“You go to Jake’s, and now I never see you.”
My cheeks flushed. “I’m sorry. We’ve been busy.”
Nix’s eyes swept over Jake and narrowed before returning to me. “Let me see the tattoo.”
I lowered my jeans, revealing the bottom half of the tattoo. Nix’s eyes raked over it. He studied it closely, and I was sure he saw the initials. His eyes fell on Jake again and Jake’s grin spread wide. Nix rolled his eyes and returned his gaze to me. “It looks good.”
Jake’s arm wrapped around me and pulled me to him, giving me a kiss on my temple. Everyone watched the affection with astonished expressions.
“I’m getting us both a beer.”
As Jake disappeared into the crowd, the eyes of everyone at the table settled on me. Trevor’s mouth twisted into an impish grin.
“What’d you do to him, Liz? I’ve never seen him like that with a woman.”
Nix turned his head over his shoulder and shot daggers in Trevor’s direction. Trevor’s mischievous grin spread as he brought his beer to his lips. Max patted Trevor on the back.
“Let’s get Jake and play some pool before Nix knocks your ass out.” The guys left the table, and a moment later, Jake came by and dropped off my beer before joining them.
“He really is being attentive to you.” Jenna’s smile widened as I took the seat next to her.
My cheeks warmed as my smile stretched my lips. “We both said the L-word.”
Jenna wiggled in her seat. “I’m so happy for you!”
“I feel the same. You and Nix?” I motioned my thumb over my shoulder in his direction.
Jenna’s hand grabbed my arm and squeezed as her cheeks turned pink. “I’m crazy about him.”
“I can tell he’s really into you, too.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I promise you. I know Nix isn’t the best at showing emotions, but I know my brother, and he’s smitten.”
Jenna’s big brown eyes lit up. “You don’t know how happy that makes me feel.”
I reached out and rubbed her shoulder. “I do know.”
Jenna’s eyes left mine and froze on someone behind me. I glanced over my shoulder to see Dillon walking in. Looking through the crowd, I caught Trevor’s nod to Jake, and then Jake’s gaze went to Dillon.
“Nix said they got in a fight. Apparently, they’re still pissed at each other.” Jenna turned her attention to Jake. “He’s watching Dillon like a hawk.”
“I hope he doesn’t come talk to me. Jake will flip.”
“No, he’s looking at you now, but heading toward the bar. There’s a couple guys waving him over.”
“Good.”
“Jake’s coming,” Jenna giggled.
A moment later Jake spun my chair, placed his hands on my hips and lifted me. I wrapped my legs around his waist as my laughter escaped me.
“What are you doing?”
“Making it clear who you belong to.” Jake carried me past the few tables to the bar. He set my ass on the counter and waved at Jeff. “I need a shot of whiskey, some salt, and a lime.”
I caught Dillon looking my direction and I avoided his gaze. “We’re doing a body shot, now?”
Jake’s hands caressed my thighs then traveled up and around my ass and scooted me forward, closing the space between us. “Fuck yes, we’re doing it now.”
Jeff set the shot, salt shaker, and lime on the counter. “You better watch it, Jake. Nix is watching you.”
That only ignited Jake’s daring. With a smirk smearing his face, he winked at me. “Lay that sweet ass down on the counter.”
I grabbed the lime and rolled my eyes at him before lying flat on my back. Jake sprinkled salt across my stomach, grabbed the shot, and swallowed. The tip of his tongue touched my stomach and with one slow, fluid motion, he gathered the salt, leaving behind a reminder of what that tongue could do. The lime left my lips, replaced with an immodest kiss. Jake’s fist wound through my hair, his other hand tracing across my inner thigh, gripping me tightly while his lips devoured mine.
When he let me up for air, my face was flushed, my nipples hard against my shirt. I sat up on the counter, and he pulled my ass forward, closing his mouth over mine. Pulling my center against his hips, he pressed himself into me. My hands wrapped around his neck and held his face as his rough, passionate kiss continued. He pulled back from my lips with heavy lids and a hungry need in his eyes.
“I’m tempted to bend you over and take you here in front of everyone.”
My eyes were set on him, but in my peripheral I could see we’d gathered the attention of the club members. “As tempting as that is, I don’t want my brother to see that.”
“I’m still gonna bend you over something.” Jake tugged me against him, and I tightened my legs around him as he pulled me off the bar.
Jake lowered me onto the floor and took my hand in his. His eyes met Dillon’s; I could see the animosity between them. Jake’s stare didn’t break until we passed him. Jake led me beyond several doors until we reached the courtroom. He pulled me in and shut the door behind us.
“Against the wall.”
I put my back to it, watching him stalk toward me. He took hold of my wrist and turned me to face the wall. His heated breath blazed against my ear as his hands slid over mine. Pressing himself into my backside, he placed my hands on the wall above me, holding them with one hand.
His tongue slid over my ear, sending chills across my skin. The top button of my jeans came undone and his rough, calloused hand slid inside. He rubbed against my clit, pressing my underwear into me. A soft kiss on my neck was followed with an arousing bite, then another as he traveled down my neck and back up. Moving my underwear to the side, he slid into my wet folds. A hiss escaped his lips.
“Always so wet for me.” With his circular motions and rhythmic flicks, he had my hips moving forward in an attempt to ride against his hand.
“You love it when I touch here, don’t you, Peach?”
My breath left me when his fingers dipped inside and stroked me with ravenous force. My body tingled with a wave of arousal as his tongue slicked across my ear, sliding it between his teeth.
“I think you’re ready for it.”
His hands glided my jeans and underwear off my hips, easing each leg out. The touch of his fingers brushed along my skin as he slowly brought his hands up my legs.
“Spread them.”
His hands touched between my thighs, spreading my legs wider. For a moment, I stood with my bottom bare, my hands against the wall, anxiously awaiting what pleasure would come next. When his mouth touched my center and his hands held my ass firmly in his hands, I knew what I’d been waiting for. Sitting below me, Jake glanced up with those wicked brown eyes before sliding his tongue in and out, penetrating me deep. A moan escaped me, my hips grinding against his greedy mouth.
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
___
JAKE
THIRTY MINUTES LATER, the palm of my hand squeezed Peach’s ass as we walked into the front room. Nearly everyone’s attention was on us. My gaze met Dillon’s first. With an acknowledging tip of his beer and a pissed off expression on his face, I knew it was clear to him who Peach belonged to. The corner of my mouth raised when Nix eyed me from across the room with his disapproving glare. I pulled Peach into my arm and claimed her mouth.
“I’m gonna play pool with the guys. Don’t let any of my brothers touch you unless you want a fucking massacre in here.”
Her vivid green eyes rolled. “I’ll steer clear of Dillon.”
As I slipped through the crowd, I looked over my shoulder to see Peach sitting down at the table with Jenna and a few other bikers’ girls. Gripping a pool cue, I joined Nix, Trevor, and Max at the pool table.
Nix’s arctic gaze raised to mine. “When I said claim her in front of everyone, that wasn’t what I had in mind.”
“Better get used to it.” The back of my hand wiped the lips that were wrapped around Peach’s pussy thirty-minu
tes ago. “She’s my girl. I’ll take her anywhere, anytime, whenever I damn well please.”
Nix’s jaw tensed. He set his pool stick against the table and with deliberate steps, moved to my side. He crossed his arms and leaned back. His cold, green eyes narrowed on mine.
“I’m gonna make myself real fucking clear. I’m not kicking your ass right now because I don’t want to embarrass Liz, but if you disrespect my sister like that in this clubhouse again, I’ll knock your fucking teeth out. She’s not one of your floozies, but you just made her look like one tonight. I know every brother in here is wondering why I haven’t murdered you, and we both know the two reasons I won’t; my sister loves you, and you’re the only one I trust to protect her.”
My grip on the pool table tightened. My ego had just been thrashed, but I wasn’t about to even the score when part of me knew he was right.
“I’ll make damn sure everyone knows she means something to me.”
“Good. You can start now.”
“What?”
I turned to see what had caught Nix’s attention. My stomach twisted when I saw who was standing by the door. Fiery red hair cascaded over slim shoulders and head to toe black fabric hugged every vivacious curve.
“You take Liz, I’ll take Angela,” Nix ordered.
My gaze swept between them. Peach had her eyes locked on Angela and was standing from her chair. Fists clenched, she was pushing her way through the crowd right toward her.
“Let that expression burn into your memory, Jake. That’s Liz’s I’m going to fucking murder you expression.”
“I might have seen it a time or two.”
Nix chuckled before navigating through the tables. Quickening my pace, I moved toward Peach and caught her in my arms.
“You look sexy as fuck when you’re in a rage, but I don’t want you hurt, Peach.”
Standing on her toes, she peered over my shoulder. Her cheeks were flush and the adrenaline was clearly pumping through her jittery body.
“I can take her, Jake.”
“I have no doubt you can, but we need to know why she’s here.” I glanced over my shoulder to see Nix pointing to his office. “She must have something to tell him.” Brushing my thumb across her cheek, I attempted to soothe the wild cat within her. “Peach, stay here. I need to see what’s going on.”
“Jake.”
My gaze hardened. “Peach, trust me. I need to be in Nix’s office for this conversation.”
“Fine.” Her shoulders fell back and relief coursed through me.
I kissed her lips and quickly moved to catch up with Nix and Angela.
I opened the office door just before Nix closed it. He nodded to me, indicating his approval, then leaned against his desk, arms crossed. His stern gaze fell on Angela.
“You got some serious grit walking into our clubhouse.”
“After everything that’s gone on between us, I figured I owe you.”
“Then let’s hear it.”
“Tolito wasn’t willing to accept the majority of his crew ended up in jail by accident. He went after one of Otto’s guys. They beat him to near death before he caved on Otto’s deal. Tolito put the word out. He’s looking for the anonymous buyer. Seven G’s to the one who names them. If you know who the anonymous buyer is, you have the opportunity to collect seven grand, or it’s time to put a plan in place to ensure Tolito doesn’t find out who the buyer is.”
Nix’s eyes drifted to me momentarily, then returned to Angela. Tension tightened like a noose around my neck and spread to my chest. Play it cool, Nix.
“I’ll put the word out. If we hear anything, I’ll be sure to contact him.”
Angela shifted on her heels. “If the buyer is someone you know, don’t protect them, Nix. Tolito isn’t one to fuck with. You know that.”
“You back with Rex?” Angela turned to face me at the sound of my sharp voice.
“I appreciate what you did, Jake, but I can handle myself.”
“You can lie to yourself all you want, but you know as well as I do, you’re walking on thin ice. Men like Rex don’t change. He’ll keep beating you, and you’ll continue to take it, until one of you is dead or in jail.”
Her eyes softened as though she was having a moment of clarity, then it was gone, replaced with her usual calculated glare. “I gotta go. Think you can keep your sister off my back so I can get outta here?” She looked over her shoulder at Nix.
“Go out that way,” Nix motioned toward the back door. “Everyone saw you come in and that’ll raise enough questions.”
Her hips swayed, giving us a show as she walked out. I turned my attention to Nix after shutting the door behind her.
“What the hell? Seven grand!”
Nix ran his hand through his hair. “Damn it! Stay with Liz. Everywhere she fucking goes, Jake. Everywhere.”
“I will. What about giving Tolito a false lead?”
“No. We need to avoid being a part of it. We need to act like we don’t know shit. Go get Pat. We need to tell him Tolito is hunting the people who put his crew in jail.”
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
___
LIZ
MY FINGER ENDED at the tip of the sparrow’s wing on Jake’s chest. I watched my hand rise and fall with each breath he took. Lying next to him on his bed, I moved closer to his body, and he held me tighter.
“What’s wrong? You’ve been quiet since you’re meeting with Nix and Angela. It still bothers me that you won’t tell me what you talked about.”
Jake’s warm hand enclosed over mine, holding it against his chest. “Peach, I need you to trust me on this. It’s safer for you that you don’t know.”
“I’m worried about you and Nix. I know about the deal.”
“How?” Jake’s grip tightened and he turned to me. “How do you know?”
“I overheard Nix and Pat talking about it.”
“Son of a bitch.” His head pressed against the pillow. “If you’ve listened in on his conversations, then someone else sure as hell could’ve too.”
“You don’t trust all your brothers?”
“No, I don’t. I trust your brother, Trevor, and Max. Every man has their own self-interests and gaining seven grand is a hell of an incentive.”
“Seven thousand for what?”
“Tolito is offering seven grand for anyone who gives him the name of who arranged the drug deal.”
I sat up instantly as heartache and fear seized my chest. “No one can find out my brother set up the Royals!”
“Peach, listen to me.” Jake’s hands held my face as tears pooled in my eyes. “Even if Tolito finds out, it’s him and only two or three of his crew. There’s enough of us Kings to handle whatever comes our way, but you are the one who needs to be protected. You’re the perfect tool for Tolito to use to get to Nix. I want you with me at all times until this business with Tolito is handled. I mean it, Peach. I want to know where you are every fucking minute of the day.”
Jake’s phone buzzed on the night stand and we turned our heads to see who was calling. Nix’s number displayed on the screen. Jake instantly reached for it and answered. Worry crept into my chest, latching on, and causing a lump to grow in my throat.
“What is it?” Jake’s tone revealed his concern. “Is he alive? Son of a bitch.” His eyes widened and he held me in his fixed stare. “He knows. No, I’m not letting her out of my sight. You need to lay low. Don’t go anywhere alone. I’ll meet you there tomorrow.”
Jake slammed his phone onto the night stand. “Damn it!”
“What’s going on?” My heart pounded in my ears. “Is Nix okay?”
“Pat’s house caught on fire sometime after he got home tonight. He didn’t make it out.”
My hand went to my mouth as tears streamed down my cheeks. Jake pulled me into his lap and pressed his lips against my head as he rubbed my back.
“Fuck, Peach, I’m so sorry. I know you grew up with him in your family.”
“He was like an
uncle to me.” Through my quivering lip and sobs, I raised my head. “Did Tolito do this to him?”
“This wasn’t an accident, but I’m damn sure they made it look like it. I’ll find out more tomorrow.”
“Jake, I’m scared for Nix.”
Jake leaned back on the bed and laid me down with him. His lips gave a tender kiss to my forehead. “Don’t worry about Nix. Tomorrow we’ll make a plan to deal with Tolito.”
“Can I come with you?”
“No, Peach. You’re safe at the hospital. Nix and I have serious shit we need to deal with. I don’t want you there for it. I want you as far away from this fucking mess as you can be.”
My tears dripped onto his chest and his fingers wound through my hair, caressing my head. He turned me on my side and continued to run his hand over me, wiping my tears from my face, feathering kisses across my cheeks and forehead. He gently took hold of my hair and used it to bring my gaze to his. His bold, brown eyes had gone dark with emotion.
“There’s nothing I won’t do to protect you. Don’t ever be scared of anyone.”
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
___
JAKE
OPENING THE DOOR to Nix’s office, it was obvious he’d barely had any sleep. I took the seat across from him. “You look like shit. Did you sleep at all?”
“No, I didn’t.” Nix raised his tired eyes from his desk. “I’ve been on the phone with local LE and TBI all morning. Pat’s body was found and what was left of it will be autopsied. The investigator doesn’t think it’s an accident, but you know they can’t confirm until they get the report back.”
“We know damn well who did this. You said Otto and Pat were brothers back in the day. You think Tolito beating the hell out of one of Otto’s club members made him start pointing fingers? You think Otto had an idea of who the anonymous buyer was?”
“He had to have. It’s the only explanation I could come up with that made sense. And Tolito didn’t just go after one of Otto’s club members. I made some calls. It was Otto’s nephew, Richard. He’s in the hospital in critical condition. Otto loves Richard like his own son. Of course, Otto would’ve told Richard his own suspicions, and Tolito got what he needed out of Richard.
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