CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The brothers and I had been standing around the bar at the clubhouse drinking, when the call came in from Zoe. We’d been planning a patching in party for Spider, Kick’s kid with his ol’ lady, Everleigh. He was patching in together with Snake, Bear, our Treasure’s kid, and Spider’s best friend—they’d both been prospects together, and it only seemed fair to patch them in together.
Because of everything that’s happened with Storm, we’re waiting to have the party next week. He’s been responding well to the treatment at the hospital, and from what I’ve heard, he’s now awake.
When she called, Zoe’s voice sounded needy, which broke my heart so much that I had left my brothers and ridden like a madman to the house she shared with Lexie.
My cock has been painfully hard ever since Zoe opened the door and let me inside the house. It’s gotten steadily harder, and since the kiss, it’s ready to break out of the confines of my jeans.
The smart thing would be to put some distance between us, otherwise I was going to do something neither of us could come back from. She was still too fragile and recovering from everything that had happened to her. I was ready to make her mine yesterday. But for her sake, I needed to step back, take my time, and not rush her like I want to.
I wasn’t a twenty-one-year-old kid anymore; I knew how to look after my woman now. Plus, there were steadily now more ol’ ladies in the club, and she’s friends with most of them. They’ll be able to take her under their wing and show her the ropes.
When she called, I almost couldn’t wait to go to her, But now, I’m rethinking the whole thing. It kills me not being able to touch her when being so close to her. I could go to one of the sweet butts to assuage the ache I have for her, but I didn’t want to do that, I wanted to start fresh, and with no baggage from our pasts.
I looked down at the kitten almost wrapped up like a tiny burrito inside my cut, its head the only thing visible, and couldn’t help the small smile that played along my lips. Just then, movement at the front door had my head lifting, and I watch Zoe slowly walk towards me, looking unsure. I’m sure she’s confused by my mixed signals, but I can’t seem to help myself where she’s concerned.
I silently hand her the pink and black helmet I picked up for her a few days ago. If she’s going to ride with me, she’s going to ride safe. I’m not taking any chances with her safety. A look of shock passes over her beautiful face that I would do something so out of character for her. Buckle up, little one, because that’s just the start of what I have planned for us.
She silently puts on the helmet and throws her leg over my sled, sliding into place behind me. I was already burning up with need for her, having her on the back of my bike, and pressed up against me, feeling her hot pussy against my ass. I don’t know how much more I can take.
I force myself to tamp down those thoughts for my sanity as we head towards the only veterinary clinic in town, which just so happens, is right next door to the gym. When we arrive, it was like a lightbulb moment went off in Zoe’s head.
“Of course. I’d seen a clinic here when I came with Lexie the other day. I’d completely forgotten about it,” she explains, swinging her leg off my sled and removing her helmet, while I tried to forget how good she felt with her arms around my waist the whole time.
I quickly adjust myself while her eyes dart around the small strip mall. I wonder what that’s all about, but instead of asking her, I throw my leg off my sled; giving her a smile, I wrap my arm around her shoulders, expecting her to flinch away from my touch. But when she doesn’t, I relax and hold her tighter against me. Zoe’s green-eyed gaze goes to the gym.
“You guys aren’t open today?” she queries.
“Not today. Ky had something to do for the club, and he told everyone to take the day off.” I explain. I wasn’t about to tell her he’d gone to Cullville to meet up with Storm’s hot little doc. I warned him he was making a mistake, but as usual, he wouldn’t listen to me. He’ll just have to figure things out on his own. I’m not about to hold his hand while he does.
“Come on, let’s go inside.” I tell her, leading her towards the clinic.
The sound of dogs barking gets louder as we come closer and was almost deafening when we actually entered the premises. Reminding me why I’m not a dog owner.
The girl behind the counter looks up and smiles, her eyes twinkling when she takes me in. I’d seen her since the place opened, her eyes always on all the members of the MC when they came by the gym. It was all I could do not to roll my eyes, but I ignored the look and walked up to the counter. Another Tracy, I couldn’t help but think.
“The vet here? We’d like to see her.” I demand, throwing away any niceties with this one.
“Please.” Zoe adds quickly.
The girl looks at me and brazenly licks her lips; beside me, I can feel Zoe freeze. I place a hand on her lower back.
“Do you have an appointment?” she asks. Trying to flirt with me, and she wasn’t being subtle about it either.
“No, but my girl found a stray kitten she’d like to get looked at.” I tried explaining patiently.
“Melissa, please stop flirting with the customers. You either act professional or you can leave.” The owner of the clinic walked in behind the girl; her arms crossed over her chest, pushing her ample tits up. She was dressed in blue scrubs that hid her figure completely. She had a bronze tan complexion, hinting at a Mediterranean background, a curvy figure that most of the brothers in the club would go gaga over, especially Ky. Her chocolate brown hair up in a messy knot on top of her head, thick-rimmed glasses on the bridge of her small nose.
The girl stared daggers at the other woman, but silently walked out.
“I’m terribly sorry about that. She’s only been here a few weeks; I’m planning on replacing her with someone more appropriate.” She explains.
“I’m Sera, the owner of Paws and Claws. How can I help?” she asks, as her huge chocolate brown eyes find the little kitten still inside my cut.
“Oh my gosh, what a cutie.” She gushes, taking it from me, and turning to what I’m assuming are the examination rooms.
“Come with me,” she calls out over her shoulder, and silently we follow her.
“My girl found the cat in the garden next to their apartment.” I explain. A little smile playing on my lips when Zoe doesn’t correct me on my “my girl” comment.
“Oh, that’s terrible. What monster would throw this poor baby out?” She laments as she continues to check it over. “He’s a little dehydrated, but otherwise seems to be in good health.”
“He?” Zoe asks, and the other woman smiles, pointing to between the kitten’s back legs.
“Oh.” My girl giggles nervously. “Of course. I never thought to check for sex.”
“Did you want him neutered?” she asks.
“Umm, maybe it would be a good idea?” she says as more of a question towards me. I arch a brow.
“He’s yours, little one. You decide.”
“Well, in that case, I think it should be done. Even though he’s definitely going to be an indoor cat,” she tells the other woman with a confidence in her voice I hadn’t heard in a very long time.
“What’s the little guy”s name?” Sera asks, writing his and Zoe’s details. Zoe studies him for a minute, taking in his front paws that have white on them, as well as his back legs.
“Mr Boots.” she replies, and I smile. It suits him to a T.
“Well, Mr Boots, looks like you’ll be coming with me.” She cuddles the kitten close to her chest and walks out of the room, returning a few minutes later.
“He’s in excellent hands here. I’ve got all your details, so once it’s all done, I’ll notify you. You should be able to take him home tomorrow.”
“Thank you so much, Sera. You’ve been great.” Zoe replies, and I wrap my arm around her waist, bringing her into me. Sera doesn’t miss the proprietary hold I have on Zoe, and smiles.
“Not a problem. You two have a great day, and I’ll see you back here tomorrow.” With that, we leave the clinic.
I help Zoe get back on my sled, the feeling of her wrapped around me is nothing like I’ve felt before. I’ve had no other woman on the back of my bike before, and I have to admit, it’s a nice feeling. But that’s because it’s Zoe, and not some random.
I understand what Kick and Tiny mean now, when you have the woman, you want to spend the rest of your life with on the back of your bike. And that’s what Zoe is to me, I can finally admit it, and not have the feeling of hives attacking me. I just need to convince her it’s true and not some line I’m feeding her.
We spend the rest of the afternoon buying supplies for the kitten, food and water bowls, and a kitty litter tray for when she takes him home tomorrow.
After packing everything in my saddlebags, I head towards Cullville, which is at least a half-hour ride away, and stop in the parking lot of the diner where the club comes to eat regularly. It has decent food; besides that, I wasn’t prepared to leave her at the house just yet.
“What are we doing here?” she asks, not getting off the sled and not removing her helmet. Her entire body tense, I can almost see her eyes moving from side to side—behind the visor, checking out her surroundings. I want to know what that’s all about, so I turn in my seat, removing her helmet. I need to see those beautiful moss green eyes.
“We’re going to the diner because it’s almost lunchtime, and I’m guessing you’ve had nothing to eat except for the pastry with your coffee this morning.” I tell her, patting her on her perfectly pert ass to get her going. Loving the hitch in her voice when she says,
“And if I’m not hungry?” At that moment, her stomach makes a liar of her, and I can’t help but chuckle.
“I’m guessing you are. Come on, little one,” I say, taking her by the hand as we walk inside the diner, ignoring the way electricity courses up my arm and fans out throughout my body, making my cock rock hard.
Finding a free booth, I slide in one side, hoping she’d sit beside me so that I could touch her. But she chooses the seat across from me, and I can’t help but smirk at that. She’s obviously nervous as hell around me. I can work with that. I quickly adjust myself so that my zipper isn’t cutting into me. It”s going to be a long afternoon.
“The brothers and I come here often. They serve the best burgers.” I tell her, just as Maddie—a waitress I’ve banged a time or two—saunters over, and I can’t help the groan from escaping my lips.
She’s a regular at the club when we have parties, and most of the brothers, including me, have fucked her. Her blonde hair is up in a messy bun, held together somehow by a pen, which she takes out and pops a balloon with her gum.
“What can I get you, sugar? Your specialty is waiting in the back.” She winks, inflecting her voice low and sultry, and I curse under my breath; the tone of her voice is suggestive, and it’s obvious to anyone with eyes what she’s offering.
I look across at Zoe and notice she’s tense as a rubber band. Shit, I need to get things back on track. I can’t let my past derail my future with this woman in front of me.
“I just bet it is.” I hear Zoe mutter, and it’s all I can do not to burst out laughing, as Maddie’s fiery gaze lands on my woman.
“I’ve suddenly lost my appetite.” She adds for good measure, making to get out of the booth.
“I have to say, jealousy looks good on you, little one.” My words have her eyes narrowing on me, but I continue, “but there’s nothing to be jealous about.” I assure her, grabbing for her hand to stop her from leaving. I return my gaze back to Maddie, an unmistakable warning in my eyes as I’m about to tell her in no uncertain terms to stop flirting or I’d ask for another server.
Just then, the bell over the door tinkles and in walks Kick with Everleigh, Tiny and Sage, and Riggs and Lexie bring up the rear. Seems they all had the same idea for lunch at the diner.
They all notice us sitting there, and when they see Maddie, most of the faces of my brothers drop. Maybe this could work to my advantage? If she sees that, it’s not just me that has a past with this woman. I call them over, and they crowd around the booth, making it impossible for Zoe to move.
“Why’re you pissed at me?” I whisper under my breath, holding her hand, even though she’s trying to pull it away.
“I’m not.” She grits through her teeth, showing me she is, in fact, pissed off. I know it’s probably the way Maddie’s checking me out, but I can’t help that.
“Hey, you two,” Lexie calls out, planting her ass down beside Zoe. Riggs gives her a look I can’t decipher, which she pointedly ignores, angrily grabbing a chair from an empty table as do Kick and Tiny, Everleigh taking up the last seat in the booth as Sage gives me a piercing look, telling me to move without words. I open my mouth to tell her off, but catch Tiny’s warning growl, and quickly scoot out and grab a chair instead. I’m not prepared to piss off the big man.
Riggs and Lexie are ignoring each other, and I can’t help wondering if things have already cooled off before they’ve even begun? Interesting. Zoe’s still giving me the death glare, even though I still don’t let go of her hand, rubbing deliberate circles over her delicate wrist. And she hasn’t taken her hand away, so I continue to do it.
“What’s going on with you two?” I ask Riggs, Lexie shoots me a glare.
“Nothing. Why?” she asks, though there is a slight blush to her cheeks.
I grin at her, sitting back in the booth as everyone orders. Burgers all round and loaded cheesy bacon fries for everyone to share.
“We went to see Storm.” Kick says, shoving food in his face once Maddie brings it out. She’s been trying to get my attention, but I’ve steadfastly been ignoring her. There’s absolutely no reason we need to communicate outside of giving her my food order.
“And?” I reply.
“He’s better than he was last night when we brought him in. And he’s not happy with the club right now. Especially since I’ve told him he has to go to rehab or get out of the club. He actually said he’d rather leave the club than go to rehab, then kicked us out of the room. He refuses to speak to any of us. He’s retreated into himself.” I can’t hide the look of shock on my face at Kick’s words. My heart breaks for my brother, I wanted to see him, but what’s the point if he’s pissed off with all of us?
“Do you think he’s serious about leaving the club?” I ask.
“Who knows what”s going on with him these days? He’s hellbent on ruining his life. But I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let him.” Kick replies with fire in his eyes.
“I miss my big brother.” Sage says sadly, as Tiny wraps an arm around her shoulders. Sage and Storm used to be close as siblings before he went to prison and things went downhill for him.
Anger overcomes me at the way Storm is acting, and I speak before thinking things through. “Why’s he being such a dick to everybody?”
Kick shoots me a look, and I shake my head. Of course, Storm is his best friend, and he’s determined to see the good in his friend, apparently. But ever since he came back from wherever he’s been this last little while, he’s been an asshole to everyone who ever cared for him. Zoe touches my arm gently, and I calm down from the anger I felt burning my gut. Having her near has that effect on me.
“Maybe we should bring Mallory in to talk to him. She might have better luck getting through to him?” Everleigh suggests, hopefully. Her best friend, Mallory and Storm, had been seeing each other off and on for years.
Kick snorts. “Or maybe that will push him further over the edge.”
Throughout this whole interaction, Zoe has been quiet, and I have no idea what to say or do to bring her out of herself. But then Lexie says something that plants a horrified expression on her beautiful face.
“Why don’t we make it girls” night tonight? Me, Zoe, Sage, and Everleigh. At the club, where I’m sure you guys will be happy to watch over us.” She tacks on with a roll of her light gray eyes, knowing we wouldn’t be able to say no to that.
Zoe’s face relaxes, knowing I would be there watching over her if they were to go out. That she relies on me makes me feel ten feet tall. But she needs to rely on herself as well.
“I came across a stray kitten that was playing in the bushes next to your apartment.” Zoe blurts out. “Chains and I took it to get it checked out at the vet.”
If her intention was to get us talking about something else, other than the women going out tonight, it worked. But all eyes were now on her, and she fidgeted nervously.
“Is it okay if I bring him home once the vet checks him out?” she quickly adds to Lexie.
“Of course it is.” Lexie replies, then adds,
“I’m guessing you’re not willing to go out even though we’d all be there tonight” Lexie replies, then she focuses on me, her eyebrows rising above her white-blonde hairline.
Zoe sighs, put out by the unwelcome conversation. Pinning her friend with a look.
“Fine. You want to go out so much. We’ll go out.” She says, and the entire table goes quiet.
“Are you sure?” Lexie questions her.
“Are you saying now you don’t want to go?” Zoe challenges, and I feel like I’m at a tennis match watching the fascinating back and forth between the two friends.
“Of course I want to go.” Lexie”s face undergoes a transformation as a slow smile appears and her gray eyes sparkle. She pins everyone around the table with a triumphant stare. “That’s settled then, you heard Zoe say it herself. We’re going out tonight.” She announces.
The men at the table try not to groan, not eager to play chaperone. But inside, I was happy that Lexie had forced the issue with Zoe. And besides, Caleb wouldn’t dare show up at a club that was Devil’s Carnage MC property. I watch Zoe with the other women as they talk animatedly, and I can’t help smiling.
With short auburn curls framing her heart-shaped face, Zoe shakes her head and lets out a huff, but her features gradually relax.
“You know I can’t stay mad at you.” She tells her best friend reluctantly, smiling indulgently.
We stay for another hour, though Zoe does her best to pretend to still be mad at me, and ignores my presence, talking to Lexie instead.
The only consolation is when we finally get outside to my sled, she doesn’t fight me on getting on it, I reluctantly take her home. But I’m happy that I’ll be seeing her at the club tonight again.