Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Eliza
The murmurs started as soft whispers behind closed doors and bloomed into full-blown gossip as I walked Emma to her preschool. Eyes followed me, some filled with sympathy, others masked with suspicion. The whispers seemed to echo against the concrete of the sidewalk, words like “murder,” “biker,” and “poor child” punctuating the air. It was suffocating, and with each whispered word, the oppressive nature of the community’s judgment pressed heavily on my shoulders.
I went to work like nothing had happened and experienced the same stares and whispers from my fellow teachers. Later that night, I paced the living room, each step a measure of my growing anxiety. Emma played quietly, her brow furrowed in concentration over a puzzle. She was oblivious to the circling storm, and I was grateful for her innocent ignorance.
I was on edge, jumping slightly, when the doorbell rang. Peering through the peephole, my heart sank and then fluttered as I saw Knox standing there, his eyes earnest and pleading. With a calming breath, I opened the door.
“Eliza, please, hear me out,” Knox began immediately, his voice tinged with desperation. He looked weary, as if he hadn’t slept in days.
Hesitating, I glanced back at Emma before stepping outside, closing the door behind me for privacy. “Knox, this isn’t a good time. People are talking, and I have to think about Emma’s safety. What if what they’re saying about you is true?”
Knox ran a hand through his hair, his frustration showing. “Shit. I swear to you, I didn’t do it. I didn’t kill Mark. I need you to believe me.”
The earnestness in his eyes, the raw fear of losing not just his freedom but something between us, was unsettling.
“Knox, they recently found his body, but it seems someone murdered him just a couple of nights after you two fought. After you broke his nose. I was there, and I saw your rage. And frankly, it mirrored what I used to experience at the hands of Mark. It terrified me.”
“I would never do something like that to you,” Knox promised.
“You said you would kill him,” I reminded him.
“I don’t… I don’t remember saying that, but it sounds like me. I swear, I didn’t mean it.”
“What am I supposed to think?”
“I have an alibi, Eliza. Like I told the cops, I was at the clubhouse the night they say he was killed. Someone to vouch for me being there.”
“Your brothers? They could be just following orders.”
“No, Tara,” he said, about killing me. “They’ve spoken to her.”
“You were with her?” I asked, my voice high.
“Not like that,” he said, straining.
“This is all coming down so fast, and now Emma and I are caught in the middle of this nightmare.” I rubbed my swollen eyes.
Knox stepped closer, his presence familiar and comforting despite the chaos. “I know how it looks, but I’m being set up. Someone’s trying to pin this on me because of my past, because of what I used to be. I’m not that person anymore, Eliza.” His voice broke slightly, and it pulled at my heart. He reached out, taking my hands in his. “I came here because I need you to believe in me. If you tell me to leave and never come back, I will. But I had to try. I had to tell you, face to face, that I’m innocent.”
Looking into his eyes, seeing the man I had come to know—the man who had shared his fears and dreams with me, who had held me so close—I felt a surge of protectiveness, a fierce desire to fight for the truth.
“Knox, if you are innocent, then we’ll prove it,” I said, the decision firming up within me. “But I need time to think about how to handle this. I need to be careful, for Emma’s sake.”
“Thank you, Eliza,” he whispered, relief washing over his features. “I’ll do anything you ask. Just say the word.”
“I’ll come to you when I’m ready. Okay?”
Knox agreed. As he left, the weight of our situation settled around me like a cloak. I knew that siding with Knox might alienate me from the community even further, but turning my back on him without seeking the truth would go against everything I ever thought I stood for.
After Knox left, I stood at the door for a long moment, the echo of his words declaring his innocence lingering in the air. It was a pivotal moment, a crossroads that demanded a choice, and I had made mine. Taking a deep breath, I turned back to face the quiet order of my home, my decision cementing with each step I took towards the phone.
I called Grandma first, explaining that I needed her to watch Emma for a little while. “I have something important to handle,” I told her, my voice composed despite the inner turmoil. Grandma, ever the rock in our family storm, agreed without pressing for details. Her trust gave me the strength to take the next step.
Next, I called the school. My voice was calm as I requested a week off. “A personal matter,” I said, and the administration, perhaps sensing the gravity in my tone and knowing what I was dealing with, granted the leave without question.
With my immediate responsibilities covered, I drove to the Royal Bastards MC clubhouse to meet Knox. The building loomed large and somewhat foreboding as I parked my car beside the motorcycles and stepped out. Drawing in a long breath, I steeled myself for the wave of gossip and judgment that would inevitably follow, but I was determined.
I found Knox inside at the bar, his expression tense but visibly brightening when he saw me. “Eliza, thank you for coming,” he said, leading me inside to a quieter part of the clubhouse—an office lined with books, binders, and club memorabilia.
We sat across from each other at a small desk. “We must solve this, Knox,” I started. “For Emma, for us. I believe you, but we need proof. We need to find out who really did this.”
Knox’s gaze was piercing. The noise around us seemed to fade into a distant hum as he leaned forward. “I’ve been turning this over in my mind non-stop. There are a few leads I want to follow up on—people who might have had a motive to set me up.”
My mind raced as I needed details. “Who do you think would go that far? To hurt Mark? To frame you?” I asked in a whisper.
Knox rubbed his chin, his fingers brushing against his thick beard with a raspy sound. “There’s a couple of ex-members who didn’t part on the best terms. And there’s always the chance it could be related to some old rivalries.” His eyes didn’t leave mine, searching for a reaction, for any sign of fear or doubt.
Instead of fear, what I felt was a growing resolve. “Let’s list everyone who might have a grudge against you or the club. We can start checking into their whereabouts around the time Mark was…” I trailed off, the reality of discussing a murder case involving someone I once loved feeling unreal.
As we dove deeper into the discussion, the initial tension between us morphed into a focused, collaborative energy. Our partnership deepened with each shared idea, each plan we made. I was learning way more about Knox and the club than I probably should’ve known. Knox assured me that it was okay, that he had the ultimate say over whether to divulge the information. It was in these moments, working side by side, that I truly saw the man Knox was—a man willing to fight for his innocence, a man driven by a desire for truth.
Then he asked the million-dollar question. “What if Mark’s death had nothing to do with framing me?”
It was an angle I hadn’t thought of.
I gave Knox a sideways glance.
He explained, “You said he had a gambling addiction. He was violent. What else?”
Knox was right. We started another list, examining what I knew about Mark, and what we needed to find out.
Hours passed, the night deepening around us, echoing the intensity of our situation. The shared purpose pulled us closer, and when Knox reached for my hand across the desk, his touch was just what I needed. I didn’t hesitate. I met him halfway, and soon, our hands were intertwined, our fingers laced together as a silent testament to our unity.
Eventually, we moved to his couch, our physical connection reigniting amidst the chaos of our predicament. As I fell into Knox’s embrace, the warmth of his touch, the reassuring strength of his presence—it all felt so right again. I went to take off my glasses.
“No,” Knox said. “Keep them on. Get on my lap, you sexy school teacher.”
Flushing and giggling, I was straddling him, our make out session turning hot and heavy, though it took a bit to get used to kissing with my glasses on.
And on top, suddenly, I was in control. Feeling unprepared only for a moment, I held my breath as I traced a finger along his collarbone, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my touch. His gaze remained fixed on mine as I slowly brought his t-shirt up, revealing the dark tattoos that adorned his skin. I noticed the moonlight seeping through the curtains, casting a soft glow over them as he finished the job.
While my eyes were on his superb tattoo covered chest and his perfect six-pack of abs leading to a v shape peeking out of his jeans, he expertly had my shirt and bra off in an instant. Cupping my breasts, he made a noise of appreciation before he sucked in each nipple, locking eyes with me as he did.
Holy hell, it was hot.
Then he steered me down to my knees before him. Biting his lip, Knox unzipped his pants. The biker had pleased me last time, and now it was my turn to shine.
Reaching in, I pulled out his stiff erection, feeling the skin smooth in my hand. Face to face with his gigantic cock. Finally getting a good look at it, I swallowed hard. It was as glorious as him, thick and tall, intimidating but charming. Taking a deep breath, I leaned forward and ran my tongue over the salty tip, feeling his thigh muscles tense on either side of me.
Knox let out a soft groan, his hands threading through my hair while I proceeded. I moved slowly, savoring the flavor, the sounds coming from him. My mouth enveloped his cock, feeling his silky skin against my tongue. As I sucked and licked, I could hear the rhythm of his breaths quickening. His hands firmly grasped a fistful of my hair, guiding my mouth deeper, urging me on until his dick hit the back of my throat.
My tongue moved faster, tracing the veins and oozing tip of his shaft. His dick pulsed with every flick of my tongue. His moans grew louder. It drove me wild to drive him wild.Letting go of my hair, he lifted up his hips and pushed his jeans further down his thighs. I reached up to tug his balls, gently massaging them as I continued my work.
I wanted nothing more than to bring him to the edge. I slid my mouth up and down his shaft, savoring every inch. Knox’s breaths became ragged, and I could sense he was close. I knew it was time to change pace. I quickly released his cock from my mouth and stood up, my eyes still locked on his. With a sly grin, I unbuttoned my own jeans and wiggled them down, panties and all, revealing my own nakedness.
He took in the sight before him, his eyes widening with desire. I went for my glasses again, and he stopped me.
“No, baby. Keep them on.” Knox got to his feet, pulled up his pants and took me over to his desk. “I want to paddle the teacher.”
“Knox,” I said, surprised, as he bent me over the cool wood.
He caressed my ass that was up on display.
“I’m not sure…” I started.
”I’ll go easy on you,” Knox said, suddenly wielding a leather paddle.
I swallowed hard, glancing over my shoulder at the instrument in his hand. There was a part of me that was scared, since I’d suffered at the hands of abuse, but there was an even bigger part that was excited at the prospect of surrendering to his fantasy in this way. I knew I was in safe hands, and I trusted him implicitly not to really hurt me.
Before I could change my mind, Knox swung the paddle, making contact with my bare skin. He smacked me firmly on my left cheek, making me yelp in surprise.
“Okay,” I said, breathless. “But you have to go easy.”
He swatted me again, this time on the other cheek, hard enough to make me yelp but not too painful. It was just a warning shot.
His voice was calm but firm as he continued, “I promise I’ll make sure you’re comfortable. Now, spread your legs a little wider for me, Ms. Eliza.”
“Don’t call me that,” I said at once.
“Okay, baby,” he cooed, using the nickname he had given me earlier.
I hesitated for a moment, then submitted, feeling vulnerable as my pussy was displayed for him as well.
“That’a girl,” he said as he persisted in spanking me softly. “Keep your legs wide apart. You know I won’t go too hard, right?”
“Yes, sir,” I said, my voice trembling with a mix of pleasure and anxiety.
He continued the gentle spanking, building up the pace and adding a little more force each time. My ass was on fire, but I could feel the heat spreading throughout my entire body. I felt alive in a way I hadn’t in years.
Knox’s voice was low and soothing as he spoke to me. “You’re doing great, baby. Just let go and enjoy it.”
The stings sent shockwaves through my body, but it was quickly followed by a stunning wave of pleasure as he swept his hand down to pet my clit. He kept striking me, his rhythm precise and deliberate before I was rewarded with his gentle touch. With every hit, I felt my desire for him grow stronger, fueled by the exquisite pain and pleasure intertwining within me.
I could hear the flick of his leather belt, and I knew it was just a question of when it would contact my skin. As it was, he continued to spank me with the paddle, his rhythm never fading.
Suddenly, he stopped, and I trembled in anticipation.
“It’s time,” he said firmly. “What do you want, baby?”
“I want you inside me, Knox.”
“In where?” Knox asked.
I knew what he wanted to hear. “In me, sir.”
“My pussy,” he said in a huff. “Say it.”
“I don’t talk like that,” I huffed back.
And I felt the cold, smooth surface of the belt brush against my skin, and then, with a swift motion, it cracked against my ass. Sharp, the pain was searing, but it was quickly overshadowed by me writhing with need.
“My pussy, Knox. I want you inside this pussy,” I wailed out.
He went gentler, smacking me with his hand, creating a delightful sting that made my body crave more. I was soaked between my legs, my juices leaking down the inside of my thighs as he continued to dominate me.
“Are you sure you’re ready? You don’t sound ready. Tell me you want all this dick. Talk dirty to me, teacher.”
He ceased the spanking, exhaling deeply to collect himself before reaching down and inserting a finger inside of me, discovering my wetness and pushing it deep within me. I gasped, his finger pounding into me, matching the rhythm of his spanking.
“Please,” I whimpered, needing him to take me. “Please fuck me.”
“What do you want?” He asked, his words curt.
“I want your dick, Knox,” I begged, needing him to fill me up. “Please.”
He pulled his finger out and shifted behind me, positioning himself at my entrance. I felt the head of his dick pressing against me just right, teasing me with the promise of fulfillment. He struggled to catch his breath and then thrust hard, filling me entirely.
The sensation was intense, pleasure from finally having his dick in me and pain pulsating on my ass, mingling together in perfect harmony.
“That’a girl. Take this dick.” Knox’s thrusts were slow and deliberate at first, his hands clasping my hips as he moved in and out of me. His cock forced against my walls, arousing waves of ecstasy throughout my body. He increased his pace, his hips driving his dick into me harder, faster. His fingers dug into my belly, pulling me back against him with each thrust.
“That’s it, baby,” he breathed, his voice hoarse with desire. “Take it, take all this dick.”
Our bodies slapped together, the sound erotic and turning me on even more. I moaned, arching my back and meeting his every thrust. The pain and pleasure were now intertwined, creating a wild and intense sensation that was driving me closer and closer to the edge.
“Oh, fuck,” I groaned, my body trembling at the feel of him so deep inside me.
Reaching around, he grabbed my clit, rubbing it in a circular motion. “That’s it, baby. Let go. Let it all out.”
I could barely form words, my body rocking back and forth with every thrust. The sensation was overwhelming, a perfect blend of pleasure and pain that was pushing me to the brink.
Knox increased his pace, his thrusts becoming more erratic, his hands clenching my hips for support. I could feel his body tremble with desire.
“I’m going to come,” I gasped, feeling the familiar sensation building within me. “Oh, fuck, Knox, don’t stop!”
He didn’t stop, continuing to thrust into me, his movements becoming more frenzied. I could hear his breathing become ragged, and I sensed he was nearing as well.
“Come with me,” he growled, his voice low and sensual.
I felt his cock throbbing within me, and I could tell he was about to come. My body convulsed, waves of pleasure washing over me as I came harder than I ever had before.
“Fuck, baby,” Knox groaned, his hips thrusting one last time before he let out a guttural moan, pulling out of me. I felt him spill onto my ass, right where I ached. The warm sensation spread over my sore skin. I could feel him pulsing, and I knew he was marking me as his.
Then came the shock. He leaned over me and bit my shoulder, hard enough to leave a mark.
“What the fuck?” I called out.
“You’re mine,” he growled, his voice thick with lust. “My property, Eliza. Don’t you forget it.”
Sucking in a breath, my anger floated away as every fiber of my being seemed to agree with him. Nestled against his chest, I allowed myself to feel a profound sense of partnership. Of belonging to him.