by Lilly Atlas
Striker spared a second to admire how level headed Lila was, particularly during a crisis. He gave her a swift kiss on the mouth, smiled at her usual embarrassed blush, and turned to Marcie. “Hey, Marce—” he began.
Hook, who must have guessed where this was going, spoke to his wife at the same time. “Baby, I’m all right. I need you to wait outside for a bit while I talk to the guys, okay?”
Marcie, tears still tracking down her pretty face, looked like she wanted to protest, but she nodded and turned to Lila. “Take good care of him, please.”
Lila gave her a quick hug. “Of course I will.”
Marcie turned back to Hook with a stern voice. “Don’t be a hero, tell her when it hurts.”
Hook chuckled then clutched his side as though the movement was too much. “Ow, oh fuck, you know me too well, gorgeous.”
Jester threw an arm across Marcie’s shoulders, and propelled her out into the hallway, while Lila got right to work. She dug around in the massive first aid kit until she found some gloves and a pair of scissors.
“Okay, Hook, sorry we had to meet this way but I’m Lila, MC doctor extraordinaire.” She winked at him as she sat on the edge of the bed. The effortless way she connected with her patients and put them at ease never failed to impress Striker. “I’m guessing it would be quite painful for us to try and take your shirt off over your head, so I’m going to cut it down the middle to get a better look at you. While I’m doing that I want you to tell me what happened.”
Striker met Hook’s gaze, and gave him a quick nod to let him know it was okay to speak openly in front of Lila.
Hook spoke while she cut down the front of his shirt. “I finished up business early, and I got back into town about an hour and a half ago. Hadn’t said anything to Marce yet. I was going to surprise her. Anyway, I stopped at—oh shit that hurts, Doc.” He grimaced when Lila prodded around his ribs.
“Sorry, I’ll try to be more gentle. Keep talking, it will help distract you.”
“I went into that biker gear store at the edge of town to grab something for Marce. Got jumped on the way out. There were three of them, Grimms for sure. Beat the fucking hell out of me.”
Lila scooted up toward the head of the bed to examine Hook’s face. Striker observed, taking it all in and thinking of what this meant for their plans.
“What did they hit you with?” Lila asked Hook as she felt around his skull. “Hold on, as you talk I’m just going to move your arms and legs around, let me know if anything hurts.”
“Everything hurts, Doc,” he said with a groan as she shifted on the edge of the bed. “They hit me with fists mostly until one of them knocked me down, then they kicked me with their boots. One of them did pistol whip me which is probably why my face looks so good.”
Striker pushed away from his spot by the wall. He walked over, and crouched down by the bed. “What made them stop?”
“Group of guys walking by started shouting about calling the cops. They split pretty quick after that. Somehow, I managed to ride back here without wrecking.”
Between the attack on Lila yesterday, and Hook’s assault today, Jackal had clearly lost all control over his club. He never would have authorized these sloppy attacks in broad daylight with witnesses. It was only a matter of time before Snake was in control, if he wasn’t already. The club needed more information so they could plan an intelligent move.
***
Lila stood and removed her gloves, staring down at Hook. He really did look awful. It was as bad a beating as she’d ever treated, and she trained in a city ER. She looked over at Striker as she tossed her gloves in a nearby trashcan. His face was a closed mask, revealing no emotion, but he had to be infuriated. From what Marcie told her, he and Hook were close; this would hit him hard. She smiled at him, hoping to provide him some reassurance.
After he gifted her with a wink, she returned her attention to Hook. “I’m pretty sure you have a few broken ribs, and that slash on your side will need to be stitched up. You left out the part where they sliced you with a knife. Can you hold this gauze to your side? If you can’t hold it with enough pressure, Striker can do it.”
“Nah, I got it.” Hook placed his hand over the mound of gauze Lila pressed to the wound in his side.
“Luckily, I don’t think you have any facial fractures, but you could use a few stitches there too. I can handle all that here. What I can’t do is see inside to know if you have any internal bleeding or know with any certainty what is or isn’t broken.”
Hook had closed his eyes, but he nodded, indicating he heard her. Striker moved closer while she spoke, and now had his hand on her lower back where he rubbed in small circles. Lila wasn’t sure if it was for her or himself, but it comforted all the same. “I’m guessing I’m wasting my breath, but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t recommend you go to the hospital for some tests.”
Hook didn’t bother to open his eyes. “Nah, I’m good, Doc. Just sew me up and give me enough whisky to knock me out. I’ll be fine.”
Her medical kit rested on the floor. Lila bent down and rummaged through the contents, searching for what she needed to numb, clean, and close his wounds. She pulled out a vile of lidocaine, new gloves, and syringe. With a quick and competent hand, she drew the medication into the syringe and turned back to Hook. One full syringe was plenty to deaden the skin around the lacerations on his face and side.
“That first part I can do,” she said after she injected him. Hook’s only reaction was a small flinch each time the needle pierced his skin. “No way I’m doing the second. This will take about five minutes to kick in, and then I’ll close you up. I want us all to stay here tonight so I can keep an eye on you. If something happens, and you start crashing, you’re going to the hospital if I have to drape you over the back of a bike and take you myself. Understood?”
The corner of Hook’s mouth that was still recognizable lifted, and the eye that wasn’t swollen shut popped opened to peer at Striker. “She’s feisty, brother.”
“A little too feisty I think. I may have to do something about that, find a way to keep her in line.” He took advantage of Lila’s preoccupation with her supply kit, reached over, and gave her a sharp crack on the ass.
“Ouch!” she yelped and jumped up at the same time Hook laughed then groaned.
“Oh, shit, man, don’t make me laugh. You might kill me.”
“Striker! I’m working here, you can’t do that now.” Lila huffed feeling her face flame. She wasn’t sure she would ever get used to his public displays, as she was always concerned with what others thought of her actions. Probably came from constantly having to be aware of the media and public eye while she was growing up.
“This ain’t work baby, it’s family drama. If I can’t discipline my woman in front of my family how are they gonna know I’m doing my job?” He crossed his strong arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes at her in what she guessed was supposed to be an intimidating posture, but the smirk on his face gave away the fact that he teased her.
She’d physically moved across the country to escape the shadow and watchful eyes of her family, now it was time to break some of the mental holds as well. Why shouldn’t she be playful and affectionate with him in public? Besides, it wasn’t really public; it was family, as Striker said. She was now part of this group of overtly sexual men who, even in a friendly way, always seemed to be touching the women they were around. Time to put on her metaphorical big girl panties and give it a try.
She turned her gaze on him, and lowered her eyes seductively. With two steps forward she pressed her soft body against his rock hard one. She wound her arms around his back, and trailed her fingertips down the soft leather of his cut until she reached his firm, denim encased backside. Then Lila slid her hands into the pockets of his jeans and enjoyed the feel of his firm ass in her hands. “And what exactly am I supposed to do to make sure you behave as I’d like?”
As he grew hard against her stomach, she had to admit she felt a little
smug. This man had obviously been with a lot of women, and if Brandi was any indication, they were all young, hot, and probably did things she never even heard of. It made her feel powerful to know she could elicit an instant reaction from this experienced man with just a touch.
He stared at her in mild surprise, his blue eyes hooded with desire. “Baby you can punish me any way you like, anytime you see fit. In fact—” He tossed a glance in Hook’s direction before playfully tugging her toward the door. “It doesn’t look like he’s bleeding too much anymore. We’ll be back in a bit, brother.”
“Hey, man, no need to leave, I’m not going to be moving too well for a bit here. Least you could do is put on a good show for me, keep me entertained.”
Striker raised an eyebrow at her and gave her a sexy grin. “What do you say, baby? I’m game if you are.”
Were they crazy? There was no way she was going to have sex with Striker while Hook watched, and he was married for crying out loud. She was about to tell him she might never sleep with him again when she realized they were teasing her. She’d been bested, though she had a sneaking suspicion if she was all for it, Striker wouldn’t turn her down.
“Ok you win,” she conceded. “I shouldn’t try to one up the masters. Hook should be numb by now. Let me get to work so he can rest.”
Chapter Nineteen
Ninety minutes and thirty-eight stitches later, Hook dozed with Marcie curled up to his uninjured side. Lila didn’t think Marcie was actually asleep, but her eyes were closed so she took a minute to study the couple unnoticed.
They were good together. She could tell the connection they shared was solid and deep just by watching them interact for a few minutes. When Hook’s face didn’t resemble a punching bag, Lila imagined they made quite a striking couple. What drew her eye to them though, was the peace they seemed to find in each other. For the couple, the day was wrought with drama and stress, yet just being in each other’s presence seemed to steady each of them. Witnessing their closeness had Lila smiling despite the tension of the past few hours.
She sensed when Striker approached her from behind, and grinned as he enfolded her in a tight hug. Lila marveled at how it felt to be enveloped in his strength—safe, protected, and just a little bit restless. The warmth of his mouth pressed against the tender skin of her neck, and she rested back against him. Her eyes fluttered closed while a tingle of desire made its way through her system. Unable to prevent it, a soft hum of contentment escaped her lips.
More kisses were pressed to her neck, and she wanted to sink into Striker and forget about danger, rival clubs and anything negative. Striker’s lips moved to her ear, and he spoke in a low whisper. “We okay to leave them for a while?”
Lila shivered at the tickle his mouth evoked where it brushed her ear. She nodded. “I told Marcie I’d come back in an hour or so to check on Hook. I made sure she knows what signs of an emergency to look for.”
“Then let’s go upstairs, and we can rest a bit in my room.” Striker snaked an arm around her waist, and led her out into the hallway.
It was still early in the afternoon, and the clubhouse was mostly empty. Striker warned her it would get pretty crazy at Gumby’s birthday party, which was planned for Friday night, and she was curious to see this place in action, curious and a bit anxious. Lila wasn’t worried anything would happen to her, there was no way Striker would allow that, however, she was nervous to see if she could hack it. But there was no point in worrying about it now, she’d know soon enough.
As they reached the stairs, Striker moved his hand from her waist to interlock it with hers. She held on tight and enjoyed the way he seemed to always want to be physically connected to her. Neither spoke on the way to his room, and Lila wondered what was going through his mind. When they arrived at the room, he unlocked the door, and guided her through before him.
The room was simple, but a comfortable size. In the far corner, a queen-sized bed rested along the wall, with a night table and lamp adjacent. Across the room, a small dresser was pushed against the opposite wall. To her left was the entrance to his personal bathroom, the best feature in her opinion. Posters and pictures of various bikes covered the walls. A fair portion of them included scantily clad women draped over those bikes.
Lila barely had time to take it all in when she heard the lock on the door snick in place behind her. Striker grabbed her around her waist and spun her to face him. Reversing their positions, he backed her against the door and claimed her mouth. She melted, and sighed in pleasure when his tongue found hers. For a long time, he kissed her deeply, stroking his hands along her arms, and up farther until they framed her face.
The kiss was drugging, and Lila lost herself in the passion of it. Surprisingly, Striker kept his hands on her face, and a few inches of space between their bodies. This encounter felt more emotionally charged than sexual. After a few minutes Striker eased away, his large hands still framing her face. Ice blue eyes bored into hers, and she was helpless to do anything but stare at him.
“Dr. Emerson, I think you’re fucking amazing.”
Lila couldn’t prevent the thrill that bubbled up at Striker’s sincere words. He was so handsome standing there, gazing at her like she really was amazing. Unsure of what to say she silently stared back at him.
“There’s a lot we have to talk about, but I need to get one thing clear first,” Striker said, his expression taking on a serious air.
“What’s that?”
“Tell me what Brandi said to you.”
Oh that. She’d forgotten about Brandi when the excitement with Hook started, and now wished they could just let it go.
“She alluded to you and her being together, quite recently.” Lila stared down at her shoes hoping he’d accept her explanation, and wouldn’t pursue it further. Her feet looked tiny in her girly sandals compared to his clunky riding boots. Strange thing to notice at the moment, but it made her feel feminine.
“Babe.” There was a warning quality to his voice, one that told her he wasn’t buying her half-baked explanation.
Lila wanted to sink through the floor. “It’s embarrassing for me to say. Look we only just got together so if what she said is true, it’s not even any of my business.”
“Lila, do I have to go ask Marcie to tell me?”
“No. No! God, that would be even more embarrassing. I’ll tell you.” She blushed and closed her eyes, unable to look at him as she repeated Brandi’s words. “Okay, she said she still had beard burn on her thighs from you. Happy?”
When he didn’t say anything for a time, Lila’s stomach twisted. . He hadn’t moved away, his body was still intimately pressed up against hers. But she wondered what was brewing in his mind, and cracked one eye open.
“She fucking said that?” He looked furious. His jaw ticked, nostrils flared, and his hands tightened on her body.
The other eye flew open. “She did. You can ask Marcie if you want. I’d never make something like that up.”
“Oh no, baby, I believe you. I knew she was a bitch. I just didn’t realize she was also so stupid.”
Lila snorted at that.
“I fucked her once.”
She grimaced at his blunt words and wished they were talking about anything else. Lila struggled a bit in attempt to put some distance between them, but he just gripped her shoulders tighter and forced her to look at him.
“No, babe, we’re going to have this conversation so it can be over and done, and we never have to visit it again. I fucked her once, six months ago. I had and continue to have no interest in a second go around.”
Lila remained silent, but she raised her eyes to search his, finding truth in his words.
“I’m thirty-six Lila, I’ve lived fast and wild for a long time, but I know how to tell when I have something important. Yes, this is new, but you’re in my head in a way I don’t think I’ve ever experienced. You are not just another fuck to me. And while whatever this is lasts, I will not screw around on you.”
<
br /> “Striker,” she whispered, emotion thickened her voice.
He placed a finger across her lips to quiet her. His words weren’t flowery or poetic; they were raw and real, just like the man. But they were romantic in a sense; their sincerity made them so.
Lila knew he was asking her to trust him, to trust in their connection, and trust that he wouldn’t hurt her. She did trust him, completely, and needed him to know that. What better way to let him know she had complete faith in him, than to show him?
Lila drew his finger into her mouth and lightly raked her teeth across the pad at the tip, before swirling her tongue around it and sucking lightly. His eyes darkened and smoldered with instant desire, and his impressive erection grew between them, pressing against her stomach. Her provocative act wasn’t only affecting him; her nipples pebbled against the satin of her bra. The soft material abraded the sensitive points and made her hungry for more.
Emboldened by Striker’s obvious arousal, Lila released his finger, and slid her palms slowly up his chest, under the leather of his cut. With a gentle push, she nudged him backward until his legs bumped the side of the bed. Her hands trembled slightly as she glided them back down to unbutton his jeans. She gave him a sexy half smile and inched the zipper down, slowly so as not to injure the bulge straining to burst free.
“What are you doin’, babe?” he asked as her hands slipped into his jeans and around to his ass, working the fabric over his hips and down his legs.
Lila didn’t answer. She took the time to maneuver his black boxer briefs over his ass, and down to join the jeans around his ankles. The skin of his taught buttocks was warm and smooth beneath her greedy hands, and she wanted to linger, but had a more important prize in mind. Shifting her eyes downward, she admired the thick erection rising from between his powerful legs as though begging for her touch. Lila wrapped her hand around him and squeezed as she finally replied, “I’m trying to break that control you love so much.”
“Fuck,” he said on a groan. His eyelids dropped closed and he balled his hands into tight fists at his sides.
