Hawk raised an eyebrow in question and Kid explained his theory.
“She looks nothing like her sister or her mother. And I know sometimes a child only shows the traits of one parent but there’s not a single thing that links her to her mother or her mother’s family. I asked Ziggy to dig into her background and we both think she isn’t related. What if she was kidnapped to be sold and for some reason Murchison held on to her?”
Hawk was silent for a beat, pulling on the ends of his goatee as he mulled it over.
“Fuck. If I look at it from my own perspective I’d be fucking pissed off. If it was me and I found out what he had done he would die, slow and very fucking bloody.”
“She would do the same, and go after him with everything she has. Dom knows her and knows what she would do. I think that’s why he didn’t give her more information but you can bet your ass that hacker of hers is looking into it. No matter how deep Murchison tried to bury it, she will find it and then shit’s going to hit the fan.”
Hawk stretched and groaned. “Well, let’s hope she’s too busy right now to focus all her attention on the puzzle of Noelle’s parentage.”
“You and me both, Prez, you and me both. Anything else you need to discuss? I need to get ready and get out of here soon.”
“Go, brother.” Hawk waved a hand towards the door. “Go see your woman and report back later. Enjoy the ride.”
His woman? Ja, maybe for now she could be that. But only for now. Only for now.
“See you later, Prez.”
Leaving the door open behind him Kid left the office and ran up to his room. He was looking forward to the ride and having her on the back of his bike.
That stopped him in his tracks.
He didn’t put women on the back of his bike. But he was going to do so today.
Another change in his life he never saw coming.
So many fucking changes lately. Where was it going to stop?
Forcing himself to move he unlocked his bedroom door and concentrated on getting ready to ride. He would think about the rest sometime in the future, just not today.
Today he wanted to feel the sun on his body, the wind in his face and his woman against his back.
Everything else could wait.
And calling her his woman had to stop because she wasn’t that at all. She was a job he was undertaking for his club. He needed to remember that, however much she called to him, it could never be more.
She was a convicted criminal with a spotty record since she was released. He didn’t believe she was as clean as Bruno Nichols made her out to be.
And that’s why Ziggy was still digging into all the women in her crew.
They were trying to find out if she was clear of the Syndicate or whether she’s been working for them all along and this was all a con. A con to ensnare Dom and the club in the sticky tentacles of the fucking Syndicate.
Personally he didn’t believe it. He had seen her and Dom together and they were as close as siblings or even lovers. No way would the woman who sat beside Dom in War’s office in Cape Town betray Dominick Maingarde.
They were chasing their own tails and the sooner Ziggy got off that wild goose chase and focussed on the important shit the better.
And talk about the devil. Ziggy was standing with a lifted hand in front of his door when he opened it to leave.
“Hey, brother, what can I do for you?”
Ziggy was frowning but not his pissed off frown it was more a confused one.
“I’ve spent the night searching for anything that might link her and her crew to the Syndicate and there’s nothing. Not a single speck of dirt to be found.” He gave a tiny little smile. “Not that they’re squeaky, they’re not. They do less than legal shit for Dom, I’m sure of it.” He shrugged. “I just can’t prove it. As soon as I find a trail it disappears. Someone is out there cleaning up their backdoor and everything is disappearing, wiped as if it never existed. Whoever is doing it is damned good and I would love to meet him.”
“It’s a her, brother, not a him. Noelle has someone called Star on her crew and apparently she’s freaky good with computer shit. She was in prison with her, so if you dig from that end you should be able to find out who she is. I don’t know her real name, they just called her Star.”
It was as if Ziggy got a shot of adrenalin straight into his bloodstream.
“If she is who I think she is then she was a child prodigy who disappeared rather abruptly. She was in prison? Do you know how long?”
“Sorry, Zig, no clue and I can’t ask about shit like that, it will be too suspicious. Maybe at a later date.”
Ziggy waved his hands in the air as he started backing away. “No need. I’ve got this now that I know where to start looking.”
He was muttering to himself as he disappeared down the stairs.
Pulling his door closed and locking it Kid followed him downstairs. The common room was empty and he was grateful for it. He didn’t want to answer any fucking questions.
He was already wearing his kutte over his tee but he shoved the clean hoody he had brought with him into his saddlebag. It was summer and though the day looked like it was going to be hot there might be thunderstorms later. He was prepared in case either of them felt the chill after the rain.
Shaking his head he sat on his bike and waited for his men to join him. He had given them all a wake up text earlier.
Pulling his phone out he checked the time. They had thirty minutes to get to the house the women were renting. Enough time if the assholes were up and ready to ride.
With his legs stretched out he sat on his bike he waited.
Dizzy was the first one out and it was obvious he had not tied one on last night. He was fresh and ready for the day.
The other two not so much.
They came walking out shortly after and both groaned as the sunlight hit their eyes and dark glasses immediately appeared. They were both hung over as hell.
“Hey, little brother, you ready to ride this morning or should I call someone to take your place?” Kid teased.
“Fuck you.” Rock growled. “I might be feeling like shit but I’m still perfect to ride and cover your ass.”
“What he said.” Buzz growled.
Looking the two over as they got on their bikes he hid his grin as he tied his bandanna around his neck and pulled on his helmet then flipped up the visor to slide his sunglasses on. Opening and closing his hands to settle his fingerless gloves he threw a leg over his bike.
Rocking it off the stand he started it and listened to the roar that signified freedom to him. It had always been that to him. Freedom. A freedom that came with brothers at his back. Who could ask for anything more?
Not him, not ever.
Until now. Until this woman that he could not stop thinking about, could not stop jerking off to.
It had to stop because she interfered with the way he lived his life and he couldn’t have that.
Maybe once he’s fucked her he would be able to shake this feeling. Maybe then he’d be more centered and able to take back control of his life.
Nodding to himself he pulled out with Dizzy next to him and Rock and Buzz guarding his back. And didn’t that just show him what his life was all about.
His brothers. His club.
He didn’t have space in his life for anything else.
No woman. No rug rats.
Just him and his club.
Feeling the wind in his face and sun on his back he settled in for the ride to pick up the woman who was fucking up his plans for his life.
She made him want more than he deserved.
And he couldn’t allow that.
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
Face/Noe
I woke slowly and groaned at the dull ache in my lower back. Damned bed. I would have to stretch my spine before I did anything else today. The bed was too damned soft and my back didn’t like it. Rolling over I shoved my face into my pillow and just lay there as I contempl
ated the day ahead.
Kid was arriving at ten to take me out on a ride. I knew I wouldn’t be able to ride my own bike because this was all for show. A show that would have me on the back of his bike, something I’m sure the badass never did. It was going to piss him off.
And it pissed me off too. I would much rather ride my own bike.
Rolling back over I sighed, slid my legs over the side of the bed and sat up. From sitting I went to standing and then into the stretches I needed. I heard the rumbling of voices and tipped my head to the side as I listened. It sounded like it came through my window, I peeked through the blinds at the neighbours that were way too close as far as I was concerned. They were having breakfast on their outside patio almost right underneath my window.
Voices explained.
Using the bathroom I quickly did my business, washed my hands and face and brushed my teeth then went looking for coffee. As I walked down the stairs I could still hear the voices of the damned neighbours.
Rubbing my hands over my face and into my bedhead hair I walked into the kitchen and came to a confused stop.
The rumbling voices weren’t the neighbours as I had thought, they came from our kitchen. Blinking to be sure I wasn’t dreaming I looked at the hot foursome around the kitchen island and Cuba serving them coffee.
I said the first thing that came into my head. “My alarm didn’t go off.”
Heads turned my way as I walked over to the coffee pot and grabbing one of the mugs standing ready poured my wake up juice. Leaning against the cupboard with my eyes closed I sipped then slowly opened my eyes.
I had four sets of laughing eyes on me and one set of pissed off ones.
“What the fuck are you wearing?” The pissed off man snarled.
I looked down at my favourite sleeping attire. “Stolen property.”
“And whose stolen property might that be?”
I didn’t get a chance to answer, Cuba did it for me.
“I think she stole it from Bruno’s office. He always has some in the cupboard for his guys.”
“You always walk around men dressed like that?” He just couldn’t seem to help himself, ass.
“My house, I can do what I want.” I huffed angrily.
Again Cuba interfered. “Face, shower, wake up and get dressed. The man came to pick you up for a day out on his bike. Move it.”
With that she started shoving me out of the kitchen and back up the stairs.
“Go, and hurry up
I left still grumbling about stupid men but I did sort of hurry. But I didn’t primp like last night. I moisturised and covered my face with sunscreen then slipped it into my small backpack. I would need it to keep all the shit I needed to carry with me. Rubbing my hands through my wet hair I grabbed a towel and quickly towel dried it. After running my comb through it I let it settle where ever it wanted to.
I looked in the mirror and grimaced. Nothing more I could do, this was it.
And if he wasn’t happy with the way I looked he could go fuck himself.
With that I clomped out of my room and down the stairs back into the kitchen. Evvie and Mads were now there as well and stood silently watching as Cuba and Rock verbally sparred. By the look in their eyes I knew they both enjoyed it.
Kid’s eyes glided over me, taking in my messy hair, the leather jacket, white tee, faded blue jeans and biker boots. He gave a little nod of satisfaction. Little did he know that if it wasn’t for my girls I would be standing here dressed in black from top to toe. Stupid ass.
Coming to me he took my hand and pulled me into his chest. “You ready to ride, Noe?”
I nodded wordlessly.
“Good.” Over his shoulder he spoke to his men. “Let’s ride.”
He led me out of the house to his bike where he took my backpack and stowed it in one of his saddlebags. It seems the man came prepared.
My girls stood on the veranda of the house and waved as we rode away. I was a little bit miffed that they hadn’t been asked to come with us but then I remembered that these men didn’t like to put women on the back of their bikes unless they were special. And anyway none of them had a seat available. All their bikes had only one seat.
Which made me appreciate what Kid had done for me. He had added a seat to his bike. For me.
The ride showed me how very different the area was to what I was used to. We rode through undulating hills covered in tall grass, thorn trees and aloes. And then finally we came over a rise and the Hartebeespoortdam lay glittering in front of us. It looked blue and with the mountain and red roofed houses somehow reminded me of Italy, or more specifically of photos I’ve seen of Italy.
I always wanted to travel but I was imprisoned before I could realise that dream. And now I was too damned busy but maybe I should seriously start thinking about making some time to travel. While I had been dreaming about travelling the world on my bike we had arrived at a restaurant. A biker restaurant judging by the amount of bikes parked outside.
Kid parked and I immediately got off and undid my helmet and set it next to his on the bike seat and shoved both hands through my hair lifting it from my skull. I still had my hands in my hair when he stepped close and his hands went around my neck and tied a bandanna around it.
“Is there a reason for the bandanna or is it just for decoration?”
“It will show all those fuckers checking you out that you belong to me and the Iron Dogz MC.” The grumpy asshole growled at me.
“Not for long.” I muttered as I bent to extract my backpack from his saddlebags.
“What did you say?” His voice was soft but deadly and I looked over my shoulder at him before I slowly straightened. The man was seriously pissed.
“What?” I pretended I didn’t know what he was asking.
Grabbing me by the sides of my open jacket he pulled me close and his lips slammed down over mine. The kiss was hard and punishing but I still enjoyed it and my hands crept up and around his neck. One hand at the back of his head as he furiously ate at my mouth. He had one hand on my ass the other in my hair dominating me and my mouth. And then the kiss slowly changed, becoming soft and wet and I moaned as he dragged me over his thigh and I almost, almost detonated at the pressure against my aching clit.
An amused voice dragged me out of my kiss fog.
“Damn, brother, can we at least have some brunch before you fuck your woman on your bike?”
I tried to rear back but he held on to me keeping my pussy tight against his thigh. He looked down at me with lust blazing from his eyes. A smile slowly crept over his so serious face and I was entranced by it. It changed his face completely.
“That’s better.” He muttered against my lips. “Now no one will doubt whose woman you are. You look fucking good with your lips all red and puffy from my kiss, baby. Can’t fucking wait to do the same to that hot little pussy of yours.”
I was stunned silent and just stared at him and he gave me another quick kiss before pulling my backpack out of my hand and throwing over his shoulder then picking up our helmets. Somehow he managed to carry both in one hand and hold onto my hand with the other as he led me towards the restaurant where several bikers were avidly watching our approach.
“As long as you don’t feel the need to piss on me to mark your territory we’re all good.” I snarked and Kid came to a sudden stop and burst out laughing as did the men with us. With one arm he pulled me in and hugged me to him while laughing and shaking his head.
“Fuck, babe, the shit you say.” He let me go, grabbed my hand again and continued up the stairs into the restaurant with our audience still watching.
A rotund copiously sweating little man was waiting and seemed to almost hop in place in his eagerness to lead us to our table.
“Good to see you again, Kid. I have reserved your usual table as instructed. Anything you need just ask the waitress and it’s yours.”
At our table I unzipped my jacket and hung it over the back of my chair then took my backpack from Ki
d and hooked it over the back as well. I didn’t say a word as Kid talked to the funny little man who spoke as if he was from way back when knights and fair maidens existed. Our table had a perfect view over the water that sparkled under the bright sun. It was beautiful.
I had my phone out and was taking a photo when Kid’s hand clasped around the back of my neck to get my attention and I turned to look up at him.
“Baby, this is Wimpie, the owner of Zeffers.”
“Hi, Wimpie.” I greeted him and gave a very small smile that I knew wouldn’t pull at my scars.
“Hello, my lady, welcome to my humble establishment. What can I get you to drink while you have a look at the menu?”
“Water would be great, thanks.”
“Sparkling or still, my lady.”
“Still, thank you.”
And with that settled the little guy scuttled off. He didn’t ask the guys what they wanted so I suppose he knew what to bring them.
Kid sat down next to me then dragged my chair closer to his and threw his arm over the back of mine. His elbow was propped on the back of my chair and his fingers played over the back of my neck as he chatted with his brothers. I sat with my chin in the palm of my hand listening to them but at the same time watching the men and women in the restaurant watching us. Some of them were civilians out for the day but there were several clubs represented, and no tension at all. It seemed the restaurant was neutral ground. Interesting.
The brunch was huge and so damned tasty I scoffed almost all of it. But eventually I had to give up and sat back so full it felt as if my tummy was going to pop.
“I can’t eat another bite.” I moaned as I leant back and put my hands on my stuffed belly. “And it’s all going to settle on my ass, I just know it.”
The men snickered and I gave them the evil eye. “You can laugh but it’s the truth. Ask any of the women you know and they’ll tell you. Shit like this always settle on our asses. I’m going to have to work out twice as hard tomorrow.”
“Noelle, your ass is perfect but a little bit extra here and there will only make it more biteable.”
Neither Black Nor White (Iron Dogz MC, #6) Page 27