"That's acceptable. Thank you, your honor."
"Off the record," the judge said to the court reporter. He looked back up at my attorney. "See, that wasn't so hard, Miss Kendall." The judge's face lit up in a wolfish smile I didn't take kindly to. Already in my head, I'd laid claim to this woman whose first name I didn't even know.
The sheriff came over and gripped my elbow.
"Can't you remove the restraints, now?" she asked the sheriff with wide, pleading eyes.
To say her request stunned me would be an understatement. No one had ever given a crap about my discomfort.
The sheriff did not look surprised. He answered her gently. "No counselor, not till he's posted the bail money. You can meet us downstairs." He nodded toward the guys standing behind the banister. "His posse can show you the way."
She hesitated, and I read the expression on her face loud and clear. She didn't want to follow my crew anywhere. In fact, she looked like she wanted to run away.
"Go ahead, I'll be fine." I appreciated that she'd given it a try. Sheriffs wouldn’t break protocol no matter how owl-eyed innocent she acted. It sure turned me on, though. Maybe that was the moment I fell in love with her.
Hope
I couldn't get my hands to stop shaking. It was just nerves from handling an on-the-spot arraignment for the first time. I could almost fool myself into believing it, but my hands betrayed me. The reaction I had to this guy was ridiculous—not to mention inappropriate.
A career criminal obviously. Smooth talker. Sexy in the most obscene and dangerous way. The hideous orange jumpsuit did little to conceal the powerful body inside. Still, when my eyes traveled farther up, my breath caught in my throat. I’m not sure I had ever met such an exquisite example of masculinity before.
Preoccupied with staring, I probably made a huge fool of myself. But I needed to take all of him in. Short, sandy blond hair, sharp cheekbones, a firm angular jaw, and perfectly straight nose. For some reason, I expected a man like him to have a crooked nose that had been broken once or twice in his life. He radiated power and barely controlled violence.
I was in way over my head here, and not just career-wise.
Our gazes collided, and I sucked in a deep breath. Deep, slate eyes bored into me. I had never seen anyone with gray eyes before, and I kept staring to see if the color would shift from a different angle. Tearing myself away from studying his unusual irises took some skill.
I wrapped my fingers around the handle of my briefcase and took a step back. The last thing I wanted to do was follow his scary-looking friends anywhere. Wasn't my job finished now anyway? Since I'd never done this before, I had no idea. I guessed if I wanted to get paid, I needed to follow.
Instead, Judge Dane signaled me to come with him as he left the bench.
"I’ll find my way down there in a minute," I told the guys who stood there waiting for me. A nervous smiled tugged at my lips.
"Ms. Kendall," the judge called.
I turned and scurried toward the ornate oak door that led to his private chambers. I’d been back here once or twice before for settlement conferences, but never by myself.
I left the door open.
"Have a seat." He swept his hand toward the two chairs stationed in front of his wide desk.
"Uh, I need to go follow Mr…." Crap! What was the guy’s name?
"North. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. You did an excellent job. How would you feel if I appointed some minor criminal matters to you?"
Like throwing up on a regular basis.
"That might be okay," I said.
"I can assign someone for you to shadow for a couple cases, until you get the hang of it."
I interpreted that as I’d get to do all the work, while my "mentor" collected the fee. As if I needed any more complications in my life.
Rock
Handcuff-free and back in my street clothes, I looked around for my new attorney. She hadn't followed the guys downstairs, and I wondered where she could possibly be. I didn't even have her card.
"Prez, why you want to keep this snatch around? Glassman will take care of this," Murphy asked, not realizing how close he was to an ass-kicking.
I flexed my hands. "That fucker couldn't be bothered to show up. With the amount of money we pay him, that's bullshit. She did a fine job."
"You want to tap that? She's a fine piece. I get it."
I did indeed want to tap that, but something about Wrath—probably my oldest and closest friend—speaking about her that way pissed me the hell off.
"Shut the fuck up."
His eyes widened, but his mouth snapped shut. Zero and Wrath exchanged glances, and I glared at both of them in response.
A gentle clicking against the concrete floors sounded a few seconds before she poked her head around the corner. "Sorry, took me a minute. Everything okay?"
I finished signing the last paper, collected my wallet, and nodded. "I'm good."
Her gaze roamed over my brothers, a mildly freaked out expression forming.
"Come 'ere, doll." I motioned her over to the exit. I wanted to get the fuck out of this building and out of downtown Ironworks. I never shoulda been over the bridge anyway. If I'd stuck to my own damn territory, this bullshit wouldn't have gone down.
But then I wouldn't have met the pretty counselor.
I gave the guys my "get the fuck lost" face, and they beat feet ahead of us.
"Can I have your card?"
"Oh, of course." She stopped and fumbled with her briefcase for a few seconds. Flustered, she huffed a bit of air up, ruffling her bangs. Cutest damn thing I'd ever seen. Tossing her head side to side, she marched over to a bench and set the briefcase down. Bending over to flip open the bag, I bet she didn't realize I got an eyeful—a nice, straight shot down her cleavage. I'd known a lot of women who did this exact thing looking to get a response like mine. But this chick, she had no idea. Holy hell, this girl was dangerous.
I shifted my weight from side to side while I contemplated circling around to check out the back view when she straightened up and thrust a bright green and off-white colored card at me. Unique and pretty, just like her.
"Sorry." She flashed a nervous grin.
"No problem." I took the card. Hope Kendall, Esq. God. Damn.
I flipped my wallet out of my cut and fished out five hundred-dollar bills, curled them over, and handed them to her.
She protested immediately. "Oh my gosh, Mr. North, I can't take that much. One hundred would be fine." She thrust the cash back at me.
I couldn’t remember if I’d ever heard anyone over the age of five say "gosh" before. It was really fucking cute coming from Hope’s mouth. I also didn't think I had ever known a person to turn down money when offered to them.
"No. You did an excellent job, considering it was sprung on you at the last minute. You earned it."
She blushed and looked down at her shoes. "Thank you."
Damn, she was sweet. She had this bright, wholesome thing going on. Why it got me so fucking hard, I had no idea. I usually didn’t do clean. I liked my hookups nasty and dirty.
"No problem," I said. "Now, I’m starving. Let's go grab some lunch."
She hesitated, which was why I hadn't asked her to lunch.
"I should really…"
"You have to be in court somewhere else?"
"No."
"So let's go eat."
"Don't you want to join your friends?" She gestured to the corner where Zero, Wrath, and Murphy had stopped for a smoke.
I wasn't used to girls trying to get away from me. Usually they jumped at the chance to, well, jump me. This one was twitching to ditch me. It made me want to pursue her even harder.
"Nah, they can come back and grab me later."
"I'm married," she squeaked out.
Well, fuck me.
SLOW BURN (LOST KINGS MC #1) is free at all retailers.
Download it here.
Author Notes
If you’
re new to the Lost Kings MC, welcome to the family! I hope you’ll stick around and get to know the rest of the guys. If you’re already part of the LOKI family, thank you so much for your support.
A shorter version of Swagger and Sass was included in the anthology, Love, Loyalty, and Mayhem that was only available from July to September 2019. After the success of Love, Loyalty, and Mayhem, I was really pleased with Rooster and Shelby’s first story. I loved getting to know Rooster a bit better and I’ve been dying to write a country singer for a while now.
When I decided to re-release Swagger and Sass on its own, I wasn’t supposed to expand it. White Lies was supposed to be my last release for 2019. But I had so many people who wrote and told me they’d missed Love, Loyalty, and Mayhem when it was available, that I knew I’d have to re-publish it sooner than I planned. So here it is!
Maybe it’s a strange quirk unique to me, but I hate re-releasing things without any new content. It feels weird for some reason. And to be honest, even though I’d gone way over my wordcount for the Love, Loyalty, and Mayhem anthology, I had a few more scenes I’d wanted to write for Swagger and Sass that wouldn’t necessarily fit into Rhythm of the Road. Re-releasing SAS gave me the perfect opportunity to add in those little bits!
I truly hope you appreciate the extra 7,000 or so words. And, well, if you didn’t, feel free not to share that with me. It’s okay.
The first book in my outlaw-motorcycle-club-meets-mafia-family-meets-rockstar-romance, the Hollywood Demons series is Kickstart My Heart, and available now.
Rhythm of the Road, Rooster and Shelby’s first full-length story is available now.
If you loved Rooster and Shelby’s story, it would really mean a lot to me if you could leave a review at your favorite retailer. It does not have to be a long review. A few quick words about why you loved the book are more than enough. Leaving reviews is the absolute best way you can help your favorite authors (not just me!)
Thank you!
xo
Autumn
December 8, 2019
Also by Autumn Jones Lake
Click on each title to purchase.
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THE LOST KINGS MC SERIES
* * *
SLOW BURN (LOST KINGS MC #1)
President of the Lost Kings MC, Rochlan "Rock" North, hasn't managed to find a woman capable of making him want to curb his wild ways—until he meets sweet, innocent, married lawyer Hope Kendall.
Forced to represent the outlaw biker, Hope is rattled by her immediate attraction to Rock. Hope is a good girl in a good marriage. Rock thrills her, but she's not going to throw away everything she's built on a fling with her criminal client.
* * *
Rock respects Hope enough to leave her alone, even as he realizes he's become a little obsessed with her. When their connection endangers her life, he'll have to destroy her in order to save her.
* * *
After tragedy strikes, Rock is determined to earn Hope's forgiveness and convince her that even with their staggering differences, they're meant to be together.
CORRUPTING CINDERELLA
(LOST KINGS MC #2)
Although widowed attorney Hope Kendall cares deeply for President of the Lost Kings MC, Rochlan "Rock" North, the truth is they come from completely different worlds. Add to that the fact that they are also both headstrong people, and they have a very rough road ahead of them.
Real love isn't a fairy tale.
For Rock that means introducing Hope to what it really means to be part of his brutal and shady world, where the Lost Kings Motorcycle Club is his main focus. For Hope it means accepting the things she can't change, and understanding that Rock is a man who will do anything to keep her safe.
Love doesn't follow any rules.
As Rock continues to draw Hope deeper into his world, painful misunderstandings, past relationships, and opposition from the members of his club will threaten to drive them apart.
How do a lawyer and a badass biker with a heart of gold keep their love alive while their opposing worlds collide?
THREE KINGS, ONE NIGHT
(LOST KINGS MC #2.5)
Three short holiday stories featuring Murphy, Wrath, and Zero.
STRENGTH FROM LOYALTY
(LOST KINGS MC #3)
As a dark cloud descends over Hope and Rock’s already precarious future, will a long-hidden secret push them both past the point of no return?
Struggling attorney Hope Kendall loves her outlaw biker boyfriend Rochlan “Rock” North with all her heart, but the questionable activities his motorcycle club is involved in threaten her legal career.
But does she even want this career anymore?
As a near-death situation makes their professional differences seem insignificant, a cloud descends over their personal relationship’s already unsteady future.
Even though Hope seems to have finally found her niche in the club as Rock’s ol’ lady, can she mingle in politics with neighboring clubs as well? A trip to the Lost Kings MC downstate charter will put her to the test.
While Rock works hard to give Hope the honesty she craves without betraying his loyalty to his brothers, tension from outside forces threatens to push him to the brink. But it’s the one secret Hope has hidden all along that may finally drive them apart for good.
* * *
TATTERED ON MY SLEEVE
(LOST KINGS MC #4)
Tattered on my Sleeve isn't a "typical" romance. It's not even a typical MC Romance. Prepare yourself for Wrath and Trinity’s long, tattered tale of lust, fury, and ultimately forgiveness.
Lust.
Eight years ago, the Lost Kings, MC was recovering from turmoil within the club Wrath and Trinity met. Their connection was instant and explosive.
Fury.
After three perfect nights, Wrath knew she was the one. But Trinity's dark past was about to catch up to her and the Lost Kings MC was her only hope for protection. One misunderstanding leads to a mistake that locks both of them into a war to see who can hurt who the most.
Forgiveness.
Once Wrath learns the dark secret that's been fueling Trinity all this time, he'll stop at nothing to prove they're meant to be together and that she's worthy of the love she keeps denying. Can they move past their horrible pasts to become better people and ultimately forgive each other?
WHITE HEAT (LOST KINGS MC #5)
THE QUEEN ALWAYS PROTECTS HER KING.
For straight-laced attorney, Hope Kendall, loving an outlaw has never been easy. New challenges test her loyalty as she discovers how far she’s willing to go to protect her man.
IF YOU HAVE HOPE, YOU HAVE EVERYTHING.
MC President, Rochlan “Rock” North finally has everything he’s ever wanted. Hope as his ol’ lady and his MC earning money while staying out of trouble. The only thing left is to make Hope his wife. But as their wedding day nears, an old adversary threatens Rock’s freedom, the wedding, and throws the Lost Kings MC into chaos.
LOVE MAKES THE RIDE WORTHWHILE.
While the club waits for Rock's fate to be decided, Wrath has to balance solidifying his new relationship with Trinity and fulfilling his president's orders.
LOYALTY GIVES AN OUTLAW STRENGTH.
Threats from unexpected places will challenge every member, but in the Lost Kings MC, brotherhood isn’t about the blood you share. It’s about those who are willing to bleed for you.
BETWEEN EMBERS (LOST KINGS MC #5.5)
A companion to White Heat. Three short stories featuring Murphy, Teller, and Zero.
MORE THAN MILES (LOST KINGS MC #6)
Forbidden love is the hardest to forget...
Blake “Murphy” O'Callaghan, Road Captain of the Lost Kings MC, has the world by the balls. Money. Women. The wide-open road. It’s all his, everything he wants…except the one girl he loves, the one girl who’s off limits. His best
friend’s little sister, Heidi.
Abandoned by her mother when she was little, Heidi Whelan’s familiar with heartbreak. Especially the heartbreak of falling in love with her big brother’s best friend. When Murphy pushed her away, it broke her heart. Now, on her eighteenth birthday, he claims he loves her? Growing up around the Lost Kings MC, Heidi’s witnessed his manwhoring ways. He’ll never give that up for her. Besides, he’s too late: Heidi’s in love with her high-school boyfriend Axel.
Axel Ryan loves two things—motorcycles and Heidi. He signed up to be a prospect for the Lost Kings MC because it seemed like a fun way to get closer to her. Now that he’s gotten a taste of MC life, he’s not so sure this is where he belongs. He’s confident Heidi shares his dreams for the future, so even if he chooses another road, their relationship will survive the detour.
With more than miles between them, will the deceptions they’ve lived with for so long be too much to overcome? Can Murphy convince Heidi that the hard roads they’ve traveled will lead to the most beautiful destination of all, or is he destined to ride the open road alone?
WHITE KNUCKLES (LOST KINGS MC #7)
TWO TATTERED SOULS
After countless detours, Wrath and Trinity’s wedding is only ten days away. Together they’ve battled their demons and are ready to declare their commitment to each other in front of their entire Lost Kings MC family.
ONE BITTER ENEMY
No one is prepared for the threat that crawls out of the shadows and issues an evil ultimatum. One that places Trinity’s future in danger and jeopardizes the entire club. Trinity’s more than ready to put her life on the line to save the club. For her it’s not a question.
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