“All right, all right, moving on from my personal life. Now that we’re talking about Alice, though, has anyone found any information about who wants to hurt her? We’ve got plenty of shady ass contacts. I’m hoping someone pulled through with some intel.”
The brothers grumble and curse, complaining they don’t have any leads. Except Angel. He says, “I may have something…I don’t know what yet. I have a few people that’re supposed to be getting back to me. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear from them, whether it’s something or nothing.”
“Fuck, I hope they know who it is. If you find them, Angel, I want them to fucking pay!” I demand viciously. “Everyone else keep trying as well. This is my top priority right now, aside from the senator’s bullshit and our regularly scheduled drug runs. Now, anybody else have something to discuss?”
Wrench gestures, and I nod to him. He mutters, the weed taking over. His eyes are red and glazed over, and he has a persistent smirk that he can’t seem to drop right now. “I understand that part of being a patched member is nominating a prospect.”
Blow confirms, “It’s not a requirement, but our charter prefers to include it. It’s a way to make us stronger and have loyalty surround us, versus random fuckers just showin’ up. Don’t feel pressured right away, unless you have someone in mind already.”
“I do. I’ve been speaking to Mark over these past few weeks and he’s shown interest. He’ll also want to stick around if Prez’s ol’ lady stays in Texas.”
Whiskey stares at him quizzically and huffs, “Who the fuck is Mark?”
Wrench drops the smirk, his lips turning downward. “It’s Alice’s bodyguard. You know, she calls him Richardson?”
Powerhouse and Blow break out into laughs. Plague asks, “His name is Mark? That’s so fucking plain. I though his name was Richardson and he pissed off his momma when he was born or something and she punished him by giving him that long ass first name. Seemed a fitting curse to me.” He shrugs.
We all shake with laughter.
“Fine, we can vote on it, but Wrench?” He stares at me intently, taking in my stern glare. “If he has feelings for my woman, it’ll be hell to pay. I may make you take him out to bum fuck Egypt and shoot his ass just because you nominated him. You can dig the motherfuckin’ hole out past the airport for his body, too. You feel me?”
“Got it, Prez.”
“Good. All in favor of allowing Marky-Mark-the-cursed to prospect, say aye.” We vote unanimously, and it’s quickly settled. “You remember how Whiskey showed you the ropes when you came around?” I question Wrench. He’s starting to come back around, his high already wearing off. He must be having anxiety like a motherfucker. Plague’s blunts will keep you toasted for hours if you’re calm, but this dumbass is burning through it like he’s immune or something.
“Yeah, he was cool with me, even though I was green. Everyone else treated me like shit.” He shakes his head and the brothers laugh. It wasn’t him specifically. All the prospects have to go through a rough time to earn our loyalty and respect. We each did it, too, so it’s fair.
“Right. Well, it’s now your responsibility to do the same for him. Show him the ropes, but also keep in mind that he’s Alice’s security. He can shoot the shit and do grunt work when he’s not busy keeping my woman safe.”
“I can do that, no problem.”
“I’m counting on it. You have any questions, you hit up Blow. That new fucking prospect needs to keep his distance with me until I’m certain he doesn’t have a thing for my ol’ lady.”
“I’ll make sure he stays in line and let him know what’s expected of him,” Wrench confirms.
I nod. “And that shit he pulled before I left, standing up to me in the bar? You may want to clue him in, that sort of bullshit will get his ass beat. I admire him being loyal to my woman and all, but when it comes to joining the club, that loyalty has to shift to me and the Royal Bastards.”
He nods, and I check around the table for anything else. No one speaks up, so I call an end to church.
Now that the business side is taken care of, I need to speak to Alice. The sooner we can figure everything out, the better. I can’t wait to see her gorgeous flesh wrapped in my colors, letting the whole world know she’s mine. My ol’ lady.
Chapter 16
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
- Psalm 62:6
“You sure did get lucky hooking the Prez,” Cindy says dreamily, sounding a bit more from the East Coast than Texas. She stares at the wall with their mugshots, making heart eyes at all of the Royal Bastards members. I can’t help but smile. It’s ridiculous that we’re looking at their mugshots and fantasizing about the guys. I’ve only got one particular brother on my mind, but still, never in a million years did I think I’d ever be doing this at some point in my life.
“You think I’ve hooked him?” I ask, turning to look at her. She blows kisses at each photo, making me giggle. She may be a sweetbutt around here, a term I’m not fond of, but she doesn’t act like some of the slutty girls did that I’ve met before. They were always so vicious, like female vipers with boobs. Cindy’s more of a sweetheart than a sweetbutt, in my opinion.
She flashes me a wide smile. “Oh, girl, you definitely did. That man has it bad for you. He’s never asked me to sneak out with him in the past to help him meet up with another woman. Once he told me about you, I knew you had to be someone real special. Prez is a decent man. He may be rough around the edges and all, but he takes care of everyone here. Gotta have a big heart to take on so much responsibility, if you ask me.”
I grin, concurring with her. “I completely agree with you, Cindy. I also wanted to thank you. You’ve been nice to me from the moment I got here. You could’ve been rude, but you chose to make me feel welcome instead.”
“I don’t think you realize what it means to be with the prez, doll. What he says is the law around here, and he’s treating you like his woman. It may not mean much to you, but ‘round here, that’s a huge deal. Take that new seat he got put on his motorcycle for example. He did that so you’d have a place and be comfortable. In this world, it’s like him buying a ring for you and showing the entire club.”
My mouth pops open with a gasp. “You can’t be serious.”
She beams, enjoying the attention. “Oh, I am, and apparently Prez is too.”
I can’t help but laugh at her excitement over it all. “Well, it certainly makes it more fun to have you enthusiastic about it for me.”
“It means he’ll take an ol’ lady. That’s big babe, real big. Just please, don’t kick me out, I promise to leave your man alone.”
“I would never kick you out! Besides, it’s not my place to.”
She snorts. “Thank God, you’re such a good woman, Alice. You’re gaining so much influential power toward the club, and you don’t even realize it. The prez may be in charge, but when a man like that finds his golden pussy, then she’s the one with the true power.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Honey, a man like Ripper would do anything for his ol’ lady, for his golden pussy. All you’d have to do is ask, and he’d burn the whole world down for you.”
We’re interrupted by the door to church swinging open, and the club members pouring out.
“You eavesdroppin’?” Angel practically growls, vibrating with hostility at Cindy.
She pales. “N-no, I was just talking with Alice, honest, and making sure the mugshots didn’t need cleaning.”
The broody enforcer grunts, snagging her wrist in his big paw. He tugs her along behind him and she manages to get a quick wave off to me. I return it, a bit worried. I hope he doesn’t take it out on her, thinking she was trying to listen to their church session. Ripper explained it to me that it’s a private room they meet in to discuss club business. He said it’s for patched members only and considered a sacred spot for the Royal Bastards. Being around my father so much,
I understand completely about secret meetings and what not. I’ve also learned it’s best to keep my nose out of it. In some cases, the less you know, the better.
Whiskey offers me a flirty wink and a grin that says he knows far too much about my relationship with Ripper. I am, however, glad to have the older man’s approval as I can tell he means a great deal to the man in question. I offer Whiskey a wave and a kind smile in return.
Blow’s next to come out of the private room, but he ignores me completely. I’m not sure if he doesn’t like me, or if it has to do with my sister. Regardless, I wish I knew how to make it better. Ripper told me about Blow and Madison spending a lot of time together, and it’s only made me feel increasingly guilty for leading my father to her.
Powerhouse beams his big, friendly smile as he passes. “Dollface.” He nods and I offer him the same smile I shared with Whiskey. The massive beast of a man is like a giant teddy bear when it comes to women. He’s seriously the sweetest guy around this place, and he’s always helping someone out.
Plague and Wrench come strolling out together, speaking quietly about a new prospect they plan to whip into shape. They’re too engrossed to pay much attention to me standing around—awkwardly, now that I’m alone. Wrench manages a muttered, “Ma’am,” and I blush at his formality.
I anxiously wait for my favorite biker, but he doesn’t leave the room. I take in the men behind me. They’re at the bar grabbing drinks. They chitchat, but none of them mention their prez, and it has my curiosity growing by the moment.
I take a few steps in the direction of the sacred room. Above the door is a wooden sign that’s been carved and stained a deep walnut color. It says Royal Bastards Church, No Excuses. I have no idea what it implies, but one thing is clear, I’m not welcome inside. I stand in the open doorway and knock on the wall. I’m not brave enough to cross the threshold without an invitation. I have too much respect for Ripper and his brothers. This is their home; I’m merely a guest.
He glances up, brow wrinkled until he notices it’s me. He flashes me his signature cocky grin.
“Hey, baby,” I greet huskily and he stands.
He quickly strides to me, pushing me a step backward away from church to wrap me in his arms. “Gem,” he breathes my name like it’s a prayer. He closes the door behind him, leaving behind any thoughts he was thinking over in there.
“I was, uh, waiting for you,” I admit, a bit embarrassed over it. “But got worried when you never left the room.”
“You don’t need to fret over me, Gem. That’s my job, remember?”
“How’s it fair if you can worry over me and protect me, but I can’t do the same?” I ask. “You can’t carry the weight of the club and everyone in it on your shoulders alone.”
“You’d protect me?” he asks, cocking his head to the side. He’s so damn cute, all rough and tough and messy.
“Of course, I would. We’ve talked about us meaning a lot to each other, and I was serious Ripper. I-I don’t want to scare you off, but I think I’m falling in love with you. It scares me. I don’t think it should be happening like this and so soon, but I just can’t stop thinking about you. Even when you’re right here, just in the other room, I need to know you’re okay, that you’re safe and happy. I want to help you with this burden, even if you don’t see it as one.”
“Christ, woman,” he murmurs against my hair, pulling me close. “It’s like you’re speaking from my own heart. I’m not used to being mushy like this, but when it comes to you, I don’t even mind it. In fact, you’re always on my mind too. Truth is, I don’t think I could stop worrying or thinking or wanting you if I tried to fight it. I’m in too fuckin’ deep.”
I tilt my head against his shoulder so I can press a kiss to his scruffy, sharp jawline. He’s got the sort of chin that I’d bet men get broken hands hitting. He’s hard all over, yet surprisingly soft when he’s got me in his arms. I lean in, kissing his jaw again, wanting to have more of him. He’s too tall for me to kiss his cheek like this unless I reach up on my tippy-toes.
“We need to have a chat, yeah?” he grumbles, tucking me under his arm and leading me away from church. Warning bells silently sound in my head.
Did I finally scare him off, and he’s ready to cut me loose after all? He told me he wanted me, to be with him in the future and I believed him, but maybe I shouldn’t have? By him being in too deep, does that mean he’s getting rid of me before it has a chance to go any further? I have to be overreacting after what he just professed moments ago.
He leads me to his office, taking the seat behind his desk. He props me up against the solid wood, with my thighs between his legs. He sits back, his hands resting on the outsides of my knees. He glances up at me, soft sweetness reflecting in his irises. “You’re so damn flawless, Gem. You’re my diamond.”
Blush steals over my cheeks. He ties me up in knots inside. “Thank you.”
“I spoke to your father.”
That’s the last thing I was expecting to come out of his mouth. When he said he wanted to talk, I was foolish enough to believe he meant about him and me, not about my father’s overbearing habits. “Oh, is he okay? Is everything all right?”
He nods. “Told ‘im I wasn’t ready to let you go, that I want you to stay here with me permanently.”
I gasp, taken back that he was being serious before, when we’d spoken about a possible long-term picture. I can’t believe he’s actually spoken to my father on it. “What did he have to say about that?” I’m sure he was enraged. Only on the inside, though—my father never lets himself show anger as you never know when someone may be watching. He’s always thinking of his campaign, twenty-four-seven.
Ripper shrugs, briefly squeezing my thighs, then moves to lightly rub circles into them again. “I assured him that you’re being taken care of here and kept safe. I also reminded him of our budding friendship and he was able to see reason within it all.”
“Just like that? He’s never been so agreeable with anyone, when it comes to Madison or me. I don’t understand.”
“There’s nothing to understand, babe. If you want to be with me, then you can be. You will.”
“I-I do want that,” I admit honestly, baring my true feelings to him. Damn the consequences, he needs to realize this isn’t just a quick fling of sorts with me.
He stands, his tall body towering over me. He leans in to press his lips to mine, murmuring, “I want to claim you. I want you to be my ol’ lady.”
I moan against his lips. His serious, gravelly voice sounds so sexy, saying those things to me. “And you’ll be my man?” I can’t help but ask, to hope.
“I’ll be your ol’ man. In club life, that means we’ve chosen one another, for life. We’re like penguins, babe. When we find the right woman, we’re one and done.”
I can’t help but giggle. “You know you’ll have to get a penguin tattoo now amidst all those skulls and what not you have decorating your skin.”
He cracks a grin, the smug one that makes me fall a little harder for him each time he offers it up. “Gem, I’ll get whatever tattoo you want me to. As long as you wear my patch, sayin’ you’re mine.”
“A penguin with a diamond on her belly.”
He wraps me tightly in his strong arms, making me feel safer than ever before. He releases a quiet chuckle, gazing at me, his hazel irises shining with so much emotion. “Anything, baby, just say you’re my ol’ lady. I need to fuckin’ hear it.”
“All right, Prez,” I whisper huskily, running my hands over his firm pecs. “I’ll be your ol’ lady.”
He pushes me backward onto the desk, spreading my legs apart. He shoves anything around us onto the floor, hovering his warm, heavy body over mine. He reminds me of a powerful beast, ready to mount his prey. “Keep callin’ me prez, Alice. In fact, I wanna hear you fucking scream it. Every motherfucker in this place will know you’ve been claimed.”
I can’t help the wide smile I beam, as he throws my legs over his shoulders
and dives in. He shoves my skirt up to my waist, gliding his hands over the inside of my thighs until he gets to my panties. He pushes them to the side, making room for his fingers and tongue. Ripper is insatiable when it comes to pleasing me, a fate I’m fortunate to have.
His tongue rains its delicious assault on me until I’m whimpering and my legs are shaking. One orgasm isn’t enough, it seems. He’s on a mission to make me have multiples. “Please!” I’m not above begging as my thighs quiver. He knows exactly how to touch me, whether it be with his tongue, his hands, or his cock. They all have me thanking God for bringing him into my life unexpectedly.
“Please, what?” he growls, his chest vibrating against my tender breasts.
“Please, Prez,” I gasp as he sucks my clit wildly. My hands flail, clawing at whatever they come in contact with. “I-I want your cock inside me!” I shout. He’s brought out my confidence when I’m with him like this, and he loves it when I tell him what I want him to do to me.
He pulls back to put enough space between us so he can unzip his jeans. He licks his lips that are shiny with my juices and pops his pants button. He gives them a shove off his hips and his cock springs out, ready to play. He leans in, dragging his tongue up the inside of my calf, humming in pleasure as he goes. The tip of his cock rests right at my entrance but he doesn’t move to push inside anymore, the sensation driving me crazy. I want him to pound inside me so badly I could just scream and pound my fists. He told me to call him prez, and I did, but it didn’t work like I’d hoped.
Ripper turns his head, licking up the inside of my other calf, making me squirm. His hips barely rock, just enough to tease my opening and let me feel the wetness on the tip of his cock. He wants me just as badly—the precum tells me as much. I lose my patience, huffing, “I want your cock, Prez. What do I have to do to get you to fuck me like you mean it?’
B*stard: Royal B*stards MC (Texas) Page 16
