by Harley Wylde
A tear slipped down my cheek, then another. I hastily wiped them away. Crying had never solved anything. It wouldn’t make Jared wake up. Wouldn’t bring Luis to me. And it wouldn’t make Dagger ever fall in love with me. I’d been selfish, only thinking of myself, and I’d possibly ruined two other lives. They both would have been better off if I’d never come to this house.
The coffee finished brewing and I poured a cup, then carried it to Dagger. I set it on the bedside table. He didn’t even acknowledge my presence. It was all I needed to know that I had to fix the mess I’d made of things. I walked out and kept going. Leaving his home hurt, but it was for the best. I didn’t know where I was going, so I wandered through the compound. The path meandered past the clubhouse and I kept going. I didn’t know how far I’d gone, or how much time had passed. The sky started to lighten and I knew it was morning.
Outlaw had given Dagger the ultimatum to marry me. If I could find him, then I could make it all right again. I just didn’t know which house was his. One of the guys wearing a vest that said Prospect was heading toward me. I didn’t know his name, but maybe he could help me.
“You lost?” he asked as he stopped a few feet away.
“I need to find Outlaw.”
He tipped his head to the side, and at first I thought he wouldn’t say anything. He lifted his chin and pointed back the way I’d come. “You passed his house. Go back three homes, but it’s really damn early to be waking him up unless it’s an emergency.”
It was. At least, I thought it was. I thanked him and went back to the home he’d pointed out. My hands trembled as I knocked on the door and waited, hoping he wouldn’t be angry I was here so early in the morning. The man who answered wore a scowl, and had a scar on his cheek that made him look fierce. I took a step back and nearly toppled off the steps, but he reached out and grabbed my arm.
“Easy,” he said as he steadied me.
“I need your help,” I said. “I need to take it back.”
“Take what back? Who are you?” he asked.
“Zoe. You made Dagger choose between marrying me or leaving my son in Mexico. Wire did something, married us. I need to fix it.”
Outlaw sighed and rubbed at his eyes. “It’s too damn early for this shit. Why don’t you want to be married to Dagger?”
I thought of Jared and the tender way Dagger had cared for him. Remembered how angry he’d been when he realized I’d known the man who attacked us. If I could undo everything, I would, but I couldn’t go back in time. But maybe I could fix just one thing and give Dagger his freedom.
“I made a mistake,” I said. “Several. He’s been kind to me, but… he deserves to be happy.”
“Trust me. Having a woman in his bed every night will be enough to make him happy. Unless you have a problem with that aspect of being married to him?” Outlaw asked.
“He already cares about someone else,” I said softly. “I’ve ruined things and I need to fix it. He left the choice up to me. Agreed to marry me, even though I know he didn’t want to. I want a happy marriage, Outlaw, not a husband who’s stuck with me. I don’t want someone who will wake up one day and hate me for ruining his life, for taking away his chance to find his perfect match.”
Outlaw reached out and cupped my cheek. “What did he say to you? Did he do something to make you feel like this?”
I couldn’t tell him without revealing Dagger’s love interest was another man. I wouldn’t do that to the man who had been so nice to me, had given me a chance, and done everything he could to help me. But I had to tell Outlaw something.
“He didn’t say anything. I know he’s angry I didn’t speak up about the man who tried to hurt me, but he didn’t ask me to leave if that’s what you mean. He was taking care of the man who was injured trying to protect me. I snuck out when he wasn’t paying attention.”
Outlaw gave a soft chuckle. “I see. Then I’d imagine he’ll be looking for you. Zoe, you may not know Dagger that well, but I do. I know more than he realizes.”
I stiffened and tried to pull away from his touch. What did that mean? Did he know about Dagger and Jared? Or did he mean Dagger’s past? I’d promised I wouldn’t say anything, and I’d keep my word, but I wanted to know exactly what this man thought he knew about Dagger.
“Do you know what Dagger wants more than anything?” he asked.
I did, or thought I did. I wasn’t about to tell Outlaw. What I thought Dagger wanted most was to be with Jared, openly, without worrying the other men here would kick them out or make them feel bad for loving each other.
“A family,” Outlaw said. “The Pres had a daughter who recently left. Shella had Dagger’s eye for a while now. I knew it. Everyone did. For whatever reason, he never made a move, and I have my suspicions as to why. I think it has a lot to do with the man in his house right now. Jared. Because Dagger doesn’t just want a wife and kids. He wants to share that woman and those kids with the Prospect in his home.”
Maybe he did see far more than Dagger realized. Did anyone else know? He’d believed no one knew their secret, but it seemed that wasn’t the case. But if Outlaw knew that already, why had he forced Dagger to marry me in order to save my son? I didn’t understand any of it.
“You’re confused,” Outlaw said. “And you should be. It’s really damn early and I’m guessing you never went to sleep. My wife isn’t up yet, my daughter has only been asleep an hour, and I’m still exhausted. You can crash on the couch for now, but I can promise Dagger will be coming for you. He cares more than you think he does.”
“He feels responsible since you backed him into a corner,” I said.
Outlaw smiled. “We’ll see. Come inside and get some rest. I’ll get a blanket for you.”
I followed him into his home and eased down onto the couch. I suddenly felt like I’d run for miles and exhaustion set in. He handed me a blanket and a pillow before leaving me alone, most likely heading back to his own bed and his wife. I hoped I hadn’t woken her when I’d knocked on the door. After I kicked off my shoes, I got comfortable and covered up. The moment my head hit the pillow I closed my eyes.
Despite the fact I was tired to the point I wanted to cry, I couldn’t sleep. Outlaw hadn’t said he would help me. He seemed to think Dagger wanted to keep me, but I didn’t think that was true. It wasn’t like the man had feelings for me. We were still strangers. Yes, we’d slept together, but I knew that didn’t mean anything for a guy like Dagger. He’d slept with a lot of people. For him, it was just a release. With me, it was different. He’d given me a special moment I would always cherish.
My eyes felt like they had sand in them, and my body felt heavy. I must have drifted off at some point because the next time I opened my eyes, the sun was streaming through the windows and I smelled breakfast cooking. I stretched and got up, careful to fold the blanket I’d borrowed. I put my shoes back on. As much as I wanted to go thank Outlaw for letting me stay, I thought it would be best if I left. It was obvious he didn’t plan to help me.
I crept out the front door, attempting to be stealthy, and shut it as soundlessly as possible. Rushing down the steps, I made my way back to the apartment I’d been using until I’d gone to Dagger’s house. I knew the door would be unlocked and I let myself in. The fact my things were still here should have been a comfort to me, but it wasn’t. I sat on the edge of the bed and wondered what I should do next. I couldn’t stay, but I didn’t have anywhere to go either. Or money for that matter. I’d sent every penny to the woman in Mexico, who didn’t even have my child anymore. I was furious with her! My hands curled into fists at my sides and I wished I could hit her. But more than that, I was angry with myself. I’d entrusted my child to her, without truly knowing her. Even if my family hadn’t wanted me, I didn’t think they’d have turned Luis away if I’d left him with his grandparents. They could have lied and said they were helping someone or had adopted him.
One of the women stopped in the doorway, her arms folded and her hip leaning ag
ainst the frame. “Heard you got yourself a biker. Why are you back here?”
“It was a mistake,” I said. “He didn’t really want me.”
She snorted. “Really? Just wanted in your pants and now that you’ve given it up he’s done? Figures. It’s why I’m keeping my distance.”
No, Dagger wasn’t like that, but I couldn’t make her understand. He hadn’t asked me to leave, or thrown me out. I’d left because it was the right thing to do. Maybe if I could find a way to Mexico, I could check on Luis. There was a chance the people who had bought him had wanted a child to raise. Or at least I told myself that. It made it easier on my heart and my conscience. I didn’t know how I’d get there. I had no money, no transportation. Even I knew hitchhiking was a bad idea, and besides, who would take me all the way to another country?
“If you didn’t have money, how would you get back home?” I asked.
“Home?” The woman’s eyebrows rose. “I’m not going back to that hellhole. One way or another, I’m staying in this country. I was trying to bring my husband here, but he’s dead. No reason to go back.”
I blinked, not quite sure what to say. “Dead? Who told you that?”
She waved a hand. “One of the guys here. Outlaw? Something like that. He checked into all our families back home. I’m not the only one who lost someone. Except for me, it’s no great loss. I hadn’t wanted to make that deal, to work in a shop and earn my husband’s way here. No, that was all his idea. Probably thought I’d be earning it on my back.”
I opened and shut my mouth. What exactly was the correct response? It sounded like her husband had been a horrible man. She’d probably be better off without him. And with only herself to worry about, she’d land on her feet. It seemed the bikers were going to help us. Although, they probably wouldn’t want to help me right now.
My stomach rumbled and I realized I hadn’t eaten since dinner last night. I went into our small kitchen and dug through the cabinets. There wasn’t a lot in there, but I pulled down a box of macaroni and decided to make a pot. Something was better than nothing. When we’d gotten here, I’d remembered seeing chicken breasts and pork chops in the fridge, but it seemed everyone had eaten them already. Even though there were two of us in this particular apartment, I’d seen all of them eating together and knew they took turns making meals. I’d just never been invited. After not getting much in the way of food for so long, it was hard not to want to consume everything in sight.
While the noodles boiled, I prepped the amount of butter and milk I’d need, and stirred the pasta frequently. I drained the macaroni, then mixed in the milk, butter, and powder mix. It wasn’t the most appetizing of meals, but it would be filling. Whoever had bought the groceries for these places must have loved this stuff because the cabinet had a dozen boxes in there. And cans of something called Spam. I hadn’t been brave enough to try the canned meat.
I sat at the small table and ate my food. Since it was breakfast, I’d have preferred bacon, eggs, and hash browns. Or better yet, chilaquiles, but I didn’t have the ingredients to make those. There were some things I missed about Mexico. Mostly the food, but I’d also enjoyed the festivals I’d been able to attend. When I was younger, I’d been permitted to go if my chores were finished, or if we could manage to enjoy the parades and festivities without it costing too much. Later, I’d struggled, and things had been hard, but at least I’d been independent. Here, I had to rely on other people to give me what I needed.
I’d barely eaten half my food when someone pounded on the door so hard it rattled on the hinges. Everything in me froze as I stared at it. Whoever was out there seemed pissed. Were they here for me? Was I going to be punished for not telling someone about the man who’d tried to touch me? My heart started racing and my hands shook. Someone, likely my roommate, let one of the bikers inside.
I remembered him. Demon. I dropped my fork and tried not to pee on myself. He was so imposing, and so very angry. The way he watched me made me want to bolt from the room, or from the compound entirely. He stomped over, reached down and gripped my arm, then hauled me out of the chair. As he dragged me from the apartment, I wondered how bad it would hurt. I didn’t know what he’d do to me.
“Do you have any idea how much trouble you’re in right now?” he demanded.
“I-I’m sorry.”
“You’re going to be.”
I tried not to whimper. I wouldn’t cower or beg. I’d take whatever punishment was coming, and then I’d figure out my next move. I couldn’t stay here. They probably wouldn’t let me anyway. I’d need a job. A place to stay.
He dragged me to the front of the clubhouse, then tossed me down on the ground. I sprawled at their President’s feet. The gravel from the parking lot dug into my hands and broke the skin on my palms, but I stayed where I was, not sure what he would do if I tried to get up.
“What the fuck, Demon?” Grizzly asked.
“Little bitch was hiding at the apartments. We’ve been looking all over this place for her. Do you have any idea how much time we’ve wasted trying to find her?” Demon asked.
“I’m sorry,” I muttered, over and over. I rocked back and forth, fighting not to let the tears fall that were burning my eyes.
“Jesus, Demon. I think you broke her,” someone else said.
A hand gripped me and hefted me to my feet. I was led over to a truck and placed in the passenger seat. I didn’t know where they were taking me, but I hoped it wasn’t somewhere to kill me. Oh, God. Had Jared died? Was I responsible for killing him and now they wanted to return to the favor? My hands were shaking and my stomach felt like it was in knots.
The biker got in and drove, not saying a word. I didn’t know where we were going or why. I stared down at my lap, thinking it was best if I didn’t see our destination. When the truck came to a halt, the biker got out, then tapped on my window. I opened the door, but I didn’t think I wanted to go any farther.
“Get your ass in the fucking house before Dagger starts ripping everyone’s heads off,” the guy said, yanking me from the truck. I stumbled and looked up to see that we were indeed in front of Dagger’s home.
I went inside, worried about what I’d find. When his gaze fastened on me, there was a wildness in his eyes. His hair stood on end, and it looked like he hadn’t slept all night. His throat worked as if he had trouble swallowing, and then he was striding toward me. I tensed, not sure what to expect, but he folded his arms around me and held me close.
“You scared the shit out of me,” he murmured.
Wait, what? He’d been… worried about me? I tried to pull back so I could look at him, but his hold was too tight.
“Dagger, I…”
“She was at the apartments,” the guy said who’d tossed me into the truck.
“You can go,” Dagger said.
I heard the front door shut. Someone yelled from the back of the house. “Is she back?”
“She’s back,” Dagger answered, then looked down at me. “Come on, princesa. You had us both worried. Let’s show Jared that you’re in one piece.”
He took me by the hand, and I winced. Dagger stopped and let loose a slight growl as he examined my skinned palms. He led me to the bathroom and gently washed the debris and blood away. Once they were cleaned, they didn’t look so bad. After pressing a kiss to my forehead, he led me to the guest room. Jared, shirtless, reclined in the bed against a bunch of pillows. The bruising on his face had to be painful, but he smiled when he saw me. Dagger gave me a nudge and I moved closer to the bed. Jared reached over and took my hand, tugging me down onto the mattress. I sat, not quite sure what was going on.
“Why did you go to the apartments?” Dagger asked. “Did you leave something you needed? I’d thought you didn’t have much of anything.”
I looked from Jared to Dagger, then back again. Then I took a breath. I owed him an apology. “I’m sorry, Jared. It’s my fault that man attacked you.”
I felt the heat of Dagger’s body as he cam
e up behind me, then his hand fisted in my hair, forcing my head back. “Excuse the fuck out of me?”
“You were right,” I said softly. “It was my fault. All of it. If I had told you sooner that I’d seen his title, then you could have found him. Jared wouldn’t have been injured.”
“Is this because I said I was going to punish you?” Dagger asked. “I wasn’t pissed because Jared got his ass handed to him. It infuriated me that you’d put yourself in danger, corazoncito. You could have been raped. Killed.”
Tears filled my eyes, and then I was back in Dagger’s arms. He sat on the side of the bed, pulled me onto his lap, and stroked my hair.
“Why did you leave?” Jared asked. “Because you felt guilty?”
“I left because it was the right thing to do. I went to Outlaw and asked him to undo everything.”
Dagger stiffened. “Undo what exactly?”
“Our marriage. I know you didn’t really want to marry me. It was sweet of you to agree to it, but I can’t be the cause of your unhappiness. I watched as you took care of Jared, and I realized that while you’d love someone someday, it wouldn’t be me. I wanted to make it right.”
“Fuck,” Jared muttered. He shared a look with Dagger and gave him a nod. I didn’t know what that meant, but then Dagger was standing and setting me down on my feet. He turned to shut and lock the door, then faced me again.
“Undress, Zoe. Right the fuck now.”
My heart hammered against my ribs. He wanted me naked? Why?
“Don’t disobey me, corazoncito.”
I removed my clothes. My cheeks warmed, knowing it wasn’t only Dagger watching me but Jared as well. I didn’t understand what was going on, or why I had to do this. Was he trying to humiliate me? Would he punish me in front of Jared?
Dagger began to remove his clothes and Jared tossed off the blankets. I gasped when I saw he was naked under the covers. Were they… were they going to share me? Or was I supposed to watch while they… A warmth started to spread through me. It had been sexy before, watching Jared suck Dagger’s cock when I’d been spying through the kitchen window.