Chapter 10
I was so pissed, I could barely see straight.
This waiting to do anything was wearing on me.
I was snapping heads off. I knew my coworkers and brothers didn’t deserve it.
It was no surprise when Outlaw, who oversaw Salvation Security, called me into his office and told me I should go home.
I asked him how he could be so calm. He responded that he wasn’t.
He was able to hide his frustration better because it didn’t directly affect his woman.
He assured me that if it had been Tarin, he’d be the same.
I apologized to him and the rest of the office staff before leaving for the day.
I messaged Daya and Stalker to let them know I was headed home.
Stalker was at Haven. Daya had gone to her corporate office to talk to her boss.
She was asking for leave. She didn’t believe he’d say no, but if he did, she was prepared to play hardball.
She claimed she could find work elsewhere.
Other companies had been trying to lure her away since she started at her company, and her boss knew it. I was anxious to hear what he said.
The ride to the compound was short, but I still wished it were over.
I wanted to see my dolcezza. Last night, Daya had insisted she and Breezy had to return home.
We hated it, but we didn’t fight her too much.
Her argument had merit. She had to have clothes for today’s meeting, and she’d only brought two outfits with her.
Stalker and I took them in one of the communal SUVs we had.
Breezy insisted she wanted to stay with Daya.
Apparently, she kept clothes there and at her brother’s house.
Neither of them was up to a prolonged argument with him.
A message was sent to Jess saying they were returning to Daya’s and that if he needed them, they’d be there. I didn’t know what his response was.
It was fucking tough to leave Daya there. We searched the house to ensure it was empty and all the windows and doors were secure. Then it was time to kiss her goodbye. Breezy had left us alone for that part.
I thought leaving her was bad, but sleeping alone in my bed was worse.
How could I be that needy after only two nights?
I didn’t sleep worth a shit. This morning, I asked Stalker how he slept.
He looked tired. His answer echoed mine.
However, tonight, we’d have our woman back.
She agreed last night that she’d come back out to the compound.
It would be easier for the extraction team to launch from here, as well.
Entering the compound, I scanned for her vehicle.
She’d shown it to us last night. It wasn’t there.
My stomach dropped. Goddamn, she should be done and back by now.
I parked my bike in the communal garage.
There was no sign of Stalker’s bike, either.
It was three o’clock. Hopefully, they’ll be here soon.
I stomped my way to the clubhouse. There was no other term for it.
Based on the bikes and vehicles parked in the garage, there weren’t many people around.
Of course, those with their own houses would have their vehicles and bikes in their personal garages.
Thinking about it made me yearn for a home.
One where Daya, my best friend, and I could have privacy and create a space that reflects us.
I was trying not to rush Daya, but the truth was, Stalker and I wanted her claimed officially, a property cut on her back, and a house in the works.
And we wanted it now. As for more, like marriage and kids, we’d bring that up soon after, but only if she was ready.
The last thing we wanted was to scare her away.
As I walked into the clubhouse, I was right. The common room was empty. Not in the mood to talk, even if someone showed up, I went to my room. I hadn’t really done anything dirty at work, but I decided to take a shower and put on clean clothes. It would help me kill time.
I was finished and checking out my face in the mirror when there was a knock on the door adjoining Stalker’s room.
“Come in,” I called out.
He opened it and strolled in. “A shower sounds good to me. Daya hasn’t arrived yet.”
“Go for it. I hope that doesn’t mean she’s having trouble with her boss. Has she messaged you?”
“A while ago, but not recently. If she’s not here by four, we’ll call her.”
“Deal,” I said.
Without missing a beat, he turned on the shower and stripped.
We’d done this for a long time, and neither of us paid attention.
It was like being back in the locker room in school.
At least here, we didn’t have to share a long-ass row of showerheads with a bunch of other dudes.
We combined our dirty clothes, and when it was time to do laundry, we did them all together.
One large hamper did the job in the bathroom.
I trimmed up my beard and mustache, made sure there were no stray ear hairs, and brushed my teeth.
When I was finished with all that, I went to my room to get dressed.
After I was dressed, I had no choice but to sit and entertain myself until four o’clock.
I turned on the television and flipped through the channels aimlessly.
Eventually, I found a documentary, but honestly, I couldn’t tell you what it was about. I stared sightlessly at the screen.
“Predator, what the hell are you watching?” Stalker asked, causing me to jerk to attention.
I focused on the screen and realized it was a show about childbirth.
A woman was in bed, sweating, screaming, and straining.
Rather than turning it off, I stay glued to it.
Automatically, thoughts of Stalker and me in the room with Daya, not leaving her alone for a second as she brings our child into the world, popped into my head. My heart thumped harder.
“I want that,” I say hoarsely.
“What? A baby?” he asked.
“Yeah. I want Daya to have our babies. And brother, I don’t give a damn who actually provides the sperm.
I want kidlets, more than one. Do you think she does?
I know you said you want some. God, I hope she does.
There’s nothing more beautiful than her expressing her love for us by bearing our child. Mixing our essence with hers.”
“Man, you had a helluva day, didn’t you? Listen, yeah, I want kids with her if she’s willing. But if she walks in and sees you watching this, she’ll run. We can’t rush her.”
I shut off the television. “I know, I know, but the desire is still there. It feels like I’ve known her for ages.
Last night without her was beyond agony.
I’m not sure how many nights I’ll be able to stand sleeping apart from her.
If she can’t stay here, we’ll go to her place and stay with her. Can you handle it?”
“I was thinking the same thing. You’re right about last night. Let’s wait and see how she is when she gets here. We’ll feel her out day by day. I agree that it feels like we’ve known her for a long time.”
Opening my mouth to suggest we call her, even though it was only five minutes before four, I stopped because of a knock on the bedroom door.
Stalker hurried to answer it since he was closer.
I came off the bed and crowded him within moments, seeing the beautiful face of our woman.
Her arms went around his neck, going up on her toes to kiss him.
I was eager for her to do the same to me, but I wasn’t jealous.
As they kissed, Stalker backed them up into the bedroom. Not caring to give anyone passing by a show, I shut and locked the door. I stood there waiting for my turn. It was a tiny bit aggravating, but I wouldn’t dream of saying anything or cutting it short. I’d hate it if he did that with me.
Daya slowly peeled her mouth from his. Without missing a beat, she turned and gestured for me to step closer to her.
We met toe-to-toe. I was cupping the back of her head before she ever touched my mouth with hers.
I groaned. She’d been eating something cinnamon-flavored.
My tongue dove straight into her mouth and went to town.
Lips, tongues, and our teeth all got in on the fun. My cock was rapidly growing. My jeans were too tight for that, yet it kept expanding. Daya pressed her body against mine and rubbed. I tore my mouth free from hers.
“Christ, Daya, stop. I’m only so strong. You keep that up, and I might not be able to stay in control,” I warned her.
I glanced over at Stalker to find him sporting a large lump in his jeans. His gaze was bright, spitting flames. He was breathing raggedly.
“I’m sorry, I can’t help it. Lord, I’m burning up. It’s been horrible going all day without you guys. I want you,” she cried.
Those words sent a bolt of lightning through my body. I jerked as if struck for real. Had I heard her right? Before I could ask her to repeat herself, there was another knock at the door. Only this one was much louder. I was planning to ignore it until I heard Bull’s voice.
“Predator, Stalker, Daya, we need to talk,” he said gruffly.
Springing to attention, I guided her to sit on the edge of the bed. I untucked my T-shirt from my jeans to cover my erection. Stalker did the same on his way to answer the door. On the other side stood not only our president but Outlaw and Tank. Their faces were grim.
“Come in,” I croaked.
They came inside. Stalker closed us in.
“I’d offer you all a chair, but I only have one. You’re welcome to it or sit on the bed,” I offered.
Bull took the chair. Outlaw and Tank remained upright. My bestie and I sat down, boxing in our woman.
“Something is wrong. I can tell. What is it?” Stalker asked.
“Webb is gone,” Bull said bluntly.
I blinked. I knew my brain had to be lagging or something. “Excuse me? Say that again,” I requested.
“Webb is gone,” he repeated.
“What does that mean? How do you know he is?” Stalker asked.
Bull gestured to Outlaw, who took over speaking.