by L. Wilder
“Not gonna happen.” Viper remained calm and steady as he told him, “Let’s say you do happen to get off a round, and I got to say that’s pretty fucking doubtful with the way your hand is trembling right now, then what?”
I couldn’t believe how composed Viper seemed. I was practically coming apart at the seams, and it took all the control I could muster not to go up to that stage and grab Aubrey. Knowing I had to bide my time, I stood there and listened as Viper continued, “There’s five of us and one of you. In a matter of seconds, you’ll be dead and gone. Nothing more than yesterday’s news.”
A defeated look crossed Gary’s face as he looked down at Mazie, then back to Viper. He knew he’d fucked up, and there was no way out. Gary studied Viper for a moment, then to my surprise, he moved the barrel of his gun from Mazie’s head, giving Shotgun and me both the shot we needed to take him out. We both fired simultaneously and sent Gary flailing backward. The second his lifeless body fell to the floor, I bolted for the stage. Aubrey was completely out of it and could barely keep her eyes open as I picked her up and cradled her in my arms. Her head fell to my chest as she muttered, “Jared?”
“Yeah, baby. I got ya. You’re okay.” My heart ached to see her so weak and defenseless. Overcome with the need to get her the hell out of there, I started down the steps. When I got down to the others, Mazie was clinging to Viper for dear life, crying. “Oh, God. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
“You’re okay, doll. It’s gonna be okay.” He gave her a fatherly kiss on the forehead. “It’s over now.”
Hawk looked down at Gary and said, “Damn, Prez, I thought you actually had him there for a second.”
“I did too.” He shook his head with disgust. “If you ask me, he got off too easy.”
“That he did,” Shotgun replied. “But the job’s done.”
“And thanks to you, I’m still standing,” Viper said in a grateful manner.
“That’s what I’m here for.”
“Appreciate it nonetheless.” Without saying anything more, Viper motioned his hand over to Lynch. “Take her out to the truck.”
Lynch nodded, then led Mazie out of the bar. Once they were gone, Viper looked down at Aubrey curled up in my arms and asked, “She okay?”
“I don’t know, Prez. Looks like he fucking drugged her.”
“We’ll get her back to the clubhouse and have Doc check her out.”
I nodded, then turned and started towards the back. I hadn’t gotten far when I heard Viper tell Shotgun, “Get a couple of prospects over here and torch the place. Set it up to make it look like the asshole offed himself.”
“You got it, Prez.”
Hawk and Shotgun stayed behind to take care of Gary and the Pink Pony, whereas Lynch took Viper and me back to the clubhouse with the girls. Aubrey didn’t budge as I took off my cut and wrapped it around her. I looked over to my brothers and knew I had them to thank for getting Aubrey back to me, safe and sound. I’d made a lot of mistakes in my life, but becoming a Ruthless Sinner wasn’t one of them.
Aubrey
It had been two weeks since Gary had kidnapped Mazie and me, and while I was still a little shaken by what had happened, I was coming around. Doc had taken good care of me at the clubhouse and made sure I didn’t have any adverse reactions from the drugs Gary had given me. I still didn’t remember every detail of what happened after he’d drugged me, but I remembered enough. I remembered him threatening to kill Mazie if I didn’t take off my clothes, and even under the haze of the drugs how mortified I was by the thought. I remembered barely being able to function when he made me dance on his stupid stage while he forced Mazie to give him oral sex. I was completely horrified by what was happening at the time but was too out of it to fight him—not that I could have fought him while he was parading around with that gun in his hand.
It was a horrible experience, there was no denying that, but I was trying to put it all behind me and move on. It wasn’t easy. There had been plenty of nightmares and bouts of crying, and it didn’t help matters that Jared was treating me like some delicate flower. He’d been hovering over me, making sure I was okay every second of the day, and while it was endearing and sweet, it was making it difficult to get back to my old self. I’d tried to convince him that I was fine and that he didn’t have to tiptoe around me and take care of me, but he wasn’t hearing it. He seemed intent on tending to my every need, so I decided it was time to show him what I really needed.
Jared was in the kitchen getting things together to make us both a bite to eat when I walked in and took him by the hand. Without saying a word, I led him back to the bedroom. He was what I needed. He was the only one who could take the memories of that night away once and for all. I stopped when I reached the bed and began unbuttoning his shirt. He looked down at me and asked, “What are you doing?”
“I’m undressing you.”
Concern marked his face when he realized what I was up to. “But are you sure you’re up for this? It’s only been—”
“Yes, Jared. I’m sure.”
“But—”
“I want you to make love to me. I want you to make love to me long and slow. Make me forget about Gary and what he did—make us both forget,” I pleaded, removing his shirt from his shoulders. As soon as it dropped to the floor, I lowered my hands to his waistband and began working on the buttons of his jeans. “Can you do that for me?”
“Baby, I’ll give you anything you need. You know that.”
There was an edge to his voice, raw and deep with need, and I knew without a doubt he wanted this just as much as I did. “I just need you. Just you. That’s all I’ve ever needed.”
His eyes were filled with hungry anticipation as he watched me slowly lower his pants to the floor. I carefully eased his boxers down below his waist and gave him a gentle push, letting him know that I wanted him on the bed. Doing as I’d asked, he sat down and watched me ease my t-shirt over my head. After I threw it to the side, I untied the drawstring of my sweatpants and let them pool at my feet.
“You are so fucking incredible.” I could feel the tension radiating from him as his eyes drifted across my body. “You’re mine. All mine.”
“And you are mine.”
I slowly lowered myself between his legs and took him in my hand and stroked him before I brushed my tongue down the length of his long, smooth shaft. A deep hiss filled the room as I took him in my mouth. I continued to move my hand along Jared’s length, feeling it grow harder and harder with every twist of my wrist, nipping and sucking every inch of him as his moans filled the room. His hands fisted the back of my hair as he guided me, showing me the rhythm that he wanted. My knees trembled with excitement when I felt the muscles in his legs tighten, and I knew he was about to come.
I was ready to take in all of him when, in one swift motion, I was lifted to my feet and turned to face away from him. Jared slipped his arm around my waist and pulled my back against his chest. My eyes drifted down to his hand, watching as he slowly lowered it towards my abdomen, caressing me with his touch as he made his way between my legs, raking the tips of his fingers across my clit. He trailed his tongue up the curve of my neck as he whispered, “I love your mouth, babe, but now, it’s my turn.”
I felt his breath against my neck, and I braced myself, waiting for him to take what he wanted, but he was in no rush. His mind was set on taking his time. He teased me for a moment longer, then lowered me down onto the bed. I watched with anticipation as he hooked his fingers into the waistband of my panties and slowly lowered them down my legs. Once they were gone, he lowered himself down on the bed. I arched my back as he slipped his hands behind me, unhooking my bra and tossing it to the foot of the bed. He slowly began kissing every inch of my body, licking and sucking, taking his time to torture me with his mouth. I was losing my sense of control when he finally leaned over to the side of the bed and grabbed a condom from his jeans. Once he slipped it on, he settled himself between my legs. He deliberately brus
hed his cock back and forth over my clit, teasing me until I couldn’t take it anymore.
“Please, Jared!” I shouted.
That was all it took. With one quick, hard thrust, he was buried deep inside me. His moves were slow but forceful as he eased himself in and out of me. I appreciated that he was trying to give me what I asked for, but I needed more. I was wrong when I told him I needed it long and slow. I really wanted him to make me lose all control. I dug my nails into his ass, urging him to move faster. A deep moan vibrated through my chest as his hands reached up into my hair, demanding my mouth. His rhythm increased, but it wasn’t enough.
“More!” I cried.
Jared put his hands under my ass, lifting me so he could drive deeper inside, giving me all he had. My body clenched around him as my climax finally took hold. He continued to pound against my flesh, taking me completely over the edge. I cried out his name as he finally found his own release and collapsed on top of me. Our bodies were dripping with sweat, limp from exertion. I trembled under him, reeling from the intense orgasm he’d just given me. Jared lifted himself up on his elbows and looked down at me with absolute wonder in his eyes. “You okay?”
“I’m more than okay.”
He studied me for a moment longer, then rolled to his side. After tossing the condom into the trash, he lay down on the bed next to me like he’d done many times before, pulling me over to him as I rested my head on his shoulder. He brushed the back of his hand lightly across my cheek and whispered, “I love you, babe.”
“I love you too.” I’d known for a while that he loved me. I could see it in his eyes whenever he looked at me. I could feel it in his touch, but actually hearing him finally say the words warmed my heart. I inched a little closer as I whispered back, “So very much.”
“You know, that whole deal with Gary, and him taking you like he did really fucked with my head. I just couldn’t stand the thought of something happening to you.”
“I know, Jared, but I’m fine. You made sure of that.” I looked up at him. “You’ve been looking after me ever since that first day I walked into your office, and you’ve never stopped. That’s one of the many reasons why I think it’s time for us to move in together.”
A smile swept across his face as he asked, “Is that right?”
“Well, you’re here every night, so we’re practically living together now. We’d just be moving over to your place.”
"I don’t know. Moving in together is a big step. I don’t know if we’re ready.” He was teasing me, using my own words against myself.
“Okay, that’s fine. We can wait.” I gave him a little pat on the chest as I said, “You just let me know when you’re ready.”
“Are you kidding?” He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me even closer. “I was ready weeks ago.”
“So, you want to do this? You want to move in together?”
“Absolutely.” A smile slipped across his lips as he said, “We’ll pack up your stuff tomorrow and take it over to my place. Hell, for that matter, we could do it right now.”
“Tomorrow is fine.” I nestled back into the crook of his arms and said, “If we get going early enough, we can be done before we head over to Hawk and Delilah’s place for the game.”
“You sure you’re up for that?”
“Yes, I’m definitely up for it. Besides, with everything that’s been going on, we missed the last big game night, and from what I’ve heard, they had a great time.”
“Okay, if you really want to, then we’ll go.”
“Great.” I had to bite back my laughter as I teased him. “And who knows... maybe Tennessee will actually win this time.”
“Don’t start with me, woman.”
He dug his fingers into my ribs, tickling me, causing me to thrash from side to side as I laughed uncontrollably. I finally shouted, “I give! I give! I won’t say another word about Tennessee football!”
“I’m gonna hold you to that.” He released his hold on me, then tossed back the covers and grabbed his boxer briefs. As he slipped them on, he announced, “I’m going to finish making us something to eat.”
After I threw on a t-shirt, I followed him into the kitchen and helped fix dinner. Once we were done, we piled up in the living room and watched an old Western, then went to bed. The next morning, we got up early, very early, and Jared helped me pack up my things. I didn’t have much, so it didn’t take us long to get it all bagged and boxed up and put into my car. Once we’d cleaned up a bit, we locked up the apartment and headed over to Jared’s place. I should’ve been nervous about us taking such a big step so soon, but I wasn’t. I loved Jared, and I was excited about turning the page on my past and starting this new chapter of my life with him.
When we got over to his place, Jared helped me get my belongings out of the car, and we carried them inside. We usually stayed at my place, so it felt a little strange bringing my things to his house. I looked around at all the dark colors, the enormous TV mounted on the wall, and the computer in the corner and tried to imagine what I might add to make the place seem a little less like a bachelor’s pad. At the moment, I didn’t have anything, just my clothes, but a quick run to Marshalls, and we’d be set. Jared gave me a funny look when he said, “I see those wheels turning in your head. Change anything you want in here... the whole house. Whatever you wanna do. I just have one request.”
“Oh? And what’s that?”
“Don’t go and get a bunch of those girlie throw pillows for the bed.”
“But throw pillows make it look so pretty.”
“Yeah, but they’re just gonna end up on the floor, and then ya gotta put them back.”
“But they make it look pretty,” I pouted.
“Fine.” He came up behind me and slipped his arms around my waist. “You can get the damn pillows.”
“I’m just teasing, Jared.” I giggled. “I’m not a big fan of throw pillows either.”
“See! I knew there was something I liked about you.”
When he started trailing kisses along my neck, I shied away from him and said, “You keep doing that, and we’ll never make it to the cookout.”
“I’d be okay with that.”
“Jared.”
“Okay, okay.” He kissed me one last time, then walked over to his dresser and started making room for my things. I’d just grabbed one of my bags and had started unpacking when he turned to me and casually announced, “I think we should get a dog.”
“What?”
“Not one of those little yippie ones, you know, like those Taco Bell dogs... What are those?”
“A Chihuahua?”
“Yeah, definitely don’t want one of those Chihuahua type dogs. I’m thinking something more big and gruff, like a Great Dane or an Alaskan Malamute. Maybe even a Doberman Pincher.”
“A Doberman Pincher?” I gasped at the thought. “What’s with the sudden interest in getting a dog? You’ve never mentioned it before.”
“Well, there are times when I have to work late.” He took a big handful of clothes and shoved them into the bottom drawer. “Having a dog around would make me feel better about you being out here alone.”
“I’ll be fine. Besides,”—I motioned my hand around in a circle—“it’s like Fort Knox in here with all your security mumbo-jumbo.”
“Security mumbo-jumbo?” He brought his hand up to his chest. “Damn, woman. You really know how to hit a man where it hurts.”
“Oh, stop. You know what I meant,” I fussed. “I feel perfectly safe here, but if you want to get a dog, by all means, get a dog. Just be prepared to help with the potty training.”
“You got yourself a deal.”
As Jared helped me finish unpacking, I thought about our time together. We’d been through so much, but it hadn’t torn us apart. Instead, it had only brought us closer together. That’s the funny thing about love. When it’s the real thing, you’re willing to do just about anything to hold onto it. You face the struggle, you fight the good
fight, and in the end, you have something worth holding onto. I certainly had something worth holding onto with Jared, and I wasn’t ever letting go.
Menace
“I thought you said we were taking a quick ride to town.” Aubrey got off the back of my Harley and removed her helmet. “That was not a quick ride.”
“Seemed pretty quick to me.”
She glanced over at the small white chapel behind us with a confused expression. “What are we doing here? Is someone getting married?”
“As a matter of fact…” I reached into my pocket and pulled out the ring I’d bought her. As I opened the small box, I said, “We are.”
“What?” she gasped.
“I love you, babe. I want to spend my life with you.” Aubrey and I had been living together for the past couple of months, and while it was great having her there, I wanted more. I wanted her to be mine in every way possible, and I didn’t want to wait a second longer, so I got Marlowe to help me plan out our big day. As I stood there in front of the wedding chapel, I knew I wanted nothing more than to make Aubrey my wife, and I prayed that she felt the same way. “The question is, do you want to spend your life with me?”
“Of course, I do.”
“Then, marry me.”
Her eyes were wide with wonder as I slipped the ring on her finger. She stared down at her hand for several moments, then looked up at me with a warm smile on her face. “So, we’re getting married right now?”
“That’s the plan.”
“But I don’t have a dress.” She looked down at her jeans and t-shirt with horror in her eyes. “And I’m a complete mess.”
“It’s been taken care of.” I motioned my hand over to the front steps of the church where Marlowe and Rafe were waiting for us. Marlowe smiled as she held up the dress she’d bought for Aubrey to wear on her special day. “I might’ve had a little help putting all this together.”
