Aftermath (Dividing Line #6) (14 page)

She sighed and replaced the blade in the sheath then punched him in the face, snapping his head back. “I repeat, stay out of my business.”

He glared at her, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth where her chunky silver skull ring had cut him. The look in his eyes warned her of what was to come but the blow still knocked her sideways onto the desk. When he advanced on her she kicked him in the chest but he dodged the follow-up punch, grabbed her by the shoulders and threw her against the wall, knocking the air from her body. As the pain shot through her she arched her spine, a moan leaving her lips.

“You’ve still got it,” she groaned, undulating her body, enjoying the sensation.

Dane didn’t respond, eyes hard and fists bunched as he watched her. He made a grab for her arm but she caught it and kicked him in the stomach before punching him in the face. His response was to wrench himself free, grab her by the hair then slam her face down on the desk, the impact sending more pleasurable pangs racing through her body. Something tight was applied to her neck then she was pulled upright by it, grimacing when it was yanked hard against her throat.

“Now it’s you on my leash, bitch,” he growled in her ear.

Planting both feet on the desk she pushed, sending them both staggering backwards but he maintained hold of the leash, gripping it so tightly she was unable to free herself.

“Let go,” she spat, twisting and hissing on the end of the leash.

“No.” He pulled it even tighter and she went still when she felt his hot breath on her neck, the adrenaline and pain shooting through her body combining to create a fizzing cocktail that threatened to explode.

“You make me so fucking mad I could kill you,” he said, pressing his body against hers.

“What are you waiting for?” she said.

Her threw her back onto the desk face up and pinned her hands over her head.

“I’m tempted,” he said. “I’m sure it would save a lot of people a lot of pain, assassin.”

She looked up at him with her arrogant smile. “You keep talking about it but you don’t have the balls to do it.”

“Yes I do. I just don’t want to.”

He kissed her hard, releasing her hands, groaning when her long nails raked down his bare back.

“Hit me,” he said.

She slapped him across the face.

“Properly.”

This time he received a full-on punch and he kissed her with renewed aggression, tugging down her jeans with one hand while she unfastened his trousers.

“It’s been too long Jules,” he groaned as he slammed into her.

“Shut up and fuck me.”

“Fine,” he spat. He pulled out of her, flipped her onto her front, yanking so hard on the leash she was arched backwards, supporting herself by planting her fingertips on the desk.

As he pounded into her Jules found herself face to face with that sea of glass, the entire club laid out before her and she experienced a twisted pleasure that she was doing this so close to all his clueless customers.

It was violent and aggressive between them, as it always was, but fuelled by passion as they hurled each other around the room, both tender and destructive, just like their feelings for each other.

Just before she came Dane wrapped one hand around her throat and squeezed, putting pressure on the carotid arteries either side of her windpipe. The immediate lack of oxygen ripped the orgasm from her and he released her neck just before it hit, letting the blood flow to the brain again.

“Jules,” he groaned as he came inside her, pulling her head back roughly by her hair, which he struggled to get a grip on because it was much shorter than it used to be.

Dane watched her carefully as she shuddered and shook in his arms. She didn’t know it but during orgasm was the only time the emotional scar tissue fell away to reveal the real woman underneath. Jules hung onto him, nestling into him, enjoying the warmth and comfort of his body. He didn’t dare move, hardly dared breathe in case he broke the spell and the shutters came back down and she would leave.

When her heart rate and breathing slowed she pushed him away, just like he knew she would, struggling to release herself from his embrace, and she began retrieving her clothes from various parts of the room.

Dane watched her dress in silence, as always fascinated by the almost full length python tattooed on her skin. Its tail started just above her right knee, snaking up her thigh and over her waist, it’s thick body coiling around her stomach, neck stretching up her right arm, head coming down over her shoulder, the face staring at him with red eyes, mouth stretched wide open to reveal two vicious fangs dripping poison. Venom incarnate.

On the back of her left shoulder was tattooed the name
Cara
, framed with roses. The only person she’d truly loved her entire life.

“Is that terrible haircut part of your disguise?” he said derisively.

“What do you think?” she muttered, pulling her hoodie back on.

As she fastened up her jeans he grabbed her roughly by the chin, tugging up her face, forcing her to look into his eyes. “I have somewhere you can go until all this blows over. You’ll be safe.”

“Do you think Mikey Maguire will ever forget about me, because I don’t.”

“He will eventually.”

“I’ll never be safe, no matter how much time elapses and I’m not running away, I have things to do.”

“Like what?”

“Nothing you need concern yourself with.”

“I am concerned.”

“Why?”

“Because I care about you. Fuck knows why but I do.”

“Touching,” she said sarcastically.

“Why can you never say it back?”

“Maybe I don’t feel the same.”

He squeezed her chin harder, making her wince. “Yes you do but you’re incapable of showing it.”

She slapped his hand away. “Don’t go there.”

“Why not?”

“If you want a nauseating conversation about feelings you’re talking to the wrong woman.”

He grabbed her by both shoulders. “For fuck’s sake Jules will you talk to me? You’re going and I might never see you again.”

“Perhaps.”

“After everything we’ve been through you don’t give a shit, do you? Does anyone mean anything to you?”

“You’re pushing me Dane. Stop it.”

The look in her eyes told him she was done playing and he released her.

“Fine. Go on then, leave,” he said, stepping aside, “but if you get into trouble don’t come running to me.”

“When have I ever?”

“Sorry, I forgot you’re big, tough psychopathic Venom, afraid of no one. But I’ve seen the real woman underneath, the Jules who can feel and laugh. Why can’t you be her more often?”

Jules rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Thanks for the shag, it was good, as always,” she said before striding for the door.

“Jules?”

She stopped and turned to face him with a dark look. “What?”

“Look after yourself.”

Her gaze softened slightly. “Do yourself a favour and forget about me.”

“You make it sound like you’re not coming back.”

“Who knows what’s going to happen?” The nastiness returned. “No doubt you’ll get lots of comfort from your bitches.
              How many are you going to have on the end of your leash tonight?”

“I’m sure two people live inside you,” he frowned.

“You sound like my psychiatrist,” she said before exiting, letting the metal door swing shut behind her.

Dane filled the glass to the brim with vodka and sipped it thoughtfully as he watched Jules’s hooded figure make her way back across the dance floor towards the exit, her scent still upon his body and her taste on his lips. In all the years he’d known her he’d never worked out whether he wanted to kill her or marry her. Hatred and love waged war inside him and he’d no idea which one would win.

Dread started to overtake him and he despised her for coming here tonight and giving him something to worry about just when everything was going so well. He had a very nice deal going with Mikey Maguire and Jez Law for his methamphetamine and if she went to Devon after Ryan and Rachel she’d kick up a huge shit storm and probably land him right in it at the same time. He’d told no one about their secret relationship, which had been on and off for years. Jasper certainly hadn’t wanted anyone to know his girlfriend had been cheating on him with his best friend so he’d kept it quiet too, but if Ryan and Rachel found out they would be very unimpressed. He was sure they wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate Jules if they thought she was a threat, she didn’t understand the Laws weren’t the usual thugs she was used to dealing with, they were a different breed. But what could he do?

He put down the glass and picked up the mask. Fuck Jules and her agenda. She was a grown woman, she could deal with the consequences. After pulling on the mask Dane stared at his reflection in the sea of glass and wished he could be like this all the time; anonymous, hidden. He was unable to shake the feeling he was about to be dragged into something he would much rather be far away from.

CHAPTER 16

When the doorbell rang Ryan tensed, one hand on the knife hidden in the pocket of his jogging bottoms. Cautiously he approached the door, standing to one side in order to peer through the spy hole. The security in this house was inadequate, which was one reason why he couldn’t wait to get into the new house with its top of the range alarm system, motion sensors and secure entry, he’d see anyone coming a mile off. Here they were only aware someone was approaching when they were knocking on the front door. They were getting an alarm system installed in this house the following day but he knew it would only give him partial comfort.

He peered through the spyhole and sighed before flinging it open. “Lexie, what do you want?”

“That’s no way to greet a long lost sister,” said the glamorous blond, removing her expensive designer sunglasses to reveal pretty light green eyes.

“Do excuse me,” he replied, hostility rolling off him in waves. “Hello, what do you want?”

“To meet my extended family. You’re looking good Ryan,” she said, stepping past him into the house. “Nice place you’ve got here.”

“I didn’t invite you in.”

“You’re going to keep your little sister standing on the doorstep?” She released a peal of laughter. “Who’d have thought we’d ever call each other brother and sister after the things we got up to.” She ran a hand through her short blond hair, the highlights shining.

“I don’t know, I barely remember.”

“Don’t give me that Ryan. I know you remember us writhing about together in the back of your car as well as I do.”

“Actually I don’t,” he retorted.

“Yeah, right. You couldn’t get enough of me.”

“Ryan, who’s this?” said a cool voice.

He turned to see Rachel standing in the hallway behind him. “Lexie, this is my wife Rachel, Rachel, this is Lexie Cutter.”

She relaxed. “Your sister.” Rachel stepped past Ryan to greet her. “So nice to meet you at last.”

“Riley told me about you. Is he here?” she said, ignoring the hand Rachel had extended to her.

“His unit recalled him,” replied Ryan impatiently. He didn’t want her here. Lexie was trouble, always had been. “You can come back when he’s on leave.”

“I want to get to know my new family,” said Lexie, undaunted. She eyed up the surroundings and their belongings with an expert eye. “This is nice but I pictured you in something bigger and more luxurious.”

“We’re renting this place until our house is finished being built,” replied Rachel, determined to remain pleasant even though Lexie had already got her back up.

“Building your own home? It’s alright for some.”

Rachel detected the envy in her tone and was irritated. “We had to rebuild it after it burnt down,” she said coldly.

“Oh, I didn’t know. Sorry.”

Rachel thought it was the first genuine thing she’d said.

“So, where’s the guest room?”

“There isn’t one. The house is full,” replied Ryan.

“You always were a bad liar. Where is it?”

“There’s a very nice hotel in town. You’d be much happier there.”

“How can I get to know my new family from a hotel? You let Riley stay with you. Am I not good enough?” she said, green eyes filling with hurt.

“Of course you are,” said Rachel, softening to her. “The guest room is upstairs, second on the left.”

Ryan gaped at her.

“Thank you, I’ll go and freshen up. It was a long flight from Dubai.”

Lexie picked up her suitcase and went upstairs, leaving Rachel and Ryan staring after her. The minute she’d gone Ryan exploded, “what the hell are you doing?”

“She’s your sister.”

“She’s a pain in the arse and she’s going to cause us no end of trouble.”

“You didn’t want Riley to stay with us and now you’ve got a brother you’re really close to. Here’s the chance for you to gain another sister too.” Ryan already had a sister back in Manchester but they rarely spoke as she blamed him for the deaths of Simmy, Adam and Jamie, their brothers murdered by the Maguires. But she was happy to take the money he gave her when she needed it.

“Lexie isn’t like Riley, she’s devious and enjoys causing trouble,” he said. “Guaranteed she’s going to keep bringing up what happened between us in the past before her dad put a stop to it. She’ll think it’s funny.”

“You’ve not seen her in years, she might have changed.”

“People like her never change.”

“That’s not fair. At least take the time to find out for Riley if no one else. She’s the only member of his side of the family he talks to.”

“Fine. I’ll try, for him, but if she starts getting up to her usual tricks she’s out on her arse.”

“You’re doing the right thing,” she said, kissing him.

Lexie moved away from the top of the stairs where she’d been listening, a smile on her lips. It had been easier than she’d thought.

After taking a nap then showering and changing her clothes, Lexie descended the stairs and almost fell over two little boys running up and down the hallway throwing a ball at each other.

“Hello boys,” she smiled.

Ethan and Aaron stopped their game to stare up at her.

She knelt before them, a smile playing on her lips. “Aren’t you two handsome little men? Just like your daddy.”

“Who are you?” frowned Ethan.

“My name’s Lexie. I’m your auntie.”

“You’re not our auntie,” said Leah, coming up on Lexie from behind, regarding her with suspicion. She took Aaron’s hand and pulled him towards her, away from the stranger.

“It’s okay Leah,” said Rachel from the kitchen door. “She’s your dad’s sister.”

“Why have we never seen her before?” she said, not warming to Lexie, disliking the false smile plastered to her face. It had been different with Riley, she’d taken to him immediately, which just went to show what good judgement she had.

“We’ve only just found out she’s your dad’s sister. They have the same dad but different mums.”

“Now I’m here to get to know you all,” said Lexie. “I hope we can be friends sweetheart.”

Leah just shrugged before taking her brothers’ hands and leading them into the lounge. Rachel was proud of her daughter, she’d seen through Lexie’s shallow exterior immediately.

“Nice kids,” said Lexie, clearly annoyed at being dismissed like that by a child.

“Yes they are,” replied Rachel, experiencing a huge swell of motherly pride. “Would you like a drink?”

“Any white wine going?”

Rachel glanced at the clock, saw it was just after three in the afternoon but she was determined to be a good hostess and treat Ryan’s sister with respect. “Yes, I think so.”

Lexie followed her into the kitchen.

“You said you’ve flown from Dubai?” Rachel asked Lexie as she poured out her drink.

“Yes, I just love to travel,” she replied, taking a seat at the breakfast bar. “Thanks,” she added when Rachel put the glass of wine before her. “Are you not having one?”

“A bit early for me. I’ll have one when the kids are in bed.”

“Glad I’m not a mum, I couldn’t stand being restricted to someone else’s timetable.”

“It’s worth it,” smiled Rachel, gazing through the kitchen doorway into the lounge where her children were playing together.

“I still can’t believe Ryan’s a dad. I always thought he was too caught up in himself.”

“Obviously you don’t know him anymore, he’s a great dad,” said Rachel defensively.

“Leah’s not his though. That must make things awkward?”

“Not at all. They adore each other. He’s her dad in every way that matters.” Rachel realised she was scowling and smoothed her face out into a polite smile, but it was too late. Judging by the mirth in Lexie’s eyes she’d already given her the response she wanted. “Do you work Lexie?”

“No, I don’t need to,” she replied, looking very pleased with herself.

“I couldn’t do that, I’d go insane,” replied Rachel.

“Some of us are designed for pleasure,” she purred. Unfortunately Ryan chose that moment to enter the room and Lexie turned her rattlesnake smile on him. “You remember, don’t you Ryan? Oops, sorry. I keep forgetting you’re married.”

Rachel found her attempt to annoy her amusing. Her relationship with Ryan was far too secure to let this bimbo get in the middle of it.

“That’s alright Lexie, I know my husband’s forgotten your relationship too.”

“That’s right,” he smiled, wrapping an arm around Rachel’s shoulders and kissing her. “No one compares to my wife.” He said it looking right at Rachel, but the comment was aimed at Lexie.

“The woman who tamed Ryan Law,” frowned Lexie. “I wonder how you did it.”

Ryan finally turned his attention to his sister. “How long are you staying because we’ve got to move house soon.”

“I can help. I’d love to see your new place.”

“Oh no, you’re not sinking your claws into us that way,” he countered. “We want you gone before the move. You’ll only get in the way.”

“Ryan, I’m hurt. I come all this way just for you to tell me I’m not welcome.”

“I thought you’d come all this way to see Riley?”

“Yes I did, but I want to get to know you all too so we can be one big happy family.”

“Since when were you interested in playing happy families?” said Ryan. “All you did was give your parents grief. You only started up with me to annoy your dad.”

“Not just that,” she said lasciviously.

“Don’t start.”

“Start what? I’m just being truthful. We were desperately attracted to each other back then.”

“Shut it,” he hissed at her when Leah entered the room. He glanced sideways at Rachel, whose eyes were turning black. “Yes Cupcake?” he said to his daughter.

“Can I go to the park? I’m bored and Jenna said she’d be there.”

“Maybe later,” he replied. The park was just behind their house but he didn’t want his kids going anywhere they would be exposed until they knew if Jules was a threat.

“But it’s really sunny outside and we’ve been stuck in all day. Pleeeeeease.”

Ryan could never resist a plea from his little girl. “Alright then, but we’ll all go.”

“I’m not a baby.”

“I know but Ethan and Aaron have been stuck inside too. We’ll all go,” he told her firmly.

Leah knew when her dad wouldn’t be swayed. “Fine,” she said before slinking out of the room.

“She gets more and more like a teenager every day,” said Rachel. “The next thing we know she’ll be playing heavy metal music in her room and sneaking boys in.”

“Which is why I’ll be keeping a baseball bat behind the door,” said Ryan.

Jules parked the light blue Suzuki Bandit in a car park on the edge of Newton Abbot. Not the sort of bike she usually went for but that was the point, she didn’t want anyone to know she was in the area. She climbed off the machine and scowled. It was a good solid bike, reliable, popular, but she missed her big chugging Harley, the distinctive rumble of the engine, the sheer power between her thighs. She’d picked the Bandit up from a private sale in Torquay after taking the train down from Manchester. She’d wanted to make her entrance into Ryan and Rachel’s home turf with the anonymity of a bike helmet. Very useful if you didn’t want to be recognised.

The town was nice, very pretty, the atypical good place to raise kids. She was a city girl herself and this sort of place gave her the willies but it was alright for a visit. If she stayed too long she’d start to go a little crazy. Well, even more so than usual.

She’d done her research so she knew Rachel and Ryan were staying in rented accommodation until their new house was finished being built, she even had the address. They weren’t hiding, which she thought was stupid after the things they’d done. Stupid or arrogant. Obviously they thought they were untouchable, but no one was.

Jules slipped into a public toilet to pull on the long blond wig she’d brought with her. A pair of sunglasses completed the disguise. If they weren’t looking for her they wouldn’t have a clue who she was until she was right on top of them. This time she wouldn’t tackle Rachel so directly. She’d underestimated her and got a piece of two by four in the mouth for her mistake. This time she wouldn’t see her coming. The only fly in the ointment was Dane. Why did she have to see him before she left? That had been stupid and weak, not like her at all but he had tried to warn her about the attack on the clubhouse and she’d felt she owed him a goodbye. There was a chance he’d already warned the Laws and if he had it would be so much tougher to get to Rachel. There was also an added risk. Battler and Bruiser - two of the ex-Maguire enforcers - had relocated here too and set up their own security firm. The brothers were not to be fucked with and if she could help it she would go out of her way to avoid them. If Rachel and Ryan were on the alert they would be too, which meant she would not approach Rachel at home, the office or anywhere obvious. Jules had safely stored in her head the address of every property and business the Laws owned in Devon but heading to any of those addresses was risky. Her best bet was to follow Rachel and find her at her most off-guard and vulnerable. Then she would strike.