by Naomi West
She shook her head. “No. One of the other men started to bring it up, but he wasn’t interested in hearing it. I honestly think he was more caught up in the idea of making money than worrying about what doing business with the Broken Hearts might mean for the future. Maybe he figures he can get what he wants from them and then take them down. I don’t really know.” Venus suddenly wondered if she was doing a good enough job spying on her father for Blade. It was hard to ask probing questions without him getting too suspicious.
“Okay. This is good. If it’s a large shipment, and the Skulls are already strapped for cash, then this might be just the opportunity we’ve been waiting for.” His eyes grew distant as Blade became lost in thought.
Venus tried to wait patiently, but it was hard. She’d been so involved up to this point, and she didn’t want that to stop now. “What are we going to do?”
“Not we,” he corrected her. “This is going to be messy, and I don’t want you anywhere near there when it happens. It’s got the potential to be a fight over goods, money, and territory. You stay here, and then, no matter what happens, nobody can say it was your fault.”
“That’s not entirely true.” Venus knotted her fingers together in worry. “If Jet figures out I’ve been talking to you—which he might since he knows you threatened me that day at the hospital—then I’m screwed.”
“He only knows I spoke to you in an official capacity as the leader of the Fangs.” His correction made her feel somewhat better about having him in her bed, but it didn’t clarify things completely. “Jet was too chickenshit to do anything about it. Since I’ve backed off, he probably thinks I’ve given up and that he’s won. Has he said anything about me?”
“No,” Venus replied slowly, still unsure.
“Then there’s nothing for you to worry about. You stay here and keep doing what you’re doing. I’ve got to go get my men rounded up. I have a good idea of what we’re going to do, but I want their opinions.” Blade turned back to the window.
Venus followed him, wishing he didn’t have to go so soon. “You really think this is going to work?” she asked tentatively.
He’d quickly unlocked the sash and opened it. He turned back to her, his face only a few inches away. “It’s our best shot, so it has to. Just be careful, and make sure you don’t let him know you’re in on it.”
“Okay.” The deep disappointment that blossomed in her chest was unexpected. She wanted Blade to tell her she could come with him, that she wouldn’t need to carry on this espionage any longer, but he showed no signs of such reassurances. “What if it doesn’t work?”
Blade looked at her for a long moment, and the next thing she knew her body was pressed against his, their lips locked. She couldn’t even be sure if he’d kissed her or if she’d kissed him, but her arms were wrapped just as tightly around him as his were around her.
“I’ll make sure it does,” he said softly, his breath warm against her skin. “Don’t worry so much, Venus.” He was out the window a moment later.
She waited until he was on the ground and had disappeared in the shadows of the bushes before she closed the window and firmly locked it. She hoped he was right, and this all just wasn’t an overconfident attempt that would end up getting them all killed. Only time would tell.
14
“Are we ready?” Blade had prepared his men as much as possible, but it didn’t take much. It’d been a while since they’d had any real confrontations, and they were eager for it. He’d also let his top men know he had a source inside the Skulls who was feeding them information, and it would only be a matter of time before they found the right opportunity. Now that they were faced with it, they’d come together with eagerness.
“I think so,” Gator said with a grin. He checked his pistol at his waist and the knives hidden in his boots. “Am I wrong if I hope this gets a little exciting? I’ve got some new toys I want to try.”
Blade clapped him on the shoulder and smiled. “I understand, but we’ll just have to see. I don’t think it’ll even need to come to that if things go as planned.”
The Fangs rode out to the docks, ensuring they arrived at the party early. Blade headed up the fleet, the first shots of adrenaline rushing through his system as they headed out. He was eager to see how this went down and hopeful he would see the astonished look on Jet’s face he expected.
The Broken Hearts were already at the scheduled meeting place. Blade saw them pointing and watching as they rode up, no doubt thinking they were the Skulls. The man in the lead looked slightly pale when Blade pulled to a stop directly in front of him.
“I don’t think we were expecting you,” he said, trying to sound more macho than he looked. He was a scrawny man, probably in his early twenties. He’d tried to make himself look tough with a bunch of bad tattoos and a scruffy beard, but Blade could tell he was no big threat.
“I know.” He swung a leg over his bike and strode forward, hand extended. “The name’s Blade, and we’re the Devil’s Fangs. You might’ve heard of us.”
“Tats,” the man said by way of introduction as he shook Blade’s hand. He puffed out his skinny chest and lowered his eyebrows, looking more like an angry monkey than anything. “I have heard of you, but what I don’t know is what you’re doing here. I’ve got a meeting scheduled, and I don’t have time to fool around.”
Blade watched him coolly. “Interesting, considering you’re on our property.”
The last of the color that wasn’t tattooed on his skin drained from his face. “I was assured this was neutral territory.”
“I’m sure you were, considering your source. But this is most definitely Fangs’ territory, and I don’t appreciate business deals going down without my permission.” Blade knew the rest of this men were fanned out behind him, a terrifying show of force even without their weapons drawn. They were by far the largest and most experienced organization in the city, and Tats was an idiot if he didn’t fear them.
The leader of the Broken Hearts glanced over Blade’s shoulder and pressed his lips together, deciding what to do. Fortunately for him, he realized they were far outnumbered. “I don’t want any trouble. We’ll move on.”
“Actually,” Blade said, taking a step forward to stop Tats from getting away, “since you’re here, I’d like to discuss some business with you myself. I understand you’re about to start trading with the Savage Skulls.”
“That’s right.” Tats put his chin slightly up in the air, not quite giving up on having the upper hand even though he’d lost it as soon as the Fangs had pulled up. “What about it?”
“I suggest you stay far away from them. The Skulls are on the brink of war with us. If you get tangled up with them, you may find yourself having to choose sides. The Skulls aren’t a much bigger group than you are, and I’ve only got a fraction of my men here with me today. If you don’t want to get wiped out, then I suggest you make your choices wisely.”
A few beads of sweat popped out on Tats’ forehead. “What do you expect me to do? I’ve got an entire shipment here, ready to sell. I can’t just cart it off down the road.” He gestured at the rusty barge behind him.
It looked to Blade like the ancient barge might sink any minute, but he repressed the smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Of course not. But I might be an interested buyer.”
“Oh!” Tats looked almost boyish when his eyes went wide with surprise. It made Blade wonder just how long he’d been at this gang business. He probably had no business leading even the straggling group of ruffians behind him. “Well all right. Come take a look.”
Tats had relaxed visibly by the time Blade had finished looking over his inventory a few minutes later. He was talkative and easygoing as they climbed the rusty ladder back out of the hold. “It’s really a lot of good stuff. I think it could go for a decent price.”
Blade nodded as he stepped out into the sun. “It’s not normally the kind of stuff I deal with, but I think I could move it.” He preferred to stic
k with drugs and weapons. The bulk and fragility of electronics often made them more trouble than they were worth, but Tats had secured quite a few high-end tablets, laptops, and phones that would likely make it all worth it. It was doubly worth it if it earned him a few new recruits. Blade had a good feeling the Broken Hearts were going to find themselves integrated into the Fangs before long.
The amicable dealings came to an abrupt halt as a luxury sedan came up the dock toward them. It screeched to a halt just before the water, and Jet himself came flying out of the driver’s seat. He pointed an angry finger at Blade. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
Blade put his hands out in a helpless gesture. “The early bird gets the worm, right? I can’t help it if I gave them a better deal than they could ever hope to get from you.” He no longer stopped his smile. It was going to irritate Jet, and that was only the beginning.
Several more cars had pulled up behind him. Men poured out onto the dock, their booted feet heavy on the boards. The distinct clicking of hammers being pulled surrounded them as Jet’s men pointed their weapons.
“I suggest you step back and leave me to my business,” Jet said to Blade, clearly not understanding the situation for what it was. “I’ve worked long and hard to build my empire in this city, and I’m not going to give it up that easily.”
“That’s a shame.” Blade’s hand rested near his holster, but he made no move to draw his weapon. He wouldn’t until the moment was just right. “I’d hate to see you get killed over a few DVD players.”
At this point, the Hearts had been standing off to the side, watching the scene unfold. But when Jet signaled his men to advance on the Fangs, Tats and his men stepped forward.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Jet pulled his own gun and aimed it at Tats. “I thought we were here to do business. Don’t tell me you set me up.”
Now the confidence in Tats’ face was genuine. “I’m starting to think you were the one who set me up, actually. Asking me to do a deal on Fangs’ territory? You were going to get me and my men slaughtered in half a second. No, I think we know who we’ll be dealing with from now on.” The Hearts drew their weapons and aimed them at the Skulls.
“Son of a bitch,” Jet muttered. He was outnumbered, and there was nothing he could do about it. Their numbers were already small compared to the Fangs, and he couldn’t afford to lose any more men. “Fine, but don’t think I won’t remember this!” He got back in his car and slammed the door, revving the engine until the tires smoked and then taking off.
Blade couldn’t help but laugh.
“The poor sucker didn’t even try to fight,” Champ commented, sounding disappointed.
“I know. In a way, I wish he had. I think we were all ready for it, and we know we would’ve won. The men could use an easy fight like that. But a battle out here in the open would draw a lot of attention, and we probably don’t need that right now. Don’t worry. He’ll be back.” Blade felt conflicted about that last part. If Jet had tried to shoot at him, Blade would have no choice but to shoot back. It wouldn’t matter what he’d promised Venus, because it would be self-defense. But then he was just making excuses to do whatever he wanted, and that probably wasn’t good either.
Tats strode over, looking a bit sheepish. “I am sorry for all that. We weren’t here to cause trouble, just to make a little money. I’ll arrange for this all to be delivered to you like we discussed. If you want to do any further business, you know how to get ahold of me.”
“Yeah, and I’ll be doing that.” Blade shook the man’s hand and got on his bike. He would be talking to Tats, but not about buying future shipments. It would take very little convincing to get Tats to understand just where his men would be safer and happier. The Fangs were about to get a little bigger.
As important as all that was, Blade’s mind constantly went back to Venus. She had stayed at her house while Jet and his men came to the docks. At the very least, he hadn’t seen her and could assume she’d done what she was told. But what would happen when he got back home? Venus’ involvement hadn’t been obvious, but Jet might take it out on her anyway.
As soon as he got back to the clubhouse, he turned to Sherlock. “I need you to do a little surveillance for me.”
15
Venus paced her bedroom. She’d forced herself to focus on those stupid accounting books so she’d at least be able to prove to her father that she was still doing as she was told. But there was no telling what might happen out there at the docks. Blade had promised not to hurt Jet, but what if he’d gone back on that? What if Jet had given him no choice?
She felt like a caged animal, even though she’d never known what it was like to be free. It was killing her to sit here in her tower, not knowing what was going on in the outside world. Jet had begun to involve her in his day-to-day business, but he wasn’t likely to call and give her an update.
Her stomach jumped when she heard the front door open downstairs. Pulling in a deep breath and forcing herself to remain calm, she stepped out of her room and headed down the stairs. Jet hadn’t acted like the meeting with the Broken Hearts was a big deal, and she’d be giving too much away if she let him know she was worried.
But to her surprise, it was Blade who stood in the front foyer. He smiled up at her, looking far more relaxed than he had any right to be considering he’d just strode in the front door of his enemy’s house. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
Venus realized she’d been staring at him in shock, and she rushed down the remainder of the stairs. “What are you doing here? And coming in the front door? You should’ve at least called me first.” Her reprimands were weakened by her relief in seeing him. Anything could’ve happened out there, and she had expected to hear back from either Blade or Jet long before now.
“Relax. I sent one of my men after Jet when we left the docks. I knew nobody was here but you.” He pulled her into his arms with surprising force, his look sensuous as he pressed her against his virile body. “Should we celebrate?”
Venus felt tingles of electricity spread over her body, sparking in her nipples and between her legs. She was thrilled to see him, but the idea made her nervous on several counts. It took a lot of willpower to put her hand on his chest and push herself away, but she knew she’d never be able to concentrate if he didn’t tell her about it all. “First I need to know what happened.”
“It went just the way I planned it,” Blade assured her, looking much happier than she’d ever seen him before. “I got there first, I stole his business deal, and I ruined any future he might’ve had with the Broken Hearts.”
She nodded, glad that it had gone well but still feeling anxious. “So now what?”
“According to the figures in his books, Jet is going to be bankrupt before long. His little ‘empire’ that he thinks he’s built is about to crumble. I wish it was more instant than that, but the best-laid plans do take a little bit of time.”
It was good news, and even though Venus wished it was all over with right now, but it was good enough for the moment. “I’m so glad. I was so worried.”
“There was never any need to be. I had it covered.” Blade kissed her then, his mouth taking possession of her even as his hands did. He lifted her up until her legs wrapped around his waist and carried her up the stairs, not bothering to come up for air until they reached her bedroom door. He slammed it shut behind them as testament to the fact that they were alone, and he tossed her down on the bed.
She bounced against the mattress, laughing. He was strong and insistent, but she knew he would never do anything to hurt her. Her clothes were off in an instant, the threat of anyone coming home forgotten. As he covered her body with his and began kissing her again, Venus felt a flushing heat take over her. She wanted him so badly, and she’d waited so long for this to happen again. She wrapped her arms around him and opened her mouth, flicking her tongue against his and moaning with pleasure even though they’d barely begun.
“You keep doi
ng that, and I’m going to have to have my way with you,” he warned as he pulled away to nuzzle her neck.
“You’d better, but not before I’ve had a chance to have my way with you.” Venus smiled as she pressed against his chest, rolling him off her. She made quick work of his clothes, eager to explore the exquisite body she knew was hiding under those clothes. Blade didn’t stop her, but he did let his hands roam over her back, her shoulders, and her breasts as she did so.
He let out a pant of surprise when she bent forward and closed her mouth around his shaft. It responded on its own, standing up a little straighter as she ran her tongue along its length. Venus hadn’t ever done this before, but she’d had plenty of time to think about what she wanted to do to Blade if she ever got the chance. He’d turned her on in ways she’d never known possible, and she wanted to make every effort to return the favor.
Venus felt a fresh wave of fire dance over her body as she realized how much she enjoyed this. It made her feel sexy and powerful, two things she hadn’t had much experience with. Blade was at her mercy as she licked and sucked, exploring every inch of him, and the appreciative groans that came from his chest told her she was doing a good job. He buried his fingers in her hair, running them along her scalp to the nape of her neck where he gathered it all into a rough ponytail. He held it in one hand as his other hand twisted the sheets into a knot.
“You’re way too good at that,” he grunted.
That only drove her to keep going, burying him all the way to the back of her throat and teasing the tip of her tongue along the crease between his cock and his balls. He thrust his hips toward her, his breath rasping as he fought to remain in control. She didn’t want to stop, but her core was calling out for him. She wanted every part of her body to be near his, and she finally let him go.
