Текст книги "Arrow's Hell"

Автор книги: Chantal Fernando

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Текущая страница: 15 (всего у книги 16 страниц)

My mind flashes to Arrow on his knees, telling me how sorry he was.

“He’s not perfect, but he’s mine,” I reply. “He’s good to me.”

“He better be,” he grates, tone menacing.

“So, do you have a woman in your life?” I ask him, changing the subject. “Anyone I need to threaten?”

He chuckles. “No one special.”

I roll my eyes. “Is that code for just club whores?”

His expression turns innocent. “Where did you learn such a word Anna? I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m not sure how the Wind Dragons run their club, but—”

I smirk at him. “Save it, Talon.”

“I think we should get some dessert; how about you, sis?” he says, flashing me a boyish grin.

“I think you read my mind.”

We both share a smile.

*   *   *

When I get back to the clubhouse later that day, Arrow is waiting for me.

“Will you come to the cemetery with me?” he asks. “Everyone is going.”

“Of course I will,” I tell him. “Should we pick up some flowers on the way?”

He nods, a grateful expression on his face. “You know, Anna, when I think of Mary, all I feel is guilt. A good woman I didn’t do right by, a woman who died paying the price of this lifestyle. A woman I couldn’t even commit to.”

He sighs and takes my hand in his. “I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you, Anna. Never. I just want you to know that.”

I lift his hand to my lips and kiss his fingers. “I get you, Arrow, I know.”

I know that he doesn’t want me to worry about him being upset on the anniversary of Mary’s death. The truth is, I’m not. He has loved before me, and that’s okay, because I have him now and that’s all that matters to me.

“How was your lunch with Talon?” he asks.

“It was good; I told him we could try and do it every month,” I tell him, reaching up to do a missed button on his shirt. I ignore his frown and smile up at him. “Come on, let’s go.”

In the living room, Faye is waiting for us, along with the rest of the MC. She runs to Arrow, who hugs her tightly. I watch them embrace and feel lucky that Arrow has her in his life, and that she’s now in my life. Faye is a great friend, and I feel like an idiot over how I first felt when I met her. I know the two of them were closest to Mary, and I let them have their moment.

I’m more than surprised when Sin wraps his arm around me. “You’re a good woman, Anna, and you make a hell of an old lady.”

I smirk. “Thank you, Sin. I never knew you liked me.”

He grins. “I didn’t like that Rake and Arrow were fighting over you, but I can see you’re a worthy woman. Arrow did well for himself.”

“I’m glad you approve,” I mutter, but then turn to him with a smile. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

He laughs then, and, damn, he really is a good-looking man.

Vinnie wraps an arm around me from behind. “Everyone ready to go?”

“Yes.”

Irish opens the car door for me, and I slide in. “Thanks, Irish.”

“Welcome, Anna,” he replies in his sexy accent.

Arrow and Faye come out of the clubhouse last, Arrow’s eyes immediately searching for me.

“She’s in the car, calm down,” Sin says to him, shaking his head.

Arrow opens the door. “I want to ride.”

He lifts me out of the car and carries me to his bike, placing me on it. He puts a helmet on me but doesn’t bother with one for himself. “Hold on tight, darlin’.”

I smile. “I always do.”

And I always will.

When we get there, we all stand at her gravestone, everyone a few steps back except for Faye and Arrow. Tears spill from my eyes as I feel the pain radiating off them.

Faye places flowers at her headstone and speaks quietly.

Arrow says a few words, then stands.

We all touch the gravestone and then leave.

ARROW

“I hope you’re happy, Mary, wherever you are,” I say to the gravestone. “I know you gave me everything you had, and I didn’t appreciate you enough, and I’m sorry. I know if you met Anna, you would love her. Just as much as I love her. I will never take her for granted, Mary. I’m sorry you lost your life, and I will carry that burden with me forever.”

I take a deep breath. “I killed her father. I fuckin’ killed her father, and if I could go back and change it I would. I wouldn’t have killed him in revenge for your death. It nearly made me lose Anna.”

There is nothing I wouldn’t do for Anna. To think that I almost lost her . . .

Fuck.

“I hope you’re happy, Mary, wherever you are,” I whisper, then turn away.

I step away from the stone and look at her.

My Anna.

The love of my life. If I believed in all that shit, I’d say she was my soul mate.

Here she stands with tears in her eyes, crying for a woman from my past.

There’s no jealousy in her eyes, no hurt.

Only understanding.

How the fuck did I get so lucky?

Me, a fuckin’ sinner.

A tainted man.

A guilty man.

How was I given such an angel?

A beauty, a fuckin’ scientist.

The sweetest woman who ever lived.

I take her into my arms and kiss the top of her head.

I guess God really does believe in forgiveness.

Acknowledgments

THIS book was written during a hard time in my life, and I think it’s turned out to be one of my favorites. I hope it will be for you, too.

First of all, I’d like to thank my agent, Kimberly Brower, for being amazing and going above and beyond. I’m so thankful to have you!

Abby Zidle and Gallery Books, you have been so wonderful to work with, thank you for everything!

My sister, Tenielle, as always, for helping me with anything I need. Words can’t express how much I love you. You keep me grounded, you keep me sane.

My beta readers for always making time for me, and for the encouragement they give! I appreciate each and every one of you more than you know.

Thank you to Rose, Nina, Lisa, and all the other bloggers who support me on a daily basis. Love you lots!

The biggest thank-you goes to my readers. I’ve received so many messages and comments from people who adore this series, and I really hope you love Arrow as much as I do.

When you want something, you have to take it. You have to fight for it. And Tracker is more than worth the fight.

Will Lana be able to get through Tracker’s tough exterior to the good man she knows is inside? Find out in the third book in this sexy series from bestselling author Chantal Fernando!

TRACKER’S END

Coming summer 2015 from Gallery Books

LANA

ANNA, who is this?” a blond god calls out.

I step closer to my best friend. When Anna moved back into town, I’d never have guessed I’d be thrust into a world of motorcycle clubs and insanely hot, yet dangerous bikers. Nothing was going to be boring around here from now on—that was for sure. The man who approaches us is probably the most handsome guy I’ve ever seen in my life, and I’m not even exaggerating. Playful green eyes, angular features with a strong jaw covered in stubble, I can see tattoos peeking out from his white T-shirt. I can also see a muscled arm that I imagine wrapped around me.

Yeah, maybe I will start hanging around here more often.

Like, every day.

“Tracker, this is Lana.” Anna introduces us, explaining, “This is one of Rake’s friends.”

I’m still getting used to calling Anna’s brother, Adam, by his MC name. I’ve known Adam—I mean, Rake—since I was a young girl. He wasn’t in an MC while he was in high school, but he still caused trouble wherever he went. At heart, though, he’s a good guy and cares about his younger sister.

“Nice to meet you, Tracker,” I say quietly, glancing shyly at him.

He smiles slowly. “Pleasure is all mine.”

I have to remind myself to breathe.

“So you’re Anna’s partner in crime?” he asks, moving closer.

I glance at Anna, then back at him. “No. I’m usually the one trying to keep her out of trouble.”

He laughs, rubbing his chest absently. My eyes follow the movement, unable to stop staring at the way his shirt clings to him. “I can see that. Only known her for a while, but I can already see how she starts trouble.”

Anna gives him the finger.

Tracker gives me a look that clearly says See what I mean?

A small smile forms on my lips. “It’s usually her mouth that gets her in trouble.”

“Traitor,” Anna fires back good-naturedly.

“Or because she thinks I need protecting.”

Tracker studies me. “You are kind of small and cute. It’s hot.”

I duck my head shyly.

“Don’t embarrass her,” Anna chastises, then pauses. “And don’t flirt with her. You have a woman, remember?”

I’m surprised by my disappointment at hearing he’s taken, but I brush it aside. This is not the kind of guy I can trust, clearly. His flirty, friendly demeanor is definitely a well-practiced act—it’s probably worked on countless women in the past. It won’t work on me, though. Nope.

I try to keep my expression impassive as Tracker studies me for a moment, a thoughtful expression on his face. As if coming to a conclusion, he nods and moves his gaze away from me. “Just being friendly.”

“Well, don’t,” Anna replies. “Come on, Lana. I’ll introduce you to everyone else.”

“Okay,” I murmur, following behind her.

I can’t help myself. I turn around to look back at him.

But he’s not looking at me.

He’s staring at the ground, lost in thought. He almost looks confused, his eyebrows drawn together, as though he doesn’t understand whatever is on his mind.

I wonder what he’s thinking about. I wonder if he’s thinking about me. Not that it matters. He isn’t available.

And I’m probably not his type anyway.

My thought is proven correct when a beautiful woman walks up to him.

His beautiful woman, I realize as she puts her hand against his chest with a seductive look on her face.

She’s everything I’m not. Tall, slim, and dressed in tight leather pants, a black top showing off her toned flesh, and shiny red high heels. She’s the epitome of a biker chick.

I look down at my worn jeans, graphic T-shirt, and flip-flops, and I keep walking. I may not be oozing sex appeal like that woman, but that’s just not me. Sometimes you have to know who you are and who you’re not.

ONE YEAR LATER

TRACKER

I SEE her.

As usual, she’s standing a little behind Anna, almost hiding. Fuck, she’s shy. It’s cute as hell. Women are usually forward with me, the same way I am with them. But Lana? Her gaze avoids mine as much as it can. I know she wants me. I know lust when I see it; but with her, there’s something more there. She wants more than a fuck. She deserves more. For the last year I’ve tried to stay away from her. I didn’t think I was good for her—oh, and I wasn’t really single, either.

I’m still not good for her.

But wanting her—that has stayed constant since the moment I met her.

She’s dressed in a blue top that hugs her petite frame and jeans that cup her juicy ass. That ass could bring a man to his knees. Feeling myself harden, I shift uncomfortably and force myself to remove my gaze from her. I scan the room, my gaze landing on Allie.

Fuck.

The situation between me and Allie is a huge clusterfuck. A whole fuckin’ mess that I went along with because it was easy. She was here; she wanted me. She knew the lifestyle. Easy.

Allie is the daughter of a fallen member of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club. Because of this, we let her stay in our clubhouse, and we look after her. She’s hooked up with a few of the other members, I know, but when her claws landed on me, the bitch dug deep. She wanted to be my old lady, and I let her play the part for a while without giving her the official title. Looking back, I know I didn’t treat her how I would treat my old lady, how I would treat Lana if she was mine. The feelings just weren’t there—and they still aren’t. I was looking for something in Allie that I didn’t find, but I held on anyway. I led her on more than I meant to. Staying with her was me being a selfish fuck, because I should have let her go when our relationship first started going south. Which was right after it fuckin’ began. I have the feeling she knows it won’t work, but is hopeful anyway. Whatever it is, it’s a fucked up situation that needs to be over with.

Allie is jealous, mouthy and has a vindictive streak in her that people shouldn’t underestimate. She hates Lana with a passion and is jealous as hell of her. I mean, she’d been a bitch towards Faye and Anna as well, with her snide comments and general cattiness, but with Lana it’s different. Faye and Anna can put Allie in her place, but Lana is more quiet and unaware. I’ve seen the scheming looks Allie gives Lana, almost like she’s planning something. Maybe she sensed the connection I feel with Lana. I always tried to protect Lana from her, because I know Allie can be vicious. Whenever Lana was around, I gave Allie a little more attention, just to curb her jealousy. But by trying to save Lana from Allie, it pushed Lana away from me a little bit more each time. It had to be done, but now I want Allie and me to be completely done, and I want to close that distance with Lana.

Allie does have a sweet side, a vulnerable side, which she always tries to hide. It just wasn’t enough for me to overlook the bad. Overall she was a hard bitch who was born to be on the back of a bike, just not mine.

But Lana . . .

I wanted her while I was with Allie, even though I pretended that I didn’t. I tried to make sure she thought I only wanted her as a friend, but I’m not sure what message I really sent. Mixed fuckin’ signals for sure.

My head turns, my attention on her once more.

She’s beautiful. Sweet. Not a mean bone in her little body . . . and yet . . . she belongs on the back of my bike. The loyalty I’ve seen her show Anna when she and Arrow got together made me realize just how strong she is. She’s so much tougher than I’d initially thought.

This one is mine. I wanted her then. And I want her now.

There is no more fighting it: Pretending I don’t want her. Trying to ignore her. Giving her the impression we don’t have a chance in hell. All the games are coming to an end.

I’m going to soak all that sweetness up.

Consume her.

And no one is going to stand in my way—not even her.

She’s my end.

LANA

I CAN feel his gaze on me, but I pretend to ignore him. Instead, I concentrate on the beautiful little girl in front of me. Clover is the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club princess. Daughter of the President, Sin, and his kick-ass wife, Faye, Clover is protected by all and loved by many. With jet black hair, hazel eyes, and the cutest smile, the five year old is a force to be reckoned with.

And I’m her nanny.

Today is only the second time I’m watching her, but honestly, she is a treat. It’s extremely amusing to see how this little girl has all the rough men of the MC wrapped around her little finger. Hell, I can probably learn a thing or two from her. She’s currently sitting on Arrow’s knee, waiting impatiently as Arrow pulls a piece of strawberry candy from his pocket, unwraps it, and pops it into her mouth.

Did he carry around that candy for her?

The girl is good.

“Don’t tell your mother,” I hear Arrow tell her quietly, in that gravelly voice of his.

“I won’t,” Clover replies, grinning.

I shake my head at her, amused. Arrow is Anna’s man, and the club’s vice president. I happen to think that they’re great for each other. As long as Anna is happy, then so am I, and it’s clear that she’s over-the-moon about Arrow. Feisty and strong as she is, Anna is like a happy cat when he’s around, and he’s the same. He adores her and would kill anyone who tried to hurt her. I wish I had that.

Anna’s brother, Rake, is also a club member, which is how she met Arrow and I guess how I ended up here.

The men in the Wind Dragons MC are intimidating, but they’ve only ever been nice to me, albeit a little overbearing. I know that they love Anna, and as her best friend, they also look out for me. I like to think of myself as extended family.

Anna suggested to Faye that I would be a great nanny, and more importantly, that I could be trusted. She thinks I need the money, so when Faye asked me, I accepted. Really, I just couldn’t think of a reason to refuse. But then, the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to do it. Faye needed someone, and I liked her and wanted to help. It also gave me more time with Anna. Before I was Clover’s nanny, I usually only saw her once a week or so. So now I can see her more often, while getting paid to be here. Win-win.

And then there was Tracker. As much as I wanted to deny it, I was looking forward to seeing more of him, even if only from a distance.

Arrow stands, putting Clover down on the couch. “Gotta go, princess.”

Clover pouts. “So soon? Why?”

“Hey, I’m still here,” Tracker calls out, mock hurt in his tone.

Clover turns to Tracker. “I know, Uncle Tracker, but you don’t have candy.”

The two men both laugh, and I join in.

“I have to go and meet Anna,” he says, patting her on the head. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Arrow’s brown eyes then turn to me. “You okay, Lana?”

I nod. “I’m fine.”

Why wouldn’t I be? Okay, so I look out of place here. I am out of place here. My black hair is up in a messy bun, and I have on my reading glasses, no make-up, jeans, and a loose black tank top. Truth be told, I usually look better than this on a day-to-day basis, but I’m proving to myself that I do not care if Tracker finds me attractive or not.

Nope. I do not care.

Not one bit.

And neither does he.

“Call me if you need anything,” Arrow murmurs, eyes darting between Tracker and me before leaving.

“I’m here if she needs anything,” I hear Tracker say to him in a hard voice.

I’m pretty sure I hear Arrow mutter, “That’s what I’m afraid of,” as he walks out the door. With Arrow gone, Clover runs to sit next to Tracker, taking his hand in hers. Standing there awkwardly, I shift on my feet, no idea what to do with myself. With no option but to look at him, I let my eyes take him in.

Today his shoulder length blond hair is tied up in a bun, a much nicer bun than the one I am sporting, and it looks sexy on him. But then again, he always looks sexy. He has a certain appeal to him that I just can’t escape. And I know I’m not the only one. His green eyes are steady on me and slightly narrowed. I wish I didn’t find the stubble on his face so attractive, but I do. The man belongs on a magazine cover and is well aware of his charm. He’s also a badass, dangerous biker—and the contradiction is extremely appealing.

“Clover,” Tracker says. “Why don’t you go get some coloring books and crayons?”

“Can I use one of the new ones you got me?” she asks in excitement.

“Uh, yeah!” he says, trying to match her excitement. She whoops, jumping off the couch and rushing off in search of her things.

Tracker turns to me. “Sit down, Lana,” he commands quietly.

I look around the room before I sit down on the couch opposite him. “Okay.”

“I’m not gonna bite,” he says, flashing his sharp white teeth at me in a wolfish grin.

I think he does bite. And I want him to bite me.

Shit, I’m so screwed.

“What was that thought?” he asks, amusement written all over his too-handsome-for-his-own-good face.

“Nothing,” I say with a casual shrug. I need to stop being so expressive. “Are you going to be here all day?”

Maybe I’ll take Clover out somewhere. No point sitting here and being teased with something I’ll never have.

“Yeah,” he replies, tilting his head to the side and studying me. “I live here.”

“Right,” I reply, shifting on my seat.

“How is school going?” he asks, leaning back on the couch. I’m still getting my business degree. After high school, I’d worked and helped my mom instead of jumping straight into college. Because of this, I’m twenty four and still in school. I don’t mind, though; I’m just happy to be studying something now.

“I’m on break now,” I say. “Just started.”

He nods, eyes widening. “Right. Anna told me that. I forgot.” He flicks his tongue over his bottom lip, and I can’t help but stare at it.

“So you’re going to be here every day watching Clover?”

I shake my head. “Not every day. Four days a week. While I’m on break anyway.”

I honestly don’t know why Faye wants me to look after Clover here. There are always people going in and out. Anna told me that during the day, while Clover is here, the clubhouse is a family environment and everyone is well behaved, but when night falls, all bets are off. It doesn’t explain why Faye doesn’t have me watch Clover at her house. It would be safer and quieter, in my opinion—but Faye’s the boss. I worry that maybe she doesn’t fully trust me yet and wants there to be other people around just in case.

Visiting the clubhouse does have some perks, obviously. I can stare at Tracker when he isn’t looking, sad as it sounds, and so far I find myself doing it at every opportunity. Anna is also here more often than not, so I’m looking forward to spending more time with her.

“That works,” Tracker replies. I don’t miss the way his gaze lowers to my chest, then lower, over the curve of my thighs. The tension in the room suddenly spikes. I quickly look away and am relieved when Clover comes back into the room, books and case in hand. She sits next to me and shows me all the different coloring books Tracker has bought her. I can feel Tracker’s eyes on me, but I stay focused on her. Or try to, at least.

“I want to play a game,” Clover says after fifteen or so minutes of coloring silently.

“What a great idea!” I blurt out. Tracker smirks, clearly aware of how tense I am around him.

“How about hide and seek?” he replies, glancing down at the little girl. “You go hide and I’ll come find you.”

Clover grins, then darts off the couch and into the hallway. I look back at Tracker to see his gaze steady on me. “I want to ask you something.”

“What?” I ask, pushing my glasses up on the bridge of my nose.

I shift in my seat again as he lazily peruses my body from head to toe once more, his lips kicking up at the corner. “You free after you finish up here?”

Was I free? I open my mouth, then close it. “Why?”

“I want to take you for a ride,” he says, licking his lower lip.

“A ride?” I repeat slowly. My mind jumps to dirty things.

He nods, eyes flashing with amusement. “Yes. I want to take you out on the back of my bike.”

His intense stare lets me know that this means something important. I don’t understand much about his MC lifestyle, except bits and pieces I’ve seen for myself or what Anna has told me. Excitement flutters in my stomach at the thought of my arms wrapped around him, my hair blowing in the wind. But then I think about Allie, and the butterflies exit, my stomach plummeting. This is always the issue with Tracker.

He isn’t single. Even when he says he is, he isn’t. She is always there. Sometimes on the sidelines, sometimes in the forefront, but nevertheless, there.

Why does it have to be her? Anyone but her. I am not about to share him, or any man. I want a man that only has eyes for me. A simple enough request, I’d think, but proving hard to find. The fact that I have a hard time trusting men doesn’t help, either. I am one of those suffer-in-silence, keep everything to themselves type of people. I hardly ever put myself out there, which is probably why I’m still single.

“What about Allie?” I ask, curious as to what his answer will be.

Anna told me he’s on– and off-again with her, and it’s been this way for years. To me, it sounds messy. A complication I don’t need or want, no matter how drawn to him I am.

I want him, badly. But Tracker is bad news. I think about him. I dream about him. I fantasize about him. But I keep my distance. Why? Because I’m smart enough to know that we have no future. My head tells me one thing—stay away—but farther south says something else—invite him in. I get wet just at the thought of him. He has that much control over me. The wanting, will it ever end? I sure as fuck hope so.

The reality is that he probably has that effect on most women. Including Allie—that’s why I do what I can to discourage his flirting and persistence, which is getting more and more frequent and which I’m having a harder time refusing.

Tracker scowls, a look of displeasure entering his dreamy eyes. “Allie and I are over. I’m not seeing anyone right now.”

But for how long? I didn’t want to be caught in the crossfire of their relationship. While he may insist that it’s over with them, it’s clear she doesn’t think that, which suggests he’s leading her on. Why would I want a guy like that? I am worth more than that.

I am at war with myself. I can only hope and pray that my mind wins over my body.

“Okay,” I say slowly. “Ummm . . .”

I don’t know what to say. The rejection is hard to form on my lips. The sounds didn’t want to come out, my body betraying me once more.

His eyes and mouth soften, as if he senses my inner turmoil. “I thought maybe you and I could . . .”

Could what? Have sex?

Did he think I was a sure thing?

I mean, he had to know I was attracted to him, right? I can’t stop the excitement I feel at the thought of being with him. Just thinking about his touch makes me blush and makes my sensuality come alive. I want to explore that side of me, with him.

Then something occurs to me. Does he want me to be his rebound girl? The thought of that hurts. As lame as it sounds, I don’t want to be his rebound. I want to be his forever girl. His wife. His old lady, as I’ve heard Faye be called.

Yeah, I’m living in a dream world. And if Tracker knew my thoughts he would run to the other side of the country. I don’t even know if he does commitment. From what I’ve heard, he wasn’t always faithful to Allie, another strike against him. Cheating is unforgivable to me. William was the first and only cheating scum I will have anything to do with. If Tracker’s okay with sleeping around on a girl who cares about him—even if she is a massive bitch—then he’s not someone I want to waste time on.

“I don’t think so, Tracker,” I reply before he can finish his sentence, looking down as I speak. The words hurt coming out, because really all I want to do is scream Yes! My resolve hardens, and I push those thoughts away.

“Why not?” he asks quietly. “I’ve seen how you look at me.”

Yep, he knows. Of course he knows.

No wonder he thinks I’d get on the back of his bike just like that.

He knows.

And I can’t believe he just said that. Red-cheeked, I choose to ignore his comment and point towards the hallway. “Go and find her.”

He stands, but then crouches in front of me, his hands resting on both of my thighs. “We would be so fuckin’ good together, you know that, right?”

I know. We would be. While it lasted anyway.

Then I’d be left to deal with the ramifications of giving in to him.

A broken heart.

“Yeah, but for how long?” I reply, forcing a smile that doesn’t reach my eyes. “I don’t want to be just another woman to you, Tracker.”

He studies me, eyes flashing. “I don’t think I’d put in this much effort for a one-night stand, Lana.”

I think about that. What am I to him? Just a game? I don’t know. I wish I could know what was going on in his head, but there’s no way I’m ready to risk my heart with this man. I need someone I could trust, someone who I know will be faithful and loyal to me. When I stay silent, he sighs.

“Luckily, I’m a patient man,” he murmurs, sliding a finger down my cheek with a gentleness that surprises me. He stands and calls out, “You better have found a good spot, Clover, because I’m coming.”

I try and hide my grin as I watch him roam the clubhouse, looking for Clover. She must have hidden in the kitchen, because I hear laughter, his low chuckle and her high-pitched squeals, coming from there. For a second, I imagine that this is our house, and he is playing with our daughter.

Aaaand that’s why I’m a good writer. I have a huge imagination.

Shit.