Chas's Fervor: Insurgents Motorcycle Club (Insurgents MC Romance Book 3)

by Wilder, Chiah

  Pretending to be mad, she pouted until he sucked her bottom lip in his mouth. Breaking away, he said, “We’ll have a good time later, babe. Get yourself ready, and I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

  Lying on her side, Addie stared at his firm, taut ass as he sauntered to the bathroom to take a shower. She could watch his gorgeous physique all day. She sighed, and butterflies swirled around in her stomach as she pictured how wonderful the day was going to be. I love spending time with Chas.

  By the time he came out of her bedroom, showered and dressed, Addie had breakfast on the table. Chas grinned. “I could get used to this.”

  She smiled and poured him a cup of coffee and a glass of orange juice. “How do you want your eggs?”

  Shaking his head, Chas downed his orange juice, stuffed a piece of toast in his mouth, and sipped on his piping-hot coffee. “Don’t have time for all that, but thanks anyway. Gotta get to the clubhouse like five minutes ago.”

  Addie’s shoulders slumped. “You can’t even have one egg?”

  Standing next to her, he pulled her into his arm and kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back soon. Be ready when I get here so we can leave right away. Bring a jacket with you, the air this time of year is cold when you’re on a bike. Later, babe.”

  The door closed with a click, and he was gone. Addie dashed over to the French doors and peeked out. The rumble of the Harley’s engine made her windows vibrate. Chas looked so hot and sexy sitting on his bike, his powerful legs clasped around its body. Addie still couldn’t believe she had such a hot man in her life.

  She watched him until the street swallowed him up. Whenever he was gone, she felt so alone, which she knew was ridiculous because she’d lived alone for the past two years and did just fine. But Chas had eased himself into her life, and she found him intoxicating; when he wasn’t there, she craved him. In the beginning, Chas was the sexy bad boy she’d fantasized about, but as she became a part of his and Jack’s life, he was the man she had fallen hopelessly in love with.

  Ian’s cold, stern face was the black cloud in her new life. Why couldn’t he have stayed away? It figured he’d do business with the likes of Snake and his club. If Snake were an example of the type of men in the Deadly Demons MC, she didn’t want to meet the others. Maybe Ian had moved on. After all, she hadn’t heard anything from him for at least a couple of weeks. I’m sure he realized we didn’t fit together anymore, and he was getting bored of the whole thing. Even as Addie entertained the thought that Ian had moved on, she knew deep inside, where the dull knot of dread had throbbed ever since she’d learned of Ian’s presence in Pinewood Springs, that he’d never let her go. Ian would never simply walk away. Ian never forgot.

  After Addie finished dressing and cleaning up the kitchen, she heard the buzzer on her intercom go off. She knew it was Chas because she had heard the cams on his Harley loud and clear. Addie couldn’t wait to join him on the back of his bike. The ride was exhilarating, and she understood how bikers were hooked on the ride and the feel of freedom it brought.

  “I’m coming,” Addie said over the intercom. Grabbing her purse and leather jacket, she locked her door and rushed down the stairs.

  “You look beautiful,” Chas told her, his eyes raking over her tight black sweater and form-fitting black jeans.

  “I need to keep you, compliments and all.” Addie kissed his cheek. “How did your meeting go?”

  “It’s called church. You gotta get the hang of the lingo if you’re gonna be a biker chick. It went fine. Ready to roll?”

  Smiling, Addie nodded and followed him to his bike as he led her, holding her hand in his.

  Once Addie was comfortably on the bike, Chas’s switched on the ignition, revved the engine, and took off.

  The ride around the back roads displayed the end of autumn and the beginning of winter with the bare-branched elm trees and the touch of shimmering frost clinging to the pine trees’ needles. The mountain peaks, once awash with splashes of gold, red, and orange, were pristine and white. The tepid autumn afternoons began to retreat while the frigid chill of winter began its march. One of the last remnants of fall was the clear sky—a perfect, uninterrupted blue.

  The chilly wind painted Addie’s face a rosy red while her teeth chattered and her body shivered. Pressing closer to Chas, the warmth of his body heated hers, and she nuzzled her head against his back as she watched the passing landscape.

  Shortly after, Chas turned down a narrow road, a gushing stream on one side and a forest of blue spruce evergreens on the other. He turned off the engine and the bike rolled for another several feet before it came to a stop. Chas helped Addie off the Harley and led her to the banks of the stream, their boots crunching over the fallen pine needles. The rushing water filled the space around them, and the water sprayed a light mist over them as it crashed then flowed over the boulders rising out of it.

  “It’s so beautiful and peaceful here,” Addie said as she surveyed the area.

  “I love this place. My grandpa used to take me here when I was a kid. In the spring and summer, we’d come here to fish for Rainbow trout. We’d catch a ton of them, and my grandma would clean them up, dust them with flour and fry them. You’ve never had trout until you’ve eaten it like that, fresh outta the stream.”

  A warm glow spread throughout Addie as Chas gave her a glimpse of his past. She grasped his hand, kissed it, and said, “It sounds so good. I bet you were a cute boy. Probably ornery as all hell, but cute.”

  Cocking his head, he gazed at her. “You been talking to my mom?”

  She laughed and embraced him. Riding on the Harley and being with him in this lovely, peaceful place made her feel like she soared high above the heartaches of life. Holding each other at that moment, it was as though they were the only people on Earth. She looked all around her, memorizing how everything looked and felt, wishing their time together could be paused indefinitely.

  “You like it here, precious?”

  “I love it. It’s so quiet. Being here, surrounded by all this natural beauty, humbles me.” Her eyes started to mist. I’m going to cry now. No, don’t do that. What’s up with me lately? I cry at the drop of a hat. But I’m so happy right now. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

  “You’re the only woman I’ve ever shared this with. Hell, you’re the only woman I’ve told anything to about my past. It’s comfortable talking with you. I really enjoy our conversations.”

  Addie pulled Chas down and gave him a passionate kiss. She wanted to tell him how happy he made her by sharing something of himself with her, but she was afraid she’d burst into tears. She knew how uncomfortable that made men, and she could only imagine how it would make Chas—a rough, outlaw biker—feel.

  When she pulled back, Chas’s hungry eyes met hers. He twisted a strand of her hair around his fingers. “Baby, I enjoyed that.” Cradling her against him, he lifted her chin and kissed her.

  Addie’s stomach somersaulted and pleasure shots ricocheted up and down her spine. This man who scared the hell out of her just a few months before now rocked her world. All she wanted was to be a part of his life forever, but she was so afraid of what Ian would do. Ian knew about Chas, and that put him and Jack in imminent danger. Chas had no idea how cold and calculating a killer her husband was. He was used to guys like Snake, but Ian was no Snake; he was a meticulous professional who never failed at his task. Addie shuddered.

  “You cold, babe?” Chas held her tighter.

  “It is cold. Winter is just beginning.” Addie breathed in Chas’s familiar scent, willing herself to always remember what he smelled like.

  She knew if the choice came down to going with Ian or having him kill Chas, she’d leave with Ian. She could never jeopardize the only man she’d ever loved. She couldn’t. Damn, again with the tears. What the fuck? Ian is making me an emotional wreck.

  “Let’s go get some lunch in Pine Valley. Your eyes are watering from the cold. I don’t want you getting sick or something,” Chas sai
d as he nuzzled her neck.

  “Sounds good. My feet are going a bit numb.”

  As they rode to Pine Valley, Addie wished Ian were gone—not dead, but gone and out of her life. A single shiver ran through her, peppering her skin with goosebumps. Would Chas kill Ian? The previous night, he’d sounded like he was planning to do away with Ian. If he did, how would she feel about it? She wondered if Chas would even tell her.

  Thinking of Chas and Jack always made her feel so warm and fuzzy. She loved Jack dearly. Addie had always wanted children but during her marriage, she hadn’t been able to conceive. Of course, Ian had made sure to let her know how much of a failure she was as a woman and as a wife. A wave of nausea consumed her, and she thought she was going to throw up. She couldn’t go back to him. She was a different woman from the scared, needy wife Ian knew. The stronger Addie could never tolerate all the verbal and emotional abuse Ian had dished out, and knowing he made his living with blood money sickened her. The thought of his hands on her body and his penis inside her repulsed her. She’d rather escape during the cover of night than go back with him. She didn’t want Chas hurt, so her only alternative was to pack up and leave.

  Leaning over on the bike, she dry-retched. Chas turned around, concern written all over his face. “You okay?” he yelled.

  She nodded and buried her head in his back, inhaling the smell of leather. The soft material stroked her as Chas entered Pine Valley. Dropping down his kickstand, he dismounted then held her face in his hands.

  “You’re white as a sheet. You sick?” he asked, his forehead creasing.

  “A little. I need some water.” She placed her hands over his.

  “I know a small restaurant. Let’s go.”

  A wave of heat bathed the couple as they entered the diner. It was during the lunch hour and nearly all the tables were taken. Addie clung to Chas’s arm, fearing she’d pass out. The hostess, dressed in a starched white uniform with navy blue piping, greeted them, her pink, glossy lips curling in a big smile. “There’re two of ya?”

  Chas nodded. Addie put her hand over her mouth.

  “Follow me.”

  She led them to a small table by the window in the corner of the place. Addie—grateful for the chair so she didn’t embarrass herself by slamming down on the linoleum floor—sank down and took her jacket off. A cool sweat ran down her neck.

  “What’s wrong?” Chas asked as he took her hands and massaged them.

  Breathing in and out for a minute, Addie said, “I don’t know, but for a while there, I felt really sick, like I was going to pass out. I’m starting to feel better now.” It’s that damn Ian. He’s got me so stressed and twisted in knots. Fuck him.

  Addie gulped the water the waitress put on the table. After several glasses and many deep breaths, Addie began to feel much better.

  “Your color’s coming back,” Chas said.

  “I feel fine now. How strange.” She smiled at him then looked around the restaurant.

  It was small but clean, and it had a bustling crowd. The aromas from the kitchen were delicious. A large black-top counter and chrome black stools made up the lunch counter, and booths and tables decorated the rest of the place. Black checkerboard linoleum tiles covered the floors, and at the back of the restaurant three candy machines and one gumball machine lent a pop of color to the monochromatic color scheme.

  “Do you want something to eat?” Chas asked.

  “Maybe just some ice cream to coat my stomach. My mom used to give me milkshakes and ginger ale when I’d have a stomach ache.” Addie smiled as the memory soothed her.

  “Can I take your order?” the waitress asked in a high-pitched voice.

  Chas ordered a burger and fries for him and a vanilla shake for Addie.

  “I’m having a very nice day. I’m happy we got to spend my day off together,” Addie said as she slurped the last of her shake.

  “I’m having a good time, too. I always enjoy our time together. I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

  After Chas paid the check, they left the eatery and strolled down the street, window-shopping. Chas stopped in front of a jewelry store, the front window showcasing sparkling rings, necklaces, and earrings.

  “Come on,” Chas said as he tugged Addie into the shop.

  He let go of her hand as he approached the sales clerk. Addie glanced at the display cases, which glittered with gold jewelry and gems. She didn’t wear much jewelry, but she loved to look at it. She preferred the smaller pieces, and she had a few rings and earrings from her mother’s collection.

  “Precious? Come here,” Chas said.

  A store clerk stood next to him. “What?” Addie asked.

  “Turn around,” Chas ordered.

  Addie did as requested and felt Chas move her hair over her shoulder. He placed something around her neck and clasped it. “Go check it out and let me know if you like it,” he whispered in her ear, his hot breath tickling her neck.

  Looking in a mirror, Addie gasped. Her reflection showed a lovely white-gold necklace with a solid white-gold heart and pink tourmaline pendant, a small white-gold key charm accented in pink tourmalines attached. A few tears escaped and trailed down her face. Wrapping his arm around her, Chas said in a low voice, “You hold the key to my heart, precious. Haven’t felt like this about a woman. I want you in my life, and I want to be a part of yours.”

  Tears rolled down her cheeks as she spun around, then hugged and kissed him. “I want to be a part of yours, too,” she breathed against his ear. By far, the best day ever!

  * * *

  Addie gathered the dinner plates to bring into the kitchen when she heard Chas’s mother say her name. She and Chas had gone over to his parents’ house to pick up Jack when Chas’s mother invited them to stay for dinner. Addie was delighted to sit at the dinner table and observe the interaction between Chas, his sister, his parents, and his son. The family gathering made her feel sad and happy at the same time. The scene was reminiscent of the many dinners she’d shared with her parents before their death. Being at the Vickers’ table made Addie feel like she was part of a family again—something she hadn’t felt in years.

  Addie pressed close to the door, peeking into the kitchen through a crack.

  “You finally brought home a decent woman,” Chas’s mother said. “I can’t tell you how often I prayed for that. Addie is kind and lovely, and she adores you and Jack. I’ve wanted another grandchild so badly, and I know Jack would love a little brother or sister.” She wiped her hands on her apron.

  Shaking his head, Chas laughed. “Don’t you think you’re rushing things a bit?” He grabbed the dish towel and dried a large frying pan. “We’re having a real good time, and for now that’s what it is—a lot of fun.”

  His mother grabbed the towel from him and lightly slapped him with it. “You’ll be a fool if you let her go. Can’t you see how her eyes shine whenever she looks at you? And I know you gave her the necklace she touched all through dinner. You did give it to her, didn’t you?”

  Clearing his throat, he admitted, “Yeah, I did.”

  “What did you ever buy that witch, Brianna, in all the time you were married to her?” Before he could answer, she said, “Nothing. I’m telling you, Addie’s perfect for you and will make a good wife and mother. And from the way you looked at her all through dinner, I know she isn’t someone you’re going out with ‘just for fun’.”

  Addie’s heart ached when she realized she could never give Chas a child, but maybe he didn’t want one. After all, he already had a son, so maybe he was done having children. Maybe it was just his mother who wanted Chas to have another child. What the hell am I thinking? He hasn’t even asked me to marry him, and I’m already thinking about the child issue. Hearing her name again, Addie put the dishes back on the table and leaned her ear closer to the door, opening it a little wider so she could see better.

  “Don’t be afraid to love Addie, just because you married the wrong woman. Brianna was never right for
you. I told you, but you had to find it out for yourself. Addie is like your other half. I’m telling you not to let her go.”

  Crossing his arms over his chest, he gave his mom a hard stare. “Enough already. We’re having a good time. I like her a lot. End of conversation.” Chas leaned against the kitchen counter. “How’s Dad doing? He looks tired.”

  Her face tightened. “He says he’s all right, and he won’t go to the doctor. He’s stubborn, just like you. I told him the other…”

  Addie pulled her ear away from the door, feeling guilty to have been eavesdropping on Chas and his mother’s conversation. Jack sauntered into the dining room.

  “Whatcha doin’, Ms. O’Leary?” he asked loudly.

  Addie leapt away from the door and picked up the stack of dishes she had put on the table. “I’m helping your grandma by clearing the table. Do you want to help me?”

  “Okay.” Jack picked up as much of the silverware as he could hold in his small hands. He burst through the partially opened door to the kitchen.

  “Oh, you startled me,” Chas’s mom said with a laugh. “Thank you for helping,” She took the silverware out of Jack’s hand. Turning to Addie, she told her, “You didn’t have to do that, dear. Here, let me take those from you.”

  Before his mother could grab the dishes out of her hands, Chas darted over and relieved Addie of her burden. His black eyes caught hers, and she ran the tip of her pink tongue over her lip and back through her white teeth. Hunger crept into his gaze as it lingered on her mouth, making her catch her breath as a pink flush rose up her neck. In that moment, time stood still, and it was like they were the only two in the kitchen, caught in a chasm of desire where no one but them existed.

  Coughing, Chas’s mother slammed the dishwasher door shut, bringing the couple back to reality.

  Chas cleared his throat. “We gotta go, Mom. It’s late, and Jack’s had a full day. You and Dad did, too. Thanks for watching him.” Chas gave his mom a quick hug.