Rough Road: A Bad Boy MC Romance, page 12
“I guess I’m needed. I’ll see you tomorrow night, Hank,” Koda said. “Ride safe.”
“Always. Nice to meet you, Barry. Thanks for everything.”
“Just doing my job, Hank.”
“Yeah, and that’s the point. It’s a tough one and I’m grateful. We all are.”
“See? Good guys,” Koda said softly as Hank strode away. “I’ll meet you at the garage in a minute. I need to let my girl know I’m okay. I should’ve been home by now.”
“No problem. Just join us when you’re done.”
“Yep. I won’t be long.”
Barry walked away, but as Koda placed the call to Portia, a wave of fatigue began to stake its claim.
“Koda! I’m so happy to hear from you,” Portia exclaimed as she answered. “I was starting to worry.”
Her voice wrapped around him.
He wanted to be in her bed, her warm naked body curled against his as he fell asleep.
“Hey, princess,” he said wearily. “I thought you might be. That’s why I called.”
“Did something happen?”
“Yeah. Three guys broke into my garage, but they’ve been caught. I’ll be leaving soon.”
“Are you okay?”
“Absolutely fine. I just need to go through the place with the police to see if they caused any damage or stole anything.”
“Unbelievable. Hurry home.”
“Count on it.”
Dropping his phone in his pocket, Koda couldn’t help but grin. The night could not have turned out better. The bearded trio were off the streets—at least for a while—and their arrest might lead to the identity of their boss.
But that wasn’t all.
Eddie—whoever he was—had seen the small army Koda had supporting him.
“Round one to me,” Koda muttered under his breath, “and you’re about to lose Sam, that will be round two. What will you do then? Bring it on, asshole. I’m ready!”
* * *
Eddie was asleep when his phone buzzed urgently on his nightstand. Groggily lifting it up, squinting as he stared at the screen, he read the urgent message.
At the garage. Totally screwed. There’s a mob outside.
Clicking the video link, he stared in shock at the throng of angry bikers in the front of the window. Moments later police cars with their sirens blaring and lights flashing arrived on the scene. Sitting up and turning on his bedside lamp, he texted back.
No comment. That’s all you say. Ask to contact a lawyer in the morning and call Dean. I’ll send someone over.
Okay boss, but we have warrants out.
One thing at a time. Just keep your mouths shut.
You can count on us.
Delete all our messages while you still can.
Will do.
Slipping from his expensive microfiber sheets, Eddie donned his thick bathrobe, and carrying his phone he ambled into his den. With his terrible trio out of commission he’d have to send someone else to visit the bookkeeper.
“Fuckin’ Benny,” he grumbled as he flopped on the dark brown leather couch. “I wonder if your tracker is back online.”
Reaching for his phone, he opened the app. A small red dot moved across the screen.
“Ahh! There you are! The system must have had a temporary glitch. Let’s see where you are. What the hell?”
According to the tracker, Benny was miles away in another state, and traveling at a fast clip on the open road. Cursing under his breath, Eddie thought back to the letter. Benny had said he’d left Bebe with protection.
“We’ll see about that,” Eddie grunted. “I think visiting her is one errand I’ll take care of myself.”
Chapter Fourteen
Though exhausted as he rode through the dark, deserted streets, Koda’s mind remained sharp. Eddie had been operating in the shadows. Drawing him out into the open was the only way to understand who he was and know how to deal with him.
But the dangers were very real.
Portia, Sam, Bebe, and his club were at risk, and their protection had to remain the priority. Sam’s safe departure wouldn’t be difficult, but even the simplest plan could run afoul if not deployed with caution.
Arriving at the gated complex, he gave his name to the guard, and rolling slowly through the upscale community once again gave him a sense of reassurance. At least Portia was in a safe, secure environment. Turning into the driveway, he pulled under the archway, and retrieving his gun from its hidden compartment, he stuffed it into the waist of his jeans. Approaching the kitchen door, he was about to ring the bell when it opened.
“You’re finally home,” Portia exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck. “Is that your gun, or are you just happy to see me?”
“Both,” he murmured, holding her tightly, and in spite of the dogs’ excited welcome, he closed his eyes and relished the feel of her sinking against his body.
“Sure is good to see you, princess,” he murmured huskily. “It’s been a helluva day, and an even crazier night.”
“You must be wiped out. Can I get you anything?”
“I just need to get outta these clothes, take a hot shower, and crawl into bed with you!”
“Sounds like heaven,” she purred as he broke away. “I have to be honest. I’ve been really worried.”
“I’ll tell you everything that happened, but most of it in the morning,” he said with a sigh, taking her hand as they moved through the house. “If I’m right, the next few days will be pretty wild. I’m going to need your help.”
“You know I’ll do whatever I can.”
“While I’m in the shower, can you book some plane tickets? They’re for Sam and his family. I’m gettin’ them outta Dodge.”
“Yeah, sure. I’ll go through the agency. Just give me the details.”
Reaching her bedroom, while he removed his jacket and placed his gun on the nightstand, she fetched him a notepad and a pen.
“Here. Where are they flying to?”
“Dallas/Fort Worth,” he replied, writing down the names of Sam’s wife and children. “Use my credit card,” he continued, pulling his wallet from his back pocket. “Can you arrange for a car to meet them?”
“Of course, and I’ll also get them into the VIP lounge. They won’t have to hang around the waiting area, and they’ll only have to stand in a line through security and when they check their bags.”
“They won’t have any luggage.”
“Even better. They can go straight to the clubroom. I’ll include a flyer with their boarding passes. It will show them where it is. Don’t worry, Koda, I can do this stuff with my eyes closed. You look beat. Take your shower. I’ll have everything set by the time you come out.”
“You’re a doll,” he said, hugging her tightly.
“Could you please remember that next time you’re smacking my ass?”
“That depends.”
“On?”
“Why I’m smackin’ it. Now go,” he ordered gruffly, spinning her around and slapping her backside.
As she laughed softly and started down the hall to her office, he headed into the bathroom. Wearily removing his clothes and stepping into the shower, he turned on the hot water, but as he began soaping himself, his mind wouldn’t rest.
His plan to get Sam out of his house and safely to the airport played itself out.
There was Bebe to worry about. Should she remain at her house?
And why hadn’t he heard from Leo?
* * *
With the tickets purchased and the arrangements made, Portia placed everything into an envelope. A smile crossed her lips. She knew just how to help Koda switch off.
Moving back to her bedroom and crossing over to her dresser, she picked up the piece of paper she hoped would distract him from the craziness surrounding them. It was difficult for him to relax, especially following a rough day, and in spite of his humble beginnings, he was a thinker, and one smart cookie. His successful garage and bar were a clear testament to his cleverness.
Slipping out of her fleecy sweat suit and climbing into bed, she slid under the covers, rolled on her side, and watched the bathroom door. She heard the shower turn off, and a few moments later he appeared.
She caught her breath.
With a towel wrapped around his waist, droplets twinkled as they dribbled down his muscled arms and torso. His tattoos seemed almost three-dimensional, and he glistened like a gleaming god.
“You look amazing,” she murmured as he ambled toward her.
“I do? Why?”
“You just do.”
“And why do you look like you know something I don’t?” he asked, flopping on the bed and staring at her.
“Damn, Koda, how can you look right through me?”
“I’ve always been able to read people. I think it’s my survival instinct. So, what is it? I hope it’s good.”
“It is, very, but first, all the flights are booked, the seats selected, they have passes into the VIP lounge, and a car will meet them at the other end.”
“Terrific. Thanks. That’s a half a load off my mind, but I won’t breathe easy until they’re in the air. What time is the flight?”
“One o’clock. Oh, and I got them an express security pass. Traveling without luggage is really helpful.”
“Princess, you’re the best!”
“Now for your surprise,” she said, softening her voice and moving closer to him. “Check this out.”
As she slid the piece of paper from under the pillow and handed it to him, a grin curled his lips.
“Are you showing me this because you’re on birth control?”
“Yep. After we split up—”
“You mean, after you walked away.”
“And after you didn’t follow me,” she quipped, glaring at him, “I got tested for everything. You’re so paranoid about condoms I wasn’t worried, but I decided to do it anyway. When I went in for my physical my doctor suggested I go on the pill for health reasons. Koda, I haven’t slept with anyone since you, and like I said, I know how careful you are, so...”
“So I can be naked?”
“Surprise!” she purred, sliding her hand under the towel. “I know how tired you are. Let me take care of you.”
His acceptance came in the form of a heavy sigh, then a long, low groan as she moved the towel away and began vigorously stroking his cock, bringing it to life. As she tickled his sac with her free hand and pressed her body against his, he suddenly grabbed her, rolled her on her side so her back was toward him, and shoved his finger into her pussy.
Though she gasped as he thrust it in and out, he abruptly pulled his hand away to massage her clit and position himself at her entrance. Placing his arm across her stomach to hold her in place, he plunged inside her and began to pump.
But consuming her was the feel of his naked cock sliding in and out.
Captive in his strong arm and whimpering with pleasure, she closed her eyes and sank into the luscious sensations.
“Feel me, baby. Feel me and come when you want.”
His whispered words hot against her ear sent a ripple of energy through her pussy, and as his mouth moved to her neck, an intense, erotic shiver shuddered through her limbs.
His pace quickened.
He pumped harder.
His forceful finger fervently rubbed.
He wasn’t going to stop.
The climax was slowly building, but she could sense he was already at the point of no return.
Her orgasm suddenly loomed, then exploded.
Blinding, sparkling lights flashed through her head.
Her body trembled in his strong embrace, the prickling tingles surged through her limbs, then slowly weakened, leaving her panting and crumpled against him. Trying to catch her breath, she was vaguely aware of his heart thumping against her back, and as his member slipped out, she felt the flood between her legs. Though weak and drained, she thought about going to the bathroom to clean up.
His arm suddenly tightened.
“Stay here.”
He’d panted his demand, once again magically reading her mind. Letting out a sigh, she reached for the tissue box.
His gun caught her eye.
For a short time she had forgotten they were in danger...
* * *
Never wanting to let her go, Koda clung to the only woman he’d ever loved. He was just as much a captive to Portia as she was to his rugged arms. With a string of women in his wake, too many to name and most just passing shadows, he never imagined his feelings could run so deep. He had to protect her at all costs, and he would, no matter what Eddie might throw at him.
Sam—big, strong, tough Sam—had been petrified.
Not only did Koda understand, he felt he was to blame. If he hadn’t thrown himself into his repair shop, Sam wouldn’t have been left vulnerable to a gangster like Calhoun.
But soon Sam and his family would be safe.
Bebe.
He had to get to Bebe before Eddie.
Regardless of what Benny had said, it would be best to move her from her modest home... but Koda could feel himself drifting off.
He fought it, but as he tried to think of where he could put her, he fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
* * *
Unable to eat or get any rest, Bebe had turned to the one thing that offered an escape. Work. Poring over Koda’s books, she’d created a spreadsheet detailing all the money paid out to Ace Building Supplies and Willow Wines.
The totals were staggering.
Like a running faucet, money had flowed through Koda’s bar at an alarming rate.
“Benny... what part did you play in all this?” she murmured, staring at her computer. “I know who you are. You wouldn’t have done this to Koda.”
Reaching into her pocket and pulling out the scrunched-up note, she carefully straightened it out and read it again. As his profound admission moved through her heart, heat filled the back of her throat.
“I was trying to do the right thing, but I bit off more than I could chew,” she whispered. “I wish you’d told me.”
Fighting back a wave of tears, she stared at the screen.
She needed a paper copy.
Her computer had an external hard drive as a safety backup, but if the evil man did show up, he’d probably steal them both. Heart racing, she printed it out, along with all of Koda’s records, then stared at the pile of papers sitting in the printer’s out tray.
They needed to be hidden.
Rising to her feet and lifting them out, she began strolling through the house, her tired eyes constantly moving. Her kitchen clock told her it was five a.m. Bone weary, she flopped into a chair. She couldn’t recall when last she’d slept, and she knew she wouldn’t be able to until the paperwork in her hands was somewhere safe.
For the first time since she’d read Benny’s note, a smile crossed her lips.
Fifteen minutes later she was slipping into bed, Spic and Span burrowing next to her purring contentedly. She didn’t know what would happen to her, but all the papers, along with a letter detailing what she knew, were tucked away in a place no one would ever think to check.
Chapter Fifteen
Eddie bolted awake.
His heart thumped.
Sweat dripped down his face.
Benny’s warning swirled through his head.
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.
Falling asleep on the couch in his den wasn’t unusual, but he always woke with a crick in his lower back. Rising unsteadily to his feet, he cautiously stretched, then straightened his disheveled bathrobe and staggered across to the refrigerator behind the bar. Grabbing a bottle of cold water, he gulped it down and glanced at the clock. The blue digits read 7:03 a.m.
He grimaced.
He rarely stirred before eight.
As his head began to clear, a deep frown carved his forehead. The situation with Dakota King had suddenly become complex. If he couldn’t scare the bookkeeper into keeping her mouth shut, he needed to secure the information she had until she was back under his control. As the answer dawned, his frown was replaced by a grim smile. Finding his phone on the coffee table, he called Dean.
“Morning, boss.”
“Get over here with Arthur right away.”
“Arthur?”
“That’s what I said.”
“Uh, yeah, sure.”
Heading down the hall and into his bedroom, Eddie’s thoughts turned to the three men in custody. They’d be missed, and given their history, even his high-priced lawyer would have trouble getting them out on bail.
He shook his head.
They were seasoned and smart.
How had they been discovered in the garage?
Moving into his bathroom and stepping into the shower, Eddie turned on the steam, sat on the bench, and leaned against the wall.
The sight of Koda’s gang of bikers had been unnerving. He had no desire, least of all the manpower, to tackle them. Intimidating a few key people was how he operated, and after an initial visit he remained in the shadows. If a man had a family, a horrifying threat insured cooperation. He still had Sam in his pocket, but Koda’s interference with the construction was a problem.
Koda himself was a problem.
An annoying one.
“Dakota King,” he muttered. “Too bad I had to get that girl of yours out of the picture, but you’re bound to have another weak spot. Once I find it you’ll belong to me, along with every last thing you own.”
* * *
Still half asleep, Koda moved on top of Portia’s warm, luscious body. Not needing to stop to sheathe himself was sublime, but even more heavenly was how she felt as his naked cock snaked its way into her hot, wet depths. Indulging himself, he stayed buried inside her, closing his eyes as he felt her glorious cocoon envelop him.
