Every Breath You Take (Bayou Devils MC Book 3)

by A. M. Myers

  “Hey, is Nix here today?” I ask and Kenny shakes his head.

  “Naw, he took the day off to spend with his family.”

  I nod and Tate turns to me as he pulls out the plastic wrap and covers her skin with it.

  “Who is Nix?”

  “Blaze’s son. This is his shop.”

  “Follow me and I’ll get y’all checked out,” Kenny says and I help Tate off the table before slipping my arm around her waist and leading her up to the front.

  “That will be one hundred.”

  Releasing Tate, I grab my wallet but Tate snatches it out of my hand.

  “I am perfectly capable of paying for my own tattoo,” she snaps and Kenny smirks as she hands him a wad of twenties.

  “Thanks, guys,” Kenny says, laughing and I nod at him as we turn toward the door.

  “Can I have my wallet back now?” I ask and she glares up at me.

  “I don’t know. Are you going to try to pay for anything else?”

  Chuckling, I open the door for her and guide her toward the car. “I feel like the correct answer here is no.”

  “Then say it.”

  “I can’t,” I answer with a laugh and she lets out a huff of annoyance.

  “And to think Theo was worried you were going to use me to be your sugar mama.”

  I bark out a laugh, stopping her on the sidewalk and turning her to face me. “What? Exactly how much money did your mom leave you?”

  “Um,” she murmurs, biting her lip. “Almost half a million dollars.”

  My eyes widen and I let out a low whistle as I start leading us to the car again. Well, there’s one more plot twist in this confusing story. When she said her mom left her money, I’d figured it was a few thousand not enough to buy a new house outright. My phone buzzes just as we reach the car and I pull it out as I open Tate’s door for her.

  Streak:

  Based on what it says and the fact that it was left for her…

  I’d say someone is threatening her.

  Me:

  I’ll talk to you in twenty.

  As soon as I drop Tate off at home, I’m going straight to the clubhouse to see what Streak knows and confront Blaze again. It’s time for all the secrets to end. I shut her door and jog around the hood before slipping behind the wheel and firing the engine to life.

  “I’ve got to run to the clubhouse and deal with some shit. You just want me to take you home?” I ask and she nods as I pull away from the curb.

  “Yes. Thanks for hanging out with me today.”

  I grab her hand, lacing our fingers before I bring it to my lips and kiss her thumb. “Anytime, baby. You like your tattoo?”

  “Yes,” she replies, her grin growing as she glances down at her forearm. “It’s perfect.”

  I kiss her hand again. “I’m glad.”

  She turns on the radio and changes the station until Smile by Uncle Kracker starts pouring out of the speakers. Grinning, she turns it up and turns to me as she sings along with the song, capturing my full attention. A grin splits my face as I watch her sing and just be silly, something that I get the feeling Tate doesn’t do all that often but it’s fucking adorable and in a moment, I realize that this girl already owns my heart.

  By the time we pull up in front of her house, she’s already belted out two more songs and I might as well go out and buy a ring today because I’m never walking away from her. I don’t care if she finds out everything and chops my balls off, I’ll still beg for her to take me back and I’ll spend every day of the rest of my life making it up to her.

  “All right, I suppose I better let you go,” she says, pouting as she turns down the music and I laugh.

  “What if I promise to come back later?”

  Her face lights up. Man, I’d do anything to see that look on her face.

  “Yeah?”

  I nod.

  “Okay, I suppose I’ll release you then but tell Blaze that if he doesn’t give you back, I have no problem going in guns blazing and stealing you myself.”

  I laugh, reaching across the car and brushing my thumb over her cheek. “I’ll be sure to pass that message along.”

  “Make sure he knows how scary I am, too,” she orders, looking anything but scary and I laugh again.

  “You got it, Sweetheart.”

  With a curt nod, she leans across the Camaro and I claim her lips, thrusting my hand into her hair and wishing I didn’t have to go. This is important, though. It’s time to end all the secrets and lies if she and I are ever going to have a real chance.

  “Bye, baby,” she whispers against my lips and I smile.

  “I’ll be back before you know it. Now, get inside.”

  Rolling her eyes, she opens her door and climbs out of the car before leaning down and meeting my stare. “Don’t think that just because I kiss you now that you can tell me what to do. I’ll still tase you.”

  I laugh. “Noted.”

  “Text me when you’re on your way back.”

  I nod and she winks at me before shutting the door and walking away from the car. My gaze is glued to her as she walks up the front steps and I swear she’s putting a little extra swing in her hips to tease me. When she glances over her shoulder and laughs, I know I was right. Once she’s safely inside her house, I pull away from the curb, my knee bouncing against the steering wheel as I drive to the clubhouse.

  Based on all our previous conversations, I know Blaze isn’t going to want to tell me the truth but I’m not leaving until I get some answers. I care too much about Tate to settle for however much time I have until this thing blows up in my face. My mind drifts back to the note on Tate’s table and I scowl, gripping the steering wheel tighter. Something deep down in my gut is telling me that she’s in danger but unless Blaze is ready to divulge some details I don’t know how I’m supposed to protect her.

  There are few bikes in the parking lot as I pull into the clubhouse and I park my car in my usual spot before jumping out and heading inside. Smith waves as I storm past him toward the stairs, eager to see what Streak has on this whole situation. His door is open as I approach the end of the hallway and he glances up when he hears me coming.

  “Shut the door and sit down,” he instructs, pointing to the chair by his desk. I do as I’m told, shutting and locking the door before going to his desk.

  “What do you have?”

  He sighs and turns one of his three computer screens to face me. On the screen is the photo I sent him of the note next to a web search. “Okay, so the note in Tate’s house is a modern version of the original scene but it’s essentially the same except for one thing.”

  “What?” I ask.

  “Right here,” he starts, pointing to part of the note. “Where it says King’s daughter is wrong. The actual line is Jew’s daughter.”

  “And you think this is a clue?”

  He nods. “I do, but I couldn’t tell you what it means.”

  “Yeah, you’re not the one who can give me answers,” I growl and his brow arches.

  “Do I even want to know?”

  I shake my head. “Did you see anything on the cameras? Like who dropped off the note?”

  He presses a couple buttons before an image from the camera on the front porch of Tate’s house pops up. “This is the best I can get you. He kept his face hidden the whole time and he’s about as average as they get.”

  “Shit,” I hiss before slapping his shoulder and standing up. “Thanks, man.”

  “Yeah, you got it.”

  As anger racks my body, I slip out of his office and go back downstairs before heading straight for Blaze’s office. I barge in without knocking and he glances up from the paperwork in front of him.

  “You and I need to chat,” I growl, slamming the door shut and his eyes widen before he stands up and puffs out his chest.

  “Boy, I don’t know who the hell you think you are but you will not talk to me like that.”

  I shake my head. “I’m done playing your gam
es. I want to know why I’m watching Tate and I want to know now.”

  “No,” he snaps, turning away from me and I lose it, grabbing a pencil off his desk and chucking it at the wall. Instead of falling to the floor, it sticks in the wood and he turns to me with wide eyes.

  “Why do you have me watching her?”

  His gaze narrows and the office is silent as he studies me for a moment before his eyes widen.

  “Oh, fuck.” He collapses in his chair and blows out a breath. “You fucking fell in love with her, didn’t you?”

  “Yeah, and? What does that matter now?”

  Bewildered, he stares at his desk for a moment before sighing. “Nope. I’m taking you off this. I’ll get Storm or Chance to watch over her from now on.”

  Rage bubbles up inside me and I slam my fist down on the desk. No one is taking me away from my girl. “No, you will not. You started this and I’m going to finish it.”

  “I’m your president!”

  “I don’t give a shit. She’s mine now. You hear me?”

  With wide eyes, he nods because he knows what this means. I’ve officially claimed her with the club and she’s mine. No man can come between that, not even Blaze.

  “Sit down, son. If you’re going to be with her, there are some things you need to know.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Tatum

  Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked by Cage the Elephant blares through the speakers in the living room as I dance around the kitchen in a tank top and boy shorts, getting ready to make popcorn. I wiggle my hips as I pour the kernels in a stockpot, add in a little oil, and cover it with a lid. Once the stove is on, I dance over to the cupboard and grab a couple glasses and the pitcher of sweet tea out of the fridge, setting both on the counter as I go back to the stove and grab the handles on the pot, giving it a good shake. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much but I can’t help it. I can’t remember the last time I was this happy and as strange as it feels, it’s also amazing.

  Once the popcorn is done popping, I pour it into a bowl and dance over to the couch. Lincoln should be back soon and I have Road House cued up on the TV. The last time he was over, we spent the whole day watching my favorite movies so it only seems fair that we watch his this time. Glancing down at my bare legs, I wonder if I should put some pants on before grinning. I may not be ready to have sex with him yet but that doesn’t mean I can’t tease. Besides, I’m not opposed to hitting third base to take the edge off for both of us. My phone buzzes from the couch and I walk around to the front, setting the popcorn down on the coffee table so I can grab it.

  Lincoln:

  Sorry, babe. Shit’s running long and

  I’m not going to make it over tonight.

  I toss the phone down on the couch with a frown just as it lights up with another text. Sighing, I grab it again.

  Lincoln:

  Rain check?

  Staring at his message, an idea hits me and I smile as I tap my camera app and hold the phone above me, snapping a photo of my body.

  Me:

  Fine but just know that this is what you’re missing.

  Me:

  Also, I’ll be watching Road House all by myself.

  A few seconds after I press send, my phone rings and Lincoln’s picture pops up on the screen as I laugh.

  “Yes?” I answer, still giggling as I turn the music off.

  “Are you seriously going to watch Road House half naked?”

  I fall back onto the couch and cross my legs in front of me. “I really am. Shame you’re missing it.”

  “Fuck, babe,” he groans and I can just imagine him running his hand over his face in frustration – something he does quite often around me. “Just thinking about that is making me hard.”

  “That sucks since I was considering letting you get to third base tonight, too.”

  “Jesus Christ,” he breathes. “You can’t say shit like that to me when I’m in a clubhouse full of guys.”

  “Well, you should have come over.”

  He sighs on the other end of the line and an ache forms in my chest. He only left a few hours ago and I already miss him like crazy.

  “If I could get away, I would, babe.”

  “I know. I’ll let you get back to whatever you’re doing. Just call me tomorrow, okay?”

  “Count on it.”

  We say good-bye and when I hang up, I sigh and toss the phone next to me on the couch. Never in my life did I think I would be one of those clingy girls but I can’t help it with him. When it comes to him, I’m greedy as hell.

  Glancing down at my new tattoo, I run my fingers gently over the raised ink and smile as I remember the drive back to the house. I can’t remember the last time I was that silly around someone and it felt good to just let go. Lincoln makes me feel safe and I wasn’t scanning the street, searching for signs of danger or running through defensive moves in my head. Besides Theo, he may be the only person I can just be myself with.

  Lincoln is my escape, my safe place to land and it concerns me how quickly I’m falling for him. It’s like as soon as I let down my guard, he rushed in and stole my heart right out from under my nose and it makes me wonder if I could have been happy long before now. If I had just let someone in, given them a chance, would things have turned out different? Shaking my head, I realize I don’t want things to change because I think, maybe, Lincoln is the prize for all the years of waiting for the right man to come along.

  The house phone rings and I glance over my shoulder before standing up and walking around the couch to grab it off the table, Theo’s number flashes on the screen and I smile.

  “Hey, little brother,” I answer, biting back a smile and I’m greeted with a growl.

  “Tatum, don’t start shit with me when I’m nine hundred miles away.”

  I laugh, walking around the couch and sinking into it. “What are you going to do about it, Theodore?”

  “I’ll take time off just to come down there and kick your ass,” he taunts and I throw my head back and laugh.

  “Do it. We should have a sparring match like we used to and this time I won’t be afraid to hurt your fragile little face.”

  “You’re such a goddamn pain in the ass,” he mutters and I giggle.

  “Whatever. You love me. What are you up to?”

  “I just got off work. What are you up to?”

  “Nothing, really. Just getting ready to watch a movie.”

  “Fun. Oh, hey, do you have any idea why my forearm was burning today? It feels like I got a sunburn but there’s nothing on my skin.”

  “Shut up.” I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re such a liar.”

  We may be able to communicate differently than other people but there’s no way in hell he felt me getting my tattoo today.

  “Yeah, you’re right. Lincoln sent me a photo of you getting it done.”

  I jerk up, blinking. “Wait a minute. What do you mean Lincoln sent it to you?”

  “He texted it to me,” he says like that somehow explains everything when it literally explains nothing.

  “You guys are texting?”

  “Yeah. I got his number after you told me about him and I gave him the brother talk.”

  Groaning, I drop my head into my hands. “No, you did not.”

  “Yes.” He laughs. “I did. Don’t worry; he was cool about it.”

  “I’m going to block you on his phone the next time I see him,” I warn and he laughs again.

  “Don’t do that. Besides, I didn’t get to do the whole brother thing very much lately. Not since high school.”

  “Did you feel like it was one of the big things missing from your life?”

  “Maybe I did.”

  Sighing, I lean back into the couch. “Well, I’m glad I could help your dreams come true.”

  “Don’t be a smartass.” He laughs but it quickly turns into a yawn. “So, what did you permanently mark your body with?”

  “T squared,” I answer.

 
; “Aw, you got a tattoo for me?” he teases and I wrinkle my nose up.

  “Keep it up and I’ll get it covered up with a donkey for you,” I warn and silence greets me.

  “A donkey? Why?”

  “Smartass… duh.”

  He yawns again. “Oh, you’re so funny.”

  “Hey, go get some sleep and call me tomorrow, okay?”

  He mumbles something before saying, “Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Send me a picture of your new tattoo, okay?”

  “I will,” I promise before saying good-bye to him. Once he hangs up, I toss the house phone next to my cell and sigh as I grab the remote and start the movie. Grabbing the bowl of popcorn off the coffee table, I settle into the couch and pop a kernel in my mouth when the phone rings again. Rolling my eyes, I grab it and press it to my ear.

  “What did you forget, Theo?”

  “Taaaaatuuuum,” a creepy, high-pitched voice sings on the other end of the line and my stomach sinks like a rock as a chill races down my spine. I sit forward, spilling popcorn on the carpet as I toss the bowl to the coffee table. “Are you there, Taaate?”

  The voice sounds like something straight out of every horror movie I’ve ever watched and my hand trembles as I press my fingers to my lips, trying not to cry. My gaze flicks to every window in the living room and the sensation that I’m being watched intensifies.

  “Who is this?” I ask, my voice shakier than I would like.

  “Walls have ears,” the voice coos and my chest aches as my heart races in my ears. “Doors have eyes… Trees have voices.”

  “Who the fuck is this?” I cry, standing up and scanning each window again.

  “Beasts tell lies. Beware the rain. Beware the snow. Beware the man you think you know.”

  “Who is this?” I roar, anger replacing some of my immediate fear but the only response is the hollow, high-pitched laughter that will haunt me for the rest of my life.

  Chapter Fourteen