by K. Webster
“That memo didn’t come in the new members’ packet,” Copper says back, pushing his finger deeper inside me.
“Fuck off.” Koyn chuckles. “I need a favor.”
“Anything.”
“So compliant.”
“Get on with it, man.”
Koyn sighs. “It’s gonna cause ripples, but why don’t you bring Stormy to Thanksgiving.”
“What?” I mouth, my eyes widened in shock.
Copper rubs at my clit with his thumb. “I’ll think about it.”
“Wasn’t really asking if I’m being frank,” Koyn grunts out. “I was telling you Hadley wants her there.”
“I said I’ll think about it,” Copper growls. “I don’t trust Filter.”
“Filter isn’t going to hurt your prisoner,” Koyn assures him. “Hadley would murder his ass. You have my word. You’re officially one of us now.”
“Hmm,” Copper drawls out, rubbing me hard and furious until I’m about to come. “I’ll get back to you. Something important came up. Call you in a few.”
He hangs up, crashes his lips to mine, and pushes me over the edge of pleasure.
I’m jerked from the past as heavy footsteps thud into the kitchen.
“You ready?” Copper asks, dipping down for a kiss that makes my stomach flip.
“Just a few more minutes on the stuffing.” I glance at the timer. “Are you sure they’re okay with me coming?”
Copper snorts. “Never said they were. Just that they’d get over it. I know Hadley is thrilled to see you. You can thank her for softening my brother up.”
And boy did she manage that.
Copper gave me Hadley’s cell number and told me Koyn was okay with me communicating with her, which means she worked some magic on that mean-ass bastard. It feels like a huge step considering almost a year ago, I was on death’s doorstep with nearly a dozen pissed off motorcycle dudes wanting to cut my throat. The fact Koyn is allowing me to speak to his ol’ lady is huge. I can’t fuck this up.
“Do they know we’re together?” I gnaw on my bottom lip, searching his eyes.
He grabs me by my hips and pulls me to him. “They know you’re mine. I’m sure they’ve figured out that means in every sense of the word.”
Uneasiness settles in my gut. “We can’t flaunt it.”
“We can do whatever the fuck we want, little storm.” His lips press against mine, making my heart rate speed up. A large palm grabs my ass, squeezing. I’m ready to beg him for a quick fuck when the oven timer goes off.
I groan against his lips and he smiles, playfully smacking my ass.
“I’ll take care of you later, baby. Right now, grab your shit and let’s go. I’m fucking starving.”
He takes off to feed the dogs before we leave and I place the stuffing tray in a warm carrying case. My hands are shaking because this is the first time I’m going back to Koyn’s. I’ve seen some of the guys the one time they dropped by with Dragon, but that’s it. Hadley’s already had her baby. It feels like a lot of time has passed and I missed so much.
What if Thanksgiving doesn’t go smoothly as it’s always gone?
What if I’m met with a bullet to the chest?
Anxiety is a bitch today, making my stomach twist and roil. At least, I hope it’s anxiety. That fucker only remembers about twenty percent of the time to pull out. I’m nauseous today, but I’m believing in the fact it’s just nerves.
If I were to get pregnant with Copper’s baby, I would die.
It’s irresponsible and stupid considering the uncertainty of my life still.
Yet…a small part of me thrills at the idea of holding a beautiful piece of him swaddled in my arms.
Get your shit together, girl. You’re not pregnant. You’re lovesick.
I’ve almost talked myself from my deluded fantasies of being Copper’s forever woman and having a family with him when he walks back into the kitchen. His dark eyes sweep over me seconds before he prowls my way. Strong hands spear into my hair and he tugs, forcing my head back so I can look at him.
“I’ll keep you safe,” he murmurs. “You trust me?”
Locking eyes with him, I nod. “Yeah, I do.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
I’m emotional and due for my period…that’s late.
“Nothing.” I grin at him. “Perfect. Calla finally texted me back earlier.”
His brown eyes lighten at the mention of my sister and the corners of his eyes crinkle as he smiles. “That’s good to hear. Was she pissed at you going off the grid for so long?” Guilt flashes over his features, but he quickly recovers.
“She was indifferent.” I sigh and fight stupid tears once more. Yep, my period is definitely on its way. “Said she was going to a boyfriend’s for Thanksgiving.”
“What about Cove?” he asks. “We could have brought him here. Maybe they both can visit for Christmas.”
My heart stutters at his words. Weeks ago when he gave me a phone, I was shocked but happy. Since then, he’s listened to all my stories of my siblings and actually seems to care about my happiness. Sometimes, I wonder if I died in those woods when I ran away and all this is just a cruel dream.
“Cove is…” I sigh. Withdrawn. Sullen. Moody. “He’s probably busy. I’ll talk to him about Christmas.”
“You sure nothing else is bothering you?” His dark eyes search mine, hunting for untruths.
“I’m so nervous, I could throw up,” I blurt out. Not a lie. “I’m probably making it all worse in my head. It’s just the same idiots as always.”
He smirks. “Same ones. Let’s get this over with.”
I step out of Copper’s truck, pushing down my dress so it doesn’t fly up in the wind. Since Copper seems to have a thing for cowgirl boots, I softened my look today for him, choosing a floral print dress that hugs my breasts and waist before flaring out to wear with my boots. It’s not a short dress but doesn’t go to my knees either. My blond hair is in long, loose beach waves today. Rather than caking on the makeup, I brushed on some mascara and smeared on some pink lip gloss. Based on the way Copper’s brown eyes burn with intensity each time he sees me, I’d say he’s loving the look.
“Ready?” I ask as I pull the casserole carrier from the floorboard.
He nods, giving me a reassuring wink. We both agreed not to flaunt our relationship, but he also said he wouldn’t hide or deny it anymore. I’m not delusional. When it’s officially out that we’re not just fucking but are together as a real couple, it’s going to cause waves. Copper says he’s ready to go toe to toe with anyone who has a problem with it, even his brother.
“That thing is huge,” I state as we walk toward the front door, motioning for the giant structure at the edge of the property. “Whose house is that?”
“Clubhouse,” Copper says. “Koyn wants to expand, but he has enough shitheads in his house. He doesn’t want any more. Especially now that Caydence is here.”
Just the mention of Hadley’s little baby has me grinning. I can’t wait to hold her. Sure, it’s stressful walking into the lion’s den, but I keep reminding myself I’m a lion too. I’ll be damned if I let Filter and Dragon and Koyn make me cower.
The front door opens and Bermuda steps out. He’s adorable today in a black baseball cap and a boyish grin affixed on his face. His flannel fits him in all the right places, making him seem like he belongs on the front of an Abercrombie catalog rather than in an MC gang. He’s going to make some girl really happy one day.
“About damn time,” Bermuda says in greeting. “You know how hard it is keeping a bunch of bikers out of the fucking food?” He leans in and hugs me, kissing the top of my head. “I missed you, Stormy.”
My heart swells and my eyes water. Stupid probably-almost-period time emotions. I bite on my bottom lip, unable to answer him without crying, so I simply nod.
Copper’s glare is hot and possessive as he takes in the way Bermuda holds me. It sends a thrill down my spine. So much for not making a f
uss over our relationship. It’s written all over Copper’s face I belong to him.
Bermuda finally releases me to take the casserole carrier from me. “Come on. I made a double batch of my fluffy nonsense for PG. She’s probably already spooned her way through the first batch.”
We follow him inside. It’s loud and chaotic. I can hear Nees laughing and Dragon telling him he’s a fucking idiot. Then, I hear Hadley throwing shade at both of them. My heart does a painful squeeze inside my chest. At one time, I’d almost given up on my undercover agenda and just let myself live as Filter’s almost ol’ lady. I’d felt at home and a part of something when I was here.
Too bad it was all a farce.
Try telling my feelings that.
Being back reminds me I did care about those guys even when I didn’t want to. Nothing’s changed. They might want to kill me—especially Filter—but I just want them to accept me again.
“Stormy!”
The female screech is my only warning before I’m nearly tackled by a girl in a blue TU hoodie. My arms fling around Hadley and I hug her to me tight. She starts to cry, which sets me off too. I hold her in my arms, reassuring myself that exposing my identity to protect her was the best thing I ever did, even if I didn’t even need to do it. At the time, I thought she was in danger and I wanted to protect her.
“These motherfuckers wouldn’t let me see you,” she complains through her tears. “I’m done with their bitchy asses. If they try and keep me from seeing you again, I’ll kill them all in their sleep.”
A laugh bubbles out of me. “And have this house all to ourselves with no boys? Need help sharpening your knife?”
“Okay, Thelma and Louise,” Copper grunts. “You can plan your murder spree after dinner. There’s a dining room full of hangry bikers and if we don’t get this show on the road, Dragon will make a meal out of my bratty-ass son.”
“He’s not my type,” Dragon calls out from nearby. “I like ’em soft. Nees is not motherfucking soft.”
“Dude,” Bizzy interjects. “He takes Hadley to Sonic like every goddamn day like he’s her personal assistant. Dude is fuckin’ soft.”
“Your belly is soft, Santa Claus,” Nees hollers back. “After today, your ass is going back on the diet.”
I pull away from Hadley, admiring how beautiful and grown she looks. Her eyes shine with happiness. “I missed this,” I murmur. “And did hell freeze over? Bizzy on a diet?”
“Oh my God,” Hadley says with a giggle. “It’s fucking hilarious. Dragon and Nees think they’re going to make over Bizzy and turn him into a chick magnet. Even if he had a body like Dragon, there’s no way in hell the chicks will be flocking to him.”
“I heard that,” Bizzy bellows. “Prez, tell your ol’ lady to stop talking smack about me.”
“Don’t be a pussy,” Koyn says back to him. “You’re upsetting my daughter.”
At the mention of Caydence, I drift my gaze over to Koyn. It’s easy to see past his scarred face, tattoos, and leather when he’s holding a bundled baby girl in a pink blanket. His dark eyes shine with the pride and love of a father. I never could have predicted a year ago that I’d witness Koyn like this. Never.
Payne and Halo are expressionless at my appearance, but I don’t miss the distrust in their eyes. For some reason, they seem to be lingering around Hadley like a couple of bodyguards. It makes me nervous because they look seconds from jumping me. Rather than withering like I want to, I lift my chin, prance right up to Koyn, and hold out my hands.
“Give her up, Daddy,” I say, a smile curling my lips up. “I’ve been dying to see this angel.”
He doesn’t say anything shitty to me. Simply passes her to me before heading out back to smoke. I snuggle the adorable sleeping baby to my chest and close my eyes. Leaning close to her face, I inhale her sweet infant scent. My heart pulses as I secretly hope for more than a delayed period. I hope for so much more.
“Aren’t you perfect?” I croon, peeking my eyes open to admire the dark-haired baby who’s a perfect blend of her parents. “So beautiful.”
Copper crowds me from behind, making my breath catch. “Cute kid.”
His hand brushes over my arm as he reaches to touch Caydence’s hair. Heat from his body burns into my back. I suck in a sharp breath of air. His proximity causes everything around me to blur and numb. I can almost imagine a future with Copper. Just like this but with our own little one. I’m lost in the daydream until I feel a hard stare on me. Lifting my gaze, I find Filter’s hateful glare boring into me from outside as he takes a drag of his cigarette.
My smile fades and a shiver trembles through me. Copper’s hand curls around my hip, clutching me in a possessive way.
“Ignore his broody ass,” Copper growls, offering Filter his middle finger. “He should have stayed in his fucking room if he was going to be a dick.”
I turn away from the window so I can face Copper. “I’m okay. Grab a plate before Bizzy eats it all.”
“Fuck all the way to hell, Stormy,” Bizzy hollers, precariously balancing two plates in one hand while he fishes out a roll from the breadbasket.
“I’ll make you a plate,” Copper says to me before joining the chaotic fray of bikers horsing around in the kitchen.
I smile, but it fades when the cool November air rushes in, bringing Koyn and Filter in with it. Filter walks over to me, standing too close for comfort, the scent of cigarettes wafting around me.
“They might have forgiven you,” he murmurs, “but they’ll never forget the bitch who betrayed them.”
“Filter…” I trail off and sneak a glance at him. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”
He lets out a derisive snort. “Your sorry doesn’t mean shit. Tell me, Stormy, how long did it take before you were spreading your legs for Copper? What’s your end game now? I can’t wait to see how it all plays out. Poor fucking Copper is going to get a taste firsthand of your deceit.”
“Fuck off,” I bite out, glaring at him. “You don’t know shit.”
Filter opens his mouth to say something, but Caydence starts to cry. Koyn rushes over like a dark superhero and rescues her from my arms. I’m left alone with the villain.
“You’ll betray him because that’s what you do. You betray everyone. And I’ll be the first one in line to say I fucking told you so,” Filter sneers. “Hell, I might even beat him in line to finally end your miserable existence.”
I smack him across his face. “Threaten me again and I’ll cut your balls off.”
A strong arm curls around me and pulls me into a solid, familiar chest. “You got a problem with my ol’ lady, VP?”
The room goes completely silent. Shit. Copper just announced to the whole damn room I’m his. Not his captive, but his ol’ lady.
“I fucking knew it,” Filter spits out, his eyes flashing with disgust. “From one bed into another.”
“Keep talking shit about her and I’m going to beat your pretty face in,” Copper growls from behind me. “That is the last warning you’ll get.”
Koyn walks over and clutches Filter’s shoulder. “You know the rules, man. We follow a code for a reason.”
Filter’s face flashes with fury, but he gives Koyn a clipped nod. As soon as he walks away, my shoulders relax.
“For the record,” Koyn grumbles, keeping his voice low. “You two are fucking obvious. Don’t know who you were trying to fool.”
“Wasn’t trying to fool anyone,” Copper bites back. “I figured you put two and two together when I patched in.”
Koyn sighs. “I put two and two together when you saved Agent Gale’s ass that night.”
“We weren’t a thing then,” I rush out, quick to defend Copper. The last thing I want is Koyn thinking his brother betrayed him too. “It just sort of happened.”
Koyn shakes his head and then bends to kiss his baby’s head. “You were a thing then. Neither of you saw it, though.”
He walks away, leaving me dumbfounded. When Copper pulls me
into his arms, I tense up, my eyes automatically searching for Filter’s angry glare. All I see is a loving biker family that I’ve somehow weaseled myself back into. I relax in Copper’s embrace and put on my proverbial big girl panties.
We’re a couple.
And there’s nothing they can do about it.
Copper
Stormy’s phone buzzes from the nightstand. It’s probably one of two people since so few have her new number. Hadley or her sister Calla. Since Thanksgiving a few days ago, Hadley blows up Stormy’s phone to the point it’s fucking annoying. But seeing how Stormy grins every time, I let it slide.
She’s not a prisoner anymore.
She may be mine, but she’s free to have friends and speak to people.
“Don’t you ever get tired of baby pictures?” I tease, brushing her hair from her face. “I swear that girl sends you a thousand texts a day.”
Stormy’s eyes flutter open and she smiles. “It’s your niece. Don’t act like you aren’t pleased each time you see pictures of that baby girl.”
I smirk at her, knowing she’s right. Caydence is so damn cute. Makes me miss the days when Blake was a baby. If I keep coming inside Stormy, it’ll be us next. The thought isn’t a bad one. I may be old and officially headed toward retirement, but the idea of knocking this hot as hell woman up is an idea I can’t shake off.
Her phone buzzes again.
“You going to answer or would you prefer to ride my dick, little storm?”
She sits up, her blond hair a wild mess, and straddles my waist. “Who says I can’t do both? You can be the first item on my to-do list.”
Fuck, retirement is the best.
I get to have sex all goddamn day with this woman.
She teases me by rubbing her slick pussy along my throbbing dick. I like when she’s on top so I can watch her pretty tits bounce. Gripping her hips in my rough hold, I urge her to sit on my dick and stop playing with me. Her sexy grin undoes me. She licks her lips and then wraps her hand around my cock, lifting it up and aligning it with her body. We both groan when she sinks down over my length.
“Are we a forever thing?” she asks, her blue eyes shiny with emotion.
