“Yeah, uh-huh.” She raised one eyebrow. Clever bitch.
For the first time, I turned my gaze to Talon, and I wished I hadn't. He was leaning against the sink in jeans and—yes ladies, that was it! I got a full view of his stunning, bare...um, let’s say feet. His chest wasn't that bad either. But what topped it off, what made me feel the need to fan my private area, again, was the tribal tattoo that covered his left shoulder, and then another tattoo on his right set of ribs of a fierce looking dragon. Maybe I could haul him by the hair of his head to bed and have my wicked way with him.
No. That wasn't an option.
I had hoped to wake with no one to deal with, so then I'd have the chance to make a clean getaway. Of course, that would have been after I called work and explained that soon there'd be a madman after me, so I wouldn't be able to work any longer because I'd be running for my life. Then I’d ask them if they wanted me to drop off some coffee and donuts on the way.
But no, yet another plan foiled. Stupid, caring people.
I sighed and stepped out from around the corner before I had a puddle of drool at my feet from admiring Talon too long. “Morning all,” I said cheerfully and looked out the kitchen windows. “Oh, poop. It's drizzling outside.” Damn it, my stuff was going to get wet when transferring it from the house to the car.
“Can't be helped,” I added. “So, what's everyone doing today?” I asked while pouring myself a freshly brewed cup of coffee from the maker beside the sink.
“Either you done her last night, and done her good, or she's high,” Deanna said.
I wish. I could go for a bit of both, actually.
“Deanna, hun. Whatever do you mean?” I turned to look at her.
“Zee, sweet chops, I know you.”
“Huh? What's that got to do with anything? A-a-a-anyway, thanks for staying last night, but, uh, y'all better get going. Isn't there work to get to? And I gotta get ready for mine. So, uh, thanks.”
“And there we have our answer,” Deanna said smugly, leaning back in her chair.
“What?” Talon asked. I still hadn't looked at him; my eyes stayed on Deanna or the floor.
“She wants us gone, so she has the chance to run and hide with her head up her ass.”
I stiffened, my cup half raised to my lips. Stuff Deanna and her knowing me too well.
Talon's head fell back, and he let out a deep rumble of laughter, sending goose bumps all over my body.
He shook his head and then looked at me...no, I should've said glared at me. Hoo-boy.
He pushed away from the sink and slowly, sensually, moved toward me. He took my cup from my hands and placed it on the bench behind me. Which gave me a chance to take a good whiff of him, causing my body to respond. My hands went to his chest; his went to my waist. I looked up at him.
“Let's get one thing straight right now, kitten,” I nodded. “I won't have you runnin'. This is your fuckin' place; nothing is runnin' you off. I won't fuckin' let it. You get me, woman?” This time I shook my head. He sighed. “Even though my dick ain't been in you—yet, I still classed you mine once my mouth touched yours. You have my protection, kitten. My boys’ protection. Nothin' is gonna fuckin' happen to you, Maya, or Hell Mouth there.”
“Thanks,” Deanna grinned.
Wow! What was I supposed to say to that? Was he like this for all his hoochy mamas? Not that I was his H.M. We hadn't even slept together.
Still, no matter how his words made me feel, the urge to run and hide was higher than anything else. Not for my sake, but for Maya's, and to keep those who wanted to protect me safe.
“No.”
His eyebrows rose. “What?” he growled.
“I can't let you do that. I won't have any harm come to you and your boys because of me; and you can't ask that of them either. Promise, I'm really not that good of a lay.”
He leaned his forehead against mine. “For fuck’s sake, kitten.” I could hear the smile in his voice.
“Too damned considerate,” Deanna grumbled.
Griz stood abruptly. We all watched him leave the room and heard the front door slam seconds later.
“What's his problem?” Deanna asked.
“Nothin',” Talon said. He kissed me quickly—way too quick if you ask me—stepped back and said, “We got shit to talk about. Finish your coffee, babe, and then both of you get your asses in the living room.” With that, he stalked out, down the hall, and—no doubt—into my room to use my en-suite.
“I'm upset with you, bitch,” Deanna said, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Yeah, well, I'm upset with you too, whore.” I glared. “Why'd ya have to tell them what I was going to do?”
“'Cause I see the way P.P. man looks at you, and I knew he'd put a stop to your fucked up plan.” She got up from the table and came over. Deanna gently took my face between both her hands, holding my gaze with the strength of her own. “I can't lose you, woman. I'd be in a fuckin' mental home if it weren't for you. I need you to listen to me; you need to stay and fight. You have people willing to fight at your side with you, or for you for that fuckin' matter. Don't run. Please, please, don't run.” Tears formed in her eyes. I had never seen Deanna like this in all the years I'd known her.
I grabbed her in a tight hug, fighting my own tears. “Honey, you know that's not me. I can't have people fight my own battles.”
“We want to. If that's what'll keep you and Maya here, we will.”
“I know you do. I know, buttercup. And Talon, maybe. God only knows why. But Talon's boys?” I shook my head on her shoulder. “You know what dickface was like; if one of Talon's boys got hurt, or worse, because of me, I couldn't live with myself.”
“Lounge, now,” Talon's gruff voice ordered.
We pulled apart, wiping our faces, and saw Talon leaning against the doorframe. He had wet hair, jeans, and a black tee. How long had he been there? I wasn't sure. But God almighty, he looked good enough to eat.
“I hate you,” Deanna said to me before she left the room.
“And I hate you, too.” I smiled at her back as I followed her into the lounge. Finally, I knew she understood.
We both sat on my couch. Talon grabbed a kitchen chair, dragging it in to sit opposite us across the wooden chest. The front door opened, scaring the crap out of me, nearly causing me to jump in Deanna's lap. Griz stomped back in, but it didn't stop there; about ten other bikers walked in behind him. They made themselves comfortable standing or sitting where they could, while Deanna and I stared on with slack jaws.
What's going on?
“Man, I wish to fuck I'd had a shower now before this,” Deanna grunted. I giggled. I would have felt the same way if I was still in the clothes I had on yesterday, and the massive bed hair she had going on. Still, she looked beautiful. The nut sucker.
“Kitten. Start explaining.” It wasn't a question, it was an order.
“What? Now?”
He rolled his eyes. “Yes, now.”
I looked around the room wondering why Talon wanted me to tell my sob story in front of so many badass bikers. However, I knew if I kicked up a stink, I'd end up regretting it, in one way or another.
“Kitten,” Talon growled.
“All right, all right. Gosh, you are damned bossy; has anyone ever told you that?”
“All the time,” he said. His boys laughed.
“Yeah, well, it'll only work on me so many times; in the end, you'll have no chance to get in my knickers.”
He smirked. The guys laughed again.
“I'm willing to think otherwise.” He grinned; then it disappeared. “We don't have all day, babe. Some of us have to work.”
I sat up straighter. “Speaking of which, I gotta call my boss. She'll be wondering where I am.”
“Already done,” Deanna said. I turned to her in time to see her shrug. “I said you wouldn't be in. She asked why; I told her to mind her own fuckin' business.”
My hand went to my mouth. “You didn't.”
“She did,” Griz said.
“Jesus, Deanna—” I went to tell her off good and proper, but there was a knock on the door.
“Better not be another fuckin' suitor,” Talon said through clenched teeth.
Pick was the closest to the door and opened it. I saw Warden's tall form over everyone’s heads. “I'm after Zara,” Warden barked.
“Who the fuck are you?” Pick asked.
Talon stood, his fists clenched at his sides. I could read the look he was giving me: 'not another fuckin' one.'
“None of your damned business.” Warden took a step forward and leaned down to get in Pick's face.
I stood quickly and waved over everyone. “Hey, Warden. Over here.” Out the corner of my mouth, I whispered to Talon, “I work with him.”
Warden stalked through the many bikers, came right up to me, and pulled me into a tight hug. I patted his back, and then waved Talon off when I saw him approach behind us.
“Get ya fuckin' hands off her,” Talon growled.
Warden being Warden, how nothing phased him because he was big enough to take on all of them, simply ignored Talon. He pulled back from the hug and gently grabbed my face between his palms, then said, “Looks like we made it here in time.”
“We?”
“Violet's parking the car. She saw all the bikers comin' in and she told me to get my ass in here. Lucky I did. Now, what the hell's going on?”
“Shit!” Talon hissed. “You need to back the fuck up or we're gonna have problems.”
Warden stiffened. He removed his hands, turned, and placed me directly behind him. He was trying to protect me. Awww, isn't that sweet? My co-worker likes me and we haven’t even been working together long.
The front door swung open, and there stood Violet in a fighting stance, holding a gun to the room. She kinda looked funny, not that I would tell her that. She's tiny; not only short, but she’s slim, with long black hair that was always in a ponytail, and dark green eyes. However she looked, I still knew not to mess with her. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if she shot someone and thought nothing of it.
“Who do I have to shoot first?”
See.
“Vi,” Talon said with a low voice. On hearing it, Violet stiffened; her eyes found him through the mountain of bikers (one that I wouldn't mind climbing) and she straightened.
“Brother,” she sneered her contempt.
What was that? Did I hear right? I think I went deaf there for a second and my mind made up its own word.
Violet walked into the room, kicked the door closed, holstered her gun, and strutted her way over to stand next to Warden.
“Really, Talon. I didn't expect you here. Zara's not your type—”
“That's what I said,” I added.
“She's too good for you.”
“Well, I don't know about that,” I shrugged.
“What the fuck're you doing here?” Deanna asked from still sitting on the couch.
By all means, Deanna, don't get up. There's going to be one hell of a fight. All. Because. Of. Me. But just sit back and enjoy the show, Deanna. Want some popcorn?
“Well, Barbie, I knew something was up when you and your foul mouth called. I know Zara isn't one to not call herself. So I had to pop in and find out what.”
“And you thought it had something to do with me, right?” Talon glared.
“Couldn't be too careful. Imagine my surprise when Zara walked into my office one day asking for a job, and I just happened to see her address on her resumé. I knew it was fate; it was up to me to keep an eye on her—from the likes of you. But look-see here; you've already got your claws into her. Now tell me what's going on?”
“Violet—” I started.
“Kitten,” Talon warned. I looked over to him; he shook his head and held his hand outstretched. “Come 'ere.”
Damn, this was a test. Like those ones people put on dogs when one master stood on one side of the room and the other on the opposite side and they both called the dog to see which one was the favorite master. Actually, you know what? That was a bad example. I was not the dog in this scenario.
But I did feel I had to choose, and my gut, head, and heart only had one answer.
I stepped around Warden and made my way to Talon. I placed my hand in his; he pulled me tightly against his side with a smirk on his lips.
I punched him in the side. “Don't go all Alpha on me and be a smartass. Violet, Warden, you may have different opinions of Talon, but he ain't all that bad. And now just finding out you're his sister, I'm sure you've got some stories to tell me.” I leaned forward and whispered, “I look forward to hearing them and getting some dirt on him.
“And sure he's as bossy as a shithead sometimes, but you've gotta look at his good side as well. Okay, it may be hard to find, and you have to really squint your eyes to see it, but it's there and I kinda like it.”
The room burst out laughing. Talon gripped my waist, so I looked up at him. He was smiling as he ran his knuckles down my cheek, and then proceeded to kiss me in front of everyone. There were some hoots and hollers.
His took his lips away from mine and I think I complained a bit, but then he whispered, “You'll pay for that shithead comment, kitten. And next time, do not say this crap in front of my boys. I'm a badass motherfucker.”
He straightened and announced to the room. “Let’s get this shit sorted.”
“We're staying,” Violet said.
Talon gave her a chin lift and continued, “Kitten, sit down and start explaining...” Talon's phone rang. He answered it, and whatever he heard on the other end made his smile turn upside-down and he growled deep, “Bring the fucker in.”
Chapter Five
A few seconds later, the front door opened and the young cookie-liking biker walked in, closely followed by Blue. I was shocked to see Blue was restraining a reluctant, dark, and handsome stranger.
“Blue?” I asked. Talon pulled me closer; both his arms wrapped around my waist.
Deanna stood up from the couch. “What’s going on now? I don't mind the entertainment, but it's startin' to get a bit much.” She turned her concerned eyes to me. I shook my head. This was as surprising to me as it was to her.
“Who the fuck are you and why are you hounding around this house?” Talon asked the shocked-looking guy.
That said guy gasped, “Holy Mother Mary, I've hit the payload. No fucking wonder he deserted me to come here. The bastard. Where is he? I'm going to cut off his penis.”
Blue shoved the guy hard, and he stumbled forward. It was obvious to everyone he wasn't a danger. Besides the fact that if he did—which I doubted—try anything, the house was already full of mean-looking people who’d take him down. But it was also a sense that he wouldn’t have the heart to hurt anyone.
He straightened, fixed his clothes on his lean body, turned to Blue, and glared. “Well, really. I like a bit of roughness, but only in bed, honey.”
Blue snapped, “Fuck off.”
I giggled; I couldn't help it. Blue turned a fierce glare on me, but my giggle also brought the attention of our guest.
“Well, spank me. You must be Zara.” He smiled.
My eyes widened. Talon stepped in front of me and said, “You do not speak to her or look at her, until you tell me who the fuck you are.”
“Don't get you knickers in a bunch, love muffin.” He looked over Talon's shoulder to me. “He is lickably-‘licious, sweetheart.”
“I think I love this guy,” Deanna said.
He faced Deanna. “Thanks, doll, aren't you gorgeous too. I'm sure the feeling will be mutual.”
“Fuck.” Talon made a beeline for the guy, who started backing up quickly.
“Whoa, hold up, Hercules. I'm just making friends here.”
“Tell me who the fuck you are or my fist—”
“Julian?” The room turned to see a startled Mattie.
Talon stopped his pursuit and stalked back to me. His arms wound around my middle again.
“Hell, I think I just soiled myself.” Julian sighed.
“What are you doing here?” Mattie asked.
“Who is he?” Talon glared at Mattie.
“A...a friend.”
“Seriously, dickface? You forgot the boy in front of that friend. Or is it because you've found your sister and a house full of Chippendales that I'm suddenly a memory?”
Mattie, with an outstretched hand, said, “No, no. It's nothing like that.”
“Whatever,” Julian harrumphed, crossed his arms over his chest, and ignored my brother’s gaze.
“Oh, this is exciting.” I smiled and wiggled my way out of Talon's hold; I walked over to Julian. “It's so nice to meet you.” I hugged him. “Mattie only got here last night. I had a little breakdown, but I'm sure if that hadn't happened he would have told me all about you.”
“Well, aren't you just beautiful? Thank you, precious, and I'm so sorry for your loss. I understand Mattie wanting to find you and tell you himself, but to leave me behind? Nope.” He shook his head. “That just doesn't jive with me.” He leaned in and whispered, “I think he was worried how you’d take to him being gay.” He stood straighter and smiled. “But you're handling it just fine and dandy. Now tell me, cupcake, how in God's name have you got a house full of orgasmic men?”
I grinned and pointed to Talon. “That one thinks he has some claim on me because he stuck his tongue in my mouth yesterday. He's their head honcho.”
“Fuck me.” Talon looked to the ceiling.
“I'll take you up on that, Iron Man,” Julian said with a flutter of his eyelashes.
“Julian!” Mattie gasped. “Sorry! He’s sorry, he didn’t mean it.”
“Christ, enough. What the hell am I thinkin'?” Talon asked.
I put my hands on my hips and glared at him. “I certainly don't know. But, I can easily fix that and leave.”
“Say or think that one more time, I'll take you to bed and fuck some sense into you.”
Julian squeaked beside me. “He sounds serious.”
I looked at Julian and rolled my eyes. “He probably is.”
“Everyone shut it. We need this shit sorted.”
Born to Ride Page 55
