Hidden Heat (Brothers of Mayhem #1)

by Carla Swafford

  “I have some money put away. Everything’s going to be okay.” She smiled and patted his cold hands.

  A shadow drifted across his face.

  “What?” she asked.

  “When I’m released, I’m moving into the clubhouse.” Storm moved his hands from beneath hers.

  “Why?”

  The Brothers of Mayhem were in disarray. The chapter president in Huntsville had been brought in as interim national president for the club. A couple of the smaller chapters had patched over to other MCs.

  She should be happy. Her brother was alive and well, his freedom around the corner. The MC was as near to being destroyed as possible.

  “I’m going in as VP, maybe president for the mother chapter, for the Brothers. Mitch is running for Skull.” His jaw stiffened. He expected an argument.

  Mitch, the wily bastard, had escaped any major charges and was out on bail. The fraud charges were still pending.

  “You’re moving up fast. From prospect to club officer in one fell swoop. Is this really what you want? To follow in Dad’s footsteps?”

  From the look on his face, she’d gone too far.

  “I think it’s best you leave.” His legs stretched out under the table, he sat back and stared at her coldly.

  Her heart broke. Even when he was ten, he’d acted like a forty-year-old man. Under the harsh fluorescent light, he looked almost that age now, wrinkles creasing his mouth and despair filling his eyes. She had to remember she was his sister, not his mother. He had to find his own way.

  “Will I see you at all when you get out?” Never again would she go to the Skull and Bones Bar or the clubhouse. After learning everything she had about Mitch, she refused to have anything to do with him, not that their relationship had ever been that great.

  Instead of answering, he asked, “Have you seen Thorn?”

  She shook her head. Storm looked relieved. What was it between those two?

  Dean had spoken to her immediately after the raid.

  “It will be in your best interest not to tell anyone about Thorn and your work with him. As far as anyone knows, he was arrested and you have no idea where’s he at. No one would give you information, as you’re not a relative or wife.”

  Though she understood what he meant, it still hurt. One moment they were on the floor stretched out beside each other, and then he was gone. Not a look back, no note or text saying goodbye. She missed him so much. She missed his touch, the way he would squeeze her to his chest, the smell of leather and man. Her body ached every night.

  When she’d been released, no charges filed against her, she’d gone to his apartment and all of his stuff was gone. Everything. As if she’d imagined their time together. She had only the tee shirt he’d bought her at the beach. She sure as hell would never wear it outside, but she slept in it. His scent had seeped into the material when she held him close as they rode back to Sand County.

  Dean was still speaking. “I can tell you that if you do, the Brothers of Mayhem will not think twice of beating you to a pulp in an effort to find out where he is.”

  “I don’t know where he is,” she said between gritted teeth.

  “But they won’t believe you. After they kill you, they’ll haul your dead ass out to Oak Mountain State Park, where they’ll dump it and it will never be found again.” One hip on the corner of the desk in his office, he leaned down, his nose inches away from hers. “If they don’t kill you, I’ll be sure to dig up shit against you and ensure your life is a living hell.”

  She looked around at his office. There were all kinds of certificates on the walls, and pictures of him receiving medals, and a couple with a beautiful blonde, probably his girlfriend. She actually felt sorry for the woman. The man was a real asshole.

  “Deputy Harper, I have a feeling I could say I would never do that, and you wouldn’t believe me. I know that’s a law officer’s mentality. So I’ll say I understand and leave it at that.”

  He’d looked as if he wanted to say more, but she’d gotten up and turned to leave. Her legs had trembled and the space between her shoulder blades burned, but she managed to walk out of there without tripping.

  “Cassidy? Have you heard from him?”

  She blinked her eyes, realizing her brother had asked another question. “No. I haven’t. The cops won’t tell me where they incarcerated him. Maybe he’ll call someday, and I’ll know.”

  Her brother squirmed in his chair and looked away.

  She touched her cheeks and realized they were wet with tears. He’d always been uncomfortable with her crying.

  “Sorry.” Lifting her arm, she patted at the tears with a tee shirt sleeve. “I guess I’ll leave. Take care of yourself.” The guard opened the door, and she looked back. “I love you.”

  He remained quiet.

  Then she walked out, more than a little lost, but not exactly alone.

  She’d changed her mind about telling him he’d be an uncle by the time he was released.

  One hand on her stomach, she kept walking and looked ahead.

  —

  Thorn lit a cigarette and inhaled. Closing his eyes, he released the toke in a long stream of white smoke out the car window. He’d tried for the eleven months since he’d left Cass behind to break the habit, but working undercover wasn’t the best atmosphere to kick anything that helped his nerves. Whenever he filled out required paperwork, a sinking feeling of loneliness pulled at his gut. He missed Cassidy. Her smile. Her soft skin and sweet giggles.

  He’d beaten himself up almost every day.

  A vibration in his pocket shook him out of his reverie.

  “Yeah.”

  “What the hell are you doing back in Alabama?”

  Harper’s sharp tone was no surprise. The Brothers of Mayhem thought he was in prison somewhere in Florida, and not the snitch who would most likely help put away their prez and a couple of others for several years when the case went to trial in a few more months. At that time, the news of what he was would be out. Until then, his face would be protected, while a name change allowed him to work in the Northwest. It was amazing how much jealousy and hatred there was between most MCs. They rarely shared information, especially anything that would put them in a bad light.

  “I have some unfinished business.”

  “She’s moved on.”

  He paused. His head leaned back on the headrest of his rented sedan. Was it right for him to upset her new life? He hadn’t expected her to stay single or be alone, but he’d hoped. Shit. How selfish could he be?

  “It’s something I have to do. I need to see her, talk with her.” By seeing her and hearing her voice, he’d know if what they’d shared was real. With everything else that had been involved—all the lying and the danger—when it came down to it, he wanted to know what they had was real. He hadn’t been sure if he could trust his feelings then, and he wasn’t sure now.

  “Call me if you need help,” Harper said and cut off the call.

  Thorn pocketed the phone and turned to look at the mirrored front of the office building she worked in each day.

  Harper had told him before that she’d taken the county’s money and moved to a small suburb near Birmingham, where she had a tiny apartment located in a nice area. A couple of weeks after Thorn had left the state, he’d arranged for a distant relative to hire her as a receptionist. He did have a few honest relatives on his mother’s side. Cass had thought the job came about from filing at the state employment office.

  Months went by before he gave in and checked on her. How well had she survived without him? His cousin answered the phone, short of breath; he’d been about to enter a meeting. The simple answer was that she’d worked hard enough to get a promotion, and he appreciated Thorn for sending her his way. His cousin been surprised by her work ethic.

  Thorn was glad, but his cousin’s high-and-mighty tone brought on an urge to hit the man. Pretty much the way he felt whenever a man looked Cass’s way. Considering the cousin was easily in hi
s mid-sixties and happily married to a woman who would’ve killed him if he cheated, Thorn didn’t have anything to worry about.

  Then he saw her. Dressed in a plain, blue dress with a white sweater, she was a daydream. Hell, a wet dream.

  Before he’d realized he’d done it, he opened the car door and walked toward her in the parking lot.

  She hesitated when she caught sight of him. Then she ducked her head and kept walking.

  He took one step over and stood in her path. Her hair was longer, and small, dangling earrings flashed in the afternoon light. She looked like spring itself.

  “Cass.” His voice cracked. What the hell? Was he about to cry?

  Man up, Thorndyke.

  Her head jerked up and her chocolate-brown eyes widened. “Thorn?”

  —

  Cassidy’s knees wobbled but she caught herself and locked them straight.

  “What are you doing here?”

  She looked around and didn’t see a motorcycle, or anyone in Mayhem colors. Her gaze returned to Thorn. God, he looked like a Hollywood version of a bad boy. The radical shaved sides were gone. His dark hair fell to his broad shoulders, and his beard had been trimmed into a mustache and goatee. Silver studs glistening in both ears matched the fistful of rings on his hands. His hands were spread open on his slim hips. Long legs encased in faded jeans and studded motorcycle boots reminded her of so many nights when she had helped him take them off. Sweat broke out across her brow. Her gaze lifted, skating quickly over the faded spot at his zipper, and came to rest on the plain, black tee shirt. How was it not splitting from being stretch so tight across abs and pecs? She wanted to rub her nipples over the hills and valleys of his muscles.

  When she reached his eyes, the deep blue of a cool spring lake, she raised her brows.

  “Are you going to tell me or just stare?” She wanted to be mad at his desertion, but over the months she realized he’d never promised her forever. That was her hopeful wishing. Besides, he thought he was so smart, hiding his connection with her boss, but she’d figured it out. Stanley Moody had the same blue eyes, and he had no reason to lie when she’d asked. Thorn had tried to take care of her the best way he could.

  “Come with me.”

  Her heart stopped. Had she heard what she thought he said? Or was it more hopeful wishing?

  “Cass, I missed you. I’ve been the walking dead since I left you.”

  “At least you got that last part right. You. Left. Me.”

  “I know. I’ve regretted it every day. Please come with me. I can’t promise you the world, but I’ll make you happy. I know I can.” He came closer, his heat touching her body.

  “We have a lot to talk about.” Her body ached with the need to touch his. His magnetic pull was irresistible, and she leaned toward him, but still without contact.

  “Forgive me.” He seized her in his arms and crushed her against his chest, the eased up enough that she could breathe again. “I’m so sorry.” His fingers dived into her hair and cupped the back of her head, pressing her cheek to his neck.

  “I forgive you. You’re here and that’s all that matters.” She loved him so much. She’d missed him and all that mattered was he was here now. He’d come back.

  A horn blared beside them. They jumped, but Thorn didn’t let go.

  Then the world tilted as he picked her up and moved her to safety. She looked over his shoulder to see Mr. Moody waving, smiling big.

  He stood her beneath a tree and pulled her back into his arms.

  “I’ve been an idiot. I need you in my life. We’ll work it out. I’m in Washington state working on assignment. Several undercover agents do that, have wives and still work. It’s hard on everyone, but you know how important the work is.”

  Wives? Her a wife?

  Before he could say anything else, she placed a finger over his lips.

  “I keep telling you we have to talk.”

  “Isn’t that what we’re doing?” His forehead wrinkled.

  Oh, my, he’s gorgeous.

  She laughed. “Yes. But first I want to hear three little words from you.” No way would she be the first to say those words.

  His gaze flickered with confusion. And he talked about her not being bright at times.

  “Have you been out on your own for so long that your brain needs a little kick start?”

  “Christ! I’ve missed you.” He held her out at arm’s length to stare into her eyes.”Cassidy Ryder, will you marry me?”

  “You can’t count.”

  “I can count. Damn it, woman. Doesn’t all of this tell you that I love you?”

  “Well, I have to say I deserve to hear the words.”

  The corner of his sexy lips lifted. “I love you, Cass. More than I’ve loved anyone in my whole life. I can’t imagine living another moment without you nearby. You’re the air I breathe—”

  Her finger on his lips again stopped him waxing poetic. She never would believe that was possible, but miracles do happen.

  “I love you too, Thorndyke Zesus Savalas.”

  They kissed deeply and the heat added to the magical moment. When they separated to catch their breaths, Thorn rested his forehead against hers, as if he couldn’t stand not touching from head to toe.

  “Remind me to kill my brother next time I see him.”

  “You have to forgive him. He had a very good reason to tell me your full name. I wanted it for the birth certificate.”

  Thorn pulled his head back, the wrinkles in his forehead deepening.

  “Birth certificate? What?”

  “Our child.”

  Thorn looked down at her stomach and then back at her face.

  “You were pregnant?”

  “Yes. I just returned a few weeks ago from my maternity leave.”

  “Did you ever try to contact me?” He looked angry but held it in, waiting for her explanation.

  “Yes. I wrote you a letter and asked Dean Harper to send it to you. It was only right that you know.” She’d guessed right about the man not passing it on. Just as she’d thought from the first time she met him, the man was an asshole.

  His pale face told her as much. For only a split second did she feel sorry for Thorn’s ex-handler.

  Thorn exhaled and smiled as if he’d come to terms with the whole situation.

  “Well, that explains the bigger…” He waved his hand around over her breasts. “I wondered.” He grinned big.

  “Oh, you!” She pushed at him and then crossed her arms.

  “Nothing to be embarrassed about. Very sexy.” He lifted his hands and cupped her breasts.

  She slapped at them. “Not here in public.”

  “So, in private.” He grabbed her around the waist and twirled.

  Unable to resist, she laughed. Once they regained their footing he folded his arms around her.

  “Before we go, tell me. Boy or girl?”

  “A boy. I named him Bryan Thorndyke Savalas.” She waited for his response. Would he become angry that she named her child after his father and him?

  “We’ll have to talk about the middle name, but Bryan is a strong name. Thank you.”

  His mouth covered hers, and her insides melted into a puddle at their feet. She didn’t want to move or forget this moment ever. She’d been worried and needed to be in his arms again.

  “I love you.” He squeezed her. “Let’s stop at the Harley-Davidson shop I saw on the way here and see what’s the smallest leather jacket they sell.”

  She laughed harder than she had in a long time.

  Heaven. This was heaven. She ran her hand over his chest. Just knowing she could do that, and that he would look at her with hooded eyes filled with love was more than she could ever hope. But to know he was excited about the baby, now anything was possible.

  Chapter 23

  Cassidy Savalas flipped the burgers and hot dogs as she watched her badass husband show off Bryan to the club members. The little leather jacket received several appreciative laugh
s. He was finally big enough to wear it, since turning two years old a couple of months ago.

  Motorcycles were parked off to the side, and the occasional thundering roar announced a latecomer had arrived. They were on a run to Snohomish, and the old ladies had decided to hold a picnic on the way. Halfway from Bellingham, they stopped at a park with built-in grills. She’d made sure to bring charcoal.

  She loved living in Washington, with mountains and water everywhere a person looked. In some ways, it made her think of Alabama, but the mountains were higher and it rained more. The people were just as nice and maybe a little more health-conscious. She could find as many fresh vegetables as she could back home, plus a lot of things she couldn’t find there. She’d even learned to cook some Asian dishes; Thorn often turned them down, but she had hope.

  For their run, it would be all meat and junk food.

  “There’s our old lady.” Thorn walked up to her and leaned over to kiss her cheek, then held Bryan toward her to kiss. His small fingers clutched at the diamond shaped patch on his vest.

  “We need to give that jacket some flash!” Duke, the prez of the local chapter of the Lawless Riders, chuckled and popped open another beer as he continued on by.

  Cassidy lifted an eyebrow at Thorn.

  He tucked her beneath his arm while holding Bryan with the other. “Six more weeks and then it’s the end.”

  They had decided that with her expecting another child, it was time for another line of work. A law-enforcement training facility in Tennessee had wanted his expertise on OMGs. They’d even offered her a job if she wanted it. Some office position, but she didn’t mind, it was part-time. The money would come in handy. Thorn’s undercover work paid better than most, but with two college funds to plan for, everything would help.

  “I spoke with Janet today.”

  Thorn looked at her with concern. “I’m guessing there was a good reason you called your foster mother. You followed protocol?”