Samurai (Devil's Boneyard MC 9), page 13
Stripes patted my shoulder. “I understand. Even with all this space, the gates and fence make it feel like a cage. Don’t worry. You’ll be able to fly free soon enough.”
“You know something.”
He nodded. “I do. It’s not my place to say, but your man has something planned for the two of you tonight. It will flush out one of your problems, and hopefully put an end to it. As for the other, that one will require more work.”
“That’s not cryptic or anything,” I muttered.
“Do you trust Samurai?” Stripes asked.
“Yes. I may not have given that answer a few days ago, but I do trust him now.”
“Then let him do what he feels is right,” Stripes said. “Now, let’s get you home, little one. Don’t want your man returning and going into a panic when he can’t find you.”
I smiled and allowed him to walk me home. It still blew my mind Samurai would even care if I were to vanish. The way he’d reacted the first day had nearly destroyed me. I’d been terrified and felt incredibly alone. Now I had him and an entire club I could call family. And Ryo would have all these people to help him grow into a man I would be proud of. Unlike if Itachi had gotten his hands on him.
I’d learned the Devil’s Boneyard might not follow the law all the time, but they had good hearts. The bad things they did were for the right reasons. Maybe to some that didn’t justify their actions. To me it made a world of difference. The law would throw a rapist into prison for a year or three, then release him on parole for good behavior. He’d be right back to harming women until he got caught again. But these people? They didn’t take that sort of thing lightly. The fact Samurai had wanted to bury Itachi told me enough. If anyone hurt me or Ryo, they would likely pay with their lives.
Did it make me bloodthirsty for condoning such behavior? Possibly. Did I care? Nope. I felt safe for the first time since Itachi broke into my apartment and wrecked my life. I’d gotten my sweet little boy out of the deal, and I’d never wish Ryo away for anything, but I knew without a doubt the bastard had hurt other women the same way. As long as he roamed free, he’d be a threat to those weaker than him. I hated it. Couldn’t do anything about it myself, but now that he was on the radar of the Devil’s Boneyard, I knew they’d take care of him if he crossed that line again.
“Stripes, can I ask you something?”
“Of course! How else will people learn if they do not ask questions?”
I liked him. I didn’t know if he had a woman, but if he didn’t, it was their loss. Unless he didn’t want a woman. Or a man. I didn’t know if there were any gay men in the club. Was it even allowed? Or did you have to be straight to be part of the Devil’s Boneyard? I wasn’t sure I should even ask. At least, not one of the men. Maybe I’d ask one of the old ladies sometime.
“I’m sure everyone knows Itachi raped me. I doubt I was the only woman he’s attacked. What happens if he’s left roaming free and he does it again?”
“Then he pays the ultimate price,” Stripes answered. “We’ve been watching him since you brought him to our attention and will continue to do so until we are certain he’s no threat to women and children.”
“Hearing that makes me feel better. Thank you.”
“We’ve arrived at your home, little one. Will you be all right until Samurai returns?”
“I will. I’m not used to being alone. Ryo has been with me at home on the days I didn’t work. With both him and Samurai out of the house, I guess it was too quiet.”
“You’re making friends here, yes?”
I nodded. “I am. The old ladies have been great, and I’m slowly getting to know all the… brothers? Is that correct?”
“Yes. You will meet us all in time. I’m sure the Pres and VP will be hosting a party in your honor before long. Perhaps after your safety has been guaranteed. Do you have a phone?”
I pulled it from my pocket. “Here.”
“Program my number into your contacts. If you need anything and Samurai is not available, you’re welcome to call anytime. You’re not alone here, little one. You have a big family now.”
He rattled off his number and I saved it in my phone. After I went inside the house, I locked the door. No matter how many times people insisted it was safe here, I couldn’t seem to shake the feeling I needed those locks. What if Itachi or Willis found a way inside? What if they saw me walk into this house? No, I wouldn’t take unnecessary chances. Samurai had keys if he needed to unlock the door. Better to be cautious than let the bad men walk right in.
My phone chimed and I checked my messages, smiling when I saw Samurai’s name.
Shower and put on something pretty. We have plans.
Pretty left a lot of wiggle room. Pretty as in a dress?
He responded almost immediately. Yes! Not the one you were wearing when we met, or we’ll never leave the house.
My cheeks warmed at his meaning. I wouldn’t be opposed to a night in, but it seemed he wanted to do something special. I got into the shower and made sure to condition my hair so it would be extra soft and took my time shaving everywhere important. In another few months, I’d have a hard time reaching my legs. I’d either have to wear pants every day or ask Samurai to shave them for me. Which would likely lead to fun times in the shower. I didn’t really see a downside to the scenario.
I scrubbed my skin, washed my face, then got out and dried off. Wrapping my hair in a towel, I thought of everything I still needed to do. Was this a date? We hadn’t had one of those. Nothing in our life together had been what most considered normal. We’d been married by a hacker. I’d gotten pregnant the day we’d met. Oh, and he’d bought and paid for me. Probably should leave that part out of the story we told our kids and grandkids.
I smoothed lotion over my body and moisturized my face before deciding on what to wear. I didn’t own much of anything I’d consider sexy. Most of my dresses were like the one he’d already seen me wear twice. The one he’d said not to put on today. I flipped through my meager belongings and selected a gray dress with three-quarter sleeves and small lilac flowers spread over the material. It zipped up the back instead of buttoning down the front and had a slight flare with the hem landing just above my knees.
Since comfort was more important than fashion these days, I pulled on the lilac-colored Converse Phantom had brought me yesterday. He’d mentioned one of the old ladies favoring them during her pregnancy. I’d found it to be a sweet gesture. They didn’t look terrible with the dress, and I wondered if I could talk Samurai into another pair or two in neutral colors.
By the time I’d dried my hair, curled it, and done the bare minimum with makeup -- mascara and a tinted lip balm -- I was ready and waiting. I heard a truck pull into the driveway and peeked out the front window. Samurai got out and helped Ryo out of his car seat before reaching into the back and taking out a paper shopping bag. I didn’t see a store logo and had no idea where they’d been all day.
Ryo burst through the door first, shooting past me and going straight to the bathroom. I eyed Samurai with a bit of amusement. “Did you deny him bathroom privileges while you were gone?”
“He drank a gallon of juice while we were out. We hadn’t been in the truck more than two minutes before he started saying he had to go.” He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. “You look stunning. And the shoes are cute. I’ll have to tell Phantom he was right about them.”
“I was hoping we might get more.”
He handed me the shopping bag and I nearly dropped it from the unexpected weight. I pulled out a leather vest. No, a cut. My eyes went wide when I realized what he’d given me.
“My property cut?” I asked.
“Yep. It was finished yesterday, but I didn’t get a chance to pick it up until now. You won’t be able to button it while you’re pregnant. Want to try it on?”
I slipped it over my shoulders and ran my hands down the leather. “I love it.”
“Turn around,” he said, his voice sounding deeper than it had a moment ago. I did a slow spin and gasped when his hands landed on my hips, holding me still with my back to him. He moved in closer, his scent washing over me, and I felt his hard cock against my ass. “When we get back, I’m bending you over the bed, lifting the hem of this sexy-as-fuck dress, and I’m going to make you scream my name.”
I shivered in anticipation. “Get back? Where are we going?”
“To dinner. I’ve heard Itachi will be at the hibachi place in town later tonight. It’s one of his weekly haunts. We’re going to be there too, and make sure he sees us together.”
“Is that wise? What if he demands I give him Ryo?”
“Grey, I’m Japanese just like him. I’m hoping he’ll see the two of us together and start to doubt whether or not Ryo is his. And if he starts shit, I’m more than capable of ending it… and him.”
“Be careful, Jin. I don’t want to lose you.”
He kissed my neck. “You won’t. Phantom will be here any minute to get Ryo. They’re going to order pizza and play with Momo while we’re gone.”
“He really does need a dog.” I looked over my shoulder. “Ryo. Not Phantom. Your cousin needs a woman.”
“You’re not wrong on either count. We’ll work on the dog soon. As for Phantom, I hope like hell he finds someone before too long. If anyone deserves a family, it’s him.” He kissed my neck again. “I’m going to rinse off and put on something else before we leave. Be back in a few minutes.”
I watched him walk down the hall, unashamedly checking out his ass. How I went from single mom about to lose it all, to getting to call that sexy man my own, I had no idea. But I was so very grateful.
Chapter Twelve
Samurai
I took a three-minute shower, using the body wash I’d noticed Grey seemed to appreciate, then got out and wrapped the towel around my waist. I shaved and added a splash of cologne -- something I seldom did. Tonight was special. I’d given her the property cut, but I had something else for her. Other than my cock, even if I hoped I got to give her that later too.
I pulled out a pair of my darker jeans and a white button-down shirt. I slipped on a pair of boxer briefs before I tugged on the jeans. Deodorant was next on my list, then my shirt. Once I had my shirt tucked in, my belt buckled, and had slipped my cut back over my shoulders, I put on a fresh pair of socks and a newer pair of boots I saved for special occasions.
It hadn’t escaped my attention this would be our first date. Hell, even if it had, the women around here wouldn’t have let me forget it. I’d already had a call from Clarity and one from Meg, both making sure I knew to dress nice. They assured me Grey would appreciate the effort. I heard my cousin at the front of the house and Ryo squealing.
Making sure I didn’t forget the most important part of tonight, I reached into my discarded jeans and pulled a small box from the pocket. I shoved it into the front pocket of my new jeans and hoped like hell Grey didn’t notice. Shit. She probably would. I yanked it out, removed the ring inside, and pushed the jewelry down deep so it wouldn’t accidentally fall out.
Shaking my head, I made my way to the front door. Ryo already had a spot on Phantom’s shoulders, and they were stepping out onto the porch. It seemed I’d been pushed aside by Phantom, or more likely, Momo. The boy did have a one-track mind. He’d brought up the dog no less than once every ten minutes while we’d been gone. Since the fence had been finished yesterday, I didn’t see a reason we couldn’t get a dog. It might be a little overwhelming at the moment, but I liked seeing my son smile.
And yeah, I’d called him mine all fucking day, and he’d grinned so big each and every time. Ryo was sweet, full of energy, and I could tell he was a good kid. Grey had done a phenomenal job with him. She waved to Ryo as Phantom placed him in the back seat of an SUV I hadn’t seen before.
“Did Phantom buy a car?” I asked.
“Yes. He said something about wanting to take his nephew places without having to borrow one of the club vehicles.”
“That’s on my list, but I want to get some of our problems out of the way first. Mainly Itachi and Willis. I don’t like the idea of you leaving the compound on your own until I know it’s safe.”
She reached over and took my hand. “I understand. I may not like being locked up, but I get it.”
“Come on, my stunningly gorgeous wife. Time for us to have our first date.”
Her cheeks flushed a light pink and I saw the pleasure dancing in her eyes. Looked like the women had been onto something. I might not have to romance Grey, but she needed it. Hell, I probably needed it too.
I helped her into the truck and drove to the front gates. I waved to Carlos as we pulled through, and I went straight to the hibachi place. The parking lot wasn’t very full yet. I scanned our surroundings and saw Itachi’s vehicle a few rows over. It was hard to miss the flashy Acura NSX. Considering the part of town he called home, I had no doubts as to how he’d made enough to afford the car.
“You ready?” I asked.
She blew out a breath and gave me a nod. I got out of the truck and walked around to her side, opening the door and helping her down. I kept my hand at her waist, under her cut, so she could feel the heat of my palm against her. It wasn’t just for her sake, though. I needed the reassurance she was standing next to me. If this went badly, I’d rain down hell on this fucking town until I had Grey back by my side, where she belonged.
We stepped inside and the smell made my mouth water. I heard Grey’s stomach growl and I smiled down at her. “Baby hungry or momma?”
She pressed a hand to her belly. “Maybe both.”
“Table for two?” the hostess asked.
“Yes. Maybe somewhere in sight of the bathroom? My wife is pregnant.”
Grey elbowed me in the ribs, but the hostess smiled, grabbed two menus, and led us to a table. It happened to be within line of sight of Itachi. I knew the second he spotted Grey. I pulled her chair out for her and then sat on the opposite side.
The hostess set the menus down in front of us. “Do you know what you’d like to drink?”
“Water,” Grey said.
“Sweet tea for me.”
The woman hurried off while Grey and I looked over the menu. By the time she returned, we knew what we wanted and placed our order. I only hoped the sushi I’d ordered didn’t make Grey turn a bit green. Some people couldn’t handle it, and with her being pregnant, I knew there was a chance seeing the raw fish would make her sick. If that was the case, I’d have them box it up for later and I’d get something else.
I reached across the table and laced our fingers together. She gave me a hesitant smile. “I have something for you.”
“You’ve given me more than enough already.”
I reached into my pocket and slid the ring onto her finger. She gasped and stared at the sparkly band. I’d asked Clarity what she thought Grey might like. She’d recommended something that wouldn’t scratch the kids or get caught on things. The platinum band was smooth and the diamonds were embedded all around it. I’d run my fingers over it multiple times to ensure it wouldn’t scratch the kids, or Grey.
“Do you like it?” I asked.
“It’s so beautiful,” she said, her eyes getting glassy with unshed tears.
I stood and walked around to her side, kneeling next to her. I reached up and cupped her cheek. “It’s just a ring, Grey. But I wanted something you could wear all the time. The property cut is fine when we’re leaving the house, but this way, you have a reminder of how much you mean to me.”
A shadow fell across the table and my gaze lifted to meet Itachi’s. He sneered at me. “Isn’t this touching? Where’s my brat, whore?”
I stood and pulled Grey closer to me. “She’s not a whore, and I’m not sure who the fuck you think is yours.”
“The kid. The boy.” Itachi looked around the restaurant. “Where is he?”
“Ryo?” I asked.
Itachi shrugged. “Don’t know, don’t care. He’s mine and I’m taking him.”
“Like fuck you are! Ryo is my son, as is the baby Grey carries now. You keep the hell away from my wife.”
Itachi’s eyebrows lifted, and he backed up a step. “Wife? What the fuck?”
“You scared her the day she ran into you. I know all about what you did to her. Held her while she cried. But let me make one thing perfectly clear. Ryo is not now, nor has he ever been yours. If you don’t believe me, I can show you the papers to prove it. Because you attacked her, after Ryo was born, we had a paternity test done. He’s mine.”
Itachi’s brow furrowed. “Impossible. The fucking slut was a virgin. Bled all over my dick when I took her.”
I ground my teeth together. I wanted to pound the fucker into the ground. “We’d been waiting, and then you ruined it all.”
Itachi threw back his head and laughed. “That’s rich. A biker waiting to pop someone’s cherry? You don’t expect me to believe that, do you?”
“Believe this…” I moved around Grey, putting myself between her and the asshole. “You come near my wife or son, and I’ll make sure you disappear. You put your dick in another woman without her consent, same thing. Your reign of terror is at an end. You fucked up and hurt the wrong woman.”
He spat on the floor. “Am I supposed to be scared of you?”
“Oh, it’s not just me you need to worry about. It’s not even the Devil’s Boneyard. No, you need to be concerned with me, my club, and every club we consider an ally. Because if anything happens to Grey or another innocent, we’re all coming for you, and we won’t stop there. We’ll wipe out your entire organization.”
“Keep the whore and the brat.” Itachi backed up another step. Then another. “I don’t need them. Plenty of women will spread their legs for me.”
“Remember what I said. We’re watching you, Itachi. One wrong move and you’re finished.”
