Nordic Bound, page 10
Slowly he asks, “Lars? The leader of the Norsemen?”
I nod.
“Why and more importantly how is Ingvild involved with Lars Bjerke? What the hell do I need to know?”
“Mikkel, there’s a mountain of information you need to be updated on but before that happens know that we need your help or someone is likely be killed.”
“Jesus Christ! You can never underestimate these whack-job extremists. Know that the brothers and I will do whatever it takes to back you up. Even though you haven’t patched in yet, you’re still one of us. Same blood flowing, you feel me?”
“Yeah, and I appreciate it, Mikkel, really do. Because this fucker is so unpredictable, this situation is on the edge of spiraling out of control and something needs to be done to contain it.
“What do you have in mind?”
“At first, I just wanted my mask back. Now I think he needs to be put down.” Seeing Mikkel’s confusion, I continue, “Shit, a hundred years ago, if someone tried to kill you and your girl, you’d be well within your rights to take them out. Now the laws make it next to impossible to go around the police. I sure as hell don’t want to do a stretch of time like Alreck did, so I was thinking of trapping him, catching his sneaky ass committing a serious crime on film.
“It’s interesting that you say that, because I have some info that you should know.”
Come on Mikkel, give me something good.
“I’m listening.”
“I don’t discuss my clients—as far as I’m concerned it’s a very private transaction. I’m positive that the same is true of your business.”
“It is.”
“Well, under the circumstances, I’m prepared to make an exception. You should know that Mr. Bjerke is a client of mine.”
My jaw goes slack with fury before I slowly hiss, “You built a ride for that little fucker?”
“No. I built a sweet ride for the little fucker’s father. He’s a first-class man and what I’m about to share with you had better not leave this table, Aksel.”
I stare at him impatiently and nod, “All right.”
“Mr. Bjerke was very pleased with his finished product, so much so that he asked me to join him for dinner at a local steakhouse to celebrate. It was after several rounds of liquor that he opened up about his personal life, telling me that he was frustrated with his only child, Lars. He’d bailed him out one too many times, either with money, influence or a combination of the two. He told me he was at the end of his rope and was through cleaning up his shit.”
“What did you say?”
“What could I say? I don’t have a kid yet, so I just listened. I think that’s all the man wanted anyhow. If what the father told me five months ago is true then if you trap Lars and do it right—get solid evidence against hate crimes or theft—it’s unlikely Mr. Bjerke will intervene on his behalf. It seems that he’s come to realize that Lars’ aggression is only going to escalate. Now, if you want to go down another route, we could all ride out to pay the punks a little warning visit. That might be enough to make them back off because very few idiots on the planet will take on an MC. He might be a dick, but he’s not dumb.”
“That would only be a temporary fix. According to Ingvild, he’s never going to leave her alone. I’m set on making one hundred percent certain he does. Trapping him is a better option.”
“Where’s Ingvild now?”
“She’s in class over at the university. I’m picking her up at noon.”
He leans forward, saying, “You’re not going to want to hear this, Aksel, but sooner or later Bern will need to know what’s going on with you and her, and if you’re expecting my protection, I need to know everything.”
Oh fuck, here I go ….
After a long pause, I say, “I’m the one who shot her that night.”
The handle on his mug snaps off in his hand and he looks like he’s going to lean across and bite my fucking nose off my face as I quickly continue, “Lars blackmailed her into breaking into my home to steal the mask. The little brother is in deep with a gambling debt and they were ready to fuck him up good. She did what she could to fix the situation, not realizing that her involvement would make everything much worse. She got away that night, but not before I clipped her shoulder. I had her skull locked in but changed my mind—thank fucking Christ for that. It wasn’t until you came to my house that day and mentioned a woman connected with the club being shot that I found her, and now I would take ten bullets to erase the one I hit her with. I’m in deep with her, Mikkel, and the fact that there is a threat to her life is eating away at me every second. Now he wants her, and all I know is that psychopath has to be stopped because he’s unstable enough to want her dead rather than see her with someone other than him.”
He’s silent for a long time. Just when I think he’s going to get up and walk out, he finally replies, “You need to have a one on one with Bern. We don’t keep secrets from each other in my club. He’s a smart guy and knows something serious is up; he just doesn’t know the nasty details. He’s going to find out everything eventually, so it’s best you tell him because my man, if he hears you were the one who shot his baby sister without understanding the reason behind it, then you may as well open up the fuckin’ gates of hell because an unstoppable demon will be coming for you. And no one, not Alreck, not me, not any of the brothers will be able to hold him back. The best case scenario is containment.”
I look off behind him toward the windows; the snow is coming down hard, blanketing everything in an infinite sea of white.
I sigh, “You’re right. I’ll meet him. My mobile’s at the bottom of the river. I’m heading out to pick up a new one now. I’ll text you later today.”
“I’m glad that you see the gravity of the situation, Aksel. Once you clear the air with him—and it’s going to take time, believe me—the tension between you two will hopefully dissipate and we can focus on what’s coming at you from the Norsemen. You keep Ingvild safe and I’ll handle the rest.”
I stand, zip my coat and place my hand on the shoulder of my closest friend before heading off into the swirling whiteout.
***
My mind is pulling up delicious images from the erotic shower we took together in his studio yesterday when my classmate Grethe catches up with me near the entrance. “Hey Ingvild, can you email me the bonus points sheet from the professor? Somehow I’ve misplaced it.”
“Sure, I’ll send it over later today.”
“Thanks. I see you’re in your work clothes. I bet the Cliff is slammed with customers this time of year.”
“It’s been crazy for sure. It seems like we can’t get the inventory unboxed fast enough before the racks thin out. At least it makes the shifts go by quickly. Are you still working the counter at your sister’s bakery?”
“Yes, and the orders are streaming in. The money is good. I’m there most evenings, which is no fun. Hey, do you need a ride? The weather is terrible.”
“Thanks, but I have someone picking me up.”
She pushes though the set of heavy glass doors, saying, “See you Wednesday then.”
“Bye.”
I’m watching for Aksel’s truck as I replay the events from yesterday. After the hell we went through in the river, the police had us give statements and I spoke up, telling them that I believe Lars and his group were directly involved in what happened on that bridge. Unfortunately, because the men were wearing masks and driving a virtually untraceable vehicle, we were told there was not enough evidence to charge them. But at least it’s comforting to know that they would be paying the nasty gang a visit. Maybe the cops’ probing questions will be enough to get Lars to back off, but I doubt it. He’s a menace with his own warped agenda. I stayed at Aksel’s studio last night, and a friend in his building was nice enough to give him a lift back to his home in Sørkedalen so he could get his truck. He insisted on going to my apartment after that to bring me fresh clothes, along with my bag for class.
The headlights of his massive truck shine bright as he pulls to the curb. He told me to stay inside the building until he arrived and I agreed, although it’s tempting to defy him in order to receive another one of his addicting punishments … and he always delivers. My upper thighs and ass are proof, still aching from the thorough spanking he gave me in the shower when I hesitated to follow one of his dark commands. A deep blush creeps across my face as I recall how dripping wet I was, pinned against that slick wall, my legs wrapped tightly around his toned hips as he thrust into me, at the same time telling me he knows what’s best. Not even the snowflakes can cool off my body from the scorching memory as I make my way to his truck, eager to see him.
Suddenly, my shoulder is grabbed so roughly that I spin around and struggle not to lose my footing in the snow.
Oh no! Noooo!
Lars is directly in my face, his fury almost palpable as he seethes at me, “You’ve got some explaining to do, bitch! The cops just came to my place. And according to them, you’re the reason.”
I step back, yelling, “Get away from me, you monster!”
Run. Get to Aksel!
I rush by him but he grabs for the bag slung across my chest. With one sure tug I’m pulled right up against him. I panic, looking around frantically. Other students have slowed to watch what’s going on, realizing that something is very wrong.
“You’re coming with me.”
Suddenly my bag is free and I stagger back in shock. Aksel is standing in front of Lars and I can actually feel the ferocity that’s rolling off of him in toxic waves as he says in a chilling voice, “That is the very last time you will ever lay a hand on my girl.”
Lars pulls back to punch Aksel in the side of the head, but Aksel is too fast, blocking the blow with his left forearm and simultaneously landing a fast, hard punch to the gut, causing Lars to double over sputtering. Then Aksel goes in for the kill, using both hands to slam Lars’ face down hard against his left knee, producing a garbled shout.
In the same flat, sinister tone, Aksel adds, “There’s more where that came from if you ever come within five meters of Ingvild or Kjetil. Your fixation with her is over. She’s all mine, permanently. I don’t give a fuck who you’re connected to or who your thug buddies are. I’m far meaner and smarter than you and that’s a fact asshole.”
Clutching his spewing nose, Lars is backing away with a murderous glare as Aksel continues, “One last thing: you put so much as a hairline scratch on my mask before I get it back and I’ll take every one of your teeth as payment.”
He doesn’t wait for a response, turning to stalk back toward the still-running truck, grabbing my hand without breaking his stride.
I struggle to get a grip on my wild emotions as Aksel helps me up into the passenger seat. It’s then that I see the large group that has gathered to watch the fight. Some point at the bright red blood that’s scattered across the fresh snow, while others stare at Lars as he makes his way down the sidewalk, swiping angrily at his face.
Aksel is pulling out into traffic and staring straight ahead as I ask, “This is never going to end, is it?”
“Oh yeah, it’s coming to a close. Real soon in fact.”
“What do you think he would’ve done had you not been there?”
I shift to look at him. His sleek jaw still twitches from the fight.
He glances over at me then focuses again on the busy road. “I’ll always be there for you. You’re far too important to me and I take care of what’s valuable in my life, Ingvild.”
He digs into his pocket and without looking my way hands me a matte silver iPhone, saying, “Here, I picked you up a new mobile when I replaced mine today. I want you to call your work and tell them you’ll be out sick for the next two days.”
“What? You’re joking right? I can’t do that, and why should I? I’m not going to let him scare me away from my life.”
Smoothly he replies, “You’ll be punished for that insolence. You don’t defy your Dom, in or out of the bedroom. What we’re building together is based on a foundation of trust, and if you don’t trust me then we’re doomed to fail.”
My head is about to explode as I try to be rational, saying, “All right then. Tell me why you asked me to take time off, so that I can understand.”
“Because you won’t be in town. I want you in a safe place with me so I can put my plan together without constant distractions. And there’s another reason.”
I blink and ask, “What’s that?”
“You need to see firsthand the world that I’m offering you so you can choose.”
“Choose?”
“Yes, Ingvild. I’m going to push you to your breaking point at Sangre to see if what’s been happening between us is just a curious pastime for you or if you’re in it for the long haul as my submissive. This experience will give me the answers I seek and the clarity you need. Are you in?”
I would follow him anywhere. Aside from my family, he’s the one person I fully trust with my well-being. My hand reaches out to lie across his warm one, wrapped tightly around the steering wheel. Softly I ask, “How long is the flight to Spain?”
His lush lips tilt up and those magnetic eyes shift to catch mine as he says, “Four hours. Glad to see your spirit of adventure, princess.”
“Thanks. I’m actually looking forward to getting away from all this stress, even if it’s just for a short while.”
His eyes are locked on the road as he says in an all-male rumble, “Make no mistake, I’ll keep you completely distracted so long as you’re open-minded and willing. You’re going to experience things there that you’ve never imagined. Some will turn you on beyond belief and others might make you want to turn and run screaming out of the club. But all will be permanently imprinted on your memory. And Ingvild, I have no doubt that you will make me proud.”
I squeeze his fingers. “I’ll do my best, Sir.”
Lifting his hand off the steering wheel, he brings my fingers to his lips and presses a kiss there. “Good girl,” he whispers.
Chapter Twelve
10:00 p.m.
Sangre
Madrid, Spain
I fight the urge to adjust the black leather corset he purchased for me only hours before. It’s hidden deep within the folds of the sumptuous floor-length midnight blue velvet cloak, so it really shouldn’t matter if I’m spilling out or not, at least until it comes time to shed the layers ….
The silver Suburban climbs the final portion of the intricately paved drive, and the first thing I see is a long row of torches flickering brightly in the distance. As we roll closer, I’m able to make out a massive structure that resembles a Moorish palace. When he first mentioned Sangre, I pictured a club hidden below the hectic streets of Madrid; instead we arrive at a stately structure located nearly twenty minutes northeast of the thriving city. It could easily be the home of a government official.
No one to hear you scream way out here Ingvild ….
A fresh wave of panic streams though my veins as we roll to a stop. Aksel slides out first, offering me his hand as I step out of the hotel’s complimentary vehicle. He tips the driver, says something I can’t quite make out, and waits for him to drive off before turning my shoulders to face him.
Aksel’s sexy voice floats through the chilly air, “The driver will return for us in a few hours, but I can always phone him if we need him to come earlier.” Sensing my unease, he adds in a quieter tone, “I thought the mask might make it easier for you this first time, but you can take it off before we go in if you like.”
I run my fingers across the delicate black lace. “No, I like being anonymous. I want to keep it on.”
His arm wraps protectively around my shoulders as he says, “Come with me, little one. I’ll look after you the entire time, so let go of any fears you might have right now.”
He rubs my shoulder several times and drops his arm to seek out my hand, which is buried in the soft folds. As he leads us to the entrance, I whisper, “I’m trying to be brave, Aksel.”
He goes still and immediately I correct myself, “I meant, I’m trying to be brave, Sir.”
He nods and resumes his purposeful stride. With each step my heart pounds violently in my chest. The roaring sound is nearly deafening. Calm down, you know he’s never mistreated you. Let him take the reins ….
We approach the high arches of the grand building and I tilt my head in wonder. I had no idea there were this many affluent people who were into public kink. In an effort to distract myself, I study the double set of carved wooden doors, nearly missing the shadowy figure that steps forward as we approach. The dark-haired doorman looks like a hit man in his tailored shirt and slacks, complete with a very visible gun holster. His probing eyes scan Aksel before tracking over to me. I’m holding my breath as he finally says smoothly, “Welcome, Mr. Svendsen.”
The man’s hand reaches out to open the towering door. “Good evening, Benicio,” Aksel replies.
Entering the artistically tiled hallway, I glance up and say, “I don’t speak Spanish. Will that be a problem?”
“No, not at all. You shouldn’t be speaking to anyone but me tonight, and if anyone addresses you, they will do so in English. The members of this club are mostly international, and as you heard at the door, English is the language of choice. Of course, the members address their subs and Masters in their given language, which is only natural. Therefore you will hear some very interesting dialects and languages if you listen closely.”
“You won’t let anyone else touch me, will you, Sir?”
Without missing a beat, he says in a neutral voice, “If it pleases me, I will, but I hadn’t planned on it. Why do you ask?”
“Because, Sir, I only want you to touch me, ever—not some foreign stranger.”
He stops and drops a kiss on my left cheek, saying intimately, “All right, pet. After all you’ve been through this week, I’ll grant you that one request. But that is all for tonight, understood?”
Good, that takes a lot of tension out of the unknown.
“Understood, and thank you, Sir.”
