Chapter 8 #2
“Judge will get her back. Text Spike for me,” he says, and I send the quick message that we are on the outskirts of Foster; only another twenty minutes and we’ll be home.
The rumble of machines only moments later lets us know that Spike was already tracking Torch’s phone and knew where we were.
Four motorcycles roll toward us. Two peel off the group and settle in front of our truck while two more pull up behind us.
We continue towards Jupiter, but before we enter town, Torch pulls over to the side of the road and puts the truck in park.
I twist to face him, but he’s already looking at me. “Ruby, before we continue, I need to ask you some questions and make sure you understand what this is going to mean.”
“What?” I ask, confused.
“I’m about to take you through the secret back entrance to the compound. You must swear that you’ll never reveal it to anyone, or I’ll have to blindfold you. As my ol’ lady, you can know about it, though, due to this situation.”
My breath catches, and his words, “ol’ lady,” bewilderingly slip out.
“Yes, you’re my ol’ lady. I’ve had a vest for you for years.
But that’s not all. Danger has infiltrated the clubhouse.
Spike revealed to me that there is a chance we have a spy or traitor.
I told you I’d protect you; this is how.
I want you as my ol’ lady and always have, but we need to do it right away for your ultimate safety. Do you trust me?”
“Always.” I don’t even think twice.
“Good. We’re going in the back way, then I’m immediately taking you to my suite.
You’ll only trust me, Moea, and Spike to guard you until further notice.
Your brother is focused on Evie. Spike said that when they get Evie back, they’re going to stop at Lach’s clinic, then they’ll come to the main clubhouse. ”
“Okay.” There’s no need to question him further. I grew up in the club life and recognize what is and isn’t club business, knowing not to question my man about it. And this right here is club business, along with protection for me.
Ben leans toward me, and I lean in as well. Our lips touch for only a moment, but it’s enough. He pulls away and opens the window, where he waves his hand, and the bikes move out with us again between them.
I don’t ask anything when we turn down a road closed off by an electronic gate that opens without him hitting a button.
The dirt road beyond the high fence is flat enough for motorcycles to maneuver on it.
Trees line the way, and every couple of hundred feet I notice a camera light blinking amongst the leaves.
After a couple of miles, the forest opens into the yard behind the clubhouse, with the lake off in the distance. The bikes continue to our destination, and the closer we get, my knee bounces harder, and my palms become sweatier.
I shouldn’t be nervous going to the clubhouse; this was my second home at one time, but I don’t want to come across Barbie, and I worry how the members will react to Ben and me. Fighting with Barbie will be a distraction Ben and Judge don’t need right now.
“Will I be allowed to go to the main areas, or do I have to stay in your rooms?”
“Only with one of us are you allowed to leave. Until I figure out this prospect’s intent, I won’t risk your safety. Why do you ask?”
“I just don’t know if I’m ready to see your ex or not.” I’m being brutally honest with him but also yanking his chain. I know he didn’t sleep with Barbie.
“Princess, we discussed this,” he grits out.
“I’m just joking.” I smile at him.
“I’m going to punish you for that.”
“What?” I exclaim, my body already getting turned on. My nipples pebble, my breathing increases, and Ben notices, a slow grin spreading across his face.
“Think about that while I take care of things.”
I notice we’ve pulled up along the side of the building that houses his, Lach’s, and my brother’s offices. When I start to open my door, I’m stopped.
“Wait, I’ll come get you.”
I sit there while he opens the door and lets Moea out.
She stands at attention near my door. Spike, Racer, and Spider all move close to us.
I wave at them but don’t move because I’m already due for one punishment; I don’t want more.
Although…the thought of more does make me want to be bad, but Ben needs to focus more on what’s going on with Evie and Judge right now.
Ben opens the door and reaches in, lifting me out of the truck.
I smack him. “I can walk, you Neanderthal.”
All the guys chuckle as Ben leans in and whispers into my ear. “That’s more punishment, princess. I’m carrying you, or you’re wearing my cut.”
“Everyone here knows who I am and that I’m off limits. You don’t need to claim me.”
“Bullshit.” Ben sets me down and slips off his cut, sliding it over my shoulders and pulling my arms through.
His brows furrow, and his voice gets aggressive and strong.
“Whenever you are out of our suite or not at our home, you’ll be in this vest until I give you yours.
Understood?” I just nod, biting on my upper lip, because he’s obviously serious about this command.
He leans into my space, pressing me back into the truck.
“We need to be in our suite before I throw your ankles over my shoulders and take your little pussy like you need, right now.”
Shifting my feet to rub my thighs together, he growls before taking my hand and pulling me toward the stairs that lead up to the terrace with the French doors into his office—the former reception room when the building was still a camp.
The group follows, and we arrive at the third floor. I want to check on Evie, but they aren’t back yet, from what I overheard Spike saying to Torch. Though I can’t wait to get to our suite. I love that he’s calling his areas our areas; it grabs at my chest, and my heart beats faster.
When we get to the landing, Moea is waiting at the door for us. Ben puts me in front of him and turns around, standing back-to-back at the door, then he asks Spike what the plan is.
“Judge is on his way back. He didn’t say anything more because he’s focused on Evie right now. I’d say you have an hour or so before we need to get shit settled.”
“Okay,” he responds, spinning back around to press his chest into my back. “Unlock the door, princess,” he encourages as he nibbles my ear. I look down at the thumbprint lock and tip my head to look up at him. “Mal already put you in the system.”