Hetch (Men OF S.W.A.T. #1)

by River Savage

  Smiling at me, the man takes a large step toward me, his presence overpowering at the sheer height of him. I falter, a little shaky on my heels and look up at him. I feel short on the best of days, wearing heels to keep my head above most people’s chins, but standing in front of him with his at least six-foot frame towering over me, I feel like a small child again. Extending my hand toward him, he takes it in his as I greet him. “Hello, I’m Miss Turner, Zayden’s teacher. I was expecting Mrs. Knight,” I rush out like a fumbling schoolgirl. Oh, my God, kill me now.

  He stares down at me, his green eyes never leaving mine nor saying anything; his large calloused hand still firmly grips mine.

  “Yeah, sorry about that,” he finally responds, breaking our weird moment. “Z’s mom only just called me about the meeting; she's been held up.” He clears his throat, like it’s a lie, but continues, “I came when I got the call.”

  He finally releases his awkward hold on me and takes a step back. With the loss of his grip, I have to move my hand to the front of my desk to support my unease. For some reason, other than stupidity, I have no idea what he said so I just nod my head. He grins, noticing my reaction, and I smile back, lost in his.

  Jesus, Kadence, get it together, you’ve met good-looking men before.

  I take a deep breath, shaking off the stupid look I’m sure I’m wearing. I’m surprised and appalled by my attraction. I’ve never reacted to someone like this before.

  “Well, in that case, let’s get started shall we?” I ask, hoping my voice doesn’t give away his effect on me. Yeah, ‘cause the stupid grin you just had on your face didn’t?

  Walking back around my desk, I take a large breath, hoping it calms my beating heart before sitting. I watch as he folds himself into the small grade-school chair, and I hold back a smile at how ridiculous he looks. I address Zayden’s dad first, not certain if his wife relayed what I told her over the phone.

  “I’m not sure what your wife has told you, Mr. Knight.”

  “Ex-wife,” he interrupts me, his tone telling me that I need to remember that.

  “Right, okay,” I continue, ignoring the pleasure I get from hearing he isn’t married.

  “Well, as I was telling your ex-wife, Zayden was involved in an altercation with another student today,” I tell him, looking over at Mr. Hill and his son. “Ending with Tommy’s black eye.”

  “This true, Z?” Hot biker dad turns, looking at his son.

  In my head, hot biker shouldn’t be in my vocabulary, but with his long legs outstretched in front of my desk, the sexy-as-sin riding boots crossed over at the ankle, and the way I hear the leather move when he turns to look at Z, I can’t help call him anything but.

  “Yeah, Dad,” Zayden replies, his eyes lowered.

  “Your son is a menace just like your club, Knight, and I won’t allow him to bully my kid in class. I want something done about it!” Mr. Hill yells, standing from his seat.

  I’m not surprised by Mr. Hill’s outburst; he’s been sitting on the edge of his seat, ready to chew someone’s head off for the last twenty minutes. Yeah, I value my time too, but that’s not Mr. Knight’s fault; he came when he found out. I don’t know why I’m siding with him. I should be more concerned for Mr. Hill’s wellbeing when Mr. Knight stands from his own seat and takes a rather large step toward him.

  “Excuse me, I was talkin’ to my boy. I'll address you when he explains to me why he saw fit to put his hands on your son,” Mr. Knight pushes out with gritted teeth. Fuck, he even speaks sexy biker. What the hell is sexy biker? Get it together, Kadence.

  Sensing the situation could get out of hand, I stand. “Mr. Knight, Mr. Hill, please sit down,” I demand, hoping the slight tremor I feel doesn’t show.

  Mr. Hill sits first, obviously realizing he is in over his head with the fuming badass.

  “You wanna give me a moment to talk with my boy?” Mr. Knight asks, looking over at me. I don’t know why I do it, but I nod my head and sit back in my chair. I watch him spare one more look at Mr. Hill, a silent warning to keep his mouth shut.

  Jesus, how can he be the one in control right now?

  “Now, you wanna tell me why you put your hands on someone, Z?” He squats down in front of his son’s chair, arms stretched out to keep him steady, his muscled arms bulging under the strain of their position. I can make out the large Knights Rebels tattoo and I wonder what else he has hidden under his clothes.

  “Tommy was pulling Sarah’s hair, told her she was a whore like her mom. I told him to quit it but he started on me. You always said if someone puts their hands on me, I’m allowed to stand up for myself,” he responds quietly, calmly, given that the two hundred-pound man is squatting in front of him, scowling something fierce. I look at Tommy and see his face is ashen at Zayden’s confession.

  “Is this true?” Mr. Hill turns to look at Tommy, who sinks further into his chair.

  “I was only saying what you told me,” he answers back.

  Mr. Hill looks up at me; a small amount of embarrassment fills his cheeks as I raise my eyebrows.

  Sarah’s mom works over at Bare Assets, our local strip club in town. I have no problem with the place. Holly, my best friend, likes to drag me along sometimes for ladies' night. It’s a well-respected establishment, and as far as I know, Sarah’s mom works the bar, not a pole. What an asshole.

  Awkward silence fills the room as I look between the two fathers. Mr. Hill looks down at his hands while Mr. Knight holds my gaze. His eyes show anger, no doubt at Mr. Hill, but I’m drawn to the intensity of it, like a fond memory pulling me in. I drag my eyes away, needing to break the connection, not prepared to let those feelings back in.

  “Okay, well, regardless of the reasons, we still have a policy here that fighting is not allowed. Because both boys engaged in the fighting, they will both be given afterschool detention for five days.”

  Considering both boys have never been in trouble for fighting, I thought I would give them a chance to sort it out here before taking it to Principal Wilson. That guy is a real schmuck, no doubt suspending them on their first offense. Yes, Z was defending himself, but Tommy is the one with a swollen eye. Sending them home for three days off won’t fix the problem.

  Mr. Knight scoffs and then shakes his head, clearly not happy with the punishment. He looks over to his son, giving him a wink before turning back to me. His blatant disregard for the rules don’t surprise me, and I can’t help but call him on it.

  “I hope from that wink, Mr. Knight, you're not condoning this behavior?” I challenge, cutting him off before he can begin to argue my decision.

  “Listen, Mrs. —”

  “Miss Turner,” I correct him the same way he did me.

  “Miss Turner.” His deep, gravelly voice exaggerates the Miss and I hold back the need to roll my eyes at his insinuation.

  “No, I don’t condone violence. I will, however, be proud of my son if he stands up for someone who can’t stand up for themselves.”

  “He gave another student a black eye,” I shoot back. “Not to mention disrupted my class.”

  Pulling two eleven-year-old boys apart in the middle of the classroom is harder than most would think. For one, they’re almost the same size as me. My five-foot-two frame is no match for two angry boys when they nearly put me on my ass.

  “So? He was defending the girl and defending himself. I would have done the same,” Mr. Knight continues to disagree with me. His anger confuses me a little. What does he expect me to say? Sure, it’s fine your son clocked another student and left him with a swollen eye?

  “Yes, I don’t doubt that. However, the school board doesn’t see it that way. Using violence against each other gets us nowhere.” I stop myself from saying our school rules are probably different to the rules he follows.

  I stand from my chair, trying to end the conversation before I come to blows with him. Something inside of me wants to argue with him, my quick temper often getting me in trouble, but this is more. The t
hought of pushing him sends a tingle down my spine. I need to stop this. I force myself not to engage with him anymore; the rules are simple, there’s no point arguing. He obviously lives by his own set of rules. Unfortunately for his son, he must abide by the school’s.

  “My son has a right to defend himself. Where were you when all this was happening?” He stands, clearly not done with this battle, now questioning me.

  “I was dealing with another student.” I find myself on the defensive. “These boys are eleven years old, Mr. Knight. Old enough to be trusted and know violence is no way to handle things. Using your fists does not make you a man. He should have walked away and come and told me,” I tell him, feeling small again under his height and gaze.

  He laughs out loud, his eyes flashing with annoyance, evidently not agreeing with me. “Lady, you got no idea what makes a man. Someone puts his hands on me, I sure as hell will respond the same way.”

  Knowing I’m not going to get anywhere with this infuriating man, I straighten out my hand to shake his, ready to be out of his presence. My behavior is irrational I know. I’ve gone from feeling a spark to wanting to slap him for arguing with me.

  “My decision is final, Mr. Knight. The boys will start their detention tomorrow. I hope I don’t have to take this further next time,” I say, hoping I don’t have to see him again. Something about him gets me riled up. Sure he’s hot, but his arrogant attitude is starting to annoy me. He stands quietly for a moment, not moving, not speaking, his eyes silently assessing me. The tension in the air is electrifying around us. I begin to feel a little uncomfortable with my hand outstretched before he takes it, the heat of his grip wrapping around mine.

  “Well, Mrs. —”

  “Miss,” I snap at him this time and wince at my tone.

  “Yes, of course.” He smiles, like he wanted to hear it again. I try to pull my hand back but he tightens, pulling me forward, my free hand going to my desk as his thumb strokes the inside of my palm. The intimate move is not lost on me. Oh, God, I’m bipolar, now I want to keep my hand here.

  “Thank you for your time, Miss Turner.” He leans in close, the warmth of his breath just skimming the side of my ear before he lets go and moves back. I steady myself, unbalanced by the loss. What the hell was that?

  Reaching out, he clicks his fingers to get Zayden’s attention. “Come on, Z,” he says, waiting for him to stand. He then follows him out the door without a backward glance.

  Following Mr. Knight’s lead, Mr. Hill stands, his expression now somber. For a moment I forgot he was still here, lost in the impulse that was that man.

  “Thank you for your time, Miss Turner. I’ll have a word with Tommy about what he thinks he heard.” He nods, not giving me his eyes. At least he has the good sense to look embarrassed.

  Grabbing Tommy’s bag, he wishes me a good evening and then turns and leaves, Tommy following close behind.

  Falling back into my chair, I let out a shaky breath, glad that it’s over. I can’t believe I let Zayden’s dad get to me like that. No man has ever instilled lust and anger just by looking at me. His presence screams confidence and testosterone, right down to the way he ran his eyes over me. I know he probably acts like that toward all women, yet the thought that he felt it too excites me.

  It takes me a few minutes to calm my breathing and stop all lustful thoughts of Mr. Knight before I can even begin to pack up and gather my belongings. Shutting down the lights for the day, I lock up the room and walk down the hall to the teachers’ lounge. I’m stopped in my tracks when I look up ahead. Standing by the lockers, I observe Mr. Knight kneeling in front of Z. His hand outstretched, around his neck, their heads leaning into each other, talking quietly. Zayden nods and smiles before his dad leans in further and kisses the top of his hair. The sight of this man being fatherly stirs something in me, more than his touch did. He exudes this type of power over people with his presence, but watching him talk with his son makes him vulnerable. I have no right thinking of him like that. The man is off limits, not to mention a walking smartass, but standing there at a distance, I can see how much he loves his son. The affection in his eyes leaves me with a sense of longing. I want that.

  Shaking off the thought I turn into the teachers’ lounge, impatient to get home to a glass of wine, thus cutting all thoughts of one Mr. Knight, aka arrogant ass, aka sexy hot biker.

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  About the Author

  An avid reader of romance and erotic novels, River’s love for books and reading fueled her passion for writing. Reading no longer sated her addiction, so she started writing in secret. She never imagined her dream of publishing a novel would ever be achievable. With a soft spot for an alpha male and a snarky, sassy woman, Kadence and Nix were born.

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  Help Someone. Help Yourself

  The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that each year approximately one million people die from suicide, which represents a global mortality rate of 16 people per 100,000 or one death every 40 seconds. It is predicted that by 2020 the rate of death will increase to one every 20 seconds.

  Life can be painful and problems can seem overwhelming at times. Some people may think about suicide but do not act upon it. For others, suicide seems like the only way out of their situation or the feelings they are experiencing. They generally feel very alone and hopeless. They believe nobody can help them or understand what they are going through.

  If you are concerned that someone you know is considering suicide, act promptly. Don’t assume that they will get better without help or that they will seek help on their own. Take immediate steps to obtain help and keep the person safe. It is also important that you care for yourself through the process.

  If you are feeling suicidal it is important that you take immediate steps to keep yourself safe.

  Tell someone how you feel and, if possible, have them stay with you until you get help.

  Contact a health professional and tell them you are feeling suicidal and need urgent assistance.

  Take practical steps to keep yourself safe by connecting with people, and managing your thoughts.

  If you, or someone you are with, is in immediate danger call 911

  Crisis and Counselling Websites

  Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Support

  Lifeline

  World Health Organisation

  Also by River Savage

  KNIGHTS REBELS MC SERIES.

  INCANDESCENT

  AFFLICTION

  RECLAIMED

  DESERTION

  INFATUATION

  PARADOX

  MEN OF S.W.A.T. SERIES

  HETCH

  FOX (release date tbr)

  Acknowledgments

  Alissa Evanson-Smith: Girl, these just get harder and harder! Thank you for all you do. I wouldn’t be where I am without you. Love you lady.

  Brie Burgess: Gahh, my little savior. Thank-you for everything you do. You know just what I need, when I need it.

  Stewart Jones: Ahh Stu. Thank you for putting up with my consistent questions. For letting me go back and forth with you and not giving me too much trouble when I wanted to argue with you. this is hollywood damn it!

  Gillian Grybas: Gikky, oh, Gikky. You know how much I love you right? Woman you rock. Thank you for loving Hetch, even when I didn’t. Love you babe.

  Cassia Brightmore: Thank you for all your hard work woman. Love you so hard.

  JJ: My sister wife. You rock. That is all.

  Tania: Thank for your help and extra attention to detail. Wouldn’t have been able to do it without yo
u.

  Abbey: Oh Abbey, my toughest critic. Lady, that’s for kicking my ass.

  Priya: Priya, Priya, Priya, you rock lady. Thank you for being awesome. Miss seeing your face babe.

  Louisa from LM Creations: Lady, this cover! You rocked it. Thank you for your hard work. You are amazing.

  Becky Johnson: Thank you for all your hard work. You make editing a breeze. Even when I feel like losing it, you’re there to calm me down.

  Rebels: I know heaps of authors say this, but all the others are lying. I truly have the best readers. You all rock!

  To ALL the Bloggers: Thank you for your support. I wouldn’t have been able to get my name out without you guys pimping my work, reviewing, and loving the Knights Rebels boys just as much as I do.

  My Mr. Savage: You’re the only one who knows how hard this one was. Thank you for being there for me. We got there in the end. Love you, babe.

  The End