A New Paige: Stained Souls MC - Book 2
Page 20
We walked in silent urgency up the two floors of my building. At the top of the stairs, I spun Paige around, pushing her against the wall between our doors. I snatched both of her small wrists in one of my hands, holding them above her head. She gasped for air and gazed up at me through those long lashes, violet-blue irises penetrating me. Her mouth parted, but her plump lips said nothing. I captured her bottom lip, sucking it into my mouth. My body closed any space between us. She moaned into my mouth, tilting her head back. I placed tiny kisses on her jaw down her neck. Each time my lips sucked on her skin earned me a breathy cry. When I got to her shoulder, I moved her jasmine-scented hair and bit the sensitive area between her neck and shoulder. She wiggled her body and moaned out, “Kai…”
My name on her lips, begging for me, had me stiffening uncomfortably. Letting go of her arms, I lifted her, holding that perfect ass as she wrapped her legs around my waist and ran her hands through my hair, pulling it as she brought her mouth to mine.
I pushed my hardness against her, rubbing up and down between her legs, her hips mirroring mine.
“Kai,” she begged, “let’s go inside.”
I kept her in place, walking the two feet to the door with her tiny body clinging to mine. She kissed and nipped at my neck. Her teeth sunk into my earlobe as she sucked it into her mouth, her warm breath driving me wild.
I kicked her door closed and beelined straight for the mattress. I lowered her down, her fuck-me eyes searing me.
“Are you sure?” I asked, tossing off my jacket and turning my full attention to the nervous anticipation that played across her face.
“I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.”
Heat flared in her eyes as she pushed back on the bed, opening her legs to me. All the innocence in her face was replaced with lust. My jeans were about to split open as I watched her run her fingers up her thighs, inviting me in.
I pulled her boots off and clasped both her ankles, yanking her flat on her back and down on the mattress. I hovered over her, removed my shirt, and reveled in the feel of Paige’s pink nails lightly tracing over my pecs and up my shoulders, a soft moan escaping her lips.
I leaned in, tasting her lips again. Her kisses were full of need and desire. I gripped her hair, pulling her head back. I moved from her mouth, sucking and biting her neck, running my tongue down her throat and between her beautiful tits. She moaned loudly as my hand reached between her legs to her drenched panties. I hooked my finger through the lace, pulling them down. She was so ready for me, she was silk between my fingers.
Paige reached out, unbuttoning my jeans, freeing me. Her hand was warm as she gripped me tightly, taking what she wanted.
“Kai, I need you. I need you now.”
“Tink, I don’t want to rush this.”
I kissed her again before I dipped my head down between her legs. Her body wept as I ran my tongue through her flesh. She tasted like paradise. Her body convulsed as she pulled my hair, screaming my name over and over. My tongue continued to tease her, bringing her to the edge, then I drove a finger inside her, propelling the orgasm that she was begging for.
Sweet as honey, she panted my name. “Please, Kai, I need to feel you, all of you, inside me.”
Those words coming from her lips killed me. I wanted to claim this girl and make her mine, never letting anyone else near her sweetness.
She scooted back on the bed. This time, she took control. She guided me back on the mattress, removing my jeans and tossing them on the floor. Her fingers ran up my thighs before taking me into her hand and squeezing. I nearly lost it as she licked her lips and looked up at me. Her mouth was warm and her tongue was like silk against my flesh. She took her time, licking, sucking, squeezing. I was on the verge of explosion several times from her hand and mouth before pulling back just enough. When I could take it no longer, I picked her up and threw her back onto the bed.
I took out a condom from my wallet. I tore open the foil with my teeth and rolled it on as she watched in eager anticipation. Her mouth parted and her eyes were wild with desire. She ran her fingers through her flesh and spread her legs open.
“You’re so fucking gorgeous.”
Her silver-blond hair looked like starlight against the dark-blue sheets. Her face was flushed, and her lips were swollen. It was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen. I ran my hand down the curve of her hip, memorizing the beautiful woman before me.
Paige’s eyes locked with mine as she placed a hand on both sides of my face bringing me in for a slow kiss. I moved over her, entering her slowly. She moaned, digging her nails into my back with each inch until I filled her. Her eyes rolled back, and she arched as our bodies moved in sync. It felt like her body was made for mine. Her leg hooked around my back, closing the last inch of space between us. She clenched her muscles, squeezing me inside her.
“Fuck, Tink, if you do that again, I’m not going to last.”
“Oh yeah?” she breathed, challenging me.
Her nails stabbed further into my back. She met my thrusts, squeezing each time, until we were both screaming out explosions together.
Even after being totally spent, I wanted more. I wanted Paige, now and again, and again. She was like a drug I couldn’t get enough of. The part of me that was missing suddenly felt whole.
Rage was going to kill me, but she was worth it. I would die a happy man if it meant spending every night with Paige in my arms.
Chapter Sixteen
Paige
Cars were packed in The Ridge’s lot. I spotted Amber’s car, which was odd because she never worked this shift. Then I remembered her text about an emergency.
“Hey, girl.” Tracy waved as I walked into the office locker room, not spotting Amber.
“Hunny, we have been waiting fifteen minutes to get our order,” a customer called. “Can you please take it? We have to be back to work soon.”
“Sure, give me a sec to grab a tray.”
“Just bring us three Cokes, and we all want the barbeque special.”
“Got it.” I jotted down the food order, adding it to the carousel as I passed the kitchen on my way to get the drinks.
“Three Cokes, please.”
Tracy began filling the glasses.
“Have you seen Amber?” I asked.
“Girl, haven’t you heard? She is still at the hospital with Sully.” She placed a glass on my tray.
“What? Is he okay?”
“He will be, but that man needs some rest. He had chest pains last night, and Amber ended up taking him to Black Rock Memorial. She texted they would be back soon.”
As hectic as The Ridge was, I still felt high off my night with Kai. I tried to contain the perma-smile that repeated orgasms had etched on my face.
Cheers rang through the bar right before the dinner rush. Amber had an arm around Sully as she walked in. He tried waving her off, too proud to need help.
“Not so fast, old man.” Amber shook her head, walking him to his favorite stool.
Once settled in, Amber met me at the bar.
“Paige, I’m sorry about last night.”
“Are you kidding? I’m relieved you were there for Sully.”
“Trace, give me a shot of tequila, will you? It was a long night!” Amber said, and Tracy filled the clear liquid, sliding the glass in front of her.
“You wore that to the hospital?” Tracy shook her head, laughing.
“Well, I was on my way to meet Paige when I got the call.”
Tracy turned to me. “Did you go out last night?”
“Not really.” I could feel the burn climbing my cheeks.
“Something looks different about you today.” Amber squinted her eyes as she studied me.
Heat rose up my neck, and I pulled at the collar of my shirt. My heartbeat accelerated and I tried to move from the bar.
Amber grabbed my arm. “You dirty girl.” She smiled. “You did go out, and you had sex,” she whispered, loudly.
“Wha
t? You all are crazy.” I knocked the ketchup bottle over as I ran away. “Table seven needs this.”
“You can’t lie to me,” Amber yelled as I walked away.
Luckily, I was able to avoid Amber the rest of the night. She was the last person I wanted to know about Kai.
My feet were aching when I got home. When I pulled my phone from my locker, I smiled, seeing several texts from Kai. I broke off a biscuit and savored it, knowing it was the last of Meme’s leftovers. The sweet Moscato was affecting me quickly since it was my first meal of the day. The handful of chips I stole from the kitchen didn’t really count. A battle was going on in my mind. How much was I going to share with Kai about my parents? My phone dinged, interrupting my thoughts.
Kai: Hey, gorgeous. You home?
Me: Yes. Sorry, I just ate the last biscuit.
Kai: You are going to pay for that.
Me: Promise?
Kai: Don’t tempt me. I have to make a run tonight. Not sure when I will be back.
Me: I can leave the door unlocked.
Kai: No. I’ll manage, don’t worry.
Me: I might be asleep. It was a LONG day.
Kai: [bubbles]
Kai: [bubbles]
Me: You there?
Kai: Gotta go. I’ll text you later.
Kai was complicated, and I didn’t know where this thing between us was going, but I did know I had to protect my heart. Kai wasn’t a man to settle down, and before I could think of including anyone else in my life, I had some things to figure out myself. I was not sure how much of it I wanted Kai to know—he was too close with Rage, and if my sister found out, she would not want me hunting down the truth.
I looked around the mess of my small place. The boxes Meme sent were still stacked by the bed. I grabbed the one on top and moved it to the bed. I took a long sip of wine and closed my eyes, taking in a long breath before opening the lid.
My nose burned as my eyes blurred with water. I sat up and pulled the picture off the top of the box. The little blond girl in the photo was missing teeth in her big smile, holding her daddy’s hand with loads of beads around her neck. I flipped the picture over, written on the back was “Paige and Daddy 2001 Mardi Gras.”
My eyes stung as a stray tear crept its way down my cheek. I pulled out a few more photos. With each picture, a pang of guilt sat heavily on my chest. I knew I was emotionally pushing away my family for a fantasy of what might have been. Each photo sparked a memory, a reminder of how much I loved my grandmother, of what my mother’s selfishness took away from me. I was angry at her. She had no right to keep me from Meme. Did she think I would stop loving her? Finding out now did not help her case.
I thought the box was empty, but when I went to move it, the weight at the bottom had me looking again. A manila envelope was sitting at the bottom. I flipped it over and found “Paige Victoria” scrolled on it in the most beautiful handwriting I had ever seen.
The envelope was sealed, and a note was taped over the clasp.
Paige, my darling granddaughter,
Please don’t open this until you are ready for the truth. I didn’t want to give you this during your visit. This is your journey, and you need it revealed to you at your own pace. I love you with all my heart. You, my violet eyes, will and always have been my granddaughter.
—Meme
I squeezed together the small silver clasp, and I slid my finger under the degrading glue of the fading envelope. My hand began trembling as its contents slid out—two smaller white envelopes.
I first picked up the white envelope with “My Darling Daughter” scrolled on it in the same beautiful writing as the other. Carefully opening it, I unfolded the lined paper. Noticeable splatters of tears dotted several spots, blurring the beautifully scripted words. My chest seized, and breathing became shallow as I began to read.
My dearest Paige,
If this has found its way to you, I assume you have a lot of questions. Before I start, I need you to know that you are loved and you are wanted. From the second I found out I was carrying you, I’ve loved you. You will forever be my daughter in my heart.
I love you so much, I am willing to let you go, no matter how much it kills me to do it. I’m so sorry, my sweet baby girl. Please know that I tried. I tried to do everything I could to keep you. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible. To provide you with the best life you can have, the life you deserve, I have to put my own wants aside, and I have to do what is best for you, what will keep you safe. I’m so sorry, Paige. The danger that surrounds us both is my fault and is too great to risk your innocent life.
I’m leaving you with the best people I know. And I guess that is where I will begin. Catherine and Paul are wonderful parents. They are so excited to meet you. They are the kind of people I wished had raised me. You are also going to have a big sister, Anabelle. We met at the mission where I volunteered this summer in Louisiana. They could give you everything I couldn’t, especially safety. My only request was your name—Paige Victoria.
Your father was the love of my life, my only love. He was a good man but from a dangerous family. I know he would have loved you too. I tried to tell him about you, but I was too late. By the time I knew I was carrying you, he had already done something he couldn’t take back. He was sent to prison and would not be coming out for a long time. His enemies would do anything to get back at him, including hurting us. I couldn’t take that risk.
I hope in time you would understand and that you would put all of this behind you. Don’t look for him or me. My only desire, my one prayer, is for you to live a happy and safe life, one that I desperately want for you but cannot provide.
I love you, my baby girl, with all my heart and soul. I hope this can bring you peace.
With all my love,
Your mama, Maggie Grace
I took the other small envelope and peeled it open, pouring its contents into my hand. A long thick silver chain slid out. Attached to it was a medallion. It was heavy and rectangular. It had a skull and crown. Below it, “Venom” was engraved.
Folded inside another piece of paper were photo booth pictures. The strip had four photos. The one at the top was a couple not looking at the camera, but sharing a kiss. The man had dark hair in a messy bad-boy style, his jawline was sharp, and you could just tell he was handsome. The girl’s face was tilted toward the camera. Her eyes were closed, lined with thick lashes. His hand caressed the side of her face, his thumb resting gently on her chin. Her silvery blond hair was long and flowed out of the picture.
The next photo was of the two of them facing forward. Their smiles were bright, their heads leaning together. Her face… I lost my breath and my whole body began to shake. Her face was my face. Even the arching out of her eyebrows looked like mine. And him, his eyes, the same violet-blue as mine, only his were rimmed with the blackest eyelashes. I noticed he also had something around his neck—it was the silver medallion. I looked to where it now sat on the bed. He must have been Venom.
My eyes grew wide when I saw the next picture. She was holding a stuffed bunny between them. It was Mr. Nibbles, my Mr. Nibbles, the security item that I’d held onto since I was a baby. The one thing that comforted me more than anything else when I was scared, sad, or lonely. People told me to get rid of him so many times. Even the therapist Mom and Dad took me to as a kid said that I had an unnatural attachment to Mr. Nibbles.
In the last photo, there was another boy’s face photobombing the picture. He leaned into the booth over their heads; his smile was wide. He had dark hair and the same kind of sharp jaw as the other boy, only he wasn’t quite as handsome.
I turned the photo over. Scribbled on the back in fading marker was “Vincent, Virgil, and Maggie, St. Genevieve Fair.”
I re-read the letter several times and examined the pictures for what seemed like hours. She warned me, but I had to know. Who was he, and why was he so dangerous?
Gavin did not pick up when I called. I left him a vague message. I did a reverse
image search on the logo that was on the medallion. The results were not promising. It was of the Cajun Kings MC, an outlaw motorcycle club that did not like being socially present. There was next to no info on them other than they had a mother chapter in southern Louisiana. I took photos of everything and tucked it all back in the envelope. I sandwiched it in between my comforter in the closet when a soft knock came at my door. I dove into bed, pretending to be asleep.
Kai
Paige was curled on her side, one leg sticking out from the covers when I snuck into her apartment, trying not to wake her. I quietly removed my clothes and stood there a few minutes, just watching her sleep. Her natural beauty took my breath away. I just wanted to curl up behind her and submit to the calm she brought me. She stirred when I lifted the covers. She made a humming sound as I pulled her into me, melting our bodies together.
“Go back to sleep, Tink.”
I laid against her, inhaling her scent and memorizing her every curve until I fell asleep holding her.
The next morning, I woke up to her kissing her way down my body. I surrendered to her, letting her warm mouth and tongue drive me crazy. When I couldn’t take it anymore, I pulled her up on top of me, straddling me as I consumed her lips, her neck, her breasts. I reached between her legs and could feel from her slickness how aroused she was and I nearly lost it. I slid inside her, clinging to her. With each thrust was a promise to myself, I was not going to let her go. When she cried out her orgasm, our bodies fused, and I came with her. She collapsed into me, biting my shoulder. I cupped her face and she looked at me with those eyes, melting my heart by the second, and I kissed her again.
Afterward, we ended up in the shower. The hot water pricked at my back as I lathered our bodies. I traced my hand down her torso, making her break out in goose bumps.