by Ryan Michele
We dragged him into the dimly lit, plastic-covered basement and tied him to a chair in the middle of the room.
“Take his shoes off,” I demanded, plugging in my tool.
I let the soldering iron heat up to its maximum nine-hundred degrees and began with the bottom of his right foot. Abel and Jett held his leg steady while Reese held his shoulders down.
Darren tried to thrash as wails of pain leapt from his chest.
“This is nothing compared to what you did to my wife,” I screamed, setting the instrument down for a second. “Other foot,” I barked.
Abel and Jett shifted, pulling his leg up. Darren tried to knee Abel in the face, barely missing him.
“Not today, fuckface,” Abel growled, pulling his Glock 26 from its ankle holster. Firing off one round into Darren’s knee, Abel shot me a sinister sneer.
“You picked the wrong motherfuckers to mess with,” Rave bellowed from behind me as he watched the show while chain-smoking.
Once both of the bottoms of Darren’s feet were medium rare, I cut open his shirt. Darren’s head nodded from side to side, barely able to stay awake through the pain.
“Wakey, wakey,” I snickered as I splashed water in his face.
His eyes shot open as he screamed out. “Please,” he muttered over and over. “Please don’t.”
“It’s too late for that. If you wanted mercy, you shouldn’t have blown up my house and killed my pregnant wife.” I smiled with my face an inch away from his. “Don’t worry, it’ll all be over soon.”
His chest was covered in the Renegade King’s reaper. That was about to change.
Taking the soldering iron, I slowly branded Allie’s name over the intricate artwork. I watched as the black-inked skin bubbled up under each letter. Tears started to stream down my face as the E was finished.
The smell of burnt flesh overtook the small space as I stared at the blubbering sack of shit in front of me, and the high that had consumed me faded. No retaliation would bring Allie back. No amount of bloodshed would soothe my aching soul.
Demons crashed inside of me as I dropped to my knees. I wasn’t ashamed. Grief was part of life, and if I couldn’t break down in front of my men and show them I was human, how could I be a true leader? I was only one man—one man with a broken heart and a duty to my family and brotherhood.
Jett pulled me to my feet. “It’s done, brother. Go back to your daughter. We’ll finish up here.”
Taking out my Kimber Micro Crimson Carry, I shot Darren in the temple.
“Now it’s done.” I exhaled before turning for the stairs. “The lye is in the shed. Y’all know what to do.”
Rave walked up to me, resting his hand on my shoulder. “We got this, brother. Get outta here. You have a little one waiting for you.”
Pulling Emerson out of her crib, I went and sat on the couch in the lounge. Everyone was asleep in the back bedrooms and scattered around on the floor in sleeping bags. My entire family was under one roof, and that scared the shit out of me. Even with guards posted around the entire place, I knew I would never rest easy again. There was too much to lose now that Emerson was in the world.
Staring down at her sweet face as she slept, I cooed to my daughter, “Daddy got the bad guy, sweetheart. I promise I will always protect you.”
Daggers shot through me. How could I promise her that when I hadn’t been able to protect her mother? How was I going to be able to raise her on my own?
“Maccon?” Piper trotted into the room.
“What’re you doing up?” I whispered to her as she took a seat next to me.
“I went to check on the baby and she wasn’t in the crib. I nearly had a panic attack.” She rested her head on my shoulder. “How was your night?”
I leaned my head against hers. “Better now that I’m here with my girls.”
“She looks so peaceful in your arms.”
“I think she’s definitely going to be a daddy’s girl,” I teased.
“There’s no doubt about that one.” Piper yawned against me.
“Go back to bed. I’m going to sit up with her for a while.”
“All right. Get some rest. You’ve been going nonstop and you’re no good to anyone running on an empty tank.”
“Yes ma’am.”
She stuck her tongue out at me before hopping up from the couch. “Love ya.”
“Love you too, punk.”
6
A little over ten years later
I cracked my back as I got out of bed. With the Renegade Kings completely underground since the night we took out their leader, life had slowed down to a normal pace for us. We had lost a few good men over the years, all in the name of war. Ravage and Abel had both been taken. They were missed and their loss was felt on a daily basis, but the world kept turning anyway.
Staring at my weathered face and grayed beard in the mirror over my dresser, I hardly recognized myself. It had taken a while to make my rebuilt house feel like a home, but Emerson and Piper both helped exponentially.
I could smell bacon and coffee wafting up from the kitchen as I made my way down the stairs.
“Daddy,” Emerson cheered as she popped up from her seat at the table.
“Morning, princess,” I muttered before kissing the top of her head. “Are you excited for your first day of school?”
She bounced in her chair. “Yep.”
“I can’t believe she is starting fifth grade this year. Where has the time gone?” Piper handed me a cup of black coffee and a plate full of eggs and bacon.
“Bless you.” I smiled at her, joining my family for breakfast. “Are you going into the shop today?”
Piper nodded with bacon rolling around in her mouth. “Right after I drop this little one off for her first day. I’ll see you there.”
Emerson wiggled away from her aunt as Piper tousled her hair a bit.
“Now my hair is going to be all messed up,” Emerson complained.
“I’ll help you fix it. Go grab your brush.” I beamed at my daughter as she darted for her room in a flash.
“She’s so grown up,” Piper remarked.
“Tell me about it.” I rolled my eyes. “She’s going to be a handful here shortly.”
“She already is,” Piper baited with a toothy grin. “She takes after her mother.”
My sister was right. I saw more and more of Allie in our daughter every day.
Emerson thrust my brush into my hands. “Here, Daddy.”
I pulled my little girl into my lap, brushing her hair into pigtails, just the way she liked it. “There you go, sweetheart. Now you’re all ready for your last first day of elementary school.” The words caught in the back of my throat. She was growing up too fast.
“Grab your bag, Em. We gotta go. You can’t be late on your first day.” Piper placed the dirty dishes from our breakfast into the sink.
“Love you, Daddy.” Emerson threw her arms around my neck, making me melt on the spot.
“Have the best day ever, princess.”
After a long day of selling discount auto parts and dealing with paperwork, I was finally in my happy place—tucking Emerson in for the night.
“Story time,” she sang out, shoving a worn copy of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe into my hands.
“That it is, princess. Now get all situated.” I helped her climb into her bed next to me so she could cuddle up as I read from her favorite book.
Pulling out the bookmark at the beginning of chapter two, I started reading the familiar words. “‘Good evening,’ said Lucy. But the Faun was so busy picking up its parcels that at first it did not reply. When it had finished it made her a little bow.”
I paused for a split second to take in the moment. There was nothing better than being there with her in simple moments like that.
When chapter two was finished, I put the bookmark back in and kissed Emerson on her forehead. “Sleep well, princess.”
“Good night, Daddy,” she muttered while r
ubbing her sleepy eyes.
Joining Piper on the couch, I let out a sigh. “I think I need to head out for a drink.”
“I think you deserve one,” she replied. “It’s about time you did something for yourself for a change.”
My sister eyed me as I deflated. My life was my family. I worked, I took care of Emerson, I ran my club, rinse and repeat—that was all she wrote.
“It’s really not that bad, is it?”
“You need to get laid, big brother.” Hearing my sister tell me to get my dick wet was the strangest thing in the world.
“Don’t be gross.”
She shrugged. “Just stating facts, man. It’s been over ten years, and I feel like you’re turning into a priest or something.”
It wasn’t like I didn’t have a conquest or two from time to time, but I kept them as far away from my family life as possible. I didn’t want someone else messing up the wonderful dynamic we had together. It was too risky.
“Far from it, sis.” I grabbed my cut and keys before turning to Piper. “Thank you, though. Sometimes I need a little push.”
“You don’t have to tell me, Maccon. Now get goin’.” She shooed me away as I walked out the door.
7
Bellying up to the bar at the Red Crow, I ordered a bottle of Coors Light and a shot of Jameson. It had been so long since I drank alone at a bar, I didn’t really know what to do. The people-watching was prime that night with drunkards hollering at each other over rounds of pool, couples line-dancing their hearts out, and swarms of barflies trying to outdrink each other.
It didn’t take long for a gorgeous brunette at the far end of the bar to catch my eye. Just as I mustered up enough courage to walk over to her, a guy took a seat next to her.
The blacked-out tattoo on his forearm wasn’t lost on me as I tried to place his somewhat familiar face. The brunette seemed to know him, and I chalked it up to bad timing.
There will be other women to talk to. I tried to reassure myself, but I couldn’t stop glancing over at her delicate features as she laughed and carried on with her guy.
Suddenly, her face twisted and his hand gripped around her wrist. He pulled her to her feet as she slapped him across the face.
I scrambled over to their side. “I think the lady has made it very clear that you’re no longer welcome here,” I growled in a low tone.
“Fuck you,” the douchebag snarled at me. “I think my old lady here just needs to know her place.”
I stepped in between them. “Don’t make me say it again.”
He threw his hands into the air. “You’re not worth it, slut. He can have you.”
The asshole spit at my feet before turning to walk away.
He backed down easily. What a pussy.
“Thanks,” the gorgeous brunette huffed as she sank back onto her chair.
“You all right?” I asked, taking the empty stool next to her.
“Yeah, just an old boyfriend who needs to stay an ex. I don’t know why I even entertained the thought of being around him tonight.” She nudged the lime in her drink with a straw.
“Old habits die hard,” I responded, holding out my hand for her to take. “I’m Maccon.”
“Kinsley,” she replied, taking my hand. “Thank you.”
“No problem. What’re you drinkin’?” I pointed to her glass, which was almost empty.
“Jameson and ginger,” she replied.
I called over to the bartender, ordering us a round.
“So what brings a white knight like you into this seedy bar?” she asked with a little giggle.
“Just needed to get out of the house for a little bit. It’s been a while,” I admitted.
“I can understand that. It was a very long Monday for me too.”
We made small talk while finishing our drinks. It was nice to just shoot the shit with someone who wasn’t in my club, a ten-year-old, or my sister.
“Do you wanna get outta here?” I boldly asked as I slammed the bottom of my beer.
“Actually, I do.” She jumped up from her seat. “Lead the way. That dick-hole Elijah was my ride, so I hope you’re driving.”
The name clicked in my head and I saw red. All I wanted to do was rush into the parking lot and beat that motherfucker to death, but I cooled my temper and forced myself to focus on the beautiful girl I had just rescued. “Yes ma’am. I’d be happy to.”
I escorted Kinsley to my motorcycle, which was parked on the side of the bar.
As I started to get onto my bike, she grabbed my arm. “Hey,” she muttered before crushing her lips to mine.
I pulled her into me, gripping her hips as our lips danced together. It had been far too long since I had been kissed passionately, and I hadn’t realized how much I missed it.
“Give me directions as I drive?” I asked, subtly telling her we weren’t going back to my place.
She nodded before climbing onto my bike behind me.
Once we walked into her house, desire took over completely.
I pressed her up against the wall next to her front door, pulling her leg up onto my hip, and she lightly nipped at my neck as I growled in her ear. As I kissed from her collarbone to her chin, she slowly rubbed my growing erection over my tightening jeans. I rumbled into her neck, feeling my need grow with every second.
“God, it’s been too long,” I huffed quickly as she started to undo my belt.
I reached up under her loose tank top and her bra, tugging on her nipples gently.
A low moan escaped from her lips as she breathlessly said, “That feels so damn good.”
She grabbed my hand, leading me back to her bedroom. Going straight for her bed, she stripped down to her bra and panties.
I groaned as I watched her slowly undress from the other side of the bed where I was following suit. “You’re so damn hot.”
I couldn’t believe my eyes. From her delicate features to her soft breasts, all the way down to her toned thighs—she was magnificent.
She got on her knees on the bed, staring right at me, slowly starting to massage her breasts over the black lace, playing with her nipples. My dick twitched as I took in the show in front of me.
“You like that?” she asked as a coy smile spread on her lips.
I nodded.
“And this?” She ran her middle finger under her panties, slowly biting her lower lip out of sheer pleasure.
A low rumble came from the back of my throat. “Fuck. Come here,” I demanded, grabbing her hips. I helped her off of the bed then pushed her down onto her knees.
She took my length into her mouth instantly, forcing it all the way into the back of her throat like a champ.
“Fuck. You’re so good at that,” I moaned as she sucked and licked my growing cock. My fingers curled into her long hair, pulling her head back. “Look at me. The. Whole. Time.” I thrust in hard, making her gag, but she never broke eye contact.
Her mouth felt so good.
I was fucking addicted it.
I plunged harder and deeper into her mouth until tears formed in the corners of her eyes, making her mascara run. Just as my dick started to throb, I released my grip on her hair.
“Get on the bed, on your knees, and put your hands behind your back.”
She did exactly what I told her to do without question. Sliding my belt out of its loops and freeing it from my jeans, I wrapped the leather around her wrists.
“Like that?” I asked sharply, not really caring what her answer was unless she was about to freak out on me.
“I love it, actually,” she responded, giving me the green light.
“Your ass is perfect.” I rolled my fingers over her soft skin as she purred.
“Take it then.” She looked over her shoulder with a close-lipped smile. “I like it.”
I pressed my tattooed chest against her back, letting my cock slide between her cheeks snuggly. “Are you sure?”
“You can have whatever you want,” she moaned, letting her head roll b
ack.
Quickly, I spun her around and shoved her head down next to my dick. “Get it nice and wet. We don’t want to go in dry, now do we?”
She spit and sucked until I was more than lubed enough to enter her. I forced her back into position, her perfect ass high in the air. Gripping her sides, I slowly slid into her as she gasped, and she moaned as I pulled out.
“How was that?” My husky voice was coated in lustful desire.
“Fucking amazing,” she groaned into the comforter.
“How about this?” Forcefully, I thrust deeper into her. Pulling out, I spit onto her, rolling the head of my cock around on her back door teasingly.
“More,” she cried.
Without warning, I thrust into her over and over as her cries of pleasure cheered me on.
“Fuck. Your dick is unbelievable.” She sighed as I slowly pulled out before releasing her wrists from my belt and tossing it onto the floor.
“Now I need your pussy.” I rolled her over, getting on my knees in front of her. I flattened my tongue over her pulsing clit as her knees started to shake.
“Holy shit,” she cried out as I licked and teased her sensitive skin.
“You like that?” I asked between laps.
Her entire body shook. “So much.”
Her sweet nectar filled my mouth as I felt her climax starting to build. When I shoved two fingers into her, her walls collapsed around them. She screamed out as all of her muscles tensed from sheer euphoria.
“You’re incredible. Where have you been all my life?” She panted, pulling me on top of her.
“I was just about to say something very similar.”
Reaching up into her nightstand drawer, I pulled a condom wrapper out. I rolled the rubber on, shifting to make her get on top of me.
As she rode my dick, I was mesmerized by her tits bouncing in my face. I could barely contain myself. Her pussy was so tight, her hips bucked perfectly, and her body was incredible.
“You’re going to make me cum,” I bellowed, pulling her hips down onto me.
