by Shyla Colt
She scowled.
“Look I’m being straight up. I’ve put more into you than any other bitch. You should remember that the next time you want to lay into me for shit I’m not responsible for.”
She dropped her head, and he grunted.
Good, that shit sank in. “I know this isn’t what you’re used to, but you been around us long enough to know what’s up. Get your mind right and gather your thoughts before we head back out.”
“What about the girls?” she asked.
“We’re bringing them into the fold. I know they didn’t like the thought of being surrounded by a bunch of rowdy men they don’t know, but this is for their own good.”
“Thank God.”
He saw the pinched expression he’d fucked away weeks ago return. Not on my watch. “Fuck that, we’re getting you wasted.”
“What?” She glanced up and waved her hands from side to side. “No, that’s a terrible idea.”
“You got somewhere to be tomorrow?” he deadpanned.
“You fucking know I don’t.” She narrowed her eyes at him and he laughed.
“Exactly.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to the door.
“You ass, don’t you do it.”
They crossed the threshold. She growled.
“You keep this up I’m going to start calling you Kitty. Imagine all the pussy jokes that’d come your way.”
She quickly wiped the animosity from her face and fluttered her eyelashes.
“Much better. You’re so pretty when you’re being a good girl.” She clenched her jaw, and he chuckled. “I’ll prove I’m a nice guy. I’ll let you pick your own poison.”
“You’re a real prince, Hawk.”
“I’m glad to hear you think so, babe.” He slid his hand down to rest on her ass. “’Cause you know I think the world of you too.” He gave her cheek a healthy squeeze, and she squeaked jumping slightly.
“Oh believe me, I’m dreaming of all the things I want to do you to right now,” she said with false sweetness. The tone was light, but her eyes promised torture and death.
“Damn, you got her begging you for it, don’t you?” Shooter said flashing them a wink.
Hawk laughed harder. Shooter knew this was a bullshit ruse. The bastard just wanted to get his licks in for the shit he’d given him over his old lady, the librarian.
“Yeah, I’m just irresistible like that, isn’t that right, Ariel?” he asked, patting her ass.
“I can barely keep my hands off you.” She dropped her voice an octave and leaned in to him. “I just want to rub all over your body.” The husky tone made his dick hard, and the fingertips she trailed down his waist were doing nothing to help the situation. She paused at his waistband and he silently dared her to continue. Fire flashed in her eyes and she cupped the bulge in his pants.
“You’re so big and hard. I just want to ride you all night long.”
Hawk dropped his jaw, and Shooter choked. “Too bad you promised me drinks first, huh?” She pouted. “Because you’re such a man of your word you always keep your promises. It’s why I enjoy being with you so much.” She swayed her body from side to side slowly, continuing her massage as she laid it on thick. Nothing about this woman was ditzy. He ground his teeth together and covered her hand with his own rubbing against them and creating friction.
“Oh don’t worry, baby. I’ll let you take care of this tonight.”
“Hopefully, I won’t be too drunk.” She pulled away and grinned. “I want tequila please.” She practically skipped over to the bar and Shooter burst into laughter.
“She outmaneuvered you there, brother,” Shooter said.
“I’ll let her think she did.”
He watched as she spoke to Summer and then glanced over her shoulder at him, flashing a smirk. Tonight I’ll show her what happens when she plays with fire. For the rest of the night he continued to ply her with tequila, watching as the tension eased from her body and around her eyes. Giggles burst forth from her ruby-red lips and he knew she was straddling the line between obligations and feeling good. He strode up to her, interrupting her giggle fest with Summer. Joey and Evonne were long gone, and Juliette was occupied in Shooter’s room.
“Time to call it a night, siren.”
“But I’m not done drinking, yet,” she said pouting.
He brought his arms up to rest on the bar, boxing her in with his body. “Yes you are.”
She bit her bottom lip. “Damn, you make my panties wet when you take charge like that.”
He brushed her lips with his. “I do, do I? Tell me more.”
She opened her mouth and shut it shaking her head. “It’s the liquor talking.”
“Liar, it loosened your tongue; it didn’t change your personality.” He bit her full bottom lip and she moaned, pressing her hips against his. She was beautiful this way, uninhibited and frisky.
“We need to get you back to the room before you do something you’ll regret.”
She met his eyes and smiled lazily. “Oh, I wouldn’t regret it, not really.”
“Shit, babe.” He scooped her up and carried her to his room. The minute he closed the door behind her, he slammed her back against the wall. She latched on to his mouth, nipping and trailing her fingertips down his cut. The wildness had his dick ready to split the seam of his jeans. He moaned. She sucked on his tongue, sending his eyeballs rolling into the back of his head.
“Need you.” She tugged at his cut and he pulled back, helping her drag it down his torso. He tossed it onto the bed as she leaned against the door, watching him from beneath lowered lids. With her swollen lips and disheveled hair, she resembled an otherworldly sex goddess. I’d worship at her altar anytime. “I have a surprise for you,” she whispered. Her voice was whiskey rough and slightly breathy.
“Oh yeah, what’s that?”
“Look under my skirt and find out.”
He yanked up her black skirt and growled at the sight of her trimmed pussy. “You went commando, babe?”
“You like?” she whispered.
“Let me show you how much.” He knelt down, spread her lips apart with his fingers and licked a path up her slippery slit. “Already wet for me.”
“Always.” He flicked her clit. She buried a hand in his hair. “Oh yes.” She widened her stance and put one leg over his shoulder. Her body quivered as he pushed inside with his stiff tongue and explored everything he could reach. Her flavor filled his mouth, and he moaned, making love to her with his tongue. He didn’t want rough and impersonal with this woman. He wanted to learn her every secret and bring her pleasure in a way no man ever had or would. She rocked against him and he moaned as she slowly fell to pieces, yielding her sweet liquid. The heat washed down his throat and he sucked her clit into his mouth to wring all he could out of her orgasm. His scalp protested her tight grip and he fed on her violence. When her hand went loose, he pulled back. “I knew you had a lioness in there, babe.”
“Were not done yet,” she whispered.
“You got something in mind?” Hawk arched an eyebrow.
“M-my turn to have control.”
“You think you can handle it, babe?”
“Can you?”
“I guess we’re about to find if. But if you’re going to bring it you’d best come correct.”
“Lie on the bed.” She spoke the words carefully. Her eyes darkened and goose bumps broke out on his flesh.
“All right, we’ll play it your way.” He walked back to the bed, shed his white T-shirt and sank down.
“You lie. I’ll do the rest.”
Knots formed in his stomach and pre-come leaked from his head. Fuck, this bitch has me wet.
He lay back on the bed and watched her stride toward him with purposeful steps. Her fingers were nimble as she unbuckled his belt and tugged down his pants and boxers.
“You’ve been fucking me in so many ways since we started this arrangement.” She pumped his length. “Now I’m going to turn
the tables and fuck you.” She tightened her grip, and he moaned. “And you’re going to love every minute of it.” Releasing him, she swung a leg over his hip and lowered her body down to his cock. Her heat engulfed him and he moaned as she slid up and down, grinding into him. He brought his hand up to grip her hips.
“Hands off or I stop. My show.”
“Fuck. You know this will only last so long, don’t you, babe?”
“Hmm.” She smirked, rose up, gripped his base, and took him in one swift motion that stole his breath. Fully sheathed inside her, he could hardly remember his name as she worked her way up and slammed back down over and over again. She flexed her muscles. “That’s right. You take it now, big boy.” She dug her nails into his chest and he lost touch with reality, thrusting into her fast and hard. She rode him like seasoned cowboy, taking all he had to offer and giving it right back. He watched her bend back to grab her ankles and damn near spilled inside her. The new angle took him deep and gave him a view of her sexy shape. Her muscles quivered, and she opened her mouth in a silent scream, bringing him over the edge as her walls clamped down on him.
“Fuck, I can’t stop coming.” He flooded her, growling as he continued to rock inside her. Spent and stunned by her display, he collapsed on the bed as she crawled onto his chest and molded her naked form to his.
“I learned a few things from the girls.”
“Remind me to thank a bitch later,” he said.
Chapter Ten
“Hey Red, come over here and help me with lunch.”
Ariel glanced up and froze. Is Hawk’s mom talking to me? She placed a hand on her chest.
“Yeah, you’re the only one rocking fire locks right now,” she said with a kind smile.
Shit. She has no clue what’s actually go on around here. I’ll just do what she asks, keep the conversation polite and casual, and run for the hills the first opening I get.
“I’m Feather,” she said holding out her hand.
“Ariel,” she said shaking it kindly.
“Cute.”
“Better than the other option.”
“Oh, what was that?”
Heat infused her cheeks. “Harpy.”
Feather threw her hair back and laughed. She was beautiful with olive skin, high cheekbones, full lips, and dark black hair threaded with gray and pulled back into a braid that crept down her back. She was biker royalty in a pair of formfitting dark wash denim with white crosses stitched on the back and a scoop neck black T-shirt that flattered her collarbone and hinted at cleavage. It was tasteful and flattering. She had to be in her mid-fifties, judging by her sons’ ages, but she could’ve easily passed for a woman in her forties. “I think you and I will get along just fine. I can’t stand those giggly girls who take too long to answer my questions and don’t have a domestic bone in their bodies. I’ll leave them for the men to be amused by.”
Her jaw dropped. Hearing the woman speak so plainly about the way the club worked threw her off.
Feather laughed. “Oh honey, you must be new.”
Ariel nodded her head.
“Just between us girls. Not my man.” She winked and spun on her heel. “Come on, we’ve got a lot of work to do, and they’ll be coming in here starved before we know it.”
Ariel followed Feather into the kitchen and admired the stainless steel appliances, massive fridge, freezer, and butcher block counter tops. A large island lined with chairs rested in the middle of the room.
“They really went all out with this new kitchen. I approve. I remember trying to make magic on that ratty old thing from the eighties in the old club before it died a well-deserved death,” Feather said.
Ariel chuckled. She liked Feather. She had a good sense of humor and a warmth not all of the old ladies showed the lower-ranking woman.
“Can you cook, Ariel?”
“I can. What are we making?”
“I figure we’ll do barbecue fare. We’ll get the patties out and thawing, marinate some chicken, make potato salad, baked beans and a regular salad for those who don’t eat meat. I figure getting the boys grilling and everyone outside would be a good way to take their minds off things. We came in at a tense time. A blind man can sense that. It’s up to us to lighten the mood and make them forget their troubles, if only for a few minutes.”
“I make a mean potato salad if you want me to get started on that,” Ariel offered.
“Perfect, I’ll pull the patties out and start making the marinade from scratch.”
“Good. I’ll start gathering materials,” Ariel said, happy to have a plan mapped out. She hunted down the right tool, set herself up on a stretch of counter space, and moved to wash her hands.
“I have to confess, I was surprised to see you with my Hawk,” Feather said ten minutes into the prep process.
“Oh,” Ariel said.
“He’s not the type to take on the responsibility of a house mouse.”
“The president asked him to.”
“Honey, you realize I wasn’t born yesterday, right? Whatever you are, a house mouse isn’t it. Not with the way he looks and acts around you.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Girl, don’t play dumb; it doesn’t become you. You’ve managed to penetrate my boy’s titanium shell. That’s impressive.”
Ariel continued to peel the potatoes, unsure how to approach the awkward situation she found herself in. “We’re friends. He is doing a favor for Tiny. We get along because we’ve come to an understanding.”
“Do you really believe that?” Feather said.
“Yes.”
“Then you’re both clueless.” Feather clucked her tongue.
“I’m not sure what you want from me, Feather,” Ariel said as her nerves were plucked like a guitar string.
“Some honesty for starters. What is it you really do?”
Ariel sighed. Torn between pissing off Hawk’s mom and keeping her cover, she decided to go with ambiguous but honest answers. “I’m a writer.”
“A reporter?” The contempt in her voice was staggering.
“No, a fiction writer, romantic suspense mostly.”
“Oh, that’s lovely,” Feather gushed.
The woman thawed so fast, Ariel couldn’t help but chuckle.
“We’ve had some of those yuppie reporters cozy up to one of the boys, try to get in and get the scoop on what goes around here before. So you’ll have to forgive me for my earlier response.”
“Are they insane?” Ariel asked, thinking about how serious Mayhem took their privacy.
Feather barked a laugh. “He landed a smart one.”
“We’re really not…anything.”
“You keep saying that, and I’m going to get offended on my son’s behalf. Is he not good enough for you?”
“What? No. I mean yes, yes he is. I just don’t believe he wants to be in a deeply committed relationship.”
“Honey none of them are ever looking for it. Given the way he damn near ripped Rayen’s throat out, I’d say he’s found it, regardless.”
Ariel ground her teeth and continued to peel.
“Did Ursula steal your voice, little mermaid?” Feather teased.
She snickered. “No, I’m just not sure what to tell you. What’s between Rayen and Hawk runs far deeper than me.”
“That is true, but I know what I saw. It’s a mother’s job to protect her children. If you’re just looking for a good time you need to let him know. I won’t have some long-legged mermaid coming in and breaking my boy’s heart. I’ll show you what a real witch looks like if that happens.”
The steel in her voice was damn frightening. It reminded her of Hawk. Maybe he got his scariness from both of his parents.
“No disrespect meant, ma’am. But I think whatever we decided to do or not do is between us. If you have an issue, you can take it up with Hawk. It’s not my place.”
“Good girl.”
Ariel set down her peeler and turned to see the woman’s
dark eyes filled to the brim with approval.
“Were you testing me?” she asked.
“Someone has to,” Feather said with a shrug.
I’m not sure how I feel about that. Clearly the den mother has returned to the roost. “Okay,” Ariel said turning back to continue her task.
“How long have you been writing?” Feather asked, dropping the personal inquisition about her connection to Hawk.
“Almost six years now.”
“Do you like it?”
“I love it,” she said as they slipped into pleasant conversation.
“Hey, Mom, have you seen…” Hawk’s voice trailed off.
“Yes your enchanting sea princess has been helping me in the kitchen. You want to go fire up the grill?” Feather said.
Hawk looked uncertain as he hovered in the doorway.
Ariel shrugged. She only did what she was asked.
“Yeah, come on, Ariel, let’s go get things started.”
Please don’t be pissed.
“Take some of the chicken with you. It’s going to take longer,” Feather said cheerfully.
Numbly, Ariel grabbed the container of chicken and a brush to apply more marinade as she followed Hawk out to the deck that housed a monster-sized grill. They stepped outside, and she held her breath.
“What the fuck was that?” Hawk asked.
“Your mom trying to pump me for information I think.”
“What did you tell her?”
“Nothing. That you were doing Tiny a favor, and we weren’t serious.” The same thing you tell everyone else. “She said she knew I wasn’t just some house mouse, and I didn’t correct her. Told her I was a writer. She got a kick out of that.”
His silence as he moved to the grill made her nervous. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No, you did right,” he said.
“Then why do I feel like something’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” He shook his head, turned on the propane and used the long red-handled lighter to get a fire going.
Unease settled in her stomach. She ran over her conversation with Feather. She’d done what he asked her to, kept her cover for the most part, respected his mother who was an old lady, and did what she’d been asked to. Her stomach knotted like fishing line. She’d gotten used to things between them being easy and comforting. This was the cold Hawk she once knew. God, she was right. This has gone so much further than a casual hookup. The melancholy that swept over her deepened as they completed their task in silence. They returned to the kitchen, and she found herself unable to take the strain between them.