by Jani Kay
“I got to know him a little during the house inspections. He’s a little rough on the outside, I admit, but underneath that exterior is a good heart.”
“Are you hearing yourself? Since when did criminals have good hearts? I don’t like this one bit, Jade. I’m not even telling your mother about this conversation—she’d lock you in your room. Besides, you’re a qualified lawyer now, you should know better than anyone that leopards don’t change their spots.”
“Ah, but what if he never was a leopard to begin with?” I countered.
“Don’t be smart with me, young lady. I'm looking out for your best interests. Bikers are not suitable for my daughter. It happened once, we’ll leave it at that, if you promise not to do it again.”
I sucked in a breath. “Daddy. Seriously?”
“Yes. And I know what happened with Marcus is distasteful. He should’ve been more discreet. But you aren’t formally engaged yet, so I will have a very serious talk with him and lay down the law for the future. It won't happen again, I promise you, sweetheart.”
My mouth went so dry, I nearly choked. I took a sip of orange juice and eyed my father carefully. “I'm not sure I’m understanding this. Let me see if I’ve got what you’re saying right. You’re saying what Marcus did is forgivable, and that you expect me to continue seeing and marrying him after your man-to-man talk?”
In all my years I’d never questioned my parents. I knew they had my best interests at heart, and only wanted happiness for both Harrison and myself. And now this? I couldn’t believe it.
“Oh, honey, no! The choice will be yours, but maybe it’s just a misunderstanding, and you can work things out. And if you still want Marcus, I’ll make sure he never repeats his despicable behavior.” Daddy leaned forward and placed his hand on my shoulder. His eyes had softened. “Masterton just seemed the perfect man for you. He’s going places, he’s smart, ambitious and . . . he can provide well for you.”
My breath hitched. “After what Marcus did, I expected you to want to cut his balls off. Not give him another chance. And no, I don’t want him. I’ve never been in love with Marcus. I’ll admit that he was everything I thought I wanted in a man. But he’s a cheater. He’s not loyal.”
I rubbed at the pain in my heart with my fist. Yet I was grateful I’d found out about Marcus before things got more serious. Before I gave him my body like I’d planned to do that fateful night—wanting to see if my heart would follow. But what I’d seen—his dick inside another woman—could never be unseen. If Marcus needed to fuck another girl, he clearly wasn’t that into me. Because if he was, he would have waited a few more hours—for me.
“I want a man who wants only me. I’ve learned that money and status and a pretty house with a white picket fence aren’t what I want, after all. I want love. And loyalty. I want to be the center of his universe. My man mustn’t even think of wanting another woman. So clearly, Marcus is not what I want.”
Daddy pursed his lips. He didn't like what I was saying. I think he’d hoped I’d forgive Marcus and move forward. But how could I be with a man who would only be loyal to me because my father threatened him? No, it had to be his choice to be faithful, because he wanted to. Because he had no need for anyone else.
“Jade, just think about it before you make up your mind. Your life can be great if you choose Marcus. He can give you everything you need.”
Solemn, I shook my head. “I'd always wondered which was more important. To love, or to be loved. Then I came across something that resonated with me. Asking that question is like asking a bird which wing it needs most—its right wing or its left wing.”
My father cocked his head and smiled, encouraging me to tell him more. I loved that he was willing to listen to my point of view. My voice was barely above a whisper, I was that choked up.
“The truth is that a bird needs both wings to fly. The answer is balance. That’s what I want—to both receive and give love equally. Unconditionally. Completely. Can you understand that?”
Finally I understood what I really wanted. A ‘shopping’ list of characteristics to tick off didn't ensure my happily-ever-after. It wasn’t my mind that had to choose which man I spent the rest of my life with. That was entirely my heart’s job. And the man that was making my knees weak wasn’t the one my mind would’ve chosen, not in a million years.
He nodded. “I understand, because that’s what Mom and I have always had. But, Jade, choose wisely. Who you decide to spend your life with impacts on many other levels, too. Once the romance dies, you have to still like one another if it’s going to last.”
“I get that, Daddy. Which is exactly why I can't be with Marcus. I’d never trust him again.”
“So, tell me about the motorcycle man. Is there something I should know?” The way he quirked his eyebrow confirmed that he wasn’t too comfortable with this development.
“There’s not much to tell. He saved me from Marcus and seriously embarrassing moments; that’s all. He’s not my type, nor am I his, so there’s nothing to worry about.” Even as I tried to assure my father, my stomach flipped. The little voice in my head was getting louder. Was I telling him the truth?
I hated telling lies, especially to the two people I trusted most in the world. But I hadn’t quite figured it out myself yet. I was still eager to find my own place, even if I never saw Ryder again. It was time for the next step into adulthood.
Were my feelings for Ryder becoming more than just rebellion and lust?
I hope not.
Chapter 8~ Ryder
“Get into the fucking wheelchair.” I nodded my head toward the contraption Cobra was refusing to get into. “I’ll wheel you out of this place and take you home. But first, you gotta follow the damn rules.”
Cobra’s eyes widened. “Fuck. Ryder, is this really you speaking? Since when do you, of all people, follow the rules?”
I winked at him. “Since it’s the fastest way to get out of this place that smells like antiseptic and is as sterile as Ox’s balls.”
He chuckled. “You got a point, brother. Get me the fuck outta here.”
Cobra leaned on both the nurse and myself as we lowered him into the wheelchair. He grinned like a fool up at the nurse. “Don’t go missing me too much, sweetheart.”
She swatted him with the clipboard. “Get your ugly mug out of here before you have another injury. And stay out of the way of bullets in future, will you?” She quirked an eyebrow at him.
I laughed. “Trouble is Cobra’s middle name. Follows him like a stench.”
The nurse placed a few containers of painkillers in Cobra’s hands and explained how he should take them. He listened patiently, and nodded his head. Fuck, was Cobra going soft after all this time in the hospital? The Cobra I knew would have chucked the pills in the bin, proclaiming to be a man, and not a pussy who needed pills to get through the pain.
We were inside the elevator when Cobra spoke again. “Mia?” His voice was so soft that I hardly heard it. I even detected anxiety. Yeah. When a woman had a man by the balls, there was no way he could pretend otherwise. He was fucked, whether he knew it or not.
“Mia’s at the house. Waiting for you. Don’t stress too much, she was dolling herself up when I left. She can't be that mad at you if she wants to look all pretty for you.”
“Yeah?” Cobra sighed. “Since when are you such a fucking expert on women? Thought you hated bitches, except for their pussies.”
I shook with laughter. “Since looking after your old lady. Babysitting your family. And since—” I stopped talking just in time. Cobra didn't know anything about Jade. Was bad enough that Mia was constantly interrogating me. I didn't need him on my case, too.
Besides, since I’d last seen her that night, she hadn’t been taking my calls. She was being stubborn as hell, sticking to her guns. But what Jade didn't know was that besides being a tenacious man, I was also a patient fucker. If it suited me.
“You were saying?”
“Nothing, man.
Just glad you’re out of this place. Gives me the creeps.”
“Ryder. I'm your brother. No secrets. If you don’t tell me, Mia will. You know that woman knows everything.”
“It’s complicated. Let it go, brother. Focus on Mia and the kids. Excited to see them?”
“Hell yeah. I'm sure they’ve grown so much since I last saw them.”
“They have. Your family is really awesome. You’re a lucky man, Cobra.”
“How lucky? I’ll find out when I see Mia again. You know she’s not gonna forgive me easily for losing the baby. And I don’t blame her, either.”
Silently, I nodded my head. Losing a baby was a big deal. One score I hadn’t settled yet with the fucking LA Demons. That baby’s premature death was on them. Fuckers.
“Anyway, stay at the ‘Rental Ritz’ in Beverly Hills, as Mia and I call it, for a few weeks while you get stronger. Take the time to bond with Mia, to sort your shit. ‘Cause once you get back to the club, you gotta step back into your pres shoes. Razor has been doing a stellar job of keeping the club running, if you know what I mean. With both you and me gone, he’s been king of the fucking world.”
“Little bastard must be having a ball. Nobody to rein him in. Has he been up to any shit?”
We reached the black SUV with the heavily tinted windows. I quickly ran a scan to make sure nobody had tampered with it since I left it in the car park. Those fuckers were still out to kill us, so I had to be sure.
“There’s this new barmaid chick, Lexi. Between Ox and Razor, I think she’s getting royally fucked. Neither man will give way to the other. We may have shit on our hands.”
“And you? Have you got stuck into the bitch, too?”
“Nah. Not my type.” I lifted Cobra out of the wheelchair and put him on the back seat. Fuck, he’d lost so much weight. I lifted him easily. I'd never been able to do that before.
“Since when has a pussy not been your type? You fuck any pussy—especially fresh pussy. Want to tell me why not this one?”
“I’ve been at the house, remember? Doing your fucking job, looking after your family.”
“Some other pussy has gotten to you. Fuck, how did I miss that?”
“You’re blowing smoke, man. That ain't true.”
“Jesus. You’ve got it bad, brother. Nothing has ever stopped you from taking pussy at the club, even if other men were in there too. You can't fucking bluff, Ryder. ‘Cause I’ve been there, brother. Since I laid eyes on Mia, I didn’t want any other pussy. Only hers. You’re cunt-struck. and you ain't telling me.”
“Fuck off, Cobra. It’s none of your business.”
Cobra pulled a face as I strapped him in. “Mia will know. She’ll fill me in.”
“Mia knows nothing. I ain't telling you or her my business.”
“Fuck. Ryder, what is it with your bitch? Must be something if you won't talk to me. Or Mia. Something fucking serious.”
I got behind the wheel and closed my eyes. Cobra wouldn’t let this go till I told him about Jade and her brother. And I knew what he’d say. He’d tell me to back the fuck off. He wouldn’t understand that I couldn’t. My mind and my cock wouldn’t let go of Jade, even if I knew she was dangerous territory.
“Yeah. There’s this woman—”
“I fucking knew it!” Cobra sounded triumphant. “So why hide it, Ryder? It ain't no sin to want a bitch, brother. Even happened to me.” He chuckled, as if he were still surprised by it happening to him.
“Well, this one is different. Not only is she a fucking princess, her brother is a cop. Special Task Forces cop. And her daddy’s a criminal lawyer. Beat that for fucked up.” I sighed. “And even worse, she doesn’t want anything to do with me. She says it can't work out. Family, and all that shit.”
Cobra let out a long breath, whistling through his teeth. “Fuck, Ryder. Can’t you ever just do simple?” He leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes.
After a minute he talked softly. “How bad do you want this bitch?”
“Bad. Give both my balls bad.”
“Christ. You’re fucked.”
“Yeah. I know.”
Chapter 9 ~ Ryder
As we stopped in the driveway of the house, Mia came out to greet her husband. I frowned, annoyed that the woman hadn't listened to me. I got out of the SUV and went to get Cobra’s door.
Mia spoke softly behind me. “Ryder. I know you said not to come out. But I can't help myself. I miss Cobra so much.”
“I know. Wait inside the back door. I need to help him in. He won't want you to see that. Go.” My voice was harsher than I meant it to be, but it was dangerous for us to be outside, anyone could have followed us. And I had my hands full helping Cobra; I didn't need to still worry about Mia’s safety too. Cobra was a huge fucker—even though he’d lost weight, I still needed all my strength to lift him out of the SUV.
“Thanks, brother. Saving a man’s dignity.” Cobra patted me on the back as I lifted him. Yeah, a man always wanted to appear tough and strong in front of his woman. She had to believe he could protect her at all times. Showing weakness was not an option, especially not for a man like Cobra, who believed in the laws of the jungle: survival of the fittest.
“No problem, brother.” I set him down and helped him get inside by supporting his body with my arm.
“Baby,” he breathed when his gaze landed on Mia.
“Cobra. I'm so glad you’re here, baby.” Mia’s voice cracked.
She slid an arm around his waist and stood on tiptoes to kiss him. So far it all seemed good. Between us, we helped the enormous man to the main bedroom. Sweat was pouring from his face due to exertion. There was still a long way to go for my best friend before he’d be back to his old self, but every day he got better, and that was something to be grateful for. I didn’t know what I would’ve done if the bastard had gotten killed that day.
“The kids?” Cobra asked.
Mia spoke softly as she wiped Cobra’s forehead. “I called Jade. She’s taken them to the new Disney movie. Gives us time to settle you in and talk.”
“Jade? Who’s Jade? Is it safe for the kids to be out with a fucking stranger?” Cobra growled. Yeah, he was getting better.
“Jade’s a friend. She’s the rental agent. She’s totally safe, and very cute. In fact, I think Ryder is sweet on her.”
Cobra’s gaze shot to me, his eyebrows lifted to his hairline. Fuck. Back in the house less than two minutes and Mia already told Cobra. Plus, after what I’d told him in the car, I’d never fucking live it down.
“Yeah? That true, Ryder?”
“Nah, she’s just a piece of ass. Mia should know me by now—I don’t get attached to bitches. Ever.”
“Really, Ryder? That’s why you brought her here the other night. Don’t think I don’t know she slept here.” She cleared her throat. “Not much sleep going on, but you know what I mean.”
I grimaced. “Mia. That’s how you thank a brother for taking care of you and your babies? By ratting on him the first chance you get?”
“Cobra’s going to see the spark between the two of you the minute Jade gets here with the kids. Anyone would have to be blind to not know the two of you are crazy for one another.” She turned to Cobra. “But they’re both so stubborn, baby. Neither will admit it. Jade says it’s too complicated with her family. Ryder has a hard-on the minute he sees her, but tries to pretend otherwise.” She laughed, sounding happy for the first time in weeks.
Grumbling, I left the bedroom and closed the door behind me. They needed their privacy—they had a shitload of stuff to talk about. And I definitely didn't want to discuss Jade with Cobra.
Stripping down to my boxers, I jumped straight into the pool and swam a few laps. The water was refreshing, and I enjoyed the strain of working my muscles. I dried myself off and I lazed around on one of those fancy reclining chairs I’d always seen rich people sip cocktails in. It was the first time in weeks that I just had a bit of time to myself, and lying in the sun after
a swim was something I could get used to.
I must’ve dozed off. Jamie had climbed on top of me and stroked my cheek to wake me. Startled, I sat up, looking straight into those fucking blue eyes that haunted my dreams. Jade was back with the kids. With the sun behind her head, it looked as if she wore a halo. Her blond hair shone in the bright light, and her lips gleamed as she pouted them while looking down at me.
Standing with Isabella on her hip, her legs were parted, and with the sunlight behind her, I could see right through the flimsy material. Fuck me, if she wasn’t wearing a bright pink lacey thong. The silhouette of her legs through the thin fabric, long and perfect, made my dick jump.
Jesus.
“Hello, Ryder,” she drawled before her face split into a smile. God, it was the most beautiful smile I’d ever seen. Was Mia right? Was I going soft on Princess? Yeah, I wanted to fuck her all right. I was always up for that with any bitch. But never before had I been affected by a fucking smile. I hadn’t realized just how much I’d missed the beautiful bitch until her sweet face appeared in front of me.
She raised an eyebrow, and stared at my boxers. Yep, my erection stood proud, and tented the satin fabric. She was lucky I was even wearing goddamn boxers. I wanted to drag her to my room and fuck the daylight out of her.
Instead I just grunted, and placed a towel over my stomach, laying my hard cock flat on my belly. Her laugh was sweet and sexy. She knew she did this to me.
“Batman?”
“Was a birthday gift from one of the boys,” I explained. She hadn’t seen the others yet. I had the whole fucking Marvel comic club in my underwear drawer, compliments of the guys trying to be funny.
“It’s cute. Goes with your tattoos.”
Cute? What the fuck was she talking about? I was mean and angry. Never cute.
“Anyway, I’m just dropping the kids. Got to go.” The smile that had warmed my heart had faded, and she had that serious look in her eyes. Fuck.
