[ Truyện Tiếng Anh ] Holding Out

Holding Out
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“Alrighty, I'll be in touch; it was nice to meet you, Travis, and I'm glad it was you who kidnapped me.” I smiled brightly and walked to the door with Violet following as she laughed.

Travis cleared his throat and said, “I had heard Talon had claimed an old lady. Now I can see why he has done it so quickly. I look forward to seeing you both soon. Please remember that if there is anything you need, call upon me.”

“You may regret that,” I said.

He chuckled.

We got outside to a vehicle that wasn't familiar to me. I looked at Violet, who was staring back smiling. “Whose is this?” It certainly was a beauty.

We both got in before she answered, “Not sure. I had to find something quick to follow. But at least I'll be dropping it back, and hopefully, whoever this baby belongs to, they will be none the wiser.” We both giggled.

What a frigging night.

Arriving back at the pub I could already see Griz, Pick, Deanna, Julian, and Blue standing outside waiting for us. As soon as we pulled up, my door was flung open, and I was pulled from the car by Blue, who examined my body for any signs of injury. Well, that was what I guessed he was doing when he ran his hands over me.

Deanna shoved him out of the way saying, “You can cop a feel later. Bitch, what the fuck?” She grabbed me into a tight hug; a second later Julian joined in.

“Guys, it’s all okay. It was all a misunderstanding. Travis didn't know his men were going to taser me—”

“You were fuckin' tasered?” Griz roared.

“Holy Mother Mary.” Julian gasped; tears welled in his eyes.

“Asses. I'd like to have a chance at tasering them back,” Deanna said with an evil look in her eyes as she rubbed her hands together.

“Shit, we need to tell Talon,” Pick whispered. He looked worried.

“Don't worry, Pick. I'll explain it calmly and sweetly, and things will be fine,” I reassured him.

Well, that's what I thought would have happened. I didn't expect what did.

Violet parked the car that she stole back where it was, and thankfully, no one had been out looking for it. Vi ended up coming in Griz’s car with us so we could drop her at home along the way. She sat in the middle of Julian and Deanna, as I was up in the front with Griz this time. On the way, she explained a few things about good-old-rough-loving-Travis. They met in University, both sharing a love of Math. They'd dated for a year, had mind-blowingsex (her words, not mine), but then he chose to move to Melbourne. He'd asked Violet to come with him; she said she wasn't ready for that. She loved the country and her family too much to leave it behind. He made the decision to still leave; they visited and wrote for a while longer, but their lives eventually changed. They both became busy with their careers and drifted apart. I could tell it was something she had always regretted.

Travis was now a top-notch-businessman. Well, he'd have to be to have security men working for him—who tasered people. I doubted I would ever get over that fact.

Travis also had that huge-ass house and expensive suit, which explained that he had money. So what had he been doing with a fluff-head like Pam instead of tracking down Violet? Someone had better have a talk with him. Of course, that someone had to be me. I smiled to myself and gave a mental pat on my back.

After dropping Vi off, we pulled up to the compound. I hadn't been watching where we were heading—again, so I wasn't expecting it to be here. I just assumed Talon had left me to have a good night with the girls—Julian was now one of the girls— and had gone home to the kids.

Wow, that sounded fan-blooming-tastic in my head. Gone home to the kids.

So I was a little confused to why Talon would still be here at one in the morning. And how had Griz known he was here?

Pick was ahead and he opened the door to the motorcycle clubhouse, which I had never been inside before. What I had expected (which was run down, dirty and smelly) was so different to what I saw. As we entered, there was a small hallway with a room on each side. The doors were closed, so I didn’t get to see what was behind them. The hallway led us into...I supposed you could call it the main common room. It was large. Two massive tables and chairs were off to the left, and just behind them was a bar where three bikers sat whom I hadn’t met. To the right of the room was a row of couches where they’d sit back, chill, and shoot the shit. Right in front of us, across the empty wooden floor, was another long hallway that was aligned with many other doors.

“Right on. I need another drink,” Deanna announced, and dragged Julian along to the bar. Pick followed and greeted his other biker brothers with a handshake, and then, what you could call a man hug with a slap on the back.

“Yo, where’s Talon?” Griz called.

The first one, an older man with grey hair and a long beard, scanned me from top-to-bottom with an approving look. Another biker looked down to the floor, and the last guy, that stood beside Pick, with long dark hair and wild dark eyes, gestured with his head to the long hallway across from us.

I was a little disappointed Talon wasn’t out here to see me, but then I had to remember he didn’t know what had occurred, as of yet.

No sooner had I felt that disappointment, it twisted into rage. A door at the end of the hallway caught my attention as I heard it click open. Out walked Talon with a woman clinging to the front of him as she kissed him eagerly, and he was kissing her back with just as much passion.

“Babe, not what you think,” Blue whispered in my ear.

 

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I call bullshit!

Enough! I have had enough.

I found myself striding down the hall, some would have run the other way from a situation like that, but I was running right into it. Talon must have heard my pounding feet approach, as he looked up with surprised eyes.

Surprise this, mofo.

“Kitten. I—”

I wrapped my hand into the wench’s hair and pulled her roughly back. She squawked in pain, and then I pushed hard, sending her crashing into the wall. A satisfied smile settled upon my lips.

“Kitten,” Talon snapped.

“Don’t you friggin’ ‘kitten’ me, you ass. This,” I pointed to the woman, who was leaning quietly against the wall while I yelled at asshat. “This is what you’ve been doing while I was kidnapped and tasered?” With my hand fisted, I punched him in the stomach.

“That a girl,” Deanna cheered.

“I should never have trusted you,” I whispered. Tears filled my eyes. I went to punch him again for the hurt and betrayal I was feeling, but he caught my fist and pulled me closer to him, his eyes filled with fury.

He can suck his own dick; I am not sorry for punching him.

“You were kidnapped and tasered?” Talon’s voice was a snarl.

Uh oh. I forgot calm and nice altogether.

“What the fuck, Zara?” his voice a low outraged whisper.

“Everyone clear the room,” Griz growled.

“Damn it, we’re going to miss the fun again,” Julian said.

“Call if you need me to kick his ass,” Deanna yelled down the hall.

I didn’t care. He didn’t frighten me like I had felt with David. He was pissed, but it wasn’t at me. Well, not totally.

“Don’t you ‘what the frig’ me, Talon Marcus, and get all alpha-angry. You don’t get to be angry now! You didn’t just walk in on me tonguing some guy.”

“Hoo-wee. I like her.” a deep voice laughed.

“Colin, let’s go,” Blue said.

I heard some shuffling, and then doors being opened and closed.

Talon’s grip gentled. “Babe, I just found out you were taken and tasered without my knowledge; of course I’m gonna be pissed.”

I got up close to him, nose-to-nose in fact, and snapped, “And I just found the guy I was with, kissing some bimbo, while all that went down. No, it’s not the fact that you missed out on it all; it’s the frigging fact that you had your tongue down someone else’s throat!” I stepped closer again so our chests touched, and leaned my head back further to keep eye contact. “There is no way you will ever get into my pants, I will deal with my stuff on my own. Now, I’m going to get Maya, and I don’t want to see you again.”

“Uh, sugar,” the woman beside us said. I turned to glare at her. “It’s totally not what you think, honey, I’m—”

“Let’s go into the office,” Talon barked. He grabbed my wrist, spun, and dragged me into the office with his tonguing friend, who closed the door behind us.

I pulled my arm free, went over to the far wall, and sat on the dark blue couch with my arms crossed over my chest, glaring at them both. The room felt too small, having Talon and his hook-up in there with me, as well as two file cabinets that sat just behind the door. A desk had papers scattered all over it. Someone needed to get organized. Actually, the whole room needed a makeover; if felt gloomy. A few plants and a fresh coat of paint would do wonders.

Why am I thinking of decorating?

“Well?” I snapped. “I’ve got things to do; hurry up and tell me your lies so I can be off.”

“She’s a feisty one, Tal. Perfect for you.” Tonguer smiled as she perched her behind on the corner of the desk where Talon sat behind it.

Good. Stay as far as way as possible, ass.

“Zara, right?” She asked. I rolled my eyes. “I’m Livia. I manage Talon’s strip club here in Ballarat.”

“Oh, oh. How silly of me, so it was all a mistake; you were just here on a business date and they always end up with you two kissing each other.” My voice dripped with sarcasm. I got up from the couch. “Now that we have all that settled, I’ll see you guys around…like say, never.”

“That’s it exactly.” Livia grinned.

“Seriously!” I screeched. “You’re just going to admit it? So this happens all the time? Great, just great.” I turned my disgusted gaze on Talon. “I-I knew you’d end up doing this to me.” I closed my eyes trying to control my emotions.

“Kitten.” His tone was warm, soft.

“Zara, it’s still not what you think,” Livia said with a pleading voice. I opened my tired eyes; I just wanted to get Maya, go home, and crash. “Yes, we kiss, but that’s all it ever is. And that was the last time it was ever going to happen. Talon told me all about you, so it was kind of like a kiss goodbye.”

“No need, now. I’m the one going bye-bye.” I walked to the door.

“Zara,” Talon growled.

I opened the door…

“I’m gay.”

Tumbling around fast, I tripped over my own feet and fell to the floor. With wide eyes, I watched Talon grin and Livia, with a smile, walked over to me and helped me from the floor and back over the couch where she sat next to me.

She took my hand in both of hers and said, “I’m sorry that you saw that and it hurt you. I’ve known Talon for a long time now, and I know he would never do anything on purpose to upset you in any way. It was just a kiss, honey; nothing else has ever happened. I would rather have sex with you in a heartbeat than Talon any day.”

 

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I nodded numbly. She sounded like she was telling me the truth, but could I believe that?

“Livi, stop coming onto my woman,” Talon said with an amused tone.

“Oh, shush. Tell you what, Zara. Any time Talon and I have a business meeting, you can be there; and if you want, it can be you I kiss at the end.”

I sat up straight and turned wide eyes upon her. She was beautiful, with short, pixy-styled red hair—still long enough that I could grab…um, like before…not in a sexual way—light green eyes, and a body I would sell my soul for, long, lean and exquisite.

“Well, you are beautiful,” I said. She beamed.

“Christ. Livi, leave now before she actually thinks about letting you,” Talon growled.

Livia giggled. “You’re no fun, Tal.” She kissed my hand, got up from the couch and went to the door. “Later, honey and…” She winked. “I’ll see you soon. Talon, now you have someone that’ll make my visits worthwhile.”

“Thanks.” I winked back. “Oh, and sorry about being too rough with you before.”

“That’s all right. I enjoyed it.”

“Jesus,” Talon hissed.

Livia left laughing, and shut the door behind her. The door I kept staring at because I didn’t want to meet Talon’s gaze. I could feel the heat of his stare, but I was embarrassed, shocked, and still hurt. Let’s not forget tired from such a long, grueling, and hard night.

“Kitten,” Talon said softly.

“Yes?”

“Come here,” he ordered.

“Nope, I’m all good here.”

I heard his chair being pushed back; excitement and worry coursed through my body as his footsteps approached. He sat next to me on the couch, and in the next second, I squealed, because I was pulled out of my spot and was straddling his waist. My skirt bunched up, and my exposed knees were around his hips. I looked to the roof with my arms crossed over my chest.

“Zara, look at me.”

I shook my head; I could not look at him because I would cave. He looked and smelled too damn good.

“Kitten, please look at me.”

“Why?”

“So I can tell you how fuckin’ sorry I am. I wish you’d never seen that, ‘cause it will never happen again. And I wish I could take that pained look I saw on your face, those tears that fell from your eyes, and wipe away any hurt you felt.” With a hand, he reached behind my neck and pulled me closer so our foreheads touched and our eyes met. “It’s you, kitten, ever since you rocked up to my door in a fuckin’ nightie and combat boots. Now that I’ve finally gotten my ass into gear and claimed you, I’m never lettin’ go. You are mine, kitten.”

I breathed in a shuddering breath. “Does that mean you're mine?”

“In every way.”

“No more kisses, even if they are gay.”

He grinned. “No more, but yours.”

Our lips met in an urgent frenzy. I threaded my hands though his hair; he wrapped his arms tightly around my waist and pulled me closer. A moan escaped my lips. A deep growl left his that I felt down to my toes.

I had never been kissed with such desire and passion.

Talon’s hands fell from my waist and went to my thighs; slowly and talentedly, he ran his hands up, sending a shiver throughout my body. I was already wearing an easy access skirt, so I wasn’t surprised when they dipped under and his thumbs gently rubbed my pantyline.

A need surged through me, a need to rip our clothes away and have my wicked way with Talon once and for all.

Especially if he kept up this teasing torture.

“Talon,” I pleaded against his lips.

He smiled.

The ass.

His hands stilled, and then he whispered, “I won’t have you here, kitten. Not in an office; you deserve a bed that I can lay you out on and fuck you until you scream my name over and over.”

I rested my forehead against his shoulder and sighed. “No,” I said frustrated.

Talon chuckled. “Whatd’ya mean no, babe?”

Straightening, I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at him. “This is happening tonight and right frigging now.”

“Kitten.” His eyes warmed as he ran the back of his hand down my cheek.

“Talon. I mean it. We are going to have sex—” I leaned forward and hissed, “Now!”

“Jesus, babe, you’re making this hard for me. I’m trying to be a fuckin’ good guy here.You deserve care, time, and the right fuckin’ place. I’m not takin’ advantage of you.”

“No, please advantage away on me, and you are a good guy; but if you don’t do the dirty with me right now, you’ll soon have a very pissed woman to deal with. We can take our sweet time another time and another place, with a bed and roses and songs. But right now, I want you to...fuck me.”

His eyes flared, and from where I sat, something else flared in– surprise. On a growl, he lifted me in his arms and off the couch. I wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried me to the desk where, with one hand, he swept all papers, the phone, and junk onto the floor to sit my butt on the edge.

“You want me to fuck you, I will. Really, I’m more than happy to, but next time we do it, we’re gonna take our time so I can cherish every fuckin’ part of your sweet body.”

I gulped, nodded, and grinned like a fool. “I’m up for that, honey.”

He closed his eyes and whispered, “Christ, I love hearing you call me that, kitten.” Upon opening his eyes, he reached between my legs that were still wrapped around his waist. He moved back, so they dropped as he slowly pulled my underwear down and threw them away. “I’d love to taste you right now, babe, but my woman wants me to fuck her, so that’s what I’m gonna do.”

 

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“Yippee,” I cheered.

Talon laughed, shook his head, and his eyes turned serious. I watched him, and could have dribbled as he popped the button on his jeans and slowly slid the zipper down.

“Jesus, kitten, you turn me the fuck on just the way you watch me.” He licked his lips. “Are you ready for me, babe? Are you wet for me?” He ran a finger through my folds to see that, yes indeed, I was wet, ready, and waiting. I shivered as I watched him raise that finger, place it in his mouth, and suck my juices off, causing a moan from Talon and a groan from me.

“Fuckin’ beautiful,” he hissed, and then surged his hips forward. In one quick swoop, he was bedded deep inside of me.

“Oh, God,” I moaned. My head tipped back and my chest arched forward. I was in heaven. Happy birthday to me; happy birthday, and Christmas, and all the other holidays, to me.

“No, kitten, not God, just your man.” Talon smiled. I swiveled my hips and that smile fell from his face. He pulled out slowly and plunged back in. “Goddamn, kitten, you're so fuckin’ tight and wet.”

After that comment, all hell broke loose. I grabbed Talon by the shoulders and pulled him forward so our lips met. As we kissed and bit, Talon pumped me hard and good, just the way I wanted it.

It was possible I would not be walking tomorrow, and at that point I did not care.

“Talon, oh God, Talon.” I groaned. It was building and it was a big one.

“Let it go, babe,” Talon growled at my neck.

“Talon.”

“Let it go.”

“H-honey.” I arched as my climax crashed over me, and I was sure I was going to black out. But I made myself focus and opened my eyes to see Talon still over and in me, pumping hard and watching me with hooded eyes. One, two, three pumps later, he groaned, swore, and collapsed on top of me.

“You’re gonna fuckin’ kill me, babe, but it’ll be worth it.” He pulled back to look at me, smiling. “So hot, so wet, so tight. Never had it like that before, babe. You’re so fuckin’ responsive; I’m never gonna wanna leave you or your pussy again.”

I giggled. “That’s okay, ‘cause me or my…yeah, are never going to want you to leave.”

I liked the way his eyes shone with more desire for me, until they turned teasing. “I fucked you hard, you screamed my name, and you still can’t say pussy? Babe.”

“Shud’up and kiss me.”

He grinned and obliged.

“You need to get cleaned up, kitten. We got shit to talk about, once a-fuckin-gain, then we gotta get home to the kids.”

I rolled my eyes, but did a happy dance on the inside, and then shoved him out of the way. “Yes, Talon.” I moved off to the door, picking up my underwear along the way.

“Well, shit, babe. If all I gotta do is fuck you for you to be obedient, then be prepared to be on your back all the goddamn time.”

“Whatever,” I snapped. But smiled.

“Kitten—”

“Talon, honey. You want me to get cleaned so we can talk or what?”

“Bathroom’s right across the hall.” He smirked.

“I knew that.” Although I hadn’t, but he didn’t need to know that.

After I cleaned up, went back in the office, and had a make out session with Talon, he informed me one of his men had dropped Julian back at my house. Then he told me that Deanna had gone to bed in Griz’s room, as he dragged me down the hall past the main room I'd walked into when we arrived, which was now empty, and into what Talon called ‘the meetings room’. It was just as big as the main room. Two large tables sat in the middle, wooden kitchen chairs piled around it, and they were mostly filled with bikers. A bar—of course, another one—was to the back of the room. Some old arcade games and a ping-pong table—yes, apparently bikers played table tennis, giggle—sat at the other end of the room.

As soon as we’d entered, and the bikers noticed us, they started clapping, cheering, and swearing. One cheer caught my attention, “Christ, 'bout time you claimed all of her.”

Holy shit.

Had they heard, seen, or watched?

I knew my cheeks were flaming red, and I gripped Talon's hand tightly.

“H-how?” I whispered to Talon, but apparently, I hadn't said it low enough, because it was Blue who answered.

“Baby, Talon wouldn't walk in 'ere with a smile on his face after findin' out you'd been kidnapped. And you just confirmed what we guessed was happening.”

I was more than embarrassed; I was annoyed and pissed. “Oh. My. God. Shut up. Seriously? Right, from now on, no one talks about me and Talon in front of me and Talon—unless, that is, Talon wants guy time and I've pissed him off in some way and he needs to vent. But that's it. We do not—” I turned to Talon, glaring. “Talk about our private time to anyone. Well, except for me, of course. I mean, come on, that's a given; I'm a woman and we talk about this stuff...I think I'll shut up now.” I crossed my arms over my chest, stalked to the table, and plopped down in the chair at the end of the table while the room erupted in laughter.

“Shhhit, brother, where can I get me one of her?” Someone asked.

Talon, grinning like a fool, walked over, pulled me out of my chair, sat down, and then tugged me down onto his lap. I tried to move, but he wouldn't have it.

“She's one-of-a-kind, and what she says, goes. No one is to embarrass her like that again. 'Less you want to hear her rant once more.” Talon chuckled as I jabbed him in his side with my elbow.

 

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Seconds later, all joking left Talon's body. He stiffened, and eying Blue, Griz, and Pick he asked, “Right, who wants to start with why the fuck my woman was tasered, taken, and got free without me knowing about it?”

The whole room took on a tenser atmosphere, as if Talon was a lion and they were waiting for him to attack. Maybe that ‘Talon and Zara happy, fun time' hadn't sedated his...pissed-off-ness?

“Honey, can’t this wait 'til morning? I'm tired, and I'm sure all the fellas are as well. It's been a long night; can't we just go home?”

“No, kitten.”

I rolled my eyes, sighed, and looked heavenward.

“Well, don't blame me if I pass out from exhaustion and hit my head on the table, get a concussion and then have to go to hospital—”

“Babe.” Talon smiled when I looked down at him. “I'd catch'ya; your head would never touch the table.”

Oh, wasn't that sweet, but he was totally missing the point. I needed a bed and now.

“I'm spent. Being kidnapped, tasered, witnessing you tongue-bathing another woman, fighting, yelling, and mind-blowing sex can do that to a person.”

Hands slapping the table, laughter, chuckling, and shouting made me realize I had just said that aloud.

Holy crab cake.

With wide eyes, I looked down at Talon's satisfied face and uttered, “I said that out loud.”

“Yep.” He nodded, his eyes laughing.

“See?” I whined. “I'm tired. I need sleep, honey, and now. Plus, I want the kids to wake up with a parent home.”

“All right, babe.”

I grinned. “We're going home?” I asked, as the bikers around the table talked and joked amongst themselves.

“You are. I need to find out what happened. I can't have anyone think they can do that shit to my woman without payback —”

“Talon, please. It was a mistake. Don't do anything to Travis—”

“I might just visit him, kitten. But if I don't like what he says, then we're gonna have problems.”

“There won’t be a problem. He's nice; he's got a daughter, and we're going to catch up for coffee one day—”

“What the fuck, babe?”

I sighed. “Don't worry, honey...hey, that rhymes—worry-honey.” I giggled to myself. Yep, I was way overtired now. “Anyway, you don't have to worry. He’s got a thing for Violet, and a history. So she'll be coming with me when we catch up, a-a-and, if you want to work things out with your sister, it may be good not to off the guy she likes.”

Talon shook his smiling face. “You make friends wherever you go, even after the guy fuckin' kidnaps you. Babe, get your ass home for that sleep before the kids wake up.” He looked over my shoulder. “Pick, take Zara to my house.”

“Sure, boss,” Pick said, standing from the table, suddenly looking gloomy.

“Kitten, I need your mouth before you go; and don't worry...I won’t off the guy.”

“Thanks, honey.” I grinned and kissed my man.

Pick drove for a long, silent, fifteen minutes. He seemed to have something on his mind and any other time, I would have asked about it to see if I could be of some help, but I was beat. We pulled onto a dirt driveway that woundaround to a massive ranch-style home. It was the prettiest white, weather-boarded house I had ever seen, with a large deck surrounding it.

“Wildcat, wait here a sec before we go in. I need to make a call.” Without an answer, he climbed out of the car, shut the door, flipped his phone open, and placed it to his ear. I couldn’t make out what was being said; he was speaking in a hushed tone, but whatever it was, Pick didn’t seem happy about it at all. He waved his free arm wildly in the air trying to get some message across that, obviously, someone wasn’t getting.

I turned my attention back to the house; most lights were off except the porch, and what I presumed would be the lounge. How had Talon afforded a place like this? It looked as though—from what I could see in the dark—that along with the house, there was some mighty big acreage going on.

“Fuck,” I heard yelled, bringing my gaze back to Pick just as he pounded the bonnet with his fist. He swung the door open and snapped, “Let’s move.”

Undoing my belt, I got out and met him at the front of the car. “Pick, are you okay?”

He grabbed my upper left arm and pulled me toward the house. “No, Wildcat, I’m not. I hate my fuckin’ life right now. All I ever do is try to protect my ma, but she just keeps bringin’ shit into her life, and then I have to fuckin’ fix it. It sucks.” We stopped just outside the front door as he turned me to face him. “Shit, Zee, sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it; you need to talk to get it off your chest, and maybe when I’m not so dogged-tired, I could have some great advice for you, but right now, I doubt anything that came out of my mouth would be understandable.”

He hunched and looked to his feet. “You’re a great person, Wildcat…and, I’m sorry—”

What?

The front door opened to a smiling Vic. “Come on in, sweet-stuff.” He reached out and grabbed my hand, dragging me forward, but I couldn’t move my gaze from Pick. He seemed truly worried and remorseful.

He met my stare and whispered, “I would never have done this if it weren’t for me protecting my ma. Never. I’m sorry.”

 

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Shaking my head, I smiled. “Pick, what are you talking about?”

“Momma.”

I spun so fast I would have fallen if Vic still didn’t have a hold of my hand. “Maya—” It was then I took in the scene in front of me, and I felt sick to my stomach. “W-what’s going on?” I asked with wide eyes, staring at Julian and Mattie sitting on the floor near the far wall, cradling a scared Maya and Cody. I turned to Vic and noticed for the first time that he held a gun.

“Have you worked it out yet?” he smirked.

“Not really,” I hissed, ripping my hand from his grip. “But please, enlighten my tired brain.”

He chuckled. “I can see why Talon likes you, showing balls in the face of danger. Please, have a seat while we wait.” He shoved me to the couch near my family.

Straightening my clothes and myself, I looked over to the children. “It’s going to be fine, okay?”

“Yes, Momma,” my brave Maya said. Cody nodded.

Looking back at Vic and Pick—yes, any other time I would have laughed at the rhyming, instead I said, “I can sort of understand your reason why, Pick. But Vic, why?”

He shrugged. “I need the money.”

“What’s he paying you to deliver me?”

“Smart girl.”

I shrugged. “Doesn’t take a genius to work it out.”

“I guess not. Between the four of us, we get fifty thousand each. Easy money really. All we have to do is keep you here ‘til the delivery guys arrive. Easy as pie.”

“Do you really think you’ll get the money in the end?” I studied him. “Oh my God, you do. Well, I guess you’re as stupid as you look.” I laughed, until he wiped that laugh from my face by slapping me. My head jerked to the side. Maya screamed; Mattie swore. “It’s okay. I’m okay,” I reassured them.

“He will pay or he knows I’ll come after him,” Vic screamed.

“Chill, man,” Pick said.

“You fuckin’ chill. I’m not the one chickenin’ out. Now everyone shut the fuck up.” He glared at me and took a step closer to say, “I may have to deliver you and the kids, but it doesn’t have to be in one piece.”

I gasped. “Kids? No, please no. Leave them here, please.”

Vic chuckled a sardonic laugh. “I don’t think so. At least then I know you’ll behave. Not only for them, but if you try shit on the delivery, I’ll kill your brother and his…” he looked at Julian in disgust, “thing.”

Jesus. What the hell am I going to do?

“W-why Cody too?”

“To shove it up Talon. Thinks he’s hot shit; I’ll show him.”

“And you’re okay with this, Pick?” I asked, tears threatening.

“No.” He shook his head, again looking to his feet. “But if I don’t get that money, my ma will be killed by loan sharks.”

“Talon would have helped you. Why didn’t you go to him?”

“I couldn’t. I was…ashamed.”

“And you thought this was the best way out of that black-hole? To ruin other people's lives? Especially one who took you in, who looked out for you.”

“Shut up, bitch,” Vic snapped, hitting me in the back of the head.

“Vic, don’t,” Pick growled.

“Don’t get a conscience now. Man up, fucker.”

“God, please, please, just let the kids leave with Mattie and Julian. Please, I won’t make any trouble; I promise. I won’t do anything; just let them go.”

“Zara, it’s no use,” Mattie said. I turned my wet eyes upon them.

Regret.

All I could feel was regret, because they were here because of me. I’m sorry, I mouthed. I watched Julian’s bottom lip tremble as he gripped Maya closer, and Mattie shook his head at me with a sad smile upon his mouth.

“W-where are t-the others that came here? Didn’t you get dropped off, Julian?”

Vic laughed. “Still holding out for someone to save you? Won’t happen tonight. Your man will be very busy with the planned distraction.”

“What?” I hissed through clenched teeth.

“Yeah, I saw that bitch at the pool all over Talon. She didn’t like to be dissed as nothing. So I approached her, asked her to help me out a bit. She went home crying to her fella. I rang her and told her where you’d be…after my man Pick had informed me. She mentioned it to her man, and he sent his guys to pick you up. Didn’t think it’d be that easy, but you were stupid enough to go to the crappa on your own. So now, Talon will keep himself busy defending his woman, and while that’s happening…” he laughed, “his life will be shattered right from under him.”

The room fell silent.

All I could think about was scratching out his eyes. How dare he do this to Talon, to Cody and Maya?

Julian cleared his throat. “I was dropped off out the front, pumpkin. Walked in here blind to the trouble, just like you did.”

“The other guys left when…” Mattie pointed at Pick, “he called them and told them it was fine to cut the guarding down to one. Vic offered to stay.”

Shit. They had it all worked out.

I wanted to crawl up in a protective ball and cry; but then again, I wanted to rip their dicks off and slap them over their heads with them.

Oh, God. Talon.

He was going to go crazy, especially when he found out that I’d dragged his son, his only boy, into this mess. He’d be on a warpath, and anything that crossed it was going to be destroyed.

 

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I didn’t even get to tell him I loved him.

Love him.

Because I did.

Sure, to start with it was lust at first sight. But the care, the gentleness and protectiveness he had shown me…not only me, but Maya, and even Deanna, Mattie and Julian, had my heart beating in love for the first time in seven years.

All I could do now was suck up all my emotions and feelings, and stay sane and safe for the children. They were what mattered now.

What a fuckin’ well-planned night.

I was just about ready to see my ex and punch him in the gonads for this.

I shook my hands out and rubbed my eyes. I was beyond tired, but I had to stay focused for the kids.

What about Mattie and Julian?

Yes, what was going to happen to them once we left? I looked over to my beautiful brother and brother in-law. I wouldn’t be able to handle it if something did happen, but I really didn’t like our chances.

“It’s okay, sis.” Mattie smiled. Had he read the anguish in my eyes?

We all turned to the sound of a vehicle coming up Talon’s dirt driveway.

“They’re here,” Vic said. He went to the window, looked out, and then walked out the front door to greet them, leaving Pick behind.

Duh. I had felt like saying, sarcasm was something I hid my fear behind, but now wasn’t the time for it.

“Come on, poppet. Go to your mum,” Julian said, as he helped Maya stand on shaking legs. She hugged and kissed them both, whispering something in their ears, causing them both to pull their lips between their teeth. Maya then ran to me and climbed onto my lap, her tiny arms encircled my neck.

Mattie coughed to clear his throat. “Up you get too, Cody,” Mattie ordered. Cody mumbled something to them and they nodded.

Shit, shit, shit. I couldn’t do this. I couldn’t leave my brothers. I closed my eyes to fight the tears.

“Zee, honey.” I opened them to Mattie. He ushered Cody forward, and Cody came to sit at my side. I placed my arm tightly around his shoulders while I held Maya just as tight as I could with the other.

Looking back at Mattie and Julian, I forced a smile. “I love you g-guys.” I bit my bottom lip for control.

Mattie stepped closer to a crying Julian and placed his arms around him. “We love you too, sis. And we wouldn’t change anything, we still would have come; we still would have stayed because it meant we got to spend more time with you. You, who I have missed for six years.”

I closed my eyes and nodded, leaning my head against Maya’s as she hid her face in my shoulder. I wasn’t surprised that she hadn’t cried. When she was under stress, like I had witnessed when she went for her first swimming lesson, she turned quiet. Her fear built inside her, and the only way she really showed it was through her body. She was shaking like a leaf in the wind. Just for that, and the fact that Cody showed his fear by being a silent statue, his form was as stiff as board; it made me want to buy myself a machine gun and shoot Vic while he tried to run for his life.

Though, I knew I wouldn’t have it in me to harm Pick. I could tell that he honestly would not be involved in any of this if it wasn’t to save his mother. Anyone could see that he knew this was the wrong choice. He was the one who was going to have to live with this regret…and that was only if Talon didn’t get to him first.

Still, it also showed me that Pick was loyal. But in my opinion, he was being loyal to the wrong person. Yes, it was his mother, but a mother should never have dragged her own child into her mess. A mother was there to protect and provide for her child…not the other way around.

I felt for Pick, because in one way or another, he was going to be living his own personal hell.

Of course, I wouldn’t allow myself to feel too deeply for him, because if he hadn’t played a part in all this, I doubted I’d be in this situation.

Julian cleared his throat and clapped. “Enough of this crap. Honey, do not worry; we’ll be fine, and you’ll all be fine. Cody’s superhero daddy will come to the rescue. Won’t he, mate?”

“He will.” Cody nodded with confidence.

I gave him a squeeze; he looked up at me and I winked. The front door opened; my mouth dropped open when Rocko’s men, the ones I had seen tonight at the bar, walked in.

I knew it.

I frigging knew it.

They were trouble, nothing but trouble.

More men added to the list I’d gun down in the bloodbath I was willing to orchestrate.

But how did they know about this? About me and David?

“Get up, bitch,” Vic snapped. I placed Maya to stand on the floor beside me, and stood from the couch, pulling Cody up with me. I wrapped my arms around each child.

“We’ll come, nothing will happen, we won’t do anything…just, just don’t hurt my brother and Julian.”

“Yeah, we’ll see.” The glint in Vic’s eyes sent dread to the pit on my stomach. “Keep me posted,” Vic said to the two men. They gave him a chin lift in return.

I turned to Julian and Mattie. “I’ll see you soon, yeah. Okay?”

“Of course you will, cupcake.” Julian smiled.

“Be smart and safe, sis,” Mattie uttered.

I nodded, because I knew if I spoke, I’d break down. Instead, I mouthed, I love you both. And even that caused tears to fill my eyes; I choked back a sob and pulled the kids in tighter.

With one man in front of us, and one behind, I followed them out to a black SUV. The one in front opened the door; we were pushed inside. The men got in; the scarier one with a scar running through his upper lip turned in his seat and threw something that landed in my lap.

 

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“Put them on. All of you.”

I moved my arm from around Cody and picked up the pieces of fabric; they were head sacks.

What the fuck have I done? The front door closed behind Wildcat and I wanted to run out, shoot the motherfuckers, and save the day. But I couldn’t, or my own ma would be dead by tomorrow. I needed this money. This last time.

No matter how much it had hurt to watch the dicks take them.

Fuck.

I’d never forget the look on Cody’s face when I walked in and done nothing to help the situation. I let Vic hit Wildcat. I just stood by and did nothing…like the pussy I was.

I was scared, and that was all it came down to.

And it fuckin’ hurt.

It hurt to see the pain in Wildcat’s eyes. She felt betrayed by me, and it was justified.

Vic raised his gun and pointed it at the gay guys. “Right, change of plans. I have to get out of here now, so we gotta kill these fuckers.”

I stepped forward, hands raised. “What? No way, man. That wasn’t the plan. We need to stick to the plan.”

“Can’t. They can’t live; you should'a figured that out from the start, brother. They know us, and they’ll run to Talon. Then, we’re as good as dead.”

“Please, no,” Julian cried. Mattie stared at us with wide eyes. But his eyes also showed that he hadn’t expected anything different to come from us. He closed his eyes as he pulled Julian closer, and rested Julian’s forehead against his shoulder.

I felt disgusted in myself.

Fuck!

I couldn’t let this happen. I would not have more blood on my hands. The only reason I let Wildcat go was because I knew her dickhead ex wouldn’t kill her.

Yeah, you just keep tellin’ yourself that.

I had to believe that. Or else I did all this for nothing. Really, I'd done it for nothing anyway. I already knew my ma wouldn’t change, and it made me feel sick. Give her six months and she’d be back to owing, in more ways than one.

So why was I helping her now? After what she’d done? After the hell she'd put me through all my fuckin’, fucked-up life. Who did that to their child?

Who sold their own child’s body to be used by rich, fat-ass bitches?

Jesus.

I couldn’t let this happen.

“No, Vic.”

He turned his hard stare on me, but I gave as good as I got and met his gaze with my own.

“What the fuck you mean, no?”

“This ain’t happenin’.” I pulled out my own gun from where it sat at the back of my pants at my waist, and pointed it at Vic. He didn't think I had anything in me. I could tell that, because he still held his gun at the gay guys.

“Don’t do this, brother. Don’t fuck this up for the both of us just ‘cause you’re a pussy and can’t kill two fuckin’ poofs.”

“I should never have been involved. I should have manned-up at the start and told Talon your plan, but I didn’t, and I let Wildcat walk out. Christ, with her kids, and I’m gonna have to live with that. But I can’t let you do this. I won’t let you kill them.”

One of them gasped, but I didn’t dare look their way.

“You’re pathetic; why Talon ever let you join, I’ll never fuckin' know.You could never handle the pay backs for the club. You’re useless.”

Scoffing to myself, I guess he’ll soon find out how useless I am.

I watched his hand twitch and I knew.

I knew I was about to be shot.

But I had to get there first.

The sound of my gun being fired echoed through the quiet house.

Though, it wasn’t only my gun.

I was knocked back when I was hit. My hand went to my chest as I stumbled backwards and then fell to my ass against the wall.

I smiled as I witnessed Vic fall to the floor, bleeding out from his throat.

We all watched silently as he took his last staggering breath and died.

“Holy shit,” Mattie yelled.

“Mother Mary,” Julian cried.

I snorted, and then winced from the pain. My hand was still holding my chest as the blood seeped through my fingers.

“G-get to Talon. Tell him,” I said.

“We aren’t leaving you,” Julian uttered, as he knelt down beside me. Mattie showed up with a towel in his hand, gave it to Julian, and then he disappeared again with a phone to his ear. I watched in slow motion as Julian moved my hand away, and placed the towel and pressed against my chest, causing me to moan as the pain doubled.

“Right, there’s an ambulance on the way.”

“No,” I whispered.

I was better off dead.

“Don’t shit us. You’re going to the hospital and that’s final,” Mattie ordered, and he knelt down on my other side, moved Julian’s hand away and placed his in the spot. “You saved us. We save you.”

I snorted again, but it turned into a cough. “N-no mouth-to-mouth.”

They laughed a tired, stressed laugh. “You wish,” Julian said.

“Honey,” Mattie said—I hoped to fuck to Julian. I glanced up and saw he was staring at his lover. “You need to go to Talon. Call Violet on the way; she’ll need to be there. I’ll stay here. We’ll meet up later.”

Julian shook his head. “I’m not leaving you. We can call him.”

“No. We can’t tell him this over the phone. Listen, here comes the ambulance. Go, honey. Do this for Zee.”

Yeah, finding out his brother betrayed him wasn’t something to say over the phone.

 

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Julian kissed Mattie quickly—not something a dying man wished to see. He got up and ran out the front door, yelling to the ambo guys on the way, “It’s not my blood; in the house, get in the house.”

I’d just pulled up to the compound from visiting Travis, when Pick’s car came burling around the corner and skidded to a stop beside Griz and me. Only it wasn’t Pick who got out, but Julian. Covered in blood.

My stomach dropped.

Pain filled my chest.

“What the fuck?” I roared.

“Inside now,” Griz ordered to a pale-faced Julian. We ran. Julian ran straight for the bar, with shaking hands, he poured himself a shot, and downed it.

I stalked over to him and yelled, “Tell me what the fuck is going on.”

“Oh, God, Talon, shit, shit.”

“Talk now, motherfucker, or so help me—where the fuck is my woman…fuck, the kids?”

“Brother, calm down,” Griz said.

“Fuck!” I screamed.

“What the hell is going on?” Deanna asked, walking into the room in shorts and a tee that she’d slept in. Her mouth dropped open at the sight of Julian. “No.” she gasped.

Griz went to her, pulling her into his arms; she shoved him away and with her hands on her hips and cold eyes she asked, “What happened?”

“Vic,” Julian said.

“What the fuck about Vic?” I asked, as I started pacing; it was either that or I’d lose my fuckin’ mind.

“H-he’s got men delivering Zara and the kids to David right now.”

I picked up a chair and threw it against the wall, shattering it.

“Where’s Pick, Stake, and Bizz?” Griz asked.

“Shit, Talon. I’m sorry, man. Pick had called your house, even before I got there, and told them they didn’t need to guard anymore. Bizz and Stake left it in the hands of Vic. Zee got back with Pick…shit; they had it all planned. Even tonight, the distraction of Travis—not that he knew, but his slutty girlfriend helped Vic set it up.”

“Christ,” I said to the roof. “My brothers betrayed me.”

“Yeah,” Julian whispered. “But then, Vic was going to kill Mattie and me once the others left with Zara—the others being Rocko’s men, the ones we saw tonight.”

“Motherfucker,” I roared.

“How’d you get away?” Deanna asked, as she stood there with her arms wrapped around her stomach. I knew she’d be feeling just as sick as I was.

Only hatred and fury filled me more, and I was willing to ride those fuckin’ emotions to lead me to my woman, my son, and my Maya.

“Pick. H-he, God, he helped us; he didn’t want to do this Talon; he hated every moment. But he’s got some mother-issues. He s-shot Vic, but got shot in return. Mattie’s with him; they’re going to the hospital.”

“And Vic?” Griz hissed.

“He’s dead.”

“At least that’s one less asshole we’ll have to kill,” I said. “Right, Julian, go get cleaned up; I’ll send someone down with clothes for you. Then get to the hospital with one of my guys to be with Mattie. No one takes their eyes off Pick; I’ll need a word with him.”

The door to the compound burst open, and in ran Violet, Warden, and Travis.

“What’s going on?” Vi asked when she came to stop beside me.

“On a short, I was betrayed by two of my brothers; Zara and the kids have been taken to David.”

“Fuck,” Warden whispered.

“Christ, no,” Vi uttered.

“What can we do?” Travis asked. Any other time I would have told him to fuck off, but not when my family was involved.

Only nothing came to mind; all I could think about was hurting someone. I needed someone to pay for the gaping hole I was feeling in my heart.

Thank fuck I had Griz at my side. He barked out, “Violet, you stay here with Deanna and man the phones. Travis, see if you can find out where David is situated right now through your sources. Warden, you’ll go with Blue; once I call him in, to the hospital, you’ll need to talk to Pick. Talon…”

I smiled. “We’re going to talk to Rocko.”

Travis got on his phone. Griz got on his to call Blue. Julian took off to the showers; but it was Deanna and Violet both at the same time that yelled, “Fuck no.”

Then Deanna added, “You can’t expect me to sit on my ass while my best friend is out there having God-knows-what done to her by that fucker David. I’m not sitting here manning the fuckin’ phones when you can get some of ya boys to do it.”

“I agree. You need me, Talon. We don’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of things, but this, we work together on.”

“Fuck, woman. I don’t need this shit. I gotta go.”

“Then we’re coming with you,” Violet said.

“Shit yeah,” Deanna added.

“Jesus, whatever. Griz?”

“Jeremy’s up; he’ll call others to scout and man the fuckin’ phone. Let’s roll.”

A curt nod and we left.

Not fuckin’ before I saw Travis—the biggest pimp of Melbourne—pull my sister aside, kiss her, and tell her something to have her eyes warm and nod.

Fuck, something to worry about when I got my family back.

Now it was time to fight for them.

All I knew was that we drove for a very long time. Long enough that the kids fell asleep in my arms, leaning their heavy weight upon me, and it was long enough for me to doze off and on for quite some time.

 

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I think my relaxed state showed the children not to worry, and in return they weren’t, so they could sleep knowing that I’d be there to protect them.

Why I was relaxed, I think, had many added contributions; for one: alcohol still flowed through my body. For two: I knew Talon would go to great lengths to find us, and three: I was stronger in mind, body, and spirit to deal with an asshat like David.

The only thing that had me worried, but I didn’t let show, was how all this was going to be played out. What was David going to do to? At least I was sure he would never harm a child. I—on the other hand—was a different story altogether. Though, I wasn’t worried for myself, only and always for the children.

So to keep my relaxed state for the kids, I thought of Talon.

His eyes and how they grew soft for me.

His mouth when he smiled at me.

His hands and body, and how he always sorted me out in a room.

Him.

The perfect, dominating, alpha-bossy biker, who was a hard-scary-assed, beautifully hot, delicious man.

Sometimes, I had to focus, because my mind kept supplying me with other freaked-out thoughts of Mattie, Julian, Mattie, Julian. Hope they’re okay. I have to be good. I cannot rip into these guys like a momma T-Rex because…Mattie, Julian, Mattie, Julian.

However many seconds, minutes, or hours later, the car came to a stop. The kids were roused from their sleep, and again, I reassured them that things were going to be okay.

“Keep the masks on,” one of them ordered. The doors opened, we were pulled out onto a gravel road, I took a hand of Cody and Maya's, and our feet crunched the gravel as we stumbled blindly along. A door was opened; thankfully, there were no steps or I would have fallen flat on my face, bringing the children down with me.

“It’s going to be okay,” I said for the umpteenth time, and received a hand squeeze from both.

We were placed in a room in front of—what I guessed—a couch, which I felt at the back of my calves.

“Sit,” one kidnapper said. We sat, where I cradled the children close to me. The door opened again; someone walked in, and I heard a chair being slid back, the sound of that someone sitting in it. I knew who it was straight away. I could never misplace his strong, stinking cologne.

“Remove,” David said, with a smile upon his mouth. I’d been around him enough to know when he was smiling.

Our head-covers were whipped off. I blinked a couple of times to bring focus back. The kids rubbed at their eyes. I looked up and found David sitting behind a desk, his hands folded on top of it; his eyes gleamed with a ‘gotcha’ look, and his mouth was smirking at me. He looked the same as he had six years ago. The same ocean blue eyes that had sucked me in, the same slim, tall form. The only difference was that his sandy hair had receded more on top.

“Hello, my dear Zara Edgingway.” he gleamed.

“David.”

“What, that’s it? That’s all you have to say to your husband? After all these years,” he spat, disgusted. “Get the kids out of here. I want to talk to my wife.”

“What? No, no, David. Please let them stay with me,” I begged. I didn’t trust the men standing behind the couch. Especially the one looking eagerly at my daughter.

David chuckled. “I doubt they’d want to hear what we have to talk about, darling.”

“You leave her alone,” Cody yelled, as he stood from the couch.

“Cody,” I said, pulling him back beside me. “It’s okay, hun.” I kissed the top of his head and looked to David again. “David, do you at least have someone who could be trusted with them? Please.”

He did a full belly laugh. “Of course I do.” He picked up the phone, pushed a button, and said into it, “Bring them in.”

Moments later, the door opened; a guy in jeans and a long-sleeved black tee walked in. But I was more interested in the voice I heard in the hall.

“Are you bastards ever going to let us go? You know I’ve missed my tit appointment; not that I’d really want to get them squished into a vice, but it has to be done with a woman my age. Plus, my kids must be worried by now.”

A sigh. “Nancy.” And I knew that person would be shaking his head.

“Mum?” I called, shocked.

I stood as an older version of me walked into the room wearing black pants and a red woolen jumper. Behind her was a brooding form of an older version of Mattie, only he was taller, with dark grey hair and warm, green eyes. Both of them looked a little worse for wear, a bruise on Mum’s cheek and Dad had a black eye.

I felt sick.

David was going to pay.

“Dad?”

“Oh, my baby,” Mum cried, and she ran at me.

“Mum, oh God, Mum, Dad,” I sobbed.

“Sweetheart,” Dad said, with tears in his eyes. They both wrapped me up in their arms.

“Oh, oh, is this my little angel, Maya?” Mum pulled away, picked Maya up, and hugged her to her chest.

“And who do we have here?” Dad asked. “Hey, buddy. I’m Richard, Zara’s dad; and that loud lady is Nancy, Zara’s crazy mum.”

“I heard that, Richard, and I’m not crazy.”

“It’s so great to see you both,” I cried. “A-and this is Cody. Talon’s son.”

“Really, and who’s Talon?” Mum asked.

“He’s my mum’s man, Nanny,” Maya informed.

“My dad’s the one who’s gonna come here and kick his ass,” Cody whispered to my parents. I pulled him into a hug.

 

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“Well, we look forward to meeting him.”

David cleared his throat. “As do I. Now, isn’t this reunion grand? But it ends now.”

“No,” I said. “Please, I just got them back. Oh, God, Mum, Dad. Mattie said you were dead, killed in a car accident.”

“Yes, well. That’s what the idiot over there told us too. But it was his way of trying to get you to show; he thought you’d turn up at our funeral, and then he’d nab you there.”

“Enough. Take them and the children out. I’ll deal with them later.”

Nancy placed Maya's feet back on the floor and tugged Maya behind her body. Dad did the same with Cody.

“Mummy,” Maya wailed. “I’m not leaving my Mummy,” Maya said, stomping her foot on the floor.

“Ha! I’m afraid so, daughter of mine.”

“You’re not my daddy, Talon is,” she stated.

David’s upper lip raised. “Get them out of here. Now!”

“I’ll see you soon; it’s going to be fine.” How many times had I said that? I could only hope it was true. The great part was that I knew my parents would do anything to protect Maya and Cody, and they knew that I would understand that.

“Be smart and safe, sweetheart,” Dad said.

Oh, God. Just like Mattie.

Snot a block—Mattie and Julian.

I nodded, tears threatening again. “Be good kids for your grandparents.” I kissed Maya and Cody on their temple. “I love you both,” I said, and it was then I saw for the first time, tears in Cody’s eyes.

“Love you too, Mummy.” Maya smiled. Cody gave me a chin lift…just like his father.

Mum hugged me close and whispered, “Don’t give in.”

“I never will.” Not when I had Talon.

She picked up Maya. Dad placed his arm around Cody’s shoulders, and they walked silently from the room with two guards, the one that came in with them, and one of Rocko’s men. Thankfully, the one who eyed Maya stayed behind.

I slumped back onto the couch.

“No, no, Zara. Come and sit in this chair.” David gestured with his hand to the chair Pervy Guy placed a foot in front of David’s desk.

I rolled my eyes, hopped up, walked over, and sank into the wooden chair. Pervy Guy came to stand behind me. Hairs on the back of my neck raised; I looked over my shoulder at him, and he grinned down at me.

“What’s your name?” I couldn’t keep calling him Pervy Guy, and I needed a name to seek my vengeance on.

“Call me, Jeff.”

I doubted that was his real name.

David stood, walked around the table, and stopped in front of me. My heart rate accelerated as Jeff grabbed both my arms and pulled then roughly behind the chair, holding them in place.

“Why all the fuss for me, David?”

He laughed. “I never like to let anything go, Zara, you knew this.”

Whack. He slapped me across my already sore face.

“Obviously, I hired the wrong people to find you, for it to take this long. Wasn’t it lucky these men contacted me and said they’d found my wife? You really should have turned up at the funeral, Zara. I might not have been as mad as I am now,” he said, leaning over with his hands on the armrests of the chair, our noses nearly touching. “But then again, you have really pissed me off.” He leaned back.

Whack. A hit to the other side of my face forced my head around.

At least he was being kind enough to not hit me in the same spot.

I licked my lip and tasted blood.

I don’t know if I’m going to get out of this.

“Six years, Zara. You left me for six long years, and if you hadn’t, I would have been fine. My plan would have been over by now, and I would be a rich man. But it didn’t, all because of you.”

Whack. I slumped in the chair and winced, not just from David hitting me, but from being held in place, my shoulders and arms protested against the angle Jeff had them in.

“Sit her up,” David ordered. He sat back on the desk, eyeing me. It was starting to get a little hard to see; my face was already swelling. I felt the urge to vomit. The taste of blood and the pain churned in my stomach.

“So, we have a daughter.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Now, he wanted to talk.

“Oof,” I breathed, as David punched me in the stomach. I tried to calm my breathing, but ended up in a coughing fit. I spat blood onto the floor.

“Do not laugh at me.” He opened a drawer in the desk and pulled out a wet wipe, wiping away my blood from his hands. He pulled out a knife, stalked back around, and in one move, he stabbed it into my leg.

I bit my lip, trying to stop my scream, but it still escaped.

He pulled it out slowly and ordered, “Rest her up a bit. I need to make some calls, and then we’ll talk again.”

I was pulled from the chair just before I passed out.

“What the fuck is going on here?” Rocko yelled and stood from his desk. I stormed into his office in the nightclub he owned around midmorning. Griz, Deanna, Violet, and three other brothers were following close behind. Blue had called, informing me that he and Warden were at the hospital with Mattie and Julian. They weren’t allowed in Pick’s room, under doctor’s orders. But he reassured me, as soon as no one saw, he’d be in there.

With a lift of my hand, the three brothers slipped outta the room and closed the door, keeping an eye open for trouble that could come our way.

 

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“What do you know asshole?” Deanna snapped. She stood next to Vi, both holding their hands on their hips.

“Sorry, sweetheart; I don’t know what you’re talking about."

I pulled a gun from under my Hawks vest and pointed it at his head.

He stood with his hands up in front of him. I followed his movements.

“Where are my boys?” he asked.

Violet scoffed. “You need new brothers, Rocko; they’re all a bunch of pussies and incapacitated.”

“Talon, what’s the meaning of this? You want war? Is that it?”

“Two of your men have taken my woman and kids to hand her over to her ex who beat and raped her. You tell me; do you want fuckin’ war?”

“I know nothing about this; they have obviously gone out on their own. Who are they?”

“The guys that were with you last night,” Deanna said.

Rocko smiled.

“What the fuck are you smiling at?” I roared.

Waving his hands he said, “Sorry, shit. I know it ain’t a smiling matter. But your woman…” He smiled again.

“What?” Griz growled.

“She warned me last night that I needed to find new friends. Goddamn, she was right, and after just one glance, she picked it. Fuck. I should’ve never let them in. I was taking a risk on them; other brothers had warned me, but I didn’t listen.We needed new recruits. The Monty’s motorcycle club from Melbourne wants our territory. Crap, I was only with them last night to see how they ran, and I didn’t like what I saw. I was gonna cut them.”

“How’d they learn about my woman and her ex?”

“I was the one who told Rocko. Fuck,” Griz swore. “I’d asked him to keep his ear to the ground, see if he heard anything new. Shit, I didn’t think.”

“Jesus Christ,” I yelled. “Jesus Christ.” I turned and put a hole in the wall the size of my fist.

“I’m sorry, brother,” Griz said.

“Fuck, man, but it ain’t your fault. You weren’t to know,” I answered, leaning one hand up against the wall.

I couldn’t lose her. Cody and Maya…

It would kill me to lose all three of them together.

I’d wasted so much time stuffin’ around and waiting, trying not to scare her off. But I didn’t know she’d been watchin’ me the whole time as well. I saw the looks she gave me, the secret smiles that drove me fuckin’ nuts.

I thought the dicks in the brotherhood were crazy when they’d let their old lady run their life. Blinded by stupid love. I swore I’d never let myself fall again…

never.

Until Zara. Until I fuckin’ walked down that hallway to see a hot piece of ass standing there, glaring at me in a pink kitten nightie and combat fuckin’ boots.

I was a goner.

From that day on, I knew I’d let Zara do anything.

She could talk, bitch, and complain about shit and it wouldn't faze me. She could harp about me swearin’ around the kids, and still it wouldn’t bother me.

Nothin' would, as long as she was at my side to do all that.

I had to find her. Them.

Jesus. The kids. I’d already missed out on enough of Cody’s life. I wasn’t missin’ out on any more. And sweet Maya. There was so much more I wanted to learn about them both, so much I wanted to teach them.

I needed them all back.

They are my family.

And I fuckin’ love them.

“Do you know where they have taken my family?” I asked Rocko.

“No. But I’ll look into it. Maybe one of the brothers knows something.” Rocko sat back down at the desk.

“You know I’ll kill them.”

“So be it. They are no longer ‘Vicious’.”

My mobile rang; I answered, “What?”

“Nothing. I’ve got nothing,” Blue said.

“Is Pick talkin’?”

“Yeah, he’s talking, telling me lots of shit; none of it is any use to find them, brother. Cops have been; they want a statement on what went on in the house.”

“Fuck. Has Mattie or anyone said anything?”

“Nothing, I told them to wait to hear from you. But you know the cops, brother.They won’t wait long.”

“Tell them to say it was self-defense. I had Mattie and Julian stayin’ at my house. Pick called in; he found Vic holding them, ready to kill them. Vic was a hater of gays. Didn’t like the way I was running things. No one says shit about my woman and the kids. We deal with this in-house. I’ll be doing the cleanup.”

“But the cops could help.”

“No. They’ll only hold me back.”

“Right. On it. Then what?”

“Tell Matthew and Julian to head back to the compound—”

“Already have. They won’t leave.” Blue laughed. “They don’t trust me and Warden around Pick. He saved them, brother; they’re saving him back.”

“Christ. All right, leave them there, and Warden. You get to the compound and see what they’ve found; talk to Travis and see what’s he’s got. I’m heading to Vi’s work.”

“Right. Done,” he said, then hung up.

I turned to Rocko. “Keep me in the know,” I said with a chin lift. In other words, ‘if you don’t, I’ll fuck you over’; he nodded his understanding.

“I hope you find ‘em, Talon. She’s a rare beauty.”

 

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“I know. I fuckin’ know. So are the kids. Let’s move.”

“Wait,” Violet called, before I opened the door.

“What?” Rocko asked her; she was staring down at him.

“Do you know what they drive? Licence plate numbers, where they live? Maybe they’re stupid enough to either use their own cars or take them to their place?”

“Great thinkin', sugar.” He got up from his chair and went to a file cabinet to the right of his desk. “I had to shift my paperwork here while the office at our compound was getting detailed. Fuckin’ lucky I did,” he explained, as he searched through the drawers.

Hell. How long did it take to find the information?

Let’s hope these fuckers were just that dumb enough. And thank fuck my sister was here using her brain.

“Here.” He thrust the files toward Deanna, the closest to him. “All the info I have on Jefferson and Zane. And while you're searching through it, I’ll still keep looking here.”

“’Preciate it.”

We got outside; I sent my other brothers out searchin’ the streets while Griz, Hell Mouth, Vi, and I got back into my Camaro to drive to Vi’s station.

With the information we had, I felt a little lighter. The fist around my heart wasn’t squeezing as tight.

I just hoped it was going to lead us somewhere where my family was.

Payback was needing to happen, and I was looking forward to it.

There was no way I was gonna be some pansy-ass and pray…even if I wanted to.

Shit.

Fuck.

Why the hell not? Anything was worth it for them.

Yeah, um, God...

We stormed into Violet’s work; funny enough, it was the first time I’d ever set foot in there. Things had to change. A lot of things. Violet booted up her computers while Deanna and Griz were talkin’ quietly in a hushed tone; but I knew what it would be about. He was trying to reassure her, and I knew she wouldn’t want that from him. Deanna was one hard chick to crack. Griz would have his work cut out for him when he got his act together. I should hurry him the fuck up—‘cause you never know what could happen.

“Anything?” I asked.

“Talon, I’m not that frigging fast, give me a minute.” Violet groaned.

I paced in front of one of her desks while she worked the computer, her fingers flying across the keyboard. I wondered where Zara sat while she worked. She hadn’t been here long, but I knew she’d already brought some of herself into the business. The yellow sunflowers that sat on the windowsill. The scenery picture of the woods with a ray of sunshine shining through that was hung on the wall. The colourful rug that sat in the middle of the floor. She'd always brightened up a place.

“I’ll send Chuck to their houses, but I doubt they’re there. They would have taken them to David straight way so they could be paid.” She picked up the phone and rang her employee.

Griz walked over to me. “She’s freaking. I'm worried she’ll lose it soon.”

I nodded. “She’s not the only one.” I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. “The thing I’ve noticed, though, is that Hell Mouth relies on Zara in more ways than one. Deanna not only helped Zara outta her past, but I’m sure it was the other way around as well. Not sure, kitten knows that though, unless she does and carries that burden, as well as Deanna.” I looked over my shoulder to Deanna as she perched her ass on the end of Vi’s desk. She looked in pain. “Anyone can fuckin’ see that woman has been through some shit from that big iced wall she has built around her, and right now, it only seems Zara has a key.”

I turned to Griz. “Good luck, brother; you’re gonna need it.” My phone rang; I grabbed it outta the pocket of my jeans, and answered with, “Speak.”

“Just got back to the compound.The brothers have nothing. No one’s called in with shit, Talon. How’s your end?”

“Violet, how we doing?” I was feeling antsy. I needed to be doing something instead of talking shit with Griz, or standing around doing nothing at all. I felt useless, and it fuckin’ hurt when it was my family out there in trouble.

“Zip. I’ve got Chuck on the line; there’s no one at their houses. Their cars are in their frigging drive. I’ve got nothing else to go on. I’m sorry.”

“Jesus Christ,” I whispered.

“I’m guessing it’s not good,” Blue said on the other end of the phone.

“No. Fuck, brother.We have to find them—”

“Talon, wait,” Blue snapped.

“Blue?” I heard talking in the background, but I didn’t know what was being fuckin’ said. “Brother?”

“Shit. Shit, boss, we’ve got them. Travis just came in; he’s fucking found where they are.”

“Text me the address. I’ll meet you there,” I said, and turned to the others. “Travis's got a location. Let’s go.”

“Thank God.” Deanna sighed.

“Christ, yes,” Griz growled.

“Talon, wait,” Violet called.

“What, woman? I gotta get my family.”

“You and Griz need my guns. If the bullets are traced, I’m covered for being a PI. You’re not.”

I closed my eyes.

My sister was protecting me.

“I want one too,” Deanna said.

“No way, darlin’. You get a taser,” Griz barked, and handed her a black taser from his back pocket.

 

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“Seriously?” she said with an eye roll.

I ignored them as Violet approached holding three guns. She handed one to Griz, and then one to me. I looked her in the eye and said, “There could be a lotta people goin' down today, Vi. You ready for this?”

“Fuck yeah.” She smiled.

“Let’s move then.” I smiled back.

I woke laying on a double, four-poster bed in a dark room. I could see the sun shining through the gaps in the blinds. That told me it was still daytime, but I didn’t have a clue what hour it was, or how long I’d been asleep.

I was sore all over; I needed water and something to eat, but I doubted I’d be able to keep it down.

Where was my family?

What was going to happen next?

I sat up slowly, wincing when pain stabbed through my head and leg. I looked down to the wound and found that someone had changed me into slip-on pajama pants.

Why?

The door opened, and in walked a young girl around the age of sixteen with long, red, curly hair, and a freckled face. She was short but slim, too skinny, actually. She carried a tray with a glass and a bowl upon it.

“Oh, you’re awake.” She smiled. “Good, you’ll be wanting some food and water, yes?”

I nodded. What was such a young girl doing in the house with David? She set the tray on the bed beside me. I took the glass with shaking hands and sipped it. The water helped my parched throat.

I looked to the door that she’d left open.

“You won’t make it.” She smiled as she stood beside the bed.

What? Was she a mind reader?

“W-who are you?” I asked.

“I was homeless until David took me in.” She glanced at the door, and then back to me. Bending over so we were inches apart, she whispered, “You need to get out of here; he’s going to kill you.”

My eyes widened. Why was she warning me? I controlled my eye roll. God, doesn’t she think I already know that?

“How can I get out?” I asked.

She laughed. “That, I don’t know.”

“I wouldn’t without my family anyway.”

Her head cocked to the side. “Smart or stupid, you are, but I can’t work out which one. I know I’m stupid, because I keep staying here. So maybe you’re the same?”

Probably.

“Josie, what are you doing in here?” David came through the door.

“Nothing, Daddy. Um, I mean, I brought our guest some supper.”

Oh my flipping God. Was this for real? I mean I'd always wanted to role-play where Talon was a pirate and I was a damsel in distress…kind of like now.

But they're roles were just fruited up.

Jesus, why hadn’t I seen how crazy this fucktard was from the start?

He stalked across the room. Josie backed up until she hit the wall. “I told you not to call me daddy around people,” he hissed through clenched teeth, and then slapped her across the face.

She whimpered and sunk to the floor. “I’m sorry, David.”

“Don’t be an ass,” I said. He turned to face me.

Better me than an innocent girl.

His arm outstretched, grabbed me by my hair, and dragged me from the bed. I cried out when I landed on my knees in front of him.

“Don’t,” Josie screamed. She jumped onto his back, clawing at his face. He swore and flipped her off; she landed beside me with a thunk. He kicked her in her side and she groaned.

With a fist, I punched him in the balls. It was his turn to groan, bending at the waist.

“Run,” I yelled to Josie, but she didn’t move. Staying in her protective ball.

“Jefferson,” David called. In ran Jeff. “Take my wife to my office. I’ll deal with her in a minute.”

“You are nothing but a perverted cocksucker, David. Or should I call you daddy too? Isn’t that what you like, you hairy sac sucker?” I yelled.

“Take her now,” David barked. Jeff dragged me up and threw me over his shoulder. I clenched my teeth from the pain.

We moved down a hallway, but I noticed David walk out of the room behind us and lock the door. I smiled to myself; I’d pissed him off that much? I guess he wanted to deal with me first. At least that left Josie alone…for now.

Into the office, Jeff threw me onto the couch.

“Leave,” David ordered.

Jeff smirked down at me, gave me a tap on the head, and left, closing the door behind him. David turned the lock into place.

He started pacing the room. “I used to think that when I got you back we could have worked this out. But you’ve changed.”

“Lucky for me, eh?” I sat up straighter and wondered why I wasn’t bleeding through the pants I had on. I felt my leg where David had stabbed me. It was covered by some sort of taping.

“Shut the hell up,” he screamed. I felt like telling him he screamed like a girl, but I didn’t think that would go down well. Though, my chances were getting slimmer by the second.

I love you, Talon. Tears threatened.

All I could do now was pray that he got here in time to save the children and my parents.

“I should have never been with you, David.” I laughed. “I thought I knew what love was, but I didn’t. Because now I know what love is, the love I feel for Talon is bigger than anything I’ve felt before—”

He ran at me, grabbing my shoulders, and roughly shook me. “Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. You are nothing.” He spun away and walked to the desk.

 

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Oh shit.

He pulled open a draw and pulled out a gun. “I would never have wasted my time in finding you, but your life insurance is going to make it worth it.”

Say what, now?

“Um, hold on a second.” I giggled. “Have you thought this through? Won’t the insurance people know something's up if I’m riddled with bullets?”

Why am I helping him? Jeesh.

It was then I realized that I wasn't scared of David. I was no longer scared. What was in front of me was an old, mean man and nothing else.

“The police wouldn’t question a break in, where my dear wife was killed defending our home.Well, not home—seems you made me fucking travel a state away to kill you,” he yelled, and then shook his head. “But our new holiday warehouse is nice, here in Melbourne. Isn’t it wonderful? I get a dead wife. I get money, and a new place. Yes, I think I’ll intend on living here…with my two daughters.”

“No!” I screamed.

He raised the gun and fired.

My body bounced back into the couch. I looked down as pain shot through my arm; blood started to soak my tee.

Damn it, I liked this one.

“Practice shot,” he smirked. He raised the gun again.

I’d organized to stop a block away, in an old, unused, supermarket car park. I didn’t want to rouse suspicion with Harley pipes, as well as large fuckin’ cars pulling up to the warehouse.

I got out of my car just as twenty or so Harleys were roaring down the street and pulling to stop. Blue was the first over to me, Griz, Deanna, and Violet.

“What’s the plan?” he asked.

“We need to be fast, get in and get out. The warehouse is a block away at the end of a dead-end street. Not much goes on in these parts, so there shouldn’t be any witnesses we’d need to buy off.”

Fuck. I felt like I was wasting time standing here explaining; all I wanted to do was get in there, kill the fucker, and get my family back.

Violet stepped forward and rested her hand on my arm. “We go in on foot from here; we don’t want them knowing we’re coming.” She looked over Blue’s shoulder to a white Sedan family car pulling into the car park. It stopped just behind the Harleys. “Good, just in time.” She grinned as Warden got out of the car, went to the back of it, and opened the trunk. “Everyone needs to swap over their weapons for one of ours,” Violet shouted to my brothers.

“Shit, Vi.” I closed my eyes. “How the fuck are you going to explain firing off twenty or so guns to the cops?”

She shrugged. “We’ll deal with that when the time comes.” I shook my head as she added, “Do you think Zara would want her man in jail after just saving her? No. Do it for her, Talon.”

“Do I get a fuckin’ gun now?” Deanna asked.

“No,” Griz growled. “You stick with me, princess.”

She sighed loudly and rolled her eyes. “Fine. But I want a piece of him.”

“We’ll see,” I said. I wanted him first. My hands itched to choke the fucker for layin’ hands on my family in the first place. “Right, let’s load up and move out,” I called.

Violet had me send Warden in first to remove—if there were any—cameras. Not that I believed a large motherfucker like Warden would get in there undetected, but he came back saying the coast was clear.

I spread my brothers out so we had the whole warehouse covered. I went straight for the front door with Griz, Deanna, and Violet. Then Blue came running around from the side to inform me, “We’ve taken out five men.”

Then why the fuck wasn’t the front covered?

I gave a chin lift in response and tried the front door. It was locked. I took a step back, ready to kick it in, when Deanna stepped forward and knocked. I sent her a ‘what the fuck’ look.

Seconds later, the front door was opened, and one of Rocko’s men, still in a betraying ‘Vicious’ vest, stood there.

“Fuck,” he hissed. He went to grab a walkie-talkie at his waist when Deanna punched him in the face. He teetered back. Blue jumped him and held him to the ground.

“I’m sure Rocko wants to deal with this fucker himself.” Blue grinned. “You guys go. I’ll find something to tie him up with,” he said, while emptying the dick of weapons.

I bolted for the stairs, just as my other men came through the back door and went searchin’ through the bottom area.

Taking three step at a time, I climbed the stairs with the others following.

A gunshot sounded in the distance.

“Shit, shit,” Deanna chanted.

We reached a hallway. I signaled for everyone to stay quiet and keep their eyes open. I opened the first door…nothing. Griz got to the second just as another of Rocko’s men was walking out. He reached for his gun as Griz knocked him out with one punch.

“Leave him. One of the brothers will deal,” I whispered.

Vi was at the next door to the right; she opened it, but nothing again. I wasn’t here on a fuckin’ scenic tour, so I took no notice of what was in the room and moved on.

The fourth door was locked. Violet pulled something out from the back of her jeans pocket and started working the lock; within seconds, it clicked open. She moved out of the way. I held the door handle and turned it; I threw it open while I stepped in with my gun raised.

A gasp, a sob, and a frightened squeal was what I heard first.

I looked around the darkened room and saw four bodies huddled in the right-hand corner.

 

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“Dad?”

My eyes closed upon hearing Cody’s voice. I lowered my gun, knowing Vi and Deanna had my back. I wasn’t sure where Griz was.

“Told ya he’d come,” Cody said with pride.

“Talon,” Maya cried, as she ran at me; I had enough time to brace as her little body hit me. I picked her up and hugged her close, gesturing to Cody to come to me.

“Richard? Nancy?” Deanna asked.

“Why, hey there, Deanna girl,” a man said as he stepped forward into the hallway light.

“Oh my God.” Deanna gasped, tears in her eyes. I studied the man; he was an older image of Matthew, Zara’s brother.

“My, my, it’s so good to see you, Deanna; and in the flesh, instead of on Skype.” A woman stepped around Richard…fuck, she was an older image of my woman. “And you're just a hot piece of eye candy.” She smiled, looking up at me.

Violet and Deanna chuckled. Griz came running into the room, and in his arms was a young teenage girl.

“Found her in a room. She’s unconscious, but alive.” He laid her on the bed.

“Have you seen Zara?” I asked.

“Oh, my. No wonder my girl couldn’t resist you with a voice like that.”

Richard sighed. “Nance, focus. We saw her earlier, but that was a few hours ago. We don’t know where she is.”

Another gunshot sounded not far from where we were.

“Fuck,” I hissed. I put Maya on her feet. “Stay here with your grandparents. Deanna, you gotta stay here with the girl in case she’s gonna be trouble.”

“Sure, boss,” she said, taking out her taser. She was itchin’ to try that out.

“Keep ‘em safe,” I said to Richard, as I handed him my back-up gun.

“Oh, sure, he gets a gun,” Deanna complained.

Richard nodded when Nancy piped up about something regardin’ me and grammar. I ignored it and knelt down to the kids. “It's gonna be good. I’ll find ya momma, baby girl, and then we can get outta here.”

“I know you will.” Maya smiled and patted me on the face.

“Good luck, Dad; and kill that fucker,” Cody said.

“Boy, language,” I growled, gave them both a peck on their heads, and ran from the room.

Another gun shot, but at least that time, I was able to pinpoint the location. It was the last fuckin’ door at the end of the hall.

I tried the handle. Locked. I didn’t waste time for Violet to pick it; instead, I kicked it open, with the gun held up, and with Vi and Griz at my back, I stepped in.

Fuckin’ motherfucker.

I saw my woman on a couch, bleeding.

Shit, there was fuckin’ blood everywhere.

“Who the hell are you?” David asked.

As I stared him down, he backed up, and Violet ran to Zara.

“Tell me she’s breathing,” I said.

“H-honey?” my woman said, but then starting coughing.

“Christ, Talon. We have to get her outta here. She’s got three gunshot wounds, and she’s been beaten.”

“You are not taking her,” David yelled.

“Back the fuck up,” I roared. I stalked toward him. “You bloodied my woman, you beat her, raped her, and fuckin’ shot her. Fuck!”

Fury. All I could feel was fury. This fucker did not deserve it quick and painless.

He was going to pay.

He went to pick up the gun he’d dropped on the desk when we’d bounded into the room, but I got there first and shot his hand away.

“Damn it!” he screamed, holding his hand to his chest.

“Talon! We have to go, and now,” Violet screamed.

“Griz, take him. Clean this. I’m getting’ my woman outta here.”

Griz smiled. “Sure, brother.”

I stalked over to the couch. “Jesus, babe,” I whispered.

“I-I k-knew you’d come. Kids? Parents?”

“They’re safe; now let’s get you safe.” There was no time for an ambo; so as gently as I could, I picked her up in my arms, but still, she cried out.

Pain laced thought my heart.

“Vi, clear the way; make sure the kids don’t see.”

“On it,” she said, running from the room.

“H-honey…”

“Yeah, kitten?”

“I-I don’t know…if this is gonna work. I-if I can—”

“Shit, kitten. Don’t. You’re gonna be all right, you’re gonna be good. Fuck, babe. I know you’re gonna be good ‘cause I love you, and my fuckin’ love for you is strong enough to keep you that way. So let’s get you fixed yeah?”

“Y-yeah, honey. You k-know, I love your alpha-ass too.” She smiled up at me and then passed out.

As soon as we reached the hospital, they took her away. They took her from my arms and told me to stay. The cops were called; still, my brothers got there first. The waiting room looked like a party at the compound. But instead of havin’ a good ol’ drunken time, everyone was sober and somber.

I sat in a chair with my head in my hands as they worked over my woman. Zara's parents had the kids at her house, with more of my brothers watchin' them. They were waiting to hear from me...I just hoped to fuck I had good news to tell them.

No. It will be great, fan-fuckin'-tastic news that I'll tell them!

Griz was deflecting the cops, tellin’ them what had gone down at the warehouse…well, our story of it. He told them that Zara had been kidnapped by her crazy ex, and that when we turned up, David'd taken off. We hadn’t bothered chasin’, ‘cause we had to get Kitten to the hospital. It was lucky enough that we had a witness, the young girl Josie, who David had held hostage for the last three years. When Billy had brought her in, she'd said that she was willin’ to tell the cops whatever we wanted, and she did. That, at least, brought me more time to sit and wait for my woman to get fixed. Though the cops said they’d still need my statement at a later date, as well as—how’d they put it? — ‘MissEdgingway’s if she pulled through.’

 

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If.

If she fuckin’ pulled through.

That was when I punched a cop, swingin’ and yellin’ to get the fuck out. Blue had to pull me off him. The cop told Violet later that he wouldn’t be pressing charges, that he understood.

Not that I gave a fuck.

By the time the doctors came out, I had a child in each arm, and Zara’s parents sitting with me. They decided not to wait at Zara's house after all, and came in after showering and changing. I couldn't blame them.

Deanna had turned up earlier, screamin’ that she missed out on her shot, that she missed out on her retaliation on the fucker. That was when I'd whispered, “Not yet, you ain’t.”

She fuckin’ grinned with pure glee, and then sat her ass down to wait it out with us.

The doctor teetered backwards when she spotted the waiting room full of bikers.

“Uh…family of Zara Edgingway?”

“That’s us,” I said, standing. Zara’s parents held the tired children close.

“Oh, okay. I just wanted to say she’s through the surgery, and it looks like she’s going to be okay.”

I sank to my knees, and for the second time that day, I fuckin' prayed my thanks for savin' my life. 'Cause I knew I wouldn't have a life without my kitten in it.

“Talon,” I moaned.

“Jesus, kitten,” he groaned as I rolled my hips. We were in his room, at his…our house. The kids were at my parents’, and it was time for us to have a private party for two. He was sitting up against the headboard, naked as the day he was born. I was just as naked, besides some rocking heels my man had bought me for my birthday last week.

I was working my inner-cowgirl magic, riding him like I was meant to.

Leaning forward, I kissed him.

I was never going to get enough of him.

Never.

“Babe,” he groaned.

“Not yet, honey.”

“Fuck, kitten.”

“Not yet,” I uttered through clenched teeth. “Oh, God, honey. Now.” I gripped the headboard behind him as he pounded his cum into me, and I climaxed around him.

Exhausted, I rested my head against his shoulder, breathing hard.

“Christ, woman. We are never doin’ that position again. I come too fuckin’ quick.”

I giggled. “Hell to-the no. I love taking control.”

“Only in the bedroom you can, and only when I let you,” he growled.

“Whatever,” I said, pulling back so he could see my eyes roll. He grinned. I got out of bed and went into the en-suite to clean up. When I came back out, Talon was lying down with a sheet covering his bottom half. I ran and leapt right onto the bed. He chuckled at my antics. I turned off the lamp on the bedside table and snuggled in. Then I wiggled as close as I could to him, knowing he’d curl me into his arms just like he always did.

“You happy, kitten?”

“More than happy…but a little worried.”

He laughed. “No need to be, ‘cause I’ll be here right alongside you. Always.”

“I know, honey. That’s why I love you.”

“And I you, babe. Now sleep.”

“Yes, boss.” And I squealed when he slapped my behind.

The only reason I was a little worried was…well, it wasn’t because Talon had asked me to marry him the night before, as we sat around the table with our closest friends and family. And it definitely wasn’t because he then informed me we were going on vacation with the kids to Fiji.

I was worried because that morning at my doctor’s appointment, we found out we were having twins. Talon had grinned down at my shocked face and said, “Fuck yeah. Kitten, when I do something, I do it good, and you got it really good.”

That was still debatable.

I had been just getting over the fact that we weren’t sure I’d be able to have children, after David had shot me two times in the stomach. You could say that Talon was over the frigging moon we’d be having a child together. He’d said that I’d been through enough shit in my life to last me ‘til I was old and grey; and now that we were finally over the speed hump, we could live our lives to the fullest, each and every day.

Well, our lives would certainly be filled.

Of course, after the news, I ran and cried on Deanna’s shoulder, telling her that Talon had super-sonic sperm, and that he’d sonic-ed his way into my…fandola, and shot me up with twins.

Her response was, “Well, fuck me.”

I thought another hot-crisis-issue would have gotten her out of her funk. But it hadn’t.

She was worrying me, because these days I hardly saw her, and when I did, she always seemed to have something on her mind…only she wasn’t sharing.

It was if she’d been altered when I’d been taken, and it wasn’t something she was getting over. Though, I still doubted it was that alone. Something else was in her head, and I was going to get to the bottom of it.

So many other things had changed since I got out ofthe hospital.

Mattie and Julian were now residents of Ballarat. They moved into my old house when Talon moved me out…yes, he moved me out while I was in the hospital. Maya was ecstatic.

We’d been keeping a close eye on Maya and Cody since the incident, but they seemed to be handling it okay. We still had Cody every second weekend, but now we were working on going for full custody. Cody had finally come clean that he was home alone most of the time. His mother was always busy at the gym, beauticians, and entertaining her partner’s clients…and that meant entertaining.

 

Holding Out
Holding Out Page 57



My parents also decided to move to Ballarat, and as soon as they’d told Talon, he found them a house, bought it…because apparently he was rich, and moved them in—while I was still in the hospital.

My man loved to control.

But he had my heart at hand. He knew I’d be more than happy to have my family close, and I was.

Also, it was not only my parents living in their house, they had adopted Josie. Who was still one mixed up girl, but who could blame her after living with David for three years, and what he’d put her through?

I told her I’d help her along the way to recovery, because we were sisters now. That was the first time I’d seen her smile. Not only has she attached herself to my parents and me, but she’s formed a bond with Maya, Cody, and Billy, the cookie-lover biker, one of Talon’s brothers, who’d been her savior by taking her to the hospital.

Not long after I was released from the hospital did Talon and I have our first argument, and it was regarding Pick. Mattie and Julian had told me what Pick had done for them. Talon wanted Pick gone from the brotherhood. Mattie, Julian, and I told him to give him another chance…eventually, we'd worn him down, and he said he’d consider it. Meaning Pick was still in the brotherhood, and in the end, it was Talon and Mattie who helped Pick cut the ties his mother had on him.

I used to wake every night while I was in the hospital, but that stopped as soon as I had Talon sleeping next to me.

I’d always have scars, but they were something that made me stronger. To prove that I was over what had happened, and that I was stronger for it, I did something that scared me. I got my first tattoo to cover the smallest scar—which hurt like a mother-fruiter. And that was when Talon and I had our second argument. He didn’t want my body inked. That was when I yelled, ‘What's good for the goose is good for the gander.’ His reply was, ‘What the fuck does that mean?” I flashed him my tattoo on my lower stomach, a picture of a hawk, and underneath was written ‘You flew into my life, but I’ve got my claws into yours.”

The next day, he'd come back with his own tattoo, a picture of a kitten digging its claws into his skin.

“Jesus, kitten. I can hear your brain churning again. Get to sleep. Everything will be good.”

I smiled into the dark room and knew that everything would be good, because I had my badass-biker beside me.

 

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Gratitude is said to be the secret to happiness.