Burning Desires (Blue Bandits MC Book 4)
Page 26
Fuck, she’d just drugged him. How the fuck had she done it, he wondered? She was wiping her lips with a cloth she’d removed from her purse and suddenly the tube of lip gloss popped into his head and he wanted to yell but he was already too disoriented to do so.
He did manage to utter coldly, “You fucking bitch.”
“Death, Death, my dear boy. I bet you’re wishing now that you weren’t so keen on being a white knight for Becky’s damsel in distress, aren’t you,” Blade said, stepping out of the alley.
“You don’t have to be so cruel about it,” Becky snapped at him, but he ignored her.
Death wanted to hit him but his arms still wouldn’t work and his body was becoming heavy as he watched Blade move closer. His head spun as the drug took more control over his body and he shifted forwards, headed towards the hard concrete.
Burner rolled over, careful not to jostle Kelsey too much as he picked up his phone from the nightstand, sitting up on the edge of the bed. He glanced at her, seeing her red hair spread across the pillows and the soft look on her face as she slept peacefully, and a feeling of satisfaction ran through him. Having Kelsey in his life was making the scars he’d held so tightly hidden begin to fade. They would never be gone but she managed to sooth them even when he hadn’t told her some of the heavier burdens he bore. He knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life making her happy because she was perfect. She brought him out of the dark corner he thought he would never leave and over the past few weeks with her he saw another man emerging. A man he could be proud of, one who would be good to her and any children they may decide to have in the future.
Turning away, he answered his phone knowing that if Reaper was calling him at two am it was important.
“Yeah,” he said softly, not wanting to wake Kelsey.
“We have a problem. Death went to meet Blade alone and he hasn’t shown back up. He went to the meet at five this evening and it’s two. Max has been to the bar and found his bike and his phone there but there isn’t any sign of him. The bartender said he left with a woman but no one there had ever seen her before,” Reaper informed him.
“Fuck, how did this even happen?” Burner asked, feeling a dark fury burning inside him. “Even if it involved a woman, we both know he’s damned good at getting out of sticky situations. He always has a backup plan for his backup plan.”
“Yeah, but the fact remains that he wouldn’t have left either his bike or his phone at that place. Damn, I told him not to go by himself,” Reaper muttered, likely pulling on his hair in agitation. Burner ran a hand over his face, his mind racing as he worried their friend was already dead.
“Shit, I’ll see what I can find out from my contacts.”
“They better keep him alive or I will raze that club to the ground. Nobody fucks with the Blue Bandits this way. Work your contacts and let me know what you find out.”
“All right, will do.” Burner hung up, letting out a hissing curse.
“What’s wrong?” Kelsey asked sleepily.
Burner turned to see her sitting up slightly, her bare breasts revealed by the shift in position drawing his gaze to their perfection. His hands reached out to cup them, his thumbs sliding over the tips as he leaned down to place a light kiss on her lips.
“Nothing, baby. Everything is fine, just go back to sleep, okay,” Burner whispered as he pulled away from her.
“You sure? I might be able to help,” Kelsey said, her hands running over his chest in a light caress.
“I’m sure, babe. Just try to go back to sleep. It’s just some club business and I will have to make some phone calls. I might even need to take a ride. Do you want me to come back in and let you know if I do?” Burner was still rubbing his fingers over her nipples, feeling their hard tips poke at him. He couldn’t help leaning forward and covering one with his mouth, making her moan softly. He lifted his head, seeing her nod.
“Okay, then I will. Now go back to sleep.” He pulled away from her, grabbing his phone off the bed where he’d laid it.
“You tease me like that and then tell me to go back to sleep? You’re an evil man. Go take care of whatever it is and then come back to bed. I’m feeling a bit neglected and need some attention,” Kelsey whispered, making him wish what he needed to do wasn’t so damned important so he could crawl back under the covers and make love to her again.
Getting up before he gave in to the temptation to stay, he growled, “I will, but you try to get some sleep, okay.”
“Okay,” Kelsey said and before he left the room he saw her snuggle into his pillow with a little sigh and close her eyes. Damn, that woman had a hold of his heart and he was damned glad he hadn’t fucked it up like he’d tried so hard to do. Otherwise this happy feeling inside him that was starting to grow wouldn’t even be a seed and that would have been just tragic.
Other Works
Website:
www.michellewoodsofficialsite.com
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/romance.michelle.woods/
Blue Bandits MC
Reaper Unleashed
Book 1: Reaper and Sarah’s story
Out now at Amazon
Animal Passions
Book 2: Animal and Sammy’s story
Out now at Amazon
Melted Iron
Book 3: Iron and Roz’s story
Out now at Amazon
Death Ride
Book 4: Death and Amber’s story
Out Summer 2016
Red Devils Series
Taming Lucca
Book 1: Bone and Molly’s story
Out now at Amazon
Claiming Racheal
Book 2: Tiny and Racheal’s story
Out now at Amazon
Catching Trick
Book 3: Trick and Katie’s story
Out now at Amazon
Tank’s Redemption
Book 4: Tank and Annie’s story
Out now at Amazon
Finding Charity
Book 5: Tick and Charity’s story
Out now at Amazon
Saving Mia
Book 6: Ratchet and Mia’s story
Out now at Amazon
Becoming Raven’s Man
Book 7: Travis and Raven’s story
Out now at Amazon
Security Seals series
Holding Her Tightly
Book 1: Craig and Laney’s story
Out now at Amazon
Uncovering Her Secrets
Book 2: Brent and Tiny’s story
Out now at Amazon
Protecting Her Heart
Book 3: Luke and Evie’s story
Coming Late April 2016
Works by C. Shivers and Stacy L. Mantlo
Gunner
Chapter One
Indie
Driving through the small town of High Springs, Florida, I instantly adore all the quaint shops and the smiling people strolling down the sidewalks. I’m already beginning to relax, relieved with my decision to get away from my old life and find a new beginning. Just like any fresh start, it’s bittersweet; I’m already missing the three people in my life I love most, but I had to do what was right for me.
Just thinking about my decision to uproot my life and start it over in a new place kicks the drama back on replay in my mind. Even six months later, I’m still in disbelief that Quintin was cheating the whole dang three years we were together. And he was with Dixie, my so- called friend to boot. To find out on my wedding day was totally humiliating and devastating. Being told would have been cruel enough, but to walk in on it, to see it happening with my own eyes was like having it branded onto my brain. Yeah, I was so blind, such a trusting moron. I mean, how could I have been so clueless? I thought I’d surprise Quintin as I waltzed in the door, assuming I’d be finding an anxious, excited groom. Well, the surprise was on me when instead I found him with his pants down around his ankles, pounding into Dixie, who was bent over the chair, barking like a bitch in heat.
Yes, barking.
I guess it was bridal jitters that kept from noticing she wasn’t in the room with me while I was getting ready. I wonder when she slipped out? But once I found them, all I could do was stand there, anchored to the spot and unable to speak. I was too shocked to make myself turn and run like I wanted to do. It was that precise moment that all the lies came rushing in like a tsunami, all the stories that he told that didn’t quite fit or make perfect sense flashed before me like a highlight reel. I knew in that moment that the last three years of my life were nothing more than a lie. I’m still so angry at myself for being so gullible, so trusting. Quintin Johnson is nothing but a big damn asshole, cheating fraud who shattered my heart and soul.
Then just a few months after my discovery of finding out what a douche bag of an ex I have. I lose two important people in my life and only two days apart, both my grandparents. First my Grandfather then my Grandmother. They were so good to me. I wish now that I had bit the financial bullet and went to see them one last time. It was just such an expensive trip going all the way to Alaska; but I sure regret it now. I remember my dad would send them videos of me when I was in school plays and other actives growing up. They loved it. Gosh, I miss our weekly chats. My dad is the best. He tried so hard to stand in for them. I know he was trying to ease my pain of losing them. My dad should win an award for best dad. I—Stop!
I shake my head against the torrent of memories.
I have my head above the water instead of allowing myself to be drowned. I’ve been through agony and shock and was settling down into a paralyzed state of emotional numbness. I might have stayed there, shut down and incapable, if the bastard had not turned around a week later and married Dixie at the court house. I mean, what the hell is that about? Stupid girl—if she believes he won’t do to her what he did to me, she has another thing coming. But that’s what got me moving. You know, maybe they both have that revolting fetish. Honestly, I’m relieved to be rid of him because of it. He would get furious every single time I refused him. He was my first lover and I wanted to make him happy so bad, but there’s a difference between wanting to please your man and feeling like a damn fool.
At least I don’t have to deal with him constantly begging me to do that during sex anymore, not that we had sex very often. I giggle at the thought of when I told Whitney about Quintin’s little, um…preference. It took her ten minutes to stop laughing. Then, she informed me that it is most definitely not normal behavior and to run for my freaking life. I should have listened. Thank goodness she told me that, because I was beginning to worry there was something wrong with me. Of course, now I realize that’s exactly what that scum bucket wanted me to believe. I was an inexperienced virgin, totally blinded by love, and Quintin took complete advantage of my ignorance. Well, I don’t plan to let any other man trash the little bit of heart and soul that I have left. It’s mine and I plan to keep it that way. Plus, I hope his microscopic dick falls off. I chuckle to myself at that thought.
Thankfully, I can find a little smidge of humor in the situation now. Whitney and Alayna both marched into the room, took stock of what was going on, and then acted on it. Basically, I remained paralyzed, in my beautiful white wedding gown, weeping while I watched my two best friends beat Quintin and Dixie’s cheating asses.
Alayna lunged at Quintin, snatching him back off Dixie. Whitney kicked him in the balls so hard even I flinched. Whitney clutched Dixie by the hair and used her face as a punching bag. If I recall, some of the wedding party had to aid Dixie out of the church. I didn’t care--I was totally humiliated, but what Alayna and Whitney did let me know that I still had two of the best friends a girl could ever ask for.
So, after my non-wedding gave my hometown the Story of the Century, I packed up all my belongings, and six months later, here I am in High Springs about to turn down the driveway of my new home. Well, it’s not my house yet. I’m renting it for a while, although Beth, my real estate agent, said the owner, Mr. Stokes or something like that, would be agreeable to sale if the bid was right. He is supposed to stop by in a few days to meet me in person, and Beth said he’s a really nice guy. I’m glad he left the key under the potted plant by the door for me. I already know I want to buy this house. I fell in love at the first picture. For some reason, when I spotted this house I had a deja vu moment, and it felt as if this house was built for me. Crazy as it may seem, just the pictures of the house bathed me and soothed my heart, so naturally I had to have it.
As I drive down the dirt drive, I see it’s lined with huge mossy oak trees on each side, the tops of the trees forming a canopy. Gosh, it’s similar to something out of Gone with the Wind, and even nicer than the pictures that Beth showed me. Once I reach the end of the drive I gasp as the yard opens up to an old white farm house trimmed in black with massive oaks and pecan trees surrounding it. I’m so going to make pecan pie. I love old dwellings and granddaddy oak trees—I’m in heaven here. Even if it requires some work, hopefully I can do it myself, once the sale goes through. How hard can it be? I’ve got my good buddy Google. Hopefully anything I can’t do, I’ll be able to make an arrangement with the owner, one where he can fix it or have it fixed and maybe add it into the sale of the house, or something in that order. Hmmm…this could work.
Have mercy, this place is pure charm! Exactly what I’ve always wanted. There is a massive claw foot tub in the master bath. After working all day on my feet, that tub will be beckoning me. The kitchen has only been minimally updated and I was told everything still works impeccably. Someone really loved this house to have taken such excellent care of it. For the first time since the morning of my non-wedding, I’m practically fizzing with excitement.
As I continue to unload my car, I say a silent thank you to the good Lord above that my eight-hour trip went smoothly and the movers beat me here and placed all my furniture inside. Once I get settled in, I’ve allowed myself a few months’ time to find a job. I’ve always been a saver, and since my dad threatened to tear Quintin into little bitty pieces if he didn’t give me back every single penny of the honeymoon I’d already paid for, I have a nice financial cushion to tide me over. My shoulders finally start relaxing for the first time in I don’t even remember when and it’s fab-u-lous.
Unloaded and grimy, I sit down on the porch steps and call Dad so he knows I made it here safely. I can tell by his voice that he’s all gloomy that I’ve left. Bless his heart. He’s raised me single-handedly since the day I was born, even when my mom was around. Mom couldn’t be bothered by anything other than booze. I recall back when I was seven: Mom had thrown up in her bedroom and all over the bathroom floor. Dad was still at work, which is when she needed her “medicine” the most.. I can still hear her slurring words, “If I didn’t have you, then I wouldn’t need this medicine. You make me sick, Indie. Now go clean that mess up. It’s your fault, so you have to clean it up. Make yourself useful, you little brat.” Dad came home earlier that day to find me scrubbing vomit out of the carpet while Mom was drunk off her butt, cursing and yelling at me from her bed. They had a huge fight, and the next day when I woke up, she was gone. From that moment on, I was Dad’s life. He never, not one time in twenty - six years brought home a woman for me to meet. He would tell me that being my daddy was all he needed, but I understood he was lonely for a woman’s companionship. I love him so much—he’s still my hero. Sometimes, I wonder if he still loves my mom and that’s the reason why he truly never moved on, which makes me hate her even more.
My stomach growls, luring me from my thoughts, so I decide to head out to the grocery. I’ve no desire to go anywhere after being trapped in the car for so long, but a woman has to eat and I do love to eat. I even have the Buddha belly to prove it. It’s times like these I wish I could just say, “Honey, will you run to the store for me?” There’s no chance of that happening. It’s not like Quintin would’ve ever done me any favors anyway. If it wasn’t something he could order online, then he couldn’t be bothered. At least I don’t have t
o buy as much since it’s just little ole me. Sometimes I wonder—besides my dad, are there even any good men out there? Probably not. I’d rather go get my own groceries than bark for some cheating sicko. That thought makes me grin.
Arriving at the store, I begin gathering enough groceries to last a few days at best. I plan on coming back later when I’ve compiled a big ole list of it all. Plus, I would like a few coupons to go with my long list! As I turn the corner heading to the cashier, I’m tallying everything in my cart, not paying attention when bam! I crash into someone else’s buggy. Crap!
Picking up my purse off the floor, I gasp and reach out toward whoever I hit. “Oh my goodness, I’m sorry! This is totally my fault. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going. Did I hurt you? Are you okay?”
My eyes were on the stranger’s feet, shod in big brown cowboy boots. My eyes follow the line up his body, I notice how solid and well defined it is. It appears he works out daily. He has on nice tight old worn out jeans and a red tight t-shirt that hugs his muscled chest and arms. Have mercy, he looks a lot like Channing Tatum. Except hotter. Which is hotter than freaking hot.
I may have given up men, but I imagine I would sit up in my grave and take notice if this man walked by. This man would make a nun say Hail Mary’s for the rest of her freakin’ life at the naughty thoughts of what this man and his hotter – than - sin body, not to mention his big strong hands, could do to a woman. You know what they say about a man’s hands? - For crying out loud, Indie, get your mind out of the gutter! I internally chastise myself.