Jax's Dilemma:Insurgents Motorcycle Club (Insurgents MC Romance Book 2)

by Wilder, Chiah

“Wanted to see how you like this house.” His boyish grin melted her heart.

  When they arrived at the front door, Jax put a key in the lock and the large wood and stained glass door swung open. Pulling Cherri inside, Jax closed the door behind them. A sweeping staircase showcased the large foyer and emphasized the tall ceilings. Tugging her along, they entered a large living room then a dining room before going into a beautifully rendered gourmet kitchen, which opened into a family room replete with a large stone fireplace. An office and a bathroom finished the first floor. The second floor had four bedrooms and three full bathrooms.

  Taking it all in, Cherri loved the feel of the house, a cozy ambiance covering her like a favorite blanket. The finished basement with a laundry room and a large backyard complete with a playset finished off the house.

  “So, what do you think?” Jax asked.

  “It’s beautiful. I love it. It has a real homey feel. To me, it gives off good vibes.”

  “Would you like to live here?”

  “Who wouldn’t? Maybe someday. It’s good to have dreams and goals.”

  Drawing her flush to him, Jax buried his head in her soft hair and said, “Sweetness, this is our house. I put an offer in a few days ago, and it was accepted. I wanted to surprise you.” Cupping her chin in his hand, he bent down and kissed her full lips.

  Cherri shuffled a couple of steps backward as her hands flew up to her cheeks and she squealed. “This is ours? I don’t believe it. Ours?” Looking around incredulously, her skin tingled as a warm heat radiated through her body.

  As the reality of the situation filled her, she crossed her arms around her chest, looked downward, and tried to hide the tears which had been welling in her eyes since Jax told her he bought the house for them.

  “You okay, sugar? You cool with this?”

  Not able to talk, she nodded while she wiped the tears from her face with her hand.

  “Come over here.” Jax’s comforting arms wrapped her close to his, her head pillowing against his broad chest. Kissing the top of her head, he squeezed her closer to him. “I’m glad you’re happy. You and Paisley deserve to be happy.”

  Softly, she said, “You don’t think it’s too big?”

  “Fuck no, sweetness. I can’t wait to give Paisley brothers and sisters. You want that, right?”

  Overcome, she kissed his shoulder. “I want that very much,” she whispered. “I love you so much.”

  “That’s good, sugar, ’cause I’m nuts about you.” Hugging her, Jax let his hand slip down to pat her ass. “You know, I’ve never been in love with a woman before, so this is all new to me.”

  Smiling, she looked up at him through shimmering eyes. “That’s just fine, ’cause I’ve never loved a man before. I guess we’re both new at this.”

  “Fuck, yeah. We’ll just have to learn how to do this together. As long as we have each other’s back, sweetness, we have nothing to worry about.”

  Looping her arm around his neck, she yanked his mouth close to hers, capturing his soft, sexy lips. Responding, he kissed her back, hot and deep and wet.

  I’m where I was always meant to be.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Six weeks later

  “That’s the last of it,” Jax said as he and Chas loaded his computer on the truck. Earlier, they had packed up the girls’ things. Cherri, chasing Paisley around the yard, flashed Jax a big smile. Damn, she’s beautiful. I never get tired of looking at her. Fuck, she always makes my cock wake up.

  “You ready to roll?” Chas asked, interrupting Jax’s thoughts.

  “Yeah. Cherri, grab Paisley and let’s go.” Jax walked back into the clubhouse to make sure he didn’t forget anything. Seeing Hawk and Banger, he came up to them and gripped their shoulders.

  “You leavin’ now?” Hawk asked.

  “Yeah. When we get settled, we’ll have a house party. Cherri’s been planning it ever since we closed on the house. You know how women are.”

  “That I do.” Hawk laughed.

  “Be strange not having you ’round all the time. You been here since you were in high school,” Banger said. “But it’s time to be on your own with your own family.”

  “Yeah, I never thought I’d fall for a woman so hard,” Jax said as he kneaded his neck.

  “Fuck, tell me about it. I never thought of taking an old lady, and look at me, planning a wedding with Cara. It happens when you least expect it.” Jerking Jax into a bear hug, Hawk said, “Take care of yourself. If you need anything, call me. We’re all here for you.”

  Hugging him back, Jax said, “I know. Thanks, man.”

  “Your ass better be here for church tomorrow. And we got the rally next Saturday.” Banger’s face was tight, but his blue eyes twinkled.

  “I’m moving in with my old lady, but fuck, the club is my family, too.” He nodded at them then turned to leave. Looking over his shoulder, he said, “See you tomorrow.”

  Hawk and Banger tilted their chins as they brought their beers to their mouths.

  Outside, the autumn breeze kneaded the patchwork of colored leaves as they shivered slightly. Fluffy fleece clouds drifted across the blue sky and the golden rays of the sun warmed the small group loading the truck. Tangy smokiness wafted in the air as the old ladies prepared the club’s barbecue dinner.

  “You coming back for food?” Chas asked.

  “Nah, we’ll catch it another time. We got a ton of shit to do.” Jax slammed the truck’s back door shut. Leaning in close to Chas, Axe, and Jerry, he said, “Fuck, I never figured I’d be the first to get hitched outta us.” Throwing a glance at Chas, he said, “Now it’s your turn, man.”

  With his hands up in the air, Chas laughed. “Fuck, no. I’m still reeling from my divorce with that bitch. Believe me; it’s not in my plan. I like being single—easy pussy any time I want it with no strings attached. Fuck, it’s the way to go.”

  “Ain’t that the truth.” Jerry chuckled.

  Axe nodded while taking a hit on a joint.

  Putting his arms around the three of them, Jax said in a low voice, “Everything work out okay with McFahey and that other shit?”

  Jerry, grinning, said, “No worries, dude. Everything is cool. Me, Axe, PJ, Throttle, and Ruben took care of it. There won’t be any bodies found. Ever. The fuckin’ badges are stumped on McFahey’s disappearance. It helped that he was such a fuckin’ crook, ’cause they’ve dug up all kinds of shit on him. Everyone thinks he left ’cause shit was ’bout to hit the fan. It’s fine by us.” He threw his head back and let out a large belly laugh then, before Jax asked, he said, “Peaches had no one, so she won’t be missed.”

  A satisfied smile spread across Jax’s face. “Good. Okay, guess we’re ready to head out. After we unload, we can christen the place with beer.”

  Clapping his hand on Jax’s shoulder, Chas said, “Axe is gonna help you. I gotta go. Gotta pick up my son at the library. Brianna’s supposed to do it, but she just texted me she’s too busy. Bet she’s fuckin’ someone. What a shitty mom. Can’t believe I ever married the bitch.”

  Shaking his head, Jax said, “Thanks for your help. I’ll catch you later.”

  As they were ready to leave, the parking lot was filled with most of the brothers watching the young couple. Jax turned to everyone and said, “We’re heading out, but wanted you to all know Cherri is officially an old lady. She’s wearing my patch.” He drew her close to him, his arm around the leather vest he gave her the previous night which bore the phrase, “Property of Jax.”

  Hoots and whistles rang out as Jax kissed her tenderly on her cheek. Blushing, she burrowed her face in the crook of his arm.

  “Don’t be shy, sugar. You’re a part of me and my world.”

  Whispering in his ear, she said, “It’s just they’ve seen me strip. It feels funny, that’s all.”

  “That shit’s in the past. It’s done. You’re happy, right?”

  “Oh, yeah, babe. I’m very happy. I love you.”

  “Me, t
oo,” he breathed in her ear. “Let’s get the fuck home so we can start adding to our family.”

  The End

  Thank you!

  Thank you for reading my book. I hope you enjoyed the second book in the Insurgents MC series as much as I enjoyed writing Cherri and Jax’s story. This rough motorcycle club has a lot more to say, so I hope you will look for the upcoming books in the series. Romance makes life so much more colorful, and a rough, sexy bad boy makes life a whole lot more interesting.

  If you enjoyed the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. I read all of them and appreciate the time taken out of busy schedules to do that.

  I love hearing from my fans, so if you have any comments or questions, please email me at chiahwilder@gmail.com or visit my facebook page.

  To hear of new releases, special sales, free short stories, and ARC opportunities, please sign up for my Newsletter at http://eepurl.com/bACCL1.

  A big thank you to my readers whose love of stories and words enables authors to continue weaving stories. Without the love of words, books wouldn’t exist.

  Happy Reading,

  Chiah

  CHAS’S FERVOR

  Book 3 in the Insurgents MC Series

  Coming in December, 2015

  The first time Chas saw his son’s teacher, he wanted her in his bed.

  Chas, the hardened, tattooed member of the Insurgents Motorcycle Club, has sworn off women since his divorce left him bitter and jaded. The last thing he wants to do is settle down with another old lady.

  His relationships now are easy and free—exactly the way he likes it.

  Until he meets curvaceous Addie. The sexy redhead whose eyes set him on fire.

  He has to have her between his sheets.

  And he knows she wants him. Eyes don’t lie.

  Addie O’Leary has lusted after her student’s dad ever since she saw him.

  She has guarded her heart and her life for the last two years. Now Chas, the muscular, dirty-mouthed, rugged outlaw biker threatens to tear down all her barriers.

  Always loving the bad boy, Chas is a dangerous badass with an attitude and an outlaw MC. His charming smile pulls at Addie’s heart and his chiseled chest makes her body overheat.

  Carrying around a deep, dark secret, Addie is afraid her past will destroy her future. Chas seems to be her only hope for redemption. Will he be able to intervene before it’s too late?

  Chas knows Addie is hiding something. He makes it his mission to find out what it is, and, once he does, he’ll claim her as his woman.

  Excerpt

  Chas’s Fervor

  Prologue

  Lizzie Quinn washed her hands again, but no matter how hard she scrubbed, she couldn’t get the blood off her fingers. Looking under the bright lights above her bathroom mirror, she saw streaks of it filling in the grooves and ridges of her skin. There was just so much blood.

  Her husband lightly knocked on the door. “Lizzie, aren’t you done in there yet? You’ve had the water running for the past hour.”

  “Go away, Ian.” A stray strand of golden red hair flopped in her face, and she blew it away while she continued scrubbing. She’d never be able to get rid of the blood, or the horror of what had happened. Lizzie leaned over the chrome faucet and sobbed, her tears dripping into the sink below.

  Lifting her head slowly, she stared at her reflection in the mirror: redness around her puffy, green eyes made her porcelain skin appear more translucent, and the dark circles under them made her look like a stand-in for a zombie movie.

  How had a beautiful summer day morphed into such evilness? If only she’d stayed home instead of following Ian earlier that day. It’d been Lizzie’s suspicions of him having an affair which had coaxed her out into the white sunlight, making her duck into alleyways, bushes, and storefronts to avoid detection.

  When Ian had entered a large, two-story brick house in a genteel, suburban neighborhood, Lizzie figured her hunches had been right. She’d stood before the bright red door, battling with whether she should go in or leave. She’d decided to go in and catch her cheating husband in the act. Lizzie had turned the doorknob then stepped into the marble foyer, frigid air from the air conditioner washing over her as she’d listened for sounds of betrayal. Nothing. The silence had been deafening.

  Then she’d heard it—a loud swoosh, like the winter wind, followed by a gurgle somewhere to the right of her. Walking down the large entry, she’d entered the kitchen, and shock slapped her in the face: Ian calmly opened a large plastic bag, placing a bloodied hunting knife in it. Lizzie looked from Ian to a woman in her thirties who was crumpled on the hardwood floor as pools of red pulsed around her, soaking into her white cotton dress. The woman’s eyes were dull and lifeless like two blue marbles, sucking Lizzie into the dark, sunken holes. And as much as she’d wanted to tear her gaze away from the lifelessness of them, Lizzie couldn’t.

  “What in the fuck are you doing here?”

  Startled, she’d turned and caught Ian’s icy stare. Shaking her head, she’d padded over to the collapsed woman and knelt down, taking the lifeless hand in hers—the skin still warm.

  “What’s going on here? We have to call 911.” She’d glanced back at Ian, and his stone-cold indifference had frozen Lizzie to the spot.

  “We’re not calling anyone.”

  “But she’s dead,” she’d whispered.

  “I know, that’s the point.” With precision, Ian had placed the wrapped knife in his briefcase, and Lizzie noticed he wore gloves.

  Wide-eyed, she’d gasped. “You wanted to kill her? Why? Who is she?”

  “I don’t know. I’m not paid to get to know the targets, just to eliminate them. You shouldn’t have come here. You’ve left all kinds of evidence.” Snapping his briefcase shut, Ian had straightened his tie and walked toward the backdoor. “You’ve made a mess of things, Lizzie.”

  “I’m going to call the police.” Dialing the number on her phone, she’d stopped when Ian rushed over.

  By the way he’d gripped her arm, bruises would be inevitable. In a low, hard-edged voice, he’d said, “You won’t call the police unless you want to be arrested. Your finger and footprints are all over the place. Your hands are covered in blood, as well as your clothes. Unless you want to spend the rest of your life in prison, you’ll go home, clean up, and decide where you want to go for dinner tonight. Do you understand?”

  With a fallen face, she’d nodded, numbness overtaking her.

  “Good. I’ll be home later. I’d give you a goodbye kiss, but I can’t chance any contamination from you.” At that, he’d left the house, closing the back door quietly.

  After he’d gone, Lizzie had leaped up and rushed over to the kitchen sink to wash her hands. With trembling lips, her racing mind told her to go to the police, but Ian’s words haunted her. He was right—her finger and footprints were everywhere. The only thing she could do was run. Run far and run fast.

  * * *

  Another knock on the door brought Lizzie back to the present.

  “Open up now, we have to talk.”

  Dreading seeing him, she dried her hands and turned the doorknob. Ian stood just outside the door, a scowl on his lean, smooth face. As he grabbed her arm, she yanked it away and brushed past him, walking to the floor-to-ceiling windows which gave a beautiful view of the Chicago cityscape.

  When he came behind her and put his arms on her shoulders, she shrugged them off.

  “We need to talk,” he said in a low voice.

  “Do we?”

  “Don’t be like that. Why don’t you get dressed in something nice and we can go out to La Petite Maison—your favorite restaurant. We can talk there. Does that sound good?” He placed his thin, cold lips on her neck, making her shudder. “I have a quick errand I have to run, but I’ll be back in less than two hours. Be ready.” A thin thread of danger weaved through his voice.

  Nodding curtly, Lizzie leaned her head on the cool window and looked out at Lake Michigan. F
rom the penthouse, the sunbathers, joggers, and sailboats looked like mere dots in a vast landscape painting.

  Ian’s heels clacked on the marble floors as he walked out. After she heard the front door close, she waited fifteen minutes, staring at the dots below, not daring to move. When he didn’t return, she dashed to the closet and took out her suitcases. Lizzie threw only the necessities in them then pocketed the wad of cash Ian had in the wall safe. With suitcases, cash, purse, and keys, she left her penthouse condominium. Having no clue where she was going, she decided to grab a cab and take a train out of the city. She’d have to reinvent herself, but she didn’t have any idea how to do that. The only two things she knew for certain were that she wasn’t going to go to prison for something she didn’t do, and she had to flee from Ian.

  Ian, the man she loved and married two years before, for better or for worse, was a paid assassin, and blood money bought everything they owned—cars, the condo, her clothes, everything.

  Looking out of the cab as the city streets whizzed by, she made a decision—Lizzie Quinn would disappear forever.

  Chapter One

  Two years later

  Pinewood Springs, CO

  Looking at the clock on the wall, Addie fumed as she saw the hands read five o’clock. The eight-year-old boy seated next to her at the reading table tried to act as though he didn’t care that his mother was forty-five minutes late picking him up.

  It had been a few weeks since Jack had joined the pilot reading group. Addie had liked him instantly. The young boy was so eager to learn and in just the short time he’d been in the program, he’d shown some marked improvements. Addie had five students in her after-school program at the library. As head librarian, she’d been able to put the program together, and if she could prove its success to the city board, she could obtain funding for future sessions.

  Jack’s big, brown eyes looked down at his hands as he rubbed them over and over. A slight tremble made his lower lip shake, and his dark brown bangs fell down past his forehead into his eyes. Picking up the phone, Addie called Jack’s mother for the umpteenth time, and again, the call went straight to voicemail. Addie left a message much more curt than her previous ones on the mother’s answering machine.