by L. Wilder
A smirk crossed Clutch’s face as he whispered, “We’ll give it a couple of weeks or so.”
“Clutch!” Liv warned.
“I’m just kiddin’, babe. Well, kind of.”
Diesel chuckled as he said, “The club’s gonna be over-run by babies before it’s all said and done.”
“Yeah, seems that way.” Clutch agreed.
“I better get my girl home,” Diesel announced. “Looks like we have some catching up to do.”
I gave him a scornful look. “Umm … what?”
“Don’t worry, angel. We’ll just be practicing for now.”
Ignoring him, I turned to Liv and Clutch and said, “If you guys need anything, just let us know. And congratulations. Casey is a beautiful little girl.”
“Thanks, Ellie,” Liv replied. As she pointed to Diesel, she said, “Keep that one in line.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Just as we were walking out, Clutch called out to Diesel. “Hey. I forgot to tell ya. Cotton got the word from Gus. Everything with the route went as planned.”
“I never had any doubt.” Diesel smiled as he followed me out the door.
It was late by the time we got home, so after a quick dinner of sandwiches and chips, we showered and went straight to bed. It had been a long day, but unlike Diesel, I wasn’t sleepy. I rolled over and stared at him, lying there looking so peaceful, and I just couldn’t help myself. I inched closer to him and started trailing light kisses along the curve of his neck while my hand slowly roamed across his chest. When my fingers reached his lower abdomen, his eyes crept open. “Whatcha got on your mind, angel?”
“I was just thinking about what you said earlier.”
“And what was that?”
I continued to nip and suck along his neck and shoulder as I mumbled, “I don’t know … Something about us practicing ...”
“Is that right?”
“Umm-hmm.”
I lowered my mouth to Diesel’s, and as soon as my lips touched his, his hands reached for the back of my neck. His fingers tangled tightly in my hair as he took control of the kiss. My hips automatically rocked against him, feeling him thicken beneath me while he devoured my mouth. The desire I felt for him was running rampant as he moved his hands to the hem of my t-shirt and pulled it over my head. He let out a deep breath as he took my bare breasts in his hands, holding them firmly while he lowered his mouth to my sensitive flesh. I loved the feel of his hands on my body—every touch, every flick of his tongue—sent me soaring to a new level of ecstasy. His erection throbbed against my thigh, and I was quickly becoming desperate to have him.
“We can practice any time you like, sweet angel. Any time you like.”
“Please, Scotty,” I pleaded.
A hiss escaped his lips as I reached down, slipping my hand into his boxers. Having my fingers wrapped around him, Diesel’s breathing became short and strained; in a matter of seconds, I was flipped around and deposited flat on my back with the weight of his body pressed against mine. His mouth dropped to my ear, the warmth of his breath sent chills down my spine when he growled, “Mine.”
I loved the feeling of being claimed by him—I was his and he was mine. Suddenly, my panties were sliding along my skin as he eased them down my legs. A deep moan rumbled through his chest as he gazed down upon my naked body. My pulse quickened, and a devilish grin spread across his face. My entire body trembled with need as he settled his hips between my legs. Lowering his face to my neck, the bristles of his beard started tickling me as he licked and sucked along the contours of my body. Oh, how I loved this man. Heart and soul. I couldn’t get enough of him. My hands dropped to his waist, pulling at his boxers, and seconds later they were on the floor next to his abandoned t-shirt. Even after months of being with him, I still marveled at just how handsome he really was. Every inch of him was like some kind of dream, and just like the first time, I wanted him more than I thought possible.
“I love you, Scotty.”
“And I love you, too, angel.”
I wound my hands around his neck, pulling him closer and kissed him. It was gentle and slow, then I looked at him and whispered, “Mine.”
“Fuck,” he groaned when his hand slipped between us. Each movement was meticulous and slow, causing me to writhe beneath him while his thumb brushed back and forth. I was unable to control the sounds of my pleasure as he delved deeper inside me, not recognizing my own voice echoing through the room. I was completely lost in his touch, loving the feel of his calloused hands against my body. The bed creaked as I arched my back, feeling the muscles in my abdomen tighten with my impending release. My breath caught in my throat as waves of pleasure rushed through me, and just when I thought I couldn’t take it a moment longer, he grazed his erection against my entrance. I gasped loudly as he thrust deep inside me, giving me all he had in one smooth stroke.
His hands reached up, fisting my hair as he drove into me again. Slow and demanding. His teeth raked over my nipples, and I cried out wanting more. I loved how he felt pressed against my bare skin, buried deep inside me. I never wanted to leave that spot. I couldn’t get enough of him, and something told me that was how it would always be with him. I’d found him—the missing piece of my soul, and I would hold on to him, cherish him, and love him, until the day I took my last breath.
Epilogue
Diesel
Two Years Later
I was barely coming to, when I heard Ellie scrounging around in the kitchen. I rolled over to check the time and saw that it was too early for her to be up, much less making that kind of racket. I threw the covers back and pulled myself out of bed, heading into the kitchen to see what she was up to. When I walked in, she’d already started putting up the decorations, and the stove was covered with pots and pans. She was as busy as a fucking bee and had no clue I’d even walked into the room. “It’s six thirty in the morning, Ellie. What in the hell are you doing up so early?”
Without turning to look at me, she answered, “Everyone will be here in a few hours.”
“They won’t be here until one.”
“I know! That doesn’t give me much time.” She fussed about.
Today was not only our Clayton’s first birthday, it would also be the first time that we were having everyone to the house. While my brothers have been over to hang out, and her parents, too, they’d never all been here at the same time, and she wanted everything to be perfect. Knowing that she was nervous, I walked over to her and pulled her into my arms. “Everything’ll be great, angel.”
“I know, but I can’t help myself. I just want it all to be perfect.”
“And it will be, but you don’t have to do this all by yourself.” I kissed her on the temple and said, “Let me take a quick shower, and I’ll come help you get things ready.”
“Okay.” When I started towards the bedroom, she called, “Don’t forget that you need to go get the cake.”
“I know.”
“And ice!”
“I know.”
“And you might wanna grab some more cups and plates while you’re out.”
“Just make me a list. I’ll get whatever we need.”
“Thanks, babe.”
“It’s what I do, angel.” I chuckled as I went to take my shower. By the time I was done, Clayton was awake, and Ellie had him sitting in his highchair eating Cheerios. As I walked over to them, it still amazed me how much our son looked like his mother. They shared the same dark hair and eyes, and when that boy smiled, he could light up an entire room. “Good morning, pot-squally. Your momma wake you up, too?”
He answered with a stream of incoherent babble, but I understood him perfectly, or at least, I pretended that I did. “I know, but keep in mind, she’s doing all this for you.”
He smiled, and Cheerio goo came oozing out of his mouth. I kissed him on the top of the head and grabbed my keys off the counter. “You got my list?”
As she handed me a slip of paper, she answered, “Yep. Th
is should do it.”
“I was only gone for twenty minutes, and my list has doubled.”
“And?” She smirked.
I leaned towards her and kissed her. “It’s a good thing I love you like I do.”
“Ditto.” She winked. “Thanks for helping me.”
“Not a problem. You know that.” As I headed for the door, I said, “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Leave the balloons for me. I don’t want you climbing up on that ladder.”
“Okay.”
I could tell from the sound of her voice that she wasn’t listening, so I warned, “I mean it, Ellie.”
“Okay. Fine. I’ll wait.”
I ran all the errands for Ellie, and when I finally made it back to the house, I walked in and found Two Bit standing on a ladder. He was hanging up the balloons while Zoe helped Ellie set the tables. Carrying the bags of ice over to the freezer, I said, “Hey, Two Bit. How’s it going?”
“Better now.” He got down off the ladder and handed me a handful of balloons. “Here ya go, buddy.”
“Seth,” Zoe complained.
“I didn’t say I wasn’t gonna help.”
I looked over to Ellie and said, “I thought you were going to wait until I got back before we did the balloons.”
“I said I wouldn’t get on the ladder.” She chuckled. “You didn’t say anything about Two Bit.”
Zoe walked over and gave me a wink. “She got you there, big brother.”
“Don’t encourage her, Zo.”
“I can’t help myself.” She walked over to Clayton and carefully lifted him out of the highchair. “I can’t believe my nephew is already one. How did that happen?”
“I can’t believe it myself. This year has flown by.” I walked over to them and as I looked down at my son, I asked, “So, when are you and Two Bit gonna get yourselves one of these?”
“It’s not like we can run down to the supermarket and pick one up.” She huffed.
“I know where they come from, Zo. Trust me.” I chuckled.
“Well, if you must know…” She whispered and continued, “We’ve been trying for a while, and I think it finally paid off … but you can’t tell anyone, Scotty.”
“Wait. Are you telling me you’re pregnant?”
I was still trying to get over the shock of her news when I heard Two Bit fuss from across the room. “I thought we weren’t gonna tell anyone yet.”
“We’re not. I’m just telling Scotty!” She argued ... weakly.
“Tell him what?” Ellie asked.
“See what you just started,” Two Bit grumbled. “It’s on you when the whole club knows before sundown.”
Shaking her head, Zoe turned to me and Ellie and said, “It’s really early, and we don’t want to jinx anything.”
“We totally understand. Your secret is safe with us,” Ellie assured her as she gave her a hug. “Congratulations though, that’s great news! Promise you’ll let me know if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Ellie. Now, what else do you need me to do?”
Once we finished putting up the decorations, I took a step back to check it all out, and the house looked amazing. As soon as we tied the knot, Ellie had taken it upon herself to fix the place up. She even hung some of the paintings she’d done in her art class, and we’d bought a few new pieces of furniture. I was glad we finally had a chance to show it all off, and I knew she felt the same. Once my brothers and their families arrived, Ellie started to relax. The girls gathered around in the kitchen, making themselves busy as they gossiped about this or that, while the guys piled up in the living room with the kids. I smiled as I watched Cotton try to manage controlling the remote with his twin daughters in his lap. I had to give the man credit. He was determined as he flipped the channels to find the football game we were all dying to watch, and when he finally found it, the sounds of my heckling brothers filled the room.
When her folks finally arrived, Ellie left her spot in the kitchen and rushed over to them, giving them each a hug. “I’m so glad you both could come.”
“We wouldn’t miss it.” As her father stepped out of the way, he revealed a man standing behind him. Even with the distraction of his fatigues, I could see the family resemblance and knew right away it was her brother. “We brought a little surprise for our grandson.”
Ellie rushed through the door and wrapped her arms around him, screeching, “Joseph!”
“Hey, sis.” He lifted her off the ground as he hugged her tightly. “Damn, it’s good to see you.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“We wanted it to be a surprise.”
As he put her down, Ellie looked up at him and asked, “How long will you be home?”
“At least a few months. Maybe more. Just gotta wait and see how things play out,” he explained. “Now, where’s my nephew?”
“He’s inside. Come on in and meet everyone.”
After all the introductions were made, everyone started to settle in. As I’d hoped, Ellie’s family fit right in, and with all the food everyone had brought, it didn’t take long for the guys to start fixing their plates. While the kids ran amok, we stood around talking and eating and simply enjoying each other’s company. It was a perfect day, and as I looked around the room at my brothers and their families, and Ellie with our son on her lap, I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful sight. Family. That’s what it’d always be about.
The End
More from the Satan’s Fury Memphis Charter coming soon!
Continue to read the first chapter of Damaged Goods, the first book in a new Satan’s Fury Crossover Series!
Damaged Goods: The Redemption Series #1 (Prologue and First Chapter)
The Redemption Series
Sneak Peek
L Wilder
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Prologue
Nitro
Damaged people can be dangerous. They’ve been through hell and lived to tell about it. The pain made them stronger, more resilient, and nothing stands in their way. I’m not ashamed to say I’m damaged. I know I’m not the man that I once was. I look in the mirror, and I don’t even recognize the reflection staring back at me. I no longer see a kid with hopes and dreams, living life with blinders on. He’s been replaced by a man who’s been broken into a shattered mess, but by the grit of his own teeth managed to pull himself back together. We all have that moment—that single moment that changes our lives forever. For some, it was something as simple as a few thoughtless words that struck a chord deep inside them, while for others, it was some traumatic event or tragedy that altered their course in a way they’d never have expected. For me, there’s no question about what changed me. It was one terrible, unsuspecting night when fate reared its ugly head. Since then, my life has never been the same. I faced the pain, the anger, and the heartache. I survived it, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have my regrets. I should’ve known. I should’ve paid more attention, but I missed the warning signs and it cost me everything.
Ten Years Earlier
I parked my truck at the front gate of my dad’s warehouse, then turned to my girl and smiled. “Sit tight. I’ll be right back.”
“If you’re not back out here in five minutes, I’m coming in. That last glass of tea got me. I’ve really gotta go.” Lainey smiled at me, making my chest swell with pride. I still couldn’t believe she was mine. My girl was a natural beauty with her light brown hair and olive colored skin. Her eyes were as dark as the night sky, and she had a smile that could melt the coldest of hearts. She had a spirit that was wild like a mustang and a will to match. I was crazy about her, and the fact that she was carrying my kid only made me love her more. I can still remember the day I first saw Lila Grace on that ultrasound screen, all balled up with her little thumb in her mouth. Just one look at her and I thought my heart would explode right there on the spot. She was perfect, and I couldn’t wait to h
old her in my arms. Thankfully, I wouldn’t have to wait long. Lainey’s due date was only a few weeks away, which was good since our daughter was sitting right on top of her bladder.
“Three minutes tops,” I promised as I leaned towards her and placed my hand on her round belly. After giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, I got out and rushed towards the warehouse.
“Hey, Nathan!”
I stopped and turned back towards the truck. She was leaning out the window with a goofy grin on her face. “Yeah?”
“Just wanted to let you know you’ve got a great ass.”
“Is that right?”
“Yep. One of the best.”
“Glad you’re enjoying the view.”
I shook my head and laughed as I continued inside. My father had sent a message that he needed me, and since business was never discussed over the phone, I had to go to him to see what he wanted. When I got to his office, I expected to find him at his desk going over inventory, but instead, I found Murray, his longtime partner, sitting in his spot. He was like a second father to me, a confidant whenever I needed one, and he added a bit of much needed humor to the place. Without looking up, he motioned towards the back of the building. “Your father’s out back.”
“Good to see you, too.”
“Um hmm,” he grumbled. “We’re gonna need you tomorrow.”
“Figured that.” Since it was the end of the month and everyone wanted their shipments out on the first, we’d have to bust our asses to get everything done on time. It was nothing new, though. It was always like that with our kind of inventory. Dealing with illegal guns meant we were always on high alert—hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. “I’ll be here first thing.”
“Bring coffee.”
“Why? I thought that was Nick’s job.”
“Had to let him go.”
Knowing that meant I’d be stuck doing all the grunt work they didn’t want to do, I groaned, “Damn it. Why’d you go and do that?”
