“Sarah,” she squeaks out. Her cheeks pinken up so perfectly with embarrassment and probably a little need. My boxer briefs are the only thing protecting my zipper because my cock wants out.
I step a little closer and she doesn’t back away which brings a smile to my face. My hand moves to touch her, but I resist. “She’s right. There’s a lot of places I’d like to bend you over, but for now, I’ll keep my promise and take you to work. We can talk about stimulating your pussy later. No toys needed.”
“Fuck, shit. I need a guy like you,” the roommate moans. With my eyes trained on Dash I miss an inch of jealousy that shoots through Mackenzie’s expression.
“Find your own,” Mackenzie says. Good answer, sweetheart.
I take her hand in mine and drag her toward the small kitchen table. “Come and eat first and then you can get dressed. I don’t want your food to get cold.”
“You brought me food?” Her mouth parts widely and my brain cells have totally vacated for a moment.
“Seriously, do you have a brother?” I have to hold back a laugh when Mackenzie gives the tiniest growl. It’s almost like a fluffy kitten. My mother’s right. She’s fucking adorable.
“No. Only child. Now, Dash eat, babe.”
“Bossy. I bet he’s going to spank you for being a bad girl.”
“Don’t you have something else to do?” Mackenzie asks, taking a bite out of the burger.
“Nothing this entertaining.”
Not wanting my woman to choke, I intercede. “Scram and I’ll introduce you to my friends.”
“Woohoo! See you two later. I’ll leave this in your bedroom.” She waves the toy in her hand and Mackenzie’s face turns beet red.
“You have to ignore her. I think small town life has really gotten to her.”
“Well now that she’s gone, please finish your food so you can get dressed.” I say it harsher than I mean to, but my dick is beating against my zipper like it owes it money.
“Do I repulse you that much?”
“Are you serious? This hard cock ain’t for no one else, Dash.” I say, squeezing the motherfucker that’s trying to burst free from my jeans.
That seems to calm her ass down. “Fine. I’ll eat,” she says softly, fitting a smile.
“Good. I’ll be outside in the truck, waiting. Here you go.” I slide the phone onto the table.
She picks it up and asks, “What’s this?”
“I know you don’t have one, but I thought you’d seen one before,” I tease, stealing one of her fries.
“I know it’s a phone. I mean why are you giving it to me?”
“Just in case you need to get in contact with me or me with you. My number’s in there.” I tap her nose and walk outside before I pull Mackenzie off her seat and kiss the fuck out of her. I can’t get away fast enough. It’s a shame that it’s the middle of the day, and I’m out in the middle of the street, or I’d whip out my cock and let go of all this fucking build up this woman has caused. My zipper feels the weight of my shaft pressing against it. These jeans are doing their job fucking well. I don’t think I’ve been this hard up since I was a teen. That’s another thing. She’s not more than barely legal, ten years my junior, innocence written all over her blushing face. I shouldn’t even be looking at her yet I want to take her hard and deep, making sure she only knows me for the rest of our lives.
While I’m waiting in the truck, I take out my tablet and work. It seems like forever before she finally comes down, looking so cute in her little green work polo and beige capris that fit her slight curves perfectly. Jumping out of the SUV, I hurry around to open the door for her.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she remarks, climbing and giving me a whiff of her strawberry shampoo.
“Well, my mom would murder me if I didn’t.”
“What a mama’s boy,” she teases, winking at me. Take it slow. Take it slow. She wants you.
Turning the key in the ignition, I chuckle out my response. “She’d disagree with you.”
She lets out the most adorable laugh I’ve ever heard. “She thinks you’re wonderful and almost the perfect son.”
I have to remind her of what would make my mother and me suddenly incredibly happy. “Not quite. The day I give her grandbabies then I’ll be the perfect son. She’s kind of obsessed.”
“And you? Do you want kids?” It’s a loaded question, so I keep my answer short.
“In time.” The time that it takes to get you naked and the nine month waiting period, but I’m not going to tell her that just yet. I watch her face fall, and I know that I’m on the right track. I want her like my next breath, but I’m not going to press it now. She has a full workday, although I’m going to make sure she doesn’t have to work there much longer.
“Thanks for doing all of this.”
Fuck, I’d do anything for her. “You don’t have to thank me.”
“Well, I am.”
“Fine. Let’s get you to work.” The rest of the drive passes in companionable silence. The trip isn’t too far, but then again, nothing in Steeleville is really that far apart.
“I’ll call you and let you know about the car. Keep your phone on you at all times,” I remind her. Although, I just want to have an excuse to talk to her.
“Okay. Have a good day, Simon.”
“See ya around, Dash.” She smiles and closes the door and walks into the grocery store.
Damn, I already miss her. This is some incredibly frustrating shit. I drive away and head to the garage. Once I’m out of my SUV, Flex scowls. “What is it now?”
“Since when did you work on stolen cars?” he demands to know.
“What the fuck do you mean?” My brows knit about to let years of friendship go down the drain unless he starts talking.
“I pulled the VIN so I could order some parts for the clunker over there, and it seems this baby was reported stolen two months ago.” Shit, which means they probably have a hit on the vehicle and whoever reported it will come looking.
“What? That doesn’t make sense. She’s been living here eight months.”
“I can’t do much because it won’t take long for someone to see we pulled the tags on it.”
“Shit. I know. Well, fix it anyway. I’m going to have a talk with her when I pick her up.” Thrusting my fingers through my hair, I try to work it out all in my head, but I’m at a loss.
“Her?” He follows me inside the shop.
“Yes, her? I don’t believe she’s a car thief at all. Who the fuck steals a beater, and who reports this shit after months out of their possession?
“You’re right. There’s something fishy about it. I’ll have the guys detail it just in case there’s some hidden compartment.”
“I doubt it. They aren’t going to move drugs in a car that could break down on the road and get the attention of the police. No, this is something else. Where’s the report?”
“I left it on your desk. If I were you, I’d call Cyber on this one.”
I nod. “I’m going to. Thanks.”
He claps my shoulder and says, “Anytime, boss. I hope she’s worth it. Not that it matters, we can claim we didn’t know.”
“Good plan. If the owner shows up, we found it on the side of the road and towed it.”
“That works for me. So who is this ‘her’?” He gives it his best shot, but I’m not ready to share her yet.
“Mind your business. Now excuse me. I have to figure out what the hell is going on with this VIN.” I rush up to my office and slam my door shut. I need answers. Sweeping the paper off my desk, I read the name on the registration. It belongs to Michael Watson of Dallas. I dial Cyber who picks up quickly which is good because I can’t fucking stand this bullshit a minute longer. Something isn’t right and my girl has some problems that I need to fix.
“Hey, I need a quick report on Michael Watson from Dallas. Everything you can get within the hour, please.”
“What’s going on? Does this have something
to do with that little thing at the store?”
“Yes.”
“Well then, I’ll get it asap and call you right back.”
Chapter 4
Mackenzie
I’m floating as I enter work. I know it’s wrong, and I should probably stay as far away from Simon as I can, but I can’t. He’s everything I ever dreamed of and more. Even if I could force myself to run. I’m getting the impression that he’s not going to let me just leave. He played it cool yesterday, but today he let his attraction slip. Could it really be true? Do I want it to be true? That’s a stupid question. Of course I want him to fall for me.
“Someone looks happy today.”
“Mrs. West,” I gasp. She’s standing there with her neighbor and one of the prospects of the riders just ten feet from the entrance with her shopping cart.
“Was that my son?” she asks with a suspiciously happy lilt to her voice. She’s a shrewd woman.
I take a long pause, looking to see if Simon’s still out there, but he’s gone. When I turn back she has an expectant expression. With a sigh, I say, “Yeah, my car broke down. He gave me a ride to work after towing my car.”
“I told you he was a sweet boy.” She gives me a charming smile.
“Wrench, sweet?” She immediately elbows the prospect in the stomach.
“I’m trying to get some grandkids here,” she huffs out at him. I do my best not to laugh because the woman doesn’t hide her intentions one bit. “Now, dear. Make sure he picks you up and takes you somewhere nice.”
“He’s not interested in me like that. He’s just being nice,” I protest, hoping she doesn’t get it in her head that he wants more. At this point, I’m not sure this is going to go anywhere.
“Sure. You are absolutely adorable.” She grins and then throws her arms around me. “You’re glowing sweetheart. Whatever has you running, he’ll fix it.” She pulls away and winks. “Come on. My shows are starting soon.”
I let out a sigh and look around to see if anyone else noticed the exchange. If they did, they stopped looking because everyone seems to be going about their business. Just when I think I’m in the clear I barely make it to the lockers outside the cafeteria when Mitchell, my boss approaches. “Mackenzie, are you and Mr. West an item?”
“I don’t think so.” I let it out almost as a question. Simon’s a gem around here and add on to that is he’s a Steele Rider. They run this town in one way or another, so they are more than curious.
“Wow. Okay, so from that answer I’d say yes.”
I’m not comfortable with this conversation. Maybe if I was sure that Simon and I are together or that’s what he’s aiming for then I can say a vehement, hell yes, but we’re not. “I need to go punch in.”
He smiles and walks out to the main floor. That’s odd. I’m sure I was more than likely going to get fired today. I wonder if that is what stopped him from giving the boot like I deserved.
I change, slip my purse into the locker, and go take a look at my complexion. Do I really glow? Is my mood completely different? I step into the bathroom and Vanessa, my coworker, is already inside the three-stall bathroom.
At sixteen, Vanessa has a shitty attitude and thinks that she’s better than everyone else. Life hasn’t kicked her down just yet. I’d love to see if she could handle it when it does, then she can act prissy.
“Oh my goodness. Did you get laid or something? You’re flush as hell. Is the dirty mechanic back? He’s ruggedly hot. Although, I’m not sure he’s wealthy. Too bad the two Steele brothers are already married. Now those are two rich men I’d love to marry.”
“Girl, there’s more to life than money and there’s a lot more to Si—Wrench than money.”
“Damn, you have it bad. Pathetic. Next time he comes in, I’m going to get his attention for myself.” She adjusts her bra, pushing up her small chest.
This little girl is pissing me off. “You’re not even legal yet. Get that through your pretty but empty head. Excuse me.”
I step out of the bathroom, forgetting all about the way I look. It’s obvious my emotions are written all over my face. I walk to my department’s backroom to get the cereals ready to stock only to find the manager looking for me with panic in his eyes.
I’m supposed to be stocking shelves today and not moving pallets anymore, so I wonder why he’s coming to speak to me again. “Mac, you have to stay back here. There’s a man looking for you, but from the tone in his voice, he’s dangerous.”
“Who?” I feel all the blood drain from my face; my hands shake and my heart’s pounding out of control.
“I don’t know. He refused to give me his name, but he had a picture of you and was showing it around,” he says.
“Someone’s going to tell him where I am.” I walk over to the backroom doors of the produce department. There’s a plexiglass window I can see through and I catch sight of my uncle’s muscle, Johnny Boy. Fuck. I see Vanessa coming out at the same time.
I point toward the little brat. “She’s going to tell him.”
“No she won’t,” he snarls, stepping out of the backroom. “Vanessa, come here right now.” She does meekly before she can reach that asshole. “If you talk to that man you will be fired. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
She walks away, and I go to the hidden corner of the room, shaking uncontrollably. Mitchell comes back in and says, “I’ve asked him to leave the store. I don’t want him harassing my customers.”
“Thank you,” I stammer out, my voice shaking. I close my eyes and try to get myself under control. I thought I was safe for so long. One whole year has gone, but maybe I should have left the state.
“Stay here as long as you need. Maybe you should call Mr. West, or I can call him if you’d like,” he offers which is extremely kind, considering I’ve been a shitty employee lately.
“I’ll call him. Thank you.”
“No problem.” When he walks out of the back I pull my phone out, dropping it because my hands are too unsteady. I pick it up, praying it’s not broken. Breathing a sigh of relief when I turn it over and there’s not even a scratch on it.
Standing on weak legs, I steal another glance out and I don’t see him there anymore. Still, I’m staying put. How did they find me here? Is my uncle here too?
Chapter 5
Wrench
I stand up and pace my office, unable to concentrate on anything until I have some damn answers. Something tells me that it has to be the reason she avoided me all these months. It’s obvious the second we met that she’s attracted to me and hell her roommate outed her late night strumming sessions. Fuck, that only makes my dick hard when I’m supposed to concentrate.
I punch the wall, feeling a fucking thousand things. My phone rings and I pick it up without looking. “Tell me you got answers.”
“Answers?” Mackenzie’s soft voice says.
“Dash, what’s up?”
“Um…I know you’re busy, but can you come pick me up now?” Fuck, I hear her voice shake.
“What happened? Don’t tell me that bastard fired you?” I snarl. I’ll kill Mitchell with my bare hands. More rage fills my gut as I think about her voice filled with anxiety.
“No. Um…can you please? I’ll be waiting in the back of the produce cooler.” What the fuck?
“Tell me what’s going on?”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t bother you,” she deflects.
“No. You need to call me always. I’m here for you and nothing’s going to change that. I’m on my way, Dash. Don’t fucking move.” I’m already down the stairs and out of the garage before anyone can stop me.
I rush to the store, taking the back road there like a bat out of hell. Thankfully, I get there in five minutes. I storm through the store and find my woman hiding in the produce cooler.
She’s shaking, grabbing onto me. “I’m sorry, Simon. I’m sorry.” I press her head to my chest and lead her out of the cooler and into the backroom.
“Don�
��t be.” I brush her hair behind her ear and stare at her tearstained face. I’m going to destroy someone. “I need to know what’s going on, but first let’s get you out of here.”
“He could be waiting outside for me.” The fear pouring off of her is palpable.
“I’ll check the surveillance camera.”
Mitchell walks into the produce backroom as if on cue. “I’m glad you’re here. The guy just finally left the parking lot. He was lingering.”
“Who?” Mitchell hands me his phone where he took a picture. I don’t know him, but I know who to look out for. “Text me that pic. I’ll have the guys on it. This asshole doesn’t get anywhere near Mackenzie. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.” We’re about to leave the backroom when my phone rings.
“What do you want, Flex?” I bite out.
“Hey, the owner of the car is here,” he says as a matter of fact.
“How did he get there so fast?” I whisper.
“It’s been four hours since I ran the number. He drove in from Arlington and has been searching for her with a picture. The girl is his niece.”
“He’s not alone. There was another fuck at the grocery store, spooking her out. What did you tell him?”
“I told him we found the fucker on the side of the road, but he listens like he’s fucking deaf.”
“Put the fucker on the phone.”
It takes a minute, but then he gets on the line. “Where the hell is she?”
“Excuse the fuck out of you. Hello, Mr. West, I’m here bothering your employees for doing me a favor. Now do you care to explain why you reported your car stolen just to get your niece back?”
“That’s not your business. You little nobody. I’m going to sue your ass and take everything you own.”
“For what? Finding it dumped on the side of the road?”
“You found it on the side of the road?” he asks, as if Flex didn’t already tell this asshole the same thing.
“Yes, and it looks like something’s wrong with it, but we didn’t know who the car belonged to until we ran the VIN. We had it towed because it’s a hazard on the roads at night, so you owe me for towing charges.”
Wrench: A Steele Riders MC Novel Page 3
