I pull him closer, eyes locked with his. He’s been like this more often than not lately, and his behavior is a little worrying. Why does he feel the need to constantly reinforce his love for me? Has he done something he feels guilty about? “Are you okay?”
“Of course. Why would you ask that?”
“You’ve been a little… gloomy lately. Do you have something to tell me?”
My heart pounds, thoughts of what happened with Britney running through my mind. Is Jon hiding something from me?
“I’m not keeping secrets if that’s what you’re thinking, Ellen. If this is about the Britney saga, I’m certain the only child I’ve fathered is the one you’re carrying.”
“Then what’s going on? Why have you been acting so weird?”
“I’m fine, beautiful.” He drops a kiss on my lips. “You worry too much.”
“Because I think there’s a reason to.”
“There isn’t.”
He hops off the bed, making his way to the bathroom. I follow, fixing my clothes on the way. He’s not brushing me off so easily. Standing in the doorway, I place my hands on my hips and watch him wash his hands.
“Why won’t you talk to me?”
“There’s nothing to talk about.” He chuckles, throwing a glance my way. “I swear, babe.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive.” He dries his hands on a towel, then moves toward me. “Let’s go to bed.”
He kisses my forehead before his lips trail down my cheek and to my lips. I stand my ground, refusing to let him distract me.
“Someone’s in a mood tonight,” he teases, groping my ass.
“Because someone’s pissing me off.”
“Then let me make it up to you.”
He moves to my neck, licking his way up to my earlobe. As a shiver works its way up my spine, I fight the urge to moan. We haven’t had sex in a few weeks because the thought of the act disgusted me. Pregnancy hormones are no joke. Go figure that my libido kicks into gear when I’m annoyed.
Jon’s hand slides into my shorts, caressing my clit through my panties. Despite my brain protesting, my head falls back to give him better access to my neck. His tongue swirls, teeth nipping at my skin. Moaning, I walk backward to the bed, taking him with me. When the backs of my knees hit the mattress, both his hands tangle in my hair. Our lips meet, mine parting to allow his tongue inside. Reaching down, I wrap my fingers around his dick, stroking until he’s rock hard.
“Jesus, Ellen,” he whispers, laying his forehead on mine.
I sit on the edge of the mattress, pulling his boxers down to free him before grasping him in a fist again. Tipping my face up, I meet his glazed-over eyes.
“You promise you’re not keeping something from me?”
“I promise I have no secrets that would hurt you.”
Accepting his words, I lean forward and wrap my lips around his dick. He hisses, eyes closing, head falling back. Knowing he doesn’t like to stand over me like this, I take advantage of his distraction. I bob my head, sucking as I stroke the base with one hand, the other cupping his balls. His fingers slide into my hair and I look up to find him watching me. His heated gaze holds me captive, and I keep my eyes on his as I deep-throat him.
“Oh, fuck….”
I hold the position as long as I can before pulling back to catch my breath. I’m about to dive back in when he stops me.
“Need to be inside you, Ellen.”
He reaches down, pulling my shirt up over my head and tossing it aside. I lie back on the bed, playing with my nipples as I lift my hips and allow him to remove my shorts. He makes quick work of getting my panties off, pushing my thighs apart and stepping between them. My muscles clench as I watch him stroke himself. Leaning forward, he trails a finger between my wet lips before slipping it inside me. I pinch my nipples, moaning as he adds another. He brings his face closer to mine, fingers curling and hitting my top wall.
“Don’t ever doubt my love for you, Ellen. If there’s anything in this world you can be sure of, it’s that I’m yours.”
“Jon,” I whimper.
His fingers leave me, dick sliding in as he declares, “And you? You’re mine.”
I grip the sheets, legs wrapping around his hips. He’s gentle, sinking deep and slowly pulling out before repeating the torturous cycle. He licks my nipple, fingers rubbing tight circles on my clit. My fingers dive into his hair, keeping him at my breasts. He gives me what I want, sucking the taut nipple into his mouth.
“Jon, please….”
“What do you want, Ellen?” His voice is low, laden with desire.
“Fuck me,” I whimper, writhing beneath him. As much as I try not to curse for Mikey’s sake, all bets seem to be off in the bedroom.
Grunting, he moves faster while still being gentle. I grab a pillow, using it to muffle the sounds leaving my mouth. He yanks it away, covering my lips with his and drowning out my moans with a kiss. I sink my nails into his back, dragging them down and then gripping his ass. He groans, fingers digging into my thigh.
He straightens, spreading my thighs so he can watch himself slide in and out of me.
“Fuck, babe. I don’t think I’ll last much longer.”
I press a finger to my clit, rubbing as I clench around him. It doesn’t take long before my orgasm starts building. Jon’s thrusts become faster, deeper, less controlled, and I know he’s close, too.
“Jon,” I squeak as warmth spreads through my body.
My eyes snap shut and I abandon my clit, letting Jon push me over the edge. My body goes taut, and then my muscles clench wildly around his dick. While I convulse, my hand moves back to my nipples. He goes deep, holding the position.
“Shit.” He hangs his head, trying to control his breathing. “You’re something else, Ellen Hunter.”
“Something good?”
“Something excellent.”
With a soft laugh, I watch him pull out of me and head to the bathroom. He returns with a wet washcloth, cleaning me up, and then handing me my clothes. After tossing the washcloth in the hamper, he joins me in bed once more.
“I’m sorry, Jon. This Britney thing just has me a little shook up.”
“I know, but stop bringing Gage and Raven’s drama into our situation.”
“I will, I promise.” I move over into his arms, settling in. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, beautiful.”
***Einstein***
“What’s this?”
“What do you mean?” I turn to Gage. “What does it look like?”
“It looks like a ring.”
“And you’re confused about…?”
“I’m confused about why you’re showing it to me in a box instead of on my sister’s finger.”
“I haven’t figured out how to ask her yet.”
“It’s not rocket science, bro, just four little words.”
“What did you say?”
“Actually, I only used two words. I took a knee and told her to marry me.”
“That’s it?” I raise a brow.
“Yeah, that’s it. Not like she was going to say no. My sister won’t either.”
“I know. I just want it to be special.”
“Ellen did flowers and candles for me when I proposed to Raven. Maybe you could do that, too.”
“I don’t think so, but I’ll figure it out. I want to marry her before the baby is born.”
“Good idea. I know she’s always regretted that she and Eddie waited.”
“I know.” He closes the ring box, handing it back to me. “So, what the fuck is going on with you?”
“Waiting for the prospect to bring Britney and the kid to the lab. We’re going to get the tests done so I can put Raven’s mind at ease. We talked some and I think she believes me, but I want to make sure.”
“And after?”
I glance up at a nurse who passes by on her way to Raven’s room, smiling down at us where we’re sitting on the floor by t
he door.
“I have no fucking clue.” He lets out an exasperated sigh. “As if that’s not enough, get this. Those bruises I saw on Raven a while back? Turns out it was Lonnie.”
“Really?” My brows shoot up in shock. “I knew they didn’t get along, but I didn’t know things were that bad.”
“Me neither, but it gets worse. That business with her piece-of-shit landlord? Also set up by Lonnie.”
“Fuck. I would never have expected that.”
“I know. Now I’ve got two women I’ve fucked causing problems. I hope no more come out of the woodwork.”
“I don’t envy you, brother.”
“Wanna switch? I’ll give shorty the ring and you can handle Britney and Lonnie.”
“No way.” I chuckle. “I’ll offer some assistance, but that’s all you, man. What are you going to do about Lonnie?”
“I can’t even think about that right now. One fucked-up situation at a time. I have Razor keeping an eye on her at the clubhouse.”
The nurse steps out of Raven’s room, and we both look up at her.
“Excuse me, gentlemen. Mr. Hunter, your wife is awake and asking for you. I’m going to fetch the babies.”
“Thanks.”
We leave our seats, heading into the room. Glancing up at the door when it opens, Raven gives us a sleepy smile.
“Hey, babe.” Gage kisses her forehead. “You sleep okay?”
“I guess. I’m just so tired. Hey, Dr. E.”
“Good morning, beautiful. How’s motherhood so far?”
“Oh, baby Jesus. I have so many different emotions bubbling inside me I don’t know what to do. Is that normal, to feel happy, sad, angry, and scared at the same time?”
“It is. You might feel like that for a while as you adjust to your new life. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always call me. And let that one”—I jerk my head at Gage—“help you out. You can put him in charge of the diaper changes.”
Raven giggles, nodding as she turns to Gage. “You hear that? Doctor’s orders.”
“The doctor’s an asshole. I wouldn’t put much stock into what he says.” He grins through the words, but I know he won’t leave Raven’s side. I doubt if he’s left the hospital since she’s been here.
The door opens and the nurse enters, wheeling the twins in. “Feeding time,” she announces, her voice bubbly.
Gage is immediately at her side, picking up the baby dressed in pink and cradling her in his arms.
“Hey, princess,” he coos.
I get Chaos, bringing him over to his mother. Holding him in my arms makes me long for the next four months to be over. I can’t wait for my baby girl to get here. Chaos begins to fuss and I hand him over, watching Raven prepare to feed him. The nurse helps her while Gage sits in a chair by the bed, whispering to his daughter. I take in the scene, happy that this will be me and my family soon. It’s what I’ve always wanted—a wife, kids. It’s time I stopped pussyfooting around the issue. I need to get that ring on Ellen’s finger.
I say my goodbyes, leaving the hospital to head to my office. On the way, I call Nita and ask her to watch Mikey tonight. I also call The Brook, where we had our first date, and thankfully they’re able to squeeze me in because of a last-minute cancellation. After telling the woman on the phone my plans, she transfers me to the manager, who helps me set everything up. My final and most important call is to Ellen.
“Hey, babe,” she answers.
“I’m taking you out tonight.”
“Is that so?” I can hear the smile in her voice.
“It is. I already talked to Nita and she’s going to watch Mikey. I made reservations. All you have to do is get all dolled up.”
“Mmm… I like it when my man takes charge.”
“Is that so?” I echo her earlier words.
She giggles, the sound warming my heart. “It is. I know just the outfit to wear.”
“Can’t wait to see it, beautiful. Be ready by eight.”
“Okay. See you later.”
“Later, babe.”
Tapping my fingers on the steering wheel, I whistle on my way to work. As I pass by the cemetery, I check my watch. I still have thirty minutes before I need to be in the office, so I decide to pay Eddie a visit. I doubt I’ve been here since the day he was buried. The first thing I notice about his grave is the fresh flowers. I know Ellen still comes here, but I don’t know how often.
“Hey, brother. Bet you’re surprised to see me, huh? Then again, maybe not. You can probably guess why I’m here.”
I rub the back of my neck, nervous for an unknown reason. I didn’t even feel like this when I told Chopper I took his daughter on a date.
Taking a deep breath, I continue, “I love her, man, and I couldn’t love Mikey more if he was mine. I’ll take care of them, I promise.” Moving closer, I lay a hand on the headstone. “I’m going to ask her to marry me… tonight. I just… I guess I just want you to know they’re safe with me.” Sighing, I take a step back. “Well, that’s all I wanted to say. Sleep in peace, brother.”
I walk away, my shoulders feeling lighter. Now I need to get through today without losing my mind. By tonight, I’ll be an engaged man.
Bring it on.
CHAPTER 7
RAGE
***Gage***
“Where the fuck are you?” I bark into the phone.
“S-sorry, Prez,” the prospect stutters. “She tried to run, but I caught her. We’re almost there.”
“Fucking hell. Hurry up.”
A few of the people in the lab’s waiting room throw dirty glances my way. I put on the deepest scowl I can muster and sit up straight.
“All of you can fuck right off. Judgmental assholes.”
I tap my fingers on my knee in impatience, wanting this to be over. I need to start preparing to bring Raven and the twins home. There’s a lot of shit to be done. Priority number one is to finish putting the cribs together. I guess I could have the prospect do it, but I won’t. That’s my job.
Leaning forward in the chair, I lace my fingers together. What the fuck is Britney’s angle? Even if I could have been the kid’s father, she must have known I’d do a DNA test. Who in their right mind would take her word for it? What, she thought she’d drop her little bomb and I’d welcome them into my family with open arms? She should have never shown her face here, spewing her lies. Now she wants to run. She started this, but I’m damn sure going to finish it.
Commotion at the entrance has me shifting my attention there. The prospect is holding the kid while trying to nudge Britney along. She drags her feet, shaking him off every time he touches her. Leaving my seat, I stomp in her direction. When she spots me, she freezes. I grab her arm, tugging her forward and pointing to a chair. Everyone in the room is watching us at this point, but I give zero fucks.
Tyler sits next to her, bouncing the boy on his lap. I take the time to look him over. He’s a cute kid. He may have blond hair and blue eyes, but that’s as far as our similarities go. His features are all wrong. I don’t see how Raven could think he looks like me.
He must feel me staring at him or something because his head turns in my direction. Without hesitation, he gives me a wide, toothless grin that turns into a giggle. The kid is innocent in all this. I think about my own kids and how I’d do anything to protect them. Now I don’t know if I’d do anything that would harm the one smiling at me now.
“Why are you doing this, Britney?” She doesn’t answer, crossing her arms over her chest and turning away from me. “Did you really think this would work?”
Again, she keeps her mouth shut.
“Listen—”
“Hunter.”
My name is called, interrupting my line of questioning. I pull her up, dragging her behind me as I follow a woman down a corridor. We all cram into a room where Chad is waiting for us. I wouldn’t trust this to anyone but him. He’s the one who helped me with the Janet situation, and with Raven’s test results after she was a
ttacked. He takes swabs from mine and the kid’s cheeks. For good measure, I ask him to test Britney, too. She refuses to cooperate, but a glare from me has her opening her mouth begrudgingly.
“How long before I have the results?” I ask when Britney leaves the room with the kid.
“Five to seven business days.”
“I can’t wait that long.” Reaching into my pocket, I hand him all the cash I have on me, plus what I usually pay him. “Twenty-four hours?”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
I shake his hand and then leave the building as fast as I can.
“Take them to the clubhouse,” I instruct the prospect. “I’ll meet you there after I stop at the hospital.”
I hop on my bike, but before I leave, I check my phone. There’s a text from E.
E: I’m doing it tonight!
Gage: About time motherfucker. Good luck.
E: Thanks! I might need it.
I have no idea why he’s so nervous. Shorty will probably say yes before he even finishes the question. I start the bike, twist the throttle and speed off to see my family.
When I walk into Raven’s room, her mother, stepfather, and sister are there. Dani is talking a mile a minute while everyone else nods and smiles.
“Gage!” she shouts, running to me. She lost the “Mr.” a while back but I don’t mind. The kid’s as cute as a button.
“Hey, pretty girl!” I swing her into my arms, moving to the bed.
Raven smiles up at me, and I kiss her lips before greeting the Marchands. I kiss Laurelyn’s cheek and shake Daniel’s hand.
“Congrats, Gage!” Daniel says. “Welcome to fatherhood.”
“Thanks, man. Tell me, how hard is it?” I ask in good-natured fun.
“One baby was a handful. You let me know how you’re doing in a few weeks.”
“I will.” Laughing, I turn to Raven. “Where are the babies?”
“Nurse took them away for a bit. They should be back soon.”
“Did the doctor check on you?”
“Yeah, he came in after you left. He says I’m doing great. Blood pressure is back to normal, and I’m healing okay.”
“Good. Maybe we can get you home soon.”
Paradox: A Death Dealers MC Novella (Book 5.5) Page 5
