Salem Charm: Book 3 of Colson Brothers Series

by Madison, Reese

  “You don’t know Gunner.” He laughed and kissed my forehead. “Alright, here we go. Don’t forget we’re the black knight, he almost always wins.”

  Lou didn’t hoot and cheer like the rest of the audience, but he did clap and look to me often. I think he wants to make sure I’m having fun.

  Truth be told, I am having fun! The knights are all so handsome with their long hair and fancy outfits. The tricks they perform in unison are very entertaining. The fake fighting could use some work, but hey, it’s a kid’s show. The red knight won tonight, but Lou didn’t seem to care.

  Afterwards we walked down the strip taking in the cool night air.

  Lou felt me shiver when a breeze blew down the street and took his jacket off to help me into it. “This reminds me. Why did you take my cut with you into the bar that morning in Arizona?”

  “I was cold. It was closer than my jacket. Why?” Uh oh. Here it comes.

  “There’s only two reasons a woman puts on a cut. One, he’s picking her up off the side of the road and she needs protection for riding. And two, if she’s his old lady.” Red had already explained this, but it was nice to hear it from him.

  I hugged myself in the warmth of the heavy leather. “Why do you call your wives ‘old ladies’? It sounds horribly degrading.”

  “Not at all. When a man refers to a woman as his old lady that means he wants to grow old with her.” He clarified.

  “Well, as I have no intention of growing old gracefully, I would appreciate you not calling me that.”

  “It’s a term of endearment. It means wife. I like you in my cut. You’re the first to wear it besides myself.”

  “I am??”

  “Yes my dear, I’ve told you, I don’t date. It’s been three years since my last half ass girlfriend, and she didn’t hang around very long. She couldn’t handle my being gone all the time.” He explained. “The few so-called girlfriends I’ve had knew better than to try to wear my cut.”

  “If things settle down on my end, and you go back to work. Where does that leave me?” I changed the subject not wanting to talk about his ex-girlfriends any longer.

  “I’ll find work that doesn’t take me away from home. Speaking of home. Since you can’t go back to yours, do you want to come to mine? We should leave Vegas tomorrow.”

  “Where do you live?”

  “Just outside Seattle in a town called Newcastle.”

  “Is it as cold and rainy as I’ve heard?”

  “Probably, but now you have me and all your new leather riding gear to keep you warm.” He hugged me to him.

  Once back in our room I poured a glass of wine and sat by the window. The dinner and show took my mind off things for a while, but now it’s getting crowded again inside my head. I have this strong need to put all of this behind me. To forget about Paulie and this money.

  Lou sat down on the floor beside me with a beer, “You okay?.”

  I shrugged, “I feel guilty. I mean, my father, Mr. Whitmore, was never there for me unless it meant writing a check, but maybe I should send for his remains.” I sipped my whiskey grateful for the strong flavor and Lou’s presence to help me work through these thoughts.

  “We have another problem.” He started but let it hang waiting for me to catch up.

  I looked over to him and turned so I could see him better. “Okay, I’m ready.” I took a deep breath and another sip. “Tell me.”

  “As my old lady I’m going to protect you with every resource I have. That means involving my family, the club to be exact. We’re talking about a full scale mob on club war. That hasn’t happened in over ten years.”

  I sighed, “I can’t just hand him over money that was not his to begin with. I can’t help that my father botched a deal for him, and deal gone bad does not entitle him to compensation in this case.”

  “This could get very ugly over your pride.” He argued.

  “It’s not pride, it’s smart. If I let him bully me out of the eight million, then that opens me up to be bullied out of everything that’s left of my father’s empire. I don’t care how Mr. Whitmore acquired his money, it’s mine now. I’ll clean my own house where it needs to be cleaned. I’ll make the retributions where it’s needed, but I won’t just hand over that kind of money because he feels slighted.”

  “I understand your point, please tell me you heard what I said.” He insisted.

  “I heard you, and I get it. Lou, if you don’t want the club involved, then don’t get them involved. I can hire a security team, even some thugs if I have to. I won’t hold it against you if you want to step away from this.”

  “Not an option. You’re my old lady, and you’ll be my wife. I’m just trying to talk some sense into you.”

  “I don’t want to ruin a perfectly good evening. Can we fight about this tomorrow?”

  His eyes darted over mine, “No. I’m afraid you’re about to get really pissed off at me.”

  “Why?”

  “I can’t let you do this. Not just because you could start a war, but because it’s too dangerous. I won’t lose you my love. I’ll take your anger over your death any day.” He stood up.

  “Where are you going?”

  “To call Myles and have him take over your father’s company in your place. I don’t want you anywhere near those illegal businesses. When Myles sorts things out you can have it all back. By then we should have Paulie taken care of.”

  “You can’t do that. It’s my company, he can’t make a move without my consent.”

  “I know, that’s why you’re going to hire him as CEO and give him the right to do whatever he wants.”

  “You can’t force me to sign anything.”

  “If you don’t give Myles CEO rights, you’re going to get him killed.”

  I looked at him, “Are you blackmailing me??”

  “Yes. Turn over the company, or put Myles at more risk than he already is. I won’t back down on this, and I’m sure he’ll agree. I’m sorry kitten, but you need to do what I tell you. Please.” He’s a little too calm.

  I just sat there in shock. Did he just rip the rug out from under me? I believe he did. Now I’m trapped. Caged. Mad. Very, very mad. “I don’t really want to see you right now.”

  “Are you asking me to leave?”

  “No, just get out of my face before I punch you in yours.” I really wanted to cry, but not in front of him. I don’t want to be consoled, I want to go stark raving mad, alone.

  He stood, “I’m sorry baby. This is the only way I know to protect you, and my family. I can’t be responsible for a mob war. Not for you, not for anyone.”

  I closed my eyes. “Please stop talking to me.”

  “Alright. I’ll be in the bedroom. I love you Barbara, please don’t take that lightly, or forget it.”

  I turned to lean my forehead against the glass. I let the tears fall as soon as I sensed he was out of the room. Everything, gone. Just like that. One week ago I had everything. Income. A distant but caring enough father to see to my education and make sure I had a job wherever I wanted. A car. I was just getting used to life at home full-time when Lou showed up.

  Now this. My real father is a mob enforcer, my boyfriend is a Transporter for this motorcycle club, Myles is God knows where, and I’m crying over the most beautiful lights in the country.

  Lou wants to marry me. I don’t think so, not after this. I suppose I could just sell everything off, pay the eight million dollars, and put a stop to all this. No. That’s not me. I won’t be bullied like that. But my pride will start a war. I never asked for Lou’s help!! Why can’t he just… what? Walk away?

  I remember that feeling. It sucked. I have a choice to make. My pride, or Lou. This has to be my choice, or I’ll resent him. I love him, but resentment can burn low and slow, destroying a
relationship. So I’ve read.

  I stood up and jumped a little when I saw him leaning on the door frame leading into the bedroom. “You scared me. Have you been standing there the whole time?”

  He shrugged. “Only after I talked to Myles for a minute.”

  “Look, we need to talk about this.”

  “Talk.” His mood is about as dark as mine right now.

  “I’ll sell everything, and pay the eight million. Whatever is left I’ll find something else to do with it. This can’t be your decision, it has to be mine.”

  He nodded, “That works just fine for me. Let Myles sell everything off. I don’t want you anywhere near those companies or the money.”

  “I hardly see how it matters whether I do it or not, Paulie still gets the money.” I argued.

  “I told you, I don’t want you anywhere near Mr. Whitmore’s bullshit. If he’s got shady companies, and it sounds like he does, you could get in serious trouble. Let Myles handle it.” He insisted.

  “You’re ripping the rug out from under me Lou, and I have to tell you, I do not like it one bit.”

  “I know. I’d apologize, but I’m not sorry. I’m going to protect you if it’s the last thing I do.” He vowed.

  “I don’t need your protection, I have Myles and his security team.” I argued and walked over to plop on the couch and pick up the remote.

  “Am I allowed to come sit with you?”

  “Why are you asking me?? You’re going to do whatever you want anyway!” I flipped the channels hoping there is something on that will help calm my temper.

  He sat down at the other end of the couch and settled in the corner with his left arm on the side and right across the back. Then he set his ankle on his knee. “How long are you going to be mad?”

  “Until I’m not.” I snapped.

  “I’m assuming if I try to justify my actions it’s only going to make things worse?”

  “Yes. I believe if you were to stop talking for a while I might not throw something at you.”

  He just sat there watching me flip channels.

  It was unnerving. “Stop staring at me.”

  “I can’t. The way you looked at me over there is embedded in my brain. It’s killing me kitten.”

  “Good. I don’t like being bullied, or controlled in your case. And I really hate it when you’re right.”

  He sat still in his little corner for a little while longer.

  Then suddenly he shifted and put his head in my lap.

  I looked down and sighed, “Don’t try to be cute. I’m very mad at you.”

  “Do you understand why I’m doing this?”

  I resisted the urge to let my fingers play in his unruly hair. “I understand you’re worried about my safety, but that was not the way to handle it.”

  “Probably not, but I don’t know another way.”

  “You could have talked to me.”

  “You weren’t listening, and you were talking about endangering the lives of a lot of people. People I care a great deal about. I couldn’t allow it.”

  “I’m still not very happy with you.”

  “That’s a step up from mad as hell.” He found my hand and put it under his on his chest.

  “I don’t like feeling trapped.”

  “You feel trapped?”

  “I feel like everything is out of my control. I’m always in control.”

  “I’m sorry baby. I wasn’t trying to trap you, or make you feel helpless. If you want to help Myles from Seattle over the phone, you can.” He sounded like he was giving me permission.

  “Gee thanks Master.” I complained and smacked him lightly in the face with a couch pillow.

  He smiled. “I could get used to you calling me Master.”

  I smacked him harder. “You wish.”

  “I don’t like it when you’re mad at me.”

  “Good, serves you right for taking everything away from me.”

  “I didn’t do it to hurt you.”

  “Which is the only reason I haven’t kicked your big butt to the floor.”

  “So, you get it?” He asked again obviously still concerned.

  I melted, poor guy really does love me. He’s been stalking me for half an hour for forgiveness. “Yes, I suppose I get it. Next time you think about doing something like this, I want you to talk to me first.”

  “I’ll try, but I’m not so sure you would have listened. You’re a stubborn little southern belle.”

  “And you’re a controlling biker with eyes that make me melt. It’s truly unfair of you to use them like weapons you know.”

  “Weapons?”

  “Yes. I shouldn’t be telling you this, but that’s why I couldn’t look at you earlier. You disarm me with those baby blues.” I confessed.

  “Good to know. Quite honestly you have the same effect on me.” He reached up and tucked my hair behind my ear. “I love you Barbara. Are we okay?”

  “Well, you’re still in the dog house, but I’m not quite as mad as I was before.”

  “So, getting you naked is probably out?”

  “It most certainly is.” I decided trying to keep the smile from my lips.

  “That’s too bad. I bet you could go for a little stress relief.”

  “I’m quite enjoying my anger right now.”

  He cocked his eyebrow, “Really?”

  I tugged a lock of his hair with my free hand. “I refuse to give you the pleasure, especially since you won’t let me play.” I reminded him.

  7

  “Are we really going back to that?” He sighed and I could tell he was losing his patience with me.

  “Well? Why are you so stubborn?”

  “Because I want it to be perfect for you. I told you that earlier.”

  “How do you know what’s perfect for me? Maybe perfect for me is being able to give you what you give me.” I’m having a hard time with the right words here.

  He sat up and turned to face me, “Okay, obviously I need to be more clear. You’re a beautiful, smart, sexy, virgin. You deserve to be treated like a princess, not have me making a mess all over you.”

  I felt my face heat up as I blushed. The idea of him in the throw of passion quickened my pulse.

  “Are you smiling??” He asked lifting my chin. “Barbara. What’s so funny?”

  “Not funny, intriguing.”

  He studied my face and searched my eyes for a few seconds. “How far do you want to go? Maybe if you tell me I won’t feel like such a pervert.”

  “Why do you feel like a pervert?” I truly don’t understand.

  “I’m a man having some seriously sexy thoughts about a proper lady. I shouldn’t be thinking about your naked body and all that hair on my chest while you sit on.”

  I put my finger to his lips silencing him, “Okay, I get the idea.”

  He took my hand and kissed the back. “Again I ask, for Barbara?”

  “I’m not on birth control, and I don’t trust condoms.”

  “Okay, we’ll take care of that. You should know that I’m planning to marry you, so no condoms. I don’t want anything between us. I can wait for the birth control to kick in. There’re plenty of other things we can do to get to know each other.” He reasoned, then grinned a very sexy evil grin.

  “Will you stop dictating how everything goes between us in that bed?” I nodded to the bedroom.

  He gave me that wicked smile that warms my heart, “Can I dictate just a little?” He made that thumb and finger gesture meaning ‘a little’.

  I laughed and crawled into his lap for a hug. “Okay, but turn about is fair play. You’re not the only bossy one in this relationship.” I sat back and looked at him. Did you say you wanted to marry me?”
<
br />   He stood taking me with him in his long strong arms. “That I did. Maybe if you let me out of that bed in time we can go find you a ring before we leave tomorrow.”

  “I haven’t said yes yet.” He is kidding, right??

  He set me on the bed, “I’ll ask with a ring in my hand.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’m going to turn off the television in the other room and get some waters. You’ve been drinking too much lately. Probably my fault.” He complained and left.

  I rolled my eyes and turned the covers down. I thought about going to freshen up, but Lou is already back and setting glasses of water on the night stands. When he finished he walked over and shut the large double doors with one swing of his large wingspan.

  The devilish grin is back as he looks at me, he’s still lingering at the door.

  “What are you doing way over there?”

  He took two steps and launched himself on the bed at me. I screamed as he tickled and wrestled me under him. The grin is back as he hovers with me pinned and panting under him. “I love you Barbara. You know that?”

  I played in his maturing beard and tilted my head, “How do you know you love me?”

  “Do you want the short list, or the long list?”

  “You have lists?”

  “I do.” He gummed my fingers as they passed his lips.

  “I want the long list.”

  He slid off to his elbow beside me and put his hand flat on my stomach. His eyes stayed on his hand as his thumb moved back and forth. “I’ve dealt with a lot of people in my time. So many in fact no matter what they do it fails to surprise me. You surprise me at every turn.” He looked up now and untucked my shirt. “I look into your eyes and I wonder what you’re thinking, because I’m sure it’s something that will throw me off guard. Don’t get me started on your body. I’ve had three fashion shows from you in the last week and I can’t decided which is more beautiful. The southern belle, the sexy short skirt Vegas goddess, or the comfortable jeans and sweater look.”

  “I like jeans.” I giggled as he popped the button on the ones I’m wearing.

  He smiled and kissed my nose. “Don’t interrupt, I’m not done yet. You said you wanted the long list. Be patient.” He scolded playfully.