by Lane Hart
Kira turned her attention back to me, closing the door behind her. “Better?” she purred, stalking toward me, her gorgeous bare legs peeking from under a simple blue dress.
“One hundred percent.”
She climbed onto the bed beside me, her hand moving to my face, running her fingers seductively over my jaw. “You sure about that?”
Ignoring the discomfort, I reached for her, winding an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “Why? You anxious to take me for a test drive, kitten?”
Her golden eyes sparkled. “How on earth can you be thinking about sex with a house full of people and a bullet wound in your chest?”
“How could I not?” I smirked, my hand dropping to squeeze her ass. “You know you want it, too.”
Her breath hit my lips as she bent closer, her leg rubbing high up over my own. “Flat on your back and you’re still a cocky ass.”
She pecked my lips before burrowing her face at my neck, her silky hair falling over me. We lay in silence, her hand soft at my jaw, and my chest full of more emotion than any one man could surely handle.
Shit was still a mess.
When I was let out of the hospital, I’d also been released from police custody on a promise to appear. Despite the carnage and evidence to the contrary, they’d stamped the incident as a domestic dispute. It proved to me just how broken the system truly was, and just how little anyone cared.
Sasha was still alive, and like me, probably had no intention of showing up to court. He’d disappeared with Tess as soon as he’d been released from hospital, even my best connections unable to track him.
Nikolai still had Nori, or at least, we assumed. There was no word on his location or the girls.
And, despite an elusive text telling me he’d found something, Finn was still MIA.
It broke my goddamn heart to know I’d failed my brother. I didn’t feel let down by his deception. There was no more room in my soul for vengeance—not when it came to him. I knew Finn wasn’t evil. I didn’t believe he’d hurt me intentionally. Whatever plot he’d schemed, whatever strange mission he was on, I knew he believed it was right. His mental stability had finally given way.
He was off the rails crazy, and it was my fault.
I hadn’t protected him when he’d needed me most. His breakdown was inevitable—my inability to save a life had pushed him there, long ago. I just hoped it wasn’t too late to reel him back.
Yes, shit truly was a mess.
But beyond it all, was Kira.
She hadn’t hesitated. Hadn’t thought twice. Disgusting bastard or not, Sasha was still her husband, and she’d shot him to save me. She’d trusted me. Kira put her faith in me, even though I’d failed, and she hadn’t left my side since.
“Bodhi?” she murmured against my skin as she stretched her leg farther over mine.
“Yes, kitten?”
“How are you always so fucking right?”
“About what?”
“I do want it.” She raised her head to look me in the eye, lust pouring from her gaze. “Sex,” she clarified. “I want you.”
“I’m right here, kitten, and I’m all yours.” I smirked.
Despite my cocksure attitude, I meant it. I was hers, even though I still wasn’t sure I could call her mine. Even though I had no plan. No order. No idea what the hell we were going to do.
She held my face tenderly, her shallow breath weaving a spell. “Kiss me,” she begged.
Threading my hand through her hair, I brought her mouth down to mine. Holding her still, I let my lips slide delicately over hers, feeling her softness, tasting her sweet.
Tearing away on a groan, she looked to me with her eyes full of fire, and demanded, “Kiss me like you fucking mean it, Bodhi.”
Wild and deadly. She was with me, for now.
“If you want me…” I murmured, fisting her hair and pulling, just to hear her moan again. “You’ll have to take me, Wildcat.”
So, she did. She straddled my waist as she kissed me hot and hard. Her mouth was urgent and demanding, even as her hands moved soft and slow. Gently, she lowered my sweats before lining herself up over me, lifting her dress and then sinking back down, bringing our bodies together. Bringing us together.
Chaos and control.
For now, that was enough.
The End
(for now)
About Kim Bailey
Kim Bailey is a Canadian author. She’s a born procrastinator and sarcasm junkie who gets her motivation from coffee and good books. She enjoys lively conversations, usually with imaginary people, and can often be found staring wistfully into space.
Her novels are emotional, sexy, contemporary romances with strong women, broken alphas, and a kinky beta or two—all of them, fiercely passionate.
CONNECT WITH KIM ONLINE
Join Kim’s Facebook Group, Kim’s Kiss Brigade
Sign up for Kim’s Newsletter
Creeker
A Red Creek Renegades Prequel
Laramie Briscoe
Copyright © 2018 Laramie Briscoe
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, distributed, stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, without express permission of the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes.
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, or any events or occurrences, is purely coincidental. The characters and story lines are created from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features such as The World Serie, The Homerun Derby, Waffle House, The All-Star Game, BMW, and Netflix are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.
Introduction
I'm a Creeker. That's what they call members of "The Red Creek Renegades" - Red Creek, TN Chapter. We have two rules. Don't fuck the president's daughter, and don't get caught doing illegal shit.
Well, one out of two isn't bad.
Truth is, Banner Clark was worth it. I'd do it again. In fact I'm going to, and if we get caught?
Awww hell, Creeker's never get caught...
Chapter One
Hawk
One hundred and twenty seconds. That's typically the time I have in order to pull a job for my club. Honestly, it's all the time I need. I've been honing my talents since I was a thirteen-year-old desperate to be anywhere but within striking distance of my dad's fist.
It's simple.
I get in, get the car, and get out.
The way I do it sometimes varies, depending on what's happening in this tourist trap town, but the one thing that doesn't change? I get my mark, every single time.
"Drop me off up here," I point to the corner of the parking lot at River Road.
"You sure that's gonna give you enough room and time to get the job done?" My brother, Dominic glances over at me.
He's older by three years, and I've followed his footsteps in everything he's done, including joining The Red Creek Renegades and using my talents to steal cars from parking lots in Gatlinburg. "Plenty of time," I give him a grin. "Meet you back at the clubhouse?"
"Do you want me to hang around for you?" He asks as he comes to a stop at the corner I pointed at earlier.
"Nah bro, I got this."
"You know the plan if you get in trouble?"
I sigh heavily. "I'm newly patched, but you know I've been doing shit like this my entire life. Was taught by the best," I hit him on the shoulder.
"I don't know whether I should be proud or ashamed of myself," he jokes as he pulls to the curb. "Get outta here. See you later."
Quickly I give his hand a shake before I
exit the truck, and keep a low profile as I enter the lot. "What do we have?" I ask the attendant, an informant to the club.
"Sedan in the back, right next to the exit," he discreetly points back while I get some money out of my wallet, acting like I'm paying him.
Nice. This particular model is one that's in high demand. It also doesn't have an RF transmitter, so there shouldn't be a problem with me quickly cutting a key if need be. "Got it," I hand him the money, keeping my head down as I move to the back row.
Trying the door, I smirk. It's not even fucking locked. People here trust way too quickly, especially in a tourist town. When I hit the main road, I check my cell phone. One hundred and twenty seconds.
Damn, right I'm good at what I do.
Getting out of Gatlinburg proper isn't hard since I know all the back ways, and within ten minutes, I'm heading northeast, towards Red Creek. There, this car will be stripped for parts by other members of our club, while I go to our garage to actually put in a days work. If anybody asks, I'm a mechanic, which makes it easy to steal cars and to have an alibi.
An hour later, I'm pulling into Red Creek, TN. It's what most people would call picturesque. A small town of less than three thousand, and we run it all. Nothing happens here that we don't have our hands in. Someone comes here to start some shit? We shut it down.
Coming to the intersection of Spring Street and Pondsville Road, I hang a left, taking the bridge over a creek that runs straight through town. Small shops line the shopping district, cars are parallel parked along our square, and kids run around in the early winter air. They have no fear, no worry. They know we're taking care of them.
In return. They take care of us.
Life as I know it is set. I'm a Creeker – what everybody calls full-patched members – and my spot is secure. We have two rules. Don't get caught doing anything illegal outside Red Creek and don't fuck Banner Clark – the club princess. The only daughter of our president.
I'm good on the not getting caught doing anything illegal.
It's the not fucking Banner Clark I'm having a problem with. And as I pull into the gravel lot of our chop shop, I'm greeted with her smiling face.
"That was quick, Hawk," she says to me with a grin as she catalogs the car for her dad's records.
Pulling my box of Marlboro's out of my pocket, I beat it on the heel of my palm before I reach in for a lighter. Within seconds, I'm taking a blessed pull of nicotine into my lungs, before blowing it out. Giving her a grin back, I let my eyes travel down her body as I lick my dry lips. "That's about the only thing I do quick, darlin'."
"Hmmm," she looks back at me. I don't miss the way her eyes travel my body, just like mine did with her.
We're both playing with fire, and it's more than obvious one of us is going to get burnt.
Chapter Two
Banner
My eyes linger on Hawk Lee's ass as he leaves the office. They follow him as he crosses the gravel lot, hops on his motorcycle, and leaves. After pulling a job, he almost immediately goes to our legit garage, to work a full shift. That way if asked, people will say they've seen him.
Me? As the daughter of the club president, I mostly do things that keep my hands clean. Most days I work in the law office of one of the clubs old ladies. However, I'm the one who wrote the computer program that these VINS go into and keep everything straight with the shipping of the parts, once they've gone through our chop shop. The last person to enter them had fucked everything up, and I'm in the middle of straightening it all out, which is why I don't want his hands in it at all.
I consider this a great day though – because I got to see Hawk.
"How's it going? Think you'll be out of here soon?" My dad asks as he walks over to where I stand.
Racer Clark is a man not only of large stature but also big personality. He took over the club when my grandfather was killed in a motorcycle accident fifteen years ago, and he's lead us through some lean times. Right now, business is booming. Not only are we making money hand over fist with our chop shop, but our legal garage is the best in a three-county area. We're turning people away because we can't get to them. It's a hell of a situation to be in. Glancing at my watch – I never rely on my smartphone for the time – I always wear a watch: a clunky metal piece of jewelry that's feminine and a little edgy.
"Yeah, I've got to head down to the law office. Bella has to be in court this afternoon, and I've got some legal briefs to type up. So if it's cool with you, I'll finish filling out the spreadsheets tonight? Then we can pull Jackson in here tomorrow, and I'll explain the entire system to him. That way no one will mess it up again, I trust him."
"Sounds good, go ahead and head out. I'll finish up for you," he grabs my notebook from my hands before he leans down, kissing me on the cheek. "You know I don't like your hands to be dirty, Banner."
"I know, but I like helping you out every once in a while. Since you never had a son, I feel like this is my place."
Those words are spoken softly. Even though my dad has never made me feel like I wasn't what he wanted, I'm fully aware that many others see me as a weakness. My goal since I've known who my dad is, and what he represents has always been to be as strong as I can be. I never want to be the downfall of the club.
"Never thought less of you, or your mom, Banner. It was just never meant to be for us to have another one. You're stronger, braver, and smarter than half the guys in this club. I'd never want you to be anything else than what you are, I promise."
Emotion clogs my throat, unexpectedly. It's not very often dad gets deeply into what I mean to him, so it takes me by surprise. I smile at him. "Thanks, Dad, I love you. I'll be back to get this done tomorrow."
"You gonna be home for dinner tonight?"
"Planning on it," I grab my bag and purse. "I'll see you tonight."
He walks me to my car, opening the driver's side door. "Be safe, Banner."
"Always."
And with that, I'm heading towards downtown Red Creek.
I love the small town I live in. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, we get to experience the best of everything. It gets hot during the summer, cold during the winter. Spring is a time for heavy rainstorms, every fall the colors are enough to take my breath away, and during the winter it sometimes comes a blizzard. If anyone asked me where I wanted to live, I wouldn't say anywhere other than here.
We're within driving distance of Knoxville, Gatlinburg, and Cherokee. Every Christmas my mom and I go to the Biltmore to see it decorated, and I know exactly how blessed I am. I get the perks of big city life, while still being able to enjoy the charm of small-town living.
Turning off Strongsville Road, onto Big Pond road, driving onto the bridge that allows Red Creek to run smack-dab through the middle of town. Legend has it; Moonshiners back in the day used the creek not only for making Moonshine but for transporting it down the mountain, into Gatlinburg where they sold it for a considerable profit. Some people even say that's how the Red Creek Renegades started. Now Moonshine is legal in Tennessee as long as you pay taxes on it, and Red Creek is just something those of us who live here take for granted. No matter where you are in the area, you can hear the bubbling and rushing of the water.
"Oh nice," I whistle to myself as I see a parking spot open in front of the law office. Parallel parking isn't my strong suit, but thanks to my back up camera, I'm decent.
Once I've parked what I deem good enough, I shut off my car and take out my purse and bag I carry with me every day. Conscious of traffic, I check the street before stepping out of the car.
"I've got your coffee," I hear the voice of my boss, Bella Tomes.
"Thank you! I've already been up for like three hours," I sigh as I get into the office and collapse in a heap.
"Helping the boys?" She asks as she sits the coffee down on my desk.
I sigh again, this time delight as I take a drink of the coffee. "Yeah, somebody, I don't know who, fucked up the system I had put into place for them. The onl
y way to fix it is to start from scratch. Hawk brought in a car this morning, so it was the perfect opportunity for me to that."
"Oh, I'm sure it also has nothing to do with the fact that Hawk is F-I-N-E as hell."
A blush covers my cheeks. I can tell by the way they heat. "I don't date brothers," I remind her, not sure I believe what I'm saying.
"Yeah girl, I said the same thing," she wags her left ring finger in my face. "Yet here I am, married to one of the hottest."
"And smartest," I remind her. "I'm teaching Jackson," I reference her husband. "My cataloging system tomorrow. Tell him I have high expectations."
She has a seat in front of me, a smirk on her face as she crosses her legs in her business suit. "Trust me. Jackson Tomes always lives up to expectations. He kind of excels at it."
"That's what I'm counting on."
She's quiet for a few minutes before she speaks again. "Just tell me how good he does tomorrow, I'll be sure and reward him for a job well done."
I spit my coffee out. "Bella, oh my god!"
"Like you wouldn't do the same with Hawk? The two of you need to stop dancing around one another. At some point, there's going to be something that will push the two of you together ya know?"
I don't know that, so I make a noise in my throat. "Your match-making heart can keep on dreaming."
She gives me a disbelieving look.
"So what briefs do you need to be done today?" I give her a look of my own. "This shit ain't gonna do itself."
Sighing she gets up, walking across the room to her desk. "Oh fine, kill my fun."
Within minutes, she's put some paperwork on my desk. "All of these today?" I ask as I grab my glasses out of my desk.