by Wilder, L
“You know it’ll never work,” Jessica said, contempt dripping from her words.
“What exactly are you talking about?”
“You and Renegade. It’ll never work. He’s never settled down with a woman, and he isn’t about to start now.”
“Okay. Whatever you say, Jessica,” I told her, never looking away from the mirror.
“Why don’t you just go on home to your fancy apartment and high class job? There’s nothing here for you. You’re just wasting your time.”
“Just give it a rest. If you were really all Renegade wanted, you wouldn’t be worried about me.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. He’ll just end up hurting you, and I’ll be the one in his bed once you’re gone.”
I pushed my way past her and never looked back. I wasn’t going to waste my time trying to talk to some nutcase that didn’t know a thing about me. If Renegade really wanted her, he could have her. I just needed to know one way or the other.
When I made it back out to the bar, Goliath was waiting for me. He handed me a drink and put his arm around my shoulder. Bishop was standing behind him and gave us a questioning look.
“Hey, Taylor. How are ya feeling?” Bishop asked.
“Doing great. I’ve had a good week, and I should be ready to head home soon. I really enjoyed spending time with Tessa. I can see why you love her.”
“I’m planning a surprise birthday party for her Monday night at Hidden Creek. I hope you can make it.”
“I wouldn’t miss it. I won’t be heading home until Tuesday, so that works out great.”
“Good, I’ll see you there,” Bishop said before he turned to Goliath. He raised his eyebrow and said, “You know you’re playing with fire.”
“I’ve got this, Pres. Nothing to worry about,” Goliath said, reaching for my hand. He pulled me out to the dance floor. Doc and his wife Melinda were already dancing beside Bobby and Courtney. There was a slow song playing, and Courtney was resting her head on Bobby’s shoulder. He was whispering in her ear, and she was laughing at whatever he’d just said.
“Let’s get this party started,” Goliath said as he wrapped his arms around my waist. He pulled me closer to him, and I put my hands around his neck. He was such a good guy. I knew he had a tough role to play as Vice President of the Devil Chasers, but he had a sweet side to him. He’d make some girl very happy if he ever got the chance.
I glanced around the room searching for Renegade. Everyone was talking into their own corners of the room, and I was having a hard time finding him in the crowd.
“He’s standing in the corner by the back door,” Goliath whispered in my ear. “He looks like he wants to cut my throat.”
“We can stop, Goliath. I know he’s your friend, and I really don’t want to cause a problem between the two of you.”
“I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t know it was the best thing for Renegade. He’s a tough nut to crack, but sometimes he just needs a little push.”
Goliath ran his hand through my hair, moving a few strands from my face and lightly kissed my cheek. I was beginning to feel a little uncomfortable with this game, so when the song came to an end, I asked him, “Why don’t we go get another drink?”
Goliath nodded and took my hand, leading me over to the bar. I sat on the bar stool next to Tessa, and Goliath went to get us another drink.
“You having fun?” I asked Tessa. Her goofy smile let me know she’d had a couple drinks.
“Yeah, but I’m ready to get out of here. I’ve got big plans for Bishop as soon as I can get him outta here. I’m getting impatient.” She smiled and looked over at Bishop. You could see the love in her eyes as she watched him. Not to mention the fact that she looked like she wanted to rip his clothes off right there. He’d better get a move on before she did something drastic.
I hated myself for being jealous, but I wanted to feel loved like that. I was beginning to think it just wasn’t going to happen with Renegade. I took a chance and looked over to where Goliath had said he was standing, but I didn’t see him. He was avoiding me, and I was ready to give up and go home. Goliath had been great, but there was no point in keeping this going. It was only making things worse.
“I think I’m gonna call it a night. I need to go home and start packing. I have stuff scattered all over Renegade’s house.”
“Oh, don’t run off yet. It’s still early, and I think Goliath has been enjoying your company,” Tessa said with a curious look. Before I could respond, her expression changed and her eyes were drawn to something behind me.
I didn’t have to turn around to know who was standing there. The hairs on the back of my neck let me know Renegade was close. Very close. I could feel the goosebumps spreading across my body as he got closer to me. The warmth of his breath fueled my excitement as he whispered in my ear.
“This shit ends right now, Taylor,” he said firmly. I turned to face him, but he was already walking away from the bar. What the hell? I didn’t know what I was supposed to do. There was no turning back now. I got up from my stool and started following him down the hall. Goliath winked at me as I walked past him, and I couldn’t hold back a smile. I’d always appreciate what he did tonight whether it had worked or not.
The hallway was dark, and I couldn’t tell which direction Renegade had went. I was headed towards his room when I slammed into a hard wall of muscle and leather. When I looked up, Renegade was staring at me with a stone cold expression. I had pushed him too far, and now things were going to blow up in my face. At least I would finally have an answer once and for all.
“What’s your problem, Noah? You made it perfectly clear that you didn’t want me. Why do you care who I dance with?”
“I never said that I didn’t want you, Taylor.”
“You didn’t have to say it. Actions speak louder than words.”
“That’s bullshit, and you know it.”
“What is that supposed to mean? You’ve been pushing me away for years. Let’s just say I finally got it. You won’t have to push me away anymore.”
He didn’t respond to my comment. He just stood there staring at me. I turned to walk back down the hallway, but he grabbed me by the arm and pulled me into his bedroom. He slammed the door behind us. He walked a few steps away and turned to face me. I was expecting him to lay into me, but he just stood there.
After a few moments, he said, “You’re gonna pay for the shit you pulled tonight. You knew what you were doing to me. It took all I had not slam my fist into Goliath’s face for touching you like that.”
“Why? What exactly are you trying to say here? Since when do you care about who I’m with?” He didn’t respond. He just stood there silent again, and it was frustrating the hell out of me. “Talk to me, Noah! Do you care about me or not? Do you want to be with me? … Just tell me.”
His heated gaze made my heart beat wildly. He stalked over to me, closing the space between us. I stood there frozen, my body aching for his touch. I just wanted one night. One night in the arms of the man that I had wanted more than life itself for the past five years. I knew he was debating whether or not to touch me, and my body was calling out to him. My pulse pounded harder, roaring in my ears, waiting for him to take that last step. His scent was so intoxicating. The smell of his cologne mixed with leather only intensified my arousal.
“Tell me, Noah,” I said firmly.
“I can’t,” he answered with a defeated tone. I could tell by the look on his face that he was torn. I didn’t know what was holding him back, but I was tired of waiting.
“Then show me.” I let my tongue sweep over my lips, encouraging him to kiss me. His hands reached for my waist and pulled me close. Lust filled his eyes as he claimed me with his mouth. His body was so warm it made me tingle all over. His touch spurred me on. He pushed his hips into mine, and I groaned into his mouth. His tongue explored my mouth, slow and deep. I’d never felt so much from just one kiss. I knew then that I’d never feel this way abou
t any other man. Before he could change his mind, I reached for the buckle of his belt and released him from his jeans. I reached for him and my fingertips brushed across his swollen shaft. I heard him take in a deep breath.
“Easy, Taylor. Be patient. I’ll give you what you want,” he said as he brushed his lips against my neck.
He reached for the bottom of my shirt and pulled it over my head. He was careful not to hurt my broken arm as he removed my sleeve from the cast. He began kissing me again as he reached behind me to remove my bra. Once it hit the floor, his eyes dropped to my breasts. He gazed at them reverently for a moment as he breathed, “Damn. Perfect.” He let out a low growl as he reached for my ass, lifting me up close to him.
“Noah…,” I whispered as I wrapped my legs around his waist. He carefully carried me over to the bed. He laid me flat on my back and covered me with his body. He took my breast in his mouth, nipping at my sensitive skin. A moan permeated the room as I arched my back, pressing my breasts towards him. His mouth continued to explore my body as he lowered the zipper of my jeans and eased them down my legs. He quickly removed my boots and tossed them on the floor with my jeans. He began kissing and licking the curves of my stomach. His teeth raked across my panties and I groaned with pleasure.
With one quick jerk, he ripped my lace panties from my waist. My legs began to quiver as his hand went between my thighs. His fingers circled my clit while he tormented me with his mouth. When his fingers entered me, I rocked my hips, encouraging him to move faster. My clit throbbed with the need for release. I whimpered as my body tensed and heat filled me.
“Oh god! Noah!” I screamed as my orgasm exploded, rocking me to my very core. My chest heaved as I struggled to catch my breath. With a smirk on his face, he lifted his body and began to remove his clothes.
“You’re beautiful when you come, Taylor. Better than I ever imagined. I can’t wait to see you do it again, but this time while I’m fucking you.”
He began to pull his shirt over his head, exposing his bare chest. His hard muscles and tattoos seemed to call out to me, begging to be touched. My fingers roamed over the lines of his ink as he began to remove his jeans.
He kicked off his pants and pulled up straddling me, his weight resting on his legs. My god, he’s gorgeous, I thought as he took his hand and wrapped it around the base of his cock. He began moving his hand up and down. I couldn’t look away. I wanted so badly to taste him.
“Let me,” I said as I leaned forward. Surprise flickered across his face as I took him in my hand and slowly started to stroke him. I felt him grow even harder at my touch. His eyes closed in a groan as I gazed up at him through my lashes and gently licked the tip of his cock. I opened my mouth wider as he tangled his hands in my hair, silently begging me for more. I took him in my mouth as far as I could, and became even more aroused as he tilted his head back and moaned my name. I loved seeing that side of him, lost in the pleasure that I was giving him. I moved faster, licking and sucking his cock as he struggled to control his urges to thrust. I listened to his sharp breaths and watched the anguish on his face until his eyes suddenly opened and locked on mine.
“I’ve got to have you. Right now, Taylor. I need to be inside you,” he rasped.
I laid back as he lowered himself onto me and settled between my legs. His need was intoxicating. I was delusional if I ever thought one night with him would be enough.
“I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve dreamed of being with you like this,” he said as his eyes burned into mine.
“I have too. I need you, Noah. I’ve always needed you…. Don’t stop this time… please….”
“I’m not going to stop baby. Nothing could stop me now,” he said, reaching down in the floor to get a condom out of his discarded jeans. He leaned to his side and slowly rolled the condom down his length, never taking his eyes off of me. He looked at my body with desire so intense I felt like I was on fire. He teased me with his cock before he thrust inside me in one swift move. My body spread with his invasion. He filled me, completely. He withdrew and pushed back harder, taking me deeper each time. Tension gathered in my body as he thrust into me over and over. I moved with him; our rhythm was perfect. We were made for each other.
We continued to move together, and pleasure crashed through me like a tidal wave. He kept at me, taking me harder and faster, moving me closer to the edge. I felt his breath against my neck, his teeth raked against my skin. He whispered in my ear, but I didn’t understand him. I was too far gone. He slid one hand down between our bodies, teasing my clit. As soon as he began to rub his thumb over me, I was lost. There was nothing I could do but scream out my pleasure as my body exploded and spasmed around him, demanding he take his journey with me. I felt his body brace, and he groaned above me. I could feel his cock pulse and the heat of his release, even through the barrier of the condom.
My hands roamed over the muscles of his back, feeling them relax as his body settled on top of mine. He rolled to the side, pulling me with him. I moaned as he left my body. I wished I could keep him in me. He removed the condom and threw it in the trash beside the bed. Once he settled back against his pillow, I rested my head on his shoulder as our breathing slowly returned to normal. We laid there quietly for several minutes. There was so much I wanted to say, but I was too relaxed and didn’t want to break the connection. We could worry about it tomorrow. For now, I let sleep claim me, and I fell asleep with a smile on my face.
Chapter 17
Renegade
I don’t know why I can’t wake up from this damn dream. I know Taylor is lying beside me. I can feel the warmth of her body next to me, but I can’t escape this nightmare. It’s coming, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. I just can’t shake it.
It’s the same dream I’ve been having for the past 10 years. I’m standing outside of my old house, and I can hear my dad’s screams through the front door. His words are slurred, so I know he’s been drinking. There are a few crashes, and his shouting is getting louder. I can only imagine what he’s doing to her. For years, I’ve begged my mother to leave him. I’ve told her I would help her start over in some new town, away from his brutal fists. Their fights have been getting worse over the past few months, and I know he’s going to end up killing her one day if I don’t stop him.
I open the front door and walk through the living room. I can hear the plates crashing to the floor in the kitchen, and my mother’s quiet sobs yank at my heart. She’s always been a great mother, and I’d do anything for her. Everyone loves her. She works as a teacher’s assistant in one of the elementary schools in town. The kids adore her, and she works hard to help the people she works with. I don’t understand why this amazing woman would let him do this to her.
When I make it to the kitchen, Mom is curled in a ball on the floor. Dark red blood has pooled next to her head, and she is covered in cuts and scrapes. I can see the bruises rising on her flesh where he has hit her. They’ve obviously been at this for a while, and I don’t think she can take much more. He continues to scream, throwing plates and cups towards her broken body.
“You’re a piece of shit! All you had to do was fix my damn dinner, and you can’t even do that right! You’re worthless, and I’m done dealing with your sorry ass!” His face is beet red, and he is sweating from exertion. He stomps over to her, and begins to kick her with his steel-toed boots. She rolls feebly as his foot connects with her body; she’s so far gone she can’t even try to protect herself.
“That’s enough you bastard. You’ve gone too far this time. Leave her alone!” I shout at him, my fists clinched so tightly at my sides they’ve gone white, and I can feel my blood pounding.
“What are you going to do about it, boy? You’re just another fucking disappointment. She’s raised you to be a goddamn pussy! Just one more thing she fucked up!” He grabs her by her hair and yanks her up, screaming at her again. “That’s right. You’ve turned our boy into a worthless piece of shit. Just like you!” He raises
his free hand into a fist and swings to hit her again.
I grab his hand, and shout, “Stop! You’re going to kill her!”
He just laughs and pushes me to the side. “If only I could be so damn lucky,” he snarls. I shove him away from her, and he turns his fist to me as she falls to the ground with a sickening thud. He punches me in the stomach and grabs me by the throat cutting off the oxygen to my lungs. He tightens his hold on my throat, and I begin gasping for air. I feel my body becoming weak, and I know I’m going to pass out if I don’t do something. Panicking, I start kicking and hitting him anywhere I can. He loosens his grip and starts throwing punches across my body. I duck my head and aim for his waist. I ram my head into his abdomen and carry him across the room, slamming him into the refrigerator. When he gets his footing, he starts coming for me again. I clench my hand into a fist and slam it into his chin. His head is thrown back, and he loses his balance, weaving sideways. When he begins to stagger back, he takes a hard fall. His head crashes into the corner of the kitchen table with a thunderous crack.
I stand there stunned as I watch the life drift right out of his body. Blood pours out of the back of his head, and his eyes are wide open, staring at the ceiling… marking me.
I can’t even move. It’s like my feet have been cemented to the floor. I just keep watching him, expecting him to get up and drag me down to hell with him. I don’t know how long I stand like that. I can’t say, but I hear my mother’s sad whimpers. It jolts me into action. She is lying in the corner of the room. I rush to her side. It’s obvious that she is struggling to breathe.
Her eyes meet mine, and she whispers, “I’m sorry, Noah. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s going to be okay, Mom. I have to call for help,” I tell her.
“I love you, son,” she says so low I can barely hear her. Her eyes begin to close and somehow I know. I just know she’s slipping away. I hold her tightly to me, rocking back and forth.
