Knox (Hellbound Lovers MC #8)

by Crimson Syn

  “Jade,” I warned her, gripping her thigh tightly.

  “Don’t stop, Knox.”

  I gritted my teeth and forced my hands off her, pressed them against the wall on either side of her. I needed one more minute of her touch, but I had to keep my hands off before I did something I’d regret later. My fingertips dug into the brick in order to keep myself from touching her.

  “Jade, I’m sorry.” I held my head down shaking it from side to side. What the fuck had come over me. “I’m sorry, that was uncalled for.”

  “No. No, Knox,” she pulled at my jacket as she left feathery light kisses along my forehead. “Please don’t. That was not a mistake. That was a long time coming.”

  I raised my eyes to hers, the turmoil that surged through me mirrored in her pretty eyes. I shook my head; my arms straining to grab her and hold tight. I went to leave, but she gripped my jacket pulling me back to her. My forehead falling against hers as I gripped her upper arms, squeezing her tightly.

  “Don’t go,” she gave out a desperate plea and it took everything in me to push her away.

  “Knox!” She yelled out my name as I turned the corner of the building.

  My heart broke in that instant, the feelings tore through me leaving me defenseless and making me feel like a fucking coward. I quickly got on my bike and I roared away catching a glimpse of her as she stood on that corner, tears running down her cheeks. I revved the engine up as I realized that as much as I protected her, I couldn’t protect her from the pain.

  5

  Jade

  Seth had asked if I wanted to come up to the boathouse and check out if any of the stuff in his garage would be valuable to me in the studio. He was expanding the place since he’d proposed to Ciara. It was sweet that he wanted to give her a home worth living in. Cain was also there helping him clear any old stuff out. There were a few items I could use and as I was busy shifting through boxes I noticed the glimmer of silver chrome. I spotted the bike tucked against the corner, covered up in a canvas sheet.

  “What is that?”

  Seth and Cain looked up as I moved towards the back of the garage. “What, the bike?”

  "Yeah." As I slowly pulled the sheet off her the candy plum paint job brought a smile to my face. It was an Indian Scout, mint condition, with a chromed-out V-twin engine. Not a single crease on the leather and ready to be broken in. It was just what I always wanted. "Wow! She's beautiful."

  Seth looked at Cain, arching his eyebrow in amusement. “You gotta a thing for Indians, pole dancer?”

  “I gotta thing for this Indian. How much?”

  Seth smirked. “You’re not serious? I’ve only ever seen you on the back of a bike, and its usually Knox’s.”

  “Just because I don’t have one doesn’t mean I don’t know how to ride one.”

  “Riiight,” he threw a box at Cain and they continued to ignore me.

  “Hey, I’m serious. How much for it?”

  Seth looked up and Cain laughed. “I think the girl’s for real, Seth. She’s dead serious.”

  Seth looked from the bike, back to me. “You really want it?”

  “Would I be indulging in this profound conversation if I didn’t?”

  “Sarcasm duly noted.” Cain laughed and they both moved over to where I was standing.

  Seth eyed me for a second and tilted his head. “Just so you can’t say I never did anything for you...you could have it.”

  My eyes widened in surprise. “What?”

  “It’s yours,” he reached into a drawer and threw me the keys.

  I caught them mid-air and stared back at him. “Are you sure?”

  “Girl, just take the damn thing before I change my mind. Just go slow with her until Knox takes a look at her. That hog’s been penned for too long. I don’t want you getting hurt, and then it’s my head.”

  I looked down before they could see the blush encompass my cheeks. The mere mention of Knox’s name had me balancing on this sexual precipice that I couldn’t seem to get the fuck off of. If I didn’t have him soon I was afraid I would rub my pussy raw, finding little to no satisfaction as I came for him night after night.

  I closed my eyes and took a deep breath focusing on my new toy instead. I ran my hand along the sleek black seat and grinned at him. He smirked and shook his head.

  “You know Knox is going to kill me, right?”

  “Now, why would he do that?” I murmured taking a step back as I checked the bike out.

  “Cause, he doesn’t like us putting you in danger.”

  “No one tells me what I can or cannot do, Seth. You should know that by now.” I looked up at him smiling sweetly.

  Cain smirked. “That’s for sure, but he’s still in charge of protecting you.”

  “Says who?”

  Cain raised an eyebrow and I already knew Grayson and Wolf were behind Knox being my bodyguard. I shrugged. “Well, too bad. I’m not gonna stop living because some fucker wants to challenge the Hellbound Lovers.”

  “La Cruz isn’t just challenging us, he’s putting what’s ours in danger. All we’re saying is be careful, Jade. Stay close to Knox as much as you can.”

  I took a deep sigh but held my tongue. Being close to Knox wasn't the problem. But this urgency running through my body wasn't going to be easy to control, not after he touched me. He ignited that flame that had been burning in us for so long, and now it was his responsibility to extinguish it. I was gonna hold him to it.

  I spent the rest of the afternoon throwing Seth's shit away and helping them consolidate half the crap he had accumulated over the years. I made sure the special items, like his parent's pictures and his Uncle's treasures, were put in a special box. Ciara came out after a while with chips, burgers, and drinks. We ate and chatted, the breeze coming in from the ocean only made the moment even more pleasant. By seven o'clock in the evening, I was ready to head home.

  “Want a ride?” Cain asked as he approached his bike.

  “Got my own, remember.” I grinned, excited to finally take to the road.

  He grunted and lifted his seat. He dug out a black helmet and flung it in my direction. “Ride safe, Jade. I’m damn serious. Don’t go crazy on that thing. I’ll be following you in a bit.”

  “Yes, Daddy,” I rolled my eyes and turned back to the black beauty that was begging for me to ride her hard. I wanted to make her purr just like I yearned for Knox to do with me.

  I slid onto the bike and revved her up, the v-twin engine rumbled between my legs and I laughed happily. Cain frowned and he leaned back on his bike watching me and shaking his head.

  “Careful!” He yelled out and I stuck my tongue out at him as I took off.

  She was a smooth ride and I enjoyed the ocean breeze flowing around me as I rode the few miles back to Ravenous. I was enjoying the night ride and the tiny freedom I had been given. Jackson had taught me how to ride, but when things went sour I had to pawn his bike to pay the mortgage that month. It was a waste since I lost the house a year later. I loved to ride though. If Knox only knew how much I enjoyed being on the back of his bike, wrapping myself around him, his scent surrounding me. It was the most exhilarating freedom. Thoughts of Knox filled my mind and I let myself get lost in that kiss. God, how I wanted more, so much more.

  I was so wrapped up in thoughts of his hands and body that I never noticed the car that had pulled out of a side street and was following me. I didn’t notice him until he was practically on top of me. I tensed up as I focused on my side mirror. His high beams clicked on and off nearly blinding me and for a second I lost control of the bike, trying to hold it steady as it swerved to the right. I was so focused on the car behind me I didn’t take notice of the car that had slid in front of me closing me in.

  When I looked up I was nearing his rear bumper and I slammed the breaks, immediately slowing down before I hit him. I looked to my left and right, trying to figure out a way out as I was slowly being led to the side of the empty road. It was the same goddamn ro
ad where Seth had his accident a few months ago. I took in deep breaths as I was nearly dragged off to the side. There was no saving me now. If he wanted to take me, he could do it easily.

  I tried to maneuver the bike to the left, but the car up front got in my way. I went right and he followed, blocking my path. Taking a deep breath, I finally conceded and pulled my bike to the side of the road. I heard the car door behind me open, and he crawled out wearing a fancy black suit and looking smug. Fucker, I muttered the word under my breath as I took my helmet off. I was being watched, I knew that now. How else would he have known where and with whom I was with if he didn't have eyes on me twenty-four-seven? He was a slick and smug bastard, and he was showing me he didn't give a fuck about the risk he was taking by being on this road.

  I was cautious of him as he approached. I kept my ass on my bike-there was absolutely no way I was opening myself up to being dragged into that vehicle. Wolf always taught me to leave myself open, to always have another exit, but tonight there were no other routes. It was either face the monster or die trying.

  “Hermosa!” He smiled brightly, opening his arms wide as he approached me. I turned to look to my right, avoiding his fucking smug look which I wanted to punch right off.

  “What do you want, La Cruz?” I spat out.

  “Now, is that any way to greet the man who loves you.”

  “I’m not in the mood for games. Just tell me what you want and let me be. I’m tired I want to go home.”

  “Hermosa,” he gripped my chin and forced my face up. My eyes met his hard, dark glare. “I am not playing around with you, Jade. I want you to come with me. I cannot continue to come after you, it’s too dangerous.”

  “I already told you, I’m not going anywhere with you.” I pulled away from him and I could see the growing impatience darkening his features.

  He traced a hand down his goatee and grimaced. I had the sense that he was trying to control his anger and sure enough I was playing with some serious fire here. He took a sigh of frustration, and then in one quick move, he gripped my hair tugging my head back. I struggled against him, the sting of his hold on me making me grunt in pain. I gritted my teeth, not giving him the satisfaction.

  “I don’t want to hurt you, Hermosa.”

  “Then let me go.”

  He leaned in and I clenched my jaw, the stale stench of cigars and his cologne mingled and it made me want to gag. “You will come with me, Jade. I’m a patient man, but my patience is wearing thin. I will come again, and next time I will not be so nice.”

  “You can’t force me to bend to your will.”

  His grip tightened on me and I hissed in pain. “You will, or I can assure you that dirty bodyguard you have, he’ll get the first bullet.”

  My eyes grew wide as an image of Knox sprawled out dead on the concrete filled my mind. The image was so vivid I shook in fear.

  “That’s a pretty girl,” he whispered, letting go of my hair. He stroked my cheek with the rough pad of his thumb and I turned away, fighting every urge to kick him in the balls and run him over with my bike.

  “Don’t you dare touch him,” I gritted out.

  “Nothing will happen to him as long as he keeps his hands off what’s mine. One touch, Jade Winters, and I’ll kill him, drag him along these streets like the rata he is, and make sure his brothers get to see.”

  I held my breath as his hand slipped down to my neck, squeezing it tight enough to make me understand that he could snap it if he wanted to. I stared up at him and spat into his face.

  He chuckled and wiped his cheek with his jacket. "You are a fighter. I like that in my women. But remember," he squeezed just a bit tighter and pressed his nose to mine, snarling. "You let him lay a hand on you, and I'll fucking kill you myself."

  He gripped my neck tighter, restricting my airflow. I gripped his hands and struggled, trying to get out of his grip. I gagged as he squeezed. “Don’t. Play. With. Me.”

  I froze and in the distance, the rumble of a bike brought along my salvation. Cain, I thought.

  “Sir, we need to go.”

  He let me go and pointed at me as he walked away. “I’m not done with you yet, Jade Winters. I’ll come again. I won’t be so patient next time.”

  The door slammed as he slid in and both cars pulled out and disappeared into the night just as the rumble of Cain’s bike got closer. I took deep breaths, but the tears just started to flow. I gasped for air, pressing my hands to my neck. Fear crept up and I came undone right there on the side of that damn road.

  Cain’s bike pulled up right next to mine and he jumped off, running up to me. “What happened? Are you okay?”

  I gripped his jacket and shook my head. I couldn't stop sobbing, but at the same time, I didn't know if I should tell him. If I did, he'd tell Knox and I knew he'd go after him. I wanted to keep him safe, I needed to.

  “Jade! Fucking tell me what’s wrong!”

  I gulped in air and looked up at him. “I…I’m sorry. I lost control of the bike. I’m okay though. I’m okay.” I lied through my teeth on that one as I turned to put my helmet back on.

  “Oh, hell no, you’re riding with me. You’re not ready for that bike yet.”

  “I’m fine, Cain.”

  “No, you are not. Look at you, you’re fucking shaking like a leaf. You must have really gotten scared.”

  “I said I’m fine,” I snapped at him as I felt my anger surge. I wasn’t angry at Cain, I was angry at myself for acting so weak. For almost giving myself away. I had to protect them. I needed to protect them. If they found out they’d get themselves hurt. I couldn’t add on to what they were going through already. I just couldn’t.

  "Look, Jade, you don't have to be tough with me. I know you better than anyone. What's wrong?"

  I looked up at my friend because Cain was my friend. He was a hard-ass and a Dom, and could probably kick all the boy's asses, but he was my friend. In that instant, I wanted to tell him. I wanted to tell him that I was being harassed by the one person they were looking for. That I could find him. That I could help. But I kept my mouth shut, in fear that La Cruz would go through with his threat. Putting my helmet on I ignored his questioning eyes and instead revved up the V-Twin engine.

  “I’m fine!” I clicked my helmet shut and Cain stepped back as I pulled away. My heart broke as I saw his head hang low through my rear-view mirror. I was struggling as I tried to figure out what to do. Either way, the Hellbound Lovers were smart. There was no way in hell I was going to be able to keep this a secret for much longer. I just needed to keep it hidden long enough to find a way to save them.

  6

  Jade

  Jade

  It was nearing midnight when I finally pulled up to Knox’s shop. He was busy working on a bike, the sound of rock and roll filled the empty garage. My boots echoed against the concrete as I approached him. He was seated on the rolling cart on the floor. His dark eyes drifted up my legs, up along my denim shorts, ran up the length of my torso and lingered on my breasts. I watched as he licked his lips before his eyes bore into mine, my body humming in response. He was so fucking sexy. I just wanted to run to him.

  “Hey,” I greeted him shyly.

  “Hey,” his smile made his dark eyes light up and I caught my breath as he stood up. His six-foot-two frame pretty much towering over me. He was wearing a white tank and his strong forearms were smudged with oil stains. His arms flexed as he wiped his hands clean and leaned back to lower the volume on his radio. I stared fixedly at his long fingers, yearning for his touch. His jeans hung low on his hips and he pretty much looked like every one of my fantasies come to life. He was deliciously proportioned and all man. As I took him in, my body simply started to react.

  "Are you just gonna stand there?" His question took me out of my stupor and I looked up at his handsome face. His lopsided grin made me want to lick his lips and hear him moan for me.

  “Fuck,” I whispered mostly to myself, but he managed to hear me. His hoode
d eyes recognized my hunger and I could see his chest rise and fall as his breathing deepened.

  “What are you doing here, Jade?”

  “I, umm…I came to bring you my bike.”

  He raised a sexy eyebrow and my pussy responded by flooding my panties and making me ache. “Your bike?”

  “Uh-huh. I-it’s out front.” I stumbled over my words, his presence making me nervous.

  I watched as he came toward me, long confident strides that made him look like a hunter after his prey. I stood there, hoping he was coming for me, but he moved right past me and toward the door. I stood there dumbfounded and rolled my eyes at how foolish I seemed. After a moment I heard his whistle of appreciation.

  “Damn, where did you find that beauty?”

  “Seth gave her to me.”

  “Seth?”

  “Yeah,” I whispered, reaching out to touch his arm.

  He stilled beside me, his muscles tensing. “Did you really come here to bring me the bike?”

  I could hear the tension in his voice, his muscles flexing at my touch. I couldn’t help but drag my fingertips along his forearm and slide them into his hand. He turned to me.

  “Answer me. Why did you come?”

  “To bring the bike,” I whispered, lifting his hand and kissing his knuckles softly.

  “Jade,” my name was a tortured plea, but I didn’t care anymore.

  “Knox, please.”

  I stared up at him and slowly took his hand, placing it right above my breast. “Touch me, Knox. I beg of you.”

  “Fuck!” He bent down and grabbed me, pulling me forward until I was slammed against him and his mouth was covering mine. His kisses were intense, deep and hard, taking my breath away as his hands squeezed my waist pressing me along his hard frame. I whimpered, and the sound forced that deep moan I wanted to hear so badly.

  “Fuck, Jade,” he shook as he held me. I couldn’t get enough of him, I needed him. I always did.