by Evelyn Glass
“Butch! My man!” Zebra came up to him, and the others nodded at him—Deke, Tundra, and Zane. “Did you hear? There’s another party tonight.”
Butch grinned. Any excuse to drink alcohol was welcome, after his latest stint in prison. Maybe he’d get to ogle Gidget a little, too. “And what’s the reason?”
“No reason. Just good old-fashioned fun.” Zebra clapped him on the shoulder, turning to the others. “We should have beer pong, though. And a fight! Let’s do a fight for charity.”
“You fight pretty good, don’tcha?” Tundra nodded his way, the jagged scar on his bald head glinting in the light. He was named as such because his head was a white tundra. “We’ve heard the stories. We should see it tonight.”
Zebra cackled. “Oh yeah. That’s the shit. Against who?”
Butch shoved his hands in his pockets, trepidation creeping at him. He had a fuse, and once it was lit…it was hard to keep it contained. These guys might not know what they were in store for.
“Geo!” Deke said.
“Nah, we’d have to let Geo win. And I want to see Butch in his full glory.” Zebra’s eyes glinted like a mad man. “Who’s the toughest recruit we got right now? This might be our chance to break him in.”
“Manny,” Tundra offered. “He’s a tank. They’d be a good fight.”
Zebra nodded, looking toward Butch. “You down for that?”
Butch shrugged. “Sure. This isn’t fight to the death, right? We should be fine.”
Zebra squeezed his shoulder then headed toward the back hallway. “I’ll let the others know. Tonight there’s gonna be a show.”
A few hours later, music pounded through the clubhouse and Butch was three shots deep, waiting for the alcohol to ease his nerves. Gidget had promised she’d be staying in tonight, and occasionally he saw her skulking around the edges of the party, magically transformed into a form-fitting dress that only accentuated the curves he’d grown so curious about.
But she was off-limits. He’d do well to remember that, too. He took another shot, enjoying the buzz of alcohol through his veins. He needed this—all of this. The brothers. The party. The fight. Especially the fight.
Zebra and Deke came up to him after he’d been at the bar for almost an hour, thinking and drinking.
“It’s time, brotha.” Zebra nudged him, jerking his head toward the back door. A lot of the party had moved outside, where a fight ring sat on a permanent basis. Part of the Carvers pastime, he’d learned, was staging friendly fights. It was like a bonding experience, or maybe a cleanse.
“Well shit. Let me go get my brass knuckles.” Butch offered a lazy grin and pushed up from the bar, feeling a slight wobble in his step. That was okay. He’d punch his way through it. And he’d probably still win even if he was black-out drunk.
“None of that here,” Zebra mock-chided him, pushing him toward the back door. A puff of heat greeted him as Butch strode out onto the back patio, which was covered by an overhang. The blatant humidity had receded into a distant mugginess, which contrasted starkly with the cool interior of the clubhouse. Sweat prickled in the creases of his arms and he tore his shirt off, strutting toward the ring like he owned the place.
“Atta boy,” Zebra said as Butch headed for the ring. Club brothers and a lot of their friends and party girl accessories already crowded around the ring. His opponent, Manny, stood across the ring, similarly bare-chested and prepping, hopping from foot to foot amongst the chatter of the crowd.
“Here they are!” Geo’s voice boomed over the gathering as he eased into the ring, commanding the attention of the crowd to a quiet hush. “Another Famous Carver Fight Night!”
Applause erupted, and then Geo continued. “This time we have our latest member, Butcher Kinney, against our hopeful recruit, Manny Flores!”
Zebra pushed at Butch’s back, which he took to mean to step into the ring. He ducked under the ropes, acclimating to the bright lights over top of the ring. He cracked his knuckles, turning his waist from side to side. Manny stepped into the ring a moment later, built exactly like a tank. Butch smiled a little, sizing him up. Piece of cake.
“Who would like to ring the bell?” Geo looked out at the faces surrounding the ring, squinting against the lights. “Anyone? They’ll start with the bell.”
There were a few squeals and shouts, and then a hand shot up into the air. Butch traced the tanned arm to the exact person he’d been hoping to see more of tonight—Gidget herself. She slunk up to the ring, her gaze burning a hole through him. He straightened as she approached, wondering if she liked what she saw.
She didn’t take her eyes off him for a second as her dad handed her a cowbell. Maybe this was her secret blessing. Like wanting him to win. Even though the fight meant nothing and was all for fun…maybe still, she was rooting for him.
Her pink tongue traced the edge of her bottom lip, and then she rang the bell so it echoed loudly through the patio. Excited gasps mixed with the humid sting of night as Butch’s focus shrunk to encompass only Manny. He approached slowly, pupils dilating as a surge of adrenaline overtook him.
Manny stepped forward and swung, but he was a little slow. Butch raced forward and caught his arm, pinning it between them, landing a solid punch to Manny’s side and then his face.
The crowd ooh’d, but it rang distant to him, like it was happening on a television in someone else’s house. Manny pulled free and scampered backward, but Butch approached again, swinging and hitting Manny’s arm.
Manny frowned and affected a boxer stance, his arms protecting his face. The two sparred for a little bit, boxer style, landing light but playful punches in rapid succession. Laughter and gasps echoed around them. Butch landed a punch close to Manny’s face—that might be a black eye for him tomorrow.
Manny rushed forward and tried to topple Butch but he darted away, nimbler than maybe Manny had bargained for. But if a take-down was what he was after, Butch could give him that. He came from the side and hooked Manny’s neck, bringing him to the ground in a walloping, ground-thumping flourish. Shouts emerged, the crowd growing more vigorous around them. Manny landed some defensive punches but he was trapped between Butch’s knees.
Butch punched him and then locked him into place until Geo counted to three. After the win, Butch came to standing, offering a sweaty hand to his opponent.
“Nice job,” Butch said, shaking Manny’s hand. “You gave it a good shot.”
Manny looked disappointed but shook his hand anyway. “You’re too fast.”
“Yeah. Prison life will do that to you.” Butch turned, climbing out of the ring, looking around by default for Gidget. Wondering if she’d seen the whole thing. Hoping she’d been cheering for him.
He spotted her toward the periphery of the patio, her blue eyes shining with lust—or maybe that was just his post-fight brain in pure masculine mode. She didn’t yank her gaze off his as he parted the crowd, heading for Zebra.
Once Zebra and some of the other brothers congratulated him, Butch did another scan for Gidget. Maybe this would be the night he got to see a little more of her. Maybe this was the night he could actually open up.
But when he looked for her again, she was nowhere to be found.
CHAPTER FIVE
Gidget awoke the next morning breathless and disoriented. Either she’d spent the night fucking Butch, or that had just been a teasing series of dreams.
She rolled over in bed, finding it empty and cold. Yep…just a dream. Her pussy throbbed and she hopped out of bed, needing a cold shower and some distraction. It was Saturday and she had nothing scheduled, but she needed to at least seem like she had something scheduled. For Butch, and all.
It was important that he had a good opinion of her. She wanted him to know about her life, to think highly of her. But he just wouldn’t break. And she couldn’t believe that he wasn’t at least trying to come on to her even a little by now.
She turned the water on and waited for it to run warm before stepping inside. T
he pleasure of the water stream distracted her, but thoughts soon returned to Butch. His sexy display in the fighting ring the night before had left her hot and bothered…so much that he followed her into every single dream she’d had. But she wouldn’t be the first to make a move. Not now. Not after their weird, rocky start.
Because with him, she had a sneaking suspicion that he’d reject her. And that would hurt worse than anything else. She couldn’t risk the no.
Gidget hummed through her shower, trying to get herself clear-headed and ready for the day, even though she had no idea where to go from here. Maybe she’d drag Butch out on another pseudo-date through the woods. Or maybe she could drag him to the movies, make him buy her popcorn.
She grinned. There was something a little too fun about that idea.
After her shower, she dressed in tight jean shorts and a flowy top, one that showed off the admirable curves of her breasts in just the way she liked. She strutted into the clubhouse, eyes out for Butch.
Weak music pulsed from the speakers, like the leftover dregs from last night. A few brothers hung around at the bar, but who knew if they were finishing their night or starting early today. Someone had made eggs—the scent wafted from the kitchen. But no Butch.
For how many people filled the parties and the relative size of the clubhouse, she was surprised by how often she’d lost track of Butch the night before. Her plan had been to keep him within arm’s reach after the fight, but between getting roped into card games and fielding the persistent questions of the newest recruits, hopeful for a chance with her, she’d barely seen Butch at all after his victory.
So maybe he’d left the clubhouse altogether…made his way to someone else’s house.
The thought struck a chilly fear into her. She raced into the hallway, turning the corner toward Butch’s room. She knocked softly, biting her lip as she awaited an answer. Knocking on any brother’s door the night after a party was asking for trouble…you never knew what you’d find inside.
But desperate times called for desperate measures.
And Gidget needed to see for herself.
No sound from inside. Gidget knocked again, louder this time, shifting from foot to foot as she waited.
“You lookin’ for Butch?” Tundra rounded the corner on his way out of the bathroom, nodding toward the door.
“Yeah.” Gidget tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “Have you seen him?”
“Not since last night. Probably still passed out, after all he drank.” Tundra guffawed and shuffled down the hallway.
Gidget steeled herself and knocked again. So he was probably in there. She just had to be forceful.
No answer came, so she tried the knob. Unlocked. After she pushed the door open a crack, she peered inside. The room was dark, so dark that it took her a moment to locate the bed. But there it was—pushed up against the back wall. The covers were rumpled. She pushed the door open a bit further, spilling light into the room.
“Butch?”
He shifted on the bed, rolling away from the door. He grumbled something, and then silence.
“Butch. It’s me.” She stepped inside hesitantly, eyes careening around the room. It was sparse, looked like the uninhabited room it had been before he’d arrived. One t-shirt was slung over the chair in the corner; on top of the dresser, a holster with a pistol inside. Other than that…nothing.
He grunted, and rolled over again. “What?”
She gnawed at the inside of her lip as she approached the bed. Why was she even in here? She had no good reason, only that she wanted more Butch. She’d work out the rest later.
“I came to check on you.” She paused, clearing her throat. His wide shoulders faced away from her, tattoos creeping down his spine. Gidget eased onto the bed, trying not to disturb him. How easily she could slip under the covers with him…see what was underneath…
“You drank a lot last night, they told me,” she added when he didn’t reply. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Mmmmm.”
“And well, uh, I have to get going soon, and…” She glanced around the room, like she might find a convenient lie somewhere in the dim lighting. “I didn’t want to leave without letting you know.”
He rolled onto his back, rubbing at his eyes with a hand. “Oh yeah?” His voice came out rumbly and hoarse.
Her gaze trekked up and down the exposed skin of his torso. His muscles bulged as he rubbed at his face. A thin white sheet covered him from the waist down; it could be removed so easily…so quickly…maybe he wouldn’t mind if you got in there with him.
“Yeah. We’re a team, now.” She studied the dark arch of his brow as his bleary gaze settled on her. Something about him in the dim morning hours was captivating. She longed to know his embrace, to find a sweet spot in those beefy arms.
Butch’s abs flexed as he laughed once, a short expulsion that sent shivers down her spine. He threw the covers off of him, revealing washboard stomach and all. He wore tight little black boxer briefs, which showcased a bulging package too nicely. Her jaw dropped and she froze, unable to look away. He rolled out of bed and stormed into the bathroom. The door slammed shut behind him.
A moment later the water snapped to life and she slumped onto his bed, suddenly drained and aching. Every part of her wanted to creep into the bathroom, see if he might yank her inside the shower with him. She ran a hand over the rumpled bedsheets, catching a waft of his scent from the fabric, something earthy and male. She sighed heavily.
You only want him because he doesn’t want you.
That seemed only half-right, though. Gidget sure as hell was used to getting what she wanted, especially when it came to men. But there was something about Butch that would have stopped her dead in her tracks, anywhere, anytime.
If only he’d pay a little more attention to her.
He showered fast, so fast that she was still on his bed when he came out of the shower, a white towel wrapped around his waist. If he was surprised by her still in his room, he didn’t show it.
“What are you still doing here?”
“Waiting for you.” She dragged a finger in an invisible pattern over the sheets, batting her eyes up at him.
He grunted, heading for the dresser. “Can’t a man dress in peace?”
“I thought maybe you’d need help.” She cocked a grin—that smart response had just flown past her lips without even thinking.
“I don’t.” He pointed to the door. She sighed and pushed herself off the bed, feeling a lot like a kid being sent to their room. He slammed the door shut behind her and she wandered down the hall, mind reeling. Now she had to think of something to do for the day, especially since Butch was getting ready on her account.
She headed for the kitchen, mind swimming with possibilities. She grabbed a pear from the fruit basket and munched on it. That was it. Swimming. The perfect way to have a relaxed day with Butch at her side…maybe even tease him a little. Feel out that stony God, see if he was ready to bend her way yet.
Butch came into the kitchen a few moments later, dressed in jeans and black t-shirt. He headed for the coffee maker without looking her way.
“You want some?” She held out her pear.
He sized it up, then grabbed it from her. He took a bite that was double the size of hers and handed it back. “Thanks,” he said as he chewed.
She grinned at the enormous bite—something like a monster’s. She nibbled up the remaining pear, looking him up and down.
“Curious where we’re going?”
“I’m sure you’ll tell me,” he said, pouring coffee grounds into the filter basket.
“Are you a fan of the sun?”
He looked over at her, his dark eyes sending a jolt through her. “What do you mean?”
“Being outside. Soaking up the sun. You know…laying out and stuff.”
“Do I look like a man who lays out?” His tone was acidic, but there was a hint of a smile in his eyes.
She laughed,
tossing her pear into the garbage. “Fine. I wanna go to the pool. You should put your trunks on, if you’ve got ‘em.”
“No need for a swimsuit in prison,” he said.
“We’ll see if someone can lend you one, then. I’m sure Zebra will.”
Butch sized her up like he was going to add more, but didn’t say anything else. She sauntered out of the kitchen, heading first for Zebra’s room. He was dead to the world, but she managed to get his permission to fish a pair of swimming trunks out of his dresser drawer.
Back in her room, she changed quickly, putting on her sexiest, strappiest black bathing suit. She topped it off with a loose sun dress, grabbed her towel, and packed a quick day bag. She returned to the kitchen to pack some snacks and bottles of water, and then turned to Butch with a grin. He sat at the dinette, sipping jet black coffee.
