Control

by Sam Crescent

  Did she really want him to lead her there?

  The decision was taken out of her hand as he gripped her hand, taking her out of Matthew’s room. He led her down the hall toward the last door on the right. Duke opened the door, stepping back to allow her inside.

  His room had large French doors that opened up onto a small veranda. Her gaze was locked onto the safety of that escape. Duke didn’t let go of her hand as she walked over to the doors. She opened one of the doors while he chuckled behind her.

  “There’s no escape out of there, baby.”

  Ignoring him, she stepped out into the warm sun. There was a large garden, and she saw a pool in the back of it. “Did you add the pool?”

  “Yes, Matthew wouldn’t move without a pool. He made a lot of requests before we moved. Little fucker was acting spoilt.” Duke shrugged. “I couldn’t blame him. I’d not long divorced his mother.”

  Close to the house she saw the basketball hoop, and she smiled thinking about that day at the clubhouse. “I bet Julie hates the fact she doesn’t have a hold of this place.”

  “You’re wrong. Julie would hate this place. She wanted me to buy a condo in the city, an expensive one, and go on a get rich quick scheme. The only thing she liked about the club life was the life, and easy sex.”

  He didn’t sound angry.

  “Do you wish you’d not married her?”

  She turned around to look at him.

  “The only reason I married the bitch was because she was pregnant. If she’d not had my kid growing inside her, she wouldn’t have been in my life.”

  “If you hated her that much, why did you sleep with her?” For some strange reason she wasn’t upset by his answer. There was clearly no love lost between the two.

  “I was young, and any pussy would do. Julie was available and easy.”

  Holly figured as much. Her mother didn’t like Julie.

  Duke tugged on her hand, pulling her back into the bedroom. Her gaze landed on the large circular bed. She’d not expected him to have a circular bed. The size could easily fit four or more people on it.

  “No one but me has slept in that bed,” he said.

  She glanced at him, seeing the sincerity on his face. “You don’t owe me any explanation.”

  “I know, but I saw the look on your face. I’ve not brought a woman back to this place. I’m not going to lie to you, Holly. I’ve fucked women back at the club but never here.”

  She nodded, believing him. The room missed any feminine touch. Releasing his hand, she sat down on the bed, running her hands over the silk sheets. “You like the comforts in life.”

  “I do.”

  He stepped in front of her, pushing her back on the bed. Holly didn’t fight him. She wanted this as much as he did. Spending time with him was making her life difficult as her feelings toward him were changing. In the past she’d been attracted to him. He’d been older, and his presence alone demanded her attention. She’d always been aware of him at the club, searching for him whenever she was present.

  Even though she’d wanted him, been attracted to him, Holly knew there was no chance of ever getting him. Duke had access to all the club pussy available. Why would he even want her? Her own insecurity had led her into the arms of Raoul, the disastrous night she’d given him her virginity.

  Duke grabbed one of her hands, pressing it against the side of her head. She stared up into his eyes. He reached between them, gripping his cock. Her breath hitched as he rubbed the tip through her slit. The ache started to build, and she spread her legs open even more.

  “You’re always so wet.”

  Not only did she have his attention, Duke wanted her back. She didn’t know if he wanted her the same way she did him. Holly would take whatever he was willing to give her. When several inches were inside her, he captured her other hand, pressing it on the other side of her head. He slammed inside, fucking all of his length into her body. She bit into her lip, crying out at the explosive pleasure that consumed her body.

  She couldn’t keep fighting him. If she let down her guard it would only be a matter of time before she gave him a lot more of herself.

  Closing her eyes, she arched up into his touch. He drove in and out of her body. She was so wet that even with his width, he thrust into her with ease.

  “Eyes on me, Holly.”

  She opened her eyes and stared back at him. Neither of them spoke as he fucked her hard, forcing her to take the whole length. She wrapped her legs around his waist. His thrusts were relentless. Was he trying to make sure she wouldn’t forget him?

  He wasn’t kind or gentle in his fucking, taking her harder than ever before. She splintered apart in his arms, climaxing on his thick shaft. His cock jerked within her, filling her once again with his cum.

  When it was over, she lay on the bed panting for breath. Duke collapsed over. Their heavy breathing was the only sounds to be heard in the room. He held her to the bed with his cock still inside her.

  It had only been a couple of days they’d been together physically, but she’d wanted him a lot longer. If she wasn’t careful she was going to lose herself to this man, just like her mother had to her father. The very thought filled her with dread.

  Chapter Seven

  Duke waited outside of his son’s high school for the bell to ring. He’d been standing for the last couple of minutes, but he didn’t mind waiting. This evening Holly was going to be heading over to see him and help with some of the decoration. She still wanted to keep their relationship a secret, which was fine to him. His club knew to keep quiet, and they’d do what they were told. Club business was quiet at the moment. They’d all sat down and voted to take the Mexican deal, which Diaz was setting up. What Duke didn’t like was news that Julie was hanging out with another gang, Dawg’s—pronounced Dog—Crew, known for stealing women and selling them for a profit. Duke didn’t mind dealing the drugs or selling guns, but what he hated was taking women against their will.

  Most of the women on Dawg’s books had been stolen or blackmailed in order for him to earn money off their backs. Duke didn’t like it. If Julie was sniffing around that crew, it was bad business.

  Trojans never mixed with Dawg. It was against their code. The club whores knew if they left the club and went with another man, they were out. There was no room for second chances.

  It would only be a matter of time before he’d have to find out what the fuck was going on for Julie to be hanging around such a dangerous crew. Duke couldn’t give a fuck what happened to her. He only cared about his son, Matthew.

  Shit was getting serious with Holly even if she did want to keep them a secret. He didn’t give a shit what she thought. She’d started to open herself up to him, talking about her life outside of the club. He’d already stopped by the Sheriff’s office to give Deputy Phil a warning. No one sniffed around his woman, especially that piece of shit. She hadn’t told Mary about them, but he knew it was only a matter of time.

  Mary and Holly were close. When Mary found out, Duke would know Holly was ready to be open about their relationship.

  The bell rang fifteen minutes later, and Duke watched the kids filing out of school. Several looked his way, and he stared right back at them. Their parents probably talked shit about the club anyway. Matthew came out alone. He held a piece of paper in his hand as he moved toward the parking lot. Duke decided on taking the car to pick up his son. He needed to talk to him about Holly.

  “What are you doing here, Dad?” Matthew hitched his bag up his shoulder.

  “Wanted to spend some time with my son.”

  “Mom changed her mind, didn’t she?”

  “No. I told her she wasn’t having you tonight.” It was a Friday night, and usually that meant Matthew would spend the night and Saturday with his mother. Julie hadn’t put up a fight when he called. He couldn’t believe he ever got her pregnant, but he loved Matthew and wouldn’t change him for the world.

  “Oh, okay.”

  “Actually, t
here’s something I want to talk to you about.”

  “What?”

  “Get in the car. We’ll talk on the way home.” Sliding behind the wheel, Duke waited for his son to climb into the car. He was tall and didn’t have a lot of coordination. Firing up the car, Duke pulled away from the school, heading home. “Did you want to stay with your mom?”

  “No, she’s a bitch, Dad. She can’t even stand me being there. I don’t know why she even bothers arguing for the right to have me. She really doesn’t like me.” Matthew ran his hands up and down his thighs.

  “Do you want to stop seeing her altogether?”

  Matthew was silent for several minutes. Glancing toward him, Duke saw him staring out of the window. “Yeah.”

  “Yeah, what?”

  “I want to stop seeing her altogether. I hate her. She doesn’t want me around and spends most of her time asking questions about you.”

  Duke tensed up. “What do you tell her?”

  “Nothing. When she really starts shouting, I tell her you’re always decorating. She leaves me alone after that.”

  Matthew rubbed the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable. Duke decided to drop it.

  “What did you want to talk to me about?”

  “Holly.”

  He glanced over to see his son tense. “Russ’s Holly?”

  “Yeah.”

  “What about her?”

  “She’s going to be coming over this evening, and she offered to help me do some painting.” When Matthew went to bed, he had a hell of a lot more plans for her than working.

  “Cool.”

  “Do you like Holly?”

  “She’s cool.”

  Okay, Duke was sick to death of teenagers. “You like her, don’t you?”

  Matthew shifted in his seat.

  He’d hit the nail right on the mark.

  “I don’t want to talk about this.”

  “I saw the way you were looking at her at the picnic a few weeks back. She talked to you.”

  “Holly’s cool, and she’s beautiful. I know some guys don’t like women to be, I don’t know, fat or whatever, but Holly’s great.”

  Duke pulled into his home. He’d left the gate open when he went to pick up Matthew. “She’s going to be my old lady.”

  He’d never kept anything from his boy before, and he wasn’t going to start now.

  “Aren’t you a little old to be dating Holly?”

  “You little shit. I’m not that old.”

  “She’s what, six years older than me? What’s to say she won’t get bored of your ass?” Matthew was smiling, looking the happiest he had in weeks.

  “Listen, you little shit, you keep your dirty little paws off her.” He ruffled Matthew’s hair, and his son slapped him back.

  “Don’t touch the hair.”

  “What? It’s really great hair.” He climbed out of the car. “So, you’re fine with it?”

  Even if Matthew wasn’t fine with it, Duke wouldn’t stop making Holly his.

  “Is this like top secret?”

  “It is. Holly’s got a few hang-ups.”

  “I’m cool with it. Holly’s cool.”

  He pointed at his son. “You better keep that crush buried tight, son. I won’t have you drooling over my woman.”

  Matthew rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”

  Duke walked into his home, feeling contented. His son liked his woman. The first part was over, and now he just needed Holly to see they were going to be perfect together.

  ****

  Holly glanced down at her cell phone to see a text from Duke blinking at her.

  Duke: r u coming or what?

  Holly: Be there soon!

  Duke: U better. I’ve got a lot of plans.

  Her pussy creamed at the sight of the texts. What were his plans? Every time he mentioned plans before they’d ended up having sex. Licking her suddenly dry lips, she lifted the cup to take a sip of the coffee. The cup shook a little spilling some of the coffee onto the table. She was waiting for Mary to get back from her shift in ten minutes.

  Before she left for the night she intended to tell Mary the truth about what was going on between her and Duke. She nibbled her lip as she thought about what to tell her very best friend. The truth was the only choice.

  Tapping her fingers on the table she growled in frustration as her cell phone buzzed once again.

  Duke: Wear a skirt, no panties.

  Holly: ur insane. I’m not wearing no panties and I’m not wearing a skirt.

  She stared at her phone waiting for a response.

  Duke: Wear a skirt, no panties.

  Rolling her eyes, she dropped her phone to the table as the sound of Mary opening the door met her ears. Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she looked toward the kitchen doorway.

  “Hey, Hols, you okay?” Mary said, walking straight to the kettle.

  “I’m good.”

  “I’m so tired. I’m not going to be much company tonight. I’ve done nothing but double shifts the last week. I’m exhausted.”

  The kettle hadn’t longed boiled, and within minutes she was sitting at the table opposite Holly.

  “You need to stop working so hard.”

  “I like working.”

  Holly knew that was partly a lie. Mary loved working, but she hated working at the diner. The locals were not always friendly about Mary’s drunk and drug addict parents.

  When Mary clocked the overnight bag Holly had packed, she glanced from the bag toward her. “Are you going somewhere tonight?”

  Letting go of her cup, Holly focused her attention on her best friend. “There’s something I wanted to talk to you about.” She stared into her friend’s dark brown gaze. “I’ve not been completely honest with you.”

  “What about?”

  “Duke, I’ve, erm, I’ve been seeing him.” She expected to see anger in Mary’s eyes, even upset at keeping her relationship a secret. What did she see? A smile. “Why are you smiling?”

  “I’ve noticed you’ve been looking happier for the past couple of weeks. You’re glowing but not in a pregnant woman way. I figured either Phil had stepped up his game or you were seeing someone and didn’t want me to know.” Mary reached across the table and placed her hand over Holly’s. “Is it serious, or is it like a onetime thing?”

  “It’s serious. I think it’s serious. I’m going over to his place tonight. My cab should be arriving very soon.”

  “Holly, I’m happy for you. Pissed that you were afraid to tell me but I’m happy for you.” Mary got to her feet, moving toward her to pull her into a tight embrace. “I love you, Hols.”

  “I love you, too, Mary. What about Pike? Any news on him?”

  “Pike’s not for me. I’d never dream of ever approaching him, and he treats me like I don’t even exist. I’d rather not go there at all if that’s okay.” Mary stepped back, rubbing her palms down her dress. Something wasn’t right with her friend. Holly didn’t know what.

  “Is there something wrong?”

  “No. Nothing, I’m fine. I mean, I’m tired all the time, but I’m fine.”

  “Is Mac getting a little fresh with you or something?” Holly asked, concerned for her friend’s wellbeing.

  Mary chuckled. “No. I’m fine. Please, go and have some fun.”

  Holly didn’t want to leave her friend alone. “I’ll call you when I get to Duke’s house.”

  “Okay.”

  Nodding, she hugged her friend once more, grabbing her bag just as the sound of a car horn came. “That’ll be my ride.”

  “Have fun.”

  She left the house, grabbing her cell phone as she scrolled through her contacts. Holly clicked on Pike’s number, which Duke had given her in case of emergencies. She was starting to believe the whole club knew about them seeing as Daisy had been tailing her, Raoul stayed away from her, and she had half of the guys’ cell phone numbers programmed into her phone.

  “What?” Pike asked.

 
; “Hey, that’s no way to answer the phone.”

  “Tell me what you want, Holly. I’ve not got all day.”

  “Fine. I’m worried about Mary.” Silence met her words. “I was wondering if there was anything you knew about that?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t know. She just seems withdrawn. She’s not herself, and I don’t like it.”

  “Where is she?” Pike asked.

  Holly nibbled her lip. Should she tell him Mary was alone?

  You’re going to be out of your apartment all night. Tell him.

  “She’s back at our place. I’m going out for the evening.”

  Pike cursed. “I’ll deal with it.”

  Before she could say anymore he hung up. Cursing, she pocketed her phone and wondered if she’d done the right thing in calling him.

  Chapter Eight

  Duke stared at Holly’s rounded ass while she pulled out the chicken bake she’d put in the oven an hour ago. They’d all been working in the sitting room, painting up the walls, while he put together furniture with Matthew. While she painted with a roller, she gave Matthew a spelling test that he needed for English along with a pop quiz for biology. His son was fast at answering all the questions, only getting a few wrong.

  They’d taken a break. They were alone, and he needed to kiss her. She’d been talking about Mary. He’d gotten a message from Pike to say he was handling Mary. Duke didn’t want Holly worried or thinking about her friend when she was with him. He’d make sure everything was taken care of.

  There wouldn’t be any room for complications in their life.

  “Okay, that just needs to rest before we burn ourselves.” The moment she removed the oven gloves she’d put on, stepping back from the steaming hot food, Duke wrapped his arms around her. Pulling her close, he gripped her hips as he rubbed his cock against her ass.

  “I’ve been wanting to do that all night.”

  He heard her sigh, leaning back. “You’ve got to stop.”