Marlon Neon Marksman MC, page 2
There’s my feisty little devil shining through those long lashes. I rise and tell her, “We’ll go first thing tomorrow morning. It’s late as it is and I don’t want you there until I have a full report back from Lamont.”
She groans, stands, and starts to pace. “You know this isn’t going to work between us, right? We’re gonna bite each other’s head off at every turn. I shouldn’t have come here but I didn’t have anywhere to go.”
“Last—and only—line of defense. Thanks, honey, I’m fucking honored,” I grumble and grab my phone to shoot off a text and get Lamont here to brief him, and to get a grip on the situation.
Chapter 02
***Unique***
It’s exactly like I just told him; I want to bite his freaking head off. Yes, he was my last and only line of defense. Well, not exactly true, my car was heading in his direction before I realized where I was going. But still, he’s annoying; the desire to pull him close or shove him away are equally high for me when it comes to this man.
I freaked out when I walked into my apartment and saw the lollipop in blood. My father was a hitman, his nickname was Lumpy Lollipop. Stupid I know but he had a huge lump above his left eye, and he always had lollipops with him, even when he went on a job. Only cherry flavored ones, though I didn’t stick around to check if the one they left on my favorite chair was a cherry flavored one.
In case it wasn’t obvious, I didn’t have a normal childhood. My mother died when I was four, leaving my dad to raise me by himself. With him being a hitman...let’s just say, where my friends played with dolls, I cleaned guns, rifles, and filled ammo magazines. He never painted a pretty picture but always told the cold hard truth. I loved him the same way he loved me; with every inch of my being. I lost him many years ago and there’s been a huge void ever since.
After a knock on the door Marlon lets a guy in with a short, but messy, black Mohawk. He’s quite the looker with a hard-angled jaw and scruff. If it wasn’t for that annoying Marlon, he would have spiked my interest...some. Yes, some, because I know for a fact these bikers are only in it for a fun time.
Not to mention I had to barge into this clubhouse a few years ago to pull out my friend, Noa, who was seventeen at the time. That’s right, underaged, looking for a fun time these bikers were willing to give. When I told Marlon’s former VP about her age, he was fast with finding her and pushing us out the door.
Sounds like they have morals, right? Well, said VP tried to assassinate me a few months ago. I knew one of Marlon’s men took a kill shot at me. I survived to tell about it and yet Marlon didn’t take me at my word. I think that—on top of everything else—is what hurts most. Even if I understand he couldn’t kill his friend—his own damn VP—without any hard facts.
Sooooo, fun times, right? Yes, well, a fun time isn’t on my to do list. My past has been crazy enough, and to add the last few months, it only makes me more determined; I want a life and a future. One that doesn’t involve finding lollipops in pools of blood, dammit.
“What’s up, Prez?” The rumble of Lamont’s voice fills Marlon’s office.
“I need for you to swing by Unique’s apartment. Take one of the prospects with you. She told me there was a lollipop in blood on the chair in her living room. Find out everything there is to know and have Tavi double check the security feed,” Marlon says as he places his hands on his leather covered hips. “I’ll check the damn feed myself too,” he mutters more to himself than to Lamont.
Dammit. Why does he have to be so deliciously sexy? Where Lamont is wearing camouflage cargo pants, Marlon is wearing these tight leather biker pants; ready to race. He has a matching leather jacket with white stripes, it matches his striped, black helmet perfectly. I might have given myself an orgasm with him on my mind once or twice. A day. Shit, see?
He makes it so hard to ignore him, and the feelings he incites inside my body. I would have thought it all died down by now with all the insane incidents between us piling up. And like I said, bikers are nothing but a wham bam thank you ma’am before they bounce to another chick.
But Marlon doesn’t seem to be that way, and it’s surely not about the chase for him where the ‘hard to get’ angle spikes the need to have me. It’s beyond a challenge because he has stuck around for months now. Not to mention he’s clearly crazy about me and isn’t afraid to let others know how badly he wants me. Yet we keep pushing and pulling at one another.
“Will do. Is your Old Lady going back to her apartment later tonight when we’ve checked everything or is she stayin’ here?” Lamont keeps his eyes on Marlon and it’s a good thing too because my jaw just hit the floor.
Old Lady? Does Marlon have an Old Lady? Wait...he’s not talking about me, is he?
“She’s stayin’ with me. I won’t take any chances with this weird shit going on,” Marlon states and the man turns his head to shoot me a wink.
Shit. How the hell am I his Old Lady, and it seems everyone knows except me? Like I mentioned, ever since we laid eyes on each other, I knew he told others about his interest in us hooking up, but to go as far as claiming me as his old lady? No. Damn. Way. I give him a full-on glare in return, except deep down, I also have to admit the little piece of information makes my heart skip a beat while my stomach flips.
I’ve heard—and seen—how he has no interest in any other women. Very unlike the bikers who I’ve known in the past who have a track record of broken hearts, even if most are one-night stands. It’s the same thing I’ve heard him say when I walked in ‘I’m taken’ and the realization is really starting to sink in with the fact that he’s talking about me; I’m his Old Lady.
“Come on, let’s get you up to my apartment. I think you deserve a nice long bath, don’t you?” Marlon’s standing in front of me.
I must have slipped inside my mind because I didn’t even notice Lamont leaving.
“Sounds like a plan,” I mutter and follow him down the hall and up another flight of stairs.
From the outside it looks like this building has four floors, I’ve only been to the first two though. He opens the door and waits for me to stroll inside but my eyes are set on his doormat.
I raise my eyebrow. “Really?” I question while pointing at the thing that states ‘Shoes and bras off, please.’
He freaking shrugs and tells me, “You can keep your shoes on if you like.”
And here comes the bitter aftertaste of what I’ve mentioned earlier. Talk about rubbing it in. How many women have stepped foot in his house who have taken off their shoes and bra?
“I’m not another notch on your bedpost, STD Poster Boy,” I say with determination. “I’m not that stupid. Though I do ask for your protection and help to figure out who’s playing evil tricks with my mind.”
“You done being judgmental?” he growls. “Then you can be the first woman—other than my ma—who steps foot in my fucking apartment since I never allow anyone in here.”
“Your ma?” I gasp. Because for real, it’s hard to picture this rough guy—who has naked girls dancing on his bar—has his mom over for tea, catch my drift?
“Yeah, my ma. She lived here for about three years, until Finnegan Braden came here for a meeting. He saw her, and fucking claimed my ma on the spot, and took her with him a little over a year ago. I might also mention she’s the one who decorated this place and bought the welcome mat.”
I slip out a quick “Sorry” that also might resemble a covered-up cough, whatever.
I step inside his apartment, and to be honest...I like knowing his mother decorated his home, and not to mention the shocking fact I’m the only woman he invited up here. The living room seems pretty cozy. A large dark gray couch with white fluffy pillows. A coffee table sits between the couch and a large flat screen that decorates one wall. On the other wall various black and white pictures pattern the wall, all with the exact same square frame size.
Marlon on his bike, Marlon with what I assume is his mother, a freaky looking cat. “Hey, is that your cat?”
“No. Well, technically, yes, now it fucking is, because my ma didn’t take the thing with her,” Marlon grumbles.
I look around and see the cat in question sitting on the dining room table. The black Sphinx—naked cat—is wearing a fluffy sweater, making me laugh out loud.
“Don’t fucking laugh. He knows when he’s being laughed at,” Marlon grumbles, making me laugh even harder.
I wipe my eyes and manage to stop laughing to ask, “What’s his name?”
“Harry,” Marlon states and as soon as he does, the cat gives a very loud meow in the silent apartment, making me laugh yet again.
“Hairy,” I snicker, making the easy play with his name, I’m sure is the reason why his name is Harry.
“That’s enough,” Marlon roughly states and grabs my elbow to guide me to the stairs. “Up you go. There are two bedrooms, pick one and go take a bath. I need to check in with my guys.”
I turn slightly to connect our gaze. “I thought you said there would only be one bed and a couch to choose from?”
Not that I’m not thankful to hear I’ll have a room all to myself, without him in it. Kinda logical now that I think about it since his mother lived here too. But like I mentioned, we have this push and pull between us where half of my body wants to jump this man and ride his dick to infinity, while the other half wants to punch his throat.
“My ma’s bedroom is Harry’s place. I wouldn’t suggest taking it, hence the reason I didn’t mention it. Seeing you made fun of him, you’re on your own and welcome to pick that one since you’re getting on my fucking nerves already,” he growls in my face.
I punch the rude asshole on his shoulder. “Well, excuse me for thinking he’s both funny and adorable. Something you’re definitely not.”
“You fucking remember that when you pick rooms.” His eyes are blazing, showing how fast we aggravate one another. “Then you’ll find out who’s the ruthless one.”
I can’t help but snort. “Great, I’ll either have the cat clawing my face, or you clawing my ass. Talk about two lesser evils.”
“Pick my fucking room and I’ll fuck that ass of yours after I take your cunt, but not before I’ve shoved my cock inside your mouth until you choke on it,” he growls.
Well that’s quite the vivid picture, and most definitely doesn’t leave much for the imagination. It also makes me smirk. “Ah, do you mention this stuff when you ask a woman up to your room? Because I can tell you right now...it’s probably the reason why no women have ever been in your apartment.”
His eyes narrow. “Couch it is then?”
If he thinks he can intimidate me, he’s got another thing coming. And I’m fairly sure I’ve lost my mind because when he painted the vivid picture if I’d pick his room...my heartbeat doubled and excitement is still coursing through my veins at the mere thought. Dammit, it’s been way too long since I’ve had sex, that’s all it is.
Hence the reason my brain short circuits and words flow out of my mouth. “Show me to your room.” Crap. Did I really just say that?
Smile. I must flash him a smile. A smirk would be better because the way he’s sporting a stunned look shows I’m the one winning this argument. And that might be it between us, a battle where we challenge one another to up our game. Or maybe we’re both sexually frustrated, whatever.
Marlon rubs a hand over his face and mutters, “First one on the right is the master bedroom,” before he stalks into the direction of the dinner table to grab his laptop.
I watch for a few minutes as he sits down on the couch and boots up his laptop. I need to get some space between us and to be honest? A bath does sound good. I had a rough day at work and this whole week has been shitty.
Today was the first day I opened my store again after having it closed for a few days because I had a spur of the moment thing and took a little trip. Noa’s father died a few days ago. Since I still considered her a friend of mine—even though I doubt the feeling is mutual—I had to show her some support. I wanted to visit her for a few days before, and after the funeral. Our fathers were close friends as we were growing up.
Except, she didn’t want me there at all. Okay, I admit it was a split-second decision when I got in my car and drove twelve hours to visit her. But when I was standing on her doorstep she basically pushed me off her lawn and told me to get the hell away from her.
Yelling how I was a fool for coming to see her. Incredibly weird, but she just lost her father so I respected her wishes because clearly, we grew apart over the years we hadn’t seen each other. I took a detour to clear my thoughts and stayed a night at a nice hotel to enjoy a day of doing absolutely nothing before I returned home.
In the last few years Noa and I drifted apart. Well, to be honest...our friendship took the first blow when I pulled her out of Marlon’s MC’s clubhouse. Noa was a wild one as she got older and boys gave her all the attention, she wanted to enjoy life to the fullest. Where I had more interest in sketching and following classes to start up my own company. I guess the huge gap in shared interest just got bigger and we stopped spending time together.
Hell of a shitty day to end this week. And, dammit, it’s also why I have no clue how long the lollipop had been there lying on my damn chair in my fucking locked up apartment. The pool of blood did still look liquid though.
Yikes, I can’t even think about stuff like that because then my mind automatically jumps to the question of whose blood it is. Double yikes. Yeah, I did the right thing in coming to see Marlon and letting him take over. I have no clue how to deal with this, or where to start. So, I’m going to hand all responsibilities over to him and have myself a bath and hope it will help me relax.
And holy freaking shit, his bedroom is gorgeous and it makes me wonder if his mother also had a hand in this one. It’s minimalistic, yet warm, and it feels like a cozy living room. Very homey and a huge contradiction with the rough and ruthless biker.
Wait. Was he fooling me with sending me to his mother’s room instead of his? I retrace my steps and open the door across from this bedroom. Woah, so not Marlon’s bedroom and I quickly dash back into the homey bedroom. Clearly Marlon’s bedroom. Because the one across from it with the dusty pink with gold highlights wallpaper is most definitely his mother’s bedroom.
I stalk over to the bathroom and yet again I’m taken by surprise, though I’m sure Marlon’s mom did have a hand in decorating this one because of the different sayings on the wall. The one above the bathtub though? ‘You are the bubbles to my bath’ makes me blush due to the fact Marlon calls me Bubbles as an endearment every now and then.
Though I’m sure it doesn’t hold any meaning. The fact a sign mentions it in his bathroom...no, I can’t make more out of it than it is; it’s just a word he uses instead of honey. When he uses Bubbles, it does make me feel special, even if he doesn’t use it very often.
I quickly turn on the water and let the tub fill while I lock the door and take off my clothes. Time to relax and wash away the icky feeling I’ve had since I saw the blood and lollipop. I’m fairly sure it’s not something I can wash away, but one can at least try, right?
Chapter 03
***Marlon***
What a fucking nightmare and a wet dream all rolled into one. Talk about frustration to the max. I’m staring at my laptop while I hear the water running. I’m kidding, I can’t hear the water running because she’s upstairs, in my damn bathroom, having a bath and two doors are in between. Yet, in my mind...I can hear the damn water and picture her naked and wet.
My eyes slide to my phone. Lamont took one of the prospects and will videoconference when they get there. This way I can watch along over their shoulder. I installed a security system a few months ago to keep an eye on Unique’s apartment, inside and out. Unique thinks Karma offered it to her to ease her mind after she was kidnapped and dragged into mafia shit, but in reality it was me who insisted on it.
With the way we bump heads, she would never let me install high-class stuff, let alone know I have a video stream twenty-four-seven. Stalker level, I mentioned that, right? Yeah, well, when you have the woman who stole your damn heart at first sight take a head shot before your eyes because she got dragged into a fight she didn’t ask for, then we’ll talk again.
Anyway, I’ve been going over the video stream, fast forward, and till now I didn’t find anything unusual. Other than a glitch where the screen turned black for three minutes. And this tiny window might be the timeframe someone needed to place that shit on the chair. So, I got nothing, no damn lead to go on. Well, Unique is safely upstairs and that damn lollipop in blood is still on the chair in her apartment.
Harry jumps on the couch next to me and settles against my thigh. I can’t even pet the damn thing. If I do he’ll strike. Nasty little shit but then again, I wouldn’t appreciate another dude petting my head so I kinda respect his wishes and personal space.
The only time I touch that fucker is when I need to change his sweater. But he digs those things so he allows me to touch him. He does however rub his head against me from time to time. Weirdo cat. I’d rather have a dog instead of dealing with a cat and his fucking personality but I’m stuck with him.
I settle in on the couch and wait for Lamont to get to Unique’s place. My head tips back and I close my eyes for a minute. Damn, I’m tired. The sound of someone coming down the stairs wakes me up. Shit, how long did I sleep? I check the time on the laptop and see almost twenty minutes have passed.
Not too bad, a quick powernap to pass the time. Lamont and the prospect should arrive any minute at Unique’s apartment. Though I shouldn’t have fallen asleep, I blame it on the lack of it. With Unique out of town for a few days this week, it was all kinds of twisted not to take my bike and head on after her. I had shit to deal with, so I couldn’t leave town.
Okay, I admit, I had no clue where she went. I did have a guy travel after her when she threw a bag into her car and left, but he lost her in fucking traffic. It made me feel itchy—close to going insane—not knowing where she went. Hence the no damn sleep and being fucking ecstatic when one of my guys told me she was back safe and sound.
