by Chiah Wilder
Hawk narrowed his eyes. “What the fuck does that mean?”
“Don’t get your ass in a hitch. As prez, I need to know. I’ve noticed that you’ve taken an interest in her.”
“It’s for the club. My personal life is my business.”
“It is, but when it clouds your decisions, then it becomes my business. You have it bad for her. I ain’t ever seen you like this before. Hell, we’ve known each other for over eleven years, and you never let a bitch get to you. I see it’s different with this lawyer lady. Why don’t you just claim her? You want in her pussy and she wants you in it, so do the grown-up thing and claim her. Make her your ol’ lady, if you want.”
“My reason isn’t clouded by any bitch, okay? Again, this isn’t your fuckin’ business. I know you mean well, but stay the fuck outta my personal life. I don’t want an old lady.”
“Just sayin’, brother. I know what it’s like falling hard for a bitch. It grabs you. When I met Grace, shit, I knew I’d never look at another woman again. She was the best ol’ lady a poor sonofabitch could have. I lost her too soon.”
“Yeah, Grace was the best. You were lucky.”
“Ain’t that the truth. All I’m sayin’ is that you should either claim the woman, or move on. Although, why you’d want a smart-mouthed woman like her is beside me. She also comes from a different background, so she’s not used to the lifestyle. My Grace was born into it. This lawyer won’t give you a smooth life.”
“I don’t like smooth. I’ll figure it out.”
“I’m just sayin’, ’cause if she comes ’round here, she’s open game if she ain’t claimed. You know that.”
“No one’s gonna touch her. I’ll make sure of that.”
“Then claim her. No reason to have trouble over a bitch, right?”
Hawk’s jaw tightened as he nodded. “Good talkin’ to you, Banger.”
He opened his door and stepped aside. Banger shook his head and walked out before Hawk slammed it behind him. It took all of his strength to stay steady while Banger butted his fucking nose into his business. Hawk almost punched his president’s face in when he started his shit about Cara, and he seethed because he knew Banger was right—this woman was in his system. All his decisions revolved around her, and she was always in his head. He knew she was cautious because of their client relationship, but he didn’t think he could wait until his case was done. Just thinking about her made his cock spring to life. Fuck.
* * *
Yellow tape roped off the core area. The CSI tech arrived, blocking off an area larger than the core as deputies huddled, heads down, murmuring about the atrocious way the victim died. From their position, they could see the ligature marks around her small throat. The CSI began his systematic search for incriminating evidence, standing over the body of Hannah Jackson while performing a visual examination. He noted that she had been strangled. The cuts to her ankles and wrists indicated she had been tied up, as well as beaten and tortured, which he could tell from the other marks on her body. The blood between her thighs and at her anus pointed toward a strong possibility of rape and sodomy.
After hours of bagging evidence, combing the nearby woods, and sifting through the dirt for any clues, the battered and bruised body of Hannah Jackson was laid on the gurney. A white sheet covered her corpse. The ambulance doors closed. The lifeless form began its journey to the town morgue.
* * *
Hawk: How r u doing?
Cara: Ok, too busy.
Hawk: Why haven’t I heard from u? Been 3 days.
Cara: Nothing new. Trying to get photos. Will let u know if something new on your case.
Hawk: Don’t care bout that. Let’s get together to talk.
Cara: Can’t, busy with a murder case. Sorry. Will let u know re photos. Got to go. Bye.
Hawk: Bye babe.
Cara almost weakened by agreeing to meet Hawk and canceling her dinner date with Luke. She so wanted to see Hawk again; she missed him. For the last few days, she wondered if he was going to contact her, then his text came and her heart surged with joy. The previous night, when she was feeling lonely and empty, she made her decision: she would sleep with Hawk one time. She had a notion the sex would be mind-blowing, but one time was all she would give herself.
She decided to tell him the next time she had contact with him, but when she saw his text, she chickened out. After all, she rationalized, she did have an ethical obligation not to screw her client. But when her attorney-client relationship ended, she’d approach him and have one night of pure sex. Squaring her shoulders and inhaling deeply, she threw off the burden which had been weighing her down ever since she first locked eyes with Hawk.
The ringing phone broke through her thoughts.
“Hello?’
“Cara, it’s Josh. I got something you’re going to like.”
Sitting straight in her chair, Cara said, “Don’t tell me, you’ve got the photos?”
“Okay, I won’t tell you,” Josh teased.
“You do, right?”
“They’ll be delivered to you tomorrow afternoon.”
“Awesome! How can I thank you?”
“Don’t tell anyone about this. And introduce me to your friend, Sherrie.”
“It’s a deal.”
After chatting with Josh, Cara hung up the phone and yelled. Asher ran into her office. “What’s wrong?”
“I got the pre-raid photos.”
“Do you know if they have the ammo in them?”
“No, but I’ll bet they don’t. They weren’t ‘misplaced’ for the hell of it.”
Cara reached for her phone to tell Hawk the good news. She dialed his number then hung up, deciding to wait until she saw the photos before calling him. If the photos showed no .22-caliber ammo on his kitchen table before the raid, she’d go over to his clubhouse over the weekend and show them to him in person. The possibility of seeing him made her insides lurch.
Looking at the time, she jumped up from her desk. She was already late for her dinner date with Luke. They were meeting up at Big Rocky’s Barbecue, the new restaurant by the lake, which boasted a menu of Colorado-grown beef and buffalo prepared Texas-style.
Grateful that she had brought a change of clothes, Cara slipped out of her tailored dress into a short, flounce black skirt with a spandex black and white striped top. A wide belt with a sprinkling of crystals gave the retro look an elegant flair.
After she touched up her hair and makeup, Cara glanced in the mirror; she looked nice, but a hint of dark circles under her eyes gave away her lack of sleep for the past two weeks. Her emotional life had been turned upside-down since she’d met Hawk at Rusty’s six weeks before, and she wasn’t used to chaos; her world had always been orderly and controlled. It was unsettling, and she had to admit a part of her loved the turmoil—it was exciting and new—but she promised herself she would get back to her old routine.
The good Cara was always reminding the want-to-break-free Cara that emotions had their time and place, and this thing with Hawk was neither the right time nor place; hell, he wasn’t even the right person. Of course, the good Cara knew this and heard her family’s voice in her head, but the break-free Cara longed for one sex session with the hot biker. She smiled at her reflection in the mirror, knowing the break-free Cara was going to win this one. After all, one time won’t hurt anyone, will it?
Chapter Nine
The restaurant was beautiful nestled among the evergreens on Aspen Lake, and the trees surrounding the water had tinges of burnt orange, a reminder that summer was winding down. The misty breeze off the lake was refreshing and cool, and the full moon cast a shimmering reflection while the swaying lanterns created dancing illuminations on the glassy water.
“The food was delicious. Thanks for bringing me here. I had a nice time,” Cara said to Luke as they walked through the parking lot to his car.
“I’m glad to hear you say that. I had a great time, and being with you made it the best.” As he smiled, hi
s teeth shone in the moonlight.
Luke grasped her hand and squeezed it, then stepped closer to her, leaning his head down toward her lips. As he came in for a kiss, Cara turned her head and his moist lips landed on her cheek. He sighed. She knew he was disappointed, but she didn’t want to kiss him. All she wanted was to enjoy a good dinner and conversation, and she didn’t have those kinds of feelings toward him, especially since Hawk had come into her life.
Taking her face between his hands, Luke bent down and covered her mouth with his. Pulling back, he smiled. Cara smiled back; it was a nice kiss, but it wasn’t anything like Hawk’s demanding and urgent ones.
Stop doing that, Cara. Stop comparing everything to Hawk. Just stop thinking about him.
Luke kissed her again, this time longer and wetter, and she kissed him back. That made him more eager, and he drew her closer to him as he tried plunging his tongue deeper into her mouth. A rush of blood making her unsteady, Cara twisted her head sideways, causing his tongue to skim over her jaw while she pushed her hand against his chest.
“Get the fuck away from her!”
Luke dropped his arms from around Cara’s waist and she jumped from his embrace. Turning around, Hawk’s fiery gaze swung over her, and his lips pressed together in a thin line.
“Who are you?” Luke looked from Hawk to Cara, baffled.
“I’m the guy who’s going to kick your pansy-ass.” Hawk’s voice was cold and lashing.
“Hawk, stop it.” Cara glared at him.
“Thought you had to work, Cara. Is this your night job, going out with fuckin’ pansies? Or is he a client? I know how you like your clients.” He looked her up and down, and Cara saw desire in his eyes along with slivers of fury and… hurt?
“You know this guy?” Luke asked, wide-eyed.
“He’s my client,” she said icily.
“I don’t know what your problem is, but Cara isn’t on the clock right now. Call her tomorrow during her office hours.” Luke waved his hand.
Hawk leaped forward and grabbed Luke by the collar. “Don’t ever fuckin’ wave your goddamn hand at me again, or I’ll break it. You got that? You’re with my woman, and you need to fuckin’ leave.”
Cara yanked at Hawk’s arms. “Stop it, Hawk. This is insane.” Tears laced her voice.
Hawk let go of Luke, shoving him away. He looked at Cara, his eyes softening, and whispered, “Let’s go, babe.”
Luke, smoothing down his shirt, opened the passenger door and said, “Come on, Cara. I’ll take you to your car.”
“Who do you think you are?” Cara snarled at Hawk. “What in the hell are you doing here? Are you following me, or what?”
“Following you? Don’t flatter yourself. Insurgents own this restaurant. I came here with some of the brothers.” He gestured toward the front of the building. Cara looked over and saw Banger, Jax, Ruben, and a few other guys she didn’t recognize.
Looking at Luke, who was holding the car door open for her, and at Hawk, who was glaring at her, Cara wondered what the hell had happened. All she wanted was a good barbecue dinner, not all of this crap. I should take a cab and leave both of these idiots here. That would teach them.
She half-smiled at Hawk as she entered Luke’s car. Looking smug, Luke slid into the driver’s seat, rushing to close his door as Hawk moved toward the car. Under her breath, Cara said, “You better get going or I’m not going to be able to stop what may happen next.”
Luke backed up the car. “I’m not afraid of that jerk.” He flipped his finger at Hawk, and with his face a glowering mask of rage, Hawk lunged forward like a panther ready to kill his prey.
Luke squealed out of the parking lot, laughing.
“I wouldn’t tease him,” Cara said. “He’s not the forgiving type, you know?”
“Asshole thinks he’s cool and badass because he has a leather jacket and a motorcycle.”
“He isn’t trying to be cool or badass, or whatever; that’s who he is, not an act. He’s honest, not trying to fit into anything in our world. He lives by his own rules—his whole club does. And that’s what makes him free.”
“What the fuck are you talking about? Are you condoning his behavior tonight? What’s going on between the two of you?” Luke demanded.
“I’m not saying that Hawk was right to come over and say all that crap. I’m pissed about it. I’m saying what you see is what you get. He doesn’t kiss ass or wear leather to pretend to be bad, or whatever. I guess I’m saying he isn’t shallow.”
“And I am?”
“I didn’t say that. Let’s just drop it, okay?” Cara paused. “I did have a nice time tonight. Sorry about my big, scary client.” She smiled at Luke and patted his hand.
“He has a thing for you. What did he mean by you’re ‘his woman’?”
“Biker talk, I guess. Who knows? And he doesn’t have a thing for me.”
“Yeah, he does, and you know it. Watch yourself, Cara. Don’t do anything stupid. A guy like that is bad news all the way around.” Luke squeezed Cara’s hand and brought it up to his lips. “I don’t want you to do anything stupid like falling for this asshole.”
“I’m not falling for him. That’s crazy.”
“I saw the way he looked at you, but what hurt was the way you looked at him. I don’t want to lose you, Cara.” He ran his hand down her cheek.
Cara looked out the window; houses and trees were blurs against the nighttime backdrop. The street lights, like glowing orbs, seemed to float in the air as the car raced down the road. It’s more like you don’t want to lose your chance of being partner at my dad’s law firm. Or could it be that you want to get your hands on my dad’s money? I don’t buy this poor-me-I-love-you act for one minute.
“I care very much about you, Cara. You know that, right?”
Nodding, she continued watching the town streak past her, thinking back on the restaurant incident. Hawk was so mad it scared her. If she hadn’t stopped him, Luke would be riding in an ambulance on the way to the hospital, and Hawk’s ass would be in jail. Goosebumps pebbled her skin; Hawk’s intensity intrigued and frightened her. She wished Hawk would reach out to her as a confidant. Listening was one of her strong suits, and so many of her clients confided their darkest secrets to her. I doubt that he trusts anyone. He has such a shield around him.
Cara wondered if she’d ever get to meet Hawk, the man, or would she only know Hawk, the sexy biker?
* * *
As Luke’s car disappeared down the street, Hawk slammed his fist against a customer’s car and kicked the tire while holding back the urge to destroy the Lexus. He couldn’t believe he’d seen her with that pansy asshole. Damn her! What the fuck was she doing playing kissy-face in the parking lot with that fuck?
Of course, she would be with Mr. Three-Piece Asshole. Hawk knew he was right—she thought he was beneath her. Oh, he was fine to grope in the confines of her office, behind closed doors, but in public—no way. She wouldn’t be seen with him because he wasn’t some high-bred fuck like the pansy-ass. Fuck her. Why was he even bothering with her?
And she left with that ass. That was the worst of it. She left him standing there while she drove off with the wimp-ass suit. She was probably going to have a polite fuck, and Hawk would bet the asshole’s polo shirt wouldn’t be wrinkled afterwards.
His temples throbbed and his chest tightened. She better not fuck that asshole. Once Hawk got her where she needed to be, he’d give her a good spanking for pissing him off and dissing him like that. But thinking about her firm, rounded ass, red with his handprint, was giving him a hard-on in the parking lot. Yep, she’s in my fuckin’ blood. He slammed his fist harder on the Lexus’ hood.
“Let’s go, man. Ain’t no bitch worth this shit,” Banger said.
“And it’s not good for business to ruin the customers’ cars while they’re eatin’,” Jax joked.
But Hawk wasn’t in a joking mood. He wanted to get drunk. Maybe he’d even fuck one of the club whores and show that stuc
k-up Cara he didn’t need her pussy—there was plenty of it around.
“Let’s go get some shots at the clubhouse,” Hawk said.
“Now you’re talkin’,” Banger agreed.
At the clubhouse, Hawk sat at the bar, downing shot after shot as he tried to force the image of Cara’s long legs wrapped around that pansy-ass’s waist out of his mind. Jerry leaned over the bar and said, “Hawk, there’s one hot slut checking you out.”
Hawk looked over in the direction Jerry was pointing, and for a split-second, he thought Cara was standing there. His heart raced and blood rushed to his temples as he stared at her. She was near the pool table, and her long, chestnut-colored hair shone under the colored lights. She wore a short skirt and a revealing top, her big tits falling out. One of the members, Billy, had his hand up her skirt, rubbing her pussy, and the way the slut squirmed and rotated her hips, Hawk knew Billy had his fingers inside her. As Billy’s hand moved faster, she parted her lips, clenching and moaning while staring straight at Hawk. Damn, that’s fuckin’ hot.
Facing the bar again, Hawk slammed his shot glass on the counter and Jerry filled it up. He loved the way whiskey warmed his core, which was the problem with Cara—she was his shot of whiskey. Ah, fuck.
As he staggered toward the staircase, the chestnut-haired bitch came up to him, putting her arms around him and kissing him deeply. She tasted like beer with lime. Looking at her through his unfocused eyes, Hawk kissed her back, playing with her tongue and squeezing her big tits. Melding herself into him, she rubbed his bulging cock. He closed his bloodshot eyes; in his mind, he was kissing Cara, stroking her tits, rubbing her wet mound.
“Cara, baby, I can’t wait to fuck you. I’ve been waitin’ too long for you,” he slurred.
“My name’s Jessica, sweetie.”
“What?” Hawk’s eyes opened, realizing this woman wasn’t his babe. “You’re not Cara.”
“I can be whoever you want me to be.” She pressed her lips to his again.
Hawk pried her off him. “Wrong girl. My mistake.”
He zigzagged toward the stairway and ascended to his room. Not bothering to take off his clothes, Hawk threw off his boots and flopped on his bed, and with images of wet pussies, big tits, and Cara’s beautiful green eyes dancing through his head, he fell asleep.
