The Beginning—A Duet: Ryder & Two Worlds Colliding

by Jani Kay

  “Girl friend or boy friend?” Mom asked. The woman was shrewd.

  I laughed. “I'm going to a barbeque with a girl friend and her family. I adore her kiddies. And—I’m hoping to make lots of new friends—girls and boys.”

  “Remember lots of sunscreen. You don’t want to burn and be sore tomorrow,” she warned.

  “And drink lots of water, especially if you’re having alcohol,” Daddy added.

  They were just acting like they always did—caring and somewhat overprotective—but God, today it grated on my nerves. I rolled my eyes and sighed. They had to stop treating me like a damn kid.

  Kissing both their foreheads, I headed off for the day. If they really knew where I was going they’d probably try to ground me.

  Pressing the button to let the top of my convertible down, I decided I was going to enjoy the wind in my hair and just live for today. I wasn’t going to worry about what Harrison and my parents would think. I was determined to have an open mind.

  I got to the house in Beverly Hills within fifteen minutes. Mia had already strapped the kiddies into their car seats, and Cobra leaned against the SUV. Mia hugged me and pulled me by the hand—I was finally going to meet Cobra face-to-face.

  To say that I was apprehensive was an understatement. What if he didn't like me? And what if he turned out to be everything I expected from a biker? How would I handle that?

  At first he appeared intimidating. He was over six feet of brawn and muscle, a full sleeve tattooed on both arms with a piercing in his eyebrow. He looked mean, dressed in all black and with a scowl on his face. His head was completely shaven and his square jaw was set as he appraised me, arms folded over his wide chest. I couldn’t see his eyes; they were hidden behind sunglasses.

  Scary biker.

  “Baby, this is the lovely Jade.” Mia turned to Cobra and smiled.

  What I saw next shocked the hell out of me. The big man pushed away from the SUV and the biggest, warmest smile spread across his face. He removed his sunglasses as he held out a hand.

  “So you’re the girl who’s caused so much fuss.” His smile spread to his eyes, chocolate brown, just like Mia’s and the kids. He took my hand in his and shook it, squeezing just enough so that it was welcoming but not painful. Small creases ran from his eyes to his mouth as he grinned.

  Mia swatted his arm, laughing. “Baby, don’t make her uncomfortable.”

  “So who’s been talking about me? Ryder? Only he’d think I make a fuss.” I frowned. What had Ryder said about me? Remembering my manners, I held out my hand. “I’m glad you’re out of the hospital. Your family missed you,” I said politely. Phew, he isn’t that scary after all.

  With the formalities out of the way, I shuffled in next to Jamie, kissing the little ones and enjoying their welcoming smiles. Jamie had a picture book in his hands and was eager for me to read him a story. Well, at least if everything else tanked and I really didn't fit in, I could take the kids off Mia’s hands and let her relax with her friends. Either way, it would work out.

  As we got closer to the compound, I started doubting my decisions. Firstly, the decision to accept Mia’s invitation. Curiosity had gotten the better of me, but I knew I wouldn’t fit in, so it would be damn awkward. I came from a world so different, I didn't really have a clue what to expect.

  Secondly, about what I was wearing. Shorts, Jade? What the hell was I thinking? There were going to be lots of guys around. I didn't want anyone to get the wrong impression. I should’ve worn jeans or a dress. But right now there was nothing I could do about it. Suck it up, Princess. I had to chuckle quietly to myself at the situation I’d found myself in. Who was I bluffing? I wanted Ryder's eyes to fall out when he saw me. I wanted him panting for me. Yes, I wanted his eyes, his hands and his mouth all over me . . .

  I was conflicted between what I knew I shouldn’t be doing, and what I wanted. My lust for Ryder was overwhelming, and making me do things that the old Jade would have slapped me for.

  Chapter 14 ~ Jade

  My eyes widened when we reached the compound. Even the area looked different to what I was used to. It was industrial, and pretty desolated because it was a Sunday. Barbed wire rimmed the walls, and security guards stood at the imposing gates. Shit. What was the deal? Was this a mistake coming here? If they needed all these security measures . . .

  Surely Mia wouldn’t endanger the lives of her kids? That thought at least helped to settle the churning in my gut. My heart was hammering in my chest and my palms were clammy. Ryder wasn’t expecting me. What would his reaction be when he saw me here—on his turf? Would he be mad? Well, I was going to find out soon enough.

  The last time I’d seen Ryder was the night he’d broken into our house. I’d fallen asleep in his arms, at peace for the first time in years. And when I woke up in the morning, he was gone. He’d left the way he came. Silently. Unexpectedly.

  I’d waited for Ryder to return every night since then, but he never came back. My heart ached, as if cold fingers gripped it and squeezed. The nightmares about The Incident were replaced by a fear that Ryder would completely avoid me now that he knew the whole story. He probably understood just how dangerous the situation was with Harrison, and had decided to move on.

  That’s what I wanted, right?

  We’d arrived an hour before the party started because Mia wanted to set up a few things. She had organized for a few other wives and girlfriends—or ‘old ladies’, as I'd just learned bikers called their women—to help her, and of course, I'd help too.

  The square in the middle of the buildings was barren except for a few benches. It was so different from the lush gardens I was used to. No wonder Ryder and particularly Mia wanted to rent the house in Beverly Hills because of the child-friendly garden for the kids.

  A few other couples were setting up folding tables, chairs, and umbrellas. The men were carrying large buckets filled with ice and drinks. Everyone was chipping in to set up the party. Except for Ryder. I kept looking out for him, hoping to see him, but nothing.

  Mia introduced me to the people already there. They were welcoming and friendly, completely normal. Why was I so worried I wouldn’t fit in?

  More and more people started arriving. I got really busy helping with the salads, and keeping an eye on the kids as Mia ran around ensuring there was enough meat and drinks to feed her extended family. Yet I kept listening for Ryder's voice. Disappointment washed over me. What if he didn't come to the barbeque? What if he was out with another woman? Damn.

  Cobra introduced me to his brother, Razor. He looked just as mean and unyielding as Cobra initially had, especially wearing his cut and heavy biker-boots in spite of the weather. What was with that? Surely he didn't need to wear boots today? Around his forehead was a red bandana with skulls that made him look like a pirate. Yet, in spite of his appearance, Razor was really friendly, just like his brother. He was charming in an unaffected way.

  “So, Jade, tell me about yourself. How did you become friends with Mia?” he asked as he helped me carry the bread rolls to the table.

  I explained about the rental agency and how I’d sometimes babysit the kids, too. Razor laughed when I told him about the inspections I’d arranged because I’d believed there would be orgies and unsavory things happening at the house.

  Razor had grabbed us each a cold beer, and we clinked the bottlenecks against one another. “Cheers, beautiful. You sure brighten up this place.” He grinned appreciatively while his gaze raked up my body.

  Smiling, I was just about to thank him for the compliment when I felt strong arms fold around my body and draw me back against a hard chest. Ryder. I'd recognize his smell anywhere. And the tingle that went down my spine before I even saw his face meant my body remembered the feel of him, too.

  “Back the fuck off my woman, Razor. This one’s taken,” he growled.

  Razor’s eyes widened a fraction. “Hey, brother. How the fuck was I supposed to know that?” He held up both hands and laughed. “You
never claimed a bit . . . woman before. Trust you to take the beautiful one.”

  “Ryder,” I murmured, my breath hitching. His woman?

  “She’s all mine. And don’t you forget that—at any time. I don’t want to have to kill you, brother.” He chuckled, but there was a seriousness to his tone that Razor couldn’t ignore.

  “Well, then, why weren’t you here when she arrived?” Razor challenged.

  Ryder pushed my hair aside and kissed my neck. It was such a possessive gesture, and I was taken by surprise.

  “Maybe because Princess didn't tell me she was coming? Maybe because I was surprised as fuck to see her here. Wearing killer shorts that’s sure to have every dick around here hard.” His hand disappeared under my shirt and he stroked the soft flesh of my belly.

  God. His warm breath on my neck . . . his possessive kiss . . . his hand stroking me . . . his husky voice. I could jump him right here, and not give a damn who watched. Instead, I giggled nervously. Like a damn teenager. A horny teenager, waiting to get laid. My pussy clenched as he turned me around to stare into my eyes.

  “Hello Ryder,” I breathed, feeling his erection press into my stomach. God, my need for him was growing by the second. My panties were soaked.

  His eyes burned into mine. “Want to tell me how come you’re here and I didn't know about it?” His voice was demanding, harsh even.

  “Here you are. I was wondering where you were?” Mia walked over and slapped Ryder on the ass, like a big sister would. “I invited Jade. She’s here as my guest. So everybody play nice, OK?” She eyed Razor who had a look of astonished amusement on his face.

  Razor laughed. “Sure, Sister. Well, I for one am glad Ryder has his own woman. That means he won't be going after the one I want. Meaning that I won't have to kill him.”

  I'd nearly forgotten that Mia was married to Razor’s brother. It was sweet how he called her ‘sister’—I’d never have expected that from him. And now I was curious to know who the woman was that Razor fancied.

  Mia squinted at Razor. “Wow, I'm gone for a few months and now you have your eye on somebody, too? Has Cupid been around lately, shooting a few stray arrows?”

  Ryder rubbed my back, small circles caressing up and down my spine. I could hardly focus on the conversation. He was sending a clear message to every guy here that I was his. I couldn’t have been more delighted that he wasn’t afraid to claim me in front of everyone.

  He dipped his head and whispered in my ear, his voice ominous. “I'm going to deal with you in a minute, Princess.” His warm breath left a trail of goosebumps on my skin. I wasn’t sure if I should be scared or happy. What I did feel, though, was a surge of energy rushing from my gut to my core, depositing more dampness onto my panties. Even my nipples tingled.

  “Wet for me already, baby?” he whispered into my ear while squeezing my ass.

  Sweet baby Jesus. I may just orgasm right here in front of everyone. I closed my eyes and pressed my thighs together. I was becoming a wanton slut. Ryder’s slut.

  My eyes flew open when I heard a woman’s voice screeching.

  “She’s Princess? Fuck me!”

  I looked straight into cousin Lexi’s shocked eyes.

  “Lexi? What the hell?” I gasped.

  “Jade. What the fuck are you doing here? With Ryder practically dry humping you in front of everyone. Jesus, fuck. I didn't even know you knew him.” Lexi was pissed off. Big time.

  My cousin was a spitfire. She wasn’t shy to say what she thought. I'd always had the opinion that she was a bit too outspoken, but she never cared what anyone thought of her. She’d always been a rebel, and Uncle Eric had his hands full raising her without a mother.

  “I could ask the same question, cousin. The black hair? The tattoos and piercings? You look like a grunged-up biker girl. So different to when I last saw you at Christmas.”

  Ryder drew in a breath. He let go of me and took a step backward, staring—first at me, then at Lexi, then back again—as if we had just landed from an alien planet.

  His shoulders shook with laughter. “Well, fuck me running. I’ll be damned. So that’s why you looked so familiar, Sheila. You're Jade’s cousin!”

  We both turned to him, glaring, hands on hips. Why in hell was Ryder calling my cousin Sheila? Had I missed something?

  My eyes narrowed as I looked at first Lexi, then at Ryder. Was Ryder fucking Lexi?

  Oh. My. God.

  Please. No. Just no.

  Other women—ones I didn’t know—I may have been able to handle. But my own cousin? I felt my stomach drop.

  “I work here. At the bar,” Lexi said as she shook a cigarette from a packet and lit it, inhaling deeply. She smoked? What else didn't I—and Uncle Eric—know about Lexi?

  “Lexi. You came.” Razor was grinning like an idiot. Was Razor sweet on Lexi? Was she the girl he referred to?

  Jesus. My head was spinning. What the hell was going on?

  Chapter 15 ~ Jade

  I swallowed hard. I had to know. I turned to Ryder. If he was fucking me and Lexi at the same time I just couldn’t handle it.

  I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could utter a word, Ryder growled. “Princess. My room. Now.”

  He grabbed my arm and led me inside the building. I felt everyone’s eyes on my back as I followed Ryder, too stunned to speak. That didn't happen often.

  Neither of us said a word. He marched us through the old building, past a bar filled with poker and pool tables. Past a huge kitchen where women were chattering as they dished food into large bowls. Past a large sitting room with a big-screen TV. Until we came to a door that he quickly unlocked.

  I glanced at him from under my lashes. His jaw was set and his eyes blazing.

  “Listen, Ryder—” I started.

  He pushed me inside the room and locked the door. Seconds later I was up against the wall, Ryder’s mouth stealing my breath. He kissed me hard, holding both my wrists in one large hand above my head, squeezing my breast with the palm of the other while jamming his knee against my sex to keep me still.

  “Baby. What you do to me . . . and my cock. Fuck,” he hissed.

  “Ryder. Wait.” I need answers.

  “Why? I know you’re here for me. To be fucked. And I want to. It’s already been too long.”

  “Lexi,” I panted, turning my head so he couldn’t access my mouth. “Are you fucking Lexi?” I spat out.

  Keeping my wrists pinned to the wall, he gripped my chin in his hand, squeezing my cheeks and turning my face till our eyes met.

  “If I have, what’s it to you?” he demanded, his voice hard.

  I stared into his eyes, trying to read them, but all I could see was lust and arousal, his pupils were that dilated.

  “If you are, I can't . . . I won't . . .”

  “Why not?” he growled, his gaze searching my face.

  “Because . . . because I want you to be only mine.” I sensed with Ryder there was only one way. Brutal honesty.

  “Fuck, Princess. Fuck.” He sucked my bottom lip into his mouth and bit into it.

  I whimpered, oscillating between feeling pleasure and pain.

  “What?” I murmured against his mouth. He hadn’t answered my question yet.

  “That’s exactly what I want to hear.” He kissed me till I was breathless, squeezing my breast hard so that ripples of longing traveled from my nipples to my pussy.

  “Those fucking long legs of yours, I want them around my waist.”

  He undid the button of my shorts and pushed them down my legs, taking my panties down at the same time. Then he lifted me, pressing my naked ass against the wall.

  “Undo me,” he commanded in a husky voice.

  My fingers fumbled at his jeans and he cursed because I was taking too long. My hair kept falling in front of my face. He gripped the strands in one hand, resting me on his knee till I freed his cock. Hissing through his teeth, he said two words: “Condom. Pocket.”

  I found the condom and ri
pped the foil between my teeth. I was becoming an expert at this. I rolled it on as he nibbled on my neck. God, my fingers were trembling and his lips on my neck were driving me wild.

  “Ahhh, baby,” he hissed as he thrust his cock into me, hard. His hand at the back of my head pulled my hair, opening my neck to him, and also preventing my head from hitting the wall as he rammed into me again and again, sucking and biting along my jawline at the same time.

  “Fuck. I need you, Jade. Only you, baby. No other bitch.”

  Yes. I guess I got my answer. That was exactly what I’d wanted to hear. My heart swelled in my chest. With my legs wrapped tightly around his hips, Ryder drove into me, again and again, banging me so hard against the wall that I’d have concussion if his hand hadn't protected my head.

  “Hold on,” he groaned as he started coming inside me.

  Turning around, he laid me on the bed, pulling out and disposing of the condom.

  “That feels better. Now, Princess, I need to take care of a few things.”

  “What’s that?” I asked, my eyes wide. I had no idea what he meant. He hadn’t let me come; I was still throbbing with need.

  He sat on the bed and pulled me into his lap. Before I could cuddle into him, he flipped me around so that I was ass up. Huh?

  He caressed my ass cheeks with large circular motions. His voice was soft, yet commanding. “I’m going to spank this beautiful fucking ass of yours. One: for questioning me about Lexi. Two: for wearing these fuck-me shorts. Three: for coming on to Razor when you thought I wasn’t here. And four: for not telling me you’d be here. You will take these like the slut you are, then I will take care of your pussy.”

  Next thing, his hand rained down on my ass, spanking the shit out of me. He never hit the same spot twice, and each time his hand connected with my flesh, it sent ripples of pain and pleasure to my core. He’d caress my ass with feather-like strokes between each contact. Sweet Jesus, I never knew getting a spanking could make me even wetter. It was borderline painful, yet it turned me on beyond anything I’d ever imagined.