake give their signal of approval.

  “We are,” William confirms.

  “What I’m about to ask of you is a lot. It’s a dangerous risk.”

  “Let’s hear it,” Jake presses.

  “We’re going to need to get our hands on some explosives.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  NIX

  Standing in the doorway of the front office, I wipe my hands on a rag and watch Red bent over, fussing with files. Ass in the air, I shamelessly enjoy the view. When she stands, she catches a glimpse of me in her peripheral.

  “Admiring the landscape?” she laughs.

  “Just walked in.”

  “Uh-huh.” Her brow lifts, and she smirks. “I believe that.”

  Stepping up to where she’s standing, I lean over her, coming in close as I reach for the newest work orders. Tongue slipping between her lips, she nibbles the bottom one, and my dick jerks.

  “I’m going to leave these in the garage for William to work on. I need to work in my office today. I have things to do for the bar.” Swallowing, she raises her chin, and I see the pink flush coming to her cheeks. Lips full and slightly parted, I find myself lingering, staring at them. “I’ll see you tonight if you’re coming to the clubhouse.”

  “As busy as we’ve been this week, I’m definitely in need of a beer… or three.”

  Swiping my finger under her chin, I let a genuine smile slip from my lips.

  “I’ll see you later tonight, then.”

  As I put space between us, she releases a breath. She’s not the only one feeling the heat between us. Every damn time she’s near me, my cock lets me know how much it’d like to feel her pussy around it. Too bad my head and heart aren’t in agreement.

  * * *

  With Full Throttle coming up, we’re all ready to let loose in the clubhouse tonight. This week, we’ve had customers coming from hundreds of miles away to get the best parts available or to ensure their bike is repaired and ready for the week of partying, concerts, races, and motorcycle contests. Each of the Kings is entered in one or more of the contests. It’s what we all look forward to each year. Full Throttle is a biker’s paradise—day after day of pussy, liquor, food, Harleys, and music. They do have one rule, though. No outside rivalry during the field meet. It’s the only time all motorcycle clubs have to remain neutral, at least while inside the grounds. Outside of it, there are no rules.

  Thumping music pumps out of the speakers in the corner as I stand at the edge of the bar, monitoring my club and the customers. There are non-MC customers here tonight, but most are regulars, along with the usual biker hang-arounds. They’ve seen enough of our parties to not get spooked. They come for the atmosphere and entertainment. My boys do good to share the bar, keeping mostly to one side, letting the customers have the other. It also keeps club members from tearing into customers if they do something out of ignorance or something as bold as getting handsy with one of their ol’ ladies.

  With the assistance of William and Ink, Maci and another bike bunny climb atop one of the tables. Hoots and hollers echo around the room as the girls begin to dance. With their short dresses, little strips of fabric peek out between their bare cheeks, giving the men a show of what they're workin’ with. To ensure they’ve aroused every man in the bar, Maci and the other girl end their dance with a tongue-on-tongue kiss. Falling backward, Maci lands in William’s waiting arms. Applause breaks out around the room—there’s no denying every man enjoyed the show and are prob
ably sporting a semi as proof.

  With the liquor glasses and beer bottles flying off the shelves, Jeff looks tired. Thankfully, I’ve hired some help with Jeff’s approval. He chose his sidekick, and so far, the young guy is doing well. No doubt, the women will like him with his messy brown hair, pierced lip, and ink-covered muscled arms, but the way he’s been eyeballing my brothers, I’m pretty sure he swings the other way.

  Stepping behind the bar, I grab myself a fresh beer while Jeff and Andrew serve the customers. Beyond the bar, I watch the poker game going on at the center table, a mix of club members and customers. That’s one thing they all take serious in here—their gambling.

  At the table where the girls were dancing, they’ve taken to grinding on William and Ink. William’s hand is beneath Maci’s dress, finger fucking her for the whole club to see. They need to get a room before it becomes a full-on porn show with him bending her over the table. Eh, fuck it, I wouldn’t mind seeing it. With a swig, I watch the two of them, and sure enough, her dress slips farther up her hips, revealing more of her ass. It’s obvious where this is headed, and I’m not surprised. Maci wants to stake her claim on William, and what better way than to ride his dick in front of every chick in here? Only that doesn’t mean shit to William. If he wants another pussy, he’ll ditch her in a heartbeat. I was wrong when I told Liz that William is like Jake—William is far worse than Jake was back in the day.

  With her dress hiked up enough, William drops into a chair. Pulling her onto his lap, he adjusts his jeans, letting his dick out. With her straddling his lap, he hugs her hips tight and pounds her down on him. Those around them, not into their pool, poker, or conversation, have taken notice. At the poker table, Trevor taps Wesley’s arm, and they pause the game to watch Maci ride William.

  Pulling Maci’s dress off her shoulder, her left breast pops free, and I know that move is for his brothers. He wants to show off what he’s got just as much as he wants to give them a peek. Pulling her hair back, William tilts her head as she rides him hard. With a tight grip on her hip, he keeps her rhythm going.