Satan’s Devils MC -Colorado Box Set: Books 4-6

by Mellett, Manda

That had been quick thinking by Ink. Now the body has been destroyed, Alder has no proof Connor is alive.

  “Just who did we cremate today?” I ask as we get into the car. “I feel so bad that we might have taken someone away from family.”

  “Nah,” Ink turns before he starts the engine, “he was a homeless man who was killed by a car when he stumbled drunk across the road. No living relatives found. Look at it this way, he got a send-off he didn’t expect, tears shed for him, nice words said. Probably more than he expected or deserved.”

  “Are you worried about Alder?”

  He shoots me a glance. “Why would I be, Beth? Neither I, nor the club, have anything to do with the man.”

  Chapter Forty

  Beth

  Things happen fast after the funeral. Whether it was that Alder had turned up, or whether there was no point in delay, the final arrangements are quickly made for Mom and Connor to relocate.

  I have no idea where, if either of them knows, they keep it to themselves.

  I force myself to be strong, joking with Mom that I’ll be jealous if they’re heading into sunshine, as here winter seems in no hurry to give way to spring. It hits me hard after I spend a while talking to Mom, telling her I’ll watch out for her new designs on the internet, with some hints about the type of clothes I’ll want designed. When I realise I’ll be buying online from now on and not just popping upstairs to her sewing room, I have to leave the room to pull myself together.

  I realise while she’s upset, Mom’s also excited. She’s given the best years of her life to raising her children, and now she’s got the chance to go somewhere new and start afresh. While I’m also beginning a new life with Ink, I can’t help but be a little envious that I won’t be the one sharing her adventure with her.

  But again, I let none of this show. I force myself to pretend I’m completely okay with their move.

  I keep a smile on my face as the car is packed and then tell them to take care.

  When Karl slides the gate open and the car turns out into the road, Ink holds me to him tightly as though fearing I’m going to run after it.

  “It’s for the best,” I turn to tell him, still with my lips curved upward. “Connor will have a fresh start. Mom too. She’s still young enough to start a new life. Perhaps she’ll find a man of her own.”

  He doesn’t buy my fake pleasure. “They’ll be fine, Beth.”

  “I know they will,” I reply. But I can’t stop my head turning back in the direction where the car had driven away.

  “It’s okay to be upset, babe.” Ink’s hand is caressing my back.

  “I’m not upset. I’m happy for Connor and Mom. Connor will be safe.”

  Ink gives me one of his intense stares, then his lips thin. “Come on. There’s a matter that needs to be resolved between us.”

  What? My confusion must show as he takes a firm hold of my hand and leads me back into the clubhouse, across the main room, up those industrial metal stairs, and into his room. He locks the door, then turns with an eyebrow raised.

  “Get naked.”

  For probably the first time that I’ve met him, I’m not feeling aroused. I’ve kept my despair deeply buried, hoping he doesn’t know how empty I’m feeling having watched my family drive off. Them leaving was the right thing to do, it’s just going to be awhile before I can accept it. But I don’t want that to show. I have to be strong, the woman Ink expects me to be.

  “Babe, take your clothes off.”

  “Ink. I’m not…”

  He pushes away from the door against which he’d been leaning. He comes into my personal space. “Trust me,” he says, softly. His hands go to the bottom of my sweater. “Lift your arms.” As he uses that commanding voice, I obey automatically, though doubting however skilled he is as a lover, that today I will be able to respond.

  I stand, only helping as far as I lift my feet when he asks. Soon all my clothes are lying on the ground, and he’s fully clothed. My mind’s miles away, already thinking of everything I hadn’t said to my mom. And now I’ve lost my chance, maybe forever.

  I don’t object as he takes my hand and leads me to the chair, but when he pats his lap, my eyes widen in horror and I shake my head. “No.”

  My reaction doesn’t seem to take him by surprise. Pulling me down like he had once before, he traps me with his strong muscular legs. I struggle, but within seconds there’s a sharp sting on my right ass cheek, followed by one to my left.

  “Stop,” I cry out. “Ink, no.”

  But he doesn’t stop.

  It’s not erotic. It hurts. He continues. There’s no getting away from this, I go limp, and then the tears start.

  “That’s it,” Ink murmurs, rubbing my sore ass. “Babe, you needed to cry. You’re keeping everything bottled up and that’s not good. I’ve watched you holding it together for days, but you don’t need to keep it up. Just let it out. Give it to me, let me help you with your pain.”

  He stops the spanking, pulls me up and holds me tight in his arms, his hands now smoothing up and down my back. I’m ugly crying, letting out everything that I’ve held back, covering his shirt with snot and tears, snorting and hiccupping, but he doesn’t seem to mind.

  “Cry, babe. Cry. That’s it, that’s good.”

  The sobs keep coming as though they’ll never stop. Then I’m wailing, “Why did she choose, Connor? I need my mom.”

  “She didn’t choose Connor because she wanted to, Beth. You’re strong, you’re in a good place. She respects you, respects the choices you make. Connor? Well he’s shown he needs a guiding hand.”

  I hadn’t even understood how much I felt her leaving was desertion, but Ink’s more patient than I would have thought, and takes time to help me break things down and put them back together in a way that’s not so painful. Slowly his words change, and he’s painting a picture of a future we can build together. Letting me see that I can branch out on my own, and while I won’t be able to see or talk to her, my mom will always be there, out there, somewhere, supporting me.

  I don’t know how long I cry, but slowly Ink’s supportive words get through. Eventually my tears dry, and I use several tissues to try to clear my blocked nose. When he sees I’ve calmed, he lifts me up and carries me to the bed. It’s then I notice the sky has darkened outside. I must have been weeping for hours.

  I’m tired, exhausted, and thankful Ink had been so patient with me. I hadn’t known how much I need to face all the emotions locked inside head on. It wasn’t just only the loss of my mom, but everything that’s happened over the past couple of weeks. Something needed to break, that Ink had seen that was just another good reason to love him.

  As I watch him make himself ready for bed, the sight causes a kernel of arousal to start growing inside as he reveals his muscular inkless body to me.

  Seeing me watching, he smirks.

  “That was extreme,” I tell him.

  He doesn’t pretend not to know what I’m talking about. “Extreme times call for extreme measures, babe.” Naked, he perches on my side of the bed, his hand brushing back my hair from my face. “We’re going to be okay, Beth. You’re not alone. I’m going nowhere, okay? Any choice to be made, I’ll always choose you.”

  “Are you coming to bed?”

  He chuckles softly. “I am.”

  That night, Ink takes his time. No ropes or cuffs, no more spanking, erotic or otherwise, he just does everything he can to show how much he feels for me.

  With my mind now accepting how things have turned out, even though I regret it had to happen, I fall into a dreamless sleep. I could have sworn I’ve only been resting a few minutes, when I’m woken.

  “Come off it.” I roll over in bed, squinting as he pulls up the blind and lets daylight flood into the room. “What’s the time?”

  “Time you got out of fuckin’ bed.” He laughs down at me.

  I am so not amused. “Thought you knew me by now. I need coffee to function, babe.”

  He raises
his eyebrow and points to the cup sitting steaming beside me. I throw out my hand but it’s too far away.

  “You really aren’t a morning person, are you?” He chuckles again, comes over, sits and places an arm around me helping me to sit up. Then he lifts and hands my coffee to me.

  “When I’m not planning on going for a run, I’m not,” I admit. “And why have you woken me so goddamn early on a Saturday?” When I’ve now got to face the reality that I no longer have my blood family around me, I frown slightly, wondering where Mom and Connor are, and what they are doing today. Is it exciting for them? Or scary. A bit of both I expect.

  His finger comes under my chin. “Hey, doll. Why the frown?”

  I shrug.

  “Your mom and brother will be okay.”

  But he can’t know that.

  Or maybe he can, I realise, as he goes on to say, “When I was getting you that,” he points to my drink, “Demon came in. He’s heard from Lost, the San Diego prez, and apparently, they arrived okay. The feds have got them a house they can move into temporarily.”

  “What? How the hell do you know…”

  “We might have suggested to Connor that he ask to go to San Diego.”

  “And Caruso went along with that?”

  “Sure. It’s far enough away, and location didn’t matter to him. As we’ve got a chapter there, our brothers can watch out for them without them knowing…” he breaks off and winks. “May even be able to tell you if Connor finds a nice bronzed California girl, or Patsy her own surfer.”

  “I’ll get updates? Why didn’t you tell me before?” I sit up, excited. “Can I visit?”

  “No,” he says sharply. “And the Devils won’t be involved. Look, Beth, Wit Sec is pretty damn good. Mostly, they only lose people when they bring themselves out of hiding. But Steph went through some shit, so we wanted to do what we could to make sure it all turned out right. You’re mine now, and part of that is looking out for family.”

  “You sure you’re not bringing danger to them if they’re linked back to the Satan’s Devils?”

  “Won’t be a link. Lost and the boys down south know how to fly under the radar and anyway,” he takes my now empty cup from me. “How’s about you get up and showered and we get on with our day?”

  He’s excited about something I can tell. Normally he’d wake me with his cock, or his mouth, but not today. But he’s bouncing on his feet with impatience. Must be important if it’s replaced sex as the first thing on his mind.

  “Okay, okay,” I say, still grumpy. “I’ll get ready. But I expect my morning sex later.”

  His hand curls around my neck in that possessive way I love. “You can use my cock any time you like, babe. I’ll sacrifice my own comfort to keep my woman happy.”

  I grin. “Sacrifice, eh? But why not now?”

  “Because, we’ve got places to be.”

  Have we indeed? But my glare doesn’t work on him and he doesn’t enlighten me. He has got me intrigued. Enough so that I have a quick shower, blow drying my hair in record time, making a note to make a hair appointment to have my hair dyed again soon as it’s faded so much.

  Once I’m ready, I comment I’m hungry, so we go straight to the kitchen. I follow Ink in, then come to an abrupt halt. Whatever’s going on must involve the whole club, I hadn’t expected this many people to be around.

  “Beth, hi. I made cinnamon buns. You want one?”

  The question distracts me from wondering why it looks like everyone’s here. Mel gets her answer by way of a gimme gesture, and soon I’m filling my mouth with the deliciousness she’s baked. I manage a ‘mmm-mmm’ by way of thanks and to show my appreciation.

  Already showing how quickly he’s learned about me, Ink’s refilling my cup and passing another cup of coffee my way.

  “Ready for your big day?” Ro’s voice suddenly booms. Then when Ink glares at him, he holds up his hands and says, “Forget I said anything.” Mel bats at his arm.

  Big day? What’s going on? Quickly, I finish my impromptu breakfast by sucking my fingers into my mouth and licking the sugar off carefully, not missing Ink turning away and looking like he’s adjusting his jeans. Then I say, “Okay, tell me. What’s going on?”

  “Here.” Ink passes a leather jacket over. It’s new. Soft and lined. “I didn’t have time to get my patch on it, but we’ll do that in time.”

  “We going for a ride?” Glancing outside I see it’s probably a cold, but dry day.

  Ink chuckles. “Not exactly.”

  “Oh, come on. Let’s get on with it.” Mace looks impatient. There’s a look on his face which I don’t quite trust.

  Chapter Forty-One

  Ink

  I toss a glare in Mace’s direction. Then give one in Pyro’s. Trust him for not keeping his mouth shut. Under the guise of them wanting to give my old lady support, I know they’re really here to see whether she’s going to crash or put a scratch on Beaver’s Sportster. I’ve far too much confidence in her for that, but it won’t help having darn near the whole club watching her, but once Liz had overheard me getting the keys from the prospect last night, word had gone around.

  I know the Tucson chapter have a couple of bike-riding old ladies, but this is breaking new ground for us. Lizard seemed surprised I wasn’t concerned about the thought of my old lady having her own motorcycle as though it might be a challenge to my manhood, but I’m not at all. Instead, I hope she likes it. I can’t wait until we’re heading out onto the highway.

  I’d organised this as a distraction for her after Patsy and Connor had disappeared into the sunset, so to speak. I knew she was devastated but had admiration for the way she was trying to hide it. I hoped making one of her dreams come true might make her acceptance of her new life a little easier, replace the normality she’d lost with something new.

  Right now, I’m grinning at her confusion and suspicion, and can’t wait to show her the reason why everyone’s around.

  “Come on.” Again, placing my hand against the small of her back, I lead her out the main door of the clubhouse. The front parking lot has been emptied, to give her the space she needs the brothers had moved their bikes around the back.

  Her eyes first look at me in confusion, then at the men crowding out behind her. She clearly expected to be on the back of my Fat Bob, which isn’t out here. Instead, there’s just one bike looking forlorn without its companion.

  Taking her hand, I put something in it. She looks down, squints at the object, then quizzically glances at me.

  I nod toward Beaver’s ride.

  He’s clearly cleaned it for her. Every bit of chrome sparkles where the weak winter sun hits it. The cherry red paint is shiny and bright.

  “My riding lesson?” She turns and looks behind her, her eyes narrowing in on Mace. “So that’s what you’re here for so early on a Saturday.” Her gaze goes over every man and old lady in the club who have followed us outside. “You all expect me to fall off, don’t you?”

  “Nah,” Mace contradicts, having looked around and taken on the role of spokesman. “We’re just here to cheer you on.”

  “Yeah, show us how it’s done!” shouts Liz. Then I hear him mumble, “This I had to see. A bitch learning to ride.” He gets treated to one of my glares too. So much so, that he takes a step behind Pyro.

  “Ignore them,” I tell her, and lead her over to the bike.

  As I’d expected when the idea of her riding first came up, her height gives her a clear advantage and she has no trouble at all standing astride that Harley, and with both feet firmly balanced on the ground, pulls it upright, easily handling the weight.

  “Hey, Ink. Hold up.” Mace, comes over, frowning at me. “Think you ought to talk her through the basics.”

  My eyes crease. Like what? I can’t actually remember not being able to ride, to me it’s just like breathing. If I had to give instruction how to draw air into my lungs, it would be as hard to describe it. As Mace starts to tell her shit like where the high and low
beam is, and where the indicators are, I start to welcome his assistance.

  Taking his cue, and not to be left out, I explain the front brake on the handlebars, and the rear operated by her right foot. Truth is, without his reminder, I’d have overlooked all that.

  “Okay,” she says, her teeth biting her lip, then giving me a cocky grin. “I know how to stop. How do I start?” I notice her eyes gleaming with excitement. Unable to resist, I lean over and take her lips with mine.

  “Get on with it. We haven’t got all day,” I hear Beef call out.

  “Thought she was going to ride the fuckin’ bike, not that we were going to watch you ride her,” Pyro shouts.

  “I wouldn’t object to a show,” shouts Liz. His comment is followed by an ouch, and I make a note to find out who punched him later and thank them.

  “You ever driven a stick shift, darlin’?” Mace asks, while I’m still glaring at my brothers. I turn back in time to see her nod, and Mace continues, “You’ve got your clutch there,” he points the lever out, “and your left foot works the gears. Where you are now is neutral. When you start the engine, pull in the clutch and nudge down to select first. You’ve got five gears. To select second, pull in the clutch, come back to neutral, and kick up to second, then clutch, then up to third.”

  “Just up, up and up?”

  “Yes,” I re-enter the training session. “You just keep kicking up through those gears as necessary. Back down the same way.”

  “Just be gentle when you come back from first to neutral, kick too hard and you’ll go into second. You’ll get the hang of it after a while,” Mace reassures her.

  She’s concentrating so hard she’s forgotten she’s got an audience. But she is getting impatient. “Can I just get going?”

  Mace laughs, his eyes meeting mine. “Okay. You’re going to start the engine, put it into first, then very gently start letting out the clutch. The bike will begin to move. You’re tall enough, you can slowly walk it forward. Just have a go, use the clutch, take it a few feet, pull the clutch in and stop.”