18. Chapter Eighteen
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
ORA
War called and told me he had to go on a run, which sucks. He was so fucking sweet last night. After we made love twice, he cooked me dinner. He said I do enough cooking, and he wanted to make something for me, so he went to the store and purchased the ingredients, then proceeded to grill some steaks, served with homemade fries, salad, and pepper gravy sauce.
Not going to lie… I was pretty impressed. I don’t think he cooks often, if ever, so the fact he went to the effort was really sweet. He even did the fucking dishes. We went out for ice cream after dinner, and then he stayed the night.
When I woke up in the morning, he had gone back to the clubhouse, leaving me a cute note saying he would see me tonight, but I guess the plans changed. What was really cute, though, was that he’d stocked my refrigerator with my favorite pineapple juice. I never mentioned them to him. He just noticed I liked them and bought them for me, along with some chocolate and strawberries.
Who knew a biker could be so thoughtful?
I’m pulling into my driveway when I notice Lore and Angel standing against their truck, waiting for me.
“What are you both doing here?” I ask, flashing them a smile.
“War wanted us to set up the same security here as at the bakery,” Lore explains, nodding to Angel. “So, he’s going to do that. I’m just here to provide some good company. And Prez wants us to bring you back to the clubhouse to stay the night.”
My eyebrows rise. “Oh, he does, does he?”
“Yes, since War is away, he doesn’t want you alone here,” he explains, winking at me. “Now, don’t get me in trouble by fighting it.”
Laughing, I unlock my door and let them inside. Lore looks around the place, then plops himself unceremoniously on the couch.
“You want something to drink?” I ask them both.
Angel shakes his head. “I’m going to look around the property and get to work.”
“I’ll have something, darlin’. You got any beer?” he asks, turning on the television and making himself at home.
I grab a beer and a juice for myself and hand it to him. Taking the spot next to him, I notice his eyes on me.
“What?”
“No wonder War can’t get enough of your pussy.”
I choke on my mouthful. “What?”
He nods to my juice. “Women drink that so their pussy cream tastes sweeter.”
Okay. I’m not going to think about how my mother always had it in the refrigerator growing up, which is why it’s a comfort drink for me.
“Huh,” I murmur, looking over him. “Trust you to know that.”
“What does that mean?” he asks, arching a dark brow. His violet eyes are dancing with amusement, which seems to be his default setting.
“You’re the club manwhore,” I state, and now it’s his turn to almost choke.
“I’ve been watching you. You’re too charming for your own good, and you’re always with different women,” I say, shrugging. “And I know you are all on your best behavior, so I probably don’t even know the extent of that.”
He grins, flashing his straight white teeth. “You’ve been watching me, have you, Ora? Trying to get me killed by the VP and the prez now?”
“I’d be worth it,” I tease, and he chuckles, pulling me against him.
“Of that, I have no doubt. But you’re right, I don’t think one pussy could ever lock me down. I like a little variety in my life.” He waggles his eyebrows and then pulls out his phone. “Come here. I’m going to send War a photo.”
He takes a few snaps and kisses my cheek in the last one. “Now you’re trying to get us both in the shit.”
“Gotta keep him on his toes.” He grins, throwing his head back and laughing when his phone starts to ring. “Yeah, what can I do for you, War?”
I can hear him yelling from here. “ What the fuck are you doing at Ora’s house? If you don’t keep your hands to yourself, Lore, I’m going to cut off your dick and feed it to you.”
“I’m here with Angel. He’s setting up her cameras, remember?” His eyes flicker to me, and his lip twitches.
“Put her on the phone.”
“War?”
“Hey, baby. Do me a favor and move away from Lore before you sign his death warrant,” he growls out.
I roll my eyes. “Okay, you don’t worry about us. Focus on what you need to do and get back to me safely.”
“Fuck, maybe I do want one,” Lore mutters.
“Not my one,” War replies, hearing him.
“Prez wants me at the clubhouse tonight.”
“Of course he does,” he grumbles, then lowers his voice. “Stay in my bed. Lock the door. And send me a sexy photo of you. But don’t touch yourself. You wait until I get back, all right?”
“Okay,” I reply, handing the phone back.
Fuck, he’s bossy.
“Yes, I’ll protect her with my life. She’s Serpent royalty, War… You don’t have to tell me… Okay, bye.” Lore turns to me and lifts his legs to rest them on my lap. “That sweet pussy has him whipped. Never seen him like this.”
“Well, his hard cock has me whipped too.”
He laughs, a mischievous expression on his face. “Fuck me! What did I do for amusement before you got here?”
“I don’t know, but for Christmas, I’m going to get you a patch that says resident manwhore to add to your cut.”
He stills, flashing me puppy dog eyes. “We’re going to get presents this year? War picking you up at the club was the best thing to happen to me.”
I can’t help but feel comfortable in Lore’s presence. The man knows women, that’s for sure. He knows how to make them feel safe and cared for. I have a feeling he can read us like open books, and that comes with experience. I’m positive he’s left a line of broken hearts in his wake.
Angel finishes up with the cameras, and we drive to the grocery store to pick up some things before we head to the clubhouse. Lore grabs my duffle bag for me, throwing it over his shoulder. It’s pink, so I can’t help but grin at its contrast against his black leather. Angel carries in the bags of food, leaving me with nothing but my phone in my hands. The club never lets me pay for the food, either. I haven’t even opened my purse since I met War. I know I should be a little outraged, but the truth is I could get used to this princess treatment. War knows I have money but doesn’t let me touch it.
“There she is,” Prez beams when he sees me, pulling me against his warm chest. “How was work?”
“Good,” I reply, walking toward the kitchen. “I wish War didn’t have to go away tonight, but I get that as VP, he sometimes has to do these things.”
A shadow passes over his eyes. “He will be back tomorrow, Ora. It’s just a quick run, and we will make sure that you’re well looked after.”
“I know,” I grumble as he follows behind me. Although I know he’s not going to be happy that he’s missing out on my cooking.
“You want me to do anything?” he asks, and I shake my head.
“No, I’m good, but feel free to stay and keep me company.” I laugh when he sits up on the counter. He flashes me a boyish grin, full of mischief, and I soften. “I don’t know what to call you. Sometimes, in my head, you are Rome, and sometimes you’re Prez.”
His throat works as he swallows thickly. “One day, I’d love for you to call me Dad, but otherwise, Rome is fine, Ora. I want you to see me as more than just the Serpents of Chaos president.”
Well, that got deep fast. “Okay,” I reply in a gentle tone. “Well, Rome, why don’t you crack us open a beer, and I’ll get started.”
Four giant trays of lasagna are cooking in the oven when a man walks into the kitchen that I’ve never seen before.
“Something smells good.” He smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He’s handsome with a short buzz cut, tanned skin, and almond-shaped green eyes. His thick lashes are longer than mine, and he has the cutest dimple in his chin.
Rome slides off the counter, and they do the manly handshake-hug thing I see all the men doing. “Scorp, meet my daughter, Ora. Ora, this is Scorp. He’s our club doctor.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say and take his offered hand.
When he smiles, I notice how full his lips are, and honestly, the man belongs on the cover of a magazine. “Ora, beautiful name. Who knew Prez here could create something so perfect?”
Rome chuckles and slaps Scorp on the back. “You know, when I do something, I do it properly.”
I roll my eyes. “I look like my mother, but yes, go ahead and try and steal the credit.”
They both laugh, and Scorp’s eyes linger on me for a little longer than might be appropriate. I clear my throat. “So, you don’t come to the clubhouse much then?”
“I come when I’m needed,” he admits, sharing a glance with Rome. “But I work at the local hospital, too, so sometimes it gets hectic. But it’s convenient because I can be there if any club members get hurt.”
Rome’s phone starts ringing, and he curses under his breath. “I gotta get this. Give me a minute.”
And then he leaves me alone with Scorp, who watches him walk away. “I’ve never seen him so happy. It’s kind of strange.”
Smiling, I start chopping up carrots for the salad. “It’s been a chaotic time for us all.”
“So I’ve heard,” he murmurs, coming up to stand next to me. He leans on his palms on the countertop, his biceps flexing. Yeah, I’ve never seen a doctor who looks like this one. “Can I help with anything?”
And he’s house-trained.
“No, I’m just finishing up. You can go have a beer with the men at the bar if you like,” I reply, turning my head as Lore appears.
“What’s going on here?” he asks, his eyes narrowing on Scorp.
“Lore.” Scorp grins, turning around to greet his club brother. “Long time no see.”
“I know, which is why I’m surprised to find you here, alone with War’s woman,” Lore murmurs, coming over to stand next to me. He pulls out his phone and sends a quick text. “You okay, darlin’?”
I rest my head on his shoulder with a sigh. “I’m good.”
We hear Rome calling out for Scorp, and he rushes out to his prez.
Meanwhile, my phone buzzes with a text.
War
Scorp is there with you?
Lifting my head, I roll my eyes at Lore. “Really? You know what happens to snitches?”
He chuckles, his shoulder shaking. “Sorry, War wanted me to report back.”
Ora
He was in the kitchen while I was cooking. Why?
War
Stay away from him.
Lore glances down at the text, the nosey bastard. “Possessive, isn’t he?”
“What’s the deal with Scorp?” I ask, confused by the whole situation. “And why should I stay away from him?”
“Think about it, darlin’. Scorp is a doctor. He’s rich. He’s well-connected. He lives in a big mansion by the beach, and he’s mostly at the hospital, staying out of trouble and saving lives. Yes, he’s loyal to the club and will come patch us up when we need him, but he lives a different life than most of us here,” he explains, picking up a slice of carrot and taking a bite. “He also doesn’t fuck the club girls. Who would you want your daughter with?”
My jaw drops as I finally get what he’s saying. “You mean Rome is secretly hoping I’ll ditch War for Scorp?” I whisper-yell, my brow furrowing.
“That’s my take on it,” he says, licking his bottom lip. “And I’m guessing that’s where War’s head went too.”
That thought makes me angry.
But I decide I’m not going to say anything.
However, I will be watching Rome closely all night.
Because if he thinks he can move me around like a pawn on his chessboard, he has another thing coming.