The Biker's Gift (Royal Bastards MC)

by Landis, Nikki

  “Bodie, I’m going to . . .”

  She never finished. A heartbeat later she was screaming my name, flooding my dick with her sweet, sticky essence as I increased my speed, pumping harder and faster as I felt the familiar tingle low in my spine. My balls seemed to tighten and then I let loose, filling her up as I growled, pressing my mouth to hers as I fuckin’ unloaded and came so hard I nearly lost coherent thought.

  In the aftermath, her arms slid around my neck and she kissed me back, pressing her lips to mine over and over before she smiled. “That was incredible, Bodie.”

  It was. Fuckin’ mind blowing. But I didn’t say it.

  “You were wonderful, babe,” I replied casually, rolling off as I turned to the side and reached for a cigarette, lighting up as she frowned. It was a cold reply and we both knew it.

  My head chose that moment to fuck up my heart and I didn’t know how to handle the rush of emotions that surfaced. Did I have sex for the right reasons? Or the wrong ones? Since when did I care?

  The sudden tight feeling in my chest didn’t make sense.

  “I see,” she replied slowly, turning on her side and facing away from me. I didn’t have to see her face to know that she was hurt by my response.

  This was why I didn’t do relationships. It was why I hesitated with her sister and why I was distancing myself now. The life I led was a hard one and my past was a brutal teacher. I wouldn’t lose another woman that I loved. Never would I allow her to be in a position where Sasha could be used as leverage against me. If she wasn’t my ol’ lady, then she wasn’t at risk. My brothers would understand. Sasha was off limits. For good.

  I’d keep my distance and I’d keep her protected.

  Sasha was better off without Bodie Whitman, a fucked up Royal Bastard in her life.

  Death was my only true companion. A Reaper didn’t need anything more.

  Chapter 11 – Sasha

  Bodie Whitman was an asshole. A womanizer. A liar and a jerk.

  Tears filled my eyes as I blinked them back, refusing to cry in front of him. We’d just had the most amazing sex of my life and then he ruined it, telling me thanks like I’d just been another woman in a long row of wet pussies he liked to fuck. For all I knew, it could be true.

  Shit.

  I should have thought this through. What was the matter with me? He was my sister’s boyfriend. How could I do that? How could I sleep with him so easily?

  Guilt smothered me until all I could do was close my eyes to the harsh reality of my bad choices.

  You’re an idiot, Sasha Pratt.

  Worse, I didn’t confide the entire truth to Bodie. He still didn’t know the worst about my past and now I didn’t have to worry that he would find out. The man just made it ten times easier to move on once I found Trish.

  Bodie’s soft snores echoed in the room only a few minutes later as I lay there, grateful that he didn’t kick me from the room afterward. That would have been the ultimate humiliation. Not that his cold and aloof response after he rolled off me was any less degrading.

  I wasn’t sure why it bothered me so much. What did I expect? Declarations of love? Passionate feelings and promises of forever? Bodie was a biker. A member of the Royal Bastards MC and he sure lived up to the name.

  There was never any expectation other than the temporary fusion of our bodies and a quick lay. Bodie didn’t break his word and treat me any differently than any of the others seemed to treat their women or the cookies they fucked often. I really resented that terminology, but it wasn’t my place to say anything about it. The women made their own choices and I had to respect that way of life even if I could never be happy sleeping around with so many men. I was entirely too jealous and possessive once I was attached to someone.

  When I woke up the next morning the bed was empty and Bodie’s side was cold. He’d been gone for quite a while. Uncertain, I decided to shower and dress, acting as if I knew exactly what last night meant when I didn’t have a damn clue. My self-respect intact, I left the room in search of coffee and food and found a few of the regulars cooking and cleaning the bar and kitchen.

  “You’re Sasha, right?” A petite blonde in a short, red leather mini skirt gave me a bright smile as she pointed to each of the others. “This is Harley, Becca, LeAnn, and Cindi. I’m Snooki. None of us are ol’ ladies except you and Cindi. She’s with Lucky.”

  Ol’ ladies? Me? I wanted to correct her but didn’t have the heart. “Nice to meet you all.”

  “You look just like her,” Cindi spoke up, biting her lower lip. “I was close to Suraya. It’s kind of weird but I’m glad you’re here. Bodie’s been pretty lost these last six months.”

  “I haven’t seen him smile since,” Harley added. “But he sure has smiled a lot since you’ve been around.”

  Giggling, Becca winked in my direction. “He was all smiles this mornin’. I almost spilled his coffee I was so surprised.”

  “He hasn’t been around much.” Snooki shrugged. “But I think he’s found what he lost.”

  “You’re a gift, just in time for Christmas,” Cindi laughed. “I bet that man is overcome with . . . joy.”

  All of them laughed as I blushed.

  “He fucks like a god, doesn’t he?” Snooki stared off dreamily as Cindi elbowed her in the side.

  “She hasn’t fucked him. She’s just always wanted to.” Cindi glared her way. “You don’t say that shit to an ol’ lady unless you want your ass kicked.”

  “Fuck. I’m sorry!” Snooki threw her hands up in the air. “I can’t help it. He’s sexy as fuck but don’t worry. I know my place, Sasha. Besides, he only has eyes for you.”

  The others nodded as my cheeks reddened further.

  “That man is all hot and bothered,” Cindi added. “Lucky was giving him shit this morning before they left.”

  I didn’t know how to reply to that, so I stayed silent.

  “Here, have something to eat. I know you worked up an appetite.” Cindi piled food on a plate as Snooki set a cup of coffee in front of me. “Enjoy, babe.”

  I rolled my eyes but laughed at their comments, eating everything they set in front of me as I realized I was starving. For a few minutes, I took in the scene, smiling as they went about their daily routine. Funny, but I never thought about how each person functioned as part of the greater whole. There was no hint that a party had gone on last night. The place was clean, smelled of lemon and freshly polished wood, and the scent of baked goods were prominent as they wafted from the kitchen.

  I could find my place here, too. If I had the chance.

  Wistful, I dismissed the idea. Bodie wasn’t looking for an ol’ lady. He already lost my sister and wasn’t in a hurry to replace her. The thought should have made me happy, but I only felt sad. My heart ached a little, but I quickly pushed any unpleasantness away. I could enjoy the moment while I had it. Beyond that, only time would tell. Anyway, I never planned on staying long.

  My best friend was missing. That trumped everything.

  My cell phone vibrated against my leg and I pulled it from my pocket, shocked to find Trish’s name pop up on the screen. Swiping quickly, I jumped up from my seat and headed down the hall to Bodie’s room, answering with a breathless, “Trish!”

  “Hey, honey,” she replied, her voice low.

  “What the hell’s going on? Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick!”

  “Uh,” she paused, and I didn’t like the way she hesitated, “lost dog and all that.”

  Shit. “You find him?”

  “Nah, he’s still lost.”

  She wasn’t safe and she wasn’t alone. Trembling, I was afraid to say more. “You need help?”

  It was probably the worst thing to say but I was scared. I didn’t have any idea who was listening.

  “Sasha, babe, I need to see you. It’s important.”

  “Okay, you got it. Where? What time?”

  There was a scuffling sound and then the voice on the other end of the line chang
ed. A deep, menacing tone that immediately caused my heart to accelerate with frantic beats. “Hey there, Sasha. Remember me?”

  Acid.

  Swallowing hard, I answered as composed as I was able. “Yes.”

  “Good. You remember our little game? The one we played the last time we met?”

  Game? Did he mean the night I was attacked and nearly raped? Oh yeah, I hadn’t forgotten. “Yes.”

  “So compliant. I always liked you better than your whore sister. Bet you suck cock a lot better too.” His insults made me so angry I bit my lip hard and tasted blood. “How about we pick up where we left off?”

  Yeah, I wasn’t going to be at his mercy again. Acid could fuck off. “I don’t think so.”

  “That’s a shame.” I heard Trish scream and I immediately felt bad for my hasty response.

  “What do you want, Acid?”

  “You, alone, at the coffee shop where you met Zook on your first date. Three p.m. sharp. You remember the location?”

  “I do.”

  “Good. Don’t be late. If I catch anyone with you, Trish suffers. You feel me?”

  “I understand, Acid.”

  The line clicked and the call ended as I sat down on the bed with a flop. I was royally screwed. I didn’t have transportation, no one was going to let me leave, and I was pretty sure that if I told anyone the truth Trish would end up dead. Shaking slightly, I ran my palms over my knees and tried to come up with a plan.

  Cindi would help me. If I said I wanted to pick up a few things for me and Bodie at the store, maybe I could get her to let me borrow a car. It was worth a shot.

  Leaping up, I ran for the door and opened it, nearly slamming into Snooki in the hall.

  “Woah, where you goin’ so fast?” She seemed humored which was good. I was a nervous wreck.

  “You know where Cindi is? I need to ask her something.”

  “Sure, babe. She’s leaving for the store. If you hurry, you can catch her.”

  Perfect!

  I found Cindi as she was backing her black SUV out of the driveway. She waved and smiled, rolling down the window as I approached. “Need company? I want to buy a few things for me and Bodie tonight.”

  She laughed. “Sure. Hop in.”

  I was careful to smile and appear calm, laughing at her jokes and joining in when the conversation lagged. I didn’t think Cindi noticed how my palms were sweaty or how I kept glancing at the road around us and the cars as they drove by. Any number of them could be Acid’s men watching and waiting for me to screw up.

  “I’m gonna split up. Need some personal stuff,” I joked once we had parked and entered the local Wal-Mart.

  “I get it,” she laughed.

  Cindi and I separated, and I quickly found a few miscellaneous items like lube and condoms and approached the counter, rushing ahead of my new friend. When she approached, I was standing by the cashier, paid and anxious.

  “Can I grab the keys and wait for you? I’ve got a bit of a headache.” The lie was bitter on my tongue but there was no stopping this freight train of craziness now.

  “Sure.” She tossed them my way and I caught the ring with ease. “Need anything?”

  “I didn’t buy Tylenol,” I admitted.

  “I’ll grab some and check out. See ya in a few minutes.”

  “Thanks!” I shouted, walking as quickly as possible from the store and then sprinting for the SUV. Once inside, I started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot in a hurry, hoping she didn’t see that I left her behind. At least she had somewhere warm to wait until someone from the club could pick her up.

  Heart pounding in my chest, I pushed the gas pedal all the way down as the vehicle lurched forward. I had an hour to get to the coffee shop and it would take nearly that long to reach the destination. “Forgive me,” I whispered aloud, feeling bad for leaving Cindi stranded.

  A phone started ringing in the passenger seat and I realized she’d left her cell in the car.

  Shit. “Sorry, Cindi. This is safer for you anyway.”

  I ignored the phone and it stopped ringing, merging onto the highway with determination.

  “Please,” I pleaded to no one in particular, “don’t let me be too late.”

  Chapter 12 – Bodie

  “Just tell us what we want to know and it’ll all end,” Rael coaxed in a smooth tone. “All the pain, the agony. I’ll make it all stop.”

  Vince Denali was trussed up like a little piglet, his massive body dangling from a butcher’s meat hook by his arms as he hung suspended from the main support beam in the basement. In the adjacent room and behind a closed door, his brother awaited a similar fate. It was fucked up, pinning the siblings against one another but allegiance to the club was mandatory and any infraction, no matter how minor, was met with swift punishment. The Denali Brothers knew this and yet, they still betrayed us to the Scorpions.

  Rael picked up a dental drill as a wicked grin curved his lips. A twisted bit was inserted into the chuck right before he lifted his hand. Creative and viciously effective, it was one of many tools that he chose to use during an interrogation. Approaching Vince with slow, measured steps, he lifted his head by the hair and yanked it back, staring deep into his coal black eyes.

  “How long have you been working for Acid?”

  Vince tried to shake his head but didn’t succeed. Rael had a tight grip and didn’t hesitate to pump the trigger of the drill causing Vince to jolt in fright. “I didn’t. We aren’t working for Acid!”

  “I don’t believe you,” Rael snarled, bringing the bit closer to Vince’s face. “I’m not a patient man, Denali. We’ve discussed this before.”

  Vince continued to deny the accusations as Rael pushed the twisted bit into his left cheek. The drill made a chugging sound as it ripped through the flesh and Vince began to scream. Blood spurted in all directions as his body flopped around in the air.

  Disgusted, I left the room and decided to see if Antonio was more in a sharing mood than his brother Vince.

  “What’s happening?” Antonio yelled, squirming in the chair but limited in his movements because we’d strapped him there with duct tape, rope, and whatever else Rael could fuckin’ find a half hour ago.

  “It doesn’t look good,” I replied with mock concern. “I don’t think Vince is gonna make it.”

  Antonio cursed, fighting his restraints as Mammoth shot me an amused look. “You better speak up, Antonio.”

  “Right now, there’s a drill in his left cheek and I’m not so sure that pretty face is gonna look the same in another few minutes.” I shrugged. “If it was my brother, I’d come clean.”

  More screams could be heard as Wraith slipped into the room and he shut the door. “There’s a lot of blood on the ground in there.”

  Fuck. We were vicious bastards.

  “Wait!” Antonio called, lifting his head in defeat. “Vince doesn’t know shit. I never told him. Stop torturing my brother and I’ll tell you everything I know.”

  Ticking my head toward Wraith, he nodded, leaving the room. A couple of minutes later, Rael walked through the door, blood splattered all over his t-shirt and jeans.

  “I’m not happy right now, Antonio. Ask me why I’m not happy.”

  Antonio flinched at the sight. “I fucked up. I’m sorry but Vince doesn’t know a damn thing.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that.” Rael crossed his arms over his chest, staring down at the Denali brother with something close to loathing and disgust at the same time.

  “Acid has been giving us shit. Stopping our trucks. Stealing merchandise. Trying to cut off our supply routes. We grew desperate.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us about your little problem?” I asked, pissed that we didn’t know how bad it had gotten. “We could have offered protection.”

  “Instead, you altered invoices and hid the truth.” Rael took a menacing step forward. “I should just kill you both now.”

  “No, no! Please! I swear, we were gonna say somet
hin’, but Acid wired our trucks and threatened to kill our families. We didn’t know what to do, man!”

  “You never, ever, keep a secret from the Royal Bastards,” Rael replied quietly. “That’s what. You snitch your worthless guts and plead for our mercy because we don’t give a fuck who threatened you. That’s our product. We fuckin’ own you. You got it?”

  “Yes! I swear it. Yes,” he blubbered, nearly pissing himself in fear.

  Holy fuck. This was bad. Grim was gonna lose his shit.

  Shaking my head, I left the room while Rael and Mammoth sorted this mess out. I was in a foul mood and it wasn’t improving as I climbed the steps and entered the bar. Thoughts of Sasha swirled in my head for the twentieth time that day. I never thought of women while I was working. Not even Suraya occupied my thoughts like that sexy sister of hers. We hadn’t spoken all day and I knew I needed to explain my actions last night.

  Just the idea of wanting to make things right didn’t sit well with me. This girl was owning my ass already and we’d only had sex once. But damn, that tight, wet pussy was worth the extra effort and I had to admit, I liked her. The chick had balls and she was tough. She’d been through hell and came out stronger on the other side of it. She impressed me as much as she irritated me.

  Growing hard as thoughts of last night banged around in my skull, I decided to head toward my room. It was late, well after the dinner hour and Sasha was probably wondering where I had been all day. Adjusting my throbbing dick, I smiled as I imagined her reaction when I walked into the room and pulled her in for a deep and passionate kiss. Those lips of hers were perfect for kissing and even better for sucking. She was made for love, her curves luscious and her tits full and round, high and perky. She was damn near perfect.

  I could fuck that woman every day for the rest of my life and never grow tired of hearing her moan my name. The instant the thought entered my head, I stopped, overcome with the knowledge that I was in way over my head when it came to Sasha Pratt.