by Marie Tuhart
“Mr. Meyer, based on evidence, I need to search you,” Logan said.
“Absolutely not. Especially not without my lawyer,” Keith said, crossing his arms over his chest. “I want my lawyer.”
“Very well.” Logan let out a sigh. “Mr. Meyer, you are being arrested on suspicion of theft. You have a right to an attorney, which you have requested.” Logan read him the rest of his rights.
Colby couldn’t believe this, but he understood Logan had to act within the law. Keith was handcuffed and led away, spouting threats about how he’d have everyone’s jobs before this was through.
“I’ll need a copy of that security tape,” Logan told him.
“Come into my office, and I’ll email it to you while you’re watching so no one can claim it was doctored.”
“When did you put in the cameras?” Logan asked as they walked back to the office.
“A few weeks ago, not because there was a problem. It just made sense at the time. Now, I’m glad I did it.” Colby brought up the file on his computer, copied it, and sent it in an email to Logan.
“I am too.” They walked back out to the front of the store. Several of the bikers from the café were there, shopping. “You do realize he’ll be out on bail in a few hours,” Logan said.
“Yeah. But at least maybe they’ll realize I’m not going to be an easy target.” Colby drew his hand over his face. “I’m more worried about Lara.”
“Talk with her. I know you grew up here, as I did, but we ran in different circles. I know the Meyer family. They think they’re better than everyone else,” Logan said.
“Lara isn’t like that.” Colby frowned.
“I know.” Logan waved his hand in the air. “Lara has always bucked the family, and they don’t like it.”
Colby nodded and Logan left. It was barely two in the afternoon, but Colby wanted to go back over to the café. Issac walked into the shop. “What are you doing here?”
“Kase called. Go take care of your lady; we can handle the shop and close up tonight,” Issac said.
Colby didn’t hesitate. “Thanks. You both deserve bonuses this month.” He grabbed his jacket and keys.
Eve was fussing over Lara when he walked back into the café. Now that the lunch rush was done, there were only a few people still in the café.
“How’s the cheek?” Colby asked.
“It hurts,” Lara said, her voice not quite steady.
“Take her home, Colby. I can clean up and close up,” Eve said.
“But—”
“Thank you, Eve.” Colby wasn’t going to let Lara protest. He pulled her to her feet. “Let’s get your things.” He was surprised when she didn’t argue, and that told him just how much she was hurting.
Colby got Lara home, had her take two aspirin, and lie down. He sat with her until her eyes closed and her breathing evened out. Her cheek was going to be one big bruise by tomorrow.
Anger hit his blood stream. He left her bedroom and called Kase and asked him if, once they closed the shop, he’d drive his bike over to Lara’s. Issac could pick Kase up and take him back to the shop for his car. They both told him yes. He was probably overstepping boundaries, but he called Jordan.
“Hey, Colby, what can I do for you?”
“I’m not sure.” Colby rubbed his neck.
“What’s happened?”
Colby outlined what happened at the café and at his shop.
“Well, the best I can do is try and get a restraining order, especially for the café after he hit Lara. Accident or not, it shows he’s out of control.”
“I’ll talk with Lara. I don’t like what her family is doing.”
“I don’t either, but they’re pretty much staying within the law.”
“Thanks.” Colby hung up. There was a soft knock on the front door. He got up, and when he looked out, he smiled. He opened the door. “Hi, Tammy.”
“Colby. I was surprised to see Lara home this early.”
Colby gestured for her to enter. Once she was seated on the sofa, he sat down and took her hand. “Lara’s sleeping.” He kept his voice low.
“Is she sick?”
Colby wanted to tell her yes, but he wouldn’t lie. “No. Keith came to the café, there was an accident, and he hit Lara.”
Aunt Tammy’s hand covered her mouth. “Accident, my ass,” she muttered.
“That’s how I feel, but Lara said it was an accident and refused to press charges.”
“I should call that brother of mine and give him a piece of my mind.”
A grin tilted Colby’s lips. “You know Lara wouldn’t want that.”
“She’s a lot more forgiving than I am. And tenderhearted too.”
“Tell me more,” Colby said, letting himself relax against the sofa.
“It will be my pleasure.”
Chapter 13
The next evening, Lara groaned. No matter what she did, she couldn’t hide the bruise on her cheek completely. Maybe she should cancel tonight at the club. She wasn’t catering tonight.
But if she canceled, she would be giving in to her family and letting Colby down, which she wasn’t about to do. She knew it was an accident, but if Keith had left when she told him, her cheek wouldn’t be black and blue.
She didn’t understand what her family had against the bikers or the leather shop or her café. Their excuses were appearances and reflection on the family name. They were the ones causing trouble, not her. Lara let out a sigh. With a grimace, she left the bathroom and looked at the outfit on her bed. Her standard boy shorts, but she’d chosen a lacy bra tonight.
Her doorbell rang. She slipped on a coat and looked out to see Colby standing there. She pulled open the door. “Hi.” She smiled and then immediately grimaced.
“It still hurts.” Colby fingers skimmed her bruised check.
“Only when I smile.” It was true. The pain was gone. She’d iced it off and on today to keep the swelling down.
“Don’t joke.”
“I’m fine.” She captured his fingers as they slid down her face and brought them up and caressed them with her lips. Desire flared in Colby’s eyes.
“I’m glad you’re not catering tonight.”
“Me too.” She paused. “I’m so glad you’re in my life.” She released his hand and picked up her purse. “I’m ready.”
At the club, Ralph raised an eyebrow when they checked in but didn’t say anything. When they reached the ladies’ room, Lara took Colby’s hand. “When you get off work tonight, you’re mine.”
“Isn’t that my line?”
She grinned.
Colby stilled. “Lara, what are you up to?”
She put her hand on his shoulder. “See you inside the club.” Rising on her toes, she brushed a kiss over his lips, then slipped into the ladies’ room.
Letting out a breath, Lara went to a locker and put her purse and the jacket in it. She turned to the mirror. She gathered her hair up and secured it. She wasn’t sure what the night would bring. Her nipples tightened in anticipation.
Colby’s eyes had flared when she told him he was hers. She’d figured it was obvious. Taking a breath, she turned and left the bathroom. Even though she told Colby she’d meet him inside the club, she half expected him to be here waiting for her.
“Excuse me, Ms. Lara.” Ralph’s voice was soft.
“Yes, Ralph.” She turned her head and saw him standing right beyond the doorway.
“Is everything okay with you and Dom Colby?” His gaze went to her cheek before returning to meet hers.
“Thank you, Ralph. All is fine. This”—she waved her hand at her cheek—“Was done by someone else.”
“I hope Dom Colby made him pay.”
“He did.” Lara smiled. She’d heard all about Keith’s arrest. Of course, he was released right away, but maybe her family would realize Colby wasn’t going to put up with their bullshit. Neither was she. Not anymore.
“Have a good evening,” Ralph said, turning as anothe
r couple walked into the club.
Warmed by the concern Ralph had shown, Lara walked into the club. The music was already going, and the beat made her start rocking her head. She glanced around and saw Colby talking with Max. She knew Colby was on duty from eight to ten tonight.
She slowly walked across the floor to where the two men stood near the bar. The next thing she knew, Regina, Hannah, and Emily surrounded her. The club was eerily quiet even with the music playing.
Lara glanced at the women, then around the club where other Doms stared at Colby.
“You need to talk to Master Max,” Regina said.
“Yes. He’ll help you,” Hannah said.
“Master Max will keep you safe,” Emily commented.
“What?” Lara looked over Regina’s shoulder to see the Doms moving toward Colby.
“I can’t believe Sir Colby hit you,” Hannah said.
Lara placed her hand on her cheek. Oh goodness. They were all protecting her. Her heart melted. “It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not.” Emily put her hands on her hips. “He shouldn’t have hit you.”
Lara blew out a breath. “He didn’t. Sir Colby would never raise his hand to me or any woman. It was someone else.” So this was what it was like to have a family that cared. Her heart stuttered.
The women relaxed around her, and Lara used their relief to slip between them and over to Colby. She cuddled right up to him, and his eyes widened.
“Master Max,” Lara said. “Would you please make an announcement for me?”
“What do you want me to say?” Max asked.
“Tell everyone Colby didn’t hit me.” She glanced over her shoulder at the Doms.
Colby’s arms encircled her waist.
“I have a better idea.” Max leaned around the bar and the music died. “Logan,” he called, and he walked over. The crowed murmured. “Quiet.” Max’s voice carried throughout the club, and instantly there was silent. “Logan, if you would please.”
Lara wondered what was going on. But she stayed silent.
“Everyone settle down,” Logan said. “The bruise on Lara’s face was caused by her brother, not Colby. Colby would never raise his hand to a woman. The man responsible was arrested and charges were filed. So there’s no need to for all this posturing.”
The Doms shook their heads and began to move away, the music started back up. “Thank you, Sir Logan,” Lara said. “I didn’t want anyone in the club to think Colby did it.”
“Glad to help.” Logan walked away.
“Excuse me,” Max said and left.
“Sweetheart, you didn’t need to do that,” Colby said.
“Of course I did. Everyone thought I was covering for you. They don’t know me well enough to know I won’t stand for a man who hits a woman. Besides, this way everyone knows at the same time.”
Colby shook his head. “Nice bra.” His fingers traced the thin strap.
“I believe it’s appropriate club wear, Sir.” She went up on her toes. “Later, I’ll let you peel it off me.”
His eyes flared with passion. “It’s going to be a long shift tonight. Stay in the green area, and I’ll come and get you when I’m done.”
“Yes, Sir. I only want you.”
Colby escorted her over to the green area. Hannah smiled and patted the seat next to her. “Until later,” Colby said, kissing her hard before walking away.
“Now tell us how you captured Colby’s heart?” Hannah asked.
* * * *
Colby strolled around the club with a lightness he hadn’t expected. After Logan’s explanation, everyone had gone back to their business. The club really was a family.
He hadn’t expected them to react that way to the bruise on Lara’s cheek Then again, the Doms and subs were all protective. He was glad too.
Colby shifted. When Lara had told him he could peel the bra off her body later, his dick went from semi-hard to a full on erection at her words. While he wasn’t sure if she meant here in the club or at home, it didn’t matter.
Luckily his shift went fairly quickly. He kept glancing over at Lara talking with the subs in the green area. She looked very relaxed and happy. It did his heart good to see it. She belonged here, and maybe she was starting to feel that way as well.
* * * *
When his shift was almost over, Colby glanced over to the green area. Jordan had had an emergency, and Max needed someone to cover the midnight to two shift. Colby told him he’d stay. In between, he and Lara had taken in a couple of scenes.
She was doing better with him touching her in the club. While she reacted when he started to play with her breasts and nipples, she wasn’t tense, nor did she pull away. When he told her he needed to stay, she offered to stay too. No sense in him trying to figure out how to get home since they came in her car.
She was curled up in one of the overstuffed chairs, half asleep. She’d had a rough couple of days. He was pretty sure her cheek still hurt.
“Take her home,” Max said.
“But...”
“I can handle this. Logan is hanging out until closing time, so we’ve got this.”
“Thanks.” Colby walked into the green area. “Night, Hannah.” She’d been sitting with Lara for the last hour.
“Night, Sir Colby.” Hannah stood up and walked over to Logan.
“Lara?” Colby leaned down and brushed a kiss over her lips.
“Hmmm.”
“Come on, honey. Time to go home.” Colby picked her up.
“I can walk,” she said, her voice drowsy.
“I’m sure you can.” He carried her into the ladies’ room and had her open her locker to retrieve her things. When he walked out, Hannah was standing there with a blanket. She draped it over Lara.
“Bless you, Hannah.” Colby nodded to Ralph as he left.
Thank goodness for remote entry. He maneuvered the door open and set Lara onto the passenger seat. After making sure she was buckled in, he adjusted the blanket over her.
Colby shivered as he climbed in. It might be the beginning of May, but the nights in the Pacific Northwest were still chilly. He started the car, and before they made it to the main road, heat began filling the vehicle.
Lara snuggled into the blanket. She let out a sigh.
She’d trusted him enough to let go. To allow him to play with her breasts in the club. Yeah, they’d done it before, but tonight was different. No tensing up, no worry about who saw them. She’d been relaxed and leaned into his touch. It made the Dom in him proud. He drove to his place and carried her into his bedroom. The shorts were okay, but that bra had to go so she’d be comfortable. He unhooked it and drew the covers over her. She snuggled right under them.
She looked so good in his bed. He wanted her to stay there forever. The thought didn’t scare him. Lara had wormed her way into his heart, and he was going keep her there. He grinned as he made his way into the bathroom. After a quick, hot shower, he slid between the covers with her, gathered her into his arms, and closed his eyes.
* * * *
Lara’s cell phone rang for the fourth time as Colby drove to her home. “I guess I better get it,” she said.
“I don’t think your mother is going to stop until you do,” Colby commented. He understood why she was avoiding the call, but it was apparent her mother wasn’t going to give up.
“Hey, Mom,” Lara said. She stiffened and looked over at Colby. “There is nothing to discuss.” A pause. “I’m sorry, but this is my life.” Her fingers tightened around the phone. “Sorry you can’t deal with it, but it’s my life, and I’ll live it the way I choose. I am an adult.”
Lara ended the call and powered off her phone before tossing it in her bag.
“That didn’t sound like a very good discussion.”
She snorted. “There was no discussion. I’m supposed to toe the line. Well, guess what? I’m not.” She folded her arms over her chest.
“I don’t understand your family.” He held his hand out an
d was pleased when she placed hers in his. His fingers closed over hers. “Your aunt isn’t like your parents and brothers are.”
“Aunt Tammy has always been my rock. She’s always supported me.”
“Why not your mother?” He really wanted to understand more about her family.
Lara let out a sigh. “My mother follows whatever my father says. She’s one of those women who was raised to obey her husband.”
“I see.” He did. There were a lot of women in his neighborhood that were like that. Over the years, he’d tried to make sure they understood times were changing and got some counselors in to help them.
“Yeah.” She squeezed his hand. “I don’t believe in the obey part of the marriage vows. I refused to speak them.”
“Except in our bedroom, right?” he grinned.
“Only with you.” Lara answered without hesitation, making the Dom in him proud as hell.
“Still, I bet your family was upset when you wouldn’t say those words.”
“They were, and you know what? I don’t care anymore.”
The finality in her voice made him proud. Lara was a strong woman, much stronger than she realized. When Colby pulled up to her house, there was a man pacing outside her home on the sidewalk.
“Damn,” she muttered.
“Who is he?” Colby asked.
“My ex.” Lara opened the door and stepped out before Colby could stop her. He hopped out and hurried to her side.
“What do you want, Walter?”
“I—” Her ex broke off when Colby joined them. “What is he doing here?” His voice rose as he glared at Colby.
“It’s none of your business. Go home.” Lara kept her tone steady, but Colby could hear the frustration in it.
“It is my business; you’re my wife.”
“Ex-wife and I have been for almost four years.”
“Your parents—”
“I don’t care what my parents want. Get that through your head. We’re divorced. We’re not getting back together. I’ve moved on, Walter, it’s time you did too.” Lara tilted her head up. “Let’s go inside, Colby.”
Colby kept his arm around Lara’s waist and guided her past Walter. There was movement to his right, and suddenly, Lara spun in his hold.
“Don’t you fucking touch me.” She pressed her back against Colby’s chest.