Hidden Heat (Brothers of Mayhem #1)

by Carla Swafford

  “I hope that’s a good thing.”

  She sighed. “Oh, yes. Very much so.” Unable to resist, she stared at that special part of him that made him so male. “Take your jeans off the rest of the way and come here, please.”

  In a split second he stood in front of her. The bed brought her to the right height. Seated in front of him, she clasped his cock and bent her head, and without a lick or any preliminaries, covered the tip and slowly lowered her mouth down the shaft.

  “Oh, Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus!” Thorn’s big fingers carefully dug into her hair. He cupped her head as he thrust between her lips. When he began to withdraw, she sucked hard, and she felt his legs tremble where they touched her knees. “You’re fucking amazing.” He groaned and sunk back in, panting with each stroke.

  Her hands kneaded his testicles, and when they tightened, she knew he was close. Preparing to swallow, she was startled when he pulled her head away, making her release him with a pop.

  She removed her hand from between his legs to rub her throat. It was always a little sore afterwards until she’d worked up enough saliva to lubricate the tender spots.

  Before she knew what he planned, he jerked off her jeans and panties. Spreading her wide, he dove in and licked and sucked. She arched her back and pressed against his mouth, loving how he hummed as he worked on her. Her heels drummed into his back.

  “May I say the same to you. Amazing.” Each word came out breathlessly.

  His tongue flicked over her clit and the hood as he moved his head from side to side. He had her gasping for breath. Then that talented tongue slipped over her mound, over her bellybutton, across the expanse of skin between her breasts, until he detoured to nip and pull on a nipple.

  When he let go, he plunged his cock deep into her. She squealed and pulled his head down to kiss him hard. Each hard lunge took her breath, but she loved it. She wanted to be bruised by their lovemaking, so she could remember this every time she moved or looked at the marks. In turn, she wanted him to remember her, to really understand what he was giving up when this was over. All of those good girls would never give him what she could.

  With several quick pumps of his hips, her body was flowing with waves of sensation, and they slowed down, trying to make it last a little longer.

  Someone slammed a fist to the door several times.

  “What is it with people wanting to interrupt us?” Thorn murmured in her ear.

  She giggled and kissed his cheek. “At least they had the sense to wait until we were finished.”

  “Who said I was finished?” He raised up on his elbows and grinned at her.

  The banging at the door continued.

  His gaze still on hers, he said loudly, between bouts of knocking, “What?”

  “You’re not going to fucking believe it, but Uncle Mikolas is here.” Wolf’s breathless voice indicated he hadn’t wasted any time.

  The shocked look on Thorn’s face said it wasn’t a good thing.

  “You weren’t expecting your uncle?”

  “Not this early.”

  Chapter 21

  Cassidy slowly dressed as she watched Thorn jerk on his jeans and shirt. He combed his hair back with long fingers. He stopped and stared at her as if he’d just realized she was still there. She had the feeling he didn’t know what to do with her.

  “Stay here. You’ll be safer.” He moved closer and lifted her chin. “I’m not sure how it’ll go down. But if you’re arrested, cooperate. Chances are I’ll be arrested too.”

  “But you’re one of them.” Why would the cops arrest one of their own?

  “Cass.” His thumb skimmed over her lips. “Cassidy, I work undercover. Only four people know I work for the sheriff’s office and you’re one of them.” A fleeting grin crossed his face. “If I retain my cover, it can be used elsewhere. They’ve asked me to go out west.”

  All of the air left her lungs and seemed to leave the room too. There it was. He already planned to leave her. She wasn’t the type of girl a guy like him would ask to be part of his life.

  “I’ll stay here.” She was so afraid her voice would crack. Her throat tightened and tears welled, but she refused to cry on his shoulder. He had enough to worry about without her making him feel guilty. She’d gone into this with her eyes wide open, or she’d believed she had. She hadn’t counted on falling in love. He appeared to care for her, but she would be a weight around his neck. How would he fit her into his life?

  Another knock blasted on the door. “Are you coming or not? Stonewall’s complaining about you to Uncle Mikolas, about how he’s the best person to head this job.” Wolf stumbled into the room when Thorn opened the door.

  Thorn asked, “Where’s Mitch?”

  “You got me. He wheeled out of here about the time you and Cassidy”—Wolf smirked— “came up here.”

  That reminded her that she’d never asked Thorn what he knew about Mitch’s newfound ability to walk. Knowing her foster father, he’d been using it to cheat someone out of money. She had more important things to worry about. Like what was going down with Thorn’s great-uncle showing up.

  “I’ll be down in a minute.” Thorn turned to her. “Don’t forget what I told you. You’ll be safe here.”

  “Uh, Thorn.” Wolf stood in the doorway. “Stonewall said for me to bring Cassidy down too, or he’d send Jabber.”

  She looked over to Thorn. His face had darkened as if he were about to lay into his brother.

  Cassidy spoke up before he said something he’d regret later. “I’m coming. Let me stop at the bathroom. I’m sure if he’s waited this long he can wait a minute more.” No way would she go downstairs without cleaning up a bit. Considering how much she’d been through, maybe she’d lost her mind, worrying about how she looked, but she had some pride, and it would give her a little confidence to face next few hours. She snatched up her backpack and scooted past Thorn and Wolf. They could stand around with their mouths open, but she needed to repair her makeup and brush her hair. Who knew when she would get another chance once the cops arrested everyone?

  That thought stopped her. What was she thinking? She turned back to Thorn. Wolf stood in the hallway alone.

  Was there time to warn Storm? So far she hadn’t figured out a way to protect Storm and not betray Thorn.

  With a click, she closed the bathroom door and panicked at her reflection. With hair like a bird’s nest and black mascara deepening the circles under her eyes, how could she expect Thorn to want a forever with her? She lowered her head to the bathroom counter and banged her forehead a couple of times. The undercover life wasn’t for her. It was driving her crazy, tearing her up inside, and shredding her nerves. Deep inside, she knew if Thorn told her he loved her, she could handle it all.

  She jumped when a knock echoed in the small space.

  “Hurry up. You don’t want Jabber to come and get you. He said something about playing with you again, and I don’t think he meant cards.” From Wolf’s unease, Jabber probably said more than that.

  Less than five minutes later she walked down the steps, and Wolf loped past her on an errand that Thorn had set for him. Everyone stood near the bottom of the stairs. Before she could move out of view, a battered Stonewall stepped in front of her and pushed her toward Thorn.

  “Uncle Mikolas, this is my old lady, Cassidy Ryder,” Thorn said to the man standing with his back to her. The stranger turned. She covered her gasp with a cough. It was Thorn’s handler with lots of gray in his hair, extra weight around his waist, and mirrored sunglasses. The light gray suit and black shirt with red tie was perfect for a mobster, if a person didn’t have an imagination. Standing next to Dean Harper were two large men with their black hair slicked back, wearing black tee shirts and jeans. They also wore mirrored sunglasses.

  How could anyone believe they were who they said they were? They looked like they’d came from a set for a remake of Goodfellas. They were going to get Thorn killed.

  “It’s nice to meet you.�
� He pulled her to him and kissed each cheek. “You need to take better care of your woman, nephew. Beating her will make closing your eyes at night dangerous.”

  His accent threw her off a bit. She was unsure if that was what a Greek accent sounded like, but she suspected Stonewall and the other Brothers had never heard a real one either. She crossed her fingers and hoped they made it through the night.

  —

  Thorn stuck his hands in his jean’s back pockets. That was the only way he could wipe the sweat off without being obvious. He’d been relieved when Harper arrived so quickly, but he almost shit his pants when he saw his getup. And where in the hell did he get the two goons?

  “Whoa! Who brought Mafia II to life?” Storm slowly walked around Harper and his two guards.

  “That’s Thorn’s great uncle and his men,” Cass said in a stiff tone.

  She was a horrible liar. He prayed that everyone believed it was nerves that made her voice sound so strained.

  “Who’s the smart-ass?” Harper lifted his chin and squinted, watching Storm walk behind Jabber.

  “No one important.” Thorn ignored Storm’s snapped back “Fuck you.” The little shit wouldn’t be there if he had followed orders like a good prospect. He hadn’t, of course Thankfully, Wolf had listened. Thorn didn’t see his lanky form hanging around.

  “You’re fortunate that I was already in town. That greasy lowlife, Trick, said the deal was off. So why am I here?” Harper picked some nonexistent lint off his sleeve.

  Before Thorn could say anything, Stonewall stepped forward and offered his hand. “I’m the Skull of this club.” Harper only stared at the hand. Stonewall bent his fingers and squeezed his hand into a fist, showing a little of his temper. He wasn’t used to being treated so rudely. “I’m the president of the Brothers of Mayhem. We had a little disagreement with Trick. I asked Thorn to talk to you about helping us ship and sell the motorcycle parts.” His overzealousness had Cass and several of the Brothers standing around raising their eyebrows. The prez obviously saw money signs dancing in front of his eyes and wanted to be a cog in the wealthy and infamous Savalas organization.

  Harper’s eyes narrowed as he glanced at Stonewall’s bruises and then back to Cass’s. When his gaze fell on Thorn’s knuckles, he raised gray eyebrows but continued with his role.

  “Let’s see what kind of merchandise you have. I don’t deal with bargain-basement goods.” He crossed his arms. On one hand was a large Police Fraternity ring.

  What the hell was Harper thinking, wearing that? Did he want to get his ass beat and the operation blown?

  “Sure. I expected you to say that. Follow me.” Stonewall nodded to Jabber, and they filed down the hallway to the clubhouse meeting room.

  Thorn heard a scuffle behind him and turned.

  “Mac, let her go.” The big man continued on his way with one big paw wrapped around Cass’s upper arm. “She doesn’t need to be involved,” Thorn insisted.

  Stonewall glared. “I don’t trust the bitch.”

  “I told you she’s not a snitch.”

  “It’s my prerogative. So shut the fuck up.” The prez looked angry enough to choke anyone who came within reach. His tentative glance at Harper gave away his true concern, losing face in front of someone he obviously admired.

  They reached the boardroom and Jabber walked to the large brick wall where the massive Brothers of Mayhem logo hung. He slid a hand behind the metal sign and there was a loud click. One end of the wall edged out and the other went in. When Bubba helped pull the wall, it pivoted at the center.

  A huge room was revealed, stacked with boxes and crates. The stolen goods Thorn had been trying to find for months had been right beneath everyone’s noses. He’d searched from the basement to the roof and had done the same at the Skull and Bones. During the first several months with the Brothers, when he wasn’t doing prospect errands for other members, he’d tailed Stonewall. The man never went anywhere but those two places and an old house he rented behind a shopping center. Thorn had known it had to be nearby but had no idea how close.

  “Every quarter, we can have this much ready to ship out.” Stonewall puffed out his chest and jerked his head toward the haul.

  Harper walked into the room and peeked inside a box. He pulled out a chrome-plated driveshaft cover.

  “So you have papers?”

  The prez looked at Harper as if he’d lost his mind. “What the hell do you think?”

  “You need papers. Packing slips and such, to make it look legitimate.” Harper kicked a box. “Pack them good so they won’t be damaged when they reach their destination. Let’s go for it.”

  Thorn recognized the signal. The last four words were the green light to come in and arrest everyone.

  “Hot damn. Sure. We can do that. No problem.” Stonewall laughed as if he’d won the lottery and looked over at Mac and Jabber, who followed suit.

  Suddenly, a shout echoed down the hallway and a deafening explosion shook the building. Screams and the crashing sound of furniture being pushed over followed. There was more shouting, and seconds before anyone in the meeting room realized what was happening, a tin canister clanked onto the cement floor and then there was another explosion. A cloud of smoke billowed as men dressed in black scuttled through the door and called out, “Get down! Lay on the floor!”

  Fifteen uniformed officers filed in until everyone who’d been in the room raised their hands. From what Thorn could see as he hit the floor, pulling Cass down alongside him, Sand County had recruited officers from Jefferson to help out in the takedown of the Brothers of Mayhem. Their commander shouted, “Police! Everyone on the floor! Then do not move!”

  Stonewall headed for the open wall, but Harper was ahead of him and closed it while staying inside with his two bodyguards. To the club, it would look like he had found an escape route, when he’d actually attempted to save his identity by not being part of the takedown.

  “Stop! On your knees! Hands at the back of your head!”

  Stonewall gave up, did what he was told, placing his hands behind his head as he waited for the officer to handcuff his wrists.

  Cass shifted at Thorn’s side. He placed an arm over her shoulders. “Everything will be okay. You haven’t done anything wrong.”

  “Be quiet!” An officer pressed his rifle to Thorn’s temple.

  Thorn froze. He could feel the nervous trembling in the cop’s grip. Any seasoned officer would know better than to hold the assault rifle so close. His safety would be off and fingers had been known to slip.

  He looked into Cass’s big, brown eyes and grinned with what he hoped was reassurance. She had not believed he’d be arrested with everyone else.

  “On your stomachs!”

  Shouting wasn’t necessary, though the room was filled with others barking instructions.

  —

  Several hours later, after sitting in jail with Jabber, Stonewall, and Mac, he was pulled out and taken into an interview room.

  Handcuffed to the table, he waited to see who showed up. He needed to know what they had done with Cass. He’d already heard that Storm had been arrested too. The teenager had been sent by Stonewall earlier to look for Mitch. From what he’d heard, Storm had decided to stop at the clubhouse at the wrong time. Cass was going to be pissed.

  Dean Harper walked in.

  “Hello there, Uncle,” he said, waiting for his handler to say all was clear, so they could talk.

  “Officer Ray will take you to the safe house. I’ll meet with you tomorrow afternoon. Get some rest. We’ll clean out your apartment and send your personal effects to Seattle.”

  “So the Feds decided they want me out there. A larger OMG will take longer to infiltrate. They understand that, right? They don’t know who in the hell the Savalas family is out there.”

  “Actually, your great-uncle has been busy in the Northwest the last ten years. You really believe he could stay away from the casinos, and the weather during the summer? It won’t hurt
to mention him.” Dean grinned with a satisfaction that had Thorn itching to wipe it off his face with a punch. Some days the man pissed him off.

  It appeared that no matter how hard he worked at getting away from his criminal family, it wasn’t going to happen as long as he worked to bring the bad guys down.

  “How’s Cass?” He’d thought it best not to see her after the takedown. He’d messed up her life in so many ways, but being involved in the operation that arrested her brother and foster father was not going to endear him to her. They’d picked up Mitch at his house. Besides, his job wouldn’t allow him to have contact with anyone involved in the operation until the trial was over.

  Damn, he missed her. Whenever he was around her, he smiled more and felt centered. Hell, when was the last time he thought that?

  “She’s been upset, and asked about you. We explained you were unavailable,” Harper said, frowning.

  Thorn cursed beneath his breath as the sheriff of Sand County walked in with a couple of reporters and a state senator. People love claiming to be part of a successful operation, even when they had no part in it.

  He prayed she would forgive him.

  Fuck.

  He was a bastard.

  Chapter 22

  Cassidy reached across the table and placed her hands over Storm’s. He was in handcuffs, and she noticed his knuckles were raw. He’d been fighting.

  “Officer Stanley said you’d serve eighteen months, tops. I’ll be waiting for you. Mr. Nguyen will probably let me have my job back. If not, I have the money that…” Her mouth refused to form Thorn’s name. Even a week after the raid and his desertion, it hurt when she thought of him, no less spoke his name. She accepted she’d been used, but appreciated the money the county had sent. Her cover story for the funds was that Thorn had sent the money to her.

  Oh, God, why couldn’t she move on? She’d known all along that he was too good for her. He’d overcome his childhood and the taint of being less than everyone else. What had she done? Stayed in the same neighborhood, worked a dead-end job, and her only concern had been her brother. Maybe when he was released, she’d start night classes and take the GED test for her high school diploma. Who knew? She might even go to college. Nothing fancy. A two-year degree would be nice. She really didn’t know how it worked. She only knew she wanted something better for her and Storm.