Rough Road: A Bad Boy MC Romance, page 10
“Sir, may I take a quick shower?”
He didn’t answer, but beckoned her forward.
“I want you topless and sucking me.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Her pulse ticking up, she lifted her sweater over her head, unsnapped her bra, dropped it on the floor, and kneeled in front of him. As she lowered her mouth over his rigid shaft, he gathered up her hair and took control of her movements, roughly squeezing her breasts with his free hand. A muffled moan escaped her lips, and sinking into her submissive state, the worries in the outside world began to fade.
* * *
Portia knew how to please him. During their months together Koda had trained her, but his compulsion to take control prevented him from lying back and enjoying her warm, luscious mouth. Tightening his grip, he vigorously moved her head up and down, then held her still and slowly withdrew.
“The tip. Tongue the tip.”
As she wrapped her fingers around his stiff shaft and followed his instruction, he finally surrendered to the tantalizing sensations, closing his eyes and letting out a heavy sigh. The tension was slowly leaving his body.
“Take your shower,” he muttered, lifting her head, “but make it quick.”
“Yes, Sir.”
But as she stood up and started to leave, his eyes fell on her round backside.
“Stop. Strip off here.”
Abruptly turning to face him, she kicked off her shoes, removed her socks, then unzipped her jeans and slid them down her legs, but before she could slip off her panties, he rose quickly to his feet, yanked them down to her ankles and cupped her pussy.
“This is mine,” he growled. “Do you remember the rules? No touching for pleasure without permission. You’d better behave in that shower.”
“Yes, Sir,” she murmured, dropping her head against his shoulder.
“You can go.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
Idly stroking himself as he devoured the sight of her naked form hurrying away, he moved across to the bedside table to retrieve a condom. Ripping open the packet and sliding it over his swollen member, a frown crossed his brow. Though he’d never cheated on Portia, he’d never seen himself as a one-woman man, but he had no interest in being with anyone else.
“That’s it,” he muttered to himself. “We’ll both get tested and she’ll go on birth control. I’m done with these damn things.”
The decision felt right, and as he gathered up the scarves he’d taken from her closet, she appeared from the bathroom still toweling herself dry.
“Wait right there,” he ordered, striding briskly across the room.
She stopped and stared at him like a deer in headlights, the towel hanging from her fingers. Moving behind her, he secured one of the scarves around her eyes, then took the towel and sensuously wiped away the last of the dripping water.
“I’m taking you to the comforter,” he murmured, dropping his lips to nuzzle her neck. “You’ll lie on your back, bring your knees up to your sides, and hold your ankles. Clear?”
“Yes, Sir,” she said breathlessly, leaning back against him, “but you’ve made me so weak, I’m not sure if my legs will carry me.”
“Such a naughty girl,” he grunted, touching between her legs. “Already so wet.”
“It’s you, Sir. You turn me on so much.”
Wordlessly moving his hand up to her breasts, he gently fondled each in turn, then sharply pinched her nipples.
“Ouch, ooh, Sir.”
“I know your knees are wobbly, but I’ve got you,” he muttered, supporting her around the waist and guiding her forward.
Reaching the thick, soft cover, he helped her lie down and settle into the position, then crouching beside her, he swiftly tied her wrists to her ankles.
“Helpless and at my mercy,” he crooned, lowering his head and tonguing her nipples. “Just as you should be.”
Tightly gripping her breasts and drawing them into his mouth, he sucked hungrily, eliciting a long, endless moan, then pulling back he fervently fondled the plump flesh, occasionally landing a hot slap and nipping the cherry tips.
Long minutes ticked by.
When he finally sat back, her chest was rising and falling with ragged breaths and her face was flushed.
“Thank you, Sir.”
“My pleasure, I assure you, but I haven’t finished.”
Kneeling between her spread legs, he pressed his fingers into her drenched velvet folds.
“You poor girl. You want my cock so badly,” he softly remarked, thrusting two fingers into her channel.
“Yes, please, Sir.”
“Not yet.”
Leaving his fingers buried, he stretched out on his stomach and touched his teasing tongue to her clit, twirled for a few seconds, then lapped ravenously until she begged for her orgasm.
“Fuck, no,” he retorted, darting up his head.
As she whimpered her disappointment, he counted to ten, then returned his mouth to her pussy, keeping her on the brink until she was bleating piteously.
“I think you’re ready,” he declared, straightening up and untying the scarves. “Roll over and get on your hands and knees.”
* * *
Though almost delirious with need, Portia managed to follow his instruction, but as she settled on all fours she could vaguely hear him move across the room. She knew what was coming, but when he returned, and the dollop of lube fell against her rosebud, she still gasped.
“Your ass? Who does it belong to?” he demanded, landing several hard slaps then roughly squeezing her cheeks.
“You, Sir.”
“All of it?”
“Yes, Sir.”
His finger pushed into her dark hole.
She instinctively clenched, then forced herself to relax.
“That’s better. Are you ready for me?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Rub your clit as I enter you, but remember, you’re not to come until I say.”
“I won’t, Sir.”
She wouldn’t dare.
She had once, just to see what would happen.
He’d spanked her—hard—then using a vibrator he had held her at the edge of her climax for what had seemed like hours.
His rock-hard member demanded entry. Taking a long, deep breath, she arched her back and offered herself up. Clutching her flesh, he slowly impaled her, then partially withdrawing he parted her cheeks, letting them close, and separating them again, continuing the pattern until he was fully engulfed.
She’d been rubbing her clit, sinking into his intoxicating possession, and as he stroked, every thrust offered its unique ecstasy. The intense sensations took hold, and fervently massaging her clit, she felt her orgasm began to build.
“Sir...?”
Receiving no response, she dropped her hand away.
He increased the force and pace of his thrusts.
Her climax drew closer.
“Sir...?”
Grasping her hips, his fingers dug into her skin.
“Sir, please, Sir, I’m almost there...”
He slowed his pace.
Her thighs tightened.
“Sir, please...?”
* * *
If she climaxed, Koda wouldn’t be able to stop his explosion. Ignoring her desperate requests and hoping she could hold on just a little longer, he paused, and leaned forward to fondle her luscious mounds.
“Deep breaths, princess,” he whispered in her ear. “Deep breaths.”
“Sir... I... c-can’t... it’s...?”
Her body had taken over, and she couldn’t walk it back from the edge.
“It’s all right. You can—”
But her first spasm had already seized her, and as she let out a shriek, he was hurtled into his release. Abruptly riding her with strong, quick strokes, deep groans rose up from the depths of his being.
As she squirmed below him and cried out her ecstasy, the powerful convulsions continued to jerk through his loins until the last wave abated, leaving him breathless and his heart pounding against his chest. Carefully pulling out, he staggered into the bathroom.
Disposing of the condom and washing up, he returned to find her lying on the bed, though the comforter was still on the floor. Stretching out next to her, she snuggled against him, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
“Koda, that was crazy.”
“Crazy, how?”
“So intense.”
“That’s how we are. We always have been. Did you think it would be different?”
“No, but it’s even more so now, don’t you think?”
He frowned, then nodded.
“Yeah. You’re right.”
“Maybe because what happened with Benny is out in the open. There’s nothing hidden between us, and our separation made us realize how much—”
“Out in the open...” he suddenly exclaimed, abruptly sitting up. “I know what to do.”
“About what exactly?”
“Everything. I’m sorry, princess, but I have to go out.”
“Now? But it’s late.”
“Yeah, I know. I don’t have time to explain, but I will,” he said, kissing her quickly and hastily climbing from the bed.
“You’re coming back though, aren’t you?” she asked urgently, watching him hurriedly pull on his leather pants and T-shirt.
“For sure, but don’t wait up. Get some rest.”
“Like that’s going to happen. I’ll be lying here worried sick.”
“I know what I’m doing,” he promised, grabbing his jacket then dashing over to kiss her on the cheek. “I’ll tell you everything in the morning.”
Chapter Twelve
Eddie Calhoun didn’t fit the common image of a gangster. Average build, average height, average looks, and an outwardly easygoing demeanor, he was a man who went unnoticed in a crowd. His claim to be a life insurance salesman was never questioned.
“It’s not as boring as it sounds,” he’d tell people. “It can be quite exciting at times.”
Then he’d silently chuckle at his private joke.
Those who worked for him knew ice water ran through his veins, pumped by a frozen heart. Once inside his domain—an upscale home behind high walls on a manicured street—he wasn’t charming, funny, or personable. The facade slipped away and the psychopath revealed himself.
Sitting behind his expensive antique desk, he studied the three bearded bikers shuffling nervously on their feet. They’d just delivered bad news. He didn’t like bad news, and he had no qualms about shooting the messenger. The threat inspired his men to bring results, not excuses.
“What do you mean Benny’s gone?” he growled. “How could he be gone? You’ve been watching him, and what about the tracker?”
“It doesn’t seem to be working,” one of the bikers replied. “We can’t get a signal, and he drove into the parking structure at the Emerson Mall.”
“How the fuck could you lose him in a goddamned parking building?”
“That place is a fuckin’ maze, and it was packed with cars coming and going. He must have slipped out one of the exits. There’s like, half a dozen.”
“Find him. Start with Koda King’s garage, and visit the bookkeeper. She’d hide him!”
“We’ve already been to her house. She wasn’t there. We’ll go back.”
“Scare that stupid bitch. Make sure she tells you everything she knows, and only call me from now on. If we need to meet we’ll do it at Hazel’s. Your bikes draw too much attention. Anything else? No? Good. Find that asshole.”
Eddie’s right-hand man and bodyguard, Dean Mason, had been standing by the door, and opened it for the bikers as they approached.
“Good luck,” he muttered as they strode by, then closing it behind them, he moved back to Eddie’s desk.
“I’ve always known there was a chance Benny might pull this crap,” Eddie grunted, “but how the hell did he know he was being followed?”
“Those morons, that’s how,” Dean declared. “Sorry,” he added hastily. “Sometimes they get to me. The beards, the tatty clothes... their whole vibe.”
“Hey, they’ve been with me a long time and they know how to keep their mouths shut when the shit hits. Loyalty like that is fuckin’ gold.”
“Yeah, sure, boss. Excuse me, that’s my phone,” Dean muttered, pulling it from his pocket. “It’s Cody. He needs me in the driveway. I’ll be right back.”
“Make it snappy. I need to keep a lid on that bookkeeper. She may not know details, but she sure as shit knows something’s up with those accounts, and with her boyfriend dumping her there’s no telling what she’ll do.”
“Right, boss. I’ll only be a minute.”
As Dean left the office, Eddie pushed back from his desk and ambled across to his drinks cabinet. Benny’s vanishing act was a worry.
“That construction crew needs to get back to work,” Eddie grunted, pouring himself a generous bourbon, “and I can’t have any more interference from Dakota King.”
Ideas floated around his brain, but taking a drink, he decided to deal with the bookkeeper first, then let the dust settle before revealing himself to the pesky tavern owner.
“Yeah,” he murmured, nodding his head as he returned to his desk. “King will have heard about the three mysterious musketeers paying a visit to the bar. That should keep him unnerved for a bit.”
“Boss,” Dean said urgently, walking through the door.
“I hope you’re about to tell me something I wanna hear,” Eddie said tersely, downing another swallow.
“I have this,” Dean declared, walking quickly across the room carrying a large manila envelope. “It was on the front seat of your car.”
“My car?” Eddie repeated angrily. “What the hell? Explain!”
Though Dean offered it to him, Eddie just stared down at his name written in large block letters.
“Uh, Cody spotted it. I sent him out to pick me up some dinner, and when he came back he noticed your car door was wide open. When he moved closer he saw the envelope and texted me.”
“How the hell did someone get into the grounds? Who’s monitoring the cameras? Why didn’t the alarm go off? What the fuck?”
“I don’t have an answer, boss. It’s a mystery.”
“Then you’d better fuckin’ solve it!”
But Eddie could guess.
Benny!
Hiring him had been a no-brainer.
When he’d checked him out, Eddie learned the fearless biker possessed many talents. In his teens breaking and entering had been his specialty.
“What about this?” Dean asked, raising the envelope.
Eddie’s gut churned a warning.
“Take it near the door and open it,” he ordered, returning to his desk, “and hold it at arm’s length.”
“Oh—right.”
Nervously striding across the room, Dean tried to lift the flap.
“Shit. I’ll have to rip it. This is glued.”
Rarely was Eddie rattled, but everything about the moment screamed danger. Slipping from his chair and crouching behind his desk, he watched Dean tear off the top of the envelope.
A plume of white dust flew in the air.
As Eddie ducked, Dean dropped the envelope, and stumbling backwards frantically waved his hand at the gray fog floating around his head.
“I think it’s okay, boss,” he finally sputtered. “It smells like perfume.”
“You’re shitting me,” Eddie exclaimed, popping his head up. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, like my girlfriend’s powder,” he replied, then sneezing loudly, he picked up the envelope and peered inside. “There’s a letter in here, and a plastic bag. Looks like it was attached to the sides and when I tore—”
“I know, I know, it’s not fucking brain surgery,” Eddie exclaimed angrily, cutting him off. “Bring the letter over here, then go to the security room. Ask Arthur what happened to the cameras and alarms. This house is supposed to be a fucking fortress.”
“Right away, boss.”
Walking swiftly to Eddie’s desk, Dean dropped the note, then quickly left the office. Gulping down the last of his bourbon, Eddie sat down, turned the letter around with his fingertip, and began to read.
Hello asshole,
This is my official resignation.
I’m out. I’ll leave you with a tip and a warning.
Those bearded jokers are useless. It only took me five minutes to shake them.
Now the warning.
I did your bidding, and you’ve made a shitload of cash.
Move on! Find another pigeon.
Leave Dakota and Bebe alone.
I’ve removed the bug from Bebe’s office, and I may be gone, but I’ve made arrangements with some friends of mine. She has 24-hour protection. If you try to mess with her, they’ll be there to greet you, and I’ll make sure you receive another package, but you won’t just end up smelling like the sissy you are, you’ll be deathly sick.
If you’re lucky enough to survive it won’t be for long.
B.
* * *
Riding his Harley around the side of his tavern, Koda slowed to a stop, climbed off, and pushed his bike into the half-finished patio. It was almost midnight, and entering the bar through the back door, he wasn’t surprised to find a raucous crowd.
Predictably, the room was filled with smoke, but he was happy to be there. He missed hanging with his buddies, telling tales and playing pool. The moment he moved behind the bar he was noticed, and a throng quickly gathered around the counter asking where he’d been and if he was okay.
“Way too much work at the garage,” he declared. “By the end of the week I’m wiped out, but I’m lookin’ to make some changes. I know this is last minute, but tomorrow night drinks and burgers on me. I’m closing to the public. It’s been too long. Let’s have a club night!”
A cheer rose up, and Robbie shouted the question on everyone’s mind.
“What gives, Koda? Does this mean you’re comin’ back?”
“I’ll tell you everything tomorrow.”
“Why don’t you tell us now?”
“I want everyone to hear the news, good and bad, so get the word out, but yeah, Robbie, if things work out like I hope they will, I’ll be around again. One thing before I get a drink and have a talk with Sam here,” he continued, shooting his manager a grin, “I fired the construction company and need help finishing the patio. I’ll pay the going rate. If you’re interested, talk to me tomorrow night.”
He didn’t answer, but beckoned her forward.
“I want you topless and sucking me.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Her pulse ticking up, she lifted her sweater over her head, unsnapped her bra, dropped it on the floor, and kneeled in front of him. As she lowered her mouth over his rigid shaft, he gathered up her hair and took control of her movements, roughly squeezing her breasts with his free hand. A muffled moan escaped her lips, and sinking into her submissive state, the worries in the outside world began to fade.
* * *
Portia knew how to please him. During their months together Koda had trained her, but his compulsion to take control prevented him from lying back and enjoying her warm, luscious mouth. Tightening his grip, he vigorously moved her head up and down, then held her still and slowly withdrew.
“The tip. Tongue the tip.”
As she wrapped her fingers around his stiff shaft and followed his instruction, he finally surrendered to the tantalizing sensations, closing his eyes and letting out a heavy sigh. The tension was slowly leaving his body.
“Take your shower,” he muttered, lifting her head, “but make it quick.”
“Yes, Sir.”
But as she stood up and started to leave, his eyes fell on her round backside.
“Stop. Strip off here.”
Abruptly turning to face him, she kicked off her shoes, removed her socks, then unzipped her jeans and slid them down her legs, but before she could slip off her panties, he rose quickly to his feet, yanked them down to her ankles and cupped her pussy.
“This is mine,” he growled. “Do you remember the rules? No touching for pleasure without permission. You’d better behave in that shower.”
“Yes, Sir,” she murmured, dropping her head against his shoulder.
“You can go.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
Idly stroking himself as he devoured the sight of her naked form hurrying away, he moved across to the bedside table to retrieve a condom. Ripping open the packet and sliding it over his swollen member, a frown crossed his brow. Though he’d never cheated on Portia, he’d never seen himself as a one-woman man, but he had no interest in being with anyone else.
“That’s it,” he muttered to himself. “We’ll both get tested and she’ll go on birth control. I’m done with these damn things.”
The decision felt right, and as he gathered up the scarves he’d taken from her closet, she appeared from the bathroom still toweling herself dry.
“Wait right there,” he ordered, striding briskly across the room.
She stopped and stared at him like a deer in headlights, the towel hanging from her fingers. Moving behind her, he secured one of the scarves around her eyes, then took the towel and sensuously wiped away the last of the dripping water.
“I’m taking you to the comforter,” he murmured, dropping his lips to nuzzle her neck. “You’ll lie on your back, bring your knees up to your sides, and hold your ankles. Clear?”
“Yes, Sir,” she said breathlessly, leaning back against him, “but you’ve made me so weak, I’m not sure if my legs will carry me.”
“Such a naughty girl,” he grunted, touching between her legs. “Already so wet.”
“It’s you, Sir. You turn me on so much.”
Wordlessly moving his hand up to her breasts, he gently fondled each in turn, then sharply pinched her nipples.
“Ouch, ooh, Sir.”
“I know your knees are wobbly, but I’ve got you,” he muttered, supporting her around the waist and guiding her forward.
Reaching the thick, soft cover, he helped her lie down and settle into the position, then crouching beside her, he swiftly tied her wrists to her ankles.
“Helpless and at my mercy,” he crooned, lowering his head and tonguing her nipples. “Just as you should be.”
Tightly gripping her breasts and drawing them into his mouth, he sucked hungrily, eliciting a long, endless moan, then pulling back he fervently fondled the plump flesh, occasionally landing a hot slap and nipping the cherry tips.
Long minutes ticked by.
When he finally sat back, her chest was rising and falling with ragged breaths and her face was flushed.
“Thank you, Sir.”
“My pleasure, I assure you, but I haven’t finished.”
Kneeling between her spread legs, he pressed his fingers into her drenched velvet folds.
“You poor girl. You want my cock so badly,” he softly remarked, thrusting two fingers into her channel.
“Yes, please, Sir.”
“Not yet.”
Leaving his fingers buried, he stretched out on his stomach and touched his teasing tongue to her clit, twirled for a few seconds, then lapped ravenously until she begged for her orgasm.
“Fuck, no,” he retorted, darting up his head.
As she whimpered her disappointment, he counted to ten, then returned his mouth to her pussy, keeping her on the brink until she was bleating piteously.
“I think you’re ready,” he declared, straightening up and untying the scarves. “Roll over and get on your hands and knees.”
* * *
Though almost delirious with need, Portia managed to follow his instruction, but as she settled on all fours she could vaguely hear him move across the room. She knew what was coming, but when he returned, and the dollop of lube fell against her rosebud, she still gasped.
“Your ass? Who does it belong to?” he demanded, landing several hard slaps then roughly squeezing her cheeks.
“You, Sir.”
“All of it?”
“Yes, Sir.”
His finger pushed into her dark hole.
She instinctively clenched, then forced herself to relax.
“That’s better. Are you ready for me?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Rub your clit as I enter you, but remember, you’re not to come until I say.”
“I won’t, Sir.”
She wouldn’t dare.
She had once, just to see what would happen.
He’d spanked her—hard—then using a vibrator he had held her at the edge of her climax for what had seemed like hours.
His rock-hard member demanded entry. Taking a long, deep breath, she arched her back and offered herself up. Clutching her flesh, he slowly impaled her, then partially withdrawing he parted her cheeks, letting them close, and separating them again, continuing the pattern until he was fully engulfed.
She’d been rubbing her clit, sinking into his intoxicating possession, and as he stroked, every thrust offered its unique ecstasy. The intense sensations took hold, and fervently massaging her clit, she felt her orgasm began to build.
“Sir...?”
Receiving no response, she dropped her hand away.
He increased the force and pace of his thrusts.
Her climax drew closer.
“Sir...?”
Grasping her hips, his fingers dug into her skin.
“Sir, please, Sir, I’m almost there...”
He slowed his pace.
Her thighs tightened.
“Sir, please...?”
* * *
If she climaxed, Koda wouldn’t be able to stop his explosion. Ignoring her desperate requests and hoping she could hold on just a little longer, he paused, and leaned forward to fondle her luscious mounds.
“Deep breaths, princess,” he whispered in her ear. “Deep breaths.”
“Sir... I... c-can’t... it’s...?”
Her body had taken over, and she couldn’t walk it back from the edge.
“It’s all right. You can—”
But her first spasm had already seized her, and as she let out a shriek, he was hurtled into his release. Abruptly riding her with strong, quick strokes, deep groans rose up from the depths of his being.
As she squirmed below him and cried out her ecstasy, the powerful convulsions continued to jerk through his loins until the last wave abated, leaving him breathless and his heart pounding against his chest. Carefully pulling out, he staggered into the bathroom.
Disposing of the condom and washing up, he returned to find her lying on the bed, though the comforter was still on the floor. Stretching out next to her, she snuggled against him, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
“Koda, that was crazy.”
“Crazy, how?”
“So intense.”
“That’s how we are. We always have been. Did you think it would be different?”
“No, but it’s even more so now, don’t you think?”
He frowned, then nodded.
“Yeah. You’re right.”
“Maybe because what happened with Benny is out in the open. There’s nothing hidden between us, and our separation made us realize how much—”
“Out in the open...” he suddenly exclaimed, abruptly sitting up. “I know what to do.”
“About what exactly?”
“Everything. I’m sorry, princess, but I have to go out.”
“Now? But it’s late.”
“Yeah, I know. I don’t have time to explain, but I will,” he said, kissing her quickly and hastily climbing from the bed.
“You’re coming back though, aren’t you?” she asked urgently, watching him hurriedly pull on his leather pants and T-shirt.
“For sure, but don’t wait up. Get some rest.”
“Like that’s going to happen. I’ll be lying here worried sick.”
“I know what I’m doing,” he promised, grabbing his jacket then dashing over to kiss her on the cheek. “I’ll tell you everything in the morning.”
Chapter Twelve
Eddie Calhoun didn’t fit the common image of a gangster. Average build, average height, average looks, and an outwardly easygoing demeanor, he was a man who went unnoticed in a crowd. His claim to be a life insurance salesman was never questioned.
“It’s not as boring as it sounds,” he’d tell people. “It can be quite exciting at times.”
Then he’d silently chuckle at his private joke.
Those who worked for him knew ice water ran through his veins, pumped by a frozen heart. Once inside his domain—an upscale home behind high walls on a manicured street—he wasn’t charming, funny, or personable. The facade slipped away and the psychopath revealed himself.
Sitting behind his expensive antique desk, he studied the three bearded bikers shuffling nervously on their feet. They’d just delivered bad news. He didn’t like bad news, and he had no qualms about shooting the messenger. The threat inspired his men to bring results, not excuses.
“What do you mean Benny’s gone?” he growled. “How could he be gone? You’ve been watching him, and what about the tracker?”
“It doesn’t seem to be working,” one of the bikers replied. “We can’t get a signal, and he drove into the parking structure at the Emerson Mall.”
“How the fuck could you lose him in a goddamned parking building?”
“That place is a fuckin’ maze, and it was packed with cars coming and going. He must have slipped out one of the exits. There’s like, half a dozen.”
“Find him. Start with Koda King’s garage, and visit the bookkeeper. She’d hide him!”
“We’ve already been to her house. She wasn’t there. We’ll go back.”
“Scare that stupid bitch. Make sure she tells you everything she knows, and only call me from now on. If we need to meet we’ll do it at Hazel’s. Your bikes draw too much attention. Anything else? No? Good. Find that asshole.”
Eddie’s right-hand man and bodyguard, Dean Mason, had been standing by the door, and opened it for the bikers as they approached.
“Good luck,” he muttered as they strode by, then closing it behind them, he moved back to Eddie’s desk.
“I’ve always known there was a chance Benny might pull this crap,” Eddie grunted, “but how the hell did he know he was being followed?”
“Those morons, that’s how,” Dean declared. “Sorry,” he added hastily. “Sometimes they get to me. The beards, the tatty clothes... their whole vibe.”
“Hey, they’ve been with me a long time and they know how to keep their mouths shut when the shit hits. Loyalty like that is fuckin’ gold.”
“Yeah, sure, boss. Excuse me, that’s my phone,” Dean muttered, pulling it from his pocket. “It’s Cody. He needs me in the driveway. I’ll be right back.”
“Make it snappy. I need to keep a lid on that bookkeeper. She may not know details, but she sure as shit knows something’s up with those accounts, and with her boyfriend dumping her there’s no telling what she’ll do.”
“Right, boss. I’ll only be a minute.”
As Dean left the office, Eddie pushed back from his desk and ambled across to his drinks cabinet. Benny’s vanishing act was a worry.
“That construction crew needs to get back to work,” Eddie grunted, pouring himself a generous bourbon, “and I can’t have any more interference from Dakota King.”
Ideas floated around his brain, but taking a drink, he decided to deal with the bookkeeper first, then let the dust settle before revealing himself to the pesky tavern owner.
“Yeah,” he murmured, nodding his head as he returned to his desk. “King will have heard about the three mysterious musketeers paying a visit to the bar. That should keep him unnerved for a bit.”
“Boss,” Dean said urgently, walking through the door.
“I hope you’re about to tell me something I wanna hear,” Eddie said tersely, downing another swallow.
“I have this,” Dean declared, walking quickly across the room carrying a large manila envelope. “It was on the front seat of your car.”
“My car?” Eddie repeated angrily. “What the hell? Explain!”
Though Dean offered it to him, Eddie just stared down at his name written in large block letters.
“Uh, Cody spotted it. I sent him out to pick me up some dinner, and when he came back he noticed your car door was wide open. When he moved closer he saw the envelope and texted me.”
“How the hell did someone get into the grounds? Who’s monitoring the cameras? Why didn’t the alarm go off? What the fuck?”
“I don’t have an answer, boss. It’s a mystery.”
“Then you’d better fuckin’ solve it!”
But Eddie could guess.
Benny!
Hiring him had been a no-brainer.
When he’d checked him out, Eddie learned the fearless biker possessed many talents. In his teens breaking and entering had been his specialty.
“What about this?” Dean asked, raising the envelope.
Eddie’s gut churned a warning.
“Take it near the door and open it,” he ordered, returning to his desk, “and hold it at arm’s length.”
“Oh—right.”
Nervously striding across the room, Dean tried to lift the flap.
“Shit. I’ll have to rip it. This is glued.”
Rarely was Eddie rattled, but everything about the moment screamed danger. Slipping from his chair and crouching behind his desk, he watched Dean tear off the top of the envelope.
A plume of white dust flew in the air.
As Eddie ducked, Dean dropped the envelope, and stumbling backwards frantically waved his hand at the gray fog floating around his head.
“I think it’s okay, boss,” he finally sputtered. “It smells like perfume.”
“You’re shitting me,” Eddie exclaimed, popping his head up. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, like my girlfriend’s powder,” he replied, then sneezing loudly, he picked up the envelope and peered inside. “There’s a letter in here, and a plastic bag. Looks like it was attached to the sides and when I tore—”
“I know, I know, it’s not fucking brain surgery,” Eddie exclaimed angrily, cutting him off. “Bring the letter over here, then go to the security room. Ask Arthur what happened to the cameras and alarms. This house is supposed to be a fucking fortress.”
“Right away, boss.”
Walking swiftly to Eddie’s desk, Dean dropped the note, then quickly left the office. Gulping down the last of his bourbon, Eddie sat down, turned the letter around with his fingertip, and began to read.
Hello asshole,
This is my official resignation.
I’m out. I’ll leave you with a tip and a warning.
Those bearded jokers are useless. It only took me five minutes to shake them.
Now the warning.
I did your bidding, and you’ve made a shitload of cash.
Move on! Find another pigeon.
Leave Dakota and Bebe alone.
I’ve removed the bug from Bebe’s office, and I may be gone, but I’ve made arrangements with some friends of mine. She has 24-hour protection. If you try to mess with her, they’ll be there to greet you, and I’ll make sure you receive another package, but you won’t just end up smelling like the sissy you are, you’ll be deathly sick.
If you’re lucky enough to survive it won’t be for long.
B.
* * *
Riding his Harley around the side of his tavern, Koda slowed to a stop, climbed off, and pushed his bike into the half-finished patio. It was almost midnight, and entering the bar through the back door, he wasn’t surprised to find a raucous crowd.
Predictably, the room was filled with smoke, but he was happy to be there. He missed hanging with his buddies, telling tales and playing pool. The moment he moved behind the bar he was noticed, and a throng quickly gathered around the counter asking where he’d been and if he was okay.
“Way too much work at the garage,” he declared. “By the end of the week I’m wiped out, but I’m lookin’ to make some changes. I know this is last minute, but tomorrow night drinks and burgers on me. I’m closing to the public. It’s been too long. Let’s have a club night!”
A cheer rose up, and Robbie shouted the question on everyone’s mind.
“What gives, Koda? Does this mean you’re comin’ back?”
“I’ll tell you everything tomorrow.”
“Why don’t you tell us now?”
“I want everyone to hear the news, good and bad, so get the word out, but yeah, Robbie, if things work out like I hope they will, I’ll be around again. One thing before I get a drink and have a talk with Sam here,” he continued, shooting his manager a grin, “I fired the construction company and need help finishing the patio. I’ll pay the going rate. If you’re interested, talk to me tomorrow night.”
