Vexed (15 page)

There hasn’t been a whole lot of forgiveness in my world, but for her I’ll make an exception.

After blowing my mind, Reed kisses his way up my body. My head lolls to the side, and I spot the camera.

“Did you film someone else?”

“What?” he asks completely confused.

I point to the camera.

“No. Fuck no, you fucking brat. Since the real thing was gone, all I had was that motherfucking video to watch and jack off to.”

Okay, even with all crudeness, there’s something sweet in that sentence. “You really didn’t have anyone else up here?”

“No, I really didn’t,” he answers as if he’s both pissed and surprised with himself. He presses his forehead to mine and closes his eyes. “I’m in love with you, Athena. So, no. There was no one else.”

For a second, there’s no air in my lungs. No sound touches my ears. Nothing but the heat and weight of him above me.

“I don’t need you to say it. But I need you to know it.”

“I’m scared,” I admit.

His expression softens. “Why’re you scared, sweetheart?”

“You’re—”

“So much fucking older than you?”

“Well, yeah.”

He chuckles and lifts one of my legs, bringing my knee up to his hip and pushing inside me until I moan.

“Scares me too. You’re gonna realize you don’t belong with me.”

“I don’t want kids,” I blurt out.

He shakes with laughter and ducks his head. “Neither do I.”

“Right now. I mean, in a few years I might.”

He chuckles against my neck as he lazily slides in and out of me.

“I think I want to go back to L.A.”

“Yeah, I heard. Planning to live with some guy?” he growls out the words and slams into me a little harder as he says it.

“Who told you that?”

“Never mind. Is it true?”

“He’s gay. And he helped me a lot out there.”

“We’ll see. Now pipe down and fuck me. We’ll figure it out later.”

I groan as I slide into oblivion. He reaches over and flicks the camera on.

“You mean that?” I ask.

“Fuck yeah.” He brushes a kiss over my forehead. “I want you to be happy, Athena.”

His hips flex and he slams into me so hard, I move half-way up the bed. “Oh, fuck that’s good, Reed,” I moan, our conversation completely evaporating from my mind.

Being underneath him sharpens our differences. He’s so big and hard. Powerful. Even with him riding me hard, I feel tiny and cherished.

“Are you still mad at me?” I ask.

“Yeah, probably.”

“Taking it out on my pussy?”

His eyes bore into mine. “Fuck yeah. I went easy on you before, Shortcake.”

“Good.” I bring my hands up to the sides of his face. “Don’t hold back.”

His raw roughness excites me as much, if not more, than anything else we’ve done. “Harder.”

He pulls out and flips me over, lifts my hips and shoves a bunch of pillows under me, then slams back inside. His hand gathers my hair, gripping and pulling until I have no choice but to turn.

“Careful what you ask for.”

I smile back at him. “Bring it.”

A growl rips out of his throat. Without leaving my body, he turns us so we’re facing the camera and tugs on my hair. “Look into the camera. Wanna catch your face when you come with my cock buried in you.”

Imagining him watching this later. Thinking about this moment we had together. I want him to have a good show.

So I look right into the camera and smile.

W
e stay wrapped
up in each other for a long time.

After a lot of annoying texts from Dante, asking if Athena’s okay, I finally answer him.

Athena sighs and rolls over, slipping her arms around me. “Don’t tell me you have to go.”

I shut the phone off and set it down. Anyone needs me, I guess they’ll have to come knocking.

“No.”

She picks her head up, messy blonde hair, spilling over her shoulders, tickling my chest. “Oh my God. Karina’s going to kill me. Her sister’s going to think—”

“What?”

“I’m such a slut.”

I side my hand under her and lift her on top of me. “Yeah,
my
little slut.”

“Mmm…I like that. I think you still have a lot of dirty things to teach me.”

My dick agrees, stirring to life and she rocks against it. “I’ll teach you whatever you want to know.”

“Is that wrong?” she asks softly.

“Fuck no.” I rub my thumb over her cheek. “Nothing between us, nothing we do together, is wrong.”

I cup the back of her head, pulling her in for another kiss. “Would you like to come see my shop tomorrow?”

“You still want me to?”

I have to give it some thought. Before she took off on me, I wanted her there. I think we’ve straightened things out. “Yeah.”

Eventually, we make our way downstairs. Dante smirks at our intertwined hands and I wonder how much of his “stay away from her” threat was designed to push us together. Pointless really, I don’t need my friend telling me she’s off-limits to make me want her.

“Work things out, Prez?” Wolf asks with a smirk.

I don’t need to answer. My fuck-off stare works wonders.

Some of the girls decide to throw together a barbeque out back. The prospects get a work out, carrying shit from the kitchen to the patio. Athena leaves my side to join Karina. Dante’s stealthy ass sneaks up on me.

“Is she staying?” he asks.

“I don’t know. We’ll figure out the logistics later.”

Dante shakes his head.

“But you can drop her stuff off here if you want her out of your house.”

“Yeah. Let’s give it a day, Prez.”

Bold fucker.

I’m not insulted though. He’s looking out for Athena and that’s a good thing.

“Kadence still here?” I ask.

Dante rolls his eyes before answering. “Yeah.”

“How’s that workin’ out?”

“I don’t know. We’ll see.”

Karina’s wearing such a smug smile, I approach her carefully.

“Surprised you can walk,” she greets me.

“You’re one to talk.”

Kadence joins us and eyes me up and down. “The president? Aren’t you a go-getter.”

I flash a weak smile. I still haven’t decided if I like her or not.

“Although,” she continues. “Bikers are bullshit.” She points at Karina, then me. “You two don’t have a fucking clue what you’re getting into.”

Karina’s forehead wrinkles, but she doesn’t respond.

Not bothered by her sister’s silence, Kadence throws a hostile glance around the open room. “They’re bossy, demanding, and have ridiculous double-standards about women.”

“Sounds like you’re hung up on one particular biker to me,” Karina says.

Kadence turns her big sister glare on Karina. “Careful, little sister.” Her eyes narrow. “Did he explain how the Iron Bulls claim their ol’ ladies yet?” she asks, nodding at Dante.

I watch, fascinated as Karina’s cheeks turn a deep pink. “Yes.”

“Wait. What do they do?” I ask.

Kadence lifts her chin at the closed chapel doors. “They fuck you on the table in front of everyone.”

Whoa. Prickles of heat race over my skin. My eyes seek Romeo out. Casually leaning against the wall, talking to Dante. He nods and one corner of his mouth lifts when our eyes meet. Glancing around the room I take in the other brothers. What would it be like to have Romeo give a very visual explanation of how I only belong to him? Would he bend me over the table in front of everyone? Would the guys sit in their chairs and just watch or would Romeo make them stand on the other side of the room? Would he have me strip naked in front of all his brothers?

The possibilities dance through my head, leaving me a little dizzy.

Karina smacks her sister’s arm. “Mind your own business.”

“Just looking out for you, little sis.”

“I already knew.”

“You did?” I ask, my voice about ten decibels louder than necessary. Wow.

Karina blushes an even deeper shade of red. “Dante explained it to me after graduation.” She glares at her sister. “He doesn’t think I’m ready for it yet, so he wants to wait. But thanks for your concern, sis.”

Kadence isn’t bothered by the anger coloring Karina’s words. The two of them might not have been raised together but they’re like the difference between a hurricane and a blizzard. Both destructive weather that cause damage in different ways. Kadence’s anger seems to simmer right below the surface, while Karina has much more of a slow burn temper. I know because I’ve been on the receiving end of it once or twice in our many years of friendship.

I have a million more questions about this claiming thing, but I don’t want to ask in front of Kadence.

“Is that how they do it in your ex’s club? Is that why you broke up?” Karina asks

Kadence shakes her head and in a minute I know why. Romeo’s arm slips around my waist. “You girls all right?”

Despite her obvious dislike of the club, Kadence smiles brightly at Romeo and I’m overcome with an urge to, oh I don’t know, scratch her eyes out for being a little too flirty with my man.

“Thanks for letting me hang out in your club, sir,” Kadence says while batting her lashes.

Romeo doesn’t seem affected by her act. He smirks in response. “Dante didn’t give me much choice.”

Hah
.

Kadence smiles wide and innocent. “We were just talking about the claiming ceremony you guys have here.”

“That so?” Romeo glances at me, and I shrug.

“I figured you’d tell me when you were ready.”

My response seems to relax him and he ushers us outside for dinner.

After a few drinks, Kadence drops her hostility and we actually have fun. The three of us make plans to go out when Karina’s summer classes are over.

After dinner, Romeo pulls me away from the girls, into the shadows where we sort of dance to the music filling the yard. It’s sweet and romantic—and surprises me.

“Do you have any questions?”

“About what?”

We stop moving and he glances down at me with a raised eyebrow. My cheeks warm and a smile stretches my mouth. “About you fucking me on the table in front of your club?”

He bursts out laughing. “Yeah, Shortcake. About that.”

“Um, only about a hundred.”

He nods for me to fire away, so I do. “Do I have to have sex with anyone else?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Do other old ladies watch or is it just the brothers?”

“Just the brothers.”

Something occurs to me and I slow down my questions. Actually, stop them all together. He hasn’t exactly asked me to be his old lady.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

Rough fingers tip my chin up until I’m staring into his eyes. “I’m glad it doesn’t bother you.”

Okay then.

T
he guys are about
to take their lunch break when Athena and I arrive at my shop. Perfect.

I stop one of the mechanics, Locke, before he leaves. “Is bay eighteen—,”

“Yup. Waitin’ on the special order to finish it up.”

“Thanks.”

He raises an eyebrow at Athena, so I introduce them. Not that any of the guys need to know a damn thing about my girl.

“You must be special. Boss has never brought a girl here.”

Athena beams, while I glare at Locke until he leaves.

“Come here, I wanna show you something.”

“I’ve already seen it.”

“What?” Realizing she’s messin’ with me, I tug her close and smack her ass. She giggles and skips out of my hold.

“Boss, Prez, is there anywhere you’re not in charge, Reed?”

“No. Now get your ass over here, I want to show you something.”

Still laughing, she follows me to the last open garage door. “Oh, wow. It’s so pretty.”

She walks around the car, careful not to touch it. “It’s beautiful.”

When she’s within reach, I grab her and yank her to me. Then we’re mouth-to-mouth. Her arms slide around my neck, and I pick her up and set her on the back of the car. We’re still kissing and she skims her hands under my shirt. My body shudders from her touch. I can’t get enough of this girl. She pulls away and moves to take her top off, but I stop her.

“No. Don’t want any of these fuckers seeing you.”

“Oh.”

Then we’re right back at it. Her fingers twist in my hair as she keeps me close. My hands slide up under her skirt, fingers hooking into her panties and dragging them down her legs. Her hands fumble with my belt and I decide I need her tits in my mouth, so off her shirt goes. Bra too.

“I thought you didn’t want anyone to see.” She gasps as I lash one hard nipple with my tongue.

“Fuck it. Let them see what they can’t have.” My fingers brush against a condom in my pocket, and I take a second to roll it on.

She laughs, then gasps, when I spread her knees, lift her up, and thrust into her. I get a little lost staring into her eyes. My movements slow, and she rakes her nails over my scalp. “I love you, Reed.”

It’s the first time she’s said it, and I can’t imagine a better time or place.

“Love you too, Shortcake.” Our lips meet for a long, slow kiss.

When we part, she lies back against the curved glass of the back window, letting me see the way her tits jiggle when I slam into her.

“Like that?” I ask.

“Yes,” she answers breathlessly.

“You’re so fucking hot. You gonna be mad if someone sees me fucking you?”

“God, no.”

The car’s low, making it an odd angle for me. I pull out, drag her off the car, bend her over it, lift up her hips, and thrust into her from behind. “Fuck, Reed!”

“Take it for me, Athena.”

She’s too busy moaning and grinding back against my dick to give me any lip.

“Come for me, sweetheart.”

She doesn’t answer, but a few seconds later, she moans even louder, clenches so hard around me, I have no choice but to let go. The blissed-out feeling goes on and on as I empty into her.

“Holy fuck.”

She gasps and leans against the car. “Oh my God. That was intense.”

I lean over and press a quick kiss to her lips. “Yes, it was.”

After dropping the condom in one of the trashcans, I find her still slumped against the car. I reach out and run my fingers over her cheek, and help her into her clothes.

She nods at the trashcan. “Thank you.”

Knowing exactly what she means, I nod. I wrap my hands around her waist and pull her close. “Figured since I stole your underwear, least I could do is make sure you’re not running around with my cum dripping down your legs.”

“Damn, you’re dirty,” she whispers.

I take her mouth in a kiss and give her ass a squeeze.

When we part, she’s flushed, and I contemplate taking her into my office. Maybe spreading her out on my desk—

Her voice interrupts my dirty desk fantasy. “I think we left sex prints all over this car. Is the owner going to be mad?”

“I dunno. You tell me.” I dig out a key and hand it over.

“What’s this? What are you—”

“You need something to get back and forth to L.A.”

“It’s mine? You got me my seventy-six Corvette?” Her voice keeps rising in pitch as the pieces fall into place for her.

“Well, someone brought in as a trade, and I’ve been fixing—”

She squeals and jumps up to hug me. “Oh my God! That’s…thank you.”

Fuck, do I love her. “Sparkly paint’s coming this week. And Locke’s been practicing his Strawberry Shortcakes.” Man, has he been pissed about that, too.

Her eyes shine with unshed tears. “I mentioned that
once
. One time, Reed. The night we…got together. And you remembered?”

“Fuck yeah. Silliest thing I ever heard. Fucking cute as hell, though.”

She hugs me again. “You really don’t mind me going back to L.A.?”

“Yeah, I fuckin’ mind. But I’ll visit you and you’ll come home. Then, when you’re a big movie star, you can buy us a house half way.” I brush a few loose curls off her cheek. “Nothing else matters as long as you’re mine.”

“I’m yours. I’m so yours.” She reaches up and gives me another kiss. When we part, she glances at the car again. “Thank you, Reed.”

“Anything for you, Shortcake.”

S
ix months later
…

“Hurry up, Biker Barbie, Ken’s going to be here any minute,” Elliot shouts.

“You better not call him that to his face,” I warn as I join him in the living room. Romeo’s accepted Elliot as my roommate, even if he doesn’t always appreciate Elliot’s sense of humor.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He runs his skeptical gaze over my cupcake leggings. “What are you wearing? Pajamas? At least pretend you’re not going to fuck as soon as you see each other.”

“Shut up. He likes these.”

The buzzer downstairs goes off and my heart races. Sure enough, a few seconds later, Romeo’s knocking at the door. We don’t speak at first. I throw myself against him and he catches me, lifting me up, pulling me against him. Our mouths meet and get reacquainted while everything else fades away.

Elliot clears his throat and I draw back.

“I’d leave you two alone, but you’re kinda blocking the door.”

Romeo’s mouth slides into a smirk and he holds his hand out to Elliot for a quick shake. “Good to see you, kid. My girl been behaving?”

“Hey,” I protest, smacking Romeo’s arm.

Elliot shakes his head. “Not one bit.”

“Shut up,” I grumble, but I’m laughing too.

Elliot leans over and gives me a brief hug. “Have a safe trip home. See you in a few weeks?”

“Yup.”

Romeo watches Elliot leave. Once the door shuts, he pounces, grabbing me and carrying me into the bedroom.

“Missed the fuck out of you,” he mumbles against my mouth.

L
ater
, when we’re properly worn out, he leads me downstairs to the garage where my car’s stored.

“You want to drive my car home?”

“Yeah. I’ll leave this bike in your garage.”

I notice it’s not his regular ride. This one is devoid of any Iron Bulls MC logos or colors. The respectful way to ride through territories claimed by other clubs, Romeo’s explained to me.

The drive home doesn’t seem as long when we’re together. He drives while I tell him all my stories from the set of the television show I’ve been working on. It’s nothing major. A tiny, tiny recurring role on a big show.

Okay, it’s a big deal. The pay is shit, but I’m meeting lots of people.

While the show’s on a break from filming, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than with Romeo. Even if it is at the clubhouse.

Except, he goes right past the turn-off for the Iron Bull compound. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

“Are we going to Dante and Karina’s?” I have plans with Karina for the day after tomorrow. Tonight and tomorrow are reserved exclusively for my man.

“No.”

We pass Dante’s driveway, and still Romeo continues into the mountains. Finally, he turns into a long driveway and it’s a long way before a house comes into view.

“Where are we?”

“You’ll see.”

It’s a modest log cabin-type of home on the outside. There’s nothing modest about the inside though. High-end kitchen, a wall of windows that looks out over the mountains, a spiral staircase to the top floor. It’s not completely furnished yet. “It’s beautiful, but whose is it?” I ask.

“Mine,” Romeo answers. “Ours.”

“
Ohmygod!
” While I don’t mind being at the clubhouse, sometimes it’s a bit much on my short visits home. I’ve never complained about it. My eyes burn with unshed tears and my lip quivers. He just
knew
.

He takes my hand and leads me downstairs. “What’s down here?”

“My favorite part.”

He leads me into a room and slides a switch by the door up, illuminating enough for me to see it’s a home theater.

“This is so cool.”

I’m walking through the space, touching the wide, leather theater-style seats when I notice Romeo slide the doors closed and dim the lights again.

“Have a seat.”

“Are we watching something now?”

“Oh, yeah. Been waitin’ way too long to watch this with you.”

Confused, I take one of the seats in the middle of the room. The chairs are big enough, that Romeo settles in next to me. Our shoulders and thighs press together and I tuck one of my hands under his elbow.

“Ready?” he asks.

And I know what’s coming.

Us.

I’ve watched myself onscreen a few times. The television show.

This is mature content, only appropriate for us. I don’t look half bad, shyly posing and teasing him. But when he sets the camera down and comes into view.

Wow.

“Fuck, you’re hot,” I mutter.

Next to me, Romeo chuckles. His hand moves over my thigh, between my legs.

By the time the film gets to the good stuff, we’re not even looking at the screen. We’re way too entwined in each other.

“Think we’ll ever watch it to the end?” I ask between kisses.

Against my mouth he smiles. “Probably not.”