Kings of Mayhem (The Kings of Mayhem Book 1)

by Penny Dee

  Why did I tell Cade that Anson was still my fiancé?

  The truth? It wasn’t planned. But when Cade showed up looking so damn beautiful and my stupid heart went all achy for him, I realized I’d fallen back in love with him.

  And that was bad.

  Like super bad.

  Because where my heart was concerned, Cade Calley was my kryptonite.

  So, my self-preservation kicked in, and telling Cade I was engaged erected a wall between us and gave me the space I needed to think about what had happened and how the pieces all fit together.

  Now my safe house was leaving to go back to Seattle. We left the barbecue at the motorcycle club early so he could catch his flight home. He insisted I didn’t need to drive him, but I was grateful for the excuse to get away, especially from Cade’s watchful eye. I needed to catch my breath, and the drive out of town to the airport was exactly what I needed.

  As we stood in the departure lounge at the airport, I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him. His warm, familiar smell was both a comfort and a reminder that we were well and truly over.

  “Thank you for coming here,” I said. “You didn’t need to do that.”

  “Hey, we were friends before we were anything else. I’d like to keep it that way.” He smiled warmly. “But having said that, just so you know, if you change your mind about any of it … Switzerland … me … the offer still stands.”

  I nodded. “Thank you.”

  He squeezed my hand. “But I have a feeling you have some unfinished business here.”

  I frowned. “Like what?”

  He gave me one of his nice try looks. “Your friend Cade.”

  I looked away at the mention of his name. But Anson wasn’t having any of it. He turned my chin to look at him.

  “By the look on his face the other day, he wasn’t expecting me.”

  “Cade is an old friend.”

  “The way he looks at you makes me want to get myself a body guard,” he said with a half-smile. His humor faded. “And the way you look at him makes me realize that you and I were never going to work out.”

  “What do you mean?”

  His face was gentle. “There was always something holding you back. Something stopping you from giving everything you had to our relationship. And now I see that it was him.”

  I looked away because I felt guilty. He was right. I was never able to give myself to him, wholly, because if I was being really honest, I gave my heart to a boy a long time ago. And he still had it.

  I just wasn’t ready to admit it out loud.

  “It’s complicated,” I said.

  “Does it need to be?”

  They announced Anson’s flight and it was the perfect opportunity to change the subject. “You’d better go, or you will miss your plane.”

  He looked at me like I was a lost cause. And maybe I was. Because even though I knew what he said was true, I still couldn’t admit it to anyone. It was almost as if I had spent so long running from Cade I didn’t know how to stop.

  “If he is what you want, Indy, then don’t waste any more time.” He held me by the shoulders and fixed me with one of his fierce stares. “Because life is short and you never know when it’s going to end. If he is your chance at happiness, then you run to him and you be with him. Do you understand me, Indy? You run as fast as you can in his direction.”

  And with those parting words of wisdom, Anson picked up his overnight bag and left Destiny.

  INDY—Aged 17

  Then

  Anger flared in my chest and my cheeks reddened. I didn’t want to go to Cavalry Hill. I mean, what the hell? It was supposed to be a simple movie date. I had no desire to make out with Tommy.

  My hands fisted on my lap. When he’d asked me where I’d like to go, I hadn’t been sure. I just knew I didn’t want to go home because Cade would be in his bedroom with Mallory, and my stupid teenage heart couldn’t stand the idea of sitting yards away from them while he kissed her.

  Now I was at Cavalry Hill with a boy who looked like he belonged in a Ralph Lauren commercial.

  “Why are we here?” I asked as Tommy pulled his car into a parking space.

  He just grinned that big, movie-star smile that made Laura Hope swoon in gym class.

  It had nothing on Cade’s beautiful, dimpled grin.

  “Why not? The view is incredible,” he replied as he slid his arm along the back of the seat. “I thought we could talk. Get to know each other better. We don’t really get to do that at school. It’s nice to get you alone.”

  “Alone?”

  “Without Cade and Isaac and Abby.”

  When he said it, it suddenly occurred to me that I was alone. Very alone. With Tommy Baker. He was a big guy. Athletic and strong. While I was petite like my mama. It was then I realized I had just put myself in a very risky situation.

  “I think we’d better be getting back,” I said, shifting awkwardly in my seat.

  “Why? This is nice.”

  My chest started to tingle.

  “Sure. But it’s getting late.”

  “Come on, relax,” he insisted. “It’s early.”

  Rain splattered across the windshield.

  “We can’t see anything because of the rain,” I said. “Let’s come back another time. When we have a better view.”

  “Fuck the view.” His voice, which had been charming up until now, suddenly had a hard bite to it. And it alarmed me.

  “What did you say?” I asked.

  “I said fuck the view.” He turned to look at me and his eyes were dark. “I’m not here for the view.”

  I tried to swallow, but my mouth was too dry. I looked away from him and folded my arms in a deliberate attempt to show him that I wasn’t afraid of him.

  “Take me home,” I demanded.

  That was the moment Tommy Baker decided to take it to the next level. He launched at me, pushing himself onto me, his big arms holding me prisoner as he forced his lips to mine. I jerked my head away from his wet mouth.

  “Get off me,” I yelled. “Get the fuck off me!”

  I struggled, but he was too strong. I felt powerless as he used his strength to hold me still.

  “Just one kiss. Come on, now. Don’t be a tease, girl.”

  “Get away from me!” I yelled again. “You’re hurting me.”

  He growled and shoved me back. One hand wrapped around my throat while the other went for the space between my legs.

  “You fucking prick tease,” he growled.

  I squirmed and thrashed about, bringing my knees up to stop his hand from getting between my thighs.

  Stop!” I screamed.

  Suddenly, the driver’s door was ripped open and Tommy’s hold on me disappeared as he was yanked out of the car by a big, muscular arm.

  “The lady said stop!” Boomed a strong voice.

  It was Cade.

  I flew out of the car in time to see Cade throw Tommy up against the back door. It was raining hard now, and fat raindrops splashed against his big arms, and made his white t-shirt cling to his broad chest. Tommy’s head snapped to the side as Cade put his fist in his jaw, once, then twice. Then he grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him close so Tommy’s face was inches from his.

  “You stay away from her,” he yelled. “You stay away from my girl.”

  To make sure Tommy understood, Cade smacked him right across his face again.

  “Cade!” I ran around the car and put a hand on his arm. “He’s had enough.”

  Tommy wobbled on his feet and slumped against his car.

  Cade turned to me. “Are you okay?”

  Rain battered against my face. I nodded. “I’m fine.”

  He turned back to Tommy and shoved him into his car. He leaned in menacingly, “You come near her again, and I’ll finish you.”

  Slamming the door closed, he turned to me and grabbed me by the arms. “Are you sure you’re okay? Did he hurt you?”

  I shook my head. “No, I’m fi
ne.”

  He took my hand and pulled me through the rainy parking lot. Puddles splashed beneath our feet as we ran for his car. We climbed in, and when the interior light flicked on I could see how soaked we both were.

  For a moment, we said nothing and weirdness hung between us. Then Cade suddenly started to pound his palms against the steering wheel.

  And for some stupid reason, I started to cry.

  Cade stopped and turned to me. “Oh, Angel, don’t cry. Please don’t cry.”

  Angry at myself, I wiped them away.

  “Just take me home,” I whispered.

  When Cade didn’t move, I turned away and looked out the window. A few moments later, the car engine ignited and the lights in the parking lot began to move as we pulled away and drove toward home in silence.

  A wall of anger went up between us.

  I was angry at Tommy for being a rapey jerk, and angry at myself for not seeing it earlier. I was angry that he had even thought for a moment that I would give it up to him in the front seat of his father’s car. And I was angry at Cade for being with Mallory, and Jane, and Julie, and God knows who else! Knowing they got to enjoy the warmth of his arms around them when he pressed his lips to theirs. But most of all, above everything else, I was angry at my stubborn little heart for falling for the boy I could never have because we were only ever destined to be best friends.

  Cade was angry, too. Because Tommy Baker was an asshole who didn’t understand the concept of no. And it was only a guess, but I was pretty sure Cade’s head was filled with images of what Tommy would have done if he hadn’t been there to stop him. He was gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles were white. And when I glanced over at him, his jaw was set and his dark brows were pulled in to a scowl.

  I wanted to reach over and touch the sharp contour of his jaw. I wanted to put my lips on his and kiss him until we were both breathless. I wanted him to do the things to me that he did to Mallory, and Jane, and any other girl. I longed for his kisses. Sometimes it felt like my heart would stop beating just from the longing, and I had to force my mind to think of something else. I turned away. My heart sank. He would drop me home and then spend the rest of the night with Mallory.

  To my surprise, Cade suddenly pulled over to the curb, and for a moment we sat in complete silence, many unsaid words and intense emotions filling the space between us.

  “I want to kill him,” he said, facing straight ahead. His jaw ticked and his fingers still gripped the steering wheel, even though we were parked. He looked at me. “Why the fuck did you go out with him in the first place?”

  I looked at him in disbelief. Anger bubbled up from my achy chest and flew out my mouth. “Oh, so now I deserved it? Is that it? Are you saying I was asking for it?”

  Cade’s eyes widened. “What? No! That’s not what I’m saying.”

  “Then what are you saying?” I folded my arms across my chest.

  “It’s just . . . if he . . . fuck, Indy.” His hands balled on the steering wheel. “When I think about what he wanted to do to you. . .”

  I felt foolish. My cheeks reddened and I had to fight off another wave of tears. I didn’t know why I was so damn emotional.

  “If a man ever puts his hands on you again—you go for the eyes, Indy. You go for them. Poke them. Gouge them. And then, you run.”

  His face twisted with anger again. He could barely control his rage. If he were a cartoon, smoke would plume from his flared nostrils.

  He ran a hand through his inky hair in frustration, but managed to calm himself. For the longest while he didn’t say anything, he just stared out the windshield trying to calm down. While I stared out the window hating how I was feeling. Finally, he sighed and I felt him relax next to me.

  “Tommy Baker?” He scoffed. “What were you thinking?”

  I snapped my head to look at him and I could see the hint of amusement on his face. I knew he was trying to diffuse the situation by making light of it, but it just made me mad.

  All of a sudden, I couldn’t take it anymore.

  “What do you want me to do?” I yelled. “Wait around and watch you kiss Mallory, and Julie, and Kelly, and the entire female body of the eleventh grade?”

  I ripped open the car door and slammed it shut behind me.

  With my pulse thundering in my ears, I stormed down the street. I heard Cade climb out of the car and come after me. He called out but I ignored him and continued to stomp away from him.

  When he caught up to me, he swung me around. “What the hell was that about?”

  I glared at him. I knew I should turn and walk away, but I was tired of wanting him. Tired of longing for him to notice me. Tired of wanting my best friend to fall in love with me. It all bubbled up inside me until I couldn’t take it anymore.

  “Why are you so blind?” I yelled at him, tears of frustration welling in my eyes.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Why can’t you see that I’m right in front of you? Am I so friend-zoned that you can’t even see me anymore?”

  For a moment, he looked confused. He went to say something but then stopped. He just looked at me. Drinking me in with those amazing eyes. The next minute, my face was in his big hands.

  “If I thought for one moment you wanted to kiss me, Indy, then I’d spend the rest of my life kissing just you.”

  My breathing stopped in my chest. I wanted Cade to kiss me more than I wanted the oxygen in my lungs.

  “Then what are you waiting for,” I whispered.

  His face shimmered with surprise and his eyes searched my face for a sign. He brushed his thumbs against my cheeks and I could see in his eyes that he understood. Then, without any further hesitation, he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. Light burst behind my closed lids as his mouth closed over mine, his lips savoring the feel of mine against his.

  Tommy Baker and his grabby hands were a distant memory, and all I knew was Cade Calley and his sweet, gentle kisses.

  INDY

  Now

  Mirabella and Jacob married three days after we buried my father.

  They exchanged vows down by the river in the shade of the poplar trees that lined the water. It was a glorious Fall day. Still and sunny, with just enough warmth left in the air. Dandelion husks floated in the shafts of dusky light coming through the trees. And the gentle wind brought the sweet, heady scent of the honeysuckle growing wild along the riverbanks.

  I sat beside my mom, Ronnie, and Bull. Across the aisle from me, Cade sat with Isaac, Cherry, and little Brax. Behind us, bikers and their old ladies filled the rows of chairs, all of them sober and ready to celebrate, all of them on their best behavior. Silver rings gleamed in the late afternoon light. Long hair was brushed and gelled back. Hems were high and dresses were tight.

  Together, Mirabella and Jacob made a beautiful picture. The six-foot, bearded biker with gentle eyes, and the stunning girl with caramel hair dancing around polished shoulders. Standing in front of their friends and loved ones, they only had eyes for one another.

  I watched on, stiff-faced, as Jacob slipped the crown pendant necklace over Mirabella’s head and secured it in place around her throat. Every King gave his old lady a crown pendant when he made her his queen. It was a Kings of Mayhem tradition that stretched back to Hutch Calley and the crown pendant he gave Sybil on their wedding day all those years ago.

  Mirabella gave Jacob a dazzling smile and you could see his love for her sparkling in his eyes. My heart ached in my chest. I knew how that love felt. I also knew how it felt when it ended.

  I stole a glance at Cade. He was looking at me, his eyes dark, his brow pulled together. His jaw set. I turned away. One day he would drape his crown pendant around the neck of another woman, and she would stare up at him with the same starry eyes as Mirabella. He deserved it. And I wanted him to be happy. Yet, the very idea of another woman wearing his crown made my chest ache. I closed my eyes, and hated that my heart still hurt for him. Hated that I still love
d him. Hated that I couldn’t come back because I was too damn scared.

  I opened my eyes and lifted my head. I looked at Jacob. He towered over his slender bride. He cupped her face in his big hands and looked lovingly into her eyes. The priest pronounced them man and wife, and he bent his head to kiss her passionately. We all clapped and cheered, and confetti filled the golden light of the afternoon.

  Afterwards, we celebrated by the river. Chairs and tables were brought down from the clubhouse, and candles and flowers festooned the tablecloths. Caterers brought in food and cake, and wine that was drunk out of antique crystal glasses. The paper streamers and buntings made by Mirabella and the other old ladies were looped from tree branch to tree branch, gently swaying in the mild breeze.

  As the afternoon wore on, the wine flowed and we danced to the sounds of a live band set up in the shade of the tree line.

  I did my best to avoid Cade. But as the sun sank lower into the horizon, and the stars scattered in a twilight sky, he approached me while I sat talking with Tex and his wife, and asked me to dance.

  And I’d had just enough wine to accept.

  As he led me on to the makeshift dance floor, the band started a rendition of the Eagles “Wasted Time.” He pulled me close.

  “You look beautiful,” he said, his bright blue eyes roaming my face.

  “Thank you.” I felt awkward but drawn to him. “You look very handsome.”

  And he did. He looked so damn handsome my heart ached.

  He gave me a closed-lip smile and his beautiful blue eyes sparkled down on me. As our bodies swayed to the music his fingers curled into mine and my head spun with longing. Our bodies were close. Crushed together so I could feel every inch of him. It was wrong. Yet I couldn’t pull away.

  “You smell good, too,” he said, his fingers untangling from mine to trail along my throat. He tucked my hair over my shoulder and I shivered. His breath on my skin was intoxicating and I was powerless against the allure of him. Instead of stepping away, I melted into him.