by K E Osborn
Her bottom lip trembles, then she leans forward pressing her lips to mine. My skin comes alive, bursting with energy as she kisses me. As her tongue collides with mine, my hand grabs a handful of hair holding her to me as we kiss, with the sun slowly fading out in the distance sending the sky into the dull hue of night.
I lose track of how long we stand next to my ride kissing, but the sunset fades to twilight, which turns to nightfall. When I finally pull back from her, her eyes are brighter than the twinkling stars above. She might be angry at me, but we’ll work through this together. It will take some time, but we’re going to be okay.
“I need to get you back. The guys will send out a fucking search party. We have a forty-five-minute ride home.”
She glimpses over her shoulder at the beach one more then inhales. “I love the smell of the ocean… I hope we get to come here again sometime.”
My fingers tighten around hers. “I promise, Chiquita, I’ll bring you back one day.”
She dips her chin, then slides past me to grab hold of her helmet. I help Eva secure it properly, then I jump on my ride. She moves in behind me, and I take one last look over Clearwater Beach. I start my engine, duck walking out of the parking space. Revving the engine, Eva grips hold of me tighter as I take off toward home.
As I exit the Pier 60 parking lot, a couple of cars follow behind us. I take off quickly to get to the roundabout to take me back over the Memorial Causeway. One car turns off down Mandalay Avenue, the other follows behind me. While this isn’t a strange occurrence, I’m keeping an eye firmly on my six.
We were out in the open.
For far longer than I planned.
Time’s crept away from me. It’s on me if something happens because of this.
Tension rolls through me as the black SUV keeps its tail on us. As we reach the Courtney Campbell Causeway, he continues to follow. After this stretch, if he doesn’t take off in a different direction, an uneasy churning in the pit of my stomach tells me something may be wrong. I hammer down but not so fast I alert Eva that something’s up.
I continue my course home, but I will change our route if this car follows too closely. I head down S 20th Street, and he continues to follow. This is a little too fucking coincidental now. There’s no way he’s come all the way from Clearwater Beach to this exact spot. He’s a definite tail. I take a right on Maritime Boulevard, but he drives right past me continuing on S 22nd Street. Pulling over on the side of the road, I peer over my shoulder to see where the car is heading as Eva follows my line of sight, but it’s too late. The car is gone. My stomach knots, my muscles tensing all over as a sweat beads my brow.
“What’s going on?” Eva asks.
“Nothing, thought I saw something. We’re good,” I lie as I take off back toward the clubhouse at lightning speed.
Ominous pulls open the gate while tapping on his wristwatch. I flip him the bird as I ride us in, then park my bike. Void rushes up the ramp throwing his hands in the air like a damn madman. Eva jumps off the back, and I turn off the engine.
“What the fuck, Nycto? I was about to send out a search party!”
Eva places her helmet on the rack on the fence, then I lean in pecking her cheek. “Chiquita, go spend some time with Ivy. Got some club business I need to attend to.”
“Okay, thanks. I needed that. Talk to you later.”
I wink at her as she saunters off down the ramp heading inside.
Void stares at me like I’ve lost my damn mind. “So what… you took her somewhere and fucked her for a couple of hours?”
I groan. “No… took her to Clearwater—”
“What? Why the fuck would you take her there? Nearly an hour away from the clubhouse. That’s too fucking far if you needed us.”
I roll my shoulders. “She needed something. To relax.”
“Then take her to the back of the compound and fuck her. Don’t put us all in damn danger.”
“You done?”
He groans, waving his hand through the air. “Fucking yeah.”
“Good ‘cause while you’re busy flapping around like a bitch, I think we have an issue.”
Void pinches the bridge of his nose like he’s been waiting for shit to hit the fan and not in a good way. “Fucking hell… here we go.”
“I’m sure Eva was made.”
He turns, starting to pace. “The fuck were you thinking takin’ her out?”
“Trust me, I know what shit we’re in. If it were one of Andrés’ men…” I trail off because I know the consequences.
“Jesus, Nycto. Why weren’t you careful?”
“Eva took off her helmet before I had a second to stop it. I figured once it was off, the damage was done. If we were being tailed, they would have seen her, so she may as well enjoy the beach.”
“Well, your fucked-up move might cost us all our lives, including Eva.”
He’s right.
I have to get ahead of whatever might be coming. If one of Andrés’ men were in that car, I need help, and I need it now. but for the first time, I don’t think we can count on Miami. Hatch was crystal clear when he said his chapter would help with the cash, but that’s all. It’s time I finally do the right thing. My club is in danger because of my actions with Eva and Ivy, now they could be in danger by being here.
I can’t risk Eva being hurt.
“I need to make a call,” I tell Void.
“Need me with you?”
“Nah, brother, this is something I need to face up to on my own.” Storming past him, I make my way inside the clubhouse, through to the chapel. Closing the door behind me, I yank out my cell as I sit at the head of the table dropping down onto my seat. Placing the cell on the table, I stare at it for a solid minute before dialing the number I need.
The call I’ve been dreading.
Hating it’s come to this, it’s a call I need to make.
It rings three times. “What have you done this time?” Jameson’s gruff voice answers. Our National Club President sounds like he’s preoccupied.
Honesty is the best policy. Truth be told, I want to get straight to it. “I fucked up.”
Jameson pauses for a moment, then he exhales. “Nycto, what exactly do you mean?”
Cracking my neck to the side, my stomach clenches as I prepare to tell him everything. “You know how we transport packages from ships to the sellers or buyers… whatever the job calls for?”
“I’m not gonna fucking like this, am I?”
“While transporting my last shipment, I kept two of the packages. Told Andrés they got away from Dash, then drowned in the sea.”
“The fuck were you thinking? More importantly, why? It’s not like you to take a liking to the packages. I’ve not been a huge fan of Tampa being in the transport industry, but this is next-level shit, even for you.”
“I’ve put my club in danger, that’s on me. I take full responsibility for my actions. The thing is, Jameson… I’d fucking do it again because I care about Eva more than I thought I could. She adores her sister, so as it turns out, the packages were a packaged deal.”
“Jesus Christ… never thought I’d see the day when a woman took residence in your cold, dead heart.”
“I agree… thing is we broke lockdown today, and I think Eva was made.”
“I hear what you’re saying, brother. Just look what I did for Sadie, but you broke your own lockdown, and now your club’s at risk. What do you want me to do about it?”
“If Andrés comes with trouble, and I call for backup, no one’s gonna want to come when they hear why. But if you send out the call, they won’t have the option not to come.”
Jameson grumbles under his breath. “I don’t appreciate you putting the Royal Bastards on the map like this, Nycto. You need to handle your own shit! I understand why you did it. You need help… it’ll be there, but don’t think for a fucking second this is the last you’ll be hearing from me about this. There will be repercussions for you!”
“I woul
dn’t expect anything less, Jameson.”
“Keep your ear to the ground and your guns at the ready. If Eva’s been made, you’re probably looking at trouble heading your way sooner than later.”
Nodding, he’s not telling me anything I haven’t already thought of. It’s the very reason I called him. “Got it. And Prez?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks, brother.”
He mumbles something unintelligible under his breath, then ends the call. He’s fucked-off with me. I get it. I’ve handled this entire Eva situation like a lunatic, but if it means, in the end, I get to keep her, then maybe it will be worth it.
Sitting back in my chair, I know I have punishment heading my way for putting my club in jeopardy, but whatever it is, I’ll take it because I deserve it.
I’ll take any-fucking-thing they throw at me because, in the end, Eva’s worth it all.
Chapter Twenty-Four
EVA
Having time out with Nycto made me feel better about this whole situation. Though my anger is still there about how he handled everything, when I look at the bigger picture, I’m here with Ivy, and we’re safe. And honestly, it’s all that matters.
I could stay mad at everyone for deceiving me, but what good would it achieve other than me being in a foul mood for the rest of my life.
I need to let it go.
Nycto took a step tonight. He tried to make me feel better, even though it was dangerous. He put my needs before everything. I’m not naïve enough not to understand the consequences. He put himself and his club on the line for me to feel at ease. I won’t forget that.
I knew the second we arrived back at the club something was wrong. He didn’t tell me, but the way he was trying to lose that car behind us makes me think he believes something’s amiss. It’s why he’s gone to do club business, and I’m down here with Ivy, not that I mind. After believing she was lost to me, I’ll spend as much time with her as I can, even if that time is with me currently sitting on her sofa painting my toenails.
I layer on another coat to my big toe while Ivy is fussing about with her bed, fluffing her pillows. She seems so settled down here like this is the only place she wants to be. I personally don’t understand it. The place creeps me the hell out, but if this is where she finds her peace, then so be it.
“Do you think I’ll be allowed out on a ride at some point?” Ivy asks as she punches a pillow trying to maximize the fluff.
I shrug, dipping the brush into the red polish. “I get the feeling Nycto was only doing it to appease me. I’m not even sure if I’ll be allowed to go back out again.”
Ivy pouts her bottom lip out. “Shame. I’d love to experience the power of a bike.”
“It was amazing. I guess we’ll just have to stay in and get fat on Trixie’s delicacies.”
Ivy’s eyes widen. “I know, right? She really is a crazy good cook. I should get her to teach me some stuff.”
“We should have a cooking class with the three of us.”
“So much, yes.”
Footsteps grab our attention as we both turn to the brick wall as it pulls open.
Void stops in the doorway, widening his eyes when he spots me. “Sorry, Eva, didn’t realize you were down here. I’ll come back.”
Ivy walks over, dragging him inside the room. “No, stay. We were chatting about how good Trixie’s cooking is.”
Void looks from Ivy to me like he’s uncomfortable with me being in here. Like I’m intruding on his time with her. It makes me wonder if there’s more to their friendship than even he’s aware of.
“Her Cuban sandwiches are to die for,” I add to break the tension as he shifts on the seat he’s just sat on.
I haven’t spent a great deal of time with Void. To be honest, he’s generally with Ivy, so I can’t read what’s going through his mind.
“You’re doing that quiet thing you do. You don’t have to be shy around Eva. She’s just like me, Void,” Ivy offers, placing her hand on his knee.
Void tenses. He’s usually quiet, but he’s opened up around her.
That’s a good thing.
I have to leave.
Void’s come down to talk to her for a reason, and I know he won’t open up in front of me.
“Hey, I need to go check on something. I’ll come back later, okay?”
Ivy pouts as Void’s eyes flicker with something.
He definitely wants me to leave.
“Okay, I’m out.”
“I’ll be here, come back when you’re ready,” Ivy gushes.
“I still can’t grasp why you like it down here, Ivy. It’s like the walls are moaning all the time.”
Void sits taller, while Ivy snorts out a laugh. “Don’t be ridiculous. And anyway, even I don’t know why I like it. It just feels good. Like my home.”
She’s right, this place is like home now. When I first got here, I had no idea I could wrap my mind around actually liking this place so much I would want to stay, but it’s where I’m at.
Leaving the bunker, leaving Nycto, both of those thoughts are abhorrent to me now.
I take off to go in search of Nycto. Walking up the stairs, I find him sitting with Spark at the bar. Making my way over to him, I can’t help but overhear their conversation as I approach.
“It’s gotten really crazy over in Australia, Prez. The fires are rampant. The country is literally burning. You know what it means to me. I’m drawn to those motherfucking flames, but also, my blood brother called me. They need my skills. Work’s on board with me heading over there,” Spark urges.
Drawn to the flames, what a weird thing to say.
Nycto slaps him on the shoulder. “I understand, brother. If you have to go, you go for as long as you need to.”
“I gotta deal with paperwork and shit, but I’ll keep you informed.”
Nycto dips his chin. Spark exhales as if a calm washed over him. I may not understand his need to be near fires, but if it’s his calling, then good on him for fighting that fight.
I take the opportunity to slide in to the spot where Spark vacated. “That sounded interesting.”
“Spark’s part of the military. We’re not sure what he does other than firefighting. His fascination for fires goes deeper than I think any of us can understand. It’s a primal thing for him. I get it… how something haunts you. So, if he needs to go, he should.”
“I know we’ve had a rough day, but underneath it all, you’re a good man, Nycto.”
“Not everyone would agree with you.”
I reach out, taking his hand in mine. “Well, I see you. I was cold with you before, but I see the good man you’re trying to be.”
Our fingers lace together. “Sometimes trying doesn’t always work. When you try, occasionally, you’ll fail.”
“Well, at least you tried. That’s the main thing.”
His eyes meet mine, an instant buzz filling the air every time he looks at me this way like he wants to devour me. The room disappears, it’s just him and me sitting staring at each other.
“You’re gorgeous,” he murmurs under his breath.
I break my eyes from his, focusing on the reason I came searching for him. “Did you know Void and Ivy are connecting?”
He raises his brow. “What do you mean?”
“I mean I was down there just now, and Void came in looking for Ivy. He was uncomfortable with me there. I know he likes her.”
“Void, feeling something for anyone but himself? Impossible!”
“Didn’t you say the same about you before I came along?”
His expression drops as he absorbs what I’ve just told him. “You think there’s something going on?”
“Maybe not yet, but there’s definitely something brewing.”
“Figures. I suppose he was tasked with protecting her twenty-four-seven.”
“So, you think their attraction was a cumulative effect? Is that what happened to us?”
He narrows his eyes on me. “No. With us, it was in
stant the moment I saw you, Eva. It’s why I took you. I felt a pull to you the second I laid eyes on you. It’s the only reason we’re the way we are now. Pure chemistry.”
“And you’ve never felt that for any of the other women you’ve transported?”
“You know I haven’t. Where’s this coming from?”
Honestly, I have no idea.
“How can I be assured you won’t abandon me for the next girl who takes your eye?”
“You can’t, and I won’t make promises. I’m not that guy, Eva. I’m not a saint, so don’t make me out to be something I’m not.” I tense further. “But what I will say is no one has ever taken my attention the way you did that night, the way you still do. I can’t promise you forever, but for you, Eva, I want to try.”
My heart rapid-fires in my chest at his blatant honesty. I want to cry, but I hold it together. “So, I was worth it? Worth all this trouble?”
Nycto stands abruptly. His eyes hard, the vein in his neck throbbing. “Come with me.” His hand grips mine as he yanks me through the clubhouse so fast, I can hardly keep up. My feet take two steps to every one of his. He enters the hall, pushing open his bedroom door. He pulls me through, then slams the door shut with a hefty bang.
I jump a little at his aggression. He turns to face me, his hands coming up either side of my face as he pushes me back against the door with a thud. “Listen and listen good… you’re worth every. Damn. Thing. I don’t know what has you doubting yourself, but I’m going to prove to you I don’t regret any of this.”
His lips slam against mine, taking no prisoners. His tongue slides into my mouth as any doubt I had evaporates in an instant. I’m not sure why it was there to begin with. It’s been an emotional day. I guess I’m all over the place.
Right now, I need Nycto to make me feel good.
He grips hold, pulling me with him further into the red-hued room, the place I’ve come to think of as my home, a home I share with him.
Nycto pushes me to sit on the bed. He bends, his eyes on mine as his hand slides in behind my head to grab hold of my hair. He tugs my head back, pulling my face up to meet him as I let out a gasp at the same time his lips meet mine to capture me. Sparks erupt inside my body. I can’t explain why, but I love his roughness with me.
