“No plans of sinking into some pussy?” Snake pulls up a stool next to me. I love my brothers; I really do, but it has been a trying week. P found out she was pregnant this week. P is a platinum blonde thin as a rail, but good at her job. Too damned good. She and her husband, Troy, have been married for a few years now. They found each other in the Marine’s Special Forces unit. Troy is a big man, broad shoulders, and dark as hell. P calls him her personal dark chocolate. But he is a good man and treats his wife right. That’s all that matters, plus he gets the job done, one look at his ugly mug and the enemies run in the other direction.
But what made the week trying was not the pregnancy, it was the fucking neighbor. She had been living there for a couple of months or so, but every time I see her, my dick jumps. Not something I wanted or needed. I don’t do relationships, and she seems like the relationship type. Brown hair that hangs down her back, pretty smile and curves to die for. She is a real woman and should not be on my fucking radar. And yet, here I was sporting a chub thinking about my damned new neighbor. Damn, I needed to get something either tonight or tomorrow night. I had an idea of who I would be messaging, pulling my phone out. I pulled up the contact I was looking for and sent out a message. Setting my phone down, I got another beer and waited for the birthday girl to get here. I ran out and got a gift earlier, okay, a card with some cash in it. I didn’t do the shopping thing that was a woman’s thing. What the hell do you get your brothers’ wife anyways?
“Okay, everyone, get ready. Tank texted they are on their way.” Korey smiled as she kissed Brick. I was shocked that they weren’t expecting another addition to their family. Izzy was barely a year old, but just as Angie predicted, she had us all wrapped. That girl didn’t go without, she pointed we ran to get it for her. Damn, we were all toddler whipped bikers. I chuckled, thinking about the little girl. Soon she would be walking and talking I had a feeling that we would all be screwed.
Angie threw the doors open as we all yelled, “Surprise.” The poor woman burst into tears. Tank glared at us all as he consoled her. “Babe, it's okay. Baby, please don’t cry.” He kissed her head as Angie broke out into a smile. Tank has gone from big bad Sergeant At Arms to a big teddy bear. The transformation happened the instant he found out they were expecting.
“You did this for me?” Angie choked out with the biggest smile on her face.
“Damn straight we did, them hormones got you all choked up.” Korey winked at her.
“Please, Korey, at least I haven’t broken my man-yet,” Angie added in. The only idea I could come up with made me laugh-out-loud.
“Caught that did ya, Jag?” Angie quirked up an eyebrow at me.
“Yeah, pretty good one.” She gave me a fist bump as she made her way towards the bar. “Kelsey, darlin’ I need a screwdriver, hold the vodka.” Kelsey rolled her eyes with a smile and poured orange juice into a glass, topped it with a straw, and slid it to Angie. Tank was glaring at her, “What?”
“Woman, you didn’t just order a screwdriver.”
“Now, Tank, I told Kelsey to hold the vodka, so see just orange juice. You want to hit this?” Angie took a long sip and waggled her eyebrows at Tank. He shook his head, but stomped to her and kissed her. Before it got too heated, I got up and left the bar. Not going to sit there and watch when things get too damn passionate. If Angie’s pregnancy is anything like Korey’s, I don’t want to be anywhere near them. Poor Brick got his tally-wacker rubbed raw.
The party went off without a hitch, the cake was topped with a Challenger replica of the one she had before, she now had a damned hellcat. Sean got his wish; he got his little sister and Angie for an aunt. Life was good for that little boy. He deserved it. Hell, both of Korey's kids deserved better. Brick was a damned good father for those kids. All of us were on a mission to make up for what they missed out on. When they came, the only family they had was Blaze. Now they had more uncles than they could count.
“Uncle Jag, why do you look sad?” Sadie saddled next to me as she bumped my arm. That girl was the spitting image of her mother. Brick was going to have his hands full with her too. She wasn’t even in junior high yet, and already some of the boys at school were making goo-goo eyes at her.
“I didn’t know I did, kid.”
“Maybe you need to get you a woman.” I glared at her. “Well, I mean, Tank is happy and so is my dad, just thought maybe that was what, you know what, forget about it.” She went to walk away.
“Sadie, come here, girl.” She hung her head as she walked back.
“So, sorry, uncle Jag. I just want all you to be happy. You’re all my uncles now, so I just…”
“Sadie, thanks. I will think about it.” I smiled at her when she smiled and gave me a hug before she ran off to go and join the other kids and women in the conga line. Damn, it made my heart hurt, getting that hug. There were only a few people that I could withstand touch from. Sadie was one of the few people. Sadie and I have become close over the past two years. She is growing into a wonderful young lady. Smart, full of sass, like her mom and becoming a beauty. I warmed my heart that she wanted me to be happy. I just hated that she thought I needed a woman to be satisfied. She might be right. Looking over at my brothers, you could see the happiness radiating off them.
This life isn’t cut out for everyone. Especially women. The women of the club can be used against us. There were several to hurt an MC, but going through women and children, that was the way to hit the hardest. Not every MC used family, but there were some out there. The Grimm’s were one of those MC’s before we took out their old President. Things have been quiet with them. There has been talk that they were back. But we haven’t seen hide or hair of them. Hopefully, it stays like that for a while. I may like the excitement that getting debts paid and getting information out of people. But right now the quiet is nice.
Getting up, I made my way out of the clubhouse; it was time for me to go home. Checking my phone before I got on, Shawna claimed she couldn’t see me tomorrow. Throwing my leg over my bike and pocketing my phone, I made my way home. Hopefully, I can get a glimpse of my neighbor.
Chapter 3
Chloe
Mrs. Stevens is a stunner. Short with dark auburn hair and perfect green eyes. There is no comparison between the two of us. She was outgoing, where I was standoffish. I didn’t need to talk to people to be happy. That was just the kind of person I was. “Chloe, so glad that you allowed my class to come today.” She glowed with her big smile.
“Not a problem, really. I am glad that you showed some interest, we are always looking to inform the public about what we do here at Healing Hearts Animal Shelter.”
“You know I got my cat, Sampson, from a shelter. Best decision I ever made. Even better that he loves my husband too.” She gave off a loud laugh. I was pretty sure there was more to the story.
“That is amazing. I love hearing success stories.” I tried to give her my best smile. I was panicking on the inside. Do I look like a business owner or just someone that has no idea what I am talking about?
Mrs. Stevens turned back to her class and made introductions. The kids said, ‘hello.’ I never really thought about having kids before. But watching the kids and seeing how their faces light up at the idea of seeing animals warms my heart. We made it to the dog area, and the squeal of the delight from the children brought a genuine smile to my lips. The tour only took an hour, and by the time we were finished, the children were loaded back on the bus, I was happier than I had ever been. Several parents took applications with the promise to be back.
“Well, it looks like you nailed it.” Trina gleams at me.
“Yeah, now time for some real work,” I tell her as I make my way back to the office. Going through the day in a daze and getting the PR done for the day. Helping with the animals, I am beaten.
The drive back home is uneventful, which is good. Pulling up to the driveway, there is a car parked on the street. I groan inwardly, and Vixen gives off a small whine. “I kn
ow, baby girl, I know.” Turning off the engine, I get out to face the man that I can’t stand and wish would just disappear off the planet.
“Chloe, you look ravishing.”
“Thomas, please go home.” I bite out at him. He may be handsome, but is not for me. This was my mother’s doing. Thinking I should take him up on his offer. Not happening, the man is ridiculous, always trying to find an in for the upper society crap that my mother is intent on keeping. I want nothing to do with it. I like living under the radar and keeping to myself. I love Redding, and I love my little house that I have and all that I have been able to accomplish. I could care less about what is happening in LA, and who the next and upcoming person is.
“But, Chloe, you and I could be good together…”
I don’t let him finish his tirade. “Thomas, we could not be good together, because I am not leaving Redding. I do not run in the same circles as you. I don’t care about LA and all of its glory, so please get in your car and leave.” I didn’t wait for a reply, I stomped to my house and slammed the front door and locked it.
“Fucking, asshole, douche nugget. Who does Thomas think he is? Coming to my house. My house! Thinking he can do this crap. Not going to happen. I don’t need him or anyone!” I yelled out into the empty house. I pulled out the Rum and made myself a drink while taking a couple of shots in the process. “Look at this Vixen; he has driven me to drink.” I downed the Rum and pineapple and started making another one.
After settling down on the patio furniture outback, I thought back to what started all of this in the first place. It was one night, one night, that I had too many drinks and let myself get caught up in the lust train. One night that I needed release after my father died. One night that I wanted to forget, that was all it was. I didn’t want a relationship. I just wanted a night that I didn’t hurt. If I had known that one night with Thomas would cause all the blow-back, I would have never done it. The sex was decent, but to be honest, my Rabbit did more for me than he did. Two weeks later and my mother found out what I did, and the shit hit the fan. Next thing I know, Thomas is asking me to marry him, and I shut him down. But not for good, he has been after me for two years now. Two long years of continually telling him no. How many no’s, does it take for Thomas to get it? I. Don’t. Want. Him. I never did. And now, well, it has been two long years since I have had any dick in my life. Yep, two long agonizing years. Sure I haven’t had a real relationship in a while, but having a few one-night stands here and there kept my va-jay-jay from drying up.
My phone rang, and I groaned inwardly. I thought about not answering the phone, but I knew better, downing my fourth drink and refilling it. Yes, I made a pitcher to keep the alcohol flowing. It was Friday anyway, so, what if I had a horrible hangover in the morning it would be worth it.
“What mother.” I clipped out with a possible slur.
“Chloe, why do you have to keep Thomas on the outside? Just get over your little fit and marry the man.” I have been nothing but pleasant to my mother for the past two years. I tried to understand that she might be hurting as well over my father. But enough was enough. I have told her for two years that I had no interest in Thomas, and she won’t stop. Taking a sip of my drink, I grimaced, realizing for this conversation, I needed more liquor. Pouring another shot into my glass, I stirred and thought about what I wanted to say to her.
Putting the phone on speakerphone, I got up and paced as I drank my liquid courage and began. “You know what mother; I have told you and him both for two years, two fucking years that I don’t want him. And no one has ever listened to me. Neither of you care what I want. What do you think that you can team up on me, and I will cave eventually? What do you get out of this, huh?” I was fuming and tired of the games. I didn’t want to play with them. I wanted to stay right where I was and do me. I finally felt a little free for the first time in two years. I refused to give it up just so my mother could get something out of it.
“Chloe Bowman, how can you talk to me like this? I am your mother, and I want what is best for you. Thomas would be a good husband-”
“That is where you are wrong,” I screamed at her. I was D-O-N-E, done with it all. “He would make a shit husband. You know what I want? I want a man, not a fake man who thinks because he has money that makes him a man. I want to be roughed up during sex, and I want to be able to lose myself to it. I don’t want some man humping away on top of me thinking that because he gets his that I got mine. That is exactly what Thomas is, a fucking taker, not a fucking giver. All this shit started over a fucking one-night stand. You say that I am delusional, but I say you both are delusional.” I yelled at the phone. It was late, so my neighbors were either in bed or out somewhere. I hoped.
“Chloe,” my mother softly spoke, it wasn’t a tone that meant she was soothing. It was the tone that let me know she was about to piss me off more. “Have you taken your meds today? Darling me and you both know that no man would want a woman like you. You have mental problems. You should count your lucky stars that Thomas shows any interest in you.”
In the morning, it would hurt deep inside. But right now, all it did was piss me off more. “Really, mother. Really you want to play that card. Well, I will tell you what you and Thomas can both go fuck yourselves. You were made for each other.” I yell back and end the phone call. Fuming I threw the phone into the pool and smiled as I watched it drown in the water. I felt the wetness on my cheeks and wiped at it angrily. She doesn’t get that right to make me cry over her words, even if they are correct.
“Um, I was just checking on you. I heard some yelling.” I groaned inwardly, trying to get my emotions in check. The voice was a deep baritone that made my toes tingle. Turning, I was hit with my personal fantasy standing in front of me. Vixen laid down at his feet and rolled over for him to give her a belly rub. Sitting next to him was a dog I had never seen before. He was a massive black American Pit Bull that was covered in scars and missing an ear. But his pit-bull smile was in place as he took me in.
“Sorry about that. Just some argument over the phone. It was nothing really.” I tried to smile, but I was pretty sure I failed at it.
“It sure as fuck didn’t sound like nothing.” I gave off a laugh and walked to my little chair and sat down. Blowing out a shaky breath and berating myself for letting my mother get under my skin and Thomas too. I hated that I let her have it, but she needed to hear the words that I have been keeping in for so damn long.
“Sorry, you had to hear that. I generally don’t make it a habit to yell at people.” I try to explain.
“Sounded like they deserved it. Though I have to give you credit, you made a pretty good argument over the whole sex issue.” Squeezing my eyes shut, I felt my face flame in embarrassment.
“Oh god, you heard that one, huh.” He let off a laugh that was deep and warmed me from the inside out. Did he have to not only be good looking but have a fantastic voice and an excellent chuckle that I wanted to hear more of?
“Please tell me that wasn’t your mother.” He asked in a severe tone. I looked up at him and laughed. His face was stern-looking with a beard on him that I wanted to feel between my thighs. He stood tall, at least at six-six. His arms bulged out of his blue shirt that looked like if he flexed it would rip in two. He had dark wash jeans that hugged his thighs and black biker boots that matched his ensemble. He looked every bit the bad boy wet dream. Hell, he was my wet dream.
“Yep, Savannah Bowman at her best. Maybe not the best mother, but she is all I have left.”
“You know what I think? I think you don’t need her.” He gave a small smile that pulled at his beard. That smile made my belly do summersaults.
“Yeah…” I didn’t know what to say to that. I mean, what would I say, I know, have known since I was a teen? The only person that ever supported me growing up was my father. And now that he is gone, what else do I have? Thirty is just around the corner, and I have spent the last ten years just living. That is how long ago my father pas
sed; he was so young on forty-three years young. I know it should seem that losing my father ten years ago should lessen the hurt. But the truth is time doesn’t always heal all wounds.
I looked down at vixen, who was now sitting next to the black dog staring at me with a doggy grin on her face. Maybe she needed a friend at home besides me. “Well, you seem to be okay, so we will be on our way.”
“Thanks,” I tell him without lifting my head up. I can feel a headache coming on, plus I am completely and totally mortified that he heard me screaming and yelling into the phone like a damned maniac. God, I hope that when I wake up, I don’t remember this. Vixen gave off a whine as they left. Calling her to me to I petted her head and gave her a look that I hoped conveyed how I felt too. I really didn’t want him to leave, but who was I to a man like that. A man like that could have whoever he wanted and whenever he wanted her. Damn, I needed something… maybe in the morning, I would call my best friend. Glancing at the pool, I groaned at my stupid decision of drowning my phone. Damn, it looks like I am going to the phone store in the morning.
Chapter 4
Chloe
My wish didn’t come true, I remembered everything from last night, there was no way I would be able to face my neighbor. No way at all, I could feel the tears threatening to roll, but I refused to let them. Mortified, that is the feeling that is running around in my gut and shame. Here I am almost thirty years old, and my mother is still trying to rule my life. My mother could just deal with her loss, or better yet, she could marry Thomas herself. I got my new phone and dialed my favorite number.
“Hey, baby doll.” The deep voice, on the other end, crooned in my ear.
“Hey, Zane. Hey, what are you doing tonight?”
“Let me see, oh wait, its Saturday. So that means I am working. Why you want to come to work with me?” I could hear the tease and excitement in his voice.
“I was kinda hoping you would offer.” Zane owned a club, and I felt like that was what I needed. Something to get me out of my funk.
Chasing Demons (Angels and Sinners Book 3) Page 2
