Castle of Kings: (A Kings MC Romance)

by Betty Shreffler

  “There would’ve been only a few people who knew Otto’s predicament. No doubt Otto shared it with Richard, and Tolito started on that short list. I know Pat wouldn’t give up any information to Tolito, and the fucker murdered him for it.” Nix’s fist pounded the desk. “I want to take his ass out, Jake! Another good man had his life cut down by the hands of the Royals! Pat didn’t deserve this!” Nix’s eyes glistened with restrained tears. His voice lowered as he regained his composure.

  “Where’s my sister?”

  “At the hospital. I dropped her off before comin’ here. They have two cops working at all times. She’s safe there. We both know Tolito wouldn’t go after her there.”

  “How’d she take the news?”

  “She cried for a while and couldn’t fall asleep. She’s scared something might happen to you. I made her drink some whiskey, so she could sleep.”

  “I should be the one looking after her.” Worry etched deeper into his current frown lines. “I owe you.”

  “You don’t owe me shit. I love her. She belongs with me. She’s just as much my responsibility now as she is yours.”

  “I still owe you. Under all that asshole, you’re a good man.”

  “I know you’re hurtin’, but don’t get all sentimental and shit.”

  Nix chuckled. It was good to see his eyes lighten from the heavy weight of his stress. That only lasted a few seconds before his thoughts changed and he spoke again.

  “I need you to call in all the Kings. We need to tell them what’s happened to Pat.”

  “When you tell them, we need to watch their reactions.” I stood and pulled my phone from my pocket. “There’s a chance someone’s been listening in on your conversations and knew about the deal. Tolito may have found out from them and not through Richard. Peach said she overheard you talkin’, and I did too. That means another member could’ve overheard and seven grand is plenty enough incentive to turn on a brother.”

  Nix ran his hand through his hair and his eyes scanned the desk in thought before meeting my gaze. “Call ‘em in.”

  Every Kings member sat at the courtroom table awaiting what Nix had to say. As he explained Pat’s death, I watched the reactions of every one of them. Only two gave me concern; the new prospect, William, and Lucas. Lucas’ eyes shot down to the table and his cheeks burned red. William showed no emotion at all. His lack of emotion was reasonable being a new member of the club, not having that bond yet. Either way, both of their behaviors were odd, putting them on my radar.

  “You think Tolito did this?” Max asked. His large stature leaned back in his chair. The dark ink rolling up his neck flexed with his tense muscles.

  Nix’s tired eyes met Max’s. “I do. Tolito’s crew was arrested Tuesday night for the illegal possession of drugs, guns, and several other charges. Tolito thinks his crew was set up and is on a manhunt. I believe someone pointed their finger at Pat and Tolito took matters into his own hands.”

  “Why the hell would Pat’s name be mentioned?” Trevor asked, his tone sharp.

  Nix uncomfortably glanced at me before returning his attention to Trevor. “Otto Macari participated in a drug deal with the Wild Royals before Tolito’s crew was arrested. Pat and Otto ran in the same club back in the day. Pat was a connection. A connection I believe Tolito tested.”

  “What do the cops think?” Wesley pressed.

  “They’re doing an autopsy. When the report comes back, they’ll have more answers.”

  Dillon leaned forward, setting his elbows on the table. “So, we don’t know if Tolito really did have anything to do with the fire?”

  Nix let out a breath. “No, I don’t have any proof. It’s a hunch.”

  “Do we need to be worried? Is Tolito going to come after anyone else?” William asked nervously.

  “If he went after someone it’d be me,” Nix ran his hand through his hair, his nerves and exhaustion were getting the best of him, “but I want all of you to be on alert and don’t ride anywhere alone until we know more.”

  Axel, the slick baldy with the spider web tattoo etched across his neck and shoulder, cocked his head. “When’s the funeral?”

  Nix’s lips twisted, clearly trying to control his emotions. “Depending on when his body is released, but I’m planning for Sunday. We’ll do a ride in his memory and come back here to the clubhouse for dinner after the service. I want everyone in their colors for the ride.”

  The members drifted into heated discussions, and I nudged Nix by the arm, drawing him away from the group.

  “Did you notice any unusual behavior?”

  Nix’s gaze swept over the group. “Our prospect William, and Lucas seemed on edge.”

  “Same here.”

  Nix shifted the weight of his boots. “I’m not going to question the loyalty of any member with unjustified suspicion. Every one of those men are loyal unless proven otherwise.”

  “When they leave, we need to talk.”

  Nix and I rejoined the others. Questions were already being raised about member safety and who would replace Pat’s position. Nix took the time to reassure every member and explained the support we would be receiving from the TBI. By the time the meeting was adjourned Max had announced he’d campaign for the VP position. Several members agreed his qualifications would benefit the Kings.

  After another hour, the group scattered, leaving only Nix and me. I followed his heavy, laden steps to his office. His head raised when I walked in.

  “What do we need to talk about?”

  “We’re going farther down this shit hole and there’s things you need to know before it gets deeper.”

  Nix folded his arms and leaned back on his heels. “Let’s hear it then.”

  “There’s a reason I’ve never shared my past with you or any other brother.”

  “I don’t know how much more shit I can take right now.” Nix pulled out his chair and sat with a weighted thud. “You sure this is a good time to come clean about somethin’?”

  “It’s best you know, so we can move forward.” I pulled out the chair across from him. I was about to bring up old memories, not something I enjoyed doing. I rubbed the back of my head, then met his fixed stare.

  “Before moving to Nashville, I ran with an outlaw crew. They were dangerous, unpredictable criminals. Same as the Royals, but I didn’t join them voluntarily. I was an undercover agent. I was in deep and witnessed a buddy of mine, a good friend, get murdered by his own brothers. Brothers I thought were loyal to one another, but missing money led to distrust, distrust led to suspicion, and there was no room for suspicion in the Silent Skulls. After his death, I burned my colors and left. I left everything behind. The job, the year I’d invested collecting evidence. Everything. I turned in my badge and went in search of a fresh start. I couldn’t do it anymore. Being a part of that gang changed me. I didn’t give a shit about anything and was drifting through life, trying to figure out where the hell I belonged.” I leaned forward on my elbows, gauging his reaction. His steady gaze awaited me to continue.

  “You offered for me to prospect, and I saw potential for a life here, but I still didn’t give a fuck about much of anything until Peach. Being the Kings’ President, you have to look at the big picture; the safety of your sister, the club members, the shop and bar, but I don’t. The only thing I give a damn about is keeping her safe. I understand you don’t want to believe any of the Kings would be capable of selling you out, but we both know men are capable of doing far worse for very little. You need to assume every member is a potential rat. We need to start asking the right kind of questions. Seven grand is enough motive for any one of them to turn on you.”

  “An undercover, huh?” Nix’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the desk then slowly raised to mine. “This explains a lot of shit about you. The Silent Skulls, I’ve heard of them. They have a hell of a reputation. It’s best you got out when you did before you were in too deep.”

  “They demanded loyalty, and I was beginning to feel my unde
rcover work was betraying them, but seeing your friend gutted and his body burned can do things to a man. I knew I had to get out, or I never would. Not alive, anyway. I’m telling you this because we need to assume all possibilities. Don’t put it past any of the members to cut a deal with Tolito for the money. It’s best you tell Jenna to stay away for a while, and I promise you, Peach won’t be leaving my sight.”

  With a tilt of his head and silent thoughts, he rubbed his fingers across the unshaved stubble on his chin. “Telling me about your past; I’m sure it’s not easy. I respect that and I’m hearing what you’re saying. After tonight, I’m gonna tell Jenna to avoid my house and clubhouse for a while. She’s not gonna like it, but she’ll deal. I’m not telling anyone else this, but you; I’m moving into the clubhouse. It’s safer here with the in and out traffic. Last thing I need is to wake up to a knife or gun in my face.”

  “That’s smart. I’ll bring Peach by tonight to pick up more of her things.”

  Nix nodded, his sullen eyes were hiding deeper emotions than he was revealing. “Tell her I’m sorry. My mistake is putting us all at risk. You don’t know how much she means to me. She’s all I have left. I trust you not to let anything happen to her.”

  “I’d kill a man before I’d let him hurt her.”

  “I believe you.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

  ___

  LIZ

  I STOOD IN my closet, gathering more clothes to load in my duffle bag. Jake stood in the doorway of my room with his giant arms folded, a watchful gaze on me.

  “I like this.”

  “You like what?” I asked over my shoulder.

  “You packing to stay with me.”

  “I’m already staying with you.”

  Heavy steps padded across the floor. His warm, masculine presence invaded my space, strong arms wrapping around my stomach as his front formed to my back.

  “You know we’ll be making a trip back here to get everything of yours, don’t you?”

  “I do.” Wet lips trailed along my neck, sending little shocks of pleasure down over my arms.

  “You want that? To stay with me, for good?”

  “Yes.”

  Lifting my shirt with his thumb, he ran his fingers across my belly and slowly traveled into my shorts. “There’s somewhere I haven’t had you yet.”

  Slow strokes rubbed over my underwear, wetting me beneath, as his low, sensual voice filled my ear.

  “I want you on your bed, spread bare for me.”

  My underwear was flicked aside and with one quick thrust, two fingers filled me. Jake turned my head and caught my breath with his mouth. His lips dominated mine with carnal need. Pleasure swam through me in waves as his fingers caressed and stroked and thrust again. His hand left my neck and wrapped around my waist. I was lifted with one arm and his other left me to take hold of my ass.

  My backside hit the mattress and he stared down at me. His gaze radiated dominance and desire. His hand waved in the air.

  “All of it… off.”

  Sitting up, I slowly removed my shirt. His eyes fell to my breasts and waited for me to unclasp my bra. When the fabric fell to the floor, his tongue ran across his lips. He removed his shirt and unbuttoned his jeans. As he folded them down, I could see the hard bulge in his briefs.

  “Your shorts,” his command snapped me from my trance.

  Unzipped and unbuttoned, I slid them off my hips and hooked my fingers into my panties, removing my last piece of clothing.

  His hand reached inside his jeans, taking hold of himself. Pulling out his erection, he stroked it repeatedly. My eyes fell to his hand moving over the length of his erection as wanton need burned between my legs.

  “You want this cock, Peach?”

  “Yes.”

  “Work for it.” His hands spread my knees and I laid back on the mattress. Rough fingers grazed across my opening. “I want to watch you.” His fingers left me and took hold of my hand and placed it where his had been. “Show me how much you want it.”

  He stepped back and took hold of his shaft, stroking it in his fist as I rubbed along my opening. Sliding one finger in, I slowly ran my finger across my clit. His gaze remained on me, his eyes glistening with hunger, continuing his firm strokes. My head tilted back as pleasure seized my body. Taking my breast in my hand, I kneaded it while moans and gasps escaped my lips.

  “Fuck, Peach, tell me you want my cock in you.” His pumping grew feverish as my moans grew louder and my strokes harder.

  “I want it, Jake. I want you to fuck me.”

  “Damn, I need this pussy.”

  Strong hands took hold of my thighs and pushed them down, spreading my legs wide for him. With one quick motion, he took hold of his erection and plunged into me. My walls clenched around him as his heavy lids fell and his head tipped back. With each hard thrust, my ass cheeks smacked against him. With relentless need, he pounded into me, drawing my orgasm to its crest.

  “That’s it, Peach. Come for me. Soak my fucking cock.”

  My hands fisted the comforter as my body trembled and a wave of release shot through me. Pulling out, then plunging back into me, he gave one hard thrust, and his head sunk back as a growl escaped his chest.

  His grip on my thighs eased, and he lowered himself onto me. I wrapped my legs around him as he ran his hand through my hair, settling it on the nape of my neck. Soft kisses were brushed across my chest, up my neck, and finished on my lips.

  “There’s nothing better than being inside you.” Another kiss met my lips. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  Laughter escaped me when he buried his face in my neck and licked and nipped at my skin. His head raised and a smile split his lips.

  “You better fucking love me.”

  After getting dressed, Jake helped me finish packing and as he loaded my bags into my car, Nix pulled up in the drive. My relief and eagerness to see him couldn’t be contained. I fell into his arms and he patted my hair.

  “I’m sorry, Liz, for everything.”

  I could hear the emotion in his voice. He lifted his sunglasses into his hair and I saw the self-condemnation in his eyes.

  “This isn’t your fault, Nix. You and Pat made a choice together. He knew what you were getting into with this deal, and he chose to do it anyway. It was worth the risk to him.”

  “I was hesitant to do the deal. I never should’ve agreed. Now everyone is at risk.”

  “Pat wouldn’t have given Tolito any information, you know that. Tolito has nothing on you.”

  Nix’s gaze met Jake’s. Silent words were exchanged before his gaze returned to me. “I hope he didn’t, but seven grand is enough incentive to cause any man to do something stupid.”

  “Not any man.” I shook my head as Jake’s arm wrapped around me. “Neither of you would, and I don’t believe any of the Kings would either.”

  Nix let out a sigh. “You always see the good in everyone, it’s a fault we both share.”

  Jake kissed my head before nodding to Nix. “Get what you need. We’ll leave together.”

  Thirty-minutes later, Jake and I left in my Camaro, and Nix left to see Jenna. We stopped by the grocery store before heading home. Jake took Rocky out to play before helping me unload everything into the house. While he and Rocky snuggled on the couch and watched TV, I prepared dinner.

  “What are you makin’ in there? It smells good.”

  “Chicken Alfredo.”

  Jake’s hands slid around my waist as I stirred the noodles. His chin rested on my shoulder as his hand grazed along the top of my shorts.

  “You in my kitchen, cookin’ in these little shorts, is making me stiff.”

  “You’ll have to keep it reined in, playboy. Dinner is ready.”

  “Then I’ll have you for dessert.” A wave of pleasure rushed through me as he nibbled my ear. His palm squeezed my ass before reaching over me to the cabinet, grabbing and setting two plates on the counter to be filled with pasta. />
  “This is damn good, Peach.” Jake’s hand rubbed along my leg as we ate. “What have we been eatin’ out for when you could’ve been cookin’ for me?”

  “You really like it?” A smile smeared my face.

  “Hell yeah.”

  The rumble of motorcycles stopped Jake mid-bite. He set down his fork and headed toward the front door, his shoulders tense. “Rocky. Here.” Jake pointed to his side and Rocky came immediately.

  Jake looked out the side window as the rumbling of the engines stopped outside the house. A crash exploded through Jake’s front window, spreading shards of glass across the furniture and carpet. I jumped off the stool and ran to Jake.

  His hand took hold of me. “Go into the hallway and get down!”

  After sprinting across the room, I put my back to the wall and slid down to my feet.

  Jake moved into the kitchen and lowered a fake drawer. Taped to the inside was a .40 caliber. He pulled it from the tape and headed to the front door. The rumbling of motorcycles echoed through the broken window. I could hear voices outside, growing louder as they approached. The sound of glass crunching under the weight of Jake’s boots was followed by the cocking of his pistol.

  “My gun is loaded and pointed right at you. Don’t take another fucking step.”

  Rocky growled and then a gunshot boomed through the house. My body clenched from the loud boom. The voices shouted at one another, then faded into the distance, the sound of their engines dying out as they hurried down the road.

  Jake turned the corner, pulled me into his arms, and kissed my head. “We need to go, now. Grab your things as quickly as you can.”

  “Jake, what’s going on?”

  “They were Royals, here to settle the score for Rex or on Tolito’s orders. We’re gonna stay at the clubhouse. Pack your things.”