Mad Sea, page 2
He’s leaned against the doorframe, his bright blue eyes devouring my half naked appearance. “Where have you been?”
Always the same song and dance with us. He wants answers. Answers I don’t want to give. Sometimes a girl needs her privacy. And Steffan makes it really freaking hard to be private.
“I went shopping out by the piers. Looking for something to wear tonight.”
His eyes narrow and his jaw clenches. Just when I think he’ll interrogate me some more, he storms off.
Once I save some money up, I really need to consider getting my own place. Steffan is bordering on creepy these days. It’ll save our friendship if I leave him before I kill him.
I flip through my phone while I wait for Madden to show up. He’d offered to pick me up, but I didn’t think it was a good idea for Steffan to see him. Instead, I told him I’d meet him at the Seaside Steakhouse. Men and women keep entering the busy place, donning expensive dresses and suits. I frown, wondering if I’ve underdressed for the evening.
For my date, I’d chosen a white halter top dress that hits me at my knees. White sandals were my shoes of choice, and I spent entirely too long attempting to put curls in my hair. In the end, my strawberry-blonde ringlets fell into beachy waves. Damn humidity.
I’m about to check the time on my phone when I sense his presence. Just like every Sunday at work, I know it’s him when he walks in without even having to look up. Madden has a powerful aura about him. His smell is an intoxicating manly scent—a delicious mixture of ocean water and leather. I can always feel his eyes on me, like a tongue lazily dragging its way along my flesh. A shiver courses through me and my skin is sprinkled with goosebumps.
“Did I keep you waiting long?” his deep voice rumbles from behind me.
I stand from the bench and turn to see him leaning against one of the pillars in front of the building. Tonight he’s dressed differently than usual. Gone are the leather and denim. Now, he’s dressed in a pair of grey slacks that fit his muscular frame nicely and a black button-up dress shirt with the top few buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up to just below his elbows, showcasing his firm forearms. His black hair is a styled mess on top of his head. The man is sex personified.
“No, not at all,” I say, grinning at the handsome man.
Our texts had been simple, the two of us deciding on a time and place. My fingers itched to probe him. To ask him a million questions about himself, but I decided to save it for our date.
He walks over to me, his gaze hungry almost, until he’s towering over me. Another shiver ripples through me when he dips his head and sniffs me. Yes, sniffs. Normally, I’d be offended, but this time I can’t help but hope I smell good enough to eat.
“You look fucking amazing,” he growls, not moving away from my personal space. “I’m not really good at this whole dating thing. Right now, all of my thoughts involve you, and none of them are the least bit respectful.”
I lift my chin and meet his darkened eyes. Lifting an eyebrow at him in question, I smile. “To be honest, I’m not good at this whole dating thing either. So maybe we can navigate this together. I’m not entirely opposed to coming up with our own way of doing things.”
He grins, flashing me his bright white teeth, and I wonder what it would feel like to have them nibbling on me. When I shiver again, he brings his massive palms to my bare arms and runs them up and down along the flesh to warm me back up.
“Want to ditch this fancy shit and do something different?” he questions, his head nodding to the restaurant.
I laugh. “It’s like you read my mind. There’re some food trucks down by the pier. Want to grab some food from one of those?”
He takes my hand, firm but gentle, and guides me away from the restaurant. The walk to the food trucks is about a mile, but we aren’t in a hurry.
“So,” I say with a chuckle, “how exactly does a guy like you end up in a frozen yogurt place. Do you really like frozen yogurt, or do you come to see me?”
His hand squeezes mine, and I swear he growls. The deep rumble excites me. “I saw you walking in one day and wanted to know you. You’re not like the other women I’ve been around. It was refreshing. I had to know you.”
I turn my head to find him staring straight ahead. His blatant honesty makes my heart thunder in my chest.
“I’m glad you did. You’re certainly different than any other man I’ve encountered,” I tell him.
He stops and reaches for my other hand. Once he’s pulled me in front of him, he peers down at me. “You have no idea just how different I am, Hali. I’m probably the worst kind of guy you could ever get wrapped up with. That should stop me. I should walk away and pretend I never saw you.” I frown at his words. “But I can’t. There’s something about you that calls to me. I’m different around you. If my friends could see me, they’d think I was a pussy. I won’t lie to you though, beautiful. I’m a bad man.”
His eyebrows furrow in frustration at his admission. It makes me want to hug him. So I do. As soon as I tug my hands from his and wrap my arms around his middle, something happens. I’m dizzied by our connection. He squeezes me to him and kisses my hair, also doing that inhaling thing I like so much again.
“Why are you hugging me?” he questions in a huff, almost as if he’s angry at himself for asking.
“Because you looked like you needed one.”
“Now I don’t want to let you go.”
I smile against his chest. “So don’t.”
His fingers run through my wavy hair, and he groans. “Did you hear that part about where I’m a bad man but I crave you and can’t seem to stay away? That I’m bad news?”
Lifting my chin to meet his stare, I inspect his features. He’s beautiful. God wouldn’t create such a magnificent creature and make him evil. Not possible.
“Then out with it. Tell me what it is you think I’ll run from.”
He sighs. “I’m the president of a motorcycle club. We aren’t the friendly Sunday riders type either. Drugs, weapons, crime…it’s a norm for me, Hali. I don’t want that world to touch you, though. I’d like to show you I’m more than that.”
I consider his words. “So tell me the more.”
“Well, I’m an avid swimmer. The ocean is my second home—the place where I feel most comfortable. I hate seafood and won’t touch the shit with a ten foot pole. My adopted mother is a wind chime freak and loves cats. About once a month, I go on a hunt for a wind chime she doesn’t have. Something unique and wonderful like her. I’m a huge rock music fan. And apparently, I’m a froyo yuppie on Sundays.”
We both laugh. I like the way the moonlight makes his eyes dance with mischief.
“Sounds like you live two lives,” I say thoughtfully, understanding how he feels. “And you want to know me in one of them.”
His eyes close, but he nods. “Essentially, yes. Not that I am embarrassed of you. Fuck that. You’re just too sweet and pure for that other world.”
While his eyes are still closed, I stand on my toes and press a kiss to the corner of his mouth. “Maybe I’m not so sweet.”
He threads his fingers into my hair and tugs gently until my lips part open. When his full lips descend upon mine, I let out an eager moan. It’s been ages since I’ve kissed anyone. Far too long. The moment our lips connect, his tongue is on a search for mine. I like his taste, minty and clean. It doesn’t take long before I’m desperately trying to taste all of him. His teeth find my bottom lip and he nibbles me before diving back into our kiss. I’m embarrassingly needy for his kiss. So close to climbing his body like a tree.
“Come on, beautiful,” he murmurs breathlessly as he tears away from our kiss. “Let’s get something to eat before we devour each other instead.”
We’d bought some gyros and Cokes before settling to sit at the end of a pier, our legs dangling. After we inhaled our meal and Madden disposed of the trash, he sat back down beside me.
“Now tell me about you. What’s your story?” he questions, his arm wrapping around me from behind.
I lean into his warmth. My gut begs for me to gift him with the stories of my past. To slice myself open and show him what makes me, me. But I’ve worked too hard to put the past behind me. I’ve created a life here in Miami that doesn’t involve my over-protective father and his insane wishes for me. Here, I’m me. Hali Morgan. Here, I don’t have to follow rules.
“Just working at the yogurt place until I can get my photography going. I’ve been taking classes on the side. One day, I’d love to make money doing what I love. I thought it would be neat to take pictures for postcards for a gift shop or something. Hadn’t really thought exactly what I’ll do, but my heart lies, like yours, with the beach and ocean. I feel at peace here.”
He reaches into his pocket and pulls something out. “After you agreed to our date, I found this. Reminded me of you.” When he opens his palm, I gasp. In it is a beautiful shell—reds and greens shimmering in the moonlight.
“I love it,” I murmur as I take it from him. He watches me as I turn it over in my hand and run my thumb along the grooves. “This type of shell isn’t found often on the beach. That was a lucky find, Madden.”
I’m eager to get it in the sunlight and take some pictures of it. Once I safely tuck it away in my purse, I turn to look at him. His expression is serious as he devours me with his gaze.
“I want to kiss you again,” he states plainly, the corner of his mouth quirking up into a half smile that looks incredibly good on him.
I bat my eyelashes at him. “So kiss me.”
His palm finds my jaw and he guides me to him for another kiss. After only a moment of his tongue in my mouth, I am already craving more from him. This is exactly why my father and I butted heads. He had a plan for me that didn’t involve desire or connection or love. It was all about power and status. Nothing I cared about.
“More,” I moan, mostly to myself.
He drags me into his lap, and I straddle him while we kiss. It drives me wild knowing he’s hard for me. As I grind against his erection, I begin to wonder how big he is. If he’s good in the sack. Is he a generous lover? I’m not that experienced. Once, Steffan’s cousin who was in town, ended up going down on me after one too many vodka shots. My roommate never knew, thank God. It was interesting, but not necessarily satisfying. That’s where my experience ends. Alyssa, my friend from back home, once told me sex isn’t worth it until you’re with someone worth having sex with. She’d been with a ton of guys. Her tune changed once she met Alec. I hadn’t really wanted to sleep with anyone, until now. Hadn’t ever really even thought about it much.
Madden’s large hands grip my ass through my dress and he pushes me against him, clearly needing the friction as much as I do. If there weren’t people at the end of the pier, I’m afraid I might turn into a whore and beg him to fuck me right here. I’m getting turned on by that image when I’m attacked.
By a moth.
A stupid fucking moth.
“Get it off of me!” I screech as I sit ramrod straight and swat at the thing that’s bigger than any damn butterfly I’ve ever seen.
Madden’s rich laughter warms me until the thing attacks my face again. My first instinct is to push away. And away I go.
The fall from the pier seems to go in slow motion. My eyes fixate on the moon above me, and I wonder if the moth is still hunting me. I’m torn from my thoughts the moment my back makes impact with the cool water. Fire whips across my backside. Before I can regain my bearings, a wave rushes over me and pulls me under.
I’m still dazzled by the fall, so I don’t realize I’m under water until two strong arms wrap around my waist an instant later. As soon as he touches me, my flesh erupts in a sensation I’ve never felt before. It’s like his soul is slithering from his body and enveloping mine. I’m dizzied by the unusual feeling. It’s erotic and exotic. I like the addictive way it feels.
“Relax, I’ve got you,” he murmurs against the shell of my ear as he swims us to shore.
I’m an excellent swimmer, but right now, I’m enjoying being rescued by this god of a man. I’ve probably ruined our date. A part of me should be sad at the notion. But all I can think about is how much better our date got, now that his body is molded against mine.
As soon as we reach the shore, he scoops me into his arms and carries me to a sand dune. He sets me down to regard me with concerned eyes. His black shirt is pressed against his muscled chest, making me crazy with the need to peel it from his body.
“Stay here. I’m going to fetch your purse, my phone and wallet, and my shoes. I’ll be right back.” His lips find mine for a moment, and then he’s gone.
I watch him as he trots off, his toned ass flexing with each stride. If I hadn’t have fallen in, I’d have missed his beautiful butt and how it looks in a soaked pair of slacks.
This date is definitely one I won’t ever forget.
I let her fall.
She was in my arms, and I let her go.
A growl rumbles in my chest, anger crackling through me like bolts of lightning in a storm, as I carry her purse back to where she’s still sprawled out on her back staring up at the moon. Hali could have broken her neck or fucking drowned. Unbelievable.
“I’m sorry our date is ruined.” Disgust is thick in my voice. I fall to my ass in the sand and look down at her. Her brows are furled together.
“Because of me?” Her bottom lip wobbles for a brief moment and all anger fades away. Now, I want to kiss away whatever is making her sad.
“Fuck no. Because of me. I should have held onto you. You could have been killed, woman.”
“Come here,” she whispers lowly, almost low enough I can’t hear her. “I need to tell you something.”
I stretch out beside her and lean toward her face. She smiles in a wicked way that has my dick hardening as she clutches onto my wet shirt. I’m yanked to her mouth where our lips, once again, fuse together as if they were meant to do so.
I’m actually addicted to this woman.
Her taste, still sweet from the Coke, is one I’ll never forget. When I pull away to look down at her, I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. “What were you going to tell me?”
She flits her fingers along my jawline and threads them in my hair. Her green orbs shimmer in the moonlight. “This date is perfect. I’ve been coasting along for two years. Lonely and bored. Aside from my photography and my roommate, nothing has really excited me. You, Madden Finn, excite me.”
Her chest heaves, and I flicker my gaze to her nipples that are standing at attention under her white dress. I’d give anything for the chance to pull away her wet dress and suck one into my mouth. But, I’m trying something new with this girl. She’s not one of the dumb clubhouse bitches.
Hali is unique.
And I want to keep her as mine.
Fucking treasure her.
“Come on,” I say with a grumble. “I’ll drive you home before you get sick.”
Her eyes widen. “On the motorcycle?”
Laughing, I shake my head. “Too dangerous for you, beautiful. You get to ride in the Jeep.”
She pouts, which makes her all the damn cuter.
How will I ever be able to compartmentalize this girl?
I’m going to want her all of the time.
“New guy,” Jagger grunts as he climbs off his bike. “Ramone fucking vanished.”
My guard is up the moment we arrive at the abandoned factory that backs up to the ocean. Ramone usually meets us here with the newest shipment of cocaine, fresh from Columbia. Before we headed over here, I got a text from someone new. Javier. He’d said he was taking over the business. I told my boys to be alert and ready in case any shit goes down.
“You Javier?” My voice echoes inside the large metal building, now that our bikes aren’t thundering any longer.
The man with dark hair and a goatee nods. “Javier Ramirez. I can assure you, business will go as usual.”
It agitates me that he’s so sure I will want to continue to do business with him. One thing will determine how that goes. The cocaine. Ramone knew his shit and he was honest. Both go a long way in the drug world.
“Let’s see what you’re pushing,” I say as I stride over to him. He’s got a table set up with a bag sitting on top.
He gestures with a wolfish grin that has my hackles on alert. “Sample the product. Columbian perfection.”
Jagger saunters past me. The massive guy is intimidating as hell with a shaved head, neck tattoos, and a perpetual scowl. Javier isn’t immune to Jagger’s intimidation and his eyes become shifty as he watches my friend approach the coke. Jagger dips his finger into the white powder and tastes it. Cassius follows behind him. When Cassius’s shoulders tense, I cut my eyes to Jagger. His gaze flits over to the pallet filled with boxes labeled as flour. Nodding, understanding his message, I make my way over to the table with the coke they just sampled to see for myself what the problem is.
It’s okay.
Not Ramone quality.
“Trust goes a long way with the Southside Sinners. Am I right, Cass?” My eyes remain fixed on Javier. Cassius grunts and stalks over to the pallet.
“That it does, Mad Dog.” He yanks his pocket knife out and cuts open the first box.
“It’s the same,” Javier assures me, his palms in the air. Despite his assurances, I don’t trust the guy.
Jagger walks over to help Cassius. Together, they pull the boxes out, one by one. They’re silent as they cut open each box and sample the goods. Javier has since paled, but wisely remains quiet.
“Well?” I question, my eyes still on Javier.
“No deal.” Cassius’s angry glare meets mine, and I nod my understanding.
With the force of a hurricane Miami hasn’t even seen before, I slam my fist into Javier’s face. The man crumples to his knees, clutching his now bleeding nose.
“Stupid American!” he cries out.
My boys and I all start back toward our bikes. We leave the scammer asshole with his shitty coke to head back to the clubhouse. As soon as we’re inside, I motion for them to follow me into my office for a meeting. Several club whores smile seductively at me as we pass, but I ignore them all. I yearn to think about her. Hali Morgan. The one who continuously plagues my thoughts. However, I’m working hard at keeping her in a safe place where she belongs. Even thinking about her in this environment is detrimental to her safety.
