by Chiah Wilder
“Why would they do that?”
“I can guarantee they’re getting something for their efforts. That slime bag wouldn’t do anything for free.”
“You have to promise me that you’re going to stop right now. This isn’t make-believe. This guy and his gang are serious. He will kill you.”
“I have no doubts about that. Don’t worry; I don’t intend to be a martyr. I’ll call Jim at CBI and tell him about my not-so-friendly encounter with this Viper jerk.”
“You should tell your biker about this. He’ll make sure you don’t get hurt.”
Cara laughed dryly. “Hawk? He doesn’t give a shit. His case is over, and he’s history.”
“He’s not history. I’ve seen the way he acts around you and looks at you. I’ll bet he’s not ready to throw in the towel. You need to tell him what happened. You need his help.”
Cara wanted to call Hawk. Even though she made light of the encounter with Viper in front of Asher, she was damned scared—she didn’t want to draw attention from a ruthless group like the Nomads. She remembered those creeps who’d bought drinks for her and Sherrie at Rusty’s were wearing the Deadly Demons Nomads rocker on the back of their leather jackets, and they were gross.
Tired to the bone, she yearned to go home, curl up on the couch, and forget about bikers, especially Hawk. If she were to tell him about Viper, he’d laugh at her and tell her it wasn’t his problem. Why would he care? He didn’t have any feelings for her. She was nothing more than a good fuck. No doubt, the brothers at the club cheered and whistled when he’d told them he’d fucked his lawyer. I’m sure it made for good biker conversation.
She’d opened her heart to Hawk, and what a big, foolish mistake that had been. What could she say? He didn’t have a clue how to love a woman or have a real relationship, and even though she knew he was hardened, she stupidly let him get to her. She’d slipped up big-time. He didn’t give a shit about her, so no, she wouldn’t call him. Why should she? If he cared even an iota about her, he’d call her, but she bet she’d never hear from him again. So be it.
“Asher, after this next appointment, I’m going home. I’ve decided I’m done with all this biker crap. I’ll let Jim know what happened.”
“Good. I worry about you. I really think you should tell Hawk about this,” Asher said.
“No worries. I’m done with all of it. The old Cara is back.”
Staring at the phone, she sighed, picked it up, and dialed. After the third ring, she said, “Hi, Luke, this is Cara. Are you free for dinner tomorrow night? … You are? Great.”
Chapter Seventeen
The charity event was at the Palace Hotel. Built during the Silver Rush of 1893, the Palace was one of the oldest hotels in Colorado. Dignitaries and presidents had graced the lobby and hallways, and the hotel still held its charm, its glitz, and its opulence. It was the place where actors, musicians, politicians, and plain old rich folks flocked to during the thriving ski season or the bluegrass festival held every August. During off-season, the rich gentlemen and their much younger mistresses rented rooms to indulge in a bit of pleasure.
No matter how many times Cara came to this grand hotel, the atrium, with its stunning, Victorian stained glass and four-story crystal chandelier, impressed her. Passionate about history, the Palace Hotel, in its splendor, epitomized her love for the Victorian era.
Smiling at her, Luke slipped his arm around her waist. Handsome in his dark blue Armani suit, with his short, wavy brown hair, clean-shaven face, and his killer Neiman Marcus tie, Luke was the type of guy she should stick with. For the few weeks she had been pulled into Hawk’s seductive web, she had put Luke on the back burner, but since that was behind her, Cara had decided to give him a fighting chance. As far as boyfriends went, he checked off all the boxes, and her parents had been thrusting Luke in her face for the last two years.
“Hey, beautiful. Sorry I’m late.” He leaned in to kiss her, and she turned her head. His lips brushed her cheek and his jaw tightened. Crap, why did I do that? She had kissed Luke before, like the other night when they made out at Rocky Mountain Lake. Noticing his pursed lips and deep frown, Cara didn’t blame him for being perturbed with her. She wanted to embrace him wholeheartedly, but something was missing. Even when they were at the lake groping and kissing each other, she hadn’t felt anything spectacular, not like she had when Hawk kissed her.
Dammit. I need to stop thinking about him! Feeling guilty, she was aware she dated Luke in hopes that he’d make her forget about Hawk. She had to exorcize the biker from her mind and body, but it wasn’t working too well.
While scanning the lobby, Luke asked, “Is your dad here yet?”
“No. He’ll be here soon. We’re sitting at my parents’ table.”
“That’s fantastic.” He looked like he’d won the lottery—he was so kissing her dad’s ass.
Rolling her eyes, Cara feared it was going to be a very long night. Although she’d decided to give whatever she had with Luke a try, she longed to be alone—after all, she was busy with her career, and her clients took up so much of her time. She enjoyed hanging with her friends, working, and being on her own, but the nighttime was the hard part. When she was alone, Hawk invaded her thoughts and her body tingled in remembrance of their coupling.
Before Hawk collided with her world, she didn’t care about having a man in her life, or having a man even touch her. But then he’d busted in, all six feet, three inches of sex, excitement, and badass, and he turned her world upside-down by placing her on a slippery slope of want and need. Closing her eyes, Cara repeated her mantra, I’m with Luke, not Hawk. I’m with Luke. I loved Hawk’s lips on mine and the way his hands and tongue caressed me. I loved the way… Dammit! I’m with Luke. I’m with Luke. I’m with—
“Shouldn’t we go into the ballroom?” Luke interrupted her. “What’s the charity again?”
“It’s Boys Hope. They help at-risk kids stay off the streets and get into loving homes. They started in California and spread throughout several states. It’s something I believe in, which is why I volunteered to be on the board.”
“I wish you would have talked to me about it before you signed up. You know, you’re a very impetuous person.”
“What does that mean? And why would I talk to you about signing up for anything?”
“I meant that I hoped we were growing closer together and would discuss things with each other that could impact our careers.”
Cara looked quizzically at Luke. He continued, “You should have volunteered for something that had to do with the Historical Museum of Pinewood Springs. You like history, and it’s more appropriate. It looks better to be involved with those kinds of people, you know what I mean?”
“Charity is charity. I believe everyone deserves a chance at a better life. I’m grateful I had the opportunities I did, so why not try and help bring hope and chances to others?”
“You’re getting mad at me. I’m just saying that you have to grow up a little and drop the champion-for-the-underdog mentality. It’s time you understood that your dad wants you to be at his firm working with civilized people. The thought of you being in the same room with sweaty, over-sexed criminals is, well… Don’t take this the wrong way, but it’s repulsive.” He grimaced.
Cara glared at him. “I won’t take it the wrong way. What’s wrong here is me being with you.” She turned to leave.
He clasped her arm. “Please, let’s not ruin the night. Your parents are here.”
Cara sighed. “Yeah, let’s not let my dad know you’ve insulted and fucking pissed off his daughter.”
Luke’s eyes widened. “I never thought I’d hear that word come out of your mouth, especially at a nice event like this.”
“Been hanging out with too many of my clients.” Cara smirked. She turned and walked toward her parents with Luke at her heels. He is such a kiss-ass.
All the influential people from Pinewood Springs, and some of the surrounding towns, filled the ballroom
. At two hundred and fifty dollars a person, the event was a success.
Cara’s parents embraced their daughter. “You look lovely,” her mother said. Cara’s fuchsia, strapless cocktail dress complemented her gold-streaked hair and green eyes. The crystal beading gave the dress a subtle sheen. Cara looked both elegant and seductive, a combination that was not lost on Luke as he put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him. Her mother beamed at the gesture while her father waved to one of the district court judges. Annoyed, Cara’s shoulders slumped.
“Hello, Luke,” Cara’s father extended his hand toward him.
“Hello, sir. How are you, sir? Nice event, isn’t it, sir?” Luke gushed as he shook Mr. Minelli’s hand. Making a face, Cara caught her father’s eye, and his look acknowledged that there was nothing worse than a kiss-ass. As they both laughed, Luke, still clueless, joined in, making the duo laugh even harder.
The chiming bells signaled it was time to enter the ballroom and take their seats. At the table were Cara’s parents, she and Luke, and two other couples, the Hughes and the Fitzgeralds, who were old friends of the family. Cara admired the shimmering gold candles in their crystal holders and the red and yellow roses decorating elongated silver containers. Each table setting had a bud vase with a cluster of miniature roses, glittering gold napkin holders, and brilliant, gold-toned chargers. Cara marveled at how the whole room glittered, and it reminded her of a ball from one of her childhood storybooks. Now if I had my Prince Charming next to me, all would be good. She smiled to herself.
“Cara, how’s your practice going?” Mr. Hughes asked her.
“Interesting, as always.”
“Any good cases?”
“Well, I just finished a case with a biker who was my client.”
“Is it finally over?” Luke asked.
“That’s what I said. A lot of people think of the Insurgents as this scary biker club, but they can be quite nice.” Except for Hawk, who is an asshole, but is oh-so-hot.
“I can’t believe you.” Luke was not smiling.
“If I were choosy about my clients, I’d have none.” She laughed.
“Everyone deserves the right to be represented. They know a good attorney when they see one. They’re lucky Cara took their case on,” Cara’s dad said, beaming.
“Oh, of course, I know. They are lucky because Cara is the smartest and best lawyer I know. Every one of her clients should appreciate her. I know I do. I think—”
“Enough already, Luke. We get it—I’m wonderful.” She and her dad exchanged smiles.
As she talked with her parents and the other people at her table, Cara felt someone staring at her. She glanced around and saw nothing out of the ordinary, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was focusing on her. Swiveling around, Cara looked behind her and there he was, standing in the back of the room near the brass and cherry wood doors. Her heart skipped a few beats. What is Hawk doing here? Her mind couldn’t process Hawk being there, of all places.
Hawk’s eyes bored into her and she smiled weakly, nodding to him. He didn’t react, his blue eyes darkening as he continued staring. Why does he always play these badass games? Why doesn’t he come over here and say something, or if he doesn’t want to talk to me, then fine. Why in the hell is he just standing back there staring at me? And why is he here?
“What’s up, darling?” Luke whispered in her ear as his arm wrapped around her shoulder. “What are you looking at?”
As Luke pulled her to him, Cara thought she could hear Hawk’s feral growl as she saw his eyes turn to steel. Flustered, she moved away from Luke. “It’s nothing. I was looking for a friend of mine.” She turned around again and Hawk was gone. Had he been there? Did she imagine it? The whole thing was too weird.
During dinner, Annabel Logan, the chairwoman of the charity event, clinked her wine glass while she stood at the podium on a makeshift stage. It took many clinks to get the crowd quieted before she began her speech by thanking all the sponsors and people who made the event possible. Cara tuned her out while she scanned the room. No sign of Hawk. Was he stalking her or trying to scare her? Maybe she’d imagined him. Was she going crazy?
Her thoughts were cut off when she heard his name over the microphone in Annabel’s hand. “…a warm welcome to Hawk Benally.”
Cara’s head whipped forward as she watched Hawk’s imposing figure fill the stage. The microphone looked small in his large hand, and throughout the room, women gasped and gawked at the tall, muscular man at the podium. His physique commanded attention and respect, with his leather cut—the diamond 1% patch prominent—a gray shirt, blue jeans, and his leather biker boots. His hair, pulled in a ponytail, glistened under the bright stage lights while his blue eyes shone, his biceps flexing whenever he moved. Hawk was gorgeous.
A twinge throbbed between Cara’s legs; she so wanted him right then. How she wished Hawk’s arm, instead of Luke’s, was around her. The room grew smaller as she saw him right then and there, of all places. The room spun around her, her body thrilling at the sight of him. She needed him like an addict needed a fix.
As his eyes fixed on Cara, Hawk addressed the crowd. Several eyes turned toward her, and she blushed and squirmed in her chair.
“Isn’t he the asshole who accosted me in the parking lot?” Luke whispered.
“Yeah, he was a client of mine.”
“What in the fuck is he doing here? And why does he keep looking at you?”
“Not sure why he’s here. He’s probably glad to see a familiar face.”
“He doesn’t look like the type who would be intimidated by a crowd, or anything. He’s that outlaw biker, right? This is the reason you should give up working with your lowlife clients and come to your dad’s firm.”
“Don’t start with that ‘work in my dad’s law firm’ spiel again. And stop talking in my ear. I’m trying to hear what he’s saying.”
“Are you going to tell me—” Luke boomed.
“Shh,” the people at and around their table said.
Leaning close to her ear, Luke whispered, “I can’t believe you’re interested in this outlaw. What’s your problem, anyway?”
“I’m not interested in him. I’m just curious as to why he’s here at the podium,” Cara said, her eyes bright and fixed on Hawk’s.
“You know, your cousin Eric thinks this asshole is bad news, too. He said this biker’s club may be involved with the killings that have been going on for the last year.”
“I don’t give a damn what Eric or you think of Hawk. His club is not involved with the killings. I don’t want to talk about this. I’m trying to listen,” she said.
“How could you even look at him like you are with me next to you? He’s a lowlife, and I’m a successful attorney and a great catch. What the fuck is your problem?” he hissed.
Ignoring him, Cara watched Hawk as he gripped the podium. I know what those hands can do to my body. Her skin prickled as she remembered their lovemaking—dull, throbbing spasms pulsed deep in her core while she replayed Hawk’s tongue and fingers stroking every part of her. Shifting in her chair, her need for him at that moment was great. If only Luke knew what she was thinking. She smiled wickedly.
“I’m glad to be here tonight, and it’s because of this great charity that I’m able to address all of you. I am a product of Boys Hope. I found myself on the streets when I was thirteen years old, eating out of trashcans, sleeping in doorways, fighting off the creeps who prey on young, homeless kids. Before that, I bounced from relative to relative, and then to some foster homes. I’d had enough, so I took off. If it hadn’t been for Maddie Rendon, who actually gave a shit about me, I’d have wasted away on the streets. I’d be in prison instead of in front of all of you.
“Boys Hope gave me a safe place. It set me straight, got me back in school, and eventually living with a friend of mine and his family. Maddie Rendon stood by me during my journey from homelessness to home. She was the best.
“This is a g
ood charity, so support it. My MC helps by doing charity runs. Our next run is scheduled two weeks from this Saturday. Come out to Cooper’s Peak to give your support.” As Hawk paused and looked at all the faces in the room, he cleared his throat. “Seriously, I’d have been fucked but for this organization.” He turned toward Annabel, handing her the microphone.
A huge round of applause filled the ballroom, and people were getting on their feet. Cara sat speechless in her chair. She had no idea Hawk would ever open a part of him to a room full of strangers, but he did it for Boys Hope. He does have a soft spot, just like I suspected. Hearing him share the hardship of his childhood brought tears to her eyes. Her heart broke when she thought of the thirteen-year-old Hawk sleeping on the streets at night, scrounging to find something to eat, trying to survive when he should have been in school and playing sports. No wonder he was so damn hard. No wonder he didn’t trust anyone.
Hawk left the stage and people, mostly women, reached out to him, trying to hug him or shake his hand. It was like they needed to touch him, feel his muscled arms, and have a piece of him.
Out of the corner of her eye, Cara saw Hawk walking over to her table. Not wanting to engage in conversation with him, she pretended to be absorbed in the table’s discussion as she sipped her wine.
“You were marvelous,” one of the patrons gushed.
“Your story was so inspiring,” another woman squealed while checking out his crotch.
Nodding at them, Hawk gave a tight smile. Gripping Cara’s arm, he leaned down, his hot breath scorching her ear as he whispered, “We gotta talk.”
Gulping the rest of her wine, she stood up, pushing her chair back. “Excuse me, I’ll be right back.”
“Where are you going?” Luke asked. “I’m coming with you.”
Hawk threw him a menacing look and Luke sat back down, watching Hawk take his date through the crowd.
Hawk dragged Cara through the throng of people, and she barely kept up with him in her high heels. He didn’t stop until they entered a small room down the hall from the ballroom.
