by Brair Lake
I glance at her beer. Eve has only been sipping at it. Then I drop my gaze to her stomach. “Are…”
She smiles as she shakes her head. “No. but like you said, Bastion is happy to oblige in that department. We are trying. Sugar Jay says she can’t wait to be an aunt. That she’ll like our babies born at about the same time.”
“She’s invited me down for the summer break. I think I’m going to take her up on the offer,” Poppy said.
“Shit, how many kids has she got now?” I glance over at Poppy, then at the other women. Guilt floods me over the cancelation of our short vacation. “Once this is over. We can still go to New Orleans.” The other women smile. “Come on. Don’t let Delaney spoil everything.”
Poppy nods, her smile bright. “One last fling before I go away for the summer.”
“Are you okay?”
As I hand the helmet to Cole, I smile. I’ve missed our chats. He may not have sent the blood rushing to my clit or my heart rhythm out of tune with just a look. But he was good to me. “Yeah.” I glance around the compound; dusk is settling in and the sun is low. Demon’s Lair will be setting sail soon. “I’m going to miss Poppy while she’s visiting Sugar Jay.”
“She’s not gone yet. Shit, I might not be Poppy. But you can talk to me anytime.”
“Thanks, Cole. Not sure if I’ll take you up on the offer. Now you’re one of the Demons, you don’t have that air about you.”
“Are you saying I’m too butch to listen to your girly wiles.”
I chuckle as I slip my arm through his and walk up the gangplank. “If there’s one thing I know, Cole. Your manliness is never in question.” His deep laugh fills the air and as I glance to the top of the gangplank, I spot Alex waiting. His lips set straight; his gaze fixed on the arm linked through Cole’s. “And I don’t think Alex thinks of you as the girly buddy kind of guy.”
Cole squeezes my hand. “You’re not going to let Alex get between you and me.”
When we reach the top of the gangplank, I shake my head and kiss him on the cheek, ignoring Alex’s growl. “Not at all. We’re friends.”
Cole’s smile reaches his eyes. “Friends. And don’t you forget it.” He nods at Alex, then walks away, and I watch as he saunters down the deck to his cabin. Three nights ago, he had moved on to Demon’s Lair.
“You two are mighty friendly.”
I step close to Alex. His hair is damp and lemons and sandalwood tease my nose. It’s not long since he left the shower. “He was just looking out for me. Isn’t that why you sent him with me.” I link my arms around Alex’s neck. His body is hard, and I give a slight thrust against him.
“Just make sure that’s all he was doing.” Then what little sun is left is hidden as Alex dips his head and our lips meet. Coffee and mint tease my taste buds and I slip my tongue into his mouth as he cups my ass, pulling me in closer. When he releases me, I gasp for air. “Meet me in the casino when you’re ready.”
“If you had waited for me. We could have showered together.”
“And if we had showered together. I would be late. And having Day grumble in my ear all evening is not something I want to endure too often. The man is not entertaining when he’s unhappy.”
I wink, “but it would have been worth it.”
Alex chuckles as he slaps my ass. Damn, that man does like to spank and my clit pulses. “Go before I decide to follow you.”
I prefer the casino to the club’s private room when Alex is working. Although I know the men will leave me alone, it’s the women who have me on my guard. Alex is a catch. The women enjoy his company. Shit, who wouldn’t. He knows how to please a woman, spanking or not, and they are not too fond of me for taking up his time or for moving into his cabin. Especially Teach. There have been times when she’s made a slight dig. If she and Alex are working the same night, she hints they are doing things during their break. As I watch her now. Her black dress caressing her curves, she leans into Alex, and when he smiles, my stomach coils. I know nothing will come of it. Teach is working, TJ has a client lined up for her. But I am powerless to stop the jealous twinge as it wraps itself around my body, and wonder if this is what Alex feels when he sees me with Cole. Or am I just his property whilst he fucks me.
“What happened to the smile,” Eve said as she approached me.
I blink as I glance up, “no baby making tonight.”
Eve chuckles as she sits in the chair beside me. “Day and Bastion are having a meeting. They’ll be plenty of baby making later. Now tell me about your smile or lack of.”
“I love him, Eve. I have for a long time.” I glance around the room. It’s full of beautiful women. Most of whom will have known Alex the same way I have, and none of them ever lasted more than a night with the odd repeat performance. “And I’m not sure I can fight a ghost.”
“Don’t”
“Don’t what.”
“Fight a ghost. Don’t try to be Jo-Leigh.” Eve chuckles. “From what I’ve heard, you’re nothing like her. Alex must like that.” Eve leans over, “just be yourself. He’ll know soon enough.”
I sip my beer as I search the room for Alex, spotting him just as he slips into one of the rear rooms. I do another scan of the room and find Teach with Firebird and a man I recognize as a friend of Hank’s. “You think he loves me.”
Eve nods. “He’s terrified Delaney will get to you. That’s not the signs of a man indifferent or just out to slake his lust.”
“I hope you’re right.” I finish my beer, placing the empty bottle on the table. “I’ll catch you later.” With a last smile at the brunette, I wander over to the bar, collect two beers and head for the room Alex entered. The only light in the room, comes from a lamp on a desk Alex is sitting behind. He has his cell to his ear, and as the light from the casino brightens the room briefly before I close the door, he smiles and waves me over.
“I’m not interrupting anything. Am I,” I ask as I settle on his lap. His arm slips around my waist and he caresses the top of my thigh. Although the material of the dress and the silk of my stocking are between his fingers and my flesh, a ripple of warmth spreads through me as a shiver brings goosebumps to the surface.
He shakes his head, “No,” he mouths as he carries on listening to his conversation. I wiggle against his lap and his grip tightens. “Keep still.”
The hiss of his voice draws a chuckle from me, and I slink to the floor. The door is closed, and my hands slid to the button of his jeans and I slip it free. Alex grips my fingers, shakes his head, and scowls. I pull myself free, ignoring him, I pull his zipper down and Alex spreads his legs as I free his cock. His flesh is warm. The shaft heavy in my hand and I watch as it grows. Beneath my touch, his veins gorge and I glance at Alex, finding him leaning against the back of the chair. His smile has disappeared, and his intense blue gaze is on me. As he carries on with his conversation, I slowly glide my hand up and down his dick. Pumping the flesh, then sliding my finger over the edge. My clit pulses, and as I watch Alex, I slip my free hand beneath my dress and slip my fingers between my flesh. I am warm and it isn’t long before my fingers are coated with my own juice. Alex’s dick throbs, and my body aches for release. With a groan, I slip my fingers from my pussy and turn my attention to Alex. This isn’t about my gratification. I know Alex will more than satisfy me when we return to the cabin. This is about Alex. I’ve laid my ghost to rest. I don’t know what Jo-Leigh was like in bed. What she did with him. From tonight, it’s about Alex and me. Alex grunts and I blink. His cock is hard, thrusting against my hand. I pump and twist the flesh of his shaft harder and faster. Alex’s head arches back and I watch the veins on his throat. Another thrust and slid of my hand has Alex spilling his semen over my fingers. When he looks at me, I smile. “Next time, I’ll make you moan.”
Alex chuckles as he leans forward. His lips brush against mine. “I owe you one, Mia.” His gaze goes to the door and I follow it. A moan slips from me when I see TJ and Firebird standing there. “And you’ve jus
t made it game enough that anywhere will do.”
Chapter 27
Alex: Demon’s Lair Noir Valley
Since returning to Noir Valley, there has been no sighting of Delaney. According to Neat, who remains in New Orleans, Delaney is settling back into his old routine. TJ continues to watch his office as Joseph Blaine, Delaney’s second in command, has stayed behind. Mia’s sweet laughter reaches out to me and I turn my gaze to the compound. Firebird, Poppy, a couple of the club’s women and some of the men are playing baseball. I don’t know whose winning, just that I enjoy the sound of Mia’s laughter. I watch as she swings the bat. Her hips swaying from side to side as she loosens up. Her pert ass sticks out and my cock twitches. Mia is becoming a part of my life. I know she’s fond of the spanking, and it’s time to see if she’s up for the dirty stuff if she plans to stay around.
“Shit. If you don’t stop panting after the woman. You’ll be coming in your pants before she’s hit the ball.”
I chuckle as I glance at Cole. His grey eyes steady but unreadable. Data has checked him out and everything is saying he is who he is claiming to be. Yet, my spine continues to tingle. As I watch him. I wonder if I should know him. Sometimes, when he turns his head and the light strikes him, the angle of his chin, the curve of his nose reminds me of someone. But whoever it is, evades me.
“She’s got a sweet ass and I like to pant.”
Cole shakes his head. His smile slipping. “Any more news on Delaney?”
“No.” The tick in Cole’s cheek throbs and I watch him as he raises the bottle to his lips. “You don’t like Delaney.”
Cole shrugs, licking his lips as he swallows his beer. “He threatened Mia. I like her. I think she’s a little crazy. But I like her.” Then his eyes are back on me. “I’m not fond of any man who hurts a woman.”
Guilt over Jo-Leigh’s death floods me. “I’ll not let what happened to Jo-Leigh happen to Mia.”
“No,” said Cole.
I shake my head. “I was young and naïve when they murdered Jo-Leigh.” My laugh mocks me. “I thought I could protect her from the world. Shit, I couldn’t protect her from one man.” Several bikes pull into the yard and I watch Day, Bastion and Oyster dismount. “I’m not on my own this time. I have my brothers.” The sun slips behind a cloud as I glance at Cole and once more, I’m reminded of someone. I know I’ve asked this before, but I go ahead any. “You’re not from around here.”
Cole shakes his head, his eyes crinkling. “Reno.”
“Do you have family here?”
Cole’s bottle stills midair, then he’s taking another sip. “Once. A cousin.”
“That must be it. Do I know him.”
Cole shakes his head, “the family left years ago.”
I shrug as I turn to watch Mia. She’s hit the ball and is about to make it to third base. She’s wearing shorts and the afternoon sun glances off her flesh and I lick my lips. “Maybe I went to school with him. That’s why you remind me of him.”
Cole shakes his bottle, then finished his beer. “Maybe.” He nods at the game. “Think I’ll go help the brothers out. Wouldn’t do to have the women win the game.”
I chuckle as he walks down the gangplank, slapping Day and Oyster on the shoulder as he passes them. Bastion has also joined the game. “Are you coming to the saloon or standing like a moppet as you ogle Mia?”
I glance at Oyster, then back at Mia. “I know whose ass I’d rather watch. I’ll catch up with you all later.” Day’s and Oyster’s deep laughter follow me as I jog down the gangplank.
“I think this game needs a decent umpire.” I said as I join the crowd.
Mia high-fives Firebird, and as she glances over at me, she sticks her tongue out and makes her way towards me. “Eve is a fair and just umpire.” She prods me in shoulder. “You men just don’t like to lose to the better species.”
I slip my arm around her waist. As I caress her lower back, her soft flesh burns my fingers. “Its obvious Eve needs glasses.” Mia chuckles as she leads me to a water bucket, pulls out a couple of beers and hands one to me. Poppy cracks the ball into the air and the women shriek “Go, Poppy. Go.” Leon attempts to catch the ball, but his foot slips and he lands on his ass.
“Here I’ve brought the burgers down. Light the barbeque, Alex,” Day said.
I accept the meat from Day. “Changed your mind about having a drink inside.”
“Too much fun going on down here. And I’m not one to miss a party. Now go cook the burgers while I entertain Mia.”
“If Mia needs entertaining, I’m capable of amusing her.”
Day chuckles. “I’ve heard she’s good at entertaining you.”
I’ve shared women with Day, and normally I would be up for a threesome, but with Mia. I just want to keep her to myself. “She’s not game, Day.”
“She’s under the club’s protection.”
The air around me stills as I glance towards the game. Everyone is watching me. Cole has the ball and continues to throw it in air, then catches it with the same hand. The tingle which warns me I know Cole. Or someone like him chases down my spine. With a shake of my head to dispel the notion, I return my attention back to Day. “She’s under my protection, Day. That doesn’t make her club property.”
Day’s gaze penetrates mine. I want to shuffle back. To recall the words I’ve just uttered. I’ve just confirmed to everyone. To the club’s president that Mia is mine. That no one is to touch her without my permission. I have counted to thirty-three when Day nods. Then he turns to Oyster, who has joined us. “It’s a pandemic.”
“As long as it’s not catching,” Oyster chuckles as he slap’s Day on the back. “Enjoy your burger and find yourself a woman. Kit and I will take care of the casino tonight.”
The breath leaves me on a silent sigh as Day turns to the game and Mia slips her hand into mine. “Let’s go cook those burgers,” she said.
The ball has come to rest in Cole’s hand, his eyes hidden in the shadow of the sun, then he gives a slight tilt of his head. As if he’s happy with what occurred. As I walk with Mia, my mind is one chaotic jumble. For five years, the woman has tormented me. Many nights she would invade my dreams. Often after the nightmares about Jo-Leigh. As I light the gasoline of the barbeque, the flames wake me up. Like a fool, I have fallen in love again and nothing has changed. The man responsible for the death of my wife is a threat to Mia.
“Alex.”
“Yeah.”
“I know you didn’t mean anything by it. That you were only protecting me in the way you think you need to.”
I continue to stare into the flames. The small lumps of charcoal burning brightly, and I pull the fresh burgers out of their wrapping, throwing a half dozen of them on the grill. “Didn’t I.”
“Alex.”
“Slice the rolls will you. The burgers won’t take long. And the men will be hungry.”
“Alex.”
“Not here, Mia. This isn’t the place to talk about it.”
Mia’s lips are soft as they brush against the back of my neck. “But we will talk.”
“Not yet.” I turn to her. Her hazel gaze steady. “Let’s deal with Delaney first.”
Mia tilts her head to the side. There is a quirk to her lips. “If you shoot him. I’ll help you bury his body.”
“Here. Stuff your mouth with this and less of the blood thirsty talk.”
“We can’t talk about us. We can’t talk about Delaney. What can we talk about?”
“How about, how I’m going to make you come until you forget how to breathe.”
Mia chews her burger, her gaze scanning the compound. “This party needs some music.”
“There’s an old CD player and discs in the shed.”
Mia hands me her half-eaten burger, then turns as she heads towards the shed over the coarse grass. I watch her hips sashay from side to side. The woman is mine. She has been since that night so long ago. Maybe even a little longer.
“Are those burg
ers meant to be black?”
I blink as I glance at the burgers and quickly toss the raw side over. “They’re charcoaled. They’ll taste better for it.” I smile as I look at Leon.
Leon chuckles as he keeps his gaze on the shed. Mia is on her way back and waves her findings. “I think I’ll take over the cooking.”
“I don’t know about that. Firebird is on her way over.” TJ chuckles as he joins us. “As I’m the only one who knows how to cook. I’ll take over.”
“I found the music.” Mia’s breath is light as she joins me, and I take the player and discs from her.
“Yeah. you did. Now to set it up.” It’s not long before music fills the air. The quiet game of baseball is still in play. More bikers and club women have joined the impromptu barbeque and I slip my arm around Mia’s waist. “Wanna dance.”
She turns her body into mine and her hand finds mine at her waist. “I thought you never were going to ask.”
The music playing may not be ideal for smooching, but I hold Mia close. Her scent of lilies teases my senses and I know it’ll be a long time before I forget the aroma. Mia doesn’t fight me as she slips her arms around my neck and nuzzles my flesh. The tip of her tongue does crazy things to my skin and I pull her closer. The evidence of my arousal hard to hide, even behind the denim of my jeans.
“Alex.”
“Um.”
“Do you ever wish you could stop time?”
I slip my fingers beneath her top. Her flesh warm to my touch. “Stop it. Maybe.” I glance at the sky. It is clear. “If the sun stays out.”
“We don’t need the sun.”
“No.”
Mia’s head rubs against my neck. The party is well underway. Normally I would stay. Drink. Then find someone to fuck for the night. Tonight, I’m happy to have Mia in my arms and I guide her away from the crowd. There’s a bench by the river and I take her there. Settling her on my knee, passing her one of the beers I pulled out of the water bucket. As she swallows the beer, I watch her throat and my cock twitches. I stroke the flesh of her thigh as she snuggles into me and close my eyes. The air has turned cooler, and the sun is starting to sink. The noise of the party fades and a contented sigh escapes me.
