RECKLESS AND WILD: MOTORCYCLE CLUB ROMANCE BOX SET

by Honey Palomino

  “Well, I do. And I'm the boss, right? You'll be fine, you'll be safe, I promise. If anything goes wrong, we will be there in less than a minute.”

  I looked at him silently, his brown eyes soft and kind, yet filled with excitement. He had been so happy when I decided to become a detective. I had done my best to excel at everything, to ease the burden on him and Mabel, to show them how grateful I was that they had saved me from that life. And yet here he was sending me back. What was I supposed to do? I knew I couldn't say no. I couldn't disappoint him.

  “Okay,” I said, sighing deeply. “I trust you, Tommy.” “Wonderful! You won't regret it, I guarantee it!”

  I laughed at his confidence, hoping it would rub off on me. “Okay, where do we start?”

  “First we start with dying your hair black!”

  CHAPTER THREE

  ––––––––

  The reflection in the full length mirror in my bedroom seemed to be of an entirely different person. My thin, long wispy blonde hair was now replaced by jet black curls that cascaded over my shoulders. The leather jacket I wore was unzipped, revealing an obscene amount of cleavage that was framed by a low-cut black tank top. My tight, faded jeans hugged the muscular curves of my hips and thighs, and the worn, leather harnessed biker boots I had tucked them into made my tall 5'10” frame an inch taller.

  I looked nothing like the skinny twelve year old that left the MC life behind. I was used to the leather and jeans, but not the hair.

  After my parents died, the Blackhearts taught me to ride. I wanted to learn earlier, but my mom wouldn't allow it. When she wasn't around to protest anymore, I was able to convince the guys to teach me. I fell in love with the speed, the force of the wind rushing past me, and the roar of the bike between my legs. Tommy bought me my own bike for my sixteenth birthday, insisting I take proper lessons and wear the safest helmet he could find. I was willing to do anything for the freedom the bike provided. Winding down the curviest roads I could locate, I found solace and peace during those hours alone. When it was just my bike, the road and me – I felt closer to my parents than I ever did. Riding was healing. The road was my church.

  Luckily, Tommy understood that and allowed me the freedom and trust to be safe and stay out of trouble. And I did.

  Until now, I had never put myself in danger. After today, my life would be full of it. I wasn't sure I was up to the job, but I was determined to do my best for Tommy.

  Mustering up every ounce of courage I had, I looked in the mirror, gazing into the green eyes of the black haired woman in the mirror.

  “You can do this, Liv. It'll be a piece of cake. Stay on your toes and stay focused. Get in and get out.”

  I took a deep breath and collected my things. I was moving into a decoy apartment across the street from the Crow MC's clubhouse and was only allowed to bring a few items of clothing and necessities. No pictures of Tommy and Mable, nothing that would identify me as Officer Olivia LaVelle. Now I would be known as Krys Black, a loner from Chicago that loved motorcycles and dangerous men.

  As I turned off the lights and locked the door behind me, I wondered for a moment how this assignment would change me. Who would I be when I returned to my real life?

  Tommy and I had been going over the details of everything for a week now, and after stopping by the station for one last briefing, I was back on my bike and roaring over forested hills to my new, temporary life.

  When I pulled up to my apartment, I turned off my bike and took off my helmet, shaking my newly darkened curls loose. Surveying my surroundings, I took in the bar across the street, and the Crow's clubhouse just down the block. Everything was quiet and calm, but I had a feeling I was being watched. Not wanting to call any attention to myself just yet, I ascended the stairs in front of me and opened the door to my apartment.

  It was sparse but comfortable and Tommy had made sure it was stocked with everything I needed during my stay. My favorite beer was in the fridge and the cabinets were stuffed with food. In fact, it was time for lunch but I didn’t feel like cooking and my growling stomach told me I should check out the offerings at the pub across the street.

  I looked out the living room window, which faced directly across the avenue. From up here, I had the perfect view into the MC's parking lot and I watched as three leather clad men walked past the chain link fence and out onto the street. They were smiling and joking with one another, and didn't look dangerous at all at first glance. But then I saw the big knives hanging from their belts, and the bulging muscles rippling under their cuts, and I knew that no matter how good a fighter I was, I wouldn't be any match for men their size. Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that. I comforted myself by letting Tommy's words run through my mind assuring me that he would be right around the corner if I needed him. He promised he would be glued to his phone and ready to act in a moment's notice if I called him.

  I tucked my cell phone into the pocket of my jacket and took the first step out my door and into the MC life. When I pushed open the door of the pub, I could feel eyes on me right away. I stood by the door for a moment to let my eyes adjust to the light, and then walked directly to the bar.

  It was showtime.

  “I'll have a shot of whiskey and a beer back. And a cheeseburger and fries, please?” The bartender could have been a biker himself. Tall and thick around the middle, his face was framed by a full black beard. His smile was friendly and jovial, and his eyes met mine as he brought me my drinks.

  “Sure. You new around here? I haven't seen you in here before.”

  “Yes, I just moved in across the street today. I'm Krys. Krys Black.” I held out my hand and he shook it firmly.

  “Well, welcome to the neighborhood. I hope you like the sound of motorcycles. I'm Darrell.”

  “Hi, Darrell. And yes, actually, I ride myself.” I knew the three bikers in the corner were listening because their eyes hadn't left my ass for half a second since I walked in. I had pretended I didn't see them up till now, but when they laughed out loud, I turned and looked them square in the face.

  “What's so funny?” I asked them. Now that I had a closer look, I realized how rugged and good-looking they were. The bikers I had grown up around didn't look anything like these guys. They were young and ripped and in spite of the huge amount of alcohol that was in front of them, they looked healthy. I had seen pictures of them during the briefing and I knew right away who I was looking at.

  Pockets, Rat Boy and Crow. Pockets was the vice president. He sat on the left, the only one not smiling. He stared at me with deep blue eyes. I knew he was the suspected mastermind behind the MC's deals, and also the brain of the group. Rat Boy aka Ratz, sat next to him, laughing and smiling at me through his crooked teeth. Crow sat next to him, looking at me with curiosity, his eyes raking across my body. He was the best looking of them all. His long black hair framed his square jaw handsomely, and his piercing blue eyes looked as if they could peer into my soul if I stared back at him for too long.

  Pushing away all traces of intimidation, I picked up my drink and walked over to them.

  “What's so funny? You have a problem with a lady riding a bike?” I was standing directly in front of their table, my heart racing so loud I could hear it pumping.

  Again, Ratz laughed at me. The other two just continued to stare up at me, Crow's eyes landing on my tits.

  “No, honey, we don't have a problem with it. You just make sure you're careful, okay, darlin'?” Ratz replied, sarcasm dripping from every word.

  “Oh, don't you worry about that, sweetheart.” I replied, my words laced with enough sarcasm to match his. “I've been riding a lot longer than you have.” I turned on my heel, and made my way back to my bar stool, slightly exaggerating the swing of my hips as I strolled away.

  The three of them burst out in laughter behind me.

  They left me alone for the next hour, but I had definitely caught their attention. I finished my drinks and my burger, paid the bartender and walked to the
ladies room, watching from the corner of my eye as Crow's gaze followed my every move. Perfect – he was the one I wanted to get close to. It didn't hurt that he was so damned hot.

  I reapplied my bright red lipstick, staring at myself in the bathroom mirror. I never would have worn makeup this bright, but it really worked with the black hair. I loved the feeling of pretending to be someone else. It was intoxicating and exciting, and just a little bit sexy. Smiling at myself one last time, I left the bathroom and ran right into Crow's chest. He was standing directly in front of the door, obviously waiting for me.

  “Hello,” he said.

  “Um...hi.” I looked up into his eyes, the smell of whiskey and leather wafting into my nostrils, bringing back vague memories that I tried to push into the back of my mind.

  “Sorry about my friend back there. He's an asshole.”

  “I can tell,” I said, smirking at him. Now was the time to flirt. “But you aren't, are you?”

  His soft laughter echoed in the narrow hallway.

  “I can be an asshole, sure.”

  “Hmm,” I replied, giving him my most seductive smile, “you seem like the strong, silent type to me.”

  “I've been known to be a strong, silent asshole.” He said, his eyes crinkling at the edges as he smiled. “What’s your name?”

  “Krys, with a K, what's yours?”

  “Nice to meet you, Krys. I'm Crow. With a C.”

  He was even more handsome up close. The earthy smell of leather drifted around us as he smiled down at me disarmingly. I hadn't thought this through all the way after all. I had seen a few pictures of him, but I had no idea he would be this charming and exude such raw sensuality. I was really going to need to keep my wits about me.

  “Nice to meet you, too, Crow with a C. Maybe we'll meet up again another time. I just moved in across the street.”

  “Sure. How long have you been riding? That must be your bike parked over there.”

  “Yes, it is. I've been riding longer than I've been walking. I grew up around bikes, so I learned to ride very early.”

  “I see. Well, maybe we should go for a ride together sometime. After you get settled.” “Oh, I'm settled already actually. I didn't have much to unpack.”

  “Oh, yeah?”

  “Yeah!” I leaned into him, putting my hand on his chest lightly. “I travel light.” “Well, then. What are you doing tonight?”

  “Not a thing. Tonight sounds great. Your bike or mine?” I asked, both of us smiling at each other like two little kids. Where was the tough guy I was supposed to be dealing with?

  “Very funny. Mine. I'll pick you up at seven. We can ride up to Dog Mountain and check out the sunset.”

  “Sounds awesome, Crow.” I winked at him, and ducked under his arm, sashaying away from him, knowing he was watching my hips sway in my jeans. My black curls whipped around as I looked back at him flirtatiously. “But I can ride my own bike. I'm in apartment 205. See you tonight!”

  I walked past the others, out the door and into the sunlight as fast as I could. I didn't exhale until I reached my apartment and had locked myself in.

  Success! That wasn't so hard at all. It was actually quite pleasant, and I knew then that I would have to keep a check on myself and not enjoy myself too much. A job was a job. I wasn't here to become smitten with the president of the MC. The wetness seeping into my panties dared to argue with me.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Knowing my night might end up going very late, I decided to take a quick nap. My new bed was very comfortable and before long I was drifting off to sleep and wondering what was under Crow's leather.

  I woke with a start, a thin film of sweat covering my skin, my body on fire from dreams of being devoured by Crow's thick, full lips. His smile was devastatingly gorgeous and in my dreams, I kept forgetting he was a dangerous criminal and all I wanted to do was ride him all night long. Shaking off the fogginess and the lust, I took a cold shower to clear my mind and focus on the task at hand. I was not here to get in this man's pants – I was here to get in his business. And that didn't include what was sure to be a fine hunk of flesh under his clothes.

  He knocked on my door at five minutes past seven, and I invited him in. He looked exactly as he had earlier, same jeans, same boots, but instead of smelling like whiskey and leather, I detected a faint whiff of soap and mint. His black hair was still slightly wet, curling at the ends and draping over his jacket.

  “Do you wear that everywhere you go?” I asked, gesturing to his jacket, knowing the answer before I asked. “Of course.”

  “Of course.” I repeated, nodding my head. “Would you like a beer?”

  “Sure,” he replied, walking over to my living room window and looking down and over at this clubhouse. “What a view you have.”

  “The view? Yes, I suppose. All I can see is the bar and your clubhouse, although I'd prefer a nice mountain view or something.” I said to him, trying to joke with him. He seemed so serious now. “But I guess if I get to see you, that's not so bad.” I handed him a beer and stood beside him.

  He sipped slowly, pensively, again staring at me with those curious eyes.

  “Where did you come from?”

  “Come from?” My heart raced nervously, the realization hitting me that I needed to answer every question perfectly, or he would figure me out in a second. I had called Tommy earlier and told him of my plans for the night, and he was impressed with how quickly I had made friends with Crow. He warned me to go slow and not rush things, and just let things develop naturally.

  “Yes. A woman that looks like you,” his eyes trailed up and down my body as he spoke, “and yet you dress like that, and ride, too? You're a rarity.”

  “Oh, that. Yes, I suppose so. I grew up around motorcycles, riding on my daddy's Harley before I took my first steps, and I just fell in love with the feel of the wind ripping through my hair. It's addicting, as I'm sure you are well aware of. I've just never been much for frills and lace.” I took a step closer to him, my fingers trailing along the side of his cut. “I like leather much better.”

  He reached up with a smile and removed my hand from his jacket gently.

  “You're not afraid of....leather?” He asked, his eyes glinting with amusement. I knew he wasn't talking about leather. He brought my hand up to his lips, pressing them gently against my palm. My legs weakened as the heat of his lips burned my palm.

  “I'm not afraid of much at all,” I replied, jutting my chin up a little as I gazed up into his eyes.

  Those eyes! Sky blue with thick dark lashes fringing them, coupled with the midnight black of his long, soft hair - he was a vision that shouldn't have been legal. My heart sped up as he looked at down at me thoughtfully.

  He chuckled, his deep laugh echoing through my apartment.

  “You're something else, aren't you?” He asked.

  “I'm just me,” I replied. “A simple girl that likes to ride.”

  “Well, I don't usually run into women like you. That's all.” He released my hand gently. “Lucky you.” I replied, leaning into him.

  “Yeah,” he said through his laughter, “lucky me indeed. Shall we ride, then? Or would you like to go to dinner first?”

  “Nope. I already ate. Thank you.”

  He downed his beer and put the bottle on the kitchen counter as he walked towards the door.

  “Let's get to it, then.”

  “After you.” I said, grabbing my jacket, helmet and keys from their resting place by the front door.

  I watched him lead the way after I locked my door, his jeans hugging his muscular ass. I smiled, and decided that I would do my best to walk behind him as much as possible.

  Without a word, Crow put on his helmet, mounted his bike and started it up with a thundering roar. I did the same, and within seconds we were on our way. Trailing through the curves that cut through the forested hills on the way to Dog Mountain, I let him lead the way again. His backside proved to be more entertaining than the scener
y around us, and I drunk in the vision of him as he effortlessly maneuvered his bike up the winding roads.

  The sun was setting ahead of us, and the pink and purple sky behind the towering tops of the trees was the perfect backdrop for our night.

  Crow oozed masculinity, and the vision of his perfect blue eyes kept dancing through my head. I was having trouble reconciling the stories I had heard about him, and the gentle way he looked at me. So far there had been no hard evidence of him actually committing any crimes, and while I was there to find some, a small part of me began to hope that none existed.

  He pulled off to a scenic overlook after we reached the top of the mountain. Parking our bikes to the side of the road, we took off our helmets and locked eyes as he both shook out our hair.

  “Don't you just love long hair?” I said jokingly. “Mine is constantly a tangled mess.”

  He looked at me seriously, cocking his head to the side, then reaching out and grabbing one of my newly dyed black curls in his fingers and slowly wrapping it around his hand and pulling me in close.

  “Sometimes, a tangled mess can be a whole lot of fun to make.” He winked at me and released my hair, leaving me breathless for a moment as I looked at him in mild shock. He was moving fast, and I knew I was going to have make some quick decisions on just how far I was going to let this go.

  I had come into this assignment knowing it could go one of many possible ways, and yet without any real plan, other than to call Tommy if I needed help. I had known it would be obvious if I had gone in with a rigid idea of what I wanted to happen, and so I had decided early on to just go with the flow and let it all happen naturally. I certainly didn't expect that I would find myself attracted to Crow, and yet that was quickly becoming the case.

  He grabbed my hand, and led me over to a bench overlooking the valley. Streaks of purple and pink clouds spread across the sky, the orange sun setting in the horizon, creating a haze of purple light that bathed the city below us. I couldn't believe I was sitting here watching the sunset with the president of the Crow's MC. Shouldn't he have had me bent over the pool table in his clubhouse by now? The paradox of the situation was not lost on me and luckily the loud patches on his jacket served as a constant reminder.