Twenty-Four
Shark
S carlett’s eyes flutter open beside me. I’m not exactly sure how long I’ve been watching her, but it feels like it could have been hours. I barely slept. I’ve never held a woman all night in my arms, not like this.
“Mornin’, darlin’,” I drawl and her pink lips curl.
“Good morning,” she replies, offering a soft giggle.
“And what’s so funny?” I ask.
“Nothing… I just love your southern accent,” she admits.
“Oh really?” I grin back, lifting myself to cover her playfully before bringing my lips down to meet hers. A hard knock rattles the door, causing me to pull back before I’m ready.
“Shark, you awake?” Pike’s voice comes through and Scarlett’s eyes go wide. With the exception of Ray and Sonny, the rest of the club is still clueless about our relationship.
“I’m going to use the bathroom,” she offers, slipping from the bed. I touch her arm softly and she stops before taking another step.
“You don’t have to hide,” I tell her.
“I know, but it’s probably best if I’m not naked and in your bed the first time we’re seen together,” she answers.
“True,” I chuckle as she turns away, padding softly into the bathroom and closing the door.
“Yeah…yeah… I’m up,” I groan as I pull on a pair of boxer briefs and move towards the door, yanking it open.
“Shit, brother. Did I wake you?” Pike questions, noticing my lack of clothing and the messy bed behind me.
“Nah, I’ve been up for a minute. Just not ready to leave the room yet,” I share.
“I just noticed you were a no show at dinner last night, everything good?” he asks and his eyes move back behind me.
I glance back, over my shoulder, catching sight of Scarlett’s bikini on the floor. Although I’m sure with the number of women who walk around this place on a daily basis in nothing but a skimpy bathing suit, he’ll have a hard time recognizing this one as Scarlett’s.
“I had other plans,” I smirk and he offers an easy laugh.
“Yeah, I see that. Didn’t realize you had an overnight guest. Uh… we don’t have much on the books for today, so a couple of us were going to hit up the Kitty Kat. You interested?” he asks raising his eyebrows.
“Nah, man. I think I’m good here, brother,” I offer.
“I bet you are. I’ll catch you later then,” he says before turning and skulking away as I clip the door closed again.
As soon as I turn around, the bathroom door cracks open and she steps out, bare and beautiful. “God damn, darlin’. I might just have to keep you in here forever if you’re gonna walk around like that,” I groan, taking two large strides to close the distance between us. I run my finger down her arm and her body shivers.
“Naked and in my bed, making you come all day…every fucking day. How does that sound?” I question, my voice now husky and full of want.
“Amazing,” she breathes. “But also completely unrealistic,” a soft giggle bubbles from her lips and then I hear her stomach growl, as her hand drops to cover her smooth belly. Shit. I never had dinner last night, which means she didn’t either. I need to keep my girl fed and healthy.
“I need to take a quick piss. Go ahead and get dressed and we’ll go find some breakfast,” I tell her.
“I don’t have any clothes, I mean, other than my bathing suit,” she reminds me.
“Throw on one of my t-shirts and then go grab some clothes from your room. I’ll meet you in the kitchen with a box of Lucky Charms,” I grin back.
“Okay. I guess I’ll see you in a couple minutes,” she lifts to her toes and presses her lips against mine before moving past me, so that I can now take my turn in the bathroom. It takes every ounce of my energy to let her naked body move past me without grabbing her and taking her back to bed. But I know my girl needs to eat, so I bite my tongue and step into the bathroom.
I step back out only a couple minutes later and find she’s already gone. I slip into my jeans then open my drawers and reach in for a clean t-shirt. I slide my arms into my cut next, letting the familiar leather mold to my body before finally reaching for my boots.
Once I’m ready, I grab my phone and the pack of cigarettes off the bedside table, deciding to have a quick smoke while Scarlett gets dressed. She might have said a couple minutes, but I’m sure it’ll take longer than that.
I light up as soon as I step out on to the back patio, and just as I take a deep drag, my phone starts ringing. Glancing at the screen, I see Army’s name flashing up at me.
“Hey, brother,” I answer smoothly.
“Hey, motherfucker. I’ve been waiting on you. What the fuck is taking you so long?” he rants in my ear.
Shit. He either called the wrong person, or he’s still shitfaced from last night and forgot that I’m in Vegas. Knowing Army, either option is possible.
“Well, you’re gonna be waiting a bit longer. I’m in Vegas,” I answer.
“I know where the fuck you are. Despite popular opinion, I’m not a complete moron. What I meant is I’ve been waiting on you to fill my fucking phone with some hot pics. I thought you’d share some of that fine Vegas pussy,” he clarifies and I can’t help but answer with a small chuckle.
“I see… I thought maybe you were still drunk from last night,” I add and he barks out a laugh against my ear.
“So, I know you’re having the time of your life out there, but you could’ve at least sent me one by now. I mean, all those beautiful fake tits, and you know those Vegas girls are always willing to show ‘em off. Come up for air for a few minutes and send me some,” he requests.
“Sorry, brother, but I can’t do it. I’m sure I can hit up one of the other guys to send you some though,” I offer.
“Something wrong with your camera?” he asks.
“Nope. I…uh… I’m a one-woman man now,” I admit.
“Fuck off. Stop pulling my dick and send me some of that sweet snatch I know you’re getting,” he begs.
“No joke, brother. I’m fuckin’ serious,” I tell him and I’m met with a brief silence.
“Jesus Christ. Another man down. Honestly, I never thought I’d see you fall fuckin’ victim,” he says.
“Me neither, man, but she’s different,” I share, and I’m sure he’s probably fucking laughing at me on the other end. He won’t understand this shit until it happens to him. I saw it hit Ryder and Kane first, and then Fifty when Jade came around. But I never thought one woman would be able to hold me the way Scarlett does.
“That must be one magic pussy,” he chuckles.
“One, you’re God damn right it is, and two, don’t ever fuckin’ talk about her pussy again,” I growl in response.
“Shit, it is real. Just had to test you, brother,” he says. “So, when are you bringing this chickie home?”
“Not sure if that’s gonna happen. Ray mentioned the possibility of a future here in Vegas, so I’m considering my options,” I share.
“Oh, fuck no. You belong in Rock Hill. This is your fucking home,” Army’s response is immediate and intense, and I feel it too.
“I know, but it’s easier said than done. It’s Scarlett… Ray’s daughter,” I finally tell him.
“No fucking way. And Ray is okay with that shit?” he asks in complete surprise.
“He is, but I’m not sure if it’s contingent on me settling here. And you’re sworn to fucking secrecy with this. Don’t go blabbing this shit around the clubhouse or I’ll be on the next flight out to kick your ass,” I say.
“Got it. I have faith you’ll make the right decision,” he lays the guilt trip right on me.
“Thanks. Take it easy, brother. I’ll talk to you soon,” I end the call, slipping my phone back into my pocket before stomping out my butt.
Stepping back inside, her blue eyes light up as she looks up at me from her seat at the kitchen island. “I got you a bowl,” she smiles, holding up the box of Lucky Charms and shaking it in the air.
“Thanks, darlin’,” I offer, taking the empty seat beside her and dropping a soft kiss to her bare shoulder.
“Important call?” she asks.
“Nah, just one of the guys back home,” I answer.
“Oh,” she says, and I catch her looking up at me from the corner of my eye before her gaze drops back quickly to the marshmallows floating in her milk.
And I’ve done it. I’ve said the one word bringing full attention to the reality of our situation – home .
I bring my hand to her thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. She turns back to look at me, but her eyes are wide and glassy. Fuck.
“Sweetheart, I have no intention of leaving you,” I tell her, and I mean every fucking word. Nothing else matters in this moment. I need Scarlett to know that I’m hers just as much as she is mine.