Ignite (The Disciples Book 4)

by Cassandra Robbins

  “I can’t believe I just got into a fight,” I mumble into his chest. The black T-shirt smells like him and I close my eyes as reality hits me.

  A fight.

  If I wasn’t so horrified, I might be proud that I stood up for myself.

  “I guess I can scratch stripping off my resume.” There’s a rumble in his chest and I gaze up into his face. His eyes scan everyone and people seem to know to stay away—other than a screaming Crystal and a somewhat dazed-looking Frenchie.

  “Jesus, Antoinette. I leave you barely two hours. What the fuck happened?” Axel’s voice snaps my head back.

  Crystal is screaming, almost hissing horrible things at me, looking like a skinny lizard as she yells and points at me.

  “Ryder, I swear to God, get ahold of her,” Axel yells.

  Ryder wraps one enormous arm around her waist as she kicks like she’s possessed or something. Her fake tits barely move.

  I stare at her. “She’s insane.”

  “Enough,” Blade bellows. “Conference room now.” He takes Eve’s hand and together they walk toward the house.

  The party continues as if this kind of thing is no big deal. Ox is busy at the large grill, laughing at a bunch of bearded bikers. Out of nowhere, there’s hollering and everyone starts whistling and catcalling.

  Fosters walks out wearing a black Speedo, his body covered in black tattoos. He holds up his arms as if he’s a god marching straight toward the pool area.

  “Jesus Christ.” Axel shakes his head as Fosters winks at us, then flexes and dives into the pool.

  He comes up screaming like a crazy man. “Who wants to sit on daddy’s face tonight?”

  Women toss off their tops and jump in. What the hell is this place?

  “It’s not fair.” Crystal struggles to get away from Ryder who does not look happy. He glares at me and my heart sinks as I hold on to Axel’s shirt.

  Ryder hates me.

  Crystal looks like the Joker. She hates me too. Don’t get me started on Frenchie.

  “Let me go, asshole,” she says like a crazed beast, but Ryder ignores her and pulls Frenchie and her toward the house.

  “Why even bother having me and Frenchie defend ourselves? Blade’s gonna take her side because she’s Axel’s,” she screams.

  “Doug, hand me her dress.” Axel’s gone into VP mode and all that I had seconds ago is gone. Doug hands me the dress and gives my hand a supportive squeeze.

  Doug turns to Axel. “You need to know Crystal was holding her head under. I have no idea what she was thinking, but that is some fucked-up shit.”

  “I guess nobody was thinking, Doug,” he sneers as he looks at me.

  I bite my bottom lip as the scorching sun beats down on me, but that’s nothing compared to the heat and power radiating off of Axel.

  “Put your dress on.” He glares at me.

  “Okay,” I hiss as the cotton rubs on my hot skin. The dress that was so soft earlier now feels like I’m wearing a burlap sack.

  “Let’s go.” He takes my hand and I have to bite my lip from begging him to carry me as my bare feet scream from the hot concrete.

  Aside from the occasional rock, it’s better on the grass. I’m so consumed with trying to make sure I don’t rip my feet open, I barely register that Amy is waiting for us at the back glass door.

  “Antoinette. You should know better.” She sighs, taking in my red skin.

  I want to say, I know. But my head is throbbing and I’m too tired to defend myself.

  “You need some aloe for your skin. I’ll put it in the bathroom.”

  Before I can even say thank you, she’s down the hall. The music seems to get louder and the air kicks on. I need to think, but I can’t. I’m surrounded by bikers drinking, laughing. Are they friendly? I have no idea. They don’t look friendly—they look scary and mean.

  Amy’s right. I’m sunburned. Why I thought I could go to a pool party and have fun is beyond me. Bella used to say the only time I ever felt at home was when I was dancing. Bella. I could use her tight hugs right about now. I miss her. I need to call her and give her my new number and I guess explain that I haven’t heard anything about our stuff or the apartment. I’ve been meaning to ask Axel, but it seems like I only remember after he’s gone.

  “What happened to my stuff at the apartment? And the people who moved in there?” My voice is raspy from choking on the water and screaming.

  Gentle hands raise my chin as I stare into the bluest eyes. How does he know that I’m at my breaking point? That I crave even the smallest amount of kindness?

  “I took care of it.”

  His thumb moves to my lips and he gently rubs them silent. Even as miserable as I am, my core clenches and my stomach flutters in response.

  Like I’m addicted.

  “You’re mine. That’s all you need to know.”

  “But something will change. Frenchie said you fucked Roxy.” His eyes darken as he looks over my head at the people around us.

  “What did I tell you last night?” he demands.

  “That you are not…”

  “Exactly. I won’t keep reassuring you. Trust me. You’ll know when I’m done.”

  It’s not exactly what I want to hear, but besides telling him the truth, I guess I need to be quiet.

  He cups my face and I close my eyes. Guess he’s giving me as much as he can.

  Then he kisses me. It’s soft and tender and I almost sigh and throw my arms around him. But I don’t because the catcalling has started.

  “Go upstairs and take a cool shower. I’ll be up to put the aloe on you. We can watch a movie and have Amy make us some dinner.”

  “Really?” I sniff, because did he just say he was gonna watch a movie with me?

  “Go on, baby. I need to talk to Blade and Crystal.”

  My head is spinning. “Wait, do you want my side of it?”

  He grins and I swear something is wrong with my heart. It flutters whenever he smiles.

  “I think I can piece it together.”

  I can’t breathe, can’t move. My skin feels like I have a fever, but it might be the way Axel makes me feel. I can’t explain it. He makes me feel alive and safe, and he sparks something in me that I’ve never experienced. I take a deep breath and let it go slowly.

  Somehow, in all of this craziness, I’ve fallen in love with him.

  It doesn’t matter if he’s good or bad. I’m like a starving artist who needs him to ignite everything inside me.

  “Go upstairs, Antoinette. I’ll take care of it. Now, go.”

  AXEL

  The sound of Crystal screaming outside the door makes me want to turn around and go upstairs. I throw the door open to a pitiful Frenchie sitting in a chair, soaking wet and almost passed out.

  “You’re gonna be sorry. I’ve already texted Derrick.” Crystal might finally have lost it.

  “Shut up, Crystal,” I say as I walk in. Eve looks up from her chair. She seems to be able to block Crystal out since she smiles at whatever and whoever is on her phone.

  “Axel. This is all your fault. You ruin everything. That woman you think is so innocent and wonderful texted me so many times begging me to let her strip. She’s a whore like all of us and you’re so—”

  I hold up my hand. “If you say one bad word about Antoinette or you think about even going near her, I’ll make it so we never see you again.” I move eye-level with her so she can see that I’m serious.

  “Okay.” Blade stands up. “Axel, let’s not put Crystal in her grave.” Blade rubs the back of his neck and glances at Eve who sits next to him.

  “Do you two understand that I’m quitting? Do you even care?” Crystal’s hands are shaking as she tries to run her fingers through her hair.

  “You held Antoinette’s head under water. I hope you—”

  “Again. This is getting us nowhere,” Blade says.

  Crystal pales and grabs hold of Frenchie’s arm giving her a shake as if she’s worried I’m coming
for her.

  “I would have let go. Trust me you have nothing to worry about. She can take care of herself.”

  “Crystal?” Blade caresses Eve’s cheek before walking over to her.

  “Yeah?” Crystal sniffs and her face is a splotchy mess. Makeup and bad skin work against her.

  “For old time’s sake, I think you need to take some time off. We go way back…”

  “I sucked your cock and fucked you and whoever else you wanted me to for years, so yeah, we go way back,” she retorts.

  “That’s it. I swear to God.” Eve throws her hands up then lunges toward Crystal. Poor Frenchie screams as Blade easily scoops Eve up.

  “Blade!” She struggles. “You let me down. I—”

  “Shh. Enough, my little badass.” Blade holds her tight, his lips at her forehead.

  “I have been loyal, Blade. Through all of it. It’s these bitches who are out to get me.” Shrieking, with her mascara running down her face, she points at Eve.

  Eve tries to jerk away again, nails out, as she reaches for Crystal. That’s my cue to leave.

  “I’ve seen enough.” I shake my head. “You’re a fucking crazy cunt, Crystal.” I head to the door.

  Crystal starts talking again, but I block her out. That’s Blade’s headache. I make my way to the kitchen hoping to catch Amy for some lunch since it’s barely noon.

  “Amy?” I yell, smiling that it’s deserted. We probably have close to ninety maybe over a hundred Disciples partying and no one dares come in and mess with Amy or her kitchen.

  “I just dropped off some smoothies and a couple grilled cheese sandwiches for you two.”

  “Thank you.” I kiss the top of her head. “And the aloe?”

  “I set it on the dresser. She was in the shower.” She goes to the refrigerator and stops as she prepares to open it. “She’s vulnerable right now, so be careful with her.” She cocks her head to look at me.

  “Meaning?”

  “I think you already know.” She pulls open the door and I guess I’m dismissed.

  I hate when Amy pulls the mom card. It’s obvious she likes Antoinette—everyone likes Antoinette. She has that light that captures you despite her standoffish behavior.

  I’ve been lucky to get everything I’ve wanted and have zero regrets. My childhood was fine, my parents weren’t perfect but far from shit. My mom is bitter and worked too much. And my dad was a cheat and drank too much. But I wasn’t abused, and they tried to do the best they knew how.

  Edge, Dolly, even Blade had some shitty childhoods, but me, I went along and did my thing. I had my music, friends, and baby sister.

  She was an oops baby and the last straw to my parents’ marriage. My dad’s anger problem and drinking got him fired. He moved in with his secretary and didn’t even show up for Gia’s first five birthdays. I can’t blame my mom for hating him and Gia for having daddy issues. But I kind of coasted through it. I started a band, hung out with Jason and David, and had it all.

  Even deciding to leave the Dicks to get patched in as a Disciple was not a struggle. I knew what I wanted. I’ve always known what I wanted.

  So, this delicate ballerina has derailed my inner peace and my plans to never have to worry about anyone but my sister and the club.

  I should be done with her. Instead I’m smoking a cigarette and watching my brothers party when all I want is to go upstairs, eat grilled cheese sandwiches, fuck, and watch movies all day with her.

  What the hell?

  “You okay, man?” I look over at Rip who’s walking toward me, a bottle of Wild Turkey in one hand and a joint in the other.

  I don’t answer him and inhale my cigarette and take the joint. I’m smoking too much lately—another way I know I’m not on my game.

  “Look, don’t beat yourself up about all this.” The expression in his sky-blue eyes is not unlike the way I used to look at Blade or even Edge when I would have to give them a pep talk about how it’s okay to lose your balls to a woman.

  “Not a word, Rip,” I grumble as I take a drag, not even caring what strain this is. As long as I don’t have to hear pity in his voice, I’m fine.

  He laughs. “I’m gonna go fuck Destiny. She wanted me to ask if you want to join.” His eyes meet mine, challenging me.

  I should.

  I need to.

  It’s what I do. I fuck whoever I want. Sometimes more than one girl. Party all night and well into the morning, and I love every minute of it.

  My mind flashes to Destiny. She’s a goddamn pro at threesomes. A complete giver. She can take a cock in her ass and one in her cunt and come in seconds. So why the fuck does this not seem appealing?

  Rip waits as if this is a test.

  But it’s not a test because he knows I have zero interest. “You have fun.”

  I hand him the joint and he pats my shoulder as I stiffen. That’s my move. I’ve done it to all the guys when I want to show support, but secretly I’m thinking they’re sad, pathetic bastards.

  “Don’t ever pat my shoulder again,” I snarl. Turning, I take the stairs two at a time. She’s not in our bedroom.

  The aloe that Amy was talking about sits on my dresser.

  “Cookie?” My phone vibrates and I pull it out. There’s a text from Derrick saying he supports all my decisions. That makes me snort.

  The next text is from Crystal.

  Crystal: You’re a dick. Last straw asshole. U will be sorry!!! Not coming back. Vegas is where it’s at!

  Crystal: fuck off and die.

  I’ve wanted to do this for years. I block her and hope she’s gone forever.

  After years of her shit, bad energy, and all-around being a terrible person, could we actually get this lucky?

  Just let Crystal slither away, never to be heard from again. I smirk at the idea that my little princess got rid of her in three weeks, while all of us have been trying for more than fifteen years.

  My room is clean. Amy must have straightened up when she dropped off all the stuff. There seem to be two aloe bottles: one straight aloe, the other soothing cocoa butter mixed with aloe.

  “Antoinette?” I walk into the other room to find her, then stop, as I can’t help but throw my head back and laugh. I open my mouth to say something, but she looks so dejected I can’t help but laugh again. She stands, hair down, wearing one of my old Dicks T-shirts that almost comes down to her knees. She’s fucking adorable and unfortunately beet red.

  “Baby, come on it’s only a little sunburn.” I try to hold back a laugh.

  “It’s not funny.” She sniffs and tries to cover her face but stops herself as if she realizes the pain.

  “Nice shirt.” I stop in front of her.

  “Amy said you would be okay if I borrowed it. I can’t wear any dance stuff, or anything tight, or…” She bites her bottom lip and even though she’s favoring the shade of a lobster, with her light blond hair, she’s never looked more gorgeous.

  “Here, let’s get you fixed up.” I lift the bottom of my shirt. And she doesn’t even try to stop me.

  “That bad, huh?” My eyes take in her naked body. She’s red all over except the small white lines that her bikini covered.

  My cock hardens, yet she looks like she wants to cry.

  “Let’s get you some Advil and lie on the bed. I’ll massage the aloe in, and you’ll be fine in the morning.”

  It’s a lie. She’s still gonna be fried in the morning, but she seems happy with what I said and slowly crawls onto the bed.

  Her ass looks fucking hot. It’s red and that little tease of white makes me grit my teeth as I jerk open the medicine cabinet for the Advil.

  She sighs and I shake my head. Poor Antoinette. There’s no way I can’t not fuck her. I’m ready to bust out of my jeans. I take off my shirt and unbutton the top button of my jeans, at least trying to give him some room.

  I should let her rest. But fuck that. I have something way better.

  I turn and open up my buffet and grab the bottle.
This might be Rip’s greatest achievement. He perfected this product a couple of years ago. We sell it at only one of our dispensaries and online, although it takes him time to make it, so it’s popular to say the least.

  I walk out and admire her ass. Fuck, I want it. It teases me as I walk past to get her a bottled water for the Advil.

  “Here, Cookie.” She grins and swallows them right down. “Okay let’s get you feeling better.” I grab a pillow. “Here let’s put this under your stomach.” She gets on all fours and I groan, causing her to grin and raise an eyebrow.

  “Lie down and be a good girl.”

  I take the bottle and get on the bed. She stiffens but stays still. “Open your legs.” She slowly does but not nearly enough.

  I unscrew the top of the gold bottle and fill the dropper. When I spread her legs further, she gasps.

  “Wait. What happened to aloe?”

  “Shh, relax, baby.” I reach down and spread her ass open more to drip the liquid oil onto it, watching as she instinctively clenches up, then relaxes, letting it drip right in.

  “Fuck, I want this ass.” My voice is harsh, and she tries to move.

  “Don’t move. Your sunburn will hurt.”

  “But, oh my God.” She puffs in and out as I open her lips and drip the rest on her clit.

  “Good girl. You’re gonna be warm and blissful in a minute and not even remember about your burn.”

  I smile. Her breathing is harsh; her hands clutch the sheets and her face relaxes. That’s the magic of this formula. It’s quick to stimulate, but if you give your body time to absorb the hemp and other ingredients, the release is another level. I intended to wait before I took her ass, but this might be exactly what she needs. I set down the bottle and pump a large amount of the cocoa butter-aloe lotion into my hands and slowly and gently rub it on her back. She hisses but I can tell the hemp oil is distracting her already. I slather it all over her arms and back, massaging her tight, defined muscles in small circles.

  “Axel,” she says on a sigh, moaning as I start on her legs and feet. “I think that’s enough massaging.”

  I can’t help but smile. “Just breathe. Trust me,” I say, massaging her ass.