Call My Bluff: A Las Vegas Themed Anthology

by Elizabeth Knox

  * * *

  Daisy checked the time on her phone. Three minutes past the last time she’d checked. Joker had been out of surgery for three hours but was still in recovery. The doctors said the bullet collapsed his lung and fractured two ribs. Surgery repaired the damage, but the loss of blood and the trauma made the recovery period longer than normal.

  Finally, the nurse told her they were wheeling him into his room. They downgraded him from ICU to CCU since he was breathing on his own, and the doctor assured her he would make a full recovery. They also handed her a manila envelope with his personal belongings. She stuffed the envelope into her purse and headed for his room.

  She wasn’t prepared for the ashy tone of Joker’s skin. He seemed to be resting comfortably but his powerful presence was diminished by the stark white sheet and all the tubes running in and out of his body.

  She pulled a plastic chair over to the side of the bed and gently folded his hand in hers. The heavy silver rings he usually wore were gone. When she laced his fingers with hers his lashes flickered, then shut against the light.

  She leaned into him. “I’m here, baby. You’re in the hospital, but it’s okay.”

  His throat worked and then his low, rasp. “Everything went sideways.” He drew in a deep breath. “I put you in danger. Again.”

  “When I first met you in Miami, I knew you were someone I couldn’t con.” She smoothed his hair away from his face. “So, I’m not going to lie, I was scared, but not for me.”

  “I can’t—” He coughed hard, then cleared his throat.

  “Can’t what?” She leaned in.

  “Can’t fuckin’ lose you.”

  She stroked his cheek. “You’re not going to lose me, ever.”

  Daisy’s mind spun to the last words he uttered in the ambulance. Did he even remember?

  “I lost you in Miami and it gutted me. I couldn’t go through—” He twisted his head from side to side. “Where’re my clothes? I need my jeans.”

  “You’re not going anywhere for a while.”

  “Gotta get my jeans. Gotta—” His eyes slid shut and Daisy squeezed his hand.

  Epilogue

  Cobra flicked his wrist and two waitresses appeared at his side. “Another round.” He motioned around the long table they’d set up at the Gold Mine. “Fuck, bring two more rounds. We got a lot to celebrate.”

  Joker and Cobra tapped fists. He’d been out of the hospital one week and Cobra was right, they had a lot to celebrate.

  Cobra stood somewhat unsteadily and raised his glass. “Even though calling in the cops was Vinnie’s fuck you for screwin' up his poker game, the Serpents proved once again they can make shit happen. Here’s to Metro Police, and for having more pull than Vinnie Black.”

  Cobra’s brothers whooped and fist pumped.

  Joker didn’t remember much about that day except trying to protect Daisy and the blinding pain of the gunshot. Cobra filled him in later about Daisy, and Seth convincing Metro they had no idea how real bullets got in the prop guns, then Sheena causing a distraction by freaking out while Tobias made Cobra’s gun magically disappear into thin air. They were definitely good at what they did.

  Crazy fuckin’ time.

  Cobra banged on the table. “Shut the fuck up.” When the cheering subsided Cobra turned to Joker and Daisy.

  “And here’s to the married couple. I don’t know how an ugly motherfucker like you landed such a babe, but congratu-fuckin’-lations.”

  Whoops and cheers sounded again along with pounding on the table until Joker grabbed Daisy around the waist and hauled her onto his lap. He kissed her deep and long while his hands roamed over her body.

  He and Daisy did the deed Vegas style. She’d surprised him by having his bike shipped out so they hit a drive-up chapel with a Harley-Davidson officiate. It didn’t matter though where or who married them. The love he felt for Daisy didn’t need a legal document and a whole bunch of words. He just needed her by his side loving him.

  * * *

  Daisy smiled at their image reflected against the dark windows of the honeymoon suite at the Bellagio. “Cobra was wrong, we look great together.”

  Seth, Sheena, Tobias and even Cobra chipped in for the luxurious suite which included a spa day, private cabana by the pool, and unlimited room service.

  “C’mon even the guy who married us did a double take.” Joker nipped at her neck.

  “I think that was more because you insisted we face each other on the Harley with my legs wrapped around your waist during the ceremony, then kissing me so deep even Sheena blushed.”

  “Nah, the best part was riding to the Gold Mine with you pressed up against me.” He cupped her face in his hands. “Thank you.”

  “I thought you’d like to have your bike here.”

  “No, babe. Thank you for staying strong, seeing the big picture, and for handling my shit and calling me out when I needed it.”

  Even though their wedding was far from traditional, Daisy insisted on wearing something white to signify their fresh start together. Great idea, but now Joker struggled with the little pearl buttons on that white silk blouse. The loose material wouldn’t cooperate with his large fingers.

  “Buttons are pissing me off,” he growled. “Been waiting all day to taste you.”

  Her hand covered his and then moved it away from the delicate material. In three swift moves her blouse hung open, breasts on display. He released her from the sweet lace bra and sucked her nipple into his mouth. When he hummed against the sensitive flesh she moaned. Loud.

  He scooped her up, carried her into the bedroom and tumbled her onto the king-size bed. She yelped when her back hit the bed, as she pulled him to her.

  “Looks like my girl is in need.”

  Her fingers tugging on the tab of his jeans, then the rasp of his zipper and her hand going in made him hiss out a breath.

  “You feel how fuckin’ hard I am. That’s all for you, baby.”

  Last time they’d fucked over the window. Crazy shit, but this time he wanted to take his time. Spread her out and show her what she meant to him.

  She’d already ripped open his jeans, and his dick was more than happy with the situation, but he stilled her hands.

  “Wait—” He gasped in a breath when she squeezed him.

  Her face scrunched with doubt and his insides twisted. “I don’t wanna rush it. I want you laid out so I can appreciate you.”

  She cupped his jaw then took his lips in a deep kiss that ended with a nip on his lip. Pain mixed with pleasure. Fuck, yeah.

  He skimmed his hands along her side stopping at her hips, dragging her closer, lifting her legs and throwing them over his shoulders. He gazed at her and smiled. “Best thing, ever. You all laid out for me, wanting me.”

  “Always.”

  And the one breathless word from her set him off. Pulling her hips closer he settled himself deep within her. His girl, his beauty, his wife.

  Fuckin’ amazing all the times he screwed up and yet here she was giving it up to him, making a commitment that meant the rest of their lives.

  * * *

  Two hours later they sat cross legged on the rumpled bed amongst dishes filled with Kobi sliders, shrimp, french fries, and sliced steak.

  “You know there’s like six five-star restaurants in this hotel alone we could’ve eaten in tonight.” Daisy dipped a shrimp in cocktail sauce and popped it into her mouth.

  “But I don’t think any of them would let you eat that shrimp buck ass naked and since I’m not letting you put clothes on anytime soon.” Joker shrugged.

  “You really do enjoy being a bad boy.”

  He leaned over and stole one of her shrimps. “Only with you.”

  He bit into the shrimp and his mind traveled to a subject they still hadn’t ironed out. He weighed his words and thought of different ways to phrase what was on his mind, but since that tactic never worked for him, he went with blunt.

  “Even though I’m gonna miss the act
ion of living on the edge, I’m looking forward to settling down, and bringing Derek home. I got the money to open the motorcycle shop, and Cobra said he could throw a lot of work my way.”

  “I’d like to have a place to finally call home. Not living in a rented space for a short time but really moving in.”

  “Cobra’s got some legit businesses in Henderson. He says it’s a nice place to live. Good schools for Derek.

  “Maybe those fantasy stories of mine can finally come true.” Daisy leaned in for a kiss.

  “Mine already did.” Joker grabbed her lips with his knowing that they would face whatever came their way—Together.

  Connect with Barbara on . . .

  Bookbub:

  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/barbara-nolan?follow=true

  Barbara’s Babes FB:

  https://www.facebook.com/groups/938449143205589/

  IG:

  https://www.instagram.com/bnolan26/?hl=en

  Website:

  https://www.barbaranolanauthor.com

  If you’d like to find out how Joker and Daisy met, check out:

  Beyond Redemption, Joker, Serpents MC Las Vegas Book 1

  https://amzn.to/33XR3fG

  To read more about the Serpents MC Las Vegas, and learn more about Cobra check out:

  Beyond Remorse, Cobra, Serpents MC Las Vegas Book 2

  Release date 5/26/20

  Beyond Regret, Python, Serpents MC Las Vegas Book 3

  Release date 7/20

  Red Stiletto

  Kathryn C. Kelly

  Kate, thank you for being a sounding board for this novella, as well as you help with plotting, setting, character discussions, and putting out the monthly newsletter. You are an inspiration to all of us.

  Acknowledgments

  Melissa Kulis, Assistant Extraordinaire, thank you for always looking out for me and finding great opportunities such as Call My Bluff for me. Elizabeth Knox, thank you for your vision, your strength, and our glue. My fellow authors in the anthology: Elizabeth Knox, KE Osborn, Lynn Lombard, Addison Jane, Sam St. James, H.J. Marshall, Evan Grace, Flora Burgos, Barbara Nolan, and Rae B. Lake, I am honored to be participating in this project with all of you. Zoey and Alegra, my other two beautiful girls, I love you both and am so proud of you. Mother, thank you for all your pep talks and encouragement. I love you.

  Prologue

  Grell

  Braced on his forearms, Grell Vasher’s husband thrust into her, ever so slowly sliding his cock out and brushing against her nerve endings with masterful skill. She spread her thighs wider, anticipating the moment Devin slammed into her again. He smelled spicy, an array of the scents in his aftershave, opened her nose and made her pussy wetter, hotter. It was a soul-touching, spiritual experience that she wished would never end.

  He covered her mouth with his, absorbing her cries, his tongue tangoing with hers, nearly stealing her breath. She would die happy, though. She would die with Devin inside of her, surrounded by him.

  Ending their wild kiss, Devin withdrew from her. She gripped his firm ass before he pulled away completely.

  “No,” she moaned. “Neither of us have come yet. I need your dick in me.”

  “And I need my tongue in your pussy,” he rumbled.

  Chills of anticipation layered with fiery need made her shake. Holding her gaze, he slid down her body, pausing to suck each of her nipples, then raining kisses downward. At her mound, he glided his tongue across her hairless skin. Grell lifted her hips, impatient for him to reach her opening.

  Finally, she felt his fingers widening her pussy lips. He pressed his nose against her clit and sniffed.

  Out of her mind with need, Grell threw her head back, burying her fingers in his silky hair. “Oh god, Dev. Please,” she begged. “Lick me now.”

  His warm breath brushed across her at his satisfied laughter. The tip of his tongue touched her clit. The teasing drove her insane. Then, he gave her what she wanted, flattening his entire tongue to taste and savor her pussy. She rocked against his mouth, the sensation building inside of her making her desperate for relief.

  When her orgasm overtook her, she cried out, trapping his head against her pussy and trembling, until she went limp. Before her breathing evened out, Devin rose above her and powered into her, his body stiffening and shaking a moment later as he shot cum into her.

  He collapsed on top of her, burying his face against her neck, resting only a couple of minutes before turning over onto his back, and dragging her into his arms. Silence slid by, which Grell found calming. Another moment she wished to bottle up and hold onto forever.

  “You okay, sweetheart?” he asked.

  “Yes. Are you?”

  “I’m better now that I’ve snacked on your delicious pussy.”

  “I would like to suck your cock,” she announced without shame.

  “Hmmm. That can be arranged, you bright, flamboyant woman.”

  She smiled. “Those are two of the meanings of my name.” Along with irascible and angry, but who needed to go there?

  “I thought your brother’s name, Amory, was weird. For a long while, I thought of armor every time I said it.”

  A pang of grief hit Grell. Years after her brother’s death hadn’t eased how much she missed him.

  “I hope I’m doing him proud,” Devin whispered, threading his fingers through her damp hair. “I take care of you and my daughters as best I can.”

  “When you’re home,” Grell couldn’t resist imparting. This was the first time she’d seen her husband in months. She understood he couldn’t keep in contact too much, since he was entrenched in an undercover sting.

  “I don’t stay away on purpose. It’s for my job. It keeps us— you, me, Hope, and Bella— safe.”

  “We miss you,” she admitted. “Whatever case you’re working has already stolen you from us for the past six months. How much longer will you be away?”

  Releasing her, Devin sat up in bed. “I won’t be able to stay much longer. I don’t want to be missed.”

  It was pointless to argue, so Grell merely said, “Okay.”

  Devin turned to her, opened his mouth to speak, then snapped his mouth shut. He stared at her, almost as if he was seeing her for the first time. Almost as if he suddenly realized he loved her and wasn’t only doing his duty by her brother.

  Wishful thinking, she knew, so she took that moment to take him in. Bathed in soft lamplight, he looked tall and strong, invincible. Muscles rippled in his arms and shoulders. His wide chest gave way to a ripped stomach and trim waist. He was a sculpted work-of-art, who worked a very dangerous job.

  “You’re so gorgeous, Grell,” Devin said with emotion. “I’m lucky to have you.”

  His words filled her with peace and joy. Their marriage wasn’t perfect, but then again, whose was? She carried enough love in her heart for both of them. “And I you, Dev. You’re the best thing to ever happen to me. Without you, I wouldn’t be a mom.”

  His jaw clenched and, instead of answering her, he walked to where his jeans rested over the overstuffed chair in the room and grabbed them. “The trade-off was devastating,” he told her, once his jeans were on. “We lost Amory. He . . . your mom and dad . . . saved my life. Took me out of the foster system and gave me a home.”

  He never included her whenever he praised her family. Until Amory’s death, Grell had just been one of the boys in Devin’s eyes, a third wheel who shadowed her big brother.

  “This case will be over sooner than you think, sweetheart,” he said after he’d finished dressing.

  “I worry about you. You aren’t indestructible. You’re a man, made of flesh and blood.”

  “Who’s trying to get bad guys off the streets.”

  “Who refuses to tell me anything about his case,” she snapped.

  “It’s safer,” he said flatly.

  She drew in a deep breath, then released it in slow measurements. Perhaps, if she had more information, she wouldn’t worry as much.

&nbs
p; He walked back to the bed and sat, scooting closer to her. “I don’t want to involve you in any way in my job. These are bad people. They’ll use anything and anyone not to be taken down. They’d kill me, then, possibly come after you. What I do, I do to protect the three of you. We’re a team,” he reminded her.

  She detested that term. “We’re a family,” she corrected.

  “Yeah, that, too,” he agreed, noncommittal.

  They faced each other, another moment of peace and understanding flowing between them. Gently, he brushed tendrils of hair off her face and caressed her cheek, offering her a tender smile.

  Laying her palm against his cheek, Grell returned his smile, staring into his normally ice blue eyes. Tonight, the color reminded her of a tropical ocean, blue and clear. Lost in the moment, she blurted, “I love you, Devin.”

  He stilled and dropped his hand, his face shuttering. “I know,” he said hoarsely, kissing the tip of her nose.

  Sudden despair twisted in her belly and she lowered her lashes, not wanting him to see how much his words hurt her. She should’ve been used to the response. That was the prime reason she’d armored herself with the thought that the deep love she had for him was also enough to sustain her.

  Getting to his feet, he started for the door, then paused and turned to her again. “Grell, thank you,” he said quietly. “Thank you for welcoming me home, feeding me, letting me see the girls, and then holding a normal conversation with me. Thank you for so sweetly sharing your body with me, even though I haven’t been home in months or called in weeks. Whether you know it or not, I value . . .” He looked away and shifted uncomfortably. “I value our vows. The life we have built together.”