by Renee, K
“Cason,” she says. I kiss right behind her ear, making her moan. “I don’t want to be your two-dollar whore. I can't be that girl.” Shit. I don’t want her to be my whore. I want to own her mind, body, and soul.
We get under the covers and I pull her body to mine. I want to make her feel protected. She rests her head on my chest and I run my hand through her curly hair.
“Henley, I don’t want you to be a whore. Be the person you are and don’t let me or anyone else change you.” I feel her sigh and she relaxes. Her body molds to mine like we were meant to be together like this.
Closing my eyes, I decide that I need to let her go. She will always think I want her to be my whore, and she already thinks my lifestyle is something that isn't good enough for her.
Chapter Twelve
The next morning, I wake up before Cason. I hurry up and get dressed, sneaking out before he stirs. I don’t even bother with a note or anything. He only wants a whore, but that is not who I am. I make my way home so I can get ready for work. Once I get to my place, I strip out of my clothes as I walk to the shower.
Once I wash Cason’s smell and dry come off me, I turn off the shower, wrapping myself and my hair in a towel, making my way to my bedroom. After picking out my outfit, I put on some fresh panties and a bra, then pull on my tight skirt and button-up shirt. All the while, I can’t help but remember the way Cason’s hands ran along my skin as he stripped me naked. I get chills just thinking about it. Shit. I need to stop. It was just sex. Sex! That is all it will ever be between us.
I finish getting ready and make my way to work. When I walk in the door, Nikki stops me, wanting all the details. I have no plans of revisiting the night, especially in detail.
“Henley!” she screeches as I keep walking to my office, ignoring her. “Tell me! Did you and the sexy MC President knock boots?”
I turn towards her. “Knock boots? Are you serious?” I ask, flabbergasted.
“Yeah. You know, he’s a ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em’ type of man,” she says with a devious smile. She is up to something, but I’m not exactly sure what.
Just as I’m about to say something to her, Sutter comes walking by. “Ladies,” he says, nodding his head to both of us. We both say good morning, then Nikki elbows me. “How is the Saints’ case going?”
I hear Nikki snort and I want to punch her. “I’m sure Henley knows how Cason is doing,” she says with a scowl.
Is she jealous? I watch Sutter frown, then his expression turns angry. What the hell is going on? I don’t have time to mess with this.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.” I make my way to my office.
Once I close my door, I sit down and pull out the file for the case. I scour over it until I can prove they are innocent backwards and forwards. When I get a text, I pull myself away from my paperwork.
Part of me is nervous to check it. What if it is Cason? I’m not sure how I am going to be able to represent the club or look at Cason now, but I am still going to do justice for the guys who are on trial. It's my job and I take it seriously. Before I can check the message, my phone starts to ring.
Looking at my screen, I see a number I don’t recognize. “Henley Reid speaking.”
A weird, robotic voice comes over the line and I almost drop it. “You will lose the Wayward Saints case or suffer the consequences. We will not warn you again.”
I start to shake. Should I call the cops? Should I call Cason? He will probably want to know. I pick up my phone and look for Cason’s number. Hitting CALL, I wait for him to answer.
“Well, well. You want to make nice after you left without a word this morning?” I deserve that.
“Cason, I left before I could be left. Don’t blame me for that. You have a reputation and I, for one, don’t want to be another notch on your bedpost.”
His chuckle makes me want to punch him in the mouth. “Darling, if that helps you sleep at night.”
He is seriously making me want to scream! “Cason, I didn’t call to talk about this. I called because I just got a call from a robotic voice saying that I need to lose your case. What do I do? Should I call the cops?” I don’t know what to do and I am scared…not that I’ll admit it to him.
He is quiet for a few minutes. “Don’t go anywhere, Hen. I’ll be there soon.” He hangs up before I can say anything else.
Setting my phone on my desk, I look around the room. What am I going to do?
Twenty minutes later, I hear a commotion outside my door. I hear someone yell before something slams against my door. Holy hell. What is going on out there? When my door flies open, Cason is standing in the doorway, looking ten shades of pissed off.
“Don’t fuck with me, Sutter. I will fucking end you.” I stare at him in shock. What the hell is going on?
He walks over to me and pulls me into his arms. His hand caresses my jaw and he forces me to look at him. “You okay, angel?” I start to answer him, but the clearing of a throat causes me to turn my attention to the doorway again.
“Prez, what do you need me to do?” the stranger in the Saints’ cut asks.
Cason looks around the room, then back at me. “Angel, where’s your phone?” I point over to my desk and he releases me, walks over and grabs it, then tosses it over to the other guy, who starts to press buttons.
I don't want him going through my phone, so I march over to him and grab it out of his hand. Cason is crazy if he thinks I'm going to let him control any part of my life.
"You are not going to go through my phone,” I state, pointing my finger at the scary-looking biker in the doorway. I turn to face Cason. "And you," I state, pointing my finger at him, “are not going to come in here and threaten my boss."
Cason just shakes his head at me. I can tell by the look on his face that he isn't very happy. He walks up to me and runs his hands along my face, then grips the back of my head. Our lips are less than an inch apart. I can feel his breath on my face and I want to devour him. I stare into his blue eyes.
He leans into my ear and whispers, "Angel, don't ever disrespect me in front of my men again. My guy will look at your phone. He's the best shot I have at figuring out who is coming after you. As our lawyer, you are under our protection. No ifs, ands, or buts about it."
He can't be serious, can he?
He releases me and grabs the phone from my hand, tossing it back to his guy. I stomp back to my desk. Screw him. We sit in silence for a few minutes before I hear his guy say something, "Prez, I got the number. I'll run it through and let you know in a second.” He pulls out a tablet and starts typing stuff. Who knew bikers could be electronic savvy?
I hear a few more taps and I turn to Cason. He is walking around my office, looking at all my pictures and awards. I cringe when I see him looking at the picture of me at my graduation from law school. I was twenty-six and a size four. Now, well… Most girls make fun of my weight. I don't mind the extra pounds. Hell, I think I look great. I always thought I was too skinny before, but I feel great about myself now.
His eyebrows furrow and he looks back at me. I steel myself for the verbal assault I know is about to happen. His lips curve into a small smile and he stalks towards me. I back up until I have nowhere else to go. He boxes me in and I can't help but panic.
"Angel, I’ve got to say, I'm not a fan of the anorexic-looking you. I love all the curves you possess, and I want to memorize every inch of you." I can feel his hard-on, making me want him to bend me over my desk and fuck me hard, but now is surely not the time.
I push him away and walk back over to my desk. I need to get him out of here.
"Prez, I got it." Thank god.
Cason takes one last look at me. “I’ve got to go. We’ll talk later.” I watch them both walk out the door.
Chapter Thirteen
As soon as Trace tells me he has the info, we leave Henley’s office. I want to get the bastard who is threatening her. I don't do well when my people are threatened. Henley will always be under
our protection.
We make our way out of the building and to our bikes.
"Prez?” Trace says before he puts his sunglasses on.
"Yeah, Trace?" I ask. I don't have the patience for the question I know is on the tip of his tongue.
"Is she gonna be able to get Jace and Dom off? Shocked, I look over at him and he smirks. "Well, I was gonna ask the other question, but you have a pissed off expression on your face, so I didn't." We both laugh. "But did you see the way Sutter was watching her? It's almost like he wanted to go after you for even going near her." He shakes his head and lights a cigarette.
"Sutter wants Henley?' I ask. He just nods his head, but doesn't say anything else. Mulling that over, I signal for us to ride.
When we get back to the club house, I go in search of Brant. I need him to oversee the case and Henley. The more I'm around her, the more I want to own her. That’s not something I want to get involved in.
I finally see him over by the bar, one of the whores trying to get his attention. If that bastard ever cheats on my little girl, he won't have to ever worry about getting another girl pregnant.
I watch him for a second as the blonde with barely there clothing is trying to sit on his lap. He keeps pushing the bitch away, which makes me glad my daughter chose him. I didn't want this life for her, but there was nothing I could do to change her mind once she laid eyes on him.
Walking over to Brant, I slap my hand on his shoulder and he flinches. I turn to her. "Hey, slut, get the fuck off my son-in-law, and get the fuck out of my bar." I watch her expression change from one of lust to one of terror. It’s good to know that I still scare some of these fuckers.
"What's up, Prez?" he says with a smirk. He knows I was watching him. It’s still crazy to see him change so much since Anslie, Remington, and Severye got here. Seeing the expression on my face, he says, "You think I would really cheat on your daughter?" He spins around in his chair to face me.
"Naw, Brant. I know you love her and wouldn't hurt her like that." He nods. "Anyway, I need you to deal with the lawyer for Dom and Jase's case."
He looks at me before slowly replying, "Sure, Prez. Whatever you need."
Distance. I just need distance from her to get my feelings to disappear.
"I'll text you her number. Do whatever you need to get them off,” I state, then turn to walk out the door.
He mumbles something as I am walking away, but I can’t make it out. It’s probably something smart ass as always.
"Oh, yeah. Keep someone on her. She's being threatened and I don't want anything to happen to her." I don't even wait to hear his reply. I know he will get things done without complaining.
I make my way to my bike and head home.
A few hours after I get home, there is a knock at my front door. It's four in the afternoon and I'm pretty sure no one knows I'm here. Looking through the blinds, I see my three favorite people standing there. I open it with a smile on my face.
"Gampa!" Sev and Remy both yell out as they tackle my legs. Who knew two toddlers could almost take me down. When I look up at my daughter, I see the happiness written all over her face. It's been a long time since I've seen her this happy.
"Hi, Daddy,” she states, a smile on her face. She's up to something. I need to figure it out before it costs me something.
The boys hanging onto my legs, I walk into the house, Anslie closing the door behind us. I sit my grandsons on the couch and grab a book from the counter. Bringing it back to them, their eyes light up and they try and grab it from my hands. I hand it to them without much of a fight and they sit happily, trying to read it. It sounds more like they are just making things up, but it's funny to hear.
"So, to what do I owe the pleasure of my three favorite people visiting me?" I ask, an eyebrow raised. She looks over at the boys and rubs her belly. I still can't believe that asshole got my little girl pregnant again.
"Why are you making Brantley take over dealing with the pretty lawyer?"
I should have known. Since the shit went down with Gunner, he tells her pretty much everything. As much as I want to punch that kid, I know she would have annoyed him until he told her.
"Sweetheart, don't worry about it,” I state, walking into the kitchen to get a couple of juice boxes for the boys.
When I come back with them, I stick the straws in and hand them each one. “Tank you, Gampa,” they say, going back to reading their book.
"Daddy, I know you have something going with her. So why don't you just go for it? She's really pretty, and I can tell you like her.”
“Sweetheart, you know I love you, but don’t worry about my love life. I can handle it on my own.”
She looks at me with sad eyes. “Is it because Mom hurt you? Is that why you won't give that pretty lawyer a chance? She was looking at you like I look at Brant. Don’t let my bitch of a mom ruin you for someone who deserves to see the great man you are. I love you, Dad, and I just want you to be happy.”
What can I say to that? Through the years, I tried not to let her know how much pain her mother caused me, but I think she always knew.
“Baby girl, I wish I never met your mother, but then I wouldn't have you and those little boys right now. She gave me the most precious gift in the world. I just wish I would have done something sooner. I hate knowing what the bitch put you through. She never deserved you.”
I can see the tears start to well up in her eyes, but she smiles and wipes them away. “Sorry, these damn pregnancy hormones are throwing me for a loop.”
Deciding to drop the subject of my love life, we spend the next few hours hanging out with the boys and talking about the baby. I can’t believe my little girl is all grown up. Time sure flies. It seems like just yesterday that she was a little girl with missing front teeth, asking me to play Barbies with her.
I hear a knock and Anslie looks over at me. I shrug. I’m not expecting anyone.
Before I can get to the door, it opens, Brant and Henley standing there. “Sorry to drop by, Prez, but she had a note on her car when she got off work. I didn’t want to take any chances.”
I nod and take in her appearance. Her eyes are wide and she’s shaking. I hear the boys yelling at their dad, and Anslie comes over to usher Henley into the house. The twins come running over and Brant picks them both up.
“What did it say?”
He passes me the picture.
Fuck. How the fuck did they get a picture of me and Henley in my room? I pull out my phone and call my VP. “Nick, I need a prospect and the bug sweeper at my house. Now.”
I hear him hollering at someone, then he gets back on the phone. “Sending one your way.”
Hanging up, I turn back to Brant. “When he gets here, find it,” I grit out through clenched teeth. Someone is fucking with the wrong person.
I look over at Henley, who is sitting with Anslie on the couch. She looks ready to cry, but she doesn't let a tear fall. Her strength amazes me. Anslie is trying to get her to talk, but she stays silent.
After about fifteen minutes, the prospect arrives and Brant takes him to my room to check for bugs. Not even ten minutes later, Brant comes back, holding a camera.
How the fuck did someone plant a camera in my room? I guess it doesn't help that I am hardly ever in this house. When Henley sees the camera, she looks like she’s going to be sick.
Fuck me.
She gets up and rushes to the bathroom. Anslie trails behind her, but stays outside the door. I can hear them talking through the door and feel a little bit better. If anyone can help her through this, it’s Anslie.
“Brant, update my security. Have Trace find out who planted this, too. I want answers!” I roar.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see the twins flinch, which makes me feel terrible. I know I just scared the crap out of them, but I’m so fucking pissed. Brant sends the prospect back to the club house with the camera and he walks to the boys.
“Prez, I’m gonna get them home, then I’ll work on the
rest.”
I nod and watch him gather up the toys the boys brought with them, then drags Anslie away from the bathroom door. She kisses me on the cheek before trailing her family out the door.
Once the front door is shut, I walk over to the bathroom. I can hear Henley’s whimpers through the door, and it tears at my heart. Slowly opening the door, I see Henley sitting on the toilet seat, tears running down her beautiful face. Her makeup is smudged and she looks broken. When she finally looks up at me, my heart breaks for her.
"Cason…,” she whispers hoarsely.
I go to her and sink down to my knees next to her. Wrapping my arms around her, she sobs into my chest. No matter how hard I try to keep her at arm's length, I want to be the one who takes away the pain. I kiss her hair and soothe her the best I can.
"Hen, I won't let anyone hurt you." I whisper.
I feel her suck in a breath and her breathing starts to settle. Standing up, I pull her up and into my arms. Walking out of the bathroom, I make my way down the hall and into my room. Setting her down on my bed, I kiss her lips and start to walk away. I have a phone call I need to make and I don't want to do it in front of her.
She grabs my shirt. "Cason, can you lay with me for a while?" she whispers.
Kissing her once more, I climb into the bed and snuggle in behind her. As her breathing starts to even out, I feel the need to tell her how I feel. I haven't had that feeling hit me this hard before.
"Henley…"
She looks up at me with a sad, yet peaceful smile on her lips. Right then and there, I want to give this girl the world. I trail my fingers down her face and she leans into my touch.
"I won't let anyone hurt you, baby. I will put anyone that even tries in the ground." She looks a little uneasy at my statement, but she needs to know how I feel.
After staring at me for what seems like an eternity, she finally says something, "I don't want to be with someone who thinks it’s okay to cheat on his girlfriend. I know the type of men your club has. I won't settle for that."
