by K E Osborn
But it doesn’t scare her. The little firecracker smirks moving faster, an intense lust glazes over her eyes, and I’m fucking done for.
This is what she wants.
The bad boy.
I grip tighter, fucking her as my adrenaline spikes.
She begins to pant, her pussy clenching around my cock. Her fingernails dig into my biceps as she whimpers, “Fuck, Viper.” Her body trembles as she climaxes around my cock.
This is fucking heaven as she constricts around me strangling my cock. I lean down, pressing my lips to hers, devouring her. The tingle starts from the tips of my toes, shooting all the way to my balls. They tighten as my cock throbs with the pressure building inside. I groan into her mouth as her nails dig into my back, drawing blood. She clenches her pussy, and it sends me over the edge. My balls pull up, the pressure builds, then explodes as I come so fucking hard in the condom, I’m finding it hard to breathe. I break our kiss, jerking with my movements while unloading inside of her as the weight of my situation grabs hold of me.
I take a second to gather myself as she sighs running her hands up and down my back.
“Holy shit! When I pictured sex with you, I knew it would be great. But that, Viper… that was epic.”
I want to reply to her, but I’m having trouble even thinking let alone answering. I slowly pull out, then roll onto the bed.
Dammit! I know what I need to do, and I need to do it quickly before I crash completely. I pant for breath as the nausea hits again. It rolls through me like a tidal wave. Leaning over the edge of the bed, I try not to throw up.
“Hey, are you okay?” Ember’s voice is faint as I fall to the floor. “Shit!”
I drag myself over to the mini bar fridge and pull out the little black bag as she squats by my side. “Hey, talk to me. What the hell is going on?”
I ignore her, opening the black bag, pulling out the needle. She recoils looking at it like I disgust her. I jab it into my stomach, inserting the nectar of the gods where I need it. I drop the syringe to the floor, letting out a long breath hoping I caught the high in time.
“You’re… an addict?” she accuses, folding her arms across her body like she’s protecting herself.
“It’s not like that… I can explain. Just give me a minute for it to kick in.”
She moves to her pants, pulling them on in a rush and tripping slightly in her haste. “You have sex with me, then need a fix so bad after you fall to the floor. Were you high the whole time I was with you, and it wore off while we were fucking?”
A wave of nausea hits me, and I dry retch bringing my hand to my mouth, regret hitting me instantly. I should have stopped. I should have taken the damn hit when I knew I needed it.
This shit will scar her.
“Great, just great. Fucking me makes you physically ill. Well, thanks so much, Viper. Thanks for almost losing me my job, and single-handedly making me feel like the most disgusting woman on planet Earth. I’d say it’s been nice knowing you, but it really hasn’t.” Ember picks up her top, threading her arms through the sleeves, and starts buttoning it up.
I go to tell her I’m sorry, but another dry retch comes instead.
She curls up her lip. “Classy, real classy, Viper. Don’t choke on your own vomit!” She grabs her bowtie, vest, and shoes, then heads for the door.
My breathing’s erratic at best. I reach out, but I can’t do anything other than watch her leave.
I screwed this one up.
I’m a fuck-up.
I really need to get my damn life in order.
And I need to do it fast.
VIPER
The Next Afternoon
It’s taken me all night and morning to recover from what happened last night. I let it go too far. On top of my high, I feel like shit for how I treated Ember. I wish I had her number to call and apologize for fucking up like I did. My time with her was amazing while it lasted, but I guess I need to focus on the task at hand, being the president of my MC.
We have a bigger issue to contend with.
As we sit on the edge of the pool, I sip on a sparkling water, while the other guys drink their alcohol. Grace and Izzy are bonding in the shallows as the rest of us sit discussing our game plan.
Trax shrugs. “Still no word from Torque?”
“Last I heard, he wasn’t getting anywhere in his discussions with Bianca. In fact, from what he was saying, when he told Bianca Vex and Izzy were here and about to get married, Bianca lost her shit. Big fucking time. So, I can’t help but think we might have some visitors at the wedding tomorrow night.”
Vex sits forward rubbing his chin. “So, we move the wedding.”
“As in venue?” I ask.
“As in from tomorrow to tonight. We bring it forward. Let’s get it done. Then Nio has nothing to come back at us with.”
I let out a groan. “I don’t know, man—”
“Look at it this way… if we’re married, we deal with the war that will inevitably come. Nio knows about us, he’s pissed anyway. We may as well get something good out of all this damn drama.”
I glance at Trax, and he shrugs in response. “It makes sense. Honestly, Viper, at this point, we’re going to war no matter what. Izzy and Vex may as well find some kind of happiness through all of what’s to come.”
My eyes wander to my brothers, each nodding their head in agreement. I exhale, rubbing the back of my neck. “Okay, fine! We move the wedding to tonight. Will the venue be okay?”
“Money talks. The cut helps, too. If not, I’m sure there’s an Elvis somewhere in this city that’s willing.”
We all chuckle as Trax slaps his son on the back. “You’re getting married, kid.”
Vex grins wider than I’ve ever seen as he glances at Izzy in the pool. “Izzy!” Her eyes meet his. “We’re getting married tonight. You okay with that?”
Her lips turn up, showing her perfect pearly whites. She’s stunning, I certainly see the attraction. But to me, she doesn’t hold a candle to Ember.
My chest tightens, and I take a deep, steadying breath.
I need to find a way to make it up to her, that is if I can ever find her again.
“Hell, yeah. I’ll marry you right here and now in this pool if I could,” Izzy calls back, making us all chuckle.
“Nah, babe, you’re wearing that dress. Tonight.”
I inhale deeply, unease rolling over my shoulders.
Tonight.
I can’t say how this is going to play out, but at least we’ll have a night of celebrations before the real world hits us hard. When it does, we’re going to be in a shit load of pain because Nio won’t hold back. Vex may have won this battle, but the mother of all wars has begun, and I’m allowing it to happen.
Who knows if this is the right choice?
I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
I have to admit, bringing this ceremony forward a night has been awesome. This place sure has pulled out all the stops. I don’t know what Vex did, but he’s made this small chapel picture perfect for his soon-to-be wife. I’m not usually one for all this romantic shit, but even I admit I’m getting the warm and fuzzies.
I’m standing back as Vex and Highway stand at the top of the aisle with the minister. The rest of my brothers sit in the pews waiting for Sparx and Grace to walk down the aisle before Izzy.
I scope the room.
I’m not stupid enough to allow myself to relax completely.
Sure, this is supposed to be a joyous occasion, but my cousin—a biker—is marrying into a mob family.
Without their knowledge.
Without them being here.
I imagine anyone could show up at any minute.
The Caparellis, the Andrettis, hell, even the real Elvis could show up at this point, and I wouldn’t be fucking surprised. I’m ready for anything. Hence, why Trick and a few of the Vegas Defiance are here with my guys. For added support if needed.
The music starts, we all turn toward the doors as they
open, and Sparx walks out. She’s gorgeous as she walks down toward her son. It’s a nice touch that her kids were in her wedding, now she’s a part of her son’s. Sparx strides down the aisle as Grace enters next. She’s wearing a red dress. I have to admit, even though she’s my cousin, she’s absolutely stunning tonight. I smile at her as she walks past me and down the aisle. Then Izzy enters with Trax. He might not be her father, but he’ll be her father-in-law in a few minutes. The sentiment is clear as they walk past me.
I turn toward Vex, the adoration in his eyes is beyond anything I’ve seen from him before. Highway slaps Vex on the back.
I lean back against the wall folding my arms over my chest as Trax hands Izzy to Vex. I can’t hear what they whisper to each other, but Izzy giggles when Trax hands her over.
“We are gathered here tonight for the union of Patrick ‘Vex’ O’Shea and Isabella Caparelli. If anyone here objects to this union, speak now.”
I stand a little taller, my heart rate spiking while we all wait for anything or anyone to make their intentions clear, but silence falls over the chapel. We all let out a collective exhale.
The minister smiles. “Well then, let’s get you two married.”
Suddenly, the chapel doors swing open next to me as well as the two doors on either side. Andrettis flock in at every angle, and I tense, yanking my gun out the back of my jeans and aiming. The problem is there are so fucking many of them, I have no idea where to aim. There’s not enough of us, even with Vegas Defiance here. They swarm inside the little chapel as my brothers all stand, drawing their weapons, but I shake my head at them. The Andrettis saunter over to my men and don’t hesitate in throwing punches. I grit my teeth, rushing forward, pushing my way through to reach my guys as Izzy screams.
Nio’s walking in, his eyes firmly locked on Izzy as a fist lands straight into the side of my head. I stumble into a pew, and as I right myself, I turn and glare at the dick who just hit me. I rush forward, tackling him, pushing him backward, knocking over another two Andrettis as I go. I slam him into a pew laying a fist right into his eye socket. Another grabs a Bible, slamming it into my side. I furrow my brows at him as he drops it, then turns to run.
Fucking wimp!
His eyes are so focused on me as he runs away, that he doesn’t notice Trick holding his arm out in a clothesline. The wimp slams straight into Trick’s arm and crashes straight back onto the floor. Trick kicks him in the balls, then nods at me. I dip my head at him, letting him know I’m okay as he spins, slamming his fist into another Andretti.
As I turn back, Nio’s stalking toward Vex, venom oozing from every pore in his skin. I grit my teeth fumbling my way through the brawling bodies to reach them.
Vex pulls out his gun aiming it at Nio.
Nio directs his gun at Vex.
I aim my gun behind Nio pointing it at the back of his head.
It’s a three-way standoff.
Grace screams at the top of her lungs, “Stop it!” from behind a pew where Sparx and her are hiding with the minister. She stands taller, grabbing Nio’s attention. He turns, his eyes widening when he spots her. He raises his hand in a stop motion. The Andrettis halt their attack like some well-oiled machines. I raise mine to stop Defiance as well.
“Nio, stop this,” Grace reiterates, her voice wavering.
He lowers his gun, confusion written all over his face. Nio takes a step toward her, his chest heaving like he’s having trouble holding his shit together. “Grace, what the hell are you doing here?”
I jerk my head back.
Fuck me!
How the hell does he know Grace?
She exhales, taking in everyone watching her, but she steps forward toward Nio.
“Grace, stop! He’s dangerous,” Vex warns.
Grace’s eyes droop. “Nio won’t hurt me…”
What the fuck?
Her eyes meet his. “You don’t have to marry for business. You can marry based on love like your parents did—”
Nio scoffs, waving his gun through the air. “Look how that turned out. My father died before I was born—”
“Yes, but a love like theirs was eternal. Your mother adored Enzo. She still does. You don’t have to stop Izzy from living a life she wants, to have a life neither of you want. Nio, what do you want?”
He hesitates, his nostrils flaring as he relaxes his shoulders. “You.”
My eyes widen as Trax, Sparx, and Vex all stand taller like they’re ready to pounce.
“Like hell,” Vex grunts.
Grace holds her hand up dismissively to Vex, halting his tirade. “Then date me. Don’t let our mutual attraction be over before its had a chance.”
I did not see this coming!
“No fucking way. I won’t allow this,” Vex calls out.
Nio turns glaring at Vex. “While I’m enraged you foiled the merger of Isabella’s family and my family, Grace is right. I don’t want to marry Isabella. I never wanted to. No offense, Isabella, you’re lovely, but I don’t care for you. I care about Grace. So, Vex, I will allow you to take this merger off the table if and only if you allow me to date your sister.”
Vex scoffs. “This is bullshit! You’re making me choose between the woman I love or the safety of my sister?”
Grace steps forward. “Nio’s done nothing but keep me safe and made me feel protected, Vex. I promise you, he’ll never hurt me.”
Trax steps forward. “Do I get a say in this?”
Sparx grabs his arm pulling him back. “Shh… honey, don’t do the overprotective-dad thing just yet.”
Grace steps forward into Nio’s arms, and he smiles wide. It’s the first time I’ve seen the guy look happy.
This is not how I saw this going down at all.
Nio presses a kiss to her temple. “I wanted to take my vengeance out on you both, turns out I just needed acceptance.” Nio waves his gun at the minister. “Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s get these two married.”
I snort out a laugh while shaking my head.
Andrettis, you never can tell which side they’re going to be on.
One thing I do know for sure, they always manage to surprise you.
VIPER
Now the wedding is over, and the celebrations are underway, I find myself thinking about Ember. I sit back, everyone’s dancing and having a great time.
How did we get to this place?
A place where the Andrettis are on the dance floor with my cousins and brothers, and everyone’s drinking and being fucking merry.
The fact I’m not drinking is probably adding to my somber mood. Everyone else is completely wasted, while I sit here wallowing about how I wish I were drinking. But after last night’s episode, having any kind of alcohol would be a bad idea.
Trick steps up to my side and slaps me on the shoulder. “Turns out you guys know how to throw a killer party, Viper.”
I scoff. “Didn’t think for a second it was going to turn out this way, but thanks for having our backs in there, man. I know I’m new to the seat, but knowing we could call on you worked out well. Need the favor returned, I’m your man.”
His eyes shift to Nio and Grace who are slow dancing on the dance floor. “Don’t thank me, brother, I didn’t do shit. I came for the fireworks, but I have a feeling your family mixing with the Andrettis and the Caparellis, all the fireworks are going to happen back in Chicago. I’m gonna miss the whole damn thing. And I love fucking fireworks.”
Tension rolls over my shoulders. He’s right. Now Izzy Caparelli’s mob family is married into the family, and with Grace dating the opposition in Nio, we’re bound to have massive teething issues. I don’t know how the hell this is all going to work. Especially seeing as how the Caparellis and Andrettis were meant to be the ones to merge, and the one common denominator in stopping that merge was Defiance. I have a feeling we may have won a battle, but a war may be starting to bubble to the surface.
“You might be right, brother, you might be right.”
; He nudges my shoulder with a smirk. “Thing is, though, Viper, you have presidential blood in your veins. If anyone can handle the brewing tension, you can.”
I needed to hear that.
“Thanks for having our back, man.”
He chuckles. “Right, I need booze, women, and sex. Maybe not in that order. Let’s get this party started!” he yells the last part rushing off into the middle of the room making everyone cheer.
Everyone is in fine party form having a great time and letting off steam. I can’t help but feel drained from last night, from today, and from feeling like crap about Ember. A party is not where I want to be right now, even if as president, I know I need to be here.
With the immediate threat to Defiance gone, and everyone having a good time, I think it’s okay for me to make my escape. I slowly edge out of the thumping room making my way down the hall. I exhale feeling like an ass for leaving, but sometimes too much watching other people having fun can be fucking shit, especially when I keep replaying last night over and over in my mind.
I want to see Ember.
I want to make this right with her.
Bates told her to come back to work today, so I’m hoping maybe she’ll be back at her blackjack table. I make my way to the casino to go in search of my fiery phoenix. I wander into the noisy room, searching each table for my bombshell, but I keep coming up empty. Not able to find her, I think what I can do to make my search easier.
So I make my way to Bates.
I don’t want to see the fucker again, but honestly, I’m going to be working with him anyway. I may as well call in a favor when the need arises. I walk down the halls to his office. Entering his hall, a silhouette walks from his office in a huff. As I walk closer, the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention, and the corner of my lips turn up knowing she’s near.
Ember’s eyes catch sight of me when I approach. She rolls her eyes moving to push past me.
I grab her arm, halting her. “Ember, wait!”
