17. Preacher
17
PREACHER
I couldn’t remember a night when I’d slept so well, and it had done wonders. I woke up feeling pretty damn good, and to make my morning even better, Tabitha was still curled up next to me. I shifted slightly, careful not to wake her, so I could get a better look at her.
She was still dead to the world and breathing slow and steady. The sheet was tangled loosely around her waist, and she had one hand tucked under her cheek. My God, the woman was beautiful and effortlessly so.
I let my eyes trace the curve of her shoulder, the way her lashes fanned against her cheeks, and the slow rise and fall of her chest. It hadn’t taken long for her to settle under my skin. Faster than I’d expected, and that wasn’t a good thing. Hell, if anything, it was dangerous.
I had a club to run. I couldn’t afford to lose myself in her—no matter how tempting it might be. That thought had me carefully slipping out of bed. I needed a shower and maybe a bucket of cold water.
By the time I got out, the sun was just starting to rise, so it wouldn’t be long before the others were up and moving. I threw on a clean pair of jeans and a T-shirt, raked a hand through my wet hair, and made my way down to the kitchen in search of coffee.
I rounded the corner and stopped dead in my tracks when I found Kay sitting at the kitchen table, drinking a cup of coffee. She was already dressed in white slacks and a black tank, and her hair and makeup were done. If I didn’t know better, I’d say she had herself a hot date.
She looked up at me over the rim of her cup, a quiet smirk playing on her lips like she knew she’d caught me off guard. “Good morning.”
I grunted and made a beeline for the coffee pot. “You’re up early.”
“Could say the same to you.” Her back stiffened, and she inhaled a quick breath. “I wouldn’t have expected you to be alone.”
I ignored the bait and poured my coffee. I don’t know what Kay was thinking, but I wasn’t about to sit here and get grilled first thing in the morning, especially about Tabitha. Not when she was still in my bed, and just thinking about being tangled up with her had my cock stirring to life.
I leaned back against the counter, nursing my coffee, and waited. Kay might’ve been trying to play it cool, but I knew her too well. She didn’t just drop by to see Memphis and catch up. There was more to it, so I let out a breath and said, “Alright, Kay. Why are you really here?”
“Actually, I was hoping to talk to you,” she admitted.
“About?”
“Us.” She ran her hand through her hair, glancing away like it physically pained her to say, “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and I was wondering if we could try and give things with us another go.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I am. I love you, Hudson. I always have, and I always will.”
Damn. I stared at her for a long moment, letting the words settle between us. Part of me wasn’t surprised. She and I had history, and some of it was good. Damn good. But history wasn’t enough. Not for me. Not anymore.
“You’re a good woman, Kay,” I said, keeping my voice even, “but you and me had our time. It was good, but it was never enough for either of us. And if you really think about it, you were really never all that happy with me.”
She flinched like I’d slapped her.
But to her credit, she didn’t argue.
She just sat there and listened as I laid it all out.
“You couldn’t get past who I am,” I continued. “What I’ll always be, and I’m not just talking about the club. Although, it’s a big part of it. You hated always coming second.”
“It wasn’t just that. It was everything.” She looked away, blinking fast. “The danger. The late nights. The wondering if you were coming home to me or if you were out there dead somewhere.”
“I know,” I said. “You needed someone who could give you something I never could. Stability. Normalcy. I don’t blame you for it. Hell, I understood it even back then. I understand it now.”
She was quiet for a moment, then glanced up at me with a pained smile.
“And Tabitha?” She looked up at me, her eyes glassy but fierce. “Do you think she can handle this life? Can she handle always coming second?”
“She knows what she’s getting into.”
The words had barely left my mouth when I heard soft footsteps behind me. I turned just as Tabitha came into the kitchen, dressed in one of my old T-shirts and her jeans. Her hair was a little tussled from sleep, but her eyes were sharp and clear.
“He’s right,” Tabitha said, stepping up beside me. Her voice was steady, and she didn’t seem like she was the least bit rattled by what she’d just walked in on. “I know exactly what I’m getting into, and I’m here for it.”
I felt her hand brush lightly against my back. It was a small, quiet touch that steadied something inside me. I looked down at her, and my whole world seemed to still. Kay stood with a strange look on her face. I thought she was about to lash out at me or Tabitha. Instead, she said, “Just so you know, if he ever looked at me the way he just looked at you, I would’ve never walked away.”
“Kay.”
“It’s true, but I get it.” She looked back over at Tabitha. “When it works, it works.”
“Now, I see why the boys think so much of you.”
“And I think the world of them,” Kay replied.
“I hope you’ll stick around for a little while.”
“I’d love to, but I really have to get going.” Kay stood and carried her cup over to the sink. “The contractors are wanting my approval on a few things with the house, and I really can’t put them off any longer.”
“I understand. I’m sure you’re looking forward to having your house back.”
“Very much so.”
“Let me know if you need any help with anything,” I offered.
“Thanks, but I won’t.” Kay stepped in front of me as she said, “It’s good to see you this way. It gives me hope that my person is out there somewhere.”
“No doubt.”
Kay smiled at Tabitha as she said, “Keep him in line, and if he steps out, a swift kick to the balls should do the trick.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
She gave me a wink, then turned and started for the door. As she walked out, she said, “Tell Memphis I’ll call him later.”
“Will do.”
Once she was gone, I turned to Tabitha and said, “Sorry about all that.”
“Nothing to be sorry about.” She inched up on her tiptoes and gave me a quick kiss. “You told me you weren’t interested in any other woman, and I believed you… What happened with Kay just shows me I was right to trust you.”
“Well, alright then.” I couldn’t believe how lucky I was. “Good morning, beautiful.”
“And good morning to you.”
“You hungry?”
“Not yet.” She reached over and swiped my cup of coffee. “But I’m in dire need of some caffeine.”
“Help yourself.”
“Don’t mind if I do.” She took a long sip before asking, “So, what’s on your agenda for the day?”
“Not a lot. Just need to tie up some loose ends with your boys and check on things over at the Vault. What about you?”
“I have some buyers coming by either today or in the morning,” she answered. “I need to get back and find out when they’re coming so I can prep the horses.”
“Which ones are they interested in?”
“Whiskey Rose and Beau.” She grimaced. “I hate to let them go, but it’s part of the game.”
“I get it. You want me to come give you a hand?”
“No, you have your own things to deal with, but maybe we could meet up for dinner or something?”
“Yeah, dinner or something sounds good.”
Things with Tabitha were going good . Damn good.
She steadied me in ways nothing else could. She was beautiful without even trying, and she looked at me like I was something more than just a biker with a past full of blood and broken promises. And fuck me if I didn’t believe it.
It was like she was rewriting the parts of me I thought were already set in stone. With every kiss, every touch, she had me wanting things I’d given up on a long damn time ago—things like lazy Sunday afternoons and waking up each morning lying next to someone I actually cared about. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted it. Not just today but every day.
I slipped my arm around her waist and said, “I’m sorry again about the business with Kay.”
“Don’t be.” She reached up and put her palm on my cheek, sighing as she soaked me in for a moment. “I better go get changed.”
“Changed? Why? I like you in my shirt.”
“Then, I’ll keep it.” With that, she turned and started for the door. “I’ll see you later tonight.”
I watched her walk out, and a piece of me wanted to follow. But I knew what would happen if I did. I would toss her on the bed and have my way with her all over again. I didn’t have time for that shit, and neither did she. So, I poured myself another cup of coffee and made my way to the office.
I spent most of the afternoon working on the books and putting out fires. It was nothing major—just the usual nonsense. Once I had a handle on things, I decided to head over to the Vault. Things had been quiet over the past few days, and quiet wasn’t always a good thing.
With that in mind, I fired up my bike and headed for the Vault, letting the hum of the engine settle my nerves. I wanted to check in with Seven and see how things were going with our new hire.
We’d brought Tanner in a few weeks back. He’d been tending bar, and as far as I could tell, the kid had a solid work ethic and kept his head down. That was something I appreciated. We’d only had one rough night, and that was the night Seven messaged while I was in the barn with Tabitha and the pregnant mare.
Two drunk assholes were trying to impress a couple of dancers and were mouthing off. Tanner didn’t approve and ended it fast.
Fists first, questions later.
We handled the fallout and made sure the message was clear, but I wanted to make sure he knew the difference between ending shit and starting shit. It was a thin line, and it was one he had to learn—the sooner, the better.
It was midafternoon, so things were quiet. I parked in the back and made my way up to the front door. Grim and Goose were covering the front, so I stopped and asked, “How are things going?”
“Pretty slow so far.” Goose gave me one of his damn smirks as he asked, “What about you? How are things with you and…”
“Don’t start,” I cut him off. “I’m not in the mood for your bullshit.”
“Ah, come on. You gotta give us something.”
“I don’t gotta give you shit.” I cocked my brow. “Now, where’s Seven?”
“He’s inside,” Grim answered. “Pretty sure he’s at the bar with Tanner.”
I nodded, then made my way to the back. I spotted Seven sitting at the end of the bar, watching Tanner. He was pouring drinks and moving with a confidence I hadn’t seen when we first hired him. I walked over and sat down next to Seven as I said, “How’s it going?”
“Can’t complain.”
“And Tallie?”
“She and Ford are at the shop. She’s got some new pottery she’s putting out, and he’s giving her a hand.”
“That’s good.” I turned my attention to Tanner as I asked, “And how are things with you? Are you settling in?”
“Sure am, thanks to Seven. He runs this place like a damn machine.” He hesitated for a second, then added, “Thank you again for giving me a chance. I appreciate it.”
“Just make good use of it and remember why you’re here.”
“Yeah, I know.” He let out a defeated breath. “I fucked up that night. I should’ve walked away, but they were running their mouths and saying shit about you and the brothers. I couldn’t let it slide.”
“Alcohol makes people do all kinds of dumb shit. Gotta remember to use your head before your fists. We’re no saints, but we don’t throw hands unless it’s truly necessary.”
“Understood.”
“Good.”
I stayed with them a while longer, just shooting the shit, and it was good to see that things with Tanner were going well, especially after how they’d started. He’d found his rhythm behind the bar, and Seven seemed pleased. I didn’t have to micromanage. That alone told me I’d made the right call bringing Tanner in.
I messaged Tabitha as I was heading out, and we made plans to order pizza and watch a movie at my place. After the week I’d had, a quiet night with her sounded damn near perfect.
By the time I got home, she was already there waiting for me. She was wearing a pair of shorts with an oversized T-shirt that hung off her shoulder, and she had her hair pulled back in a messy knot. Damn. She didn’t even have to try, and she still managed to look amazing.
We ate on the couch with some rom-com playing in the background. I didn’t even pretend to know what was going on in that movie. I was too busy watching her tilt her head back and laugh without holding back.
Eventually, she snuggled up next to me with her head resting on my chest. And just like that, everything in me settled. The noise, the weight of the club, and the tension I carried on my shoulders all quieted with her in my arms.
I have no idea how long we’d been sitting there when she whispered, “You know, I really like being with you.”
I smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “And I like being with you—even when you make me watch cheesy chick flicks.”
She laughed quietly, her fingers drawing lazy patterns on my chest. “You’re
lucky I didn’t pick the one with the sparkly vampires.”
“God no.”
“Oh, let me guess…” she looked over to me with a smirk. “You’d rather watch some old John Wayne western.”
“Hey, now. Those are classics.”
“You better watch it. You’re showing your age now.”
"You're playing with fire, woman."
"Oh, really?"
“Really.”
“Hmm.” A spark flashed through her mischievous eyes as she sassed, "What are you going to do about it?"
"Oh, no. It's not what I'm going to do about it." My eyes locked on hers. "It's what you're gonna do about it."
I slipped my arm around her waist and pulled her close.
The wanton look in her eyes got to me to me every time.
I dropped my mouth to hers, silencing her with a kiss. Her mouth was warm and wet, and all her little moans and whimpers made my cock ache with need. I knew right then that there was no going back. She felt too good, too right. The scent of her skin, the warmth of her mouth, got to me in a way that no woman ever had.
My hands made their way past the small of her back down to her perfect ass, and I pulled her even closer. As I lowered my mouth to her neck and began trailing kisses along her collarbone, my hands roamed across the curves of her body. Damn, she felt so fucking good. She inched closer with a muffled groan, and it was all I could do to keep myself in check. I slipped my hand under the opening of her shorts and trailed my fingers along her bare thigh up to her center.
I smirked as I eased her panties to the side and slipped two fingers inside her. A wave of gratification washed over me when I found her soaking wet—which left no doubt that she was just as aroused as I was.
She planted her hands on my shoulders, bracing herself as she waited for me to make her come.
I didn't—at least, not yet.
Disappointment marked her face when I removed my hand and stood. I didn't say a word but simply started unbuckling my jeans, and that sinful look in her eyes returned. Her breathing grew ragged with need as I pulled out my throbbing cock and began stroking it.
Tabitha ran her tongue along her bottom lip, and that was it.
I was done.
I had to be inside her, and I pulled her over to me.
She removed her shorts and panties, then lowered herself down on my lap, straddling her knees on each side. She reached down between us and took me in her hand. She wrapped her fingers tightly around my hard, thick shaft and began stroking me, which had me instantly on edge.
A slight hiss slipped through my lips as her fingers found their way to the base of my cock and guided me to her entrance. Our eyes met as she lowered herself, taking me in inch by inch until I filled her completely.
This woman had me tangled up in ways I never dreamed possible, and I found it hard to believe that she didn’t know the effect she had on me.
But I spent the rest of the night making sure she finally understood.
The next morning, she was up and dressed before I’d even had my first sip of coffee. I sat up in the bed and rolled my shoulders, trying to work out the kinks as I asked, “Where are you running off to so early?”
“Those buyers I told you about are coming this afternoon.” She pulled her hair up as she said, “I asked Harlan to come in early to help me get them ready.”
“You nervous?”
“A little, but it’s only because I hate to lose them.”
“Then, don’t sell them.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“I know, and I get it. They mean something to you, and it’s hard to let go.”
“Exactly.” She leaned down and gave me a quick kiss. “I better get going. Will you call me later?”
“You can count on it.”
She smiled and slipped out of the room, and she hadn’t closed the front door when I started to miss her presence. Damn. I needed to get a fucking grip. I had a meet with Sergei and his brothers in less than an hour, so I pulled myself out of bed and took a long, cold shower.
Half an hour later, I was on my bike and on the way to the city. The casino was just a few weeks from opening, maybe less, and there was tension in the air that reminded me of a storm right before it broke wide open. We’d been keeping eyes on the construction site, rotating the boys on shifts around the clock, and they were out front for everyone to see.
I wanted our presence known.
I wanted everyone to see our cuts and know that we were there for a reason, and there would be no bullshit—from anyone.
And it had worked.
We hadn’t run into any major issues. Hell, we hadn’t had any issues at all, but I wasn’t fool enough to let my guard down. I knew something was coming. Something big. I could feel it in my bones. You don’t live the kind of life I’d lived without learning to trust your gut, and mine was yelling loud enough to rattle my damn skull.
When I pulled up to The Black Crown, I spotted Memphis and Goose posted at the back. Ghost was inside, and Rusty was walking the perimeter. They were all in their assigned posts, and they would remain there until the next group came in to take their shift.
I didn’t make contact. I didn’t need to.
They had a job to do, and so did I.
I continued inside and found Sergei and his brothers waiting for me in the front foyer, and all of them looking grim. No fake smiles. No smooth, Bratva hospitality. Just cold eyes and tight jaws. Damn. These boys were killing me.
“Okay. I’m here. What is it that you wanted to discuss?”
Sergei didn’t answer right away. He gave a quick glance to Viktor, then Nikolai before turning his attention back to me. “First, we want you to know that we’ve been very pleased with our partnership thus far.”
“Why do I feel like there’s a ‘but’ coming?”
“No, we are truly pleased.”
“Just tell him,” Nikolai pushed.
“Tell me what?”
“We might have a slight issue that might or might not need to be addressed.”
“Just cut the bullshit and tell me what the hell is going on.”
“It’s our Uncle Vasili,” Viktor answered. “He’s the issue.”
“You’re gonna have to give me more than that.”
Sergei grimaced as he said, “He’s a powerful man, even more powerful than our father was, and he’s been trying to reach out.”
“Trying? That mean you haven’t actually talked to him?”
“No, and I’d rather not,” Sergei answered. “He’s just going to try to force us back into the family business, and we want no part of it.”
“And you can’t just tell him that?”
“Not unless we want a fucking bullet in the head,” Nikolai scoffed. “He’s not the kind to take no for an answer.”
Nikolai added, “He abides by the old family code and expects everyone in the family to follow suit.”
“I see.” When I agreed to partner with them, I thought we were just facing some local grievances that would fade with time, not the fucking Russian mafia. “And what are you wanting from me?”
“We simply wanted to make you aware.”
“You thinking he’s going to show up here?”
“There’s no way of knowing what he may or may not do.”
I didn’t like this, not one fucking bit, but like it or not, we would have to face it head on. I thought for a moment, then looked to Sergei and ordered, “Double your security here and at the house. Have a guard with your mother at all times. I’d rather it be one of my boys, but for now, I’ll leave that up to you.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“We’ll need to do a full check of your security system here and at the house.”
“Understood.”
“I need to talk with my boys. I’ll get back to you in the morning.”
“Are you going to bail on us?”
“Not unless you give us reason to.” I turned and started for the door. “Get the guards and check the security system.”
“On it.”
I left the foyer and headed outside. When I got to my bike, I pulled out my phone and called Shep. As soon as he answered, I told him, “I need you to find everything you can on Vasili Volkov.”
“Sure thing. Am I looking for anything specific?”
“Consider him a threat. Look for everything.”
“You’ve got it.”
“I’m on the way to the clubhouse. Have something for me by the time I get there.”
I ended the call, got on my bike, and started over to the clubhouse. It had finally happened. I finally knew what my gut had been trying to tell me for days, and now, I had to figure out what the hell I was going to do about it.