Chapter Nine. #2
“Sunny’s going nomad still?” I asked, and Chance blinked. I’d overstepped; that was brother business and not a prospect’s. Surprisingly, Chance answered.
“Yes, but he’ll continue to help when required. Sunny will remain a brother.”
“That’s cool.” Honestly, I was surprised Sailor had been allowed to remain, as he’d been undercover for Sunny.
Something Sailor had taken a turn in the ring to atone for.
Sunny and Sailor both insisted that Sailor wanted to stay, and Chance had agreed reluctantly.
Chance understood loyalty. But Sailor pulled the really bad scut jobs.
To his credit, though, the man did them without complaint.
Chance and the inner circle had seriously put him through the wringer.
“Get out. I’ll keep you updated,” Chance ordered, and I nodded.
Once outside, almost as if the caller knew I had just left Chance’s office, my phone rang.
“Son! Briar is home!” Mom squealed, and I smiled.
“I’ll pop over and see her tonight,” I suggested. Mom made a happy noise. “Is Briar okay?”
“Well, Briar’s not saying much, and looks pale,” Mom admitted.
“I’ll talk to her tonight. Don’t worry.”
“She might tell you,” Mom said hopefully.
“Mom, I’ll do my best. But we might need to give her some space.
Briar can dig her heels in.” That was an understatement.
If you looked up ‘stubborn’ in a dictionary, Briar’s picture would be under the heading.
I could only hope that whatever shit was going through my sister’s head was easily resolved.
April
It had been a week since I was kissed and ten days since the suspension, which had been lifted today. The police had arrested Mahoney, and she’d been charged with reckless endangerment. I’d have been happier if it had been attempted murder, but I’d take whatever I’d get.
Despite the charge, Mahoney still worked at the hospital, although she was on a final warning.
I’d given my statement about the hostile work environment with Clara’s lawyer at my side.
In response, many other nurses and female doctors had now come forward with their own complaints.
Reines was suspended pending further investigation.
That helped my case with Mahoney, but also aided hers.
She’d used Reines not asking her out as an explanation for her behaviour.
Mahoney claimed she’d felt inferior and unworthy when Reines asked out every woman apart from her.
Okay, that was a massive exaggeration, but Mahoney played it brilliantly and had kept her job for now. We’d see what the court date brought.
“Are you sure you’re not dating anyone?” Teagan demanded approaching with a basket.
“Absolutely, why?”
“Because this is for you!”
My eyes widened. “What?” Curiously, I peered at the gift before I ground my teeth.
The basket held a huge, pale purple teddy bear holding a balloon.
It was wrapped in Saran Wrap with a massive bow.
A card simply said, ‘Thinking of you xxx.’ Stone.
It had to be from Stone. What the hell was he playing at?
Temper igniting, I grabbed it and smiled sweetly at Teagan. “I’m going to burn this fucker in front of Stone, hopefully he’ll get the message.”
“Are you sure that’s from Harlequin?” Teagan asked. “Would a biker really send that?”
“Yeah, nobody is making waves about me dating them. Reines would have put a scalpel through its heart.”
Teagan laughed and nodded. “True.”
“I’ll let you know how it goes,” I replied, and, grabbing the basket, headed out. I knew exactly where to find Stone. Maybe this time he’d understand I meant business.
◆◆◆
“I’ll have to check, ma’am,” the guy on the gate said, and I scowled and took in his name badge.
“Hey, I’m not old enough to be ma’am!” I exclaimed, outraged. Worried, I glanced in the mirror. Did I look that rough?
“Sorry! Just being polite,” Jinx muttered and disappeared back inside the guard house.
“Ma’am? Do I look like a fuckin’ ma’am?” I muttered, mortally offended.
Moments later, Jinx popped his head out of the small window. “Go on through. Follow the road, and it will take you to the clubhouse. Harlequin will meet you there.”
“Thanks.” I drove through the opening gates, and they closed behind me.
A loud bang echoed behind me, and I winced but didn’t look back to see what had happened.
I headed in the direction Jinx had told me, and I spotted a large building.
As I parked outside, I saw a huge entrance with double doors, and Stone and some of his brothers were waiting.
I got out of the car, yanked out the basket, and placed it on the ground near him.
Stone frowned and then peered at me, appearing perplexed.
He wouldn’t be confused in a moment. I reached into the back again and yanked out a gasoline can.
I slowly poured the fluid over the gift and then, stepping away, pulled out a matchbox and lit one.
Stone seemed even more puzzled as I flicked the match and the entire thing caught alight.
“Fuck!” a man roared and headed inside to fetch a fire extinguisher.
“Leave me the hell alone. I don’t want to talk, see, or breathe the same air as you. Stop sending me gifts. If you continue, they’ll end up back here and on fire until you get the message. Understand?”
“Er, one problem—”
“Enough, Stone, we’ve been done a long time. From the moment you stuck your cock in my best friend!” I yelled. A woman gasped, and I heard several others muttering. The guy reappeared and started putting out the fire.
“You done?” Stone ground out.
“Do you understand?”
“Yeah, one issue. Wasn’t me who sent that, or anything else, April,” Stone said and held my eyes.
What? Stone was lying. He had to be. Who else would send me presents? Nobody. I stepped forward with the can and poured more gasoline. The guy putting out the fire yelped and shot backwards as the flames climbed skyward again.
“Bullshit!” I gritted my teeth and turned my back. I headed for my car when there was a stomping of boots, and I was slung over a man’s shoulder.
“Put me the fuck down!” I screeched.
“Yeah, not happening, April,” Stone replied.
I reached down and bit his ass, and Stone howled and dropped me. Struggling to maintain my balance, I rolled away. Firm hands grabbed me, helping me stay upright. Stone rubbed his ass and glared.
“What’s with the asshole biting?” Stone bitched.
“Are you calling me an asshole?” I yelled, outraged.
“If the boot fits…” Stone said in a weird tone. There was an expression on his face I really didn’t like, and I pulled free and backed away. Stone began stalking me, intent clear in his body.
“Back the fuck off!” I ordered, and Stone offered a cold smile before charging. I was up and over his shoulder again, and Stone moved rapidly, bouncing me as he went.
“We’re long overdue for a come-to-Jesus, you and I, April!” Stone declared loudly as I shrieked wordlessly. Talk? He wanted to chat? I’d give Stone something to talk about!
Harlequin
Jesus, April was as magnificent as ever when her temper erupted. My cock strained against my jeans, demanding I smack her ass and fuck her senseless. I couldn’t do either of those things, but as I marched through the rec room with April yelling the house down, I smacked her ass hard.
April squealed and began wriggling in earnest, unwittingly opening the bite mark I’d experienced in the bar fight.
The fucker hadn’t healed properly, and I’d got an infection.
It had been recently reopened, lanced and restitched.
April was tearing the stitches, and I could feel blood seeping out again.
But it was worth the pain and discomfort to get my hands on her. I dumped April on her feet, slammed the door, and locked it. April attacked like a spitting hellcat, and I struggled to hold her off.
A stray hand caught my shoulder, and I cursed. “Fuck sake’s April, stop!” I snapped.
“Let me out,” she yelled. I grabbed a towel and threw it at her.
“Huh?”
“You’ve got blood on you.”
April glanced down and frowned. Her gaze moved up my body and landed on my shoulder. “I did that?” She gasped and rushed me for a different reason this time. Before I could stop her, April was tugging my tee up and checking the wound.
“What the hell happened, Stone?”
“Someone attacked me, and the fucker sank his teeth in during the fight. Funny enough, I believe he assaulted me over you,” I said as April gently touched the bite.
“Okay, sit down. Do you have a first aid kit?”
“In my closet. Who was the guy?”
“Your attack had nothing to do with me. Why would I bother with you, Stone?”
“Good question,” I replied as April cleaned the bite mark. “Have you had trouble with a stalker or ex?”
April laughed with bitterness. “Behave, Stone. Who’d want to stalk me? I do check the mirror. Why did you send those gifts? Why can’t you leave me alone?”
I reached up and caught her hand, getting her attention. “No lie, April, they weren’t from me. I think at best, you have a secret admirer; at the worst, you’ve got a stalker.”
April stared, stunned, then spoke in a small voice. “Are you messing with me, Stone? Nobody wants the fat girl.”