Loki's Angel: A Poseidon's Warriors MC novel - Book 3

by Darlene Tallman

  “I’m thinking of creating a smaller one at my shop so on my long days, they can come with me,” I admit, looking at the aquariums.

  “They’d probably like that since they’re social animals,” he advises. “Want me to get some things together for you?”

  “Absolutely. Don’t laugh, but I had a prospect grab a small kiddie pool so they can swim.”

  His laughter rings out as he places items in a cart that has magically appeared next to him. “Yep. Spoiled rotten. They’re gonna have a good life with you, that’s for sure. Hey, do you know how the birds are settling in with your girl?” I grin at his wording; she doesn’t realize she’s mine yet but the fact that this old man recognized that fact has my heart soaring.

  “They’re doing well. I saw them yesterday and they seem to be settling in. She works from home so when she’s there, they have free reign in her office. She says the funniest thing they’ve done so far is sit on the edge of her computer and look down at the words forming.”

  His laughter increases as he tosses in some treats and says, “Make sure you pass those on to her for them from me. They waited a long time for a good home.”

  “Will do,” I state, pulling my wallet out to grab my debit card.

  “No, son, this is all on me. Inventory reduction,” he says, winking at me.

  “You won’t stay in business doing that,” I reply. “At least let me pay for the aquariums.”

  “I was supposed to pull them and destroy them. See, here’s the printout of an email I got from the manufacturer.” He hands me a sheet of paper and I quickly read it.

  “So, you can’t sell them? You’re supposed to destroy them?”

  “Only, there’s nothing wrong with them so I’m passing them on to you for your girls,” he states. His voice is firm and unyielding. I learned a long time ago not to argue with someone who was my elder, so I merely nod.

  “Appreciate it.”

  “Least I can do for someone who served our country,” he says as he bags up the smaller items.

  He follows me out to my truck and helps me load everything up. “Thanks again, George,” I say, holding my hand out. “I’ll be back for food and shit as needed.”

  “I’ll be here,” he replies, hitting the top of the truck and grabbing the shopping cart. “You take care of those girls and that pretty one who was with you the other day, y’hear?”

  “Yes, sir.” I’m grinning as I leave the parking lot and head toward the clubhouse. I’ll worry about setting up their cage at the shop tomorrow or even Monday. Right now, it’s time to settle my girls into their new home.

  I’m propped up on my bed watching something mindless on Netflix when my phone chimes. I pick it up and immediately grin when I see it’s CeeCee.

  Angel: Did you pick up Thelma and Louise today?

  Loki: I did, yes. I’ll send you a few pictures so you can see them in their new digs.

  Angel: I’d like that.

  Loki: How was your day?

  Angel: It was pretty good. Patsy and I did some running, went to the movies and also shopped. Right now, I’m on the edge of a carb coma from our pizza and Supernatural marathon.

  I burst out laughing at her description of her day.

  Loki: Sounds like fun.

  Before I can think about it, I decide to invite her to the clubhouse to see the girls tomorrow. I don’t think I can wait until Monday to see her again.

  Loki: You feel up to coming to the clubhouse tomorrow to see them?

  Angel: I’d like that, what time?

  Loki: How about noon? I’ll show you their new home and then we can do lunch.

  Angel: I look forward to it. Have a good night, Loki.

  Loki: You too, Angel.

  My dick, which hardened almost painfully during our conversation, reminds me that I need to take care of a few things before I hit the bed.

  Chapter Eight

  CeeCee

  Despite the fact that it’s Sunday, I’m still up early. I go ahead and grab a shower and dress then head into my office. “Good morning, boys,” I say as I uncover their cage. Chirps greet me along with something that sounds suspiciously like ‘good morning’ which makes me smile. I open the door to allow them to fly around and grab their water bottle. “Let me get y’all some fresh water.”

  I’m able to slip out of the room without them escaping. Once I’ve grabbed myself some caffeine and refilled their water bottle, I head back into my office and take care of their needs then clean out their cage. Surprisingly, they’re not as messy as I thought they’d be, but even if they were, I wouldn’t mind. I settle behind my desk and power up my computer so I can take care of any work that’s pending.

  “Oh, I better set an alarm so I can get myself together before I meet up with Loki,” I murmur. After I take care of that, I turn the television on and put it on the Hallmark channel. I love that they play romance movies all year and can’t wait to see what comes out at Christmas. Still a few months to go for that, though. Soon, I’m lost in work so when I hear a soft chirp in my ear, it startles me. “Hello, Squirrel,” I coo. He chirps a few times then leans in and brushes his head against my cheek. “Aren’t you the sweet boy?” Moose, not to be outdone, lands on my other shoulder and does the same thing. “No need to be jealous, young man. Momma has enough love for you both.”

  When my alarm finally goes off, I save my work, submit what I’ve finished then corral the boys back into their cage so I can get ready to go see Loki. As I change into another shirt, my mind drifts back to our kiss. I’m nervous, of course, since I’ve never been romantically involved with anyone, yet I instinctively know that he’ll take care of me with extreme caution. A last glance in the mirror at myself has me grinning when I see the sparkle in my eyes and rosy cheeks. I have no clue where it’s going, but I’m definitely down for the ride, especially if he’s involved.

  I jot a note for Patsy, who hasn’t come out of her room yet, then grab the car keys and my purse before heading out to the car. As much as I’ve needed it lately, I think it might be time to look into getting my own because I suspect that Loki and I will be spending a lot of time together in the future. Before I reach the clubhouse, I swing into the local grocery store. I checked into what bearded dragons enjoy eating and want to pick up some strawberries for his girls, plus some diet soda since that’s my preference. “That’ll be ten fifty,” the clerk says. I hand her the cash and wait for my change.

  “Thank you,” I reply, pocketing the change and grabbing my bag. “Have a nice day.”

  “You too, ma’am,” she states.

  Once I’m back in the car, I send a text to Loki to let him know I’m on my way and grin when I receive a smiling emoji back in response. Yeah, I’m a goner for sure.

  “Hey, Angel,” he says, walking out to my car and opening my door. He helps me out then laces our fingers together as he grabs the bag. “What’s this?”

  “Something for your girls,” I reply, suddenly shy. Today feels different somehow. Maybe it’s because he kissed me, or because I’m willing to see what happens, but I feel as though I’m on the edge of something huge, life-altering.

  “Trying to make them like you more, huh?” he teases, leading me inside the clubhouse and over to the elevators. There aren’t many people around, but he doesn’t stop to talk to those who are sitting at the bar.

  “Maybe?”

  “You’re going to love them,” he promises as we ride up to the floor where his rooms are at. I feel my heart rate accelerate; I’ve never been alone with a man before yet here I am about to cross the threshold of his room. “Hey, are you okay?” he questions.

  “Um, yeah, I’m fine,” I stammer as we step out of the elevator. He stops me once we’re in the hall and cups my face with the hand not holding mine.

  “Nothing’s gonna happen that you don’t want to happen, Angel,” he tells me. “I promise you and my word is my vow.” I don’t know him well enough to confirm this is, in fact, true, but based on how he�
��s been with me so far, I believe him.

  “Okay,” I whisper. I’m moments away from stuttering, something I don’t want to do in front of him. In reality, I know it’s bound to happen, but right now, there’s no reason for it whatsoever.

  “Just breathe, CeeCee. We’re friends first. Since you were with me when we got the girls, I knew you’d want to see their new home now that they’ve settled in,” he says, unlocking and opening his door. I walk inside, sit my purse down then hand him the bag of strawberries, all while looking around. For a man, he’s surprisingly neat and I wonder how much has to do with his military background.

  “Oh, I should probably cut those up,” I say taking the bag back. I see a small kitchenette area and walk over as if I belong there, then grab a knife that’s sitting on the counter top. I quickly rinse and slice up several strawberries then ask, “Do you have a bowl or something we can put these in?”

  He walks up next to me and reaches into a cupboard over my head, grabbing a glass bowl. “I’ve learned the hard way not to use plastic; they’ll chew the hell out of it,” he says in response to my look. I toss the strawberries inside then we walk over to the habitat that he created with what he bought from the pet store. “That one is Thelma and this one is Louise,” he advises, pointing to each one. Thelma is sunning herself on a flat rock while Louise is in some tree-like branches that are interspersed throughout both cages.

  “This is awesome,” I murmur, fascinated when I see both of them turn their head toward him when he opens the door he somehow built into the side. When he sets the bowl down, they both rush toward it, making small noises that have me grinning. I watch enthralled as they begin eating the treats. “I think they like them,” I say.

  “Most assuredly,” he states, smiling down at me. I see the look on his face change and realize he’s about to kiss me again, something I’ve craved with every fiber of my being since our last one.

  When his lips touch mine, I feel as though I’ve come home. Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected to be attracted to a man like him. He’s outgoing and bold to my innate shyness, which has me wondering once again why he’d be interested in the likes of me. However, I’m too afraid to ask him so I keep those thoughts to myself as I decide to enjoy the moment.

  By the time we pull apart, we’re both a bit breathless, while my body is tingling wanting something more. “Loki, what are we doing here?” I’m not sure where my bravado comes from, but suddenly, I need to know that this means something to him.

  Loki

  “We’re getting to know each other, CeeCee,” I reply, looking down into her flushed face. She has no idea how pretty she is, none whatsoever, and I find that refreshing given the number of women I’ve met in my life. Most are well-aware of their allure, yet she’s not. I know if she could feel how much I want her, she’d likely run from my room screaming, so I’m trying to keep my distance, but it’s not easy. I take her hands in mine, marveling at the difference. Where mine are large, scarred and calloused, hers are almost childlike in comparison. Nicely trimmed nails with a subtle yet attractive pink are nestled within my hands. Hands that have dealt with the worst of humanity while in the Navy, hands that have wrought magic across skin canvasses.

  “I’m kind of boring, Loki,” she states, looking up at me. “I work from home, don’t really go anywhere. Boring.”

  “Not from where I’m standing,” I reply, tucking a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “I think you’re utterly fascinating.” She giggles while rolling her eyes which means I have to kiss her again. Right?

  Long moments pass as I further commit her taste to memory. My dick is harder than a steel pike, but she’s nowhere near ready for what my body wants to do to hers, so I regretfully pull away. I hear her stomach growl and chuckle. “I need to feed my woman,” I murmur, taking her hand and pulling her from my room. The way I’m feeling right now, we need to be around people. A lot of people. Unfortunately, there’s not a stadium nearby full of fans ready for a game, so my brothers will have to do.

  As we work in companionable silence making sandwiches in the kitchen, Poseidon walks in. “Hey, Loki, CeeCee,” he says.

  “Poseidon,” I reply.

  “Did he show you those two lizards he got?” he asks CeeCee.

  “Bearded dragons, asshole,” I state, flipping him off. He grins at me while CeeCee watches our interaction, her mouth agape.

  “Um, yes he did,” she nervously stammers. I’ve noticed that when she gets stressed, she will do this; I briefly wonder if it stems from her childhood abuse or not, then decide it doesn’t matter. It’s a part of her and I’m coming to love each imperfect part she displays.

  “They’re pretty cool, actually,” Poseidon says. Then, looking at me he continues. “Appreciate you talking to Atlas, brother. He came and talked some more to me, but that’s his story to tell if he wants.” I nod; I knew telling him that Poseidon could possibly help might be a longshot, but I don’t want him doing something permanent if there’s any way we can help him. That’s what brothers do. “So, tomorrow’s the big day, right?” he asks CeeCee.

  “Yeah. I’m kind of nervous, but excited too,” she admits, making me grin.

  “She’ll probably catch the ink bug, brother,” he says to me, smirking.

  “Not a problem from where I’m sitting,” I advise, taking a drink of my soda. Of course, I won’t want anyone else touching her, but that’s for me to know. The grin he gives me lets me know he knows what I’m thinking, so I flip him off again, causing him to chuckle.

  “Alright, leaving y’all to it. Gotta get back to my woman before she decides something needs to be moved again.” He leaves after grabbing a few things leaving me alone with CeeCee.

  “She likes to move things?” she asks.

  I start laughing. “Toward the end of her pregnancy, she had the prospects running around redecorating and renovating shit. Stuff was arriving daily from Amazon, either at their house or here at the clubhouse. I thought Poseidon was going to pull all his hair out before she had the baby.”

  “She’s adorable,” CeeCee muses longingly. Suddenly, I wonder if she’s ever thought about having children.

  “Do you want them? Kids, I mean,” I question.

  She sighs and a look I can’t decipher crosses her expressive face. “I’m not sure. I mean, I like kids just fine. But until Momma Maddox came into my life, I didn’t exactly have a great role model. What if I’m like my mother? Hell, I still have her voice in my head a lot of days despite the countless hours of therapy I’ve had. I would hate to bring a child into my life only to find out that there’s more of her in me than I know. Does that make sense?”

  While she was speaking, I took her hand in mine, lacing our fingers together. I’ve never thought about it one way or another but thinking about her, belly swollen with a child we’ve made that was born in love, makes me realize that I want kids. With her. “I don’t think you’d be like your mother, CeeCee. Did you ever talk about it with your therapist?”

  She giggles while shaking her head. “No, Loki. I was maybe seven when Momma Maddox got me in with a child therapist, so kids were not on my radar.”

  “Well, I think if it’s something that’s bothering you, it wouldn’t hurt you to find someone to talk it out with if you don’t think you can do that with Patsy or her mom,” I advise.

  “Good idea,” she replies. She looks over at the clock on the wall and gasps. “I probably need to go, Loki. I’ve got some things to finish up at the house so I’m ready for tomorrow.”

  I nod, standing and gathering our trash. “Then let’s get you sorted out because I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, Angel.”

  Chapter Nine

  Loki

  After kissing CeeCee breathless last night, I went back to my room and took a much-needed shower in order to once again jerk off to images of her. At the rate I’m going, my calluses from tattooing will have their own. I grab my travel mug and fill it with coffee then head o
ut to the shop. Specks got the program loaded onto my computer there, so I plan to print off the transfer once I’ve gone over it again in preparation for her appointment. “Heading out early today?” Brooks asks.

  “Yeah, wanna make sure I’m ready for CeeCee, brother. Y’all heading out to track down those fuckers on the skips?” I inquire.

  “Fuck yeah. They’re bad news. Total scum.”

  “Good luck, brother. Y’all keep the shiny side up.”

  “You do the same.” I follow him out to our bikes. He and Orion are going to take a cage since they’re hopefully going to apprehend the two assholes they’re tracking. I throw my leg over my girl and fire her up, smiling as the engine rumbles to life. There’s something about having the freedom to ride nearly year-round. Strapping my helmet on, I connect the Bluetooth so I don’t miss any calls, then send a wave to Brooks and Orion, who look miserable about their chosen mode of transportation.

  The ride along the coast is relaxing. Smelling the salty air coming in from the ocean clears my head so by the time I reach the tattoo shop, I’m ready to tackle the biggest project of my life. Since I’m so early, I lock the door behind me then head into the small area I use as an office and turn my computer on. While it’s doing whatever the fuck computers do, I head into our small break area and start a pot of coffee. Once it’s brewed, I top off my mug and head back to see if there’s anything I need to tweak on CeeCee’s tattoo.

  I’m so lost in the magic of this program Specks has created that I don’t realize anyone else is in the shop until I hear, “Hey, boss man, whatcha working on?” Turning, I see Kaya propped against the door, her coffee cup forgotten as she stares at my computer screen.