“Fuckers,” I reply, sitting back in my chair, wondering when my business became the topic of conversation in this club.
“Calm down, Prez,” Hawke replies. “We’re happy for you, man.”
“Shut the fuck up! All of you.” I point my finger to each and every one of them. Since when did my boys gossip like bitches?
I glance over at Hawke again, noticing he’s trying to conceal his smile. He has hickeys covering the left side of his neck and his smile immediately fades when he sees me eyeing them.
“Uh-hmmm,” Hawke mutters clearing his throat. “Prez is right. It’s none of our business.”
“Okay then,” I state, slamming the gavel down on the table. “First order of business, I received a call from my old man last night. He was pissed. Apparently that transfer with the Cubans Friday night was fake. The cocaine we delivered to my father’s warehouse was nothing more than some powder.”
Voices rise around the room, so I slam the gavel down again to shut them up.
“Listen up. I know you’re all wondering how this happened and how they had the balls to try and cheat us, but I have a hunch it has something to do with the Gypsy Brothers.”
The Gypsy Brothers have always tried to fuck with my club. When our last president died, they wanted to combine clubs and move down to our side of town. They are crazy fuckers and have their hands in guns and drugs, and I wanted to stay clear of that and change things around. Cannon, their president, is a crazy fuck, his nickname given to him because he’s a loose cannon. It doesn’t take much for him to kill someone. They’re not a club that I want to work with.
“Gypsy Brothers, but why, Prez?” Left Eye asks.
“As far as I know, the Gypsy Brothers have been in business with the Cubans for a while. The Cubans were struggling to continue business with my old man and the Gypsy Brothers, so they had to make a call and decide which client they were gonna keep. My dad is powerful, so they decided to be smart and keep his business. Somehow, and I don’t know how, someone got the real coke and replaced it with powder while taking the money from my hands. Usually, I wouldn’t get the club involved in this shit, but this is a direct assault on our club, and I for one will not let that slide.” I lean forward and rest my palms on the table, giving my men time to think about what I’ve just said.
“But, Prez, I thought that was the last time we’d be dealing with your old man,” Gunner questions.
“I know what I said, Gunner. This is different. The Gypsy Brothers need to pay for trying to screw with us, and we need to teach them a lesson. So I’m thinking we head out tomorrow and find out if they actually have the drugs.”
“How do you suppose we do that?” Trigger asks.
“We go in guns blazing,” I respond, smiling. “Are you with me?”
A chorus of “Aye” spreads around the room.
“Good, we leave first thing tomorrow morning, so rest up. We have a long ride ahead.”
“Church is out,” I announce, slamming the gavel. “Brother, can I have a word,” I ask Hawke, halting him from getting up off his chair.
He eyes me curiously. “Sure, man, what’s up?”
“With all this shit going down, I want to keep Jasmine safe. If the Gypsy Brothers are involved and have eyes on us, I don’t want them using Jasmine to get to me and this club. I can’t let that happen, man.”
“You are so pussy-whipped,” Hawke says, grinning.
“Fuck, brother, I’ve never felt like this, and it’s fucking scaring the shit out of me.”
Hawke’s smile widens and he taps me on the back. “Brother, I feel ya. Luisa’s got me thinking about settling down, and you know that shit was not on my agenda. After Hazel and all her bullshit, I promised myself I wouldn’t go down that road again, but fuck, that woman drives me fucking crazy. I can’t think of any other pussy. I just want her.”
“You tapped that yet?” I ask.
“Let’s just say, I’ve had a taste, but I haven’t had her completely yet. We had some fun last night, but this one’s different. I don’t want to fuck things up. I think I feel for this girl.”
“I know what you mean,” I respond, sitting back in my chair and sighing.
“Fucking pussies,” we both say and laugh.
“So, those hickeys on your neck from her?”
Hawke rubs his neck where the hickeys are on display and grumbles, “Fucking woman is like a vampire. She said she’s marking me so all the club whores know I’m taken.”
“Smart woman.”
Hawke doesn’t respond but smirks.
“So what you want to do about the Jasmine situation? You thinking of keeping her here at the club?”
“I want to, but I just don’t know how she’ll handle the situation. I don’t want to fuck things up, but I need her safe, and with Trigger and Bear staying behind, I know she’ll be safe here.”
Hawke rubs the back of his neck, thinking, and then a smile appears on his mouth. “Why not tell Jasmine that Luisa can stay here too, so she won’t feel out of place? I’d like Lu here too. Knowing she’s safe would ease some of my worry.”
“And you say I’m pussy-whipped.”
“What can I say? There’s something in the air.” Hawke waves his hand above his head.
“You’re so whipped,” I tease and head out of the room with Hawke behind me. As I reach the door, I turn around and ask, “Where is Luisa? Did she spend the night?”
“Nah, man, I tried to keep her here, but she said it’s too early. Fucking woman left me with blue balls all night.”
I laugh at that comment and realize how much alike Jasmine and Luisa are.
Chapter Fifteen
Jasmine
I stand on shaky legs, trying to understand what I feel for this man. He’s everything I never knew I wanted. I head toward his bathroom to take a shower. The room is still steaming with the hot water he had used, and the thought that he’d been in here naked gives me a thrill. God, I’m insatiable. He’s just taken me against the wall, and I still want him again.
I notice his toothbrush sitting on the ledge of the sink and a smile reaches my lips at the thought of using it. Could I do that? Use his brush? I shrug my shoulders and feel the bristles; they’re still wet. I rinse it under the tap and quickly apply toothpaste before I change my mind. Knowing that he just used it makes me feel wicked. I quickly rinse my mouth and turn on the shower and step in. The hot water against my body is invigorating. My core feels a little sore from all the sex, especially since I haven’t been sexually active in a while, well, that’s if you don’t include my vibrator, Tommy.
Lu had taken me out shopping one day for a vibrator; she said I was moody as hell because I hadn’t been getting any in a while and, therefore, I needed a quick fix. I remember feeling embarrassed as we entered the sex shop. I even tried to hide behind racks. Lu didn’t care, because she shouted out to me, “Jasmine, what color, pink or blue?” I tried to exit the store, but she dragged me back in and even paid for it. That night I used Tommy. Although I had come, it didn’t compare to the real thing. I enjoyed making out, which came along with sex, but I couldn’t be picky; my choices were limited, and I did feel more relaxed after.
Now here I was in Quill’s shower and sore in all the right places. Sex with Quill is different, a good different, mind-blowing, something that I’ve never experienced before. All he has to do is look at me and I can feel my panties dampen.
I reach over to use his bodywash and the scent of sandalwood reaches my senses. I savor the feeling of knowing I’ll have his scent on me all day. I quickly wash my hair and finish my shower before stepping out and rubbing myself dry. My stomach rumbles, and I know I need to eat. All the exertions of last night mean that I’m famished.
I search Quill’s room for my clothes. I hate wearing used panties, so I open Quill’s draws and find some clean boxers. I put them on quickly, smiling to myself as I wonder what Quill’s reaction will be when he finds out. I have to fold the waistband as they�
��re too big and then quickly dress. Since my hair is still wet, I tie it in a messy bun and check my appearance in the mirror. It will have to do. I apply a little gloss that I keep in my handbag and head out to the kitchen.
The smell of bacon wafts through the compound. I take a seat at the bar where I find Daisy filling a cup with coffee.
“Want some, hun?” she asks.
“Yes, please,” I respond eagerly, needing my caffeine fix.
I take a sip of the coffee and discover that it’s delicious. I peek over the rim at Daisy and find her eagerly watching me.
“What? Have I got something on my face?” I ask, rubbing my chin.
“No, not at all,” Daisy says, smiling. “It’s just, I’m curious about the woman who has Quill acting all caveman. I mean, I’ve never seen the guy so possessive over a woman before. Let alone, letting her spend the night in his room.”
I blush at that last comment and quickly take another sip of coffee to hide my embarrassment.
“Um, I don’t know what to say to that,” I respond, trying to avoid eye contact. Daisy is wearing a white singlet and tight blue jeans. Her hot pink lipstick stands out against her creamy skin. Her hair is in a beehive again and dark liner outlines her eyes. I want to ask her questions about Quill but don’t know if it’ll be stepping over the line.
“Want something to eat? I’ve made some bacon and eggs for the boys for when they finish with club business.”
“I would love some, thank you. I’ll help,” I offer, hopping up from the stool.
“That’s okay, hun, I got it. You just sit there and enjoy. Quill told me to look after you before he went into church.”
“He did?” I ask in surprise.
She smiles over to me before she heads into the kitchen and returns with bacon, eggs, and toast. My mouth waters at the sight of it, and I dig into it as soon as it’s placed in front of me.
“Daisy?”
“Yeah?” she says, leaning over the bar and resting her elbows in front of her.
“What’s church all about?”
She straightens and bites the inside of her cheek. “It’s club business, hun. That’s all we’re allowed to know.”
“Who are we?” I question.
“Anyone who is not an official club member. Club business is where the boys get together and discuss what’s happening in their club. Not even prospects are welcomed, and definitely not their women. So some advice for you, Jasmine, if you really want to be with the president, don’t push him for information. He won’t’ tell you, and he’ll resent you for it.”
“Okay,” I say, trying hard to conceal my disappointment.
“And here they come now,” Daisy says and hurriedly gets back into the kitchen to get the food prepared.
I turn my body around on my stool and face the room that Quill has just vacated. He’s laughing about something with Hawke and then taps him on his shoulder. His eyes lighten and then a smile reaches his lips when he notices me. He strides over, and I swallow hard as my stomach flutters.
“You look good enough to eat,” Quill whispers in my ear and places a light kiss beneath it. He widens my legs and steps between them. His scent surrounds me. I stare into his startling blue eyes, and I smile up at him.
“Is that so?” I whisper back and watch as Quill grazes his bottom lip with his teeth. His face turns from playful to serious, and I tilt my neck, curious as to what’s going on in that head of his.
“It is,” he replies with a smirk. He cups my face between his hands and says, “Babe, we need to talk. You done with eatin’?”
I look back at my food and realize that I have suddenly lost my appetite. “Yeah, I am.” I get up from my stool. “Are you going to eat?”
He reaches over and grabs some eggs with my fork and stuffs it into his mouth. He then winks at me and grabs hold of my hand and leads me back into his room.
“Sit,” he commands as he opens the door for me and shuts it behind us.
I would usually sass him back and let him know that I don’t like taking orders, but he looks as if he needs to talk, and I don’t want to upset him, so I sit on his bed and face him.
Quill starts pacing his bedroom as he runs his hand through his hair. God, I love it when he does that.
“What’s wrong, Quill? Just tell me.” He stops immediately and walks toward me, falling to his knees and placing his hands on my thighs.
“I don’t know how to say this without sounding like I’m crazy.”
I laugh at his admission and cup his cheek. His eyes bore into mine. “You can tell me anything, Quill.”
He takes a quick breath and holds my hand in his. “I want you to stay here at the compound,” he blurts out.
“Stay? You mean tonight?”
“No, babe, not just tonight. I’ve got important club business that needs to be taken care of, so I’ll be gone for a week. I need to know you’re safe and that you’re here. Trigger and Bear are staying behind, so they’ll keep an eye out and take you anywhere you need to go.” His face is set with determination, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s being serious. He wants me to stay here? At the compound? No friggin’ way!
I shake my head. “I can’t, Quill. I have a life. I need to be home, and I have a business to run. I can’t stay here.” I raise my hands in the air to empathize how ridiculous he’s being.
“I’m not saying you can’t leave to go to work or to visit anyone. I just want to know you’re staying here. It’s important to me, Jasmine.”
I stare into his eyes, contemplating his proposal but know he’s being ridiculous.
I shake my head. “No, Quill, it’s too soon.”
“Look, I wanted to do this the nice way, but I’m not takin’ no for an answer.”
Am I hearing him right? Is he telling me I have no choice? Quill stands up again and glares down at me. The image of him angry has my stomach erupting in knots. His jaw is clenched, his eyes have turned a darker shade of blue, and his hands are on his hips, giving me the impression that he plans to be stubborn.
“You’re stayin’ here and that’s final.” And with that, he storms out of his bedroom, slamming the door behind him.
What just happened? How did he turn from caring to obnoxious and demanding? Well, if he thinks I’m staying here, he’s got another thing coming. Who does he think he is? He can’t tell me what to do. I grab my bag and reach for my phone, and call a cab. Once I’ve explained the directions on how to get here, I wait a couple of minutes and then open the bedroom door, looking left and right to ensure no one is around. I tiptoe to the main room and search it. Happy that Quill is nowhere in sight, I hurry toward the exit.
“Where do you think you’re going?” a deep voice murmurs behind me just as I reach the exit. I turn around, and I’m filled with relief when I realize it’s Hawke.
“I’m leaving. That’s what I’m doing.”
Hawke smirks at me, and I can see why Luisa likes him. He’s rough around the edges but gorgeous as hell. Luisa? Crap, I haven’t called her; she must be worried about me.
“Why do I get the feeling you’re running away, darlin’?”
“I’m not,” I stutter nervously, worried that he won’t let me go.
Hawke rests his arm on the wall and rubs the back of his neck.
“Is that right? Then why do you look like the devil himself is chasing you?”
If only you knew!
“Listen, Hawke, it’s been nice catching up, but I have to go.”
“Prez know you’re leaving?”
“Quill’s not the boss of me, and of course he knows. Do you think I’d leave without saying good-bye?” I’m pissed that he thinks I need Quill’s approval.
Hawke frowns and is about to ask me something else when a club whore approaches him and seductively runs her hands down his chest. She’s wearing a short leather skirt and a silver sequin top that barely covers her top half. She’s pretty with long blonde hair and flawless makeup. She seems as if she’s j
ust come out of a Vogue magazine. I look down at what I’m wearing and smile when I realize I have Quill’s boxers on.”
“Hawke, baby, where’ve you been? I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” the girl purrs.
Using this as an opportunity to flee, I say, “Looks like you’re busy, Hawke. I’ll be seein’ ya.” I tap his chest and watch his eyes narrow at me. “I’ll tell Lu you said hi.”
His face straightens as he cocks his thumb toward the woman by his side. “Cassie is nothing to me, Jazzy. Don’t go tellin’ Luisa I’m with someone else. You don’t know the shit I had to deal with last night to prove that to her.” Did he just call me Jazzy?
“Nothing to you? What the fuck, Hawke?” Cassie remarks.
Hawke ignores her and runs his hands down his face. He does feel for Lu, he really does. I grin up at him when I notice hickeys on his neck.
“I won’t tell if you don’t.” And with that, I sprint out of the compound and sigh with relief when I notice the cab waiting out front. A club member standing at the gate smiles at me as I approach and I notice his vest reads “Bear.” The name definitely suits him when I see how tall and bulky he is. He asks no questions and just opens the gate for me. I smile at him when I pass by and quickly thank him. He just nods back and I get into the cab and tell the driver where I live.
When I arrive home, I see Luisa’s car isn’t in the driveway. She must have decided to go to the gym. I unlock my front door, throw my bag on the couch, and place my phone in my iPod stand. Scrolling through my playlist, my eyes freeze on “Trouble” by Taylor Swift. Mmmm, how fitting. I turn the volume up and head to the kitchen to make myself a glass of juice with the lyrics of the song playing in my head. I start singing along. Damn him. Everything was so perfect this morning, until he started barking orders at me. Then I start to second guess myself. Am I being ridiculous? Shouldn’t I be happy that he wants me close? Am I overthinking this? Probably…
I replay our conversation in my head and giggle when I remember how I was able to get away from Hawke. He had hickeys on his neck that I’m assuming were from Luisa. I make a mental note to ask her about him. Did they patch things up?
Tame Me (Book #1 in the Blood Brothers MC Series) Page 11
