Lethal

by Robbins, Cassandra

  She sniffs into the Kleenex and I look down at myself. “I need a shower.” It sounds crazy, but at this point, I don’t care. Jason likes me and that’s all that matters.

  “You’re not leaving,” he snaps. “And Mom, please stop crying. The bullet went all the way through me. I lost a lot of blood is all.” He reaches for my hand and surprisingly pulls me to the side of his bed.

  “Go take a shower. I’ll get Mom to go and buy you something from the boutique. I need to talk to Rodney anyway.”

  Rodney turns around, his phone in his hand. “Yes, you need to be filled in.” He points at him, smiling. “I’m also charging you double for today.” He grins as Jason groans. Rodney is a good man and an even better lawyer if his phone time is any indication.

  “Go get cleaned up, baby.” I watch as he pushes a button for either more pain medication or a nurse. Either way, he wants me to stay and I intend to. As I turn on the bathroom light, the adrenaline that has kept me going and hunger hit me like someone has thrown a rock at my belly. A loud growl and acid burn their way up my stomach to my neck. Partly scared at what I’ll find, I avoid my reflection and instead strip the now dry and stiff bloody clothes off me and start the water for a shower.

  As I lather up, I take stock of my injuries. I have a skinned knee that’s super sore. My elbow is scratched up, but other than that I’m fine. Jason saved my life. He’s sitting in that hospital bed because he threw himself in front of me. Lifting my face to the spray of the showerhead, I allow myself to digest the truth that my brother is either a completely insane sociopath or the bitch who shot Jason is crazy. Reaching for the mini shampoo, I wash my hair, trying to decide if Benny could really be a killer and do I really care? He wasn’t perfect and he changed with the drugs… but a coldblooded killer? And why would he even be hanging out with Doc and Sandy, knowing that the Disciples would be watching? That’s plain stupid.

  Turning off the water, I wish everyone was gone and I could climb into bed with Jason and sleep for days. I wrap the cheap white towel around me and peek out. Rodney and Ryder are talking to Jason. His mom is sitting in the corner vaping an e-cig. I’m pretty sure that’s not allowed but it’s not my place to say anything. A plastic bag sits next to her. I clear my throat and she and Ryder look up. His brown eyes are on alert as he nods and goes back to Jason.

  “Oh… here, I hope it fits.” She looks at me from the bottom of my feet up to my wet, dripping hair. “I got you a dress.”

  “Thank you.” My face heats up. The pressure of wanting this woman to like me is so important I drop the bag. I sneak a glance at Jason. Whatever they’re telling him must be bad because he’s got that look in his eyes. I’m sure it’s about Benny and I almost want to say something to defend him, but I think better of it. God, I remember when I first got taken to pay the debt. I hated Benny. Now… I think he’s a selfish dick and a drug addict. And let’s be honest—if he offed Paul, well, the world is a better place without pieces off shit like that creep roaming around. Karma’s a bitch. I reach down and pick up the gift shop bag and pull a pink halter dress out.

  “It’s so pretty. Thank you.” I smile and she stands holding her e-cig, her eyes taking me in. Finally, she says, “Get changed. I’d like to buy you dinner at the cafeteria, Eve.”

  I blink then move as fast as my bare feet can carry me to the bathroom. Quickly I drop the towel and pull the dress on, my hands shaking. This is absurd. Why am I so nervous? Sighing, I assess myself in the mirror. The dress is cute. The color makes me look fresh, happy. After all the hot water and scrubbing of my skin, I have a healthy, pink glow.

  “It’s going to be great. You’re having his baby, and she’s going to be nice,” I say to the girl in the mirror. I switch off the light and open the door going straight for my bag. I pull out a brush and try to detangle my hair then sweep it back with a rubber band at my neck. Throwing on some lip gloss, I glance down and stare in disgust at my bloody sneakers.

  “Here.” Jason’s mom hands me some bright pink flip-flops. I look over at him. He holds up his hand for Ryder to stop.

  “You okay?” His gravelly voice makes my face flush hotter, his green eyes taking in every single detail. I must pass because his full lips smile slightly.

  And I want to die right there. Instead I say, “Yes.”

  His mom reaches for her purse. “I’m going to take her to get some food. Take care of business.” She reaches down to kiss Jason.

  “Good.” His eyes find mine. “Come right back.”

  I nod. “I will.”

  Ryder smirks and Rodney starts to argue that I should stay with him and his wife.

  “She stays with me.”

  Rodney opens and closes his mouth, running his hand up and down his tie. “Fine, but—”

  “No.” One word and I smile with confidence.

  “I’ll be back. Do you want me to bring you anything?” I walk up to him and again, as soon as our eyes lock I get this warm sensation like the first bite of a hot fudge sundae: that delicious warmth of the fudge followed by the sweetness of ice cream that makes you happy. We stare at each other until Jason grins again and reaches for me bringing my lips to his.

  “No, Angel. Go eat a good dinner.”

  I can’t breathe. He’s robbed me of myself and all I hear coming out of my mouth is the truth. “I love you.”

  Someone coughs and I look up for a moment and back at him, his green eyes so alive with what I know has to be love.

  “Ryder?” He releases me. “Send someone with Eve and my mother.”

  I hear her huff. “God, here we go. Come on, Eve. The secret service will keep us safe.” She rolls her eyes dramatically at Jason.

  “It’s not up for discussion, Mom.” He leans back farther into the pillows and grimaces for a second in pain.

  “Jason? You need more pain medication.” She softens instantly and for a second, I long for my own mother. I blink back the tears.

  “Don’t worry, Mom, I got this.” She nods and we walk to the door. Ryder follows and five Disciples stand when they see us.

  “Sean, go with them.” He nods at him and that seems to be all Sean needs because he looks at us and I blink in shock. He’s like cliché bad biker guy. Medium height, dark hair that needs to be cut, and tan, weathered skin.

  “You women ready?”

  Jason’s mom rolls her eyes. “Come on, Eve. We need to talk.” She loops her arm with mine as she kind of glides me through the nurses’ station and into the elevator. Sean pushes the lobby button.

  “Jason didn’t introduce us properly. I’m Leah.”

  It’s as though I’m in a weird state of I don’t know what. Like my head is nodding and I’m talking, but everything is slightly muted and a little off.

  “It’s nice to meet you.” There. I sound normal. The elevator opens with a ding. Leah once again loops her arm with mine. I’m actually grateful—it’s nice to have someone guiding you when you feel lost.

  “I wish I could say this is the first time I’ve been to this hospital.” We enter the large cafeteria that’s surprisingly empty.

  “Hey you,” Leah yells over to a Hispanic guy dishing out hot food.

  “What the hell? You just love me, don’t you?” He grins at her. “Your usual, Leah?”

  “Yes, of course.” Leah turns to me. “José, this is my son’s fiancée Eve.” Ashamed at how my heart skips a beat when she says it, I almost choke. I clear my throat and give him a smile.

  “Well, he sure is luu-cky.” He winks at me. “What can I get for you, Eve?”

  My stomach rumbles as I look at everything. “Can I have two slices of cheese pizza?”

  “Absolutely.” He turns to grab a plate. “So, who’s it this time, Leah?”

  She sighs and wraps her arm around my waist as if she’s helping me stand, but I think I might be helping her. “My son.” She takes a breath. “He got shot earlier, but thank God he’s fine.” She puts her hand on my arm.

  “José, please n
o pizza for Eve.” She waves her hand dramatically. “Make her plate like mine, thank you.” She smiles at him and looks ten years younger. I almost say something, but I want her to like me so I stop myself. Also, José is doing her bidding. I guess it doesn’t matter what I want.

  “I’m going to be frank, and I hope you don’t mind.” She moves us toward a cooler full of beverages. I nod and swallow as I reach for a can of Coke. She doesn’t even stop but casually takes the can out of my hand as though I’m three and replaces it with a bottle of water. I bite my lip, because come on, this is almost comical. If Jason wasn’t in a hospital bed recovering from being shot, it would be hilarious.

  José places our trays in front of us and I look down at boneless chicken and I think spinach? Not positive but it’s dark green with chunks of garlic so I’m betting on that.

  “Thank you, José.” She smiles again and I follow with my tray like a lost puppy.

  “I’ll grab us a salad and—”

  “Bread,” I interrupt before she pays. “Please, I need bread.” Her green eyes twinkle looking way too much like Jason’s.

  She sighs. “Fine. Grab some rolls and butter.” I quickly grab a plate and load it with four rolls and butter before she changes her mind.

  “Okay, I’m ready.” I sigh as if I just scored. Again, absurd considering I met this woman an hour ago.

  She pays and we slide into a hard plastic booth. She places her napkin on her lap and I mimic her. She looks up and her eyes seem tired and sad.

  “So, Eve… tell me, how old are you?”

  I reach for my cold bottle of water and twist the top open. “Nineteen.” I take a sip, the coolness making my hot mouth and tongue almost yearn for me to guzzle it. I should feel bad about lying, but I’m almost nineteen and the way she’s looking at me makes me think lying is best.

  “Hmm.” She picks up her knife and fork and starts cutting her chicken. “I was even younger when I met Jason’s father. He was the most beautiful man I have ever seen.” She grins. “Well, besides my son. The thing is… I thought I was in love. But I wasn’t.” She takes a bite and I take a breath. How do I answer any of this? Sorry?

  “Anyway…” She waves her fork in the air. “He was the president. It became obvious that the club came first, his bike second, the kids third, and then maybe one of his whores or me.”

  I almost choke on my swig of water. “That’s awful,” I wheeze out.

  “Yes, it was. This life they live is like their own world and he was king.” She looks down at her lap. “He killed Chuckie.”

  “What? He killed his own son?” I’m completely shocked. You’d think someone would have mentioned that.

  “It was his lab. He made Chuckie go with him that night. I hated him before, but after the accident…” She looks up at me, her green eyes swimming with tears. “After Chuckie and David’s girlfriend and baby died in that explosion, well, it was good he got blown up too because I would have murdered him.” She sets down her fork and reaches for her water, letting her words circle around us.

  “I had no idea.” Well, I had a little idea, but it seems right to let her talk. “Jason doesn’t talk about his past.” I almost reach across the table for her hand, but I don’t.

  “They we’re close, Jason and Chuckie, but Jason was away in the Navy. He was never supposed to be the president. Never,” she hisses as tears run down her face. This time I do reach for her hand as tears start to cascade down my cheeks too.

  “I’m sorry.” She pulls her hand away. Sitting up straighter, she reaches into her purse and puts on her dark sunglasses then starts to cut her food again. I look down at my food and slowly start eating.

  “I gave up everything for that man and all it did was give me heartache. Are you sure that’s what you want?”

  I drop my fork with a loud clatter and look her in the eyes. “I love Jason, and yes, he is exactly what I want.”

  She stares at me so long I start to squirm in the hard plastic booth. I’m about to say something, but she beats me to it.

  “I think… Eve, I think you will be perfect as his queen.” The corners of her mouth turn up into a small smile.

  My eyes blink back what feel like tears as I digest her words and find myself truly smiling at her. For the first time ever, I have a woman in my life who looks at me with respect and something close to admiration and I like it.

  “Did you know that both my boys are named after horror movies?” It’s completely off subject and yet absolutely perfect as we laugh at her stories and I bask in her glowing approval.

  BLADE/JASON

  I’m staring at this woman who has literally stolen my soul. She’s dripping wet as she comes out of our shower. Holding out the large white towel, I wrap her in it. Eve is almost seven months pregnant and I’m in awe. I mean that literally. I’m. In. Awe.

  Her body is pink where the water has hit her creamy back. I can’t help but drop to my knees as I start to towel her dry, her laughter making my cock harden as I caress her stomach. Our baby instantly kicks my hand. Dark to light, that’s how my tan hand looks on her pale swollen belly.

  Tossing the towel aside, I reach for her ass and pull her tightly to me, kissing her stomach as I lick the remaining drops off her. I had no idea I would feel this way. Every day I grow more in love with our baby and our life. She drops her head to the side as her beautiful eyes slant down at me. Her dark lashes look like fans.

  “I love you, Jason,” she moans as I gently move her legs open. I don’t answer her and never have even though the words are burning to get out.

  “Sit on the edge of the tub, Angel.” For a second her eyes reflect hurt as if she thought this would be the moment I tell her. But then it’s gone as she obeys and perches herself on the edge of the tub, legs open. Her pussy is pink and glossy already and I groan as I lower my head to feast.

  You see, this is how I show her I love her. As I eat her and suck on her delicious clit, I breathe into my nose and stroke my hard, aching cock. It’s leaking, allowing me a nice lubricant as I feel Eve contract and come in my mouth.

  I pull back to take in all her golden glory. She’s magnificent and I need to be inside her. She smiles and gracefully turns so that her beautifully arched back teases me. I rub my hand up and down its smoothness then grip her hips as I sink slowly, almost tortuously into her silken walls.

  I hold in my groan until I’m so deep inside her I can’t not let it out. She’s dripping for me and I lower my chest to her back so that I can wrap my arms around her.

  “Oh God… you’re deep.” Her voice catches as her strong arms tighten and her fingers turn white with the grip.

  “Yeah, so good.” I pull back and thrust into her. In and out, our rhythm almost so in tune that my stomach muscles tighten. The pleasure zings straight to my tight balls and down to my toes as I grab her hips and hit her G-spot to send my Angel soaring.

  “Yes… yes,” she moans into her arm, her long hair swinging with every deep thrust.

  “Yeah baby. I can feel it.” I reach down and grab her hands as I go deep. My other hand seeks her clit, and in seconds, she’s screaming my name.

  “Fuck.” I can’t stop it—the pleasure’s too intense. My body jerks as I empty my seed deep inside her. We stay together as our breathing slows and I gradually pull out.

  “Hmm… I needed that,” she murmurs as she turns and wraps her arms around my neck.

  I reach down and pick her up as I take her to our bed. It’s late. I’ve got a busy day tomorrow and I’m fucking tired. I set her down and go to turn off the light barely recognizing the transformation in my bedroom. Gone is the white wall. A deep burnt red wall is by our bed surrounded by pale yellow walls where black-and-white photos of my bikes hang. Long, gauzy curtains blow in the breeze. I walk over and shut the French doors. Climbing into bed, I reach for her again. She purrs and my heart thuds. Again the words she has been wanting, needing almost come out. But until I find her junkie piece of shit brother, I keep them lock
ed inside me.

  Getting shot wasn’t what bothered me. Almost losing Eve made me acknowledge the truth. I need her, I love her. She is my world and because of that I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Safe. I almost didn’t get there in time. That day haunts me. I’ve never had nightmares of any of the things I’ve done. But the thought of not getting there in time to save Eve will cause me to wake up reaching for her. I rub her arm and she snuggles closer to me. Two months and I will be a father. Along with decorating and shopping with Doug and Dolly, Eve has become extremely close to my mother. A better role model I can’t find. Most of the time we stay at our house, but sometimes we stay at the clubhouse and my beautiful golden queen makes me look good.

  One of our phones vibrates and I frown—it’s Eve’s. The clock on the end table reads close to midnight. I know who and what it is. With a sigh, I close my eyes. The phone stops and moments later, a ding alerts that a message has been left. Eve is so peaceful in sleep; her sweet breath lightly kisses my neck as she moves her nose into me. I reach up and hold her head to me. I give up and let go. What has happened is going to change her and I hope it doesn’t damage her.

  Again, I close my eyes as my mind retraces the last four months. After the shooting, all hell broke loose. I completely put all drug selling to a halt. It weeded out the brothers who truly are family and want to be here from the guys who want to look tough and have free drugs and pussy. I’m done dealing drugs and I’m getting too old to risk prison. Eve groans as she rolls to her back and I instantly turn to my side, my hand on her large stomach caressing our baby. I do this a lot. I had wanted to find out the sex, but Eve insisted that it would be more fun to be surprised. But I know the truth: it was yet another carrot for her to dangle in front of her father. Look, Daddy, if you want to know the sex, you better not die on me.

  Every day I drop her off and she spends hours with him. Talking to him. Christ, half the time she watches him sleep. Sometimes I go with her, help him go outside, but I always feel James’s animosity. He may have accepted me, but he certainly makes it clear I’m not good enough for his baby girl. He’s right—Eve deserves better, but fuck it, some people win the shit lottery. The truth is it’s been a miracle that James Smith has made it this far.