Tangled Threats on the Nomad Highway

by MariaLisa deMora

  Marian glanced over her shoulder with a smile, unaffected and sweet. “Work is work. I love it, but it’s not rocket science, so hasn’t changed since the last time you asked.” A tiny line appeared between her brows. “You okay? I didn’t expect you in tonight—” She gave him a tight smile. “This morning. Usually you call first.”

  “I’ve got my tent. Girl, you know I can camp out.”

  “No, that’s not what I meant. Just usually I hear from the boys that you’re on your way inbound. No chatter this time means I’m wrongfooted on my welcome.” She turned, the coffeemaker burbling behind her. “I’m glad to see you as always, Jim.”

  That was a new development over the past couple of months. During one of their late-night conversations, he’d asked her to call him Jim, throwing it out as if it weren’t important. It had become a deep regret, because in moments like these, it meant she held more power than she knew.

  “Marian, your welcome is always on point.” He shook his head, then felt the vibration of his phone. Dragging it from his pocket, he looked at the screen and frowned. “I need to take this.”

  “I’ll just be in my room for a minute,” she said, already moving across the kitchen towards the short hallway.

  Einstein once again watched her walk away, gaze fixed firmly on her ass as it swung side to side with each step. He connected the call as she disappeared, then answered gruffly, “What?”

  “Man, I thought you should know.” The whining tone of this contact immediately set him on edge. “Heard he’s on the move. Heard he’s in Kansas, aimin’ east at KC.”

  “How did you hear?” Einstein considered this particular contact disposable, because he wasn’t known for the veracity of his information. Einstein had kept him active because he was sometimes useful for establishing the truth of someone else’s info.

  “Heard from a man who knows Zipline. Zip was plannin’ on bailin’ on the Silent Deaths, and Smoke pushed him out early. Accepted his resignation with immediate ejection. Now Zip’s headed to KC from the southern side, plannin’ on meetin’ in the middle.” The pause between words was filled with the man’s puffing breaths. “What’s it worth to ya to know what the topic will be?”

  “Dillweed, you know how this goes. We’ve done enough business that you already got a clue I won’t pay out for anything I can’t verify.” He grabbed two mugs from the cabinet and poured coffee into each. “How do you expect me to verify something if you won’t finalize the details?” He took a spoon from the drawer next to the sink, measuring and stirring two overflowing spoonfuls of sugar into one of the mugs. “Gotta give me what I want, and then I decide if you get anything.”

  “I don’t know why I call you with this shit.”

  “Because you know that if you do bring me something worthwhile, I’ll be fair with my money.” That was true, and the man understood it, because he’d been on the receiving end more than once. “So spill. Why are Scar and Zipline going to meet up in Kansas City, where neither has allies or a friendly club chapter to give him sanctuary?”

  “Word is Zip isn’t happy with how the Machos are drillin’ into the SDMC profits. He wanted more cashola than Estavez was willing to part with, and Smoke wasn’t holdin’ the line. Scar just wants more discontents to fill his ranks.” The huffing sounds slowed and deepened as if the man were holding his breath between. “Scar’s been looking for those stupid enough to stand behind him, and if he convinces Zipline, then he’ll have a base. He might be unwelcome on the East Coast these days, but the center of the country doesn’t have the same kind of memories.”

  Opening the refrigerator, Einstein asked, “Why you think he’s unwelcome out there?” This was the first confirmation Einstein had that men loyal to Scar’s grandfather might be breaking ranks with their exiled prince. If it were true, then that could have two outcomes. One, Scar would be less dangerous, losing the leverage of his family line. He paused, creamer in hand. But the second might prove Scar more dangerous, as he’s pushed into a corner not of his choosing. “They’ve always held the door open for him.”

  “Not anymore. I heard from a guy who knew a guy who knew Scar back in the day. They’re pissed he hasn’t produced for them in so long, and they’re not likely to give him a chance to reinvent himself.” A grunted laugh came through, the sound making Einstein wince, nearly spilling the cream as he poured a measured amount into the already sugared mug. “So whadda think? Worth anything?”

  “I’ve got your number. Once I take a couple of days to verify the info, I’ll give you a call. Hopefully we’ll come to an agreement.” He shoved the creamer back into the refrigerator and turned. Lifting the mugs one at a time, he placed them on the kitchen island countertop. “Don’t call me back for the same. But if you get more info, be sure to pass it along.”

  “Will d—”

  Call disconnected, he returned the phone to his pocket and walked to the hallway. “Marian, you decent?” A soft sound pulled him closer to the door to her room. It was open slightly, and he lifted a palm to push it wider, stopping in his tracks.

  Acres of bare skin greeted him as Marian bent over to drag a pair of delicate-looking dark red panties up her smooth, tanned legs. Her fingers settled the waistband into place just above the delicate curve of her ass, dimples still in clear view. Jesus God.

  He must have made a sound, because her head whipped sideways, wide eyes catching and holding his gaze as she reached out for her discarded nightgown. She lifted the garment as she turned, keeping it in front of herself, the draping fabric effectively blocking his view.

  Einstein was breathing heavily, muscles of his jaw tense as he kept his gaze on Marian’s face. “I’m—you’re...” So fucking beautiful. “I just wanted to tell you the coffee’s ready.” Whirling on his heel, he brushed past the door. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Einstein.” The demand in her tone stopped his feet in place, but he kept his back to her as he waited. “I’m not upset at you.”

  “Maybe I’m upset at myself.” Shaking his head, he tightened one hand into a fist. “I should have knocked. An open door isn’t an invitation.”

  Stuck there, he waited, listening to each breath echo through his head. In and out, and again, and again. She sighed and finally said, “I’ll be out in a minute.”

  Mug in hand, he plotted a dozen different conversations he could introduce as soon as she came out. Safe topics, things they’d discussed before, nothing risqué and nothing personal.

  That all went to shit as soon as she came back into view.

  Einstein’s mouth dried up like the Sahara.

  Marian was wearing shorts that hit high on her thigh and a shirt with a wide neck that drooped off one shoulder, leaving her collarbone bare.

  His first instinct was to look around the room to ensure no one was there who might creep on this view of Marian. Then he checked the windows, then the stairs, and finally dropped his gaze to his half-empty mug, focusing on the shifting liquid as if it held the secrets of the universe.

  She closed in on the island near him, and her hand appeared in the edges of his vision, lifting the mug of coffee he’d prepared for her.

  “Mmmm.”

  Her soft vocalization of pleasure sent the tingles that had been dancing through his chest and belly straight to his dick, taking him from slowly thickening to fully hard within one breath and the next. Mug to his lips, he tried to take a sip but choked when the sound came again.

  “So good. Mmmm.”

  The bottom of his mug thudded against the countertop, rattling edge to edge before he could still the trembling. Einstein flicked a glance at Marian, then back to his mug, but in that instant, something about her face stuck out at him. He angled his eyes upwards again to take another look, freezing when he saw the broad grin.

  “Oh my God.” She burst out laughing, bending over the countertop and continuing to belly-laugh until each breath turned into wheezing. “Your face.”

  “What the hell, Marian?” He watched her rearra
nge her clothing, the collar now covering her demurely. She bent over, and when he glanced around the island, he caught a glimpse of fingers working to unroll the hem of her shorts. “Why would you do that?”

  “Because if I didn’t do something to knock you out of your head, you’d wreck our friendship.” Surging upright, she angled her chin at him defiantly. “What we have means a lot to me, Jim. The relationships I have with Bane, Horse, Gunny, or Truck—those’re important, and I’d do a lot to make sure they stay strong.” The smile she gave him was strained, corners of her mouth pulled down. “But for you and me? I’d do anything.”

  “I saw you naked.” He reared back and thudded against the edge of the counter with one fist. “Naked.”

  “It’s just skin, Jim. I’ve seen as much and more with most of the boys who wander around here.” She lifted her mug and sipped, this time refraining from making the obscene sounds. “Like I’ve heard Truck say a thousand times, ‘It ain’t no thang.’ Not to me.” She slowly lowered the mug. “Hmmm. Now, if it had been one of the others, like Horse, I don’t think I’d be as okay with it.”

  “What? What does that mean?” Does she not see me like that? Why did that thought bother him so much? “That I’m okay but he’s not?”

  “I can only give you what I have in my heart, Jim.” She carried her mug towards the refrigerator, setting it down on the side counter. Opening the door, she surveyed the contents without looking back at him. “And that tells me confusing things sometimes. Yes, if one of the others had seen me like that, I would likely avoid them for at least the near future.” Her head disappeared inside, voice floating out to where he stood. “I just knew I had to fix it fast, before you built it up into something it wasn’t.”

  “I’m still sorry.” He stepped to the side of the island and stopped in place. Her apple-ass was right there, muscles of her calves bunching and flexing as she moved items around inside the refrigerator. Swallowing hard, he stepped up beside her like he normally would and held out a hand. Striving for a voice as close to normal as possible, he asked, “What are we making this time?”

  “Eggs and sausage.” She nudged the back of his hand with the egg carton, and he took it, then the package of pork. “Thad has early practice, so he’ll do a shake instead of real food.”

  He shuddered at the idea, then twisted to set down the items. When he looked back, she was holding out a container of cheese, so he took that and placed it alongside the eggs.

  “Maye loves scrambled eggs.”

  “How’s she doing?” Maye was Bane and Myrtle’s daughter, born following an early, short labor not long after Myrt proposed to Bane. The little girl was adorable, and from the pictures Einstein had been sent through the most recent months, was growing like a weed.

  “Maye is her mother’s daughter, full of sass and vinegar.” Marian turned from the refrigerator, a couple more items in her hands that she placed on the counter as the door closed silently behind her. “Did you hear the good news?”

  “Apparently not.” Rummaging through the cabinets, he found his favorite bowl for the eggs, bringing that and a whisk with him as he returned to stand next to Marian. “Clue me in, friend.”

  “We’ll have another little one in a few months.” He couldn’t help himself, his gaze sweeping down to graze across her belly. Marian caught the glance and laughed. “No, silly. Not me. Why would you even—” She huffed a laugh. “No, Myrtle is due just around Thanksgiving. This one snuck up on her. No morning sickness, so she didn’t pay close attention. Would you believe it was Bane who put two and two together?”

  “I would. That man is smart as a whip.” Unsettled by Marian’s dismissal of his consideration, Einstein felt unbalanced. “Do you not want kids?” Poking around in his memories, he couldn’t find any recollection of having that kind of conversation with her before. “I’m surprised.”

  “Not a lack of wanting.” She spoke easily as she laid out the pans while he cracked eggs into the bowl. “More a lack of opportunity.”

  “Do you not date? I thought you went out with that guy a while back.” The fishhook twisted in his gut to the point he lifted a hand, rubbing knuckles against his hard sternum. “I know Bane didn’t like him, but if you did…?”

  “I went on one date.” Back to him, she rearranged the pans on the stovetop. “My first date.”

  Sour spit pooled in his mouth, and he was glad she couldn’t see his expression.

  “My only one.”

  “What was wrong with him?” Blood pounded in his head as his jaw clenched tightly. He didn’t try and examine his reaction this time, instead focused on listening for her answer in case there was an asshole in town who needed the shit beaten out of him.

  Marian shook her head, the braided tail of hair brushing her shoulders.

  “No, honey.” Looking away, he stared out the window as he tried to slow his racing thoughts. He wanted—needed—her to talk to him, to know she trusted him with her secrets. She’s my friend, that’s all. “Something must have happened if you didn’t want a repeat.”

  “He was okay.” When she paused, he glanced over at her again to find her looking at him, a strange expression on her face. “It was good.”

  “I’ll take you on a date.” The offer that categorically didn’t feel throwaway was out of his mouth before he could clamp his lips shut, and panic swelled through him.

  “You’re a hoot, Jim. I’m fine, though.”

  Marian’s response didn’t do anything to settle his nerves. Am I not what she’d like in a man?

  It was a struggle, but Einstein managed to hold her gaze. “He didn’t hurt you or try anything?” Her immediate smile and headshake reassured him. “You’d tell me if he had?”

  “And risk you going to jail defending my honor?” Marian’s laughter was light, belling through the room. “I’d sell tickets to the event.”

  “That’s my girl.” He seasoned the egg mixture and dropped the whisk into the bowl. “Ready for you here.”

  Their conversation steered itself into less personal topics from there on out as they fell into comfortable routines, working around each other in a complicated but easy dance. Einstein wasn’t sure if he was upset or glad when the door opened and Gunny walked in, because that signaled a different change in the discussion, one where Marian would occasionally interject but was quieter. Then Bane descended the stairs, and upon seeing Einstein, called back upstairs to rouse Myrt and the boys. Within minutes, the kitchen had become the bustling center of the household, and once Truck and Vanna walked in, followed closely by Gunny’s family, a sense of completion swept over Einstein.

  With a plateful of food in front of him, he listened to Gunny while stabbing another bite of eggs when he felt something. An awareness, like a ghost touch along his skin. Lifting his gaze, he met Marian’s from across the island. Luke was next to her, pattering on about something, just as Gunny still was next to Einstein—but for an instant, a brilliant moment in time, it felt as if he and Marian were the only two people in the world. Her full lips curved into a smile, tiny and delicate, but real. A smile she seemed to reserve just for him. The corners of her eyes crinkled, and he watched pink sweep up her cheeks as she broke their gaze, looking down at her own plate. So fucking beautiful.

  “Hey, man.” Something jostled him, and he looked away from Marian to find Gunny staring at him with a puzzled expression. “You need rest before we ride?”

  “Nah, nah. I’m good.” He shoveled a bite into his mouth, then gestured a go-on to Gunny. But attempting to keep his focus on the man was harder than it should have been, since Einstein found himself hyperaware of every movement Marian made.

  She lifted a biscuit to her mouth and his jaw muscles clenched as if he were the one biting into it. Her lips met the rim of a glass of milk, and he salivated watching her throat muscles work to swallow. He blinked and his imagination filled with the image of her bare. The long lines of her back drew his gaze down the curves of her silhouette, a tempting glimpse
of the tease of breast only visible from the side.

  The fuck is wrong with me?

  Angling himself more towards Gunny, he cut off any line of sight he had to where Marian stood, determined to bring his focus back to where it should be. These men were his brothers. Maybe not under the patch, but individually and as a group they’d taken him in and kept him safe, just like Retro had.

  Catching feelings for Bane’s sister-in-law wouldn’t be looked on with approval. Which meant even if he could get past his own sense of betrayal to Lauren for looking at another woman, he couldn’t go there. Dolph’s long-ago words would never come true.

  Just as well I’m not attracted to her in that way.

  ***

  Marian

  Ducking her head, she murmured to Myrt, “I’m headed out. Make Thad help with the dishes. I’ll be taking Lukie to the movies after, so we won’t be back until late.”

  Corner of her lip smeared with jam, Myrt glanced up and nodded. Then her brows drew together. “I didn’t know you worked today?”

  “I’m not on the schedule, but after a late away game, it’s a fair bet at least one of the girls will call in.” Licking the pad of her thumb, she cleaned away the jam. “You’re a mini-mess, Myrtie. Love you.”

  “Love you too.” The immediate response made her smile. In the years since they’d been reunited, the sisters had worked hard at their relationship, finding their way past any misplaced anger at their father and others to a place where they were both comfortable. She turned and lifted her hand, Gunny and Vanna returning the wave.

  Einstein was engrossed in whatever Gunny was telling him, not even looking up when Gunny paused in his spiel. Dang it. He was still being weird about the awkward moment this morning. Even after all her efforts to make him comfortable, she was afraid he would twist it in his mind further than he already had.

  Shoes on and purse in hand, she made her way outside and to the little car that was hers to use, still fussing over the dilemma. Wasn’t like he saw anything important. Joking with him had been the only way she’d concocted to move them past what had happened. In her mind, the moment had happened, wasn’t a big deal, and they should be just like normal. But after she’d peeked into the kitchen and seen him staring into space, she’d just known he was making his unintentional invasion of her privacy more in his mind.