by Nicola Jane
Wrapped In Chains
King Reapers MC Book 3
Nicola Jane
Contents
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Coming Soon
Wrapped in Chains
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are all products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any similarities are entirely coincidental.
Wrapped in Chains Copyright © 2020 by Nicola Jane. All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations used in articles or reviews. For information, contact Nicola Jane.
Cover Designer: Charli Childs, Cosmic Letterz Design
Editor: Rebecca Vazquez, Knox Publishing
Proofreader: Amanda Tabor, Knox Publishing
Publisher: Knox Publishing
Wrapped in Chains can be read as a standalone, but it does follow on from the second book in the series, Capturing Cree.
Created with Vellum
Spelling Note
Please note, this author resides in the United Kingdom and is using British English. Therefore, some words may be viewed as incorrect or spelled incorrectly, however, they are not.
Trigger Warning
The material in this book may be viewed as offensive to some readers, including graphic language, sexual situations, murder, violence and cheating.
Acknowledgments
I’m so excited to bring you Wrapped in Chains. This is the third book in the Kings Reapers MC and I hope you love it just as much as the first two.
Special thanks to my amazing friends and family. As usual, you support, love, and encourage, and with you lot by my side, I’ve got this! And also to the friends I haven’t met yet but continue to offer me virtual support by reading through my books and sharing editing duties—Jennie Eickoff, I’m talking to you.
Thanks, Rebecca, you’ve stuck around to edit book three and I’m so grateful. I’m learning so much from you and I’m trying hard to break the bad habits I’ve picked up so I can make your job easier.
Knox Publishing, thank you for helping me to pursue my dreams of becoming an author. I love it and I love being a part of the Knox family.
Playlist
Before Love Came to Kill Us - Jessie Reyez
I Hate Falling in Love - Kaya Stewart
One Too Many - Keith Urban (ft. Pink)
i wasn’t enough for you - Hollyn
Big Girls Don’t Cry - Fergie
Blame - Grace Carter & Jacob Banks
Falling - Harry Styles
Circles - Post Malone
Sight of You - Tulisa
She’s Not Me - Zara Larsson
Hard For Me - Michele Morrone
Always - Bon Jovi
The Heart Wants What It Wants - Selena Gomez
Goodbyes - Post Malone
Animals - Maroon 5
Pony - Ginuwine
Chapter One
Leia
I hand Star another tissue and she continues to sob into it. She turned up at the club twenty minutes ago and hasn’t stopped crying since. I wait patiently. After all, I’m the friend they all come to when they get dumped or have other boy issues. I’ve never understood why—it’s not like I have any experience with the opposite sex. My older brother, Riggs, sees to that.
“Everything good with you and Colin?” I ask tentatively and another round of sobs escapes her. I guess she’s had a fight with her boyfriend.
Chains saunters over and I roll my eyes. Even his swagger pisses me off. I know before he’s opened his mouth that he’s going to hit on Star. He can’t help himself.
“I hate to see a girl cry,” he says, placing a shot of something strong in front of her. “This’ll help.”
“She’s fine,” I snap, moving the shot glass away from her.
“She doesn’t look fine. Tell me you’re not crying over a man, gorgeous,” he sighs, pulling up a stool and joining us. Star stops blubbering and wipes her eyes. She blinks her long lashes at him and her pouty lips glisten from her perfectly applied lip gloss.
“I’m Star,” she says in a tone that’s husky from all the crying.
Chains holds out his large, tattooed hand. “Chains. Pleased to meet yah.”
“My boyfriend, he’s been cheating on me,” she sniffles. I’ve been comforting her for the last half hour yet she confesses all to a sex pest biker.
“Baby, what kind of ass would cheat on a fine girl like you?” he asks, sounding outraged.
I roll my eyes again. He’s so cheesy, it makes me sick. “Remember, there are rules,” I remind him, but he barely glances in my direction before taking Star’s hand and holding it in his own.
“I can help you forget that piece of shit,” he continues.
“Chains,” I say, my tone warning because he knows he can’t go there with Star. I have rules. None of the members of the Kings Reapers can get with my friends.
“Really?” asks Star. Her cheeks pink slightly, which only adds to her beauty.
“She’s nineteen,” I interject and Chains scowls at me. He’s twenty-nine, old enough to know better than to fuck one of my friends.
“Age is just a number,” flirts Star. Colin’s soon forgotten.
Chains grins wide and holds out his hand. She takes it and he leads her out the club bar towards his room. I shake my head. It’s not like Star’s a close friend. She’s in my circle, but I’m pretty sure she only turned up here because her best friend, Courtney, was busy.
My brother, Riggs, joins me. “You look pissed,” he observes.
“Chains took my friend to his room,” I say and he cringes.
“He’s like a dog in heat lately. You think he’s going through somethin’ I don’t know about?” he asks thoughtfully.
“No, Riggs, I think he’s just a horny ass. Star can take care of herself, but he broke my rule. He’ll have to pay.” Riggs grins. “Lake is on a job for a week. I could place Chains on watch duty? You know he hates that.”
I smile evilly. Riggs always has one of his brothers watch over me when I leave the club. Lake is my main bodyguard because he’s chill and doesn’t mind sitting around. He also respects my rules on friends. But Chains hates every second of it. “Perfect,” I say.
Eva is curled up on the couch with Ziggy, my nephew. I join them. “You look sad,” I point out and Eva half-smiles.
“I was just thinking about Riggs and Anna and how stubborn they both are,” she says and sighs. “I’m meeting with her for coffee soon, but it feels so odd that she isn’t here anymore. How’s your brother seem to you?” she asks.
I glance at Riggs’ office door and shrug. “He’s pretending to be fine. I haven’t seen him pick up a drink in two days, so that’s a good sign,” I point out. Since Anna announced her pregnancy to my brother, they’ve not been on speaking terms. He accused her of trapping him and she was horrified seeing as they’d already married. She packed up her stuff and walked out, moving into Eva’s old house. “Mum said they’ll sort it out. It’s not forever.”
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“And in the meantime, Anna’s on her own with a child plus one on the way,” mutters Eva.
“Why don’t I come with you to see her. We could bring Ziggy because I’m sure he’s missing Malia.” I smile at my five-year-old nephew, who instantly looks brighter at the mention of his best friend’s name. “Let me go ask your dad first,” I add.
I stick my head around Riggs’ office door. “Hey,” I say with a smile. “I’m gonna take Ziggy out for a bit.”
Riggs barely looks up from his cell. “Where to?”
“To see Malia.” There’s no point in lying—Riggs is big on the truth.
“No,” he says firmly.
“I’m taking him, Riggs. Don’t be an ass. He’s missing his friend, and just because you and Anna are being stupid doesn’t mean the kids should suffer.”
“Leia, I said no.” He looks at me this time and I notice how tired he looks.
“Poor Anna,” I sigh. “She’s alone. No family. Just her and Malia hauled up in a house on their own. She must miss having us all around, and then to not have help when she's so sick all the time.” I shake my head sadly. I’m trying to appeal to his stubborn, cold heart.
“Sick?” he repeats.
“Yeah, the baby is taking its toll on her. Morning sickness constantly. Mum’s going to the doctor with her tomorrow about it. Didn’t she say?” I know full well that Mum didn’t tell Riggs about Anna. Anna doesn’t want him knowing anything unless he asks her straight and that's damn near impossible since he’s avoiding her like the plague.
“I like what you did there,” he mutters. “Dropping information to get a reaction.”
“Grow up, Riggs. If I wanted to do that, I’d have told you about the guy who’s sniffing around her since she got a new job.” He glares at me and I see him warring with himself.
“What new job? I send her money,” he growls.
“She isn’t touching your money. Said she’s doing this thing alone and she doesn’t need your guilt money.”
“It ain’t guilt money,” he snaps.
“Try telling her that. She’s scrubbing floors. Mum said she shouldn’t be doing that kind of manual labour when she’s so ill all of the time, but with two kids, Anna said she doesn’t have a choice.”
“Get out of here, Leia. I don’t want to hear this bullshit. Leave Ziggy here. It’s not good to confuse the kids.” I roll my eyes. There’s no way I’m leaving Ziggy here. “And take Chains with you.”
I smile at Eva. “He said we can’t take him, but I am, so get ready to run out of here.” I pick Ziggy up and head for the door. Eva is pulling out her car keys as she follows after us. Anna’s place isn’t far from the club, but it’ll get us out of here quicker.
“Shouldn’t Lake or someone be tailing you?” asks Eva.
“Yeah, he’s not around for a few days. Chains is meant to be covering for him, but he’s busy with a girl.”
Anna looks awful. She’s pale with dark circles under her eyes. She must have just gotten out of the bath because her hair is scraped back into a wet bun. “Ziggy,” she smiles, sweeping him up in her arms. “I missed you so much.” She covers his little face in kisses and he giggles, squirming to get away from her. “Malia is playing in the backyard. Go surprise her,” she says, placing him back on his feet.
We take turns hugging her. “How are you feeling?” I ask.
“A bit better today. It comes and goes. I never got sick with Malia.” She sighs. “Maybe this is a boy?”
“When’s the scan?” I ask.
“Next week. Are you still coming?” Anna turns to Eva, who nods her head.
“Maybe Riggs will want to go to the scan,” I suggest.
Anna scoffs. “Your brother made it perfectly clear where he stands with this baby.”
“Mum thinks he’s scared because of what happened with him and Ziggy's mum.”
“I’m done with theories and excuses. If he can’t be the man I need, then I’m not interested. We’re better off without him. I did it alone the first time around. Reggie was never there for me and now Riggs is the same.”
“Is your new job okay?” asks Eva, changing the subject.
“It’s fine. Hard work but my boss is really sweet. He makes sure I take regular breaks. I haven’t told them I’m pregnant though.”
“I’m sure the boss takes great care of you.” I smirk. Her boss is the one showing interest in her.
“Please, when he finds out I’m almost three months pregnant, he’ll run a mile,” says Anna with a laugh.
There’s a knock at the door and I wince. I know it’s a Kings Reaper just by the heavy thudding. Anna doesn’t seem to give it a second thought and opens the door without question. She pales when she sees Riggs and Chains. It must be the first time they’ve set eyes on each other since she left a few weeks ago.
“Leia, you took him even though I said no,” Riggs says in that growly voice he uses when he’s mad. He stomps inside without Anna’s permission. “And you didn’t take a minder.”
“I didn’t need one. Besides, Chains was busy,” I say, arching my brow at Chains.
“Get out,” snaps Anna. “How dare you push your way in here.”
“I’ve come to get Ziggy,” he snaps.
“Malia can’t even spend time with her best friend?” asks Anna.
“It’s not good for them when we can’t be around each other. Leia tells me you have a new boyfriend,” he adds and everyone turns to me.
I open and close my mouth, shaking my head. “I didn’t say that,” I protest. “I said she had an admirer. And so what! You think she should wait around here for you?” I ask.
“She’s carrying my kid,” he hisses.
“So now you want to lay claim,” scoffs Anna. “If I can find a man who will take care of me and this baby, then why shouldn’t I go for it?” She’s pushing his buttons. We all know how jealous and possessive Riggs is. Even Chains winces, waiting for Riggs to explode.
“I’m taking care of you. I pay you money each week!”
“I don’t want your guilt money, Riggs. As far as I’m concerned, I am a single parent and I don’t need anything from you.” They stare at each other for a few seconds. The hurt in their expressions is evident for us all to witness and it’s heartbreaking. “Please leave,” she almost whispers. Her hand gently rubs her stomach. There’s no bump there yet, but Riggs' eyes fall to where she rubs. There’s longing in his eyes. Damn, he’s so pig headed.
“Fine, whatever. Leia, go get Ziggy,” he orders. Anna nods at me to do as he asks.
CHAINS
The awkwardness is so intense, the room feels ice cold. I step outside with Riggs and we wait for Leia to bring out Ziggy.
“Shit, man, that was so uncomfortable,” I mutter.
Riggs lights a cigarette. “I need a fucking drink,” he utters.
“What the fuck is wrong with you two? It’s clear you love her, Pres.”
“Sometimes love ain’t enough. You saw what pregnancy did to Michelle. I can’t raise another kid on my own. I don’t want any more kids, she knew that.”
“That’s a ridiculous bullshit excuse. Anna is nothing like Michelle! She’s already a great mum, for a start. You’ll regret not being around for her and this kid. If there’s one thing we know about Anna, it’s she’s a stubborn ass. I mean, she’d rather scrub floors on her hands and knees while pregnant than take your money.”
Riggs scowls at me. “Maybe she ain’t like Michelle. Maybe I lost my mind for a second and overreacted. But let's face it, the damage is already done.”
“No, it ain’t, brother. You could go in there right now and beg her to forgive you and she would. You’re just being a stubborn ass like her. When I meet my woman, I’m gonna treat her so good, she won’t ever want to be away from me.”
“Chains, you’re way too fucked up to get an ol’ lady. No woman would put up with your ass,” he mutters.
Leia appears with Ziggy in her arms. She looks like a queen, an
d with a kid on her hip, she’s the most beautiful specimen of a woman I’ve ever seen. I shake my head. If Riggs catches me looking at his sister again, he’ll go off on a rant. There’re ten years between us, so it ain’t ever gonna happen—plus the fact that Riggs will gut me and leave me to bleed out if I lay a finger on her.
“While Lake is away, you’re gonna mind Leia. That okay, brother?” asks Riggs. I make a show of annoyance because that’s what they both expect from me, but I want nothing more than to stare at her all day every day. Lake’s one lucky son of a bitch.
“I have a thing tonight,” she says brightly. “You’ll hate it and that makes me want to go even more,” she adds.
“Perfect,” I huff. “A night babysitting the club princess. Just what I dreamed my Friday night would be.”
“I’m going to delight in torturing you.” She smirks and I throw my leg over my bike so she doesn’t see my erection at the thought of her torturing me. Fuck, what a dream. She climbs on behind me as Riggs puts Ziggy on his bike. “I need to go and get my nails done,” she says into my ear. Feeling her pressed against my back isn’t helping the erection problem. I close my eyes and think of one of the oldest club whores and that soon makes it disappear.
We get to the nail salon and I sit in a seat by the window. I keep my shades in place so I can watch Leia without her seeing me. I slouch like I’m sleeping and she settles into a chair nearby, chatting happily with the nail technician. Her short skirt shows off her tanned thighs. I feel the twitching again and inwardly groan. She laughs and I watch her fingers entwine a tendril of her hair. She often touches her long, dark strands of hair that frame her gorgeous face. What I’d give to run my fingers through it, to pull it and smack her ass. I shiver at the thought. I’ve gotta stop this.
