Bodyguard

By
Stella Andrews

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 Copyrighted Material
Copyright © Stella Andrews 2019
Stella Andrews has asserted her rights under the Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the Author of this work.
This book is a work of fiction and except in the case of historical fact,
any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form without written permission of the author, except by
a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes only.

18+ This book is for Adults only. If you are easily shocked and not a fan
of sexual content then move away now.

18+
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 Contents
Free Preview Book
Books by Stella Andrews
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-five
Chapter Twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-seven
Chapter Twenty-eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
More Books
Note from author
Preview of Daddy’s Girls

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 Books by Stella Andrews
In the order written
The Highest Bidder
(Logan & Samantha)

Rocked
(Jax & Emily)

Daddy’s Girls
(Ryder & Ashton)

Twisted
(Sam & Kitty)

The Billion Dollar baby

(Tyler & Sydney)

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OceanofPDF.com
 Lucy
Sighing, I spin the cell in my hands and try to focus on a solution. I’m at
a point in my life where I never wanted to be - backed in a corner with no
place to go.
I’m brought back to the present by a cheery, “I thought you could use
another, honey.”
The empty mug before me is miraculously full again and I look up and
smile. “Thanks, Donna, you’re an Angel.”
She cocks her head to one side and looks thoughtful.
“You wanna talk about it? You know I’m a good listener.”
Sighing heavily, I grasp the mug and say sadly, “Talking about it won’t
help this time, Donna. This is a problem that won’t go away and I’m fast
running out of options.”
She throws me a hard look. “Listen, honey. You’ve been sitting here for
close on one hour. Three times I’ve filled that mug and yet you appear to be
no further forward than when you sat down. Sometimes sharing a problem
can make it seem less of one.”
She looks around and then sits opposite me in the booth I’ve sat in for
the last hour.
“Come on, as I said, I’m a good listener and there’s not a lot else to do
around here. This place isn’t exactly busting at the seams.”
A small smile escapes me as I sit back in the seat and look at her sadly.
“You ever wish you could turn back time, Donna?”
She laughs. “After a lifetime of regrets, sure I do. Trouble is, it doesn’t
work that way. You just have to face the mess you’ve made head-on and
take the easiest road out.”
The ache in the pit of my stomach reminds me of the mess I’m in and I
smile shakily. “Unfortunately, the road out of my problems is an extremely
bumpy one. One of the most treacherous ones I’ve ever faced and all the
lonelier because I have no one to travel with.”
Donna fixes me with a hard look. “Listen to me, Lucy Armstrong. In all
the years I’ve known you I’ve never met a stronger woman. Don’t say it’s
all been a front because I don’t believe you. If anyone can face this, it’s you.
Don’t let the fear take hold and face it head-on. That’s my advice, and
you’d be advised to take it.”
She smiles and then I see her eyes widen as she looks past me.
“For the love of Jesus, he has answered my prayers.”
She scrambles to her feet in a hurry and as I look around, I can see why.
The man that’s just walked in is something else. Tall, rough and dangerous
and clad completely in leather and he fills the place with the air of the
invincible. He looks around him with menace and warns of danger if
approached. I absolutely can’t take my eyes off him as he scans the room as
if looking for something.
Donna is out of the gate like a bull in a rodeo. She races over to him and
I’m guessing would tackle anybody between them to the ground. She is on
a mission and despite myself, I grin.
I watch with interest as she reaches him and he looks at her and winks. I
can’t hear what he says but by the looks of her she’s about to combust on
the spot.
Then they turn and look in my direction and I see the envy in her eyes
and the interest in his.
He holds my eyes from across the room and I squirm inside. My breath
deserts me as I struggle to inflate my lungs and my world stills as he heads
toward me, not breaking eye contact for a minute.
My head starts reeling as he bears down on me. This is it - my time is up.
I know he has come for me - the trouble is… who sent him?

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 2
Jet
Four fucking days I’ve ridden with only my thoughts to keep me
company. I’m tired, pissed and hungry enough to kill my own food. Fuck,
Ryder. I’ve no idea why he chose to send me on some sort of babysitting
duty but whatever it is he owes me big time. I never questioned it though,
why would I? He’s the President and nobody ever asks why he does
anything. I owe him my life and I’d piss gold if he asked me. It doesn’t
make me like him though. He’s a hard bastard that gives nothing away.
Whatever this is for I won’t mess up because when you’re a Reaper, you
take it more seriously than you do your own life.
Yes, that’s me, Jet Cunningham. Ex-Navy Seal and now a fully-fledged
member of the Twisted Reapers MC. Working alongside my brothers to do
the government’s dirty work behind the scenes.
Shaking my thoughts away I focus on the girl I’ve come to see. My
mood improves slightly as I see she’s kinda easy on the eye. Her eyes watch
me approach blazing with fire. The cocky angle she holds her head tells me
she’s no pushover, and she sits straight and watches me with a hard
expression. She knows I’m here for her and is facing me down like the
enemy she thinks I am.
All I know is this little lady is covering for a friend who’s upset the local
mob and now they’re after her.
As I draw near, I sense the animosity surrounding her and yet see the
fear behind the challenge in her eyes. She is scared and yet presents a
picture of a hard woman who takes no shit. She is perfect.
Long dark hair that falls to her shoulders in wavy curls. Dark brown eyes
that sparkle with anger and lips that are full and begging to be devoured, set
into a hard line. There is no warmth coming from this woman, just anger
and my cock stirs as it wakes up and sees the interest before it. I smirk to
myself. Maybe this won’t be such a bad deal after all.
By the time I reach her an unspoken conversation has passed between us.
She is on the defensive and wary of me. I, on the other hand, have a new
interest in my task. Whatever her problem is, it won’t matter to me. I’ll deal
with it like I do everything. I’ll go in hard and fast and wreak devastation.
Jet by name and Jet by nature. I don’t mess around and she will be no
exception.
She looks up as I tower above her before sliding into the seat opposite.
She says nothing, just raises her eyes and then the mug of coffee in her
grasp to her lips. The silence sits between us like a shield and I lean back
and fix her with a hard look.
“Lucy Armstrong?”
She says nothing.
Smirking, I lean forward until my face is inches from hers.
“Pleased to meet you, darlin’. Now, you can stay silent all you want, in
fact, I would probably prefer that. Now listen up and listen good. I’ve been
sent here by your friend Sydney. She feels you need a little protection while
she’s gone and guess who’s the lucky guy?”
I grin as her eyes widen and she sets the mug down. She says in a
whisper, “Sydney sent you?”
I don’t miss the relief enter her eyes and watch her shoulders sag a little.
She looks at me with a new interest and says in a low voice. “What do you
know?”
Leaning back, I shrug. “Enough. You can fill me in on the details later.
What I need now is enough food to feed a small army.”
I click my fingers and the server rushes over. I smirk as Lucy’s eyes
narrow and she hisses, “Don’t you have any manners?”
Laughing softly, I shake my head. “I don’t need manners, darlin’. Never
have done and probably never will. I get what I want without them.”
As if proving my point Donna smiles at me like a puppy dog with its
tongue hanging out.
“What can I get you, honey?”
Fixing her with my brightest smile I order the works and watch as she
scurries away eager to get back.
Lucy just glares at me and says in a hard voice. “I don’t know who you
are or why the fuck you’re really here but you will learn some manners and
fast. Donna deserves some respect and you don’t get to click your fingers
and order her around like a slave. How dare you waltz in here and act like
you own the joint? You may have been sent here to help, but we are gonna
have a mighty problem if you don’t sort your shit out.”
She folds her arms and looks at me with such a disapproving look my
cock strains at the leash. Fuck me, this woman’s impressive. I take a
moment to picture the moment when I bend her over and show her how
impressive I can be. I will savor the different look in her eyes when she
realizes what I can do. Yes, this job has just got interesting. As challenges
go, I am looking at a very attractive one and can’t wait to get started.
For the next thirty minutes, we sit in stony silence. I concentrate re-
fueling my body and Lucy stares at me with the cold, hard look of
disapproval that just makes me even more interested. She offers no polite
conversation and doesn’t ask any questions. Donna fills her mug twice and
she just watches me eat as she devours more caffeine than a body can stand.
Pushing my plate away I nod toward her mug. “You’ve got quite a habit
there.”
Shrugging, she sets the mug down. “What are you, the health police?”
I reach for the glass of water nearby and down it in one. “Just saying.
Maybe if you lowered the levels of toxins in your system, you could deal
with things better.”
She looks at me incredulously. “Says the man who’s just eaten a meal
with absolutely no health benefits whatsoever. Maybe you should practice
what you preach before sitting in judgment on the rest of us.”
Smirking, I click my fingers and relish the fact her mouth tightens and
her eyes flash with fire as Donna rushes over. “What can I get you, honey?”
Fixing her with a wicked grin, I wink. “Just the check, darlin’. Add
Lucy’s millions of coffees to it and I’ll see if the bank will honor it.”
Donna chuckles and Lucy looks as if she wants to kill me barehanded.
As Donna walks away, she says angrily. “Ok, you’ve had your fun, but it
ends here. If Sydney did send you then god only knows why? Thanks, but
no thanks. I think I’d rather face my problems on my own if that’s ok with
you? Now, if you’ll excuse me?”
She stands to leave and I reach out and grasp her arm, pulling her
roughly down into her seat. She tries to pull away but I hold on to her fast
as I say in a low voice, “Non-negotiable, darlin’. Whether you like it or not,
you’re stuck with me. Let’s just say I’m your new best friend. Where you
go, I go. Where you live, I now live. I work with you and I eat with you. It’s
your choice whether I sleep with you.”
She pulls away and I note the flush in her cheeks and the brightness in
her eyes. For all her front she’s battling with her own desires and I smirk to
myself. What can I say, I have this effect on women and she appears to be
no exception? However, she’s a strong woman and may be harder to crack
than most. I’m guessing that she isn’t one to give into her desires when her
head tells her otherwise. This should be fun.
She grits her teeth and snarls.
“Then let me tell you, darlin’, I’m not the pushover you think I am. Like
I said before, thanks, but no thanks. Now run along and head back the way
you came. I think I’d rather face my problems than you every day. I’m not
your usual damsel in distress and you are certainly no knight in shining
armor. So, like I said, run along now like a good little soldier and leave me
to figure things out on my own.”
She throws $10 on the table and grabs her purse. Then without a
backward glance she walks quickly away.
Sighing, I throw $50 on the table and wink at Donna as I follow her
outside.

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 3
Lucy
What the fuck was that? I am so angry. In fact, I am beyond angry, I’m
furious. How dare that creep strut in there and try to order me around? I
can’t believe that Sydney would send such a man to help me.
The legs that carry me outside are shaky yet determined. Yes, I need help
and yes, I’m heading for shit creek. But that man… well, let’s just say he
has lit something in me that I’m resisting with everything I’ve got. He is
rough, crude and hard and so damn sexy it hurts to look at him. That’s why
I stormed out. I have no time for men like him in my life… not anymore.
“Going somewhere, Lucy.”
I’m brought back to my harsh reality as I hear the soft voice of an
assassin. My heart clenches and my breath deserts me for the second time
as I begin to shake inside. He’s here.
Raising my eyes, I see him waiting. Emilio D’Angelo. Michael’s Hench
man and a cold-blooded killer.
He’s leaning against the door of his usual black car watching me through
a hooded expression. My legs start to shake as I see the determination in his
eyes.
He moves aside and opens the back door.
“Step inside my office. You have a meeting to attend.”
I swallow—hard.
My first instinct is to run.
My second instinct is to brave it out.
My third instinct is to crumble.
He raises his eyes as I take the second and face him snarling, “I’m going
nowhere with you. If he wants to see me, he can meet me here after class.”
I swallow as I see his hand move to his left-hand side under his coat and
see the flash of steel reveal itself. He regards me coolly and says in a hard
voice.
“Get in the car, Lucy.”
 The tears have frozen in fear as I wildly think of a way out of this.
However, even I’m not that stupid. Nobody messes with Michael and his
mob. Who do I think I am even trying to? Maybe it’s best just to try to get
this over with and brave it out some other way. Donna’s right, it’s time to
face this fear head on and end it once and for all.
Sighing, I step toward the car just as a strong hand grabs my arm and
growls, “Going somewhere, darlin’?”
I am pulled back roughly and stumble as I’m tucked behind the huge
body of the biker. A little part of me feels angry that he followed me and yet
the rest of me feels huge relief that he did. However, there’s a part of me
that’s scared for him because he doesn’t know what he’s just done.
I hear a low, hard voice say, “And you are…?”
I shiver inside at the sound of the emotionless voice coming from
Emilio.
The man I’ve just met answers in a voice devoid of anything. No fear, no
warmth, no shit. “I’m your worst nightmare so run back to your keeper and
tell him to stay away from Lucy. She’s protected and if you try to get to her,
you’ll have to come through me first.”
I think I hold my breath. I am fully waiting for the bullet to hit my
protector square in the head as the silence surrounds me like a choking fog.
Then another voice joins the party and I recognize it immediately. Clara
Santobello.
“Is there a problem here, Emilio?”
I peer around the body of my protector and see her standing there in all
her glory. Clara Santobello, Michael’s wife and the hardest woman I’ve
ever met. She’s one of the most beautiful women I know yet the emptiest.
When she looks at you her eyes are devoid of any emotion and there’s a
weariness and resignation to her that tells of a hard life spent with an even
harder man.
She is holding the hands of her two children. Two gorgeous little girls
who must be around 3 and 5. Sophia and Maria are in Sydney’s dance class
which is exactly where I should be now. Sydney has built up this business
from scratch and asked me to cover for her while she took off to find her
real parents. The trouble is, she was lined up to dance in Michael’s club and
he’s angry she didn’t show up. Nobody runs out on him and now he’s after
me.
The girls see me and look at me with the eyes of the innocent. Sophia
cries, “Mommy, look it’s Lucy.”
Clara nods and turns to Emilio and says coldly, “I said, is there a
problem here?”
Emilio answers with resignation. “No, Mrs. Santobello.”
She turns to me and says briskly, “We will walk with you to class, Lucy.
I need to discuss the girl’s progress with you.”
The relief hits me as I venture out from behind the mountain of leather
hiding me from view. Taking a deep breath, I fix them with my brightest
smile that I can only hope blinds them from seeing the fear in my heart.
“Of course. What do you want to know?”
I daren’t look at the two men who watch us leave and hope they can’t
hear my thumping heart as we walk toward the dance studio across the
street. I hope my protector knows his shit because when you upset the local
mob there’s only ever one outcome.
Maybe it’s because I feel I owe him, or maybe it’s for another reason
known only to my traitorous libido, but I turn and say sharply, “Well… are
you gonna stand there all day. We have a class to attend.”
The smirk on his face and the promise in his eyes makes me immediately
regret my words. He knows he affects me and is loving every minute of it.
He nods to Emilio coolly and follows us to the studio.

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 4
Jet
Well, that was interesting. That little scene told me everything I needed
to know and more. It appears that Ryder was right to send me here. With
guys like that running the show nobody stands a hope in hell of leading a
normal life.
As I follow the two women, I take a moment to admire the sight of
Lucy’s ass wiggling before me clad in Lycra and looking so damn sexy I
want to push her against the nearest wall and make her mine. Then there’s
the woman, Mrs. Santobello. Strong, beautiful and broken. The kind I’m
used to and the sort of woman that stirs up the beast in me as I try to give
them their life back. Two strong women who are yet weak in the most
important of ways. I saw it all in that brief exchange and it makes me
madder than hell.
They are talking in low voices as the girls skip in front of them. My heart
stirs as I see the angelic faces of the two pretty girls who don’t have a care
in the world. They don’t know about the harsh reality of their privileged
life. They don’t know their father’s a monster and their mother dead inside.
They are happy and cherished and only time and knowledge will rip that
glow from their hearts and replace it with ice.
This is an interesting assignment and if I’m to succeed, I know what I
have to do.
We head toward the dance studio and I look around with interest as we
move inside. While Mrs. Santobello ushers her kids inside the studio, Lucy
turns and says harshly, “You may as well wait here until Emilio leaves. I
wouldn’t want your death on my conscience.”
She points to a couch in the corner and makes to follow the others.
Reaching out, I grab her arm and spin her around to face me.
She gasps and I relish the look in her eyes before she replaces it with
anger and snarls, “Let go of me.”
Smirking, I pull her toward me and when she’s only centimeters from
my face whisper, “I ain’t going nowhere, honey and the sooner you accept
that the better. I’m your bodyguard whether you like it or not and if anyone
wants you, they have to get through me first.”
Her breath hitches and I see the pain in her eyes as she realizes she
doesn’t have a choice. I’ve seen that look countless times before. A
cornered animal with no place to run facing the predator head on. This time
I’m her only way out and she knows it. Then she rallies and I see the fight
enter her soul as she snarls, “Ok, fine. Have it your way but this will be by
my rules. As soon as we finish up here, I’ll lay them down. Until then, keep
yourself out of trouble and wait here and try not to scare the children.”
She pulls sharply away and storms into what must be the studio leaving
me grinning inside like a Cheshire cat. Yes, this mission is interesting me in
so many ways. I love a good fight and she promises to be worth the effort.
As instructed, I wait patiently as the studio fills up with dozens of
pampered little girls. Their mothers watch me with interest but I say
nothing. I plaster indifference on my face and pointedly ignore every last
one of them. I don’t miss the curiosity in their eyes and the interest in their
bodies. Women who have it all and yet always want more. Rich, spoiled
housewives with nothing better to do than shop and fuck the hired help.
There are no strings attached and they do it purely to scratch an itch.
By the time the last one leaves I’m glad of it. Alone at last with time to
contemplate the situation I’m in. The guy, Emilio was packing heat and
wouldn’t hesitate to use it. It was only his boss’s wife and kids who saved
us this time. I’m not stupid and recognize a cold-blooded killer when I see
one. Hell, I am one and as they say, ‘It takes one to know one.’ It will be
interesting to see which one of us is the better at his job.
The door opens once again and as I look up, I see Mrs. Santobello
looking at me with interest. Not the usual interest of a woman who desires a
man. The interest of a woman with a lot on her mind.
She nods coolly and says in a hard voice, “You’re not from these parts.”
I nod. “Stating the obvious, darlin’, you’re better than that.”
She nods and leans against the wall with the ease of a woman who does
whatever she wants.
She says bluntly, “Word of advice, biker, leave town now while you still
can. If my husband doesn’t get you first the local MC will.”
Leaning back, I smirk and raise my eyes. “What if I don’t?”
 She smiles slightly. “We both know what you’ll be facing; I don’t need
to spell it out for you. Do yourself a favor and get out while you can. My
husband’s not known for his patience and his temper is something I can do
without this week.”
Shrugging, I cross my arms behind my head and laugh softly, “Brings his
temper home, does he?”
She says nothing but I see a spark of interest that wasn’t there before.
Then she says with a little more warmth, “You have no idea, do you?”
I sigh heavily. “Listen, darlin’, I’ve seen all of this a hundred times
before. Small town hard man throwing his weight around and making
himself king. He doesn’t scare me and neither does the local MC. You think
I’m scared of them, well, I’m not. What I deal with on a daily basis would
scare those idiots shitless. So, maybe you should run along and warn them
against me because I’m going nowhere until I know Lucy’s safe from the
soulless idiot you call a husband.”
To her credit his wife just looks curious. She moves across and sits
beside me on the couch and looks deep into my eyes before saying in a low
voice. “I take it all back, biker. Now I’m interested. Maybe you should stick
around and see this out. Maybe you will be more useful than I first thought
and I can put some business your way.”
She leans in and whispers, “Strictly between the two of us, of course.”
I feel her breath on my face and almost taste the desperation in the air as
she whispers, “I need a man like you. A man who knows his stuff and has
no fear. A man who takes what he wants and screw the consequences. A
man who isn’t afraid to bend the rules to get what he wants and a man who
may, just may, enjoy a little female company to sweeten the deal.”
She bats her eyes and says huskily, “So, what do you say, biker. How do
you fancy going into an um… private arrangement with me?”
Just for a moment I say nothing and the question hangs in the air
desperate to connect with the right answer. It all makes sense as I see the
confident woman suddenly looking a little unsure as she waits for her words
to take effect. A thousand reasons why I should decline surround the spoken
words and I don’t miss the attractive proposition she has thrown my way.
Clara Santobello is an impressive woman and extremely easy on the eye.
It may be fun to indulge in a private arrangement with this woman but I
know what the motive is. Freedom. She wants out from her loveless
marriage and is looking for a fall guy. Someone to do her dirty work while
she remains squeaky clean. She wants a hit man to rid her of the vermin in
her life and isn’t afraid to pay whatever the price to get it. Yes, I’ve seen
this all before. She is no different than any other unfortunate wife trapped in
a gold lined prison with a monster. She has hit me in my weakest spot
because I thrive on ridding the innocent from their problems.
I lean forward until our mouths almost touch and she shifts closer.
Moving past her willing lips I whisper in her ear, “I’m not for hire, darlin’.
Maybe you should look elsewhere.”
The door opens as I pull back and I hear a harsh voice say, “Jet, a word if
it’s not too much trouble.”
As I look up, I see the fury blazing from Lucy’s eyes as she watches us
pull apart. Hiding the broad smile threatening to break, I nod and move
across the room.
She looks at Mrs. Santobello and says roughly, “You may wait if you
prefer, Mrs. Santobello but you may be more comfortable across the road.
There isn’t much here to entertain you while you wait and they serve a
mean cocktail.”
Mrs. Santobello stands and nods blankly.
“No, It’s fine. I have errands to run and will be back on the hour. Look
after yourself, Lucy. I would hate the girls to lose yet another dance teacher
in the space of two weeks. Most unsettling for them, wouldn’t you agree?”
Without waiting for an answer, she leaves a whole load of unspoken
promises behind her.

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 5
Lucy
I’m not even sure why I came out of the studio but when I saw the two
of them bent so close together, something happened to me inside. It was
like a bolt of lightning, a sharp pain to my heart and the realization that this
man affects me in the most destructive of ways.
I feel angry at myself more than him which is why I totally overreacted
and laid my heart bare for him to gloat over. I saw the smirk on his face as
he realized the anger I directed at them was born from jealously. Damn him
and damn her. I want my heart back before it gets damaged beyond repair—
again.
So, I drag him into the little office around the back and point to the chair
behind the desk, hissing, “Sit there and stay away from the customers. Do
you have a death wish or something?”
He smirks in that sexy way he has that makes my legs shake and my
heart beat faster. He towers above me and fills the small office with his ego
sucking all the air and reasoning out as he breathes. Then he sits on the
edge of the desk and says in a low, sexy, voice, “Careful, darlin’. Anyone
would think you’re beginning to care a little.”
Rolling my eyes, I step back a little, a fact that doesn’t go unnoticed by
the ego maniac before me as he smirks again, making my blood boil.
“For your information, the only way you affect me is in the way I want
you out of my life. I didn’t ask you to come here, and I didn’t ask you to
stick around. Despite what you’ve heard I have people I can turn to and am
more than capable of looking after myself. That little stunt you pulled could
get you killed. Clara Santobello is like a forest fire around here. You light
the spark and the flames will burn out of control destroying everything in its
path. If you like to live dangerously, be my guest. However, I have a job to
do here and just want to keep this business going for the only friend I care
about and keep myself out of trouble at the same time. So, do me a favor
and hide out here until she’s gone and when these kids have gone home, we
can discuss your future.”
He laughs softly and raises his eyes. “My future…?”
 Clearing my throat, I look at him with a hard expression. “Yes, your
future. Like I said before if you insist on sticking around there will be
ground rules. I don’t let just anyone into my life and if that’s going to be
you, for however long that may be, there will be rules that must never be
broken.”
I speak fast to distract myself from the fact that close up this man is even
more impressive than I first thought. I can’t tear my eyes away from the
sparkling eyes that are looking at me with amusement. The sexy mouth
that’s set in an amused line is calling to my own and the hard body clad in
leather straining against the fabric I want to rip off with my bare hands.
This man is something else and I curse Sydney for sending him here. He
is the last thing I need in my life right now and it’s that fact that drives my
anger. So, without another word, I spin on my heels and head back to class.
I need this time to think about what the heck I’m going to do with him.
By the time the class finishes, my mind is fucked. Everything rushes
around it and makes no sense. On the one hand, I need to honor my promise
and keep this studio running before Sydney returns. Then, on the other I
need to protect myself. Michael wants a dancer, and he wants Sydney. In
her absence I’m the alternative and I’d rather pull my own fingernails out
than dance in his seedy joint. The Starlight club is the place a mother would
warn her daughter about. The men that pass through its doors have only one
thing on their mind - the women inside. These women dance and flaunt
their bodies for the green stuff and depending on their level of desperation
they do more than just dance. Am I really that woman? Could I lower
myself to protect a friend by destroying my own standards? Of course not. I
know it’s not me but this isn’t my call. Regardless of the reason I’m in this
situation, it’s no longer about Sydney. Michael won’t want to lose face and
wants to prove a point. Nobody runs out on him when he calls and this is
his way of proving a point. He won’t make this easy on me—quite the
contrary. The longer I resist, the harder it will be.
Then there’s the biker. Hot, dangerous, sexy and so damn infuriating in
every way possible. Cocky and arrogant and so sure of himself it brings out
the beast in me. I am determined to resist his charms because then I would
be just like every other stupid woman that falls for his hero act. He is so
sure of himself and I want to cut him down and show him that not every
woman is the sure thing he’s used to.
 Even Clara Santobello apparently can’t resist him. I saw the way she
looked at him and the way her eyes flashed when I interrupted them. I
didn’t miss the veiled threat in her words as she left. Great, now I have two
Santobellos gunning for me and I’ve made a bad situation a whole lot
worse. She wants Jet for her own sick reasons and I’ve just thrown a
spanner in her plans. Great. Way to go, Lucy, step up and grab the prize as
the town fool.
As the door closes on the last child, I take a deep breath. Time to lay
down some rules I already want to break a hundred times over. When will I
ever learn?

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 Jet
As I wait, I think long and hard about this crazy situation. These women
are something else. I’m used to women and their crazy ways. Hell, I live
with enough of them. Mainly whores who like the protection we offer them.
They get to lay with a hard biker in exchange for a protected life and the
comforts only we can offer them. Some of the guys have old ladies and they
appear happy with that. A familiar body to come home to every night after a
hard day in the field. I say that lightly because what we do would make a
General weep.
We do the government’s dirty work and operate outside of the law and
rid the country of those it can’t deal with legally. We remove the threat from
our way of life for the good of the people, but when you deal with the
lowest of the low, you bear the scars. These people are scum and we are no
better. We fight fire with fire and the only escape from the torment it
delivers is to fuck everything that moves when we return and drown the
memories in the whiskey bottle.
We are well paid for our sins but pay a heavy price. Ex-Navy Seals for
the most part and other military personnel. Ex-cops and criminals wanting
to do better make up our fucked-up family. All hiding behind the steel doors
of The Twisted Reapers MC. Bikers to the outside world that nobody wants
to know. We live with our own kind inside our steel-clad prison with a hard-
bastard presiding over us.
Ryder King—the President, is a man with no feeling and no morals. The
only people he appears to care about are his daughter and wife, Ashton.
When he took her for his old lady, it was like a grenade thrown into the
room. A frightened, vulnerable, hot as hell package, delivered to us by her
brother one fine day. As soon as he laid eyes on her, she was his. She didn’t
have a choice, and we were warned off her. Look but don’t touch and only
look if you have a death wish. Nobody messes with Ryder which is why I
find myself in this strange situation. Ashton’s brother came for Sydney and
made the call. I was just the unlucky one on hand at the time to help out. As
I think about Lucy, I smile inside. As it happens—lucky me!
The door opens, and she comes into the room. Her sexy mouth is set into
a hard line and her eyes flash with fire. My cock jumps to attention as it
sees what’s coming. Man, this woman’s impressive and I’m more interested
in her the more time ticks by.
She folds her arms and says roughly, “Ok, this is how it is. You can come
back with me and stay in Sydney’s room until this blows over. Keep
yourself to yourself and check the cocky attitude. If Michael comes calling,
I’ll deal with it in my own way. There will be no macho foolishness which
will only add gasoline to an already lit fire. You will remember your
manners and clean up after yourself. I’m not here to wait on you and I’d
appreciate you respecting my home and picking up after yourself. You can
accompany me to and from work but aside from that you can amuse
yourself. Do I make myself clear?”
I just stare at her and try to stop myself from laughing out loud. Man,
this woman is something else. I’ve never seen the like of her before. The
trouble is, I love a challenge, and she has just thrown out an extremely
desirable one. For all her talk we both know what’s gonna happen here. I
can see it in the rise and fall of her chest as she breathes a little faster. I see
the flash of desire in her eyes as she fights it with all she’s got and I see the
lick of her lips as she pictures mine on them. Yes, this will be interesting
and I love a challenge. She is about to discover that I never back down until
I have the win under my belt.
So, I just nod coolly and pull on my jacket. “Have it your way, darlin’.
I’m just here to do a job, nothing else.”
As I follow her outside, I enjoy the view. Man, that ass is mine and I will
thoroughly enjoy the fight to claim it.
We head outside and she makes to walk toward a small car parked
nearby. Grabbing hold of her arm, I pull her back and nod toward my bike
parked opposite. “Not today, darlin’, you ride with me.”
Her eyes widen as she sees the monster waiting for us. As bikes go this
one’s impressive. It gives me a hard on just looking at it. This bike is my
one true love and there isn’t a more splendid sight. The thought of Lucy
sitting astride it with her arms wrapped around me drives every fantasy I’ve
ever had and riding in the little green car doesn’t quite cut the same fantasy.
She gasps and says breathlessly, “You have got to be kidding.”
Shaking my head, I pull her over to it and throw her a helmet. “Non-
negotiable. If they’re after you this bike will outrun any car they drive.
They won’t be looking for you on the back of it which makes it the best
method of transport we have.”
However, Lucy’s a tough nut to crack and throws the helmet back.
“Well, I’ll take my chances. I’m not leaving my car here overnight. Who
knows what damage I’ll find in the morning. I don’t do bikes and I don’t do
bikers, ok? You can follow me if you insist but you’re on your own on that
beast.”
She stands facing me with her hands on her hips, her eyes daring me to
object. As I look past her, I take in the neighborhood. Clean, respectable
and not the sort that would attract the rougher type. However, she does have
a point about the car. It may be best if she drives it home and leaves it
where it’s safe. This particular battle could wait for another day so I just
nod and give her the victory she craves. “Ok, have it your way. I’ll follow
you home.”
She nods and spins on her heels and heads to her car and I don’t take my
eyes off her for a minute. This girl is different to those I’ve met before.
Vulnerable, broken and yet with steel running through her veins all wrapped
up in a hot little package. She is no pushover which attracts me more than it
should. We both know those rules of hers are going to be broken so damned
quickly the ink won’t even dry on them.
It’s that thought that keeps me company on the ride to her apartment. As
roomies go, I’ve got me a good one.

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 6
Lucy
I need the ride home to collect myself. When I saw that bike, I was
speechless. Every fantasy I’ve ever had flashed before me as I pictured
myself sitting behind Jet on that powerful machine. What would it feel like?
What would he feel like? Sighing, I already know the answer to that. He
would feel like heaven and hell joined at the hip. He is the boy your mama
warned you about. The cocky asshole that would take your heart and stamp
on it before riding off with all your principles. He is like a hurricane ripping
your safe world apart and leaving you to pick up the pieces and rebuild your
life when he’s gone. The trouble is, after a hurricane hits, life will never be
the same again and I’m holding on to that fact to steer me clear of the
storm.
We reach the apartment I share with Sydney almost in the blink of an
eye. As Jet parks his powerful bike next to my little car I wonder what the
neighbors will think of this. We live in a smart neighborhood and
everybody here respects their property. It’s pricey but worth the sacrifice. If
Sydney moves on, I have no way of affording the rent and as our landlord is
no other than the one I’m running from, my stay here is likely to be short-
lived. If I don’t dance in his club, then this rent will go up. Sydney’s rent on
her studio is already climbing higher than a mountaineer and things are
looking desperate. I have no choice if I want to carry on.
Sighing to myself, I wonder how things went so badly wrong. This time
last month I had a good job and a guy who rocked my world. It all started to
fall apart when I discovered he was never going to leave his wife and
family, despite what he promised. I was always led to believe that his
marriage was on the rocks and they lived separately. I’m no home wrecker
and would never have given myself to a cheater. He had a smart apartment,
and we spent most of our time there. Why wouldn’t I believe him when he
told me they were separated? The trouble is, they weren’t.
His kids attend Sydney’s classes and she told me she overheard his wife
one day. She was confiding in a friend that she thought her husband was
having an affair. She was destroyed and Sydney told me it was unbearable
to watch. When I confronted him, he just shrugged and told me to deal with
it. I’ll never forget the moment when he looked at me with a cold, hard,
look and snarled, “What, did you really think I’d leave my family for you?
Surely you knew a man like me would never jeopardize what I’ve spent
years building up for a fuck with the hired help.”
Even thinking about it gives me a panic attack. I remember the shock I
felt when I realized my world was built on a lie. The man I loved was using
me, and in that moment, I felt so cheap and worthless. I felt like a hooker as
he laughed and pushed me down on the couch and held me there forcibly. I
felt the fear as he looked into my eyes and snarled, “Girls like you aren’t
forever. You’re fit for a purpose and that’s all. This apartment, this job and
this little arrangement is just a bit of fun. You’re a good fuck, Lucy, I’ll give
you that and an even better PA. It’s up to you whether you continue to be
one. If you can’t deal with the situation, then fuck off and you’ll be replaced
within the day, both in my bed and in the office. Stick around and you’ll be
treated better than I treat my frigid wife. It’s your call but know this, you
will always be my mistress and never my wife.”
Even now I feel the emptiness his words created. I looked into his
soulless eyes and saw my own stupidity reflected back at me. I didn’t see
the man I fell in love with, I saw a predator. A man much like Michael
Santobello and a man I still craved like the air I breathe.
I remember pulling away and slamming the door shut behind me, his
laughter ringing in my ears as he shouted, “We both know you’ll be back.”
I drove home in the car he paid for to the one person I could count on to
help me see sense. But when I got home, I found Sydney in a worse state
than me with her own problems to deal with. She couldn’t take on my
problems so I put on a brave face and told her nothing was wrong. I sat with
her while she heard the stranger out who’d come to take her home to
discover a family she never knew she had. Then I picked up the pieces of
her life while my own lay shattered on the ground before me.
So, here I am, no job, no boyfriend and soon to be no home. The only
prospect I have is dancing in the Starlight club to try to hold everything
together and the only person on my side is this arrogant, cocky biker, who
spells even more trouble for my heart.
Sighing, I put the keys in the lock and prepare to face the consequences.
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 Jet
Lucy’s apartment is much like the girl herself. Impressive. It may be
small but as I look around, I see the charming home she’s created. Nothing
is out of place and you could eat off the floor. Little homey touches are
sitting proudly on the surfaces and the cushions are arranged neatly on the
couch.
She places her dance bag neatly on a small table and I don’t miss the
weariness in her face as she says, “I’ll show you to Sydney’s room. You can
sleep there but make sure you don’t mess it up. Respect our home like you
would your own and we won’t have a problem.”
She walks toward a door opposite the one we first came through and she
reveals a pretty bedroom decorated with taste. The double bed looks cozy
and inviting and the drapes at the window let the light through bathing the
room in serenity. The air smells of flowers and there’s not a thing out of
place.
She turns to me and says in a hard voice, “The bathroom’s down the hall
which we unfortunately have to share. Remember to clean it after you use it
and don’t spend longer than you need in there. If you want anything, help
yourself. I’m no maid and not here to wait on you. You can do your own
laundry and I expect you to help out around the house. We share the chores
here and you should be no stranger to the vacuum. The ironing boards in the
cupboard down the hall and you can make use of it because I’m not your
mother. We split the food 50/50 and you’ll pay your way. There’s a TV set
in your room and a communal gym in the block opposite. There’s also a
pool if you like to swim, just don’t frighten the neighbors.”
She throws me a brief look before backing out of the room and saying
quickly, “Anyway, I’ll leave you to it. I’ll cook us something and you can
do the same tomorrow. Like I said, we share everything 50/50 around here.”
I watch as she scurries from the room like a frightened rabbit, leaving me
with the image of sharing much more with her than she can stand.
By the time I’ve settled in I can smell something good coming from the
kitchen, reminding me I need food and fast. I follow the scent like a hunter
hunting its prey and find the most amazing sight before me. Lucy is stirring
a pot of something on the stove with her hair bunched up on the top of her
head and an apron slung around her neck. However, it’s not the apron that
I’m staring at because she has changed into the shortest cut-offs and the
tightest t-shirt. She bites her lip with concentration and I take a moment to
enjoy the scene. This woman will be the death of me. I have never wanted
anyone as bad as I do this hellcat at this moment and it’s knocked me for
six. Feeling wrong footed I saunter into the room and try to focus on the
food before I completely disgrace myself with this captivating woman.
“Something smells good.”
She spins around and I watch the tinge of pink flush her cheeks. Her
eyes shine brightly as she says distractedly, “Oh... this... um... well… it’s
nothing.”
I cross the room and sniff appreciatively. “It doesn’t smell like nothing to
me. What is it?”
She shrugs and start beating the pot furiously. “Just a chili. You know,
basic stuff. Um... if you don’t mind can you set the table? The cutlery’s in
the drawer under the sink and the plates in the cupboard above it.”
She concentrates on the pot while I do as she says. As I work, I try to
make conversation to distract my raging dick from giving my interest away.
“So, tell me, what’s your plan out of your problem?”
She sighs and looks down. “I don’t have one. Maybe if you’d asked me
this time last week, I’d have had a million ways out of this.”
“So, what’s changed?”
She shakes her head sadly. “I’ve changed. Last week I had it all, or so I
thought. A good job, a guy I was crazy about and thought he felt the same. I
had a future, and it looked bright.”
Trying to ignore the jealously raging inside me that her words created, I
say stiffly, “What happened?”
She looks at me with such a pained look I want to find this guy whoever
he is and tear him apart with my bare hands. She smiles sadly. “Fetch me a
drink and I’ll tell you.”
She points to the fridge and says lightly, “I’ll have a white wine. There
are some beers in there if you fancy one.”
I grab the drinks as requested but have murder in my heart. Whatever
she’s about to tell me won’t sit well with me. Whoever this man is had
better be far away from here because I’m a man on a mission and that’s
surprised me more than I ever thought it would. Why this girl affects me so
badly is anyone’s guess but she does and so I sit astride the chair and spring
open the can and say harshly, “So, what’s the story?”

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 7
Lucy
When Jet came into the room, it took every part of my self-control not to
openly drool at the sight of him. He looks hotter than the chili in my pot and
I can’t think of anything other than the sight of his arms bulging out from
the tightest t-shirt and his low-slung jeans revealing just a hint of what lies
lower.
He looks at me with a hunger that I share and I’m convinced that if
either of us let go of our resolve we would be ripping each other’s clothes
off with no regard for the consequences. But there are consequences to
letting myself indulge in such animal pursuits. I will not become another
man’s plaything or allow my morality to be corrupted again. I’ve learned a
valuable lesson this week and I don’t like what I’ve discovered. I am better
than this and deserve the fairy tale. The next time I let a man inside me it
will be for all the right reasons.
Now he wants to hear my sorry tale and I know he needs to hear it so we
can put this attraction behind us. He needs to respect my position and
understand that it can never be more than what it is. A business
arrangement.
So, I turn down the pan and grab my Dutch courage and tell him the
whole sorry tale of the last few weeks. To his credit he just stares at me with
a blank expression, with no smart words or cocky remarks spilling from his
lips. He’s a good listener and I find myself opening up to him more than I
ever thought I would.
When I get to the part when I stormed away from Dominic, I see his
knuckles tense around the can. His eyes narrow and I sense his anger rather
than see it.
I shrug at the end of my sorry tale and say with a nervous laugh, “So, as
you can see, I’m not to be trusted to make the right decision. I have nobody
to turn to because I am caught between two similar situations. If I dance for
Michael, it’s inevitable I become the whore he wants me to be. I’m not
stupid, I know this is just a front. I agree to dance and for a few months the
arrangement stands. Then he wants more so the threats begin again. More
rent or I can work it off another way. I’ve seen it all before and all the time
he runs this town nothing will change.”
Jet leans back and says grimly, “And the other option?”
Sighing, I loosen my hair and run my fingers through it, teasing it from
the top knot so I can play with it as I always do when I’m at a loss.
“Dominic is no better than Michael. He wants a live-in whore who will
be at his beck and call every hour of the day. The chains are material ones
and his protection from a madman. Dominic is high up in the town and
many say he will run for office next year. He isn’t afraid of Michael because
it’s my guess they collaborate to get what they want.”
Jet looks at me with a hard expression and says in a low voice, “What do
you know?”
I smile sadly. “As Dominic said, I’m a good PA. I have dealt with every
meeting and drafted every letter that’s come from his office in the last six
months. There’s one file he keeps under lock and key and I’m guessing that
one involves his dealings with Michael Santobello.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because I watched him one night when he thought I was home. I’d
forgotten my purse and headed back to the office after hours. There was a
light coming from his office and I saw him at his desk through the window.
The file was open on the desk in front of him and he was not alone.”
“Michael Santobello.”
I nod and shake my head. “Yes, the one and only. I saw they were
drinking which could only mean it was an amicable meeting. They had the
look of friends and close acquaintances and I could hear their laughter.”
Jet leans forward. “Did you ever look in the file?”
“No. Don’t get me wrong, I tried. I was curious to know what they had
in common but the drawer he keeps it in has a combination lock. Dominic is
very thorough which is why he’s done so well. Whatever it is, they are in it
together and it doesn’t take a genius to work out it’s not legal.”
Just for a moment there is silence as we just stare at each other. Then Jet
says softly, “I see your dilemma. Dance for one monster or lie with another.
Not much of a choice is it?”
 I can feel the tears threatening to spill and dig my nails into my palm as I
laugh and say as brightly as I can “Not really. Sydney’s gone and left me to
keep the dance studio ticking over and I owe it to her because she’s in a
worse predicament than me. Two women facing the same problem. If I
leave town, I let her down and all the kids at the studio. I can’t do that to
her, or to them. Maybe I should just take the easier option and head back to
Dominic.”
Jet looks at me angrily which takes me by surprise and snarls, “Over my
dead body, darlin’. Let me tell you something, you’re not on your own
anymore—you have me and I’m not just anybody. I specialize in sorting out
unwelcome problems and yours is small fry to what I deal with on a daily
basis. Now, you dish up that food and over it you can tell me everything
you know about Michael Santobello and your old boss Dominic. No matter
how small I need to know and between us we will sort this. Understand?”
Just for a second, I dare to dream. I dare to believe in the man sitting
across from me looking every inch the protector he is. I dare to hope which
is something that deserted me a long time ago. Then reality bites and I sigh
sadly. “I wish I could believe you, Jet. I know you’ve been sent here to help
but you are one man. The men you are up against are a family. A mob that
don’t play by the rules and fight dirty. For all his respectability, Dominic is
cut from the same cloth. No, I can’t let you put yourself in danger and get
killed because of me. Now I know what I must do. Tomorrow I’ll go back
to my job and you can return home. Michael won’t hurt me while Dominic
controls things. Thanks, but this is the best option.”
Standing up, I head toward the stove and set about making us the meal
we so badly need. Then I realize I’m not alone as a hard body wedges itself
behind me and a hand grasps me and spins me around. I see the anger in his
eyes as he snarls, “Like I said, darlin’, over my dead body. I have a job to
do and I will see it through to the end. I will protect you to the end or die
trying. You’re going nowhere unless I tell you when and where. These guys
are no match for me and tomorrow we fight back.”
This time the tears do spill and I watch his eyes soften as he wipes them
away gently. His touch is firm and strong and I find myself crumbling under
it. My mouth trembles as I feel the heat from his body against the thin
fabric separating us. He continues to hold my face in his hand with a gentle
touch that belies the man before me. Jet is a warrior, it’s evident from his
body and his actions. Yet there’s a tenderness to him that betrays his image.
It’s in those eyes that are compelling me in. It’s in the yearning looks he
throws my way and the way he pulls me in and sets up residence in my
heart. There is so much more to this man than the image he portrays.
I know I shouldn’t but something tells me I’m safe with this man. He’s
not like any other man I’ve ever met and would normally have me running
in the opposite direction. But he’s just what I need right now. A protector,
an aggressor and a friend. What I don’t need right now is a lover but I can’t
help but feel that’s what I want most. I want this man despite my words and
we both know it.

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 Jet
Holding Lucy so close has my mind spinning. She is so different to the
usual women I surround myself with. She’s soft, broken and yet the
strongest woman I’ve ever met. She calls to my soul and yet I know she
needs me to be strong for both of us. It would be the easiest thing in the
world to lower my lips to her soft plump ones. It would be the most natural
thing in the world to pull her close and lose myself in her curves. Her scent
is calling to the animal in me and yet I pull back. It’s not time. I need to set
her free first before I can take what I know is mine. Lucy Armstrong is the
woman I have been looking for all my life and I’m not going to fuck this
up.
Reluctantly, I pull away and smile. “I can’t think straight while you’re
cooking, darlin’. What can I say…? I’m a man who can’t operate without
food. Let’s eat and then we’ll work out where we go from here.”
As I turn away, it strikes me just how good a liar I am. It’s not the food
distracting me. No, it’s the woman making it. Feeling her tremble under my
touch was enough to send me wild. I resisted molding that soft body to
mine and wrapping those endless legs around my waist. I resisted running
my hands all over that curvaceous body and driving home where I want to
be. When she shook out her hair, my cock strained at the leash. I imagined
that hair in my fist as I pulled those willing lips to my cock and thrust in
deep. While she poured out her soul, I was the Devil incarnate, imagining
every sin possible with the Angel before me. I’m no better than the men she
seeks to escape from because I’m the enemy within. She’s taken me in and
I’m planning on well… taking her.
No, the food’s a welcome distraction from the woman who is fast
becoming everything to me. Those two guys better watch out because now
they are in my sight and I never miss.
Over dinner Lucy tells me everything she knows, and she knows her
stuff. She’s no fool and by the end of it I know everything I need to about
the two tainted men. It makes for interesting listening and as I learn of their
business, my heart hardens once again. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve met guys
like them before—many times in fact. What makes them different is the
way they operate. This town runs on fear and desperation fueled by these
two men. One obviously corrupt, living his life surrounded by fear and
openly hostile. The most dangerous is the one who dresses up his life in the
clothes of respectability. Pretending to be one thing, while underneath he’s
as tainted as the other, if not more so. It’s my guess he’s the real boss in
town. Michael Santobello may think he is but one word from Dominic
Riley and he would be yesterday’s news.
The food’s as good as the company and we share a pleasant evening.
However, our peace is soon shattered by a loud knock on the door.
Lucy looks across and I see the fear in her eyes as she whispers, “It’s
them, I just know it. They’ve come for me.”
I raise my fingers to my lips and whisper, “Get in the bedroom and lie
low. I’ll deal with your visitors.”
She throws me an anguished look as she does what I say and only when I
see she has secured herself do I head toward the door. The knock comes
again more loudly and as I swing the door open, I see two guys standing
there. One is the guy I saw at the bar, Emilio and the other must be another
of Michael’s henchmen because he looks around him nervously as Emilio
stares at me with the cold-blooded eyes of a killer.
I nod. “We meet again so soon. What’s the matter, you like what you see
and couldn’t keep away.”
His eyes narrow and he looks past me and snarls, “Lucy has an
appointment in town and we’re here to make sure she keeps it.”
He makes to move past me and I stand in the door and block his entrance
with a hard body and an even harder look.
“She’s going nowhere.”
Emilio’s eyes narrow and he steps forward and snarls. “Move aside
before I make you.”
I laugh softly, “I’d like to see you try.”
I watch as his eyes flash and his hand moves toward his right pocket.
Then I watch the confusion enter them as I point his gun at him and say
with amusement, “Is this what you’re looking for?”
His colleague reaches for his gun as I hold Emilio’s to his head and
snarl, “You reach that gun and he’s dead and you’ll soon follow. I’ve been
known to kill two men with one bullet and am keen to try it out again. Now,
I’ll tell you again. Lucy’s protected and not for hire. If you want her, you go
through me first and let me tell you it ain’t worth it. So, run along and tell
that to your boss.”
Before the men can react, I hear a hard voice behind them. “There will
be no need for that.”
I look behind the men and see another standing there looking mildly
interested. He holds my stare and says calmly, “Emilio, Tony, you may
return to the car. The gentleman makes a valid point and I will conduct my
business through him.”
Emilio looks anything but happy as he takes a step back but doesn’t
question the order. Michael moves forward and looks at me with interest.
“Hm, I heard there was a new guy in town and thought I’d stop by to
welcome him.”
He looks past me into the apartment and says coolly, “Maybe we should
talk inside. I’m sure you don’t want the neighbors knowing our business.”
He says over his shoulder, “Head back to the car and wait. Maybe you
should use the time to work out how you allowed an unarmed man to
relieve you of yours. Not your finest hour, Emilio.”
I watch as Emilio’s eyes widen and the fear enter them. He knows a man
like Michael has no time for mistakes and will no doubt suffer the
consequences later. He turns on his heel and moves away, closely followed
by Tony, leaving his boss standing in his place looking at me with interest.
He nods. “Let me explain the reason for my visit, inside. Like I said, this is
business for our ears only.”
Nodding, I let him pass and call out, “Lucy, you have a visitor.”
I watch as she enters the room and her eyes widen with fear as she sees
Michael standing there. She looks between us with confusion and I smile
reassuringly. “I think we need to hear the man out, don’t you?”
She bites her lip nervously and nods before perching on the seat
opposite, looking at him with a worried expression. I stand to the side as he
takes a seat and smiles darkly.
“So, Lucy, here we are at last. You’ve been avoiding me and I don’t like
it.”
She looks down and says softly, “I have nothing to say to you.”
 He laughs softly. “But Lucy, I have a great deal to say to you. I’ve
offered you a good job in my club in exchange for keeping the rent down on
the dance studio and this apartment. Your friend ran out on me and so the
responsibility falls on you. I have a vacancy that needs to be filled and am
losing every night that it remains vacant. I don’t like to lose money Lucy, so
need to make it up somewhere. That is why the rent will double every night
you resist.”
Lucy looks up and her eyes flash. “You can’t do that… there are laws
against these things.”
Michael just laughs. “Then maybe you should report me. I think we both
know your complaint won’t go anywhere. During that time the rent will rise
to a level meaning I will be in a position to evict you and your friend. With
no job and no place to live you will be forced out of town. Everything
you’ve ever worked for will be wasted and you’ll have nothing. I never had
you down for a fool, Lucy. A clever girl like you should use this to her
advantage. Dance for me and rake in more money than you’ve ever seen in
your life. It’s not a difficult decision.”
Lucy looks at him with defiance. “Well, I have a job thank you. I work
for Dominic Riley and I’m sure he’d be interested to hear of your
employment tactics. I’m pretty sure he’ll be most interested to help me with
the legalities of your threat. Maybe you should consider that in your offer.”
I watch with interest as Michael’s eyes flash and he laughs bitterly.
“Come now, Lucy, we both know you walked out on Dominic’s job a few
days ago. Hell, he even approached me asking if I knew of a replacement
for you. In fact, I believe he is um…interviewing her as we speak. You
forget that I have friends in high places in this town and it’s just a matter of
time before you agree to my offer.”
Lucy looks so defeated it makes me madder than hell. Her shoulders
slump and she looks at me with desperation before saying softly, “If what
you say is true, I want to hear it from Dominic myself. If the job’s no longer
available, then I’ll take you up on yours. Give me two days to settle things
and then you can have your answer.”
The look she shoots me makes my blood boil. She’s giving in. She
knows this is going nowhere fast and is looking for the easiest way out.
She’s buying herself a little more time and I have to hand it to her, it works.
 Michael smiles as if he’s won already. “I knew you’d see sense. Two
days and then report to The Starlight club at 7pm. I’ll be expecting you.”
As he stands, he looks over at me with curiosity. “You know, my wife
told me there was a new guy in town. I was keen to see for myself what a
fool looked like. Word of advice whoever you are, leave now while you still
can. You are one man in a hostile environment. As an upstanding member
of the community I feel as if I must warn you of the dangers that surround
you. We don’t like strangers here and deal with them as only we know how.
That stunt you pulled on my men will not go unpunished.”
His eyes challenge me to retaliate but I say nothing. He looks a little
disappointed as he heads toward the door. “It’s been a pleasure, now if
you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to. I’ll leave you both to say
your goodbyes and will look forward to seeing you report for work in two
days’ time, Lucy.”
We watch him leave the apartment in silence; as the door clicks shut
Lucy shakes her head sadly. “I’m sorry, Jet, you tried, but this is the best
way. I’ll go and grovel at Dominic’s feet for my job back tomorrow. If it’s
no longer there I may as well dance for Michael, anyway. What other
choice do I have?”
I nod. “There’s only one thing you’ve said that I agree with, darlin’.”
She looks surprised. “What?”
I smile darkly. “Tomorrow we pay your old boss a visit.”
She looks confused, “We?”
I laugh softly. “This should be fun.”

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 9
Lucy
I feel exhausted. Michael’s visit has taken it out of me and left a strange
atmosphere behind in the apartment. Jet is pre-occupied with his thoughts
and I’m a mess. When I heard about Dominic interviewing my replacement,
I’m not gonna lie it was like a punch to my heart. I know I was just a
plaything to him but I loved him with everything I had and it feels like he’s
cheating on me.
Then I feel ashamed as I think about his wife. She must live with this on
a daily basis and I never thought about her once in all this. Why would I? I
thought they were through and had moved on. I’m such a gullible fool and
feel even worse as I battle the tears and say, “Listen, you may as well relax.
I’m going for a bath and early bed. This day can’t be over soon enough for
me.”
Jet just nods and resumes studying his phone. Ever since Michael left,
it’s all he’s done. I don’t blame him, really. He must be regretting ever
getting involved in this mess and is probably bored already.
Sighing, I head toward the bathroom and a soothing bath to wash away
my troubles.
As I lie in the bath, I allow the water to surround me with comfort. I’ve
always enjoyed a deep bubble-filled bath and I need this one more than
most.
I think about what happened this evening. Seeing Michael sitting on the
couch, my couch, brought it all home. I’ll never escape this - him. If what
he says is true and my job has already gone, I don’t have a choice. As he
spoke, I thought about his offer. I could dance for a while and earn good
money. I would save everything I could in the short space of time I have
before things get trickier. Then when I have no other option, I could leave
town and start again somewhere else. As I think about it, things begin to
slot into place and I see the easiest road out. I’m not strong enough to fight
a man like him and I don’t want others to do it for me. Jet is a good man. I
recognize that but the thought of him being harmed or worse on my behalf
made my decision easy.
 As I think about Jet, I feel the excitement running through me. I imagine
his hard body pressed against me and that smart mouth of his on mine. I
groan as I think of his hands touching me in my most intimate places and
without thinking let my own hands travel around my body. I picture him
touching me and that image coupled with the steam in the bath sends the
desire through me like a bolt of lightning. My body throbs with an urgent
need as I picture us joined together in the crudest of ways. I grind my hips
against my hand as I play with my clit imaging his mouth tasting me and
bringing me to a climax. As I come apart under my own hand, it’s his face I
see before me.

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 Jet
As soon as Michael left, I was on it. Lucy looked defeated and I knew
she had given up. When she headed for the bath, I was glad of it. I can’t
think straight with her around and when I saw her reaction to the news
regarding her old boss, my heart sank. I saw the pain in her eyes as she
discovered he had moved on. She still loves him, I could see that, and it was
like a punch to my gut. That’s what’s confused me.
I’ve known this chick for two days and she’s affected me more than any
other woman. We’ve just shared smart words and a few meaningful looks
which is why I’m annoyed at myself for letting her in.
When she heads out the room, I exhale and make a fist wishing I could
knock some sense into myself with it. I don’t want this. I don’t want to feel.
I’ve tried everything to make myself into a machine over the years and I
don’t let anyone in for good reason. My life is not one that should be
shared. I’m a cold-blooded killer and always have been. Whether it’s for
the military or the government, I excel at what I do.
I don’t have time for feelings. This girl is spelling trouble for me on
every level. Maybe I should just fuck her and get her out of my system and
that’s all I need to get me on the right track. Then I imagine her naked in the
bath and groan out loud. I’m such a stupid fucking idiot. Even I know that
one taste of her will be all it takes to chain my heart to hers forever. The
thought of that glorious body wrapped around mine as she creeps her way
into my heart should send the sirens blaring. Instead, I picture her under me
and imagine tasting her sweet honey. I want to watch those wicked eyes fill
with desire as I plunge my cock deep inside a little piece of heaven.
I start to pace the room as I imagine what that must feel like. Just the
thought of her naked, not two feet away the other side of that thin wall
sends my cock delirious. I even think I hear a soft moan coming from the
other room but realize it must be inside my own head. Then I think about
why I’m here and what I must do. Lucy is the priority here. I’m here on a
mission and shouldn’t lose sight of that. Not for the first time I curse Ryder
for sending me here. He didn’t know it but this is the hardest test I will ever
face because fuck me, I’ve discovered the machine actually has feelings
after all.
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 10
Lucy
After a restless night, I wake to find the morning has almost passed, and
the sunlight is streaming through the blinds. I jump out of bed with an
urgency I haven’t felt in a long while. I can’t believe I’ve slept so late. What
must Jet think of me and why didn’t he wake me?
My heart thumps as I pull on some clothes and quickly tie up my hair.
What if he’s gone? What if yesterday was too much to handle, and he’s left
me to it? I’m not sure why but the thought of not seeing him again is worse
than the predicament I’m in.
As I race outside, I stop and stare in utter disbelief.
“Morning gorgeous, or should I say afternoon?”
My mouth hits the floor but I can’t stop staring. Jet just raises his eyes
and smirks in that annoying way he has and lowers the iron. “Do you need
anything ironed, darlin’?”
I shake my head and try to form a sentence but find the power of speech
has deserted me. Standing before me in all his glory is a butt naked Jet. He
is ironing what appears to be his clothes with nothing on but what nature
gave him. I can’t tear my eyes away and he laughs softly.
“Like what you see, darlin’?”
I feel the flush creep over my face as I stutter, “What the hell are you
doing?”
He shrugs. “You told me to do my own laundry, so that’s what I’m
doing. Just following orders, baby.”
I quickly look down and say faintly, “Um…well...please could you at
least wear boxers or something? It’s too much seeing you there.”
He puts the iron down and stares at me cockily. “Why, don’t you like
what you see?”
Turning on my heels, I turn my back to him and say in a strained voice.
“Please, Jet. Please put some clothes on.”
I hear him chuckle and then some movement.
 “Ok, you can open your eyes, honey.”
Gulping for air, I turn around and breathe a sigh of relief as I see he has
pulled on his jeans and yet his bare chest is still calling to me. I swallow—
hard.
“Um... thank you. Why didn’t you wake me? I can’t believe I’ve slept so
long.”
He shrugs and folds up the ironing board. “I thought you could use the
rest. It’s been one hell of a few days and you must have needed it.”
Nodding, I head toward the small kitchen. “Can I get you a coffee?”
He follows me inside the small room and my heart beats so fast I’m sure
they can hear it outside. This man is something else. He appears to be made
of muscles and they ripple as he moves. His biceps could span a small
country and they taper to a very attractive V promising much greater
rewards below. This is too much for me to bear and I cough slightly. “Ok,
let me fix us some food and then we should talk about what we do next.”
He nods and pulls on his t-shirt that clings to that body like I wish I
could. God, I’ve never been jealous of a fucking t-shirt before but I’d give
my right arm to be that piece of fabric at this moment.
Shaking my head, I try to concentrate on the job in hand and reach for
some eggs. “Omelet?”
He nods and hands me the milk carton. “Sounds good to me.”
For a moment there’s silence as we set about cooking the food. It strikes
me how normal this all feels as we move around the small space, keenly
aware of the other one's presence and trying every trick in the book not to
make eye contact or touch in any way. The talk is general and we skirt
around the real topic of conversation. Despite my situation, all I can think
of is how much I want this guy to sweep everything off the counter and lay
me out and devour me instead of the stupid fucking omelet he is eyeing up
like it’s a royal banquet.
I can’t even find my appetite as we sit facing each other and start eating.
The trouble is, every mouthful I take is like a sexual act. I find him
watching my lips with a hunger that’s not for the food. As he chews, he
looks into my eyes and once again I wish I was the frigging food and wish
he was chewing on any part of my anatomy. I feel the heat rising as I
fantasize about how he would feel inside me. God, the thought of that
almost makes me choke on the mouthful of food I’m chewing. His eyes
burn into my most private parts and strip me naked. It’s as if he can hear
what I’m thinking and my body is responding to my fantasies like they
would actually happen.
We eat in silence but the words we want to say dance around us taunting
us and begging to be heard. In my mind, he leans forward and pulls my face
to his. In my mind, he knocks the table aside and pulls me on his lap. Then
we tear each other’s clothes off and spend the entire day doing the dirtiest
things possible to one another.
I shake myself and fan myself with my hand. “Is it me, or is it hot in
here?”
Jet grins and winks which immediately annoys me. Damn, he knows
how he affects me and is loving every minute of it. I set my mood to bitch
and sneer. “Anyway, haven’t you outstayed your welcome? I told you last
night I had this sorted, so maybe you should pack up and be on your way.”
He raises his eyes and I kick myself for being such an idiot as he laughs
softly.
“We both know I’m going nowhere, darlin’. You may want me gone but
the only way that’s gonna happen is when those guys have got the message
loud and clear. Now, if I remember rightly, we had an appointment with
your old boss. Dominic Riley wasn’t it?”
All at once the food turns to sawdust in my mouth as I see the
determination in his eyes. Grabbing the coffee, I take a huge slug and hope
the caffeine dulls my senses because I’m so not ready for this.
Jet is watching me with interest so I just shrug and act like it doesn’t
affect me.
“So you said, but I can’t imagine why we would need to go and see him.
I mean, technically, I’ve just been on leave. I’m sure I can just call him up
and tell him I’ll be back tomorrow.”
Jet stares at me with interest and says, “Go on then.”
I look at him blankly and he holds out my cell. “Call him.”
Tossing my head, I stare at him defiantly. “Ok, I will and when he says I
can report back to work, you can go. Ok?”
Jet laughs and nods and then sits back and folds his arms waiting for me
to make the call.
 Once again, I spin my cell in my hands like it’s the answer to the
whereabouts of the Holy Grail. I will myself to make the call that I’ve made
countless times before. Images of Michael Santobello swim into view and
the life he wants me to lead. Taking a deep breath, I steel myself for the
awkward conversation I’m about to have and with shaking fingers dial the
number.
He answers almost immediately.
“I knew you’d call.”
I take a deep breath.
“Hello, Dominic.”
He laughs softly.
“I knew you’d see things my way. So, have you thought about the
situation and realized you have no better offer?”
I feel disgusted at him and myself for what I’m about to say. However,
seeing Jet sitting before me I know I have to make the best of a bad
situation for his safety as much as mine. So, I muster up every ounce of
courage I possess and say lightly, “Yes, I’ve thought it through. If it’s ok
with you, I would like to return to work tomorrow.”
There’s a short silence and I feel Jet’s eyes burning into me as I wait for
Dominic’s response.
He says triumphantly.
“I think we need to discuss this situation first. Meet me at the office in
one hour. Dress for an interview because I’m not sure your job is still open.
You see, I have been interviewing for your replacement all week and may
have already found just what I’m looking for. It’s now up to you to convince
me you’re the woman for the job after all.”
I feel the bile rising in my throat as I hear his words. He’s a bastard
through and through and is not going to make this easy on me. However, we
both know I have no other option so I suck it up and say shortly, “Fine, your
office. One hour.”
I hang up before he can say anything else and breath out hard. Jet looks
at me with a hard expression and the atmosphere in the room changes
almost immediately. There’s now a distance between us that the call
created. I have made my decision against his wishes and we both know that
if I return to Dominic, there will be no need for his protection. I’ll have
made my extremely undesirable bed that I’ll have to endure laying in for the
greater good.
Sighing, I push my plate away and say sadly. “I’ll get ready. If nothing,
at least I’ll get this over with fast.”
As I turn to leave, Jet says darkly. “This isn’t over until I say it is. This
changes nothing darlin’. We will go to see Dominic and we will leave
together. When we leave it will be with the information I need and nothing
else, understand?”
As I look at him in surprise, he winks and nods toward the door. “Just so
you understand, darlin’, I have a plan that is going to clear this up once and
for all. You just need to do what I say and don’t argue. Now I know that’s
going to be the most difficult thing you’ve ever done in your life but I’m in
charge now. You do as I say and we’ll get along. Understand?”
I make to speak but he silences me with a hard look. “Don’t make me
spell it out for you. If I have to tie you up and spank that pretty ass to get
you to comply I will. Now run along and make yourself look like the best
PA in town. Show the bastard what he’s missing and then watch as I bring
him down.”
I think all words fail me as I look at the man firing his commands at me
like bullets. All my sass deserts me as I can think of only one thing, how
can I really get him to tie me up and spank me?

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 11
Jet
We sit in silence as Lucy drives us across town in her stupid green car.
Even though I wanted to take the bike one look at Lucy dressed in her
office gear proved that wouldn’t happen. Fuck me, if she isn’t every fantasy
I’ve ever had. Dressed in a tight split skirt that shows off her shapely legs
that end on the highest stilettos has my imagination driving me crazy. Her
tight blouse undone just enough to get a peek of a lacey cleavage is enough
to send a hot-blooded male feral. Then there’s that luscious hair pulled tight
in a top knot begging to be set free and cascade over my dick. This Dominic
dude is even more a fool than I first thought when I see what he’s let go.
And he has let her go because she’ll return to him over my dead body.
Lucy’s nervous. I can tell that as she chews her lip and concentrates on
the road ahead. She grips the steering wheel like it’s a lifebelt and her
breathing’s fast and heavy. I shift in my seat and pray for this journey to end
because this is pure fucking torture.
Before long we draw up to a huge office block in the center of town. It’s
a mass of steel and mirrors which I imagine is built on greed and dodgy
dealings. Like the man within, it’s cold and intimidating. I know the sort of
men who operate behind these shields. Power and greed seep from every
crack in this tainted world and feed off the innocence of its workers, along
with anyone that passes through its doors. Well, now we are passing
through its doors and I look around me with interest.
A smart lobby welcomes us inside. Polished counters line the walls and
several receptionists welcome the workers and visitors alike. Lucy
nervously brushes an imaginary speck of dust from her shoulder and I
watch her steel herself. Me, on the other hand, I saunter in like I own the
place. I must look a sorry sight. The rough biker with no business stepping
foot inside this respectable establishment.
As we approach the desk, I see the girl’s eyes widen as she watches our
approach. There’s a fear in them sitting alongside desire. What can I say, it
appears that it’s every woman’s fantasy? A bit of rough to brighten her day
and give some meaning to her life. So, I lay on the charm and wink as she
clears her throat and says warmly, “Lucy, it’s good to see you, how may I
help?”
Lucy smiles nervously. “I… um… have a meeting with Dominic and
have forgotten my pass. I also need to sign in a visitor who will wait for me
upstairs.”
The woman smiles sympathetically and I can tell she knows Lucy hasn’t
forgotten anything. I’m guessing that bastard Dominic has made the
situation very clear to his staff and they will know she’s here to beg for her
old job back.
Lucy signs me in and grabs two badges from the receptionist. We walk
to the elevator at the end and join the line of curious workers who try not to
stare but fail miserably. As we crowd inside the elevator, I try to focus on
the rather unflattering sight of a man wearing the most ridiculously large
suit. He’s almost lost in it as he shrinks against the walls trying to look
anywhere but at me. The fact that I’m so close to Lucy in this confined
space is enough to make me throw every one of them out of the elevator
and fuck her senseless against its mirror-lined walls. I try not to think about
that particular image before I scare these people even more by the growing
bulge in my pants. At this moment in time it’s not just the gun I’m packing,
and it’s becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
What seems like an eternity ends and we reach our destination. As the
doors open, I hear Lucy take a sharp breath and throw me a pained look as
we exit into a carpeted hallway. She whispers, “It’s probably best if you
wait outside his office. I’m not sure how I’ll explain you to him anyway and
he won’t open up if you’re sitting there.”
I nod and whisper in a hard voice. “Just remember to hear him out. Show
him what he’s missing and then give it to him straight. Tell him whatever
you need to say to get things off your chest and don’t listen to any of his
bullshit and think he’s telling the truth. We both know who this guy is and
you are better than that. Do you understand, Lucy?”
She stops and looks at me with surprise. “You know, Jet, I’m not sure
what game you’re playing. I’m not even sure it will work, but whatever
your plan is I’ll play my part, you can count on me.”
 She looks at me with those velvet eyes and my breath hitches. I see the
trust in them mixed with the fear at what she’s about to face and it almost
makes me come apart. Then her soft hand finds mine, and she squeezes it
gently. “Thank you, Jet. I really mean that. You’ve given me the courage to
face this and I won’t let you down.”
She smiles shakily and turns and walks away leaving me with absolutely
no resistance left. Fuck me, this woman has just done the unthinkable. She’s
crept inside my battered heart and stolen it from under me. She may as well
have thrown a leash on it because if anyone’s calling the shots around here
—it’s her.

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 Lucy
I think I’m having an out-of-body experience. On the one hand, this is so
familiar. I’m dressed in my usual clothes heading down a familiar path. The
man I’m going to meet is someone I’ve spent every day with for the last six
months. Yet, at the same time, this man is now a stranger to me. I am now a
stranger to me as everything I thought I ever wanted has been thrown by the
side of the road and replaced with something much more exciting and
devastating. The man that walks beside me has entered my life like a
grenade. He has blown everything I thought I had or wanted into oblivion
and made me realize that before he came; I was just going through the
motions. This man walking silently beside me has shown me what it’s like
to feel.
On the drive over, all I could think of was him. If he moved, my body
reacted. If he spoke, I hung onto every word. Out of the corner of my eye, I
watched him and sighed inside. What must it feel like to be with this man? I
almost can’t think straight at the thought of the pleasure he would throw my
way. Dominic seems like a nobody against him. Jet is all man and then
some and the woman in me is screaming at me not to fuck this up and make
him mine.
However, there’s something holding me back. It’s not just about my
basic instincts. Feelings have crept in and I care what happens to him. I
don’t want him harmed because of me and I don’t want to be the one
responsible for getting him roughed up or killed. This is a fine line I’m
treading and I’m battling myself more than the men who hold my future in
their hands. Three men all wanting something different and I’m the pawn
they are pushing around the board. Each one wants to win and yet only one
can. I can’t help but feel that it’s up to me to make that decision for them.
As we walk into the offices that have been more like a home to me than
my own, I see a plastic blonde sitting at my desk and my blood boils. She
looks at us with a vacant expression as we approach. Her eyes light up as
she sees Jet, and she pushes her tits out and licks her lips suggestively as
she pouts prettily. “How may I help you—sir?”
She completely ignores me and addresses him with her stupid Barbie
doll lisp and breathy voice. This only increases my anger as I see just what
Dominic has replaced me with. A complete and utter airhead whose
probable only comprehension of taking dictation is to take Dominic’s
arrogant dick in her extremely willing mouth.
Jet looks at me and I see the amusement in his eyes as he notices the
anger in mine. I glare at him and then her and say shortly, “Lucy Armstrong
to see Dominic Riley.”
She looks at me with mild curiosity and smiles with a fake smile that I
immediately want to punch off her face. “Of course. I’ll let him know
you’re here.”
She peels herself out from her seat and I stare at her in disbelief. Her
dress is so tight it barely covers her plastic stuffed ass. Her tits burst out
from the lowest cut dress I’ve ever seen proving that she took the two for
one deal in the plastic department when she booked her enhancement
surgery. Her Barbie hair is curled and long and straight out of a bottle and
the heels she teeters past us on look as if they could kill a man as she walks
all over his back.
Then I’m even more incensed as she winks at Jet and licks her lips as she
moves past him, way too close so her huge tit brushes against his arm. As
she knocks on Dominic’s door, she wiggles her ass a little and I stare at Jet
angrily as he stares at her retreating figure.
I snarl, “Eyes forward, soldier.”
He looks at me and laughs softly. “What’s the matter, darlin’, you
jealous?”
I hiss, “In your dreams. For fuck's sake why would I be jealous of that
man-made monstrosity? I’m guessing her IQ is zero and the only thing she
ever takes down is her pants. You men are all the same and don’t see
anything but a living blow-up doll. You keep your brains in your dicks and
your dick in your brains. Dickhead is the right description for most of you
and I can see you’re no different. You disappoint me, Jet. I thought you had
some sense. Now I can see you’re just like the rest of them. In fact, as soon
as I’m inside that office I’m guessing you’ll be trying to get inside that. In
fact, I’m sure of it. Well, join the line because I’m guessing she’s had more
men inside her than a square meal each day. God, women like that give the
rest of us a bad name. She is everything I hate and everything guys dream
about at night. Hell, if I was a guy, I would hope I had better standards. You
know, we could all be that woman, Jet. Yes… um… we could all enhance
what mother nature gave us to get on in life. But some of us have more
pride and self-respect than that. Some of us want to succeed based on our
talent, not our looks, and some of us…”
Suddenly, out of nowhere my words disappear into Jet’s mouth as he
fastens his lips to mine. He holds my head firmly in place and for want of a
better word devours me. His tongue entwines in mine and punishes it with
his. He pulls me hard against him and I feel nothing but muscle and interest.
He takes every bit of air I have from my lungs and enters my mind as well
as my mouth. I forget where we are, what we’re doing and why I’m even
here as I lose myself in this powerful kiss. If he wasn’t holding me so
forcefully, I would crumble to the floor as my knees have lost the power to
hold me. Then he pulls away and says huskily, “Now shut the fuck up and
remember why we’re here.”
I look at him in shock as he wipes my mouth clean with his fingers. Then
he winks and whispers, “You may need to add a little more color to those
lips. You look fucked, baby.”
Furiously, I turn away and rummage in my purse for my lipstick
murmuring under my breath, “Fucking asshole.”
He laughs softly as the door opens and plastic patty comes back and says
in her stupid girly voice, “Mr. Riley won’t keep you long. Please take a
seat.”
Angrily, I stomp over to the couch and sit staring stonily ahead. Fucking
great. Trapped in this room with dumb and dumber. Dominic’s a fucking
bastard and so is Jet.
I amuse myself with images of wrestling Barbie to the ground and
puncturing the plastic with a pen before punching both men in the balls.
Well, fuck them all. I’m better than all of them with their stupid games.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see the smirk on Jet’s face and want to
punch that too. He knows how he affects me, it’s written all over his face.
He’s loving this. Loving the fact, I’m obviously out of my mind with
jealousy over plastic patty sitting there. This is all I need and yes, I
thoroughly overreacted but who wouldn’t in my situation? If Hell is a real
place, I’m sitting right in the center of it.
Barbie airhead just sits watching Jet with fascination. In fact, in my
mind, I’m running out of names to call this super slut as she sucks her
finger and looks coyly at him from under her lashes. I watch in disbelief as
she props her tits on the desk showing a cleavage bigger than the Grand
Canyon and openly flirts with him as she totally ignores me.
When the phone rings she answers it in a sexy voice making it sound like
some sort of sex line and I feel my blood boiling out of control. I daren’t
look at Jet because I may not like what I see. For all I know, he can’t wait
for me to enter that office so he can enter plastic nirvana over there. Men,
they’re all the same and I absolutely resist every part of me that’s telling me
I’m insanely jealous at this moment of plastic fucking Barbie.
It must be fifteen minutes of pure torture later that the door opens and
my breath catches as I see Dominic standing there. He looks every inch the
successful businessman he is and looks immaculate in his gray suit and
pressed shirt. His usual scent reaches me and suddenly he seems like home.
This man was my world and I couldn’t have loved him any more than I did.
I watch as he nods and then looks across at Jet. Then I see the surprise
and curiosity on his face as he says in confusion, “I’m sorry, I wasn’t
expecting another visitor.”
I cough and stand, trying to look in control when I feel anything but.
“Dominic, this is Jet my um… friend who kindly gave me a ride over.”
Dominic raises his eyes and says softly, “What happened to your car, is it
broken?”
Mentally I kick myself because of course, Dominic knows I’m more than
capable of driving myself here. I falter and Jet stands and towers over
Dominic offering his hand. “No, the cars fine. I’m Jet by the way. I’m a
friend of Lucy’s and am visiting for a few days. She’s going to show me
around when she finishes up here.”
Dominic looks none too pleased as he shakes Jet’s hand and says tightly,
“I see. Well, I’ll try not to keep her too long then.”
He turns to me and the look in his eyes makes my knees shake again for
a very different reason. “If you’d like to follow me, Lucy.”
I gulp and lick my lips nervously as I totally ignore the others and follow
him into the room.

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 12
Lucy
As the door closes the past returns with a vengeance. I look around me at
the place I’ve called home for the past six months and feel the walls closing
in on me.
Dominic just walks across to his desk and stares out of the window for a
moment before saying angrily, “Who the fuck is that, Lucy?”
I shrug. “As the man said, he’s a friend from out of town. He’s staying
with me for a few days while Sydney’s away.”
He turns and the look he shoots me makes me shrivel up inside. “Are
you fucking him?”
I just laugh. “What’s it to you if I am? By the looks of things around
here, you’ve replaced me with a robot. I’m guessing she fucks better than
she can type.”
I flinch as he crosses the room in two angry strides and grabs me
forcibly, pushing me hard against the wall and holding me in place by my
throat. “Don’t you fucking answer me back. I asked you a question and you
give me a smart answer. Now, I’ll ask it again, are you fucking him?”
The tears spring to my eyes as I feel how defenseless I am against him. I
shake my head and whisper, “No.”
He stares into my eyes angrily and then I see the relief enter them as he
pulls away and says, “Good.”
I hold my hand to my throat and gasp for air as he turns and says softly.
“You know, that little stunt you pulled the other day when you walked out
angered me. I thought you were better than that, Lucy. I thought you knew
the score. I may be married but we are the only team I care about. We work
well together both in and out of the office. Why would you walk out on
that?”
I feel the tears blinding me as I whisper, “I loved you and thought you
loved me.”
He laughs softly. “What is love? Do you think I love my wife when I’m
inside you? Do you think I love her when I fuck her imagining your face
where hers is? Do you think I love living a lie when all I want is standing
before me? Love gets in the way, Lucy. I thought you knew that and I
thought we were on the same page.”
He crosses the room again and pulls me close, his hands rubbing my
back as he whispers, “We have more than love, Lucy, we are soul mates.
Two people who can have it all. You get the better deal because you own
my heart. My wife just serves a purpose. She bears my children and runs
my home. She provides me with respectability and propels me up the ladder
to future success. She asks no questions and I reward her with material
comforts and my dick from time to time. You, on the other hand, get my
soul. You get the best of me because you control my heart. Come back to
me, Lucy and I’ll make it up to you. Don’t throw away everything we have
because of a misunderstanding. You know I’ve missed you baby and I want
you back. Back here in my office and in my bed. Back beside me where you
belong and I’ll protect you and chase the monsters away. What do you say,
did you miss me too?”
Just for a minute I am lost. Lost in the familiar and the dream I used to
have. The man before me is offering me everything I ever wanted and yet
one vital piece is missing. He takes my silence as my answer and groans.
“God, I’ve missed you, Luce. Look at you standing there in that tight skirt
and shirt just the way you know I like it.”
He pulls me close and kisses me hungrily. Much like Jet just did but
something has gone. I go through the motions and kiss him back, desperate
to see if it’s still there. I’m looking for any sign of what we had; the hope to
cling to that makes this decision easy. The man I loved once and want to
love again because he provides stability in my life that is fast spiraling out
of control.
He pushes me against the desk and spins me around, forcing me down so
my ass is in the air.
He says huskily, “I want you, Luce. Just like old times over my desk and
I want it hard.”
I feel him edge up my skirt and run his hands over my ass. He groans,
“Fuck baby, I’ve missed you so much. Have you missed me too?”
I say nothing as he fumbles with his trousers, releasing his dick ready to
take me as he’s done a million times before. I feel my heart thumping as I
re-live this memory. I see myself being fucked senseless against this desk
most days as he drives home, spanking my ass as he comes. I see myself
sitting astride him as I ride him hard on the chair he conducts his business
from. Then I see me sucking his dick as I kneel before him with his fist in
my hair.
I see everything we’ve done in this office and then some. Then I see him
return home to his wife and children. In my mind, I watch as he kisses her
lovingly on the steps as she welcomes him home. I see his two little angels
run up to him and jump into his arms as he spins them around. I see the
family lunches and the cozy family days. Then I see him fucking his wife in
their bed like a proper husband would, before cleaning up in the bathroom
and settling down to sleep, holding her in his arms.
I see it all and it all makes sense. As I feel his dick against my ass, I
reach behind me and take his balls in my hand. Then I squeeze them so hard
it makes my hand hurt. His grunt of pain is like music to my ears as I push
him back and then punch him hard in the stomach.
His gasp of agony feeds my fury as I face him, my eyes blazing. “Fuck
you, Dominic, and fuck your job. I wouldn’t work for you if my life
depended on it. You’re a fucking bastard who no longer has a place in my
life. Consider this my notice and goodbye.”
I pull my skirt down and gather every ounce of my dignity as I stride
across the office. I don’t look back as I leave him behind. The man I
thought I loved and now know it was never enough. Space and time have
shown me what a lie my life was built on. I deserve more than that. I
deserve a man who will put me first in every way. Screw him and screw
Michael Santobello. I am invincible and no man is ever going to control me
again.
I stomp past plastic Barbie/ Patty, call her what you want. She no longer
concerns me. I stomp past Jet and head toward the elevator, praying it
doesn’t keep me waiting. I need to get the hell out of here and fast. This is
over.

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 Jet
When I saw Lucy leave with that Jackass it took every ounce of
willpower I possess not to follow them in. I saw the way he looked at her. I
recognize that look because I feel it too. She is one hot chick and a magnet
to any red-blooded male.
I settle down to wait and laugh to myself as I think of her reaction to her
replacement. She totally overreacted which is why I silenced her. It’s that
kiss that stays with me through my wait. The taste of her lips and the smell
of her was enough to make me forget every reason why I’m keeping things
cool with her. Fuck me that woman is gonna be the death of me. Her smart
mouth excites me in every way possible and the fight in her interests me
way more than someone like plastic Barbie, who’s staring at me with
blatant interest. She sees me look and smiles coyly.
“Hey, you fancy a coffee while you wait?”
I shake my head. “No, I’m good, thanks.”
I watch as she unfolds her long legs and makes a great show of heading
toward me, making sure everything is on display.
She sits beside me and purrs, “You know, I get off at 6, how do you
fancy meeting me for, shall we say, a little fun?”
She runs her fingers over my biceps and flutters her pretty little lashes. I
just shake my head. “Sorry, darlin’. I’m not interested.”
She looks at me incredulously. “What, you waiting for… her?”
She almost spits out the last word and I look at her coolly.
“Yes, I’m waiting for her because you see, darlin’ she has more class in
her eyelash than you do in your whole body. Word of advice, you dress like
a whore, you get treated like one. Or then again, maybe that’s just what you
are. Drafted in to play a part and stir things up a bit.”
The flush to her cheeks tells me everything I need to know and I laugh
softly.
“I thought as much. Girls like you just aren’t the secretarial kind. So,
who set you up here, was it Michael?”
I see the fear cloud her eyes as she looks around her nervously.
“Who told you?” She whispers fearfully.
 I shrug. “Just a hunch that played out. Well, listen to someone who
knows, play your part and then leave without asking any questions. I won’t
say anything if you do me one favor.”
She looks at me hopefully and moves her hand to my crotch.
I remove it carefully and say darkly, “Not that favor, honey. That’s one
favor I sure don’t need right now. All I want is for you to do exactly as I say
when they come out, understand?”
She nods and looks at me with curiosity. “So, who are you then? I mean,
I’ve never seen you around and I know most of the bikers in these parts.
Are you from out of town?”
I just smile. “It’s best you don’t ask me any questions, darlin’ because I
ain’t giving no answers. Now run back to your desk and wait for the
fireworks.”
To her credit, she does what I say and so we wait. Neither of us speaks
until the door flies open and Lucy storms out looking so angry that I’m not
sure if either of us is safe right now.
She storms past us without a backward glance and heads toward the
elevator. As I watch her go my heart swells with pride. Way to go, baby, I
knew you were the girl for me.
As soon as I see she’s got the elevator I wink at Barbie and head toward
Dominic’s office. As I stand in the room, I almost laugh out loud. He looks
at me with a pained expression and looks suspiciously like he’s protecting
his balls. He spits, “What do you want?”
I head inside and close the door quietly.
He looks confused and I say in a hard voice, “I never had you down as a
fool, Dominic.”
He looks at me angrily, “Who are you, my mother?”
Laughing, I nod toward the door. “If I were you, I’d be hightailing it
after that young girl. I mean, six months is a long time for someone who
worked as closely as she did with you, to leave on bad terms.”
Dominic looks at me angrily. “What do you mean?”
I sigh heavily. “I mean, Lucy’s a friend and all and a loyal one at that.
She hinted that you weren’t, shall we say, as clean as you portray. I’m
guessing she has enough evidence to make life very difficult for you. In
fact, I know she’s received a job offer from an acquaintance of yours. I’m
sure he’d be only too happy to listen to what she has to say.”
I relish the sight of the blood draining from Dominic’s face as the penny
drops. Then I go in for the kill.
“You know, Lucy’s a fine woman and I wouldn’t want to let her go
without a fight if I were you. Maybe if you went after her and begged for
her forgiveness, or maybe made her an offer she can’t refuse. I don’t know,
you know what she likes better than most.”
I look at my watch and say with some urgency, “If I were you, I’d get a
move on. She can’t have got far and you need to make this good because
where we’re heading could be someone’s lucky day the mood she’s in.”
He looks at me warily. “Why are you telling me this?”
I shrug. “Because Lucy’s family and unfortunately I think you’re the
better option for her future. I detest you slightly less than I detest the next
man, so I’m looking out for my friend.”
Dominic looks as if his world is about to crumble and obviously thinks
fast because he races out of the door almost as fast as Lucy did and shouts
over his shoulder, “You can see yourself out.”
I watch him go and grin inside. Sucker, they always are. Then I look at
Barbie and say sweetly. “You’d better get out of here, honey. I think things
are gonna kick off and you don’t wanna be part of a police inquiry, do
you?”
I think Barbie must hold the record for exiting an office because before
my sentence finishes, she is off. Then I’m alone which was the purpose of
this charade all along.
Quickly, I close the door to Dominic’s office and head to his desk. I
don’t have long, so open the middle drawer and use my trusty knife to force
it open, bypassing the locking system. Then I remove the folder and spread
the contents over the desk.
One by one, I photograph the documents inside and send them straight to
Satan himself. As I replace the contents, I smile to myself. Here you go,
Ryder, make of these what you will and I’ll await instructions.
As I straighten things it’s as if nothing ever happened. I’m guessing we
have a couple of days before the shit hits the fan which is plenty of time to
grab some insurance.
 As I leave the office, I prepare myself for what I’m about to do next and
I can’t fucking wait.

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 13
Lucy
Luckily, I manage to reach my car with no interruptions. I suppose the
adrenalin starts to wear off as the enormity of what I’ve done hits me and I
lean against my car to steady myself. I’m still shaking with anger at the way
Dominic spoke to me. How dare he try to make out as if I had the better end
of this deal? It’s obvious he never intended for us to go further than it did
and if anything, his words made me feel cheap and used. Then there was
that kiss. He used to light my soul when he kissed me. How did that change
so quickly after just one kiss from Jet?
That kiss changed everything for me and ruined me for anyone else.
When Dominic kissed me, it meant nothing. It was a reminder of a past I
now want to forget in the face of a future with someone else. But that’s an
uncertain future because now I’ve set us down a path that can only end in
tragedy.
Suddenly, I hear a tentative, “Lucy.”
Spinning around, my heart starts thumping as I see Dominic materialize
out of the gloom of the underground car park. I take a step back and hiss,
“What do you want, Dominic? I think I said everything back in your
office.”
He moves forward and I see the anguish on his face as he looks at me
with something I’ve never seen before, contrition.
“I’m sorry, Luce. I’m a bastard and I recognize that. I had that coming
back there. You deserve more than what I gave you and I just want you to
know, I’m sorry.”
I stare at him and feel a little confused. “This isn’t like you, Dominic.
You’re not one to back down, why now?”
He moves closer. “Because I’ve realized something. I realize that I don’t
want to live my life without you in it. My marriage, my wife, my family
and my job are nothing compared to the life I want with you.”
He is now so close I can feel his words hit me as his breath fans my face.
“I love you Lucy Armstrong. That’s what you wanted to hear wasn’t it? You
want the dream and I gave you the nightmare.”
He reaches out and takes my hand, pulling me closer and whispers,
“Come back to me, Luce and I’ll make everything ok. I’ll leave my wife for
you. That’s what you want, isn’t it? We can start again together as a proper
couple and take on the world.”
I look at him in confusion. “What’s changed?”
He kisses my neck and whispers, “When you walked out you took my
heart. I couldn’t bear to lose you and, in that split second, I knew that I
couldn’t live my life without you in it. Nothing else matters but what we
have. You were right to be angry. You’re better than what I gave you and I
want you to forgive me and come inside and help me build a bright future
for us both.”
He circles my waist with his hand and pulls me firmly against him,
whispering huskily, “I love you, Lucy. Don’t leave me, come back and I’ll
make it up to you every day for the rest of our lives.”
I don’t know why I hesitate because these are the words I’ve wanted to
hear ever since I met this man. I used to lay in bed at night and fantasize
about hearing this very same speech. I can see the old me smiling with
happiness and kissing him back with everything I’ve got while I give him
my heart. This is like a dream and he is offering me everything I ever
wanted. The trouble is, I don’t want it anymore and I don’t want him
anymore, so I push him away and say harshly, “No thanks, Dominic.
Unfortunately, what I want has changed. If you think your little speech is all
it’ll take to bring me back in line, then you’re an idiot.”
He grasps my wrist tightly and growls, “Don’t be stupid, Luce. We both
know there’s nothing out there for you. If you don’t come with me, you’ll
end up working for the mob and I won’t be there to protect you. Is that what
you want, giving it to men in return for cash? Maybe I was right about you
all along, you are a whore and obviously the worst kind because you hide
the fact behind an innocent smile. You lead a man on in the hope of an easy
ride. Well, you’re right about that, you are an easy ride, Luce. Maybe I’ll
just pay my dollars like every man before me when I visit you at the club
you’re destined to call home.”
Reaching back, I slap him hard across the face and say angrily, “How
dare you speak to me like that. You’re a fool if you think your words affect
me. We both know I’m no whore but if it makes you feel any better think
what you like, I no longer give a shit.”
Dominic looks at me with more anger than I’ve ever seen in my life and
before I know it, he slaps me hard across the face. I feel the stinging blow
take my breath away as he pushes me roughly against the car. “Bitch, you
don’t get to speak like that to me. You’re nothing, Luce. A two-bit whore
who’ll go nowhere but the gutter. What do you say, one last fuck to remind
you of that fact?”
I feel him pulling at my skirt and make to scream but he gags me with
his fist and as I look into his eyes, I see the eyes of a madman blazing with
anger. Then I hear “Get the fuck off her before I make you.”
My eyes widen as I see Jet staring at Dominic angrily and I breathe a
sigh of relief. Thank God.
Dominic sneers. “What’s the matter friend? You want a piece of this
yourself? Well, join the line. You can have your turn when I’ve finished.”
I’m not actually sure what happened next because the next I see of
Dominic his body flies through the air and hits a neighboring car. I watch in
disbelief as he bounces off the trunk and lays howling on the floor. Then I
see Jet haul him up and hold him against the wall and hiss, “Touch her
again and the next face you’ll see will be the Devil’s as you burn in hell.”
Then he aims a swift blow to Dominic’s stomach and his screams echo
around the underground space like an eerie banshee.
He falls to the floor in agony and gasps for air as Jet saunters over and
winks. “Ready, darlin’. I think our job is done.”
I just stare at him in amazement as he plucks the keys from my hand and
grins. “I’ll drive. Hop in and we’ll grab some food. I think I’ve worked up
quite an appetite”
I just do as I’m told on autopilot because quite honestly, I’m not sure
what on earth just happened.

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 Jet
Lucy’s silent on the drive home and I know she’s in shock. Girls like her
don’t usually see the harsh realities of life and I’m sorry she’s got that
memory to deal with. I hate it when women witness violence and I’m even
sorrier that I made it happen. However, when I saw that creep with his
hands all over her, I saw red. I wanted to kill him stone dead and in a
previous life I would have and fuck the consequences. But I’m in a strange
new life now and that includes the amazing woman sitting beside me. She
matters more than anything and being a witness to murder ain’t gonna
happen on my watch.
I know I’ve made an enemy in Dominic but after Ryder deals with the
information I sent him, I’m confident he won’t be around for long. All we
need now is to lie low for a couple of days before we have to deal with the
next hard bastard who wants to destroy her.
I drive us to a diner out of town and as I park, say softly, “Come on, let’s
inject you with your preferred drug of caffeine. Maybe that’ll help numb the
pain.”
I laugh as she rolls her eyes but then smiles shakily. “Thanks, Jet.”
My breath hitches as I feel the soft hand touching me and see the
vulnerability in the usually fiery woman. My heart melts as I say softly,
“For what, darlin’.”
“For being there. For putting yourself on the line to help me and for
steering me along the right path. You give me a strength I so badly need
right now and I just want to say that whatever happens, I’m grateful. If
things fall apart, I won’t blame you for it. You’ve helped me find the
strength to fight back and I would rather die trying than allow myself to be
manipulated and used by those men.”
I reach out and take that soft hand in mine and stare into her velvet eyes.
Then I smile and say, “Nobody’s dying here. Living is very much plan A
and I’m gonna make sure it’s the only option. You don’t need to thank me
because I would do it all over again to keep you safe. You don’t realize this
but you’re a strong woman under that enticing package and you could have
it all.”
I laugh softly. “See. You’ve even managed to turn me soft. Come, let’s
go and fill our stomachs before you make me say anything you will
definitely use in evidence against me in the future.”
She grins as I wink and exit the car, desperately trying to push away the
feelings that have come out of nowhere for this woman. I have to remind
myself that she’s a mission. A job that needs to be resolved and not the
person that’s fast becoming everything to me. When this is over, I’ll need to
let her go and that thought is more painful than any knife or bullet that may
end my life. Because when you kill for a living that’s the sure-fire way
you’re gonna end up.
Lucy’s quiet as we eat. She eats her food as if on autopilot and I see her
thoughts mirrored all over her face. There’s confusion setting in and I don’t
like what I see. I’m worrying she regrets what just happened. What if she
wants Dominic and wishes she’d taken him up on his offer? I can’t bear the
thought of her with anyone but me which is why I’m also silent. I can’t trust
myself not to blurt out my feelings and make her see an even bigger fool
than she probably does now.
After a while, she appears to pull herself up and says in a stronger voice.
“Thanks, Jet but we need to get going. There’s a class in one hour and I
can’t let those children down.”
She reaches into her purse and pulls out the dollars needed to cover our
meal. I make to argue but she fixes me with a stern look and says, “My
treat, I insist.”
Shaking my head, I hand the money back. “Thanks, but no thanks.
You’ll need your money and when I dine with a lady, I pay, end of.”
She raises her eyes. “You’re no gentleman, Jet. Anyway, don’t you think
I’ve had enough of being a kept woman. Maybe I want to pay to prove a
point.”
I roll my eyes. “For fuck’s sake woman, do we have to argue about
everything? I’m buying you food, nothing else. Don’t make me angry
because where I come from, we take no shit from our women.”
She looks taken aback and says in a whisper, “Your woman - since
when?”
Her question hangs in the air between us and says it all. We both know
the answer but are reluctant to give it a voice. I look into her eyes and see
the spark of hope and yearning that must be mirrored in mine. Those words
take on a meaning that seals our future and speaks of a future shared. I may
as well have fucking proposed because we both know I meant every word.
My woman. Of course, she is. We both know it and what happens next is
inevitable.
So, I just wink and throw the dollars on the table and growl. “You heard
me, darlin’. Now grab your stuff before I show you just what that means
right here and now.”
As she does as I say, I fucking love the fact her face blushes pink and see
her eyes filled with desire. Oh yes, she’s my fucking woman alright and I
can’t wait to show her what that involves.

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 14
Lucy
We head to the dance studio and my head is buzzing. When Jet spoke, it
was laced with ownership. Despite what happened today my heart is light
and full of hope. Maybe it’s an empty promise of something that I want so
badly. Maybe he’ll leave when this is over and I’ll be back to being alone
and regretting ever letting a man like him inside my head. If that happens
then fine, at least I’ll have had this time. This time when anything is
possible and dreams can come true.
I laugh to myself, I never knew my dream man would be a rough, crude
talking, biker. He’s certainly surprised me.
We soon reach the studio and I have to get my head in the game to teach
the children who’ll be arriving shortly. Jet follows me inside and looks
around him thoughtfully.
“What’s gonna happen to this place when Sydney returns—if she
returns? I’m guessing things won’t be easy for her when she does.”
I nod. “That depends on what she finds out. She’s gone on a journey to
find her real father who by all accounts is - sorry was - a billionaire. I’m
guessing if she gets what’s hers, she could buy this town and stick two
fingers up at the lot of them.”
Jet shakes his head. “Why would she come back? If I inherited a billion,
I’m pretty sure this is one place I wouldn’t be returning to.”
I feel the anger seeping through me like a virus and spit, “That’s where
you’ll find she’s a much better person than you’ll ever be. Money doesn’t
drive Sydney. She’s a good person and loves teaching these kids. Did you
know she teaches the poorer kids for free just to give them something to
look forward to? Not many of us are so selfless, so it was an easy decision
to help her out. She won’t forget those kids because she grew up as one of
them.”
I take a few calming breaths as Jet perches on the edge of the desk and
looks at me with interest.
“So, tell me about you. What’s your story?”
 Shaking my head, I say sadly, “Not much better than hers, or theirs,
come to think of it. My parents moved to San Francisco when I was
eighteen. I went out one day and came home to find them gone and a note
on the door telling me the house was sold and I had to find other
accommodation.”
Jet looks shocked. “Why would they do that?”
I shrug. “They’ve always been selfish and thought only of themselves.
They talked about going there a lot over the years and I always made it
clear I wouldn’t follow them. They were never the textbook parents made
from dreams. I think I was a mistake and an inconvenience because there
was never any love there. As soon as they knew I was old enough to cope
alone, they set off without giving me a choice. Don’t get me wrong, they
cared enough to leave me money to rent my apartment for a year while I
found a job to pay for it. They even mailed me a forwarding address and
told me to look them up if I ever found myself over there.”
I laugh bitterly. “But then why would I want to? I found Sydney, and
she’s all the family I need. That’s why I’m putting myself through this. I
could cut and run and leave everything behind but then what would that say
about me? She’s like a sister to me and now the only family I want. Maybe
when she returns, I’ll think about my options. Until then I’m going to
deliver on my promise and keep her business going until she makes the
decision about its future.”
Jet smiles and I can see he understands. It makes me curious. “Tell me
your story, Jet. How did you come to be offering to protect a total stranger
on the instructions of somebody else? What’s in it for you?”
He stares at me long and hard and it’s as if he’s deciding what to tell me,
if anything at all. Then he says in an expressionless voice. “I have a loving
family. I have no tale to tell of abandonment or even a struggle to get by.
My family is well respected and have more money than they could ever
spend.”
I look at him in surprise - wow this is unexpected.
He laughs softly. “Surprised you, have I? Most people don’t see beyond
the rough exterior and hard man image. They see a rough biker who
probably had no other choice. Well, I did have a choice, and I chose this
life. I could have been anything I chose to be. I went to the finest colleges
and majored in law at Harvard. I was offered a job in the finest law firm in
New York and my future was set. But I wanted a life that made me feel
alive. I’m not cut out for office work and wanted to see the world. So, I
gave it all up. I enlisted in the forces and used my talents to progress
through the ranks quickly. I became a Navy Seal and found the family I
wanted to call my own. I have my brothers who I’d kill for - and do. You
see, darlin’. What I found is worth more than money, although, as it
happens, we are well paid for we do and it has ceased to matter. I found a
life that lights the fire in my soul and gives purpose to my life. I live this
life because without it I may as well be dead.”
Hearing his words absolutely stuns me. I can’t believe this man. He is so
full of surprises and every time I think I have him worked out he moves the
goal post.
He laughs at my expression and winks. “You see, darlin’, I make my
own way and my own decisions. I have nobody to worry about other than
my club and I would do anything for them. So, in answer to your previous
question as to what’s in it for me, well, it’s just another day at the office.
Another day to rid the world of unscrupulous evil and help out a deserving
cause. You see, what my brothers and I hate more than anything is a man
who preys on a woman and takes them to Hell. It fires up the beast in us all
and our greatest pleasure is bringing those men down and setting the
women free.”
I nod, almost choking on my disappointment. Of course, this is just a job
to him. Something he does and will do many more times—just with another
damsel in distress. I’m not sure why I thought I was different – obviously, I
read more into his attention than was there. So, I just smile sadly and turn to
go and change for class.
As I walk away, I feel a hand on my arm and I’m spun around into his
hard chest. As I look up in surprise, I almost gasp at the expression in his
eyes. He is looking at me with a look of pure need. There’s a desperation in
those eyes that reaches to my soul. He looks lost and vulnerable and then
says almost desperately, “Then I found you, Lucy. I just want you to know,
this isn’t just a job any more. I’m doing this for you and nobody else. I want
to set you free so you can decide whether you want this—me.”
I stare into his eyes and shake inside. Want him, oh my god, I’ve never
wanted anyone so much in all my life.
 Then the door opens and we pull apart as quickly as possible as the
children start to arrive. The moment’s gone and yet the yearning has not. I
think I make my decision right there and then. Jet’s the only future I want
and where he goes, I’ll follow.

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 15
Jet
This is so fucked up. I never came here looking for love but it’s knocked
me flying. I knew I liked the look of Lucy, who wouldn’t? But I wasn’t
prepared for the way she’s turned my life upside down. I’ve tried to keep
my distance and I’ve tried to remain impartial. Five minutes in her company
destroys any defenses I have in place and I’m in deep.
Luckily, she has a class, and that gives me time to get my shit together. I
check my phone but nothing’s come back from Ryder. I’m sure it won’t be
long though. That man is the best at what he does. It’s why we’re so
successful.
It feels strange being away from the club. I’m not used to riding solo and
when Ryder told me I was pissed. Now I’m thanking him because if he’d
sent one of the others, I’m guessing they would have hit on Lucy and I’d
never have found her. Thinking of anyone else even breathing near her is
enough to fan the flames of jealousy, so I offer my thanks to Ryder King for
unwittingly setting me on this strange path.
I look up as I see the door edge open and my heart sinks as I see Clara
Santobello watching me from the doorway. She looks at me with interest
and then closes the door and heads across the room. I set my mood
accordingly and nod. “What can I help you with, ma’am.”
She looks at me coolly and says softly, “You’re still here, biker, despite
my warning.”
I shrug. “It would appear so.”
She laughs, but it’s the dull sound of a woman who finds nothing
humorous. “You know, my husbands intrigued by you. You’ve rattled him
which then intrigues me.”
I say nothing and just smirk as she edges closer. “You know, he can’t
decide whether to have you killed or offer you a job.”
She touches my arm lightly. “I love a man who can stand up for himself.
Especially one who challenges my husband. You’ve got balls, I’ll say that
for you.”
Moving slightly away, I raise my eyes. “Your point is?”
 Her eyes flash briefly and she says huskily. “I want to offer you
something. Shall we call it a business opportunity?”
“You can call it what you like, there is no we.”
She shakes her head and says lightly, “Tut, tut, biker. Never say never. I
mean, you haven’t heard what I’m offering.”
Sighing heavily, I lean against the wall and fix her with a hard stare.
“Then tell me.”
To her credit, she just nods and says in a hard voice. “It’s no secret I hate
my husband. Hell, most people do. The only one who doesn’t is him. The
trouble is, I’m stuck with the bastard all the time he remains unchallenged.
Men have tried and paid the price. I need a man who’s not afraid to try and
likely to succeed.”
Still, I say nothing and encouraged by my silence she whispers. “I can
make it easy for you, biker. I’ll pay you more money than you’ve ever seen
to alleviate me of my problem. I may even throw in a few benefits in kind
for myself. What do you say, are you interested?”
I regard her coolly. “You want me to free you from your husband and
take a father from his kids. What happens if I do?”
She smiles. “I get to live my life as a free woman. No more looking over
my shoulder and waiting for the cops. I won’t have to smell the scent of a
cheap whore on the clothes of my husband as he kisses me goodnight. I
won’t have to fuck a man I can’t stand who makes me wanna hurl and
couldn’t care less about what I want. I’ll be set free to find a real man
who’ll bring happiness back to my life. You know, living with Michael
Santobello is hell on earth. He uses people and schemes his way through
life to get rich and couldn’t give a fuck about anyone else.”
I shake my head. “Then divorce him.”
She looks at me angrily. “We both know that would never happen. He’d
kill me first. No, I want him gone, out of my life and out of the life of my
little girls. What hope have they got of living a normal life and growing up
in a happy home? It won’t be long before they see the monster within.
They’ll realize that mommy can’t stand daddy and he treats her like shit. I
will no longer be able to disguise the sound of daddy hitting mommy when
he’s had a bad day and the sound of him punishing her for daring to
challenge him on anything. You don’t know what it’s like to be me. You
don’t see how lonely it is. I have no friends because everyone keeps their
distance. There’s nobody to confide in because I can trust no one. My
parents don’t want to know and I’m trapped in a loveless marriage to a
clinically insane bastard. I’m being driven mad by despair and can’t see a
future.”
She turns to me and I see her eyes fill with tears as the mask slips. Her
lips tremble and she says in a broken voice, “Please, biker. I’m begging
you. I’m desperate. I have nobody else I can ask and you’re my only hope.
Please help me before it’s too late.”
She starts to sob and what can I say, she’s scored a direct hit? I take her
in my arms and comfort her as best I can and whisper, “Leave it with me,
darlin’. I’m not promising anything but I’ll see what I can do.”
She sobs in my arms and I feel the relief in her tiny frame. For all her
front, this woman is broken and like a red rag to a bull, it’s made my
decision for me. I will help her but only if it fits in with what Ryder tells me
to do. She may be of some assistance and in helping me, she will ultimately
help herself. So, I push her away lightly and wipe her tears. Then I say
softly, “Just tell me what I need to know. Anything you find out, you know
where I’ll be. Right here - understand?”
Her eyes fill with relief and she nods gratefully. “I’ll see what I can find
out.”
She turns to leave and then looks back and whispers, “Thank you. I
mean that, biker. I won’t forget this.”
I wink as she smiles and moves away. Maybe this may just have made
things a whole lot easier.

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 Lucy
I can’t wait for the class to be over. The thought of Jet through the thin
walls is setting me on edge. Something happened between us and it’s all I
can think about. There was something in his eyes that promised me
everything I’ve dreamed of. That look was showing me my future and I
can’t wait to get started.
It seems to take forever before the last child leaves and once that door
closes, I quickly lock it and sigh heavily.
I hear him laugh softly. “Tough day?”
Spinning around, I relish the sight of him as he leans on the door frame
looking hotter than any man has the right to look.
Grinning, I roll my eyes. “I don’t know how Sydney does this. I mean,
I’m exhausted already and yet this is only part of her day. She works in the
coffee club in the morning and then heads across town for this class. In a
couple of hours, she opens her doors again for free and teaches the poorer
kids. That girl’s a saint and that’s a fact.”
Jet nods. “So, what about the poorer class? Are you doing that one too?”
“Sadly no. I can’t take that risk of being here past dark. I suppose I’m
not as brave as her because I canceled it when Michael came calling. He
would show up and drag me to his club after hours as he did to her. I just
thought I’d make it less easy for him and lock myself away in my apartment
instead. Not much of a life, is it?”
Jet looks at me angrily. “That’s why I’m here, honey. You leave me to
worry about scum like that.”
Sighing, I start to gather my things. “I wish it would all just go away.
How has this happened? A couple of weeks ago I had things worked out, or
so I thought. Fast forward to now and I’m contemplating a life either on the
run or working for the mob. I must have done something seriously wrong in
a former life for Karma to be such a bitch.”
Jet laughs and it takes my attention. His usual hard expression has
softened and taken years from that gorgeous face. His eyes crinkle and
sparkle and I can’t tear my eyes away. Suddenly, he stops laughing and that
look changes. I think I must gasp out loud because what I see in that face
now makes my body react like it never has before.
 Suddenly, all reasoning has left the building. Now I want nothing more
than to feel those hands all over me and taste his lips as if it’s nectar to a
bee. They call the woman in me and my legs react a lot quicker than my
mind. I find myself walking toward him not breaking eye contact for a
second. He meets me halfway and grasps my arm and pulls me roughly
toward him. No words are spoken as his lips crash onto mine and devour
them. His tongue entwines with mine and I can’t get enough of it.
Roughly, he pushes me against the wall and I can feel him hard against
me. Groaning, I run my hands under his tight-fitting t-shirt and moan at the
hard body under my touch. My legs wrap around his waist as the
inconvenience of the fabric between us irritates my skin. I need to feel him
with no barriers and he quickly obliges. Somehow, his top joins mine in a
heap on the ground. I press against him and his groan is like music to my
ears as my nipples rub against his. He pulls back and lowers his mouth to
take one inside. His tongue circles my nipple that stands as if commanding
his attention. The shiver of excitement passes through me as he makes short
work of removing my leggings. As he lowers down my body, I tremble
under his touch. There is not a part of me that isn’t on fire and begging for
him to fan the flames. Every touch, every taste just increases the longing
and I rake his hair with my fingers as I hold him to me.
Then I feel him tasting my forbidden place and I gasp with pure
pleasure. He licks and sucks like a pro and I open up to him more than I
ever have before. But it’s not enough, so I drag his head away and sink to
my knees. I taste my arousal on his tongue and grind my body to his. I cup
his balls in my hand and gently squeeze, relishing the groan that shudders
from his soul. He growls, “Fuck me, baby, that feels so good.”
My eyes sparkle as I sense the power I have over him. I want to give him
all of me. I want him to forever have my touch stamped on his heart and I
want to own his soul. Then he pulls away and pushes his hand over my
mouth and whispers, “Listen.”
The silence in the room screams at me. My body reacts as it begs me to
continue. But even I hear the sound as it draws near. That doesn’t sound
good and within a split second everything changes.

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 16
Jet
Fuck me, how can I be in heaven one minute and hell the next? Even
though my mind is somewhere else, I recognize that sound. Hell, I live with
it and as I pull away from Lucy, I growl, “Get dressed, honey, we’ve got
company.”
We scramble into our clothes that left us not moments before. Cursing
my bad luck, I pull on my shirt quickly and grab my jacket. This is going to
go one of two ways and if I know my shit it’s gonna be tough.
As soon as we’re dressed, I look at Lucy and growl, “Wait here, baby.
Lock the door behind me and don’t open it for anyone but me.”
She makes to object and I growl, “It’s not a choice, you do as I say, end
of.”
Her eyes flash and I think she’s gonna object until she looks past me
through the window and that look is replaced by one of fear. She gasps and
her hand flies to her mouth as the tears start to build. She whispers, “No,
Jet, you can’t go out there. Let me call the cops.”
I raise my eyes and growl, “No cops, darlin’. That would complicate an
increasingly complicated situation. Let me deal with this in my own way.”
As I make to leave, she grabs my arm and pulls me back and I’m
surprised at her strength. Her eyes flash as she says in a hard voice, “You
come right back to me, understand?”
Tilting her face to mine, I stare into my future and say with meaning,
“I’m going nowhere, baby. You’re stuck with me whether you like it or not.
After all, we were in the middle of something I very much want to finish.
Then start again and carry on doing for the rest of my life.”
Her face softens and I see the frightened girl before me struggling to stay
strong as she whispers, “Look after yourself, Jet.”
I lower my lips to hers and taste the future. Then I wink as I pull away.
“Worry about them, baby because they don’t know what they’re facing - I
do.”
Then I set my mood accordingly. Fucking bikers.
 I head outside and there they are. It’s an intimidating sight, seeing what
must be thirty bikes set in a semi-circle surrounding the entrance to the
studio. The men that sit astride them are dressed to instill terror. Shades
cover their eyes and the insignia on their jackets designed for fear. The
Dark Angels. A local club that runs on animosity. No prizes for guessing
who tipped them off and I smile to myself. Typical asshole. Well, Michael’s
done me a favor here and saved me a visit.
I step forward and a voice cuts across the distance. “Stay where you are
and state your business in this town.”
I peer into the gloom and make out the man in the middle. He has the
President’s patch on his vest so I do as he says. “I’m from out-of-town
visiting a friend. I have no business here that concerns you and don’t want
any trouble.”
The men around me laugh and one shouts.
“Jacket off and throw your gun across here. Then on your knees and
raise your hands.”
I look at the guys sitting there and see the excitement on their faces.
They love this. They want me to fight back and they want to prove a point.
They rule this town and don’t like visitors. Well, they won’t like me.
However, I play along and do as they say. I remove my jacket and throw
my gun across the ground. Then I sink to my knees and raise my hands
saying in a low voice. “See, nothing to see here. I’m not here to cause you
trouble, in fact, I may be able to help.”
The President looks around him and laughs. “We don’t need your help.
What kind of fool rides into town and picks a fight with the mob before he’s
even unpacked? You’re a loose cannon and we don’t like that. We heard
you’ve got a target on your back and came to see for ourselves what kind of
idiot biker does that. By all accounts the rumors are true and you’ve got a
death wish. No, we have no room for a guy like you. You’re the sort who
would get us all killed and so, a word of advice, let us escort you out-of-
town before you leave in a box. Call it an act of kindness from one biker to
another.”
I say darkly, “And if I don’t?”
He leans forward. “Then we provide the box.”
 I sense the blood lust around me and it makes me angry. Stupid fucking
bikers. Why do they never learn? So, I say harshly, “Is this how you treat a
visiting brother? You run them out-of-town without offering them your
help. What sort of club are you?”
There’s a silence that I can taste and the air changes. The President nods
to the man next to him who stares at me with cold, hard, eyes and steps off
his bike. He removes his jacket and advances toward me, growling, “Shut
the fuck up. Your smart mouth has earned you a beating.”
The guys start jeering as the biker stops a few yards away. He smiles
wickedly and quips, “I’m gonna enjoy pounding your ass until you beg me
to stop. Then guess what? I won’t.”
I stand up and face the idiot before me and grin. “We’ll see about that.”
The surrounding guys fall silent as they wait for one of us to make a
move. I focus on the man in front of me and the men that surround me. As
he comes for me, I’m ready. His fist tries to connect with my face but is
easily dodged. In one swift move, I kick his feet away from under him and
pull his arm around his back, holding him in place with one arm while I
grab his hair with another. Then I twist his head just far enough to
incapacitate him and draw a fine line between life and death. Then I face
the President with his man’s life in my hand and growl, “I’ll let you decide.
He lives and I help you take over this town. He dies and you bring a war to
your club. Your decision.”
A few of the guys raise their guns quickly followed by the rest. I am
surrounded by a wall of steel made up of bikes, guns and hard expressions.
I stand firm and stare at only one man. The President.
He regards me coolly for a moment and then says harshly, “What’s your
club, biker?”
I twist his guy’s neck enough to make him squeal and say with relish,
“Twisted Reaper MC.”
Silence, pure fucking, silence greets my words and I sense the unease.
The man in my grasp starts to shake and the President barks, “Lower your
guns.”
Then he turns to me and says roughly. “Then prove it.”
My eyes flash angrily. “You doubting my word.”
 Just for a second, the President looks uncertain and then smiles darkly.
“Any old biker can rock up here and claim to be in that club just to get
himself out of trouble. Now, we both know you have the proof under that
shirt you’re wearing so, just to clear things up, I’m asking for one favor.
You prove it and we’re at your disposal. I think that’s fair.”
He addresses his men. “Put your guns away and give the man your word
not to shoot. If he’s a Reaper he walks. If not he’s all yours.”
With one hand on my captive, I force him to the ground and place my
foot on his throat. A move I’ve done countless times before which means
one false move cuts off his air and ends his life. As I remove my top, I
sense the anticipation in the air. There’s a murmur as I face them, bare-
chested and clean. I hear, “There’s no ink on that bastard.”
Reaching down, I pull the man at my feet to his and push him clean
across the space that divides us and turn around. I turn slowly in one full
circle and hear the gasps as I reveal what they want to see. Covering my
back in its entirety is what they seek. ‘Reaper’ sits above a tattoo of the
Grim Reaper himself; looking at them with hate and promise. The image of
death and no shit.
I turn to face the President who is singing a different tune now. He
stutters. “Then you have my apology. How can we help?”
I shrug and reach for my top. Then I grab my gun and jacket and move
across to face him. “Maybe you can help. In fact, it could be in both our
interests to resolve the reason I came to town. It may make your life a little
easier but it won’t be easy. What do you say - you in?”
The President nods as if he has a choice and says roughly, “Whatever it
is, you have our full support.”
I smile grimly. “Then maybe we can discuss it over a beer. I’ll grab the
girl and follow you. We’ll talk at the club.”
He nods and then motions to his men to leave. Once the last man has
left, I turn and head back to the studio. I wonder what Lucy is gonna make
of what happens next.

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 17
Lucy
When I saw Jet walk toward those bikers, my heart stopped beating and I
forgot how to breathe. I’ve never been so afraid in my life and almost
couldn’t watch but also couldn’t tear my eyes away. As sights go, this one
was magnificent. I’ve never seen anything like it before and was riveted to
the spot.
Then my heart almost failed as I saw one of them attack him. I watched
the man fall to the ground in a matter of seconds and suppose I should have
known then. But what happened next blew me away. When Jet revealed the
tattoo on his back, time stood still. How did I miss that? I’ve never seen the
like of it and I stared at nothing else. Then I watched in disbelief as the men
backed down. Why would the sight of that tattoo do so much damage? Jet is
sorely outnumbered yet suddenly he holds all the cards. Who is he?
I watched the bikes leave one by one and the sound was like nothing I’ve
ever heard before. Then he turned around and walked toward me and my
heart beat even faster—if that’s possible.
As the door opens his body fills the doorway and I just stare. His eyes
look worried and he almost falters as he says tentatively, “Lucy?”
I shake my head and just stare at the man before me. He is now a
stranger to me, yet at the same time, he is everything.
Then I’m running and it’s toward him, not away. His arms reach for me
and I fall into them as the relief hits me hard. I sob in his arms as they fold
around me and keep me safe, just like they always will. We say nothing but
cling together as if we are one and I know that whoever, or whatever, he is,
he’s mine.
After a while, we pull apart and he kisses the tears from my cheeks. His
breath fans my face and I smile through the watery veil and whisper, “I was
so afraid.”
He nods. “I know. You must have a few questions that need answers.”
I nod. “That tattoo…”
He shrugs. “What about it?”
 “That must have hurt—a lot.”
He laughs softly. “It did.”
“Then why?”
“Because… that’s why.”
“Because what?”
He rolls his eyes and laughs softly. “Always a question, Lucy and never
happy with the answer. I think you know what life I lead by now. I’m a
biker, baby and proud of it. My club is my family, and it’s one I’ll never
leave.”
I shake my head, a million questions battling for answers in my head.
“Do the others have the same tattoo?”
“Not all of them. Some have them smaller. Some have them on their
arms, others on their chests. I like the grand gesture. I went for it one
hundred per cent and never regretted it for a second.”
I spin him around and pull up his shirt. He laughs and obliges me by
removing the fabric so I can stare at it in all its glory. As I trace the ink, I
shiver inside. “It’s quite… menacing.”
He grins wickedly. “The Grim Reaper has a reputation to protect, of
course, it’s menacing.”
I say in a whisper, “Why are you called Reapers?”
Suddenly, the joking leaves the room as Jet tenses and says darkly,
“Because we are, darlin’. We eliminate unwanted problems for the
government and that sometimes involves doing things that go against
humanity.”
He spins around and pulls my face to his, staring in my eyes, deep and
soul searching. “You’ve got to understand who I am, Lucy. I’m a cold-
blooded killer with ice in my heart. I kill to order and ask no questions.
There’s a reason I walk alone, and that’s it. Like I said, my brothers are my
family, and that’s all I need. My life is hard and dangerous and that’s why I
don’t feel. You thought those bikers and Michael and his mob were the
monsters here, but darlin’, you’re looking at the biggest one of all.”
Just for a second, I look at him and see a stranger. Then I look past his
words and listen to my heart. I step closer and lay my head on his chest and
stroke it lightly as I whisper, “You’re no monster, Jet. You’re everything.”
 Then I kiss him lightly on the heart and say with feeling. “I don’t care
who, or what you are. It’s the man inside I care about. It’s the man in you
who transcends the monster. That man is good and kind and so damn sexy
you should get that government you work for to issue you with a warning
tattoo. Just remember, Jet, you can let someone in who wants to be there.
Someone who will understand and chase those shadows away. I want to be
that person, Jet because like it or not, you need me.”
Before the words even leave my lips, he claims them, roughly,
demanding and the power in this kiss scorches my soul. Suddenly, we are
like animals, tearing the clothes from our backs with no care for where we
fall. Chairs topple over and papers fly as he sweeps the counter and presses
me down. My legs part willing him in as I gasp, “Fuck me, Jet. I want it all
and no holding back.”
He grabs my hair and pulls my face to his and stares deep in my eyes.
“Are you sure you want this, baby, because I’m on the edge of insanity here
and you’re making me crazy?”
My eyes gleam as I say with longing, “Shut the fuck up and get on with
it.”
He laughs and whispers, “With pleasure, darlin’.”
Then he spreads me out like the finest banquet at a royal luncheon.
Without any ceremony or care, he positions himself above me and growls,
“I want you, Lucy, and when this happens there’s no going back. You’re
mine and that means forever in my book. Do you think you can cope with
what that means?”
My heart sings as I hear his words. “Forever is a long time and that’s fine
by me. I want you, Jet - the man, the monster and the biker. I want it all and
don’t you dare let me down.”
Then he’s where I wanted him to be from the first moment I saw him
enter the diner. From the moment he winked at me and made his annoying
remarks. From the minute he held me and entered my world and from the
moment I saw my life flash before my eyes when he was on his knees on
the ground. I wanted him always, and now there’s no going back. As I feel
him enter me, mind, body and soul, I cry out in ecstasy. He feels so good, so
hard, so in control and so powerful. He drives himself inside my body and
my mind and fills it completely. There is nothing but him and anything that
went before this moment is no longer important. This is it, two hearts joined
forever, one inside the other and fitting as perfectly as it was always meant
to be. Two puzzle pieces who have found their rightful place. As I feel him
move inside, I cry out his name. Then I come apart around him and scream
like a woman possessed as he roars my name. He pulls out just in time as he
marks me with his seed. It pulsates all over me dripping down and marking
his territory. This is dirty and desperate and everything I want it to be. He is
mine and I am his, what else is there?

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 Jet
As I hold Lucy’s trembling body against me, I feel calm. This is it, I am
home. I pulled out in time because I got lost in the moment and forgot to
protect us. Just that fact alone makes me realize the power she has over me.
I am usually so controlled and careful. I fuck a lot but rarely the same girl
two nights running. We have club whores to take care of our basic needs
and I have never felt like I did just then. I didn’t fuck Lucy; I made love to
my woman. It felt different and now I’ve sampled the sweetness of this
woman, I’m never going anywhere else again.
Stroking her hair, I whisper, “You ok, darlin’? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
She snuggles in closer and I feel my heart bursting with pride.
“No, you felt so good, Jet. I can’t believe we just did that but I want to
do it again and again until I can’t walk straight.”
I laugh and roll over so she lies on top of me. Then I wrap my arms
around her and stroke her hair lovingly. “Don’t you worry, darlin’. There’s a
lot more where that came from. Just as soon as we deal with the business
waiting, I’ll make this up to you.”
She mumbles into my chest. “Make what up to me?”
Laughing, I slap her ass. “I’ll show you that I don’t want to just fuck
you, baby, I want to spend the whole night showing you what I can do to
that fine body of yours. I want to make you come so many times you lose
your mind. I want to show you what you mean to me and I want to make
sure the only man you ever think of again for the rest of your life is me.”
The smile on Lucy’s face says it all. It tells me everything I want to hear
because her eyes shine with happiness and it takes my breath away. I can’t
stop staring at this perfect woman and she’s all mine. I can’t believe what a
lucky son of a bitch I am and it feels fucking amazing to know that I’ll walk
into my future with her by my side.
Then I remember what I need to do to get us there so, I sigh heavily and
say wearily, “We have business to attend to and a meeting to keep.”
She looks at me warily, “Where are we going?”
“Sorry, darlin’ but you’re about to get a lesson in what life’s like in an
MC club. We’re heading over the Darkside. The home of the Dark Angels.”
 Her look of fear says it all and I wonder how strong she really is. Is she
really cut out for the life I’m offering her? This visit will test her resolve
and it’s scaring the hell out of me at the thought it’ll be too much. The
Twisted Reaper MC is a hard place to live but also the best in the world.
There’s nothing like it and what she will see at The Dark Angels will be
tame in comparison.
As I worry about how she’ll cope, her small hand finds mine, and she
squeezes it tightly. Then she whispers, “If you’re by my side, I can face
anything. Come on, show me how to be a biker’s girl.”
Grinning, I shake my head. “No, darlin’. I’m gonna show you how to be
a biker’s old lady.”
She looks confused. “What do you mean?”
I laugh softly. “You’ll see.”

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 18
Lucy
For the first time since I’ve met him, I ride behind him on his bike.
Nothing prepared me for how that felt. At first, I was apprehensive but Jet
made sure I was safely in place and secured the helmet on my head
carefully. Then as I wrapped my arms around his waist, I discovered the
joys of being his girl.
As the bike roared into life, so did I. Now I understand why they ride. It
was dangerous, exhilarating and made me feel more alive than I ever have
before. I felt as free as a bird and a part of nature. I could conquer the world
right about now as we zipped through the traffic and I pitied those in their
cars. Surely everyone should ride a motorbike? It should be law and once I
got over my fear, I found I loved everything about it.
All too soon Jet turns into a parking lot on the other side of town. I look
around me fearfully because this place has always been out of bounds.
Nobody comes here willingly and the stories I’ve heard of this place would
make your hair curl. I grip Jet a little tighter as he brings the bike to a stop
and removes his helmet. He then helps me off with mine and looks at me
with concern.
“You ok, darlin’?”
I try to look normal but he can see through my brave face and pulls me
close and whispers, “Fear has no place in your heart all the time you ride
with me. Be strong, darlin’ because you can have the world if you want it.
This place is nothing I’ve not seen a million times before and if you look at
it without that fear in your eyes, you’ll realize it’s just like any other home.”
He takes my hand and helps me off and I try to stand tall and firm beside
him. I need to do as he says because if I’m right, the last thing he needs is a
girl who is weak.
We head toward a building that’s lit up with music spilling from the open
windows. The loud jeers and sounds of arguing almost make me lose my
resolve but I stand tall and firm and just walk with Jet into what appears to
be the pit of Hell.
 The looks we get are curious. Silence descends on the previously chaotic
place as we walk through the men and women who openly stare. I try to fix
my eyes on the way forward but don’t miss the hard stares of the people we
cut through. Frightening looking men who look as if they could cut us dead
with just one smart remark. Women who look as if they could tear me apart
with one of their long, pointed, blood-red fingernails. The looks on their
faces confuse me. There is no animosity, no hard stares and no warning
frowns. They look at us with fascination and something else—fear.
Jet says nothing. He moves through the crowd like he owns the place. I
hold his hand tightly, desperate for the comfort he gives me. I feel proud
walking beside him. He cuts quite a figure in his battered leather jacket and
torn jeans. His hair’s cut close and his eyes sweep the room looking for
trouble at every turn. His face is set in a mask of cold indifference and his
body language warns anyone to mess with him at their peril. The whole
situation is making my head spin and I’m grateful as the crowd parts and
we reach the man I saw outside the studio - the President.
He watches us approach with interest. Beside him stands the man who
challenged Jet and a woman who looks the measure of them. She looks hard
and cold but has a beauty that would turn any man’s head. Her clothes are
tight and revealing as her breasts spill from a tight leather catsuit. The
President steps forward and offers Jet his hand. “Welcome to the Darkside,
Reaper.”
Jet takes it and says, “Call me Jet and this is Lucy.”
The President nods. “I’m Atom and I think you’ve met Razor.”
The man by his side nods and to my surprise a smile breaks across his
face as he extends his hand to Jet. “No hard feelings man. Welcome, how
can we help?”
The President looks a little irritated and turns to the woman. “Tanya,
look after Lucy. We have business to discuss.”
I feel alarmed and look at Jet who just nods and says softly, “You’ll be
fine, Lucy. They know better than to harm you in any way.”
The men nod and Tanya says, “Come with me, Lucy. I’ll get you a drink
to steady those nerves of yours.”
She steers me away from the men and I find myself swallowed up in a
sea of leather and curiosity. I try not to panic but I’m fast losing touch with
reality. This place—these people—they scare the hell out of me.
Tanya takes me to a room behind the one we were in where I see a long
counter at one end and barstools propped against it. Various women are
sitting around chatting and drinking and all conversation stops when we
enter the room. I don’t miss the sneers and vicious looks thrown my way
but Tanya just glares around her and says angrily, “Lucy’s a guest of
Atom’s, show her some respect. She’s with the Reaper so mind your
manners.”
The girls look down and I wonder who Tanya is as she pulls me to the
bar and snaps, “Two beers.”
A pretty girl nods and hurries to fetch them as Tanya kicks a couple of
stools from the bar and says abruptly, “Sit.”
Thinking it’s best to just put up and shut up, I do as I’m told and grab the
beer gratefully as it heads my way. This is what I need, a bit of Dutch
courage to see me through.
Tanya looks at me carefully and says, “I must say I’m surprised.”
I look surprised, “Why?”
She taps her nails on the counter and smiles. “You’re not like the usual
girls that come here. What’s your story?”
Shaking my head, I take another swig and say softly, “Jet’s helping me
out with a problem I have, that’s all. I’m not sure what business he has with
Atom but I’m just here for the ride.”
One of the girls nearby laughs loudly. “Then join the club, honey. That’s
what we’re all here for.”
The others laugh and Tanya rolls her eyes. “True enough but you don’t
look the sort that would want this life.”
Looking around, I don’t see the animosity I first thought I saw. Instead, I
see any other girl in a bar on a night out. These girls may be dressed
suggestively but their faces are relaxed and looking at me with acceptance
and friendliness that I could so do with right now.
One of them says loudly, “I wouldn’t mind bagging me a Reaper. You’re
one lucky lady if you ride with him.”
I look at her with interest. “Why is being a Reaper so special?”
 The girls gasp around me and Tanya says, “Reapers are well known in
the Biker world. You don’t mess with that club because if you do, you end
dead. Ryder King, their President, is the hardest bastard ever to run an MC
club and one word from him and you meet the Reaper for real. Those guys
know things that would send the rest of us to an asylum. They know their
shit and nothing gets the better of them. They have powerful connections
and it’s not worth the shit that would follow to go against them.”
She points back the way we came. “Your man through there, Jet. I’m
guessing he’s killed more men than I’ve laid. We all heard how he floored
Razor—that’s not normal, honey. Razor’s a fighting machine and never
loses. Whatever they teach those Reapers is sure worth knowing because
there’s not a biker in this country who would choose to go up against a
Reaper.”
Their words race around my mind and paint a vivid picture. Whatever, or
whoever Jet is, seems worlds apart from what they say. Yes, I know he’s
hard and dangerous - it surrounds him, but the man they describe seems
different to the man I know.
Another woman comes closer and smiles sweetly. She’s a pretty girl who
looks a little out of place. She nods at Tanya and turns to me, saying
warmly, “Hi, I’m Candy. Diesel’s, old lady.”
Smiling, I say with interest, “What’s an old lady?”
The girls laugh and Tanya shakes her head. “Man, you know nothing. An
old lady is a biker’s wife.”
Wife! Jet’s words come back and hit me in the heart. His—old lady?
Surely not.
I must look confused because Tanya says slowly, “Let me tell you how it
works. You have the bikers. They live here, work here and fuck here. This
is their life and strangers aren’t accepted. These men need a willing woman
to come back to after a hard day and so we have many whores who also live
here.”
I look alarmed. “Whores?”
Candy laughs. “It sounds worse than it is. Girls who want stability. A
place to call home and a hot guy to warm their bed at night. Girls who like
to play the field and crave a protected life. Many are homeless or running
from pimps and trouble. They find a family in these walls and enjoy the
perks it brings. Sometimes love has a hand in things and a biker falls for
someone. When that happens, they marry just like any normal couple
would. Then there is no sharing. They live as a married couple either here
or in the town somewhere. Neither one can cheat on the other and they lead
as normal as life as this club will allow. Diesel, for instance, is a mechanic.
We live not far from here in a pretty house we call home. Diesel works on
the bikes and keeps them running. I help out in the bar and we are just a
part of this community as those that live in. People fear us because they
don’t understand us. They believe the rumors and keep away. We like that
because we don’t accept strangers. There’s a lot of shit that happens here
and they may be trying to discover what that is.”
I turn to Tanya and say tentatively, “Are you an old lady, Tanya?”
She laughs. “No, darlin’. I’m not. I’m no whore either. Atom’s my
brother. He’s all I’ve got and so I live here with the club. I work in the town
and look after him at night.”
Hearing them talk intrigues me and I say with interest, “Don’t you have
a guy?”
Tanya looks angry and snaps, “No.”
She turns away and Candy smiles at me apologetically as Tanya sighs
and says wearily, “Listen, I need to use the restroom. Candy will look after
you. I won’t be long.”
We watch her go and Candy says sadly, “Don’t mind her, Lucy. She’s a
strange one.”
“Why?”
She whispers. “We think there’s a story there. They don’t say much but
there’s a bad feeling between those two.”
“What, Tanya and Atom?”
Candy nods. “You should hear them argue. Man, the whole town can
hear them sometimes. We think she’s hiding a secret they don’t want
sharing. We all wonder why she stays here. It’s obvious she hates this club
but I suppose she has nowhere else to go.”
The girl serving the drinks chips in. “I heard she’s got a guy Atom
disapproves of. He’s probably put the fear of God into him knowing him
and she’s pissed. One thing’s for sure, something ain’t right and it’s all
gonna hit one day. Just hope I’m not the one in the way when it does.”
 They all nod and I ask, “Does Atom have an old lady?”
Candy shakes her head. “Yeah honey, a different one every night.”
The others laugh as she rolls her eyes. “When you’re the President, you
have girls throwing themselves at you. He’s never met a girl he wants
longer than it takes to stick his dick inside them. Who knows? Maybe
there’s a woman out there who’ll change him but she’s gonna have to be
one special lady to change that manwhores ways.”
We don’t notice that Tanya’s returned until she pushes another drink my
way. “Stop your tittle-tattling girls and leave Lucy be. She doesn’t want to
hear you all gossiping.”
I take a swig of the drink and lick my lips. “Wow, this is good. What is
it?”
Tanya sips hers and smiles. “Margarita. I used to be a cocktail waitress
and make a mean Mojito as well. We may as well make the most of being
man free and get hammered.”
The other girls giggle and start calling out names of cocktails. All around
me they laugh and joke. This is so different from my first impressions and I
soon find myself relaxing and entering into the spirit of the evening. It feels
good to let go of my problems for a while and have fun. In fact, I can’t
remember when I last had so much fun and one cocktail soon becomes two,
then three. Then it hits me.
My hand flies to my mouth and I mumble, “I’m gonna be sick.”
Tanya rolls her eyes and laughs softly, “Come on, let’s get you some
fresh air. If you’re gonna hurl, it may as well be into the dust outside.”
Candy says with concern, “Do you need a hand, Tan?”
She shakes her head. “I’ve got this.”
As she helps me outside, I just concentrate on trying to keep the drink
down. As the fresh air hits me so does something else – oblivion.

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 19
Jet
Atom is wary and Razor over-friendly. I’ve seen this countless times
before. The other clubs fear the Reapers because of what we know and who
we know. We are all trained assassins and most of the time the normal biker
can fight but isn’t trained in the Art. When the Reapers go in, we go in hard
and fast. We apply our military skills and have the weapons to back us up.
Because of our reputation we are resented as well as admired. Living
legends who keep themselves to themselves until we need the help of like-
minded individuals. So, I play the game and accept the beer I’m offered and
let Atom speak.
“So, how can we help you, Jet?
Lowering the beer I study him keenly. “What can you tell me about Michael
Santobello?”
I watch the men share a look and don’t miss the edge creep into Atom’s
eyes. He says tersely, “What can’t I tell you? A small-town mobster who
runs this town. He’s into everything and anything and has more people
working for him than any large corporation in the city. He’s low-life scum
and we keep well away. Why, what’s he done?”
“He’s hassling Lucy to work for him. If she doesn’t, he’ll make her life
hell.”
Razor looks surprised. “Why does that concern a Reaper?”
Atom leans forward. “He makes a good point.”
I shrug. “Personal reasons.”
They share a look and Razor grins. “I see.”
My expression doesn’t change as I say, “Dominic Riley. What’s his
story?”
Atom raises his eyes. “Dirty politician in the making. Tight with
Santobello and just as unscrupulous.”
I feel irritated. “Tell me something I don’t know. Something I can use to
bring them down.”
 Razor whistles. “Man, that girl must be something else for you to want
to face that shit storm.”
I regard him coolly. “She is.”
There’s a tense silence and Atom leans forward. “I’m not sure what you
think we know but all we can do is offer back up. Those creeps leave us
alone all the time we stay out of their business. Now, we respect your club
but won’t start a war unnecessarily. You’ll leave us behind with trouble we
don’t want or need.”
Leaning forward, I stare him in the eye. “What if they both go down and
leave this town open? I’m guessing life would be a whole lot easier for you
then.”
Atom leans back and laughs softly. “Like I said, we keep ourselves to
ourselves. We don’t want any trouble and don’t deal in the shit they do. If
it’s not them, it’s someone else and sometimes it’s better the devil you
know.”
I don’t show it but feel the exasperation creeping up on me. Fuck these
guys, they’re no help at all.
I look around and see the men who make up this club. Dressed much the
same as the one I belong to but worlds away from my brothers. They’re
your typical small-town bikers. In it for the life with no ambition outside
these walls. Looking for an easy life inside the bottle and a willing whore at
the end of the night.
I’m not sure why I thought they’d be different but I suppose I hoped. Not
just for Lucy but for Cara too. She needs help and I’m not stupid enough to
think I’m the one who can do it. Atom’s right about one thing, when I leave
town, this shit stays behind me.
It must be an hour in that I feel I can make my escape. I’ve sealed my
deal with the club for protection if needed and so stand to leave. “Thanks,
Atom but I’ll be leaving now. Fetch Lucy and we’ll leave you good people
to your evening.”
Atom nods and snaps to a nearby pledge, “Fetch the girl.”
The guy races off eager to make the step up to club member and Atom
looks at me keenly. “Send my regards to Ryder.”
I nod as the pledge races back looking agitated. Immediately I sense
something’s wrong as Atom looks at him and says angrily, “What is it?”
 He stutters, “She’s gone.”
I feel the blood rushing to my head alongside the adrenalin and bark,
“What do you mean, gone - where?”
Atom roars, “Fetch Tanya.”
Then we hear, “You’ll be fetching no one. I’m here already.”
Atom looks at her irritably, “Where’s the girl?”
She shrugs, “Made a break for it when no one was looking. She
pretended to drink too much and went outside for some fresh air. Tricked
me into leaving her and when I went back to check she’d gone.”
Atom roars, “You stupid bitch.”
Then he shouts, “Find the girl.”
The men scramble and I look at Tanya angrily. “She’s lying.”
Tanya looks angry. “Fuck you. I don’t care who or what you are, I’m
telling the truth. Maybe she had second thoughts about the company she’s
keeping. Look around guys, you’re all hardly Prince Charming. She’s no
fool and probably thought better of a life in hell and made a break for it.”
Atom looks as if he’s gonna hit her and I yell, “If something’s happened
to her, I’m coming back for you. I don’t buy a word you just told me.”
I look at Atom angrily, “If she’s not found I’m holding you and your
club personally responsible.”
I see the fear in his eyes as he snaps, “Razor, lock this joint down. Tanya
you had better not be lying to me because you know the consequences if
you are.”
For a moment I see the blood drain out of her face before she frowns and
says angrily, “Fuck you, Atom.”
Then she spins on her heels and stalks away.
Despite my training, I can’t think straight. What the fuck? Lucy wouldn’t
bail on me, would she? I mean, this is a lot to take in and maybe it’s true,
she did run. Then I think about my brave woman and drive the fear away.
Of course, she wouldn’t run. I may not have known her for long but know
she’s a fighter. Running just ain’t her style so I grab my jacket and head
toward the door. I’m gonna find her and when I do, whoever’s responsible
for this will find out what a Reaper does when he’s angry.
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 Lucy
My head hurts, my eyes feel fuzzy and I appear to have lost control of my
body. Groaning, I try to move but nothing. It hurts to open my eyes so I
keep them shut and then hear a voice that sends a dagger to my heart.
“Hello, Lucy.”
I say nothing and pretend I’m still asleep while I try to work out if this is
just a nightmare. He laughs softly. “I know you can hear me, Lucy, so I’ll
make this easy on you. You have become a problem that needs solving. I
don’t like strangers running around asking questions about me and I have
you to thank for that.”
I manage to speak although it comes out muffled and shaky. “Let me go.”
He laughs darkly. “We both know that will never happen. It’s gone too far
now and I have a business to protect. Now, let me tell you how it’s going to
be. You’ll sleep off the drug I gave you and then we’re going on a little road
trip. It won’t take long and I’m sure you’ll hate it when we get there. You
may wonder why we don’t leave right away. Well, patience because I have
some business to attend to first. Don’t worry, it will all soon be over and
then I can get back to doing what I do best.”
I feel something prick my arm and try to move but it’s impossible. Then he
whispers, “Sleep tight and try not to let the nightmares bite.”
I hear the door click shut and feel the tears burning behind my eyes. This is
bad, very bad and by the sounds of things they are going to get even worse.
Then I feel myself falling; I can’t fight it and then there’s nothing.

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 20
Jet
Along with the Dark Angels, we search everywhere. The studio, the
apartment and every bar and diner in the vicinity. The one place we haven’t
checked is the Starlight club and as we sit outside in a ring of steel, I think
about what’s inside.
Atom says darkly, “You know, if we go in there mob-handed, we start a
war. Are you sure she’s worth that?”
I feel murder in my heart as I growl, “She’s worth everything.”
Atom sighs. “Then what’s your plan?”
I clench my fist and growl. “I go in alone. If she’s there, I’ll find her.”
Atom looks worried. “You’ll never make it out alive. Maybe you should
think this through.”
I glare at him. “Fuck thinking. You can sit on your bike and think about
what a fucking pussy you’ve turned out to be. I’m getting my girl back and
to hell with the consequences. Now get the fuck out of here before you
blow everything.”
Atom shrugs and signals to his men to leave. One by one they turn
around and leave me alone contemplating what to do next. I pull away and
stash my bike in the shadows. I’m not a Reaper for nothing so I set about
finding my girl.
Keeping to the shadows, I stake out the joint. Noting the security
cameras, I choose my moments to move carefully. At the rear of the
building is a door that proves no problem for me. I lever my way in and
take a moment to tamper with the security cameras. By the time I’ve set
them on repeat, I can move freely through the corridors. Just a little trick I
learned from a security expert.
Carefully I begin my search. I move stealthily and in the shadows. Any
lit passageway or room is temporarily darkened until I hear the sounds
within. This club is busy and it will be a difficult search.
It doesn’t take long and I’m soon inside the ventilation system that will
give me the access I need. Carefully, I crawl through the narrow tunnels to
search the building. I’ve done this countless times before and this proves no
different to the many before it. Every room tells of life in a high-class strip
club. Illegal activities mix with legal ones as I unfold the story of the mob-
ruled palace.
However, nothing yields the result I want until I come to what must be
Michael’s office. I slow down as I hear his voice talking angrily on the
phone.
“What do you mean you lost him? What the fuck do I pay you for? That
fucker’s out to ruin me and I want him silenced.”
There’s a short silence and I see him drumming his fingers on the desk
angrily. Then he hisses, “We deal with the girl first. She’s a liability and
I’ve waited long enough. I don’t care what shit storm it brings, I want her
gone, understand?”
I feel the fear gripping me but push it away. Lucy doesn’t need me to
fuck this up and I need to keep a cool head.
I watch as Emilio enters and nods. “Boss, the men told of the Dark
Angels waiting outside. They left but they may be back.”
Michael thumps the desk angrily and shouts, “Fucking bikers. This is
getting out of hand. This was the easiest thing to sort and is taking far too
long to resolve. I am seriously losing my shit here and unless you sort this,
I’ll be taking it out on you. Don’t come back in here unless it’s with good
news.”
Emilio leaves and Michael stares broodingly at his computer screen. I
watch as he reaches for a bottle of whiskey in his desk and splashes some
liquid into a crystal glass. Something’s rattled him and I wonder what’s so
bad he wants Lucy silenced so badly. Once again, I hope Ryder comes
through with something quickly because this is accelerating fast.
I quickly resume my search and find nothing but empty rooms or those
filled with customers and staff. If Lucy’s here then she’s hidden well
because my search shows up nothing.
I make my way outside and find my bike and laugh to myself. Those
bastards couldn’t even find that hidden in the shadows. I’m dealing with
pure amateurs.
I set off thinking hard. Nothing adds up. Lucy disappears from the
Darkside and appears to have vanished. Michael doesn’t appear to be a man
in control which means he doesn’t have Lucy because if he did his men
wouldn’t be out looking.
Racking my brains, I think about what I know. Then it hits me, there’s
still one place she could be, but why would she go to him?

Before long, I find myself at Dominic’s office. It’s late, and the place is
in darkness. It’s easy for me to break in and I find myself in his office once
again. I quickly search the place but there’s nothing here.
I feel the frustration tearing me apart as I look for answers. I search for
his home address and head off to check that. Maybe she didn’t go to him. I
freaking well hope she didn’t because that man’s more of a monster than
Michael. They always are when they hide behind respectability.
Dominic’s apartment’s in darkness and once again a quick search shows
no results. Where could she be?
By the time I return to the Darkside I’m no further forward and ready to
kill the first man that gets in my face.
Before I head inside, I make the call I should have made first, and he
answers on the second ring as always.
“Jet.”
“Hey, pres. Did you get that text I sent you?”
“Workin’ on it.”
I sigh irritably.
“Things are moving fast here. The girl’s missing and disappeared off the
face. The fucking Angels are worse than useless and the local hard man’s
losing his shit. I need some answers and fast.”
There’s a brief pause, and he says in a hard voice.
“Get a grip and get your head in the game. She can’t have gone far so
use what you know. I’ll make some calls and accelerate things my end. I’ll
get Snake on it, he has a few favors to call in and we’ll get back to you.”
My heart sinks and my fist clenches. I growl, “She may not have long
and I’m seriously losing my shit out here.”
Ryder says darkly, “Something you’re not telling me, soldier?”
I contemplate lying but what’s the point? This bastard can probably read
my mind, so I say wearily, “It’s personal.”
 I can see the frown from here. He won’t like sentiment getting involved
but tough shit.
Then he surprises me. “Then do what you need to and I’ll cover it. Use
the Angels and tell Atom I’m not taking no for an answer. I’ll step it up this
end and call you within the hour.”
He cuts the call and I breathe a sigh of relief. Suddenly, I don’t feel quite
so alone and make toward the clubhouse with a new determination in my
step. Then I hear a soft, “Reaper, over here.”
I can just make out the silhouette of a girl waiting in the shadows and
move across. She whispers, “Pretend to drop something and listen up
because if they find out I told you, I’m dead.”
I do as she says with no hesitation. Finally, someone with something to
tell me.
She whispers, “Lucy was drugged by Tanya and handed over to a man
with a white van. The plate on the truck was covered in mud so I couldn’t
read it.”
I wait for more but she slips away. Whoever that girl was is my guardian
Angel because now I have a lead and it’s time to find that bitch and make
her talk. I knew I should have trusted my instincts and if it’s too late, then
the only one to blame is me.

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 Lucy
Someone shakes me awake and I hear a terse, “Wake up, it’s time.”
My eyes open quickly and I see Dominic looking down at me with anger.
“We’ve got to move and fast. You’ll have to sleep it off on the journey.”
He pulls me to my feet and I try to stand but somebody had better tell
that to my legs because they buckle from under me.
He expels his breath sharply and reaches for me, tossing me over one
shoulder and heading outside. I can’t even struggle because whatever he
gave me is powerful stuff.
I just about manage to gasp, “Where are you taking me?”
He doesn’t answer and just moves faster. I use every ounce of fight I
have left in me to struggle but I’m like a mouse in a lion’s jaw.
He heads to the underground parking lot and makes toward a white van
parked near the elevator. Before I can get my bearings, I’m tossed
unceremoniously into the back of it and the door slams behind me. Before I
can even right myself, I hear the driver’s door slam and the engine start.
The van travels at speed and I crash against its walls, powerless to grip
hold of anything to break my fall. The pain is almost unbearable as I hit the
metal and fall against some chains dangling on the side. I taste blood and
realize I’ve split my lip and the tears fall again as I try to get myself
together.
It must be only ten minutes or so later that the van screeches to a halt and
I hear voices. The door opens briefly and I’m blinded by a flashlight. Then
a bag hits me square in the stomach and I hear a woman laugh as the door
closes.
Once again, the van starts up and we move off at a steady pace. I can’t
make out much because it’s pitch black but I fumble around for answers.
The only thing I can feel is a couple of bags and something hard and
slippery. It feels like a case, the sort that may hold ammunition and my
heart leaps with terror. What has Dominic got himself into?
I think fast and find no answers. It’s obvious they’re running but from
who or what I don’t know and why I’m involved is even more of a
mystery? Then I think about Jet and my heart almost stops. What must he
be thinking? I wonder if he knows I’ve gone and why? He must think I ran
out on him.
I try to think how I got here and all I can remember is sitting in the bar
with the girls and drinking cocktails. I remember feeling a little sick but
nothing after that. Then a cold feeling creeps over me. Maybe Jet does
know. Maybe this was all the plan. I’ve only got his word that Sydney sent
him. Could this have all been an elaborate plan to remove me from
something I still haven’t got a clue about?
A million thoughts all race around my mind but only one matters. Will I
ever see Jet again? What happened between us at the studio can’t have been
an act. Surely not. No man can fake that—can he?
The van moves faster and it takes all my strength to keep from crashing
around like a rag doll. Just when I think I can’t take any more the van
screeches to a halt and my heart thumps wildly. Oh my god. This is it. What
are they going to do? Will Dominic kill me to silence me for good. For what
reason, I’m still not sure but I don’t have long to wait as the door crashes
open and I make out two figures standing there. Dominic reaches in and
grabs my ankle, pulling me toward him with no care. I scream and try to
kick but he yells, “Grab her other foot. We don’t have time for this.”
The woman grabs my foot and yells, “Stop struggling, otherwise, I’ll
make you.”
I recognize the voice and feel cold inside. Tanya.

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 21
Jet
I storm into the Darkside with only one aim. Find Tanya and make the
bitch talk. Razor looks up and seeing my face calls Atom, “We got a
situation.”
The President peels himself away from the girl on his lap and says
darkly, “What’s up Reaper?”
I growl, “Where’s Tanya?”
I feel the unease around me as the room turns silent. Atom looks at me
angrily, “What’s the bitch done?”
I shout, “Where the fuck is she?”
He looks to Razor. “Find her and bring her to the meeting room.”
I watch the girl scurry away with fear in her eyes as Razor wastes no
time in doing what he was told. It feels like an eternity before he races back
saying, “She’s gone.”
Atom punches the wall behind him and roars, “What do you mean, she’s
gone? We’re on fucking lockdown.”
He shouts angrily, “Who saw her leave?”
There’s silence as the whole club look anywhere but at him and he kicks
a table over and bellows, “Let’s ride.”
He growls, “Follow me, Reaper, we’ll tear this town apart.”
Stepping in front of him, I shake my head. “Racing off blindly won’t get
us results. We need to think about this rationally.”
Atom takes a few deep breaths and nods, “Ok, what do you wanna
know.”
I say grimly, “Tell me why you hate your sister.”
Atom looks so angry many slink away into the shadows. Razor shouts,
“Leave us, wait in the yard for instructions and nobody leaves, if you try
you die.”
The sound of people scrambling to leave fills the room and then there’s
silence. Just Razor, Atom and me staring at each other menacingly. Atom
sinks into a nearby chair and speaks bitterly. “Tanya’s always had dreams
bigger than this town. As soon as she could she left and went to work at one
of Michael’s bars as a cocktail waitress. She did everything to advance her
career and targeted only the rich and powerful. She got in deep with a man
dealing drugs and suffered because of it. She became addicted to him and
the cocaine he shot in her veins. When we found her, she was barely alive. I
locked her up in the club and made her go cold turkey. We did it the hard
way, and she’s never forgiven me. Since then, I’ve watched her every move,
but she’s a slippery one and got out several times. I soon stopped caring. I
mean, blood counts for everything but when it turns bad it’s like a cancer
destroying you inside. I keep her here out of loyalty but wouldn’t care if she
died in a pool of her own vomit.”
I say nothing and just listen. Why does every road lead to Michael
Santobello?
Atom flexes his fist and says angrily, “We know she’s been seeing
someone. She sneaks out, and it’s impossible to watch her 24/7. I heard he’s
some big executive in the city and for the most part, I stay out of it. She
seems clean and returns here with nothing but her sass and evil tongue. Like
I said, I stopped caring so have slackened off on her.”
He looks at me keenly, “Do you think she knows where the girl is?”
I nod.
“I’ve had word she handed Lucy over to a guy. A white van picked her
up and left. Do you have any idea who that could be?”
Atom shakes his head as my cell rings.
Quickly, I answer it with a terse, “What you got?”
I listen to every damn word Ryder tells me and commit every syllable to
memory. Then my training kicks in and gives me the detachment I need. As
I hang up, I face the Angels with death in my eyes. “I know where she is.”

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 Lucy
Through the darkness I see lights. Lots of lights illuminating a small
airfield. Sitting waiting is a small plane. There are some men loading some
crates into the hold and Dominic shouts, “Help me get her inside.”
A couple of the men head over and I start to struggle. “Let me go,
Dominic. I don’t know anything. Why are you doing this?”
He snaps angrily, “Because you stuck your god-damned nose in where it
didn’t concern you and now questions are being asked. You’re a dumb
bitch, Lucy and just couldn’t do what you were told. If you want to blame
anyone for this mess blame yourself.”
I stare at him in shock. “What the fuck are you talking about, asshole.”
I gasp as his hand reins a stinging blow across my face and he snarls,
“Everything I’ve been working on is in jeopardy because you have
triggered questions. It was all fine until your ‘friend’ showed up and now
my contacts are jittery. I stand to lose everything I’ve worked for because of
your interference and the reason you’re coming with us is for insurance. I
need to give them the person responsible and let them deal with you in their
own way. If I leave you here, you could give evidence against us and that,
my dear, is never going to happen.”
The two men grab me by the forearms and drag me screaming to the
steps. Tanya yells, “Shut up bitch, no one can hear you so do us all a favor
and shut the fuck up.”
Then I’m not sure if I’m dreaming because my ears start ringing with a
familiar hum. I shake my head but the hum just gets louder and then I hear
Tanya shout, “For fuck’s sake it’s the Angels. Move.”
I am then literally dragged across the ground as all hell breaks loose.
There is lots of shouting and I hear the panic setting in as the engines start
and the men start throwing the crates on without care. Tanya runs to the
steps and Dominic picks me up and runs as fast as he can with me kicking
on his shoulder. Then the noise is deafening as a shot rings out and
somebody yells, “Give it up Dominic.”
I almost weep with relief as I recognize that voice. Jet.

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 22
Jet
We surround the plane and I watch Dominic hold Lucy in front of him
like a shield. Then he pulls a knife and holds it to her throat and screams,
“Back off, otherwise she’s dead.”
I can see him looking at me with the eyes of a madman and I face him
with the promise of a Reaper in mine. I say slowly, “We only want the girl.
You can leave and no one gets hurt but we want Lucy.”
Dominic starts to laugh. “You think I believe a word you say?”
I speak in a calm voice. “Tell us what to do and we’ll do it. Just let Lucy
go.”
The crazed eyes of a madman stare back at me and I see him realize the
power is now in his hands. He laughs softly, “She’s not that good a fuck,
biker.”
I don’t react and say calmly, “Let Lucy go and you can leave.”
Tanya looks past him to Atom and says angrily, “Fuck off Atom. I don’t
need you or your club. You don’t own me and if you think I’m ever coming
near you again, you’re more stupid than you look.”
Atom says coldly, “I wasn’t asking. You can rot in hell for all I care.
You’re no sister of mine anymore.”
She looks taken aback and if looks could kill, he would be a dead man.
“That’s fine with me, asshole. Now back off and take this joke with you.
Some super-biker he turned out to be. I fooled him easier than most.”
She spits on the ground. “You’re all a joke, now fuck off and leave us
alone.”
I say steadily, “As soon as we have Lucy. She’s the only reason we came.
We’re not interested in you or your business.”
Dominic laughs softly. “We can’t do that biker because she’s our
insurance policy. So, you see you’ve had a wasted journey.”
I feel the frustration tearing me up inside but face him with a cold, hard,
look and say, “If I tell the guys to go it’ll be just us. I won’t stand in your
way and you can leave with no trouble. If you don’t, you’ll never leave here
alive.”
I watch as my words hit home and try not to look at the woman who is
fast becoming my world. One look into those baby blues would have me
reaching for my gun in a heartbeat. But it’s not my call and not my place to
go against orders so, instead, I focus on the eyes of the man I have in my
sights and will him to do the right thing.
He nods. “Tell them to go.”
Atom shouts, “Back to the club.”
One by one, they fall out and the noise is deafening as they rev their
bikes and tear up the tarmac. Atom says loudly, “I’m staying because I want
to see for myself that bitch I once called a sister leave town.”
Dominic laughs and turns to Tanya. “Say goodbye to your brother,
honey. You’re free of the bastard at last.”
Tanya stares at Atom and I watch her eyes narrow. “Fuck you, Atom. I
can’t get away from you fast enough. You’re no brother of mine.”
Lucy to her credit stands as still as a statue and I feel her eyes burning
into me. I can’t look. It would be like looking into the eyes of Medusa, and
would be my downfall. So, I say loudly, “We’ve done as you say, now let
Lucy go.”
Dominic laughs darkly, “All in good time, biker.”
He shouts to the men on the ground. “Are we done?”
One of them yells, “Ready.”
Dominic backs up the steps and when he reaches the top calls inside the
plane, “You ready, Tom?”
He obviously gets the answer he needs because he smiles triumphantly.
“Well, it’s been emotional guys, but it’s time to say our goodbyes. Don’t
wait up because we’ll be rather a long time.”
He steps backward and my heart races as he takes Lucy with him.
However, she has other ideas and bites down hard on the hand he has
around her mouth and the knife falls down the steps. His cry stirs Tanya
into action as she reaches to grab Lucy who shoves him backward and
makes for the steps. Tanya grabs hold of her hair as a shot fires and I watch
as she screams in agony and falls to one knee. Lucy wastes no time and
races toward us and I yell at Atom to cover us as I race toward her as fast as
I’ve ever run in my life. Atom fires and I can see nothing but Lucy.
We meet in the middle and I force her to the ground as the shots rain
over us. We crawl on the ground to gain some distance as I hear the door
slam and the plane’s engines squeal as it taxis away. I yell, “Hold your
fire!”
The noise is deafening as the engines scream and the aircraft starts
taxiing to the runway. I hold Lucy down until we can make a break for it
and as soon as we reach the bike I grab my gun, saying darkly, “Cover your
ears and keep down.”
Atom pulls Lucy to the ground once again and lies on top of her as I
narrow my eyes and take aim. As the aircraft gains speed, I fire a round of
shots. I watch as the bird soars into the air and I fire again. I keep on firing
until there are no more bullets and the plane is getting away. Then I see the
telltale smoke and shout, “Stay down.”
I fling my body on top of the two people on the ground as the explosion
rocks the night sky. By the time we look up all that’s left is the memory.

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 Lucy
I think my life just flashed before my eyes. When I saw the plane, I
thought my time was up. Whoever Dominic’s involved with spelled trouble
for me and I was heading to Hell. When I heard Jet’s voice the relief was
enormous. All the time Dominic held me at knifepoint I was waiting for my
moment to break free. Jet looked so cold and removed from the situation
and I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He is fast becoming everything to me
and the thought I would leave him behind on the tarmac drove me to fight
back.
It all happened in a blur and when Atom pinned me to the ground and I
heard the explosion, I could think of nothing but Jet. I prayed hard to God
that he stayed safe because I’d come too far to lose him now.
But now I can see he is safe as he pulls Atom from shielding me and
hugs me to his chest. He buries his face in my hair and whispers, “Are you
ok, darlin’?”
I just nod as the tears escape and I cling to him as if I’ll never let him go.
I vaguely hear Atom saying something and then he is gone, leaving us both
huddled on the ground clinging to each other with everything we’ve got.
Then he pulls back and I see him smiling at me in the darkness. Then
without words, he lowers his lips to mine and kisses me so sweetly it melts
my heart. He wraps me in his arms like a precious jewel and claims my
heart forever. This man is everything and all I ever want. He is mine.
Reluctantly, he pulls back and says softly, “We need to get out of here
before the cops arrive. That explosion is sending them our way and we can’t
get involved.”
Nodding, I set myself behind him on his bike and wrap my arms around
his waist. This feels so good and I bury my face in his back and thank God
for sending him to me.

Jet takes us back to the Darkside and I shiver inside. This place, these
people, are so menacing and yet will fast become my life. This is Jet’s
world, and it suits him. After all, he is one of them—a biker and proud. Can
I be part of this? I’m going to have to be if I want him.
 He helps me from the bike and takes my hand tenderly. I watch his eyes
flash as he touches my face gently and growls, “We need to get that cut seen
to.”
I smile through my tears. “It’s nothing, just a scratch.”
He looks angry. “That bastard. How could he do that to you?”
Shaking my head, I just squeeze his hand. “It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t
matter because he’s no longer a threat.”
As we make toward the clubhouse, I say gratefully, “Thanks, Jet.”
He stops and shakes his head. “Don’t thank me, darlin’. I’ll always be
there for you, or die trying.”
I laugh softly, “So, this life you lead, I suppose there’s always going to
be a next time.”
He looks worried and pulls me close, whispering, “It’s who I am, baby. I
can’t change that but you have given me something worth fighting for. The
only thing that scares me is that you won’t want any part of it. It’s a lot to
ask of you and I’d completely understand if you walked. This life ain’t for
everyone and it’s hard but exciting. It makes me feel alive and I’ve no right
to drag you into it.”
I just look him dead in the eye and say firmly, “Then you need me to
keep you grounded. I want to be there for you and I’ll do anything to make
that happen. If this experience has taught me anything, it’s that life’s not
worth living without you in it. When I thought I’d never see you again, it
was like the sun had died. The future was dark and cold and who wants to
live a life without sunshine.”
My words affect Jet deeply. I see the emotion in his eyes as he crushes
his lips to mine and takes the air from my lungs. I kiss him back with equal
hunger and at this moment, at this time, nothing else matters. The details
are irrelevant because all that matters is us.
When we finally pull away, we have reached an understanding.
As soon as we step foot inside the clubhouse, we are surrounded. This
time the faces that look at us do so with genuine concern. Candy rushes
over and squeals, “Look at you, Lucy. Those bastards, how could they?”
I touch my cheek tentatively and wonder what on earth I must look like?
She grabs my hand and shouts, “I’m taking Lucy with me and getting her
cleaned up.”
 Jet says ominously, “She’s going nowhere. This time, she stays close to
me.”
Candy puts her hands on her hips and glares at him. “Then you’ll have to
come too because this poor girl needs tending to.”
Atom shouts, “We’ll go to the meeting room. You can sort Lucy out
there while we talk.”
Candy’s eyes widen and she looks at him incredulously, “You sure,
Atom? I didn’t think you liked the women in your meetings.”
Atom growls, “I don’t, but I’d be the same if my girl had been through
what she has as a result of our hospitality. Sometimes you have to look past
normality and make an exception.”
Candy looks a little stunned but takes my hand and says gently, “It’s ok,
honey. I’ll soon have you feeling like your old self.”
We follow her out the back and I look at the place they call the meeting
room with interest. It’s a large room with no frills. Just a wooden table and
a few chairs around the walls. A single bulb hangs from the ceiling and I
shiver. This place looks ominous and I’m sure I see blood stains on the
floor. It has an atmosphere of terror and I look at Jet fearfully. He sees my
expression and growls, “Candy, take Lucy somewhere more comfortable
and if anything happens to her, you’ll pay the price.”
Candy looks worried so I roll my eyes and smile. “Don’t worry, his
bark’s worse than his bite. Let’s get out of here.”
I smile at Jet happily. I no longer feel afraid with him by my side. This
world is like him. It’s cold, hard and forbidding with a soft center that takes
away the edge. I’m guessing these people are the most loyal and tight-knit
bunch because of the life they lead. A close family of brothers and their
women. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this?

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 23
Jet
I’m not happy that Lucy’s gone but she deserves comfort and someone to
fuss over her. Atom and Razor look at me with hard expressions and Atom
says with concern, “Things got a little heavy back there.”
I nod as I kick out a chair and sit. “You ok, man. That must have hurt
shootin’ your sister.”
Razor looks startled and Atom growls, “Fucking bitch was no longer any
sister of mine. She deserved everything she got. I shot out her knee cap for
pleasure. If she got away, I wanted a permanent reminder of what she left
behind.”
Razor looks concerned. “What happened?”
Atom laughs softly, “Well, let’s just say she headed out on a one-way
ticket to hell thanks to the Reaper. What I don’t understand is what the hell
she was doing there in the first place?”
We are interrupted as one of the members knocks and brings some beers
in. He says in a hard voice, “Sunny sent these in. She thought you could use
them.”
Atom nods as he throws one to me and then to Razor. He growls, “She’s
right as always. Tell her I need to see her later and to wait up.”
The man leaves and I take a sip of the beer and relish the burn as it slides
down my throat. “Man, this is good. Sunny must be an Angel.”
Razor grins. “Just one of her many talents.”
Atom nods. “Which is why I want to wrap this up and I’m pretty sure
your mind is somewhere else.”
I ignore their amused expressions and shake my head. “So, one problem
sorted, one to go.”
Atom looks worried. “Do you think Michael was involved with whatever
that was back there?”
Razor interrupts. “What was that back there? I still don’t know why
Tanya was there in the first place.”
 Atom also looks curious so I tell them what they want to know.
“I got word that Tanya was involved with an arms deal going down. She
met some guy through one of Michael’s clubs and started a mutually
profitable relationship with him, cutting Santobello out of the deal. When
Michael heard he went nuts, which is why I guess she left his employment
and came back to live here. Even though she obviously hated you, she knew
he would never start a war with the Angels. Tanya wasn’t one to back down
and turned her attentions to Riley who she also met through the club. She
cut him in on the deal because she needed someone to play organiser.
Things were all set and they were due to deliver a shipment this evening in
exchange for millions of dollars. The crates you saw at the airfield were
guns they acquired for the drugs cartel in Columbia. The plane was bound
for Columbia but word got out and made the drug’s Baron jittery. He
wanted to pull out but Riley talked him round and told him they’d bring
Lucy to answer their questions personally. They could find out who she told
and then dispose of her. Any future dealings were put on hold until the leak
was dealt with and Lucy was their Insurance policy.”
Atom shakes his head and exhales sharply, “Man, that’s some serious
shit. I knew Tanya was a bad apple but even I didn’t know how rotten she
had become.”
Razor looks concerned. “So, what happens now?”
I laugh. “Nothing. The plane blew up with all the ammunition on board.
Any subsequent investigation will show an arms deal gone wrong. The
drugs lord will find another way in and no roads lead back here.”
Razor looks at Atom with concern. “But Tanya, man. She’s your sister.”
Razor looks at him angrily. “She stopped being my sister when she went
against the club. She brought trouble here and went against me by handing
Lucy over to Riley when she knew we were offering protection. You don’t
go against family, Razor you know that and I wish I could have made her
suffer more than just a shot up knee cap. She can count herself lucky she
went down with her deal because if I ever saw her again, I’d shoot the bitch
like a dog.”
He looks at me and says darkly, “You say we still have a problem to deal
with. I’m guessing that involves Michael and his mob. What’s the plan?”
 I shake my head and growl, “He still has a hold on Lucy and Sydney’s
dance studio. I’m gonna make him see it’s in his best interests to keep his
distance.”
Atom nods. “You need back up?”
“Just be there if it all kicks off. I came here for Lucy and I’m gonna
make sure she’s protected. But not tonight. I think we’ve all had as much
excitement as we can stand today. It’s time to leave you to your evening and
take that little lady home.”
We head back to the bar and as far as I’m concerned there’s only one
thing I want now and that’s to finish what I started back at the studio. I hope
Lucy’s up to it because I can’t think of anything other than how much I
need to be inside her right now. When I saw her with that knife held against
her throat my world stopped spinning. I will make it my life’s work never to
see a sight like that again. Lucy is mine and I protect what’s mine to the
death.

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 Lucy
“Ouch!”
Candy rolls her eyes and presses the patch soaked in antiseptic to my
cheek. “Don’t be such a baby, Lucy. I’m pretty sure it hurt more when it
happened.”
“Not really, Candy. I suppose I was high on adrenalin because I couldn’t
think past the situation I was in.”
Candy looks concerned. “Were you scared?”
“Not really. I was angry, frightened, I guess and yet all I could think of
was a way out. Dominic wasn’t the man I thought he was and I suppose that
scared me more than anything. He was a stranger - a mad stranger who had
clearly lost it. That was even scarier than Tanya who at least never
pretended to be anything else. I was fearful of the unknown. Whatever they
had in store for me wasn’t good and I felt angry that I was so powerless
against them.”
Candy squeezes my shoulder and smiles. “You did good. You kept your
head and didn’t fold under the pressure.”
Then she laughs softly. “That man of yours is something else.”
As I think about Jet, I feel the shiver run through me. A delicious feeling
of the promise of what’s coming. Christmas, birthdays, hell, even winning
the lottery, couldn’t make me feel any more excited than I am at the thought
of spending my life with him. Because I know that’s just what’s going to
happen. If Jet wants me, I’m his. How did that happen in such a short space
of time?
Candy giggles. “Earth to Lucy. You’ve got that look in your eye that
spells trouble for your heart. Mind you, I don’t blame you, he’s one hot
biker.”
Startled, I’m brought back to earth and just grin. “He sure is.”
As she fusses around me, I’m curious about her life here. “What’s it like,
Candy?”
“What’s what like, honey?”
“This - living with a biker and all that it involves.”
 She laughs softly. “It’s everything, Lucy. The club, they’re everything.
But Diesel, he’s my heartbeat. He’s the sun in the sky and the air that I
breathe. He’s the center of my world that I move around knowing I’m
loved. He cares for me and gives me meaning and I love him back fiercely.
He is everything to me Lucy, and normal life would short change me. It’s
only when you walk with a biker you see how life was meant to be. If I
wasn’t with Diesel, then I wouldn’t have lived.”
She looks so happy that it makes me smile. Candy’s a pretty girl who
could take her pick of men and I wonder what Diesel’s like. I’m guessing
he’s one special guy and I smile happily. “I want that, Candy. I want what
you have and Jet is that man for me. Do you think I’d fit in with his world?”
Candy nods her head vigorously. “Of course, you could, honey. You
were made for each other. The Reapers aren’t like most clubs. I’m guessing
they live life harder than most. Word is, their women know their shit too.
You only go against that club if you’ve got a death wish. They protect
themselves and their loved ones fiercely because like the Angels, they’re a
family. If you take on one of them, you take them all. One big family that
will take you in and love and protect you harder than most.”
Her words reassure me and yet scare the hell out of me at the same time.
Just thinking of being a member of the Reapers gives me a panic attack.
What if I’m not woman enough to live that life? Jet deserves a strong
woman who can hold her own. Is that me? You bet your life it is. Then I
think of what happened to Tanya and say in a whisper. “Tanya didn’t have
that protection, Candy. She was shot by her own brother.”
Candy’s eyes widen and she shakes her head. “Then she must have gone
against the club. When you sign up, you pledge 100% loyalty. Go against
the club and your membership expires on the spot. Don’t get me wrong,
Lucy. These men we love… they’re hard and dangerous. The club will
always come first and any feelings in the way are moved to the side.
Loyalty breeds loyalty but you betray that loyalty and it doesn’t matter if
the blood you share is family. Word of advice, honey. Stay loyal and true
and you won’t go far wrong. If you have a problem, you sort it out and
move on with your day.”
She holds out a glass of water and I look at it with suspicion. She just
laughs. “It’s ok, there’s nothing in here but what nature provided. I must
say, it’s a good thing Tanya is gone because I wouldn’t want to be her if the
Angels got hold of her.”
Just thinking about the fate she could have faced sets my pulse racing
and the fear slicing through my heart. As I sip the cool liquid I wonder
about the Reapers. Candy looks at me with interest. “What’s up, Lucy,
you’ve gone quiet on me?”
“I’m just thinking about the Reapers. Do you know what the President’s
like there?”
Candy’s eyes widen and she looks serious. “I’ve not met him but his
reputation travels far. Ryder King runs the Reapers like a military general.
They’re all ex-Navy Seals or military, mixed in with criminals and fallen
soldiers. That man has no heart and the mind of an assassin. He is feared for
a reason Lucy, and that’s because he has something most other bikers
don’t… knowledge. He knows your darkest secrets and the things that stay
in your nightmares. Whatever secret you’re hiding, he finds it and uses it
against you. He is judge, jury and executioner and like their name suggests,
he is grim and twisted. Normal rules don’t apply and if you’re in the
Reaper’s sights then there’s only one way you’re going. He gives the orders
and his soldiers carry them out. Don’t mess with them and just hope they
don’t come for you because when they do, they hit hard. I’m guessing your
man Jet must be a machine. He will be trained in all sorts of combat and
that is why they are feared. They could kill a man with just one look
because that would be enough to give them a cardiac arrest. They know
moves that aren’t in any manual and make short work of any fool stupid
enough to try their luck against them. Then again, they love just as hard and
I’m guessing the women they give their hearts to are just about the luckiest
women alive.”
As the last word leaves her lips, the door opens and my heart leaps as I
see the man himself staring at me from the doorway. Tall, strong and
powerful and all man. My man and as I see the look in his eye, I shift off
my chair and walk with purpose toward him. This is going to be one hell of
a night.

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 24
Jet
I couldn’t get Lucy out of there fast enough. I’m done talking. I’m tired
and yet the only thing on my mind is her. The woman who calls to me in the
most powerful of ways. The woman I would lay down my life for and I
want to show what it means to be worshipped by me.
I never came here looking for love. I was pissed at Ryder for sending me
and now I know destiny’s real. Lucy is that destiny and why I was the man
in place that day. I’m not leaving without her and now I must convince her
she’s mine.
We head back to the apartment with the knowledge the Angels have our
backs. Atom has put a lookout on Michael’s gang and one of them will have
eyes on us all the time we’re here. If it kicks off, the dark cavalry will
arrive.
I think I ride like a demon back to Lucy’s apartment but sleep is the
furthest thing from my mind. We started something back at the studio that
I’m keen to finish.
It appears that Lucy’s of the same mind because as soon as we set foot
inside that apartment no words are needed. Just one look is all it takes to
have me reaching for my clothes. I pull off my jacket as she follows my
lead. One by one, the items of clothing fall, until we face each other
stripped bare and staring at the other with a longing that won’t be silenced.
We move at the same time and meet in the middle. As I reach for her, she
reaches for me and as our mouths crash together and taste the promise,
there’s no stopping us.
I pull her close and devour her. There is no part of this woman that won’t
feel my touch and I’m prepared to give her the whole of me. Her body
shakes with a longing that sends me out of my mind and it’s almost too
much to take in.
As I feel her curves mold around my body, my cock rages with a desire
that won’t be ignored. She shifts closer and whispers, “Fuck, this feels good
- you feel good, but it’s not enough.”
I growl, “Then tell me what you need baby because it’s yours.”
 She whispers, “I want to feel you inside me tearing me apart. I want you
to own my body as you have stolen my heart. You need to be inside me so
we can see the stars together and then you need to do it again and then
again and…”
Clamping my hand down on her sexy mouth I look into her eyes and
growl, “Enough said, darlin’. I was born to be inside you.”
Then I can deny myself no more. Gripping her ass, I lower her down
onto my cock and push inside, pinning her against the wall. Her legs wrap
around me and I feel the tight, slick, piece of heaven I’ve buried myself in.
She stretches around me like I knew she would - perfect. Then I pump
inside her gently at first, with a slow rhythm that makes her legs shake. She
moans which makes me even harder and I stare into her eyes and focus on
showing her what she means to me.
We are connected in every way possible. Our minds meet as I stare down
into her soul. She looks inside me and sees everything. I am stripped bare as
I claim my woman and she ruins me forever. Because after this, nothing
will ever be the same again. This woman has done the unthinkable. She has
tamed the beast and almost as if she knows it, she cups my balls in her hand
and gently squeezes them making me lose my mind. “Fuck baby, that feels
sooo good.”
She gasps, “Fuck me harder, Jet. I want to feel you for days afterward.
Make me yours.”
With a feral growl, I do as she says. We are like wild fucking animals
giving it to each other and demanding more. I slam into her and she grips
me tighter. Her screams join my roar as it all explodes around us and we
experience the hardest narcotic that nature provides. This is ecstasy in its
purest form. This is heaven where nothing else matters and life changes.
This is past, present and future combining to give our life purpose. This
isn’t fucking - it’s love.

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 Lucy
As the sunlight hits the next morning, I wake up feeling sore all over. I
groan and hear an amused “You looked fucked, baby.”
I can’t help the grin that takes over my face and turn to look at the only
man I ever want to wake up to for the rest of my life.
He reaches out and strokes my cheeks and I see his sparkling eyes
looking at me with tenderness and so much love I almost forget to breathe.
He winks, “How did you sleep?”
I can’t stop smiling and then it hits me again and I groan. “I slept well
but now it feels like I’ve been hit by a truck. Why does every part of me
hurt? My body is punishing me for daring to be so happy.”
Jet laughs and kisses me gently on the mouth. Apparently, that’s all it
takes for my body to forgive me. Despite the pain I feel, it responds like the
selfish bitch it is. Unbelievably, it wants more from this man and won’t take
no for an answer. I’m almost a passenger as it unfolds under his touch. It
shifts closer to him, seeking out the drug it needs. I feel the desire pooling
between my legs as it readies itself for what it wants most. Then it pushes
the part of me away that needs to rest and reaches for what it wants. As I
stroke the soft, hard, shaft of the man I love, I am rewarded by the groan of
desire. He shifts above me and looks at me so tenderly I think my heart will
burst as he says, “Are you sure, darlin’. You’re not too sore?”
My answer is to grab his cock and demand it like a petulant child who
won’t leave her new toy alone. I say wickedly, “Stop talking, soldier and
give me what I want.”
He laughs and then I see the passion in his eyes as he says darkly,
“Whatever you say, ma’am.”
Then he pushes inside me, slowly, carefully and tantalizingly good. He
teases me by holding back until I shift impatiently under him. I gasp, “This
feels so good. What are you doing to me?”
He grins and I see the cocky bastard in him gloating in his victory. He
whispers, “You’re mine. I knew it that first day I saw you and you did too.
It was in your eyes and I knew we would always end up here.”
Rolling my eyes, I say quickly, “If you’re done talking, maybe you’d
like to show me if it was worth getting drugged, kidnapped and held with a
knife to my throat.”
He thrusts in deeper until I don’t know where I end and he begins. Then
he plunges my body like the bravest warrior. He claims me like a
conquering hero and I am his prize. Then as he thrusts faster and harder and
I can think of nothing but that feeling of pure and utter pleasure. The
pressure builds, and it’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced. He pumps into
me relentlessly until I scream his name. I think the universe shifts as I
discover the meaning of my life as I shatter into a million pieces around
him.
When it stops, I can’t move. My head is spinning and I swear I see stars
like in the cartoons I used to devour as a kid. Vaguely I’m aware that he
shifts off the bed and throws me a towel. He laughs softly and says, “Clean
up baby, I’m gonna get you something I’m sure you need more than
breathing right now.”
I say in the barest whisper because even my voice has lost its energy,
“You’d better be talking about coffee.”
Laughing, he heads out the door. “I wouldn’t be talking about anything
else.”

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 25
Jet
I walk into the little kitchen in Lucy’s apartment butt naked and grinning
like an idiot. Whatever pleasure I thought I had in life is nothing compared
to what just happened. Lucy is everything I have ever dreamed of in a
woman. Smart, sassy and so goddamned beautiful it hurts to look at her.
Brave, strong yet with a soft vulnerable side that brings out the beast in me.
She is perfect; we are perfect, and when I’ve done what I came here for
she’s coming home with me.
As the kettle boils, I think about home. Rubicon. The home of the
Twisted Reapers and where Heaven and Hell meet. I wonder what she will
make of it and I wonder what they will make of her. One thing I do know,
they will accept her no questions asked. They will welcome her into the
family and show her what that means. The whores will be pissed that
another biker is off limits but there’s enough of the rest to go around. No,
not anymore. I’m done with whoring around. Lucy will become my old
lady faster than it takes to unpack.
I grab the coffees and head back to that little piece of heaven through
that door. If I could lock us in and wait here all day, I would. But I’m
impatient to end this and move on. Today my mission will be complete and
Lucy will say goodbye to this town forever.
Two hours later is the fastest we can manage. Now we’ve found each
other the need to explore is insatiable. Even showering was more fun when
shared. We cleaned up only to mess up again and again.
As I look across at Lucy my breath hitches. She was stunning before but
now she looks like a goddess. There’s a happiness to her that takes my
breath away. Her eyes sparkle and her cheeks are flushed. That gorgeous
hair begs to be wrapped around my cock and those delicate wrists tied up
while I give her body more pleasure than it can stand.
She rolls her eyes as she watches me and laughs sweetly, “You’re a
machine, you know.”
I grin wickedly. “And you’re only just discovering that?”
 As she laughs it makes my soul sing. She’s happy, so I’m happy. That’s
all that really matters—isn’t it?
We head outside and I breathe in the fresh crisp air of my future. It even
tastes different. Everything seems cleaner, clearer and promising. Just one
little problem to deal with and we can be on our way.
I pat the package that was delivered this morning. I’ll say one thing for
my boss, he knows his shit and I am looking forward to delivering this in
person.
I can tell Lucy’s nervous, although she tries not to show it. It actually
makes me love her more if that’s possible. Strong and brave and yet all
woman. How did I get so lucky?
We take the bike and head through town. Lucy clings to my back and I
love the feel of her arms wrapped around my waist. I shift backward and
feel her body hard against mine. Man, this bike will get christened soon
enough. The thought of taking Lucy on the seat of this bike makes me
harder than I thought possible.
We head out of town to a pleasant neighborhood. The dusty streets
become manicured and perfect. Sprinklers feed the luscious grass and
waters the flowers that stand proudly waving at us as we pass.
We must look completely out of place as we tear through the suburbs.
Bikers have no business being here. This place is respectable and only the
well-heeled of society gather here. However, in the midst of all this is a
cancer. Dormant and biding its time and waiting to grow with devastating
consequences. This cancer has a name, and that name is Michael
Santobello.
As we reach the large, white gates of the mobster’s mansion, I can see
that crime does indeed pay. He hides behind a suit and a business card but
what’s inside is an animal that’s out of control. Greed, corruption and no
limits make up the man who has clawed his way to greatness. He appears to
have it all and yet he has nothing worth shit in his life. I’m about to change
things for him forever and it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
As we draw up, I see the huge gates preventing us from going any
further. Security cameras record our arrival and it takes a moment for the
gates to open and swallow us inside. We don’t get far.
 In front of us are a couple of cars with the soldiers of discontent barring
our way. Dressed in suits with mirrored shades, staring at us with steel at
their hip. I recognize Emilio who steps forward and says darkly, “You’ve
got a nerve, biker. I’ll say that for you.”
I shrug. “Then move off it and let us pass. We’re here on the invitation of
your boss.”
Emilio laughs darkly, “I think not. If Mr. Santobello had invited you, we
would know. He doesn’t like surprises and he likes bikers even less. Now
head back out the way you came before you can’t.”
I just fold my arms as Lucy cowers behind me. It’s a menacing sight and
I’m not surprised she’s scared. Leaning forward I say slowly as if talking to
an idiot. “Tell your boss Lucy’s here to discuss his fine offer. He asked for
two days and we are within that time. I think he’ll want to hear us out for
his own good.”
Emilio just sneers and reaches for his cell. He stares at me with the
promise of a long painful death in his eyes as he calls it in. Then I watch as
the irritation flares before being replaced with a look of resignation.
Motioning to the other guys he steps aside and growls, “Through the
arch and park on the left. You’ll be searched before you go inside and any
weapons will be left there.”
I nod at him before revving my bike, more to annoy him and disturb the
surrounding peace. I know I’m an intimidating sight. I always have been,
and it’s our uniform. One look at a Reaper and it’s enough to do the job for
us. However, this time it’s personal and I’m relishing the afternoon ahead.

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 Lucy
I think I’m shaking inside. I feel as if I’m heading inside the lion’s den
and the only good thing is Jet’s by my side.
I try not to look but all around us is pure wealth. It seeps from the walls
choking us as we walk through its rooms. Fine paintings, luxurious carpets
and obvious antiques tell of a life steeped in wealth and luxury. This was
obtained through someone else’s misery. The man behind it all is the lowest
of the low but places himself above the very people he uses to get there. It
all leaves a bitter taste in my mouth and I try not to swallow for fear of it
tainting me inside.
Emilio leads us toward what I imagine to be Michael’s office. The house
feels strangely calm and eerie and I wonder where his family is. The whole
experience is surreal and I wish I could grip Jet’s hand and hold on for dear
life but we are playing a part that must stand.
Finally, we reach a door and a sharp knock releases the beast within as
we hear, “Send them in.”
As we step inside, I see him. Sitting behind a large wooden desk is the
man responsible for so many tortured lives. Now he wants to add mine to it
and it’s only the man beside me who can change my destiny.
Michael looks interested. “Still here, biker? You’re obviously more of an
idiot than I first thought.”
Jet doesn’t react and looks at him coolly.
“Good to see you too, Michael.”
His eyes narrow and he hisses. “That’s Mr. Santobello or Sir to you.”
Jet laughs. “No, I prefer Michael. You see, Sir would indicate that I hold
some sort of respect for you as would Mr. Santobello. Trust me, I have no
respect for you and you’re just lucky I use your name instead of what I
really want to call you.”
Emilio steps forward and Michael laughs. “Step back Emilio but watch
him. He obviously doesn’t know who he’s dealing with but I’m curious to
discover his reason for calling before I let you have your fun.”
Emilio steps back and Jet fixes Michael with a hard look.
“Maybe we should sit for this. I always find business conducted in this
way is much more civilized.”
 He holds out a chair for me and I lower myself into it, trembling with
apprehension. By the looks of things Michael’s in no mood to play games
and my heart beats faster. Jet takes his seat next to me and smiles.
“Well, isn’t this nice? All friends together intent on resolving a very
trying issue.”
Michael snaps. “Say your piece and stop with the wise remarks.”
He turns to me and I balk at the sinister promise in his eyes. “Lucy, you
had better be here to sign up with my club. The rent on your apartment and
Sydney’s studio is set to double by morning. Dance at my club and it
remains the same and you earn yourself way more money.”
Jet laughs. “I think not, Michael. I have a much better proposition for
you. Lucy politely declines your sordid offer, and the rent goes down. Shall
we say to zero?”
The look on Michael’s face says it all as he turns purple with rage and
snarls, “What is this? Are you treating me like a fool in my own home,
biker?”
He nods to Emilio who moves forward but Jet is quicker. As Emilio
reaches him, Jet steps backward and his elbow connects with Emilio’s ribs.
Slightly winded, Emilio stumbles which enables Jet to press against his
neck with his fingers and I watch in disbelief as Emilio falls to the ground
out cold.
Jet sits back down and laughs. “Don’t worry, your puppy dog is just
sleeping. He’ll soon come round but not before we conclude our business.”
For the first time, Michael looks shaken and reaches under his desk. In
one sharp move, Jet pushes the desk sharply, and it knocks Michael back
and pins him hard against the wall. The look of pain on his face shocks me
as it happens so quickly. His arms are trapped and Jet leans over and
removes his gun from his jacket and then aims it at Michael’s head. Then he
pulls the desk away and says lightly. “Right, then. Let’s get this meeting
started.”
Michael just sits staring at him in disbelief as Jet moves and sits on the
edge of the desk next to him. I watch as he removes Michael’s tie and binds
his hands behind his back and says lightly, “There, now I have your full
attention.”
 For the first time in my life, I see Michael Santobello scared. His eyes
look petrified as he realizes how vulnerable he is at this moment. His
trusted sidekick is incapacitated, and he has no way of raising the alarm. Jet
looks across to me and winks. Then he removes the papers from the folder
he’s carrying and slides them in front of Michael.
“Now that I’ve got your attention, I’ll begin so we can all get on with our
day. I had the liberty of having two contracts drawn up that sign over the
apartment and dance studio to Lucy Armstrong and Sydney Emmerson for
the period of one hundred years. There will be no rent to pay and all repairs
and maintenance are included in the price of $1 per year.”
Michael’s eyes bulge and he looks as if he’s about to have a heart attack.
He snarls. “Kill me now because I will never agree to that.”
Jet laughs wickedly. “Well, I disagree. You will sign any god damned
piece of paper I put in front of you to save your own skin.”
He takes out a knife from his boot and I see Michael’s eyes widen in
terror. Jet holds the knife to his throat and I see a thin line of blood appear
showing how sharp the blade is. Then Jet says softly. “You see, Michael,
your friend Dominic turned out not so friendly after all. He kept a dossier
on you and your dealings that dates back years. Every meeting, every deal,
and every sordid secret you shared has been documented and I’m sure that
in the right hands this would spell the end of you and your family. Imagine
that Michael. Imagine your little babies learning what a morally corrupt
fool their father turned out to be. Imagine your wife visiting you in prison
and recoiling at the sight of the purple bruises on your face, not to mention
the sight of you in orange. Imagine having nothing because it’s all been
seized by the State and divided up into good causes. Oh, imagine losing
everything, Michael because quite honestly, I’m loving that image.”
Michael starts to shake, and it’s a very different expression on his face
now. He whispers, “What do you want me to do?”
Jet shrugs. “I’ve told you. Sign the papers and we’re done. If you ever
talk to Lucy or Sydney, the evidence makes its way to the government. Not
a difficult choice, wouldn’t you say?”
I see the defeat in Michael’s eyes as he nods slowly. He knows he has no
other choice and as Emilio groans, he nods, “Fine, I’ll sign the god damned
papers but I never want to see you around these parts again.”
 Jet laughs darkly. “Then keep to our arrangement and you won’t. If you
back out, you’ll see me in your nightmares because next time, this knife
will be put to work. You know, it’s been a while since I cut up a man for
pleasure.”
Michael looks as if he’s about to vomit as Jet laughs wickedly. “You
know, slicing a part off another human is something else. Sadly, I get quite
a kick out of it, especially when they’re as morally corrupt as you. I wish I
could send you a referral but they are strangely no longer with us. Anyway,
sign the papers and we’ll be on our way.”
He loosens the tie and holds out a pen to Michael who signs it with
shaking fingers. As soon as the documents are signed, he secures him again.
Then Jet pushes the paper over to me and winks. “Here you go, honey. Sign
on the dotted line to freedom.”
Just for a second, I look into his eyes and wonder about him. Is he really
the sort of man that would cut up another for fun? Then he winks and I see
the man behind the words. Maybe he is but I realize battles are sometimes
won with words and so I just nod and sign my warrant to freedom.
Jet gathers up the papers and leaves a copy of each on the desk. Then he
takes my hand and says happily. “Well, that went well. Good bye, Michael.
Have a nice life and remember to do as I say because if you don’t it will be
a very short one.”
I step over the sleeping body on the floor and we walk away from the
extremely angry man sitting bound at his very own desk. I don’t think I
breathe until we are outside and as I tuck myself behind Jet on the bike, I
shiver inside. Wow, I would not like to be at the end of his anger. That was
something else.

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 26
Jet
Successful missions turn me on and this was sweeter than most. Setting
the girls free was the icing on the cake because it was all irrelevant. Lucy’s
not sticking around, she’s coming back with me. The apartment and the
studio are Sydney’s if she needs them. However, knowing Tyler, Sydney
won’t be back either.
We could have just left town but where’s the fun in that? Men like
Michael need bringing in line and it was my pleasure to be the one to
oblige.
All I really want is to take Lucy back to the apartment and continue
where we left off. However, even I need to eat so I head toward the bar
opposite the studio for some much-needed food. After seeing me in action,
Lucy may have a few questions and I don’t like leaving things unsaid. If
she’s worried about anything she saw, I need to know about it because if
I’ve learned anything, it’s that talking about things cures everything.
As soon as we stop, I turn and look at her with concern.
“You ok, darlin’?”
She nods and I watch as those beautiful eyes sparkle with unspoken
questions. Her mouth smiles bravely but I see the tremble to her bottom lip
and know I have some explaining to do.
I smile softly and run my thumb along those gorgeous lips that beg for
my attention and feel her tremble under my touch. I say softly, “Come on,
let’s eat and you can ask me anything. It’s not pretty when I get started and
I’ve probably shown you a side to me you’d rather not know. The trouble is,
if this is gonna work you have to understand how we operate. We deal with
scum and the filth of the streets and treat them accordingly. What you saw
back there was an evil man seeing things from the other side for once. He
was made to feel the same as he makes others feel every day. It’s not a bad
thing to remind people like that about the fragility of their position.
Sometimes they get above themselves and think they’re invincible. None of
us is invincible, Lucy. We all have a weakness and we all let fear control us.
It’s how we deal with that fear that shapes us as people. Don’t let yours get
in the way of what you want from life because ultimately you owe it to
yourself to live the best one you can.”
Lucy smiles sweetly and says softly, “For a tough guy you sure talk
shit.”
Her eyes sparkle mischievously and I wink. “Keep telling yourself that,
darlin’. I saw you hanging onto every word I said and taking it to your
heart. We know you idolize me, it’s all there in your eyes.”
She pushes me playfully and pretends to frown.
“You wish, biker. Anyway, enough of your sweet talkin’, all I want from
life now is food and I’m liable to kill you if you stand in my way.”
Leaning forward, she takes my bottom lip between her teeth and bites
softly. Instantly my cock springs to life as she says huskily, “I’ll keep this
for dessert. If you’re good, I may even take a lot more in my mouth. It just
depends how hungry I’ll be.”
She moves away and I watch as she heads slowly toward the bar, her ass
wiggling in my direction just begging for my attention. Groaning, I follow
her. Eager to eat this food faster than I’ve ever eaten before because what’s
waving at me from across the lot is far more tempting than any dish on the
menu inside.
The bar is quiet and the server I met when I arrived greets us at the door.
She squeals as she sees us and grabs hold of Lucy and hugs her tightly,
“Lucy, it’s good to see you, honey. Where have you been hiding?”
She looks my way and understanding dawns in her eyes as she grins.
“Oh well, never mind. I think I can see what’s been occupying you.”
Lucy rolls her eyes. “It’s good to see you, Donna. Can we get a booth by
the window?”
Donna laughs and nods toward the almost empty bar. “Take your pick,
honey. Business is slow today so you may as well make the most of it.”
Lucy heads toward the window facing the studio. As I slip in the booth
opposite, Donna thrusts the menu at us and says quietly, “You know, word
is, something bad went down last night at the airfield.”
To her credit, Lucy doesn’t react and says with interest, “Why, what
happened?”
 Donna shakes her head. “Plane went down. Ariel lives not far from there
and called it in. She said the place was crawling with cops and men in suits.
The cameras were kept away, but that didn’t stop the bulletins from getting
out.”
Lucy looks at me sharply and I can tell she’s concerned. “We haven’t
seen the news. Why, what are they saying?”
Donna whispers, “Drugs probably. They haven’t released any details,
just that a small plane exploded on take-off. There are no names and no
details but why would a plane be taking off at night unless it was up to no
good? I’m telling you, Lucy, this has Michael’s name written all over it.”
Lucy shakes her head. “You can’t be sure of that. It may have just been
an accident.”
Donna laughs. “There are a lot of accidents around these parts, honey
and all of them involve that man in some way. Mark my words, it will all
come back to him but he’ll escape the blame as usual. That man’s the devil
incarnate. I just pity whoever was on that plane because they didn’t stand a
chance.”
She heads off to grab us some coffee and Lucy looks at me with worried
eyes. “Do you think…?”
Leaning forward, I silence her words with my hand and say softly, “I
don’t think, Lucy… I know. Nothing will come out about that night. I’m
guessing they will release some statement naming Dominic and Tanya as
the tragic couple who died in a freak accident. You have nothing to worry
about.”
She falls silent as Donna returns with the coffee. “Here you go, honey.
Just how you like it. Can I take your order now, or do you need more time?”
Lucy shakes her head. “No, it’s fine, Donna. I know what I want now.”
As she says the words, she looks into my eyes and it makes my heart
swell as I see the love directed at me. That one look says everything I want
to know because there is no fear left in those eyes, just love. Acceptance
and desire mix with an understanding of a future shared. The woman
opposite me will always be there. She will always be the one I look for
when my eyes open and close at the end of the day. She will be the one I do
everything for and live my life trying to make happy. This woman opposite
me lives inside my heart and I have thrown away the key. Without her, I
may as well be dead because it’s only with her in it that my life makes sense
and counts for something.
Finally, I know what it means to find that one person who completes
you. Lucy is that person, and I never knew how amazing that would feel.
I’m almost impatient to start our life together and yet don’t want to rush
things in case I scare her away. I’ll take a lifetime to convince her to stay if
that’s what it takes because if she’s not in it then my life has no meaning.

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 27
Lucy
As we eat, I try to make sense of everything that’s happened in the last
few days. How has this happened? When I last sat in this bar, my life was a
mess with a dark future. So much has happened and most of it bad but when
I look at the man opposite me, I can only see the good. I would go through
everything again just to keep him with me. When he leaves Little Ridge, I
know I’ll follow. What’s waiting in the distance is uncertain and frightening
but with him by my side, I can cope with absolutely anything.
An hour later we head across to the studio so I can wrap things up there.
As I put the key in the lock my heart falls. Jet sees my expression and looks
at me with concern. “What’s up, darlin’?”
I shake my head. “This place. Sydney trusted me to keep things going
while she’s away. Now your job is done there’s no reason for you to stick
around.”
He looks at me sharply and grabs hold of my wrist, spinning me around
to face him. “You’re coming home with me Lucy, I told you that. This
studio can cope with being closed for a couple of weeks while Sydney sorts
her life out. If you want to honor your promise, I’ll wait with you. I’ll just
tell Ryder I’m taking a vacation. God knows I’ve never had one before so
he can’t refuse.”
He pulls me close and I hear his heart beating and relish the heat coming
from him. My heart swells and I pull back and say softly, “You would do
that… stay here… for me?”
His eyes burn down to my soul with an intensity that takes my breath
away as he says softly, “I’ll do anything for you, Lucy. Just say it and it’s
yours.”
He lowers his lips to mine and everything else is forgotten. He tastes of
new beginnings and freedom but most of all he tastes of love. The man I
love and I thank God for making me the luckiest girl alive to be the one in
his heart.
We don’t intend on staying long because strangely both of us have
something much more fun to do on our minds. However, I’m mindful of the
promise I made to Sydney, so we sort things out by answering messages
and tidying the studio. Jet, to his credit, tries to help and I laugh as I see him
wielding a mop singing at the top of his voice to the radio.
We are almost done when there’s a loud knock on the door and Jet looks
at me sharply, “You expecting anyone?”
Shaking my head, I watch as he moves to the window and looks outside.
I watch his expression change and know immediately something is very
wrong.
He heads to the door quicker than I’ve ever seen him move and my heart
thumps wildly as he flings it open and what I can only just make out as
Clara Santobello falls into the room.
My hand flies to my mouth and I cry out as she falls into Jet’s arms,
shaking uncontrollably with blood everywhere. Her face is almost
unrecognizable and her clothes torn and bloodied. Jet says gently, “What
happened, darlin’?”
For a few minutes, she can’t speak and I rush to grab some water.
Kneeling down before her, I hold the glass to her lips and say gently, “Here,
sip this. Then you can tell us what happened.”
Clara sips the water but her eyes are bloodshot and glazed. She looks to
be in shock and I look at Jet helplessly. He says softly but firmly, “What’s
happened, Clara? Whatever it is you’re safe now.”
Clara looks at us with the stricken eyes of the destroyed. The tears run
like rivers from them and she says in a whisper, “I’ve killed him.”
With those words, the world stops spinning. Jet looks at me and I stare
back in shock. We both know who he is and I think I must go into shock
because I hear Jet say, “What happened? Start from the beginning.”
He helps Clara to the couch and we sit either side of her. I take her hand
in mine and drape a blanket across her shoulders while she stares ahead as
if she sees nothing. She’s an empty vessel that’s destroyed as mentally as
she is physically. Then she speaks in a dead voice.
“I was out shopping after dropping the girls to school and when I came
home, I knew something was wrong. The house was full of activity which
usually means trouble. I saw the men getting the cars ready and as I passed
Michael’s office, I heard him yelling at Emilio. They didn’t see me and I
saw Michael was angrier than I’d ever seen him before. He struck Emilio
hard across the face and shouted, calling him a worthless idiot and he was
of a mind to kill him. Then he told him to fetch Dominic Riley because he’d
enough of his double-dealing ways and was going to end him.”
She takes a deep breath and says in a small voice, “Emilio raced past me
and I tried to make as if I wasn’t there but Michael saw me. He screamed at
me, calling me a bitch and what had I heard? I told him nothing, but he
came toward me and as I turned to run, grabbed me hard and threw me
across the room into his office. My face hit the wall, and he held me by the
hair and said he knew I was responsible for bringing trouble to our door. He
blamed me for telling Tanya stuff about his business and she was using it to
bring him down. He told me he was going to start a war with the Angels
and it would be all my fault.”
She stares into space and it’s as if she’s not in the room with us anymore.
Jet says nothing, just keeps his arm around her shoulders while I rub her
hand reassuringly. Then she says in a dead voice, “He hit me hard and I fell
against his desk. When I was on the ground, he started kicking me in the
ribs. I couldn’t breathe and he was shouting terrible things at me. He told
me I was a bitch and a whore and he was going to teach me a lesson I
would never forget. He was going to punish me for leaking information to
the people who wanted to bring him down and now I would pay the price. I
watched him take a poker from the fire and turn toward me. It hurt so badly
but I tried to get away. He brought the poker down on my legs and the pain
overtook my mind. He hit me again on my back and told me he was going
to use it to tear me up inside. My eye was closing on me and I could taste
the blood in my mouth, and then I saw it.”
She starts shaking so hard her teeth start chattering and I find myself
crying with her. This is heart-breaking to hear and to see and I can’t
imagine the horrors she’s lived through. Then she says in a rasping voice, “I
saw it shining at me under the desk. The gun he tapes to the underside, and
I didn’t think. It was the only chance I had of staying alive and I took it. I
didn’t think twice and made a grab for it, all the time he was screaming at
me and raising the poker. It happened so fast but as soon as I grabbed the
gun I turned and fired. I never realized how close he was until he fell on top
of me. His blood soaked me as it spilled from his head. I couldn’t breathe
and I couldn’t move because it hurt so much. I’m not sure how I did it but I
pushed him off me and dragged myself to the chair. I almost couldn’t look
but he was there, his eyes staring at me with no life in them. He was dead,
and I killed him. Now I may as well be dead because my life is over.”
She shivers uncontrollably and Jet says reassuringly, “It’s ok, darlin’,
you came to the right place. We’ll sort it out.”
He looks over to me and says, “Grab some hot tea for Clara, Lucy. Help
her clean up and I’ll sort this shit out.”
I don’t even think twice and just help the broken woman to her feet. “It’s
ok, Clara. You’re safe with us. Let’s see to those wounds and get you some
clean clothes.”
I talk to her as I would a child and she just does what I say. Whatever
happens next is out of our control so I set about reassuring her and calming
her down.
As we leave the room, I hear Jet say into his cell, “Ryder, we’ve got a
problem.”

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 28
Jet
I leave Lucy to help Clara and slip outside. I feel angry with myself
because I should have seen this coming. As Clara spoke, the penny
dropped, and I remembered hearing Michael speaking in his office at the
club the night I was looking for Lucy. It wasn’t us he was talking about; it
was Dominic and Tanya. He was gunning for them then and I was so
wrapped up in my own shit I didn’t see the whole picture.
As I ride toward Michael’s home, I pray I’m not too late. A quick call to
the Angels gave them the heads up and I have to trust them to protect
themselves from Michael’s men. I need to destroy the evidence and fast
because this needs wrapping up quickly.
Before long, I’m in the neighborhood and slow down a little. Carefully, I
ride past the Santobello mansion and then tuck my bike out of sight around
the back. Then I move inside quickly and the silence swallows me whole.
The huge mansion has the feel of death. It’s silent and lifeless and will be a
loss to no one.
As I head toward the office, I feel the anger taking hold of my senses.
Fucking bastard. How could he lift one finger against the woman he should
have loved and cherished for the rest of his life? Only cowards hit on a
woman and if he wasn’t dead already, I would take a great deal of pleasure
in sending him to hell.
Then I see him, his features contorted in rage as he lies in death. I take a
moment to look at the monster slain before me. I almost wish he could see
himself lying in the pool of his own tainted blood. Killed by a woman no
less. Now that’s poetic justice. All the women he’s destroyed in life must be
cheering from the sidelines. The man with so much ended up with nothing
in the end. No love, no devoted family and only the material wealth he stole
from the innocent. Yes, this is a moment to savor because they don’t get
much sweeter than this.
As I kneel beside him, I speak as if he can hear me from hell. I growl,
“Only the evil souls burn in hell and your fate fits your passing.”
Grabbing the whiskey bottle from his desk, I pour the contents all over
his body. I watch it seep across it like a river of death. For a man who deals
in the hard stuff, it’s a fitting end. There are no prayers that spill from my
lips as I commit his body. No memories shared of a loving husband and
father. Just the cold hand of death reaching for the cold, lifeless, body under
my feet.
Standing up, I stare down at the monster beneath and curse his soul.
Then I flick the spark that will cremate him in his tomb. As The spark
ignites the alcohol, I make a speedy exit. I’ve got around five minutes to get
the hell out of here and then watch this place go up like a rocket. There will
be nothing left, no evidence and no recriminations. Clara has been set free
to start again and I know just the place to take her.

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 Lucy
By the time Jet returns Clara has calmed down a little and looks like a
battered version of her former self. As Jet enters the room our eyes meet
and I see the gleam in his eye that spells of a successful mission. Any
questions I have are shelved for another day because the priority here is
Clara.
She looks up as he speaks. “It’s sorted, darlin’. Now, what about those
little ones of yours?”
The sobs choke her words as she says in a broken voice, “They are
sleeping at a friend’s. Luckily, it was arranged last week and they are none
the wiser. I’m to collect them tomorrow after school.”
I feel the relief at her words but my heart breaks for the two innocent
children who have lost everything. Clara must see my expression because
she shakes her head sadly. “Don’t feel sorry for us, Lucy. We lived a worse
life than the one that’s coming. At least we can live it without fear of him.”
I feel alarmed and say incredulously, “He didn’t ever hurt them, did he?”
She laughs bitterly. “Not physically but mentally, I’m not so sure. He
was a cold bastard with no feeling and even his own blood, as young as
they are, didn’t escape his temper. He never laid a finger on them but his
words cut deep. They won’t miss him because I saw the fear in their eyes
when he called them. They must have heard the arguments, and the thrown
punches.”
She points to her eye that’s coloring up quickly and sneers, “This is
nothing they haven’t seen before. Apparently, their mom is quite accident
prone. She was certainly a fool because I should have done this years ago.”
Jet looks at me and I see the anger in his eyes. I share that anger because
no family should live like this.
Clara looks at him and says weakly, “We have nowhere to go. No friends
will want to help us for fear of recriminations. My family have moved away
and want no part of my life. I can’t go back there - I just can’t. What are we
going to do?”
Jet laughs darkly. “You’re right, you can’t go back there, because there’s
nothing left to go back to.”
 Clara looks at him sharply and Jet laughs. “Your house is burning along
with your husband’s soul. There is no evidence and nothing to incriminate
you.”
Clara gasps and looks at Jet with disbelief. I share that look and he
shrugs. “This way you can start again with nothing from your past to drag
you down.”
Clara looks confused. “Then I really do have nothing.”
Jet shakes his head. “You have your freedom and that’s worth more than
any house or its contents. I’m pretty sure the insurance will pay out and you
can start again wherever you want to go.”
I see her stunned expression and say kindly. “You can stay at my
apartment until you find your feet. I’m pretty sure I’ll be out of town for a
while and it’s the perfect place for you and the girls.”
Clara looks at me with such gratitude it brings tears to my eyes. She says
in a broken voice. “Would you really do that… for us?”
Taking her shaking hand in mine, I fix her with a hard look. “Listen, you
may think you’re alone but there are still people around here who care what
happens to you. Stay strong and be the best mom those girls could ever
wish for. Your’e free now and you can live a life without fear.”
To my surprise, her shoulders sag and she looks broken. “Live without
fear you say. If only I could.”
I look across at Jet and he says softly, “What do you have to fear?”
Clara says sadly. “My husband made a lot of enemies over the years who
would love nothing more than to take it out on his only living relatives.
They will see us as an easy target and if what you say is true, that insurance
money will be the only magnet they need. It’s common knowledge we have
no friends and without him, no protection. I’ll have to move far away to
stand any chance of a future for my girls without always watching out for
trouble that’s sure to find us.”
She looks at Jet with a stricken expression. “When you leave, they’ll
come. I have nowhere to go until the money comes through and your
apartment, no matter how kind an offer, just won’t be strong enough to keep
us safe.”
Jet kneels down before her and says in a hard voice.
“Then I know just the place you can go.”
 Clara looks worried. “Where?”
He grins. “It’s time to head across to the Darkside.”
I’m not sure why but as he says the words, the fear sparks in her eyes
and she looks genuinely afraid. She almost backs away and says in a broken
voice. “No! I can’t go there. Anywhere but there.”
Jet looks at me with confusion and I say gently, “What’s so bad about the
Dark Angels. I’m pretty sure they’ll help.”
She starts to cry which shocks me even more than the sight of the blood
on her hands. “You don’t understand. I can’t go there...to him.”
Jet shakes his head. “Who?”
She whispers, “Atom.”
Both Jet and I say at once. “Why?”
Clara sobs into her hands. “Because he hates me more than most, and I
don’t blame him.”
I sit beside her and place my arm around her shoulder. “Then tell us
why.”
Her voice breaks. “Because he loved me and I chose another. It broke
him and he’s never forgiven me. If I go there, it’ll destroy us both.”
Jet stands up and says in a strong voice. “Then we’ll just have to see
about that, won’t we? I think it’s about time we faced another fear of yours,
darlin’. At least this time you won’t be on your own.”
I almost think she’ll chain herself to this couch before agreeing to visit
the Angels but she must see the determination in Jet’s face and just says in a
trembling voice. “I’ll go if you come with me. If it goes bad, I’ll have to
take my chances on the apartment.”
Jet smiles reassuringly. “Good girl. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure it’s the
safest place for you in town. If not, I know an even better one.”
He smiles and winks at me as his words hit home. As I understand his
meaning, I couldn’t love him any more than I do already. How did I get so
lucky to find him? Not just me either. Jet is your modern-day knight with
his bike as his armor. I just wonder if Atom will measure up half as much.

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 29
Jet
We decided to head back to the apartment so Clara could get cleaned up.
She’s a mess in more ways than one and turning up to the Darkside in the
state she’s in wouldn’t be a good idea. While Lucy fussed around her, I left
them to it and headed over to the club. I need to check the place is safe and
that Atom’s ok with Clara staying here.
When I get there, I see the aftermath of a gunfight and the place is on
lockdown. One of the members lets me in and I see the sober faces all
around looking serious and threatening.
I’m taken to the meeting room where Atom, Razor and a group of
members are having a meeting. They look up as I enter and Atom shakes
his head.
“Could have done with you earlier.”
I look around. “How did it go?”
The guys laugh darkly. “Thanks to your early warning we were ready for
them. They came here looking for Tanya and wouldn’t take no for an
answer. Tried to blast their way in here so we let them have it. I think they
got the message.”
The others laugh and I look at Atom with a grim expression.
“Michael’s dead.”
You could hear a pin drop in the room. They just stare at me with
shocked expressions and Atom says grimly, “You?”
“No, more’s the pity. I think you’ll find those guys have nowhere to go
and may leave you alone for a while. When they return to base, they’re
gonna find it a smoldering pile of dust.”
Atom whistles. “Man, this is turning out to be quite a week. First the
plane and now the mansion. Are you sure we’re safe? I mean, a Reaper
comes to town, and it’s destroyed within hours.”
The guys laugh and I stare at Atom hard as I say, “I may have torched
the place but I’m not the one responsible for slaying the dragon.”
 Atom looks interested. “Then do you know who did?”
I nod. “His wife.”
The room falls silent and I watch Atom carefully. Suddenly, all the
humor leaves the room and the guys shift nervously. Atom freezes and I can
see my words have hit home. Razor looks at him with concern as Atom says
roughly, “Leave us.”
The guys don’t question and move quickly out of the room. Razor
hesitates and looks at me with a worried frown as Atom barks, “That
includes you, Razor.”
He doesn’t look happy but does as he’s told and the room is soon empty
except for the two of us.
When the door closes Atom says tightly, “What happened?”
I see his knuckles tight as he clenches his fist and his eyes are dead.
“She overheard him issuing orders for Tanya and Riley. He ordered a hit
on them and she tried to get away. The fucking coward took his anger out
on her and she had no other choice. If she didn’t kill him, she’d be dead
right now and lucky for her, his own gun lay not a foot away. Shot him right
between the eyes, which I’m not gonna lie, impressed me no end. That
woman was scared and fighting for her life and yet killed the man like a
trained assassin.”
I try to lighten the atmosphere but even that makes no difference. The
look in Atom’s eyes is one of murder. I see it all. He is conflicted by his
own feelings. On the one hand he is angry, so god damned angry I can taste
it. I see he is struggling to get a grip and give him a moment before he
barks, “Where is she?”
“Lucy’s apartment. She’s cut up pretty bad and covered in blood. Her
clothes are ripped, and she’s a mess. Luckily, her kids are sleeping over at a
friend’s but they have nowhere to go and she’s frightened for them.”
Atom looks at me angrily. “Why?”
I look at him angrily. “Why do you think? She’s lived with that man long
enough to have been stripped of all emotion but one—fear. She’s fearful of
recriminations and fearful that she’s just killed a man. She must be thinking
the cops are due any minute to arrest her and then where would her kids be?
She’s got nothing and is worried that once word gets out, they’re not safe
from Michael’s enemies.”
 Atom shakes his head. “She chose him—that life. So, it didn’t work out.
What do you want me to do, she’s not my problem?”
I can taste the disappointment as I say angrily, “So, you’re just gonna
turn your back on her. I had you down as more of a man than that. Where
we come from, we push our feelings aside and do what’s right. Whatever
her husband’s done she’s not a part of it. That woman came to me for help
not days ago. She was desperate and saw me ride into town and saw her
chance.”
Atom looks at me sharply. “What did she say?”
“She wanted me to dispose of him. Get him out of her life because she
was frightened. She was desperate and had the look of a woman who was
failing to hold things together. I turned her down. I turned my back on her
and carried on without giving her a second thought. She wasn’t my
problem, and I wasn’t for hire. She has no one and yet I still didn’t see just
how serious her situation was. By all accounts this beating wasn’t the first,
and she had no one to help her. Her own family don’t want to know and she
has no friends. I know there’s history between you but can’t you at least
push that aside and provide her with the protection she needs to get back on
her feet?”
Atom looks at me angrily and I can see the pure emotion in his eyes.
He’s conflicted, and it’s tearing him up inside. For a moment there’s silence
and then he growls, “I need to see her first before I make any decision.”
I nod. “She’s at Lucy’s apartment.”
He kicks away the chair and nods. “Let’s go.”

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 Lucy
When Clara emerges from the shower wrapped in my robe, she looks a
shadow of her former self. It feels strange seeing the once severe, poised,
elegant, woman looking like any other frightened, vulnerable girl. Despite
my former feelings toward her, I just feel compassion by the bucket loads.
Smiling warmly at her, I hold out a steaming mug of coffee. “Here, you
look as if you could use this. Maybe you’d like a spot of brandy in it to take
away the edge.”
She smiles briefly and throws me a look of pure gratitude as she takes
the drink. “Thanks, Lucy. I don’t deserve your kindness but I want you to
know it means an awful lot to someone who rarely sees it.”
Nodding toward the couch, I say softly, “Do you want to talk about it?”
She sighs. “I wouldn’t know where to begin.”
“Then start by telling me about Atom.”
Clara’s eyes cloud with pain and a lone tear slips from her tortured eyes.
“He was my first love. The guy my parents warned me about and the man I
craved more than air.”
She smiles briefly. “I came from a privileged upbringing. My father was
a big shot in town and well respected. I was one of those girls. You know,
the one that had everything and popular as a result. I was one of the cool
kids and had the biggest parties and the best clothes. My friends were cut
from the same cloth and my parents expected a lot from me. Then I met
Atom and suddenly I wanted what he gave me.”
I watch in amazement as her eyes burst into life. Once dead eyes shine
with life as she remembers her past. “He was so exciting. So rough,
dangerous and most of all forbidden. It was like candy to a baby and I
wanted it all. Our worlds were very different, we were very different, but he
fascinated me. My friends, boyfriends and perfect life were nothing
compared to the excitement of his world. I started hanging around where I
knew he’d be. I dressed differently and took the classes I knew he did. He
used to hang around a bar called ‘Easy Joe’s and I made sure I got a job
waitressing there. My parents were livid and threatened to ground me but I
reassured them I needed to do this to see beyond my privileged life. I spun
them a tale about it making me grow as an individual and they bought every
last word. Then it happened. One day he noticed me. Not just as a waitress
or fellow student but as a woman. I still remember that moment because it’s
the best one of my life. I saw the look of the interested and played it to my
advantage. I did what any self-respecting girl would do and played
extremely hard to get. I saw the way those other girls hung onto his every
word. I saw how they paraded in front of him and shoved their tits in his
face. They were all walking around with an available sign surrounded in
neon lights and we all know men like the chase. They like to hunt and
conquer so that’s where I triumphed where the others failed.”
As I watch her, I’m absolutely riveted. Clara looks a different person.
Suddenly, she’s that girl again, and it’s a magnificent sight.
She grins wickedly. “I resisted harder the more he tried. I played my
hand well, and it was only when I was sure he was hooked I gave in. We
were like dynamite together. Couldn’t get enough of each other and were
soon part of a very tight couple. Where I went, he went, and it was the best
time of my life. My parents were pissed but convinced it would all blow
over when I went to college. They put it down to a rebellious phase, and I
knew they couldn’t be more wrong.”
I watch as the bitterness returns as she says roughly, “Then he came to
town.”
“Who, Michael?”
She nods. “Yes. He was different again. Where Atom was wild and
dangerous Michael was everything my parents wanted me to have, hiding a
steel heart. He talked the talk and appeared to be the man everyone thought
would succeed. He was cool to the point of frozen and it didn’t take long for
him to be the man running things. It started in High school and didn’t ever
stop. Suddenly, he was everything. The other kids worshipped him and he
controlled things. Obviously, he never got on with Atom and they clashed
terribly. It was a dark time, and I was caught in the middle because of where
I came from. I was being pulled between two worlds and couldn’t deny I
was attracted to them both. My family obviously preferred Michael, and I
was put under a lot of pressure. It got to the point that I had to choose.
Michael had made no secret of the fact that he wanted me and went in hard.
He tried everything that would work and caused arguments between Atom
and me. It put a tremendous strain on our relationship and we started to
argue. Those arguments made my mind up for me and I chose Michael.”
 She starts to cry softly and says in a broken voice. “I’ll never forget the
look on his face when I walked away. I’d broken his heart, and I knew then
he would never forgive me. To this day, I have never spoken to him again. I
followed his life from afar as mine unraveled around me. Michael was the
loving husband at first until he became such a monster, he lost sight of any
feelings he once had. As my life shattered around me, I thought about Atom
a lot. I wondered how different my life would have been if I’d stayed with
him. As it turned out, he was the love of my life I abandoned for the wrong
man and I will spend the rest of my life paying for that one mistake.”
Reaching out, I take her hand and squeeze it. “You have two beautiful
daughters and your freedom. You can do anything and start again
somewhere else if you prefer. You’re not governed by anyone and owe it to
yourself to find the Clara you always were without hiding behind any man.
You’ll get past this and move on. We all make mistakes and sometimes
wish we had done things differently but things happen for a reason and this
is yours. You’re destined to discover your life, free of any chains of the
past. It’s tempting to retreat into the familiar when the future looks scary
and unknown. You’re a strong woman Clara, the strongest I’ve ever met
and now it’s your turn to shine.”
Just for a minute, we share a look. Two women who ran with fear in
their hearts because of one man. Two women on the edge of something new
facing the unknown. And two women who have the capacity to love hard
and whose destiny remains hidden.
As we fall silent, it only gives us a brief second to contemplate things
before the distinctive roar of motorbikes shatter the peace.
Quickly, I reach for her hand and smile reassuringly. “Whatever happens,
Clara, you’ll be just fine. You’re not on your own anymore.”
She nods but I see the pain return to her eyes and I hope with all my
heart she has a happy ending.

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 30
Jet
We park up and I wonder if I’ve done the right thing. Clara’s vulnerable
right now and Atom looks like his world’s just ended. I don’t know their
story but I know bikers. If Clara chose another over Atom, it’s doubtful
he’ll forgive and forget. Hell, the man just shot his own sister because she
went against him and the club.
We head upstairs and I wonder what will happen next. Just before we
reach the door Atom says harshly, “Can you give us a moment before I
make my decision?”
I nod and he smiles ruefully. “A lot of history with that one. I’m not sure
how I’ll feel seeing her again.”
I pat him on the shoulder and nod. “It’s fine. Do what’s right, Atom.
That’s all we can ask.”
As I open the door, I wonder what will be the right thing in this case—
for both of them.
The first thing I see is Lucy’s worried face looking at us anxiously. Atom
follows me into the room and I see Clara stand up from the seat on the
couch and just stare.
As I turn around, I see Atom has the exact same look on his face as their
eyes meet across the small room. Those looks tell a tale in their own way.
They are filled with regret, desperation, hatred and hunger. A thousand
words are spoken in a second as the two people stay silent and just look.
I can’t tear my eyes away from the scene as everything hangs in the air. I
see the pain in Atom’s eyes as he sees the battered woman before him. I see
the bitterness of betrayal battling with an all-consuming love along with
hatred casting a shadow over potent need.
Clara’s destroyed. I see it in her eyes as she speaks a thousand apologies
without uttering a sound. She implores and begs forgiveness for a wasted
past and yet is resigned to the hatred the man in front of must feel toward
her. Then I say to Lucy, “Let’s leave them to discuss things, darlin’. I don’t
know about you but I could sure use a drink right about now.”
 Lucy nods and can’t appear to get out of here fast enough. The two
people staring at each other make no sound. It’s almost as if we’re invisible
and so we leave them to it and get the hell out of there.
As soon as the fresh air hits us, Lucy whistles. “That was intense. What
do you think Atom will do?”
I shrug. “Who knows? I mean, it’s a big ask given their history.”
Lucy looks worried. “You know, I’ve never had much time for Clara
Santobello but I’m ashamed of myself.”
I raise my eyes and she says softly. “I never took time to get to know the
woman behind the name. I judged her by the company she kept and never
gave her a chance. Do you think she was lonely, Jet?”
I nod. “Yes. I think she’s had a hard time these last few years which only
shows the strength of the woman. I wouldn’t feel bad though, darlin’. You
weren’t to know and I’m guessing she wasn’t exactly the friendly type,
anyway.”
We head toward the bike and I know just where I’m headed.
As we pull away, I’m gonna fulfill one of my own fantasies before I do
anything else.
We head out of town to the ridge where Little Ridge got its name. From
the top of it the whole town spreads beneath us like a toy town. Up here the
air is cool and fresh and the sun bright. Birds sing and are the only sound as
mother nature lives in solitude most of the time, free from man’s
destruction.
Lucy leans against me and sighs. “This is so beautiful, Jet. I’ve lived
here for many years and never come up this far.”
I look at her in surprise. “You’re kidding me, why?”
She shrugs. “I’m a city girl I suppose. I’ve always been more
comfortable on the streets of business and running from one street to
another. I never thought about getting away from it because it’s where I
always wanted to be. But now I see I’ve wasted those years not knowing
how much beauty surrounded me.”
As the sunlight catches her hair, it lights up her face. Her eyes shine with
happiness and her soft lips call to me. Running my hand around her waist I
pull her to me until our hearts beat together. Then I kiss those plump lips
like a starving man.
 She shifts closer and runs her fingers around the back of my head pulling
me close. As I push her back on the bike, she sighs, and it sends the blood
rushing to my cock. I can’t wait a moment more and hitch her skirt up and
pull her panties aside. She groans and arches toward me and I lose my
mind. She is so hot and lies on my bike like a wanton angel. So fucking
perfect in every way and all mine.
She whispers, “I want your cock inside me so deep and want to feel you
ride me like your precious bike. Give it to me hard, Jet because I can’t hold
out much longer.”
Fuck me, if this woman doesn’t get more perfect every second. Quickly,
I take out my cock and stroke the shaft anticipating what comes next. She
opens her legs and guides me in and as I sit astride my beloved bike, I fuck
the woman I love relentlessly.
The air around us carries our cries to the bustling town below. Up here
we are free and doing what nature intended, surrounded by it. As I claim
my woman before the whole town, I know I’ll never be inside another
again. This one is mine and our life begins today, right here. Tomorrow we
leave for home and nothing will stand in our way.
As I move inside her she groans, “That feels so good, baby.”
I watch her face and love how she bites her lip and closes her eyes. It
mesmerizes me, she mesmerizes me and I want to give her more pleasure
than she can stand.
I sink into her and hold her as close as I can while still inside her. The
sweat from our bodies glues us together as we cement our future. She
whispers, “I love you, Jet.”
As she says the words, she comes hard and screams my name over and
over again. I feel her clamp down on my cock and her sweet honey drips
down my balls and I can stand it no more. I roar like the beast I am and
swear I see stars as I release everything I’ve got inside this perfect Angel.
As we lay together on my bike nothing has ever felt so good.

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 Lucy
We stay at the ridge for a while and it’s the sweetest time I’ve ever spent.
We talked—really talked and shared our past, present and future. As the sky
grows darker, Jet says ruefully, “We need to get back. Who knows what
we’ll find, but this is one loose end that can’t be left.”
As I snuggle into him on the back of the bike, we’ve just christened in
the dirtiest of ways, I thank my lucky stars he came here.
We let ourselves into the apartment carefully and find Atom sitting on
the couch playing with his cell. He looks up and I see the weariness in his
eyes as he nods toward the bedroom. “She’s in there getting ready.”
Leaving them to talk, I head to the bedroom and knock on the door.
“Clara, it’s Lucy, can I come in?”
I hear a muffled voice, “Yes.”
When I head inside, I see Clara trying to cover up the damage on her
face with some of my make-up and she looks at me apologetically. “I hope
you don’t mind me using this, Lucy. I need to try to look as normal as
possible even though I doubt I’ll ever feel normal again.”
“Of course, be my guest. I’ll find you some fresh clothes as well. I think
the ones you came in are only fit for the garbage.”
She smiles briefly. “Thanks, Lucy. I don’t deserve your kindness.”
Fixing her with a stern look, I say firmly, “Yes you do. You deserve more
than just a few lousy clothes and make-up. Like I said before, you’re not on
your own anymore.”
As I set about finding her an outfit I ask, “What happened with Atom?”
She sighs heavily. “We talked, but it was hard. There was so much I
wanted to say but he was so cold. I don’t blame him really, I deserve his
anger. Why should he help me? I turned my own back on him years ago.”
“He is though, isn’t he? … I mean, helping you?”
She nods. “He said I could stay there until the money comes through.
The club will keep both me and the girls safe and then when I’m sorted, we
can leave.”
 I can tell she’s unhappy about it and shake my head. “That’s good… isn’t
it?”
A lone tear escapes and she brushes it quickly away before smiling
bravely. “It’s more than I thought I’d get. Yes, it’s a good thing. I expect it
will be hard though. That club won’t like us being there and I’m not
expecting an easy ride.”
“Then stay here. You and girls can live here. I’ll be heading out of town
for a while and Sydney’s not expected back soon. If she does return, she
won’t mind you being here. There are two bedrooms so more than enough
space for the three of you. You don’t have to rely on handouts from Atom,
you do have a choice.”
Clara shakes her head sadly. “There’s no other choice. Emilio is still out
there and won’t waste any time re-grouping and going after Michael’s
business. As his wife I will now own those businesses and the last thing I
want is Emilio putting pressure on me to hand over something I don’t want,
anyway. The trouble is, I have to provide for my girl’s future so will need to
do this properly. Atom will keep the wolves at bay while I figure it all out.
I’m sure it’ll be fine. He said I can stay in their guest house out the back
and won’t need to get involved with the club. The girls will be safe as there
are other children living there. It’s better than doing this alone so thanks for
the offer but I’ll have to pass.”
As she carries on with her make-up, I say hesitantly, “What about what
happened today? Have you dealt with that yet? What will you tell the
girls?”
Clara shivers. “I can’t think about it yet. I don’t know what I’m going to
tell the girls, I can’t even get my own head around it.”
We are interrupted by a sharp knock and Jet says loudly, “Atom needs to
leave. Sorry Clara, are you ready?”
Clara smiles bravely. “Sure, I’ll be right out.”
As she turns to leave, I press a key in her hand and say softly, “If it gets
too much, this place is yours.”
She smiles with so much gratitude, her eyes fill with tears and she says
softly, “Thank you, Lucy. I will never forget your kindness.”
Stepping forward, I give her a hug and whisper, “Good luck, Clara. I
hope it all works out.”
 She nods through her tears and then she leaves. As I follow her outside, I
see Atom nod with his face devoid of any emotion. A closed book
unwilling to reveal what’s inside. Who knows what will happen to them but
judging by the look in their eyes, it’s a stormy road ahead?
We watch them leave and I say to Jet, “Will she be ok?”
He shrugs. “Physically, yes. The fire will die and the investigation will
show a tragic accident that claimed the life of Michael Santobello. She’ll
get the insurance and go on to live a comfortable life on the proceeds.
Emotionally, she’s a wreck. Atom will provide her with an alibi and say she
was there at his club when the house went up.”
Shaking my head, I say in confusion, “But won’t the investigation reveal
he was shot?”
Jet laughs. “No, it won’t show up anything. Ryder has already sewn this
one up.”
Not for the first time, I wonder about the power these men hold. Jet must
see the look on my face because he grins ruefully.
“It’s not an easy life being a Reaper. We clear up dirty business that
never sees the light of day. The people we deal with are the lowest alive and
think they’re above the law. Everybody has a weakness though and we’re
experts at finding it. Ryder will have sorted this because what’s the point in
dragging this through the press and the courts? One evil villain down and
one innocent woman free to raise her kids within the law. Two further
tainted souls blown to hell sparing many lives their arms were destined to
claim. These are the missions that go unreported. These are the people who
face the toughest court in the land. There is no forgiveness in this court, just
rough justice. Nobody ever finds out because why would it be in their best
interests to learn how corrupt their country really is? We are paid well for
our services and live with our own kind. Don’t worry about the law all the
time you’re a Reaper because you control it.”
Then he winks and says flippantly, “Anyway, you’ll soon see this for
yourself because, honey, tomorrow I’m taking you home to meet the
family.”

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 31
Lucy
Four days is a long time to be squashed behind a man as big as Jet on a
huge powerful bike. It’s a long time to be alone with your thoughts as the
bike eats up the distance in front of us. It’s a hard journey but the best one
of my life. It’s a cleansing experience as I leave my past behind and power
ahead to my future.
The days are spent on the road and the nights are spent exploring every
inch of this amazing man I’m lucky enough to call mine. The journey is
hard but the company more than makes up for it.
As we near our destination, I’m almost sorry this journey is about to end
because I’m not sure how things will change when we get there.
Jet is a Reaper and always will be. Where will I fit into his crazy life and
will his family accept me? The stories I’ve heard scare the hell out of me,
yet excite me at the same time.
Four days is a long time to think but now the time for thinking is over.
We’re here.
Jet turns off the highway, and the scenery starts to change. Civilization
falls behind us as we head through trees and rough ground. He turns off a
dirt track that lies almost hidden among the trees and I see the name of the
place we’re heading. ‘Rubicon.’
I shiver a little inside. ‘The Point of No Return.’
Well, that just about sums it up because I reached that point the minute I
lay eyes on the man in front of me.
The drive in seems endless with not a lot to stare at except trees and
nature. Then we reach a clearing and I look in surprise at the huge building
in front of me. It’s different to what I imagined. Unlike the Darkside
clubhouse this place is all steel and mirrors. It shines among nature like a
rough diamond. It’s oppressive, impressive and takes my breath away with
its beauty.
Jet parks the bike next to what appears to be around fifty others and my
heart starts thumping.
 He turns to look at me and I see the excitement in his eyes. He looks so
happy and I can tell he loves this place and is excited to be home.
He grins wickedly, “Honey, we’re home.”
He laughs as he sees the uncertainty in my eyes. “Don’t worry, darlin’.
They’re gonna love you and once you settle in, I’m guessing you’re gonna
love them right back.”
As we head toward the huge wooden door, he takes my hand and
squeezes it tightly. “Now don’t be intimidated, darlin’. This place is set up
to do its job and not one person in here wishes you harm. You’re my girl
now and they will respect that or suffer the consequences.”
I feel myself shaking as we stop outside the door and I see the sign
hanging above it.
‘Abandon hope all who enter here.’
Jet follows my gaze and laughs. “Welcoming bunch, aren’t we?”
I roll my eyes and take a deep breath as he pushes in some sort of code
to a unit by the door and it unlocks letting us in.
I think the noise hits me first. I’m guessing those fifty bikes out there
count for most of it because the sounds of laughing, jeering and music is
almost too much to take in.
As we enter a room from the passageway, I stare around me with
complete and utter amazement.
The room is absolutely huge. Along one end is a huge bar behind which
a couple of girls feed the frenzied mob. There are pool tables being put to
use and various couches and tables make up the rest of the place, occupied
by people the likes of which I have never seen in my life. The Angels pale
into the shadows compared to the Reapers. Because here they are, in all
their glory. Huge men sit everywhere with a beer in one hand and a woman
in the other. The same tattoo that covers Jet’s back, cover the bodies of
these impressive men. These people are something else and it’s like walking
into a candy factory. I don’t know where to look first as each one of them is
impressive.
The women with them take my breath away. Dressed to seduce and
entice yet with none of the hard edges of your usual whore. The looks on
their faces as they see us approach, have curiosity rather than animosity and
as they see us the family welcome Jet home.
 All around us they call out their welcome. Their tongues may tease but
their looks are warm. Jet laughs beside me and gives back as good as he
gets and then says loudly, “Good to see you, guys. Meet Lucy, soon to
become my old lady.”
The noise is deafening as the bikers call out their congratulations. The
girls look surprised but not angry and I relax a little inside.
One by one they come to congratulate us and when the noise subsides,
Jet whispers, “See, I told you they were a great bunch.”
Fixing him with a hard look, I say roughly, “Since when did I agree to be
your old lady?”
A biker nearby laughs out loud and claps Jet on the back. “I can see why
you want to keep her, man. I’m liking the sound of her the more I hear her
put you in your place.”
Jet just grins and says teasingly, “Darlin’, we both know where this is
heading. Why not just say it how it is and get on with it?”
A woman laughs nearby and turns to me saying, “Honey, you stand your
ground. These guys think they just click their fingers and the women come
running. You hold out for as long as possible because they need a firm
woman to keep their sass in check.”
Jet rolls his eyes and says in a pretend hurt voice. “I thought you were
my friend, Lou. How come you turned against me so quickly?”
Lou laughs and comes over and pretends to hit him around the head and
they hug each other warmly.
“Good to see you, Jet. Now hadn’t you better find Ryder and tell him
you’re back. He’s in the office with Brewer and Snake.”
She turns to me and says warmly. “I’m Lou, honey. Brewer’s old lady.
How about I show you around while Jet squares things with Ryder?”
Jet smiles at her. “Thanks, Lou.”
Then he turns to me and looks a little worried. “You ok with that,
darlin’? Lou will look after you and I won’t be long.”
I smile at him more bravely than I feel. “It’s fine. Do what you have to
and I’ll see you later.”
Jet leans down and kisses me hard and deep. It’s like nobody else is here
as I forget my own mind for a minute. This man just has to raise an eye in
my direction and my body is calling for him. I’m so screwed and so
completely and utterly out of my depth.
Lou says harshly, “For fuck’s sake Jet, put her down and get out of
here.”
As he heads off laughing, she growls, “Fucking bikers.”
Then she turns to me and winks. “Take no notice of me, honey. I love
every last one of them like I do my own family. Come on let’s show you
around.”

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 Jet
It feels odd leaving Lucy with Lou but she’s right; I do need to find
Ryder and fill him in. I must say it feels good to be home. Bringing Lucy
here felt amazing. I can’t wait to introduce her to life at the club and am
impatient to get this next bit over with.
When I reach Ryder’s office, I knock loudly and hear the usual hard
voice of our President. “Come in.”
I see Snake first who comes over and high fives me before pulling me in
for a hard hug. He slaps me on the back and growls, “Good job man, good
to see you home.”
Brewer is next and then I turn to Ryder who sits behind his desk with his
feet up on it as usual. He nods and then slowly makes his way across to me
and I feel his dark eyes penetrating to my soul as he grips my shoulder and
growls, “Good to see you soldier.”
I take a seat and they sit watching me as Ryder says harshly,
“Babysitting turned out harder than you thought then.”
The others laugh as I grin. “So, it would seem. Tyler was right to send
me there; that place was something else.”
Snake grins. “I would’ve loved to see their faces on board that bird when
they realized it was game over.”
Brewer laughs. “Not to mention the person waiting at the other end. I
heard he was mighty pissed that his shipment failed to arrive.”
Ryder nods. “It feels good to bring another one down. You did good, Jet.
Now, tell me about the other problem.”
Snake laughs. “What, the one he left behind, or the one he brought
home?”
The others laugh and I roll my eyes. “Correct on both counts. I’ve left
one of them for the Dark Angels to deal with. I’m pretty sure it’s nothing
they’re not used to handling.”
Ryder nods. “I spoke with Atom this morning and he’s good. The rest of
Santobello’s mob have gone to ground and are probably working out where
they go from here. Atom’s planning on how to deal with things when they
do as well as helping Santobello’s wife get what’s hers. It won’t take long
for the Insurance to pay out because I’ve had a word with one of my
contacts there. He owes me a favor and is keen to pay it back.”
We all laugh and Snake looks interested. “Why, what you got on him?”
Ryder grins. “He’s an old friend from college. I found out he had the
hots for some girl he met there and didn’t know where she went.
Apparently, they had a history and yet she disappeared off the face of the
earth. He was out of his mind looking for her and it was easy for me to
track her down. Turns out she ran away to escape her father who used to
beat her. Well, I paid him a visit and persuaded him to mend his ways and
my contact went to find his girl. They’ve been married for five years now
and have a little family and a nice life. The father, however, picked a fight
with someone who fought back and is currently six feet under in the
cemetery. They’ve never forgotten my help which is why he’s keen to repay
the favor.”
Snake almost looks disappointed and Brewer laughs. “Man, you’re one
sick bastard. You hear a nice story like that and it disappoints you. What did
you want, some sort of sick, twisted revenge or something?”
Snake grins and I shake my head. “What about Michael’s wife? She was
in a bad way when we left. She’s got bad history with Atom and was scared
shitless.”
Ryder shrugs. “They’ll work it out. He knows he’s got a job to do and
will do the right thing. It won’t be easy on either of them but they’ll pull
through one way or the other. She won’t need to worry about killing her
husband because the cops are celebrating her husband’s sudden demise.
They’re not interested in looking any further than they have already.”
He looks at me sharply. “You brought more than your washing home
with you. What’s the story?”
I grin. “What can I say, she wouldn’t let me go, so I said she could tag
along.”
The others laugh as Ryder raises his eyes. “So, what’s the plan?”
I shrug. “Lucy will be my old lady as soon as I can arrange it.”
Snake and Brewer grin as Ryder nods. “Congratulations, do you think
she’ll adapt to life as a Reaper?”
I smile hard. “I’ll let you make up your own mind when you meet her.
Lucy’s no pushover. She’s wild and sassy and takes no shit. I’m pretty sure
she’ll have this place eating out of her hand soon enough because that’s
who she is. Efficient, controlled, tidy and meticulous. She has a good heart
and yet hides behind a smart mouth.”
Ryder laughs softly, “Sounds a lot like Lou, Brewer.”
Brewer whistles. “Man, you sure about this? That’s a whole lot of
trouble ahead if she is.”
We laugh as Ryder stands. “I think it’s time we met our newest addition,
don’t you?”

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 32
Lucy
Lou shows me around and what I see completely blows me away. This
place, like the people, is impressive. It’s modern, clean and yet homey at the
same time.
She shows me the living accommodation where the bikers hang out
during the day when they’re home. There’s a gym, kitchen and even a
swimming pool. Every room is painfully clean with not a speck of dust.
Various rooms litter the place where the occupants can get a little privacy to
either look online or watch TV away from the big bar area I first saw.
Lou is good company and tells me about the people who live here.
We take a tour outside and she points out various impressive looking
houses dotted around outside. “See over there, that’s where Snake and
Bonnie live. Bonnie’s his old lady and responsible for most of the interiors
around here. She goes to college and what she doesn’t know about making a
house a home ain’t worth knowing. Across the way is my house with
Brewer and our son Jack. He’s a tearaway who thankfully goes to school,
giving me some peace and quiet for a short time each day. Rock and lily
live next door. They have twin boys and are the craziest family. Through the
trees are another two houses where Tiny and Flo and Hawk and Ruby live.
They’re older and their kids are teenagers. Most of the single guys have
rooms in the main house. If they take an old lady, we get another house
built. There’s so much land around here it’s no big deal.”
I stare around with fascination as she laughs softly. “It’s a lot to take in
but you’ll get used to it. Jet lives in the main house and I’m pretty sure he’ll
want you with him. If you ever need time out, we have many guest rooms at
your disposal. You know, honey, these men are the best but they can be
quite overpowering. It’s the life they lead that makes them the way they are.
You’ll need the women around here to sound off to from time to time and
we support each other with no questions asked.”
“Do the women have jobs outside of here, Lou?”
 She nods. “Some do but most work around the compound. Those with
kids like to stay home and just help out where they can. If you want to work
you can, end of. Nobody’s controlled here, Lucy. You have your freedom
and can do whatever the hell you want. The guys look after you like a
princess but sometimes you need to step outside this world to keep
grounded.”
Her words settle any doubts I may have had. I know I’m not one to be a
kept woman and my first priority will be to look for a job.
We walk past another impressive house and Lou says airily, “That’s
Ryder and Ashton’s home. They live there with their daughter Cassie with
another on the way.”
I look at the place with interest. “What’s she like, Lou?”
Lou smiles. “Like a ray of sunshine. She brought sunlight into Ryder and
Cassie’s lives and they are the only two people who can bring out the love
from his heart. We thank God every day for sending Ashton here because
life’s a lot easier with her around.”
She smiles. “Let’s see if she’s home.”
We head over to the immaculately kept house and Lou knocks loudly.
I feel a little nervous as I hear footsteps and whisper, “Will she mind us
dropping by?”
Lou laughs. “She’ll be pissed if we don’t.”
As the door opens, I just stare at the incredibly beautiful woman who is
looking at us with so much warmth in her eyes I should be wearing
sunglasses.
She smiles, “Hi Lou,”
Then she turns to me and says happily, “You must be, Lucy. I heard Jet
was bringing you home.”
I smile shyly. “Hi, Ashton. I’ve heard a lot about you and all of it good.”
Ashton laughs and steps aside. “Come on in. It’s a little tidier now Cassie’s
at school but she won’t be long. Jennifer’s gone to fetch her and Imogen,
they’re having a sleepover here so you can just imagine the excitement.”
She rolls her eyes and Lou laughs. “No sleep for you tonight then.”
Ashton grins. “That’s not unusual.”
They laugh and Lou shakes her head. “Man, you sure are an angel.
Cassie’s a handful but nothing compared to her father.”
 I feel my nerves settle as I see the friendship between these two women.
We could be in any neighborhood in the town, it all appears so normal and
domesticated. A far world away from what I expected and I follow them
inside into a light, airy, kitchen.
Ashton sets about making the coffee while Lou and I perch on two stools
at the counter. I look around and notice an impressive kitchen filled with
everything any respectable cook would need and wonder about their lives.
Ashton notices me looking and smiles. “It’s quite a shock seeing all this
for the first time, isn’t it?”
I nod. “Yes, Jet told me what to expect, but he missed out the part that
life seems quite normal here. I suppose I thought it would be different, less
of what it is, really.”
Lou laughs. “Honey, if you think this normal, I dread to think how
you’ve been living.”
Ashton laughs and says softly, “You know, Lucy, we’re all friends here
so any questions you have, just ask. We’re happy to help and if anyone
gives you trouble, including that man of yours, there’s always help at hand.”
Lou interrupts. “The only one that doesn’t apply to is Ashton.”
I look surprised, and she laughs. “If she’s got a problem with her old man
nobody wants to get involved.”
Ashton laughs and I find myself joining in.
It must only be twenty minutes later that the door bangs and I see
Ashton’s eyes light up.
As I spin around, I almost choke on my own air as I see the man heading
into the room. There’s no mistaking who he is... Ryder King.
I suppose I’ve pictured him in my mind given what I’ve heard but that
image doesn’t do this man justice in the slightest. He’s tall, dark and
dangerous and even the air chills when he walks into the room. He brings
with him a sense of power that surrounds him and I barely notice that Jet
follows him before he heads over and drops a light kiss on my head, saying
loudly, “Lucy, darlin’, meet Ryder.”
I feel nervous but stand up and hold out my hand, trying to look
unconcerned but shaking inside like a jelly. “I’m pleased to meet you, Sir.
Um... thank you for everything you’ve done to help me, I am extremely
grateful.”
 He takes my hand in his and shakes it hard. I try not to wince and just
grit my teeth as he says in a hard voice. “It’s our pleasure, darlin’. Nobody
wants to see women treated that way, and it’s just lucky Jet was at a loose
end and able to help out.”
Jet smirks and I roll my eyes.
Ashton laughs and I watch Ryder’s expression change at the sound of it.
His eyes turn to his wife and the look they share would boil water in a
heartbeat.
Lou grins and jumps off her stool. “I guess this means Brewer’s loose
and on the rampage. I’d better head back and try to salvage any damage he
may have caused already.”
Ryder grins as he moves across and pulls Ashton toward him. I
shamefully stare as he lowers his lips to hers and gives her a long, lingering,
kiss.
Jet rolls his eyes and takes my hand. “If it’s ok, Pres, I’m taking Lucy to
settle her in.”
Ryder nods and as we turn to leave says, “Lucy, I hear you’re a good
organizer. Maybe I can throw some work your way if you’re in the market
for a job.”
I look at him with interest. “Of course, what do you have in mind?”
He raises his eyes. “This place generates a lot of paperwork and none in
its proper place. I’ve been meaning to employ a bookkeeper and general
office manager but strangely nobody around here wants the job. What do
you say, could you handle it?”
Nodding, I smile at him with genuine gratitude. “You may regret your
offer, Ryder because I must warn you, I run a tidy ship and if anyone
messes up my work, I’ll take them down.”
They all laugh and Ryder turns to Jet.
“Well, you did warn me I suppose.”
Then he turns back to me and nods firmly. “Then the jobs yours. Feel
free to take down anyone who interferes with that. I’ll look forward to
seeing it.”
As we walk away, there is no more fear in my heart. I walk with the man
I love who lights up my life and provides me with a life worth living. I have
been welcomed into a strangely magnificent family and have been offered
an interesting job. But most of all, I found my soulmate, and it doesn’t get
much better than that.

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 The End

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 Books by Stella Andrews
In the order written
The Highest Bidder
(Logan & Samantha)

Rocked
(Jax & Emily)

Daddy’s Girls
(Ryder & Ashton)

Twisted
(Sam & Kitty)

The Billion Dollar baby

(Tyler & Sydney)

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Sign up to my newsletter and download a preview of my books.

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stellaandrews.com

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 If you are new to The Twisted Reapers you can read on for a preview of
Ryder & Ashton’s story.

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OceanofPDF.com
 1
Ashton

I hear voices. Low, angry whispers filled with an urgency that should fill
me with fear. However, I don’t feel anything but the usual emptiness.
This was supposed to be the answer to everything. Just one evening in
exchange for my freedom. How did I let it go so wrong?
I feel cold all over. From the inside out, I feel the shivers begin. I must
be strong, don’t give into the fear. I just did and look where that got me—in
a whole load of trouble that’s where.
The voices raise slightly and I hear them mention Donahue. It hits me
hard as I picture his face, looking at me with disappointment and something
else I can’t deal with right now.
Shakily, I pull myself up and swing my trembling legs to the side of the
bed. I need to get it together. He will be here soon and can’t see me like
this. My body feels sore and used. It aches all over and the pain is every bit
as physical as it is mental.
So that was what it’s like. Nothing like the books and films. Then again,
there’s no romance when you sell your virginity to the highest bidder. What
did I expect? Not that anyway. Not to be used by more than just one man.
Not to become the plaything of a bunch of powerful men who get off on
ripping the innocence from a young virgin. I didn’t deserve that, not for all
the money in the world.
Once again, I shiver as I reach for my dress. This wasn’t supposed to be
this way.
I hear somebody approaching and stiffen in fear. Not again, please not
again.
The door handle turns and my heart thumps. I swallow hard and prepare
for more. Silently I pray, please no more.
I look down as he comes into the room. I close my eyes as if it will make
him go away. If I can’t see him, he can’t see me. Isn’t that what we believe
as children? But I am no child and this is no fairy story. This is real life,
brutal, hard and unrelenting. My life in every way.
I sense him approach the bed and stand there nervously. Now he is
unsure, unlike before when he was sure of only one thing. Claiming my
virginity while his friends watched and held me down. Then he tossed me to
the pack like a used carcass. I hate him; I hate them!
He clears his throat.
“Get dressed, we’ve sent for Donahue. He’ll be here soon and then you
can go.”
I nod, still looking down. I never want to see his face again.
He is silent and then says softly.
“You knew what would happen. You signed a contract and there was no
going back.”
I just nod, saying nothing. I want him to leave, he disgusts me in every
way. They all do and not just the five men that paid for my soul. I am just a
prize, a bargaining chip for men to use and abuse as they see fit. How did
my life end up this way?
He clears his throat.
“You know, you can never speak of what happened here—it’s for your
own safety. Promise me that at least.”
What does he mean—at least? I owe them nothing. Yes, I signed a
contract, but surely if you change your mind it should count? Obviously
not.
I nod and shiver as he drops to his knees before me. I recoil as he
reaches out and tilts my face to his.
He says forcefully. “Look at me.”
Taking a deep breath, I open my eyes and look into the ones of the man I
despise almost more than another. He is wearing a hard expression, and the
fear grips me.
He says darkly. “I mean it, honey. You speak one word of what happened
here to anyone and you won’t live to tell another. There are consequences of
playing with the big boys and you need to know what they are.”
He grips my face hard and I feel him hurting me again. I look at him
with terror in my eyes and just nod.
 He releases me and then traces a light trail down my cheeks towards my
body. His touch sends feelings of revulsion through me as he brands my
body with hate and disgust. He carries on touching me and I shiver inside.
He says huskily, “You are so beautiful, Ashton. What man wouldn’t want to
own this beautiful body? Your innocence is like the temptation of Eve to
Adam and there is no man who could resist such a prize. I wish you would
reconsider. I would treat you well and protect you as only I can. Your life
would be filled with riches and you would want for nothing. Think about it
because it’s not too late to change your mind. You could have it all, honey.”
He touches my breast and caresses it reverently. I hear his breathing
change as he leans closer and my heart beats so fast I can hear it. Oh, please
no, not again.
Then we hear voices outside and he pulls away. The moment is gone,
and he says harshly. “Get dressed, he’s here.”
As he makes to leave, he stops and turns to face me.
“If you change your mind, you know where we are. You were every bit
as delicious as I knew you would be. You’ve earned your freedom, Ashton.
Just don’t screw it up.”
He leaves the room and the blood pounds in my head. ‘I have earned my
freedom.’ How little he knows. I will never be free. I have already screwed
it up and now it’s up to Donahue to sort it out—again.

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 2

As I slip my dress over my head the door opens. I look down. I can’t see
his face. I’m not strong enough.
I feel him approach the bed and squeeze my eyes tightly shut. The tears
are trapped behind my closed lids but I feel them find a gap and trickle
down my cheeks. He doesn’t need this; I have to be strong.
Like Todd, he crouches before me and then I’m pulled towards him. I
bury my face in his chest and his arms fold around me. I battle hard but it’s
a battle soon lost as the sobs wrack my body. He says nothing and just holds
me as I let it all out. I am damaged in more ways than one and he is left to
pick up the pieces – again.
I don’t want him to let me go. He holds me and keeps me safe. Like he
has always done. He didn’t want this and begged me not to do it. I pleaded
with him and wore him down until he finally relented. I have no one to
blame but myself. This is my mess and my cross to bear.
He says nothing and continues to hold me. I am scared to see his eyes.
They will be my undoing and I’m not ready to face the consequences just
yet. However, we have no time for this and he gently pulls me back. I gulp
for air as he wipes the tears from my face and says gently.
“Come. I’ll take care of you. Let’s get you out of here. The rest we will
deal with tomorrow.”
As I look up into his eyes, I catch my breath. They are the hardest gray
and pierce my heart with the steel flashing from them. His face is set in
stone but I see the hurt within. He is angry, disappointed and broken. I knew
he would be which is why I protected myself from seeing it.
I allow him to pull me up gently and will my legs to work. He’s right, we
need to get as far away from here as possible. There will be time to deal
with the repercussions of what happened. Now is not that time.
I take his hand and it closes around mine, hard, safe and comforting. He
is my protector and my only friend. The one person I can rely on in life and
the only man in my world who I love and trust. He is my rock and the man I
will never leave. He is my brother.
 The hallway is empty and the silence deafening. We walk out of that
house with no words spoken. I never want to see this place again. What
happened here will haunt me for a lifetime. There is no changing it and now
I will have to learn how to live with what I did. I sold my innocence for
freedom. I needed the money to get away and start again. How naïve was I?
I will never be free. He will find me and I will be imprisoned for life. There
is no parole on death row and that is where I’m heading. The only way out
of my future is death. I hope that Donahue has a get out of hell card because
once again, he is my only hope.

The morning comes and with it the brutal reality of my situation. I wake
up in the spare room of my brother’s apartment and know we don’t have
long. I should be somewhere else and it won’t take long for the dogs to be
on my trail. What happened last night will have to be shut inside that box in
my head along with the rest of the bad memories. Maybe one day I will feel
strong enough to unlock it and deal with what’s inside—but not now. I need
to be strong.
I quickly dress and head off to find my brother. I know he won’t have
slept. He will have found a solution, I know it. It’s what he does. Like me,
he has had to find a way to cope with the life we lead. This business of his
is secret and only known to a select few. If it ever came out, he would be
screwed. We need to work together and whatever he decides will be fine
with me. I trust him and know that he has my best interests at heart. He is
the only one that ever has.
I hear his voice as I enter the room. He’s on the phone and silences me
with a raised hand as I enter. He looks worried and disheveled. His eyes are
tired, speaking of a night without sleep and I feel guilty at what I’ve put
him through.
He hangs up and smiles reassuringly.
“Did you get any sleep, Angel?”
I nod and he smiles softly.
“Help yourself to coffee and breakfast. We don’t have long.”
My heart starts hammering in my chest and I say falteringly.
“Have you sorted it?”
 The look he throws me fills me with fear. He nods and looks at me with
an anguished expression.
“I have. Like I said, we don’t have long. Eat up and grab your things.
We’ll talk on the way.”
I try to eat but it tastes like sawdust in my mouth. The feeling of
apprehension grows as I wonder what’s in store. I know he will do what’s
best for me but I also know we have few options. I could be jumping right
back into the fire.

In less than an hour we are heading off to god only knows where. There
is silence in the car and the atmosphere is heavy with unspoken words. I
feel nervous and almost don’t want to know where I’m going but curiosity
wins and I say hesitantly, “Is it far?”
I notice his hands grip the wheel tighter and my stomach tightens. I
know my brother and something is setting him on edge and the signs don’t
look good.
“No, it’s not far. About thirty minutes out of town.”
His answer surprises me.
“Oh, I thought we would be going somewhere far away. I don’t know,
even another country. Won’t this be the first place they look?”
He shakes his head and appears to consider his reply.
“Ash, honey. Sometimes when you’re caught up in a storm the safest
place is in the eye of it. Where we are heading is the best place for you.”
I feel confused and wait for him to elaborate.
Sighing, he reaches out and grips my hand, squeezing it reassuringly.
“Where we are going is not for the faint hearted. The person, sorry,
people who will protect you are the best in the business. I happen to owe
them a favor and you may not think it but this works out well for all of us.
The man who we are going to see has a daughter. She needs a Nanny, and
he wants someone who is well educated, kind and competent. You will look
after her and in return they look after you. Hopefully, it won’t be long
before I can make this situation right. I wouldn’t put you there if I didn’t
think it the best place for you. Do you trust me, Ash?”
I squeeze his hand. “With my life, Ty.”
 My fear dissipates a little on hearing his words. Looking after a kid will
be fine. I mean, how hard could it be. Tyler’s right, this sounds perfect.

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 3

As he said, in less than thirty minutes he pulls off the road down a dirt
track. It appears to go on forever and the only sight is of trees, stretching
endlessly in front of me. We pull in through some large, heavy gates and I
note the name above them.
Rubicon.
My heart beats a little faster and I swallow hard. Rubicon - The Point of
No Return.
I whisper, “What is this place?”
Tyler answers with a hard voice.
“To the outside world it’s an MC Club. They are feared and avoided as a
result. Nobody comes here willingly and for the most part, they are left
alone.”
My mouth goes dry and I lick my lips nervously.
“Why are they feared?”
Tyler laughs hollowly.
“Because they are the untouchables. They deal in things most normal
people would never dream of. Even the Devil would crave a look inside
their little black book and they have more dirt on the high powered than a
shit factory. They know things that would make Washington burn. Most of
them are ex-military and the place is run as such. These men are hard and
crude and there are no manners or pleasantries. They are known locally as
the Twisted Reapers and as their name suggests, they deal with their
problems in a despicable way. If anybody seeks out the Reapers, they end
up regretting it.”
I fall silent. Bikers. I’ve heard of such clubs and feel the fear grip me.
This is well out of my league. How on earth will I survive living among
them?
We pull up outside a large barn. Motorbikes litter the yard and my heart
hammers in my chest. This is not what I expected. Tyler takes my hand and
looks at me reassuringly. “Trust me, Ash. These men may be rough but they
won’t hurt you. I wouldn’t place you in danger, you know that.”
 Nodding, I follow him to the great doors. I look up and see another sign
which makes my heart race.

‘Abandon hope all who enter here!’

I sigh to myself. I abandoned all hope years ago. Tyler is right, this is
better than the alternative and whatever lies within these walls can be
nowhere near as bad as what’s waiting for me at home.
Tyler knocks loudly on the door and the sound travels around the yard. I
start to shiver but it’s not from the cold. This is it, my fate awaits me and I
try to stop myself running back to the safety of the car. I need to be strong
to see this through. It’s fine, Tyler will have thought of everything.
The door opens and my heart hammers in my chest. The man who stands
there is huge in every way. His head is shaved and a tattoo of a cobra runs
from his neck to his wrist. He has muscles on muscles and his vest does
little to cover them. I look into his dark, glittering eyes and see the interest
spark in them. A lazy smile breaks out across his face and he turns to Tyler.
“He’s expecting you. Follow me.”
My heart beats so loudly I think they could hear it back home. This place
is scary in every way.
We are led to a large room that’s crowded with people. Bikers litter the
area and surround what appears to be a large bar. Some are sitting at tables
playing cards and others on couches with scantily clad women all over
them. A few are stood around a huge pool table and some are watching the
game on possibly the largest television I’ve ever seen.
As we walk, I feel the stares. I must stand out like a neon beacon in a
dark sky. I’m wearing a smart skirt and a shirt with a well-cut jacket. I look
like I’m heading for a job interview and I suppose I am. My blonde hair is
pulled neatly behind me and my heels click on the tiled floor. To say I look
completely out of place is an understatement, and I feel exposed as I absorb
the stares that follow me inside. The silence is tangible and all eyes are
focused on us as we follow snake arm to a man seated at the end of the
room.
As we draw near my breath hitches as I see him. He watches our
approach with a hooded expression and I can’t take my eyes off him. I have
never seen such a man in my life. His hair is black as the night and his eyes
even darker. His muscles strain against the vest he is wearing which makes
my heart flutter. He is wearing combats and watches us approach with a
predatory gaze. I feel stripped to the bone by that look. He commands
attention and draws you in. The world fades away as he becomes the only
thing in it. My attention is on him 100% and he steals the breath from my
body.
A woman sits at his feet and stares at me with hate pouring from her
eyes. She is beautiful and her hard stare unnerves me. I watch as she grips
his leg in ownership and flashes me a warning from her icy gaze. I try not to
stare but I can’t help it. These people are beautiful, magnificent and
powerful. They captivate me and I have never seen anything like them in
my life.
The man looks at us with a closed, hard expression and then stands up
and approaches. He shakes off the girl at his feet with no regard and walks
towards us.
As he stands before me I feel his interest. His gaze rakes me from head
to toe and leaves me panting inside. What is happening here? He turns to
Tyler and fixes him with a hard look.
“Does she know what’s involved?”
Tyler nods. “Yes.”
He swings his gaze back to me and smiles. I think I must openly stare at
him because I see the amusement in his eyes. He looks me up and down and
nods in approval.
“Yes, she will do just fine.”
Then he snaps.
“Snake, get Bonnie.”
The large man moves off and we all stand silently. I feel uncomfortable
as every pair of eyes in the place appear to be trained on me. I feel exposed
and stripped bare and want nothing more than to high tail it out of here.
Tyler stands beside me expressionless and unemotional. He has his business
hat on and is as far removed from me now as he will be later. No words are
spoken as we wait for Bonnie.
Then she arrives and stands next to the man who has captivated me in
the most dangerous of ways. He looks at me with interest and then speaks
without tearing his eyes from mine.
“Take her and settle her in. We have business to discuss.”
I feel the panic set in. This is it. My Rubicon. I don’t want to leave Tyler
but know I must. I look over at him nervously and his eyes reassure me.
“Go with her, Ashton. I won’t leave without saying goodbye.”
Swallowing hard, I turn to face a pretty redhead who is looking at me
kindly.
“Come on, honey. I’ll show you around.”
I am grateful for the kindness and smile at her nervously. She starts to
head off and I follow her on shaky legs. This is it, there’s no going back
now.

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 4
Ryder

I watched her walk towards me and was blown away. She looked so
small, so vulnerable and so damned sexy my cock stood to attention. As I
watched her, I sensed every cock in the room stand to attention and point
towards her. She is something else and looks completely out of place here
in this den of vice. She walks like an Angel in the raging fires of Hell. She
is perfect, for Cassie and for me. Now everything has changed, they just
don’t know it yet.
I call for Bonnie to remove her from my sight. I can’t think straight with
her around. As she walks from the room, it takes everything in me not to
claim her now. She won’t be safe here until I do. She needs removing from
the situation while I attend to the business of making her mine. Like I said,
the game has now changed and Donahue is about to find out what that
means.
Once she's gone, I can breathe again. I turn to Kitty who is hanging on
my leg as usual.
“Get us some beers.”
She scurries off like the good little whore she is and I nod towards a
nearby table.
“Sit, we will discuss the terms.”
Donahue takes his seat and I look at him and laugh.
“You’re one sick bastard, Donahue.”
He just shrugs.
“I did what I had to do. You needed a nanny, and she needed protection.”
I fix him with a dark look.
“You think she will be protected looking like that?”
I see the panic enter his eyes and he hisses. “You promised no harm
would come to her.”
 I lean back as Kitty places the beers before us. She drapes her arms
around my neck and I push her away irritably. “Leave us.”
She turns away and I don’t miss the fear in her eyes. Even Kitty knows
and there is nothing she can do about it.
I fix him with a hard look.
“Well, the situation has now changed.”
Donahue looks worried. “What do you mean?”
I smile darkly. “I no longer need a nanny.”
I watch as he struggles to comprehend what I’m saying.
He stutters, “But that’s what we agreed. What’s changed?”
I smile wickedly. “What’s changed is the fact that you have brought
an Angel to Hell. There is probably not a man in this room that doesn’t want
to fuck her senseless and so the game has changed. The only way I can
protect my investment is if she remains here on new terms.”
He looks worried.
“What terms?”
I grin. “Like I said, I no longer need a nanny, I need a wife.”
The room goes silent and I hear Kitty suck in her breath. She says in a
broken voice. “No, you can’t.”
I ignore her as my men start to laugh. Snake growls, “You fucking
bastard.”
The others join in and I grin at them. Yes, this is the best way for all
involved. As my old lady, Ashton will be safe and nobody would even dare
go there. My princess gets her dream mommy and I get to play with the
embodiment of every wet dream I have ever had in my life. Ashton gets her
protection and gets her off the hook from her problem. Yes, this is the best
for everyone concerned.
Donahue looks worried.
“She won’t agree.”
I shrug. “Then you can leave. It’s that or nothing. Snake will take you to
find her and it’s up to you to convince her it’s in her best interests. If she
can’t see that then good day to you both.”
I nod towards Snake.
 “Take him to the girl. When they’re done come and find me.”
As I watch them leave the room, I feel pleased with how the day is
unfolding. Cassie will have her dream come true with this one. As I think of
my little princess my heart fills with love. My angel and the only one I love.
A little five-year-old bundle of innocence and beauty that is my world.
Nothing is too good for her and I will pluck the stars from the sky just to
see a smile on her lips. She needs the best, and that’s Mary fucking Poppins
as far as I’m concerned. I want her to have the best start in life and tread a
very different path to the one she is on. She will have everything I can get
for her and now is the time. She’s about to start school and I want her to fit
in. She needs an apple pie mom and to be accepted by her peers. The child
of a hard biker living in an MC club is not what she needs.
No, when my little darlin’ starts school, she will have it all. Ashton is
about to make my little princess’s dreams come true.
Brewer comes and sits next to me and laughs softly.
“You’re one evil fucker, Ryder.”
I smile with satisfaction.
“Maybe I am. You’ve seen her though. How long would she last if she
wasn’t my old lady? You know the guys, she wouldn’t last the day. Cassie
gets her mom, and the girl stays safe. She will thank me for it.”
He grins. “And what do you get out of it?”
I laugh softly. “The hottest wife this side of Hell. Life is just about to get
interesting.”

Ashton

I like Bonnie. She is open and friendly and I warm to her immediately. I
follow her through a hallway and up some stairs at the end. She looks at me
with interest. “You know, you sure are different from what I thought you’d
be. When Ryder said he was getting a nanny for Cassie, I thought you’d be
some old dear wearing a uniform or something. Cassie’s gonna be stoked
when she sees you.”
 I look at her with interest. “Tell me about Cassie.”
Bonnie’s eyes light up, and she smiles sweetly.
“She’s adorable. I love the little angel like my own - we all do. Don’t get
me wrong, she’s a wild little five-year-old bundle of naughtiness. But she
has this way about her that you forgive everything.”
I smile. “What happened to her mom?”
Bonnie looks down and I watch the shutters closing in. “She was a
whore. We all liked her, she was pretty and sweet but had a hard edge. From
the moment she met Ryder she wanted him for herself. Gradually she
wormed her way into being his number one and trapped him by becoming
pregnant.”
My heart tightens at the mention of Ryder. For some reason, I don’t like
thinking of him with these women. Why?
She carries on. “When she fell pregnant, Ryder was angry. I’ve never
seen him so angry and it was a dark time. Sara didn’t get her man she just
got a kid. She wasn’t allowed to leave because as soon as that little baby
was born Ryder was smitten forever. Cassie is his world and the only light
in it. He will kill for her and let nothing harm her in any way.”
My heart thumps as I ask the question that I dread the answer to.
“What happened to Sara?”
Bonnie shrugs.
“She started drinking heavily. If Ryder didn’t want her, then there were
plenty of others who did. She was a beautiful woman and had her pick. Her
life was spent caring for her baby and screwing every club member she
could. She wanted to make Ryder jealous, but he didn’t care. One night she
went out and never came back.”
I hold my breath as she looks at me with a sad expression.
“She was found dead in a ditch off the Highway. It turned out she went
to a bar in town and hit on a couple of guys there. She left with them and
they turned out to be murdering bastards. The police came and Ryder had to
identify the body. It broke him, Ashton. He felt responsible for driving her
away and not looking after her. He didn’t want her but felt responsible for
her as Cassie’s mom. Now he had to explain to his baby why her mommy
wasn’t coming home. He blamed himself and has never gotten over it.
Cassie gets the best he can get for her as he tries to make up for the lack of
a mom in her life. I’m not surprised he wanted a nanny for her. This life is
not what he wants for his princess. He fears she’ll turn out like her mother
and will do everything he can to stop that happening.”
She looks at me with a worried expression.
“Just a word of advice, honey. Treat Cassie right and you won’t go far
wrong. She wins every time and there’s more than just her father looking
out for her. That little girl has the family from Hell and I pity anyone who
casts a shadow in her eyes.”
We arrive at a room at the end of the hall and she smiles.
“Anyway, pep talk over. You’ll be fine. This is your room where you can
get away from it all. I expect it won’t be for long though.”
I look surprised.
“Why not?”
She laughs softly. “Ryder and Cassie have a house out the back. I expect
you’ll move in with them. After all, Ryder wants the American dream for
his little girl and I imagine that involves you. For now, though, this is your
space and nobody will bother you here.”
She throws open the door and I take in the sight of a fairly large room,
tastefully furnished and looking surprisingly pretty and modern. She laughs.
“Not what you expected?”
Shaking my head, I wander in and look around me.
“No, not at all. This room has a woman’s touch that’s for sure.”
Bonnie giggles. “You’re welcome.”
I turn to her and smile happily.
“You did this?”
She nods excitedly. “I’m quite into interior design. I go to college to
study it and the guys let me practice here.”
I look at her with interest. “What brings you here, Bonnie? What’s your
story?”
She winks. “Fell in love with that beast Snake. He made me his old lady,
and I never left. He may seem rough and scary but he’s a teddy bear under it
all. We live here and I love it. The guys are great and when you’re
someone’s old lady, they leave you alone. If not, then you have your work
cut out for you. You may want to spend a lot of time in this room, Ashton
because there’s probably not a biker down there that doesn’t have their eye
on you.”
I look at her nervously.
“I’ll be safe though, right?”
She winks. “Can’t promise you that but you’ll have fun.”
I sink onto the comfortable bed feeling very worried. Oh no, not again. I
can’t allow myself to be used again, I can’t deal with that.
Bonnie looks worried and comes to sit beside me. “What’s the matter,
honey?”
I shake my head and whisper. “I can’t tell you, Bonnie. I’m not sure I
can stay here either. If any of those men touch me, I can’t allow it. Please
tell me they won’t.”
She looks concerned and puts her arm around me.
“Hey, you’re shaking. What’s the matter? Did something happen to
you?”
Before I can answer there’s a sharp knock on the door.
As Bonnie opens it my heart lurches as I see Snake and Tyler enter the
room. From the look on Tyler’s face, I am not going to like what I’m about
to hear.

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 5
Ashton

Snake calls Bonnie away and leaves me with Tyler. His look sends panic
shooting through me and I lick my dry lips nervously.
“What’s happened, Ty?”
He moves across and sits next to me on the bed and takes my hand in
his, squeezing it gently.
“Things have changed. Ryder wants to renegotiate the contract.”
I swallow—hard.
He speaks in a low, solemn voice.
“He can’t guarantee your safety under the current terms. He feels that
looking like you do it will be too much of a temptation to his men. The only
way he can keep you safe is if you agree to be his wife.”
To say I’m shocked is putting it mildly. His wife!
I start to shake.
“No, please don’t make me, Ty. I can’t marry him, why would he even
want me to?”
He looks at me with devastation in his eyes.
“He’s right, Ash. These guys are used to taking what they want, when
they want. They hit on girls and wear them down. You saw the women out
there. They are here to serve a purpose and any female within these walls
that isn’t tied to one man is fair game. Ryder knows this and wants to
protect his investment as he put it.”
I shake my head, trying to take it in. His investment!
Tyler smiles ruefully.
“You know, this could work out well for everyone.”
I look at him in horror.
“You’re not seriously thinking this is a good idea.”
He nods.
 “My first thought was to grab you and run. Now, however, I think he has
a point. As his old lady, as they call them, you will be respected. Nobody
will approach you and you’ll be safe. Ryder just wants a mom for his
daughter and wants her to have the family life she deserves. If you are
married already, then you can’t marry another. Do you get what I’m
saying?”
I fall silent. I shiver inside as I think about the man I am to marry. Not
Ryder, the other one.
I shake my head. “You’re wrong if you think that will count, Ty. You
know as well as I do that if they want me to marry Marshall, I will and
nothing will get in the way. Even if I’m already married, they will make it
go away. They won’t care about the Twisted Reapers. It’s why I ran in the
first place. There’s no getting away from what they have in store for me,
daddy wouldn’t allow it. Marshall Emmerson is my future according to him
and I don’t get a say in it.”
Tyler is silent and I know he understands. Our father made a deal with
his business associate and friend Marshall Emmerson to make me his bride.
As soon as I graduated, I was to be shipped off to him. The fact he’s my
father’s age doesn’t count. Daddy made a business agreement with him
years ago. His virgin daughter for a lucrative contract. That contract
brought in billions of dollars and my feelings no longer counted. The two
families were to merge, and I didn’t get a choice. The fact that Marshall is
the obscenest man I have ever met makes it all the harder. Just thinking of
him sends me into a panic attack. I had to run, the thought of a future with
him was too much to bear.
Tyler looks at me sympathetically.
“You’re wrong about the Reapers.”
I look confused. “In what way?”
He shakes his head.
“I told you, they are the untouchables. If anyone comes calling, they
regret it. Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire. What you have to
decide is which of the two is the lesser evil. Not much of a choice but a
choice none the less. It’s up to you, Ashton. Your future is in your hands.”
Ryder
 Snake and Bonnie head back to the bar and immediately I see that
Bonnie is troubled. I raise my eyes as she approaches, and she shakes her
head.
“Something’s wrong there, Ryder. The girl is scared shitless about
something.”
I fix her with a hard look.
“Tell me.”
She shrugs. “I told her to expect to get hit on by the guys and she started
trembling. The panic in her eyes said it all. That girl has been hurt and not
in a good way. She’s vulnerable and frightened, this may not be the place
for her to heal.”
I look at Snake who shrugs. “What are you gonna do?”
I shake my head. “What I said, I’m gonna make her my old lady and
Cassie’s mom.”
Bonnie shakes her head. “She won’t agree to it, I saw it in her eyes. That
girl has issues and I’m not sure this is where she should be. Let her go, get
someone without any baggage, for Cassie’s sake.”
I look at her angrily. She’s wrong. This is the best place for that girl but
she doesn’t know it yet. I growl.
“Send her to my office—alone.”
Snake shoots a warning look to Bonnie who just turns on her heel
without a word. As she goes to get Ashton, Snake whispers.
“You sure about this boss?”
I nod. “Never been surer of anything in my life. I’ll find out what’s
bothering her and then we will deal with it as only we can. Nothing is
gonna get in the way of Cassie’s future. You can count on that.”
Snake grins and I watch his eyes glitter dangerously. I laugh to myself.
Snake loves what we do more than most. He’s my right-hand man and I
trust him with my life. We were crewed together on many missions in the
SEALS. We’ve done things that would make grown men cry and destroy
them forever. The fact we continue to enjoy that little hobby is an added
bonus for us both. Nothing gets past us and whatever problem that little
darlin’ has is soon to be mine. They won’t like how I deal with my
problems. I’m right, she’s come to the safest place for her – next to me.
I wait for her in my office. Now I just need to persuade her to stay.

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 6
Ashton

Bonnie escorts us to Ryder’s office and I feel nervous and apprehensive.

Just the brief moment I met him messed with my mind. I have never met
anyone like him in my life. He sets me on edge and I’m not sure why.
She leads us down a passage where we see Snake waiting outside a door
at the end. He holds up his hand.
“Only the girl, you’ll have to wait in the bar.”
Tyler shakes his head.
“No, I’m going in with her.”
Snake looks at him with a menacing look.
“I said, just the girl.”
Tyler looks angry and I look at him with what I hope is a confident look.
“It’s ok, Ty. I’m fine. Wait for me in the bar as they said.”
I can’t bear the hurt in his eyes as he struggles to deal with the situation
we now find ourselves in. This is all my fault, and it’s up to me to deal with
the fallout. I smile shakily. “Honestly, it’s fine. I won’t be long.”
Bonnie smiles at him sympathetically and nods towards the bar.
“Come on, honey. I’ll fix you a large one.”
I watch them head off and try to stem the nerves that have taken hold. I
can do this, it’s just one man. I’ll be fine.
Snake is looking at me with interest and I clear my throat.
“I’m ready.”
He flashes me a dark look and holds open the door. As soon as I step one
foot in the room, it slams shut behind me.
For a moment I just stand and stare. There he is, every bit as dangerous
as I first thought. Why does he affect me this way?
 He watches me, silently staring and his face devoid of any emotion or
expression. My heart hammers in my chest as I try to remain cold and aloof.
He nods towards a chair in front of a desk, filled with papers and files. I
try to walk steadily but feel my legs wobbling beneath me. He watches me
intently and I try to look composed when I feel anything but. This man has
such a power that surrounds him. He is menacing, forbidding and hard and
so damn sexy it makes my heart pant.
As I sit, I look anywhere but at him. I can’t because if I look into those
eyes I would be undone.
The silence is choking me. The atmosphere is intense and suffocating.
No words are spoken, they aren’t necessary. We both know he will get what
he wants. It’s an understanding lying heavy on the air that separates us.
There is something about him that draws me close and wraps me up in the
ever after. Is he my destiny? I know he is.
Then he speaks softly.
“Tell me what’s bothering you.”
I swallow and my heart races.
“I can’t.”
Once again there is silence. He moves and comes around to my side of
the desk, perching on the edge in front of me.
“I said, tell me what’s wrong.”
I shake my head and he leans down and takes my chin in his hand and
lifts it to face him. His eyes bore deep into my soul and I see the gentleness
mixed with curiosity. He considers me for a moment and I try to shake off
the feeling of his hands on me. It’s like an electric current that starts my
heart beating once more. He raises his eyes.
“I know why you’re here, Ashton. I know about your marriage and what
you did to escape it. I know that you must have been desperate to agree to
what you did. I don’t judge and I don’t feel. You did something brave that
most girls would lack the courage to see through. What I don’t know is why
you find it so hard to move on.”
The tears fill my eyes as he speaks. He knows. He knows what sort of
person I am. Weak, foolish and desperate. Not the person best placed to care
for a child.
 He continues to hold my face and I try to distance myself from his touch.
I can’t think straight with his hands on me.
The tears escape and my lip trembles. I shake my head and pull away,
saying softly.
“You’re wrong about me.”
He doesn’t speak and I turn away.
“I’m not brave. I’m weak, foolish and easily led. All of my life I have
been told to be something I’m not. I have tried to live up to my father’s
expectations and become the perfect daughter he demands. He rules my life
and dictates my future. My childhood was full of luxury laced with
oppression. What daddy wants daddy gets. I have lived in his shadow all
my life. My friends were chosen for me and my interests dictated. Strictly
no boys allowed and schooled with girls. My future was to be the same. I
was to be passed from one domineering man to another. The Virgin
sacrifice that sealed a lucrative deal. I had no say in what was to happen, it
was expected. The only way out was to run. I needed enough money to start
again. I wanted to run to a place he would never find me. I wanted to take
control of my life starting with my virginity. It was mine to give away not
his. For once I rebelled against him. I would give away the prize that wasn’t
his to give. I didn’t know that it would prove so hard.”
I look to the floor and do everything in my power to drive the memory of
last night from my mind. It’s too raw, an open wound with no time to heal.
I’m not strong enough to deal with the consequences of my actions. I am
broken.
He says in a hard voice.
“What else?”
I gulp for air. How does he know I’m holding it back? He sees inside my
soul. Maybe he’s the Devil, it certainly feels that way.
I shrug. “Don’t you see. I failed at that as I failed at everything else. I
couldn’t go through with it even with what it promised me. I wasn’t strong
enough for that or to fight back. I can’t be that victim anymore. If I stayed it
would happen all over again. I would be passed from one man to another
and powerless to defend myself. I’m not sure what the answer is but I have
nowhere safe to go. Tyler can’t protect me forever. He’s as much a pawn in
our father’s games as I am. If he knew about Tyler’s alter ego, he would end
up destroying him. We both did what we had to do to escape. The trouble is,
I'm starting to realize there is none.”
I feel him approaching and shrink back in fear. He stands before me and
fixes me with a hard look.
“Then let me tell you how it’s gonna be.”
I look at him startled, and he fixes me with a hard gaze.
“This job is your best option. I want you as my wife for your own
protection. My baby needs a mom and what she needs she gets. If you
stayed here as the hired help you would be hit on by every cock sucking
bastard out there. As my old lady, you will be safe to look after my Angel
with no distractions. You will be my wife so can’t marry another. If they
come for you, they will regret it. Your past is behind you and this is your
future. I promise you will be safe and want for nothing. If you decide to
leave at any time, you can go. Just don’t break my baby’s heart in the
process. You play the perfect mom and I’ll play the protector. It’s your call,
darlin’.”
My heart beats faster. I feel unsure and yet for the first time in my life, I
feel hope. Then I realize what being his wife could mean and I stutter,
“What about… um… you? You don’t expect me to… um… be a wife to
you in every way.”
I watch his eyes flash and a wicked grin breaks out across his face.
He leans towards me and whispers, “I want a wife in every way but one.
I’m not interested in forcing myself on an unwilling woman, that ain’t my
style. I have whores who are more than happy to look after my needs.
However, when you are ready, you will come to me. We both know it, I
know you feel it too.”
Grabbing my head, he pulls my face within inches of his and says softly.
“You will beg for it, darlin’ and then I’ll know you’re mine. Until then you
are safe, however that part of our deal needs to be only ours to know.”
My legs weaken as I feel him so close. He is overpowering my senses
and I can’t think straight. I say huskily, “What do you mean?”
He pulls away and I feel the loss.
“Those men need to think you’re mine in every way. In public, we need
to keep up the appearance of a loving couple. In private you’re on your
own. Like I said, I’m only interested in willing women and you my darlin’
aren’t ready for me… yet.”
I sink back in my seat and try to make sense of everything I’ve heard. He
leaves me be for a few moments and then says softly.
“Do we have an agreement?”
I raise my eyes to his and stare at him with a determined look.
“On one condition.”
He looks interested. “Which is?”
I pull myself up and say as bravely as I can.
“You teach me how to fight. I want to learn how to protect myself.”
He grins and then laughs softly.
“It’ll be my pleasure, darlin’.”
He holds out his hand.
“Deal.”
I take his hand in mine and smile weakly.
“Deal.”

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 7
Ashton

“Are you ok with this, Ashton? You know, you can change your mind if
you want, it’s not too late.”
I feel the nerves bubbling up inside me and look at Tyler with pure terror
in my eyes. I try to be brave. Ryder was right, this is the best solution all
round. I didn’t think it would be so quick though.
As soon as I agreed he swung into action. He sent for someone called
Judge who turned out to be just as his name suggests. Within the hour it was
all arranged and now I’m standing next to Tyler holding a small bunch of
flowers that Bonnie thrust into my hand.
She smiles at me happily.
“You look lovely, honey. Ryder is one lucky son of a bitch.”
I smile shakily and try to stop my teeth from chattering. Bonnie whisked
me away and proceeded to make me the bride I should be. From out of
nowhere, she produced a beautiful white dress that falls to the floor in a
cascade of silk and lace. She styled my hair and made up my face so even I
didn’t recognize myself.
I questioned the need for such speed and she smiled and rolled her eyes.
She told me that it had to be this way. I wouldn’t be safe until Ryder had
claimed me.
Tyler is quiet beside me and I worry about him. He feels responsible and
has the look of a man in torment. Reaching for his hand I squeeze it tightly.
“It’s ok, Ty. I want this. Ryder told me I’d be looked after and there’s
nothing to worry about. It’s for the best.”
He nods bitterly, then before he can say another word, we are called for.
As we walk into the bar, I see the whole club watching us with curiosity.
I feel the stares. The men look at me with hunger and the women with looks
of pure hatred. Ryder King is King around here as his name suggests. He’s
the President and top dog and to be his old lady is the highest prize a girl
can get. To them, I have walked in and stolen it away. Of course, they hate
me.
I walk holding onto Tyler’s arm with Bonnie behind me. I see Snake and
Ryder standing watching and my heart skips a little as I see him staring. His
expression is closed but I see it in his eyes. The hunger, the passion, the
ownership. I’m like a lamb to the slaughter and once again I have given
myself away lightly. Will I ever learn?
We draw near and he briefly smiles and pulls me to his side. Tyler
stiffens beside me and I pray to God this is over quickly. I need to sort this
once and for all. This is my escape, not a great one but the best on offer. I
will make this work for me, not him.
As we say our vows in front of the officiator, I mean every word. Well,
almost. Trust Ryder to throw ‘obey’ in there.
It doesn’t take long. As the club bears witness to our marriage, I feel the
walls closing in. This is it. My future.

Ryder

I had to move fast. I told her it was for her safety. I’m a lying bastard.
One word from me and she would have been safe as houses. My men
wouldn’t disobey a direct order, it’s not how we roll. No, I painted the sorry
tale to get her to be my bride and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I didn’t
want to give her room to change her mind.
As soon as I saw Ashton something switched on inside me. I have
always been a loner. Cool, detached and unemotional. I have never loved a
woman or ever wanted to. They serve a physical need for me and nothing
else.
But when Ashton walked into the club, something stirred inside me. She
was so small, so vulnerable and so damned perfect. A vision of innocence
and yet the hottest girl I have ever seen. She is mine. I knew it then and I
know it now. She is what I’ve been waiting for all my life and I knew I had
to act fast. She’s damaged and broken and I will wait as long as it takes to
build her up again and make her whole. I’ve already waited a lifetime,
what're a few more weeks, months, even years against a lifetime with my
woman.
When she walked beside her brother to become my wife everything
slotted into place. My world was complete. She was home where she
belongs.
Judge wraps it up quickly and then says the words I’ve been waiting to
hear.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
I turn to face my new wife and see the nerves in her eyes. She looks
scared to death but there’s something else. I see in her eyes what I saw
when she looked at me for the first time - a matching hunger to mine. The
room is silent as I reach for her. This needs to count.
I run my hand around the back of her head and pull her face to mine. Her
lip trembles and her eyes dilate. I know desire when I see it and it makes
my heart swell. I lower my lips to hers and claim them as I have wanted to
do since she first walked in. I take my time. I taste the delights in my arms
like a man tasting fine wine for the first time. I savor it and commit it to
memory. I taste every part of her with a starvation I never knew I had. I
inhale her and feel drunk on desire. I shut everyone out but the woman
before me. The only one that counts is in my arms and I’m going to make it
right for her. I twist her silken strands in my hands and feel the soft, sweet-
scented crown that flows around her beautiful face. I want to bury my face
in it and commit every last scent to memory. I want to breathe Ashton as if
she is the only air I need.
She kisses me back with the passion I know she holds back. Feeling her
tongue entwined with mine feels so right. She tastes of sweetness and
innocence and my cock hardens unbearably. What I wouldn’t give to sweep
her up run to the hills. But not now, not tonight. She needs to beg for it first
—and she will.
I release her unwillingly and note with satisfaction the flush in her
cheeks and the brightness in her eyes. The guys crowd around and pay their
respects. Tyler does not. He hangs back and looks as if his world has ended.
I see Kitty wailing in the background. She’s not the only one and I don’t
care. I never promised them anything other than my cock when it suited me.
They know the score and give it up freely to anyone who asks in exchange
for a protective home and everything they need. These girls aren’t old lady
material. They just think they are. However, I need to keep Kitty on side. I
need her for another reason now and I’m sure she’s gonna like it—a lot.

In less than an hour, it’s time to wrap things up. I leave Ashton in
Bonnie’s capable hands and nod to Tyler. “Follow me.”
We walk to my office and once we’re inside, I close the door firmly.
He scowls at me and I laugh.
“Relax, Tyler. I’m no monster. You did the best thing for your sister.
Now, we’re gonna make things right for that girl, between us.”
He looks startled.
“What do you mean, how can we? The men that hurt her are the most
powerful in the land. The men that want to hurt her are her family. How can
we sort this?”
I grin wickedly. “You forget who you’re dealing with. I’m gonna tell you
everything I know about your predicament and how to deal with it. Then
you must head home and carry it out to the letter. In return, I only want five
things from you.”
He looks confused. “What can I give you?”
I stare at him with a cold, hard, expression.
“I want their names.”
He pales and shakes his head.
“I can’t, it’s impossible.”
I fix him with my deadly gaze.
“You will tell me, Tyler, or this gets uglier.”
He looks nervous.
“If they ever found out I told on them I’m dead.”
Shaking my head, I laugh softly.
“I don’t intend on having a conversation with them. I just want their
names that’s all. I’m not saying I’ll do anything, today, tomorrow or even
next week. What I’m saying is they’re now on my list. When someone gets
on the Reaper’s list there is only one outcome. It will come to them
eventually and will be the sweetest of them all. Tell me their names and it
will set you and your sister free.”
He looks down and I know I’ve got him. He then tells me five names
that I write down and commit to memory. Five bastards who are about to
pay for their sins. Five men who danced with the devil that night and are
heading straight to Hell and five problems that I’m itching to solve.
Then I tell him what he needs to know. It’s up to him what he does with
it. It’s no longer up to me. When Tyler returns, he will return a free man.

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 8
Ashton

The party goes on all around me. Huge, intimidating guys crowd around,
offering their congratulations. They make me feel smaller than I am and
scare the hell out of me.
The women are no different. They smile but their eyes are cold. They
hate everything that just happened and I know they will never accept me.
I’m not like them. They don’t want me here and who can blame them. I’ve
stolen their prize and they will never forgive me.
Bonnie appears the most genuine. She fusses over me and makes sure I
get to eat and drink. She watches that nobody oversteps the mark and makes
light conversation; trying to distract me from what just happened.
When I think of Ryder my heart flips. That kiss. That amazing, once in a
lifetime, super sexy kiss that blew my world. I can still taste him now. I can
still smell that scent that was all male, surrounding me and filling my
senses. My husband. How good that sounds.
Almost as soon as the ceremony and legalities were over, he disappeared
with Tyler. When Tyler returned he did not. I feel empty without him
already. I’m going through the motions but already my heart aches for him.
I find myself looking for him at every turn and feel disappointment when I
realize he’s missing. What’s happening to me?
Now it’s time and I fight back the tears. Tyler is leaving and taking with
him my security, my comfort, and my heart. My brother is the only one I
love and to see him walk away is hard. I try to stop the tears from falling
but fail miserably. He pulls me close and I never want to let him go. He
strokes my hair and whispers,
”I’ll be back for you, Ash. Stay strong, you’ll be fine, I have Ryder’s
word on that. Despite his hard edge, he’s an honorable man. No harm will
come to you in his care. Trust me to make this right for you.”
I nod, trying to curb the sobs from wracking my body. I can’t fold in
front of these people. I need to be strong.
 Just before he leaves I see Ryder enter the room. Kitty is with him and
my heart sinks. She catches my eye and smirks. Then she wipes her mouth
with her fingers and looks at me triumphantly. So, this is how it is. I am the
perfect wife to the world outside and yet she gets the part of him I crave. He
told me had others to satisfy his needs, and it was obviously true. Almost as
soon as the ink was dried on our contract, he was celebrating with another.
Why does it hurt so bad?
I watch as they move across the room. Ryder stares at me the whole time
and I can’t tear my eyes away from him. He demands attention just by his
overbearing presence. I don’t miss the cocky smile and amusement in his
eyes as he sees me stare. He knows he affects me and loves it.
He moves beside me and slings his arm around my shoulders, pulling me
close. He drops a light kiss on my head and nods to Tyler.
“I’ll take care of her. You can count on it.”
Tyler nods and looks at him with a tight expression. He turns to me and I
see the pain in his eyes. As he opens his arms, I walk into them and sigh as
they fold around me. Burying my face into the familiar, hard, comforting
chest, I feel my firm resolve slipping away. When Tyler leaves, he will take
a piece of my heart with him. He’s everything to me and I’m not sure if I
can see this through. I feel my whole body trembling as I wait for the
inevitable parting. He leans down and whispers, “Stay strong, Ash. I
promise I will sort this and set you free. I love you baby sis, always
remember that.”
I nod but words fail me. I can’t speak, it’s too painful. Then I feel a
strong hand on my shoulder and feel myself being pulled back to Ryder. He
folds me into his chest the same way as Tyler and the familiar changes into
the unknown. This chest is strong, and protective but at the same time
dangerous. This chest spells danger for my heart and I recognized that the
first time I laid eyes on it. He doesn’t speak but I feel his hands rubbing soft
circles on my back. He holds me protectively but I also sense an ownership.
Just that one gesture says it all. He has taken me from my family and now
I’m his.
Tyler clears his throat and I hear the emotion in his voice as he says,
“Look after her, Ryder. She’s all I’ve got and I’m trusting her to you. Don’t
let me down.”
Then I’m surprised to hear him say roughly.
 “Are you ready?”
I look up in surprise and see Kitty standing next to him looking excited.
“I sure am, honey. Readier than you will ever know.”
I hear Ryder laugh softly and look at them in confusion. Tyler just nods
and with one last anguished look towards me, he heads off closely followed
by Kitty. As the watching crowd disperses I look at Ryder in shock.
“What’s going on?”
He shrugs. “She fancied a change of scene so we traded one woman for
another.”
I narrow my eyes and hiss.
“Do you really expect me to believe that? Why would my brother be
interested in your whore?”
I feel my blood boiling as I think of that woman with Tyler.
Ryder grins and his eyes flash.
“Men are all the same, Ashton. Haven’t you realized that yet? Put a
tempting proposition in front of them and their dicks make the decision for
them. Kitty is good at what she does and is one hell of an attractive
package. I have no use for her anymore so what’s the problem?”
He leans towards me and whispers huskily. “I have a wife now and what
a sexy one she is.”

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