by Sam Crescent
“What about Whisky? He saved me. He was there. So why are you worried?”
He stood up straight, his expression hard.
“I should have been the one to save you, Ally. Not Whisky, not anyone.”
“They’re your men, doing your bidding. Same thing, Lord.”
“It’s not.”
“Whatever, you manage your whorehouses and do your thing. I’m sure your bed will always be warmed by club whores. Nobody wants to murder them. I’ll just get the hell out of your life. It’s easier for you that way.” Her emotions were bubbling up all over the place. She was a mess, an angry, bitter mess.
She was about to storm out and make the necessary dramatic exit, but he grabbed her arm to keep her in place. “I don’t want this, Ally. But Brick was right.”
“Brick is alone and miserable. He’ll die alone because he doesn’t believe in love.”
“He seems happy. He’s popular with the women,” Lord said.
“Women who sleep with half the club don’t count. You’re all so shallow. Nothing is real in your world. I thought what we had might be different. I was wrong.”
He pulled her against his chest, whispering into her hair. “I wanted to be the one to save you, not Whisky.”
“I don’t care about him, Lord. I’ve been wishing you were here all night. I miss you every time you’re gone.”
His hands tightened in her hair. “I thought it would be easier to cut you loose. You’ve only been in my life for the blink of an eye. But it’s fucking hard. I don’t know why.”
She hoped it was love, some connection deeper than sex and control.
“I want to be with you,” she said. “You’re all I have now.”
Even though her father wasn’t a factor in her life, Lord had turned everything upside down. She had no apartment or job to go back to now. She was completely immersed in his life. His club.
She ran her hands down his chest. He was such a presence, such strength and raw masculinity. The scent of his cologne aroused her. Everything about him turned her on. He didn’t scare her, in fact, he made her feel protected and safe.
Ally curled her fingers around his thick leather belt.
Could he read her mind? Did he know what she wanted from him?
Right now, she needed security, reassurance, love. But she’d settle for sex. All she wanted was to feel desired by Lord, connected in any way possible.
“I’ve never cared about a woman until you. You’ve fucked with my head.”
“You’re allowed to have a life, Lord. Does the club always have to come first?” She slid her hand under his shirt, feeling his warm, firm skin.
“That’s the problem, baby. If I had to choose, I’d choose you over anything. Even my club.”
Her breath caught. For a man like Lord, that was even more powerful than saying he loved her. The room sounded quieter than a morgue.
“Then don’t push me away.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing his jawline, one kiss after the other. “Promise me.”
“I promise,” he said just before his lips came down over hers. Lord kissed her thoroughly, making time stand still. He began to lift her shirt up, only breaking their kiss long enough to pull the shirt over her head.
“I need you, Lord.” She tilted her head to the side as he trailed kisses down her neck.
“Whisky saved you today, but I’m your man, Ally. Don’t forget that. This body belongs to me.”
She wet her lips. “Make sure I don’t forget.”
Chapter Nine
Lord stared out across the compound. His woman sat on the small patch of grass toward the back, reading a book. With all of his business, she’d been complaining of being bored. Rather than allow her to hate her life here, he’d made one of his boys go to the local bookstore and buy as many titles as they could get their hands on. Now as he watched, she had a small pile of books beside her.
She looked so fucking cute.
Running a hand down his face, he hated this. Hated the indecision. He’d gone back to the hotel with the sole intention of getting rid of her.
What had he done instead? Kept her. With a traitor close.
He didn’t know why he needed to keep her. Sure, her pussy had never been touched by another man, and her devotion to him was highly addictive, but keeping her made him look weak.
The one thing he hated more than anything was to look weak. In his world, he’d already cost himself so much.
“Is everything okay?” Brick asked.
“Yes. Any word?”
“So far The Skull Nation is lying low. No sign of them.”
Lord shook his head. “That’s not good. When they’re lying low, that means they’re planning something.”
“What do you think it is?”
“Either a full-on assault so long as they can get the numbers, or something else.” Again, he looked outside at his woman. She was too sweet for him. The biggest mistake he’d made was thinking they stood a chance.
“They try to attack here, we’ve got it covered,” Brick said.
“I’m not going to wait around for them to attack,” Lord said. “We’ve got too many businesses demanding our attention. They could just wait us out.” The Skull Nation were not good people. If they got ahold of Ally, that would be it. They would make her wish he’d killed her to spare her the pain of what they would do. Just thinking about what they could do to her filled him with a rage he knew all too well. Only this came from a feeling deep within, attached to a little part for Ally alone.
“Do you want me to grab the boys for a meeting?” Brick asked.
“Tonight. We plan.” He turned toward Brick. “I’ve got to handle something first.”
He left his office, making his way outside to where Ally read. Since he’d looked at her from his office, she’d move to lay spread out across the grass. Her legs were crossed at the ankles as she lifted the book up in the air. She flicked over a page at the same time as tucking some of her hair behind her ear.
“Good book?”
She turned toward him with a smile.
That look in her eyes, it was what he wanted every single day.
She turned the book over and got to her feet, rushing toward him. He captured her in his arms as she threw herself at him. Such youth and sweet innocence. He was addicted to her love. And he didn’t deserve any of it.
“I haven’t seen you all morning.” She kissed his cheek. “Are you free now?”
“I’m free as I’ll ever be.” He held her hand and together, they sat on the ground. Lord moved her so she sat between his spread thighs. He held his palms up and she pressed hers down on his. Her hands were so much smaller than his.
He pressed his face against her neck, breathing her in, wanting to consume all of her.
This world was not meant for the likes of Ally. She was too good for them.
“I could stay here all day.”
Letting go of her hands, he wrapped his arms around her waist. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. The sun is out. Do you think we should set up the grill? The guys could use some happiness. They’re all frowning. The girls don’t look happy either.”
Lord glanced over her shoulder and he saw a couple of the guys were drinking coffee, talking, but the tension in their bodies was clear for him to read. They were ready for an attack, as was he. He just controlled himself better.
“You see them, don’t you?”
“I see it all. It’s not like I’m someone important, so they don’t hide it from me. I get it. They’re scared about something or someone. I’m not sure what it is yet, but I’ll find out.” She tilted her head back to look at him. “You’re like that sometimes as well.”
“I am?” he asked.
“Yes. I saw you this morning as we woke up. The first thing you did was go to the window and look out. You’re waiting for something.”
He pressed a kiss to her neck. “We’re not scared, Ally. Don’t mistake that emotion. We’re used to people
wanting what we’ve got. That doesn’t make us scared. It makes us ready.” He pulled back and ran a hand through his hair. “I want to take you to a safe place.”
This had her turning in his arms. “What?”
“You heard. This compound, it’s going to become a war zone.”
“And? I thought you said it always was.”
He couldn’t stand to see the pain in her eyes. Ally was so different to the women he was used to. Her sweetness fucking killed him. He had to do something to protect it though. “This is different. The Skull Nation are not the same as other enemies. They have numbers.”
“That you can beat. You’ve told me they’re nothing.”
He cupped her face and forced her to look at him. “The Skull Nation are nothing to me unless I’ve got someone who is important to me. They know my weakness and I can’t have that, Ally. They cannot know what you mean to me.” He ran his thumb across her bottom lip. “I can’t bear to lose you.”
Tears swam in her eyes, but rather than let them affect him, he ignored them. “You said I’m safest by your side. Now, you’re going to send me away?”
“Yes. I’ve got a safe house. It’s not too far from here. It’s a ranch. I know the handler. He’s a good man. Strong. He was a brother until he left the club to help his wife and kids. Ranching life called to him.”
She shook her head. “Look what happened last time. They found me at the hotel. I don’t want to leave you.”
“It won’t be permanent. Just until I’ve got everything together.” He pulled her close and kissed her hard on the mouth. His cock hardened but for now, he had to keep his mind in check. All it would take was one touch, to watch or feel her come around his cock, and he’d give in.
She was an addiction he didn’t want to get rid of but for her own safety, he was going to do it.
“I want you to go and pack a bag. We leave immediately,” he said.
He stood up and helped her to her feet. Without another look in her direction, he made his way into his office and picked up his phone.
It was a number he memorized but never thought he’d call.
“Well, well, well, I never thought I’d get a call from you,” Rancher said.
Lord rubbed at his eyes. “And I never thought I’d call you.”
“I’m guessing this is urgent business.”
“It is.” He was silent as he weighed up his options. Calling Rancher was a last resort.
“Lord, brother, what is it?” Rancher asked.
“I’ve got a girl.”
“Club pussy?”
His hands clenched. “No.”
“Wow, who knew with one word you could sound as possessive as fuck. She’s not club?”
“She’s mine.”
“Okay. What do you need?”
He breathed deeply. What the fuck did he need? First, a brand-new set of balls. Second, to not be falling for the woman who was only supposed to be a toy to him. He rubbed at his temples but still, he wasn’t happy about what he was doing. Ally didn’t deserve this. The thought of Skull Nation getting to her, well, that settled it.
“I need a safe house for her.”
“You want to bring her here?”
“Yes. I know you can protect her.” Rancher had once been his VP. Brick a close second until Rancher had fallen deeply in love with his own sweet woman. “If your woman will allow her.”
“Fuck, man. You know Betty isn’t the one who wanted me to quit the club. It was a decision I made. No one else. My wife supported me in the club.”
He still left though.
For Lord, it was never an option.
The club was in his blood. It was who he was and there was no getting away from that.
“Do I need to know what kind of danger you’re in?” Rancher asked.
“The Skull Nation.”
“Those bunch of pussies aren’t worth your time, Lord.”
“They weren’t. Now they’re making themselves known. They’re causing me trouble and you know I don’t like it when someone does that.”
“Yeah, you get pissy when they do. Should I be worried?”
“I’ve got it handled. They’ll come for me. Not for you. Hide her for me. Keep her safe.”
“She’s not one of these chicks that moans, is she?”
Lord laughed. “No.”
“Damn, part of me was hoping you’d say yes so I knew your ass was in trouble.” Rancher laughed. “Bring her now. I’ll get everything set up.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t worry about it. I owe you one, remember.”
Once men were initiated into the life, no one could leave. Rancher was more than just a club brother, he was a friend. During their time together, Rancher had taken more than his share of bullets. Lord didn’t see it as being indebted to him.
Rancher earned his right to leave, and he’d granted it without a second thought. He looked toward the door to see Ally with a single bag packed.
Her eyes were red, but she wasn’t crying now.
“I can help you here,” she said. “Please, Lord. We belong together.”
“I know what I’m doing, Ally. I’ve got to do everything in my power to protect you.” He grabbed his car keys. There was no way he was risking his bike. He took the case from her and headed out of the clubhouse. Brick was entering as he left. Lord gave him a quick update before heading out to his car.
After throwing her case in the back, he climbed behind the wheel, waiting. In a matter of seconds, Brick and a couple of other brothers were out, straddling their bikes, ready to go with him.
Lord was tempted to order them back inside, but if for whatever reason The Skull Nation decided to attack, he wanted the numbers.
Turning over his ignition, he made his way out of the clubhouse, heading down the road, toward the ranch. It wasn’t too close. There was a good distance and silence filled the car.
“Are you going to ignore me the whole way?” he asked.
“I don’t have anything to say to you.”
“It’s for your own good.”
“According to you,” she said. “Last time, you brought me with you. You said it’s safer if I go wherever you go. I don’t understand.”
“Ally, I know you’re angry.”
“You’re sending me away to protect me, but who’s going to protect you?”
He gritted his teeth. “I’ve got an entire clubhouse to protect me.” He heard her snort. “Ally?”
“An entire clubhouse to protect you and yet you’re sending me away. It tells me that for as much as you trust them, you don’t think they’ve got what it takes to help me.”
“I’m their leader, Ally. You’re not.”
“I’m just the woman you decided to keep for your own entertainment. Don’t worry, Lord. I know my place.”
This wasn’t what he wanted to talk about. She was more than just a plaything. He knew that and he bet most of The Skull Nation knew that as well. Rather than argue with her, he remained silent for the rest of the journey.
He turned down a dirt road, going in the direction of Rancher’s. Several cars were parked in the driveway and the man himself was already waiting.
Without a word to Ally, he parked the car, climbed out, and grabbed her case. Rancher was already walking toward him, holding out a hand, which he shook. “I didn’t think I’d care for your ugly-ass face, but damn it is good to see you.”
Ally climbed out of the car.
“Wow,” Rancher said.
“Please, take care of her.” He handed the case to Rancher as Ally joined them. Without another backward glance, he climbed into the car, and left the ranch, knowing he’d made the best decision he could. He couldn’t let Ally go, but for now, he could at least keep her somewhere, he knew she was safe.
****
The following day, Ally made herself useful by helping Betty with the daily chores, which included laundry, cleaning, and cooking. Rancher didn’t work alone. He had a small workforce. A
ll of which Betty cooked for, including their three kids. Ally tended to the vegetable garden.
Betty talked nonstop all day and Ally enjoyed the distraction, but for now, she wanted peace and quiet to be able to reflect on the past twenty-four hours. She wasn’t in the best of moods, that was for sure.
She’d known embarrassment and humiliation her entire life because of her father. The way Lord had treated her yesterday, well, she had no doubt he wanted to be rid of her. He hadn’t kissed her goodbye. He hadn’t said anything to her. She was nothing but a hindrance.
“I don’t know what my runner beans have done to upset you, but if you’re not careful, you’ll ruin the entire crop,” Rancher said, pulling her from her thoughts.
She didn’t even realize she’d been brutalizing the tree before he started to talk. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”
“Don’t worry about it. Runner beans are quite resilient.”
He perched against a small wall that enclosed the garden.
“I was only trying to help.”
“And stay out of Betty’s way. She said so.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean it like that,” she said.
He chuckled and held up his hand. She noticed his arms were covered with ink and some peeked out beneath the collar of his shirt.
“My wife knows she can talk better than anyone. I swear she could have been a lawyer. The woman knows how to keep on talking.”
“She’s really nice.”
“And sometimes you need to escape to be able to think,” he said.
“I hope I haven’t upset her.”
Rancher shook his head. “It’s impossible to upset her.” The smile on his lips as he thought about his wife made Ally slightly envious. He clearly loved her.
“I never said thank you yesterday. For taking me in and for the lovely room. The food. All of it.”
“It’s not every day Lord calls. In fact, this is the first time since I left the club that he ever has.”
She glanced down at the bucket of runner beans. “I don’t mean to be trouble.”
“You’re not the trouble, Ally. Those assholes that want to take out the club would hurt you.”