Breaking Chains f6f1v

Published by EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ® at Smashwords

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Copyright© 2021 Winter Sloane

ISBN: 978-0-3695-0317-6

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Editor: Audrey Bobak

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This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any

resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

BREAKING CHAINS

Fallen Saints MC, 4

Winter Sloane

Copyright © 2021

Chapter One

With a long sigh, Chains took another pull of his beer. He knew he should stop drinking, but he had a hard time breaking the habit. The amber liquid tasted cool on his tongue. If he continued at this pace, he’d end up on a downward spiral like his old man. His father was born into the MC life just like Chains. However, death by motorcycle accident wasn’t the way Chains wanted to go. He finished the rest of his bottle in one gulp. Iron took a seat next to him, interrupting his line of thoughts. Huh. Chains barely noticed he had company. He must really be hammered. His MC brother leveled him a serious stare. That told him Iron was about to deliver bad news. “What?” he asked, almost slurring his words. Chains immediately hated himself for showing weakness. “Tank’s in the hospital.” Iron paused, watching for his reaction. It always annoyed him that some of his MC brothers treated him like a live bomb about to blow up at any moment. Chains couldn’t blame them. He’d been in a funk for a few months now. There was no rhyme or reason for it. Chains just didn’t know the direction his life was heading. He didn’t understand what the hell was wrong with him either. He didn’t just love the MC life, he embraced it. Belonging to the Fallen Saints MC gave him purpose, but he was beginning to lose his way. He focused on what Iron was saying. Tank. In the hospital. “How?” he asked. Iron knew Tank and he were tight. Tank and he became prospects at the same time. They rose through the MC ranks together. Chains was closer to Tank than his own blood brother.

“Three Red Dragons MC ganged up on him while he was at the gas station,” Iron said. Chains swore. His rage spiked up, like a living storm inside his skin. A few weeks ago, their MC went neck-to-neck with the other rival MC. Their President, Saint, shot Rooster, the Red Dragons MC’s President in cold blood. With the head of the snakes cut off, Chains thought the Red Dragons would scatter, would no longer pose a threat to them. Chains guessed he was wrong. For a second, he couldn’t think, couldn’t form the words he wanted to say. Iron awkwardly patted his shoulder. Chains flung his hand aside. “He’s a little bit up, but Olivia says he’ll be up and walking in a few weeks,” Iron said. He breathed in and out, trying to get a handle on his rage. Lashing out at Iron wouldn’t get him anywhere, or the information he needed. Olivia was Saint’s old lady and she worked as a nurse at the local hospital. Chains liked her. She didn’t mince words. Some days, he found himself a little envious of Saint, Devil, and all the others who’d found a woman to spend the rest of their lives with. That was only wishful thinking. Chains wasn’t wired that way. He couldn’t imagine being stuck with one woman his entire life. Chains shook his head. He shouldn’t be thinking about pussy. Right now, Tank needed him. “I’m heading to the hospital,” he announced. “You’re drunk. You can’t ride there,” Iron interjected. He glowered at him. “I’ll be fine. Leave me the fuck alone.” Chains got off the barstool. He swayed slightly on his feet. Thank God it was only Iron with him in the MC clubhouse. He didn’t want his other brothers seeing him like this. They all knew he had a little drinking problem of course, but who didn’t? Half the MC were addicted to one thing or the other. Sex, drugs, booze, and gambling. Chains was no different from the rest of them. Iron had no right to judge him or anyone else.

He heard Iron’s footsteps behind him and Chains bared his teeth. His Harley was just a few feet from him, but he had a feeling Iron wasn’t going anywhere. “Leave me the fuck alone.” “I can’t let you ride to the hospital alone. What if you get into an accident?” Iron demanded. “We’ll take my bike.” “Fuck yourself.” Inwardly, Chains knew Iron was concerned about him. He’d been unmanageable, a beast to deal with lately. Right now, he didn’t care. “You want to go out like your old man?” Iron asked in a quiet voice. Like Chains, Iron’s old man was also born into the MC. Their no-good fathers knew each other. Chains gave Iron a shove at those words. How dare he bring up the past? He balled his fists against his sides. He didn’t have time for this useless pissing contest with him. His friend was hurting in the hospital. Chains envisioned crashing his bike into an eighteen-wheeler and the rest of his MC brothers finding his crushed body under the wheels. He reeled in his temper. His anger always got the better of him. Chains knew that. Iron was only trying to help. Iron cared about Tank, too. The hunger to find out what happened to Tank overcame everything else. Screw his pride. Iron was right. He was too tipsy to ride. “Fine, but if you tell anyone about this, I’ll kill you,” Chains said in an empty voice. Iron looked bored by his threat. He gestured to his own Harley. “Get on.” It took thirty minutes to get to St. Luke’s. Once Iron found a spot at the parking lot, Chains immediately got off. He didn’t wait for Iron. He strode straight to the reception desk, relieved to see Olivia manning the desk. St. Luke’s was always understaffed, he ed. Olivia must’ve seen the expression on his face because she told him immediately, “He’s in room 1C. It’s in the west wing of the hospital. Turn right, then left.” “Thanks, Olivia.”

Chains made his way to his friend’s room. He grimaced, seeing Tank. His entire face was puffy. Bandages covered Tank’s body. His right arm and left leg were in a cast. He looked like a fucking mess. Chains gritted his teeth. Tank must’ve heard him enter because he turned his attention to him. “Hey,” Tank rasped. “I fucked up.” “I can see that.” Chains took the chair next to the bed. He had plenty of unspent energy. Chains wanted to punch or knife someone. Seeing the man who was like a favorite brother to him all beaten up and broken only stoked the fires of his growing rage. Chains wanted vengeance for his friend. He’d make the bastards who hurt Tank bleed and suffer. They didn’t deserve a clean death for what they’d done to Tank. “Tell me about your attackers,” Chains pressed. He knew he should let Tank rest, but he needed more information. After Saint eliminated Rooster, everyone thought the Red Dragons MC wouldn’t have the balls to try anything again. “There were three of them. I don’t recognize the other two, but I know the leader. He’s Bulldog, Rooster’s son.” “You sure about that?” This was good. Tank ed one of his attackers. Tank let out a dry laugh. “That facial tattoo of his is a damn eyesore.” Chains tried to what he knew about Bulldog. Saint didn’t do things half-assed. He had their resident hacker Wizard find out everything he could about their rival MC club. They all knew the faces and names of the men in the Red Dragons MC. Bulldog had a reputation as black as tar, just like his father. Chains cracked his knuckles. He no longer felt drunk. Adrenaline surged through his entire system. His thirst for vengeance fueled him. He wanted nothing more than to get back at the fuckers who hurt his friend. “I’ll get Wizard to look into Bulldog. Find out where he lives,” Iron chimed in.

Iron and he traded looks of understanding. They wanted justice for their fallen brother. Not fallen, he reminded himself. Tank survived. Letting him live had been a mistake. Did they beat him up and abandon him because they were sending some kind of fucked-up message? “I think they were planning to kill me,” Tank said, answering his unasked question. “But they fled when they spotted an approaching police cruiser. Deputy Murphy brought me here. He was the one who phoned Iron.” Deputy Murphy was one of the local cops under their payroll, Chains recalled. Chains doubted the deputy saved Tank out of the goodness of his heart. He probably did it out of fear and greed. It didn’t matter now. Iron finally got off the phone while Chains sat with Tank. He didn’t know how long he stayed rooted to his chair, saying nothing. Olivia entered the room to check on Tank. She also changed Tank’s bandages. “He’ll really make a full recovery?” he asked her. “He was lucky. He suffered no concussions, but it will take time for his broken arm and leg to heal,” she told him. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep a close eye on him.” “I know you will,” Chains said with a nod. Like the other MC , he’d been initially apprehensive of Olivia when Saint started dating her. It turned out having a nurse on their side had been really good for the MC. Olivia had proven her loyalty a thousand times. She never hesitated to help an injured MC member. Most importantly, as Saint’s old lady, she kept her mouth shut about MC affairs. She was truly old lady material. “Just got word from Saint,” Iron said after Olivia left the room. Tank had fallen into a deep sleep and started to snore. Chains and Iron left the room to give him some privacy. “What did Saint say?” he asked. Their bonds of brotherhood were unbreakable. When an enemy hurt one of their own, they retaliated in return. Always. Their enemies always ended up wishing they never went after them in the first place. “He told us we can do whatever we see fit to the fuckers responsible for putting Tank here,” Iron said.

“And Wizard? Did he dig up anything useful on Bulldog?” he asked. “Speak of the devil,” Iron said as his phone rang. Chains paced the room as Iron spoke with Wizard. Iron finally ended the call and looked at him. “Wizard says the bastard owns two properties. A house in Mountain Lake and a cabin not far from the town.” “We’ll check out both locations,” he said. “But if his intention is to lay low, he’ll be hiding out in that cabin of his with his buddies.” Iron nodded. “You want to bring in more men into this? Our brothers would also want vengeance for Tank.” Chains mulled over his question. Tank mentioned only three men attacked him. There could be more, but he didn’t want to bring attention to the rest of the Fallen Saints MC either. “Two of us will do just fine,” he said. “We’ll scout the place first. If there’s too many of them, we’ll call for backup.” Iron nodded. “We’ll ride out to Mountain Lake first thing in the morning.” The town of Redemption was controlled by the Fallen Saints MC. Likewise, Mountain Lake used to be the headquarters of the Red Dragons MC. Chains used past tense because he knew local law enforcement had wrestled control of the town once Rooster was gone. Chains and Iron would just be doing the cops a favor by helping rid their town of some cockroaches. Chains cracked his knuckles. He wanted to head there right away. Finish this sorry business, but he knew now wasn’t the right time. He was still feeling a little drunk. Chains would pop some sleeping pills, get a good night’s rest, and tomorrow, Iron and he would kill the fuckers who’d injured Tank. “Looking forward to it,” he told Iron.

Chapter Two

Not for the first time, Tanya wished she was elsewhere. Anywhere but here, here being the miserable musty cabin she was holed up at with her brother and his biker friends. “Where’s my toast, you useless bitch?” Arrow demanded. “It’ll be done in five minutes,” she answered. Arrow threw a plate at her. She ducked, wincing as it hit the sink instead and shattered into a hundred little pieces. “Clean that mess up,” her half-brother Bulldog said, annoyance in his voice. He threw it, Tanya wanted to retort, but she knew opening her mouth would only get her in further trouble. She didn’t use to be this weak. Ever since her father Rooster died, things only took a nasty turn. Not that her life had been sunshine and roses from the beginning. If there was a contest, then Rooster would win the worst father of the year award. He hadn’t given two shits about her, but at least he’d left her alone. She grabbed a broom and cleaned up the broken plate. By the time she brought Arrow his toast, it was already burnt. “I’m not eating this shit. What are you trying to do, poison me?” Arrow said, grabbing her wrist. Her heart thumped. At least Rooster used to keep his men away from her. In his own twisted way, Rooster protected her. He’d been verbally abusive and awful, but he was the only family she ever had. Rooster and Bulldog. “Let go of me,” she whispered. Arrow tightened his grip on her wrist. She didn’t like the ugly gleam in his eyes. He’d been constantly eye-fucking her ever since the four of them moved to this godforsaken cabin in the woods. Why had she even agreed to come, to allow

herself to be trapped in the first place? Bulldog’s words came back to her. “Because the Fallen Saints MC wants all of us dead, including you, dear sister.” Tanya didn’t get it at all. She was nobody, just a waitress barely making ends meets week after week. Being Rooster’s daughter didn’t make her special. It only made her a target to savages who lived and breathed violence. Bulldog painted the Fallen Saints MC as monsters. Tanya sometimes wondered if the enemy MC were worse than the Red Dragons or maybe they were the same. All of them were cut from the same cloth. “We don’t have time to screw around,” Buzz interrupted. Mercifully, Arrow released her. The three men started talking about what they’d done. Something stupid, no doubt. They didn’t include her in her plans. Tanya was just the equivalent of a maid. Maids got paid for their hard work at least. She was more of a servant. She returned to washing the dishes from last night. Ever since Rooster had been killed, her entire life had been uprooted. Bulldog had become super-paranoid. He insisted the Fallen Saints were out for all their blood. Tanya had probably lost her job at the diner by now. Nothing in her life was ever the same. There were no friends she could vent to because her father and half-brother always kept insisted family was the only thing she needed. The MC wasn’t her family. They were just a bunch of thugs and criminals who got their kicks breaking the law and making dirty money. “I told you we should’ve killed that fucker. He probably talked by now,” Buzz was saying. “Well, let him talk. Those bastards ought to know they’re not safe,” Arrow said. “Look, all we need to do is lay low. That’s all there is to it,” Bulldog said. “We’ll wait and grow our numbers. Once we’re a force to be reckoned with again, we’ll hit them good and hard.” Tanya rolled her eyes. She left the kitchen and started cleaning the living room. There were beer bottles and empty take-out boxes everywhere. Men are pigs, she

thought, grabbing a black garbage bag. She tossed the trash inside. No matter how often she cleaned, Bulldog and his buddies just messed up everything the next day. Arrow laughed at a crude joke her half-brother made. So their serious discussion had concluded. Rooster was many things, but he was a better leader than Bulldog would ever hope to be. She loathed his guts and hated his men, but at least his men respected Rooster. Bulldog used his fists first before his brain. Tanya privately thought provoking the Fallen Saints MC was a stupid move. Sure, they killed Rooster and a couple of MC , but Tanya wouldn’t be surprised. It was bound to happen sooner or later. The Red Dragons MC never lacked for enemies. “I’m heading to town to get some beer,” Buzz announced. “Are you stupid?” Bulldog asked. The two men emerged from the kitchen. Buzz was putting on his leather jacket. “Let Tanya get it,” Bulldog said. “She has nothing to do, anyway.” Except clean this filthy cabin, she thought dully. Tanya learned early that opening her mouth would only earn a cuff, punch, or slap from her brother. Bulldog thought he was the new king after their father had ed away. King of nothing, more like. “Nah, man. I’m sick of being cooped up all the fucking time,” Buzz argued. “Didn’t we have this discussion earlier? We’re supposed to be lying low,” Arrow added. Buzz gave Bulldog the finger. Both men argued as they left the cabin, leaving Tanya alone with her least favorite person in the world. She continued her work, but the fine hairs on her arm stood up. Tanya knew Arrow watched her in that creepy way of his. Bored men resorted to reckless actions. “Let me help you with that,” Arrow offered, taking the black garbage bag from her hands. He flashed her an empty smile that raised goosebumps all over her flesh.

“I can handle it on my own.” She tried to snatch the bag, but he only tossed it aside. Tanya cringed at the sound of beer bottles breaking as the bag hit the floor. She took a hesitant step back as he neared her. “It’s finally just the two of us,” Arrow said, showing her a line of his white teeth. He reminded her of a wolf about to devour a gazelle. She was his prey. Screaming wouldn’t do her any good. No one would come to her help because no one ever did. Arrow backed her against the closest wall. She slid her gaze to the door. Both of them could still hear Buzz and Bulldog having their shouting match outside. Arrow wasn’t scared of Bulldog. Bulldog might act like the new big boss, but Tanya knew his men were only humoring him. They followed him only because there was nothing else to do, and they could do whatever the hell they wanted. Unlike Rooster, Bulldog wasn’t a fan of enforcing rules. She heard the rumble of a motorcycle outside. Two. Her heart sank. Bulldog and Buzz had probably left for town, leaving her truly alone with this pervert. The tiny bit of hope she’d held on to wilted. What did she expect? That Bulldog would walk back in, see her predicament, and save her from Arrow? As if her brother gave two shits about her. Like Rooster, Bulldog always treated her like an inconvenience. The sad truth was her family thought it would’ve been better if she’d never been born. Some days, Tanya wished the same. “You’ve been such a fucking tease, Tanya,” he said. “You’ve been driving me mad over the past week. Enough games.” What games? Arrow and her brother constantly reminded her plenty of times she was no looker. They were right. Tanya had boring brown hair and eyes. She was on the curvy side, and she certainly had nothing on her mother, who’d been a club whore. Her mother left the MC right after giving birth to her, but Tanya had one picture of her. She’d been a beauty, unlike Tanya. Arrow was probably just horny because he no longer had access to the club whores. To him, women were all the same, just pussy he could tap and discard after he was done with them. Arrow sickened her. All MC men did. He began to touch her cheek. Tanya punched him in the face, or attempted to. Arrow easily overpowered her, gripping her wrists above her head. His face, which most of the MC club whores considered handsome, twisted in contempt.

Humor bled from his eyes. “Get away from me,” she whispered. “Or what? Daddy’s dead and your spineless excuse of a brother won’t save you. He needs me too much.” Arrow’s breath smelled repulsive as he leaned in close. He used one hand to hold her wrists, and the other, he used to squeeze her breasts. She took that opportunity to kick him in the groin. Arrow howled, backing away. Heart racing, she ran, only to feel his hands on the back of her tank top. He yanked her backward so violently that the fabric tore. Arrow tackled her to the ground. She twisted and kicked him. Using his big body to pin her down, he leered at her. The sound of a gunshot made both of them freeze. Tanya knew she should try to free herself, but something felt damnably wrong. She could feel it in her gut. It was eerily quiet outside. Arrow hadn’t noticed, he was busy tearing off the rest of her top. The door flew off its hinges as another gunshot went off. Arrow scrambled off her, eyes narrowed. He fumbled for something in his jacket, but two men in leather jackets entered the cabin. They weren’t wearing Red Dragon MC patches. Arrow swore. He didn’t bother with his gun anymore. Like a coward, he bolted for the kitchen. The bigger and older of the two intruders went after him. The younger one lingered. The one with the short, dark-brown hair and hard eyes, eyes a blue so dark they almost appeared black under the morning light. Tanya swallowed as she found herself staring at the barrel of a shotgun. “Who are you?” he asked her, looking her up and down. For some reason, she didn’t feel repulsed by his gaze. He looked at her with a mixture of concern, curiosity, and pity. That last emotion was the one Tanya couldn’t stand. She’d been looked at like that her entire life by strangers she didn’t know. Worried neighbors. Local cops who were too afraid of Rooster and the MC to offer her a helping hand. She understood the rules of the world she grew up in. It was every man and woman for his or herself. The strong ate at the weak, and today, she’d perish because she found herself in the role of the prey.

The victim. She was almost relieved because this unknown biker was going to be her angel of mercy. Tanya had no reason to live. Her entire life had been one big messy fight for survival, and she was so tired. Bulldog and the others knew the Fallen Saints would come for them eventually, and here they were. That meant Buzz and her brother were probably dead. Tanya didn’t feel a smidge of guilt for their deaths, and she felt a little something when she found out Rooster was dead. Rooster, in his own way, had tried to look out for her. Bulldog bullied and pushed her around her entire life. She’d seen how other brothers treated their sisters in school. That wasn’t how Bulldog was with her. Arrow was right. Bulldog would’ve let Arrow do whatever he wanted to her because she was necessary collateral damage. “I asked you a question,” he said. She told him the truth. “I’m no one. Go ahead. End me.” He looked startled, suddenly unsure of what to do. Tanya swore he possessed the eyes of a killer, but at that moment, his edges softened. Unexpected desire stirred in her gut as he lowered the gun. Tanya was confused. She didn’t understand him at all. Fear settled inside her like a familiar blanket. If he had no intentions of killing her, what did he plan to do with her?

Chapter Three

The woman was the last thing Chains had expected to find. She wore old blue jeans and a tattered shirt that barely covered her pink bra. Even so, her long brown curls and those big hazel eyes stopped him cold. Those eyes screamed innocence, and he never expected to find that in a shithole like this. Why was a treasure, an angel like her, hanging around with a bunch of losers? A second thought occurred to him. Why had she been so ready to die? Any other woman in her shoes would’ve begged him to spare her life, but this woman did the opposite. She invited him to take it. That disturbed him on so many levels. The Fallen Saints might be a lot of things, but they followed a certain set of rules. They didn’t kill women or children. A gunshot rang from the kitchen, sending Chains moving. He found Iron standing outside the kitchen, looking pissed. He didn’t see a third dead body. “He got away?” Chains asked. Damn it all. Earlier, he told Iron it was like shooting all three ducks in a row. Bulldog and his friends didn’t even know they were coming. “The fucker ran right through the woods.” In the distance, Chains could hear the rumble of an engine. He was tempted to give chase. That bastard needed to pay for what he’d done to Tank, to the woman in the cabin. Shit. Chains walked back inside, expecting her to be gone. She remained where he left her, except she stood up, wrapping her arms around her body. “Who is she?” Iron asked by his side, giving him a questioning look. “I don’t know,” he itted. “A club whore maybe?” Iron asked him. Immediately, he wanted to come to her defense, and that rattled him. He didn’t even know her name, the first thing about her, and yet he felt protective toward her.

“No,” she said. “I’m Tanya West.” Iron swore next to him. He froze. Daniel West was Rooster’s legal name, which made Tanya his daughter. Just when Chains thought she was a scared rabbit, she raised those big eyes to his. He met her challenging stare for a few seconds. “What are we going to do with her?” Iron asked, scratching his head. “Your brother’s dead. So is his friend. The one who was assaulting you escaped.” Chains didn’t know why he gave her that information. He watched her closely for her reaction. She let out a breath. Tanya looked calm, relieved almost. “Bulldog’s just my half-brother. He and Rooster were the only family I had left.” “Do you want vengeance?” Chains asked. Revenge was a vicious cycle, he knew that well enough. Sooner or later, it would bite him back in the ass. Iron watched their interaction with a furrowed brow. Iron was probably wondering what the fuck Chains was thinking. “No,” she answered with a shiver. “I’ve had enough of all of this. I’ve seen enough violence to last me a lifetime.” Suddenly, she looked haunted, older than her years, although she must only be in her early twenties. “What do you know about Bulldog and his operation?” he asked. She let out a brittle laugh. Chains didn’t like the sound. He wished neither of them was in this position. He wanted to spirit her somewhere safe and quiet, and he would get her to smile, to laugh, but not like this. Tanya sounded like she was breaking apart. Splintering. Then again, why wouldn’t she? She’d just lost her family, but Chains had a feeling Bulldog and Rooster treated her like shit. “What operation?” she asked him. “Bulldog doesn’t have Rooster’s smarts. He hit you guys hard because he and his pals were drunk and restless. It’s not a prelude to some big plan.”

“Bulldog and his friends nearly beat my brother to death,” Chains said in a flat voice. “And now Bulldog and Buzz are dead,” she said. “Are you satisfied?” “No. One escaped but he won’t get far.” “Arrow’s crafty. He likes to talk big, but he’s a runner.” Tanya shivered. He bet she was cold. Chains didn’t know why he took off his jacket and placed it around her shoulders. She stood so still, he almost thought she was a statue. Did she think he’d hurt her? For a second, that angered him, then he pushed that emotion aside. Tanya had been through a lot. “What are you going to do with me?” She looked only at him, barely sparing Iron a glance. “She knows nothing,” he told Iron. “But she’s a witness,” Iron reminded him unhelpfully. “I can’t let you go,” Chains told her plainly. He thought she’d fight him or try to run, but she only seemed resigned to her fate. “I see. I understand,” she answered. “I’ll go with you.” She agreed to it so readily that it disturbed him. “Can I gather some of my personal belongings?” she asked him. “From my room? It won’t take long and I don’t have a lot of stuff.” “Don’t take too long,” he said. She nodded. A second later, they heard a bedroom door slam close. Chains ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “She’s a complication,” Iron said. “No shit.” A twisted part of him hadn’t intended to let her go at all. Chains wanted to keep her. Tanya West wasn’t going anywhere, not anytime soon. She knew too much. She might talk, but he had a feeling she wasn’t that kind of

woman. Tanya emerged ten minutes later, carrying a backpack. She’d also changed into a new top, a gray fitted sweater that failed to hide her sensual curves. Chains had a hard time keeping his gaze on her face and not the rest of her. She was probably traumatized. He shouldn’t be thinking about her that way, but he couldn’t help himself. He knew there was something special about her the moment he’d first laid his eyes on her. “We need to get rid of the bodies,” Iron said. She flinched at those words. “Stay here,” he told her. “Don’t think to leave.” “I’m not going anywhere. It’s not like I have anywhere else to go,” she said in a whisper, but Chains heard her words anyway. His heart cracked a little. She told them there were supplies in the shed behind the cabin. They found shovels there. Burying a dead body was always back-breaking work, but it needed to be done. “She’s an odd one,” Iron said as they began digging deep into the earth. “I think she’s still in shock. Doesn’t seem like she’s sad about her brother’s death,” he commented. “I wouldn’t want a brother like Bulldog either,” Iron said with a shrug. “What are you planning to do with her?” “Whatever the hell I want. I found her. She’s mine.” Iron said nothing as they continued to dig. In truth, Chains didn’t know what the hell he was going to do with her. Why would she want to come with them in the first place? Because she had no choice? Maybe growing up in the MC life had done a number on her. By the time the back-breaking work was done, Iron and he were tired and dirty. They returned to the cabin. Once again, Chains expected to find her gone, but she surprised the hell out of both of them with lunch. “It’s just sandwiches and some soup. It’s not poisoned,” she said quickly. “If you

guys need to use the shower, it’s right by the hall.” “I’ll take that shower,” Iron said. Once they were alone again, he asked her. “Why are you doing this?” Chains sat at the kitchen table. He took a sip of the mushroom soup. It tasted warm and good. He took a few bites of his sandwich then gestured to the empty chair next to her. “Sit with me. Eat,” he said. She fixed herself a sandwich and sat down. “I’m not too hungry,” she itted, but she took small bites anyway. Maybe she was trying to prove to him the food wasn’t poisoned. He wasn’t worried about that because a nice girl like Tanya wouldn’t resort to anything sinister. It eluded him how a bastard like Rooster could father a nice daughter like Tanya. “You didn’t answer my question earlier,” he reminded her. “Why did you make lunch for us? Why didn’t you run when you could?” “Running only makes things worse, I know that,” she whispered. “I’m used to this, to doing chores for my dad and brother. It’s all I know how to do. Even more shit hit the fan and Rooster died, I worked at the diner, then came home to do chores.” “Your father and brother are assholes who don’t know how to treat a woman right.” “All you MC men are the same.” Chains regarded her. He wanted to argue, to tell her he was different, except he’d be lying. Chains had never been in a serious relationship his entire life. He thought he’d be content with hook-ups and casual sex his entire life, but after meeting her, he was beginning to change his mind. What Tanya needed was a real man, someone who didn’t take her for granted. Someone who’d treat her like the fucking queen she really was. “We need to take you with us because we have more questions for you,” he finally told her bluntly. “Then there’s the other problem. You’re a witness.” “I didn’t see anything. I heard gunshots and that’s it. I won’t talk,” she assured

him. “I know you won’t, but our Prez would probably want to talk to you,” he said. “Don’t worry, once he sees you’re not part of this, of the Red Dragons, you’re free to go.” Chains didn’t want that, of course. He wanted to spend more time with this woman, to get under her skin and truly know her. What made her tick, laugh, and smile. He wanted to wipe away the sorrow in her eyes. To taste those luscious lips and run his hands down her beautiful and tempting curves. He silently berated himself. Tanya was probably scared, although she was trying to put up a brave front in front of him. “Okay,” she finally said. “I trust you.” “You shouldn’t give your trust easily to strangers. I’m not a good man.” Chains didn’t know why he told her that either, but he felt Tanya deserved the truth. He didn’t want to lie, to deceive her. She’d been through enough. “You’re better than Bulldog and the other MC men I’ve come across. You could’ve ended my life. It’s the easiest way to keep me quiet, but you didn’t.” She bit on her bottom lip. Fuck, those lips. Chains wanted to taste her so badly, to feel her warm and soft body rubbing against his hard one. “We don’t kill innocent women or children. That’s not part of our M.O.” She blinked. “Bulldog made it sound like you were vicious monsters.” “Sounds like your brother was a dick,” Iron added, ing them in the kitchen. The other biker noticed Chains’s empty bowl and plate, then quickly devoured his lunch. “What’s going on?” “Nothing much, I just told Tanya what to expect once we take her to our clubhouse.” Chains saw the momentary fear in Tanya’s eyes. He didn’t know what made him reach out for her arm. He closed his fingers over hers, pleased she didn’t pull away. Tanya looked at him uncertainly.

“No one’s going to hurt you,” Chains assured her. “Whoever touches you inappropriately or without permission will have to answer to me. You understand? You’ll be under my protection.” “I don’t date bikers,” she blurted. Chains blinked. “Okay.” He didn’t know what else to say. Thank God Iron remained silent. Chains knew he was acting out of character, but he didn’t care. Tanya and he had the potential to become something more. He just didn’t know what yet.

Chapter Four

“So this is the woman who’s got you all twisted up in knots?” Those were the first words Saint asked when Chains brought Tanya to Saint’s office. The President of the Fallen Saints MC intimidated her slightly. Why wouldn’t he? This pissed-off biker had the power to order Chains or one of his men to shoot her in the head. Chains said his MC didn’t kill women or children. She believed him, but Saint might make an exception for her. After all, she was the daughter of an enemy MC. There was no way Saint would allow her to leave. “Tanya has nothing to do with either Rooster or Bulldog. She was unwillingly dragged into their mess,” Chains said, coming to her defense. Tanya looked at her captor, her savior. She didn’t even know what to call him. He’d treated her with nothing but respect as they left Mountain Lake and headed to the town of Redemption. This town was Fallen Saints territory. Tanya had never even left her hometown before, so all of this was new and a little frightening. Somehow, riding on the back of Chains’s motorcycle kept her panic at bay. Tanya didn’t know why she clung to him like a lifeline. He steadied her. She trusted him, although he was right. Chains was a complete stranger to her. She had no reason to trust him, but she did. Tanya couldn’t quite explain it, but she’d believed him when he told her he’d keep her safe. Would he still hold on to that promise if his MC President decided she was a threat? “Leave the room, Chains. I want to talk to Tanya alone,” Saint said. “Why?” Chains asked with a frown. “She’s been through plenty. The last thing she needs is a shakedown.” “Don’t make me repeat my orders.” That sounded like a warning. Tanya didn’t know why she touched Chains’s arm. He looked ready to argue, to go to war for her. Chains paused, glancing at her. “I’ll be fine.” Tanya wasn’t sure why she was the one assuring him when she

was the one who was downright terrified. “Fine, but I’ll be right outside waiting,” Chains said. He gave her arm a squeeze before exiting the office. “He’s grown fond of you, and you guys only met,” Saint said. His expression was unreadable. “Take a seat, Tanya. This won’t take long.” Saint grilled her. He had plenty of questions for her, but Tanya had expected that. She had almost expected to be taken to some dark room and be restrained to a chair like some prisoner being interrogated. Not this. By the time Saint was done, she was exhausted. He’d been thorough, but Tanya didn’t bother with lies because she didn’t really know much of what went on in the Red Dragons MC. “Would you go seeking retribution for your father and brother?” Chains had asked her that same question. This time, she thought about it carefully before answering. “No,” she finally said after a long stretch of silence. “They had it coming. The Red Dragons were making enemies left and right. Rooster and Bulldog were digging their graves early. I was a little sad when Rooster died, he was my dad after all, but the world’s a better place with both of them gone.” Tanya felt like a traitor for itting the truth, but she couldn’t take it back. Rooster always told his men that loyalty was important to him, but the men of the Red Dragons MC threw that word around so easily, it didn’t mean a thing. They backstabbed their enemies and each other without a second thought. “What are you going to do now?” Saint asked her. “I don’t know,” she itted. Hesitantly, she found the courage to ask him, “Am I free to go?” “Iron and Chains are right. You’re not a liability. You just happened to be at the wrong place and time.” Saint paused. “You need a job. A fresh start. Am I wrong? Why don’t you take a job here?” “Here?” she asked blankly. Her face grew hot. “My mother was a club whore, but I’m not following in her footsteps.”

“As a waitress. We’re in need of those,” Saint explained. Tanya had a feeling he wasn’t offering her a job out of the goodness of his heart. Saint struck her as a calculating man. He knew she was broke and had no place to go. By offering her employment, he’d be able to keep a close eye on her. She wasn’t scot-free, not completely. Tanya didn’t care. She needed the money. Besides, Mountain Lake didn’t feel safe. It hadn’t felt that way for a long time. “When can I start work?” she asked. Tanya made a mental list of things to do in her mind. She needed a place to stay as well. Tanya didn’t need to go back to the house she grew up in Mountain Lake. She had all her important belongings in her backpack. “How does Monday sound?” Saint asked her. She nodded. “Sounds good. Thank you.” This sounded like an informal dismissal. Tanya was eager to leave Saint’s office. He still intimidated her. Before she reached the door, he gave her his last parting words. “If you ever betray me or my MC, Tanya, mark my words. You’ll be ing your father and brother in the ground.” She clutched the doorknob. Of course, she expected Saint to show his claws sooner or later. He was probably just being protective of his club. It was a little laughable he saw her as a potential threat. Tanya was a nobody, after all. Except that wasn’t completely true. She was something to Chains. She didn’t understand it completely either, but his presence made her situation tolerable. He gave her something she thought she’d lost a long time ago. Hope. “I’ll ,” she said, then left Saint’s office. **** Chains couldn’t keep his eyes off Tanya. She balanced four beers on her tray and proceeded to serve them to his MC brothers. He nursed his drink slowly. A week had ed since he’d brought her to Saint. When he heard she’d accepted a job working as a waitress at the clubhouse, he wasn’t too sure about her decision. Then he realized Saint probably wanted to keep an eye on her. He clenched his

bottle and took a sip. Not a drop left. Usually, he’d want another drink, then another, but not tonight. Chains had a new addiction and it had nothing to do with alcohol. “Why don’t you ask her out?” asked a new voice. A female one. Olivia ed his table. She still wore her scrubs, so Chains was guessing she’d just finished a shift from the hospital. “What?” he asked, distracted. He narrowed his eyes as two of his MC brothers checked out Tanya’s ass. It didn’t help that she wore what the other women who worked at the club did—very little clothes. Tanya wore skimpy shorts that barely covered her luscious ass and a white shirt with the bar’s logo. Her top clung perfectly against her curves, highlighting the generous swell of her breasts. Chains wanted to drape his jacket over her shoulders. Cut off the eyeballs of the bastards leering at her. “On a date,” Olivia emphasized. “A date?” Chains asked her, sounding clueless in his ears. He could do that. Tanya and he had barely traded a few sentences over the last week. Chains didn’t know how to approach her. Sure, he’d fucked plenty of women in his time, but they were nothing compared to her. Distractions. The club whores were here of their own violation. They came to the clubhouse to have a good time, but Tanya wasn’t like that. She was a hard worker, a lost soul trying to find her way in the world after her old one burned down. Lately, Chains wondered if a man like him would ever be good enough for a woman like her. She’d told him once that she didn’t date bikers and he couldn’t blame her. Her father and brother were dicks to her. They made her life miserable. Olivia giggled, which made Chains scowl at her. “What?” he asked. “Nothing, I think it’s adorable seeing you like this.” Before Chains could get another word in, Olivia said, “Here she comes. This is your chance to ask her out, Chains.” His mouth went dry as Tanya came by their table. “Something to drink?” Tanya

asked Olivia. The two women, he noticed, had become fast friends over the past few days. Good for Tanya. “I could use a beer,” Olivia itted. “I’m waiting for Saint. He’s in a meeting with Devil.” “What about you?” Tanya asked him. She lifted her shy gaze to him, and all Chains wanted to do was drag her close to him. Seal his lips over hers and finally taste her for the first time. “I’m good,” he said, silently cursing himself. Chains didn’t know what the fuck was wrong with him because he wasn’t usually like this. He was a patch for the Fallen Saints MC. When he saw something he liked, he took it without apology. Moments later, Tanya returned with Olivia’s beer. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. As Tanya left for another table to take their orders, he spotted Dagger reaching out, then giving Tanya’s denim-clad ass cheek a squeeze. Her reaction was immediate. She flinched, backing away, an instinctive reaction. Possession took hold of him. Chains was on his feet. He surged past Tanya and fisted Dagger’s shirt, hauling him up to his feet. “What the hell, Chains?” Dagger demanded. Chains shoved him violently against the table. “I saw what you did, fucker.” He punched him in the face. The three other MC sitting with Dagger rose from their seats. Dagger recovered from his initial shock and threw a punch to his gut. He grunted. Dagger shoved him away, or he tried to. Chains was bigger, meaner. He had more experience. Dagger had graduated from prospect to patch just a month ago. “Chains, it’s okay. It was an accident,” Tanya said, touching his shoulder. “Please. I don’t want any trouble on my .” She was terrified, he realized. She knew she was in a den of wolves. Most of his MC brothers knew who she was, that she was Rooster’s daughter. Tanya probably thought she had no allies here, but she was wrong. She would always

have Chains in her corner. He’d defend her from any handsy asshole, including his MC brothers. No one had the right to touch her but him. Olivia had made a terrific point. He had enough of pussyfooting around and sulking. It was time for him to take charge. Dagger ought to be grateful Tanya intervened on his behalf. Chains still wanted to slam his face into the table multiple times, but by some miracle, he released him. “What’s she to you?” Dagger asked, wiping the blood off his split lip with the sleeve of his leather jacket. Chains turned to Tanya, who looked at him with those huge hazel brown eyes. She didn’t push him away when he slid one arm over her shoulders and brought her close to his chest. Tanya no longer looked shaken. She almost looked relieved he’d come to her aid. Well and good. Chains didn’t want to scare her off. “She’s my woman. Mine. If I ever see you lay a fucking finger on her again, I’ll kill you,” Chains said in a low voice. “That goes to everyone else.” Dagger raised his hands in mock defeat. “Sorry, brother. I didn’t realize she was yours.” “You do now. Don’t fucking ever make the same mistake again.” “I won’t. I don’t want to get on your bad side, Chains. Peace?” Dagger asked, offering him a handshake. Chains wanted to tell him to go fuck himself, but he knew deep down that Dagger was a good kid. The former prospect had proven his loyalty to the MC plenty of times. Chains gripped his hand, gave the kid a curt nod, and then turned to Tanya. “Let’s head outside. Get some fresh air,” he suggested. “Okay.”

Chapter Five

Tanya couldn’t still wrap her head around what happened. One moment, she was working, the next, someone pinched her ass. Then Chains came to her rescue like some white knight. It was pretty laughable actually, because she didn’t need to act so jumpy. During the past week she worked for the Fallen Saints MC, she learned a few things. The men in this MC weren’t like the Red Dragons MC at all. The club whores and the employees who worked for her father were treated like dirt. The women who hung around at the Red Dragons MC clubhouse did so not by choice but by coercion. In comparison, the club whores who worked for Saint were here of their own violation. “Are you okay?” Chains asked once they exited the clubhouse. It was cold out here, so she rubbed at her arms. Like before, Chains automatically took off his jacket and placed it over her shivering shoulders. It was warm and smelled just like him. Like leather and sandalwood soap. Tanya ed how Chains automatically pulled her close to him, how natural it felt. She honestly thought he’d lost interest in her. Sure, they traded a few words here and there, but nothing more. Part of her began to wonder if she imagined the heat in his eyes a week ago. When he told Dagger that she was his, her heart beat furiously. Tanya wanted that lie to be true. She regretted telling him she didn’t date bikers. Maybe that was the reason why he kept his distance from her. Tanya still held on to that rule, but she’d make an exception for him. Chains would always be special to her. After all, he’d saved her life. He’d brought her here and helped her get a fresh start. “I overreacted,” she itted. “I must seem like a fool.” Chains closed in. Her heart started faster as he tipped her chin, using two fingers to force her to look at his eyes. Seeing the familiar hunger there made her

nipples tighten under her shirt. Moisture gathered between her legs. When he leaned in close to kiss her, she didn’t stop him. She gripped his shoulders. Tanya didn’t know where she found the courage to kiss him back. He thrust his tongue down her throat and she sucked hard on it. He slipped his hand under her shirt. She moaned when he released her mouth. There was the devil in his smile when he looked at her. “What do you say we get out of here?” he asked. A tempting offer, but Tanya didn’t want to get fired from her job. At first, she’d been apprehensive working for Saint. Later, she found out he was a decent boss. The men in the Red Dragons MC treated all the women at the club like whores, but it wasn’t like that here. Apart from Dagger, who she guessed had been a little tipsy, the MC men respected her space. A couple of them had hit on her, but they backed off sooner or later. She suspected Chains had something to do with that. “Tanya?” he asked. The sound of her name dragged her back to reality. “No, I don’t want to lose my job.” She handed him back his jacket. He took it and put it back on. It looks better on him, Tanya mused. Chains snorted. “You don’t need to keep working here, you know. If you want to get a job in town doing something else, I can talk to Saint for you.” “I don’t mind working here. The money’s good and I’ve gotten close to some of the girls. Cherry’s even letting me bunk with her for free,” she said. Cherry was one of the club whores. She hung out at the MC clubhouse at night but during the day, she was a fiery executive at a marketing firm in town. They got along great. Cherry and Olivia had invited her for lunch last week. They also did a little window shopping. Tanya never had any real friends before. Locals in Mountain Lake were too terrified of her father and the Red Dragons MC, so they kept their distance from her. Here, it was different. Olivia truly felt like she was getting a fresh start in Redemption. “That’s fine. I’ll wait for your shift to be over.” Chains checked his watch. “That’s in two hours, right?” “Right. I better head in. Brick might be wondering where I am,” she said,

referring to the MC member who managed the staff. “I’ll see you later?” Chains nodded. Tanya returned to serving tables, and he returned to his usual table. The next two hours seemed to drag on forever. Occasionally, some of his MC brothers sat down next to him to chat. He always kept his eyes trained on her, she noticed. “Chains has his eye on you, huh?” Mandy, a fellow waitress, observed. “You grew up in the MC life, so I don’t need to warn you. Tangling with an MC man might lead you to heartache.” “You might be right,” she itted with some surprise, but she wasn’t backing down. Tanya touched her lips, ing the sizzling kiss they shared. She wanted more. More kisses and touches from Chains. She never had the opportunity to date much, thanks to her father and brother. How would Chains react if he found out she was a virgin? Would he prefer a more experienced woman? She cast those thoughts aside and focused on her job. Chains made it clear he wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. She once told herself she’d never risk her heart to a biker, and Mandy was right. She’d grown up in this lifestyle. She’d witnessed plenty of women getting their hearts broken, stomped on. Still, she would persist because she wanted to find out where this was going with Chains. Whether they had potential. After Tanya was done with her shift, Chains waited for her outside the clubhouse. She found him standing by his bike. Spotting her, he curved his lips to a smile that made her feel all warm and fuzzy. He took off his jacket again and placed it over her shoulders. “You’ll need this more than me,” he said. “Sorry, I was in a hurry to leave Cherry’s apartment earlier that I forgot to bring a coat. What about you?” “Don’t worry about me. I have thick skin.” Chains grabbed a helmet from the compartment in the back of his bike. He helped her put it on. He tightened the strap under her chin, then mounted his bike. Pulse racing a little, she swung her leg over the Harley. She wrapped her arms around his hard abs. He revved the

engine. Tanya inhaled the familiar masculine scent of him and she buried her face against his back. He felt so warm against her. Chains left the parking lot and started on the long stretch of road that would lead them to town. It was close to midnight when they left the clubhouse. Most of the shops on Main Street were closed, but there were a couple of bars still open. Chains parked his bike on the curb. She shot him a questioning look as she got off. Tanya handed the helmet back to him and glanced at the sports bar opposite the street. “They serve the best cheeseburgers in town here,” Chains said. “You haven’t eaten dinner. You must be hungry. I could use a bite, too.” He’d noticed that? She didn’t realize she said those words out loud. “I notice everything about you.” Tanya didn’t know why his words made her happy. He slid one protective arm over her shoulders again, then led her inside the bar. The place was half empty. They settled on a table next to the window. A waitress stopped by to take their orders. “I’ll have whatever he’s having,” she said. “Good choice.” Chains grinned at her. He ordered two cheeseburgers, fries, onion rings, and shakes for them. “No beer?” she asked him. “I’ve had enough drinking for the night.” Chains paused, seeming deep in thought. “Olivia suggested I take you out for a date. Does this count as one?” Tanya made a mental note to thank her friend. “It does. It’s really sweet of you to bring me out for dinner, Chains. I thought—” She faltered, then she gathered her courage to tell him the truth. “I was beginning to wonder if you’d lost interest in me.” He stared at her for a few moments. “Why would you think that? Tanya, I’m fucking obsessed with you.”

Tanya knew she shouldn’t be turned on by his words, but she was. He leaned in close and stole a kiss from her, long, wet, and ionate. She wanted it to last forever. Eventually, they needed to draw in some air. They pulled apart. “Good,” she whispered. “Yeah? Even if I’m no good for you?” Chains asked. It seemed this question was important to him. “Chains, what are you talking about? You saved my life.” “I spared your life. There’s a difference. I couldn’t bear to kill you.” He paused again. “I’ve never claimed to be a decent man, Tanya. This life is it for me.” Take it or leave it seemed to be his unspoken order. Tanya wasn’t a fool. She understood the risks of dating a man like him. It was far too late to back out now. He had somehow wormed his way into her heart and made a home there. Tanya knew that, in a sense, they were still practically strangers, but Chains felt like the stranger she knew all her life. The men she’d known her entire life had treated her like dirt, but he seemed to see her as something else. His queen. His equal. Their food arrived. She was more famished than she thought. They ate in silence for a while and she noticed Chains watching her. Her face heated as she realized she’d devoured her burger and sides. Not a crumb was left on her plate. “Sorry, I must seem like a pig to you,” she murmured. “Not at all. I like a woman who can eat, who’s proud of her fucking sexy curves.” Chains dragged his gaze from her face to the rest of her. She swallowed, wondering if he could see her nipples tightening to points under her shirt and bra. “Can we still go for that ride?” she asked him, her boldness surprising the hell out of her. “Sure thing.” Chains paid for their food and they returned to his bike. He rode circles around the town. Most of the neighborhood lights were off. The streets

were quiet. She leaned her head against his muscled back enjoyed the sensation of the wind against her face and the powerful hum of his Harley’s engine between her thighs. In those few moments, Tanya felt like she was in a different place, a different world. All of her problems had ceased to exist. It was nearing two in the morning when Chains dropped her off at Cherry’s apartment. She noticed the lights were off, meaning Cherry probably slept with one of the MC men at the clubhouse. Cherry had given her a spare key. She unlocked the door and offered her hand to Chains. “Would you like to come inside for a drink?” she asked him. Tanya had never been bold when it came to men. She never initiated, but tonight, she felt like an entirely different person. Someone new, shiny, and exciting. She was beginning to shred the dead skin of her past and leave it behind. So far, she was liking the new her. Chains flashed her a knowing smile that made her heart thunder. “Don’t mind if I do,” he said.

Chapter Six

Chains couldn’t keep his hands off her. Tanya had offered him a beer, he ed, but he refused. He backed her against the kitchen wall, sliding his hands up and down those maddening curves. She stood still and let him peel off her shirt. He crushed her mouth with his, savoring the taste and heat of her. He unclasped her bra, letting it fall to the kitchen floor. Then he fumbled for the button of those incredibly short shorts of hers. “You’re so fucking sexy, baby,” he murmured in her ear. Chains planted his hands on her waist, then hoisted her up on the kitchen counter. In the back of his mind, he ed that this wasn’t her apartment. It belonged to her friend, but right now, he wasn’t interested in listening to logic. Chains had felt like a starving man over the past few weeks. Night after night in his bed, he’d fucked his hand to the erotic fantasies of Tanya. He hadn’t been able to look at another woman ever since she came into his life. Not that mattered. Now that she’d entered his life, Chains had no intention of ever letting her go. He intended to keep her. Make her his old lady. The thought was almost laughable to the Chains of a week ago, but that version of him had been a broken man. An alcoholic going downhill. Tanya wasn’t just his treasure. She was also the cure he needed. He managed to pry her shorts from her body. Now she only sat on the kitchen counter in her panties. They were cotton and white, pure like her, but not any longer. Chains intended to dirty her up. Make her his in every sense of the word. He tugged at the waistband of her panties. Impatience made him rip the fabric. She let out a squeak when he buried his face into her pussy. “So sweet. Look at that pretty pussy,” he murmured. Chains didn’t need to look up to know she was blushing for him. She was a shy one, his woman, but he was going to teach her not to be ashamed of her desires. Chains traced the shape of her pussy lips with his tongue, savoring the taste of her. Tanya speared her fingers into his hair as he continued his exploration. He

tongue fucked her, sucked on her pink folds while she grew wetter and wetter for him. He moved to her clit and when he started on the sensitive nub of flesh, she bucked against his face. Using his hands, he kept her thighs spread apart. He loved every moan and groan, every sound of pleasure he managed to wrest from her lips. Chains pushed a finger inside her, then froze. She was intact. How was it possible that Tanya was a virgin? She was practically raised within the MC. “Chains? Is something wrong?” she asked him, sounding dazed. Chains continued sucking and licking until she cried out and climaxed against him. He lifted his face and kissed her again, making her taste her juices on her tongue. He gripped her ass, groaning when she wrapped her legs around his waist and brought her close. “Are you going to fuck me now?” she asked him. “Not here. Your first time can’t be on the kitchen counter.” “Guest bedroom,” she said. She squeaked when he lifted her off the counter. Chains carried her to the bedroom. “I can’t believe you did that,” she said as he lowered to the edge of the bed. Chains peeled off his shirt, aware her breathing had turned harsh. It was her turn to watch him as he took off his clothes. It was clear she liked what she saw because she started touching herself. “Baby, that’s so fucking hot,” he murmured, dropping his pants, then his boxers. Her eyes went wide at the sight of his dick, already at half-mast. “Will it hurt?” she asked. “Only for a little bit, but I’ll make you fly after,” he reassured her. Chains fished out a condom from the back pocket of his jeans. He tore open the packaging and slipped it over his dick. “I trust you,” she said with a nod.

Chains intended to never break that trust. He’d keep it safe for as long as he could. He crawled on top of her. “Don’t stop. Keep rubbing at your sweet pussy,” he said. “That’s it. Get yourself ready for me.” He kissed his way down her neck. Chains sucked at the hollow of her collarbones, then took his time lavishing attention to her breasts. He sucked her left nipple into his mouth until she cried out underneath him. He left his bite mark on her right tit. Chains decided he liked seeing the imprint of his teeth on her creamy skin. He stroked his prick to full length, then guided it to her entrance. “You ready to take all of me, baby?” he asked her. “Fuck me, Chains.” He needed no further invitation. Sealing his mouth over hers, he penetrated her. She dug her fingers into his shoulders, likely leaving half-crescent moon marks there, but he didn’t mind the slight bite of pain. He felt the thin layer of skin, of her virginity, give way. He pulled his dick out. The tip was covered with her blood. “I’ll make you feel real good soon,” he told her. Chains entered her again, slowly, steadily. She moaned as he finally buried himself hilt-deep. He fucked her, slow and easy, drawing moans of pleasure from her sweet lips. Soon enough, she began meeting him for every thrust. Her pussy muscles gripped his cock captive like a vise. Fuck, but she was so tight. So perfect. Chains told her so. Tanya’s face and neck colored as he rode her. He switched the angle of his thrusts and entered her again. He must’ve found her G-spot because she arched her back. Her eyelids fluttered. Chains picked up the pace, going faster and deeper with each turn. At his last push, she shattered. Tanya came, calling out his name. Her voice was music to his ears. His balls tightened against his body. Every muscle locked in place. Chains hammered her a few more times before he exploded against the condom. He took off the condom, disposed of it. Then he lay next to her, recovering his breath, and brought her close to his body. She fitted right next to him, like the missing puzzle piece he’d been looking for his entire life.

“I didn’t know sex could be so amazing,” she finally told him. He kissed her slowly, tenderly this time around. “You were amazing, too, baby.” “Stay the night?” she asked him in a vulnerable voice. “I’m not going anywhere,” he reassured her. Screw her roommate. He didn’t want to leave her either. That was a first for him. When it came to casual sex, he always left right after the deed. There was nothing casual between Tanya and him. He had a feeling those days of his life were over. He fell asleep right after her soft snores filled the room. **** Tanya woke up groggy, her limbs tangled in the sheet with someone else’s. She opened her eyes and studied Chains’s handsome profile. Awake, he always looked so intense and serious, but asleep? He appeared peaceful. She traced the bridge of his nose with her finger. The slight movement woke him. He opened his eyes to slits. At seeing her, a smile lit up his entire face. She became all too aware of her bare breasts pressing against the solid wall of muscle that was his chest. His dick grew hard against her stomach. Tanya felt a little sore from last night, but she couldn’t wait to feel his cock inside her, for Chains to fuck her like he owned her. “Morning,” he murmured. Feeling brave, she kissed him on the mouth. His stubble felt harsh against her skin, but she didn’t mind it at all. “I can’t believe last night happened,” she said. “Believe it, baby.” He cupped her cheek and his expression turned sober. “Don’t tell me you regretted giving your virginity to me last night.” “Not one bit,” she said. Tanya had been saving herself for the right man to come along, and she badly wanted to believe it was Chains.

“What are your plans for today?” he asked her. “I’m going to run some errands in town. My shift doesn’t start until six in the evening. What about you?” Chains groaned, as if he suddenly ed a task he had to do. “I’ve got errands to run as well.” Tanya didn’t pry. She had a feeling his tasks were vastly different from hers. Probably MC-related. “When can I see you again?” She cringed at the neediness in her voice. She never wanted to be one of those insecure women who needed to know where their man was every second of the day. What if Chains woke up one day and decided he was done with her? He cupped her cheek, bringing her back to reality. “Tonight. My job won’t take long. Shit. What time is it?” Tanya checked the time on her phone, which she kept under her pillow. “Almost ten.” “I’ll see you later,” he said, bolting from the bed. Chains dressed quickly, but he gave her a parting kiss before he left Cherry’s room, then the apartment. Tanya fell back in bed. She wanted to stay in bed all day. ing she’d left her clothes in the kitchen, she colored. Tanya put on a shirt and a pair of shorts, then hurried outside. “Morning, sunshine.” Cherry it seemed, had just gotten home. Her friend smirked at her. “I see you had a busy night.” She scooped up her clothes on the floor, blushing. “I’m so sorry. This won’t happen again,” she promised. Tanya knew she was imposing. As soon as she received her paycheck next week, she planned on finding her own apartment. Although Cherry insisted she could stay as long as she liked, she didn’t want to trouble her anymore. After Tanya put her clothes back in her room, she ed Cherry in the kitchen for some coffee. “So,” Cherry ventured. “How was he?”

“It’s bad, Cherry.” Seeing her expression, Cherry looked more concerned now than amused. She reached out across the counter and touched Tanya’s arm. “Did he do something?” “It’s not like that.” Tanya shook her head. “I think I’m seriously falling headover-heels for him.” “And that’s not a good thing?” She mulled on Mandy’s words from the night before. “MC men don’t do commitment. I ought to know. I’ve been around them all my life.” “But Chains is different. Even I can see he’s a changing man because of you. Honey, when he looks at you, it’s like he doesn’t give a damn about all the other women in the world.” Tanya knew what Cherry meant. It was like Chains saw her and only her. It wasn’t just plain and simple lust between them, but was Tanya ready to take that leap with him? “He’s really been good to me,” she said quietly. “That’s something I’m not used to. Before I came to Redemption, the men in my life had been nothing but assholes, even my father.” “Change can be a good thing, Tanya,” Cherry said, sipping her coffee. “You don’t have work today?” Tanya asked, checking the wall clock above the fridge. “Day off. I’ve got nothing better to do.” “Then, want to run some errands with me? We can get lunch and you can tell me all about the guy you’ve hooked up with last night.” “That’s an idea,” Cherry said, smiling. “I’ll be ready in thirty minutes.” Before Cherry left for the shower, she paused. “I’m really glad you came to Redemption, Tanya.”

“Me, too.”

Chapter Seven

“Chains, there’s nothing here,” Iron said, sighing. Chains didn’t pay attention to him. He did another circuit of Bulldog’s dilapidated cabin. More than a week had ed since Iron and he buried Bulldog and his pals’ bodies. Chains couldn’t stop thinking of Arrow, the slippery bastard who somehow managed to get away. He enlisted Wizard’s help, but the hacker told him Arrow was being careful. Arrow hadn’t made any transactions using his card, so there was no way to track him. Iron was right. Chains came back empty. He left the cabin and searched the woods around the property, looking for God knew what. Signs, evidence Arrow could’ve left behind. Chains knew he should let this one go. For all he knew, Arrow was thousands of miles away. The bastard could’ve even left the country, but Chains didn’t think so. The rest of the Red Dragons MC had scattered or were absorbed into another group. Did Arrow do the same? He didn’t like loose ends. Sooner or later, Arrow was going to come after them. Hell, he might even target Tanya. Men with nothing to lose often resorted to desperate and cheap tactics. Chains would know. He’d slipped up a couple of times. He had one too many drinks over the years and that led him to violent altercations he couldn’t take back. Saint and his MC brothers somehow always got him out of trouble, but these days, he managed to stay sober. It was all thanks to Tanya. He wanted to be the best version of himself when he was with her. Chains needed to prove he could take care of her. That he deserved her. “Let’s head to town,” he told Iron. Iron gave him a look but didn’t complain. The older biker had his back. Chains interviewed a couple of locals who had close relations with the Red Dragons MC. He even hit up the bar Arrow reputedly spent plenty of time in. Nothing. No one knew where the fucker was.

They returned to Redemption empty-handed. Saint knew about their little side trip to Mountain Lake. He wanted more information on the Red Dragons MC and if they still posed a threat. Iron understood Chains volunteered for the mission for a much different reason. Once they were back on their home turf, he rode for St. Luke’s. Tank was sleeping when they came by, but he looked so much better. He knew his MC brother was looking forward to being discharged from the hospital. However, with a healing arm and leg, it would take a while for Tank to fully recover. “Why are you so obsessed with finding Arrow?” Iron asked him in a quiet voice. “He’s a fucking nobody.” “He’s not a nobody to Tanya,” he said through gritted teeth. “He needs to pay for what he did to Tank, to her.” “Ah. So, this had been about her all along?” He threw Iron a glare. Iron raised his hands, clearly not wanting an argument on his hands. “Arrow’s on the run. He’s desperate and angry. He lost his entire MC, after all, and he’ll probably be blaming Tanya for all his misfortunes,” he explained. “You can’t know that. You’re probably just overthinking this situation.” Iron might have a point, but Chains didn’t want to take any chances when it came to his woman. Before Tanya entered his life, his first priority was his MC. Now, things were different. Keeping Tanya safe was his new mission. She was doing so well. He’d seen for himself how she was just starting to emerge from her shell. When he’d found her, she’d been frightened, ready to give up on life. Now she was independent, feisty, and she chose him. “Are you bastards talking about Chains’s girl?” asked a new voice. Tank. “Hey, buddy. How are you feeling?” Chains asked. “Bored out of my fucking mind. I’ve got to meet this woman who somehow

managed to wrap her little finger around you, Chains,” Tank said. “I’ll bring her to see you soon,” he promised. “She must be something, huh?” Tank asked Iron. “He’s crazy about her,” Iron said. “Whether that’s a good or bad thing remains to be seen.” “Mind your fucking business,” Chains said, but he wasn’t angry. Lately, he had a better handle on his temper. He looked Iron in the eyes. “Thanks for having my back today. I know I’ve been a prick the entire time, but I really appreciate it.” Iron looked uncomfortable by his sudden show of emotion. The older biker gripped his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “I need a drink. See you guys later.” “He has a thing for that nurse,” Tank remarked. “Which one?” Chains asked, curious. “The pretty blonde. Olivia’s friend.” “Huh,” Chains said. “Now that’s interesting.” **** Chains was at a loss for words when Tanya didn’t appear in her usual work tshirt that evening. Tanya had donned a sweet sleeveless knee-length dress with sunflowers for him that night. She also let down her dark curls, so they cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and she’d also put on makeup. Tanya looked happy and excited to see him. A sliver of doubt crept inside him as she walked up to him, smiling shyly at him. How could this beautiful and wonderful woman still want a man like him? Chains didn’t have clean hands. He’d been in this violent lifestyle for as long as he could . She trailed her fingers down his chest, making her look at him. “What’s wrong?” she asked him. “You’re not happy to see me?”

Not wanting her to misunderstand, Chains closed his hand over the back of her neck and kissed her hard and deep. Her heavy breasts pressed up against his chest. Need took hold of him. They’d just seen each other that morning. Chains spent most of his nights over at the apartment she shared with Cherry. He still couldn’t have enough of her. When he pulled away, they were both breathing hard. “I’m just thinking what a lucky bastard I am to have a girl like you,” he told her. He didn’t mince words with his woman. “You’re wrong, Chains. I’m the lucky one.” Because he promised Tank he’d introduce Tanya to him, their first stop was St. Luke’s. They bumped into Olivia on the way to Tank’s room. “How’s he today?” he asked Olivia. Olivia rolled her eyes. “Terrible as always. Half the staff can’t wait for him to be discharged.” “When would that be?” he asked. “Next Tuesday,” she promised. Olivia looked from him to her friend. “Oh, is it date night?” Tanya smiled. “It is, but I want to meet Tank first.” “Well, good luck with that. He’s been grumpy lately.” Tank’s mood changed when Chains introduced his girl. “This is Tanya,” he said, gripping her shoulders. He gave her a little push forward. Tank eyed his woman critically. “So, you’re the beauty who managed to tame Chains.” Tank looked surprised when Tanya came forward and gave him a warm hug. “It’s finally nice to meet you, Tank.”

Then Tanya flashed his best friend a smile that Chains could see left Tank dazzled. Tank swore under his breath. “I can see why Chains is taken with you. You sure are something.” “You don’t even know me that well yet,” Tanya said. “Not true. Chains loves to talk about you. A lot.” Chains gave Tank a glare. “Don’t give all my secrets away.” After their visit, Chains took her out on a night in town. By now, he’d gotten used to the feel of her warm and curvy body pressed against his back. For years, he thought he’d ride solo until death claimed him. Now he couldn’t imagine a life without her. They dismounted from his bike and he led her inside the newly opened French restaurant. He wanted to spoil her rotten, to show her he was more than just a rough biker with dark roots. A snooty waiter gave him an appraising look. Chains met his stare evenly. The poor bastard was about to open his mouth, but before he could turn them away, the manager yanked him to the side. “… Fallen Saints MC … let them through,” he heard the manager whisper furiously to the chastised waiter. The waiter changed his attitude after that. He found them the best table in the house. “Everything’s so fancy,” Tanya murmured once they were seated. She looked at the menu, then paled. “Is this really okay? He took her hands in his. Places like these weren’t his style at all, but Chains had a tidy sum in his bank. He thought it was okay to splurge a little now and then. He agreed to the wine the waiter recommended with their steak and pasta. “How was your day?” he asked. This was one of his favorite parts of the evening. The talking. Sex came as a close second, but he loved hearing the sound of her voice and seeing the expressions that crossed her face.

“I slept in,” she said, sounding thoughtful. “I woke up around lunchtime. Then I caught up on my favorite shows on Netflix. What about you?” “I was in the chop shop all day.” When Chains wasn’t busy with MC business, he loved being under the hood of an engine. “Slow day for me as well.” After decimating their main dish, they shared a dessert. They talked some more. About mundane things, Tanya’s plan for the future. “Right now, I want to live one day at a time. For so long, I’ve lived in the shadow of my father and half-brother. I’ve always felt like I was living in a cage.” “How does freedom taste?” he asked her. “Wonderful. It’s addictive, and so are you, James.” His heart thumped at those words. Few people knew or used his real name. Hell, he doubted most of his MC brothers knew his legal name. The way she looked at him still sometimes stumped him. She didn’t see him as a criminal, as a patched member of the Fallen Saints MC. To Tanya, he was just Chains. The man she was falling fast and hard for. After paying the bill, they left the restaurant and took a walk around the neighborhood. He linked his hand with hers and she leaned her head against his shoulder. They didn’t talk, didn’t need to. Peace and contentment settled in the pit of his stomach. Never in a million years did he think he’d ever find the perfect woman. Tanya was it for him. He knew that deep down. Could he keep an angel like her forever? Chains didn’t hide any secrets from her. She knew he’d ride and die with the MC. What if she wanted something more out of life? To get away from her past, from him, and start a normal life someplace new? “You’re quiet tonight,” she murmured, giving his hand a squeeze. “Penny for your thoughts?” “Just pissed that Wizard hasn’t found any new information on Arrow’s whereabouts.” ‘

“Forget about Arrow. He’s probably fled the country by now,” she said. Chains faced her and slanted his mouth over hers. It was a chaste kiss by all s. He couldn’t wait to devour her on his bed and worship her like the goodness she was. She sighed against him as he pulled away. “Let’s head back to the clubhouse,” he suggested. “I have plans for us.” There was an unmistakable twinkle in her eyes. He knew she wanted him as much as he desired her. “What kind of plans?” “Me fucking you senseless so you can barely walk in the morning.” Her rich laughter woke his cock. “I like the sound of that.” He guided her back to his Harley and they left. After parking his bike, he settled his hand on her back. They entered the clubhouse. A couple of his MC brothers were ed out on the table. A country song played in the jukebox. They climbed the flight of stairs that led to the rooms belonging to the MC . “I’ve been thinking about getting my own place,” she told him once they entered his room. Chains was about to unzip her dress, but he decided this was a conversation they needed to have. “I have a better suggestion,” he began. “What’s that?” she asked him. “Why don’t we get a place together? I’ve been thinking of moving out of the clubhouse for a little while now.” Tanya blinked at him, as if she was carefully processing his words. “Let me get this straight. You’re asking me to live with you?” “It is too early?” Shit. Tank told him to wait a few more weeks, months even to ask that question, but Chains wouldn’t wait a second longer. He wanted to see her face the first thing every morning, to end his nights with her lying next to him in bed. A perfect fit.

“No.” She shook her head and threw her arms around him. “Is that a yes?” he asked hopefully. “Of course, it is. I’d love to find an apartment together.” She gushed, wrapping her legs around him and mounting him like a tree. Chains automatically held her close, not wanting to let her fall. He carried her to his bed and lowered her. “It’s time for a mini celebration,” he told her. “Take off your dress.”

Chapter Eight

From the way Chains was looking at her the entire night, Tanya thought he would’ve fucked her right there in the restaurant. She didn’t understand why they were so crazily addicted to each other. They saw each other practically every day and they slept in the same bed. When he asked her to move in with him, she was elated. A part of her wondered if their relationship was going too fast, but she dismissed the thought. Ever since he’d freed her from her old life, things took a turn for the better. Never once had she been sad or depressed. Moving to Redemption and being with Chains was the best thing that ever happened to her. She sat up in his bed, fumbling for the back zipper of her dress. “I can help you with that.” He reached for her zipper. The top of her dress pooled down her chest. She shimmied out of it until she lay there on his bed just wearing her bra and panties. He stared at her hungrily like a wolf. She purposely wore matching black lace undergarments tonight. The girl at the undergarments store at the mall had been right. This set did make Chains’s eyes pop. “You like?” she asked him. “Hell yeah.” He peeled off his shirt, unveiling hard muscle layered with black ink. Chains also discarded his pants and boxers. She slipped out of bed and knelt in front of him. Tanya could tell he was surprised. She leaned in close and licked the crown of his dick. Chains groaned, sliding his fingers into her hair. He tugged her close until her lips touched his cock. Tanya had been a virgin when she met him. She’d never given a blowjob before, but she wanted to please him. What she lacked in experience, she made up for with enthusiasm. Tanya sucked and licked his cockhead. She explored Chains’s shaft from root to base, tracing every inch of his veined length. His hum of pleasure only spurred her to excel in her task. Opening her mouth, she took his dick inside. Once his tip hit the back of her

throat, Tanya dove back up for air. She bobbed her head up and down, deciding she loved every growl and groan she managed to wrestle from his lips. “Hold still,” he ordered. His firm voice only made her nipples pebble and her pussy wet. She obeyed as Chains began sliding his dick in and out of his mouth. After a few strokes, he erupted. He emptied his seed down her throat. Tanya took everything, careful not to spill a drop. Chains looked down at her, his expression intense, possessive. “That was so fucking hot, baby.” He helped her up to her feet and coaxed her back to the bed. She lay on her back, moaning in relief as he straddled her. Chains took her mouth captive, thrusting his tongue down her throat. Fire radiated from her center and spread to the rest of her body. Her skin turned fever hot as he left searing kisses down the line of her body. He paid extra attention to her breasts, sucking on both her nipples while her pussy ached. “Condoms,” he said, lifting his head. “Fuck.” “We don’t need them,” she blurted. “I’ve only been with you.” “I’m clean,” Chains reassured her. “Had myself tested three months ago.” She nodded. “I trust you. Fuck me raw, Chains. I need you inside me.” He took her mouth again, then slid his thickening cock inside her without warning. She let out a muffled gasped as he breached her. Chains went balls deep inside her. He felt so thick, so big inside her, but she knew the pain would only be momentary. Chains released her mouth. He slipped out of her pussy only to enter her again. He picked up the pace, reducing them both to pants, moans, and animal noises. With each push, Tanya felt closer to him than ever. It was as if he was breaching her most intimate place, like he could almost touch her soul. It was all his. Her heart and body already belonged to him, and Tanya wondered if he already knew that. She gasped as he plowed inside her again. With every push, he hit her sensitive clit. Sweat beaded their bodies. Saint’s cock felt like a heated steel pipe inside her. He was owning her all over again, and she loved every second of it. His last push broke the pressure building inside her. Her vision swirled. She screamed

out his name and came apart. Her mind flew twenty thousand feet in the air. Chains breached her a few more times before filling her with his seed. He collapsed next to her, bringing her close. Tanya closed her eyes and rested her head against his broad chest. At that moment, everything felt wonderful. Too perfect. Tanya couldn’t help but wonder if her happiness was temporary. Momentary. Fragile and breakable like glass.

Chapter Nine

“So, are you two looking at apartments now?” Olivia asked her as they entered the mall. Olivia entered Victoria’s Secret right away. Olivia mentioned she wanted to wear something sexy for her anniversary with Saint. Tanya ed Chains loved seeing her in her matching black lace undergarments. Maybe she should also wear something nice for tonight. Tanya had just received her first paycheck from Saint. She was no longer dipping into her savings. “We’ll be meeting an agent next week,” she told her friend. “How did you feel when Chains asked you to move in with him?” Olivia asked, holding out a scandalous and slutty red G-string that hid nothing from the imagination. Tanya shook her head and looked at another set. “Happy, but a part of me is wondering if everything’s moving too fast.” After all, it had only been two weeks since Chains pulled her out of that cabin. “Is there someone else?” “Of course not. How can you say that?” Tanya demanded. She relaxed, seeing Olivia was just teasing her. “Things between Saint and me also moved pretty fast,” Olivia said. “When he asked me to marry him, I didn’t hesitate. I’ve never regretted my choices.” Tanya wasn’t sure why she envisioned Chains and her standing in front of a priest. In that vision, she was wearing a white A-line wedding gown. No veil. Chains would trade his battered leather jacket for a tux just for one day. Her face felt hot. One minute she was telling Olivia she was worried her relationship with Chains was moving too fast and the next? She was imagining them getting hitched.

“Chains is a good guy. Heck, you’ve made him a better man,” Olivia said. “Why do you say that?” “Before you came along, Saint was worried he was sliding downhill, drinking too much.” Chains had mentioned he was an alcoholic, but Tanya knew he was drinking less and less. She felt the urge to defend her man. “He just lost his way once, but he’s back on the right back. Chains is loyal, fierce, and unexpectedly sweet at times.” Olivia laughed. “There you go. You sound like a woman who’s madly in love with her man.” Tanya finally understood what Olivia was getting at. She shouldn’t be harboring doubts about Chains, about them. “What’s this really about, Tanya?” Olivia finally asked her. “I’m suspicious of happiness. I know it sounds stupid, but things start falling apart whenever I think I’m in a good place.” “Hey.” Olivia stopped her in her tracks. Her friend looked her in the eye. Tanya always ired Olivia. She was strong-willed compared to Tanya. Olivia took no bullshit, not from Saint or the other MC men. Tanya couldn’t ask for a better friend. “Everything’s going to be fine. Chains and the entire MC are on your side.” “I’m not sure Saint trusts me yet,” she pointed out. Olivia snorted. “Saint can be stubborn as a mule. Don’t worry about him. He’ll come around soon.” She had to trust Olivia was right. Tanya couldn’t change where she came from. Her past was already written, but her future remained undecided. They finally made their purchases. Tanya decided on a matching set of white undergarments. Olivia went for several pairs. Tanya didn’t ask about the details of Olivia’s sex life. Her own was a wild one. In the back of her mind, she kept wondering if Chains would someday get bored of her, but sex with him had

always been intense. Mind-blowing. “Why did we go to the mall again?” Olivia asked during lunch. “We were supposed to check out the furniture store,” Tanya said. She didn’t mind if they got sidetracked. It was always fun catching up with Olivia. “We can do that after eating.” Olivia beamed at her. “This is all so exciting, isn’t it? Shopping for your new home? I ed what it was like when Saint and I purchased new furniture for our place.” It was. Tanya felt giddy when she thought about Chains and her personal space. He encouraged her to get creative, to paint the walls and decorate however she wanted. Tanya intended to inject her personality and his into their new apartment. “Thanks for tagging along today,” she said. “I really needed a friend to talk to.” “I had nothing to do and it’s my day off,” Olivia reminded her. “Saint looked annoyed when we left the clubhouse this morning.” Olivia waved her off. “Saint will have me all to himself tonight. He’s just grouchy.” They ended up window shopping for the rest of the day. Tanya took pictures and made a list of the furniture that caught her interest. She’d show them later tonight to Chains. When late afternoon arrived, Olivia and she parted ways. Tanya stopped by Cherry’s apartment for a change of clothes. Today, she mused, was a good day. As she exited the elevator and walked to Cherry’s unit, she froze. The front door hung open, almost inviting her in. She gripped her spare key hard. Tanya distinctively ed locking the front door. Maybe Cherry was rushing and forgot to close it? A bad feeling festered in her gut. What if someone broke into Cherry’s place? “Breathe in and out,” she told herself. “Don’t panic. There’s no reason to do that yet.”

Tanya tucked her key away and reached for her phone instead. She was about to dial the cops but halted when she heard a terrified whimper from inside the apartment. Cherry. Rushing inside wouldn’t do her or Cherry any good. Think, Tanya yelled at herself. She dialed Chains’s number. He immediately picked up after one ring. “Hey, baby. Miss me already?” Chains asked. “Chains, I think someone broke into Cherry’s apartment and she’s inside. She’s hurt,” she whispered. A pause on the other end, then Chains asked her in a serious voice, “Where are you right now?” “Standing next to the elevator.” “Stay put. I’m leaving the clubhouse now. Don’t do anything rash.” Another terrible cry from Cherry’s door made her end her call to Chains. She couldn’t just stand by idly while someone was hurting her friend. Cherry had been practically a stranger when they first met, but the other woman had offered her a place to stay free of charge. Horrible images of some stranger hurting her friend flew through her head as she ran. She rushed through the front door, feeling foolish. “You’re finally here. Shut the door behind you or I’ll put a bullet between her eyes,” a familiar, ugly voice said. Arrow stood in Cherry’s living room. He wore an oversized hoodie, dirty jeans, and sneakers. He looked like he lost plenty of weight. Cherry was sitting stiffly on the armchair. The right side of her face was bleeding. Arrow dug the barrel of the handgun against the back of her skull. That broke her paralysis. Tanya closed the door behind her. She swallowed. She told Chains so many times to forget Arrow, that the biker was a coward who’d do anything to save his own skin. She never expected Arrow to come to Redemption, to go after her friends. “Please let her go, she’s not part of this,” she said.

“Not part of this?” Arrow repeated. Her words only seemed to piss him off. He whipped his head toward her, his eyes bloodshot. “You stupid fucking bitch. This is all your fault. Your friend’s in this situation because of you.” “I know that,” she said quickly. “If you want to kill me, go ahead, but Cherry’s innocent.” She didn’t think Arrow would actually do it, but he moved the gun from Cherry and pointed it right at her. “You can go,” Arrow said to Cherry. She scrambled away from him, hesitating when she neared Tanya. “Run,” Tanya whispered. “I’ll be okay.” Cherry gave her a frightened and uncertain look before running out the door and slamming it shut behind her. Arrow neared her, still holding the gun steady. “After I’m done with you, I’ll hunt your bitch friend down. I can’t have her tattling about me.” Arrow was in her face now. He gave her a backhanded slap, and the force of it made her take a step backward. Tanya’s cheek stung but she kept her expression neutral. She didn’t want to give him any smidge of satisfaction. “You’re a fucking traitor, Tanya. Tell me something. Did you offer yourself up to the Fallen Saints MC as their new whore when Bulldog’s body wasn’t even cold?” he asked her hotly. “I’m no one’s whore.” Sweat beaded down her back as he dug the barrel against her forehead. She winced. “Liar. Your new friend’s been telling me interesting stories. She says you’re Chains’s bitch now. The fucker who killed Bulldog and Buzz. Sick cunt.” Arrow sneered at her. “Take off your clothes.” “What?” Arrow looked her up and down. She felt filthy under his gaze. Only Chains had

the right to look at her like that. No one else. “I want to know what’s so special about you. Do you have a magic pussy?” Arrow sniggered, laughing at his own terrible joke. “If you don’t obey me, I’ll have to rip that dress off you. Do you want that?” “No,” she whispered. Tanya knew Chains was on his way. She just needed to distract Arrow, to keep him talking. She slowly unzipped her dress. “How did you even find me?” “That’s a stupid question. I only had to ask a few locals in town. I knew that murdering bastard would take you to Redemption. He probably didn’t kill you because his club needs fresh pussy. Am I wrong?” Once her dress slipped to the floor, Tanya attempted to cover herself with her arms. Arrow made a sound of disgust. “I don’t get it. There’s nothing special about you. You’re ugly as sin.” Goosebumps pimpled her arms. Terror rooted her in place. God. He was going to rape her, then kill her. What did she expect from a monster like him? That he’d immediately put a bullet in her head and call it a day? “There’s no need to be modest with me, Tanya. It’s just the two of us here.” She knew what men like Arrow got off on. Tanya let a fake tear slip down her cheek. “Why are you doing this?” “Why?” He barked out a harsh laugh. “Because I can, and I want to. You’re not going to die an easy death, bitch. I’m going to make you scream, make you wish you never crossed paths with me. Only when you’re begging me for mercy and when I’m finally sick of you will I end you.” She shivered at those words. The old her would’ve covered and started begging for forgiveness right away. Tanya was no longer alone. When Chains brought her to Redemption, she’d thought her life was over, but it was only beginning. She’d found a new job, made friends. Most importantly, she met the man who owned her, body, heart, and soul.

Tanya thought she heard the familiar rumble of Chains’s motorcycle engine outside the apartment building. Arrow slammed the butt of his gun against her face. “Move. Take off your bra and panties next,” he said. “If you keep me waiting any longer, I won’t play nice anymore.” He means those words, Tanya thought. Her fingers shook as she fumbled for her bra clasp. Another thought entered her mind, one that gave her newfound hope. Arrow didn’t seem to hear the sound of the motorcycle engine outside, too obsessed with exacting his revenge.

Chapter Ten

After Tanya’s panicked call, Chains ran out of the MC clubhouse like his life depended on it. In a sense, it did, because if anything happened to Tanya, he’d never be able to forgive himself. Tank panted behind him. Tank had just been discharged from the hospital three days ago. “Chains, wait up. What the fuck happened?” Tank asked, catching his breath. His friend might no longer be bedbound, but he wasn’t ready for any action yet. “Tanya’s in trouble. Someone broke into Cherry’s apartment. I told her to wait, dammit, but I should’ve known she wouldn’t just sit around while her friend’s in trouble.” “I’m coming with you,” Tank said. Chains gripped his shoulder. Tank winced. Chains just proved his point about him still not being back to a hundred percent. “No, you’ll only get in the way. I can handle this on my own.” “Ouch,” Tank grumbled. Chains couldn’t afford to waste any time. He checked his favorite sawed-off shotgun. Fully loaded. He tucked it back inside his jacket and mounted his bike. “I’m calling Iron for backup,” Tank yelled behind him. Chains zoomed out of the compound. He revved up his engine and sped up. He didn’t care if a cop caught him. Right now, heading to Cherry’s place was his first priority. His mind raced. Could a thief have broken into the place? In broad daylight? The possibility of that happening was low. Redemption had low crime rates thanks to the MC. Then there was the other possibility. Tanya’s past could’ve finally caught up to her. Chains thought of Arrow, of the fucker who’d managed to get away by sheer dumb luck. Could it be him? There was no use pondering.

Chains parked his bike on the street opposite Cherry’s apartment. He raced inside. Chains didn’t bother taking the elevator to the second floor, where Cherry and Tanya lived. Taking the stairs was a lot faster. He emerged on the landing of the second floor and forced himself to slow down. Chains didn’t need to alert the intruder about his arrival. It was late afternoon. Loud music came from a unit upstairs. A couple argued on the first floor. The corridor was empty. Eerily quiet. Whipping out his gun, Chains slowly crept toward Cherry’s unit. The front door was closed. He transferred his gun to his other hand and reached for the knob. It turned. He could hear a man yelling inside. “Take off your panties, you slut.” A figure wearing a hoodie was yelling orders at his woman. Tanya was shaking, standing in the living room, her clothing at her feet. Rage tainted his entire vision red. Chains gave the door a kick. The fucker turned, hands on his gun. He was trembling. Good. Chains fed off his fear. The bastard looked from him and back to Tanya. Chains could see the wheels turning in his tiny brain. The intruder was about to turn his gun back on Tanya, but Chains aimed and fired. The intruder fell backward as he emptied his shells on him. Tanya let out a scream as Chains approached his kill. Tanya clutched the lapels of his jacket. The intruder’s dead eyes stared back at him in shock. Chains dropped his gun and turned to his woman. He wrapped his arms around her. She was still trembling. “You came,” she whispered. “I knew you would.” Chains gripped her shoulders and studied her for injuries. He hissed, seeing the bruise on her cheek. He touched it gently. “Did the fucker hurt you anywhere else?” “No, I think Arrow wanted to humiliate me first before…” She trailed off, unable to finish her sentence. He tightened his jaw. If he’d arrived any later, he would’ve been too late. Chains could see that now. Thank God she’d managed to call him.

“Okay.” Chains could breathe easier now that she was back in his arms. She was safe, as safe as he could make her. No doubt Arrow would’ve left mental scars on her, but time would heal all wounds. Chains would make sure nothing like this would ever happen to her again. “Those shots,” she finally said, looking up at him. “Someone probably called the cops.” Chains parted from her. He looked out the window. Sure enough, Iron was downstairs, chatting up the deputy who’d arrived in a cruiser. Iron had good timing. Tank was right to call him for backup. Chains didn’t like talking to cops, but Iron could handle them just fine. He returned to Tanya and pulled her close. She’d put her clothes back on while he looked down at Iron. Chains kissed her slowly, tenderly. “It’ll be all right. Let me handle this,” he told her. “Iron’s downstairs. He’ll tell the cops to look the other way. We’ll take care of the body. It’s all over.” “I think Arrow lost his mind,” Tanya said. She filled him in on what happened. Iron soon arrived. A distraught Cherry was with him. Upon seeing her, Cherry ran up to her and hugged her fiercely. Iron took one look at the body and let out a heavy sigh. “Just when I thought things were going well today, I have to help you get rid of a dead body,” Iron grumbled to Chains. “You’re alive, thank God,” Cherry whispered to Tanya. “I’m so sorry for running.” “There’s nothing to apologize for. You got roped into this mess because of me. Your forehead?” “It’s just a bump, nothing serious,” Cherry said. “Let’s take you to St. Luke’s just in case,” Tanya was saying. “I want Olivia to have a look at you.” “You girls do that,” Chains said. “Iron and I have an errand to run.”

Chains was certain Arrow came alone. Tanya and Cherry would be safe. The Red Dragons MC were truly no more after he and Iron had dispatched Bulldog. This was their town. Arrow might’ve slipped through their defenses, but the MC wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice. “Guess it’s just you and me again, huh?” Chains asked after the women had left. “Thanks for always having my back.” Iron grunted. “That’s what brothers are for. You owe me, by the way.” Chains laughed. “No problem. Call me when you need me. I’ll come running any time.” **** Tanya walked to the edge of the clearing where the bodies of her father and halfbrother were buried. When she’d asked Chains for his help, she expected him to say no. After all, Rooster, Bulldog, and the rest of the Red Dragons MC had only given Chains and his MC grief. Instead, Chains took charge and made all the necessary arrangements. Chains had Rooster’s and Bulldog’s bodies moved back to the clearing behind the cabin that once belonged to Rooster. Tanya didn’t know how he’d managed it. She didn’t ask. “Thank you, for arranging everything,” she told him. She came forward and placed the roses in front of their graves. She didn’t know why she bothered with all of this. If Rooster and Bulldog were ghosts, they were probably laughing at her. After all, she meant nothing to them. Rooster always treated her like an unwanted burden and Bulldog? He thought of her as his personal maid. Tanya told Chains this as she stood next to him. “That’s easy,” he said. Chains kissed her on the cheek. “It’s because you’re a good person.” Was she? Tanya didn’t believe she was. What she needed was closure, which was why she’d begged Chains to help her build this burial site. The cabin and the two graves marked the dark chapter of life that was her past. She thought she’d live and die in this miserable town, forever chained down by the sins of her father and brother.

Until Chains entered her life and ripped her out of her prison, Tanya had always thought she had no way out of the dark hole her family put her in. He gave her a new lease on life. He taught her how to hope. To love. They stood there a little while longer. A month ago, Tanya never believed she would’ve gone back to Mountain Lake, back to the cabin where Bulldog and his friends tormented her and treated her like dirt. Yet here she was with Chains. Four weeks had ed since Arrow had broken into Cherry’s apartment. Chains had been true to his word. The cops didn’t come knocking on Cherry’s door, asking any more questions. The neighbors who phoned the cops were paid to keep quiet. Chains and Iron had gotten rid of Arrow’s body. The spilled blood on Cherry’s floors had been swiped clean like nothing had ever happened. Cherry was even back to her usual smiling and cheerful self. Chains and she also found the perfect place near the MC clubhouse. It was a spacious five-room apartment, big enough for Chains, her, and their future family. They’d been talking about kids lately. Once upon a time, Tanya would never have entertained the thought of having a family with an MC man. She soon changed her mind. Tanya gave her father’s and half-brother’s graves another look. She wasn’t religious, so she said no prayers for them. She silently bid them farewell and promised she’d pay them a visit soon. “What’s going through that head of yours?” Chains asked as they walked back to his bike. “The future. You once said you wouldn’t mind having kids with me.” Tanya didn’t bother mincing her words. They always promised to be truthful to each other. Even now, the heated look Chains gave her made her instantly wet between the legs. He cupped her cheek and leaned in close, thrusting his tongue down her throat. Fire kindled in her belly and spread to the rest of her. She would’ve let him fuck her right there in the woods, but she thought better of it. It would be inappropriate, given she just said her farewells to her dead family. “I intend to put a baby in your belly. It’s bound to happen sooner or later at the rate we’re constantly fucking.” He rested his hand on her stomach. “We’re going

to start a family together, but before we do that, there’s something else I need to take care of.” “What’s that?” she asked. To her utter shock, he went on one knee. Tanya suddenly felt hot all over. She couldn’t believe this was really happening. Tears welled in her eyes as he pulled out a black velvet box from the inside pockets of his leather jacket. He opened it and revealed a white gold band strewn with tiny diamonds. She sucked in a breath. “Tanya, you’re the love of my life. I promise to cherish and protect you for the rest of your life. Do me the honor of being my old lady.” Tanya placed a hand over her mouth, too overwhelmed to say anything else. “Is that a yes?” he asked, rising to his feet. “Of course, it is. There’s no one else I’d like to marry but you, silly,” she said. Chains held out her finger and slipped the beautiful ring over it. “I can’t wait to tell Olivia and Cherry,” she said. “When are we getting married?” “As soon as we head back to Redemption,” he said, grinning. “Wait. What?” “Too soon?” he asked, handing Tanya her helmet. She put it on. “Not at all.” “Good, because Iron just texted me and he says Father Mike’s getting impatient.” Chains already had a priest on standby. She should’ve known he was planning something sneaky. Tank and Iron had been acting weird around her lately, like they were trying to keep a secret to themselves. They mounted Chains’s Harley, and she hugged his back, rubbing her cheek against the familiar kiss of his

leather jacket. “Take me home so we can get hitched, baby,” she told her man.

Chapter Eleven

Instinctively, Tanya knew they weren’t alone. The other MC men and the women, both the old ladies and the club whores, were gathered all around them for the wedding. The cheers and voices became distant. All Tanya was aware of was Chains, standing in front of her, holding her hands in his. Father Mike was speaking, but she could only see his mouth moving. Tanya hardly heard his words. She stumbled with her vows, but Chains held firm. The fierce devotion in his eyes made her heart gallop and her palms sweat. There was no reason to be nervous, Tanya knew. They were finally getting married, for crying out loud. Maybe, she thought, this was what happiness tasted like. This time, doubts didn’t follow her. She felt no strange premonition of doom like the time she spotted Cherry’s front door hanging open. Her man looked her in the eyes and told her, “I vow to cherish, love, and protect you for all the days of my life.” Tears gathered in her eyes. This was the most joyful day of her life. Tanya shouldn’t be crying, but she couldn’t help herself. “You may kiss the bride,” Father Mike said, but Chains had already leaned in close. Chains held her tight as he sealed his lips over hers. Tanya closed her eyes, savoring the familiar scent and taste of him. Some of the bikers hooted and made crude jokes as Chains deepened the kiss. He ran his possessive hands down the length of her back, her sides. It was as if Chains couldn’t wait to rip the dress off her, but that would be such a waste. Somehow, when they’d arrived at the clubhouse an hour earlier, Olivia and Cherry had everything prepared, a few wedding rental dresses included. They were all her size. It amazed and lifted her heart to see everyone in the MC pitching in for the impromptu wedding.

Father Mike cleared his throat and excused himself. Chains pulled away from the kiss, grinning like a maniac. Tanya knew he was impatient to spirit her out of there and back to their apartment, but that would have to wait. “Let’s get this party going, lovebirds,” Tank yelled. There were cheers at Tank’s announcement. Tanya didn’t know how Tank and Olivia managed to organize everything on such short notice. The clubhouse had been transformed into a wedding reception in the span of a few hours. She didn’t think they’d be able to get everything ready so quickly. “Can you believe how amazing everyone is?” she asked her new husband. Tanya gazed at the five-layer wedding cake just a few feet from her. “Did you plan this with everyone?” “Baby,” he said with a chuckle. “I’m the mastermind.” She looked at her man, amazed. Caterers wove through the MC clubhouse. A waiter set soup and salad in front of them. She hadn’t expected the six-course meal. Tanya wouldn’t be surprised if the MC called in favors from the catering company. Chains responded by kissing her senseless again. Just the touch of his lips set her entire body on fire. She couldn’t wait for him to see the skimpy undergarments she wore under her dress. “Let’s dance,” he said, pulling her to her feet. Laughing, she ed her man on the dance floor. A slow song played on the jukebox. Pretty soon, more couples ed them on the floor. Tanya leaned her head against Chain’s chest as they swayed back and forth. “You look really good in a tuxedo,” she told him. “Well, it’s one-time only. It’s uncomfortable as hell.” That got a laugh out of her. Tanya sobered up and rested the palm of her hand against his broad and warm chest. “I once pictured this in my head, our wedding. Back then, I wasn’t certain of us, of our future, but I’m not worried anymore.”

“Me neither, baby.” Chains paused, looking thoughtful. “I hope you’re not disappointed with an MC wedding. I wasn’t sure if you preferred something grander.” A small drunken crowd of MC men which included Tank, had started singing a bawdy song in off-key voices. A few feet from her, she spotted Cherry making out furiously with Iron. Not long ago, the thought of being part of another MC terrified her, but the Fallen Saints MC and the Red Dragons MC were like night and day. Tanya had been scared every day of her life when she was in her dad’s MC. In contrast, she was proud to call everyone in the Fallen Saints MC her family. “Baby?” Chains prodded. He’d asked her a question, she ed. She bet she looked foolish, wearing such a dopey smile on her face the entire time. She told him the truth. “I can’t imagine having any other kind of wedding. I don’t want an expensive, overblown affair. Celebrating this perfect day with the people I care about makes me happy.” “You’re an easy woman to please.” She winked at him. “I’m only easy when it comes to you.” Chains rubbed his body against her, making her aware of his erection. Her nipples tightened, and she immediately grew wet for him. She could already picture Chains peeling the dress off her, unwrapping her like a present. A shudder of anticipation went down her spine. “What do you say we get out of here? Let’s head back to our place and work on putting a baby in your belly,” he suggested. She shivered in anticipation at his words. From the corner of her eye, she spotted Olivia sitting on Saint’s lap. Olivia noticed her stare and gave her a thumbs-up sign. She returned her attention to her man. “Tempting, but I think we should linger a little longer. Look at how happy everyone is. They’re celebrating us. Our wedding.” Chains let out a huff. “Fine, one hour, then we’re gone.”

“Sounds good to me.” She pressed a kiss to her husband’s cheek. “Love you.” “Love you so fucking much, baby,” Chains said. Tanya would never get tired of hearing those three special words from her man.

The End

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BONUS SAMPLE CHAPTER

WICKED KINGPIN

Winter Sloane

Copyright © 2020

Chapter One

Blood was supposed to be thicker than water. Right now, Leah hated her brother’s guts more than anything in the world. The dark room reeked of cigarette smoke, stale beer, and sex. Larry licked his lips as he studied his cards. Sweat coated the back of his thin shirt. The big brother Leah used to worship and follow around when she was a kid had been reduced to this trembling coward. Right now, she had zero respect for him. To him, Leah was just collateral damage. Leah clasped her hands together and stayed seated behind Larry like a good and obedient little doll. It was all a front. Most people assumed a five-foot-four girl was harmless. They’d soon find out she had sharp teeth. She was just biding her time. The men Larry owed money to smirked at him and nudged each other in the ribs, silent laughter in their eyes. Everyone at the table knew the outcome of this game. Shane, the bald one with the ugly facial tattoo, blew smoke rings at Larry’s face, making him cough. “Don’t worry, Larry. We’ll treat your little sister real good,” Shane’s partner, Guy, said. Guy gave Leah a sweeping look and snorted. “She’s a little too round for my tastes but she’ll provide our crew with some entertainment. We never had a virgin to break in before.” She glowered at Shane. That only made him laugh. In her head, she imagined driving her fist into his thick skull and hearing it crack. They knew she was a virgin, no surprise there. Larry probably let it slip, intentionally or accidentally, Leah didn’t care. Larry’s betrayal was an unforgivable act, but she doubted she’d live long enough to enact her vengeance against him.

A loud groan from the next table made her head turn. Seeing a red-haired woman being taken on the table by a heavily inked man made Leah swallowed. Whistles of appreciation broke out from the other men in the room. Some stopped gambling to watch. They were all savages here. Here, the rules of the normal world didn’t seem to apply. Cops would never touch this territory. They were paid to look away. The woman looked into it, but Leah didn’t know all the details. She looked away, only to find Guy grinning at her. “You like an audience, bitch?” Guy asked her. The repulsive stare he fixed on her made all the hairs on her arm rise up. Underneath the rage and the frustration, Leah was terrified. The security here was tight. The suits guarding the doors didn’t bother hiding their guns. If Leah bolted out of her seat, she wouldn’t make it out of those doors in one piece. Leah had come here out of her own violation. Larry didn’t force her. Worse, he had gone on his knees and begged her to come. He had told her he wanted his little sister, his remaining family member there for emotional . Emotional her ass. The conniving bastard knew she’d come, knew she’d walk into the very bowels of hell itself for him. They were family. She and Larry had been on their own since they were teenagers. The big brother who fought the authorities, who insisted they had to stay together—that Larry was gone. He was replaced by this yellow-bellied coward who would gamble his own sister for a chance to win all his money back. “Enough horsing around,” Shane grumbled. “We have other debts to settle. What will it be, Larry?” Leah returned her attention to her brother’s lousy hand of cards. Guy and Shane were cheating, there was no doubt about it. Too bad no one was going to call them out on it. She had always possessed a vivid imagination. Right now, her mind took her to foul places. Once Guy and Shane were done with her, would they leave her body in a dumpster or would they drive her corpse out of the city? Would they bury

her in the middle of the woods in a nameless grave? In the slums, it wasn’t unheard of for young women to vanish without a single trace. She and Larry had grown up in the streets. He should know better than borrow money from lowlifes who worked for Knox Carter. Leah dug her fingernails into the palms of her hands until they bled. She wanted to scream in frustration until her throat was hoarse. “What’s this?” a deep male voice asked, dragging Leah back to reality. Both Guy and Shane sat ramrod straight in their chairs. They definitely looked more alert and cautious. Less cocky and smug. This newcomer, this man, was different from every other scum in the room. An indescribable commanding presence emanated from him, telling her this was one man no one in their right mind would want to screw with. Guy and Shane looked like small fry compared to him. Insignificant. Standing, this man must be at least six-foot-six. He was built like a house and every inch of him was padded with muscle. All of it was hidden under a suit of midnight blue that looked perfectly tailored to his body. The suit matched his eyes. Only one word came to mind. Predator. He was one beautiful monster. No doubt about it. Women probably fell at his feet with a snap of his fingers, but beautiful monsters shouldn’t distract her. Eyes the color of an angry storm met her gaze, held it. Leah sat rigid in her uncomfortable chair, unable to look away. He silently assessed her from head to toe. The look of open hunger on his face took her slightly aback because it was so unapologetic. So raw. She shivered involuntarily and wondered why his stare didn’t repulse her the way Guy’s and Shane’s did. It should. This man would chew her up and spit her back out. He’d leave her empty. Leah knew that from a single searing glance. He’d leave her a wreck. A ruin. For a second, she wondered what it would be like, being under a man like him.

He was probably used to barking out orders. Making commands and expecting nothing but obedience in return. Leah shivered. He curved his lips slightly upward, to what she supposed ed for a smile. “Boss.” Guy sounded his voice first. Boss? So this is Knox Carter? Leah swallowed the lump in her throat and studied him closer. Black hair. Blue eyes. Knox was untouchable. The king of this city. Knox had dirt on everyone they owned. There was even a rumor the mayor did his bidding. “Knox, a chair for you,” another lackey in a suit said, dragging a chair from one of the unoccupied tables. Knox sat down, just like a king. Leah slapped her hands on her cheeks, because she shouldn’t be captivated by a gangster. This wasn’t some fairy tale where a handsome prince was going to sweep her off her feet and carry her back to safety. Knox was probably the devil in disguise, ready and eager to drag her to the dark depths of the underworld with him. What the hell did Knox want? Maybe he did this all the time. Checked in on his businesses. Maybe he liked lording it over the masses foolish enough to borrow money from him. “Who are our guests?” he asked. Guests? More like prisoners. He never spared her brother a glance even once. Knox kept his rapt attention on Leah. She hated herself for looking away first. Leah stared her hands, suddenly finding them way more interesting. “Larry Taylor. This fucker owes us twenty grand. We gave him an opportunity of a lifetime. If he wins this one game, his debts are considered paid. He only has ten grand. Said his sister Leah will pay us the rest,” Shane said. “He claims she’s a virgin. We haven’t checked to see if it’s true, but we’ll find out soon enough.” “Hmm.” Knox’s tone and expression were hard to read. His tanned face looked like it was made of marble.

“Yeah, boss. Look at the little shit squirm,” Guy said, obvious glee in his voice. Guy was milking it all—Larry’s misery. Leah’s suffering and anger. If only she had a gun and knew how to use it. She would gladly put holes in his body. “Cards, Larry. Don’t make us ask again.” Shane reminded Larry. With shaking hands, her brother placed his cards down on the table. Shane and Guy did the same. Leah grimaced. A royal flush from Shane. “The game’s rigged,” Leah blurted. “Shut your trap, bitch,” Guy said, shoving the bills on the table into a bag. “We’ll find a better use for that mouth.” “No. She’s mine.” Knox didn’t need to raise his voice. “Keep the cash. The money doesn’t interest me.” Guy and Shane traded each other looks then shrugged. “The bitch’s all yours, boss. Enjoy,” Guy said, rising to his feet. No questions asked. Unease grew in the pit of Leah’s stomach. She didn’t know what was worse— being given to Guy and Shane or being under Knox Carter’s complete mercy. “Wait, this wasn’t the deal,” Larry blurted, rising from his seat. “Throw that piece of trash out,” Knox said in the same cold and deadly voice. Fear raced down her spine. Leah couldn’t move a muscle. She had trouble drawing air into her lungs. She could only watch Guy and Shane haul Larry by his armpits. Larry didn’t give them much of a fight after Guy socked him in the ribs. Helplessness filled her as she watched her brother disappear into the double doors that led topside, back to the real world. Leah suddenly felt alone. Vulnerable. Larry wasn’t much help but at least, while he was playing poker with Guy and Shane, he acted like a barrier. The one last

line of defense between Leah and her awful fate. Maybe part of her hoped that the brother she once knew and trusted would have her back. That Larry would somehow find them a way out of there. The last shred of hope she’d kept alive inside her all this time wilted. “We’re leaving. Come,” Knox told her. He was suddenly standing in front of her. Knox had the gall to offer Leah his arm. The bastard moved so much faster than she thought was possible for a man his size. She shook her head, despite knowing it was futile refusing a man like Knox. “Don’t try my patience, Leah. I’m used to having my way.” The sound of her name on his lips felt like a jolt to her system. “Oh, I bet,” she murmured. Knox didn’t look annoyed or pissed. That smile looked sexy and wrong on him. Leah had a feeling a man like him didn’t often smile but when he did, something bad was going to happen. “You prefer to remain here?” Knox gestured to the rest of the room. Everyone else was busy playing cards at their tables, going about their usual business. Still, Leah had a feeling Knox’s people were watching them. Waiting for her next move. There was no way out of this mess. Leah hastily stood up only for Knox to eliminate the distance between them. Their bodies made . Her pulse raced when he hooked a finger under her chin and brought her face closer. He settled his lips against hers, a mere brush. Knox ran his tongue over her bottom lip. She could feel her nipples tighten against the thin material of her sweater. Moisture gathered between her legs. She couldn’t believe the way her body was reacting. Leah shouldn’t be attracted to this man. The next words he uttered nearly stopped her heart.

“You’re my property now. You’re mine to do as I please, but don’t worry. I’ll take good care of you.”

End of sample chapter

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