Viper (Scoundrels MC #1) - Moira Callahan

DEDICATION A huge thank you to my editor for helping to get this book ready for release. She was absolutely amazing and a treasure to work with. This story was a complete surprise from my muse one night and I had no idea what it would end up becoming until I typed in those last words. I hope you enjoy getting to know Viper and Krista, and

welcome you along on this crazy ride with the Scoundrels that’s only just begun.

VIPER The Scoundrels MC, 1 Moira Callahan Copyright © 2016

Prologue One never knew what they were walking into when entering the Scoundrels MC clubhouse. He

never knew if there would be a need to duck, come to a screeching halt, and leave, or if everything would be copacetic. It was a little like entering an alternate dimension, and not in a good way. It was with some trepidation that James pushed open the door and stuck his head in to scope out the situation. The only sounds were the TV playing some cartoon or other and the occasional short laugh. Apparently, all was calm on the home front—for the time being, anyway.

Relieved he wasn’t about to step on a metaphorical landmine, James let the door close behind him. Heading in deeper, he nodded to the woman, a hanger-on and what the club referred to as a sweetbutt or club pussy, at the bar when she held up a coffee pot. He’d only had a couple sips from his own brew that morning when he’d received the call sent him looking for the MC prez in a hurry. Duke was about to be a seriously unhappy biker. While James didn’t worry

about being the messenger, he was concerned what the club’s response might be. They weren’t exactly the sort who took shit like James had to share with them all that calmly. Given the history involved, he didn’t exactly blame them. Viper, the MC’s sergeant at arms, was oddly the calmest among them, but that wasn’t always a good thing. The man was scary smart. He used his outer calm like a shield to fool the unaware into thinking he was slow. There was not a fucking thing slow about Viper. Whereas

with the other members, what you saw was exactly what you got. He accepted the mug from the girl, Cameo, and headed toward the sofa where a couple prospects were sitting watching a cartoon. They looked up, and nodded his way. One offered up a blunt that he refused, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. “Duke around?” “Not in yet. He and his old lady have Nico’s graduation ceremony today. He’ll be stopping by later before he heads out for the event. You want us to have him call

you?” Burke asked him. “Yeah, maybe. Is Viper here?” It might be better to lay it all out for the calmest member first to figure out how Duke would take the news. “Out back in the shed. He was digging around looking for some parts for the older bike at the shop he thought might have been brought here by mistake,” the other prospect told him. He was relatively sure the kid’s name was Monroe. Everyone called him Barter, but James couldn’t be sure he’d ever

heard the kid’s given name used more than once. “All right, thanks.” Tipping his coffee mug their way, he headed back to the bar for a top off before heading outside. A loud, vicious curse from the shed had James moving closer a lot faster. “You okay in there?” Viper came out rubbing at his head near the crown, and shot him an evil look. “Yeah,” he muttered. “Fucking box leapt off the shelf to attack me. What you doing here, Copper?”

“I got a call this morning that I figured I should bring to the club’s attention. The prospects told me Duke was out, but I knew this wasn’t something that could wait. If you’re good with that.” Viper nodded and waved him toward a picnic table. Once they were seated, the big biker leveled his bright-green gaze at James. “What was the call about?” James took a sip from his coffee to gather his thoughts. Being the sheriff of Crystal Creek had its ups and downs. Starting in the

Marshals Service had taught him how to be a good investigator, but being the sheriff had shown him the world wasn’t always black and white. There were often shades of grey. While he didn’t work for the motorcycle club, James had learned to work with them to a degree. Enough to ensure the peace in Crystal Creek remained. They all had an understanding: Legitimate businesses only in the city limits, which was his turf, and anything beyond the borders James would

turn a blind eye to, provided there was no bloodshed. “Got a courtesy call from my contact down at SNMCF. Gerry Porter is getting out this afternoon. Don’t have all the details on what went down to gain him this pardon, but my contact is looking into it. He understands how important knowing the answer is. Especially when it comes to Crystal Creek’s residents and their safety. All he could tell me was that Porter has had several meetings with his lawyer in the last month.” His

buddy Murray at the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility was flummoxed by the sudden release. He’d never seen anything like it. “Shit, and this is the first we’re hearing about him getting cut loose?” “It’s the first anyone’s hearing about it. My guess is they’re keeping in on the DL to ensure he stays alive when he steps out those front gates.” James knew the MC had bad blood with Porter. If the rumors were true, then Porter had killed the MC’s president,

Spike—Duke’s predecessor—and Spike’s old lady. There had been other collateral damage to add to his term, and the guy had had no defense. Porter should never have seen the light of day again. To hear he was getting cut loose only four years after he’d gone in, James knew this shit was going to be bad. He had no idea what the fallout would be. What James couldn’t quite figure out was how Porter had survived the four years, two months, and sixteen days he’d

served. MCs didn’t take kindly to folks offing a member, let alone in such a public manner with other innocent bodies hitting the ground. It had sent shockwaves through Crystal Creek that were still felt to this day. The town knew that the MC dealt in some shady businesses. Since it had never previously caused problems in their town, residents let bygones be bygones and turned a blind eye. Then the shooting had happened. Tensions rose, people were skittish, and

everyone waited to see what the club would do in the wake. Only nothing had happened. Duke had taken the gavel, and that was all there was. At least to those on the outside looking in. Since he wasn’t party to the inner workings, James couldn’t say what had occurred behind closed doors. James had waited for the call from the prison to let him know that Porter had been shivved. But the call had never come. The silence wasn’t easy on the nerves when it came to dealing an the enemy of

the MC. Viper was the one with the patience for such a maneuver, waiting patiently for everyone to forget the man existed before finally acting to take Porter out permanently. The others, had they been in charge, would have called for immediate blood. Even Duke was a hothead on occasion whether the situation called for it or not. Which made the whole situation and four peaceful years highly suspect. Not that James would question it; some things were not

asked about, and he knew he’d never get an answer from any club member even if he did have the balls to ask the question. James cleared his throat, finished his coffee, and set the cup to the side. “I wanted to tell Duke before Porter got out. But Burke mentioned it was Nico’s graduation. Not exactly the news I want to be telling him today.” “Yeah, shit. This will have him flipping the fuck out. His old lady will disembowel him if he doesn’t show up for the full deal.

Fuck!” Viper ran his hand down his face and blew out a breath. “I’ll tell him when he comes in, but he’s got to be there for his kid today. He’ll fucking regret it if he’s not.” “Nadine will make him regret it more,” James muttered. Duke’s old lady was fierce and downright scary. Viper was pretty much the only one crazy enough to take Nadine on. Those two seemed to have fun riling one another up. At least that was how it looked to him. Yet they always ended their fights with a laugh and strong

drink. “That she will,” he said. “I’ll worry about those two. What we need is a time for this release.” James rubbed a knuckle to his jaw and realized he hadn’t shaved that morning. Not really a big surprise given he hadn’t really been awake when shit had started to fly. “My guy didn’t know, but I’ll give him a ring back. He won’t have paperwork until at least ten. Once I know, you’ll know,” he promised. This was information he damn well wanted the club to have since it

could save lives. At least that was his hope. “Good, then we’ll talk soon.” He knew a dismissal when he heard one. James got up, shook the other man’s hand, and took his coffee mug back inside. **** Viper waited until the sheriff was gone before pulling out his burner phone. After flipping it open, he placed a call to a club member. It wouldn’t be the last call he made. He didn’t know what the day might bring, but he needed

everyone ready for whatever might come.

Chapter One Three weeks later Duke jerked his head up at the knock on his club’s office door. “It’s open,” he called out. A smile curled his lips when he saw his baby girl enter. Tossing his reading glasses onto the desk, he pushed to his feet and met her halfway across the room. “Hey, baby, I didn’t realize you were coming by today.” “Momma wanted me to stop

by. You forgot your pills.” He quickly patted his pockets while his mind said that forgetting the pills wasn’t possible. There was no container to be found, but he did come up with a tube of cream that he didn’t recognize. He had a spare container in his saddlebags, and another in the safe in the club meeting room, but those likely needed to be changed out for more up-to-date meds. “Crap,” he muttered. He never forgot the meds —ever. He was a type-two diabetic and knew better than to leave his

meds at home. Duke was among the “lucky” few who could take oral medications along with a strictly monitored diet. “Momma said you were a little distracted this morning after Viper stopped by.” “That is quite possibly the truth.” “You kissed the housekeeper and gave Momma a wave on your way out the door. I’m thinking there’s a bucketful there.” Duke winced at what she’d described. “How upset is your

mother?” Krista’s lips curved and she patted his arm. “She was more amused than anything until she realized you left without your pills. But she would like her eczema cream back.” Well, that explained what the tube was. He handed it over to his daughter and took his pill container from her. “Let your mother know I’m extremely apologetic, and I will tell her the same when I get home.” “I will.” Krista looked around and frowned. “Did you do

something different up here?” “Not recently. Why?” “Don’t know. It doesn’t look quite right.” She waved a hand, placed it on his chest, and popped up on her toes to kiss his cheek. “Never mind. I have to get going or I will be forever behind schedule today. I’ll see you at dinner tonight. Do not be late, Daddy, or Momma will forget her amusement and go straight into full-on rage.” “Right, dinner. I will be there and on time. Drive safe, baby girl.” Duke walked her to the door and

watched her move to the stairs and then descend. He moved to the railing that kept the drunks from falling onto the pool table below and smiled when she stopped to chat with Merc, a patched member and Duke’s nephew. Her laughter only made his smile grow. A couple minutes later, she tossed Duke a wave over her shoulder before disappearing out the door. “The pipsqueak was here, I’m guessing.” Duke jumped and spun around to face Viper. “Jesus! Would

you stop sneaking up on me?” Viper snorted and moved to lean against the railing. “And where would the enjoyment be in that?” “There are days I absolutely hate you.” Duke pressed a hand to his chest in an attempt to calm his jittery heart. Then he switched gears. “Where are we at with our Porter situation?” “I talked to our friends in El Paso. They have eyes on Porter. To date he’s visited his mother ’s nursing home six times, and his father ’s grave once. Beyond that,

he’s run around to several addresses they are trying to nail down. The only ones they have right now is for some guy with no ties to Porter and the PO he was assigned for his stay there. Best guess at this point on the guy is he might be a go-between. They’re going to talk with him later today when he gets back from work. Hopefully he’ll have some answers on what Porter ’s actually doing down there.” “Damn,” Duke muttered. He wanted Porter to pay for what he’d

done to their club and the townsfolk. But he couldn’t make any moves without figuring out how Porter had gotten out after only four years—and what the fuck Porter was up to in El Paso. The day Porter had gotten out, the guy had made tracks for his locally assigned parole officer ’s office and stayed in there for over three hours. Way too long for the standard hey I’m out and look at me behaving chat. And still too long for the old my mother’s sick sob story to gain permission to cross state lines.

Unable to get anyone close to the office for a look in, they were flying blind on what might have happened or who may have been in there. Even waiting around had yielded no clues. They’d followed Porter to the New Mexico state line before handing off to a club they were in an alliance with in Texas to continue the tail. That club knew the territory better, making it the right call. But it left the Scoundrels club at loose ends waiting for word. “Let me know when you hear something,” Duke said. Running

his fingers through his hair, he headed back to his office. “I’ll be here until five and then I need to get to the house to ensure my wife doesn’t change the locks.” “You are whipped, man. It’s kinda sad,” Viper said behind him. Throwing up the universal sign for what he thought about that, Duke stopped to shoot him a look. “You coming over? She’s making pot roast.” “Maybe, but likely not. You know I love Nadine and all, and she makes the best pot roast ever.”

Duke propped his shoulder against the doorframe. He knew that Viper and Duke’s daughter, Krista, seemed to be at odds, and had been since she’d turned eighteen. He wasn’t sure what had all gone down, although knowing his old lady she would know everything. Mother ’s intuition was the excuse she dropped on him whenever he asked. “You ever going to tell me what put you and Krista at odds?” “What? Did I suddenly turn into a fucking chick who has to talk

about her feelings? Fuck you,” Viper said with some bite to the words. He shook his head and made for the stairs. “Where you going?” “Over to the shop. I have to get that fucking beast up and running before Blackie gets back from Utah or I’ll be stuck listening to him whine like a little bitch. I’ll call when I hear something from the Black Swords.” Grunting, Duke kept a watch on the other man until Viper slammed the door shut behind him

and sent the glasses and bottles behind the bar rattling. One surefire way to get Viper ’s back up: mention Krista to him. There was a story there and it was way past fucking time someone told him what it was. Viper had made his stance clear, which meant Duke needed to go at things from a different angle. After ensuring the office door was locked, Duke settled behind his desk to make a call to his wife. If anyone actually knew what was going on, it would be her.

While Krista was totally a daddy’s girl, Duke knew there were certain things he never heard about. Which he was fine with. There were some things he did not ever need to know about. Twenty minutes later, he hung up no closer to having an answer. His lovely wife had no answers for him either, but planned to do her thing in order to find out. Duke had no doubts whatsoever she’d swing it. The woman should have been an interrogator. She could start a conversation about

one completely benign topic and end up with what she wanted without the other person being any the wiser. She had skills. But that was only one reason why he loved her. There were several others—but if he got thinking about those, he’d never get the paperwork done in time to make it home for dinner. No way in hell was he missing out on his old lady’s pot roast.

Chapter Two Later that night, Viper glared at the bike that was perpetually giving him headaches. A few weeks back, Blackie had mentioned his ‘beast’ was acting odd. They’d poked around and found nothing to explain why it wasn’t running optimally. Viper had even taken it for a quick ride to see if he could feel out the issue. There had definitely been something up with it, but nothing he could pinpoint.

Then, two days before Blackie headed up to Utah for his oldest kid’s high school graduation, the bike had died. Straight up would not kick over. The fucking thing wouldn’t even make a peep. Viper had a way with bikes—and women, if he did say so himself— which meant when Blackie had headed out he’d left the beast in Viper ’s tender, loving care. But right at that precise second, all Viper wanted to was get the big-ass pipe wrench out and beat the everloving fuck out of the machine.

His phone vibrated on the workbench and pulled his attention away from thoughts regarding how to mangle the beast permanently. He walked over and scooped it and his longneck bottle up. The name on the screen had him sighing and taking a long pull on the bottle before answering. “What?” “I couldn’t reach Dad. I’m sorry. I need help.” While Krista Richmond might not be his favorite person on the planet, he would never ignore a call for help from any club member

or their family. “Where are you?” he asked. The bottle hit the workbench hard before he scooped up his keys. He tossed the rag from his back pocket onto his tools and waved over a prospect. When Viper gestured at the tools, the kid gave a nod and went to work packing everything away securely. “By the Patterson house,” she said. Her voice was softer than before. “Krista, are you safe?” he demanded. Slinging his leg over his bike, he hefted it into position and

then slipped the Bluetooth device onto his ear. He pocketed the phone while sticking his brain bucket in place with his free hand, quickly fastening it under his chin a second later. “I don’t know.” Her voice was now barely a whisper. Viper cranked the engine over. “Stay with me, Krista. Keep talking if you can. If not, I want you to hit a button on the keypad every thirty seconds.” It would let him know she was still there even if she couldn’t talk. “Who is there with

you?” “I don’t know. I was coming back from Donny’s place dropping off the plate Mom made up for him. A tire blew and I pulled over. When I got out to take a look, I found the passenger-side tires shredded. It wasn’t a nail or anything. Shit,” she muttered. “Krista, are you still there?” A beep sounded in his ear. “Good girl, turn the volume down on your phone. You don’t need them hearing the tone out there.” At that time of night and way the hell out

there, easily two miles from town, sound travelled. Giving the bike more gas, Viper took back and side roads. He needed to get there fast, and without having the locals light him up. While they likely wouldn’t ding him, they would delay him. Unacceptable. Another beep sounded in his ear. “I hear you. Keep breathing nice and easy. I’m on my way.” Clearing the houses, Viper gave his bike more juice, the surge sending muted pleasure coursing through his veins. Even with her in danger,

he couldn’t stop the reaction to the freedom he felt when riding. Once he was outside the town’s limits, he went the fastest he could while keeping control. He knew each road and trail like the back of his hand. But nature had a way to even out the odds. No way was he going to crash because a rabbit had leaped into his path. He’d never live it down. Another beep sounded in his ear. The next two miles sped past under his wheels. He slowed when he caught a glimpse of a vehicle,

quickly identifying it as Krista’s Jeep. Slowing more, he made the turn onto Patterson’s land and revved the engine up. They would hear him coming, but maybe that would be enough. “They’re leaving,” Krista told him. “Is that you?” “It’s me,” he said. After pulling up to the house, he dropped the kickstand, and swung off the bike. The .45 he preferred was in his hand the instant he cleared the seat. He swept it slowly over the yard before calling out to

her. Viper ended the call and slipped his Bluetooth earpiece into a pocket while keeping a wary eye on the dark grounds around the Patterson house. Relief coursed through him when Krista came jogging his way. She was pale and visibly shaken, but unharmed. It was pure instinct to wrap his arm around her shoulders, tugging her in close to his body while he kept slowly circling to see everything he could. “Are you okay?” “I think so.”

Her arms had slipped around his waist to hold on tight. She was squeezing him hard enough he could feel the fine tremors running through her body. “We’re going to lock up your Jeep, and then I’m getting you to your parents. I’ll call the shop to have the prospects come out and collect your ride.” He felt her nod against his chest. After putting the .45 away, he unbuckled the helmet from his head and stuck it on hers. Viper tightened the straps to ensure it stayed in place. While he

would risk his life without thought, he wouldn’t a passenger ’s—ever. He urged her toward his bike, and she reluctantly let go long enough for him to climb on. The moment she was on the back, Krista wrapped her arms around him tight again, her body flush against his. “Where’s your cut?” Shocked by her question, he looked down. He didn’t have it on. Holy shit. He’d left it at the shop he’d been in such a rush to get to her. Never before had he ever left his cut behind for any reason. “At

the shop,” he muttered. Shaking his head, he got the engine going and then pulled away from the house. After they’d secured her Jeep and Viper had put in the call to the shop, he tried Duke again. No answer. Odd for the man who never left his phone more than a foot from his side. They could be asleep, but Viper didn’t think that was the case. With everything currently going on, there was no way Duke wouldn’t answer a call, especially from a member.

He pointed the bike toward Duke and Nadine’s place, winding along the back roads while Krista held on. Halfway there, the shivering stopped and he felt her rest her head to his shoulder. “Don’t go falling asleep back there.” “I won’t.” He wasn’t exactly convinced, given that she sounded partway there already. Ten minutes later, they pulled into the drive leading to her parents’ house. Viper pulled to a stop and stared at the house. Every

room was lit up. His gut clenched in warning; something was wrong. He dug out his phone and put in a call to Marcus ‘Bones’ Harcourt, the club’s VP. “Bones, are you at Duke’s?” “No, man. I’m sitting on my fat ass at my place watching a movie. Why?” Shit, not good. “The place is lit up right now.” Bones let out a curse. He knew that wasn’t normal. After dinner, Duke always went through the place shutting lights off and leaving only the back

section, and the light in the stairwell to the basement, on. If anyone hung around after the weekly dinner, they would sit out back on the deck, or in the kitchen. Viper ’s gut was practically screaming now. “Call the others. Get out here,” Viper said. “Already moving, brother. Wait for us.” Yeah, like that’s going to happen. Viper didn’t bother answering since Bones knew him well enough to know Viper

wouldn’t be sitting on his ass twiddling his fucking thumbs for the troops to arrive. It wasn’t in his nature. “What’s going on?” He shot Krista a look over his shoulder. “I need you to stay here. It could be nothing, but given your trouble tonight, my instincts say it’s damn well something.” “I’m coming with you.” “Krista…” “No, I am coming with you. I’m safer with you than sitting here in the dark on a deserted road

surrounded by trees where anyone could be hiding, Viper.” Fucking female had a valid point. And he didn’t know if the guys who had disabled her Jeep were here, or if they had friends here. Hell, he didn’t know if anyone was there. Grunting, he waved her off the bike and then wheeled it to the side. He took the helmet from her and left it sitting on the fuel tank. He caught her chin and made her look up at him. “You do what I say, when I say, and stay

right fucking behind me. Clear?” “I will be glued to your back.” Viper had to stifle a groan, and then felt the urge to slap himself. He and Krista did not like each other; he should not be thinking about her being glued to him. He’d damn well gotten over his infatuation years ago. Shaking his head, he pulled out his gun and headed toward the house. Her small hand landed on his shirt and her fingers wrapped into the fabric. Which did not help his current

situation. Damn it, this is not the time to have to lecture my fucking libido!

Chapter Three Krista kept a tight hold on Viper ’s shirt. She had to bite her lip to keep from panting in sheer terror. While she knew the club was into some shady business, never once had her father or any member ever let it touch her life. Tonight might well have nothing to do with the MC, but if it didn’t, she had no idea what was going on. Quite frankly, she was stunned that Viper had even picked

up his phone. She’d only had his number in her phone because it came standard in all her burners. He was the club’s sergeant at arms, after all. Being a member that sat at the table meant he was a go-to guy. Tonight had been the first time she’d called him in nearly eight years. The last time had been—no! She couldn’t start down that memory path. It would do her no good, and the timing seriously sucked. She knew why Viper was being cautious. First her “accident”,

and now her parents’ place was lit up like it was during dinner but shouldn’t by at that hour. Dinner had ended over an hour ago; no way would her father have left all the lights burning. The man had a specific routine and never deviated. She should know; she’d lived in the house for nineteen years and learned her father ’s routines well. Viper eased through the front door and swept the path with his gun held firmly in hand. Krista could not believe how hot it was to see him like this. He’d always

pushed her buttons, but she’d sadly never done the same for him. He’d adamantly told her that and it was why she avoided him whenever she could. When she couldn’t, she was always polite but brusque. She couldn’t help it. She’d thought back then that he was a friend and that maybe one day in the future he could be more. Silly girlhood dreams that were crushed under his boot heel with no care for her. Looking back, she knew she’d pushed at the boundaries he’d clearly laid out. But

she’d thought she was different. Oh, how wrong she’d been. When Viper stopped she felt the tension in his body. She wanted to ask what he saw but knew better than to open her mouth. Krista fought down more panic and focused hard on her breathing while Viper swept his gun around. When they started to move forward again, she was tempted to release a relieved breath but knew not to. They were only through a couple rooms with several more to go. One by one, they cleared the

rooms and moved on. Only when they got to the hall leading to the bedrooms in the wing nearest the pond did Viper stop again. “Stay here,” he mouthed. Krista firmly shook her head. No way in hell was she staying out in the hall. While Viper scared her on some visceral level, likely because she knew he could be dangerous if the situation called for it, she felt safer latched onto him right then than she would standing alone to wonder about the absolute worst-case scenarios. God help her

if the house let out a creak or something like that. She’d probably go out through a wall like a cartoon character. His expression changed to annoyance before smoothing back out. All in a single breath. It was rare to catch anything on his face other than his normal laid-back calm. Not a first for Krista, as she seemed to push his buttons. She’d ruffled his feathers over the years in several attempts, most on purpose, to get a visible emotional reaction from him. Even her

mother, who Viper got into regular arguments with, didn’t elicit such a reaction. Viper mouthed something else she didn’t catch, but she had the distinct impression it was not complimentary. Didn’t matter; he wasn’t insisting. Biting her lip, Krista followed on his heels into what was her younger brother ’s room when he was home from school for the holidays. Empty. Next they went into her former room at the house. Perfectly neat and tidy, exactly like she’d left

it on her last trip home. The room closest to her parents’ bedroom was her mom’s home office. It was more chaotic than any other room in the house. Her mother ’s online business making unique gift wrap, cards, and other pieces was booming and the room showed that with half-finished pieces waiting patiently to one side, and others ready to be boxed and shipped when ordered. The last room in this wing of the house and the door they now faced was the master bedroom.

Viper stopped with his hand hovering over the knob. If her parents were asleep, all hell would soon break loose. It was possible, but unlikely given that the entire situation was plain wrong. Tightening her grip on Viper ’s shirt, Krista pressed in closer to him. She felt a sudden chill sweep down her spine, a sense of foreboding gripping her tight. He moved his hand from the knob to grip her hip quickly. He gave a squeeze to steady her before he reached out again to turn the knob.

The bedroom was dark. The only light filtering in came from the back deck lamps and the hall lights at their backs. It was strange, given it should have been lit up at that hour. His pause this time was to let his eyes adjust to the darkness, she knew. When her eyes adjusted, Krista couldn’t stop the gasp that broke free. The room had been trashed. This time when Viper moved, she let go, unable to take a step, her feet rooted to the floor. Time seemed to slow, and each

breath she drew was painful and harsh. Staring at the broken lamp, the overturned chair, and other ransacked items, she felt lightheaded. Her mind couldn’t seem to fully comprehend what she was seeing, but her clenching heart knew it was bad. Really bad. “Krista.” Viper ’s call to her broke her trance. Whipping her head around, she blinked at him before moving. He stood in the bathroom doorway, the light on at his back throwing his face into shadow. Once she

reached him, she looked in and cringed. Her knees wobbled and she likely would have gone down if he hadn’t caught her around the waist. “Breathe,” he ordered. She was trying. Each gasped breath hurt her entire body. Blood. That’s blood on the floor. “Oh God,” she got out. A whimper followed and she knew she was on the verge of a breakdown. “That’s not enough blood to worry. A small wound, nothing more.”

“Then where are they? Who the hell did this, Viper?” “I don’t know,” he muttered. He pulled her out into the hall. “I’m going to call the sheriff. It looks like an abduction, Krista.” She could only stare up at him when he nudged her through the house to the front door. “You’re thinking it’s the same guys that came after me, aren’t you?” “Seems a little too coincidental for my taste that this happened tonight. The same night someone tried to get you. What I

don’t get is why. Or who would have the balls to go after the Scoundrels’ president in his own home. That is the shit that starts wars.” Another shiver coursed through her. Viper pulled her closer to his heat. Forcing her arms to unwrap from her own body, she slipped them around his waist and held on. “How are you so damn calm right now, Viper?” “Getting pissed off without any facts isn’t going to help us. We need details before we fly off the handle. Believe me, when I find out

who did this they will pay.” Oddly enough, she didn’t shiver at the chill his voice held. It was strangely reassuring to hear that bite to his tone. It let her know he wasn’t as unaffected as she’d originally thought. He was beyond angry, but Viper was the sort that didn’t allow it to show and give others power over him. He was a smart, dangerous man. It was yet more proof he was not for her, no matter how much her body begged her to reconsider. Krista rested her cheek to his

chest and closed her eyes. She could hear motorcycle engines and the crunch boots made on a gravel drive. The club had arrived. She should probably let go. When she tried, Viper only tightened his arm to hold her even closer to his body. Unable, and unwilling, to fight it, she melted into him. “Sheriff, it’s Viper. I need you at Duke’s place.” There was a short pause before the large biker she was wrapped around heaved a sigh. “There’s been trouble. Bring the crime-scene team.”

Turning her head slightly, Krista took a peek at the men walking their way. Those closest had stopped and wore shocked expressions that quickly morphed into anger. The others following behind were soon told something was up, and pretty quickly everyone but the man holding her had the same murderous expressions. There would be hell to pay and those that had dared to hurt their president would pay in blood.

Chapter Four His cut back where it should be thanks to a smart prospect, Viper kept an eye on Krista where she sat huddled under a blanket a sheriff ’s deputy had given her. He hadn’t strayed more than a dozen feet from her since the club had arrived. Krista was holding on, but how long would that last? She’d seen the bedroom and bathroom. He was impressed she hadn’t broken down yet, but he knew it

was coming. Once the shock wore off, there’d be no stopping the flood. Dragging his attention back to the sheriff, he nodded at the question James had asked. “That’s right, did the sweep and found the bathroom. Once I saw that, I got us both out and called you.” “Not before calling the club, I noticed,” James said. The guy understood, but was off on the timing a little. “Nah, I called them when we got here and I saw the place still lit

up. My gut said something was off, but I didn’t know what to expect. Besides, you know our rules, Copper. Club business gets handled by the club. This may still be club business, but it’s gotten bigger, and we don’t have your resources to find out who was hurt and who may have done this.” James rocked back on his heels and scrubbed a hand over his nape. “You do realize that if we find anything, it will be under our jurisdiction to find the perpetrators, right?”

“Doesn’t mean the club can’t help out, Sheriff. And if we happen to get there first, so be it. If you do, then I hope like hell you have enough evidence to get the fuckers sent to prison.” “Fuckers. Plural. Why do you say that?” Viper shot him a look and snorted derisively. “You know Duke. While he might be getting older, the man is still a fucking bear in the gym. No way could one person take him down. And even if they had Nadine at gunpoint,

there’s no way his old lady would stand idly by. She’s a fucking wildcat even on her best behavior.” That got a quick smile from the sheriff. “Don’t I know it. Geez,” he muttered. Running a hand through his hair, something he’d obviously done more than a few times already, James turned to look at Krista. “I sent some guys out to where her Jeep was taken off the road. We found the spikes used, footprints, and tire treads. Hopefully they give us a lead.” “Bikes?”

“No, looks like trucks from the tire size and wheelbase measurements. We may get lucky. Deputy Lloyd says the tires seem wider than the norm so they might well be custom.” Viper thought about that. There were only a couple places in Crystal Creek for auto work, and only two for custom parts or jobs. One was MC owned, and the other a local guy who did work on older vehicles. Restoration mainly, but he would work on newer models occasionally. “Once you know let

Kip know, he can hit up the records at the shops to see if the guy came through either place. If he didn’t come through us, that means he went through Harold, or bought from the city.” Kip was their treasurer and knew the books for the businesses best. He was the one who would be able to find the info fastest if it was there to be found. Movement from the side had his attention zeroing in on Krista. A deputy was handing her a steaming cup. The small, weak smile Krista offered had his gut kicking. “I’m

going to take Krista to the club to be safe. Bones and I talked. We’re going into lockdown for now until we know what the fuck this was all about.” He gave a nod toward Duke’s house to clarify what ‘this’ was. “Good plan. I’ll touch base with you tomorrow there, or sooner if we come up with anything. I doubt it, though. This is going to take us a while to get through.” “Remember, they had dinner here tonight so several members were here, including Krista.” The

sheriff had all their prints on file. They weren’t exactly well-behaved lads and had had their share of runins with the law. Both local and state. “We’ll discount everyone here tonight. Any ideas who was here to help us narrow it down faster?” “I wasn’t here. Ask Bones to give you a list since he was over here.” After the sheriff left, Viper walked over to Krista and sat down next to her on the stone bench

surrounded by roses. Stretching his arm along the back, he wasn’t surprised when she wiggled in closer to him. He moved his arm to drape around her shoulders after a second’s hesitation and dropped his cheek to her hair. In the dark, even with all the emergency vehicles’ lights strobing over the area, most wouldn’t notice what they were doing. “Do they have anything yet?” “Not yet, but they only just got here. James will keep us

updated. We’re going to go to the clubhouse and lockdown.” Her nod rubbed her hair against his skin. “Makes sense,” she said. Her voice sounded hollow and completely unlike her. After standing, he pulled her up, and tugged the blanket from around her. He handed it off to a deputy and led her toward his bike. “Bender, alert everyone we’re going into lockdown at the club. I want everyone inside in the next hour. No exceptions.” “You got it, Viper.”

Viper strapped the helmet back on Krista’s head, and then dug into a saddlebag for his jacket. He got her into it and climbed on his bike before helping her to settle behind him. Two minutes later, they were heading toward town. He veered off at the half-mile marker to take the back road to the clubhouse. The Scoundrels’ clubhouse sat right along the town’s border. Outside officially to keep the townsfolk happy, but close enough to helpful if warranted. He stopped inside the fence

and looked to the prospect on duty. Viper told him what was happening and made sure the kid understood he had to account for everyone that came through the gate. Without Duke there, Bones was next in charge, but Viper was stepping up for the moment until the other man could arrive to deal with things. Once he’d backed the bike into his slot, Viper slung his leg over the side and shut the engine off. Krista threw her leg over the bike to stand next to him and began to remove the helmet. He took it

from her and set it on the seat, grasped her hand in his, and led her inside. A couple prospects and several sweetbutts were hanging around. “We’re going into lockdown. You have one hour to make sure we’re ready. Tanzy, Leta, I want you two to hit up the store for anything we’ll need to feed everyone for the next week. Rosie and Cameo, start getting the alert out to all family members. Unless they are over an hour away, I want them inside these walls. Move,” he

ordered. When everyone got busy with their tasks, Viper led Krista upstairs and to his room at the club. Only six members had steady rooms at the clubhouse. Duke, Bones, Viper, Kip, Angel, and Blackie. There were two other guest rooms for when a member had had too much to drink and needed a place to crash for the night. Downstairs were bunk rooms where the prospects or sweetbutts occasionally slept when not draped over furniture in the main room.

He pushed the door shut behind him and helped Krista take off his jacket. A light hand on her back guided her to the bathroom. “Grab a shower,” he told her. “I’ll get you something to wear.” “Nothing from the girls,” she said. He knew she hated the club pussy that hung around there. Not the girls, per se, but what they represented. “I will get you a shirt and shorts from my closet,” he promised. Gently, he stroked a hand over her hair. “Shower. I’ll

leave them on the vanity and I won’t even peek.” Her lips twitched, but no smile. It was close, though. “Thank you.” He gave a quick jerk of his head and drew the door shut between them. He collected the items and left them where he’d said he would. “I’ll be downstairs but I’ll check on you in a bit. If you need me, come find me.” He got a non-committal response that had him frowning. If he’d had more time, he would have pushed her,

but they were running on a clock. Leaving her to finish cleaning up, he got to work. When he was busy, it was easy to not think about her naked and wet in his bathroom. Or that she was soon to be wrapped up in his favorite tshirt. Then there was the one thought that had his jeans growing tight around his groin: Krista Richmond, bane of his existence and star of too many dreams to count, would soon be in his bed. Fucking hell, he needed to get laid.

Chapter Five Krista woke feeling comfortable, safe, and warm. Upon opening an eye, she couldn’t immediately place where she was. The scent tickling her nose jogged her memory, and it all came flooding back in a rush. Her parents were missing and possibly injured, or worse. The clubhouse was in full lockdown, and Viper was playing guardian angel to her. Slowly, she inched her head

around until she could see from her periphery who her personal heater was. It was no surprise to find Viper lying there curled around her back. A glance down showed he was fully dressed and on top of the comforter covering his bed while she was snuggled underneath. Licking her lips, Krista tried to figure out how to get loose from the hold he had on her. She really needed to use the bathroom but would feel bad if she woke him. It took a while and her bladder was damn well screaming

at her, but eventually she slipped free to make a mad dash into the bathroom. Once she’d relieved herself, she looked for a brush to tame her blonde hair back down. She hadn’t had a tie with her, otherwise she would have braided it for sleeping. Finding a comb, she glared at it before setting to work on the tangles. While doing that, she scrounged around for a toothbrush and found an unopened one stuffed at the back of a drawer like it had been carelessly tossed in and forgotten.

Ten minutes later, her mouth was minty fresh and her hair back under control. She crept from the bathroom quietly in case Viper was still asleep. When she turned to look at the bed, she found him propped up against the headboard watching her with those bright green eyes that shared nothing. “Did you sleep okay?” he asked. His sleep-deepened voice was more growl than its normal rumble and sent heat flooding through her body, most arrowing

straight to her pussy. Krista gave a quick nod while she tried to figure out what to do. Should she grab her clothes, wherever they were, and dress? Or climb back into bed? She was still tired, but climbing in next to him might be a little too forward. He was before her in a blink, his finger pushing her chin up to look at him. “Krista, what’s wrong?” he asked. Genuine concern filled his voice. “Nothing,” she said. It didn’t appear to reassure him. She wrapped her hand lightly around

his wrist and squeezed. “I’m fine, Viper. Trying to figure out where my clothes are, though.” “Still downstairs. I threw them in the washer before I came up to catch a couple hours’ sleep. Hopefully someone tossed them into the dryer.” The sweetbutts, or club pussy, as they were known, wouldn’t do it. The majority were lazy skanks who couldn’t be bothered to do anything but spread their legs. Which meant an old lady, or wife, had done it for her. At least

that was her hope. She didn’t think she could wear anything a sweetbutt had touched. “I should go get them, then.” “Not happening. You stay here,” he told her. “You go wandering around with those legs on display and there will be riots.” Krista took a look down and saw nothing amiss. His shorts covered more leg than hers ever had. But he’d already left the room, which made arguing pointless. “Men,” she muttered, and went to sit on the bed to wait. She didn’t get

where he was coming from either. It wasn’t like it would be the first time anyone around there had seen her legs. She’d often shown up in either a skirt or shorts to see her dad or meet up with her mom. When Viper returned, she watched him walk toward her. Deciding to test a theory, Krista stretched her legs out and then stretched her arms over her head. His gaze went from her legs to her chest and then shot off to the side. Interesting. She hopped off the bed and took the clothing with a

‘thanks’ and dashed into the bathroom. Viper liked her looks. That was a plus. He was also fighting it. That could be a plus or a major downer. He had not ever acted on the need—that was a definite bummer. Why hadn’t he acted? Could be out of respect for her dad. The man was club president, but more than that, she knew he’d made it abundantly clear what he would do to any member should they even think about being with her. Krista’s mother had let her in

on that particular tidbit. Thinking about her parents brought back the fact no one knew where they were. Hands clutching at the vanity to keep herself upright, Krista fought for air. She couldn’t believe she’d forgotten, even for a few minutes, that they were MIA. A knock on the door had her jolting upright from the slouched position she’d sunk into. “Yeah?” “You okay in there?” “Yup, all good.” Pulling open the door, she flashed a smile and

prayed he didn’t notice how brittle she felt inside. She really should have known better. Viper was much too observant. His hand lifted to cup her cheek, spreading warmth out from the contact point to heat her blood. The action caught her off guard. This wasn’t the first time he’d done something to throw her since this nightmare had begun. It warmed her heart to realize she was breaking through the wall he’d been keeping between them. “We will find them,” he said quietly.

It figured he would zero in on where her mind had gone. “But will they be alive?” That was the burning question, and one that even Viper didn’t have an answer to. Instead, he drew Krista into his arms and hugged her close. Knowing how rare it was for this man to allow anyone to touch him, let alone for him to offer comfort, she returned the hug and held on. Krista was hoping she could soak in some of his indomitable strength. A hand stroked up and then down her back before settling

above her waistband. “Come on, pipsqueak. Let’s head downstairs for breakfast, and then figure out how to kill a few hours while keeping me from killing everyone crowded in here.” She had to snort at his words. “You would never do it. You may not like them all, but they are extended family in a way, which means they have sanctuary here. Even from you.” “Damn it, why are you being the voice of reason all of a sudden?”

A smile, one she knew he’d been playing for, curved her lips. Tilting her head back to let him see he’d achieved his goal, she clicked her tongue. “Someone has to be.” “Excellent point.” He was watching her mouth, and for a moment she thought he might kiss her. Instead, he brushed a finger along her lower lip before releasing her from his hold. “For being the smart one around here, you get to be my assistant for the day. I still have Blackie’s bike to fix. Some yahoo thought bringing it over

from the shop with all my tools was a good idea.” “Bones or Kip probably had a prospect do it. They know what you’re like when you get bored.” She followed at his heels and was shocked when he slipped his hand into hers before they went down the stairs. “Viper, what are you doing?” He didn’t respond, only giving her a look that had her wondering what was going on inside his head. Like everyone in the club, she knew the bland

expression he often wore was nothing more than a façade. Viper was smart—scary smart, actually. He had a serious IQ, higher than hers, she grudgingly had to admit, and thought carefully through everything. Only twice that she knew about had he given into instinct and acted before considering all the angles. The first had been when Nico, Krista’s kid brother, had gotten into trouble in the city. Both Viper and her dad had gone off the deep end and stormed to the city to

get him free from that trouble. Krista didn’t know all the details, only the bare bones she’d gleaned from overheard conversations. But she did know her brother had called from jail. She still didn’t know how he’d ended up there, only that her father and Viper had stormed in full throttle and had barely managed not to end up in the cell next to Nico’s. Her brother had been grounded for months after that, and to this day wouldn’t speak about what had landed him there or what all had gone down in

the aftermath. The second had been to rescue her own stupid self. In high school, she’d gone to a party her father had strictly forbidden her to attend. Her mother had been visiting her sister in Colorado at the time, and Krista had been a stupid teenager figuring what Daddy didn’t know wouldn’t land her in hot water. Boy, had she been wrong. Viper and her dad had brought the entire club, stormed the party, and Viper had managed to save her drunk ass from being

raped. Someone had slipped a roofie into her drink. While she didn’t remember much from that night, she definitely remembered the aftermath. Her dad had been in a cold fury for days, and Viper hadn’t been able to look at her. Hadn’t really looked at her until last night in all these years. Normally his icy gaze would skate over her, and if he was forced to speak, he’d be looking at something well behind her. Krista had never overindulged again and had trained

herself to keep her hand covering her drink whenever she wasn’t watching it directly. It had been a hard lesson learned, but she had learned it. She also knew through the grapevine that Viper had gone back and taken care of the two boys. She did not want to know what he had done and would never ask. Probably. Viper was someone that made her natural curiosity kick into overdrive. While she might not be brave enough to ask about his club business yet, that night and what

he’d done later fell outside that circle. Maybe one day she’d garner the lady balls to ask him and brave whatever he might have to say.

Chapter Six “What’s wrong with it?” “It won’t start,” Viper said. “Okay, I get that, but what’s wrong with it?” He narrowed his eyes at Krista. “It won’t start. If you ask that question one more time, I swear to God I will not be responsible for what I do.” She appeared to be considering it and then shrugged and held up her hands to pacify him. “It died on

Blackie two days before he headed to Utah. I haven’t been able to get it started again and can’t find any reason for it. I’ve replaced the starter, the sparkplugs, checked all the leads and lines. I’ve done every damn thing I can think to, and nada. Fucking thing will not turn over and won’t even make a peep to let me know if I’m heading in the right direction.” “Huh, okay. What’s the game plan, then?” He had no fucking idea. But it was better to be out in the garage

messing with the bike than stuck inside with the sweetbutts, members, prospects, and family. It was way too loud and chaotic in there. Plus, he’d seen the way Krista had reacted when Spirit, a piece of club pussy, had brought him a coffee refill during breakfast. She’d been fucking ready to tear Spirit’s eyes out for leaning against his arm rubbing her fake tits all over him. Viper knew Spirit had been hoping to lure him away from Krista for a quick fuck, but he hadn’t even been tempted. When she’d first shown

up it had taken maybe two seconds for Viper to clue in that she was a scheming bitch. Today, she hadn’t had a fucking chance. Krista’s jealousy had set his mind to spinning. He’d realized she wasn’t over him any more than he was over her. While Viper had done his damnedest to stay far from her in the hopes of lessening the pull, it had been in vain. She still had a hold over him, and he know knew he still had one over her. He still remembered finding her that night long ago. The rage

he’d felt tear through him seeing her laid out bare, drugged, and about to be set upon by two college guys who individually outweighed her, had no equal. Not once in his thirty-eight years had he ever been that fucking angry. If not for the fact he’d needed to protect Krista, he likely would have killed those two boys with his bare hands. He knew he definitely wouldn’t have cared one iota. Even now, thinking about the young, vulnerable girl Krista had been got his blood pressure soaring.

“Oh, Viper.” Cringing at Spirit’s words in her husky, come-hither tone, Viper peeked over at Krista. She was on full alert, and if he wasn’t mistaken had her claws out ready for battle. “There you are, sugar,” Spirit said in a breathy tone. Then she caught sight of Krista. Her voice wasn’t set to lure any longer; it was set to cut when she opened her mouth again. “I didn’t realize she was out here.” Viper edged between the two women. While he was always ready

to sit back and watch a good oldfashioned cat fight, he couldn’t guarantee Spirit walking away if she laid hands on Krista. “What the fuck are you doing out here, Spirit?” She sidled closer to walk her long nails up his chest. “I saw you duck out and knew you were only waiting on me. It’s been so long, lover.” He caught Krista stiffening in his periphery. Rolling his eyes, he moved Spirit’s hand off his chest. “You and I have never fucked, and

never will. Now get your two-bit ass back inside where it’s supposed to be. We’re under lockdown, and unless you are escorted from the clubhouse by a member, you do not fucking leave. I was quite clear about that.” Spirit wasn’t about to be thwarted. She waved a hand and then tossed her hair back over a shoulder to thrust her barely contained tits toward him. Viper didn’t bite. He kept his gaze locked on Spirit’s face. Which meant he was able to catch the subtle

confusion she displayed. He could almost see her shifting gears. “But this is me, darling. I know we’ve been dancing around one another and this isn’t exactly the most ideal time. Then again, what better time than now when we won’t be disturbed for hours? Send the little girl on her way and let a real woman occupy your time.” He shot a hand back to halt Krista’s forward momentum. Viper pulled out his phone and sent a quick text. “Last chance, Spirit. Get your ass inside the clubhouse.”

She pouted and grumbled under her breath. “I can’t believe you’d want that over all this, Viper.” Stone wandered up to the garage entrance. “Problem here?” “Nope, Spirit was just leaving. Permanently. Her services are no longer required, and all affiliation and protection from the club is lifted.” The look on Spirit’s face made his crappy day better. “Gather her stuff, only her stuff, and escort her to the bus depot on Main. Remain there until she leaves town. Take a couple prospects with

you. Follow the bus until it clears the town limits.” “You can’t do that, Viper!” Her screech had him flinching at the volume. “Actually, I can. Stone, see to it, please.” “With pleasure.” The giant grabbed Spirit’s arm and hauled her from the garage. Spirit continued to alternately beg and scream that she’d get revenge on Viper for this. Viper shook his head, turned to look at Krista, and found her

watching him. He figured not saying anything was the best plan. With that in mind, he moved around her to return to staring at the bike. Only he didn’t make it. Her soft hand latched onto his bicep. He didn’t shake it off because she was one of the few people he could stand to touch him. She didn’t say anything. Not right away. She stood there staring up at him with her big grey eyes and looked to be searching for something. Maybe she’d found it. After giving his arm a squeeze, she

let her hand slide off and stepped away. “I could have taken her, you know.” “I know. While it would have been exciting to watch you kick her scrawny ass, had she gotten in a lucky punch I would have lost it.” He wasn’t kidding. Anyone that hurt Krista would be lucky to live to tell the tale. She seemed to be his one hot button in life. That wasn’t a revelation he was happy to have. His admission earned him a speculative look. “Well, okay, then. Glad we’re on the same page.”

Not quite sure what to say to that, he continued to the bike. Hopping up onto a work bench, he stared at the disobedient machine while running through his internal checklist. He had to be missing something. There was no other explanation for it. When Krista wandered his way, he slid off the bench, hoisted her up, and then retook his seat. Nothing was happening when the key turned. Naturally, that made him think it was the starter, but he’d replaced it. The sparkplugs

were fine, there was fuel, and all the lines were clear. He might need to pull the engine out and check it piece by piece. God, that would be a fucking chore, but he had nothing else. “You look like you’ve come up with a plan. Going to share?” “I think I have to pull the engine. There’s nothing else I can do at this point that I haven’t done. It’ll be a chore and a half, but it’s the only other step to be taken. Blackie’s going to blow a fit if he gets back and sees the beast in

pieces.” “When’s he due back?” “Two weeks, if he doesn’t decide to head back early. He’ll give us a head’s up when he hits the road, but it won’t be much lead time if I still have this in pieces.” “Then you should probably get started. The more you procrastinate, the less time you have to work on it and the closer his return date gets.” “Yeah, right.” She had a valid point, but it didn’t exactly motivate him. Viper was flying blind with

this damn bike. Not a sensation he liked. Normally, he had at least a clue where he needed to go with the work. The beast was not being cooperative. He slid off the bench and motioned for her to remain in place, and then went to get his tools. He had to remove some pieces before he could pull the engine free. Best to do it himself so he could find everything again when he needed to put it back together. After tossing a drop cloth down on an empty section of

concrete, he got busy. One way or another, he would get this fucking machine to work.

Chapter Seven Krista tasted the sauce and nodded. Not bad. A check on the pasta to ensure it was on schedule and she threw the bread into the oven to warm. Humming softly, she turned to finish the salad and then began to set up the bar with plates, utensils, and other items folks might want with the meal. Heat pooled in her gut, letting her know that Viper was watching her. She lifted her head

and glanced around until she found him. He was leaning on the railing overlooking the pool table and talking to a couple other members, but his attention was locked on her. For the last two days, the club had been in lockdown. The only time anyone left was with two club members playing watchdog. Krista hadn’t budged once from the clubhouse and grounds. The sheriff had stopped round to check on her as a friend—and on a more official basis with questions about her own trouble, and they’d given an update

on what the department had. Which wasn’t much. She knew she might also be a target, and without anything new on the case involving her parents, she couldn’t put anyone that went with her at risk. Especially Viper, who she knew would absolutely insist on being her guard. Since the night she’d called him for help, Krista had noticed a subtle shift between them. No longer was he ignoring her. Hell, the man practically sought her out whenever she wasn’t in his

sightline. Each night, he slept on top of the blankets but held her close, and each night she slept without dreams. She had a feeling if he hadn’t been there she’d be fighting through nightmares. Krista could feel them trying to invade even her waking mind. She was filled with thoughts that revolved about the what-ifs. One good thing was the report on the blood: it wasn’t her parents’. Which meant either her mother or father managed to hurt someone that had come at them.

Her dad would never put her mother at risk, and while her mom was a wildcat when cornered she wouldn’t endanger Krista’s dad. Everyone’s best guess was that Duke had gotten off a lucky shot or two before the odds were turned from their favor. From what the crime scene folks could determine, there had been three, possibly four, assailants who’d stormed the house and taken her folks. The big questions still up in the air were why and where. Currently, the sheriff and all his

people were working on the where. The why could damn well wait until her parents were home safe where they fucking belonged. “You’re scowling again. We’ll find them, Krista.” Glancing up at Viper, she nodded and then had to fight the tears stinging her eyes. She turned to head back to the stove to stir the sauce. “I know.” But each hour they were missing made it harder to believe they’d be found in one piece. There’d been no ransom demand, no statement sent to the

club—no word at all. All Krista wanted was to know her mom and dad were safe. Large, warm hands landed on her hips and slid around to cross over her belly. His cheek pressed to hers a moment later, rough with the stubble he never shaved off. She liked that about Viper; he was always a little scruffy around the edges and didn’t care what others thought. Leaning into his warmth, she fought harder to contain the tears. It wasn’t the time for them. When her parents were home, then

she could cry. Instead, she focused on Viper. He was becoming more openly demonstrative around the others. Each caress from him gave her hope that maybe he was done pushing her away. That maybe, just maybe, they could have a real relationship with the sickeningly cute nicknames, kisses in front of others, and all that fun stuff. “Do you need a hand?” he asked. Grateful he wasn’t pushing, she stayed in place a little longer before easing away. She stared up at

his rugged face. Krista could gladly gaze at him for days. His black hair —though he needed a haircut— really made his green eyes pop. It took effort to drag her thoughts away from plans to tear his shirt off. “If you could strain the pasta for me.” “Can do.” She squeezed his hand and let go. He hefted the large pot and took it to the sink while she turned off the burners. She split the sauce into two bowls and stuck in a couple ladles, and took them to the

bar. Once the pasta was split into two mounds, she called for everyone to come and eat before grabbing the bread from the oven. After plating up for herself and Viper, she let him pick their spot to sit and eat. His warmth at her side, and the wild conversations going on around them, let her relax for a time. It was hard to find any enjoyment, even with the shenanigans right before them, when her worry kept bubbling up to the surface. It was why she’d been finding, or creating, jobs to

keep herself busy the last two days. Between helping Viper with Blackie’s bike, she’d scrubbed the clubhouse top to bottom twice, and had even organized her father ’s office. Which would likely get her yelled at for screwing with his system. Not that the man actually had a system. Chaos theory made more sense than her father ’s filing. Dinner was a huge success, or she assumed it was, given there were no leftovers. Several folks went back for seconds. A couple even went for thirds. Thrilled

everyone had enjoyed the food, Krista got up to start cleaning only to find herself yanked down onto Viper ’s lap. “She who cooks does not clean. The prospects have dish duty.” A groan went up and was quickly silenced at a hard look from Viper. “Right, dishes. No biggie, we can handle it,” Aeron said. He waved the others up to help gather the dishes and carry everything into the kitchen. Krista pressed her lips together hard to hold in the laugh.

Turning her head, she clicked her tongue. “While it is impressive how you use that death glare, do you really think that was necessary?” “Absolutely,” he said. Tightening his hold on her, he drew her in closer. “You’ve done enough for today, pipsqueak. Besides, they’ve been slacking off since we’ve been in lockdown. The least the little shits can do is lend a hand with the dishes. You have the night off.” “Oh goodie.” At least if she’d been doing the clean-up, it would

have kept her mind occupied for a time. Now she didn’t know what to do to keep from worrying. “Less sarcasm would be appreciated, Krista. I get it, but you’ve already got this fucking joint looking better than it has in years. Tonight you and I are going to chill out. I have a movie selection already set out upstairs. After you have a long, hot soak in the tub, we’ll watch a couple flicks, enjoy some popcorn, and relax.” Krista slapped the back of her hand to his forehead and

frowned. “You don’t have a fever. All right, what have you done to the real Dillon ‘Viper ’ Kendrick, you alien freak?” “Ha ha.” Tugging her hand away from his face, he didn’t look amused. “You’re such a comedian, Krista. I’m also not kidding either. Tonight you’re going to veg out.” “And since you seem to have taken on the watchdog role, that means you’ll be participating in this veg-out too, right?” “Naturally. I take my responsibilities seriously.”

A quick glance around showed there was no one near enough to hear her next question if she kept her voice pitched low enough. “Why did you take on the duty? You could have easily passed it onto someone else. Like a prospect, for example.” Taking a breath, Krista decided to go all in. It might very well be a huge mistake, but as her mother often told her, without taking the occasional leap, you risked missing out on something truly remarkable. “Not that I’m complaining. I’ve

liked having you close, and I definitely like being in your arms. It’s been nice to have you being so attentive, given you haven’t exactly seemed to tolerate me much the last few years.” For a long time, they stared at one another. She had to wonder around the minute mark if he intended to ever answer her, or hoped she’d blink first, therefore allowing him to blow off the questions. Finally, he heaved a sigh, looked looking away, and lifted a hand to rub over his jaw. Maybe he

was planning on answering. Not that she’d hold her breath. Getting anything from Viper that he didn’t want to share was a lesson in futility, according to her father. “I made a promise to your dad—this was years ago—that I’d always look out for you and your brother. At the time it seemed an easy gig. Little did I realize you two might take some serious work to keep safe. Then things settled back down after the whole teenagehormone phase. Didn’t think anything of it again until your call

the other night. Yes, I could have delegated and got a prospect or other member to look out for you. And it’s not even that promise any more. It’s something else entirely that I can’t explain. Let’s leave it at that. Pretty sure that covers my quota for the year where I’m required to discuss my feelings and shit like that.” Krista could see how uncomfortable he was admitting that much. While her gut had bottomed out at his admission about the promise, the butterflies

had wiggled at his words that it wasn’t only the promise making him watch over her. She could have left it alone, but on the other hand, it felt wrong to leave anything unsaid. Stepping in closer to him, she put a hand on his chest. “Viper, it’s been different between us these last few days. I can feel it, I know it. I realize talking about emotions goes against whatever guy code you seem to all live by, but I need to know one thing right now. Are you planning on throwing up the wall like before and shutting me out

again?” He shook his head. “No.” It wasn’t an undying declaration of love, but it was better than nothing. Men were such stubborn creatures, and she knew better than to go head to head with one. If she’d learned anything from watching her parent’s relationship, it was to ease a man into an idea gentle. Blunt force accomplished nothing except irritation. So she’d keep working on him little by little until he finally gave her the words she needed to hear—however he

needed to say them. He was worth it.

Chapter Eight Two movies and three bowls of popcorn later, Krista was settled in his bed while Viper showered. She’d already had her turn in the bathroom, and had nearly been asleep by the time he’d returned to the room after doing a walk through the club. He stepped from the shower, quickly dried off, and tugged on sweatpants. He towel-dried his hair enough to keep it from dripping

and then went to join Krista. The last three nights had been pure torture. Sleeping with her in his arms, her scent permeating his personal space, and the heat from her body was enough to drive any man to insanity. Viper had always considered himself to be a strongwilled individual. Then he’d decided keeping an eye on Krista meant staying in the same room with her. He was not nearly as strong as he’d once believed. Slowly, he was wearing down. Viper didn’t know what it would

mean when the last thread snapped, but he had a feeling he’d be breaking his other promise to Duke when it did. “My baby girl will make her own choices. I fucking know that. Doesn’t mean I can’t do everything in my power to protect her. I don’t want her getting pulled into this life. Not now, and not in the future by hooking up with a MC member. She will have a normal life, a happy life, and one free from the drama and shit that the MC brings about. That means she is never, ever to be involved with a MC member.

If anyone decides to go against my request, I will hunt you down, beat you until the specter of Death appears, bring you back, and repeat until I’ve finally bore enough punishment. Make no mistake. I don’t care who you are, I will kill any man in the MC that makes a play or hooks up with Krista.” Even now, the man’s words reverberated through his head like they’d been spoken only moments ago. Pausing in the doorway, Viper stared at Krista’s sleeping form. She was restless right now, and he knew

from experience she wouldn’t settle until he wrapped himself around her. “Sorry, old man, but I might have to break my word to you,” he whispered into the darkness. He crossed the wood floor and hesitated a moment before lifting the blankets and sliding underneath. If he was going to break a promise, he might as well go all the way fucking in. What was one more sin on his platter anyway? He’d have to give the devil his due one day, but it would not be tonight.

Krista wiggled in closer to him and let out a happy, wordless murmur when he wrapped her up in his arms. He brushed a kiss to her cheek and pressed his nose against her throat to breathe her in. Her pulse beat at a steady rate against his lips, slowly pulling him into a trancelike state. His body relaxed, his mind cleared, and then there was nothing but her. **** A knock on the door had Viper jolting awake. Krista stirred when the knock came again. “Go

back to sleep, Krista,” he said against her ear. He kissed her neck and then slid from the bed and tucked her back in to keep her from sight. He yanked the door open and squinted into the light from the hall. Moving out next to Blade, he shaded his eyes. “What’s going on?” “Sheriff called. He’s on his way out to see us.” It was ten after two in the morning by the clock on the wall over Blade’s shoulder. A chill slid

down his spine. No cop showed up at that hour when it wasn’t bad news. “Did he say what it was about?” “Some information he has for us that he thinks we could handle better than his office.” The claws clutching his heart loosened slightly. “I’ll be down in five.” He needed to get dressed and decide if waking Krista was worth it. If he didn’t and it was bad news, she’d never forgive him. If he did and it turned out to be a wild-goose chase, it would lift her hopes and

potentially crush them. He slipped out of the room, found clothes, and quickly changed. By the time he slid his cut on, he’d made his decision, and moved to sit on the bed by her hip. Gently, he shook her shoulder. “Krista. Wake up, pipsqueak.” She grumbled and then sat up fast enough to give herself whiplash. “What’s wrong?” Viper cupped her face to make her look at him. “Nothing, I hope. The sheriff is coming out with what Blade passed along to be

some information he thinks the club can handle better than his deputies. I don’t know more than that and won’t until he gets here. It could be nothing or it could well be something. I thought you’d want to be in on this.” He only hoped he wasn’t making a huge mistake. “Get dressed and meet me downstairs.” She grabbed his arm when he would have pulled away. “Viper?” “I will be right there with you for whatever happens,” he promised. Leaning in, he pressed a

kiss to her cheek. “Get dressed. He’ll be here soon.” He forced himself to move and leave her to get ready. Heading down the stairs, he noticed the members were all there in a various states. Some looked like they hadn’t even found their beds yet. All were drinking coffee and attempting to wake up or sober up. The club pussy was nowhere to be seen. A good thing, that; they were not to ever be privy to club business. They had one role in the club. Viper accepted the cup a

prospect handed him and went to fill it from a coffee carafe sitting on a table near Stone and Clutch. Taking the seat between them, he sipped while watching the stairs. His body knew she was coming before he saw her. At the top of the stairs, Krista paused while taking in the scene below. He waited to see if she’d come down or turn around and return to his room. He’d told her she could be there, but it was up to her to make the choice. Finally, she began padding down the stairs. She

moved cautiously, clearly trying to not appear nervous at the curious looks the other members were shooting her. Only when she reached the bottom did he hold out a hand to her. She looked at it like it was a life preserver in choppy, uncertain waters. Locking his fingers with hers, he tugged her onto his knee and slipped his arm around her waist. He offered up his cup to her. “No creamer, sorry.” “I’ll make do,” she murmured. Krista kept her eyes

downcast while she took a sip and handed it back to him. Spreading his fingers over her belly, he pulled her up his thigh and in close to his body. He took another gulp from the mug before giving it back to her and resting his cheek to her shoulder. He had no idea how long they’d have to wait for James to arrive, but whatever it was, it was too long. Tension was high in the club, none more so than in Krista. She was practically vibrating in his lap with nerves. Finally, the front doors

opened to reveal the exhaustedlooking sheriff. He paused when the room turned as one to look his way. With a nod to them, he accepted a mug and came over to sit across from Viper. “What’s the news?” Clutch asked after the sheriff had filled the cup and taken a couple long sips from it. “Nothing definitive yet, but I think we might be onto something. Bad news is it looks to be linked to Porter and another club you’ve had dealings with in the past.”

Viper frowned. No club the Scoundrels had ever dealt with would hook up with Porter. They all knew what that asshole had done to their club. Unless James meant a club they were not on good terms with. “Who?” he demanded. Krista flinched at the coldness in his voice. He hugged her closer and rubbed a thumb up and down her belly to ease her and let her know it wasn’t directed her way. James tore off a sheet from his notebook and held it out. “You didn’t get this from me, and I don’t

want to know nothing about what you’re going to do with it. Crystal Creek stays clear and we can continue our happy little relationship.” Viper took the paper. “Always, Sheriff. The Scoundrels would never do anything to endanger the good folks of Crystal Creek, and we definitely would not do anything that might damage our relationship with the town’s police department.” “Glad we understand one another.” Finishing his coffee,

James stood up. “Thanks for the brew. It’s going to be a long night and I definitely needed it. Sorry to disturb you folks so late. Have a good night.” Viper waited until the sheriff left before he flipped the paper over to read it. ‘Devil’s Blood’ was written in slashing lines on the page. A MC whose mother charter was in Louisiana but had recently set up a charter outside Carrizozo, New Mexico. The Scoundrels had indeed had a run in with them, and not a good one. They’d mutually

decided to keep to their own territory, which wasn’t difficult given the distance between their turfs. For a Devil’s Blood to come all the way to Crystal Creek, though, that was an act of all-out war. He looked up to Bones, who had moved in closer when James had torn out that sheet. “We need to find out if this is rumor or if there’s truth here,” Viper said. “Duke will kick all our asses if we go off half-cocked after them, especially after working on that truce to mutually ignore one

another.” “Oh, I think he’ll be kicking your ass anyway, boy.” The older man had an amused expression on his face before turning serious. “I have a couple old war buddies that live around Carrizozo. I’ll see if they’ve heard anything through the pipeline, and if the news warrants it, we’ll get a few boys to head up that way.” Bones took the sheet, folded it, and stuck it in a pocket. “All right, folks, everyone hit their respective racks. We have things to

do come dawn. You all need to be sober and rested.” Viper lifted Krista off his lap, stood, and tugged her back to the stairs. He knew she had to be burning with questions to pepper him with. That she hadn’t yet meant she knew better than to voice them around the group. Whether it was a good thing she was staying quiet or merely waiting to get him alone to go off the deep end, he would soon find out.

Chapter Nine Krista waited until they were back in his room even though she was itching to throw questions at him. She knew better than to question something decided by the club in front of the others. Behind closed doors was entirely different. Or that was what her mother had always told her. She moved to sit on the bed and crossed her legs while he locked the door. Shrugging from his

cut, he moved to her side and settled down on his back. “The suspense is killing me,” he said finally. Krista hid her smile and shifted around to face him. “You didn’t think I would actually start popping off questions in front of the others, did you?” “No, I knew you wouldn’t. But we’re alone now, and I know you have questions. I felt your little twitches. Dead giveaway, that.” Huh, I hadn’t realized I’d twitched. “Who are the Devil’s

Blood? I mean, I get they’re another MC and you’ve obviously had contact with them in the past, but are they a concern?” She watched him and knew he was running scenarios through his head—what to tell her, and what her probable reaction would be. Finally, he drew his legs up to rest his arms on his knees. “They are a concern. We have had contact in the past. It didn’t end well. Their mother chapter is in Louisiana but recently expanded to include another chapter about two miles

outside Carrizozo. We naturally got word they were setting up, but with the distance between us we let them be. They didn’t have the same respect and came to Crystal Creek to check us out without a head’s up. We ended up kicking their asses out of the county and put in a call to the mother chapter. Apologies were rendered, but the trust has been lost.” “Do you really believe they had anything to do with my parents being taken?” She couldn’t stop the quiver in her voice. He reached out

and tangled his fingers with hers, the touch instantly steadying her. “You heard the sheriff. Porter killed our last president and swore vengeance against the club. If he has been in talks with the Devils, then it’s completely plausible they’re helping him. First step would be to chip at our charter. Going for the new president would a big part of that.” Krista did not like the sound of that. Whimpering, she pressed a hand to her mouth to hold back everything else attempting to break

loose. She should have known Viper wouldn’t react like she’d assumed. The guy didn’t seem to have issues with her tears like some men did. He moved until she was between his legs and his arms were holding her tight. Burying her face in his arm, she let go. All the worry and stress from the last couple days started pouring out. When she had nothing left and her face felt tight from the crying jag, she lifted her head. Viper hadn’t said anything during her cry. He’d stroked her hair and

back, rocking her through it, but hadn’t said a word. She’d never met a man who hadn’t at least once begged a woman to stop the tears. Not him, though. It figured he’d be different. “Sorry,” she whispered. She kept her head down and wiped at her cheeks. He definitely did not need to see the mess her face had become. Scooting to the edge of the bed, she stood and headed for the bathroom. But he caught her before she’d gotten too far. She tried to shake him off to no avail. The

bugger held tight. “Viper, let go.” He didn’t listen. With a tug, he had her in his lap, a hand cupping her cheek before the squeal she let loose fully formed. For a few heartbeats, he stared at her and then slid his calloused thumb over her cheek. “Be quick in there,” he told her. The husky voice had her thighs clenching, but she gave him a nod. When he let her go, Krista took off fast for the bathroom and shut herself inside. Her first look at her reflection had her cringing. Her

eyes were puffy, and her cheeks were blotchy and streaked with leftover mascara. Fucking hell, she was one hot mama. Groaning, she turned the water on cold and went to work to fix the damage crying had left. By the time she’d finished, her eyes were still a bit puffy, but at least she didn’t look like a complete fucking train wreck any longer. She ran her fingers through her hair, paused, and then started hunting for the hair tie she’d used the last couple nights. She’d forgotten, yet again, to tie it back

earlier. Since she’d thought about it, Krista figured better late than tangled rat’s nest. Once she had it in hand, Krista grabbed her brush. Then, and only then, did she return to join Viper. He sat up from the lounge he’d been in and shifted on the bedding. Patting the bed between his legs, he held a hand out for the brush. Krista hesitated before crawling onto the bed and settling before him with her knees drawn up. She wrapped her arms around them while he began brushing her

hair slowly. It was soothing to have someone else do it. When she’d been a little girl, her mother had done it each night before Krista had crawled into bed. She didn’t know how long he brushed, but eventually she felt a familiar tugging. He was braiding her hair for her. Hiding a grin against her knee, she held up the tie when she knew he was close to the ends. When he finished, he flipped the tail over her shoulder. Viper wrapped his arms around her and tugged her back into his heat.

“I didn’t know you knew how to do that,” she said. Krista let her head fall back to rest on his shoulder and then let her eyelids drift down. “I am a man of many talents,” he said into her ear. “That you are.” The man could build a bike from scratch, had an uncanny ability to ferret out the truth, and could remain calm under fire. Krista also knew he could cook like a five-star chef but rarely did so. Her mother had managed to get him to cook for

their weekly dinner once. Krista still didn’t know how her mom had done it, but she was ninety-nine percent sure there’d been some blackmail involved. Nadine had known Viper a long time. Sadly, Krista had been in school and missed that meal. Which had her shifting to look up at him. “What would it take to convince you to cook for me?” She felt him still. Like a predator figuring the odds in regards to its prey. “What are you talking about?”

“Come on, Viper. We both know you can cook better than my mother could ever hope to even with the all the classes she’s taken. So what’s it going to take to get a meal?” “For you?” At her enthusiastic nod, he blew out a noisy breath. “You’re going to completely trash my hard-ass reputation.” “Viper.” “Damn you, woman. Fine, I’ll cook you something one day soon. Not at the clubhouse, though.

I need to attempt to keep the others from finding out I can cook. We’ll do it at my place when it’s safe again.” “Pinky swear, Viper.” Krista held up the finger in question and nearly burst out laughing at his disgusted expression when she gave it a wiggle. She used to make all the guys pinky swear with her back in the day. Viper had been the only one who’d resisted and told her flat out that if he gave his word that was all she needed. “You are twenty-six fucking

years old, Krista. How the hell have you not outgrown that idiocy?” “Don’t be a hater biker-boy, babe. I know you think you are too mature for such things at the ripe old age of thirty-eight, but I don’t give two shits. You wrap your digit around mine and swear like your life depends on it. If you don’t, I promise to tell the club about the time I saw you steal Mrs. O’Shane’s nightie to cover yourself after diving outta Joanne Leonard’s place when her husband came home early.” That memory still stung, but

she was a big girl and would deal. She was also not above using that particular information for all out blackmail when the need called for it. And she had some serious dirt on one particular biker, that incident only one of a great many. It had help when, until recently, he’d never seemed to notice she was around. “You wouldn’t.” Amused by the absolute horror he portrayed, she wiggled her finger again and plastered on a smirk. “You have my terms.”

“Does your father know you’re this evil?” “I can’t believe you asked that. Have you even met the woman who gave me life and nurtured me to what I am today? Puh-lease.” “Valid point. I do this under protest.” Viper then gave her the most grudging pinky swear she’d ever born witness to. It was damned pathetic, really. “Noted, and personally, I don’t care. I have your word and our bond through the sacred act that you’ll cook for me. My life is

now one step closer to being complete.” If she could get him to admit he loved her, she’d be a happy, happy woman.

Chapter Ten “Why the fuck are we sitting on our thumbs, man?” “You know the rules. We don’t budge until the prez or in this case acting prez says we do.” “But they have our president and his old lady. This shit can’t stand.” “And it won’t.” Both prospects jerked around to stare at him. “We’ll move, but not until we have all the intel. If we go in there

guns blazing, we could get them or ourselves killed. Neither option is acceptable to me, and it fucking wouldn’t be acceptable to Duke either. Now, I know for a fact you both have tasks to attend to. Get on them before I kick your asses.” Viper waited until they took off for different areas and turned to look at the others in the clubhouse. Shoving a hand through his hair, he headed for the meeting room. The members needed to sit down, go over the intel they had¸ and figure out their next move. Because,

despite what he’d told the prospects, the club would be moving. Sooner than later. He shut the door behind him, moved to his seat, and practically fell into it. “Someone tell me again why we need prospects around here?” “They do all the shit we’re too lazy to do. It’s fun to boss them around and see how far we can push them. And eventually some of us will kick the bucket, which leaves empty seats at the table,” Dino answered him, ticking off the

answers on his fingers. “Right, sure,” Viper muttered. Bones chuckled and then leaned forward in his seat. “Blade, Stone why don’t you share what you’ve dug up with the group?” Blade waved Stone to go ahead first. “Porter is still down in Texas. According to our friends down there, he’s been a busy little shit. Picked up a dozen burners, has been in and out of the bank, and has had several visitors while he’s supposedly sitting at his

mother ’s bedside. The club sent in a couple prospects, casual-like, to get a gander. He’s been having meetings down in the cafeteria there. They couldn’t get close enough to hear anything, but they did get some video and several photos. A couple looked familiar to our friends, so they sent me everything and I sent it along to the sheriff to see if he could dig anything up on them. No hits yet, but he’s only gotten through three or four, last I talked to him.” “Keep communication open

with our friends. We need to know every move that weasel makes,” Bones said. Then he tipped his chin up at Blade. “What’ve you got?” “Me and Bender took a ride out to Carrizozo and did some digging around incognito. The Devil’s Blood has not been making friends in town, I can tell you that much. Basically, they’re being dicks, throwing their weight around, and acting like schoolyard bullies. We caught a show while we were there. Fuckers were harassing a couple young girls. If not for Bones telling

us to keep our heads down, we’d have busted theirs in. Fuckers give us outlaw MCs a bad fucking name with that shit.” “Put it on their bill,” Viper said. “We’ll be sure to collect for it in the future.” “You got it.” Blade rolled his shoulders. “We did overhear some talk that the clubhouse is apparently under heavier than normal guard. That they have a couple special care packages which require extra attention, and yes, that’s an exact quote. Could be

anything, but it got me to thinking.” “Oh hell. There was your first mistake, brother.” Blade shot Kip the bird and kept on talking. “I made some additional inquiries and talked to a couple shop owners who were quite chatty. They were also super helpful and more than willing to do anything to get the Devils permanently removed from their county. One guy told me about the convoy that went through near dawn the morning after the dinner

party. Said it was odd. They had a couple vans and all the bikes were up on a flatbed. He only saw them roll through because he’d had to go in early for a delivery that was a day late. “Another business owner, a lovely lady who supplied us with pie, told me that she’d seen a couple of the Devil boys in the general store picking up a few things and overheard them talking about a mouthy old lady.” “Did she happen to say anything else about their

conversation?” Bones asked. “When I asked, she said that she’d heard the one say he was stunned their prez was taking the old lady’s crap seemingly lying down. The other said that Gin, their prez, couldn’t do anything about it. That if he started anything, it would be all-out war.” Viper looked at Bones and saw from his expression that the man was likely having the same thoughts as Viper. Information that could well point to the Devils holding their prez and his old lady.

No hard evidence, though, and that was a fucking downer. “We need eyes on that clubhouse. Several sets to get a look inside, if possible, to determine one-hundred percent they are there and where they are being held. We can’t go in there blind, so someone damn well find the plans for that building.” They wouldn’t be going for diplomacy; they would be going in hard and with the intent to destroy those that helped their enemies. “Agreed,” Bones said. He called for volunteers, and after

discussing a few more details, Bones banged the gavel to end the meeting. When Viper would have stood to leave, Bones waved him back down into his chair. Willing to see what his brother wanted, he sat back and waited until the last man out pulled the door shut. “How’s Krista handling this?” “Better than I would have thought. She’s had a couple moments where everything’s caught up to her.” Viper had been there for both times, holding tight

until she’d lifted her chin and forced herself to keep moving. She was strong and determined. “Is Duke going to have to kick your ass around the block?” Snorting, Viper cocked an eyebrow. “Maybe, maybe not. It’s not like I’m going to tell you one way or the other. I am a man of honor and don’t kiss and tell. If there was any kissing, and I’m not saying there was or wasn’t.” “Good God, boy, you should’ve been a lawyer.” Bones shook his head while his laughter

died off. “How much have you been telling her?” “Everything. I haven’t kept a thing from her since that night. It’s her parents and she deserves to know where we stand on every single fucking thing. I can tell she’s getting nervous the more time that passes. Not that I fucking blame her. I don’t like leaving our family out there under unknown conditions.” “I hear ya there. Hopefully we can get this resolved in the next day or two. Speaking of which, we

need to send someone out on a shopping run. We’re starting to get low on the essentials around here. I was thinking Krista might like to be in charge on this go, which means you’ll be going along and you should take at least one other.” It was a good idea. Krista was getting batty sitting around doing nothing. A grocery run wasn’t overly exciting but would get her away from the clubhouse for a spell. “I’ll take Stone with me and a prospect to haul bags.” “Sounds good. Grab some

more popcorn while you’re out. The old ladies want to do a movie night for the kids after dinner. Then they plan to let them sleep out on the floor down here, since Krista scrubbed it down to the supports.” “Right.” He pushed to his feet and headed around the table to the door. “Sure it’s not for you instead?” “Nope, all for the kids, and that’s the story I’m sticking with.” “Keep telling yourself that, old man.” He slapped Bones on the shoulder.

Viper checked the kitchen for Krista. Only she wasn’t in there. He found out from Bones’s daughter that she’d gone upstairs. He thanked her and went off to find his woman. The thought of Krista as his woman crossed his mind quickly, naturally, and didn’t have him breaking out in hives. By the time he reached his room, the idea had settled in comfortably and he knew he’d need to do something with it. Krista Richmond was his woman. And he was damn well going to make sure

she knew it.

Chapter Eleven In the bathroom, Krista heard the outer door open, close, and then the lock being turned. Peeking through the small opening she’d left with the bathroom door, she spotted Viper shrugging out of his cut. “I’ll be out in a minute,” she called. Quickly, she faced the sink again to finish cleaning her face. After patting her face dry, she turned the light off and went to join him.

He was tugging off his boots and socks, his shirt already MIA. The sight gave Krista pause. There wasn’t a woman on the planet who wouldn’t stop to appreciate a fine male specimen if he were before them. Broad shoulders, thick chest, and tattoos all down his arms, over his shoulders to his pecs, and then down his back. She knew he had a couple on his upper left thigh, but none on his right yet. His back piece was intricate and her favorite. The scene depicted a graveyard, a lone figure with a bouquet of dark-

red roses dripping blood to the earth where the blood became a river. All that surrounded the Scoundrels logo with the skeleton in his old-fashioned lacy shirt, suit jacket, and derby hat at a jaunty angle, offering up his middle finger while holding a glinting blade in his other hand. When he stood to work on his belt, Krista found herself focusing on the crocuses on his left pectoral. Three crocuses from dark purple to the palest violet she’d ever seen denoting the family he’d

lost years before. While the MC was now his family¸ the tattoo was a symbol to remind him about those taken too soon from the world. Clad only in his boxers—odd she hadn’t realized he owned underwear—he moved toward her. Something deep inside clenched and began to quiver. His movements were purposeful, determined, and reminded her of a wolf stalking its prey. Krista had a feeling she was the prey and took a step back. Too late. A muscled arm wrapped

around her waist and yanked her up against his body. Instinctively, she slapped her hands to his chest to brace herself. She couldn’t help but stroke her thumb over the flowers marking his chest. Krista couldn’t help much when she had her hands on Viper. Add bare skin to the mix and she was a goner. When Viper stayed quiet, she lifted her chin enough to see his face through her lashes. “What’s wrong?” There had to be something wrong for him to be acting like this. While it was the beginning of every

fantasy she’d had since she’d been a teenager, she knew Viper didn’t feel the same way. Or he hadn’t. Now she wasn’t sure what had brought about this change. His head lowered until she could feel his heated breath on her cheek. “Nothing’s wrong, Krista.” O-kay, then. “Then you’d better explain, because I’m beyond confused.” Viper moved his hand, causing the shirt she was wearing— another one from his closet—to lift up higher on her thighs. Krista

hadn’t pulled on the shorts she normally wore to bed yet. She only wore a tiny pair of panties underneath—not much to hold back her body’s instant reaction to him. She swallowed hard and tipped her chin up further, and then shivered when the scruff on his jaw scraped her cheek. “Viper?” His hand moved again and then he fisted her shirt. Her next shiver was from the air in the room brushing against the wet crotch of her panties. Krista shifted her hands to his shoulders and held on

tight. She didn’t know what was going on, but if he was messing with her, she’d gut him. “I’ve fought myself too long. I thought I could stand by my promise to Duke, but I can’t. I don’t want to, not any longer.” Maybe she was grasping at straws, but that damn well sounded promising. “Viper, talk to me. Tell me what you mean. Be precise with your words, please.” His jaw scraped slowly against her skin before she felt his lips press lightly against her

shoulder. “You are mine, always were, and now I’m going to have you. No more resisting, no more pretending otherwise. I’m not strong enough to keep up the fight.” Her mind couldn’t seem to grasp what he was telling her. Using her hold on his shoulders to shove her upper body away from his, Krista met his gaze. “Are you saying that you want to … you know?” Viper ’s lips twitched and one corner lifted. “I’m saying that I plan to take you. Today, tomorrow, and

every day to come in every way I can think up. I intend to keep you in my bed for hours each day, only letting you out when it becomes necessary for food or bathroom breaks. I want you for my old lady, Krista. This isn’t a passing fling for me. It’s been brewing for years, and now I am fucking going to do something about it.” “Oh,” she said. That was more than she’d expected. A lot more. She’d figured he’d want sex. The thing that had been growing between them had hit a high note

during the lockdown, but this was a level she’d never seen coming. Viper had made it clear years ago he’d never settle down. That he viewed it like a life-long prison term. The fact he was asking her, especially given what she knew her father had made the club members swear in regards to her, was huge. Epic, really. His expression darkened when she remained quiet. “That’s all you have to say?” Petting his arm, she blew out a breath. “Processing, here. Give

me a minute.” “Krista.” She pressed her fingers to his lips. “Shush, thinking.” There was a lot to think about. Biggest on her list was her father ’s reaction. He was not going to be happy. Her mom would be thrilled; she’d always liked Viper even when he was being mouthy right back at her, returning sarcasm with sarcasm. Her mom said it was a good sign that, while he had respect for her, he didn’t fear her. Too many in the club feared

Nadine. Not that Krista blamed them. She even had days she wouldn’t cross the woman for anything. Nadine’s mercurial moods were legendary around Crystal Creek, but she also had the softest heart. She gave to charities, volunteered at practically every fundraiser ever, and had created a toy drive to help the kids living in tight times during the Christmas season. But this wasn’t only about her parents, or Krista, or Viper. It would affect the club too. It might

well screw things up, including how the other members viewed Viper. Anything that messed with his position of authority in the ranks wasn’t to be taken lightly. Finally, she moved her hand back to his shoulder and focused on him again. “You know Daddy’s going to flip out, and have you considered the club? How this will affect the balance and your position within it?” He shifted his weight, and the next thing she knew she was in his arms. Reacting quickly, Krista

wrapped her legs around his waist and shifted an arm to hold onto his shoulders. When he stopped moving, she was straddling his lap as he sat on the bed’s corner. “I will deal with your father when that comes up. The club has known this day was coming. They saw what even I didn’t, and your father has too, though I doubt he’ll admit to it. You’ve seen the members downstairs, Krista. Seen how they are when you’re close, in my arms or on my lap. They accepted it the moment I made my

claim on you.” “You’ve claimed me, huh? I don’t feel very claimed.” She was playing with fire now. Knowing where they stood with one another was all that mattered. His assertion about claiming her had her littleseen temper pushing up to the surface. This was the first she was hearing about his feelings in regards to her, so she was a little off balance. While she was thrilled to finally have him opening up, it still irritated her that he was doing it in such a guy way. “If you wouldn’t

mind clarifying the exact moment this happened, I’d be appreciative. Was it when you were getting busy with Joanne under her husband’s nose? No, I know, it had to be while you were fucking the sweetbutts in the storeroom every chance you got. No, wait, I have it now. The night you made sure I’d see you getting sucked off by that bitch Adrianna behind the coffee shop during her break.” Okay, she sounded jealous, bitter, and angry, but fuck him. The asshole had made it abundantly

clear he didn’t consider her anything more than an annoyance for years. Her body wanted him, and when she dug deep, she had to admit her heart did too, but that didn’t fucking mean he was getting off easy. Viper would need to prove he wanted her and only her. She would not be a convenient fuck whenever he was in the mood and then be tossed aside when he was looking for something else. While the last few days had gone a long way to making the past few years of frustration fade, she needed more

from him. She had to know, once and for all, where he saw this going, and he’d better damn well say something permanent or there would be hell to pay. Tilting her chin up, she stared at him dead on. “I’m waiting. Do feel free to enlighten me any time here, Viper. Or should I continue with my thoughts on the matter?” Maybe she had gotten more backbone than she’d thought from her mother. It was definitely the right time for it to show up. This well could be the most

important and pivotal moment in her life. No way was she going in blind.

Chapter Twelve Viper didn’t blame her for her accusations and questions. No one to blame but himself, he knew. He’d done it all to keep her at arm’s length at first and now it was back to bite him firmly in the ass. Adjusting his hold on Krista, he drew her stiff body in closer to him and rested his forehead against hers. He would have to fight for her and to prove his intentions. He’d have to bare everything to her if he

ever hoped to have a shot at a future he hadn’t seen possible— until she’d come into his life. “You were sixteen when I realized the fondness I had for you was more than a passing fancy. I knew it was going to be a problem given your father ’s feelings about you hooking up with an MC member. He doesn’t want this life for you, wants you to have better, and I agree with him. You should have better, more, something solid, but I can’t and won’t let you go. I did fight the feelings I had. It was

easy when you were still underage, but the moment you were legally an adult it was blood and guts all-out war inside me each time you came around. I figured that if I could make you hate me that the feelings would die, but you never really seemed to hate me enough.” Rubbing his nose to hers, he breathed in the scent that was all Krista mixed with his shampoo and soap. The fact his scent was on her did things inside him that he couldn’t put words to. “So I did anything I thought might work to

get my mind off you. And yeah¸ I fucked around, a lot, more to try to break the hold you had on me and didn’t even know about. Useless, all of it. The last two years I’ve had no interest in sex with anyone but you. I knew then that I’d fought a losing battle the whole time, which pissed me the fuck off. I know your father will try to put his foot down and say he won’t allow it, but I don’t care anymore. If he runs me out of the club, so be it. All I need, all I want, is you. I can’t change the past, Krista, but I can promise you a

future. Don’t know what it will entail or where it will be, but I swear on the MC that I will always be faithful to you and you alone.” Normally a man of few words, Viper felt like he’d run a marathon. Krista remained quiet, which worried him. The wetness against his nose had him wrenching back to look at her. Her cheeks were damp with tears. “Krista?” He cupped her face and wiped at the damp with his thumbs —a losing battle, since more fell. “Shit, don’t cry. I didn’t mean to

make you cry.” Fucking hell, he couldn’t seem to do anything right with her. She stunned him by throwing her arms around his neck and hauling in him tight. Wrapping his own arms around her, he gently stroked her hair. “Tell me what’s wrong, Krista.” Her hold loosened a little and he felt her lips against his jaw. One kiss was quickly followed by another. Then there was a third to his cheek and a fourth to the corner of his mouth. “Kiss me,” she

demanded. Viper couldn’t resist her. He took her mouth in a kiss that was anything but gentle. He was too hungry for her. Her taste only sent his need higher and made his cock twitch against her thigh. She pressed in closer to him, the heat from her pussy making him growl deep in his throat. Dropping a hand to her ass, he cupped a cheek and pulled her in against his aching dick. Then she began to rock her hips. Tearing his mouth from hers,

he found forming thought a challenge. “Fucking hell, woman, what you do to me. But I won’t take you until you talk to me.” She pouted at him but settled down on his thighs again. “I should hate you.” “Yeah, you should.” His hope was that she didn’t. “I should also throw you out of the room and demand you leave me alone. But I can’t. I don’t think I could ever truly hate you, Viper. I’m still upset with you and I might be for a while yet, but I also want you

something fierce. I have for years. Yes, Daddy’s going to be upset, and we’ll deal with that together. Mom will help there. She’s rather fond of you, after all. And I’m definitely worried about the fallout this could have on you with the club. Not enough to let you go, though, for the record.” He could deal with all that. In fact, the coiled tension in his chest loosened up a lot from her words, letting him breathe easier. “I will do anything you need me to do to help you get over your upset

with me. Tell me what you need and I’ll do it, no questions asked.” “Right now, all I need is for you to follow through. I need you, Viper. Inside me and making me forget everything for a time. Then I need you to hold me tight and never let go.” “Done.” “Then strip me down and fuck me already.” A shudder tore through his body at her husky demand. He grabbed her shirt hem and pulled it off over her head. The instant he

saw her bared, the air was slammed from his chest. “Beautiful,” he got out with a groan. Tight nipples surrounded by darker areolas topped heavy breasts. She was his fantasy made real, and she was all his. Dipping his head toward a nipple, he flicked it with his tongue and then latched on. Her hips lifted to rub against his cock while a moan tore from her body. Krista grabbed onto his head and hair, pressing him in closer to her lush breast. Sucking hard he rolled the nipple against the roof of

his mouth while grabbing her ass in both hands to pull her tighter against his throbbing dick. Krista used the hold on his hair to yank him up for a kiss. Thrusting his tongue in to meet hers in a duel, Viper pushed up to his feet and spun around. Slowly, he laid her out on the bed, keeping their mouths fused together. His weight pushed her into the bedding but never stopped her hips from moving. She was trying to drive him insane. He pulled back to ditch his

boxers and tug the scrap of material from between her legs. After finding and putting on a condom, he pounced on her again. Stroking a hand down her side, he caught at her leg to yank it up over his hip. She got on board with the plan and moved her other leg into position, locking her ankles at his back. When she bit and sucked on his lower lip, Viper nearly lost what little sanity remained. Focusing was becoming harder, much like his cock. He still retained enough thought to slip a hand between

them to see if she was ready. Smooth, soft, and wet flesh met his touch. Thrusting in a finger, and then two, he found her soaking wet and hot. She let out a gasp and threw back her head, providing him access to her throat. He gave an open-mouthed kiss to her thundering pulse point before he nibbled a path to her shoulder. Working in a third finger, he stretched her while his thumb teased her clit. Her tight muscles locked down on his digits, and she

came with a scream. He wasn’t done with her. Hell, he’d barely even started. Pumping his fingers through the tight grip she had on him, he scraped his teeth down her upper chest. Krista arched her back, pushing those beautiful breasts up, a silent plea he couldn’t ignore. With a small wiggle, he eased lower and took a nipple into his mouth. He timed the sucks to the movements his fingers were making. “Viper, please, more.” Krista

scraped her short nails up his back and grabbed onto his head, holding him to her chest. He let out a growl and flicked her clit, and then moved to her other breast. By this point, Krista was writhing on the bed. Nonsensical words came out in bursts between moans and the occasional plea. She even tossed in a couple threats to his life if he didn’t get things moving along. Those amused him the most. He’d never have pegged her for the sort. The second orgasm was torn

from her and he was ninety-nine percent sure he lost a handful of hair in the process. Cursing, he moved with her hold on him to minimize damage the best he could. The end result was a scorching kiss and more pleas for his cock. A request he was willing to fulfill. Dragging his fingers free, Viper settled over her once more and guided his cock between her folds. Another curse broke free at the heat wrapping around his latexcovered cock. Krista bucked wildly

against him. Unable to resist, he thrust in hard and then stilled at her scream. It was one filled with pain. “Baby?” he croaked out. She shook her head. “I’m okay. Fuck me, but you’re a big boy.” Worry overrode his natural urge to puff up his chest in pride. Cupping her face, he stared into her eyes. He didn’t move a millimeter until she began to squirm in need and her inner walls rhythmically began to squeeze and

release his cock. He gave a last look into her eyes to ensure she was with him, and he caught up her hands. Lacing their fingers together, he pressed them over her head and began to slowly thrust.

Chapter Thirteen She was in heaven. She had to be; nothing had ever felt this good before. Viper ’s cock slid between her folds while deliciously scraping against her clit. The sensations where their skin brushed raising goose bumps all over had Krista holding tighter to his hands. Those hands were the only things anchoring her down, she was sure. She arched her back and let

out a whimper when her sensitive nipples brushed the hair lightly coating his chest. Too much stimulation all at once was frying out her mind. She was desperately trying to stay in the moment, catalogue everything in case it was a dream, but her synapses were firing at a rate unable to fully comprehend what was happening. Then there was no more thinking. She could only drown in the feelings coursing through her body. One second she was anchored by Viper ’s hands and body weight,

and the next she was flying. A scream tore free that sounded a long way off, followed seconds later by her name being shouted in a familiar voice. It didn’t matter who it was or why they were calling her —all that mattered was the blissful pleasure thrumming through her veins. Alas, all good things came to an end at some point. Her return to earth was gentle, and when everything came back into focus again, she found herself wrapped up in Viper ’s arms. He was stroking

her hair and staring down at her with an intensity he normally reserved for everyone and everything else in his life. “Back with me?” A smile curled her lips, and she stretched out. She luxuriated in how fucking awesome she was feeling. “We are totally doing that again,” she said. His green eyes sparked. Leaning in, he kissed her. “I think that is a damn fine idea.” He began to nuzzle at her throat. Krista threw a leg up over his

hip and pulled him in closer. God, but she couldn’t get enough. Viper was like a drug and she was happily addicted. Threading her fingers through his dark hair, she rocked her hips in need. Then he pulled back, pressing kisses to her collarbone, chest, and belly. She let out a protest and tried to hold onto him, but he slipped free. She pushed up onto her elbows and watched him kiss a path down to her mound. She fell back when he eased her legs apart to put his mouth on her clit.

Krista scrambled for something, anything, to anchor her. One hand grabbed onto the bedding under her and the other latched onto his hair. Whether it was to tug him away or urge him on, she was undecided in the first few minutes. After that, the hold she had was definitely put to good use to encourage him. The man had a fanfucking-tastically talented tongue. Toes curling tighter, she alternated between trying to crush his skull with her thighs and spreading them wider to gain leverage to push her

pussy closer to his face. The orgasm came from nowhere, slamming into her, and caused her to arch off the bed with a scream. Only the arm Viper threw over her hips kept her from bucking her ass right onto the floor. When it ended, she practically melted into the bed. Every bone felt liquid, every muscle beyond relaxed, and her mind nothing more than a pleasant hum of satisfaction. Viper pushed up to his knees and licked his lips. Damn if that

wasn’t fucking sexy as hell. Had she actually been capable of forming words, she might have commented on it. In her current state, all Krista managed was a needy whimpering sound—one that had him crawling over her to give her a kiss. Her taste mixed with his and nearly shorted out what little brain function remained by the time he pulled back. Her gaze dropped ran down his chest until his cock caught her attention. He’d ditched the condom at some point, she realized before

her brain started to catalogue the beauty that was his dick. Long, thick, and weeping, it bobbed between them. Instantly, more liquid pooled between her legs, and need had her squirming. She might be incapable of words right then, but he seemed to be picking up on her request well enough. Actions she could manage, mostly. Jerkily, Krista grabbed onto his cock and stroked it. A desperate sound came from him that pulled her attention up to his face. His eyelids were low, the thick, dark

lashes casting shadows. The slightest brush of red coated his cheeks, and his breathing was strained. She slid her hand up his cock and then back down and gave it a squeeze. Viper ’s hips jerked forward into her hold. Krista repeated the motions and gained the same response. Licking her lips, she made the motion again faster and a little harder. Viper was now rocking his hips in time to her strokes. Reaching the head, she slid

her thumb over the slit. His precum made it a slick glide. Krista’s mouth watered with need for a taste. Biting her lower lip, she took a quick inventory and then wiggled down the bed until she was in the perfect position. After a small redirect with her hand, her mouth was able to latch onto his cock. Viper let out an incoherent sound followed by several curses that had her squirming in pleasure. She’d done that to him, and she’d barely even started. She’d only ever given head

twice before. Neither encounter had been anything to write home about. Krista didn’t exactly know what she was doing, but with Viper it didn’t seem to matter. Her instincts kicked in to guide her. That and the fact he was so fucking vocal helped. The man certainly had a foul mouth on him, and Krista was learning words she’d never known before. Unusual, given that she’d hung around the clubhouse quite often in her younger years and the members hadn’t always remembered to watch

their language. She flicked her tongue along his slit and then took him deep into her mouth. His girth made her jaw stretch, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. A hand wrapped around her nape, and a quick glance to his face showed he was now watching her suck him off. Fucking hell, that was a serious turn on. His expression was strained, heat in his eyes and sweat beading on his temples. She’d done that to him, and she planned to do a hell of

a lot more. Returning her focus to the task at hand, literally, she began to move her mouth up and down his length. After a couple strokes, she found a rhythm she could work with that seemed to make him curse the most. Krista got her hand moving in time with her mouth, and when she was sure she was balanced, reached up with her free hand to cup his balls. Viper ’s swearing went to a whole new level. Her clit was pulsing frantically in time with her heartbeat. Hollowing out her

cheeks, she sucked his cock in deeper and swallowed when she thought she just might choke. The result was his hand clenching around her neck, his cock twitching in her mouth, and something fully incoherent spewing verbally from him. Krista smiled around his cock. She’d just found the moneymaker move. She breathed through her nose, relaxed her throat, and took him deeper. Closing her eyes, Krista gave in to the sensations and

enjoyed herself. Viper ’s hand flexed and released on her neck, telling her exactly what he was feeling. When he tightened the hold to the edge of pain, she snapped up her eyelids and looked back at his face. “I’m going to come,” he said through his teeth. His features were strained, cheeks red, and eyes not entirely focused. Since that was her goal, she sucked harder and lightly squeezed his balls. He jerked his hips forward and thrust his cock deeper into her throat. Swallowing, she

moaned around his girth. He bit off a curse and began to pump his hips. His movements weren’t completely controlled. Krista’s hand on his cock kept him from going too far. She let out another moan when the first salty hit landed on her tongue. His balls tightened more in her hand. With another light squeeze, she arched up when he stiffened, let out a bellow, and came down her throat. He was panting roughly, hands braced on the bedding while

she licked him clean. When she was done, he hauled her up with his hold on her nape and kissed her hard. Letting her tongue dance with his, she smiled at the twinge his cock gave against her belly. She was seriously glad he had such an amazing recovery time, because she needed his cock inside her again, yesterday.

Chapter Fourteen Bender handed him the binoculars and then pointed at the building before them. “Second floor window, blue curtains. There’s a small gap that you can see through. It’s not much but…” Putting the binoculars to his eyes, Viper got the gap in sight and then tightened up the focus. The jean-clad leg that came into view was familiar. Not the leg, but the stitched pattern running down the

leg. There were very few people he knew that had jeans with that particular stitching. Fewer still would be sitting on the floor in an unfriendly clubhouse. He couldn’t be sure, but the odds were good. He handed the glasses over to Bones and drew back from the ridge. Viper turned to look at the other club members. After Bones had his look, he shifted around to face the group. “What do you think?” Bones scratched at his thick beard. “Looks like the jeans she

was wearing at the dinner. Makes sense if they got to her before she’d gotten ready for bed. Which works with the nightgown still draped on the end of their bed. I’m going to say it’s her. How the hell do we get her and Duke outta there without bloodshed?” Viper had been thinking about that. “We go knock on the door.” The other members all gave him looks that pretty much screamed he was crazy. Not a point he’d argue with most days. But

Duke had given him the enforcer position in the club for two reasons. The first being that Viper had a loose moral compass that allowed him to do the dirty work when it was necessary. The second was his brain. Many underestimated him, and that was their problem. Today, his smarts might be what kept everyone alive. “Hear me out,” he said. The plan was forming slowly, and it might even work. But it all depended on catching them off guard. Including the guys watching

the compounds gates. “We slip a couple people over the fence to knock out the guys watching the main road. Then we slip inside. We’re going to have to assume that they’re getting bored with this gig and won’t have anyone watching the monitors. Either way, we redirect the cameras and stay off any we can’t reach.” “That’s a lot to assume, brother.” “I know, Stone, but we know they aren’t exactly happy about this situation from what was overheard

in town. Once we’re all inside, we tie up the two guys at the gate, and leave them off in the shade. We find a spot to work with, get everyone but myself inside, and then I go knock on the door. When I knock, you know they’ll look at the monitors and see who’s there. “It’ll go one of two ways from this point. Curiosity makes them open the door, or they grab up arms and start shooting. If they go for the guns, you guys, make it clear that that’s not the right choice to make and let me in. If it’s

curiosity that has them answering, we’ll play it by ear.” “Once you knock, make sure you’re not in the way should they decide to go with the guns options instead,” Bones said. Viper nodded. “I plan on going home in one piece, brother. I’ll knock, step back, and to the side. The building is mainly cinder block. It’ll be fine.” He hoped. A couple guys didn’t look convinced, but they kept their mouths shut. Bones he couldn’t read, but he knew the VP was

thinking through everything. Finally, Bones gave a nod. “Let’s get busy. We’re going to hear enough grief about this already. The longer we delay, the worse it’ll be.” “Who unties Nadine?” Merc asked. The question everyone had been avoiding. Hands flew out to point at various people, and the majority landed on Viper. “Fuckers,” he muttered. “I say we untie Duke and let him decide when to let his old lady loose. Now get moving. Merc, Stone, you two

are going over the fence. Don’t kill the guards. We’re not here to start a war with the Devils. If they were doing this for Porter, we need them to see the error and give us information. If Duke wants them dead later, that’s his call. Our only job is to get our people out safe.” Merc and Stone headed off around the hill they were all hiding behind, and worked their way through the brush and scraggly trees to the fence near an outbuilding. Using it for cover, they got in closer and started to climb

once they reached the fence. At the top was razor wire that Merc stopped to cut through. With a gap made, they were over and out of view behind the outbuilding seconds later. “I have a bad feeling,” Kip muttered under his breath. Viper turned to look at him and lifted an eyebrow in question. Kip shrugged and began to worry the leather bracelet his daughter had made for him. It was something he wore at all times and played with when things quite

possibly might go to shit. Not a great sign when they’d barely begun. A whistle caught their attention, and they all turned to find Stone waving them in. “Eyes open, get the cameras pointed at the sky, and find a way in. I’ll stay under the camera by the front door until you text me you’re inside, Bones. And for the love of fuck, make sure your phones have the ringer off. We can’t have anything giving us away.” Bones clapped a hand to his shoulder and headed down the hill

to the gate that now stood open. Merc had jumped off a crate he’d used to redirect the camera away from their approach. Viper trailed the group, his eyes on Kip. He noted the other man was jumpy. His own gut said everything was kosher, but Kip always had had an unusual sense of self-preservation. Keeping that in mind, he made his way into position while the others slipped around the building. Viper leaned back against the cinder block. He took out his phone and made sure it was on

silent, and that vibrate was on its lowest setting. Then he stood there mentally twiddling his thumbs. He hated not knowing what was happening. That and standing idle waiting to go into action grated on his nerves. His phone buzzed in his hand. He flipped it open and read the text quickly. Everyone was in position, and ready for him to knock. Pocketing the phone, Viper stepped out into the camera’s sight line and knocked on the door. Then he took a large step to one side,

ensuring the doorframe—steel, if he guessed right—was between him and any bullets. A minute later, the door opened a crack. Viper stared back into the eye peeking through. The door slammed shut, and he heard movement on the other side. When it next opened, it was to reveal the Devil’s president—with a gun to his head. “They definitely freaked out when they got a look at you,” Bones said from the other end of the weapon.

“Can’t imagine why,” he muttered. Stepping inside the clubhouse, he took a look around to find all the Devils being watched with weapons at the ready. “Could have something to do with your reputation, brother,” Stone commented. “Could be the expression he’s wearing,” Bender added. He flipped them off and nodded to Bones, who lowered the weapon and stepped shoulder to shoulder with him. “This will go one of two ways. We get our people

back, you tell us why you took them, and we leave peacefully with zero bloodshed. Or we start shooting your club members one by one until we get what we want. Honestly, we’re good with either way.” The president’s gaze flicked between him, Bones, and his crew. “Like you shot the guys on watch?” “Assumptions like that are dangerous,” Bones said. Clicking his tongue, he shook his head. “They are cozy in the shade by the fence. Hogtied, sure, but they are

quite alive.” “Why should I believe you? You fucking invaded my clubhouse, my fucking turf, and for what? A chat?” “Actually, no, we’re here to collect our people. The ones you took from their home for no reason. Then again, you might have had a reason, or at least a screwed-up version fed to you by one Gerry Porter.” The guy curled his lip and then spit on the floor near Viper ’s feet. “I don’t know anyone by the

name of Porter.” “Wrong fucking answer.” Everyone turned to the stairs where Duke was standing. And he was mad. Off-the-scale mad, going by his appearance. Viper shot the Devils’ president a smirk. “You were saying? By the way, this would be the time you start talking if you don’t want him ripping your head off.” The guy’s eyes were huge as he backed himself right into a chair, flailing when his knees gave out. “It

was a fucking favor. A debt called in. I don’t know what his reasoning is for wanting you out of the way. All I was told was to grab you and keep you off the radar until we heard otherwise.” Duke was across the room and had the guy up off the floor with a hand collaring his throat by then. “Bullshit, asshole. Even you’re not fucking dumb enough to go after another club president without some assurances it won’t blow back on you. Fucking start talking, or tearing your head off

will be the best thing I do to you.” “Uh, Duke,” Bones said. He put a hand on their president’s shoulder. “He’s probably going to need air to answer you. Let him down for now. If you want to tie him up by his entrails later, go for it, but we need him alive for the time being.” Duke let the other man go fast enough that he crashed back down into the chair. “Speak up, motherfucker.” A screech full of rage came from the stairs. Acting instinctively,

Viper moved to grab Nadine around the waist before she could get at the Devil’s Blood president and claw out his eyes. Fucking hellcat fought him, even nailed him in the shin and thigh a couple times with her boot heels. “You better talk fast. I’m not going to be able to hold her for long.” Amazingly enough, Duke didn’t tell him to drop Nadine or tell his wife to calm down. Duke merely eased to the side, out of the path Hurricane Nadine would take if Viper let her loose.

Eyeing her up with fear evident, the president paused in rubbing his throat. “Porter did us a solid a few years back. Kept us out of some hot water, and we owed him. When we settled here we touched base with him, thinking he might want some creature comforts while in the pen. Said he had that all handled and he’d call in his debt when he got out. I figured it would be some cash, maybe a place to crash while he got back on his feet, or maybe a job. Then he got out early. Some deal he cooked up.

Don’t know the details, and I do not fucking want to ever know. He gave me a call from his parole officer ’s office one day and said he was calling in his marker. We were to grab Duke and his old lady. He told us to sit on them until he called back with more details.” “What was his timeframe?” Bones demanded. “Said it would be about a week until he had everything in place, maybe ten days on the outside if things couldn’t be sped up like he hoped. He didn’t tell us

anything beyond that. I swear on my mother ’s grave.” Duke didn’t look happy with the answer. Viper definitely wasn’t. “Did he tell you when to grab them?” “Yup. He gave us the date, time, and address. Said to ensure they were in the bedroom before we made our move, but before they turned all the lights off for the night. We had a fifteen-minute window to work within. Porter told us if we were too far off, it would screw up his other operation

guaranteed to keep the Scoundrels club too busy spinning their wheels to be focusing on him.” In his arms, Nadine had stopped fighting. She was breathing hard, but at least she wasn’t clawing to get free. Viper eased his hold but didn’t release her until she patted his arm and gave him a wink. He had a hell of a time keeping himself from laughing. He set her free but wasn’t all that surprised when she sauntered up to the Devil’s Blood president and clocked him with a

solid right hook and sent his head snapping back. “That’s for grabbing my ass, fucker.” Then she went and popped a couple others without giving reason. But given their guilty looks, Viper had the impression the Devil’s Blood members had had to get creative to keep her under wraps. Duke was still glaring down at the president silently. Then he moved to brace his hands on the man’s chair. “I’m not going to kill you. Not today. But if I ever see

your face or think I see you within a hundred miles of Crystal Creek, I will hunt you down, tear you limb from limb, and then set your ass on fire while you’re still breathing. Do you feel me?” The prez nodded frantically. “If Porter contacts you again, you play like we’re still here and then you call me. My old lady and I won’t be blowing the lid off this yet. Not until we know what the fuck that shithead is up to. If you don’t call us, and I find out that you don’t, I’ll send Viper back here. I’m

sure you’ve heard all about his reputation and the things he enjoys doing to anyone that fucks with the Scoundrels, right?” Viper gave the president a finger wave when the man looked his direction. After the man gave another frantic nod, Duke pushed off the chair. Seconds later, the Scoundrels left the Devil’s Blood clubhouse, freeing the awake and upset gate watchers on their way out. It was beyond time to get home and face the music on the other front.

Chapter Fifteen Krista knew her pacing had to be driving everyone batty. It was why she’d moved into the meeting room to do it. That and no one else was in there. She likely shouldn’t have been in there either, but damn it all to hell, it was the one quiet room in the clubhouse. Her cell phone began to ring. In her haste to grab it from the table, she ended up dropping it and then kicking it underneath. She

scrambled around to the other side and finally got it in hand. Viper ’s name showed on the screen. A shaky breath escaped before she flipped it open. “Hello?” “They’re safe and we’re heading back now. Do you want to talk to them?” His deep voice got her body revved up, but her mind latched on his words. “Yes, please.” “We’re okay, baby girl,” her father ’s voice came over the phone. “We’ll see you soon. Stay put.” “Not going anywhere.” Not

that she could even if she wanted to. The club was still in lockdown and she seriously doubted she could make her body function well enough to sneak away from the prospects on watch. “Hurry,” she demanded. “Bossy little thing. So like your mother.” His laughter trailed off until she heard Viper on the line again. “They’re pissed off, rumpled, and in serious need of a bath, but they’ll be fine with a good night’s sleep. Put the coffee on and make

sure there’s food ready.” She knew he was giving her busy work to do. Krista didn’t even care. It would keep her hands occupied until she could hold her parents again. “I’m guessing you haven’t told him that you violated his baby girl yet.” “Good guess, pipsqueak. That will be a conversation for later, when we’re together.” “I fully plan on standing behind you on this, Viper. Way behind you, naturally.” She was teasing him because she could. He

was hers and her father would have to get with the program. Unfortunately, she didn’t think it was going to go over all that well, given her father ’s stance on her dating anyone in the club. “Ha ha. You’re a fucking riot. We’re heading out now. See you soon.” Krista stuck her phone into her pocket and braced her hands to the meeting table, let her head fall forward, and took a few slow breaths. When she’d regained her balance, she headed out into the

clubhouse to pass on the good news. The lockdown wasn’t yet lifted, but this would make it all a little easier pill to swallow. **** The familiar rumbles from the yard had Krista dropping the spoon she’d been stirring the stew with to the stovetop. After wrenching off the apron, she dove through the crowd to get the door. A prospect already had it open, and at his nod she bolted outside. Her mother was the first person Krista spotted. She

practically tackled Nadine, and in unison they burst out in tears. Her father ’s familiar scent was next, followed by his warmth when his arms enclosed them both in his hold. Krista was unable to form words. All she could do was hold on and cry. Somehow, her father got them both ushered inside. There were back slaps, hugs, and a general mood lightening from everyone gathered there. Looking around, she saw Viper with a bottle in hand. He threw her a wink and

then turned when Merc started talking to him. “So that’s how it is,” her mother said in her ear. “I was beginning to wonder if that boy would ever make his move or if I’d have to kick him in the nuts a few times.” Shocked and a little horrified, Krista shook her head even while checking to ensure her father hadn’t overheard Nadine’s words. “Mom, it’s not what you think.” “If you’re telling me that you

and he haven’t finally stopped dancing around one another and hooked up, I’m fucking going over there to slap him upside his head.” “You’re not upset?” Krista was seriously confused now. “Why would I be? If he makes you happy, then I’m happy for you both. But if he hurts you, I will do unspeakable things to him before putting his remains through a meat grinder. Now, your father, on the other hand.” Nadine turned to look at her husband. “I’m not quite sure how he’s going to take this.

Don’t worry, I won’t make you face the grumpy bear alone—either of you. We’ll get him upstairs in a bit in the office and have ourselves a chat.” “Even if he acts all fine in front of us, he could do something to Viper later,” Krista pointed out. She wouldn’t put it past her father either. He was a huge teddy bear when dealing with Krista or Nadine, but that bear had teeth when it came to anyone that thought to stick their nose where he’d made it clear not to. “He did

make them all swear to keep their hands off me, Momma. Viper broke his word to his president, and the club.” Nadine waved her words away. “Pfft. Duke knew that would come back to bite him in the ass one day. Something I’ve mentioned more than once over the years while you’ve grown into the gorgeous young lady you are now. He’ll huff, he’ll puff, and likely throw a big-ass stink, but in the end he only wants the same for you that we have. A solid relationship based

on honesty, trust, and love.” “Who the hell said anything about love?” Krista damn well hadn’t. Nadine met her eyes and gave her that knowing-mother look. Krista hated that look. “Are you telling me that you’re not even feeling the first inklings toward Viper? If you do, I might have to break my golden rule and slap you upside your head, baby girl.” Unsure what to say, Krista made a helpless gesture. It was too new, too fresh, to go labeling it. Yes,

Viper had made it clear that Krista was his, and she was good with that. She’d told him the same before he’d left that morning. Viper was hers, and God help the bitch that thought to get between them. Krista would pull something from Nadine’s bag of tricks and cut the bitch. She wasn’t normally a violent person, but when it came to Viper she knew she’d go to any lengths to make everyone understand that he was hers. Nadine wrapped her up in another hug. “Trust me, baby girl,

Mommy knows what she’s talking about here. While you might not be ready to admit to that level yet, which is totally understandable, you’ve got all the signs.” “Daddy is going to blow his lid,” she mumbled. Krista hugged her mother tighter, squeezed her eyes closed for a second, and then stepped back. “If he does anything to Viper, I will never forgive him.” Unlike the time when her father had completely embarrassed her at her tenth-grade dance, Krista damn well meant it this time.

Nadine must have clued into that. Lightly touching Krista’s cheek, she smiled. “I hear you, baby girl, and I will warn the old fucker to be on his best behavior.” “Thank you, Mom. I’d better go check my stew. God only knows what the prospects or those skanks have done to it.” Krista couldn’t hide her distaste for the club pussy. She never had in the past, but after several days cooped up with them she had even less respect for the lazy bitches. Nadine squeezed her arm. “I

know how you feel about them. Make it clear your man is off their menu or you’ll always have to put up with their shit.” “How do I do that?” “Well, I can only tell you what I did. For you, something else might work better. I punched three in the nose until they finally understood I was plenty crazy enough and fully willing to do anything for Duke. You have to find your own path, Krista. Whatever it is, ensure they all get the message clearly.”

“Not helpful at all, Mom.” Krista didn’t know what to do to make it clear. Hell, she didn’t even know if her father was going to be okay with her being involved with Viper. Heading for the kitchen, she brushed her fingers against Viper ’s to reassure him when he gave her a worried look. She wanted to crawl into his lap and have him hug her tight, but that would not fly well. Later, she’d give into her need. At that moment, she had to get everyone fed, corner her father for a chat, and figure out how to

stake her claim. Why the fuck is it so much harder for the woman in these situations?

Chapter Sixteen Viper didn’t know what was going on, but Krista was avoiding him. While he got that it wouldn’t do to be too showy in front of Duke, it still irritated him. He wanted his woman at his side. It might help keep the sweetbutts from trying to paw him. “Back the fuck off, Rosie. I won’t fucking tell you again.” In a huff, she stomped off to find other prey. Iris eyed him from

across the room and would have come over if not for the fact he’d practically snarled in her direction. Having had enough, Viper made his way to the kitchen. Krista was in there and they needed to talk before letting Duke know what was going on. Jerking his head at the prospect standing idle in there to hit the road, he moved in behind Krista and wrapped his arms around her middle. “You’ve been avoiding me.” “I didn’t want Daddy

figuring anything out until Momma got him upstairs.” She turned in his arms and wrapped her own around his neck. Her chin came up to accept the kiss he laid on her. Her actions soothed the ragged edges of all the stress he was carrying around. “She hauled him up there for a proper shower ten minutes ago. We need to be in the office in another ten. Which means I have to finish putting the leftovers away before the prospects get in here to clean for me.” Viper nuzzled her cheek and

then her neck, breathing in her scent. “He’s not going to be happy with me.” “I know.” He could hear the fear and worry in her voice. “Mom’s on our side, though.” He jerked his head up to stare down at her. “What? She knows?” Krista gave him a droll look. “This is Nadine Richmond we’re talking about here, Viper. That woman really doesn’t miss a lot. She nailed me with it earlier and then told me she’d lend us a hand

in dealing with Daddy. No clue what that involves, but be aware she’s on our side.” “God help us all,” he muttered. “Her assistance could see me skewered out in the desert.” “I would never let that happen, babe. You’re mine and I plan on hanging onto you. Super tight, for the record.” He couldn’t help the smile that pulled his lips. She did that to him. Krista Richmond made him a happier man, centered him, and let him see a future that wasn’t so

bleak. After giving her another slow kiss, he let her loose. “I’ll meet you up there. Don’t dally or I will come looking for you. No way in hell am I facing your old man alone, even if your mother is there to supposedly help our cause.” She cupped his face and tugged him down for another kiss. “I will be there, promise.” With a brush of her nose to his, she shooed him from the room. He allowed it because she was his, and she had certain rights that no one else would ever have.

Taking the stairs to the second floor two at a time, he slipped into Duke’s office and left the door open a crack. He settled down on the sofa and stretched his legs out to wait. He didn’t have to wait long either. Duke was on Nadine’s heels demanding to know what she needed from the office. “It can’t be that important, love. Surely it can wait until morning. Viper.” He came to a dead stop and blinked. “Something wrong?” Krista was right behind them

and, with a hand to her dad’s back, pushed him further into the room before shutting the door. “What the fuck is going on?” Duke demanded. He returned the hug Krista gave him but looked even more confused when she slipped free and came to sit on Viper ’s lap. Then understanding kicked in full force. Nadine stepped between them, her hands to Duke’s chest. “Down, baby. You knew it would happen eventually. The signs were all there. I couldn’t put the pieces

together until today, but it’s obvious now. They’re meant to be.” “He swore an oath.” “Stupid fucking oath,” Krista said. She was up on her feet again, hands on her hips and glaring at her father. “You don’t get to decide who is right for me. You don’t get to dictate what I might want, need, or desire in my life. Your wishes are all well and good, but that’s all they are. Wishes. I choose Viper, and if you don’t like it, too fucking bad. That would be your issue, not ours. I know you’re going to scream,

threaten, and basically make a shitload of noise, but it won’t change the fact we’re together. Best to get over it now and start dealing with the new reality.” Poor Duke looked like he’d been smacked upside the head by a two-by-four. Pushing to his feet, Viper stepped in behind Krista and put his hands on her shoulders. “She’d be happier if you were okay with this, but if you’re not, we fully understand.” “Fuck that. We won’t,” she snapped out. Taking a deep breath,

Krista stepped toward her father. “Look, Daddy, I get that this is the last thing you wanted. But that dumb fucking oath you made them take was pure desperation on your part. You had to know that if I was meant to be with someone in the club, it would happen no matter what. We could have kept it secret, gone behind your back and snuck around, but we aren’t. We’re being up front about it. The club already knows and supports us. The next move is yours.” Duke was trying to process

everything. Viper could tell the other man was scrambling hard to figure out what to do and what to say. If he didn’t choose correctly, he would lose his daughter, and if he didn’t handle things right, he could well lose the respect of the club. He was truly between a rock and hard place. “If you want me out, I’ll go,” Viper said. Krista spun around with wide eyes and shook her head. “No, you love the club.” “Not my call, sweetheart.

Your dad did make us all take an oath, and I clearly broke my word. Didn’t think I ever would, but then you sneaked in past my defenses and laid me out flat. You’re all that matters, Krista. The club.” He had to pause a second to swallow hard. “The club has always been my family when I needed it most. But now I have you.” She threw her arms around his neck and held on tight. Viper could feel the wet heat from her tears against his neck. Rubbing her back, he rocked her gently.

“He’s not going to kick you out, Viper.” Everyone turned to find Bones, Merc, Stone, and the other club members crowded in the doorway. “He might,” Viper said. “Not unless he wants a riot on his hands. We all knew the day he made us take that stupid oath he was full of hot air. He thought he was doing right by his daughter, but we knew it would bite him in the ass one day. Every father thinks he’s the one in control when it comes to their baby girls. What

Duke has only now come to realize is that he raised her to be strong and to survive, and she just kicked him in the teeth with his own lessons. Can’t teach them to stand on their own two feet and then keep them on their ass, Duke.” Bones looked rather pleased with himself by the end of his spiel. Blade clapped him on the shoulder. “Well said, old man. He’s also right, Duke. We knew it was pure desperation you were spouting once she reached the age where boys were starting to notice

her.” Duke seemed ready to blow a gasket. Nadine shook her head and pointed. “Get lost, you louts. He won’t kill Viper, which means your work here is done. Off with you all, and thank you. We’ll see you tomorrow.” She shut the door and walked toward them. “Come on, Krista, let’s you and I go chat for a few. Your poor father needs a moment to come to grips with his new reality and will fare better if you’re not here to hear all the bad words he’s about to spew.”

Krista snorted but gave her mother a nod. “He does realize I knew them all by the time I was three, right?” “Let the man hold onto a few of his delusions, sweetheart. He doesn’t have as many these days.” Krista glanced up at him, and at Viper ’s nod, she left the office with her mother. Facing his friend, his lover ’s father, and his club president, Viper stuck his hands into his pockets to wait. Eventually, Duke would shake loose from whatever had come over

him to keep him that quiet for that long. When it happened, Viper had a bad feeling he’d be wearing more than a few bruises in the end. If it kept him in the club and kept Krista in his life, he’d take his lumps. Duke had better not be thinking he’d take them lying down, though. It was not in his nature.

Chapter Seventeen Krista had tried to be calm like her mother, but that wasn’t who she was. She was a worrier. Always had been, and Krista had a feeling she always would be. Especially when it came to Viper. In the future, maybe she could find more productive ways than pacing to bide her time while he dealt with club issues. If not, at least she’d be getting exercise a room-width at a time.

Spinning around when she heard the doorknob turn, she let out a gasp. “What the hell, Viper?” “It’s nothing,” he mumbled through his bloodied lips. And his eye—holy hell, it was already turning horrid colors. She pointed to the bathroom. Mildly stunned that he didn’t argue, she followed on his heels. When she gave him a gentle nudge, he sat on the toilet lid to get him down more at her level. “What does my father look like?” It took her a minute to dig

out the first-aid kit, fully stocked thanks to her mother and the fact the guys all got themselves into shit from time to time. First thing she did was punch an ice pack. After crunching it around to get the chemicals working, she passed it to him. “Put that on your eye before it swells shut. Besides your lip, what else got beaten up by Daddy’s fists?” “Ribs,” he said. Then he showed her his knuckles and shrugged with a wince. “Not much I can do for the

ribs, but we’ll clean up the cuts.” She gathered what she’d need and set everything out in a row. Starting with the peroxide and a swab, she got to work on his lip first. “You should shower before I put on antiseptic cream and some butterfly bandages. If Daddy looks even half this bad, Mom’s likely to kick your ass, you know.” “She won’t. She may want to, but she knows we had to settle it our way. Nadine will make our lives hell for the next couple weeks for using our fists, but it’ll blow over

eventually. Fucking hell, that hurts!” Krista rolled her eyes. “You really should have thought about that before you let the fists fly.” “It’s your dad’s fault.” When he didn’t give her more, Krista tapped his chin lightly. “Give details. You can’t leave me hanging like that. What could he have said to get you this mad?” Stubborn male shook his head and remained tight lipped. Men were idiots on the best days, but Viper wasn’t exactly a hothead.

He had his triggers, though, few and far between. Which meant her dad had used one to get him to fly off the handle. Given what they would have been discussing, there was only one obvious choice. “What did he say about me that had you ready to tear his head off?” She felt him jolt. “Come on, I know what sets you off, Viper. Given it’s my father, he wouldn’t have used anything but me to tick you off enough to start throwing punches. If you don’t tell me, I’ll have my mother get it from Daddy.”

He blew out a breath and gave her his right hand when she wiggled her fingers for it. “Fucker was spouting shit off. I knew it, but when it comes to you I don’t seem to have the same restraint like I do for other things. Said that I was a momentary diversion, some tactic to piss him off, that eventually you’d wise up and find someone better. Pop out a couple kids.” Krista ground her teeth together. “I’m tempted to go give him a black eye myself right now. I can’t believe you fell for that,

Viper.” “I didn’t, not until he got more graphic and then I lost it. He had a smug look on his face right until my fist rammed into his nose. From there it was an all-out brawl. Pretty sure he’s going to need to replace at least half his furniture.” Krista stepped in closer and gently wrapped her arms around his head. She cradled his face between her breasts. “Thank you for defending me. But the next damn time you come home looking like this from a brawl, you are on

your own for dealing with the blood. We clear?” Viper ’s arms slid around her waist and he gave a small nod. “Yes, ma’am.” “Good, now strip down and get your ass in the shower. Don’t scrub anything that’s bloody too hard. No need to get it flowing yet again.” She pressed a kiss to his head before releasing him. Krista turned away and began to pack up the items she wouldn’t need after his shower and did a quick check on what was still

in there. Other than the ice pack and some swabs, it was in good shape. Viper ’s vicious curse had her spinning around to find him with an arm up over his head with his shirt half off and apparently stuck. She couldn’t quite smother the snicker that burst out. “Not funny, Krista.” “I know, I’m sorry.” Waving a hand, she stepped in closer. “Bend over and I’ll pull it off. Both arms over your head and look at the floor. I’ll try to be careful, but this is going to hurt, babe.”

Once he was in position, she worked the cloth off with care despite his many curses. “You could consider buying shirts that weren’t quite this snug, you know.” Viper straightened up and lifted an eyebrow. “You like my tight shirts. Don’t you dare lie.” Krista couldn’t say she didn’t when she clearly did. She loved how the material hugged every muscle he had and showcased how well he’d kept his physique. But she also couldn’t resist messing with him either. “M’eh, you’re not bad

for a middle-aged biker, I guess.” His expression was absolutely priceless. Then it shifted and she knew she was in trouble. Backing up when he stalked toward her, she banged up against the closed door. His hands landed on either side of her head, and Viper leaned in close. “You are a brat. You know that, right? I cannot believe you called me middle aged. I’m not even forty yet. Take it back this instant.” “Nope,” she said before pressing her lips tightly together.

“Krista.” Her name was followed by a throaty purr from him. Dipping his head, he nuzzled at her neck and sent chills through her. The hot brush from his tongue had her hands coming up to his chest, but she quickly moved them away from his bruised ribs to his upper arms. “Take it back. You love my tight shirts.” A whimper escaped when he sucked lightly on her throat. She couldn’t resist him when he was being playful like this. “I admit it. I love your tight shirts. I hate the

looks the sweetbutts give you when you wear them. Only thing I hate more is the looks they give you when you pull your shirt off while you’re working. I can almost hear them plotting in their skanky little brains.” Instantly, he lifted his head to meet her gaze. “You know I would never be with one of them. I have you, sweetheart. You are everything I ever wanted even when I couldn’t admit it to myself.” “I know that. Doesn’t mean I have to be rational about the urge I

have to tear their hair out at the roots or do something equally vicious to them.” “You can be as irrational as you want to be, but remember I am yours and they are never going to know what you know about me.” “You mean like the fact you steal the covers? Or that you have this weird ritual when you’re brushing your teeth in the morning? Or maybe that you sing, horribly, I might add, in the shower?” “Smartass, but yes, things

like that. And I don’t hog the covers. It’s self-preservation to have even a corner for myself against you. You’re damn vicious when you get chilled, I would like to point out. Tried to deck me twice last night, and we won’t even count the number from the night before.” “How dare you?” She was fighting laughter while trying to act affronted. “You take that back, mister. I would never hurt you for the covers when all I have to do to be warm is get you curled around me. I will tell you now, I love the

fact you’re a cuddler. Not something I would have guessed, given your soon-to-be tarnished hard-ass rep.” “Only with you, Krista.” Moving her hands to cup his cheek, she tipped up her chin and kissed him. “Shower, please. I want to get you bandaged and then you need to get some rest. You’re going to really feel all these bruises in the morning. You know, mainly because you’re not as young as you once were.” “Not amusing in the least.

Join me,” he said. When she hesitated, he clicked his tongue. “Shame on you for thinking I’d take advantage. Normally I would, but truthfully I need you to scrub my back and likely anything below where I can reach while fully upright. Bending over really, really hurts.” Since she couldn’t argue with that, Krista began to tug off her own clothing, and then followed him into the shower enclosure. “You’re not worried about the age gap, are you?”

Stunned by his question, she quickly shook her head. “I was only teasing, and I know I shouldn’t, but no, I’m not worried about it. You’re perfect, Viper. Age is only a number, after all. It’s what’s inside that matters, and if you feel young in your heart, then you are.” His arms slid around her while the warm water sluiced over their bodies. “There are days I feel older than dirt. Then when I’m with you I feel younger than ever before. Younger than I did even when I was a young man.”

“This isn’t an easy life you chose, Viper. It takes its toll. Which means from time to time I plan on kidnapping you for a fun hour or two, maybe even a full day. We’ll go out and have that fun together whenever it may be needed.” “I like that plan. Thank you, Krista.” Smiling, she pressed a kiss over his heart before resting her cheek to the spot. “Any time at all, big guy.” She listened to the steady beat from his heart, and combined with the drum from the water, it

helped to relax her. They’d all had a stressful few days, and while not everything might be resolved, everyone was home safe and sound. Right where they belonged.

Chapter Eighteen The call the club got four days later had tension ramping up once more. Viper had made sure not to cross paths with Duke more than necessary while the man came to terms. Krista, on the other hand, seemed determined to acclimatize her old man fast to the situation. The little minx took every opportunity to wrap herself around him, sneak a kiss, and generally make him crazy.

Viper wasn’t complaining— he wasn’t a complete fucking idiot —but he was worried she might be pushing Duke too hard too fast. The man wasn’t having the easiest time with accepting that his daughter, his baby girl, was in a relationship, period. Add to that it was with a club member, something he’d attempted to negate early on, and Duke was walking a fine line. Nadine was helping out, occasionally. The rest of the time the woman seemed to be enjoying her old man’s discomfort.

Something that could have Viper ’s face meeting Duke’s fists again if both women weren’t careful. The other club members were acting like everything was business as usual. They didn’t act any differently even when Krista was perched on Viper ’s lap. Hell, they still treated her like they always had, like she was family. He’d expected nothing less from them. Sipping on his coffee, he was in the best position to see Duke first when he came thundering

down the stairs. Before his boots hit the floor, he snapped out, “Meeting room, now.” Viper shared a look with Bones and then followed their president. The last man in shut the door behind him, closing the room off from the non-members. Duke was standing behind his chair, holding on tightly enough that his knuckles were white. He was tightly wound, and this time around Viper knew it had nothing to do with Viper ’s relationship with his daughter.

“I just got off the phone with our friends in Texas. That fucker Porter has disappeared. They had him inside a building several hours ago, but he never came out. When they went in looking, the security guard said he’d come in and asked him where the parking-garage access was. It appears the asshole used a side door hidden behind a partial wall to evade detection, and slipped the net.” “Which means he knew they were watching him,” Bones said. Blowing out a breath, the VP

cracked his knuckles. “What about the Devils? Have they heard anything from Porter?” “No, or rather, not yet. According to Marx, he got a text saying to be available for an incoming call from an associate of Porter ’s down in Texas. Same guy that always gives him a head’s up when Porter ’s about to call. No time frame, mind you, which means we’re stuck twiddling our thumbs. I want the clubhouse back in lockdown. Most everyone is here anyway, which will make it easy, but

we need to get the kids and hit up the store again.” “I’ll hit the store with the prospects,” Kip offered. “But we should also get the businesses ready for lockdown tonight. He can’t get back here until early tomorrow morning, which means we’re okay until then. Provided he’s headed straight here.” “Which we won’t know until he contacts the Devils,” Viper muttered. He pressed his fingers to his temples and rubbed. It was going to be another hellish waiting

game. “If then. We don’t know if Porter will tell them anything. Only good thing is that the fuckers never once asked to talk to either myself or Nadine, so that concern is off the table. He seems fine with taking the Devils’ word that we’re there still. Marx said the Devils are prepared in case Porter comes calling with company to their clubhouse.” “Yeah, but Porter ’s a fucking wild card. No one saw what he was up to until it was too late the last time around. We’re in for another

rocky ride here, prez,” Merc pointed out. Not exactly a news flash when dealing with a psycho like Gerry Porter. “One we are damn well going to be ready for. We expect the fucking worst and hope for the best. I want everyone armed once we shut the gates tonight. Rotating shifts on watch, no one is on longer than four hours, and everyone is teamed up. Two-man teams, two teams on watch at all time with overlapping changes. Prospects are to be on watch too, but only one per

shift. They haven’t been through anything like this before, so I want three seasoned members out there with the prospect. I’ll get Nadine and Clarice up to speed on what’s going to happen.” Duke shared a look with them all, and when they remained quiet, he nodded. “Let’s get busy, boys. Shit could get real and fast. I don’t want us caught unaware.” Even before the crack from Duke bringing down the wood gavel onto the table cleared the air, they were up and moving. While

they still had hours before Porter could possibly arrive, they had a ton to get ready. Viper headed straight for Krista when he cleared the doorway. He snagged her hand and tugged her down the hall to where the laundry and dry-goods room was. With the door shut behind them, he hauled her into his arms to hold her tight. Burying his nose in her hair, Viper breathed in deeply. “Porter ’s disappeared.” Since he’d been keeping her up to date on everything going on, she’d

know exactly what that meant. The jolt he felt from her had him tightening his hold on her. “What do you need me to do?” she asked quietly. Fucking hell, he was proud of her. She sounded scared but was pushing through it. “Make a list, anything and everything we’re going to need. We’re going into lockdown again tonight once the businesses close up shop. No idea how long this one might last, so be liberal on whatever you think we’ll need to feed the group. Plan for a

solid week and we’ll go from there.” She squeezed him in return before lifting her chin to look at him. Her grey eyes were darker, stormy almost, but she met his gaze straight on. “I’ll get Mom to help me out. Who’s going shopping?” “Kip and the prospects will go. Make sure it’s clear what you need. They’re not exactly known for being the brightest bulbs in the box when it comes to such things.” “Course they aren’t. It’s

woman’s work after all, right?” Dangerous question, that. “We both know that women are a mite smarter than the average male when it comes to such things like groceries. You all seem to instinctively know what to get whereas we grab the first things we see and pray it’s right unless otherwise told differently.” Her lips twitched before curving up slightly. “Damn, Viper, when did you get so smart? That was a pretty good answer, by the way.”

“Thank you, and I have always been this smart. Most folks never realize it, though.” “Then they are morons.” Pressing up on her toes, she kissed his chin. When she would have pulled away, he held on and lowered his head to give her a deep kiss. He had to. Like breathing in whenever she was near, he had to touch and kiss her. He’d been behaving in front of her father; he let loose his needs when they were behind closed doors. Any door would do, really.

“After lockdown tonight, I plan to strip you naked and take you hard.” The shiver Krista gave had him smiling slowly. “I think I’ll spank you before I fuck you hard and fast.” “Promises, promises.” Her voice was husky with need. “I will hold you to that, Viper, and you damn well better follow through.” “I always follow through with my promises, sweetheart. I don’t make many, and those I do I keep to the letter. Pretty much why I have made only a few, mostly to

you.” She gave him a curious look. “Really?” “Yes, really. You seem surprised, Krista.” “Yeah, you could say that. Not about you being the sort of man who takes things like a promise seriously, but that you make most promises to me. I would have thought the club would be a higher priority than little old me.” “The club has a standing promise from me: that I will be there always to do whatever is

necessary and stand by my brothers. It covers a lot, if you think about it. But you are trickier. I can’t give you a blanket promise to cover all the bases. Some things need to be individual and specific. Tailored, if you will.” His answer earned him another kiss from her. “You’re an interesting and complex man. I can’t wait to learn more about you.” “We have plenty of time.” He gave her one more kiss while cupping her ass. A last squeeze, and he released her to get on with

her task. Viper had his own list to see to, and while he’d rather stay close to her, it wouldn’t work. Later, though, he’d find her, and then he’d have her.

Chapter Nineteen Swiping the cloth over the counters one last time, Krista checked the kitchen for any stray dishes. She wasn’t worried about anything still out in the main room with the members or women; those could be done in the morning. She hung up the cloth to dry and swiped her palms down her jeans. Breakfast was ready in the fridge. It only needed to be thrown in the oven by whoever woke first.

She’d even left clear, simple instructions on top for what was required. Which meant she only had one thing left to do: find Viper and haul his ass upstairs. He’d promised her some naked time, and she damn well wasn’t about to waste a second. Only problem when she left the kitchen was that he was in discussion with a couple members in the corner that looked serious. While she knew he’d never turn her away if she went over, if he was discussing the safety of everyone in

the clubhouse, it was better he come find her. He’d know where she’d gotten off to. Krista turned for the stairs and found her father sitting at the top watching her. The urge to rub her palms over her thighs from sudden nerves was strong and hard to resist, but she managed. She headed up the steps and eased down next to him. They really hadn’t talked since the discussion in his office four days earlier, and she didn’t know what to say either way. For a time, her dad sat in

silence, a warm and comforting presence at her side. Then he heaved out a heavy breath and rubbed his hand over his hair. “When you were six, if you’d mouthed off like that to me I could have sent you to your room. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m having some trouble coming to terms with the fact you’re a grown woman. In my eyes you will always be that little girl with the crooked pigtails, a huge smile on her face, throwing herself into my arms to swing her around while laughing

hysterically. I’m not ready for you to be an adult yet, Krista. Let alone having a man in your life, damn it.” The growl that accompanied the last words had her wiggling in closer and wrapping her hands around his large bicep. Resting her cheek to his shoulder, she smiled, knowing full well he couldn’t see it. “It’s not like I went from six to twenty-six overnight, Daddy. It was a gradual thing. Natural too.” “Doesn’t fucking matter,” he grumbled. “You’re my baby girl. Always have been and always damn

well will be.” “I know,” she whispered. Squeezing his arm, she turned her face up to look at him. “But I am an adult now, Daddy. You and Momma raised me to know my own mind, to know that every action has consequences, and to accept whatever they were. You taught me to be strong. I know this isn’t what you wanted for me. It wasn’t planned. But it is my choice, and I hope, in time, you’ll come to understand and accept it. To be happy for me.”

He was quiet for a long time. She knew he was mulling over her words, and working through it in his own way. Her father was predictable in many ways—in others, not so much. “Do you love him?” The question shouldn’t have been a surprise, but it did startle her. Turning her head to look over at Viper, she nodded. “Yeah, pretty sure I do. Didn’t plan on that either.” Krista fell silent for a couple breaths before deciding on full disclosure. “When I was a

teenager, he was the bad boy personified. Everything that I shouldn’t want and yet did. But like any teenage girl, I had my crushes on any number of guys. In my school, in my favorite bands, random strangers I saw at the mall and knew I’d never see again. Time and again, it all came back to Viper. When I got older, I started to compare the men I encountered to him. They all fell short in some way. I don’t know if it was because even then I knew in my heart I wouldn’t be happy with anyone but him and

was making excuses. Whatever it was, they didn’t stack up. I also compared him to my role model all men have to match up to.” “Who’s that?” “Like you don’t know.” Punching his arm lightly, she grinned. “You, Daddy. Every little girl compares the boy or man she is interested in with the man who raised her. Especially when he’s a good man like you are. I know you’ve done some questionable things with the club. That’s not what I’m talking about. You were

there for me, Nico, and Mom. You were there for all my recitals, all his games, and even the fair Mom chairs every year. Not because you liked it all. Trust me, I saw your face a time or two to back that up, but you did it because you’re a good man. He might not be quite what you’d hoped I’d latch onto, but in my mind he’s a damn near perfect second to my male role model.” When Duke remained quiet, Krista took a peek up at him to find his cheeks pink in embarrassment, she was guessing. She knew her

father wasn’t always comfortable with the flowery compliments she or her mother threw his way from time to time. But he did look rather pleased with himself. “I do have one request, Daddy.” “What’s that, baby girl?” “Don’t go beating on my man again. You do and you’ll see that I got Mom’s crazy gene when I come at you like a spider monkey on crack.” Duke made a choking sound before the laughter burst out. He pulled his arm free from her hold

and wrapped it around her shoulders, squeezing her in close. “You do have your mother ’s way with words. I’ll give you that much.” “Love you too, Daddy.” Snuggling in against his chest, she met Viper ’s gaze across the room. Krista gave him a wink and held tighter to her father. They were going to be okay. Her father might not like the relationship, but he was already swaying to the understanding that if she was happy, that was all that mattered. It

would take some time, and she was okay with that. Until then, she would lead her life and do whatever made her happy. Krista pressed a kiss to her dad’s scruffy cheek. “I’m going to grab a bath while he’s still working. You should go shave. That scruff can’t be good on Mom’s sensitive skin.” While he was sitting with his mouth wide open and staring at her, aghast, she popped up and headed for Viper ’s room. Snickering, Krista shut the door

and headed for the bathroom. She hadn’t been kidding about wanting a bath. Some hot water, bubbles, and low lighting were exactly what she needed to relax from the day. It would also give her the time to do some maintenance and ensure she was ready for whatever Viper had planned for the night. First thing she did was turn off the lights in the bedroom, and turn on a side-table lamp to its lowest setting. Drapes were next, and then she went to start the water. While the tub filled, she dug

out what she’d need and stripped down. Easing into the water five minutes later, she let out a happy sigh. The heat felt good on her stiff muscles. She’d been spending all her time at the clubhouse since the initial lockdown. Krista wasn’t someone that liked to be idle for too long. Even when she’d gone on vacation the two times—once in school and then before college— she’d only taken the last day on each to chill. All the other days she’d been out seeing and doing

things. Unfortunately, she could only scrub down the clubhouse so many times, and to date it had done a number on her muscles. At least she wouldn’t have to go to the gym anytime in the near future. A soft sound pulled her from her daze and had her lifting her head. “Viper?” “Yeah, it’s me.” He stuck his head around the door. She could feel the heat from his gaze as he took in her naked, reclined form in the tub. “I needed to grab a couple things, but I have to head back

down no matter how much I want to join you right now.” A quick look to the front of his jeans proved he really wanted to hop into the bath. Krista had a wicked thought flit through her head, and because he was hers, she ran with it. Stretching out a leg, she arched her back to lift her breasts from the water. “Shame you can’t stay.” His low growl had her pussy clenching. “You are a minx, and you’ll pay for teasing me later. Now I have to go deal with this with a

fucking raging hard-on.” One last look, several curses, and he left her to it. “Hurry back, lover,” she called after him. The hard slam of the door had her chuckling. Yes, she fully expected some payback later for her teasing, but damn, she couldn’t find it in herself to be sorry. Not one little bit. Humming softly under her breath, she got to work preparing for whatever was to come, her body already anticipating it.

Chapter Twenty An hour later than he’d planned, Viper finally headed up to his room. He knew the main reason for that delay had been the lack of blood in his brain. The other members had been rather amused when he’d returned and been less than his usual bright self. Apparently they were getting a fucking kick out of him being goofy about his girl. Krista was already trashing his hard-earned bad-ass

reputation, and he couldn’t even be mad at her for it. The woman knew she had power over him and was starting to flex those muscles. It was fucking sexy as hell, if he was honest with himself. Not that he planned to share that revelation with her anytime soon. She already held too much sway over him, and he wasn’t about to give her more ammo. Laughter from downstairs had him pausing. He couldn’t make out actual words, but the low drone from the voices was comforting.

Things were winding down and everyone was settling in for the night around the clubhouse. While the rooms upstairs could accommodate the members and their families, everyone else would have to make do with the bunkhouse-style bedding on the main floor. He slipped inside his room and quickly shut and locked the door behind him. The lights, except for the one table lamp, were off and soft music filled the space. His attention was riveted to the bed

when he spied Krista lying there. Buck-ass naked. She drew her knees up and then let them fall to the sides, giving him an uninterrupted view of her pussy. The pink flesh was damp with arousal. It took some effort to tear his gaze from the intoxicating sight and look further up her body. Her nipples were tight buds, dark against the light golden color her skin held from the sun. She didn’t have tan lines. The random thought had his cock pressing harder against his zipper. He’d have to ask

her about that and how exactly she managed it. Viper wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to know. His gaze finally landed on her face and found her looking amused. A quick swipe from her pink tongue over her lips had his balls tightening. He reached over his head he grabbed his t-shirt and tore it off, then dropped it to the floor. Next went his boots, and then he got his jeans down, pushing off his socks at the same time. Naked, he stalked to the bed and crawled up between her legs.

“I was wondering if you were ever going to join me.” Krista looked and sounded relaxed—sleepy, even. Viper stroked his hands up her shins and pressed against her knees to push them further apart. “Someone had me all distracted, fucking with my thought process, and it delayed me.” Damn but she looked pleased by the admission. “I would say I’m sorry, but I’m not. I was hoping it would be inspiration for you to hurry up. Oops.” As he stroked his fingers

down the soft skin of her inner thighs, Viper watched her flesh quiver under his touch. He knew the callouses on his palms had to be rough on her tender skin, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care. Her hips rolled slightly, and her arousal hit him in the face. Fucking hell, he loved the smell, knowing he’d done that to her, and that it was all for him. Without warning, he swooped down to put his mouth on her pretty pussy. Her strangled scream only encouraged him. As

did the tight grip she took on his hair, her short nails scraping against his scalp. Sucking on her clit, he wasn’t surprised when she came against his mouth. His Krista had a hair trigger whenever it came to her first orgasm. She’d be able to hold out for the second one now, he knew. With that in mind, he settled in to feast on her pussy. Licking, nibbling, and teasing her folds and clit, he pressed a finger, and then a second, into her sheath to stroke her. The grip she still had on his

hair let him know how she was doing. The tighter it got, the closer she was to the edge. When that happened, he’d ease off a little to calm her before going back in full bore. “Viper, for fuck’s sake, let me come.” Her demand was breathless but also held a desperate plea. Unable to resist, her he gave her what she wanted, and when she headed for the peak, he didn’t slow down. Viper pumped his fingers in harder, faster and tormented her clit until she went screaming over

the edge his name on her lips. Only when she collapsed in a quivering pile on the bed, her fingers slipping bonelessly from his hair, did he draw back from cleaning up all she’d given him. Licking his lips, he sat back on his heels to observe her. Her skin was flushed, her chest rising and falling with each desperate breath, and she looked well satisfied. His cock gave a twitch at the sight. He leaned over and gave her a slow kiss, knowing she could taste herself on his lips and tongue. She

didn’t shy from it, which pleased him. He never wanted her to be embarrassed by anything they did or shared together behind closed doors. That she was open to anything and everything stoked his own pleasure to frightening heights. He drew back despite her murmured plea for another kiss. Viper had plans for her tonight, and she wasn’t going to sway him from them. He gathered up her pillows and knew she was watching him curiously while he stacked them by

her hip. Then he flipped her over onto her belly, lifted her up by her waist, and shoved the pile underneath her. When he settled her down, her ass was in the air at the perfect height and her weight rested mainly on her shoulders and upper chest. Viper gently brushed her hair off her face and saw her watching him with a question now written all over her face. “I promised you a spanking before I fucked you hard and fast. I also told you that I keep my promises.

Especially to you, sweetheart.” Surprise and then pure need were what he read in her expression. Krista licked her lips and shifted slightly. “I like the fact you keep your promises. But I have to say, I’m not seeing any action to go with that promise.” He’d known that would be her response, or something damn close to it. He stroked a finger up from her clit, over her folds and cleft, to draw a lazy circle at the base of her spine. Viper could feel the anticipation quivering through

her muscles. Her eyes were wide, her lower lip between her teeth, and her breathing turning shallow. She knew something was coming but didn’t know exactly what he might do or when. He repeated the action, dragging his finger through the heavy moisture her body produced, and rubbed it to her anus. The sharp sound of her breath being sucked in had him focusing on her eyes. Pressing a little harder, he couldn’t mistake the small motion she was able to make in her current

position to push against his finger. A quick dip into her pussy for more moisture before he pressed against her anus again. “You want me here, don’t you?” he asked. Her nod was jerky. “God yes,” she got out around a low moan. His cock liked the sounds she made, giving another jerk and pushing a drop of pre-cum free. Taking his dick in hand, Viper gave it a hard squeeze and then landed the first slap to her ass. The contact

between their flesh was loud in the room, as was her sharp inhalation. He struck the other side before settling into a rhythm back and forth. Never in the same spot but with the same force, not too hard but hard enough to turn her golden skin a pretty pink. Viper had to keep a hold on his cock. The sounds she was letting rip were testing his limits. Each gasp, moan, and sensual whimper had his balls throbbing and his cock ready to explode. She was definitely enjoying the

spanking. Her expression alone told him that, along with the flush on her cheeks and the moisture seeping from her pussy to slide down her thighs. Changing his focus to watching her ass and pussy while he spanked her, he noted her clit was more engorged than after he’d sucked the tight little nub. It was protruding from between her folds, swollen even further from the stimulation. While the position he had her in didn’t provide her much movement, she was still gyrating

her hips. He knew she was searching for something to rub against and send her over the edge. He let his cock go to adjust her legs slightly, spreading them more and pulling her pussy lips apart to let him see her contracting with each stroke. Viper knew if he so much as breathed on her she’d come hard, but he had other plans. Without giving away his plans, he watched her body’s responses, and when he knew the time was right, he landed one final slap. Right over her sopping-wet pussy and clit. She

went off like a firecracker. Krista’s scream was distorted, strangled, and nearly had him coming with her. Viper scrambled for a condom and sheathed his cock, getting ready to take her on her next ride to pleasure.

Chapter Twenty-One Her brain couldn’t comprehend what was happening. Krista’s body seemed to have a mind all its own as it shook, spasmed, and tore apart before reforming into something new. Every nerve ending felt alive, and they were all attuned to Viper. She could hear his heavy, frantic breathing behind her, but that was all. She didn’t know where he was exactly, except for behind her,

watching her come. She’d never expected any of what he’d done to turn her on. While she’d heard, for some, that spanking was a serious turn on, she’d been mildly skeptical but intrigued by his proposal. Her ass was on fire from the hard slaps, but damn, it felt good. At first it had been a shock that quickly turned into a stinging heat that spread through her body. Each slap from his hand had jolted her pussy and clit into coming alive for him. Even her nipples were throbbing in

pleasure and aching with need. That final smack, the one that had covered her entire pussy and mound, had fried out her brain. Everything had stopped for a moment before the waves crashed over her, pulling her under in a crushing orgasm like she’d never felt before. Released from it, she was now limp, sated on one level, and yet left wanting on another. She needed his cock filling up her pussy but didn’t have the air or apparently the energy to tell him that.

Then Viper proved yet again he seemed to be in perfect sync with her wants and needs. She felt his latex-covered cock rubbing between her swollen folds. The heavy head pushed in and then he was stretching her still-spasming muscles around his girth. A shudder tore through her. Completion. That was what she felt in that moment: utterly complete. Had she had the energy, Krista would have used the small leverage she had to push back into him, but even that was beyond her.

Again, she didn’t have to worry. Viper ’s hands, the fingers and palms deliciously callous roughened, grabbed onto her hips to hold her. He began to move, a slow glide of his cock in and out. Krista let out a moan for more. He kept up the pace for a time. Each time his hips came into contact with her ass, she whimpered for more. She managed a wiggle finally, and he took it for the signal it was. Driving his cock into her sheath harder, she reveled in the squeeze and release of his

hands on her hips. His control was on a razor ’s edge right then, close to snapping, and then it would be one fucking great ride. Which meant she needed to push him over that edge, get him to lose what little control he was managing to hold onto. In her position, she only had one tool at her disposal. Focusing hard, she used her inner muscles to grip his cock hard on the next thrust. The gasp he gave spurred her on to do it again, harder. “Krista.”

Her name came out with a low growl. It was a warning she didn’t heed. Biting her lip in concentration, she worked her inner muscles in a technique she’d read extensively about, and even practiced on one of her dildos. It had been a while since she’d last done the exercises, but if his sudden cursing was anything to go by, she hadn’t lost her touch. It also got her exactly what she wanted. His fingers dug into her hips and he began to fuck her like she

wanted and how he’d promised. Hard, fast, and without any care for the bruises she knew she’d wear proudly. Gasping out his name, Krista clawed at the blankets under her for a hold. She got a handful and held on for the ride of her life. Too fast, another orgasm came crashing in. She couldn’t stop it; she couldn’t even slow its approach. Like a tsunami, she was helpless in its path and gave in. Her next scream of release had her voice cracking. Before she lost consciousness, she heard his own

bellow and felt her lips curve smugly in response. She didn’t know how long she’d been out, but when she came back around from her impromptu nap, she was cuddled in Viper ’s arms and surrounded by the pillows and blankets. Her ass was still hot, and her pussy still rippled from the multiple orgasms she’d had. She felt safe in his arms, and damn if her body wasn’t humming happily from their activities. “We.” Shit, her voice sounded like crap. She cleared her

throat. “We are so fucking doing that again. Damn, Viper. I’ve read about people passing out from pleasure but never once thought it was even feasible. You fucking rocked it, biker boy.” His pleasure from her words was palpable around them even with the stern and worried expression he wore. “You scared me,” he said. Lifting her arm was a chore, but she managed to cup his cheek. She drew him down for a slow kiss. “Sorry,” she whispered against his

lips. “You blew out all my circuits in the best way ever.” Snuggling in closer, she reveled in the fact he tucked the blankets higher and held her tighter. “Are you sure you’re okay?” “Abso-fucking-lutely, big guy. That was one amazing ride you gave me. Next time, though, I want you to play with my ass too. That was hot when you were stroking it, Viper.” She’d tried it once or twice herself, but it really hadn’t held any pleasure when it had been her own finger toying with her tight back

hole. Viper ’s finger there, though— holy shit, she’d gotten seriously revved up by the light touch. His hand clenched on her thigh. After a minute, his fingers stroked up to her ass and rubbed lightly over the sensitive flesh. She squirmed even as her pussy clenched in memory. Krista bit her lip but wasn’t able to completely quash her needy moan. Viper stilled at the sound and then stroked his fingers over her ass again. Closing her eyes, she turned her face up into his throat

and gave him a small bite. He jerked at her action but seemed to be on board with whatever her plan was. Since she didn’t know where she was going with this, Krista really hoped he would figure something out. She flicked her tongue to his skin and savored the slightly salty taste, and then did it again. Not one to stand idly, by he continued to pet her ass, his fingers working closer to her ache each time he moved. Finally, he brushed against the tightly puckered hole,

causing her body to jolt. Working an arm free from the blankets, she shoved them down to give them some room and then looped her arm around his neck. “Viper.” God, her voice had such need in it. He obviously heard that desire, and suddenly she found herself straddling his lap with his awakening cock rubbing against her lower belly. Wiggling closer to press her throbbing clit against his hot, hard flesh, Krista rocked her hips slowly. In her new position, she had better access to him and

nibbled on his jaw, the stubble there scraping her lips. Oddly erotic, she realized. Viper wasn’t one to be outdone and was massaging her ass with one hand while the other he used to keep teasing her anus. Figuring she had nothing to lose by being open with her needs, she put her lips against his ear. “I want to feel your finger in my ass, Viper. Please.” His hand left her skin and had her drawing back in concern she’d pushed too far, too fast. Only

he wasn’t looking at her but at the bedside table. Frowning, she watched him shuffle around in it until he came up with a bottle. When she saw what it was, she felt her skin light up. Bright red, if she had to guess, given the heat she felt in her cheeks. She settled in against him again at his urging and promptly pressed her hot face to his neck. Krista heard the bottle open and the lube squirt out onto his fingers. It was chilly against her anus but quickly warmed. She wrapped her

arms around his neck and tried not to tense up but failed miserably. “Easy,” he told her. His other hand stroked up and down her spine until she loosened up enough to relax into his heat. “Good girl. Keep breathing and stay relaxed. I’m not going to hurt you. You know I could never do that.” Krista did know. The pressure on her anus was building until she felt the breach. She couldn’t stop the instant reaction to clench. Viper kept stroking her back until she let her muscles

loosen up. The pressure built again, and she felt that digit slide in deeper and then retreat. More cool lube before it slid back in and out. He repeated the motion several times until she was a quivering mess in his arms, and he finally left the finger inside and started pushing slowly deeper. By this time, she was rocking her hips again, rubbing her clit up and down his cock. She slipped a hand down and began to stroke him in time with her hips. If she was going to get off on this, so was

he. Viper withdrew his finger and replaced it with a thicker one, stretching her more. She suddenly couldn’t hold up her head any longer and needed to rest it against his shoulder. It gave her a view down between them to his cock. Krista swiped her thumb over the pre-cum at the tip and rubbed it around the head and then squeezed him harder. The low growl in his chest let her know he was liking where she was going with this, but it wasn’t enough.

Krista found a condom and sheathed him quickly before he knew her plan. A quick lift up, and she pressed him into her body, sliding down onto his cock with a groan. Between his thick dick and the finger in her ass, she was over halfway to another orgasm. That only left her to get him to the same point of no return. Utilizing her trick from earlier, she began to pulsate her inner muscles around his cock while slowly riding him. The sudden grip he had on her thigh with his free hand told her

she had him right where she wanted. “Where the fuck did you learn to do that?” “I’ve always been a big reader, you know that. Plus, there are these instructional videos you can find online that gave some extra tips. All it took was some practice, although it’s been a while since I did it last. I was worried I’d be rusty.” That hand from her leg came up to wrap around her throat, tipping her head back. It was a

threatening move, but Krista didn’t feel particularly threatened. For her, it was another turn on, because while the hold was pure dominance, it wasn’t hurting her in the least. “Who the fuck did you practice on?” Some things she would tease him about mercilessly until his head was ready to do a full turn on his neck. In this case she didn’t— couldn’t. “I used my stash of dildos to get really good after I learned the moves. You’re my first live subject.” Relief showed in his

expression and then his hand went to drift from her throat. Krista caught his wrist and pressed his hand back into place. “Keep it there. It’s fucking hot, Viper.” For a second, she thought he’d refuse, but then his fingers tightened enough to let her know he would be keeping it there. Biting her lip, Krista let his wrist go and reached down to stroke her clit. Already, the ripples signaling her orgasm were starting in her belly. She worked his cock and her clit harder while he stroked that finger

in and out of her ass. From that point on, she was a creature made to feel. Pure, sensual energy. Riding his cock, pinching and massaging her clit, she kept her gaze locked with his. And when the orgasm ripped through her, he was right there with her, staring back. The pleasure exploded to take them both down for the count.

Chapter Twenty-Two The next morning, Viper woke early to enjoy the quiet time before the day started with Krista. She was still asleep and he had no plans to wake her up. After their rambunctious night, she needed the rest. Unfortunately for him, he had things to see to that wouldn’t wait long. He took fifteen minutes to cuddle with her before easing from the bed. He tucked her back in and

then went to shower and dress. When he came back out, she was buried further under the blankets with only her nose and toes sticking out. It was adorable. In that moment, he knew for sure that he loved her. The realization hit him hard, but it felt right. Viper lifted the cover enough to see her face. He would do anything for her, whether she asked or not. She was his everything. Before the day was out, he’d ensure she knew that and that he planned to marry her. He might even

manage to make it more romantic, for her. After allowing the cover to fall back into place, he found a piece of paper and left her a note. Downstairs, there were bodies here and there, some snoring, and most in various states of undress. Shaking his head, he went to the kitchen to get coffee. He could smell it and knew someone was awake and functioning. Not surprisingly, it was Clarice, the woman in charge around the clubhouse and the sweetbutts.

Once a sweetbutt herself, she had moved into a new position after something had changed for her. Viper didn’t know what it was, but he knew Duke did, and that was enough for him. Clarice wasn’t nearly as happy as she’d once been. Since Viper wasn’t about to probe into something that wasn’t his business, he pretended not to notice. He kept on treating her with the same respect he had always shown her. “Morning, Clarice,” he said in greeting. He grabbed a mug,

filled it up, and took a sip. The woman sure could make amazing coffee. “Figured you’d be sleeping in today.” In the middle of taking another sip, he arched a brow in question in her direction. Her lips twitched before she looked back at what she was doing. “Rumor is that there was some serious action going on in your room last night.” “Who the fuck said that?” He’d fucking kill anyone that might

have eavesdropped on anything he and Krista had done. Clarice waved the question off. “Doesn’t really matter, but you should remember that your room is right above mine.” That had him choking on his next sip. “Got to say that even I had doubts about that over inflated reputation of yours. Let me assure you those doubts are now soundly and permanently put to rest. Damn, boy. Whatever vitamins you’re taking, you should share with the

rest of these bums.” Viper was one hundred percent sure his face looked like a ripe tomato. He couldn’t come up with an adequate reply, and rather than stand there taking the verbal abuse, even if this was the best mood he’d seen Clarice in for too long, he beat feet for the door. “Yell when it’s time for breakfast.” He knew that Clarice had only needed to throw the dishes in that Krista had prepped the night before. His little woman had mentioned that during one of their breathers. A

good thing, too. Clarice was pretty good in the kitchen, but Krista had her mother ’s talent. It had been a treat to have her doing the cooking during the previous lockdown. He knew she was bored and was only doing it to stay occupied while he worked. In the main room, he kicked Merc’s legs off the sofa and ducked the automatic swing the other man threw. Catching him in a headlock, Viper sat down and waited until Merc clued in. A tap to his arm had him releasing him. He got a glare

from Merc when he sat up and cracked his neck. “Fucker.” “Good morning to you too, sunshine.” Stealing his mug Merc took a gulp. He let out a happy sigh while rubbing his forehead. “What fucking time is it?” “Almost six-thirty. We need to get everyone awake enough to clear out. Nadine will have all our nut sacks in a vice if she walks down to see Angel’s full moon over there. Don’t even get me started on what she’ll say if she spots Clutch

and Rosie.” Those two were mostly naked, and still in a sexual position on the pool table top. “Duke will come down first anyway. He always does when they’re in house.” Merc got up and went to the kitchen. When he returned, he had a second mug in hand that he passed to Viper, keeping the one he’d stolen for himself. “Doesn’t matter. We should be proactive. Besides, you and Angel have to go relieve Kip and Dino on watch in a half hour. Best

we get everyone at least moved. We both know Duke will be down at seven on the nose.” Didn’t matter when their prez went to bed the night before; he was up and moving at seven every single day. Something that drove Nadine batty but that they’d all learned to live with. “Krista still asleep?” Glancing over at Merc, Viper didn’t detect anything sly about the man’s question. He gave a nod and sipped his coffee. “Burrowed under the blankets like it was the middle

of fucking winter.” “Cute,” Merc muttered. They fell silent for a time, the only sounds in the clubhouse the occasional snore and some vague sounds in the kitchen. “I’m happy for you, man. She’s perfect for you.” “I only hope I can live up to whatever expectations she has.” “You sure she’s the one with expectations?” Merc’s quiet question had him turning to stare at the other man, who wasn’t even looking his way. But it raised a valid point.

Maybe it wasn’t Krista expecting certain things. He’d have to think on that more. Leaning forward, Viper grabbed a boot off the floor and tossed it toward where Angel lay. It smacked into the guy’s ribs and had him popping up ready to do battle. “What the fuck?” he slurred out sleepily. “Rise and shine, sweetcheeks. Get your ass up. You need to sober up for your shift.” Angel threw him the finger but pushed up from the floor,

providing Viper and Merc with a view they totally did not need to see. “Jesus, man, where the fuck are your pants?” Scratching his ass, Angel turned to give them the full Monty and smirked. “No clue, brother.” Then he sauntered off toward the stairs. “God help us if he runs into Duke up there.” Viper checked his watch and shook his head. “Too early still. Duke should still be getting pretty

for the day. At his age, it does take a little longer than it used to.” “While you don’t have to do a damn thing, do you, pretty boy?” Merc ran a hand over Viper ’s cheek that earned him a gut punch. Wincing, he rubbed at the spot. “How the fuck Krista fell for that ugly mug, I’ll never know.” “At least I have brains to go with my brawn. A woman loves a man who can actually talk to her about current events and the like. Which means there’s no hope for you.”

“I may not have your brains, but at least I’m hung like a horse.” Merc smirked at him and pushed up from the sofa. “They may not fall for my face, but they stay for my dick.” “Nasty, and something I did not ever need to know.” Laughing while he made his way across the floor, Merc smacked people here and there to wake them up before finally headed up the stairs. Viper leaned back on the sofa to finish his coffee while folks started to slowly rouse themselves.

If they didn’t get moving faster, he might just sic Clarice on them. It was amazing how quickly they would wake when that woman spoke up. Of course, it might have something to do with her weapon of choice: a big-ass wooden spoon she used with deadly accuracy. Hell, he might get her out here anyway, if only for his own amusement.

Chapter Twenty-Three Waking to find Viper gone wasn’t exactly how she’d planned to start her morning. The note he’d left her had helped, though. It had been sweet and considerate. Krista could only smile when she thought about it. While short, the fact he’d left it had her in a happy place. Her mood pretty much plummeted when she saw her mother ’s expression ten minutes after leaving Viper ’s room in the

clubhouse. Nadine did not have on her happy face. She was wearing her ‘someone’s going to die painfully’ look. “What’s wrong?” Nadine shook her head and took Krista’s arm to pull her into the kitchen. “I don’t know, but your father is pissed. And I don’t mean when he finds my underwear on the towel bar instead of his towel after a shower. I’ve only seen him this mad twice before. Both times ended in a bloodbath.” “Krista.” She turned at hearing Viper

call her name. After giving her mom’s hand a squeeze, she went to her man and into his arms immediately. She knew better than to ask what was happening, since it was clear it was club business. It was one thing for him to offer up the information; it was another to question him for it. He held her for a minute and then drew her into the hallway leading to the back rooms. “We got word from the Devils. Porter paid them a visit and wasn’t happy to be denied entry. He shot one of their

prospects. Marx called to warn us that Porter ’s headed our way. He’s pretty sure the psychopath has figured out they no longer have Duke and Nadine.” “Shit, what does that mean for us?” “Nothing good. We’re taking precautions and Duke’s warning the sheriff. The best Marx could tell us was that Porter had two other guys with him. He doesn’t know if there are more, but he sent a man to trail them to find out. Hopefully we hear back soon. For now, we’re moving

all the kids out to the barn with the sweetbutts. Clarice will be in charge there, but can you help her get everyone out there and set up. Maybe grab them some snacks.” Krista knew the barn was a reinforced building. Basically an above-ground bunker her father had found online and purchased super cheap. Usually, it was used for storing large parts until they were needed at the shop or equipment they were renting for a specific job that was too big for keeping anywhere else. It also had

its own generator to keep it cool since otherwise it was basically a windowless oven. “Yeah, I can do that. What about Mom and I?” “Duke hasn’t decided yet,” he told her. Viper did not sound happy. Stepping in close, she set a hand over his heart. “I’ll go out to the barn if you’d feel better about it.” She wouldn’t like it, but she’d do it. Krista did not particularly like small spaces. Less so when she didn’t know how long she’d be

stuck in them. Elevators were okay because she knew the ride could only last a predetermined time. His hand came up to cup her cheek. “Maybe but only as a last resort. I know how you feel about tight spaces, Krista.” He gave her a gentle kiss. Krista leaned in and took a moment to enjoy it. When he pulled back, she let out a happy sigh and licked her lips. “Damn, but I do love when you do things like that.” “Good to hear. I’ll keep it in mind for the future.”

Rubbing her thumb over his shirt, she nodded. “Do that. For now, I think we both have things to attend to. I’ll find you when I’m done.” Another quick and harder kiss, and off he went. She took a couple more seconds to get moving. Mainly because she couldn’t remember what she was supposed to be doing. His kisses could fry her brain all too easily. Eventually, the old synapses started to fire again and she remembered where she needed to

go. Locating Clarice in the kitchen, she found out from the club housemother what the woman wanted her to attend to. First project was to head out to the barn and get the generator going. Second was to turn the AC on in the building. Outside, Krista noted seemingly chaotic activity. Her father was out there too while they did whatever the hell it was they were doing. When she reached the barn, Krista hauled the doors open and nearly fell down at the blast of

hot air that escaped. She leapt back and waved a hand before her face— not that it helped to dissipate the heat much. There was a light breeze, cooler than the interior of the barn, so she gave it a couple minutes to cool things off before she went inside. She grabbed a flashlight from the shelf next to the door, turned it on, and went to check the vents. Krista snapped them all open to ensure nothing had crawled in to die and then went back outside to get the generator started.

It took three tries with some swearing involved, but she got it turning over. Once it was going, she went to make sure all the bulbs were functional. One she had to change, but the others looked okay. She knew the building needed airflow for a time before she could turn the AC on. Leaving the doors open to air it out, she headed back to the clubhouse. Krista would help Clarice bring items out, and when the space was a little less stuffy, she’d turn the AC on. Her father lifted a hand to

wave her over. Upon reaching him, she was surprised when he caught her arm and pulled her into the shade. “Is everything okay, Daddy?” “I think that’s my line, baby girl.” “What, I’m not allowed to worry about my father?” “I didn’t say that.” He hugged her in close. “You are way too much like your mother for my liking. A smartass through and through.” “Mom says I get that from

you. That you were the one to teach her all about being a smartass.” “Don’t believe everything your mother tells you, Krista.” Amused by his dry tone, she looped her arm around his waist. “I’m going to tell her you said that.” “Yeah, I was afraid you’d say that.” Sighing, her father ruffled her hair. “And here I thought you might like me. You do know your momma will kick my ass if you go telling her shit like that.” “She loves you. She’ll only

kick it once,” Krista assured him. Nadine might kick Duke’s ass, but it would only be in the most loving way. Her parents were solid, sickeningly so some days. They were the example for what Krista had always wanted in any relationship she had. It was what she wanted with Viper. To be deeply loved and to have no doubts about one another, no matter the situation. “Can I ask you something, Daddy?” “Always.”

“How have you and Mom made it work? This life isn’t easy, even with how sheltered you’ve kept me. I know that. But you two have managed to stay together through everything.” Falling silent, Krista watched the activity around them while letting her father mull over his answer. Duke had always been one to think things through. When you got a fast, hard answer, you knew it was emotional with him. It was the ones that took time you really had to listen to on every level.

“There’s no easy answer to that, baby girl. It took time for us to figure out how to make our relationship work. The biggest thing I can tell you is to always talk. Having open lines of communications will keep you moving forward together. No secrets is another. I don’t keep anything from your mother. Yes, there are some things involving club business I sugarcoat for her sanity and my own, but I don’t hide a damn thing from that woman. If anything is bothering you, bring it

up. Don’t let it fester and eat away at the foundations you’re building. Even if it’s something small and seemingly stupid. Bring it into the light. It’s better to sound foolish for a second than to regret for a lifetime.” He fell silent again, but Krista knew he wasn’t done. She could feel it in the air between them. Resting her cheek against his shoulder, she waited patiently for whatever other wise words her father might bestow on her. He might not think he was all that

smart, but Krista knew better. The man was a wealth of knowledge and interesting, if slightly quirky, facts. “Never go to bed angry. That’s one your mother taught me. Stewing over an argument is a great way to earn yourself ulcers. Extremely unhealthy. Admit when you are wrong even if it’s after the fact. While it might be hard to swallow, it’s a sign of strength to admit when you were wrong.” “Anything else?” she asked curiously. It was all great advice, and made perfect sense.

“You need to decide how much you want to know. Viper will go along with whatever your decision is. But only you can decide how deep into what we do you see. Figure out your comfort level and go from there.” That one would be tough. Krista had lived happily on the fringes for a long time. She had an idea about several things the club was involved in, but didn’t know for sure. She planned on being in Viper ’s life for good. He’d been completely open with her to date.

Can I handle that for the rest of our lives? It was a question she’d damn well better figure out sooner rather than later.

Chapter Twenty-Four With darkness falling, it became a waiting game. Everyone was pretty mellow, considering. There were a couple men out on watch and all the innocents were in the bunker. Kip had checked on them earlier to find the kids almost all asleep. Nadine was playing cards with Duke, Bones, and Merc. She was also winning. Krista was snuggled in next to him, sleeping soundly. Viper pressed a kiss to her

hair and then turned his attention back to the monitors he was watching. There had been no movement outside the walls surrounding the clubhouse grounds beyond whatever the gentle wind created and whatever night creatures were out and about. Not that Viper believed it would last long. Porter wasn’t the sort to sit back on his heels. The guy had a serious hard-on for the club. Against his side, Krista stirred, yawned, stretched, and then

sat up more. “I wasn’t drooling, was I?” “Not that I noticed.” Smoothing her hair back behind an ear, he leaned in to kiss her. “I love you,” he whispered. His timing was shit and the location not exactly desirable, but he couldn’t leave it unsaid. Just in case. Her eyes went huge and her jaw dropped. She made a choked sound in her throat as her fingers tightened in his shirt. Suddenly, she snapped her mouth closed. She looked around and then jerked her

head back to look up at him. “I love you too, Viper. But did you have to tell me in a room full of people, including my parents? I can’t even jump you like I want to right now, damn it.” His lips curled up. “Sorry. I wanted you to know.” “Now you’re scaring me, Viper. Did you tell me because you know something I don’t?” “No, pipsqueak. I didn’t want any secrets between us, and I have been keeping it a secret from you. Now it’s out in the open where

it should be.” He stroked a finger down her cheek, curled it under her chin, and lifted gently. “I don’t ever want any secrets between us.” Krista stared at him for a minute before giving a firm nod. “Unless it’s club business that I’m better off not knowing about, I don’t want you keeping anything from me. And I won’t keep anything from you either.” “Full disclosure works for me.” Wrapping her back in his arms, he returned his attention to the monitors.

Roughly ten minutes later, movement on the outside range of a camera had him straightening up. A small adjustment of the controls showed a shadow, and it definitely wasn’t a coyote. Viper gave a low whistle that had every man’s head jerking around to look his way. “We have company calling.” At his side, Krista stiffened and slowly released his shirt. She unwrapped her arms from his waist. “Be careful.” “Damn straight I will.” He hauled her in for a hard kiss. When

he let her loose, her lips were wet and swollen, and her eyes glazed over. The perfect look for her, in his humble opinion. Only thing better was having her laid out naked on his bed. Not exactly the thought he should be having right then. Shaking it from his brain, he stood and pulled her up. “Krista, stay with your mother in the kitchen. If Merc gives the word, you get to the bunker and lock that thing tight.” She gave Viper a long look before going to join her mother and

disappearing into the kitchen. Viper stepped in close to Merc. “Keep her safe.” “With my life, brother.” Viper smacked him on the arm and then headed out to his assigned post with Stone, Devil, and the prospect Aeron. Duke would be going out the front with his group while Bones went out the back with his. They weren’t going to give Porter any viable targets if they could avoid it. The one thing they did need to do was figure out how many the psycho had brought with

him for support. He stayed low while making the run to where the trucks were now parked. Out front was a lone vehicle, Duke’s own pickup. All the bikes were safely stowed but ready to mobilize should they need to chase this asshole down. “In position,” he reported via the comm links they were all wearing—something they’d had to pull out of storage for tonight. Better than shouting around the compound and giving Porter an idea as to their numbers.

“Copy,” Merc’s voice came back. The man’s main job, besides watching over Nadine and Krista, was to control the lighting system and keep his eyes on the monitors. The clubhouse had a variety of lights on the outside depending on what they needed at any given time. Tonight it would be spotlights to keep the club members in shadow whenever possible. When someone was finally spotted on the video feed, Merc would light him up, thereby blinding him in the process.

Bones reported they were in position, and shortly after, Duke did the same. The occasional soft rustle from the bushes broke the near-perfect silence. There wouldn’t be many animals out tonight, not if they’d sensed the impending danger. “Movement out front. Looks like one person. Couple shadows out back and another one to the west. Nothing to the east that I can see,” Merc reported. “Light up the gate when he’s close,” Duke said.

When the light went on to show a man at the gate. It wasn’t Porter. The guy had his hands up in the air, one shading his eyes while he cringed. “I’m looking for someone named Duke.” Viper had a bad feeling about this. “Moving,” he murmured through the comms. “Confirmed,” Merc said back. “I can’t identify the guys behind or to the west. They’re sticking to shadows and staying a hair outside the camera’s range. Looks like one guy from the back is

moving around to the west side. Repeat, we have one unknown moving to the west, one guy left out back.” Viper inched his way along the wall and slid out an east gate. When he shut it, the wall was once again seamless to the outside observer. He stayed down behind the bushes they’d carefully cultivated around the perimeter, leaving the perfect five-foot trench between the wall and the shrubbery to move along. The club had a couple members formerly in the

military, and they’d utilized their knowledge to fortify the clubhouse appropriately. At the front corner, he checked the area. The guy at their gate appeared completely alone. But with the nearly moonless night, Viper couldn’t see much beyond where the floodlight touched. He knew Duke wouldn’t do anything stupid, so he turned and quickly made his way to the back. He needed to assess the other threats. If he saw the opportunity, he’d take them out.

Only when he got there, he didn’t see anyone. “I thought you said there was a guy back here, Merc.” “There was. He stepped back from the cameras range. Hold on a sec. Got a shadow by the split tree.” Viper let his eyes move to the tree and then looked for what didn’t belong. “Got him.” Keeping low, he moved away from the wall and out toward the desert. When he was sure he was far enough, he angled around toward the tree that had been hit two years prior by

lightning. He had to take care with each step not to give himself away. The guy leaning against the tree was nervous, it seemed, fidgeting and nearly constantly toying with the tab on his jacket zipper. He wasn’t wearing any colors, but that didn’t mean anything. Porter wouldn’t want anyone easily identified if this went sideways. “Back clear,” the guy said suddenly into a handheld radio. Well, that was interesting. They were doing check-ins,

probably on a fairly regular basis. Not knowing the timeframe, Viper knew he’d have to act fast. Using the butt of his gun, he nailed the guy in the head. When he went down, Viper grabbed him and dragged him to the wall and another hidden gate. Angel met him there and took over hauling the guy inside. Once the gate was secured again, Viper headed back out into the desert and went looking for the other two. Why Porter would stack two guys up didn’t make any sense

to him. Viper nearly tripped over the first guy. Only pure surprise and a quicker reaction time had him taking the guy down before he could alert his friend. Not that it would have mattered, it seemed. The other guy appeared to be rather busy with something before him. Once he’d eased in closer, Viper peered over the guy’s shoulder. “Porter said to be ready to move. He’s got a bead on Duke, and when he fires, that’s the signal to

go.” He fell silent and then turned. “Did you hear me, Bob?” “Sorry, Bob’s otherwise occupied, but thanks for the intel.” Viper decked him and pulled off the walkie-talkie the guy was wearing, since he was the one obviously in contact with Porter. He reported what he’d heard into his own comm unit. He knew that the guys would shift to ensure that Duke was protected. “Merc, where the fuck is Porter?” “Dude, I don’t know. I can’t see anyone beside the guy at the

front gate and the two bozos you laid out. Angel’s heading your way to grab them. Don’t shoot him. He might be a pain, but he’s a brother.” “I heard that, jackoff. You and I will be talking later.” “Whatever you say, sugar.” “Enough,” Viper said sharply. While he appreciated their need to play around and lighten things up, now was definitely not the time. There was still an unpredictable threat out there, and they needed to get answers from their guests—fast.

Chapter Twenty-Five The sound from a door crashing into a wall jolted Krista. Glancing at the clock, she was stunned by the actual passage of time. She hadn’t realized the men had been gone so long. Loud voices shouted a dozen different things, but the urgency had her scrambling for the doorway. Spotting her father, she gasped at the blood on his arm. “It’s nothing more than a scratch, Krista.” His

jaw clenched, and he couldn’t meet her eyes. Her stomach plummeted. “Daddy, where’s Viper?” “Krista, get me towels!” Her mother ’s yell gutted her, and she knew something was very wrong. Grabbing all the dish towels she could find in the drawer, Krista barreled out into the main room and pushed between the large bodies. When she broke through, she stumbled. Viper was alive, cursing up a blue streak, and bleeding freely from a wound on his right shoulder.

“Krista, the towels.” Snapping to attention, she rushed forward. Then she followed her mother ’s instructions for getting Viper ’s cut off, followed by his shirt. That brought about a hell of a lot more swearing from him. He looked flushed and shaky. Not a great look for him. She held the towels in place over the bleeding wound and searched him for any other injuries. Nadine was ordering the other club members around, including telling one to call Doc, who was an actual

licensed doctor. “What happened?” she finally asked him. Viper had his teeth clenched tightly enough she was sure she could hear his jaw creaking. “Those assholes I clocked finally came around. They told us why there hadn’t appeared to be anyone on the east side. Porter was out there with a rifle. He’d parked up on a hill and was trying to take your dad out,” Angel told her. “Viper got between the second shot that would have done some serious

damage to Duke’s head. We knew it was coming when the first only dinged Duke on the arm. Thank God that psycho is a bad shot.” “Did you get the fucker?” Nadine demanded. She was washing off the blood that had dripped down Viper ’s chest. When she was done and found no other immediate damage, she turned to Duke and waved him into a seat. “The sheriff and his deputies got him. Shot him at least twice. We should expect a visit from James sooner than later,” Duke said.

“Doc’s on his way. He figures he’ll be here in ten,” Merc said. He looked to Duke and then over at Viper. “You going to be okay for ten minutes?” “I can wait,” Viper ground out. Krista wasn’t nearly as sure. She got him to recline on the sofa using pillows at his back to brace him while she kept the pressure over the towels. “You don’t look so good.” “I’ll be fine, sweetheart. Don’t be going anywhere, though,”

he said. Shaking her head, Krista pressed a kiss to the part she could reach—his shoulder. “Not going anywhere at all, babe.” She rested her cheek lightly on his chest. She could have lost him; he’d come too close for her comfort. “I love you, Viper.” “Love you too, pipsqueak.” **** “Krista, quit fussing, for the love of God. Come to bed already.” She stilled and shot him a look. He was propped up slightly in

their bed, his arm in a sling and fresh bandages covering the wound. Doc had dug out the bullet, cleaned the wound, and stitched him up. Viper would be damn sore for several days, but he would be fine. A few painkillers, some antibiotics, and he was pretty damn mellow. With a breath, she went to turn off the lights and then carefully crawled into the bed. She was wearing one of his t-shirts and panties to ensure they both behaved themselves. No way in hell

was she going to do anything to hurt him. He’d had enough pain for the night. His hand tugged on her arm. “Get over her and cuddle with me. You won’t hurt me, Krista. Come and snuggle in nice and close. I need to have you in my arms, sweetheart.” Unable to resist him—she really should learn to at least a little —she turned off the bedside lamp and gave in. As carefully as she could manage, Krista rested her head on his good shoulder and

wrapped an arm around his middle. She closed her eyes when he started to stroke her hair, allowing the motion to relax her. “Shh, Krista. God, baby, don’t cry.” She hadn’t realized she was crying until he mentioned it. But once she noticed, she couldn’t make the tears stop. Pressing her nose to his chest, she let out all the fear and worry she’d been carrying through the night out. Viper kept stroking her hair and pleading with her to stop

crying. Eventually, she did. Wrung right out, she held on tight to him while she sniffled and hiccupped. She knew she wasn’t a pretty sight to see, which made the darkness a blessing. “I need to blow my nose,” she told him. And wash her face a couple times too while she was at it. He let her go, his reluctance obvious. Krista slipped from the bed and put her time in the bathroom to good use before rejoining him. “Better now?”

“Sorry about that.” “Don’t be sorry, Krista. I wish you hadn’t needed to cry, but I’m glad you let me hold you.” She pressed a kiss to his chest, rested her cheek back down, and blew out a breath. “I was so scared when I saw the blood. Damn it, Viper. You’re not supposed to get yourself shot. Especially not by some psychotic moron with a death wish.” His chest moved in a chuckle. “Who am I supposed to get shot by?”

“No one. Don’t make fun of me, damn it.” “Sorry. I’m sorry, sweetheart. I only wanted clarification given how you phrased that.” “You know what I meant.” “I know, sweetheart.” He fisted her hair and she felt his lips against her forehead. They lay there in silence for a long time until the question she’d had on her tongue hours earlier wouldn’t wait any longer. “What’s going to happen to everyone from tonight?”

“Porter ’s got a one-way ticket back into prison once he’s cleared by the hospital. He violated the terms of his parole in a big way. He’ll also have some additional charges to add on time, I’m sure. The guys helping him, I don’t know yet. We’ll have to wait on James to tell us that. They probably won’t be nailed to hard if they give evidence against him.” “Did you guys ever find out how he got out early?” Something else that had been bothering her from the beginning.

“Not yet, sweetheart. It’s another question we can pose to the good sheriff. I do know he’s been digging into it right from the start. Porter never should’ve got out. Not in our lifetime, anyway, given he had four counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder. If not for the fact New Mexico doesn’t have the death penalty, he would have been in line to get the needle. My only thought was that he cut a deal. Who with and what the terms were, I can’t even guess at, but my gut says it’s not good.”

“It won’t hurt the club, will it?” “No. Anything he might have given them, either about the Scoundrels or anything else, is now tainted by his actions. It’s clear he used whatever he had to get out and come for Duke and the club. This time they’ll toss him in a dank, dark hole, and I pray they lose the fucking key.” “We can only hope.” Stroking her fingers over his ribs lightly, she snuggled in closer to him. “You need to get some sleep,

babe. You were shot today and need to rest.” “Yes, dear.” “You’d better not be mocking me, Viper.” “I would never dare to do that.” She didn’t believe him. Not even close. He sounded a little too amused for her peace of mind, but she let it go. Viper did need sleep, and she did as well. It had been a long, stress-filled day, and God only knew what tomorrow would bring. She held him close and let the

rhythmic lift and fall from his breathing lull her to sleep.

Epilogue Three days later, Krista was still fussing over him. Viper didn’t honestly mind, and it was doing great things for his ego. If only the other guys weren’t so damn jealous. Accepting the mug she handed him, he smirked when she told Angel to get his own coffee. Chuckling, he sipped at the brew. Over the rim, he saw the sheriff walk in. Viper kicked Merc’s boot with his own and jerked his

chin toward James. “Fucking hell, about damn time he showed up. Maybe he’ll actually have some answers.” More or less what Viper had been thinking. Krista handed James a cup before the man wandered over to shake hands with Duke. “What’s the word, Sheriff?” their president asked. “Judge yanked Porter ’s parole, obviously. He’s headed back into court later to deal with the newest charges. I had to call in serious markers to find out how

he’d got loose early, but it sounds like he was making a deal with the state’s attorney in regards to some dealings he’d had with several MCs over the years. He told the guy he had some dirt on the Scoundrels too, but they hadn’t gotten to that part yet with his trip to visit his mother. Apparently he’d given them several things to work with on other clubs, but in a show of good faith the trip was approved, and when he got back he was to be deposed on the other stuff. Now that’s out the window.”

“Well, we never dealt with him. At least nothing I could find in our records,” Kip said. Being the club’s treasurer, he was the one that would know such things. “I know Porter thought he had some claim over Geraldine. Which we all know to be bullshit. She and Spike were high-school sweethearts, for fuck’s sake.” At the mention of their former club president and his old lady, everyone seemed to take a breath. Duke reached out to pull Nadine onto his knee and hugged

her close. “Porter is crazy. There’s no reasoning with someone like that or figuring out how they think. They have their own whacked-out ideas about the world and why they do what they do.” “Can’t argue with that,” James muttered. Tipping his mug up, he finished off the coffee and then set it aside. “Anyway, wanted to let you know that there might be some heat for a couple days. Nothing major, I don’t think, but be on your best behavior for me if you could.”

Merc hooked his arm around the sheriff ’s neck and gave him a smacking kiss on the cheek. “Aww, he’s worried about us. How sweet is that?” “Get off me, you buffoon.” Cheeks bright red, James rubbed furiously at the spot Merc had planted the wet one on. “I should run you in for assaulting an officer of the law.” Everyone knew he wouldn’t. He glared at Merc and made tracks while laughter from the members in the room followed him out.

Krista sat down next to him, adjusted the pillows supporting his arm, and then leaned into his good side. “It’s over, then?” “Looks like it, sweetheart.” Moving hurt, but he managed to get his arm around her shoulders. He let her take the mug to prevent him doing harm to anyone. “Not us, never us.” “Damn straight. You’re stuck with me for the rest of your days, Viper.” “Sounds good to me.” Viper pressed his cheek to her hair. For a

long time, they sat like that, the sound of conversations filling the air around them. Eventually, she moved to get up, only this time she tugged on his hand. Apparently it was naptime again. A guy could really get used to this kind of treatment. The jokers naturally had to throw in their two cents. The shocking thing was that Krista popped them all the finger—much to some horror, but plenty of amusement. “Your dad is going to kick my ass for that move, you do

know that, right?” “He puts a mark on you, babe, and he’ll be dealing with me.” Her saucy statement absolutely delighted him. It likely shouldn’t, but she was his, and he liked her just the way she was. He let her loose with a squeeze when they reached their room. Following her inside, he headed for the chair and sat to tug off his boots and socks. Krista gave him a hand, gently sliding off his cut. Once it was hung up, he eased down onto the bed and let her get

the pillows in place. “Much as I love having you tending to me, this is seriously getting old.” “I know it’s frustrating, Viper.” She moved around to the other side and crawled up next to him, pulling a throw with her. Krista got it around herself, settled down against his side, and then draped the end over his chest. “But you do anything to hamper your healing, and I will find a way to put you in traction for the entire time. I’m sure Doc knows a few tricks

that will help me keep you completely immobile.” “We need to have a conversation about this mean streak you possess, Krista.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Now, close your eyes and relax. You heard Doc’s orders the same as I did.” Sleeping, more sleeping, and absolutely nothing that could tear the stitches. Doc would come back at week’s end to check the wound, and if he liked what he saw the stitches would come out. Then Viper could do light

duty. She suddenly asked, “Did you ever get Blackie’s bike back together?” Viper was completely silent for a ten count. “Son of a bitch, I forgot about his damn bike.” Chuckling, she patted his chest. “Better hope he doesn’t get back anytime soon.” “There’s no way I can get it back together in two days,” he muttered. Krista lifted her head to look at him. “Babe, you do realize you have a clubhouse full of guys that

could help you, right? Get a couple out there who take direction well and put it back together. You’ve done all the hard work on the engine, I’m guessing, which means it’s reassembly. And the majority seem to have a vague clue what goes where. At least with bikes.” “Good point. A few could use pointers with women.” She gave a delicate snort. “More than a few.” “Okay, I can’t argue with that. But you have a good idea there, and it’s something I’ll talk to

them about in the morning.” Viper ran his hand up her back and cupped her head to toy with her hair. “A problem for later on.” “Much later,” she said. Krista rubbed her cheek to his chest and relaxed against him. Stroking her hair slowly, he listened to her breathing. He knew the moment she was asleep. He let her breathing calm him until he was on the cusp himself. Slipping his hand up around her nape, he fully let go. With her in his arms, he could. She was his other half, his

everything. Without her, he was nothing more than an empty shell going through the motions. “Sweet dreams, pipsqueak.” The End

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