by Debra Kayn
That the respect and love he had for Chief after knowing his father killed the man who'd murdered Rollo filled her with the hope that someday, Nikki would forgive her. That her daughter would understand the only thing going through Jessy's mind at the time Ed attacked her was her need to protect Nikki.
"Where's the hairband?" he asked.
"On the handle of the brush." Jessy got up from the chair and retrieved it for him.
After he finished, he turned Nikki around and around, pretending to inspect his job. "Good enough."
Jessy hid her laughter. Her daughter's hair looked worse than when he'd started, but that was okay. As long as she was happy.
Nikki walked away. Thorn called her back and held up the brush. "Put it away in the bathroom."
Once her daughter ran out of the room, Jessy leaned over and kissed him. "You're wonderful, honey."
A car honked outside. Jessy straightened and yelled, "Nikki, your ride is here. Grab your bag."
She bent at the waist and kissed Thorn again. "Thank you for setting this up."
"I'm selfish. I want time with you." Thorn stood and walked over to the door.
She couldn't fault him for making excuses. After the emotional day yesterday, she'd barely slept—which meant Thorn stayed awake watching over her.
Nikki ran into the room, lugging her bag. "Is Chee here? Is he?"
"Yep." He opened the door. "Kiss your mommy. I'll walk you out."
Jessy squeezed her daughter and kissed her cheek. "Be good at daycare. We'll be there in a few hours to get you."
Nikki squirmed away and hurried out the door, shouting, "Bye."
It was Sunday, a day she usually reserved to spend time with her daughter during her busy school week and her work schedule. Jessy hugged her waist, pushing away the unexpected guilt of sending her child to a biker clubhouse to be watched for the day.
Early that morning as she watched the sun filter into the bedroom, she realized it wasn't memories and panic that made her restless. Common sense came to her over the things Thorn had talked about when she was at her lowest.
With daylight and a new day before her, she knew that if she were put into the same situation again, she would defend herself against Ed's abuse. If it came down to her life or Ed's, she'd pick hers. When it came to Nikki, she would always, always choose her daughter.
More than anything, her inner struggle over Thorn's lifestyle, bordering on dangerous and criminal, settled into calmness realizing that if it came down to her and Nikki's life or his, Thorn would lie down and die for them.
That love was all that mattered.
There was no doubt in her mind.
Her heart was full.
Thorn walked back into the house after seeing Nikki off. She wanted to share with him all the thoughts and realizations about their relationship that cluttered her mind, but she had no idea where to start, except to show him.
"She got off okay?" She approached him.
"I don't even think she waved goodbye." He slipped his arms around her. "She was too busy talking to Chee."
"I love that kid." She gazed up at him. "I also love his uncle."
"Chee got everything from me." He tilted his head. "We're good?"
"Yes." She traced his lips with her finger. "As long as you love me forever."
He held her close and kissed her deeply, drawing it out, until he nipped her lip. "As long as I live, there will not be a moment that you ever doubt I love you."
"But, what if I do?" she said against his mouth.
He lifted her. "Then, I'll prove you wrong.
"It scares me to love you." She nodded, kissing him frantically. "You're everything to me and if I lost you..."
His haggard breathing fanned her face, and he pressed his forehead against hers. "You'll never lose me. You're mine forever."
Her love for him verged on unhealthy. He knew it. She knew it.
Whether her desperation to be as close to him as humanly possible, to know every one of his thoughts, and what he dreamed came from her age or never having a relationship where she loved someone before, she had no idea. She only knew that being apart from him unsettled her. Not touching him drove her crazy. She couldn't go to the store without rushing back because he was at home. At night, the bed wasn't the same if he was taking a shower and not with her. She only felt complete when they were together.
Distraught over the overwhelming need to have him inside of her, she rocked against him, smothering him. Close wasn't close enough. She needed him buried deep between her legs, and become a part of her.
His hands circled her waist, and he set her down without breaking the kiss. She grabbed at his vest, his buckle, his shirt, accomplishing nothing but adding to her frustration.
By the time he got her pants down, she was back against him. He caught her head, bringing her up and captured her lips. Groaning because he had on too many clothes, she ripped her mouth away.
"Help me." She panted, unsuccess at getting his buckle undone.
He let her go, taking off his belt. "Boots."
She dropped to her bare knees and worked on his laces. Her pulse throbbed in her resolve.
Before she finished, he slid his hands under her armpits and dragged her up, walking her backward to the couch. She flashed her gaze down. He'd barely lowered his jeans.
She opened her mouth to tell him he still had on too many clothes and he turned her around and bent her over. Grabbing onto the arm of the couch, she caught her balance as he widened her legs.
The crinkle of a condom wrapper tickled her senses. She flung her hair behind her back and looked over her shoulder. The intense concentration etched in Thorn's brows excited her. Not once had she ever doubted that he wanted her, even when she made his life hell.
He looked up and their gazes connected. A thrill shot through her.
"You're so fucking beautiful." He tilted his head and ogled her ass.
"Honey?" She stomped her foot which only made him groan in approval when her backside wiggled.
He held her hips and slid his cock into her pussy. Her spine arched, and she lowered her head, pursing her lips and sucking in air at the sudden fullness. He leaned over and pressed against her back.
"Don't move." He slid his hand off her hip and under her shirt, cupping her breast.
Her lower stomach quivered in pleasure covered in his warmth. He nuzzled her neck. She leaned her head to the side giving him more access. He took full advantage of kissing her sensitive skin and moving his other hand up to her breast.
Held captive by him, she couldn't move. He was too big. Too strong. Too intoxicating.
"You like that." He squeezed her breasts.
Barely able to hold her head up, she nodded.
"It wasn't a question, sweetheart." His husky tone rolled through her. "I can feel what you like on my cock."
Her pussy spasmed. He moaned, barely audible.
"Just like I know you enjoy when I do this." He rolled her nipples between his thumbs and fingers.
Her breasts tingled, aching for more and she pressed her back against the front of him.
He removed one hand. She whined in protest and then gasped in encouragement when his fingers landed between her legs and found her clit.
Her legs momentarily weakened, and he caught her before her knees bent. "You like this even more."
"God, yes." She hissed as a wave of pleasure swept through her.
Impaled by him. Held in place. Protected.
His finger circled between her legs. Her eyes closed as a moan burst from her. Her heart and soul full, she believed in him. In them.
"Let me feel you come, sweetheart." He sucked her neck, tweaked her nipple, and rubbed her clit. All those things were done while he remained deeply seated inside of her, holding her in place, giving her everything.
Her brain short-circuited. She no longer owed Thorn for saving her. She was owned by him. Horror-filled circumstances had thrown them together at the beginning. She hadn't l
ooked for love. He was nothing like what she believed she wanted in a man, and yet, she soon discovered he was everything she needed.
She couldn't stop her orgasm from coming. It rolled in and exploded, much like Thorn had walked into her life.
He held her still, removing his hand from her pussy. She hung her head between her arms, catching her breath. Content and satisfied.
Thorn inhaled deeply, his chest pressing against her back. He slipped out of her. She wobbled and straightened, knowing he hadn't come.
"That was for you." He turned her toward him, lifted her up, and cupped her ass. "This is for me."
Holding her, he sat down on the couch with her sitting on his lap facing him. She rocked forward, pushing into a squat above him, then lowered herself down on his cock. Wet and swollen, her pussy squeezed down on him.
Thorn's gaze watched their bodies come together, and then he lifted his head. "Ride me, sweetheart."
Overheated from already climaxing, she crossed her arms, grabbed the hem of her shirt, and pulled the material off her. Her breasts fell free and drew Thorn's gaze. She held on to his shoulders and lifted, lowered, lifted, lowered her body on him.
Leaning forward, her breasts brushed his scratchy beard. His lips opened, and the tempting sight of him needing her rekindled the warmth inside of her. She thrust her fingers in his hair, pushing his head back, and kissed him.
He dipped his tongue into her mouth. She no longer knew if she was fucking him or he was fucking her. They ground against each other, frantic, excited.
He guided her hips with his hands and dug his fingers into her skin. Her movements grew erratic and uncontrollable. His thighs hardened underneath her. He broke his mouth away from her and threw back his head, groaning in pleasure. For her, to see a man who always remained in control, lose his senses and succumb to the relief she brought him, sent ecstasy through her already satisfied body and her orgasm squeezed every bit of love from her body.
She gave everything up to him and slung herself over his body. Her heart raced, and a wave of tiredness left her whipped.
Thorn blew out a breath, his body vibrating against her. She laid her cheek against the leather of his vest on his shoulder.
"You wore me out," she whispered.
He chuckled low in a proud, egotistical growl. She pinched his side.
"We better practice more, sweetheart. I gave you my life because you were young, sexy, and full of energy." He slapped her ass making her jump.
She gasped, staring at him, and found a grin hidden in his beard. Narrowing her eyes, she lifted off his cock and stood in front of him.
Knowing she looked a hot mess, she planted her hands on her bare hips. "You think you're edgy, honey? I'm ready. Bring it."
Amusement came in his gaze. She lifted her brows, stimulating him.
She witnessed the moment he realized she was serious. His dark brown eyes narrowed, accepting the challenge, and tilted his head. He removed the used condom without taking his gaze off her.
Reading his intent, she squealed and ran a millisecond before he rose from the couch with a growl. His booted footsteps thundered behind her down the hallway on the hard wooden floor. She laughed loudly, grabbing the doorframe and flinging herself into the bedroom.
Slamming the door as he pounded on the other side, she leaned against the wood, breathing heavily.
"I want babies," he said through the door.
Her laughter fled, and her stomach fluttered. "How many?"
She held her breath waiting for him to answer. Several seconds passed, and she couldn't hear anything from the other side of the wood.
"Thorn?" she asked.
"You're young. I think I can give Jett a run on his tribe. So, six."
"Six?" she mouthed, her eyes bugging.
She turned around and opened the door. His hands held on to the top of the door frame, and he hulked in front of her.
"How about one?" She shivered, totally turned on by the idea of having his child. "It would be nice to give Nikki a sister or brother."
He lowered his hands and stalked forward. "That's a start."
She threw herself at him and wrapped her arms around his middle. There was no doubt that he'd get her pregnant. He was determined to give her everything.
Chapter Forty
Thorn had ridden in two hours before the sun came up to surprise her from his latest run. She hadn't expected him back until later tonight. Lately, it seemed like the three weeks in between the Brikken rides flew by and the ten days he was gone lasted a lifetime.
He slipped out from between Jessy's legs and left the bed. She raised her arms above her head and sank into the mattress, satisfied and relaxed.
"I'm so glad you're home," she said.
"Missed you." He walked naked back to the bed, leaned over, and kissed her. "You need to get up. We've got things to do."
"But it's Sunday." She sat up. "Are we going to the clubhouse?"
"Nope." He walked out of the bedroom, carrying a stack of his clothes to the bathroom.
"Leave the water running," she said, sliding her legs off the bed.
Not ready to get up, she sat on the edge of the mattress and waited for the shower. She sighed and smiled to herself. Whatever he planned, they had the day together. Nikki would freak when she got up, knowing Thorn was home early.
Though he called Nikki two, sometimes three, times a day while he was gone, her daughter missed him.
Thorn walked back into the room fully dressed, his hair and beard dripping water on his black T-shirt, and picked up his boots. "Shower is all yours."
She stood. A warm wetness coated her inner thighs. The mess left behind from Thorn not wearing a condom energized her into starting the day. He was determined to get her pregnant, and she had all the faith in him that not too many hours would go by and he'd find a way to get her naked again.
Grabbing her nightshirt, she slipped it over her head. "So, what's the plan today?"
"We've got things to do." He slipped his pistol behind his belt and put on his vest.
She stopped at the doorway. "That doesn't help me figure out what to wear."
"Wear those shorts I like," he muttered, stomping his boot on and bending over to tie the lace.
She rolled her eyes and went into the bathroom. In the shower, she laughed softly. The shorts he wanted her to wear were ones she lounged around in at home because they were too short to wear in public. That gave her hope that they were staying at the house on their day off.
After she took her shower, put mascara on, and towel dried her hair, leaving it hanging loose, she walked into the kitchen and found Nikki eating cinnamon toast.
She eyed her daughter's plate. "Thorn made you breakfast?"
"Yep." Nikki took another bite.
Jessy looked around the house for Thorn and when she couldn't find him, returned to the kitchen. "Do you know where Thorn is?"
"Yep."
She planted her hands on the counter and looked at Nikki. "Do you want to tell me where Thorn went?"
Nikki looked up from her toast. "Nah."
Over time, her daughter had picked up on Thorn's way of speaking, despite her influence in Nikki's life. Jessy ripped a paper towel off the holder and dabbed at the sugar and cinnamon clinging to Nikki's cheeks. She often got a yep or nah as answers. A couple of nights ago, she'd received a grunt from her daughter when she asked if she was ready for bed after brushing her teeth.
"All right, missy. Be that way." She fixed her own piece of toast, slathering on the butter. "After you're done, I want you to wash your face and while you're doing it, think about how you want your hair today."
Nikki slid off the stool—a recent purchase for the island counter—and walked over to the window carrying her toast. Her daughter pressed her forehead against the glass, then walked back to the stool.
"I want my hair loose," Nikki stated.
Jessy pursed her lips and studied Nikki. Not only had she received the answer to where
Thorn was, but her daughter's hair was looking a little wild lately with her need to copy Thorn.
Deciding hairstyles wasn't a battle she wanted to fight, she said, "Okay, go wash up and put your shoes on."
"I'll tie them myself." Nikki ran out of the room.
Well. How about that?
Nikki hated tying her shoes. She struggled with the laces no matter how many hours she had sat down with her and practiced.
She walked to the back door to go find Thorn when he walked into the house, startling her. "I was just going to look for you."
"No time to talk right now, sweetheart." He walked around her and deeper into the house.
"Why are you so secretive?" She followed him down the hallway, spotting Nikki coming out of the bathroom.
"Hi, Thorn," said Nikki.
He tousled her hair. "Hey, Nikki."
Her daughter walked past her without saying a word. Jessy dogged Thorn into the bathroom where he turned on the faucet and washed his hands. Today was not the day for her to feel like a third wheel at home.
Dirt mixed with water made a muddy mess that ran down the drain off Thorn's hands. "Why are you dirty?"
He turned his head and wiggled his eyebrows. Realizing what she said, she fisted her hand and lightly punched his shoulder.
"You know what I meant." She crossed her arms.
He straightened, looked down her body and back up to her eyes, obviously pleased at the shorts she put on. "Get your shoes."
She snaked her hands around him and plastered herself against his body. Palming his ass, she squeezed. "Tell me what's going on first."
He kissed her quickly. "Your tricks aren't going to work. Get a move on."
"Fine." She stepped away from him and went into the bedroom to find her sneakers.
In the other room, she heard Thorn call Nikki's name. She hurried and tied her laces. When she was ready, she walked out of the bedroom and found Thorn standing by the sliding door.
"Ready?" he asked.
She nodded and slipped her hand into his. He led her outside into the backyard.
