Disarm (Iron Heretics MC Book 2)

by Michelle Frost

  “You have no reason to be. Ever. And you don’t need to be afraid of Malcolm, either. Cautious, yes. But, sweetheart, whether you wanted to be with me or not, I would protect you. The Heretics will protect you.”

  “But you do, right? Want to be with me?”

  Getting my arm fully around him, I pulled him over until he was straddling my lap. “Yes. I want to be with you. Want to be your Daddy, if you’ll have me.”

  He threaded his fingers through my beard and looked almost shy. “Yes, please.”

  Wrapping both my arms around him, I pulled him into a slow kiss and let the knowledge that he was finally mine settle into my bones.

  Chapter Ten

  Leith

  I woke to an empty space in the bed beside me and the low rumble of Axel’s voice across the room. Peeking my eyes open, I found him in the room’s only chair, in nothing but a pair of briefs with his elbows on his knees and the phone pressed to his ear.

  “I want this fucker found, Cleave. The shit he did to Leith…” Axel growled and rubbed one of his hands roughly over the top of his hand. “Yeah, we’ll be heading out in the next hour or so.” He was quiet for a moment, nodding his head at whatever Cleave was saying. “Good. Will do. See you soon.” He looked up as he pulled the phone away from his ear, catching my eyes. I tried not to squirm.

  “Sorry, Daddy.”

  The smile I got then was as bright as the morning sun coming through the cracks in the curtains. He stood up, dropping the phone on the dresser and climbing back into bed with me. Last night had surprised me. Not the fact that I’d hesitated when I’d heard Axel call my name outside or that he cared about me, but after the talking and the kissing, he’d gotten us both into bed, and then, just held me. All night. Like he’d done every other time we’d shared a bed. No hinting or pushing for more.

  I guess I was still a little skittish after everything with Dustin because I’d been nervous. Obviously, without warrant, but it settled something in me when he hadn’t automatically wanted to use my body however he saw fit just because I was his boy now. Axel really wasn’t like Malcolm, and he wasn’t like Dustin. Any nerves I’d still had last night were gone, burned away by the bright sunlight and the affection I could see shining in Axel’s eyes.

  “Good morning. I didn’t mean to wake you.” He blew out a big breath as he lay on his side, one arm reaching out to pull me closer. “I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have had to hear that.”

  I nuzzled into him, tucking myself under his chin and rubbing my face over his chest. “I didn’t mind. It’s sexy when you get all growly.”

  He hummed, the vibration of it tickling my cheek while his warm hands slid over the bare skin of my back, lighting me up everywhere we touched. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “Daddy…”

  “Yes, sweet boy?”

  “I’m not saying I want to, at least, not yet,” I said, suddenly nervous. Why was I bringing this up when I knew mentally and probably physically that I wasn’t ready for things to get more physical between us? “But, um, you do want to…have sex someday, right?”

  All movement stopped. I bit my lip and leaned back enough to meet his eyes. The deep brown of them overlaid with gold in the sun. There was surprise written all over his face.

  “Of course. I want you in every way I can have you. I just thought…well, I wanted you to have the space to heal. And there’s no need for us to rush. We have all the time in the world.”

  If I hadn’t known that I was falling hopelessly in love with this man, there was no longer any doubt in my mind.

  Axel's bike ate up the highway in front of us. Leaving Sand Lake had felt bittersweet. I'd been through so many emotions in the last few weeks it was difficult to get my bearings. The only thing I was sure about was the man in front of me, solid and sturdy in my arms.

  Part of me was nervous about going back to St. Louis because regardless of anything else, Malcolm was there, and I had spent so long associating him with fear. It wasn't something I could just overcome in a day. I was finding, however, that I did trust Axel, and I believed him when he said he and the club wouldn’t abandon me—which was something I’d never had. It felt strange thinking there was a line of defense in front of me now—full of people that had proven I could count on them. For the first time in my life, I was beginning to understand what family should feel like.

  Zach sped along beside us, looking cool and sexy in his white t-shirt, Heretics’ vest, and aviators. He tilted his head my way, shooting me a little smile. We'd been on the road for a while, and I was finding I truly enjoyed being on the back of Axel's bike—the sun on my face, the wind rushing over us, the vibrating rumble under my butt, and of course, being pressed so close to him.

  He tensed in my arms, making me lift my cheek from where I'd had it resting on his back. Two motorcycles were approaching from the opposite direction. They had the kind of full-wrap helmets on that obscured their faces. As soon as we passed them, I glanced in the side mirror. They were braking, and then both of them pulled a U-turn to get behind us.

  Just as my heart started to pound, Axel's hand covered mine and gave me a quick squeeze as he shouted, “Hold on tight!” over his shoulder.

  I tightened my grip, and the bike below us lurched forward as Axel accelerated. I wanted to clench my eyes shut, but instead, looked over to where Zach had been only a moment ago. He wasn’t there now. He’d dropped behind us.

  Looking in the side mirror showed Zach was moving his bike back and forth across the lane, keeping the other two motorcycles from getting too close to us as Axel continued to speed ahead. Every time they would try to get around him, he would move to block them. Panic built up inside me as the wind beat harder against my face the faster we went. I was afraid one of the other bikers would do something to hurt Zach or he would lose control.

  We passed the sign for a rest area, and Axel slowed the bike a little. As we got closer, I spotted two more motorcycles with their riders idling near the rest area exit. A punch of fear shot through me, thinking they'd come to harass us too, but then I caught the insignia on their vests. They were Heretics.

  We flew past the exit. The two waiting Heretics pulled out onto the road, quickly gaining speed and getting up behind the two strange bikers and helping Zach to box them in.

  After only a moment, the two bikers slowed and turned. Instead of following them, our guys sped up enough to catch up with us. As they got closer, I realized that it was Cleave and Mace on the bikes. Mace passed us, settling into a slightly slower speed right in front of us while Zach and Cleave flanked us—one on either side. I let out a huge breath and pressed my cheek to Axel's back, holding him tight the rest of the way home.

  When we pulled into the clubhouse parking lot, I let out a sigh of relief. Axel walked the bike back into his parking spot and killed the engine before holding it steady for me to climb off.

  “Any idea who the fuck those guys were?” Zach asked, the moment he’d climbed off his bike next to us.

  “No paint on the bikes. No patches on the vests.” Mace pulled the helmet off his head and stuffed it into his saddlebag. “Had to be ex-Devils fucking with us. Probably a very specific one.” He turned questioning green eyes on me, voice sharp. “Either of them seem familiar?”

  I shook my head. “No, they didn’t.”

  “That’s enough,” Axel barked, stepping off the bike and getting between Mace and me. “He’s got enough shit on his plate without you trying to interrogate him.”

  Mace raised his hands. “Sorry.” He looked around Axel’s bulk to me. “I’m sorry, Leith. I’m pissed at those assholes, not at you.”

  I gave him a small smile. “I understand, it’s okay.” Sliding my hand into Axel’s, I squeezed his fingers. He deflated a bit and took a step back out of Mace’s space.

  The clubhouse door opened, and a stone-faced Calix stepped out. “Get in here. We’ve got church in ten minutes.”

  The guys all nodded and started in that direction
. Cleave and Axel clasped hands and pulled each other in for a quick hug.

  “Thanks for the assist,” Axel said, giving my hand a squeeze as we fell into step beside Cleave.

  “No problem,” Cleave said, clapping Axel on the shoulder again and shooting me a wink. “How was Sand Lake?”

  “Good. Ward’s going to be an excellent addition to the circuit here.”

  He nodded. “What about you, Leith? Jeb and the boys treat you okay? As if this guy would let them get away with it if they didn’t.” He bumped Axel’s shoulder with his own. I knew he was giving his friend shit, but it was nice he was including me. Outside of Spritz, I hadn’t had much interaction with all the guys. I wanted to change that.

  “Oh…yes. They were all really nice.”

  We made it to the door, and Cleave pulled it open and held it for both of us. Once we were inside, I veered toward the stairs, thinking I’d stay in Axel’s room while they had their meeting. Calix’s voice stopped me before I’d taken more than a step.

  “Leith.”

  I turned wide eyes to the Heretics’ president.

  “I’d like for you to join us, if you will.”

  I swallowed hard, pulling my gaze away from Calix’s black-eyed stare to look at Axel. He was frowning, but at my nod, he led us to the meeting room. Pulling a seat up at that table felt surreal, and I tried not to swallow too audibly when the door clicked closed.

  I hadn’t been alone for over a week. Everywhere I went, Axel, Zach, or Cleave were stuck to me like glue. At least at home—mostly Axel’s room at the clubhouse—I got to lounge around and cuddle with the sweetest freaking Daddy that ever lived. Out in public, it was like having a bodyguard. I was trying to make the most of it, though. Cleave, it turned out, was really easy to talk to, and I’d gotten to know his boyfriend, JJ, more as well. Zach apparently loved ice cream as much as I did, and he totally let me put eyeliner and mascara on him as long as I pinky swore I’d never tell.

  There’d been no sign of Malcolm.

  Even at work, the guys on duty were sticking close to me. I’d had my first night back on Wednesday. It’d been overwhelming at first, but I’d fallen into my old rhythms quickly. Vivian had greeted me with a hug and only smiled knowingly when I’d told her I needed to only be scheduled on the top floor of the club from now on. Axel hadn’t said anything, but I could tell he had been relieved when I’d told him I’d be sticking to serving only.

  The way he took care of me, but still gave me the space to make my own decisions—unless I asked him for help—had completely cemented my decision to trust him. And to keep trusting him. Falling in love with him had happened all on its own with barely a passing thought from me. My heart wanted him, and I felt damn lucky every day that he wanted me too. I hadn’t told him yet, but I would when the time was right.

  Friday night found me at Spritz, facing my first weekend shift since Dustin drugged and kidnapped me a month ago. I was feeling good, and ready, wearing tight blue boyshorts—with the legs long enough to cover the worst of my new scars—glitter body lotion, and just a touch of make-up. I was leaning over one of the dressing room vanities, mascara wand in hand, when Pax and Arden appeared behind me.

  “Axel’s going to shit when he sees your ass in those shorts,” Pax said with a laugh. It was still so strange to see him in a vest and dress slacks instead of undies and a halter. Being the assistant manager looked good on him.

  I smirked back at him. “I know.”

  They both smiled.

  “Here,” Arden said, leaning forward and taking the wand from my hand. “Let me.”

  I turned around, leaning my ass against the counter and tilting my face up. Arden expertly swiped the black coating on my lashes, and then picked through the other make-up I had spread out on the vanity.

  “This color is gorgeous on you,” he said, almost to himself while he added some shadow to my eyes.

  “Thanks.” I grinned at him, then over at Pax who was watching us with a smile on his face.

  When Arden was satisfied—he was right, that color did look great on me—we headed toward the door together.

  “You ready for this?” Pax asked, touching my arm to stop me before we went out onto the floor. “You’ll let me know if you need me, right?”

  I could admit that I was a little afraid, but I was ready too. Ready to get my life completely back on track. “Promise.”

  “Okay. Let’s do this.”

  Stepping through the door, I saw Axel at his post midway along the wall beside the dance floor. When he looked my way, I did a slow little spin for him. His eyes went hot and narrow, promising that he’d have some things to say—and maybe do—about my choice of outfit once our shifts were over. I looked forward to it. Our physical relationship hadn’t moved beyond kissing and some light groping, in deference to my mental health and my now healed body. I was feeling more ready every day to take that next step with him.

  Walking over to him, I leaned up on my toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “What do you think, Daddy?”

  “You know damn well what I think,” he growled, eyes raking over me and looking like he was a second from throwing me over his shoulder and making a break for it. Despite where we were, he pulled me close and kissed me quick. “Be careful tonight.”

  “I will.” I moved to step away from him and toward the bar to pick up my tray and start serving the early crowd, but he caught my wrist. I looked back at him, meeting his dark brown eyes.

  “You look beautiful,” he said simply, and I was glad my mascara was waterproof because my eyes started to prickle.

  “Thanks, Daddy.” I squeezed his hand before I let go and made a beeline for the bar. One more second in his orbit and I’d be the one dragging him out of there before our shifts were up.

  The night picked up quickly, and once we were in full swing, I didn’t have time to think about anything other than balancing trays full of drinks and dodging dudes trying to grab my ass. I loved it—the pace, the flirting, all of it—and I’d missed it. It was so good to be back.

  I was on my way back to the bar, weaving between groups of dancing people, an empty tray tucked under my arm, when hands closed over my hips from behind. He pulled me back against his chest, and he ground his erection against my ass. I could see the bill of his ball cap out of the corner of my eye with the way he was hunched around me and made myself swallow down the lump of fear in my throat.

  “Hi, Malcolm.” I was proud of the lack of waver in my voice.

  “Ballsy of him to let you roam around here without a leash,” Malcolm said against my ear, still grinding on my ass.

  I grimaced, eyes searching for the nearest Heretic. “Ballsy of you to show up here. You know I’m under Heretic protection?”

  He laughed. It wasn’t a nice sound. “Oh, I’ve seen you riding bitch on more than one of their bikes. If I’d known you were such a little biker slut, I’d have joined up sooner.”

  Anger was winning out over fear the longer his nasty hands were on me. “Why did you join? Need a new hobby? You know those assholes you’re running with aren’t even a real club, and they’re homophobic as fuck. What happens when they find out the only ass you like is male?”

  Faster than I could blink, one of his hands shot up to my face, gripping my jaw hard as he hissed against my cheek, “God, I forgot about the fucking mouth on you.” He squeezed harder. “Enjoy your little Heretics pals while you’ve got them, Leith.”

  He shoved me away hard enough that I dropped my tray and nearly fell. When I spun around, he’d already disappeared into the crowd.

  Chapter Eleven

  Axel

  “Easy, buddy. Easy. We’ve got him.” Cleave’s hand on my shoulder was the only thing keeping me from tearing out into the bar and ripping that motherfucker apart. We’d been watching Malcolm from the moment he’d stepped through the door. Two seconds after he shoved Leith away and hightailed it out, Zach was there, getting a steadying arm around Leith and leading him back to
the security booth where Cleave and I were watching all the security camera feeds.

  I moved to the door, opening it when they were still ten feet away and striding forward to pull a shaking Leith into my arms. Lifting him up, I kept one hand under his ass and gently squeezed the back of his neck with the other. Zach moved past us and into the booth with Cleave.

  “You did so good, baby. So good. Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” I’d protested against this plan from the start. Loudly. Adamantly. But Leith wanted to do it. Wanted to get back to his life, knowing Calix was right and that Leith being back out on the floor working at Spritz would dangle him like low hanging fruit and eventually draw the snake out of his hole. The moment Calix had suggested it was the only time in memory that I wanted to punch my president squarely in the face.

  Leith had agreed though, and I would never take his choices away.

  “I’m okay. He didn’t hurt me, but I feel gross. Like I need a shower asap,” he said against my neck.

  A deep sigh of relief escaped my lungs. Fuck, but I never wanted Leith to be in the same room with that man again. Which was exactly why Calix and Riot were trailing him right now. After tonight, Malcolm Sieker wouldn’t be hurting anyone else.

  Turning my head, I kissed Leith’s neck, his ear, his cheek until he lifted up enough to press his lips to mine. I licked into him, kissing him deeply, and reassuring us both that he was okay and back where he belonged.

  When we pulled apart, he met my eyes. “You have to go?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, sweet boy. Will you please go to the clubhouse with Zach? I’ll be home later.”

  “Okay.”

  I set him on his feet, keeping my arm around him, and turned to my club brothers. Cleave was doing something on one of the computers, but Zach walked back over to us. “Do not let him out of your sight.”