Scorpion: A Rough Romance (Montana Bad Boys Book 2)

by Piper Stone

  The others weren’t as exuberant as they moved away from the main area. At least it was a freaking start.

  Hawk exhaled before moving closer. “So, I’m gonna ask you again. Does that mean you’ve decided to hang around?”

  Shifting to face him, I shrugged. “Guess so. Montana is my home after all.” Although I realized I had no other place to go, I wasn’t certain I would ever be able to settle down. Time would tell.

  “Why do I have a feeling a woman might be part of the reason for your change in heart?” Hawk backed away, his hands in the air.

  I glowered at him. “You know relationships don’t work with me.”

  “Who said anything about a relationship?” Hawk countered. “I just think you need to get laid. You’re rough around the edges, my friend.”

  My thoughts shifted to Caroline. Why was it that every time I thought about her, I had two distinct desires?

  To plant her over my knee for one hard spanking.

  And to take her in my arms, simply looking into her eyes.

  I was absolutely rough around the edges, or as my sister used to call me, ‘an ugly piece of work.’ That certainly hadn’t changed.

  “You got a lot of work on your hands, brother,” Mustang stated, a glimmer in his eyes. “But it can be done. If that’s what you want.”

  “I’ll issue another warning. You’re messing with people who don’t like to be fucked with. I heard what you did this morning at Kane’s office.” Hawk tilted his head, a smirk on his face. “You forget that Missoula is a big little town, brother. Everybody knows what’s going on. You need to take the threat seriously.”

  I took a deep breath before answering. “And you know exactly how I feel about being threatened. No one if going to fuck with me or the people I care about.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of, brother. You’re not the same man since... Anyway, just be careful.”

  I knew exactly what he wanted to say, but we’d all changed. Every single one of us.

  “If Kane wants a fight on his hands, he’s got one. Now, let’s get ready for the night. I have a feeling it’s going to be a ballbuster.”

  Chapter Nine

  Caroline

  “Wait a minute. A brick was tossed through the window?” Brandy barked out the question with the ferocity of a bulldog.

  Sighing, I simply gave her a heated look.

  She sat down beside me on the couch, reaching for my glass of wine. The look on her face was... glassy eyed.

  “Hey, get your own,” I said between clenched teeth. I’d attempted to perform a part of my job, including finding the locations and information regarding other clubs in the area. I’d even managed to call about a couple of bands, both with excellent reputations. The entire time I was driving, I couldn’t help but feel like there was someone following me. I’d even caught sight of an ugly red pickup truck more than once. Did everybody in this freaking state drive a pickup truck? After four hours, I’d found a grocery store on my way back to Brandy’s townhouse.

  My great purchases?

  Two bottles of wine and chocolate.

  “Fine. I think I need it. Then you’re going to tell me everything,” Brandy snapped.

  “Bring the bottle with you.”

  She glared at me before walking into the kitchen.

  Rules.

  Scorpion had given me a list of rules before leaving his place, including to go straight home and lock the doors. I’d failed on just about every one of them. Except for two. And I had no plans on going back to Raunchy Ride, at least not alone and certainly not at night.

  Within seconds, she’d returned, pouring my glass to the rim before slamming the bottle down on the table. “Let’s go over this. Tell me what happened.”

  “There’s not much to tell. I went to Scorpion’s house, or to his uncle’s house. We had an amazing time. I even cooked dinner.”

  “Get to the part about the brick.”

  I ran my hands through my hair, my hand shaking as I attempted to pick up the goblet. “I don’t know exactly what’s going on. Scorpion doesn’t talk about the bar or his past or almost anything personal.” I heard the frustration in my tone.

  “You were having dinner and you heard a crash. Scorpion found a brick with a threatening note and what appeared to be blood on it. Then what?”

  “Scorpion checked the surroundings, but we’d both heard a vehicle’s tires as it screeched out of the driveway. The assholes targeted the vehicles before leaving.”

  “Fuck. Fuck! What in the hell did Cooper get himself into?” Brandy took a gulp of wine, her brows furrowing.

  I laughed softly when words entered my mind. “He hates the name Cooper. Goes by Scorpion.”

  She shifted her head, giving me a holier than thou look. “So, Jasper willed Scorpion the bar and the ranch.”

  “And evidently an expensive sports car as well.”

  “Jasper?”

  I shrugged as I leaned back against the couch, folding my legs under me. My cousin didn’t seem as surprised as I thought she’d be. “I saw it with my own eyes. One expensive and rare Corvette.”

  “That doesn’t make any sense,” she half whispered.

  “How would you know?”

  “I don’t really, except my boss told me in passing after Jasper’s death that he had little of value. He knew I was kind of sweet on the old guy and since they were friends, I think he was glad to share his grief with someone.”

  “Scorpion doesn’t think there’s any money for renovations, but he certainly hasn’t checked all the paperwork. But if what Jasper told me over the phone is true, the land surrounding the bar is worth more than the bar. Granted, I don’t know how much, but Jasper was excited about possibly expanding the place.”

  I could tell by the look on her face that something significant had crossed her mind.

  “Jasper was right. That area is expanding rapidly, the value increasing by one hundred percent in the last year alone.” She took another gulp of wine.

  “Then Jasper was right in wanting to expand. There’s supposedly designs Jasper wanted to show me, but so far, Scorpion hasn’t found those either.”

  She glanced out the window, her exhale ragged. “Does Scorpion have a theory about who’s behind the vandalism?”

  “He mentioned he fired his bar manager, some guy by the name of Kane.”

  “Billy Kane.” She seemed almost frightened after saying his name.

  “Maybe. I don’t know. Who is he?”

  “Remember I told you about defending several manslaughters? Billy Kane was one of them. He was certain he wasn’t going to spend any time in prison, but the jury saw it differently. He spent almost four years behind bars. If you ask me, and you certainly can’t repeat this, the jury made the right decision. Billy Kane is unhinged, capable of doing very violent deeds.”

  “Why would Jasper hire him?” I asked, the same trickle of fear I’d felt before sweeping back in.

  Brandy finally looked at me, shifting on the couch. “Because Jasper had been in enough difficult situations in his life that he wanted to pay it forward what he’d learned, giving an ex-con the benefit of the doubt.”

  “You mean Jasper was in prison?”

  “For a short period of time, but he did everything in his power to make something of himself. Plus, that was thirty years ago.”

  “Then why was he still a client?” I had to ask. Had Jasper gotten into something that forced him to hire Billy?

  “You know what? I don’t know. Granted, our firm practices several types of law. It could have been in order to get his estate in order. I’ll have to ask my boss.”

  “You don’t believe that Jasper hired Billy out of the goodness of his heart. Do you?”

  “Honestly, no. If I had to venture a guess, I’d say that Jasper was forced to hire Billy because of his father, Cashen Kane. The man owns a hell of a lot of property in town, including several parcels close to Raunchy Ride. Maybe he was holding something over Jasper’s
head. I certainly wouldn’t put it past a slimeball like Cashen.”

  “Shit.”

  Nodding, Brandy swirled her wine. “Trust me when I say that Mr. Kane wasn’t too happy that I couldn’t get his son off with a slap on the wrist.” She leaned forward, giving me a hard look. “I realize we don’t know each other very well, but if Scorpion had gotten himself mixed up with a snake like Cashen Kane even inadvertently, then he’s got his hands full.”

  “You mean he’s in danger.”

  “Hell, yes, he’s in danger and anyone else who associates with him will get in the crosshairs. You need to stay away from him. I’m sorry about what I said earlier. You just need to stay away.”

  “I can’t do that, Brandy. Scorpion deserves to know the truth.” Her change in attitude was not what I had expected.

  “What truth? You said he wants nothing to do with the bar. If what I remember about Cooper is accurate, he’s going to skip town on a moment’s notice without telling anyone and I don’t want to see you hurt.”

  An awkward silence floated between us.

  “You mean like you were hurt,” I said quietly.

  This time, her hand was shaking as she attempted to refill her wine. “Not in the way you’re thinking. Scorpion really hasn’t told you anything about his past. Has he?”

  “Very little, but I know he’s feeling guilty about something. Tell me what you know.”

  “Whatever happened while he was in the Marines is a story that he needs to tell you.”

  “But you’re saying that there is a story,” I pushed.

  “Remember what I said before. There are always secrets within a family, even in one comprised of six boys who remained close after their bad boy days, joining the military at the same time. They kept it a secret from their family and friends, saying goodbye only hours before they left for bootcamp.”

  I exhaled, thinking about Scorpion. “I can see that. Were you and Scorpion involved?” When a pang of jealousy hit me, I was more than surprised.

  She laughed. “Oh, hell, no. Scorpion was all book smart and savvy in an entirely different manner than the others in the posse. I had my sights set on another rugged guy, but that’s a past from a long time ago. They all came from broken backgrounds in one way or another. They thrived together, even if a few spent some time in jail.”

  “Six of them, huh? Are they all back?”

  “No, but like I said, you need to ask Scorpion if you really want to know; however, I really think you need to cut ties and go back to Nashville. Forget everything I told you. There has to be a hot man back home for you. The truth is that Cashen isn’t a man to be messed with. Not on any level. Scorpion might think he’s some badass, but Cashen has a group of friends who protect his back, if you know what I mean.”

  I wasn’t going to be pushed away. Oh, no.

  “If Jasper had nothing, why keep an expensive antique car? Why not sell it for the money?”

  “Maybe he was waiting to do that if you showed any interest. I don’t know the answer, but I will do a little snooping as long as you promise to stay away from Scorpion until I do.”

  Promises. I’d made several of them over the last few hours, almost none of which I was going to end up keeping.

  “I know you like this guy and I can understand, but you came here for a single purpose. Scorpion’s world could explode.”

  “Just out of curiosity, what did Billy do?”

  She gave me a wry smile. “He beat a man to death with a lead pipe.”

  Fuck.

  “I do like Scorpion, which is why I’m not leaving town just yet. Jasper told me he wanted to leave a legacy to someone special. I think Scorpion is fighting to find his way back home. Maybe this is his one chance.”

  Brandy shook her head. “And you might not be able to save him. I’m not certain that’s a good idea, cuz.”

  “Why, the danger?” Why did I have the feeling she wasn’t telling me something?

  “You could get your heart broken. Also, if either Billy or Cashen Kane want Scorpion out of the picture for whatever reason, they will find a way. Even if it means killing him.”

  * * *

  Rules.

  I was forced to admit that they’d never been one of my strong suits. I had been the bad girl, climbing out my bedroom window in order to go to clubs with my friends. I’d been the one who skipped school just to tag along behind a band like some groupie. Wild and carefree. That’s the way I’d wanted to be known.

  Then I’d lived that life, pretending I was a good enough singer to make it into the business while catching the hottest man on the country circuit. I’d broken the rules of decency at that point.

  Here I was, breaking all kinds of rules again, only this time, those regulations coming from a man I’d known all of a couple of days.

  What the hell was I doing?

  Yes, I was attempting to prove something to my father. Perhaps the real truth was I was attempting to prove something to myself.

  That I wasn’t a complete fuckup like I’d been told more than once.

  What had bothered me more than anything was the conviction in Brandy’s voice. She was afraid of the Kane family, even checking the locks on the doors and windows more than once. I’d remained in my room, staring out the blinds every so often as the clock ticked by minutes then hours. I couldn’t wait until morning to talk to Scorpion. He deserved to know what he might be facing. Plus, a nagging remained in the pit of my stomach, as if something much larger was going on.

  I’d been forced to wait until Brandy went to sleep before slipping out of the house. I certainly didn’t want her worrying. I also didn’t want her to push me. I hadn’t exchanged phone numbers with Scorpion. He hadn’t been in the mood to talk about our night of passion, or anything else for that matter. He’d barked at me like a sergeant before planting me in my truck and sending me on my way. Hell, I’d been forced to badger him in order to learn what I had regarding the brick being tossed in through the window.

  This wasn’t about keeping our passion alive.

  This was about doing the right thing.

  I was surprised I didn’t hear the sound of breaking glass as I walked closer to the building. I took a minute to look up at the ridiculous sign flashing in neon. I’d seen worse in Nashville. That was for certain. I was also surprised there wasn’t a line outside the door, although it was a Tuesday. There was also no blaring music from a live band, just the heady beat of a country CD playing through the speakers.

  When I went inside, the same two bouncers stood by the door, immediately snapping their heads in my direction. It was obvious there was recognition but neither attempted to stop me, only nodding as I walked by.

  The crowd was remarkably subdued, the majority even seated. What I noticed first was that the cage surrounding the stage had been removed. While there was no band, the lights remained highlighting the area, maybe as a teaser or a reminder to behave. I walked toward the bar, leaning over and trying my best not to attract any attention. I’d worn jeans, even pulling my hair into a ponytail in an effort to blend in. I already knew Scorpion would be angry with me, but I’d face his wrath in order to warn him.

  As the bartender walked over, he lifted an eyebrow, a damn grin crossing his face. “Well, the pretty lady returns. What can I get you?”

  “Nothing tonight. I think I had my fill of shitty tequila.”

  He laughed. “You lookin’ for Scorpion?”

  “Is he around?” I scanned the perimeter, checking for the asshole cowboys from the night before.

  “I’ll get him. Just stay here.”

  I had no intention of moving. As a matter of fact, I wanted nothing more than to shrink into the woodwork. While I’d been too intoxicated to pay any attention to the crowd who’d watched me getting spanked like some damn child, I knew there had to be plenty of them in the bar tonight. I looked around, still thinking about Brandy’s warning. Why did I feel creepy-crawlies all over me?

  Huffing, I turned around,
refusing to try to find any faces I recognized.

  His presence was like a beacon of heat, forcing a rush of adrenaline pouring through me. My breath was caught, my nipples aching, and I hadn’t laid eyes on him.

  Then I heard his voice.

  His very angry voice.

  “What in the hell are you doing here?” Scorpion demanded.

  I slowly turned, glaring him in the eyes. “You didn’t leave me with your phone number. I have some information you might find helpful.”

  “And I told you in no uncertain terms not to step foot in this place. It’s...” He growled and took me by the arm, yanking me close.

  “Dangerous?” I retorted.

  “Exactly. You’re coming with me.”

  He dragged me through the crowd and to a hallway leading away from the bar. He slammed the door behind him after moving into a darkened space. For a few seconds, I held my breath until he flipped on a light. His eyes were filled with fury, his mouth twisting from the level of anger oozing through his pores.

  “Did you not understand my directions last night? Didn’t you understand that even being close to me could place you in harm’s way?”

  “I’m not going to be terrified by whatever is going on, Scorpion. I know Billy Kane is doing this to you and I think I know why.”

  He took long strides, closing the distance while I continued to back away, finally hitting the wall. His chest heaved as he planted his hands on either side of my head, lowering his. “You have some nerve, lady. You only think you understand what’s going on.”

  “I know that Billy killed someone in a bar fight and spent three years in prison for it. I know that my cousin defended him and that the ruthless Cashen Kane blames her and her firm for not being able to get Billy off. I know that Jasper was forced to hire Billy. Why I don’t know. Does any of this matter to you?”

  He narrowed his eyes, his lips coming dangerously close to mine. “What in the hell does any of this have to do with the bar?”

  “Other than you firing Billy? That’s what I want to help you find out. If I were to guess, I’d say it was all about the land.”