by Chiah Wilder
He brushed his fingers across her hand. “I mean everything I say.”
“Did Jenkins take off with another woman?” Cherri asked.
Wheelie had forgotten Cherri was there. “Uh… no one knows for sure, but the rumor is he did. Him leaving just made Rogina meaner. She didn’t want any of the car wash’s equipment which is good for me and Diesel. I’m gonna meet with the landlord after the first of the year.”
“I hope it all turns out,” Cherri said.
“I know you’ll do great.” Sofia squeezed two of his fingers then quickly moved her hand away.
Desire ribboned through him as his cock stirred. “I need to talk to you. Meet me in the laundry room. It’s just for a few minutes,” he said in a low voice. Her eyes flicked to the hallway. “Don’t worry. He’s still in the study with Jax and Axe. They’ll be there for another hour looking at Harleys. I’ll go first and wait for you.” When she nodded slightly, he smiled and walked away.
What the fuck are you doing? He leaned against the washing machine feeling like a damn teenager who was afraid of being caught by his dad. In his case, it was Banger. The president had just given him a talking to the day before, and here he was, desire and excitement weaving through him as he waited for Sofia. Fuck! This is so damn lame. But the truth was that he wanted to feel her soft lips against his one last time. As crazy as he was about her, she was a brother’s wife, and until she changed that, she was off-limits. The brotherhood had always come first in his life—in all his brothers’ lives. He couldn’t betray another member, and he didn’t want to throw away the brotherhood for an affair.
The door opened slowly and then Sofia came in, closing it behind her. She smiled and walked toward him.
“I can’t stay very long. I don’t want Tigger to come looking for me.” She brushed the stray hairs off her face. “I keep thinking about that night you came over when Tigger was out of town.”
He cocked his head. “Me too.” He reached out and stroked her cheek with his fingertips. “You look amazing tonight.”
She looked down at the ground, her face turning soft shades of pink. “Thanks.” She clasped and twisted her hands as if washing them under an invisible faucet.
“You don’t need to be nervous around me.” He stepped forward and placed his hands on hers, stopping their constant motion. Sofia glanced up at him. “I got something for you.” He reached inside his cut and pulled out a silver box.
Staring at it, she brought her fingers to her collarbone. “I didn’t get you a Christmas present.”
He put the box in the palm of her hand. “You don’t have to.”
As she opened the lid, her fingers shook and he wanted to pull her into his arms and press her close to him, making her feel safe and cherished, but he just stood there watching as she stared at the sterling silver necklace.
“It’s so beautiful,” she murmured as her finger brushed over the open ring pendant. Taking it out of the box, she held it up to the light. “‘You’ve got a friend in me,’” she read. She clasped it in her hand.
“Do you like it?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever received.” Wetness dampened her cheeks.
“If you ever need me, I’m here for you. Don’t ever hesitate to call me. You got that?” She bobbed her head. “Just remember that you’re a special woman, and no one can take that away from you.”
“Oh, Wheelie.” She wrapped her arms around him, squeezing him tightly, and he rubbed his hands up and down her back, inhaling her sweet scent and loving the way her body molded into his. She tipped her head back and he bent down and traced the soft fullness of her lips with the tip of his tongue, then his lips pressed against hers and gently covered her mouth. They stood kissing, holding each other as though it was the end of the world. After a few minutes, Sofia pulled away. He swept a callused thumb over her lips. They were warm and wet from the kiss.
“Where’s Sofia?” Tigger’s voice shattered their moment. Sofia jumped away from Wheelie as though he’d caught on fire.
“She’s in the bathroom,” Cherri said.
Sofia looked at the closed door then back at him. “I’ve gotta go. How does my lipstick look?”
Quirking his lips, he shook his head. “You need to reapply it.” He watched as she rummaged through her purse, took out a tube of shiny red, and ran the wand over her lips.
“I’ll have to hide the necklace,” she said, shoving it into her purse.
“I figured as much.”
She gave him back the silver box. “I love it. I really do.”
“I’m glad. When you decide what you want to do about Tigger, let me know.”
“What do you mean? It sounds like we won’t see each other again.”
“We’ll see each other at the club and at family functions.”
Sadness crept into her eyes and he hated that he was responsible for it.
“We won’t see each other alone?”
He shook his head. “You know we can’t. I’m an Insurgent. The club’s my life. It’s the blood in my veins. I can’t betray a brother. And if I see you alone again, I’m not gonna stop at a kiss. You’re too tempting. We’ll end up doing something we’ll both regret.” He scrubbed his face with his fist. “We can’t see each other as long as you’re still with him. And why the hell are you with him after everything he’s done to you?”
“He’s been real nice lately. Last week he made me ribs. He’s trying. And I understand about the brotherhood. I don’t want to be responsible for getting you in trouble with Banger or the others. I’d never forgive myself.” She brushed her hair back behind her shoulders. “I have to give my marriage a chance. Tigger’s really trying.”
“That’s good. You better go back to the party. Just remember I’m here if you ever need me to help you out.” She came over and kissed him on the cheek and then she was gone.
For a long while he listened to the gaiety of his brothers and their old ladies as a surge of anger, sadness, and emptiness raged inside him. Sofia had made her decision. Had he really expected her to denounce her husband and run gleefully into his arms? He shook his head. Life was a series of disappointments so one more wasn’t going to break him.
Exhaling a breath he wasn’t aware he’d been holding, he switched off the lights and went back to the party.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Cara
Poor Wheelie. He has it bad for Sofia. I wish she’d do the right thing and kick Tigger’s ass out and hook up with Wheelie. She looks miserable except when she looks at him. I bet they were together. I hope they were. I know Hawk will be pissed if he even knows what I’m thinking, but I’ve got to talk to her and set her straight. She has to dump her asshole. Pronto.
“Babe, can you hand me the bottle of Jack in the cupboard by the sink?” Hawk broke through her thoughts.
“Sure.” She bent down and took out the bottle of whiskey and handed it to him.
“I tried making your pizzelles and they came out too thick and tough. Yours are like clouds of goodness. What did I do wrong?” Clotille said as she picked up one of the cookies and nibbled on it.
“Pour the batter until it is half full in the pizzelle maker. It took me a long time to master it. My grandmother’s pizzelles were the best. Mine are getting there, but they’re still not like hers even though I use her recipe.”
“I think they’re delicious. Maybe you can come over one day after the holidays and I’ll make them while you’re there so you can guide me.”
“That sounds good.” Cara stacked more cookies on the platter. “How’s everything going with Andrew?”
“Better. We’ve got a ways to go, but he hasn’t skipped any more school since he began therapy, and he and Rock seem to interact better. They seem to listen before arguing. Believe me… that’s a huge step.”
“I’m glad. He doesn’t scowl as much.” Cara poured some sweet dessert wine into glasses. “I love dunking these in wine.” She picked up
an almond-studded biscotti and dipped it into her wine glass.
“I’ll have to try that. And who are you talking about? Andrew or Rock? Both of them scowl.” Clotille laughed and picked up one of the crunchy cookies and dipped it into her glass.
“Good point. I think one of the prerequisites of becoming an Insurgent is that you have to scowl.” She laughed. “I was talking about Andrew. He seems less brooding.”
“He is. He’s a good boy. Hard-headed and macho like his dad, but he’ll grow up to be a wonderful man. Just like his father.” She glanced at Rock and smiled warmly when he looked back at her.
“So did Evan just ditch his wife?” Baylee asked as she came over to the dessert table.
“That’s what they’re saying. Joseph told me that after that night when he took Harley and Braxton, he just disappeared,” Addie said.
“And Torey told me they think he was behind the break-in and fire at the Brighter Lives building. She said they can’t prove anything, but the whole thing just seems really strange.” Cherri picked up a brownie bite and popped it into her mouth. She handed a sugar cookie to Paisley.
“The really weird thing is that there hasn’t been anything in the paper about any homes being broken into by the Crazed Grinch. I mean, you’d think the past few days would be prime time for the whack job. It makes you wonder if Evan was involved in it. I just can’t believe he was the one who snatched your kids. Why the hell did he do it?” Baylee asked, pouring carbonated water into her glass.
“He’s a fuckin’ psycho. It’s a good thing he left town. Throttle was ready to go over and beat his ass,” Kimber said.
Cara watched the brothers as the ladies spoke and they didn’t comment or offer any funny quips, they just hunched together, their faces serious, their jaws locked. In that instant, she knew Evan would never snatch another child.
As the night grew darker, Addie picked up a yawning Hope and hugged her close. “We better head out,” she said to Cara. “This one’s dead tired. She’ll be up early tomorrow to see what Santa brought her, won’t you, sweetie.” Hope nodded and rested her head in the crook of Addie’s neck.
“We should go too. James has overloaded on sugar and he needs to calm down before he goes to bed. As always, it was a wonderful Christmas Eve, Cara,” Clotille said.
Banger came over with a sleeping Harley in his arms. “It’s time we go, woman.” Belle nodded and slid off the stool.
Emily came over and held out her hands. “I can take Harley.” Banger handed him over to her and went over to Ethan.
“How’re things going, Emily?” Addie asked.
“Good. I got a job at the pet store. I love working with the animals.”
“And she’s enrolled to take a few classes at Pinewood Springs Community College,” Belle added, her face beaming.
“I went there. I really liked it. They have some good profs,” Kimber added.
“I’m excited but scared. I’ll be working fulltime so I can only take a few classes. I’ll see how it goes.”
“You’ll do great,” Kylie said as she leaned over and snatched a lemon bar. “It’s so much fun to learn new things. What’re you interested in?”
“Animals. I’d love to be a veterinarian. Maybe a vet tech to start. You know… small steps.” Harley stirred in her arms. “Do you want to go out to lunch next week? I’d love to get some pointers from you about college.”
Kylie bobbed her head. “Totally. What about next Monday?”
“Sounds good. Let’s go somewhere the club doesn’t own.” Emily smiled.
“Getting tired of barbecue and burgers?” Kylie laughed. “No problem. I’ll Facebook you and we can decide where we want to go.” She jumped when Jerry came up behind her.
“Ready to go, baby?” he asked and she nodded.
Cara loved watching Jerry and Kylie together; the young couple had fought hard for their love and relationship. “Are you guys going over to Banger’s for Christmas?”
“Yes. Dad wanted us to spend the night, but we want to open one gift tonight.”
“I can’t wait for you to open mine,” Jerry replied, and the women chortled. “Let’s get going.”
“How’re you doing, babe?” Hawk asked as he curled his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck. “You’re so soft.”
“I’m pretty beat. Did you put Isa to bed?”
“I did that an hour ago. She was sleeping while I changed her. She was so damn tired.” He laughed then kissed her neck. “I can’t wait to put you to bed.”
She placed her hands on his. “Do you want me to be naughty or nice?”
“Fuckin’ filthy,” he whispered as his teeth grazed her ear.
Shivers tingled through her. His presence, his scent, his touch made her feel like she was going to melt. Everything about him ignited deep feelings of love and lust inside her.
“It was a lovely party. We had a good time as always. Thank you,” Baylee said as Axe helped her with her coat.
“Dude,” Axe said to Hawk, bumping fists with him.
“I’m so glad you and Tigger could make it,” Cara said to Sofia, hugging her warmly. “We’re planning a birthday lunch for Belle in two weeks. You have to come.”
Sofia glanced at Tigger who narrowed his eyes. “She’ll let you know. She’s got a lot of things to do in the house.”
“She’s an old lady and needs to be at my woman’s birthday lunch,” Banger said. He looked at Cara. “Sofia will be there.”
Tigger nodded. “Yeah. Of course. I thought you meant tomorrow.”
What an idiot. Kudos Banger. “I’ll put you down. I can pick you up or Cherri can if you don’t want to drive.” The asshole doesn’t let her drive anywhere without him. Drop his ass, Sofia!
Sofia looked at Tigger. “Thanks, but my husband will take me.”
When Tigger nodded his approval at her, Cara wanted to kick him in the balls in the worst way.
“We had fun. Merry Christmas,” Sofia said. Tigger walked out and Sofia followed, but for a split second, she paused, looked over her shoulder, and threw a warm smile at Wheelie. “Merry Christmas,” she mouthed, and then she took Tigger’s hand and walked down the porch steps.
Cara watched Wheelie from her peripheral vision as he stared out the front door, watching Sofia as she slid into the car and drove away into the snowy darkness. He looked like he’d just lost his best friend, and her heart went out to him.
“Do you want to come with us tomorrow to my aunt Teresa’s house?” she asked.
Surprise flashed across his face. “Thanks, but I’m going to the club and hang out with the brothers. The club women will make dinner. Have you seen Rags? We drove over together. He’s crashing at my place tonight.”
Cara clapped her hands. “I’m so glad you won’t be alone tonight.” Wheelie gave her a funny look and ambled toward the kitchen.
“What the hell was that all about?” Hawk asked, closing the front door.
“What do you mean?” Cara tried to brush past him, but he grabbed her arm.
“Cara, stop thinking what I know is in your mind. Leave Wheelie alone. Leave Sofia alone. And definitely leave Tigger alone. Don’t get involved with any of it.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I just asked one of your single friends if he wanted to share Christmas with us. I wouldn’t call that getting involved. I’d call it being nice and thoughtful.”
“Don’t act so innocent. Remember how you were obsessed with hooking Banger up?”
“And it worked. He and Belle are very happy. What’s your point?”
Hawk scrubbed his face. “Just stay out of it. Anyway, Tigger’s a brother and if Wheelie crosses the line, he’s out of the Insurgents. I doubt he’d give up the brotherhood. Loyalty runs deep for us.”
“I know. Stop getting all bent out of shape.” Cara turned away and plastered on a huge smile. “Rags, Wheelie, I’m going to pack up some food for you.” She scurried into the kitchen, giggling softly as she pictured Hawk’
s scowling face.
As she closed the front door, she heard Hawk’s heavy footsteps on the stairway. She looked over and saw him carrying a sleepy Braxton and a deep, warm love spread through her. After switching off all the lights and setting the alarm, she went upstairs to their bedroom. She grabbed the red teddy with all the ribbons and cut-outs that Hawk had given her for Valentine’s Day a couple of years before and went into the bathroom.
When he came into the bedroom, he closed the door and looked intensely at her, the glow from the fire shining on them. He glanced at the lampshades covered in red scarves and slowly unbuttoned his shirt. She held the sheet under her chin and watched him, mesmerized by the way his hard muscles flexed with every move. Looking at his deep V, she licked her lips, knowing where it led. Still holding her gaze, he kicked off his boots and then unzipped his jeans. Stepping out of them, he paused and her eyes fixed on the pulsing hard bulge in his boxers. With deliberate movements, he tugged them down, his erection springing out, pointing at her.
“Come over here,” he rasped.
“What if I don’t?” she breathed.
“I’ll come and get you, and I won’t be gentle.”
A long pulsing quiver ran through her. “Then come and get me.”
Hunger shone in his eyes as he walked slowly to her, and each step made her shiver in anticipation. When he reached her, he tangled his fist in her hair, yanking her head back. He dipped his head and took her mouth in a deep, wet, claiming kiss. The sheet fell away as she circled her arms around his neck, drawing him closer. All thoughts slipped from her mind and there was only sensation, sizzling sensation. Steamy, like the sweltering heat of July. They were kissing fast, hard, deep, and frantic. Cara put her hand on Hawk’s face, loving the roughness of his day-old shave. He rubbed his face against hers—sweeping the cheeks, the nose, nuzzling the ear, finishing with feathery kisses on the forehead. Her passion ignited and gripped her.
“You’re so sexy. I’m on fire, honey,” she whispered, pressing even closer to him.
He pushed back and his gaze devoured her. “Fuck, you look tempting.” He reached out and took the satin ribbon tied over her tit between his fingers. “I can’t wait to unwrap you, babe,” he leaned in again and kissed her hard, gliding his hand under her ass and squeezing it.