16. Tabitha
16
TABITHA
I t had been weeks since that night in the barn with Hudson and Faith—weeks since I’d sat on the blanket next to him with a heart filled with worry and nerves so tight I could barely breathe. The warmth of his voice and the steadiness of his presence gave me peace in ways I hadn’t expected.
In the weeks that followed, we spent as much time together as possible.
He took me for another ride on his bike. We rode out to the lake and sat by the water for hours, just soaking up the sun. It was wonderful. We laughed and talked, and I felt more alive than I had in years.
A few days later, he took me to the clubhouse for a gathering. I wasn’t sure how I would be received, especially with the new partnership with my sons. But when Hudson walked in with his hand on the small of my back, it was like they all stepped aside for him— forus.
And he’d come to the auction with me. He’d seen the terrible state of some of the horses, and for the first time, he truly understood why I did what I did. He stood back and watched as I assessed and negotiated and haggled like I’d done from the beginning. And all the while, he stayed engaged, listening and asking questions.
It meant the world to me.
I’d gone so long without being seen , really seen. I’d always been more of a possession than a real partner. I was paraded around like some trophy, all polished and perfect, but behind closed doors, I was invisible.
I was just a ghost in heels and lipstick.
But it was different with Hudson.
He didn’t care if my hair was up or down. He didn’t care if my boots were caked in mud or if I was in an outfit that cost more than his bike. He looked at me the same—like I was someone he not only wanted to be with but liked.
He made me feel good . Better than I ever thought possible.
And it scared the hell out of me.
I knew what it felt like to be with wrong kind of man. I’d lived through that. Survived it. Hudson was a different kind of danger.
He was the kind that made me hope.
He made me happy, and that terrified me just as much as it thrilled me.
I carried the mix of feelings with me as I headed up to the house. I needed to speak with Sergei and let him know that the couple was coming by in the next day or so to purchase Whiskey Rose and Beau Sins. Normally, I wouldn’t have to involve him, but I wanted to let him know that a good bit of money would be coming into the account.
The sun was just starting to set as I made my way down the steps. The
barn was quiet. It was the good kind of quiet. There were no worries about sick foals or wounds that needed my attention. As I passed Faith’s stall, I paused and peered over the gate. “Hey there, sweet girl.”
She lifted her head lazily from the hay. Her eyes were soft, and her belly was much rounder than it had been just days before. There were no signs of distress and no restlessness. Dr. Lewis said she was coming along well, and if all went well, she’d deliver her foal in the next few weeks.
I reached out and gave her a gentle rub between the ears. “You just have to hang in there a little longer, and then, you’ll have a sweet baby at your side.”
I left her with a smile tugging at my lips and relief settling in my chest.
It wasn’t much, but I’d take it.
By the time I reached the main house, it was after six, so I expected the boys to be winding down for the night until I heard Sergei say, “…since Satan’s Fury started hanging around, we haven’t had a single issue with theft or vandalism.”
“I told you,” Nikolai boasted. “I knew they were what we needed.”
“About time you got something right.”
“Damn,” Nikolai grumbled. “Can’t win around here.”
“No, Sergei’s just being a dick,” Viktor interjected. “Things have improved, and they wouldn’t have if Preacher and his boys hadn’t come into play.”
“Yes, I have to say, I didn’t think they’d take to the place so quickly,” Sergei admitted. “But their presence has made a notable difference. I just have to wonder if they’re who we’ll need around once the casino opens.”
“Why would that change anything?”
“We want high rollers with deep pockets. We don’t want them being scared off by some leathered, tattooed bikers.”
“Those tattooed bikers have been saving our asses, and I think they’re exactly what we need,” Nikolai argued. “People need to know that they have eyes on them. Their eyes. People know them, fear and respect them, and we’re still working to build that.”
“We build that by having security guards, and I plan on having more than we could possibly need.”
“Yeah, you could do that, or you could wait and see how things play out with the Fury boys.”
“I’ll think it over.”
“I know neither of you want to hear this…” Viktor cleared his throat. “But he’s been calling again. A lot .”
There was a beat of silence.
“Me too,” Sergei said. “Twice this week.”
“Same here,” Nikolai replied, sounding defeated. “He’s not taking the hint.”
My stomach sank.
I knew exactly who they were talking about.
Their uncle Vasili. Dimitri’s brother.
He hadn’t reached out since the funeral. He hadn’t shown up to mourn or offer condolences over his brother’s death. He didn’t care about his brother or his children. The fact that he was calling them now, almost a year since his death, wasn’t a good sign.
I took a quiet step back and was about to make my way to the kitchen when Sergei’s voice rose again. “So, when were you going to tell us about Mother?”
“What about her?”
“That she’s screwing around with Preacher.”
My blood turned to ice.
There was a long pause, and then, Viktor muttered, “She didn’t say anything to me.”
“Well, she didn’t say anything to me either,” Sergei let out a sharp exhale. “But then, I’m not her precious Nikolai. He’s the only one she would tell about it.”
“How did you find out?”
“I saw them,” he answered in almost a growl. “He picked her up the other night, and it was late when he brought her back. And don’t pretend you didn’t notice the way she looks at him.”
“Mother can date whoever she wants.”
“Mother has no idea who this guy truly is.”
“She does.”
“You can’t be serious.”
Shit.
This was going to be bad.
I could go in there and put an end to their argument, but Nikolai was right. I could date anyone I wanted. I didn’t need their permission. And I didn’t care if they didn’t approve of Hudson. I did, and that was all that mattered. I was getting myself riled up when my cell phone chimed with a text message.
I quickly pulled it from my pocket, and the tightness in my chest all but disappeared when I saw that it was a message from Hudson.
Hudson:
Hey, beautiful.
A smile crept over my face as I messaged him back:
Me:
Hey! How has your day been?
Hudson:
No complaints.
Would be better if I could see you.
Me:
Who says you can’t?
Hudson:
So you’re free?
Me:
I am.
Hudson:
You up for coming over to the clubhouse?
Me:
Sure. Sounds good.
I’ll head that way in just a bit.
Hudson:
You just made my night.
See you soon.
I was just about to put my phone back in my pocket when another message came through.
Hudson:
Be careful.
Me:
Will do!
I turned and rushed for the door.
I made my way back to the stables, and my chest was still tight after what I’d overheard. The boys didn’t just have the casino and me to worry about. They had to figure out what they were going to do about their uncle. I had no doubt that he wasn’t pleased that they had cut ties with the family, especially when they had inherited the majority of his brother’s money.
He wouldn’t allow them to put him off forever.
He would get his answers, one way or another.
I don’t know what I was thinking. I should’ve known something bad was coming. It was my job to know, but I’d let myself get too comfortable. I thought we finally had a handle on everything, and now, I wasn’t so sure that we had a handle on anything.
I tried to shove all my doubts and worries aside as I rushed upstairs and changed into a pair of jeans and a summery top. Nothing fancy, but I had a feeling Hudson would like it. I barely glanced in the mirror before grabbing my keys and rushing out the door.
I was looking forward to seeing Hudson and all the brothers. I’d had such a great time the last time I was there, and I could use a fun night to take my mind off things at home. I parked up front, but unlike the times before, no one came out to meet me.
I assumed that meant Hudson thought I could find my way on my own, so I headed inside. But when I stepped through the door, something felt off. I figured it was just in my head, so I kept moving forward. The bar was busy with guys sitting at both the bar and several of the tables. A couple were playing pool while others gathered around the dart board.
It seemed like a regular night, but there was an expected tension in the air. I didn’t understand why. The last time I’d been here, there were easy smiles, hugs and handshakes, and plenty of good-natured teasing. But tonight, the guys would barely even look in my direction. And when I walked towards them, they turned and looked the other way.
It was odd.
I felt like I’d stepped into a room where I didn’t belong, so I hesitated near the door. Then I spotted him. Hudson was sitting at a table in the back with his arms crossed and a fierce expression on his face. His eyes locked on me the second I started toward him, and they stayed on me as I started weaving through the crowd.
I glanced to my side and stopped when I noticed Antonia and Memphis. They were leaning in close, laughing low about something, but their smiles slipped a little when I stepped over to them and said, “Hey, guys. How’s it going?”
“Good. Just having a couple of drinks.” Antonia said quickly. “How about you?”
“I’m good. Just had one of those days and ready to let off some steam.”
“I totally get that.”
There was something about the way that she was looking at me that was a little unsettling. She was clearly uncomfortable, and I had no idea why. Things were good the last time we talked. Actually, they were better than good. Antonia and Jenna were so sweet and easy to talk to. It made me wonder if I’d said something wrong or if I’d made a bad impression.
And then, Memphis cleared his throat and said, “Hey, Tabitha. I’d like you to meet my mother.”
I turned my head slightly, and that’s when I finally saw her.
Hudson’s ex.
She was even more beautiful than he’d described, with honey-blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a cautious smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She was a little younger than me, but not by much, and she was dressed in a pair of black slacks and a flowy blouse.
Memphis motioned his hand in her direction and said, “This is Kay… Mom, this is Tabitha.”
"Nice to meet you," I said, offering my hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Hi.” Her eyes skirted over me as she shook my hand and said, “I wish I could say the same about you.”
There was a moment, just the briefest of moments, where her gaze darted toward Hudson, then back to me. Something tightened in her jaw, but she smoothed it out so fast I almost missed it.
Almost.
“Well, you aren’t missing out on much.”
“I highly doubt that.”
No one had to tell her. She knew exactly who I was, and it was hard to tell what she thought about it all. Memphis cleared his throat and muttered something about getting another round, and just like that, the tension doubled. Antonia grimaced, then asked, “Would you like to sit and have a drink with us?”
“Maybe later.” I glanced over at Hudson. “I need to go over and say hello first.”
“Of course.”
When I took a step forward, Kay said, “I hope we get a chance to chat later.”
“Of course.” I forced a smile. “I’ll be back over in a bit.”
I gave them a quick nod, and my heart went into overdrive as I continued towards Hudson. Once I made it over to him, his expression immediately softened. “Hey there, beautiful.”
“Hey, yourself.” I sat down next to him and leaned in close. “So, how’s it going?”
“Better now.” He shook his head. “Hell, up until about two seconds ago, I had as soon to have been kicked in the nuts than to be sitting here.”
“Oh, that good, huh?”
“I didn’t know she would be here tonight.” He glanced over to the table where Kay was sitting with Memphis and Antonia. “No one did.”
“And I take it you aren’t exactly thrilled about it.”
“I could care less if she comes or goes. She’s Memphis’s mother, and she has every right to want to see him.” He cocked his brow. “You, on the other hand, might not agree. I’m more concerned about that.”
“Why would you be concerned about me?”
“I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about her being here.”
“Are you still in love with her?”
“She’s my son’s mother. I will always care about her, but no. I’m not in love with her.”
It wasn’t the answer I was hoping for, but it was close. I gave him a slight shrug, then said, “Then, we’re good.”
“I mean it, Tabitha. My time with Kay has come and gone. You don’t have anything to worry about with her or any other woman.”
“What exactly are you saying?”
“Got no interest in anyone else.” He reached over and took my hand in his. “I’m in this. You and me got something, and I plan to see where it goes. You good with that?”
“I’m definitely good with that.”
He nodded and got the bartender to bring us over a couple of drinks. Over the next hour or so, the brothers and their women kept their distance, giving Hudson and me a wide berth. I got it. Kay wasn’t just Hudson’s ex.
She was Memphis’ mother, and they had history with her, liked her, and knew that she meant a great deal to both Memphis and Hudson. Not only that, when her husband ran into trouble, she moved in with them, and they’d all put their lives on the line to protect her.
And now, I’m in the picture, and none of them knew how he would handle having her and me both there at the same time. It made sense that they would be concerned about saying or doing the wrong thing, so they steered clear.
Except for Goose.
He didn’t seem to care about anything as he sauntered over to us with an easy, cocky grin. He dropped down in one of the empty chairs in front of us and leaned way back as he snickered, “You two having a good night?”
“We were,” Hudson grumbled. “What do you want, Goose?”
“Nothing.” His smirk widened. “Just thought I’d come over and assess the situation.”
“What situation?”
“The one with Kay and Tabitha.” His smile never faltered. “Just wondering if she’s gonna go over and kick Kay’s ass .”
“What the hell are you talking about? There will be no ass-kicking tonight.”
“Are you sure?” he pressed. “Kay’s been giving her the eye all night.”
“She has done no such thing.”
“ Look at her . She’s doing it right now.” He cocked his brow with a smirk. “Come on. Go kick her ass.”
Out of pure curiosity, I glanced over, and Kay wasn’t looking at me or Hudson. In fact, she was completely turned around, talking to one of the hang-arounds. Hudson shook his head and said, “You’ve got a screw loose, son.”
“Yeah, well, carnival rides do too, but folks still like to ride ‘em.” He turned his attention back to me. “Come on, Tab. You can take her.”
“I thought you liked Kay.”
“I do,” Goose scoffed. “Think the world of her, but there’s nothing like a good catfight.”
“Fuck off, Goose. I don’t have the patience for you tonight.”
“Alright. Alright. You’re no fun.” He stood and tipped his chin toward me, all playful and full of mischief. “You know, you’re makin’ our old man look mighty good over here. I’m sure he appreciates it. I know I do.”
“Well, thank you,” I giggled. “I appreciate that.”
I was grateful for the way he cut through the tension. Hudson just shook his head and muttered something under his breath that made Goose chuckle even harder before he finally drifted off to join the others. After that, no one else came over.
I didn’t mind.
Actually, I appreciated it.
It gave me a chance to soak in a quiet moment with Hudson without any major distractions. He might have been the club’s president and the leader of the chaos within, but for this little moment in time, he was just mine.
And it felt good.
We had another round of drinks, and I was starting to feel the effects of the alcohol. My cheeks were warm, and I had this undeniable urge to inch a little closer to Hudson. He didn’t seem to mind. He held my gaze as he reached for his beer, and my eyes dropped to his mouth as he brought the bottle up to his lips. Damn. What I wouldn’t give to feel those lips on mine.
He must’ve had the same thought, because he leaned in and whispered, “Want to get out of here for a bit?”
“Sure. Where did you have in mind?”
“My room.” He cocked his brow. “I don’t know about you, but I could go for a little privacy right about now.”
“Yes, privacy sounds good. Really good.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
He reached over and took my hand in his and then led me out of the bar and down the hall. A few moments later, we were standing in his room. I hadn’t even had a chance to look around before Hudson pulled me towards him and pressed his lips against mine.
The kiss was soft and tender and filled with promise. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer until there was no space left between us. Being with him felt like home, and my entire body melted into his.
A low moan escaped through my parted lips as he kissed me deeper, and suddenly, everything changed. Every single nerve in my body came alive as rough, calloused hands held me against his broad, muscular chest.
I’d never felt anything so intense.
My insides felt like they were on fire.
In a matter of seconds, the man literally had my head spinning.
I wound my arms around his neck and held on tight, pulling him closer as he deepened the kiss. When his hands started leisurely roaming over my body, I knew there was no turning back.
I needed him to know that I wanted him just as much as he wanted me. “I need you, Hudson. I need you now.”
He was a man who liked to hear the words, so I gave them freely, without any doubt in my mind. Reaching for the hem of Hudson’s white t-shirt, I slipped it over his head. He immediately pulled me in for another kiss.
He felt so good, smelled so good, and just being near him made my entire body ache for more. Overcome with the urge to touch him, my hands started to drift over his chest, gliding down his abdomen. I unfastened his jeans, and I caught us both by surprise when my fingers slipped through the waistband of his boxers.
A light hiss slipped through his lips when I curled my fingers around him and gently started stroking. I loved how he felt in my hand, so thick and erect, and the thought of having him inside me had me stroking him even harder.
“Did you mean what you said?”
“About?”
“Me not having to worry about other women.”
“Damn right, I meant it.”
“You sure about that?”
His eyes grew intense. “I could be in a room full of women, and all I’d see is you.”
“Oh my, that was a good one.”
“Because it’s true.”
He held my gaze for a moment, and then, he crashed his lips against mine. Needing more, both our hands became frantic, and we quickly removed the clothes that separated us.
In just a few seconds, we were on the bed, and I was lying beneath him.
With his tousled hair and penetrating dark eyes, Hudson was so unbelievably handsome. My heart fluttered when his hands slowly roamed over my body. “You’re beautiful. Every fucking inch of you.”
Something about the way he spoke, so low and gruff, sent a chill down my spine. His hands slowly drifted up my abdomen, and a wave of lust consumed me the minute his mouth reached my breast. Hunger danced in his eyes as he looked up at me for just a moment, and then his mouth resumed its heavenly torture of kissing and nipping the delicate flesh.
Anticipation washed over me when he settled between my thighs. His eyes met mine as he raked his cock against me. “Is this what you want, baby?”
“Hmm-hmm.” I lifted my hips, grinding against him as I tried desperately to find relief from the throbbing need that was building up inside me. “Yes!”
He reached into his bedside table for a condom, and I shook my head. “You don’t need it.”
“But…”
“You don’t need it,” I repeated.
He nodded and tossed it back in the drawer, and a look of satisfaction crossed his face as he settled back between my legs. He clenched his jaw before lifting my hips and driving deep inside me, filling me completely.
He slowly began to move, each thrust deliberate and powerful. When I let my legs spread farther open for him, he growled, “Fuck. Never had anything feel so damn good.”
“Hudson,” I panted, tilting my hips towards him, wanting him deeper, harder. Sensing what I needed, he quickened his pace, as I quickly became lost in the waves of carnal sensation surrounding me and the fullness of his body inside mine.
He increased his rhythm, each thrust more demanding than the last. My inner muscles clenched around him as I felt another orgasm building inside me. “Oh, God. You feel so good.”
Hudson’s punishing pace never faltered as his body continued to crash into mine. I’d never felt anything like it: having him inside me was so intoxicating that I was finding it difficult to even breathe. I wanted to savor every moment…to focus on how incredible he felt, but it was all just too much.
A burst of pleasure exploded inside of me, and I shuddered around him as my orgasm took over. Wrapping my legs tighter around him, I could feel the muscles in his abdomen grow taut as he finally found his own release.
We both stilled as we listened to the satisfied sounds of our hearts beating. I felt so close to him, and I never wanted it to end. Eventually, our breathing began to steady, and he slowly lifted his body from mine.
I wanted to wrap my arms around him and keep him close, but he’d already collapsed on the bed next to me. He released a sated breath and said, “You’re incredible, Tabitha Volkov. No other way to put it.”
“You’re the incredible one.” I inched closer and settled into the crook of his arm. “And I mean that. It just keeps getting better.”
“Must mean I’m doing something right.”
“You definitely are.”
“Good to know.”
His chuckle vibrated through his chest and brought a smile to my face. I laid my head down on his shoulder and closed my eyes, letting myself soak in the moment. The dark corners of my heart were quickly fading, and I felt whole in a way I never had before. As scared as I was to admit it, I was falling fast, and I was falling hard. I wasn’t one to have this kind of happy, and I couldn’t help but wonder what it was going to cost me.