CONTENTS
20.ChapterTwenty
21 ChapterTwenty-One
22.ChapterTwenty-Two
23.ChapterTwenty-Three
24.ChapterTwenty-Four
25.ChapterTwenty-Five
26.ChapterTwenty-Six
27.Epilogue:SixMonthsLater ComingSoon
AlsoBy
Acknowledgements
AbouttheAuthor
EMBRACING THE CONSEQUENCES IS book three of the Ravager Knights MC series. This is final book in a series wherethepreviousbooksmustbereadbeforethisone
ThisisaWhyChoosenovel,meaningthemaincharacterwillnotchoosebetweenherloveinterests.ThisnovelhasBDSM themesandonpagenegotiations.
Thisbookcontainsroughsex,praiseanddegradation,kidnapping,psychologicaltorture,pregnancy,andangryalphamales thatflyoffthehandle.Ifthisisnotyourcupoftea,pleasedon’tread.Thisisaworkoffictionintendedforan18+audience.
Bikertok… …letsbringontheHarleyguys.
THEREAREPIVOTALMOMENTSinaperson’slifewhenyoucandynamicallyfeelthatyourlifeisabouttochange,that pastthisonemomentintime, everything willbedifferent…forever.
Sometimesthosemomentspassbyuswithoutathought:finishingafavoritebook,theendofananticipatedvacation.
Thenthere are the moments whenyoupause and recognize explicitlythat nothing will ever be the same: graduatinghigh schoolorcollege,movingtotheothersideofthecountry,startinganewjob Orthedeathofafamilymember.
ThedeathofMac“King”Taylor,presidentoftheRavagerKnightsMotorcycleClub,hitKara’sfamilyhard Thenewshad plowedthroughtheirlivesthatdayandleftashitstormofchaosinitswake.
Mac Taylor had beena kinginhis ownright: a leader, a friend, a president, a father, a damngood man. Kara knew the Ravager Knights MC would never be the same after his passing, justas she knew the lives he touched would never be the same.Hisdeathleftaholeinsideboththeclubandhislovedones,aholethatwouldneverbefilled.
AsMacwaspresidentofthenationalcharteroftheRavagerKnights,thefuneralhadbeenpushedoutaweektoallowtime for members fromevery charter across the US to travel to Mourningside, Illinois. It would be an epic showing of colors, brothersfromacrossthenationbandingtogetherinthistimeofgrief
Karamighthaveonlymetthemanonce,buteventhen,sheknewhewaslargerthanlife.Shehearditinthestoriesmentold whentheyweredeepintheirdrinksatnight.Shehearditinthewaytheoldladiesspokeabouthimwithabitofreverencein theirvoices Shesawitinhissoneverysingleday
Kara found herself at a loss for how to help Johnny since Mac’s passing. So she did the only thing she could do: she wrangledtheoldladiestohandlemealsandlodgingfortheclub Eventhoughtheyhadafullrestaurantandchefonhand,they hadclosedthingsdowntofamilyonly.
Sheila,Hotrod’s wife,was a godsendinorganizingall the womenandshowingKara the ropes Spare rooms were turned over,sheetscleaned,cotssetup.Shemadesureeverythingwasreadyforwhenthehordesofout-of-townchartersdescended ontheclubhouse.
KaratookhercuefromSheila,lettinghertakecharge ShesupposedthatnowthatJohnnywouldbethenewpresident,ashis oldlady,thatdutyshouldorwouldfalltoher…butKarahadn’tthoughtaboutthoseramificationsyet they’dtechnicallyonly beendatingthreemonths
Theyhadbeenthreefastandgloriousmonths.Butsheknewinherheartitdidn’tmatter.She’dtoldJohnnyasmuchbefore. He’dmovedher intohis housewhenhers hadburneddown,andthey’dagreedshewas stayingfor good.Somehow thathad onlybeensixweeksago
Theyhadn’tbeenhome muchinthe weeksince Mac was killedinjail byLas Serpientes,a rival gang.Kara stayedatthe clubhousewithherboys:Derrick“Devil”HalsonandKevin“Rockstar”Adams TheyendedupinJohnny’sroommostnights since ithad the mostspace and the bigger bed, thoughthatdidn’treallymatter. ThoughJohnnynever leftthe clubhouse, he didn’tcometobedwithherandhisbrothers Mostofthetimeitfeltlikeheavoidedheratallcosts
Karawouldgetupinthemiddleofthenighttolookforhim.Somenightsshe’dfindhiminhisfather’sroom,sittinginhis reclinerandjuststaringintospace.Othernightsshe’dfindhiminhisfather’sofficeorchurch,staringintospace.Onenightshe foundhiminthegarage,workingonhisfather’s’79Camaro
Thatnight almostaweekago wasthelasttimeJohnnyhadspokentoher.She’dtriedtogethimtocometobed,andhe’d brushedheroff Theyhadn’targued,hehadjusttoldherhe’dcometobedwhenhewasreadybeforeheturnedhisbackonher She tried to notletitgetto her, tried to be strongfor himwhenhe was around. Butlate atnight, whenbothDerrickand Kevinweresleepingoneithersideofher,sheletthetearsfall Shehatedthathewashurtingsobadly Shewishedhewouldlet herhelphim.
Thefuneralwasintwodays,andtheclubhousewasbusierthanever.Sheilabroughtbackthecaterersandrestaurantstaff:it wasall handsondecktofeedthearmyofmenthatdescendedontheclubhouse Karawasgladtohandover thereinstothe professionals.
Withthemealstakencareof,therewasn’tmuchleftforKaraandthewomentodo Mostofthegirlssatbackanddrank if theyweren’tpregnantlikeMarlieandRachel withtheirmen.
Karafoundherselffeelingoutofplace.
Johnnyhadmadeitclearhedidn’twanttobearoundher.AsvicepresidentoftheRavagerKnights,Johnnywasnextinline totakeoveruponhisfather’suntimelydeath.Anofficialvotehadn’thappenedyet,andwouldn’tuntilafterMac’sfuneral,but itwasmoreaformalityatthatpoint Johnnywasbusymakinghisroundswithhisbrothers Thoughhewasn’ttalkingtoher,he wasatleasttalkingwiththem.
Duringtheday,Kevinwas alsobusymakingtherounds withtheout-of-townmembers whorolledindailyfor thefuneral; sincehewasthelikelychoiceforvicepresident,itwasexpectedofhim.WithJohnnytappedtobepresident,itwouldbehis jobtoappointthenewvicepresident.DerrickhadtoldhernotthatlongagothatKevinwasashoo-infortherole.Kevin,who hadbeenJohnny’sbestfriendsincechildhood,hadgrownupintheclubalongsideJohnny.Theirfathershadbeenbestfriends. Itmadesense.
Karaknewitdid,butshehatedthepressureitplacedonKevin’sshoulders ShehatedthatKevinhadlostsomeofhiscocky swaggersinceMac’sdeath.He’dalwayshadamischievousglintinhiseyesthatdrewKarain.Thatglinthaddimmedinthe lastweek
And Derrick, well, he kepther companywhenhe could, butas the club’s sergeantatarms, he was busydigginginto Las Serpientes,lookingforaweaknessandforawaytostopthiswarbeforeitcouldkickoffcompletely.
TherewasnodoubtthatMacTaylor’smurderhadleftavoid They’dlostagiantintheirworld Togethertheywouldhaveto carrytheweightofhislegacy.
Karajustwonderedifshewouldstillhaveaplaceintheirnewworld
ASDUSKFELLONtheclubhousetheeveningbeforethefuneral,KarapackedupthelastofherthingsfromJohnny’sroom. Derricktoldhertheywouldbegivinghisroomtoanout-of-townpresident.DerrickandKevinwerealsogivinguptheir rooms in the dorms to accommodate the sheer number of guests they now hosted. The club had rallied to find beds for everyone.Betweenbrothers’ownhomesanddormroomsandthemoteldownthestreet,theyhadmadeithappenfortheover threehundredmembers
KarawasintheprocessofloadingherLincolnMKXwhenshefeltJohnnywatchingher.Sheglancedoverhershoulderto seehim,halfintheshadows,sometwentyfeetaway Hewasleaningagainstthewall oftheclubhouse,hisfootproppedup, while he smoked a cigarette, the red-orange cherry burning in the night. The shadows hid his face, but she knew he was watching.
He was always watching. His eyes had tracked her around the clubhouse all week. Constantly watching. He just never approachedher.Hemadenomovetocometohernoweither.
ShesighedandtossedherpillowontopofherduffelinthebackoftheSUVShehadsomehowmanagedtoacquirequitethe collectionofpersonalitemsattheclubhouseinthelastweek.Whenshewasdone,shehitthebuttononthetailgateandstepped outofthewayoftheautomaticclosinggate
SheturnedtoJohnny.Hewasstillthere,cherryglowingintheshadows,thoughnowhisentirebodywascloakedinshadow. She thoughtaboutignoringhimas he hadignoredher all week,thoughtaboutgettinginher car anddrivingaway.Butinher heart,sheknewhewashurtingandwasn’thandlingthingswell
Sheapproachedhimslowly.Hemightnothavebeentalkingtoherthisweek,orevencomingaroundhermuch,buthehadyet topushheraway
Shestoppedafootorsoawayfromhim,unabletoseemuchofhisfacepastthatburningcherry.Shehatedthathe’dresorted to smokingagain He had quitfor years, butthe stress ofthe lastweekhad himpickingup the habitagain “Hey,” she said softly,unsureofwhereshestoodwithhim.Shehatedthisdistancebetweenthem.
Theonlyanswershereceivedwastheflareofthecherry.
“I’mgonna take off Your sisters are at the house, and Derrick said you were giving your roomup for the next couple days…”
Whenhestilldidn’trespond,shegrewfrustrated “YouknowwhatJohnny?I’mtryingtobeunderstandinghere I’mtryingto
giveyouspace.Youdon’tneedtobeacompletedickaboutitandignoremewhenI’mtalkingtoyou,”shesnapped,takinghalf asteptowardhim.Sheunderstoodneedingspace,butbeinganassholeandstraightupignoringherwhenshespoketohim?She wouldn’tstandforit
Hisansweringgrowlwastheonlywarningshegotbeforeheflickedthecigaretteaway,anarchofsparksasitsailedthrough theair Thenhishandswereonherupperarmsashegrabbedherandspunthemaround,slammingherbackagainstthewall Her breathlefther ina whoosh, butJohnnydidn’tgive her a momentto recover. He was onher, pressingher againstthe brickwallwithhisleather-cladbody Hishandwrappedaroundherjawashismouthclaimedhers Sheheldontohisleather cutfordearlifeashepouredallhispent-upemotions,everythinghehadbeenhidingandholdingbackfromher,intoakissso breathtakinglypassionateitlefthergasping.
Shesoakeditup,suckedhistongueintohermouth,slidherhandsuphischestandwrappedthemaroundthebackofhisneck His ownhands slid downher waistand to the backs ofher thighs. He picked her up effortlessly, and she wrapped her legs aroundhiswaist
Shewasdesperateforhim;theachebetweenherthighsburnedforhim.Shemoanedwhenhenippedatherlowerlip.She dugherfingersintohisshouldersandswiveledherhipsagainsthis
He gasped into her mouth, thenwas movingquickly. He unbuckled his beltand the buttononhis jeans, pushinghis pants downjustenoughtopullouthisveryhardcock.Karawasneversogratefulthatshehadoptedtowearaskirtthatday,hoping tosoakupthelastofthesummerdaysasSeptemberinchedcloser
NowshewasgratefulfortheeasyaccessasJohnnyslidherthongasideandpressedinslowly.Shewasshockedbyhisslow thrust Shewassurefromhisdemandingkissandhismanhandlingofherthatshewouldbeinforawildride
Hebroketheirkiss.Hepressedopen-mouthedkissesdownherjawtillhegottoherneck,tothatsensitivespotjustbelow her ear, the spotthatwas hard to cover unless she wore a scarf. That’s where he laid his brand. He thrusthis hips slowly, whilehemarkedher.
Shewasapantingmess.Allshecoulddowasholdontightlywhilehefuckedhersenseless.Shewaswellawareofthefact thattheywere onlya handful offeetawayfromthe mainpartyoutside the clubhouse, where the picnic tables and makeshift firepitsweresetup.HerMKXwasparkedoutfront,underthebiglights,infrontofeveryone.
Shecameonalowmoanasherbodyshudderedandherwallsquiveredaroundhiscock Hegruntedassheclampeddown onhim,andhepickeduphispace,finallypoundingintoherasshethoughthewouldfromthestart.Hecameamomentlater,his hipsstutteringagainsthers,hisbreathingraggedashegroanedandfinallyliftedhismouthfromherneck.
She could feel the bruise alreadyformed there;he’d sucked so hard she was sure itwould take weeks for itto heal. She didn’tcare,notinthisworld,wherethatclaimingmarkwasallthatstoodbetweenherandanout-of-townidiotwhomightnot knowwhoshewas She’dwearJohnny’smarklikethebadgeofhonoritwas Shewashisandhewashers
Sheheldhimtoherwhiletheycaughttheirbreath.Shedidn’tknowwhatsheexpectedtohappenafterthatquicklovemaking session,butshehopedhe’datleasttalktoher Whenhedidn’tsayanythingandslowlypulledawayfromher,shefeltcold Tearsprickledhereyes,andshetriedtoblinkthemaway,hatingthathewouldn’tspeaktoher.Hepressedasoftkisstoher lips before fixingher thongand settingher downgently. He buttoned up his jeans and fastened his beltwhile she smoothed downherskirt Thenhegrabbedherhandandlacedtheirfingerstogether Hepulledher awayfromthewall,aroundthedarkcorner theyhadhiddenin,andintothebrightlylitparkinglot.Shefelt eyesonherthemomenttheystartedforherLincoln Therewereeasilyahundredpeopleloiteringaroundoutside Johnnydidn’tsayawordasheledher over tothedriver’s door ofher SUV.Hepressedher againstthesideofher MKX and,usinghisforefinger,gentlyliftedherchintolookupathim Hisblueeyesweredarkwithpain Shehatedthatlookinhis eyes,hatedthatheseemedtobesayinggoodbyetoher.
“Johnny.” She breathed his name outsoftly, so onlyhe could hear. She was well aware ofeveryeye onthem, wondering whereshestoodwiththeirpresident Womenwonderediftheycouldmakeamoveonhermannowthathewaspresident,even ifitwasn’tofficial.Menwonderedifshe was a clubwhore or his oldlady.She ignoredthemall andslidher hands uphis chestandaroundhisneck
Hecuppedherchingentlybetweenhisthumbandforefingerbeforeheloweredhislipstohers.Thekissheplacedtherewas gentleandsensualbeforeheslidhistongueintohermouth,turningitfilthy
Shegaspedandopenedfor him,ignoringtheeyes onthem,onher.Hebrokethekiss amomentlater.Helookedsadas he stareddownather.“Iloveyou,”shemurmuredsoftly,needingtosaythewords.
Hesighedandpulledherintohisarms,haulingheroffthesideoftheMKXandengulfingherinhisembrace Shewrapped herarmsaroundhiswaistandrestedherforeheadagainsthischest,breathinginhisscent.Hisusualsandalwoodandleather werenowmixedwiththescentsofnicotineandtobacco
Hepressedakisstoherforeheadbeforehepulledaway.Shereluctantlyletgoandputonabraveface,knowingdamnwell everysinglewomangatheredwaswatching.Shehadtoputonabravefaceandbestrong.Behisoldlady.
He opened the driver’s door for her, and she climbed in. Once she was buckled up, he leaned in and pressed one last lingeringkisstoherlipsbeforehesteppedawayandclosedherdoor.
Itwasn’tuntilshehaddrivenhalfwayhomethatsheitoccurredtoherthathehadn’tspokenasingleword. Whenshe woke up alone the followingmorning, she realized thatthings betweenthemhad changed. Apivotal momentin theirrelationship,andshewasleftalone
THE GATHERING FOR KING was the largest funeral procession the club had ever seen. As the national charter’s president, he’d beenthe kingof all Ravager Knights. Now that he was gone, his absence left a void that nobodycould completelyfill.
Johnnycouldonlytry tobehalfthemanhisfatherhadbeen.
He knew he wouldn’tcome close His father had beensucha larger-than-life personhe could command attentionjustby walkingintoaroom.He’dearnedtherespectofeverysinglebrotherintheRavagerKnightsMC.
Thatrespectwasevidentwheneachandeverysinglemember oftheir chartersfromacrossthenationshowedupinforce Overthreehundredintotal,wellmorethantheyhadprojectedandwellmorethantheirrestaurantandwaitstaffcouldhandle.
Karahadtakenonelookaroundatthechaosandimmediatelyjumpedonherphone.Withinanhour,shehadeveryfoodtruck inthecountylinedupinthebacklotofthecompound.Sheorganizedbouncehousesandfacepaintingforthekids,shefound hotelsandmotelsfortheadditionalguests,shebroughtinalivebandandaDJformusic,shehiredcaterersandbartendersand busboys Sheevensetuptheguestrooms atJohnny’s housefor his ownsisters andcoordinatedtheir transportationfromthe airport.
Everywhereheturned,therewassomethingKarahadorganized ShehadworkedwithSheilaandtheoldladiesonthedorms and had organized his guys to set up outside the clubhouse, transformingthe patio area. Firepits and extra chairs had been broughtin.Shehadcompletelytransformedthecompoundtohouseandentertaineveryone.
Andshehaddoneitwithoutcomplaining orJohnny’sspeakingtoher
Hefrownedwhenherealizedhehadn’tspokentoherinoveraweek.Shehadstoppedtryingtoreachouttohim.Shethrew herselfintohelpingtheclub,hisbrothers,theoldladies Anywhereshecouldhelp,sheworked Hewatchedherwhenshewas busy.Hesawhowhisfamilylovedher,howshefellrightinwiththeoldladieswithoutahitch.HisKnightswereeatingoutof thepalmofherhand Sheneverhadtoaskthemtwicetodoanything
His brothers… Johnny could see the shift in Kevin already, the impending vice president patch weighing on him. Even Derrickhadbeenmoresubduedinhisjokingandplayingaround.ThankfullyDerrickwaskeepingacloseeyeonKarasince JohnnyandKevinhadtheirhandsfull
ThedayofKing’sfuneral,Johnnypulleduptohishouseforthefirsttimesincehisfatherhaddied.He’dbeensleepingon thecouchinhisfather’sofficeorthegarageallweek He’dshoweredonce,midweek,athisofficeforTaylorConstruction He
had gone to checkinonprojects and his teamthere. ThankfullyTaylor Constructionwas a well-oiled machine withenough projectmanagersandforementhatworkwasalwaysmoving,whetherhewasthereornot.
JohnnywassurprisedwhenhepulledintothegarageandneitherDerrick’snorKevin’sbikeswerethere,buthehadn’tasked themwhenhesaw themattheclubhouse.Kara’sMKXwasthere,besidehistruck,though.Johnnyheadedintothehouseand wassurprisedbythequiet UsuallyKarahadaTVonormusicplayingwhenshewashomealone
Hedidn’tseeeitherofhissisterseither.Heknewthey’dgotteninlatethenightbefore.Theyhadbothstartedblowinguphis phoneaskinghimwhenhe’dbehome Hehadtotellthemhewasbusywiththeclubbecausethethoughtofgoinghomehadhis stomachinknots.
Thehousewaseerilysilent,butitwasearlystill,somaybeeveryonewasstillsleeping.Johnnyheadedupstairsandpaused outsidehisbedroomdoor Hetookadeepbreath,steelinghimself Heknewshewouldbepissedathimfornotspeakingtoher foroveraweek,forshuttingheroutcompletely.
Hepushedopenthedoorandfoundthebedroomempty Thebedwasmostlymade,asidefromtheleftside,asifKarahad slept alone inthe kingbed. He frowned, turninghis head to lookdownthe hall, as if he’d see one of his brothers intheir bedrooms
Thenheheardit: thetelltalesoundofretchingcomingfromthemasterbathroom.Hesteppedintothebedroomandheaded forthebathroomjustasanotherroundofretchingstarted.
Johnnypausedinthebathroomdoorway
Karawasonherkneesinfrontofthetoilet,herhairinamessybun.ShortblackcottonshortsandoneofDerrick’sgrayTshirts coveredher Her skinwas pale andsweaty,andshe haddeepcircles under her eyes She lookedlike she hadn’tbeen sleeping.Bothtattooedforearmswerebracedonthetoiletassheleanedoverthebowl.
It hit himthen, what he was seeing: the cast was gone. The bright pinkcast that had beencompletelycovered inart and signaturesfromfriendsandfamilywas gone.Her rightforearmlookedslightlyskinnier thantherestofher arm,evenfroma distance.
Shehadn’tnoticedhimyet Whenhesteppedintothebathroom,hisheavybootsslappingonthetile,shestartledandspunhis way.Shequicklyreachedfortoiletpaperandwipedhermouthbeforesheflushedthetoilet.
“YouOK?”heasked,steppingtowardher,worrycreasinghisbrow
Sheignoredhimandstoodupslowly.Herlegsshookunderherasshepushedherselftoherfeet.Shereachedforthecounter justasherlegswobbledviolently.
Johnnylungedquickly.Hewrappedanarmaroundherwaistasshecaughtherselfagainstthecounter.“Kara,”hemuttered, staringdownather.
She was breathinghard,butshe wouldn’tmeethis gaze “I’mfine,” she muttered before she turned onthe faucetand bent overtorinsehermouthout.
“Areyousick?”heasked,steppingbacktogivehersomespace
“I’mfine,”sherepeated,ahintofangerlacedinthosewords.
Johnnysighedandsteppedbackanotherstep.Shewaspissedoffathim,heknew.Shehadeveryrighttobeupsetwithhim; hehadessentiallyshutheroutforoveraweek
Hewatchedherbrushherteethinsilence.Hedidn’tknowwhattosay,didn’tknowwhyhehadn’tbeenabletotalktoherall week Hedidn’tknowwhattosayaboutanything Heknewshe’dhavequestions questionshecouldn’tanswer
His father was killedbya ganghitthatwas orderedbya rival club.IthadbeensetinmotionbyKara’s father.He didn’t knowhowtotalkaboutthatwithher,hedidn’tknowhowtotalkaboutthatwithanyone,really He sighed and turned toward the shower. He needed to washup and getdressed and thenhead backout…hopefullywith Kararidingwithhim.Hestartedtheshowerandturnedbacktowardher.Hedidn’tlikethisawkwardnessbetweenthem,didn’t likethedistance Theywereoilandwateronagoodday,butwhentheywereatodds,Johnnydidn’tknowhowtoact He letthe water heatup and turned toward Kara. She was watchinghiminthe mirror. Her eyes were red rimmed, buthe couldseeherdamnlawyermaskslammeddownandlockedinplace Thatstoicmaskhadpissedhimoffsomanytimesinthe courseofthelastthreemonths.“Kara,”hemurmuredbeforehesteppedtowardher. Hereyesflashedinwarning Shequicklybentoverthesinkandspathertoothpasteintothesink Hemovedslowly,gaveher plentyoftimetorinseouthermouthandwipeherfacebeforehesteppedupbehindher. Hewrappedhisarmsaroundherandpulledherbackagainsthim.Sheleanedonhimandrestedherhandsonhisforearms where they wrapped around her shoulders and chest When she didn’t speak, he realized she was waiting for himto say something.
“Whendidyougetyourcastoff?”heasked,wonderingifhe’dbeensooutofitallweekthathehadn’tnoticed Hesureas hellhadn’tnoticedwhenhe’dloadedherintothedriver’ssideofherMXK.Aftersixweeksofnotbeingabletodrivedueto thedamncastonherrighthand,heshouldhaverealizedshewasdriving. “Yesterday.”Shespokesoftly.“Marlietookme.”
Johnnysighedandclosedhiseyes;heheldher tighter andtookdeepsteadyingbreaths.Her messyblondhair smelledlike
vanillaandcaramel,likeher,sweetandcomforting.Likesheusuallywas.Sheputupagreatfront.Shewasahard-assonthe exterior,butshewassweetlikecandyontheinside,andhehatedthathewaskillingherbypushingheraway.
“I’msorryIwasn’tabletotakeyou,”hemurmured,keepinghiseyesclosed Herhandssqueezedhisarmsgently,butsheotherwisekeptquiet.
“I’msorryI’vecheckedoutthisweek,”hewhispered,feelingguilty
Karafinallyletgoofhisarms.Sheturnedinhisembrace,andheslidhishandsdownherbodyandwrappedthemaroundher waistinstead Herestedhisforeheadagainsthers,feelingthetearswellupbehindhisclosedeyes
Karawrappedherarmsaroundhimjustasthesobtoreoutofhischest.Hisbodyshook,andheclutchedhertohimtightly, needingthatlifeline.Tohim,she was the mostimportantthinginthe world.She was the love ofhis life,andhe neededher morethanair
Hiskneesbuckledassobstorefromhischestuncontrollably.Karaloweredthemtothebathroomfloor.Heheldhertohim, pullingherintohislapashecriedonhershoulder
She held himas tightlyas he clutched her. Her hands rubbed his back, his shoulders, his buzzed head. She murmured soft wordsofcomfortandrockedhimslowly Shewashislightinthedarkness,hisanchorinthestorm,andhehopedsheneverlet go.
KARAEVENTUALLYSLIDFROMJohnny’slapashissobsslowedandhisbreathingcalmed.“Let’sgetyoushowered,” shemurmuredsoftlyandgrabbedhishand.Theshower wasstill running,probablycoldbynow,buttheybothneededto washbeforethelongdayaheadofthem.
Shehelpedhimtohis feetandgentlystartedundressinghim.Shestartedwithhis cutandcarefullylaiditonthebathroom counter,showingittherespectitdeserved Thenshemovedtohishoodieandshirt,helpinghimpullthemoverhishead She lethisclothesfalltothefloor,notworriedaboutthem.
Hisfingerswereslow,andhefumbledwithhisbelt,astheystillshookslightly Shegentlypushedthemasideandundidhis beltandjeansforhim,theoneshehadbeenwearingthenightbefore.Fromthesmellofhim,he’dprobablybeeninthesame clothesforacoupledays.
Itwasnomatter.Shecroucheddownandreachedforthelacesonhisboots,pausingasawaveofnausearolledthroughher. Shehadtobreathethroughittoconcentrateonthetaskbeforeher.Shehadalongdayaheadofher;shewouldhavetopack somecrackerstonibbleonthroughouttheday
“How’syourknee?”Johnnyaskedasshepulledoffhisboots.
Sheshrugged “It’salright Physicaltherapyisdowntoonceaweekstartingnextweek IhaveexercisesIdoathome,butit’s mostlystrengthtrainingatthispoint.I’llseethePTforacouplemoreweeksjusttomakesureI’mnotreinjuringanything,but I’mmostlyintheclearthere.Butwiththecastoffmywrist…IstartPTonthattwiceaweeknextweek.”
“Sostillthreedaysaweek?”heaskedwrylyandmovedtowardtheshower
Shefollowedhimin.“Nah,they’llrollthekneeappointmentintoonewiththewristandI’llonlyhavetogotwiceaweek.” Johnnynoddedandslippedintothewaterstream Hehissedandadjustedthetemp “Cold?”sheasked,asoftsmileonherface.
Heshookhishead “Hot Tanklesshotwaterheater,remember?” Her eyes widened, and she moved closer to him, feeling the water. “Babe, we have multiple showerheads in here.” He motionedtotheonebehindherthathadn’tbeenturnedon.
Sheshrugged “Iwanttobeclosetoyou,”shemurmured His brightblue eyes darkened withdesire, and his hand shotoutand wrapped around the side ofher neck. He hauled her againsthimwithoutsayingaword Thekissthatfollowedwaspure need Karawasgladshehadbrushedherteethwhenshe
did. She still worried he mighttaste somethingunsavoryonher tongue, butbythe intensityofhis kiss, there was nothingto worryabout.
Sheclosedhereyesandgaveherselfovertothekiss,wrappingherarmsaroundhisneckandpressinghernakedbodytohis aswarmwatercascadeddownfromtherainfallshowerhead.
Johnny’s hands were like irononher hips as he hoisted her up She wrapped her legs around his waistas he pressed her backintothecooltile.Hedidn’twasteamomentoftime,lininghimselfupatherentranceandslidinghome.Shegroanedinto thekissandarchedherback Shewasstillsorefromtheirtimetogetherthenightbeforeagainstthewalloftheclubhouse Johnnygrowledintohermouthasifhewasthinkingthesamething.Hebrokethekissandkisseddownherjawtothevery purplehickeyhehadsuckedintoherskinthenightbefore.“Fucking mine.”Hegrowledbeforehebitdownonthetenderflesh ofherneck
Shecriedout,herwallsflutteringaroundhim.Shockslammedthroughherathowquicklyshehadorgasmed.Thepainofhis bitewassuchastarkcontrasttothepleasuretheorgasmhadtornoutofher “Johnny”Shepanted “Everyfuckingpersontodayisgoingtoknowexactlywho youbelongto,”Johnnygrowledintoherear. “Yes,sir,”sheagreed,barelyabletoholdontohisshoulderashefuckedherharder
“You’vebeensofuckinggoodthisweek,”hestated,hisvoicerough.“I’vebeenwatchingyou:organizingtheoldladies,the caterers,theactivitiesforkids.”Hefuckedherwhilehespoke,eachthrustpunctuatedbyhiswords.“You’veshowneveryone howyou’rethetopbitcharoundhere”
PrideflaredthroughKara.Shedidn’tthinkshe’ddoneanythinganyoneofthosegirlswouldn’thavedonefortheclub.She’d steppedupandtakencharge Sheilamighthaveshownher theropes,butbytheendoftheweekKarahadruntheshow She didn’tthinkitwasabigdeal,butSheilahadtoldherthateveryonewaswatching.Alleyeswereonthepresident’soldlady.
The courtesans, the club whores as theywere called, had kicked backa little bit inthe beginning, but Kara was used to bustingmen’sballsinthecourtroomallday,everyday.Shewasn’tabouttotakeshitfromtheclub’ssluts.Theyquicklyfellin lineanddidwhateversheasked.
“Iwantyoubymysidetoday,”Johnnycommanded,hisvoicelikegravelinherear “Allday,notastepawayfromme” Karagasped,andJohnnypulledawayfromhernecktomeethergaze.Hisblueeyeswereraw,theemotionunfiltered.Her heartbroke atthe painthere She nodded slowly, wonderingwhyhe suddenlywas feelingso possessive “What’s goingon, Johnny?”sheaskedsoftly.
“I ”heshookhishead.Hestoppedthrustingtolookather.“There’sgoingtobealotofoutsiderstheretoday.Mostwill see youwithme and leave youalone, butothers will see thatyouaren’tinked as myold lady. Youdon’twear the Ravager Knightsink,”heexplained.“Somemightseethatasanopening.”
Realizationdawnedonher Hewas worriedshewouldbeindanger fromhis ownclubmembers,thosefromoutoftown “Johnny,”shemurmured,wonderingwherehewasgoingwithallthis. Heswiveledhiships,keepinghiscockintheconversation “I’mnotmakinganydeclarationstoday Iloveyou YouknowI loveyou,right?”Hecuppedthesideofherfaceandbrushedhisthumbalonghercheekbone.
Tearswelledinhereyesasshenodded.“Yes,Johnny,”shewhispered.“Iknowyouloveme.Iloveyoutoo.”Shepresseda kisstohislips
Hesmiledsadly.“Iknowwe’vetalkedaboutyoustayinghere,andIwantthat.Butthislife,theclub,it’snotsomethingtobe takenlightly I know it can be a lot, and we’ve got time after all the shit settles with your dad and this fucking war” He growledsoftly.
Ashiverrandownherspine
“We’regoingtohavethatconversation: abouttheclub,our life,our plans,our future,”hepromised,his eyes blazingwith intensityashestaredintoherownsky-blueeyes.
Asobtoreoutofherashertearsfellfreely “Inkmetoday,baby,”shewhisperedthickly “Itdoesn’tmattertome Todayor months fromnow,itdoesn’tchange a damnthingfor me.Ichoose you.Ichoose us.Ichoose you,andKevin,andDerrick.I choosethislifewe’vebuilttogetherinthelastthreemonths I’mallin Itoldyoualready,I’mnotleaving You’llhavetothrow meoutifyouwantmegone.”
Agrowl tore out of himbefore he captured her mouthina filthykiss that stole her breathaway She clungto himas he snappedhishipsagainstherandresumedfuckingher.Sheheldon,armswrappedaroundhisneck,andenjoyedeverymoment ofhisroughtouch.“Fuck,baby.”Hegroaned,hishandspalmingherass,spreadinghercheeksapart.
Hisfingersslidforwardandgatheredtheslickfromherpussyandslidbacktoherpuckeredhole Shegroanedwhenheslid alongfinger intoher backpassageashislipscaughthersagain.Shearchedagainsthim,needingtomarkhimasmuchashe wasmarkingher Shebrokethekissandpulledhimdowntoher Herlipslatchedontohisneck,andshenibbledandsuckedher ownmarkintohisskin,managingtoplaceitrightabovethearmoredknighthehadtattooedthere. Shegaspedasheslippedasecondfingerintoherass.
Johnnyliftedhisheadandgaveheracocky-as-fucksmirk.“I’mgonnatattooyournamerightthere,”hedeclared.
Hereyeswidenedathismeaning:thespotonhisneckwhereshelaidherclaimingmark.“Johnny!”Shecriedoutasanother
orgasmtorethroughherbody.“Fuck.”Shegaspedasshewentbonelessagainsthim.
“Goddamn,Kara.”Hegrowledasherwallsclampeddownonhimandmilkedhiscock.“Ifuckingmissedyou.”Herodeher throughherorgasmbeforehefellovertheedgehimself “Fuckinghell”Hegruntedashespilledhisloadinsideher Theywerebothbreathlessandpanting,andKarawonderedhowJohnnywasstillstandingafterallthat.Sheslowlyreleased herlegsfromaroundhiswaist,andhegingerlyloweredherbacktotheground Herkneesonlywobbledslightlyastheyacceptedherweight.Johnnypressedakisstoherforeheadbeforeheturnedbackto theshower Theywashedquickly Theyhadalongdayaheadofthem,andtherewasn’tmuchtimeleftuntiltheyhadtogo
Karadressedinablackhalterstylecorsettopwithaleatherskirtandknee-highbootswithasix-inchheel.Sheteasedherhair abitattheroots toaddvolumetoher big,luxurious curls.For her makeup,shewentwithadarksmokyeyeandadeepred lipstick.
Hertattoosranfromhershouldersdowntoherwrists.Everythingthatcouldeasilybehiddenbehindclothingforworkwas outonprouddisplaytoday Shehadmoreonhertorsoandthighs Herlargestonewasacontinuationoftheblackandredroses andskullsonherarmsthatrandownherrightsideanddownherrightthightoherknee.Itwasclearlyvisibleunderthepleated leatherskirtthatcametomidthigh
“Holyfuckinghell.”Johnnygroanedfrombehindher.
Kara looked athiminthe mirror as she was puttinghoop earrings inher ears. She tookinhis darkblue jeans and black button-downshirtandtheblacktieunderhisRavagerKnightsleathercut.Healreadyhadonapairofmirroredsunglassesand ablackbaseballhatwornbackward.Helookedhotasfuckandcleanedupwell.
Sheturnedandfacedhimslowly,lettinghereyesdriftupfromhisheavybikerbootstothejeansthathuggedhisthighs The blackbutton-downwas untucked but still molded to his muscular chest. His thumbs hooked into his pockets, the rings and tattooscoveringhishandsondisplay Ahintofawatchpeekedoutfromhisleftsleeve “Youlooklikeasexybadassbiker.”Shegrinned,movingtowardhim.
“That’swhyyouloveme,isn’tit?”Hesmirkeddownather.
Butterfliesdancedinherbellyandherheartpoundedinherchest Thiscocky-as-fuckmanwhoconstantlygotunderherskin alwayshadawaytogethergoing.“Yep,’causeyoulookpretty,”sheshotbackathim.
“AtleastI’vegotthatgoingforme,”hemutteredandslidhishandsaroundherwaistasshedrewcloser
She slid her hands up his chestand around his neck, grateful to be cast-free. She leaned againsthimand gave hima sad smile “Howareyoudoing?”sheaskedsoftly
Johnnysighedandshookhishead.Shecouldn’tseehiseyesbehindthemirroredsunglasses,andshehadafeelinghe’dworn themonpurpose.“Notgood,babe.Notgood.”
Shesighedandnodded “I’mhereforyou Whateveryouneed” “Ineedyoubymysidetoday,nowanderingaway.Infrontofallthecharterstoday,youare my oldlady.Asthesoon-to-be presidentofthenationalcharter,Ineedtobeseenasstrong Withthatcomesastrongoldlady,doyouunderstand?” Shefrowned.“Kinda.SomanyalreadyknowthatyousharemewithKevinandDerrick,though.Isthatgoingtochange?” Heshookhishead “Thatwon’tchange IknowyoustartedthiswithKevin Iknowyoutwohadsomethingfirst,butthishas growntobemoreamongthethreeofus.Idon’twantthattochange.Iwon’tletthatchange,OK?” “OK,”shesaidslowly,stilltryingtowrapherheadaroundwhathewasreallysayinghere.
“But today,” he sighed, running his hand over his hat-covered head, “today, all eyes will be on me, son of the national president,VP,andsoon-to-benewpresident.Ineedtobeseenasstrongandunflinching.Unmovable.Doesthatmakesense?”
Shenoddedandslidherhandfromaroundhisnecktoruboverhisbeardedcheek “You’vegottabeseenasimpenetrable, evenwithinyourrelationshipwithme.Topoftheworldwithnooneabletocomebetweenus.”
Henoddedandpressedakisstoherlips,asoft,gentle,chastekiss.“Fortoday,trytokeepthePDAwithKevandDerrickto aminimum.Theyshouldhavebeenheretoexplainittoo,butI’vedroppedtheballthisweekwithyouwithalltheshitinmy head.”
“Hey,”shesaid,shakingherhead Sheranherhandalonghisjawagain “Don’tbeatyourselfup Yourdadwasmurdered, it’snotyourfault.Youhaveeveryrighttobeinyourhead.I’mhonestlysurprisedyou’reevenabletobewithmeafterwhatmy fathersetinmotion”Shesighed,lookingdown
His arms tightened around her waist. “Youhave nothingto do withyour father. Ilove you, and thatisn’tgoingto change becauseyourfatherisapieceofshit.”Hegrowled.
Shesmiledfaintly,tryingtoignorethetearswellinginhereyes Shetookadeepbreathandwilledthemaway “Iloveyou too.I’llbebyyoursideallday,andtomorrowwe’lltalkabouteverythingelse.OK?”
Henoddedandleaneddownandpressedanothersoftkisstoherlips “Idon’tdeserveyou,”hemurmuredagainstherlips “Yes,youdo.Comeon,”shemuttered,pattinghischestandslowlypullingbackfromhim.
KEVIN“ROCKSTAR”ADAMSSTOODoutsidetheclubhousewithDerrickandHotrod.Itwasearlyinthemorningstill, butKevinhadn’tbeenabletosleep.HefeltlikeshitforleavingKaraaloneathome.Hehadn’tgonehomethenightbefore, andwhenhe’drunintoDerrickhalfasleepinareclinerinthelounge,he’drealizedthatKarawashomealone.
Aroundfoura.m.KevinhadfinallygoneintothegarageofficeandkickedthecouchthatMayhemwaspassedouton.Johnny hadstartledawake,butKevindidn’tcare;someoneneededtobeathomewithKara Itwasn’tsafeforhertobealone,notwith Las Serpientes andtheDevil’s Psychos makingmoves againsttheKnights.AndJohnnyhadall butghostedKaraall week.It wasn’tfairtoher
IthadtakensometimetogetJohnnyupandoutoftheclubhouse,butoncehe’dfinallyleft,Kevinreplacedhimoncouchto catchacouplehoursofrest.
Now thathewas standingoutsidetheclubhouse,aroundoneofthemanyfirepits thatKarahadthoughttobringin,hewas upsetthathehadn’tgonehomehimself.Hewouldhavelovedtowakeupwithhiswomanwrappedupinhisarms,hercurvy bodypressedagainsthis Hehadbeenadamnfoolforstayingthenightbefore “Herehecomes,”Hotrodmurmured,noddingtowardthegates.
The menmanningthe gates movedandopenedthemquicklyas Johnnyrode throughthemwiththeir girl ridingbitch “Hot damn.”Derrickgroaned,eyesontheirwoman.
Kevincouldn’tblamehim;shelookedfuckinghotashell.Herblondhairwasdownandfullofbigsexycurls.Hereyeshad darkmakeupthatmadeherbrightblueeyespopvibrantly Theredlipstickthough?Fuckhim He’dlovetoseethosepoutyred lipswrappedaroundhiscock.Maybehecouldsneakherawayatsomepointintheday. Assoonashehadthatthoughtheknewhecouldn’t Nottodayatleast,notwitheverydamncharterhereforthefuneral With the vote later andJohnnypossiblytakingthe helmas national charter president,Johnnywas under the microscope today.He wouldneedastrongwomanbyhisside,onewhowasn’tsharedwithhisbrothers,evenKevinandDerrick,atleastforthenext coupledays.
Oncetheirvisitorsleft,theycouldgobacktonormal.Kevinjustwishedhehadspentthenightathome,wrappedaroundhis woman,sohedidn’tfeelsolostnowthathehadtokeephisdistance Karaslidoffthebike,andKevingroaned.Sheworealeatherjacketoverahalterstylecorsettopandafuckingleatherskirt withknee-highbikerboots Shewasfuckinggorgeous Sheknewherroletodayandchoseanoutfittofitthat
sleevesoftattoosandshewasonebadassbabe.ShewasgoingtobeadamnfineHeadBitchinChargeoftheoldladies.
“YouboysgoingtobeOKtoday?”Hotrodasked,hisvoicesoftandgruffashestaredacrossthelotatJohnnyandKara.
“Gonnahavetobe”Derricksighed,hiseyesontheirgirl
KaratookastepawayfromJohnnysohecouldswinghislegoverthebike.Oncehewasstanding,hegrabbedherhandand headedtowardthethreeofthemstandingatthefirepitjustoutsidetheclubhouse
KararanhereyesoverDerrickandKevin,brieflynotingHotrodstandingwiththem,asshewalkedover,handinhandwith Johnny
“I’llgiveyouguysaminute,”Hotrodmutteredbeforehewalkedaway.
“Morning,Pres.”Derrick’svoicewaslouderthannormalasthetwoofthemwalkedup.
“Mornin’,”Johnnyansweredgruffly
Karagaveatightsmile,hereyesdartingbetweenKevinandDerrick.“Iwishyouguyshadcomehomelastnight,”shesaid softlysoonlytheycouldhear
Kevinfrozeseeingthepainonherbeautiful face.Shameanddisappointmentrolledoverhim.Hehadbeenanidiotfornot goinghometoherlastnight Heshiftedandsighed “Iknow I’msorry,”Kevinsaidsoftly,wellawarethatthiswasnotthetime orplacetobehavingthisconversation.
Itmayhavebeenearlyinthemorning,buttherewerestilleyesonthem.Peoplewerewakingupandheadingoutsidefortheir morningcigarette Kevinhatedthathecouldn’twraphisarmsaroundhertoday,hatedthatsocietyasawholehadissueswith polyamorousrelationshipseveniftheywerebecomingmoremainstreameveryday.
“Metoo”Derricknoddedsolemnly “Tonight,”Karamuttered.
“Tonight,”Johnnyagreedandpressedakiss toher temple.Her sky-highheels broughther closer tohis height,buthestill toweredoverher.
Karaforcedasmiletoher face.ShelookedbetweenKevinandDerrickonemoretimebeforesheturnedwithJohnnyand headedintotheclubhouse
Therewasn’tahearsetowingtheirbrother,theirpresident,tohisrestingplace.Instead,anall-glasscarriagethatlookedlike somethingoutof Cinderella wastowedbyatrikedrivenbyfuneraldirectorNickBarrett,abikerhimselfandafriendofthe club.Theglasstrailerbehindthetrikehadbeenhisideaseveralyearsagowhenhisownfatherhadpassedaway.
Itseemedliketheclubhadusedthatcarriagealltoooftensincethen
JohnnyandKararodedirectlybehindthecarriage alonebikeinformation,thespottohisrightpurposelyleftopenforthe ghostrider thatwould have beenMac. Behind Johnny, Derrickand Kevinrode side byside. The restofthe club and their guestsfollowedinasimilartwo-by-twoformation
Theircaravanwasmileslong.Theyhadpaidthelocalpolicetoescortandstoptrafficastheymovedthroughthecity.Over threehundredpatchedmembersoftheKnightshadshownuptopaytributetotheirfallenpresident Karalookedeverybitthebadbitchthatabiker’soldladyshouldbe.Shesatproudlybehindherman,armswrappedaround his waist, her blond hair flyinginthe wind The corsetshe wore withthatpleated leather skirt, paired withthe tattoos and boots,washotasfuckandshowedoffwhatKevinalreadyknew:shewasafuckingknockout.
The ceremonyatthe cemeterywas shortand sweet. The priest, a friend ofthe club, gave a heartfelteulogyremembering Mac Johnnystood byand listened, his head downand sunglasses firmlyinplace, lookingas stoic as he could save for the white-knuckledgriponKara’shand.
Kara’stearssurprisedKevin,thoughhedidn’tknowwhy Karawasascompassionateandempatheticastheycame Shemet Maconlyonetime,butthatdidn’tmatterbecausesheknewwhathehadmeanttoallofthem.
KevinstoodonJohnny’srighthand,withDerricktoKara’sleft,thetwoofthemflankingtheirpresidentandhisoldlady.The rest of their charter of the Ravager Knights stood around them, both flanking and surrounding Johnny, protecting himfrom dangerevenfromwithintheirorganization.
After the priest was done, Mac’s coffin was lowered into the ground People threw flowers into the open grave Some lingeredtospeaktoJohnny,butmostheadedbacktotheirbikesorvehicles.
OnceJohnnyandKarawereseatedonJohnny’sbike,Kevinrevveduphisengine Asroadcaptain,itwashisjobtosignal
thebikers’traditionofringingoutthedeadwiththe last rev.Soon,everysinglebiker,overthreehundredofthem,wasrevving theirengineinresponse.
AchillrandownKevin’sspineasheletoffhisthrottle Onebyonehisassembledbrothersreleasedtheirownthrottles,and thesoundsofrevvingenginesslowlyfadedawayuntilthelastonelonebiker thetailgunner revvedhisthrottleforthefinal time
JOHNNYLOOKEDAROUNDTHEclubhouse,takinginall his brothers andfriends wearingtheir cuts withanew black andredpatchsewnon,apatchwiththeskeletonknightnowboastingangelwings.Therewerebirthanddeathdatesonthe patchalongwiththewords In Loving Memory of Our King.
Those not wearing the new patch had on a T-shirt or an armband with the same logo as the patch. Black and red was everywhere;evenKarahaddonnedtheredandblackarmbandthroughouttheday Hishearthadwarmedknowinghiswoman hadorganizedthememorialandorderedthemassivequantitiesofmemorialpieces.
He glanced around the roomagain, lookingfor Kara She had stayed byhis side all dayand evening, had beenhis rock throughout, onlyleavinghis side to go to the bathroomor grab hima drink. Now thatitwas goingonmidnightand he was readyto head home, he couldn’t find her. She had said she was goingto the bathroom, but that was tenminutes ago. After sweepingtheroomagain,heheadedtowardthebathroomsinsearchofhisoldlady.
Crackingthe women’s restroomdoor, he heard her retchingbefore he saw her. He frowned;had she beenfeelingsickall day?He’dthoughtshe’dbeenfeelingbetter Whywasshestilloutifshewasn’tfeelingwell?
“Kara,”JohnnyheardRachelsigh,“haveyouseenadoctoryet?” Johnnystoppeddeadinhistracks Therewasashorthallwaybeforetheturnintothemainbathroom Hewasoutofsightfor now,buthewasn’tsurewhyhewashiding.
“No.”Karagroaned,hervoicecracking.“Icalled,buttheywon’tseemeuntileightweeks.I’monlysixweeksalong,”she muttered “Imadeanappointment Theygavemealistofshittonoteatandmedstostayawayfrom”Sheletoutashuddering breath.
“Didyoutellthemhowsickyouwere?”Rachelasked
“Theydidn’tseemtobetooconcerned,saiditwasnormal.IfIcan’tkeepdownanywaterthroughoutthedayIcancallback. Butreally,it’sjustsmellsthatseemtosetmeoff”Kara’svoicegrewstrongerthelongershetalked
Johnny’sheartpoundedinhischest,histhoughtswhirlingamillionmilesanhour.Andyet,hecouldn’tseemtocomprehend whathewashearing.WasKara pregnant?
“Haveyoutalkedtoyourguysyet?”Rachel’svoicewaskindandgentle
“No.” Kara sighed. “Ionlyrealized somethingwas up a couple days ago. Shit’s kinda beencrazylately. Ifigured I’d tell themthisweekend Hopefullywecangetsometimealone”
Johnnyclosedhiseyesandtookadeepbreath.Karawaspregnant. Fuck.Hecouldfeellifeasheknewitcomingtoahalt. Hewasstandingatacrossroads,andonlyhecouldchoosethewayforward.Washereadytobeadad?Hehadnoidea.Buthe knewinhisheartKarawasitforhim;therewasnootheroption
Hemadeashowofopeningthebathroomdoorbeforeheshoutedintothebathroom.“Kara?Youinhere?” “Yeah,”shecalledback “GivemeaminuteandI’llberightout!” “Alright.Slade’sreadyforyou.Meetmethere.”HeturnedandheadedforthecornerwhereSladehadsetupshop. SladeCooperwastheclub’sgo-totattooartist ShehadashopontheborderofMourningsideandCreekton She’dalsobeen a friendofKara’s for years andhaddone all her ink.She’dsetupfabric partitions toseparate her space inthe backcorner fromthemainbarroom.Behindthecurtainstherewereacouplechairs,acouch,andatablewhereSladewasorganizingher supplies “Yougottimetodothatonewetalkedabout?”heaskedher Slade’seyeswidenedasshelookedupathim.“Now?” “Absolutely”Henodded “Yeah,forsure.”
Johnnypausedamomentandaskedquietly “Isitsafetoinkifshe’spregnant?” Sladegasped;hervibrantgreeneyeswentwide.“Youmean?”
Johnnynodded. “She doesn’t know that I know yet, so don’t sayanythingplease. She hasn’t told us yet, but I heard her talkingtoRachel,”Johnnyadmitted “Holyshit.”Sladegasped.“Congratulations?”sheasked. Johnnygrinnedwidelyandnodded “Thanks YoucanseewhyIwantherinkedtonight,ifpossible?” “Yeah.Holyshit,”shemuttered,clearlyflooredbytheidea. “Soisitsafe?”Johnnypressedagain,lookingtowardthebathroomdoor. “Yes.”Sladenodded.“Thebiggestconcernwouldbeinfection,butwe’reusingmedical-gradesterileequipment,andKara isn’tallergictomyink.She’llbefine.”
Johnnynodded “Alright Letmegrabmybrothers” Slade smiled and quickly started pulling out supplies. Johnny turned and found Kevin and Derrick in the crowd easily enough Bothmenhadkeptaneyeonhimallnight Itwasn’thardtogettheirattentionandmotionthemover “It’stime,”hetoldbothmenwhentheystoodbeforehim.
Kevin’ssubtleintakeofbreathhadJohnnyeyeinghim.“What’swrong?”Johnnyaskedhisbrother. “Areyousure?Youwerejustsworninaspresidenttwohoursago.Youwanttogopublicwiththisrightaway?Ithoughtwe weregoingtowait.”
Johnnyshookhishead Heeyedthebathroom,stillnotseeingKara “Thingshavechanged I’llfillyouinathome,”hesaid, givingbothDerrickandKevinaslightshakeofhishead.“ButIwantherinked.Now.” Derrickopenedhismouthtosaysomethingbutquicklyclosedit Kevineyedhimsuspiciously.“Ithoughtweweregoingtoaskhertogether?”
“Westillcan.”Johnnysighed.“Ijustwantherinkedtonight.So,yougotsomegrandgestureyouwannadoorsay?Haveatit. Butbeforeweleavehere,ournameswillbeinkedonourgirl’sbody”
Therewasasmallfemininegasp,andJohnnylookedoverKevin’sshouldertoseeKarastandingthere.Shewaspale.Johnny couldseetheexhaustionetchedonherface Hereyeswereredrimmed,likeshehadbeencrying,thoughhermakeupwasfresh Hecouldseethehintsofpurplebeneathhereyes,theexhaustionthere,thoughshe’dtriedtohideit.Hehatedthatshewasso sickandsotired
“Come’ere,”Johnnymurmured,crookinghisfinger.
Kara moved toward himslowly, her eyes wide. She looked so fuckingbeautiful. Her blond hair was still incurls, though theywerealittlewindblownandflattenedfromthelongday “Johnny,”shemurmured,eyeswatering.
Johnnysatdownandpulledhisgirldownonhislapsoshewasstraddlinghim Hewrappedhisarmsaroundherwaistand pulledherclose.Hecaughtthescentofmouthwashonherbreathandpressedakisstoherlips.“Wehadplannedontakingyou out,doingthis right,butIdon’twantto waitanylonger Ilove you We love you” He motioned to Kevinand Derrick “We wantyoutobeouroldlady.Officially.Ifyou’llhaveus?”
Tearspouredoverherlashesasshenoddedandletoutalaugh.Hersmilegrewwiderasshewrappedherarmsaroundhis neck
Hepulledheragainsthischesttightly.Heneverwantedtolethergo.Hepressedakisstoherlips,andshesmiledagainst him “LetSladetatyou?Thenshe’llinkthethreeofuswithyourname Thenwe’regoinghome”
TearssliddownKara’sfaceasshenoddedandkissedhimagain.Heslantedhismouthoverhersandslidhistongueagainst theseamofherlips.Shetentativelyopenedforhim,andJohnnyslidhistongueinside,caressinghertonguewithhis.Shetasted liketoothpasteandmouthwash.Hegroaned,knowingshewascarryinghischild,theirchild. Johnny’shandslidfromherhiptoherbellyandlayflatagainstit.“Iloveyou,”hemurmuredsoftly.
Kara’s handfoundJohnny’s,andshe lacedtheir fingers together over her belly.“Ilove youtoo,” she murmured.Her eyes bouncedbackandforthbetweenbothofhis,asifsheweretryingtoreadbetweenthelines.Sheturnedfromhimtolookupat KevinandDerrick “Iloveyouboth,somuch”Shegavethemawaterysmile Derrickleaneddownandpulledherintoapassionatekiss,histonguelickingintohermouthonlyinchesfromJohnny’sface. “Iloveyoutoo,babygirl,”hemurmuredagainstherlips HesteppedbackapacetomakeroomforKevin.
Kevinwasrougher withher thanDerrickor Johnnyhadbeen Hisfingerscurledinthebackofher hair,andhepulledher headbacksohecouldclaimhermouth.Shemoanedashebitdownonherbottomlip.
She shifted inJohnny’s lap, and he groaned as he grew hard beneathher. “Ilove youtoo, babe,” Kevinsaid softlyas he pulledawayfromher
Shesmiled,halfinadaze.“Whatdoyouwantinkedonme?”sheasked.
“Sladealreadydrewitupthisweek,”Johnnyanswered,noddingtowardtheblack-hairedwoman Karalookedoverhershoulderatherfriendtoseeherholdingupadrawing.ItwasaredandblackinkdesignoftheRavager Knightsskeletoninarmor ItwasridingaHarleywhileholdingablood-drippingscythe Redrosesandthornswerewrapped aroundandthroughtheknight,andinafancyscriptaroundtheknightweretheirroadnames: Mayhem, Rockstar, Devil.Above theimage,inanarcwas Old Lady. Karagaspedwhenshesawit ShestoodfromJohnny’slapandturnedtoherfriend “It’samazing”Herhandsshookasshe reachedoutandranherfingersoverthedesign.“Wheredoyouwantit?”ShelookedupatKevinandDerrick. “Iwasthinkinghere,”Johnnyreplied,ashestoodup Herubbedthebackofherrightshoulder Herupperbackwasfreeof ink,andtheimagewaslarge.Itwouldcoveronewholeshoulderblade. “Iagree.”Kevinnodded.“Whenyouwearatanktop,itwouldbeondisplay.” “Ithinkyoushouldalsogetourrealnamessomewhereonyourbody,”Derricksuggested. “Iagree.”KaranoddedandturnedtoSlade.“Iwanttheirnames,theirrealnames,righthere.”Sheranherfingersacrossthe topsofherbreasts
“Fuck,baby.”Johnnygroanedandgroundhishipsupagainsthers. Shesmirkedandpressedakisstohislips
“It’slate.Youwantmetodoallthattonight?”Sladeasked.Shedidn’tseemupsetaboutit,shewasjustasking. “Nah.Justdotheoldladyink,”Johnnyanswered.“We’llswingbytheshoptomorrowfortherest.” “Soundsgreat.”Sladesmiledandgatheredhertools. Intheend,KaralaydownonthecouchandSladeworkedonhershoulderblade.Ittookheraboutanhourfromstarttofinish andcreatedabeautifulmixofblackandredinkthatblendedseamlesslywithherolderwork
KarawashalfasleepwhenSladefinished,sotheboysletherdozewhiletheygothernametattedontheirbodies. Johnnykepthiswordandhadhernametattedinascrollingcursivescriptrightoverthehickeyshe’dmadeontheleftsideof his neck. It was low enoughthat a collared button-up shirt would mostlycover it, but he didn’t care. He wanted her name wheretheworldcouldsee.Sheownedhim,andhewasproudofthatfact.
Derrickdidthesame,tattinghernameonhisneck Itwastheonlyplaceavailableformoreinkatthispoint ButKevinwas theromantic.Hetattedhernameonhisleftpec,rightabovehisheart.
NeitherDerricknorJohnnygavehimshitaboutit Ifitwasn’tforKevin,theyneverwouldhavemadeamoveontheirgirl
THEDAYSTHATFOLLOWEDMac’s funeral passed ina blur. The other charters leftthe clubhouse and headed backto theirhomes.KarawenttoSlade’sshop,SkinofaDifferentBreed,andgotherboys’namestattedrightonthetopsofher breasts.
SheworearegularspaghettistrapcamiliketheonesshenormallyworeunderdressclothestogiveSladeabaselinetowork off WhenSladewasdone,aperfectlongcurvedlineinthesamecursivescriptthatKara’sboysrockedwithhernamespelled outallthreeoftheirnamesrightacrossthetopsofherbreastsforthewholeworldtosee.
She knew there were tops thatshe wore to workthatwould now show thatnew ink, butshe didn’tcare She wanted the worldtoknowthatthesewerehermen.Andshewastheirs.
Kara spent the rest of the weekend either inbed or runningto the bathroomto throw up. WhenSundayafternoonrolled around,KarawascryingsoftlyonthebathroomfloorwhenJohnnywalkedin.Shehadjustfinishedgettingsick,hadn’thadthe chancetoevenbrushherteethyet,whenhesatdownonthefloornexttoher.
Shebrieflywonderedwhythetwoofthemalwaysendedupheretogether,whyalloftheirmajorlife-alteringconversations happened inthis bathroom. Somethingaboutthe space calmed her, though. She onlywished Kevinand Derrickwere inthe room,too,soshewouldn’thavetorepeatherself
BecausesheknewexactlywhatJohnnywasgoingtoask.He’dseenherpukinguphergutsforthelastfourdays. Whenhewrappedanarmaroundhershoulderandpulledheragainsthim,shewenteasily.Sheleanedagainsthim,feeling weakandlethargic Thesicknesswasgettingworse,notbetter Shewasbarelyeating Mostsmellssetheroff,andwhatlittle foodshemanagedtoeatdidn’tsettlerightinhertummy.Sheevenhadproblemskeepingwaterdownatthispoint.
“Imadehomemadechickennoodlesoup,”Johnnymurmuredsoftlyasheranhishanddownherback Sheclosedhereyes.“Thanks,”shemuttered.Herentirebodyached;everythinghurt.Shewasprobablydehydratedtoo. “IsentDerricktothestoretopickupsomethings”
“Mmm,”shemumbled,notreallypayingattention.Shewassotired,soweak,andJohnnywassowarm.Shewantednothing morethantoburyherselfinhisbodyandsoakuphisheat,hisstrength.
“Somegingerale,crackers,Popsicles”
Shedidn’treplyasherheartsuddenlypoundedinherchest,herthoughtsracingamillionmilesanhourafterhisstatement. Sheneededtogetupandbrushherteeth Shewantedtocrawlbackintobedbutdidn’thavethestrengthtostandup
Johnnykepttalkingsoftly,though.Hisvoicewasagentlerumbleoverthetopofherhead.“Whenisyourappointment?”
Shefrozebutdidn’thavethestrengthtofight.“AweekfromTuesday.”Shesighed.
He pressed a kiss to her temple “Maybe we should call the doctor tomorrow and make sure everythingis still innormal range?”hesuggested,runninghisfingersthroughherponytail.
Shepulledawaytolookathim Hedidn’tseemupset,justworried “You’renotmad?”sheasked Hegaveherasoftsmileandshookhishead.“Nah,baby.Itoldyou,Iloveyou.You’reitforme.”
Shewantedtosmile;thereliefthatfloodedherwouldhavemadehersmileifshefeltbetter Instead,tearsprickledhereyes “DoDerrickandKevinknow?”sheaskedsoftly.
“Yeah,babe,”Kevinansweredfromtheopendoorway.
AsobbrokeoutofherassheturnedtoseebothKevinandDerrickstandinginthedoorway Thelatterhadaplasticgrocery baghangingfromhishand.Bothmenwerewatchingherwithworriedsmilesontheirfaces.
“Iwasgoingtotellyouguys”Hervoicewasjaggedasshesobbed
Johnny pulled her back against his chest, and she went easily, falling back into him. “Shhh,” he whispered. “It’s OK. I overheardyouinthebathroomwithRachel attheclubhouse It’swhyIwantedyouinkedthatnightinsteadofwaiting Itold thesetwowhenwegothome.”
She only sobbed harder against him. She’d wanted to tell them herself. Maybe in a cute way with a baby onesie or something?They’dneverdiscussedkids,butinthelastcoupleweekstheyhadtalkedabouttheirrelationshipandtheirfuture Theyallhadagreedtheywereinitforthelonghaul.
Kevinmovedintothebathroomandsatdownonherotherside Hegrabbedherhandandlacedtheirfingerstogetherashe liftedthemtohis lips andpresseda kiss toher knuckles.“We love you,baby.We justwantyoutofeel better andnotbe so sick.”
Sheheardboots slappingonthe tile before Derrick’s bigbodycroucheddowninfrontofher.“Babygirl,” he saidwitha smile.Hisfingerscradledherchingentlyandturnedherfacetowardhim.“I’mecstaticthatyou’repregnant,butwe’reworried aboutyou Let’sgetyoufeelingbetter,thenIcanshowyoujusthowhappyyou’vemademe” Shefinallycrackedasmileandnoddedslowly.“K,”shemurmured. “Alright,let’sgetyouup”Derricknodded
Together,thethreeofthemhelpedhergetslowlytoherfeet.Shebrushedherteethforthehundredthtimebeforetheyhelped herbackintobed.Someonehadchangedthesheets,andshewasgrateful.Sheonlywishedshehadtakenashowerbeforeshe crawledin.Maybelater,shethoughtasshecurleduponherleftside.
The bed dipped behind her as someone climbed in, and she dozed off. She would deal with the ramifications of their conversationaftershewokeup
Shewokeseveralhourslaterfeelingalittlebetter.Shewaswarmandfeltrested,notsoweakandlethargic.Sherolledover and was greeted bythe sightofDerrick’s bare chest His torso was covered intattoos, and whenshe looked up athim, she couldseethefreshinkonhisneckwithhername.
She smiled and let herself admire the rest of him His green eyes were closed, and his chest rose and fell gently and rhythmically.Hewasstill sleeping.Shewasgrateful forthat.Shehadlearnedhisbreathingpatternsintheweekafterhehad beenshot.Hadthatonlybeenafewweeksago?
Shefeltliketimebothflewandstoodstilltheoldershegot Sheneverrealizeditasakid,butitwasbothunforgivingand healinginaway.
SheranherhandoverthescarthatthebullethadleftbehindinDerrick’sbicep Hehadgottenextremelyluckythatithadn’t hithiminthechest.Thingsmighthaveendedsodifferently.
Fingersslidthroughherhair,andsheclosedhereyes,savoringthetouch.InthedayssinceMac’sfuneral,theguyshadmade suretobehomeeverysinglenight,butshestillfeltstarvedfortheirtouch,liketherewasdistancebetweenthembecauseshe hadbeenhidingthissecretfromthem,holdingherselfbackfromthem.
Thebeddippedbehindherassomeonerolledover “Fuckman,”Kevingrumbled “Weneedabiggerbed” “Yeah,”Johnnyagreedfromsomewherebehindher.“I’llcallthatstoretomorrow.Seeiftheycandeliverthisweek.” “WeretheheadboardandframetrashedatKara’s?”Kevinasked
“Everythingwassoakedsothewoodmightbetrashed.Icanbuildaframeandheadboardthough,”Johnnymused. “Weneedtotalkaboutremodelingandpickingaroomforthebaby,”Kevinadded.
“We’vegotplentyofspace Thebabywill probablystayinherefor thefirstcouplemonths Butthenwe’ll probablywant themnextdoor,”Johnnysaid.
Kara’s heart swelled as she sleepilylistened to her menplanfor their future The love she felt for these three menwas insurmountable.
“We’llhavetoputafencearoundthepool”Derrick’svoicerumbled,hischestrisingandfallingbeneathherhead “Yeah,shit,”Johnnyswore.“Webettergetalistgoing.We’vegotalottodo.” “Guys,wehavetime.”Karachuckledsoftly.“ButI’mnotopposedtoabiggerbed.” “Fuckyeah,”Derrickadded
“I’llcalltomorrow,reorderwhatwehadbefore,”Karasaid.
“Howareyoufeelingnow?”Kevinaskedasherolledoverandspoonedupbehindher “I’mdoingalrightrightnow.Ihavetopeeandwanttoshower,butI’mfeelingalotbetter,”sheansweredhonestly.“Maybea littlehungry?”
“I’llheatupthesoup.Youshower,”Johnnyordered,andshefeltthemattressshiftagainasherolledoutofbed.
Sheyawnedandmumbledheragreementbutdidn’tmove.Shewascomfortable,andforthefirsttimeinawhile,herstomach wasn’trollingandcramping Shedidn’twanttotemptfatequitesosoonbutknewsheneededtoeat Eventuallyherbladderwonout,andshedetangledherselffromDerrickandclimbedoutofbed.
Aftershegotclean,sheputonfreshjammiesandheadeddownstairstothekitchen Itwasalmostsix,andthesunwasjust goingdownoutside.BesidescallingtheshopforanewAlaskankingbedforthefouroftheminthemorning,shedidn’thave muchtodonowthatthecasewasofficiallyturnedovertotheDA’soffice.
Shewasstill onaleaveofabsencefromCarmichael andAssociatesduetoher supposedcar accident,butithadbeensix weeks,andherdoctorhadclearedher.
“Whendoes physical therapystart for your wrist?” Johnnyasked as theysat around the breakfast nookeatinghomemade chickennoodlesoup.
“Tuesday I’llgoTuesdaysandThursdays I’llprobablyschedulethemfortheafternoonssinceIcandrivenow,”shesaid “Sowhatareyourplansduringtheday?”Derrickasked.
“Iwasthinkingaboutgoingbacktowork.I’mstilltechnicallymanagingpartner.I’mgonnacalltheboardtomorrowandsee whattheysaynowthatmyfatherhasbeenindictedandmydoctor’sclearedmeforlightduty.”Shelookedaroundatthethree ofthem.
Tohersurprise,noneofthemlookedthatupsetatthethoughtofherreturningtowork She’dimaginedshe’dbefightingan uphillbattlewiththem,butKevingaveherablindingsmile.“SoIgettoseeyouinthehallsagain,BossLady?” Shelaughed “I’dsayso”
“Howlongwillphysicaltherapylastthistime?”Derrickasked,lookingpensive. “Anothersixweeks.”Sheshrugged.
“Idon’treallywantyoualone”Johnnyspokeupafteramomentofsilence Karalookedupfromherbowlandfurrowedhereyebrows.“Why?”
“Yourfatherisstilloutthere Weknowhe’striedtokillyouonce What’stosayhewon’ttryagain?Especiallynowthathe hasnothingtolosebecausehealreadylostit.”Johnny’svoicewassteadyashewatchedher.
Karafroze,spoonhalfwaytohermouth Shehadn’tthoughtaboutthat Whenherfatherhadskippedtown,she’dthoughtthat wouldbetheendofit,atleastuntilhewascaughtbypolice.
“Iliketheideaofyouattheofficebecausethere’salotofpeoplearoundthere.Goodsecurity,plusthethreeofusarethere mostdays,”Johnnyexplained Hetookadeepbreathandleanedbackinhischairashecontinued “Iwantoneofusstilltogo withyoutophysicaltherapy,justincase.I’dratheryoujustnotgoanywherealone,period,untilhe’scaught.”
Kara sighed, butnodded, givingin “Alright” She wasn’thappyaboutit, butshe understood the safetyreasons behind it Untilherfatherwascaught,shewouldn’tputanythingpasthim.Notafterhe’dalreadytriedtohaveherkilledonce.
Herboysrelaxedandsmiledasifthey’dbeeninafightthemselves
Shegrinnedandslowlyatehersoup.ShetooksipsofGatoradeinbetween,hopingtoreplenishelectrolyteswhileshefelt better.
ShespenttherestofSundaynightnestledonthecouchamongherthreemen,someactionmovieontheTVwhileshedozed inandout,gratefultobekeepingfooddown.
MARCOSSATINTHEbarroomoftheDevil’sPsychosclubhousewithhistwobestfriends,Jason“Stone”Langfordand Nico“Dagger”Gage Bothmenwerenursingbeerswhiletheywaitedfortherestoftheclubtoshowup Churchwasscheduledfor10p.m.Itwasalready9:50,andthekeyplayerswerenowhereinsight.
“Watchhimbelate,”Daggergrumbled.HisblueeyesmetMarcos’sandgavehimaknowinglook.
Marcos nodded slightly, already knowing how his buddy felt about the situation Their president, Larry “The Butcher” Buckley,wasapieceofshitanddidn’tgiveafuckaboutanyonebuthimself.He’dmakethemwaitallnightforhisasstoshow up Andhewas probablygettinghis dicksuckeddowntheroadatthewhorehousedespitedemandingall members beatthe clubhousebytenforthemeeting.
Marcos sighedandleanedbackinhis chair,settlinginfor thelonghaul Things hadbeentensearoundtheclubhouseever sinceBuckleychosetostartawarwiththeRavagerKnightswithoutaclubvote.Therehadalreadybeenonecasualty;Buckley hadshotandkilledoneoftheKnightsincoldblood.
Rachethad beena friendlyacquaintance ofMarcos’s over the years He’d oftenruninto himatSkinofa DifferentBreed whenhegotinkdone.ThetattooparlorwasownedbyGarrettCooper,butmostdaystheoldmanlethisdaughter,Slade,run theshop
TheshopwasontheborderbetweenCreektonandMourningside,andSladewasallaboutthemoney.Shedidn’tcarewho sheinkedaslongastheykeptthepeaceinandaroundhershop Sheclaimedtheone-mileradiusaroundhershopasaneutral zone.
EveryonefollowedtheunwrittenrulesandkepttheirshitlockeddownwhengoingtovisittheCoopers.Everyoneknewthey hadthebestartistsaround,andeveryonewantedtheirinktolookgood
AfterRachet’sdeath,SladedeclaredshewasnolongergoingtobeinkinganyDevil’sPsychoswhiletheychosetowarwith theRavagerKnights Sladehaddrawnaline Rachethadbeenagoodfriendofhers,andshewould“declareherloyaltytothe KnightsforaslongasthePsychoscontinuedthisunfoundedvendettaagainsttheKnights.”Herwords. It had caused another ripple of dissatisfactionaround the clubhouse whenTrickhad gone to get some inkdone a couple weeksago.IthadbeenrightbeforetheRavagerKnightspresidenthadbeenkilledbyLasSerpientesinCounty.
OnlyahandfulofpeopleknewthatBuckleyandVinceCarmichaelhadorderedthathit.Marcos,Stone,andDaggerwerethe onlyonesintheclubhousethatknewBuckleywasresponsibleforthedeathsofKingTaylorandRachet,killedonanambushhe hadledwhileonaruninAlabama.WhenMarcoshadconfrontedBuckleyonthat,hehadgottenmoreliesandtherunaround. “Saw anopportunityandItookit”Buckleyhaddefendedhimself Hehadn’tcaredthatithadstartedthisdamnwarwiththe
