Circle of Death

by Colleen Masters

  “Say it again,” he snarls, reaching around my body and finding my clit once more.

  “Come for me,” I beg, crying out as he rolls his fingers over that hard nub, “Please—”

  But my words cut off as Devlin slams into me one last time. I feel him come in a rushing surge, filling up every inch of me. His body arches into mine as his bliss gushes into my eager body. For the longest moment, we’re suspended together in rapturous silence, totally outside of time. It’s absolutely perfect.

  We collapse into each other, our bodies folding into a tangle of limbs. Devlin pulls me against his heaving chest, and I rest my cheek there, grinning blissfully. After a spell, we emerge from the depths of our happy exhaustion, coming up for air.

  “I don’t know how the hell you’re still single, knowing how to treat a woman like that,” I laugh, “I’m surprised anyone’s let you get away.”

  “Honestly,” he says, his voice heavy with wonder, “That’s not...how things usually go for me.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask, peering up at him in the low light.

  “Well,” he begins, letting out a long, spent sigh, “I don’t know how to say this without sounding like a raging, arrogant dick...”

  “Oh, this should be good,” I laugh, propping myself up on an elbow, “Do go on.”

  “I guess that usually, when I’m sleeping with a girl, I’m pretty wrapped up in getting off, having a good time, and moving on...” Devlin says, totally unembarrassed.

  “Ah. A real ‘hit ‘em and quit ‘em’ kind of guy...” I tease, “I’m practically swooning.”

  “Oh, give me a fucking break,” he laughs, swinging his powerful body on top of mine and pinning me lightly against the bed. “When you sleep with a guy, are you seriously more invested in his pleasure than your own? Or are you just trying to get something out of it and be on your merry way?”

  I cock my head thoughtfully. Devlin does make a good point. In the past, my sexual experiences have basically amounted to me twiddling my thumbs while some clumsy college guy wiggled around on top of me for a while, hoping to get off against all odds. It was always kind of a chore to be slogged through. Like flossing, only somehow even less sexy.

  “I guess I’ve never really felt...connected to someone before. Not like this,” I say softly, tracing a finger along Devlin’s sharp, stubbly jaw.

  “That makes two of us, babe,” he grins, nipping playfully at my hand. “When I’m with you, I’m like a man possessed. I have to have all of you. Give you my all. All at once. And I have to know you’re there with me too.”

  “I was. I am,” I assure him, “I don’t quite understand it, but giving myself over to you like that...it makes me feel so strong. So secure.”

  “So. You liked that,” he smiles, running a hand along my side, “You liked being told what to do?”

  “I really did,” I tell him, biting my lip, “Does that make me some kind of weirdo, or—?”

  “It makes you sexy as hell,” Devlin tells me, resolutely. “I can’t tell you how hot it was, having you hang on every word. Getting down on all fucking fours for me. Having a woman like you put that much faith in me, it makes me feel like a better man, Logan.”

  “And knowing I can inspire that in you, the way you just take me,” I tell him, my voice soft, “It makes me feel like the woman I’ve always wanted to be.”

  “Well...lucky us,” Devlin says, his voice quieter than I’ve ever heard it.

  He brings his lips to mine, kissing me gently, carefully.

  Don’t get ahead of yourself, Farrah, I chide myself.

  For the second night running, I fall asleep wrapped up in Devlin Vile’s arms. And though I’ve had more than a bit to drink, I know I’ll remember every second of this evening. Something’s changing in me, something fundamental. I don’t know what that change will mean, but I do know that I intend to welcome it with open arms.

  Especially if it leads to more nights like this one.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The next thirty-six hours roll by in a sweeping rush of unimaginable erotic bliss. Devlin and I simply refuse to leave our suite of rooms. We have each other so many times, in so many ways, that the day blurs together into a ceaseless spree of lovemaking. I’ve already flung myself into Devlin’s more than capable hands, after all. I might as well see all the wonderful things those hands can do to me.

  We move seamlessly between impassioned fucking, peaceful slumber, and the occasional round of excellent room service. All the while, we help ourselves to Devlin’s personal stash of fine whiskey. Even when we try and pause to take a shower and get ourselves cleaned up, I end up pinned to the tiles, riding Devlin’s perfect, sudsy body until we both lose it.

  All told, it’s the couple days of my entire life.

  It’s not until the morning of my third full day on the island that we deign to emerge from our love nest. Truth be told, we’re both jonesing for a little sunlight—and it might do the Circle of Death good to know that their president is still alive and kicking.

  We shrug into some casual clothes, grinning like lunatics all the while. I choose a plain white tee and short cutoff jeans for the day, while Devlin opts for black denim pants and a flannel top. We’ve decided to spend the day exploring the vast island, so we each pull on some hiking boots, as well.

  Over a room service breakfast of thickly buttered toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, and rich coffee, I study my brand new bedfellow with reverent wonder. We share the window seat, looking out over the gorgeous Atlantic and sprawling forest all around. Devlin feels me staring at him and widens his eyes in mock horror.

  “What?” he asks, “Do I have some egg on my face or something?”

  “No,” I laugh, pouring another dash of cream into my coffee. “I just...can’t quite believe this is happening to me, is all.”

  “Why’s that?” he asks, “Other than the fact that our meet-cute story was a little, you know, unconventional.”

  “I guess I’m just not used to being this...happy,” I admit, raising my eyes to his. “I’ve spent a lot of my life being angry. About Juliet, about how my parents raised us, about never feeling good enough for anyone. But these last few days, it’s crazy—I just really can’t bring myself to care about any of that.”

  “That’s what a good lay will do for you,” Devlin winks, taking a big bite of toast.

  “I’m serious Dev,” I laugh, shoving him playfully. “I think you’re actually good for me, you crazy sonofabitch.”

  “Glad you think so,” he replies, laying a hand on my knee, “because I’m starting to suspect that you’re the best fucking thing that’s ever happened to me. But don’t let it go to your head or anything, babe. It could just be this delicious goddamn bacon talking.”

  “I’m sure that’s it,” I smile, gathering my hair into a high ponytail. “What do you say, want to hit the road?”

  “Sure,” Dev replies, “Just let me get my shit together.”

  I pull my knees into my chest, watching absentmindedly as Devlin gathers his supplies for our day of hiking. He chucks a few things into a battered old knapsack and crosses to the bedroom safe, punching in the code and pulling it open. I raise an eyebrow behind his back. What valuables does he intend to bring on our little trek? But my stomach flips on itself when I see what Devlin produces from the safe.

  “Wh-what is that?” I ask, though I know full well.

  Devlin glances down at the handgun he’s pulled from the safe. He tucks it into the back of his jeans, looking up at me quizzically. “It’s my piece,” he says nonchalantly. “Just in case.”

  “In case of what?” I ask, “You gonna try and take down a bear or something while we’re out and about?”

  “You gotta problem with me carrying a gun?” Devlin asks, annoyance coloring his voice. “Because it’s not exactly negotiable for me, Logan.”

  “Is that so,” I say flatly, crossing my arms.

  “You bet your ass it’s so,” he says heatedly, “I�
��m not without my enemies, babe. Walking around unarmed is not an option for me.”

  “That makes strolling through the woods with you a bit less appealing, I have to admit,” I tell him honestly.

  “Seriously?” he scoffs, rather unkindly.

  “Am I not allowed to be concerned about the fact that you’re lugging around a killing machine?” I press.

  “What you’re not allowed to do is get all freaked out the second you catch the slightest glimpse of my actual life,” he shoots back. “You’re meeting me on my fucking vacation, Logan. This place, The Club, this is a departure for me and the guys. The real MC life isn’t about room service and spa days. It’s rough, and it’s ugly, and it’s not for the faint of heart.”

  “Is that what you think I am?” I ask, hurt by his harsh words, “Faint of heart?”

  “You tell me,” He says, his jaw set, “Are you gonna run away scared the second shit gets real around me?”

  “I...I don’t...” I stammer. Honestly, I haven’t even thought about what I’ll do when this week is up. When I get the chance to go back to Boston, to my real life and my new job. I can’t imagine turning and walking away from Devlin...but I certainly can’t imagine hopping on his Harley and driving off into the sunset, either.

  “Shit,” Devlin says, shoving a hand through his black hair. “This is a lot for you right now. Me barking at you isn’t going to help.”

  “It’s fine,” I assure him, hugging my knees. “This whole thing is just...it’s so new. And so huge. I just need a little time to figure out what I think about it all. What I feel.”

  “Yeah. Sure,” Devlin says, his smile tight and not entirely convincing. “You know what? Let’s just not deal with the big, important talk right now. It’s too early in the day for that emotional shit. Let’s just get out into the fresh air, and forget about it for now.”

  “Sounds good to me,” I reply, hurrying to gather my own things. I hope he can’t sense the little streak of tension creeping through my body in the wake of our heated words. But now that the question is out in the open, I don’t know if I’ll be able to put it out of mind. Because in a few short days, I’ll really have to make a decision—do I stay, or do I go?

  The salty, pine-laced air does do wonders for my spirit, it turns out. Devlin and I slip out of The Club’s heavy front doors and head out into the forest together. In a matter of minutes, it’s like civilization itself has ceased to exist. The only evidence of human life out here in the woods is the ever-present eye of The Club’s watchtower. Apart from that, we’re all alone.

  I draw deep, fresh breaths into my lungs, letting the vigorous hike sooth my troubled mind. These past couple of days, I’ve been so wrapped up in the overpowering marvel that is Devlin Vile that I’ve put my real life totally out of mind. But seeing Devlin with that gun brought all of my obligations and responsibilities racing back into my brain. I’m only out here on this rock to gather information about The Club, and Devlin and his brothers for my story. This whole time, I’ve been nothing but a dirty spy, working on an angle for my FootSoldier piece. Guilt and self-loathing snake through my mind as we trek further into the woods. How will I ever be able to write a word about Devlin, the Circle of Death MC, or even The Club after everything that’s happened this week? How will I be able to skip away and resume my real life?

  And if I’m honest with myself...do I really want to?

  The sound of raised, raucous voices distracts me from my musings. Up ahead, Devlin’s turned his face toward the noise, holding up a hand to me. I stop in my tracks, watching as his brow clouds over. In a heartbeat, his body has gone rigid and alert, his every muscle tensed. He’s ready for a fight, I realize. And instead of wanting to flee, I find myself strangely entranced by his transformation. I want to be at his side to see what happens next, even jump into the fray, if he needs me. I’d do anything for Devlin, I realize.

  Now there’s a scary fucking thought, right there.

  Just as it looks as though Devlin’s going to spring into action, the sound of Packer’s signature booming laugh rings out through the forest. At once, Devlin and I relax. He takes my hand and leads me off the trail, straight toward the boisterous voices. We step out of the forest and find ourselves standing on a low, rocky beach. And there before us, in all its glory, is the rest of the Circle of Death.

  “What are you fuckers doing, having a beach party without us?” Devlin roars, feigning outrage as we stroll into his brothers’ midst.

  “There you are!” Packer howls from the surf. “We thought you’d run off in the night together or something.”

  “We sure did,” Juliet says, peering around her husband’s bulking body. I feel my sister studying me intently, and blush at once. I’m sure she can see exactly what Devlin and I have been getting up to this whole time. But oddly enough, it doesn’t look as though she disapproves.

  “You’re just in time for some grub,” Xan calls from the sunny rock he’s colonized.

  “Brutus has burgers and dogs on the grill,” Leon adds, passing Lobo another beer from the cooler.

  “Where have you two kids been, anyway?” Otis asks, from his place overseeing Brutus at the grill.

  “Come on. Not in front of the kids,” Devlin grins, nodding toward Chip and Dean. The two youngest members of the MC are tossing a football in the surf, but abandon their game immediately in the face of Devlin’s ribbing.

  “You want a beer, sweetheart?” Lobo calls to me. I’m surprised to be addressed so directly. Up until now, the brothers have communicated with me almost strictly through Devlin.

  “I’d love one,” I say, happily accepting a bottle.

  “Hey Dev, let me grab your ear for a second,” Packer says, strolling up to us from the surf.

  Packer leads Devlin off a few paces, and I turn to survey the happy scene. I’m less than surprised to find Juliet waiting by my side, hands planted on bikini-clad hips. I can’t help but glance down at her perfectly toned body a bit enviously as she stands there. Mom was always quick to praise Juliet’s slender form over my more curvy body. That old jealousy is hard to unlearn. My sister cocks her head at me, a half-smile twisting her lips.

  “I’m not gonna ask you for a play-by-play,” she tells me bluntly, wringing out her long black hair. “You blush too easily anyway. But I’d be a failure of a big sister if I didn’t ask...how was it?”

  “More incredible than I could possibly tell you,” I say, amazed at how easy it is to talk to my sister.

  “That’s good,” she grins, giving me a playful slap on the ass, “You seem like you could use a good fuck. Or twenty. Plus, it’s been two whole nights and he’s still keeping you around. You must really rate, little sis. I guess incredible bedroom skills run in the family.”

  “Don’t tell Mom,” I wink.

  Juliet laughs, imagining our mother’s horror if she could see her girls now. For the first time since I arrived on this island and very literally ran into my sister, I feel like we’re on the same team again. Or at least, we’re getting there.

  “Looks like I underestimated you, Logan,” Juliet says, slipping an arm around my waist. “You’d think I’d know better than that by now. Think you can forgive me?”

  “That’s kind of a tall order,” I remind her.

  “Well. Consider it, anyway,” she says, her smile fading just a shade. “Let’s just enjoy the day, huh?”

  Luckily, I decided to wear a swimsuit under my hiking clothes, just in case Devlin and I fancied a dip at some point. I lift off my outer layers, ditching my shirt and shorts on the rocky shore. I’m a little nervous at first to be so scantily clad among Dev’s MC brothers, but they don’t seem the least bit roused by me. I guess Devlin’s message that I’m spoken for got through loud and clear. Besides, the guys have plenty of sweet butts along to entertain them—not to mention the other girls who work on the island itself. They’re certainly not wanting for female attention.

  Juliet laces her fingers through mine and tugs me tow
ard the water. We dash into the surf hand-in-hand, crying out as the cold water washes over us. In this moment, it’s almost like nothing has happened between us. Like we’re the same little girls who played on the beach on family vacations to Cape Cod. It occurs to me, splashing around in the sea with Juliet, that we could be those little girls again. Or at least the grown-up versions. She’s all but invited me back into her life, all I need to do is accept her invitation.

  I could have my sister back. And all I’d have to do is embrace this family she’s found. I can’t say that it’s not a tempting offer.

  As I burst up out of the cool water, I spot Devlin and Packer striding back onto the rocky beach. Concern tugs at my nerves as I spot the cloudy look on Dev’s face. Juliet frowns as she notices Packer’s similarly unsettled countenance. My sister and I exchange glances and immediately pick our way toward the shore. It’s amazing, how quickly our borderline telepathy has returned. But that’s sisterhood, I guess.

  “What’s up, baby?” Juliet says to Packer, placing a hand on his broad shoulder.

  “Bit of lingering business that just doesn’t want to die,” Packer says, unsmiling.

  “Everything OK, though?” I ask Devlin, taking his hand in mine.

  He looks down at me with troubled eyes. But even through his upset, I can see how grateful he is to have me beside him.

  “Nothing you need to worry about,” he assures me, laying an arm across my bare shoulders. “I promise.”

  “Ok then,” I say, not entirely convinced by his assurances. “If you say so.”

  “Why don’t we grab some food,” Devlin goes on, changing the subject hard. “I’m fucking starving.”

  I allow him to take the lead, steering us toward the grill for some much-needed provisions. Whatever it is that Packer had to tell Devlin, I can tell that it’s weighing heavily on him. I watch him closely as he grabs us a couple of burgers and claims a wide rock for us to dine on.

  “Are you sure you’re all right?” I ask him in a lowered voice, as I settle down beside him.