Текст книги "Dragon's Lair"

Автор книги: Chantal Fernando

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Текущая страница: 11 (всего у книги 11 страниц)

Chapter Thirty

Dex has been gone for four months when Jim dies from lung cancer.

Everyone is devastated.

I sit by the hospital bed and watch as Cindy cries. The woman who didn’t even cry on that night when Mary died right before her, is bawling her eyes out. Something about seeing such a strong woman shatter makes it hard for me to try and stay strong.

I cry silently, holding Clover close to my chest.

The men stand around Cindy, helping her up and leading her out of the room. She wails, screaming Jim’s name. We all leave the hospital and go back to the clubhouse. The place is unusually quiet, and extremely depressing. The men drink.

And then drink some more.

Jim’s good friend Jack Kane and his son Xander come to help us with the funeral. Apparently Jack was once a member of the club, and I guess officially, still is one.

Since the new President of Wind Dragons is still behind bars, Trace takes over things until Dex gets back. The club gets three new prospects, two I like but the other—not so much. I guess time will tell how it all turns out with each of them.

I walk up to Trace and refill his drink. He gives me a chin lift in thanks. Allie is sitting on Tracker’s lap, whispering in his ear, so I don’t go and intrude. Instead I walk up to Rake, showing him the bottle of scotch. He lifts his glass up for me to pour.

“How are you holding up?” I ask him so only we can hear.

He gulps his drink, replying with a question of his own. “Where’s Clover?”

“She’s asleep,” I tell him, pointing to the baby monitor sticking out of my jean pocket.

He nods his head, then stands up. “I need a woman and some more alcohol.”

“I can provide the scotch, but unfortunately, I’m not a pimp.”

That earns me a small smile. He cups my face and kisses me on the forehead. “Why don’t you and Clover go home for a few days? This place isn’t going to be any fun to be around.”

I feel a little hurt, but I realize he’s right. “That’s probably a good idea.”

I stay at home for a week.

Each day they send someone to check on me. It’s not necessary but kind of nice too.

When I return, the place is a mess and there are women sleeping out in the open.

“Did they throw a party?” I ask Allie when I see her in the kitchen.

She nods. “It’s been like this since you left. Few members from other chapters are here too, so it’s not safe to just walk around here anymore.”

Tracker walks into the kitchen, wearing nothing but a pair of boxer shorts. He smiles when he sees me, “You’re back”

“Yeah but I’m not staying,” I reply, eying the place with distaste.

Tracker looks around and grimaces. “Place has kind of gone to hell.”

“You think?” I reply dryly. Clover stirs in my arms.

“Can I hold her?” Allie asks.

I nod my head and gently put her in Allie’s arms. “I’m gonna try and clean this place up a bit.”

I get a large garbage bag and start picking up all the rubbish. I’m throwing bottles into the recycling bin when a hear steps behind me. I quickly turn and come face to face with the man from the first party I saw. The one Dex spoke to and wanted to ‘share’ me. My pulse races as fear shoots through my system. There’s something not right about this man.

“How nice to see you again, and without your man,” he says, staring at my breasts.

I force a smile. “I’m just trying to tidy the place up.”

He takes a step closer and grips my wrist. “Dex isn’t here, so I guess I should take care of you for him. I’m sure he doesn’t want his old lady going without.”

“Dex will kill you if you touch me,” I grit out, trying to pull my wrist from his hold.

His grip tightens. “Dex isn’t here.”

He forces his mouth on mine, gripping my head with both his hands. I can feel him pressed against me, and he’s hard. Hell no, this is not happening to me. I reach for one of the bottles, lift it and hit him in the head. When he pulls back, his face contorting with rage, I whimper. He backhands me and I fall onto the floor.

I scream.

I scream for Tracker at the top of my lungs.

The man grabs me by the hair and yanks me up, just as Tracker runs out, still half-dressed.

“What the fuck!” he growls, running up and punching the man across his face. “Have you lost your fuckin’ mind Shame?”

Shame? That’s the bastard’s name? How fitting.

I rub my hand along my jaw, grimacing at the burning pain. Tracker punches him in the stomach, then knees him in the head.

Shame falls to the ground.

“You’re fuckin’ dead when Dex gets out,” Tracker spits out as Shame falls to the ground, kicking him in the head for good measure.

Suddenly Rake is behind me, picking me up like I weigh nothing and carrying me into the house.

“I want to go back to the house,” I whimper against his chest. He puts me on his bed and touches my face, checking the damage.

“It’s just a bit swollen. He hits like a bitch,” Rake says. “Fuck, I can’t believe he’d be so fuckin’ stupid.”

“I’m fine,” I mumble. I stand up, ignoring Rake’s demands. I find Allie and take Clover from her, then we both go home.

I cry as I drive, needing Dex.

I can’t do this alone anymore.

*****

Two days later, I hear the rumble of motorcycles. I walk outside, Clover in my arms, to see Rake, Vinnie, Trace, Tracker and the prospects all there.

My first thought—something has happened.

Tracker gets off his bike and walks to me.

“Is everyone okay?” I ask him, looking into his eyes for a hint of why they were here.

“Everything is fine. Are you okay?” he asks, a calloused finger touching my jaw.

I flinch at the contact. “I’m fine, what’s going on?”

“We came to bring you home. Everyone’s cleared out, the women are gone. It’s all cleaned up. We want you back there. What happened the other day never should have fuckin’ happened, we don’t hurt women, and especially not you,” he says, staring down at me. “Dex is going to gut all of us for not protecting you better.”

I swallow hard. They were all here for me? “I don’t know—”

“Get in your car Faye, and bring that beautiful girl with you. We’ll follow you,” he says, crossing his arms over his chest, letting me know he wasn’t going anywhere.

I smile. “Fine, let me pack some stuff.”

Tracker helps me pack, and then they all follow my car home.

*****

Back at the clubhouse, everything goes back to normal.

And then finally—finally that day comes.

The one I’ve been waiting for.

I wait for him, a few steps in front of the club members, Clover in my arms.

Then I see him. A plain white t-shirt clings to his muscled body, and his eyes solely are on me.

It’s like no one else is here.

Just us.

He jogs towards me and grips the back of my neck and kisses me like… well, like a man just getting out of prison. I ignore the whistles and catcalls from the peanut gallery. Dex pulls back and our eyes connect. His are full of emotion, want, need, and pain pouring out of them at once.

“We missed you,” I whisper, pulling him back down for another quick kiss.

“I missed you both so fuckin’ much Faye,” he whispers, resting his forehead against mine, his voice thick. He looks away from me to Clover.

“She’s so beautiful,” he says softly, taking her into his arms, kissing her forehead and whispering to her, making her laugh. He looks at her like she’s everything to him.

Like she’s precious, like he can’t look away even if he wanted to.

He holds her to his chest, and kisses the top of her head.

Then, his daughter in his arms, he goes and greets his brothers. Many half hugs and shoulder slaps later, he comes back to me and wraps me in his arms.

“Time to go home, yeah?” he says, grazing his teeth across his bottom lip. “Fuck, it feels like it’s been forever. Home. Now. We have lost time to make up for.”

I go up on my tip-toes and kiss him on the lips. “Take us home then.”

Chapter Thirty One

He walks out, his stride slow, dressed in that hideous green jumpsuit.

“Arrow,” I whisper, and he sits down, his small smile and eyes for Clover and Clover only.

“She’s gotten so big,” he rasps, taking her in from head to toe. “Brother,” he says, nodding his head at Dex, and then looking to me and giving me a warm look. “Faye.”

Clover makes a giggling sound, and we all look down at her.

“She looks just like you,” he says to me, flashing Dex a look that says ‘good luck with that.’

It’s so awkward making conversation with someone in prison. What do you ask them? How are you? What did you do today? What are your plans for the week? We let Arrow guide the conversation and answer him as he asks how everyone is and what he’s been missing out on. We stay for an hour before we have to leave.

As we walk to our car in silence, I try to push away the miserable feeling of leaving him behind.

“Let’s go home babe,” Dex says, his palm rubbing his chest, right where his four leaf clover tattoo is.

I look back at the prison one last time, before opening the door and putting Clover in the car seat.

“How come you never let me drive your car?” I ask when we get on the road.

“Have you seen you drive?”

“Yes, and I’m awesome,” I reply, my eyes narrowing.

He scoffs. “What were you wearing for your driving test? Something fuckin’ short I bet. With your tits out.”

I gasp in outrage. “You did not just say that.”

I think back to what I wore for my driving test. Jeans. And okay, maybe a low cut top, but that’s not why I passed my test.

“See. You were, weren’t you?” he says, sounding smug.

“No, I wasn’t,” I lie.

“Liar.”

“Annoying,” I mutter under my breath.

His hand rubs up my thigh. “Are you happy?”

I turn to him, taken off guard by the seriousness of his tone. “I’m very happy.”

“Good,” he replies, soft blue eyes on me for a second before turning back to the road.

“I’d tell you if I wasn’t,” I add. “Trust me, you’d know.”

His lip twitches. “Good.”

“Are you happy?” I ask.

“You’re everything to me. You and Clover. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy in my life,” he says quietly.

“Good answer,” I mutter under my breath.

He grins. “I’m learning.”

I lean over and kiss him on the cheek. “I breathe you babe.”

He turns his head and catches my lips in a quick kiss. “Right back at you.”

*****

I aim the gun like a pro and shoot at the target.

“Fuck, you’re getting good,” Dex says when I’m done.

“I’m a woman of many talents,” I tell him, wiggling my eyebrows suggestively.

“Don’t I know it,” he adds, gaze dropping to my mouth. “It’s hot seeing you handle a weapon.”

I love when he looks at me like he has to have me, right then and there. I didn’t exactly lose all my baby weight after Clover. My stomach is a little rounder and has a few stretch marks. Dex doesn’t seem to mind one bit though.

“I feel confident with guns. Now we need to move onto something else. Knife throwing maybe?” I propose. I’d just seen a movie in the cinemas with a hot ass guy throwing knifes and now I wanted to try it.

“Knife throwing?” he asks, eyes dancing with amusement.

“What about fencing? That ought to be a good time,” I suggest.

Now he straight out laughs at me.

“I want to learn how to ride my own motorcycle too,” I tell him. I love being on the back of his bike.

Love it.

I want to learn how to ride one of my own too.

“That I can teach you,” he muses, eyes turning hungry.

“Good, I’d hate to have to ask one of the other men,” I tease.

His eyes immediately darken. “You don’t get on the back of anyone else’s bike, or let them teach you anything, you know this.”

“I’ve only ever been on the back of your bike.”

“I know,” he says. “And that’s how it’s gonna stay. Isn’t it?”

He leans forward and cups my chin in his hands. My breath hitches, and I feel my body respond to his tone.

“Only you Dex,” I assure him.

“Want to fuck you bent over my bike,” he whispers into my ear. “Your ass sticking out, ready and waiting for me.”

I rub against him, only to feel him hard already. Good, I’m not the only one getting turned on here.

“Take me home prez,” I whisper into his ear, nibbling on the lobe.

Epilogue

Dex scoops some baby food on the spoon, then makes an airplane sound, trying to get Clover to open her little mouth. She opens it, but then closes it at the last second, making the food dribble all down her chin. Dex takes a bib and wipes it, then tries another trick, trying to make her laugh then quickly put the spoon in the mouth.

It doesn’t work.

“Clover, you need to eat to become big and strong like your dad,” he tells her, trying again. This time, she opens her mouth but then spits it out all. A blob lands on his face.

He sighs patiently, and raises his thickly muscled arm to wipe the food from his face.

I start laughing, I can’t help it.

He spins to see me, wiping the food from his face. “Thank f—… Thank eff you’re here.”

“I’ve been here for a while, I was just watching you,” I admit, unable to hide my smirk.

He puffs out a breath “I need a smoke.”

“Go have one I’ll give Clover a bath,” I tell him, taking her out of her high chair.

“How was class?” he asks, slapping me gently on the ass.

“Same as usual,” I reply, kissing my daughter’s chubby cheek.

“So you’re kicking ass then?”

“Of course,” I reply. I’m one of the top students in my class.

He steps up behind me, wrapping his arms around me from behind. “That’s my girl.”

He kisses the top of my head, then Clover’s.

I smile to myself.

This wasn’t how I thought my life would turn out, but I’m glad it did.

Dexter Black turned my world upside down, but then he gave me his.

And his world is where I want to be, as long as he’s right there by my side.

*****

My high heel pumps tap on the floor, the clicking sound keeping me distracted. Holding my file close to my chest, I wait impatiently. Finally, I see him walk out, carrying a bag in his hand.

“Took your time,” he calls out as he walks towards me, looking in desperate need of a haircut.

“Sorry,” I reply, throwing my arms around him. “I kind of had to get my degree first, then wait for you to be granted parole.”

“Where’s your husband?” he asks, looking around for Dex.

“Everyone is waiting for you back at the clubhouse,” I say. “And we all know I’m your favourite person, so I came alone.”

They have something planned for his welcome home and were busy getting it organized. I know it involved a bunch of strippers they were bringing to the clubhouse and lots of alcohol. Arrow’s kind of party.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here,” he growls. “I’ve been in there so long, even you’re starting to look good.”

I gasp and punch him in the arm, ignoring his husky laughter.

“Still your charming self I see. And you think I want to be here? I feel like I live here,” I complain, shaking my head.

His lip curves slightly. “Comes with the territory.”

“I’m going to practise at the shooting range, want to come?” I ask.

“Very fucking funny.”

I grin and take Arrow home.

The End

Spin My Love

By Chantal Fernando

Coming Soon

Prologue

The music is pumping, and I find myself lost in it. This is the first time I’ve seen Tane Miller in his element since he made it big—it’s been about five years. I dressed to impress knowing I would see him tonight. My jet black hair is ironed dead straight and teased on top to give it some volume. My fringe slides across my forehead, almost covering one of my smoky blue eyes. I’m wearing a slinky royal blue dress, which reaches just above my knees and makes my blue eyes pop. My tattoos are all fully showcased tonight, the half sleeve down my left arm, and the red bows I have on the back of each of my thighs. The bow tattoos look like they are on black garter belts. It’s a sexy look—or so I’ve been told.

It took me about an hour and a half to get ready, that’s how much I wanted to impress Tane tonight. At the end of his set, I make my way closer to the DJ booth, hoping to get his attention. I know he must recognize me when his pale green eyes take me in straight away, ignoring the other women around me vying for his attention. He is more gorgeous than ever. His tall build is slightly leaner than when I last saw him, and his dark brown hair is longer, almost down to his chin. There is something different about him though. His eyes contain something new from all those years ago. They are harder, colder. When he crooks his finger at me, I forget my train of thought. I walk over to him, excited to talk, perhaps rehash old memories. But instead, as soon as I’m within his reach, he pulls me into him, fusing his mouth with mine. He tastes like mint, and his lips are firm and demanding. I forget all common sense. He pulls back and stares into my eyes, his now filled with desire and want. “Come,” he commands, his voice deeper and huskier than I remember. He puts his hand on the small of my back and leads me outside the venue and across the street into the lavish adjoining hotel. I open my mouth to talk but he hushes me. We get into an elevator, and then walk to his suite, still in complete silence. Before I can ask him how he has been since we last saw one another, his mouth is on mine once again, and he’s taking all my clothes off. We make love, frantically, roughly. Afterwards I feel thoroughly satisfied and instantly fall asleep with a small grin on my face.

I stretch my body lazily, making a small moan when I realize I’m alone in the bed. Tane. I sigh. I can’t believe we had sex. I sit up and look around.

“Tane?” I call out. I get up and dress in last night’s clothes. I glance around the room and realize there’s no luggage or personal belongings. The room is empty. And Tane is gone. I wait a little while, hoping that maybe he went out for breakfast or something, but nothing. He didn’t even leave a note. I scoff at my own stupidity. Then I do my first walk of shame ever, out of the hotel and across to the club car park.

I vowed never to be so stupid again.

About the Author

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Chantal Fernando is twenty six years old and lives in Western Australia.

When not reading, writing or daydreaming she can be found enjoying life with her three sons and family.

Chantal loves to hear from readers and can be found on her FB author page or her website.