Balance (The Chicago Defiance MC Book 6)

by K E Osborn

  I’m not sure I like the idea of having Ace and cops surrounding my every move, but I’m reasonably certain, at this point, I have no say.

  “Right, well, I guess we’ll head out? Any issues, call us. Okay?” Brody asks.

  “Sure, and thanks.” I turn to Ace. “I’ll just get packed.”

  Brody and Grier step out of the trailer leaving Ace and me inside.

  Ace turns to me as I let out a heavy exhale. “You could have forewarned me,” I mention as I turn to get my shit.

  He reaches out grabbing my arm, I stop, turning to glare at him. His eyes are kind, not the hard, intense stare I was expecting, and it softens my stance. I step up to him and wrap my arms around his neck, his looping around my waist as we gaze at each other. “I just want to protect you, you have to know that.”

  Smiling as my fingers play with the loose hair hanging from the back of his man bun, I nod. “I know, it’s hard to deal with all this… but I’m glad you’re here. I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t by my side.”

  He’s having trouble trying not to throw me down on the bed at the other end of the trailer, but he’s holding himself together as his head turns toward the trailer door. “We should go. Everyone’s waiting. But just so you know, at the hotel, I’m staying in your room with you.”

  My stomach flips, my abdomen tightens as my breath is knocked from me. I’m in shock, delighted shock but also a nervous shock, and as much as I want this, I’m not sure it’s the right thing.

  “Umm… you’re gonna what now? That’s pretty presumptuous of you, isn’t it?”

  “Before you go getting too freaked out, I’ll sleep on the sofa. Noah’s going to do the same in Cindi’s room.”

  My entire body relaxes. I’m still fighting with the idea that the public is going to kick my ass for being seen with him, but for now, right now, he’s showing me kindness and compassion that I can’t stop myself from falling into his arms. My lips press to his, and I kiss him, full of passion, full of promise. I need him to know even though I think this entire situation is crazy, after all, there hasn’t been a threat made against Cindi or me for that matter, but his attraction to me is most definitely mutual.

  His hands slide down around my back drawing me close to him, his slight beard tickling my face making me weak against his lips. I could get lost in him forever, but right now I have a hotel room to get back to, one we’re apparently sharing together.

  This is going to be interesting to say the least.

  Telling Julian that Ace is staying in my hotel room was like waging war with Satan. I swear I saw his horns extend from his scalp, but it didn’t matter because this is happening whether Julian agrees or not. He certainly thought it was a bad idea for Ace to be staying in my room. He kept talking about my image and what if the media catches wind of it—it could ruin this movie, ruin me. But right now, I need to think of my safety first, and because there’s no actual threat, it’s hard for him to understand, but I have told him everything I know so far about the supposed Mafia connection to the movie. Danny and this Roman guy have something up their sleeves, I know I’m in their line of sight, just not sure why or what for.

  I told Julian if Ace is so bad, then why would two police officers work with him on this. He didn’t have a response. If I don’t have Ace and the cops watching over me, I fear I won’t have a career to come back to because I might not even be alive.

  Eventually, Julian caved and now Ace and I are walking toward the hotel room for our first night together. I have to admit, spending the night alone with him is a little daunting. Being in a suite with just Ace has me feeling all kinds of emotions—nervous, anxious, aroused.

  The idea anything could happen scares me. There’s definite chemistry between us. The kisses we’ve shared have been off-the-charts intense. The emotions flowing through me, the energy, the surge, it’s powerful. I’ve never felt anything like it when I’m with him.

  It scares me.

  I’ve never wanted someone so much, but there is a downside.

  Nothing this perfect comes without a price.

  That price is his patch.

  It worries me people won’t understand if an actress of my caliber starts something with a one-percenter like him. I just don’t know how it will go down. I don’t know if we could ever be possible even though my body craves him undeniably.

  A bunch of us are walking through the hall of the hotel, people breaking off to their rooms one by one. Cindi and Noah joking around like they do. Ace and I are quiet. I think he can feel the tension between us as well. We both know when we step into the hotel room, we will truly be alone, for the first time. No one will come inside unexpectedly, no one will call me to set, it will be just us, all night until we have to get up in the morning. I think we’re both nervous about that.

  Cindi and Noah break off toward her room. “Night guys, see ya tomorrow,” Cindi calls out.

  “Night, sleep well,” I reply as Ace bobs his head at Noah who does the same in reply.

  Men of few words.

  Ace turns to me, I instantly feel it, the tension rising through the air. The energy pumps as I stare into his eyes, and I see lust staring right back at me. His chest’s panting just like mine. I know if I don’t do something soon, we’ll be making out in the hallway. So, I turn to grab the keycard and swipe to open the door. It unlocks with a click as Ace grabs my arm halting me. “Wait. Let me go first, walk behind me,” he instructs.

  My muscles tense as I watch him go into protector mode while he slowly stalks into the suite, his arm across my body guarding me against danger. I have to admit, even though it’s kind of scary thinking there might be something wrong with my suite, the fact Ace does everything to watch after me like this is fucking exciting, heart pumping, libido activating, adrenaline.

  We slowly walk down the hall, my heart beats faster as he pulls out a gun, one I didn’t even know he had on him. My breath catches in my throat as I grip onto his arm tighter. I should be scared, I should be frightened that someone might be here or has left something for us to find, but all I am is turned on at seeing Ace like this. He brings the gun up as we round the corner, and he aims it into the middle of the room. My heart leaps into my throat as we search to see nothing’s there.

  The room is fine.

  Ace visibly relaxes as he turns to glance at me. I can’t seem to focus on anything other than my raging hormones right now as I eye him up and down wanting to ravage him right here and now. My hands slide up his arms, seductively, but he raises his brow knowing what I’m up to. “I have to check the other rooms,” he simply states.

  Opening my eyes wide, I gasp. “Oh shit! Sorry. Yes. Go.” I drop my hands from him, I don’t miss him subtly rearranging his cock in his pants, as he steps through the room to the right into the small office. I follow behind.

  “Clear,” he calls out making me giddy. I equally hate and love that this shit turns me on.

  He makes his way to the bathroom examining all the nooks and crannies. “Clear,” he calls out then steps back out to the main room. He glances around then walks over to the closet opening it. He stands for a moment taking in all the clothing with a confident, cocky smile, then pulls them aside checking the closet space. “Clear. We’re all good.”

  I let out a relieved breath. “Thank God.”

  He glances to the sofa that’s pressed against the wall to the right of my king-size bed. At least it is big enough for him to sleep on. The perks of having a large room. He places his gun down the back of his pants, hiding it under his shirt. Now I know why I had no idea it was there.

  “I didn’t know you carried a weapon,” I admit.

  He glances at me raising his brow. “Do you know anything about bikers?”

  Exhaling, I shrug, then walk over to the bed, sit down and start taking off my heels. “I know I thought you were different from what I thought about bikers, but now I guess I’m not so sure.”

  He comes to the edge of the bed then drops t
o the floor at my feet, kneeling down. He takes one foot into his hands and begins to massage, making me relax. “You think just because a man carries a gun that makes him a bad person?” he asks as I flop back on the bed. Feeling his magical hands on me again does things to my brain, things where I can’t focus on anything but the pleasure he’s giving me.

  “No, I mean my father is pro-guns. I’m sure he walks around with one sometimes.”

  He scoffs. “And you’re judging me?”

  Closing my eyes I try not to moan out loud from his fingers pushing into my sore arches. I sigh. “Not judging. Was just pointing out that I didn’t know. I’m not angry or anything, Ace. In fact, I was a little… excited when you pulled that gun out.”

  His hands stop moving but only for a millisecond, then he keeps going. My stomach flutters with butterflies at the change in the atmosphere, but I don’t move. I stay on the bed, legs dangling over the edge with him on the floor massaging me. I’m in a vulnerable position. Ace holds all the cards right now. And he’s playing them well.

  His hands slowly edge upward to my ankle and calf. “The danger excited you, or me protecting you did?” he asks, his hands kneading and working into my sore muscles so perfectly my skin tingles in delight.

  My body almost heaves in pleasure as I breathe faster with every slight move upward that he makes. His hands continue their ever so slow journey up my leg. “Both. But seeing you like that, willing to lay your life on the line for me, Ace, that exhilarated me. I don’t know anyone who would do that for me… no one.”

  His hand massages a little firmer still continuing higher but slowly. He’s near my knee as my heart rate spikes making my breathing so rapid I’m sure he’s noticed. I want him to touch me so damn bad I can’t stand it right now, but I stay where I am and let him torture me.

  “You’re worth it, Neve.” His voice is deep, low, and raspy like he’s having trouble holding himself together as well. His hands move to my thigh, his fingers working into my muscles, and he slides under my dress. I’m panting hard and fast as the energy in the air pops and sizzles so hot I feel like I’m burning in the summer sun even though we’re at the start of Fall.

  His right hand moves over to my left thigh as they shift in tandem sliding up higher. My clit throbs so hard as his hands dip to the inner part of my thighs. I part them giving him access as his hands continue to work both my inner thighs. I let out a small moan as I bite my lower lip. He’s building the tension so fucking much I just want to rip all his damn clothes off and let him take me right here and now.

  Slowly, his lips press down on my upper thigh, so close to my pussy his beard’s tickling my skin, making me squirm as my hips begin to rock needing some sort of pressure release. My fingers grasp the sheets as my eyes clench closed, my teeth digging into my bottom lip. His lips leave my skin making me whimper with the loss.

  “Neve,” his voice is low and husky.

  “Mmm-hmm,” I whimper.

  “Do you think they have extra pillows and blankets for me in here, or will I need to call the concierge?”

  My head snaps up to look at him. My mind’s swarming in confusion as his hands leave me while he stands up to walk over to the sofa. “What the?”

  He sits on it, bopping a few times as if checking its comfort level. “Yes, this will be fine.”

  “Ace! What the hell are you playing at?” I ask sitting up on my elbows.

  He sighs. It’s clear his rock-hard cock is pushing up against the zipper of his jeans, so why the fuck did he stop?

  “I didn’t mean to go that far. When I’m touching you, I can’t seem to control myself.”

  I pull my dress down and sit up wrapping my arms around myself for comfort. “But why did you stop?”

  He flares his nostrils turning away from me. “Because you’re not sure. You were caught in the moment, and I don’t want you to regret anything you do with me. I want you to be with me when you’re sure it’s right. When you’re okay being with a biker and what that entails.”

  I so badly want to be mad at him, but I can’t. This only goes to prove how much of a decent guy Ace is. “So, no sex?”

  He smiles. “No sex, not until you’re okay with who I am.”

  I tense up. “Kissing?”

  His head turns back, tipping his face to the sky. “I can make an exception.”

  “Thank God for that.” I relax a little.

  He turns back to me, his eyes are wide and glowing. “Okay, Miss De Villa, let’s get you to bed, we have an early morning,” he states.

  “Okay… and Ace?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Thank you.”

  He stands, walking over to me, pulling me from the bed. He wraps his arms around me, then leans in pressing his lips to mine. My lips tingle instantly, and all I want him to do is throw me down on the bed and have his way with me. But he’s right, I’m not there, and we shouldn’t take that step until I know for sure it’s the right thing to do. For him and for me.

  Ace is a good man, and I need to allow myself to truly believe it.

  He pulls back then smacks my ass making me let out a small squeal. “Right, go get into your pajamas while I find some bedding for me.”

  I peck his lips quickly, then turn walking to my closet. I can’t help but feel a giddy excitement. Even though the ache between my legs is definitely there, the swirling in my chest is what’s got me smiling right now. Ace proves to me the more time I spend with him just how good of a catch he really is. I can only hope nothing happens to make me change my mind.

  Opening the closet door, I grab my silk pajamas. It might be Fall, but the room is heated so I can still wear my small cami set. Knowing Ace is here and will see me in it makes my lips turn up slowly. I didn’t intend on anyone being in my room at night, so a sexy pajama set wasn’t meant to be seen by anyone. Ace is going to have to put up with the fact I’m wearing short, silk shorts and a tiny silk camisole to bed. If he has trouble holding himself together, that’s his fault.

  Grabbing the cami set, I make my way to the bathroom, brush my teeth and quickly get changed. I go about my nightly routine—hair, face and skin—before using the facilities and switching off the light heading out to the main room. As I step out, I notice Ace lying on the sofa, obviously undressed. Whether he has any underwear on I have no idea, but his arms hang out of the blanket and his muscles are bigger than I thought. Now I understand the phrase, arm porn. I stand stock still as my eyes drift up from his arms to his face, and I gasp as I notice his hair is out of his man bun, his dark blond locks are down and sprawled out across the pillow. He could be some fucking magazine model posing for a shoot but with a rough edge to him that totally has me drooling right now.

  “Neve, you okay?”

  “Yep.” It comes out way too high-pitched as I rush into the room to my bed pulling back the sheets to get in.

  He chuckles, shaking his head. “You’re cute when you’re turned on.”

  I gasp throwing my body back on the bed. “I’m not turned on,” I lie.

  “You’re not?” he questions.

  “Shut up and go to sleep, Tarzan.”

  He laughs, the sound sending a peaceful calm through the room as I flick off the light sending us into darkness. “Goodnight, Starlet.”

  “Night, Ace.”

  ACE

  I’m shocked awake by a noise screeching through the room. It startles me so much that my torso bolts up grabbing my gun from under my pillow and aiming it in no specific direction as I try to gather my bearings. Suddenly, the light flicks on disorientating me as I blink a few times hearing Neve groan.

  “Put that thing away before you shoot me,” she states, the noise coming to a stop.

  I watch her movements to see her hitting her cell, it’s then I realize the noise is an alarm. It’s crazy stupid o’clock, so it must be time to get up. Yawning, I rub my face with my hands, my gun smacking me in the forehead as I sit up properly.

  Suddenly, a knock at the door so
unds. I turn toward it aiming my gun right at the darkened wood, while Neve jumps up from the bed.

  “Don’t worry, it’s just Julian coming to give me the breakdown for today. This happens every morning, and he already text me to say he’s on his way down.”

  I drop my aim as she goes to answer it but stay seated on the sofa. I don’t want to seem over-cautious if it is Julian, which by all accounts it should be. She answers the door, and he strides in.

  Quickly, I slide my gun under the pillow to hide it as he sneers at me with genuine discontent. “On the sofa I see… good.” He glances at Neve. “Shall we meet in the office?” he asks signaling to the room at the back of the suite.

  She heads off as I yawn again. I need to wake up. “Neve,” I call out getting her attention before she goes to her meeting. “I’m gonna shower. Don’t leave the suite.”

  She nods, then heads into the office as I stand to make my way into the bathroom. As I walk in, I can’t help but feel like I’ve hit a brick wall. We got into bed so late last night and now it’s got to be all of three-thirty in the morning, and we’re up again. I don’t know how she does this shit all the time. I’m used to getting up at nine, ten on a good day. This is hard work for me.

  Closing the door, I don’t lock it in case I need to get out there quickly. Pulling down my briefs, I throw them on the floor then reach for the faucet. I get the water to the right temperature then step in. The water spreads out over my body, the heat scorching my skin as I drop my head back letting my hair flow under the water. My long locks grow longer with the water as they flow down my neck and back. I began growing it when I started going through my rebellious stage as a teen. It was to get back at my father for never being home. He was in the Navy, and so he always liked having things in a neat and well-kept manner, including a proper buzz-cut hairdo. Needless to say, I didn’t agree with that and seeing as he wasn’t around to enforce the issue, I gave him the big middle finger and grew my hair long. I haven’t been able to cut it since. It’s the rebel still in me. My way of saying ‘fuck you’ to the man.