Nothing Else Matters (Demons Disciples MC Book 2)

by Allana Walker

  “I think your sister has a crush on Blair.” Evan giggles, his nose scrunching up. “Don’t tell Daddy.” I press my finger to my lips.

  My little girl is growing up.

  ***

  “Happy birthday, Dar.” Jess walks in after she finished her shift.

  “Come on. Let's drop the gremlins off at my mom and dad’s, get dressed up, and celebrate.” Jess grins at me. Mom and Dad came by earlier to wish me a happy birthday and to give me gifts; they have to go to a dinner in Niagara Falls. “You still haven't opened your presents?”

  “Nope. Nothing changes the fact that everyone is still busy on this day.” Sighing, I drain my glass. Happy birthday to me. “It's only you and me, like old times.” She's the only one who has always been there and celebrated my birthday with me. Apart from last year, when I was in New York with Lauren.

  “I know the guys would have loved to be here, Daria. Jake too. But they all have...” I don't let her finish that sentence.

  “I know. They have work to do.” I exhale. “I just wish that for one year, we could all do something for my birthday, as a family unit, you know?” I look down. “I know it sounds selfish, and I know I say I hate my birthday but, that’s why. Everyone is always gone on my birthday. Am I not allowed to be around everyone I love on my day?”

  “Of course you are. Come on. Let's get dressed up. I know there's a fancy dress party going on at the club in town. Sort of a pre-Halloween party type thing. Let's have some fun.” Jess' eyes glitter with excitement.

  “You know what? Let's do it!” I shrug my shoulder.

  ***

  “Wow.” Jess' eyes widen when I come out of my closet. “If only Striker could see you now.” She giggles. We dropped the kids off at Alex and Tyler’s. They’ve been eager to have all three kids stay with them for ages. They love Emily and Evan like they’re their own grandchildren, and I trust them with my life.

  “What about you? Nico would have a heart attack if he saw you in that.” She twirled in her blue PVC hot pants with white stars all over them, strapless red and gold top, and white knee-high heeled boots.

  “Striker wouldn't let you out of the house if he saw you now. He'd keep you under lock and key.” I look in my mirror at what I'm wearing; half blue, half red hot pants, ripped fishnet tights, a white t-shirt with 'Daddy's Little Monster' in red fancy writing, and heeled calf-length baseball-style boots.

  “Do you think it’s too much?” I pick up my baseball bat and place it on my shoulder.

  “I think you look damn sexy, Daria.” She stands behind me, smiling. “Let's get our hair and make-up done so we can go have some fun.”

  ***

  “I just need to make a quick pit stop at the clubhouse. Nico isn't answering my text,” Jess informs me. I nod as the cab drives towards the clubhouse.

  “Thank you.” I try to pay the driver, but he refuses, which confuses me.

  “Ma'am, have a good birthday. Have a drink on me.” He smiles in the rearview mirror.

  “Thank you so much.”

  As we walk along the gravel, I lose my footing and almost fall over into the row of bikes.

  “Damn heels.” I giggle, catching Jess’ arm for support.

  “That was close. There would have been a whole load of angry bikers storming out had you caused a domino effect.” She laughs.

  We giggle, walking in the door; the place is in darkness, which causes alarm bells to scream in my head that something is wrong.

  “Jess, I don't like this. Something isn't right.” The hairs on the back of my neck stand up on end. Striker said they had business to attend to, but usually, there are always people around. A million scenarios whizz around my head.

  What if they're all dead? What if who killed them is waiting on us, coming to finish us all off? My heart races faster.

  “Let me find the light switch.” I grip onto Jess. I'm not letting her go. I prepare myself for what the scene will be once the lights are on.

  “Jess, wait. What if it's a massacre?” My voice is cracking. Just as I finish the sentence, she flips the switch.

  “SURPRISE!” a whole collection of voices shout.

  I stumble back, dropping my bat, and clutch my rapidly beating heart. I look around the room and see everyone I love and care for, all looking at me, smiling, with drinks in their hands. I can't help but turn and run. I grip onto the railing, trying to get my breathing under control.

  “Baby?” Striker’s voice hits my ears. Turning, I look at him and launch myself at him, hugging him and breathing in his scent.

  I send up a silent prayer, thanking God he's okay.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Striker

  Holy shit. She looks so fucking sexy I can't contain the massive hard-on in my pants. Those hot pants just cover her ass cheeks. Seeing her holding on to Jess and hearing her worries about there being a massacre hit me like a ton of bricks. Maybe this was a bad idea.

  When everyone shouted surprise at her, I thought for sure she was about to have a heart attack. All the color drained from her face, and she ran outside.

  I follow her to see her holding onto the railing.

  “Baby?” When she turns, it's like she's looking at me for the first time. Her shoulders sag, and she pounces on me, holding me tightly. I bring my arms around her and run my hand up and down her back.

  I hear her whispering to herself. “He's okay. Thank God.”

  I place my hands on either side of her face, pushing her away from me slightly so I can see into her eyes. “Of course I'm okay.”

  “It was just so dark, Striker. I thought the worst.” A tear falls from her eye.

  “I'm sorry. I just thought I would throw this party for you because you said you never celebrate your birthday, apart from last year when you were in New York with Lauren.”

  “It was an amazing surprise, and I love you for it. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Let's go back in. The quicker this party is over, the quicker we can get home. I need to fuck you so bad right now.” I adjust myself and smack her ass hard as she walks in front of me, causing her to squeal.

  “What are you supposed to be anyway?”

  “Bond. James Bond.” I try my best attempt at an English accent, which obviously doesn't go down well, judging by the look on her face. She starts laughing. I mean really laughing, and it's beautiful, even if it is at my expense.

  “Please, never do that again.” She giggles. I grab her by the waist and plant a big kiss on her.

  “I love you,” I say against her lips.

  “I love you more.” She kisses me again.

  “Impossible.”

  ***

  We walk back in, and Daria walks over to her parents, smiling and hugging them, leaving me at the door, watching her. I look down to see her bat. The same bat that was nearly wrapped around my head two years ago. Picking it up, I take it to her.

  “Dr. Quinzel. I think you forgot something.” I smirk, handing her the bat.

  “Why, thank you.” She pops gum.

  “Daria, sweetheart.” Fran interrupts us. “There's someone outside to see you.”

  I look down at her, questioning if she knows who is waiting outside for her. “Who is it, Fran?”

  “No idea. There’s three of them. All on bikes.” She shrugs and walks back to the bar with a few glasses in her hand.

  “Any ideas?” I look down at Daria.

  She shakes her head, just as confused as I am. We walk out to see Austin and Travis with some other guy, leaning on their bikes. I let out a growl and try to hold Daria’s hand tighter, but she looks up at me.

  “Striker, be nice.”

  I snort. I’ll never be nice to a man that wants to take my woman away from me.

  “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Daria. Happy birthday to you!” Travis starts walking towards us, singing until he’s in front of us, and pulls her into a bear hug. He holds his hand out to me when he lets Daria go. “St
riker,” I shake his hand.

  “Now, I know the mail on this side of the country is slow, but you could have at least called me.” Austin steps closer to us.

  “Austin.” Daria lets go of my hand and walks towards him, throwing her arms around his neck. My fist clenches at my side, my jealousy starting to rear its ugly head.

  “Deedee,” he breathes, hugging her close. A little too close for my liking.

  I cough, gaining their attention. They both look over at me. That fucker looks at me with a stupid grin and Daria blushes a little, turns, and circles her arms around my waist. It’s my turn to give him a shit-eating grin.

  “Austin.” Jessica runs into her big brother's arms.

  “Oh, jeez.” Austin chuckles, placing her down on her feet. “Gotta give me warning, sis. I'm getting old.”

  “Oh, stop. You're only in your mid-thirties.”

  “Why don't you all come in for a drink?” Dad says and waves them in.

  This should be fun.

  ***

  I watch from the bar as Daria dances with Jess and some of the wives and girlfriends.

  “That girl has some moves,” Snickers comments. I tear my eyes from Daria to look at him. “Hey, man. I'm just saying.” He holds his hands up in surrender.

  “Well, keep those thoughts to yourself,” I snap, taking a pull of my drink. “Better yet, stop fucking thinking of my woman like that!”

  “Come on, man. Look at her.” He rubs his crotch, looking over at Daria and Jess dancing.

  “Get the fuck out of here before I lose it.” I shove him, causing him to fall off the stool.

  “What was that about?” Nico asks, looking at Snickers laughing on the floor.

  “Old fucks getting off on our women.”

  “He would get off to a fucking sheep if it looked at him.” Nico sighs. I can’t tear my eyes away from Daria, who’s now standing with her parents, Travis, Jess, and that other guy, laughing at something Austin just said. Nico follows my eye line then looks back at me, blocking my view.

  “Come on, Striker. You know there was nothing going on between them. Jess has told me about the two of them. She says they're like brother and sister now. He treats her like he treats Jess. Protects her like he would Jess too.” Nico looks over at them. I see a cloud of sadness wash over his face. I know he's thinking it should have been him protecting her all those years ago.

  “Nico, you're catching up on those protection years now.” I place my hand on his shoulder.

  “Yeah. I just wish I'd have known sooner.” He walks away towards the pool table to challenge Travis.

  ***

  “Hey, man.” Austin comes to sit with me outside. I had to get out; they were playing some shitty pop song and my ears were almost bleeding. “Listen, I just wanted to say that I see how happy Daria is when she's around you.” He leans forward, elbows on his knees. “But I've found out a lot of shit about you. Shit I would hate for Daria to find out about. And the shit you have done to her in the past?” He looks me dead in the eye. “You touch her, or even think of treating her like that again, and I will kill you. You don't fucking scare me.”

  “Oh, you should be scared.” I smirk. “I will be your worst nightmare come true if you come between my woman and me.” His jaw sets and twitches when I mention that Daria is mine. “I know you love her more than a sister. I can see it in the way you look at her. Like you want to rip off those hot pants and fuck her raw.”

  “After telling her what I found out about you, she’ll be under me with a click of my fingers.”

  “I’d like to see you try. Especially when she’s got my ring on her finger.” His eyes widen a little, and I smirk at him. “Yeah, we’re getting married. So, I suggest you keep your hands off my future bride and concentrate on your own woman. Your discount Daria.” His hand clenches. “She knows everything about me. Every sordid detail.”

  “Hey.” Daria bounces out, looking between us staring at each other. “Everything okay? I don't want trouble. Not tonight, guys, please.” The smile she once had on her face disappears.

  “No trouble.” The cocky prick stands and hugs her.

  “Aww, are you leaving? You just got here.”

  “Yeah.” She pouts at him. “I'll call you soon to check in.”

  “You better.”

  He scoffs, kissing her temple, and leaves.

  “Let's forget the party and go home now.” She turns her attention to me once the fuckers are gone, throwing her arms around my neck, kissing my jaw and sitting on my lap with her legs at either side of me. “You look so fuckable right now.” She presses her hot pussy against my hardening cock. She continues to move against me, kissing and nipping my neck.

  “Baby, as much as I would like to take you here and now…” My voice is breathy, so unlike me. This is what she does to me; she makes me weak. I hate it, but I fucking love it at the same time. “…there are a lot of people in there here to celebrate with you.” She doesn't relent on her assault, making it even harder for me to stop it.

  I have to. The last thing I need is for her dad to come out and see her like this with me. We may have sorted out some of our differences, but I know as a father that I would hate to walk out and see Emily like this with a guy.

  “I don't give a shit. It's my birthday.” Her hand slips down my chest to the front of my pants and rubs.

  “Baby, stop,” I breathe. “Fuck. I said, stop!”

  My voice is hard. I didn't mean to, but shit, I was about to blow my load in my pants like a preteen. She stops and climbs off me, her eyes cast down, ashamed. “I’m sorry.”

  “Time for the cake,” Nico calls, looking between us. Daria walks past him, my eyes never leaving her. “You okay?”

  “Yeah.” I stand, scrubbing my hand over my face and walk in, seeing her with her parents beside the dancer-themed cake Lauren made for her. That smile will always make my heart soar; even if it's not for me, it will always be my Achilles heel.

  The lights go out when she blows out her candles, and when they come back on, we see Nicholas down on one knee in front of Lauren.

  “Will you marry me, Lauren Smith?” Lauren looks at a tearful Daria and grins.

  “Yes.” Lauren sniffles. Nicholas slips the ring on her finger, stands, and kisses Lauren. Daria glances over and makes her way over to me after congratulating her parents.

  “I’m sorry.” She hugs my waist, craning her neck to look up at me. “I’m just really horny, and you look too damn good in a suit.” She looks down, playing about with the lapels of my suit jacket, then she peeks up at me through her lashes. “The last thing I would want is to force you to do something you didn’t want,” I notice a hint of sadness flash over her face. It was quick, but it was there. “Forgive me?”

  Years ago, I wouldn’t have thought twice about it, but we’re different people now.

  “You know…” I pull her closer to me. “…there are a few empty rooms in this place. One in particular I know you know very well.” I wink, my mouth close to her ear. “Meet me there in ten minutes.”

  Her tongue darts out to lick her parted lips. A slow smile spreads across her face as her eyes brighten; they almost look green at the idea. She slinks past me, her hand brushing my cock, causing it to jump to attention.

  Get ready for the ride of your life, baby.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  Daria

  I’m busy staring out of the window, thinking about everything that has happened over the course of my life. Denise’s abuse, meeting Striker, falling pregnant with Emily, not talking to Dad for ten years, losing two babies, having a fallopian tube removed, and Brad. My mind begins to flashback to when I was fifteen and everything that kick-started all my trust issues with men, and why I have to take medication to calm me.

  I try to get my mind to go to the party Striker threw me two weeks ago, but it’s not working. I squeeze my eyes closed and start whispering to myself, rubbing my wrist like my therapist suggested. I’m trying not to
reach for the bottle like I usually do when it gets too much. Just last week, Striker had sat me down to tell me he was worried about my drinking during the day. I didn’t see the problem with having one glass during the day. I spoke to my therapist about it and she made me see that it could potentially snowball into a bigger problem if I don’t start talking to Striker about everything.

  “Mom!” Emily shouts, bringing me out of my thoughts. “Oh My God, Mom!” She runs in.

  My heart beats fast as my mind races, thinking something’s wrong. “What is it, baby?”

  “You've gone viral!” Her eyes are brighter than I've ever seen.

  “Viral?”

  “Yeah. Remember the video we did on your birthday? You've gone viral.” She proceeds to shove her cell in my face.

  Whoa, that's your mom? Daaaaum.

  Is your mom single? I could be your stepdad.

  What a hot mama

  “You're social media famous, Mom.” She giggles. “Everyone loves you.”

  “Of course they do,” Striker says, circling his arms around my waist.

  “I'm not sure I'm comfortable with people loving me for shaking my ass.” I shake my head at her. I knew she was posting it and was happy for her to do so. To be honest, I thought I would get maybe one like from Jess, but to go viral? That’s got me shook.

  “What?” Striker's whole body tenses and his voice lowers to a growl.

  “Mom's gone viral on that dance app.” Emily lifts her chin proudly.

  “Let me see.” Emily plays the video and I watch Striker's face change from focused, to his eyes widening at the part where I shake my ass to the camera. His eyes snap up to look at me, and I know that as soon as Emily is at school and Evan has been dropped off at Mom and Dad’s, I'm in for a rough ride. I'm so ready.

  “You should see the comments. One even said mom was the hottest woman in the world they had ever seen and asked if she was single. They're asking you to do more videos, Mom.”

  Striker takes her cell out of her hand and starts typing. Emily’s jaw drops to the floor and her face reddens at what she’s reading. “Oh my God, Daddy. You're going to get me banned. You can't threaten to chop someone’s penis off and choke them with it.”