Knox (Hellbound Lovers MC #8)

by Crimson Syn

  The docks would be protected as well as all the establishments around it. The Death Row Shooters also had a part in guarding them, but they had to sign a contract that all movements would remain clean. Ryan wasn’t too happy about that, and we knew he’d be sneaking in his products as well, but better the devil you know, right.

  Our name was now solid, carved in stone, even more so than it had been before. Our members were well aware that with Wolf Stone you had protection and loyalty. We had shown time and time again that no one fucks with the Hellbound Lovers MC. I needed to send out these communications and get back to the shop, back to focusing on Jade. I’d left her alone too long and I hated having to put Poe or Ash to watch over her. I already had to warn Ash to keep his hands to himself. I was going to break his fucking ugly mug if he kept staring at my girl. I knew he had a thing for her, he was always hangin’ around her. But she was mine and he best watch himself if he didn’t want to gain an enemy.

  Cain had broken our backs the last few months, making sure prospects were trained, enforcement was up and we were constantly on the club’s beck and call. It was partially the reason why I was tired out and I needed to go back to our normal routine. I even lost some influential customers trying to protect the MC and I needed to get back to building my shop. I had already gotten a few calls and some serious potential customers and finally, I was feeling that familiar buzz again. The one that made me thrive, the one that gave me a sense of accomplishment. My shop was my baby and I couldn’t wait to dive back into the satisfaction I felt when fixing up a beat up old bike for a customer. Custom fixes were what I did best and I didn’t want to continue giving that up.

  Then there was the personal stuff. The stuff that made me crave for more from life. The stuff that made me want a woman like Jade by my side. Because as much as I ignored it, the feelings were there. I wish I could say that there was plenty of pussy where that came from, but none were as sweet as hers. I craved her and only her.

  I swept a hand through my hair in frustration. Staring at the cameras I focused on the light-eyed beauty. She was barking out orders and moving on the dance pole as if it were an extension of her limbs. It was getting harder and harder to resist her and in a way, I wished that she'd be the first to give in. That way I could enjoy her downfall even more.

  3

  Jade

  “Alright everyone, great class! See you all next week!”

  I went over to the bench and grabbed my water bottle. I gulped it down, wiping my sweat from my body. Pole dancing was a great workout and having the opportunity to teach it was amazing. But I learned early on that it wasn't just teaching it that I enjoyed. After speaking with several students, I realized I was helping women feel empowered, sexy.

  Dancing had always been a passion of mine. I was even studying choreography in college and I had gotten accepted to a prestigious dance school in New York City. Everything was perfect, but when Jackson died my dreams died with him. The first few years had been tough. I was alone, in debt, no job, and I lost our home. It had been heartbreaking when I dropped out of school. You have to understand- I was always sheltered and protected by my brother. His passing pushed me to grow up, and quickly if I was to keep from starving to death. I didn't know how to do much, but I did manage to pick up a part-time job as a busser in a nearby restaurant.

  I was growing desperate, and to be honest, if it wasn’t for Grayson I probably would have gone down a darker path. I’m not sure how he found me, or how we found each other. He left word everywhere for me, even posted an ad in the newspaper looking for me. The restaurant manager was the one who had spotted the ad and was kind enough to mention it.

  My brother was pretty reserved when it came to his job and what he did in the military. I only found out at the end that he was in Special Forces unit. They’d given me a purple heart and a flag, and then it was over. Jackson was all I had. We’d lost our parents years ago in a car accident, and after he was gone I was left on my own with no one around that I could turn to.

  I was living in his beat up old truck when I finally called Grayson. We’d met for dinner that night and talked for a bit. He was nice and seemed to truly respect my brother. I was young and in need of a friend and he had been my knight in shining armor coming to my rescue. He’d offered me a job waitressing at Ravenous, but when I finally saw the place I knew that what I wanted was to own that stage. He’d been apprehensive- I could see it in his eyes, there was no way he was saying yes. So, I gave him an ultimatum. He could watch over me here, while I was on that stage, or I was walking out that door and he’d never see me again.

  I was totally bluffing, but it was worth a shot. The bluff worked and the next thing I knew I was twirling on that pole up on stage. What I didn’t expect was the tall, dark unexpected hero that was about to step into my life. Eric Knox was everything I could ever dream of and more. He was over six feet, broad-shouldered and powerful. His dark brown hair was cut short and he wore a close-trimmed beard that I yearned to feel along my breasts. But it was his eyes that captured me and held onto me. They were dark, soulful eyes that held a hint of sorrow in them, or maybe it was loneliness. When I saw him leap onto that stage he’d taken my breath away and something inside of me lit up, like a rushed fever that ran through my bloodstream. My infatuation made me want to stay, it made me want him close. But I never said anything, and he never acted on it.

  He’d been the first man I’d ever liked in that way. I was always glued to my books and my dancing, but from that moment on I was also glued to Knox. When he found out I was Jackson Winters baby sister he’d become even more protective of me. It was as if he owed Jackson something. They never told me what had happened-just that he was their brother in arms and that he was a good man and a hero. In a way, I was glad they had found me. I felt like I had finally found a home, somewhere I belonged.

  About a year ago the Colombian cartel and gang members started to fuck with my boys. Juan de la Cruz was roaming around and I could tell he was keeping an eye on the MC and the people who came and went. Thankfully we had a lot of backup, and everyone knew what the rules were. Wolf offered protection and we realized quickly that other brotherhoods appreciated that and had his back.

  Curfews had been placed on us at random times and I noticed Knox was being even more protective than usual. Any new member that walked into the club was searched and investigated thoroughly, even more so than usual now that we had the FBI and the Police Department on our side. I felt safe until a few months ago when Juan De La Cruz walked into my classroom. I’d been stunned, mortified, For the first time in my life, I felt threatened with no escape.

  I watched him come in and quietly sat in the back. I continued with the class trying to hold on to my composure, but I could feel his eyes on me, watching me...waiting. I wasn’t sure why he was there or even how he knew who I was, all I knew was that I had to keep my calm. There was no way I would let him unnerve me.

  As soon as the class was over, and the girls had left, he approached me.

  “Hola, Hermosa.” His voice held a heavy Spanish accent, possibly seductive to most women, but not to me. I already had an owner, even if he hadn’t claimed me yet.

  “Hello,” I narrowed my eyes at him and pretended I didn’t know who he was. “Are you here to join?”

  He gave out a chuckle and shook his head. “Oh no, Hermosa. I’m here for you.”

  I stared up at him in shock. “For me?”

  "Yes, my sweet girl. I've been watching you for a while now."

  I swallowed hard, my nervousness coming through. “Have you now? And what have you seen?”

  "I know what you want Jade Winters. I know what your heart wants." He reached out and ran the pad of his index finger along the tops of my breasts. I shivered in fear and took a step back.

  “I don’t like to be touched,” I warned him.

  He smiled. “I know. You’re the only stripper I know that doesn’t like to be touched. But then again, you haven’t felt my tou
ch.”

  "I doubt that would make a difference," I grimaced as I draped my towel over my chest, needing to put as many layers as possible between me and him. I could still feel his touch creeping along my skin and I wanted to take a shower.

  “So, what is it you think I want Mr…”

  “De La Cruz, but you can call me Juan or any other name you prefer, Hermosa.” He reached out and played with a loose curl that had come undone. I pulled back, but his hand suddenly grabbed my elbow, while the other snaked along my neck. He tugged me in forcefully until I was toe to toe with him.

  “What do you want?” I whispered shakily, trying not to scream. Knox wasn’t around today, he had to take care of something for Wolf. Of all days, this shit had to happen.

  “I want to give you anything you desire, Jade Winters. Anything you want.”

  His leery eyes ran across my lips and I held my breath, my hands gripping my towel as I prepared to fight him off.

  “I don’t want anything. At least nothing you can give me. Besides, I don’t even know you.”

  “You know me,” he smirked. “Everyone knows who I am, especially if you are part of Wolf Stone’s circle.”

  I narrowed my eyes at him and tried to get out of his grasp, but he held me tighter. "I'm not up for grabs, Mr. De La Cruz. And since you know my family so well, I suggest you take your hands off me before they break both your arms."

  He chuckled and slowly released me. “I don’t mean to scare you, Hermosa. I only came here to introduce myself.”

  I took a few steps back and turned my back to him. I spotted my phone in my bag and pretended to rummage through as I sent a quick text to Knox telling him to get his ass back now.

  “Well, you’ve introduced yourself, so now I’d greatly appreciate it if you left my classroom.”

  I felt his presence behind me and I quickly hid the phone beneath my clothes. “It’s not your classroom yet, but I can make that happen if you’d let me.” His hands slithered up my arms and I shivered in disgust.

  “I already told you, I don’t need help, especially not from a man like you. Leave me alone.”

  “Boss!” We both turned and a burly man called out to him from the doorway. “We’ve got company.”

  I slowly turned to him, watching him carefully as he straightened out his navy-blue jacket. He took his time, showing me that he didn’t give a fuck who was coming to my rescue. His eyes burned hotly into mine and I fisted my hands at my sides preparing for the worst.

  “You will be mine, Hermosa. No woman has ever said no to me.”

  “I’m not a piece of furniture you can purchase at your will, La Cruz. I will never be yours. And unless you want that broken arm, I suggest you leave now.”

  He smirked at me and then reached out to drag his thumb along my lips. I turned my head away, but he simply chuckled to himself. He walked away, raising a hand and waving it as he left.

  “See you soon, Hermosa!”

  I slumped down onto the wooden floor and stared at the door. I’d never felt fear like that before. He wasn’t a man to be trifled with, that was clear as day. He was a man who liked to be feared, he lived off it. What he wanted with me, I didn’t know, but there was no way in hell I was going to tell Knox. He’d get himself killed trying to protect me.

  4

  Knox

  “The motherfucker is close by, I can fucking smell him!”

  Diesel paced back and forth sliding a hand down his face. We’d been searching for La Cruz for weeks now. He’d been spotted in several bars and establishments nearby, yet the slimy fucker moved so quick we couldn’t get our hands on him.

  “I’ve got eyes searching for him everywhere. He’s got to be staying close by.” Wolf shook his head and leaned forward, propping his forearms on his knees.

  “We need to be tactical here. This is nothing we haven’t handled before. The fucker’s been playing with us from the start. But now we’ve got leverage.”

  “Let’s see how he likes to get fucked with?” Seth smirked.

  “Ryan told us he was infatuated with a girl,” Wolf looked up at Diesel. “Find the girl.”

  “She’s a fucking stripper,” Gunner stated from the corner. “Do you know how many strippers work around here. Fuck, Ravenous has twenty girls alone!”

  Grayson pointed at him as if a light switch had turned on. "The girls! Of course! Use the girls!"

  “What the fuck are you talking about man?” I stared back at him as if he were crazy.

  "Look, Knox, I know you've had your eye on them. They trust you. Ask around, women gossip. Besides, the dancers are loyal to Jade, maybe she can help us."

  “Leave Jade out of this,” I snarled, hating that her name was even mentioned.

  “Jade’s our only hope man. If anyone knows the dancers around here, it’s Jade. She made a name for herself around these parts. Half the dancers go to her classes, she’s even got rich broads asking for private lessons. Don’t underestimate her prowess. Girl’s got good marketing skills.”

  “I’m not getting her involved!”

  “Fuck that, either you do it, or I’ll do it. But I’m not losing this opportunity cause you’re too chicken shit to go after her.”

  I clenched my fists and jaw, my muscles flexing from the tension as anger flowed through me. Grayson knew how to piss me off; he always was good at aggravating the shit outta me.

  “Careful Grayson, I don’t tell you how to handle your dick.”

  “That’s cause I don’t need instruction.”

  I heard Poe, Ash, and a few other snickers behind me. Assholes.

  "That's enough!" Wolf's deep voice put a halt to the argument. "I don't want to hear about your fucking dicks or what you do with them! Talk to Jade, Knox. That's a fucking order!"

  I gritted my teeth but sat quietly, biting back my words. Wolf’s command was final, you don’t go against the Prez.

  “Hey.”

  I looked up at him and he glared back at me. “She’ll be fine. All she has to do is talk with them. We’d never put her in danger, brother.”

  I nodded and got up. “Anyone else have any other demands you'd like to give out?"

  “Stop being so damn sarcastic, Knox.”

  Glaring down at Grayson, I could feel myself getting heated. I took two strides towards him and Cain got right in my path. “You sure you want to go that route?”

  I clenched my fists at my side and took a deep breath. “He gets on my last damn nerve.”

  “It’s what he does best, but you know he’s right, brother.” I stared at Riggs who simply shrugged at me. “She’s the only one with the connections, brother.”

  I looked over at Grayson and snarled. “If anything happens to her, I’m blaming you motherfucker.”

  Grayson smirked. “I love you too, brother.”

  I stormed off, leaving them behind. I didn't hate Grayson, on the contrary, I loved the fucking bastard. But like any brother, they knew exactly what to do and say to push your buttons. He'd always been the same, but I knew he had my back. He always had our backs. If there was a man I trusted with my life, it was fucking Grayson Carter. He was right, I was avoiding seeing Jade at all costs. I was afraid if I got near her the beast inside me would knock, and I'd let it out so it could take its pleasure and quench its thirst off her.

  I made my way out the back entrance. I fucking hated that he was right, and I didn’t feel like fucking following his orders. Yanking the back door open, I ran right into my dirty fantasy. Her hands were held in front of her and I walked right into them. She didn’t move, neither of us did. Her bright eyes questioned me, but I was too amped up to control myself. We stood there, her eyes showing a glimmer of heat as her body responded to my feral glare. I burned to have her, the blood coursing through my veins sizzled hotly igniting the air between us.

  “Knox?” She whispered my name and the flame surged through me.

  A powerful need filled my loins as I lifted her into my arms, slamming us up against the b
rick wall. We were hidden in the alleyway, on the side of the building and I was glad for that because what I wanted to do to her was pure animal instinct. I didn't give a shit anymore. No one was going to tell me what to do. Nobody was going to come between me and what belonged to me.

  My mouth consumed hers in a frenzied kiss that took both our breaths away. She melted into me as I ground my hips against hers, wanting to bury myself in that soft flowery scent she gave off. My fingers tangled in her hair, while she white-knuckled my leather jacket as she held on to me.

  All I heard was her soft intakes of breath and the beat of my heart roaring in my ears. She tasted like intoxicating innocence, so soft and perfect in my arms. Her body becoming pliable to my every touch. I wanted to devour every inch of her, taste her, leave my scent on her. The kiss took me the fuck away and I wanted to sink myself deep inside of her and claim what was forever mine.

  I growled as I dragged my lips down her neck and bit down on her flesh. She trembled and cried out my name into the stillness of the night. I froze. My name on her lips a nasty reminder that she was forbidden. A reminder that I only existed to keep her safe, even if it meant keeping her safe from me.

  “Knox,” she whispered against my temple as she held me close.

  Our breaths coming out ragged, her breasts rising and falling only a few inches from my mouth. I pressed my nose to her deep cleavage, inhaling her as I tried to calm myself down. One wrong move and I was going to throw her on the ground and claim her sweet pussy without giving a fuck about any of the consequences. As she wrapped her leg around my hip my groin ached for release.