5 Bikers For Valentines 3g6i5y

Copyright © 2019 Rye Hart - All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. This is a work of fiction. While, as in all fiction, the literary perceptions and insights are based on life experiences and conclusions drawn from research, all names, characters, places and specific instances are products of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously. No actual reference to any real person, living or dead, is intended or inferred.

5 Bikers for Valentines A Reverse Harem Romance

If you like this book, check out these others from Rye Hart BURLY MOUNTAIN MEN Damaged Goods | Stone Heart | Cabin Fever | Rugged Daddy| Mountain Man’s Second Chance | Saving Mel | Teach Me Daddy ROCK HARD HOTTIES Rock Hard Daddy | Rock Hard SEAL | Rock Hard Neighbor | Rock Hard Baby Daddy | Rock Hard Boss | Rock Hard Fake Groom | Rock Hard Prince Charming STEAMY REVERSE HAREMS Sin City Baby | 5 Bikers for Valentines | 6 Mountain Brothers for Christmas | Her Best Men | Christmas With the McCormick Brothers BILLIONAIRE BAD BOYS Single Dad’s Spring Break | Hustler | 69th Street Bad Boys | Filthy Daddy HOT SINGLE DADDIES Cuff Me Daddy | Accidental Daddy | Naughty but Nice | Going Deep SEXY SECOND CHANCES One More Time | Bad Seed | Family Night | Forbidden Touch | Hot Bastard Next Door | Heart on Fire | Luca’s Return | Top Dog | The Longest Rodeo ALL ABOUT THE BABIES Baby Contract | Baby Wanted | Dom’s Secret Baby

STRICTLY TABOO Two Weeks of Sin | Taboo Lovers | Step Daddy Desires | The Better Brother | My Hot Stepbrother

Table of Contents

Copyright © 2019 Rye Hart - All rights reserved. Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16

Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Epilogue Six Months Later

Prologue

Breakfast with the brothers was already getting interesting. By now, all five were watching my every move. My eyes were fixated on Nick, who was starved for something other than eggs and bacon and I had a feeling I’d soon find out what that was. Their midnight blue shade darkened even further with lust and caused a spark to set off in my toes. He scanned my body as Tyler got up from the table, leaving his coffee behind and stalking toward me. My gaze followed him as he stood up in front of me, stepping in between my legs as he cupped my blushing cheek. I nuzzled into his hand, and the air in the room changed on a dime. I heard Nick get up and pad over to me, taking my coffee mug from my hands. I tilted my lips into Tyler’s hand and pressed a kiss to his palm, and then I felt Nick’s hands come down on my shoulders. Tyler swiped his hand over the kitchen table, scattering the remains of breakfast to the floor, before he yanked me from the chair. His hands were all over me, ripping my pajamas off my body. I felt Nick’s hands on my ass, squeezing it as his lips attached to the back of my neck. I felt my body heating with electricity as their skin grazed mine. I slid to my knees as I kissed down Tyler’s body. His muscles jumped for me as my hands raked down his sides. I felt every one of his chiseled muscles pulse underneath my touch as I sank to the floor. He was now dripping for me, lurching toward my mouth and begging to be between my lips. I wrapped my hands around his thighs and pulled him close to me. I felt Tyler’s hands wrap tightly in my hair as Nick perched himself behind me. “Hold on,” Nick said. “I want to taste you.” I heard chairs moving and the table shifting before Nick slid underneath my thighs. His hands traveled up my body, squeezing my breasts as I moaned. I grabbed Tyler’s cock and wrapped my lips around it, causing a groan to fall from his lips.

Then, Nick pulled my pussy down onto his lips. “Oh shit,” I said. “Holy fuck.” Tyler’s hand guided my face along his cock as my hips rolled into Nick’s lips. I reached around and sank my nails into Tyler’s tight ass, causing him to thrust forward. I raked my nails down his thighs as Nick sucked my clit between his teeth, causing my legs to grow weak. “I got you, Kitten” Nick said. His arms held me up as I braced against Tyler. I could feel myself quickly approaching my end. My eyes rolled back as my throat clamped down around Tyler. I moaned and whimpered. I was trembling against them both, riding Nick’s face with no shame as I enjoyed the wave of an intoxicating orgasm rushing through my body. “You taste so fucking good,” Nick said. His vibrations sent me over the edge. His tongue pressed into my clit, riding me through my orgasm as Tyler pulled his cock from my mouth. I moaned into the room, crying out Nick’s name as I shook. Tyler’s hand was holding my hair, pulling my gaze up to his. “You’ll moan my name before this is all over.” I had a feeling he wouldn’t disappoint.

Chapter 1

Not tonight. I don’t need this shit tonight. What started out as a slow afternoon was quickly turning into a wild night at The Skull. In just five hours, I’d already yelled for the bouncers to break up three bar fights between drunken asshats fighting over purely senseless shit. I was losing my damn mind and voice. Unlike most evenings when I work through the chaos with polished grace, tonight’s serving of ridiculous crap was working my patience in a royal way. Thanks to the current state of my personal life I didn’t have the tolerance to deal with the bull that came with my bartending gig. Luckily though, I knew how to use the pistol stashed below the counter. Special announcement dicks: I’m not afraid to pull the bitch out. A low-key evening to help me get away from all the bullshit happening at home was all I asked. That’s what everyone was going to give me, whether they liked it or not. I’d worked at The Skull for a little over two years. It was the only place willing to hire someone without work experience and the owner didn't give a damn about my age. I was now a nineteen-year-old, slinging beer and whiskey in a biker bar to save up money to fund my own dream. What was my dream? I was going to be a badass biker street wear boutique owner. I was determined. I was driven. Mostly, I was hungry. To say that I’d grown up in an unstable household would have been an understatement. I had to make my own way through life ever since I could

. My ion for clothing design gave me a break from Emma’s screwed up world, and into a fantasy of leather and lace. I was raised around bikes and bikers my whole life and drawn to the unique style. It wasn’t for everyone, but it sure as hell was for me. I lived for the daisy dukes, the tattoos, and the motorcycle memorabilia that came with the lifestyle. It was a world that brought me comfort, and a fashion sense that allowed me to be myself, without limits or boundaries. It was an attitude I rocked, a moral code I lived by, and now I wanted to make it my contribution to the world. I wanted to have a clothing store as well as a patch shop, where I could take in people's leather and lace and bring it to life. I wanted to reach out to a community I ired, and offer quality clothing at an affordable price. These were my people and I wanted to cater to them. Where most people were put off by the biker life, I was exhilarated by it. There were just two things stopping me: lack of money and those damn demons in my head telling me how much of a fool I was for trying to amount to anything. Screw you, demons! I’ll show you. So I had to stick it out at this dingy bar long enough to save up the money I needed. “Emma! Throw me a drink!” Rolling my eyes, I bent down beneath the bar and grabbed a beer. My mother was here, and not for the chance to visit her daughter at work, or to commend her for working her ass off to make ends meet. No, my mom had other things to worry about, like the young men at the bar. Gross, I know. I was over my mother’s cougar ways. She was a forty-something-year-old woman trying to lure in twenty-something-year-old boys who had hard-ons for easy women in leather. She came in here wanting free drinks because her daughter worked behind the damn bar, and if I didn’t get her free drinks, then I conveniently found myself locked out of the fucking house. “I’ll put it on your tab!” I said as I slid the beer down to her.

But all she did was laugh, like I had cracked a funny joke. She was already talking with a poor young soul who didn't even look old enough to be in the bar in the first place. She was smiling and leaning on his shoulder, as he settled his hands on her hips. It was disgusting. The woman had no business preying on young men the way she did. She was desperate, and she was drama, and she was the reason why I took all the hours at the bar – that plus my goal to start my shop. There were days when I never even slept. I would volunteer to come in during the morning hours to clean and set up. Then I would bartend all through the night. It would get me out of the house, earn me extra cash, and get me closer to finally moving myself out of the hell hole I was living in. If things went my way, then I would purchase a building that had a secondary loft over it, and I could live right above my business. It was my dream, and thanks to years of saving up I was so close I could taste it. “Gimme a shot!” I panned my gaze up and saw my mother sitting on a stool in front of me. She was back for more liquor. “You got any cash?” I asked. “You know the drill, sweetheart. Put it on my tab,” she said with a wink. I wasn’t ready to fight with my mother tonight. I had already worked that morning, and I needed a place to sleep tonight, so I poured her a shot for free. “Come on. You can do better than that. I know my only child won’t just leave me hanging” she said. One shot became two, and two became four. I could see my manager already giving me looks, so I made it seem as if I was actually putting it on her tab. I went over to the and punched it in, sighing as I looked at the total. My mother had already racked up close to thirty dollars in drinks I knew she wouldn’t pay for, and if I wasn’t careful, that bill would come out of my paycheck. She tossed it back and swallowed it down. I saw her eyes scanning the crowd,

probably looking for that hot piece of young ass she had her hands on earlier. He was standing in the corner with some other woman, and I saw the fire in my mom’s eyes flare up. This poor boy had no idea whose attention he had attracted, and I found myself watching as my mother drunkenly stumbled over to him. But my entertainment was interrupted by a voice I wanted to hear. “Mom at it again?” Lindy asked. “Sweet fuck, I didn’t know you were working tonight.” I threw my arms around my best friend before drinks started being called out for us to make. “Mackie called in sick, so here I am. And not a moment too soon, I see.” Her eyes were looking over at my mother who had slipped herself between the young girl and the guy who had his hands on her earlier. “That poor boy doesn’t know what he’s in for,” I said. “Maybe she won’t cause a scene tonight,” Lindy said. “My mother causes a scene every fucking night,” I said as I started grabbing drinks. “It’s just what happens.” “So! Where are we with our clothing store bank ?” Lindy asked, trying to steer my mind away from my mother and her drama. “Once you make your deposit for the month, we can start looking around for shops to buy.” “Are you fucking serious?” she asked. “We’re there? Finally?” “Yep. Checked the yesterday when I made a deposit. Between the two of us, we’ve raised one hundred and thirty thousand dollars.” “Once I make my deposit,” she said. “Yep. Once you do that,” I said, grinning.

Lindy was going in with me on the clothing store. We were best friends since we were in middle school. At the bar, she was another under-aged girl who looked decent in a tight leather top and short-shorts, which meant she would rake in tips as well as men who would come to drink our disgusting concoctions. She loved the idea of an affordable biker-wear store, especially since leather jackets and the lace-up shoes were always so damn expensive everywhere. The two of us had worked our asses off to save up the money we had. We never splurged on ourselves, and never spent a penny that didn’t need spending. We didn’t have credit cards, and we drove piece of shit cars that barely got us to and from our jobs. That’s the only way we’d been able to save up so much money in only two years. Well, that, and the money Lindy always seemed to accumulate from her various boyfriends over the years. She was a trooper. Lindy was also the girl who could fix anything, from busted up laces and beat-up motorcycle helmets, all the way to motorcycles themselves. If it was in the biker world, she could fix it. I wanted her not only as someone I could trust to help run the place but as someone who could help open the patch shop I would eventually implement. “You girls still talkin’ about that stupid shop?” And my mother was back. “Hello, Gracie,” Lindy said. “Your top’s too tight,” my mother said. “No luck with the guy in the corner?” I asked. “Cock’s too small.” “Fuck, Mom. Seriously?” I asked. “You fucking asked. Keep your mouth shut if you don’t wanna know.” “And yes, we were talking about the shop,” Lindy said. “It’s a stupid idea. It’ll never work,” my mother said.

“We’ve already saved up—.” “Lindy. No,” I said, shaking my head. “Saved up what?” my mother asked. “Nothing,” I said. “You’re living in my house and under my roof. You’re supposed to be helping me with bills,” my mother said. “And I do. I pay the electric bill, the water bill, and I stock the fridge. Plus, you drink for free. Whatever I do with my money outside of that isn’t your damn business.” I pulled another shot glass from beneath the counter and poured her a shot. She threw it back, and I promptly refilled it as Lindy’s eyes grew wide. “How much has she had already?” she asked. “Not fucking enough,” I said. “Okay,” my mother said breathlessly. “Let’s go see if his cock grew a bit.” “I don’t think you understand how alcohol works,” I said. “How do I look, Emma?” My mother gave me a drunken twirl and landed flat on her ass. She was giggling and hiccupping as a few men began to gather around her. She looked up at them with this disgusting desire in her eyes, and I turned my back so I wouldn’t have to watch. They were ogling over her like she was in some porno, and I wasn’t going to watch my mother paint herself as that type of woman. “You okay, Emma?” Lindy asked. “Just let me know when she’s gone,” I said. I hated it when my mother got this way. I hated it when she told me I would never amount to anything. Mostly, I hated it when I prayed that she would somehow transform to be a good mother when she was sober, only to be

disappointed time and time again. My mother was going to get herself into trouble one day, and she was going to end up coming to me for help. And now, she had an idea that I was stowing away money somewhere. Which meant she was going to go looking for it. My only hope was that that I had pumped her with enough alcohol to make her forget all about this conversation. “Okay, everything’s good now, I think,” Lindy said. “You think?” I asked. “I mean, it depends on what ‘good’ is. She’s leaving.” “Yep. That’s a good thing.” I turned around and saw my mother hanging off the guy who had his hands on her hips earlier. I had no idea where the younger girl was, and I didn't care. We had bouncers at this bar for a reason so, if something had happened, then they were on the case. All I knew was that I saw my mother —who was two shots away from throwing up her guts—shoving her hands down the pants of a boy who looked barely twenty-one years old. “I gotta fucking get out of here,” I said. “I can take your shift if you want,” Lindy said. “No, no, I don’t just mean tonight. I need to get out of this bar period. Out of my mother’s house. I can’t fucking stand it anymore,” I said. “Well, I’ll make my deposit in the morning, and then we can go shopping for a place to put a cash offer. We’ll find a place that has that loft or whatever you’re looking for, then we can start moving you in. It might not have electricity or running water, but it’ll be better than what you’re in now.” “You’re damn right it will be,” I said. “When’s your next day off?” she asked.

“I’ve got Sunday and Monday,” I said. “Let’s shoot for Monday then? The deposit will have hit, and I can go with you. I don’t think I have Sunday off.” “Monday, it is, then.”

Chapter 2

Another night, another shift at The Skull. The bar was one of the most popular in my home town, Lucas Corner, California. It was a small desert town in the southern part of the state, surrounded by motorcycle clubs, which meant there was always some excitement brewing somewhere. The Skull was the only bar in town that didn't have a club designation, and it gave us an edge over our d competition. We served all the clubs without bias, and the only rule was that they couldn't start shit while they were in there. The bar’s reputation spread, and our little shithole quickly became a neutral meeting ground whenever issues needed to be resolved. If club had problems, or if people wanted to cross-pollinate and marry into other clubs, they could meet in the bar, have a drink, be offered unbiased service, and leave with answers. And if anyone kicked up any shit, they were tossed out on their asses. My boss called me up and asked me if I wanted to have an extra shift, so I told him I would come in and help. The bar was always empty until eleven at night, but sometimes pre-game stragglers came in. These were the people who wanted to get drunk before they went off to their club-d bars scattered throughout Lucas Corner. From eight until eleven, I recognized everyone. It was always the same people asking for the same drinks every single time. The monotony helped me mentally slip into the rest of my shift, which would work me like a dog until four in the morning. I was so fucking ready for my two days off. But instead of the monotony I was ready for, I had an unexpected little surprise. Three men came in through the doors of the bar. I had no idea who the fuck they were, but it was obvious they were related. They were all tall, with black hair and blue eyes, strong jawlines, and there were bulging muscles underneath their clothes that made my nipples harden. Fuck. They were beautiful. Their eyes scanned the bar before the three of them locked onto me. They headed toward the bar, and I readied myself for whatever drinks these men wanted. My heart was hammering against my chest as they got closer, and once

they sat down, I could smell the fresh scent of their leather. Holy hell, it was attractive when a man took care of his leather. “Can I help you?” I asked. “Wrong question.” The tallest one with the iciest blue eyes locked his gaze on me. His voice was deep, like distant rolling thunder. He sat with his back leaned against the chair and his shoulders upright with confidence. His chest was puffed out, pressing his chiseled muscles against his tight white shirt. I felt myself growing weak in the knees just looking at him. “Then what’s the right one?” I asked. “What can we do to help you?” One of the other men with the mesmerizing blue eyes had my attention now. His shirt was cut a little deeper down his chest, revealing the top of a tattoo. He was slightly thinner than the other two, but his forearms boasted of strength. Pulsing veins so hot that I wanted to rake my tongue across the tattooed rose on his skin. His voice was commanding, but lighter than the man who had previously spoken. “Help me?” I asked. “What do you mean? I’m pretty sure I’m the one that’s supposed to be serving you drinks.” “Doesn’t mean you don’t need help.” The third one that had been quiet up until this point had spoken, and his voice was rough. Edgy. Pulled tight like he was stressed. He looked wound up like something had pissed him off. I could think of a few ways to help him unwind if that was the issue. “There’s not anything that needs to be done,” I said. “You guys thirsty? The bar’s officially open.”

“Looks like you still have chairs to put down.” My eyes connected with the stressed-looking one as I set my hands on the bar. “You got a name?” I asked. “Depends. Do you?” “I do.” “Ladies first.” “Emma.” “Adam,” he said. “Excuse our brother. He’s a bit high strung.” I looked back over to the one with the icy blue eyes. His eyes were much lighter than the rest, and his temples were dusted with salt and pepper. My guess was that he was the oldest. “I’m Jacob, and the other one down there’s Nick.” “Hello,” Nick said. “And what my asshole brother’s trying to get across is that it does look like you still need help. No one’s in the bar yet, so we figured we could be of service,” Jacob said. “So, you peeked into a bar and decided to help instead of drink,” I said. “We’ll be drinking, don’t worry,” Adam said. “Good. Because you look like you could use it.” I saw a shadow of a grin tug Adam’s lips and it drew my gaze down to his mouth. His lips looked soft. I wanted to lean over and kiss them, press my body against his strength and feel his hands on my ass. I pulled myself from my trance before I drew in a deep breath.

“The chairs do need to come down, and I have to get some glasses from the back,” I said. “We got the chairs,” Nick said. “You go get those glasses.” “Need help with them?” Jacob asked. That was so fucking hot. Ballsy, but hot. “Nope. I got it,” I said. What were the chances of three smoking hot men in beautiful leather cuts strolling into the bar and asking if they could help? They were all chiseled with muscles I wanted to feel against my body. They all had kissable lips that I wanted to feel wrapped around my nipples. As I gathered the glasses from the kitchen, my mind fluttered to unspeakable places. Places where my body was spread out on a table for them to devour; where I was riding one brother while sucking another off. Places where I had the three of them at my disposal, in my own place, and at my own time, at my every whim. Shit, I’m in trouble if they stay around here all damn night. I stacked the glasses while the three of them put all the chairs down. I threw a rag to Nick so he could start wiping down the seats as Jacob went back to get more glasses. Did I die and go to heaven? Adam sat at the bar and helped me dry off shot glasses, and I could feel his eyes heavy on my body. “You work often?” he asked. “As often as I can,” I said. “I like a hard-working woman,” Adam said. “You’re shit at flirting, Adam,” Nick said. “Let me show you how it’s done.” “Oh, and you think you can do better?” I asked.

“I can. And you want to know why?” Nick asked. “Why?” I asked. “Because even if I couldn’t, you’d be worth the effort.” “That was pretty good, I’ll give it to you,” I said with a wink. “Nice ass,” Jacob said as he came out with more glasses. “That all you got?” I asked. “Nice tits, too,” Jacob said, grinning. “Ass and tits. That’s all men ever want,” I said, sighing. “Not all men,” Nick said. His words halted me in my tracks as my eyes panned over to him. “Oh, really? And what is it you want?” I asked. I could feel their eyes on me as Nick drew in a breath. But before he could answer me, my boss, Booker, came strolling through the front door and ruined my fucking moment. “The crowd’s about to settle in, Emma. You ready?” he asked. “Yeah, boss. I’m good,” I said. “You’ll be the only bartender until midnight, so try to keep up your energy. You eat yet?” “Nope. You rolled me off the cot, ?” I asked. “Doesn’t sound very nice,” Nick said, mumbling. “Here. Eat a protein bar.” My boss tossed me a piece of chalk, and I laughed. It was a literal piece of chalk. Booker was an asshole, but he was an entertaining asshole.

“What? Don’t like the protein bars I leave you on your desk?” I asked. “No, now stop doing it. I like my chicken wings.” “But your heart doesn’t,” I said. “And she gives a shit. That’s nice,” Jacob said. I looked at the three peculiar brothers and shook my head. What were they buttering me up for? “I can hear the hordes of regulars about to descend. You three want anything? Because if you do, get your order in now,” I said. “How much does a shot of you cost?” Jacob said. “Okay, okay. You’ve proved your point. You can stop flirting,” I said. “It’s painful.” “What if we don’t want to?” I stared into Adam’s ocean blue eyes and found nothing but sincerity in them. His voice was harsh, but his words were softening quickly. People started shoving through the front doors, sitting in chairs and calling out their orders. I slid out from behind the bar and ran around to them, writing shit down on my arm before I got to work. And the entire time, the three brothers sat at the bar and talked to me. “You sure you guys don’t want anything?” I asked. “Beers would be great,” Nick said. “Three beers coming up,” I said. I popped open three beers and handed them out before I leaned against the bar. The fucking waitress was late, as always, and I was prepared to take every damn tip from every table I’d already served. She knew the drill. She only got paid for tables she worked. The more tables I worked meant more of a headache for me, but it also meant more money. And I could fucking use all I could get.

The brothers sat there all night, talking and staring. Their company was nice, but I had no idea what the hell their plan was. They came in here, helped me with shit, then sat there nursing two, maybe three beers all damn night while making casual conversation with me. Thankfully, my mother stayed the fuck away that night. If she hadn’t, she’d be all over these men in a fucking heartbeat. The embarrassment would have been too much. They made me laugh and kept me going until the bar finally started to wind down around three, then they took their leave so I could clean up and close down. As I was heading to my car, I got a notification from my bank on my phone. An updated statement on my t savings with Lindy. I opened the attachment and jumped up and down in the parking lot like a mad women, when I saw that Lindy’s deposit had already hit. After two years of working ourselves half to death and saving every single penny we made, we had all the money we needed to finally find our store. Shit was finally heading the right direction.

Chapter 3

“Did you know Booker started closing the bar on Sundays and Mondays?” “Lindy, I haven’t had coffee yet. I can barely hold this damn cell phone up against my ear,” I said, groaning. “When did he start doing that?” Lindy asked. “Uh, it’s been a few weeks. Why?” I asked. “How the hell did I not know this?” she asked. “I honestly don’t know.” “Why didn’t you tell me the bar was closed when I told you I thought I worked today?” “Because we were swamped, and my mother was acting like a drunk maniac.” “Your mother is a drunk maniac.” “Yes. We’re now closed Sundays and Mondays. Though I think Booker rents out the place sometimes Sunday nights. Maybe that’s why you thought you were working?” I asked. “Maybe. I don’t fucking know. All I know is the bar’s closed and I don’t have shit to do. Want to get lunch?” she asked. “What time is it?” “Two.” “In the afternoon?” I asked. “It’s light outside, so I’m assuming so.” “I can hear that fucking smirk,” I said. “I love you when you haven’t had coffee. I’ll come over with some. Then you can ride with me.”

“Sounds like a plan.” I rolled myself out of bed and dragged my body into the shower. I still smelled like stale cigarettes and expired whiskey. For the first time in two years, I had money to spare for a lunch with Lindy, and I was ready to talk shop with her. We could start going through listings of places we could buy to start the clothing store. We had one hundred and thirty thousand dollars to work with for expenses. If we played our cards right, we could put a down payment on a place, get a loan for the rest, then purchase our first three rounds of clothes out of our pockets. I was ready to make it happen. “Coffee,” Lindy said. “Holy shit! How the fuck did you get in here?” I said, startled. I wrapped my towel around my body as my mother’s snores trickled into the room. “She didn’t even go anywhere last night. Did she?” Lindy asked. “You didn’t answer my question,” I said. “Everyone knows where your mother keeps her spare key.” “Wonderful,” I said. “I can’t even get privacy here.” “All the more reason to talk about the buildings I’ve found for us to buy.” “Wait, you what?” I asked. “The alert on the bank came through yesterday, and I was too excited to go to sleep. I’ve already been looking up some places. Most of them are scattered on the outskirts of town, but a couple of them are in town. I can’t wait for you to see them.” “They’re all online, right? Because I’m starving,” I said. “Of course. Girl, I got you. Come on. Get dressed so we can go get food.” I pulled on some jeans and threw on a tank top before I grabbed my leather

jacket. Though it was January, southern California never got too cold. My leather would keep me warm. I took my coffee from Lindy's hand and started to chug as we walked out to her car. I thought about locking the door, pausing as Lindy's comment dawned on me. If everyone knew where the spare key was to our house because of my mother's hookups and drunken tirades, it made no sense to lock the house anyway. So, I left it unlocked, and we headed to lunch. The two of us stayed silent as we drank our coffees. That was the rule. When we needed coffee, there was no talking until coffee was finished. We traveled through town and ed by the bar, flipping it off as we went by. I could already feel the freedom whipping through my hair. I was within inches of being able to quit that dingy place and start my own business. I became more excited as the luxurious caffeine made its way through my veins and, as we pulled up to the diner, I was ready to talk. “Okay, so what are these places you have for me to look at?” I asked. “I thought you’d never ask,” Lindy said. She pulled out her phone and opened numerous tabs. All the building she had up ranged from $100,000 to $500,000 – our price range for down payments. I wanted to stay away from the ones that were more expensive because I wanted to pay as much out of pocket as we could. The less debt we could go into with this type of venture, the more money we would be able to scrape off the top and take for ourselves. I knew it would take time to build up a devoted client base, which meant we were facing anywhere from six months to one year of not being able to make any significant profit for ourselves. And I was going to pay Lindy before I paid myself. Since I’d be living in the building, I could afford to do it. There was one building, however, that caught my eye. It was a rough-looking building and it was boarded up. It was three thousand square feet and was freestanding. It would need a lot of work, at least on the inside. The outside wasn’t too bad, especially for being boarded up for four years. The price was set cheap at $150,000 for everything, and it even had the lofted second story I was looking for.

Not only that, but the loft already had plumbing and electricity running through it. Jack pot! “Holy shit, this place is awesome,” I said. “I knew that one would catch your eye. And the price is great. We could put thirty thousand down, take out a loan for the rest, and use our remaining one hundred thousand to fix up the place and get the equipment we’ll need,” Lindy said. “That’s not a bad idea. If we could get approved for the other one-twenty, we’d be set. From the looks of it, it shouldn’t take more than about sixty thousand to do what we need to do inside, which would leave us forty for inventory, and I found a place we can get stuff wholesale for pretty cheap.” “And you could put some of that into the loft upstairs so you’d have your own place.” “No, no, no. Outfitting the loft is going to be with my own money. The business money isn’t gonna touch that place,” I said. “But you need a place to stay. It has plumbing and wiring for electricity, but it has nothing else. You’d need to put up walls and get shit for a kitchen. It’ll take some money up front for you to move into a place like that.” “It looks like the main area already has a bathroom. Sort of. It will when we renovate. I can use that to clean up until I can find the money to—” “Emma.” “Lindy, I’m not fighting with you on this. That’s my home, and the business money isn’t gonna fix up my new home. End of story,” I said. “Fine. I take it this is the place you want to put an offer on?” “I mean I want to go check it out tomorrow with you but, if all goes well, then yeah. I think it’s pretty damn perfect.” “Well, pick one to have on the back burner in case this one falls through. You know, so we aren’t starting at square one,” she said.

“Well, considering that it’s been boarded up for four years, I don’t think the bank is going to turn us down.” I could feel my dreams getting closer. Lindy was already on her phone setting up an appointment to go see the place tomorrow on our day off. We ordered our food and got to talking about how we would want to fix the place up, but my phone ringing interrupted our conversation. And I groaned when I saw it was my mother. “Fuck. Hold on,” I said. “Hey, Mom.” “Did you leave the damn door open?” she asked. “Did you tell everyone you fucked where our spare key is?” I asked. “That’s none of your damn business. Lock the fucking door. You trying to get me killed?” she asked. “Do you really want me to answer that question?” “You’re not funny. Anyway, that’s not why I’m calling.” “Shocker. Some dude steal your panties again?” I asked. “Drop the attitude. I’m calling about the Grove Brothers.” “Who?” I asked. “Don’t play stupid with me. The Grove Brothers. You know. Black hair. Blue eyes. Tall. Muscular. Tattoos. Wear the navy-blue leather jackets.” “Navy blue? That’s a shit color for leather,” I said. “They were in the damn bar last night talking to you,” she said. “How do you know who the hell was talking to me in the bar last night?” I asked. “So, you do know them,” she said.

“No, I don’t. What the fuck are you talking about?” “The three hot men that sat at the bar with you all night. My friend Georgia said they were nursing beers and shit. She sent me pictures. They are hot as fuck. Did you get their numbers?” Holy hell, she was talking about Nick, Jacob, and Adam. “No, I didn’t,” I said. “Why the hell not? You know the kind of guys I go for. They were perfect!” “I didn’t get their numbers because they’re not single, Mom,” I lied. “Oh. Well, shit.” I could hear the disappointment in her voice, but I knew that wouldn't stop her for long, especially if she was drinking. I wasn’t going to let my mother sink her talons into those three. They had seemed like decent guys. I’d been around some nasty bikers in my time, and these guys weren’t that. “Well, maybe they’ll be back.” my mother said. “Can’t you just respect people’s boundaries for once?” I asked. “What? They’re men. They aren’t married, right? Girlfriends come and go.” “So do booty calls,” I said under my breath. “I heard that. The bar open tonight?” she asked. A thought crossed my mind, and I grinned as I eyed Lindy. “What?” Lindy asked. “Can I stay at your place tonight?” I asked while I covered the phone with my hand. “Of course. What’s up?” I held up my finger before I cleared my throat.

“Yeah, Mom. The bar’s open tonight. Booker is trying something new out. He’s theming nights now.” “Theming nights? The fuck does that mean?” Lindy clapped her hand over her mouth, stifling the laughter pouring from her lips. “It means some nights have a theme now. Tonight is ‘leather and lace.’ Men are in leather. Women are in racy lace,” I said. “It’s about damn time that boss of yours did something to get more men in there. I gotta go shopping. See you tonight.” “I’m not working, but have fun,” I said. “Always do, sweet cheeks.” “You are so bad,” Lindy said as I hung up the phone. “Serves her right for being a bullshit mother,” I said. “I would love to see the look on her face when she shows up all dressed up, and there’s no one there,” she said. “Thanks for letting me stay at your place. But we’ll have to go home soon so I can pack.” “Yeah. She’ll definitely lock you out of the house for this one,” she said. “Did you get us a time for the tour tomorrow?” I asked. “Yep. The realtor said she can do anytime, so I told her three in the afternoon. We can sleep, eat, then go, prepared to walk around for a while.” “I knew there was a reason why I liked you,” I said. “Smart ass.”

Chapter 4

I having a feeling I might just blow up from excitement. Even as I stood behind the bar serving drinks, I couldn’t get my mind off the warehouse. Lindy and I had gone to see it the day before, and it had been better than the pictures portrayed it to be. Plenty of space, with rooms on the inside already divided by walls. The loft upstairs spanned the entire length and width of the building, which gave me over three thousand square feet of space to set up a new home for myself. I could see everything as I walked into that place: the themed rooms with different sets of outfits, a room where Lindy and I could work on fixing up other people’s items, a shoe room, and a boot room. We could set up a denim room and a leather room, and another room for women’s nightgowns and extras to spice up their hookups and shit. It made me both thrilled and impatient for this new venture ahead. And putting an offer in on the place meant I was one step closer to my dream. We told the realtor of offer we wanted to put on the place: ten thousand below the asking price, at one hundred and forty thousand. She said she would put it in and get back to us on what the owner said, but she had a feeling he would be more than willing to offload the burden onto us. The building wasn’t a burden. The building was a beacon for a new life Lindy and I could make for ourselves. “Five beers, please.” I was pulled from my thoughts by a familiar voice. When I looked up, I was met with those dreamy icy blue eyes and shaggy black hair. I grinned as Jacob stood in front of me, his chiseled physique leaning against the bar. “Fancy seeing you again,” I said, grinning. “Five beers? Aren’t there only three of you?” “Nope,” Jacob said. I watched as four other men appeared at Jacob’s sides. They were all wearing the same leather jackets, and they were indeed navy blue. They each had a different

shade of piercing blue eyes, ranging from Jacob’s icy gaze to Adam’s deep ocean blues. I nodded toward Nick as he bowed his head to me, but there were two men I didn’t recognize, though they looked like the rest of them. Except these two were identical fucking twins. Could this family get any fucking hotter? “I don’t think we’ve met yet,” one of the twins said. “I’m Tanner.” “And I’m Tyler,” said the other. “It’s nice to meet you both, and now I see why Jacob here needed five beers,” I said. “Yep. He said he was going to get the drinks tonight, but I didn’t realize he was also going to be hogging the most beautiful girl in this room,” Tanner said. “And we weren’t going to let Jacob have all the fun tonight,” Tyler said. “Well, I see charm runs in the family. What kind of beer do you guys want?” “Got a special going?” Nick asked. “Two fifty for all long-necked Coronas,” I said. “Sounds good to me. Five Coronas, five limes, please, Emma,” Adam said. Then, all five of them sat down at the bar in front of me. “Five Coronas with lime coming up,” I said, still tingling all over from the sound of my name rolling off Adam’s tongue. As I looked around the bar, I noticed there were a lot of men in here with the same leather cuts. They had on the same navy-blue material, and I figured their entire club had come in for drinks. I slid beers to each of them and watched as their large, strong hands caught them languidly. Five sets of long, thick fingers curled around their beers. Fuck, there wasn’t a damn thing about these men that wasn’t attractive. “So, I haven’t seen you guys around town,” I said.

“Our club is relatively new to the area. We all just came from a meeting,” Adam said. “I suggested this bar,” Jacob said. “He’s the VP,” Nick said. “Well, aren’t you important?” I teased with a smile. “What’s your club’s name?” “Road Warriors,” Tyler said. “How long have you guys been out this way?” I asked. “About six months,” Tanner said. “Moved this way from the Lodi area,” Tyler added. “You been around Lucas Corner long?” Adam asked. “Born and raised,” I answered. The conversation went on like that for a little while; we bantered back and forth as I ran from one end of the bar to the other serving the crowd. The twins, Tyler and Tanner, didn’t stay for very long. They finished their Coronas, then got up and left. I was disappointed they had gone so quickly, but they left me a twenty-dollar bill for their measly beer. Each. “Hell of a tip,” I said as I shoved the bills into my pocket. “Hell of a woman,” Jacob said, grinning. “So, what’s a woman like you doing working in a bar like this?” Nick asked. “What do you mean?” I asked. “You’re obviously intelligent. You can keep up a conversation. I’m sure your dream isn’t to work in a bar your entire life,” Jacob said.

“I’d be interested to know why you started working in a bar in the first place,” Adam said. “Okay, okay. One at a time,” I said, giggling. “I started working here when I was —young.” “We catch your drift,” Jacob said. “It was a job. I hated school and didn’t want to go, and my mother couldn’t have cared less. I was hired here as a bartender with absolutely no training, but it gave me the money I needed to save up for my store.” “Your store?” Adam asked. “Yeah. I’m opening my own biker clothing shop. Maybe have a clothing line, eventually. I figure with all the clubs here and in the surrounding area, I can drum up a pretty decent sized clientele and make a good living for myself. Plus, it gets me out of my mother’s house.” “What’s wrong with your mother’s house?” Adam asked. I rolled my eyes. “Well for starters, my mother lives there,” I commented, at which all the guys laughed. I didn’t offer any other explanation, and they seemed to sense that I wouldn’t, so they didn’t pry. “What kinds of clothes would you want to sell in your shop?” Nick asked. “Demin and leather. Maybe a little bit of lace for the ladies. I also want to have an area in the store where people can drop their stuff off to get fixed. Tailored or patched up or whatever,” I said. “That’s good. That’s a necessity that’s hard to find,” Jacob said. “Exactly! Thank you! Someone who finally gets it,” I said. “Of course, we get it,” Adam said. His voice rushed fire through my veins. All of them turned me on in some way:

Jacob with his low voice and his sincerity, and Nick with the childish glint in his eye. Adam was stern and quiet. Adam seemed rough around the edges and no doubt a fucking freak in the sack. I thought about what it would be like to fuck every one of them. Take them each a different way and watch them as they came. I took a couple of shots with them, and that really loosened me up, and soon my mind was running away from me in ways that made me blush. “Thinking of anything interesting?” Jacob asked. “I shouldn’t be drinking at work,” I said, giggling. “Oh, I like that sound,” Nick said. “Do it again.” “Do what?” I asked, giggling. “That. That devilish little giggle. It suits you,” Nick said. “I’d rather hear other sounds drip from those lips.” Adam’s words sent shivers down my spine. Fuck. Were we thinking about the same thing? It was clear that at least Adam was. And I’d fuck the shit out of him. I’d sit on his beautiful lips and wrap my hands in his hair. I’d ride his face until I came and then let him take me on any surface he fucking wanted. “Question,” Jacob said. “What’s up?” I asked. “Since you’re a little loosened up, and I’m a bit curious as to that blush rising in your cheeks, which one of us are you currently thinking about?” “Good question, brother,” Adam said. “I’d be interested in hearing, too,” Nick said.

“What?” I asked, my mouth suddenly going dry. “Come on, now. Don’t hold back on us. You can trust us. We won’t get upset,” Jacob said. “No, no. It’s not that. It’s just that, well—” “Oh, I see,” Nick said. “What?” I asked. “You’re thinking about all of us. Aren’t you?” My cheeks blushed furiously as the three of them sat back in their chairs. “Interesting. I wouldn’t mind sharing someone. Would you, Jacob?” Adam asked. “Keep your hands off me, and I’d be just fine,” Jacob said. “Nick?” Adam asked “Can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I’d risk anything if it meant being with you, Emma,” Nick said. HOOLLLLY shit. Was this actually happening? The blush on my cheeks was creeping down my neck. I felt like I was on display, and I was both horrified and aroused. I dipped down behind the bar and took a deep breath, fiddling with the beers in the fridge. This flirting was getting way too intense, and I had no idea if they were being serious or joking. Would they really all fuck me at the same time? Would I really let them? They stayed until last call and took it as an opportunity to order another beer. I slid their beers toward them and served up all the last drinks for the night. Even though people were leaving, they stayed put. I started wiping down the bar and organizing everything for tomorrow night, but when I looked up, I saw they were gone. My heart sank to my toes until I heard chairs being tipped up onto tables.

“Hey, Emma? You got a rag?” I scanned the room and found Nick with his hand up in the air. “Toss me one. This table’s gross. Fucking pigs.” They were helping me clean up. These beautifully chiseled men were helping me clean up the bar. Again. When everything was wiped down, and the glasses were in the dryer, I locked everything up behind me. “You okay to drive?” Jacob asked. “Oh, yeah. I’ll roll the windows down, turn on some music. I’ll be good to go,” I said. “Are you working tomorrow night?” Nick asked. “Yep. Every night except Sundays and Mondays,” I said. “Well, I’m going to be the one to step up and say I’m not quite finished with this party yet,” Adam said. “Oh, really? And what did you have in mind?” I asked. “Well, there were some fun thoughts you put in my head earlier in the evening,” Adam said, looking straight into my eyes. “I figured we could explore those options.” I could feel myself pooling into my panties as I stood on the sidewalk with the three brothers. “I’d be okay with that,” Nick said. “Yep,” Jacob said. “Where do you stand on it, Emma?” “I... uh...”

I was taken aback by how tall these men were. Behind the bar, since it was elevated and they were sitting, I was eye level with all of them. But now that I was standing in front of them, I only came up to their chests. I felt my hands trembling as my knees grew weak. I could feel their lips already on my neck as they devoured my body. My holes were aching to be filled, and my mind was spinning with my buzz. “You guys want to follow me?” I asked. “Lead the way, beautiful,” Adam said. The three of them got onto their motorcycles and followed me home. My mother’s car wasn’t even in the driveway, and I sighed with relief. She wasn’t home, which meant I wouldn't have to fight her off or watch her flirt with these guys and, as that stress melted away, I could feel desire thrumming in my veins. My nipples puckered in my bra and my panties were soaked with my lust for them. I led them into the house, shutting the door behind us, but I didn’t even get the light turned on before I heard a hand come down next to my cheek. I turned around and saw Adam grinning down at me, his ocean blue eyes blown wide with lust. “You are beautiful, baby girl,” he said. My knees were about to collapse when his arm snaked around my waist to catch me. “Just breathtaking.” Adam’s lips descended into the crook of my neck as the other two brothers appeared at my side. Their hands were everywhere on my body, cupping my ass and rubbing down my thighs. I tilted my head to give Adam access to my neck, and that was when Jacob’s lips captured mine. Then, I felt Nick’s teeth nip at my earlobe. “You guys, I can’t—” The three of them immediately backed away from me the moment I began to protest.

“Are you okay?” Adam asked. “We’re not going to force you,” Nick said. “If you want us to leave, just say the word,” Jacob added. “No, no, no. It’s nothing like that,” I said, snickering. Holy hell, these men were incredible. “I just figured we might be more comfortable upstairs,” I said. Adam grinned as Nick nodded his head. Jacob offered me his hand, and I took it, leading all of them behind me as I made my way to the stairs. We silently climbed up and found my room, then I shut the door behind us and grinned. “Now. Where were we?” I asked.

Chapter 5

Adam’s lips were on my neck in a heartbeat while Nick and Jacob undressed me. Even though Jacob was the oldest, Adam was definitely the ringleader. I was naked before Adam could get his lips wrapped around my nipple, and my knees crumpled underneath me. “Such a beautiful girl,” Adam said into my skin. Adam carried me to the bed before his lips made their way to mine. They were soft and gentle. Commanding, but in a delicate way. I knew who was in charge as Adam’s hands spread my legs, and soon Jacob’s fingers were massaging my tits. Nick’s hand slipped up my leg and parted my dripping folds. “You’re so fucking wet for us,” Nick said. “I wonder what you feel like.” I moaned into Adam’s mouth, my hands threading through his hair as Nick began to finger me. He slid one long, dexterous digit in as my legs trembled, then quickly entered another one to stretch me. “So tight,” Nick said. Jacob’s fingers pinched and pulled my nipples, caressing them to pert little peaks. I could hear zippers coming undone as their bodies began to shift. Nick’s fingers disappeared from between my legs, and I whimpered at the loss of his touch. Adam raked his teeth along my bottom lip, then Jacob pulled away from my tits. They were all pulling themselves out of their pants, and I wanted to know what they tasted like. I slipped from the bed and fell to my knees. I gripped onto Nick’s hips first, pulling his pulsing cock toward my lips. He was long and slightly crooked. The perfect angle for hitting all those sweet spots. I took him between my lips as he groaned, his hand wrapped up in the tendrils of my hair. “Shit, Emma. Fuck, that mouth.” I released him with a pop and moved over to Jacob. His thick dick was already

dripping for me, throbbing with need. I could feel him growing against my teeth as I took him in, gagging and moaning with every thrust he made. He cupped my cheeks and turned my gaze up toward him as his icy blue eyes clouded with lust. My hands raked down his chiseled thighs, feeling the bulging veins as he thrust into my face. “My turn,” Adam said. I felt him grab my hair gently, and pull me from his brother. I turned around on my knees and was met with another luscious cock. I swallowed deep and took him all the way back, gagging around him as he held my head down against his body. I braced myself against his hips as I adjusted, tears forming in my eyes. “Adam, don’t scare her,” Jacob said. “Emma, are you okay?” Nick asked. I gave a thumbs-up as my eyes fluttered up to Adam, and when he looked down at me, I saw a sort of pride in his eyes. “Fuck Emma, you are so good at that. Just. Fucking. Perfect,” Adam said. There was something about the way he praised me that made me moan around his cock as he groaned, throwing his head back to expose that long neck of his. What I wouldn’t have given to sink my teeth into him. To taste his skin on my tongue and press my body into his. I could feel my pussy dripping as I slowly slid his cock from between my lips. Adam helped me to my feet and held me close to his body. I could feel Nick and Jacob guiding me toward the bed. Nick laid down and patted his stomach, urging me to get on top of him. His glistening cock was thick with want, and I could see him leaking for me. I climbed on top of him and pressed my lips to his as I felt a wet cock press against my ass. “Before we get started,” Nick said, “I’ve got protection if we need it.” “I’m clean. I’m on birth control. Are you guys okay?” I asked. “We wouldn’t have started this if we weren’t,” Jacob said.

“Then, bring it on.” I sank down onto Nick’s cock as my mouth swallowed his groans. His dick stretched me to the brim as my walls fluttered around him. I rested my forehead against his as Adam stilled against my ass. I was panting into Nick, breathing in his same air as I opened my eyes. I saw his aquamarine stare looking back at me, a grin on his face as he moved within me. “Holy shit,” I said breathlessly. “Are you okay, baby girl?” Adam asked. “Yeah,” I said. “Yeah. I-I-I oh, shit, Nick.” “That’s what I like to hear,” Nick said. Adam began pressing into my ass, my spit lubricating his cock. I rose my head up and moaned. As I turned my head, I found another cock waiting for me. Jacob was smiling down at me as Nick grabbed my hips, guiding me on his cock as Jacob slipped into my mouth. Adam pushed into my ass while Jacob slid to the back of my throat and my body began to shiver. Never in my life had I felt so full before, so wanted and beautiful and lusted after. Adam’s callused hands were running over my ass, massaging my cheeks as Jacob’s hand twirled in my hair. Nick’s hands were sunken into my hips, rocking me on his cock as Adam fucked my asshole. My throat closed around Jacob’s cock, pulling grunts from his throat as he fucked my face. I wasn’t going to last long with all this happening around me. “So beautiful, baby girl,” Adam said. “Look at those tits,” Nick said. “You are perfection,” Jacob said. “Holy fuck,” I said around Jacob’s cock.

I rode Nick’s cock harder, feeling my clit rubbing against his pelvis, causing my legs to shake as Adam cracked his hand against my ass. I groaned around Jacob’s cock, and I could feel him twitch, and I looked up just in time to see him bite down on his lip. I could feel him about to spill down my throat as my toes curled with my climax. “That’s right, Emma. Ride me, baby, ride me hard,” Nick said. “I’m about to blow. Holy fuck, Emma. Shit. Swallow me down. Can you do that for me?” Jacob asked. “Oh, she’ll be a good girl, won’t you?” Adam asked. I came around Nick’s cock, pulling him and Adam deeper into my body as Jacob spilled down my throat. He tasted like salted marshmallows. I licked, and I sucked, gagging on his girth as he shoved it to the back of my throat. Nick held me down onto his cock as Adam continued to fuck my asshole, his hands sliding up my back as Jacob eased himself from my mouth. “Holy shit,” I said hoarsely. “Fuck, Adam. Holy hell.” Nick rolled his hips into me, timing his thrusts with Adam’s. My body was shaking as Jacob sat on the edge of the bed, panting as he watched his brothers fuck me. My forehead fell back down onto Nick’s as my hands planted by his head. My tits were jumping in his face, teasing his lips with my nipples. “Give me one of those,” Nick said. I moaned as his lips wrapped around my nipple. Adam pounded into my ass, jiggling my cheeks for his pleasure. I could feel Nick pulsing against my walls as my clit sought out its second round of release. My head was swirling with lust. My body was overwhelmed with the electricity coursing through it. The spark Adam’s voice had started was now a blazing fire, and it left my body singed as my hands curled into the bed. The three of us came together, a surge of moans, grunts, and sighs. My body quaked and contracted, milking the cum from Nick and Adam as they poured into me. I collapsed onto Nick as his arms wrapped around me, which pulled

Adam’s cock from my puckered hole. Then Nick slowly slid from between my legs as I rolled over onto the bed. We were all panting, sweating messes as I gazed up at the ceiling. What the fuck had I just done? A few days ago, I was calling my mother a slut for fucking so many men, and now I had slept with three at the same time? Was I turning into my mother? I could smell our scents swirling in the air, permeating my bedroom and sinking into the mattress beneath our bodies. Their hands were roaming along my skin. Massaging my hips and my legs to try and get me to stop shaking. “You okay?” Jacob asked. “Yeah,” I said breathlessly. “It’s just. I have to—” “Work tomorrow. I ,” Nick said. “That,” I said with a sigh. “Come on, guys. Let’s let the beautiful lady rest,” Adam said. I could hear them stumbling around, trying to get their clothes on. Zippers went up, and cocks were tucked back in. Leather jackets were shuffling around, and hair was being tousled. And all while my body was leaking their juices. After they dressed, they each bent low to drop a soft kiss to my brow and murmur words of appreciation for me. My eyes were heavy with sleep and ultimate satisfaction. I ed my body being moved as my covers came down over me. I heard their footfalls as they made their way downstairs. I listened for the front door as it shut behind the three of them, and I drifted off to sleep as their motorcycles receded into the distance. I had never felt more exhausted and more alive in my entire life.

Chapter 6

Even though the guys inquired about whether I worked the next night, they didn’t show up. I figured they must’ve been out doing something with their club or whatever, but it was still disappointing. I had been looking forward to their company, especially after the shit that went down between the four of us. It made me nervous that they hadn’t come back in, and I wondered if they really had just used me as a fuck toy. I tried to push the thoughts out of my mind as I went in for my Thursday shift. Maybe putting some distance between myself and the Grove Brothers would help me to screw my head on straight. I had a lot of things that were quickly developing in my life. The offer was officially put in on the warehouse, which meant that Lindy and I were making more plans for how to proceed with our clothing shop. My mother had been absent for the past two days, and I was beginning to wonder what type of trouble she had gotten herself into. The last thing I needed was to be distracted by the likes of three hot brothers. Especially brothers my mother would eventually try to hit on. For the second night in a row, they didn't show up, which was fine because I was busy as fuck. The bar was stacked with from most of the numerous clubs that surrounded Lucas Corner, and I was trying to make sure that everyone stayed civil. My manager called in another bouncer for the door once we hit one hundred people, so I was trying to pay attention to everyone ordering multiple drinks. After all, the more intoxicated these men got, the rowdier the fights tended to be. I heard two people take a seat at the bar as I was down below grabbing beers. I slid the beers across the bar to a burly man in a red leather jacket. He was eyeing me lasciviously and it was slightly unnerving. But once he had the beers in his hand, he turned and walked away. “Got any specials?” I turned my eyes to the two men who had sat down, and I recognized them instantly. It was the twin Grove brothers, Tanner and Tyler. They weren't accompanied by the other three but they were staring at me with these cheeky little grins on their faces.

I started wondering if they knew what had taken place between their brothers and me. “Five-dollar fireball shots and three-dollar long-necked bottles,” I said. “And it’s nice to see you two again.” I could see Tyler openly staring at my tits before his eyes raked up my body. “A fireball shot sounds nice,” he said. “I’ll take whatever my brother’s having,” Tanner said. “Two fireball shots coming right up.” The brothers were silent as I handed them their shots. They tossed their heads back and swallowed the alcohol down like professionals, then set the glasses back on the bar. I watched their faces for any reaction to the drink, trying to figure out if I should recommend something else to them. It was one of those shots people either loved or hated, but instead of giving me a reaction, their faces stayed blank. They were a hard pair to read, unlike their other brothers. “Would you two care for anything else?” I asked. “Another one of those shots would be nice,” Tyler said. “And I’ll have what he’s having,” Tanner said again. I made them both up another fireball shot before things started getting rowdy. I saw one of the bouncers come in and pry a guy in a red leather jacket off a guy in a black leather jacket. The brothers turned around to see the commotion that was going on, and I saw their eyes turn to stone. The little bit of expression they did carry in their faces melted off in a heartbeat, and I wondered what was wrong. The twins watched as the bouncer dragged the guy in the red leather jacket out the door. People were calling out all sorts of drinks for me to make, and I was thankful for the distraction. I was turning them out as fast as I could go as sweat beads gathered at the base of my neck.

The bartender that was supposed to work alongside me that night didn't show, so I was drenched in sweat by the time one in the morning rolled around. I tried to get my manager to call in Lindy so I could have some help, but part of me was glad he didn't. Being the only bartender meant I got one hundred percent of the tips. And with being so close to having my own place to move into, I was going to need all the money I could get to furnish it. “The two of you are much quieter than your brothers,” I said. “Hard to get a word in edgewise with those three,” Tanner said. “Well, would the two of you like another drink?” I asked. “What do you recommend?” Tyler asked. “I make a kick-ass LIT but, I’ll warn you, it’s fucking strong.” I saw Tanner grin as he shot a glance over at his brother. “Two LITs then,” Tyler said. “And do your worst.” I concocted their third drink of the night and I made sure to make it strong. I handed them their small glasses, and they looked at me with this mischievous glimmer in their eyes. It was a very misleading drink, a Long Island Iced Tea. It came in a small glass and people didn’t think it to be a stiff drink. Until they took their first sip and realized it was made solely of liquor. Five different kinds to be exact. The way that I made it, there isn't even any soda to top it off. “So?” I asked. “What do you think?” “I think you should know that we’re a little jealous,” Tyler said. “What? Can’t make a drink that good?” I asked with a wink. “Come on Emma. You know exactly what I’m talking about,” Tanner said.

I was frozen as my eyes darted between the two brothers. Their gazes were hooked onto me, their eyes dancing around my face. I tried not to show my shock, but I knew I wasn't doing a good job of it. At least the air had been cleared. “Why are you jealous?” I asked. “She’s asking us why we’re jealous,” Tyler said, grinning at his twin. “Adam told me she was intelligent,” Tanner said. “We don’t like it when women play dumb, beautiful,” Tyler said. “I’m not playing dumb,” I said. My eyes locked onto Tyler’s as he leaned forward onto the bar. “They got to fuck you, and we haven’t been graced with that same opportunity,” Tyler said. “Well,” I said, my mouth taking over before my brain could catch up. “I’m sure something can be arranged. You know, if your hearts are truly broken up over it.” “And who do we have here?” Of course, my mother, who had been gone for two days, would resurface at this very moment. Tyler and Tanner looked over at her as she approached the bar, their eyes looking her up and down before a small grimace crossed their faces. I tried to stifle a giggle as my mother leaned against the bar, her tits hanging out and her shorts riding too far up between her legs. “Let me guess. Grove Brothers?” she asked. But all Tyler and Tanner did was sit there and study her. “The silent types, I can get behind that,” my mother said. “But don’t worry. One night with me changes that tune.” Tyler actually smiled, and I felt a twinge of disappointment.

I wasn't going to stand by and listen to my mother talk to them this way. Nor was I going to stand by and watch them play into whatever disgusting hand she was playing. I sighed as I moved to the other end of the bar, tidying it up and serving other customers who were sitting there. I was pulling out beers and throwing away caps, refilling drinks and offering water to those who were too drunk to order coherently. I cut a couple of men off, and they got rowdy, which prompted me to call the bouncer over to escort them out. Freeing up their stools, meant more could fill them and my pockets at the same time. Occasionally, I peered over at my mother. She had now wiggled her way in between the twins, laughing at something they were saying. Though I had no claim to either man, it boiled my blood to see her hands caressing their chests. I caught Tyler's gaze at one point and thought maybe he was going to get up and approach me, but then his eyes dropped back down to my mother, and I lost hope. I was hoping Tanner would turn his head and look back at me. Give me any sign that they were not enjoying the attention my mother was giving them. But I never caught their eye again, and I gave up on my attempts to level the playing field between them and the rest of the brothers. I'm not sure why it made me angry that she was flirting with them. I mean, I had slept with three of the five brothers a couple of nights ago. I'm sure that was something even my mother couldn't boast of. Watching her act the way she was with the twins made me sick to my stomach. I had done something so sleazy that even my mother couldn’t claim. I needed to talk to Lindy, and I needed to do it soon. I went into the bathroom and called on my cell phone. “Hello?” Lindy said. “Hey,” I said. “Emma. You at the bar?” she asked. “I am. My mother’s back,” I said. “Oh, wonderful. Need some company?”

“I just can’t stand the fact that she’s here. She disappears for two days, resurfaces, and moves right in the middle of a couple of guys who were talking me up tonight.” “Oh, shit. Are you serious? Wait, were they hot?” she asked. “Lindy, not the point. I thought maybe they were nice guys, different from most of the rest. Then Gracie shows up and their tongues are hanging out like all the others. It just pisses me off,” I said, still unsure as to why I was so upset about it. Did I really want to be with men who wanted to be with my mother? Gross. “I’m so sorry, Emma. You sure you don’t want any company?” she asked. “I’m sure. I just had to fucking vent. I’m gonna have to go back out there and watch her get wasted and make a fool of herself. She’s probably already told them I’m her daughter, which means they’ll now think I’m like her.” Maybe you are like her, I thought to myself, ing being filled by three men at once. “You're nothing like your mom, Emma.” “It’s just irritating, that’s all,” I sighed into the phone, wishing I could tell my best friend the whole story. I wasn’t sure how she would react though, so I kept my mouth shut. “Anyway, I gotta get back to work,” I said. “Who’s bartending with you tonight?” Emma asked. “No one. Just me tonight,” I said. “Why the fuck has no one called me?” “Because the manager’s an idiot. You know that. It’s fine, anyway. The more money I can make, the quicker I can fix up the loft and get the fuck out of my mother’s house.”

Chapter 7

I was on my last shift before the weekend, and none of the guys had come in that night. I searched for them the moment we opened at eight, but none of them stepped into the bar. Of course, my mother was there. She was being obnoxious, drinking all our booze for free, and falling all over the young guys she thought she could take home. “Another one,” my mother said. “You can’t even talk straight. I’m cutting you off,” I said. “I said I want another.” “No.” “Just one more,” she said. “There’s this hot guy in the back who loves tequila. One shot of it on my breath, and he’s mine.” “Haven’t slept with all the guys in town yet, I see.” When my mother didn't give me a reply, I looked up into her eyes and was shocked to find that she was surprised at my comment. She tilted her head off to the side like she was studying an endangered animal or trying to learn a new concept. Her brow furrowed deeply as her eyes scanned my body, and I braced myself for whatever she was going to say next. “What makes you think you can dictate what I do?” my mother asked. “The least you could do is conduct yourself like a mother,” I said. “I’m more than just your mother, Emma. I’m a woman with wants, needs, kinks, and fetishes.” “Take that kind of talk somewhere else, please.” “Give me a shot of tequila and I will,” she said. “You’ve had enough alcohol. I’m not giving you anymore,” I said. “You listen here, you selfish little brat. You don’t get to judge me after everything I gave up to have you. I made a mistake in having unprotected sex,

and I paid the price with you. I dropped everything in my life so that I could raise you. Give you what you needed. Feed you and clothe you and school you and shit. And if you think that you get the right to be embarrassed just because I gave up my golden years to raise you, then you’re sorely mistaken. Now. Give me. Another. Shot.” I hated my mother. In that moment, there was nothing I wanted to do more than slap her across her face. I was willing to do anything to get her to go away, even if it meant feeding her alcohol she didn't need. I slammed a shot glass down onto the bar, poured our cheapest tequila into it, and watched her throw it back like the drunk she was. “Thanks. You're a real peach,” she said sarcastically. She threw the shot glass back behind the bar, and it shattered on the floor at my feet. I watched my mother leave the bar area and go toward the man she had her eyes on. She went and tugged on his hand, and then the two of them slid into a booth. The young man leaned into her, his nose trailing along her neck, and soon the two of them were all over each other in that smoky little corner as I shook my head behind the bar. “Everything okay?” Lindy asked. “I was wondering when you would show up here,” I said, sighing. “It’s only ten o’clock,” she said, giggling. “Fuck.” “Your mom’s at it early tonight. She got a bedtime or something?” “Nope. But she’s pissed because I tried to call her out for her slutty behavior.” “Whoa, yikes. How the hell did she respond to that?” she asked. “She went on this tirade about how she wasted her golden years raising me and how she was more than just a mother I could be embarrassed about. Now, she’s probably trying to prove a point,” I said.

“Yeah. Probably not the best idea to call her out while she’s drunk,” Lindy said. “Ya think?” Lindy and I continued to serve people who trickled into the bar that night. I kept a watch out for any one of the brothers. The twins, Adam, any one of them. Anyone to help distract me from what was going on with my mother. I had no idea how long she and that guy were going to make out in the booth, but I could tell my mother was intentionally trying to catch my stare. Every once in a while, I could feel her eyes flickering over toward me, trying to see if I was looking at her before she kicked things up a notch. I wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction no matter how much I wanted to spit in her face. “Looks like you’ll get an early reprieve tonight,” Lindy said. “What?” I asked. “Your mom. Where’d she go?” she asked. I looked over at the booth and didn't see my mother or the guy whose face she had been sucking. I scanned the bar area looking for her, trying to figure out where the fuck she had gone. But then I caught my mother’s stare as she stood at the door, her back pressed against the door frame as the young flavor of the night continued to suck on her neck. My mother shot me a wink before she grabbed his hand, pulling him out of the bar and into the parking lot. “At least she’s gone,” I said. “And since she left with someone, she won’t be back,” Lindy said. “Why the fuck is she like this?” I asked. “I don’t really know. But you know she’s only in here to get free drinks.” “Yeah, and if I don’t give them to her, she throws a fucking fit, and they toss her out. Without making her pay,” I said.

“Maybe we could talk to Booker? Huh? Get him to ban her.” “You know he won’t ban anyone. He keeps that policy for a reason. The moment we start banning people, we lose our clientele because we’re no longer unbiased,” I said. “But it’s bullshit, and you know it,” she said. “And it’s bullshit I’ll have to continue putting up with. Trust me, I know. I’ve already had this conversation with him. But if we keep our heads down and keep working, in a couple of weeks or whatever we’ll be done with this place,” I said. “I’m worried about you, Emma.” “Well, this nightmare’s almost done.” “You can come stay with me tonight if you’d like,” she said. “Thanks. I might take you up on that.”

Chapter 8

It was so nice to have a Saturday off. I woke up on an air mattress on Lindy's kitchen floor, my limbs aching and my hair all knotted up. Her studio apartment was barely big enough for her, but she was always willing to open it up to me if I needed a place to stay. We closed the bar last night and cleaned until almost six in the morning, so once we got back to her place, we were both ready to crash. Now, the birds were chirping, and the sun was streaming through her kitchen window as the microwave told me it was three in the afternoon. Good thing Sundays and Mondays were days The Skull was closed. Because my schedule was going to be fucked up. Lindy was still sleeping, and I didn't have the heart to wake her up. I made some coffee in her coffee pot, then kept some on warm for her to have when she finally woke up for the day. I needed a way to clear my head, to forget all about the bullshit my mother pulled on a regular basis and to exist in my dream life for a while. I made a travel mug of coffee and grabbed an apple off the counter, then scribbled a note for Lindy telling her we would meet for dinner. I made my way down to my car and drove to the warehouse building we had put an offer on. I pulled up to the building and leaned against my car. As I stared at the empty shell, I pictured what it would be like if I could get it opened and set up. I thought about the walls that would be decorated with posters and antique motorcycle parts. I thought about all the people that would pull in and come and get themselves measured for custom-made leather jackets. I thought about all the women who wanted to wear biker clothing but felt they didn't have the bodies to pull it off. They could come into my shop and try on all sorts of designs and leave with an entire wardrobe that helped them to express who they knew they were inside. I could envision the different rooms that were separated by walls. One room held the leather jackets, and another had the denim. There was one that displayed the lacy nightgowns and all the things women could use to spice up their relationships. I saw people lined up out the door waiting to drop their items off so Lindy could fix them, and I saw rooms filled with all sorts of boots and heels and shoes and socks. Everything to rock the lifestyle and be safe on the road is what I was going to sell. I didn’t want to sell an idea or a knock-off of the type of

life I saw for myself. I wasn't selling just a fashion line. I was selling a way of life. I was selling an aesthetic. I was selling a sense of freedom and a need for loyalty above all else. I could taste it as I stood there staring at the building. I knew it was the perfect place if I could get it up and running. I closed my eyes and imagined what my apartment would look like above the store. Living right above it would enable me to keep long hours without running myself ragged. And longer hours meant more service. I thought about how I would paint the walls, and I thought about the type of furniture I would fill my apartment with. I thought about keeping the space open and sectioning it off with curtains and cloth s. I would be free to do whatever the fuck I wanted if our offer was accepted. Free from my mother and her drunken antics. Free from the bar. If I had my own place, I could ban her from it. I could kick her out and no longer have to deal with her bullshit. I could separate myself from her entirely. I started running calculations in my head to make sure I had the finances right. Between Lindy and I, we had $130,000 for this project. If they accepted our offer of $140,000, and we used $30,000 of what we had as a down payment, then we could get a loan for the other $110,000. That meant we had $100,000 in cash for other things, like decorating the inside of the store and stocking it with everything we wanted to sell. We wouldn't be able to take a profit from that $100,000, but it would enable us to have two to three months to build a reputation without worrying about taking on more debt than we could handle. If Lindy and I could come out of this with no more than $150,000 in debt, then, if things caved, we could always go back to the bar and work it off between the two of us. The roaring of a motorcycle behind me caught my attention, and I whipped my head around. I saw one of the twins driving up on his bike, and he pulled up beside my car. He parked himself and walked over toward me, leaning his broad form up against the side of the car I was leaning against. I could feel his body heat radiating toward me, and I had to intentionally settle my breathing at his proximity. “Whatcha doing?” he asked.

I could tell by the tone of his voice that it was Tanner. He and Tyler looked exactly alike, down to the slight crook in their noses. But Tanner had a lighter lilt to his voice than Tyler did, and that was how I could tell them apart. “Just thinking about all the things I’m gonna do to this place once I buy it.” “So, this is the place you put an offer in on?” Tanner asked. I slowly looked over at him, eyeing him up and down as he grinned at me. “What? You think all we talk about is sex and beer?” he asked. “I’m not sure what to think anymore,” I said, giggling. “But yes, this is the place I put an offer in on.” “How much?” he asked. “$140,000. Ten grand below their asking price. And the realtor thinks he’ll gratefully accept our offer. It’s been up for sale for four years, and the taxes are draining him,” I said. “So, what do you see for it?” he asked. “I see everything. All the walls decorated with posters and antique motorcycle parts. Rooms dedicated to individual pieces of clothing. Prices people can afford and the ability to order custom-made pieces. Leather patchwork and tailoring services and being able to order what you want when you want it and have it at the drop of a hat.” I could hear the excitement growing in my voice, but I couldn't help it. My ideas tumbled forth from my lips and Tanner listened intently. As different as the brothers all seemed, they at least had that in common. They listened, really listened. It was a trait I found very attractive. “And the loft space above the shop is going to be my apartment someday.” “Someday?” Tanner asked. “Why someday?” “Eh, it’ll take time to make it livable is all. I’ll stay with a friend of mine until then or something,” I said.

“Okay. What are you holding back?” he asked. “What do you mean?” “I mean there’s an underlying tone to your excitement that says more than what you’re actually saying out loud,” Tanner said. I sighed as I began kicking at a rock in the ground. “I’ll need to take out a loan for 110,000 dollars to purchase the rest of the building, and that doesn’t include the work that’ll have to go into the loft space. I’ll have to raise the rest of that money on my own, but it’ll easily be another seventy grand to get that space up and running like it needs to be. You know, checking the plumbing and making sure the electrical wiring is up to code,” I said. “So, you need 180,000 dollars that you don’t have,” Tanner said. “Yep. And that’s if we don’t run into any snags. Take into shit that always goes wrong with stuff like this, and I’m looking at just under three hundred grand to make myself feel comfortable. And that’s money I still don’t have. Even after two years of Lindy and I saving our asses off.” Tanner turned his head back toward the building and seemed to be deep in thought. His eyes narrowed as they danced along the horizon, and I wanted to know what he was thinking. I looked up at him as he crossed his broad arms over his chest, which accentuated his rock-solid bicep muscles. I took a deep breath to try and calm the heat pooling in my pelvis. This was not the time or the place to be fantasizing about his body. “Anyway, it’s just a silly little dream,” I said. “It isn’t. Especially since you’re chasing it. Don’t belittle what you’re doing. You’re better than that,” Tanner said. I heard something vibrate, and Tanner reached into his back pocket. His eyes scanned his phone as his face morphed into worry, and I gave him the space he needed to send off a message. He shoved his phone back into his pocket and pushed off my car, then made his way for his motorcycle.

“Is everything okay?” I asked. “Yep. Just some club stuff,” he said. “Nothing you need to worry your pretty little head about. But I do have to go.” “I understand. Ride safely, okay?” His crisp blue eyes connected with mine, and I held my breath. He was studying me, something else that all his brothers shared. His eyes raked down my body, taking me in as he revved his motorcycle to life. My nipples were standing at attention behind my bra as he straddled his motorcycle. I thought about what it would be like to take him right there on his bike. To suck on his cock until he came down my throat as his legs hummed with the engine underneath his body. I shook the thought away, and my eyes found his again, but this time I saw that he was smirking. Shit, I’d been caught again. “Keep chasing that dream,” he said as he kicked up his stand. Then, he rode off down the road as dust flew behind his bike. I found myself wondering what happened to the club. Was everything okay? For someone who did not outwardly emote like Tanner and Tyler, he sure as hell looked worried. I took one last look at the building before I slipped into the car, and as my ass hit the seat, my phone rang on the enger side. “Lindy?” I asked. “Nope. Booker. Sorry. Can you work tonight?” I bit back a sigh as I looked at the clock. It was five in the afternoon. Three hours until opening. “Yeah, Booker. I can work,” I said. I had been looking forward to a day off, but the $180,000 price tag that hung in my head forced me to agree. “Good. Get in here as soon as you can. You think Lindy will come in tonight, too?” he asked.

“Give her a call. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind,” I said. “You sound frantic. Something wrong?” “Had to fire the new girl. Especially after she didn’t show up for work this morning. You and Lindy are all I got until I can hire someone else.” “I’ll be there,” I said. “See you soon.”

Chapter 9

My run-in with Tanner stayed on my mind well into the weekend. I hadn’t seen them Saturday night at the bar, and it made me worried for their safety. What did Tanner mean by “club stuff”? The concerned look on his face as he read his phone was stuck in my memory. He peeled away from the curb pretty quickly on his bike as well. Was that why the brothers hadn’t been showing up at the bar recently? Growing up around the clubs like I had, I knew that club business could be both monotonous, and extremely dangerous, depending on what sort of activities the club was into. The Grove brothers’ club being newer in town, I wasn’t quite sure what it was they were about. Drugs? Guns? Gambling? Protection? I tried to figure out what it could be by what I knew about the brothers so far. My mind was stuck on a skipping turntable as I tried to fill in the missing blanks. I wasn’t sure what was going on, but I hoped everyone was all right. As I lay there in bed at two in the afternoon, I tried to occupy my mind. So, I thought about the store and how long it was taking Lindy and me to hear back about our offer. I thought about all the facets of my business I could eventually add. I tossed around names for our shop. Things like “Open Road” and “Leather Hell.” I thought about all the colors I could pepper into my clothing line. Spritzes of pinks and deep reds and blues. Dots of yellow and chrome spikes and handstitched patches with customizable string. Fucking hunter green on some deep black leather would look badass. I thought about the loft above the store and how I would outfit it. The deep-set couches I could buy and the television I would mount. The sprawling bed I would purchase to fuel my habit of spreading my limbs out, and all the kitchenware I’d buy to make lots of tasty fucking foods. I could see it when I closed my eyes. I could smell the freedom and taste the independence. The smile that crossed my face burned my cheeks, and soon my worry about the brothers faded into the background. But a knock on my door pulled me from my trance. “Emma? You awake?” I groaned as I rolled out of bed.

“I’m coming in,” my mother said. “Shocker.” The door flew open as my eyes tried to adjust. She flipped on my light, blinding me for a second before she strode in. I placed the heels of my hands against my eyes, trying to will her presence away as her Very Berry body spray filled my nostrils and made me sick. “Got enough shit on?” I asked. “Open your eyes and see,” my mother said. I heard a bunch of plastic bags crumple to the floor and I sighed as I opened my eyes. I studied my mother’s outfit. A cut-off leather jacket, some tight-ass skinny jeans, and a fucking crop top that said, “I’m Your Bitch.” She was wearing raven black heels that showed off her gem-encrusted pedicure, and the makeup she was wearing was enough to shame even the sluttiest of prostitutes off the street. “What the hell are you wearing?” I asked. “It’s new. You like it?” she asked. She gave me a twirl as I rolled my eyes. “How much did you spend this time?” I asked. “None of your damn business. Now, close your eyes. I’m gonna go put on another one.” “Another one?” I asked. “Yes. I’ve got four new outfits. And you’re gonna tell me how all of them look.” “Can I just say ‘wonderful,’ and we can skip this process?” “So funny. You get your sense of humor from me,” she said. “Too bad you don’t get your decorum from me,” I said, murmuring. I watched as my mother began to take off her clothes. I yelped, then threw my

arm over my face. What the hell was she doing? Just stripping in my fucking room? I had just woken up. I didn’t have near enough coffee in my system for her bullshit today. “I told you to close your eyes,” she said. “I’ll let you know when I’m done.” “Great. You’re stripping in my room after coming in without my permission.” “I own this house and I’ll do whatever I want in any room I wish,” she said. “Holy hell, I hope that doesn’t mean you’ve had sex in here.” I didn’t get a response, and it made me feel disgusting. “You’ve had sex in here, haven’t you?” I asked. “Okay. Open your eyes,” my mother said. “Answer my question.” “Open your eyes and I will.” I took my arm off my eyes and sighed. It was another sleazy outfit for her to pick up her trashy men with. This time, she was in daisy duke shorts with some laced up bike boots and a leather halter top that left nothing to the damn imagination. She pulled out a white jean coat and threw it over her shoulder, then gave me a turn that made me want to vomit. “You got a bra for that thing?” I asked. “Nope. It looks hot, right?” she asked. “Not even sort of,” I said. “Then yes, I’ve had sex in your room.” “What the fuck?” I asked. “You don’t like the outfit. So, I’ll make you believe I’ve had sex in here.” “Seriously, Mom. I’m not kidding. Have you had sex on my fucking bed?” I asked.

“Do you like the outfit?” “I hate it. I can’t stand it.” “Then I’ve had sex on your bed and on your dresser,” she said. My mother was an insolent child. But I knew if I didn’t start playing nice she would be in here longer. I was irritated as hell that this was what I was waking up to, but I had no choice. I was under my mother’s roof until Lindy and I heard back from the damn realtor on that building. “Ready for the next one?” my mother asked with a grin. I played nice and let her circulate through her outfits. Four turned into seven, and I was ready to throw in the towel after my mother had been modeling for an hour. I was hungry, I was still exhausted from the night before, and I needed coffee. Bad. “Well, that’s all the outfits. If you want to come downstairs, I’ve got coffee made,” my mother said. “You’ve had coffee made for an hour, and you didn’t bring any with you?” I asked. “If I brought it to you, then you’d stay in your room. Come get it. I want to talk to my daughter.” Oh, fuck. She was in one of those moods. “Give me ten minutes,” I said. “You’ve got seven!” My mother slammed the door behind her, and I fell back onto my bed. I had just seen every inch of my mother’s body first thing that morning, and now she wanted to do some kind of fucking mother-daughter bonding bullshit. The last time she was in one of these moods, she ended up wanting me to set her up with a guy at the bar. A guy that had been talking me up and had asked me for my

number. I wondered what the fuck she was going to pull as I rolled off the bed and grabbed my robe. Traipsing down the stairs, I could smell the coffee. My nose led me right to it; right to the oversized mugs and the flavored creamers and the hefty canister of sugar. I made myself a massive cup and sat down at the kitchen table, waiting for my mother to appear so the bonding could commence. “Wow. You actually came down,” my mother said. “That’s what happens when you make me coffee, Gracie.” “Do you really have to call me by my first name? I am your mother, you know.” “Then start acting like it,” I said. “Fine. I will. Mothers ask their daughters about their love lives, right? They get curious about their daughter’s lives, right?” “Just get to the point, Mom.” “I just want to know how my daughter is. What’s wrong with that?” she asked. I sighed and brought my coffee to my lips as she sat down across from me. “You want to know how my love life is?” I asked. “Of course. Fill me in. We’ve hardly talked in weeks.” “Months,” I said. “Tomato, toh-mah-to,” she said. “So. Who’s got you all twisted up in knots? Been on any dates? Brought any men home?” “Not much going on,” I said with a sigh. “Not even a little bit?” she asked. I was getting worried as to where this conversation was going.

“Nothing to write home about,” I lied. “Oh, come on. You’re my daughter. You’re beautiful. You mean to tell me no man at that bar has treated you right yet?” “They can hardly make it to the bar when you’re there,” I said. “How about those Grove Brothers?” she asked. “How the hell is that even remotely relevant?” I asked. “Oh, come on. Everyone’s noticed them. The five men with the jet-black hair and the piercing blue eyes? You know two of them are twins? I wonder if their cocks look the same.” “I’m not doing this. Nope,” I said. “Oh, come on. Entertain your mother for a little while. I don’t have anyone to talk to today,” she whined. “That’s because you don’t have friends. Just fuck buddies.” “Oh, I’d take any of those brothers as one,” she said. “Especially the one with the gray at the temples.” “Jacob?” I asked. I cringed even as his name flew from my lips. My mother slowly panned her gaze over toward me, her jaw opening in shock. I’d really stepped in it this time. Now, there was no way I was getting out of this house without her hounding me half to fucking death. “So, you do know who I’m talking about!” my mother said. “Holy fuck, you’ve been holding out on me.” “You know I know them,” I said. “You met the fucking twins while they were talking with me a couple of nights ago.” “I did?” she asked. “Were you that drunk already?” I asked.

“Must’ve been. Trust me. I would’ve ed meeting those two. Shit. I bet their bodies are chiseled pieces of marble underneath their clothes. What I wouldn’t give to run my tongue along them.” “I’m not having this conversation with my mother,” I said. “Yes, you are. Especially now that I know you know them. Well enough to know their names, in fact. Got any numbers for me?” “No, and even if I did, I wouldn’t give them to you,” I said. “Why not? You wouldn’t help your mother out?” “You get free drinks at the bar because you pitch drunken fits. You don’t get men’s numbers just because I’m your daughter,” I said. “And I thought I raised you to share,” she said, grinning. I thought I was going to vomit all my coffee back up. “I bet their cocks taste similar. I know, being brothers and all. But I bet they’re all different in bed. The salt and peppered one? I bet he likes being on the bottom. Watching a woman bounce on him? But that one with the stare, and those deep blue eyes. I think he likes control. Maybe tying a woman down. I’d let him tie me to any surface as long as I could—” “Enough!” I said. I stood up from the table as my coffee sloshed out of my cup. “I don’t want to hear any more of your disgusting sexual fantasies with guys who are far too young for you,” I said. “Grow up. I’m sorry you got pregnant and I’m sorry you feel your life was wasted raising me, but you don’t get to punish me now by being disgusting. You’re a mother, and how you act affects me, my place of work, and my reputation. People see the way you act and think I automatically do the same thing. They judge me because of you, and I’m not gonna sit here and entertain your ridiculous bullshit just because you want to be the center of attention all the damn time.” I could feel my nostrils flaring. Coffee stained my robe as I clutched my mug.

My mother’s eyes were wide with shock as she slowly stood, raking her eyes over me. I knew I should’ve felt bad. I knew I should’ve apologized. But holy fuck, I’d had enough of her. I’d had enough of her hookups and her jokes and her blatant disregard for how her actions reflected on me. I was tired of her downing my dreams because they changed the way she ran her life, and I was tired of being nothing more than a glorified bill-payer in her own fucking house. I was done with all her bullshit, no matter how much it hurt her. “You’re just jealous,” she said as she stood. “Of what?” I asked. “Men fawn over me, and they over you. Their hands are all over me, and you’re just the drink-handler. It’s not my fault you don’t have a love life. It’s not my fault you won’t branch out and find yourself. You think you’re stuck here, but I don’t see you willingly trying to leave. I know your paycheck. I know the type of money you rake in. You think I make you stay here, but really you stay here willingly because you’re scared. And that’s not my problem. I tried to raise you to be strong, and you couldn’t handle it.” “Do you even hear yourself?” I asked. “Loud and clear. Now that your jealousy has ruined our time together this morning, I’ll be going. I’ve got a few more stores to hit up.” “It’s three in the afternoon,” I said. “It’s hardly morning.” My mother walked past me, and I could feel her eyes on my body. She grabbed her purse and walked out the door, slamming it behind her. I groaned and closed my eyes as I pinched the bridge of my nose, then took my coffee upstairs. I needed to call Lindy and see if she’d heard from the realtor. “Please tell me you’ve got something,” I said. “Nope. Nothing,” Lindy said. “I’m calling her tomorrow.” “Good. Because we need an answer soon so we can either adjust our offer or put in another one somewhere else,” I said.

“Okay. What’d your mom do now?” she asked, instinctively knowing what had brought on my clipped tone. “She came barging into my room at two this afternoon with bullshit outfits to try on, skirted the question of whether she has had sex in my room, tried to bond with me over coffee, then divulged some of the gloriously gross things she’d like to do to the Grove Brothers.” “Who?” Lindy asked. “The Grove Brothers. The five guys that ride with the Road Warriors? Black hair? Blue eyes?” “Couple of them twins?” she asked. “Yep. Those guys.” “I don’t know them, but I know their president, Crow Marx. They’re right up her alley, aren’t they?” she asked. “Not helping. Though, the oldest Grove brother is the vice president of that club. I didn’t know you knew their president.” “Yep. Crow’s his name. Comes and talks to me whenever I’m bartending and he’s there. He doesn’t frequent as much as his club is starting to. But the shit with your mom is gross. Where’s she now?” “Out shopping. Again. I told her I didn’t want to hear any more of her disgusting fantasies. She called me jealous, and then she stormed out like I was the one who was being an idiot,” I said. “Your mom is certifiably batshit crazy,” she said. “I know.” “You know she only gets away with this behavior because you let her.” “I didn’t let her this morning,” I said. “You allowed it to get so far as to the fantasies before you stopped her.”

“I know. I know. But she wanted to bond, and I just, well, I guess I just thought that—” “She woke up this morning and thought about being a decent mom?” she asked. “That’s not going to happen, is it?” I asked. There was silence on the phone as I closed my eyes. I wasn’t going to shed tears over the bitch, but it did still hurt. I accused my mother of wasting her prime years raising me, and she didn’t deny it. Did she think I was some sort of mistake? Some cramp in her lifestyle she had to get out of the way before she could get back to living? “Have you thought about asking her about your father again?” Lindy asked. “Nope. Last time was rough enough. I’m not willing to go through that again.” “You know you could try to track him down,” she said. “And find what? Some sell-out roadie riding around the country with some club? He probably didn’t even know my mother was pregnant.” “Did she tell you anything the first time? You know, before she had her meltdown?” “Just that he was some macho guy she met at some rally. Screwed around all weekend, came home, saw him a few weeks later, and he didn’t even recognize her.” “That’s rough on any woman,” she said. “It’s what it is. The last thing I need is another parent in my life who can’t, you know, parent.” “It’s like you’re raising a toddler,” she said. “Which brings me to my point. We can’t give her drinks anymore at the bar.” “I know,” I said, sighing. “We really need to stop.” “No, I don’t mean this as a fun little ‘think about it’. I mean it has to stop.”

“Why, Lindy? What’s happened?” “I was tallying up the the night before. You know, laying out the week’s profit and adding all that shit up for Booker. This month alone, she’s consumed over seven hundred dollars’ worth of free fucking drinks.” “Are you serious?” I asked. “Yep. Over two hundred every damn week. We’re going to get fired for it. You know Booker would fire us before he kicks her dumb ass out.” “Which is bullshit, anyway. We’ve been loyal to that place for years.” “Don’t deflect. This is serious. I know you think moving out’s going to solve your problems, but your mother can always come knocking on your door.” “Or fucking barge in,” I said. “Teach her now that she can’t railroad you, and when you move out, she’ll actually understand the lesson. Plus, her fucking antics when she gets drunk are enough. The bouncers have been complaining to Booker. They’ve been asking him for more money on the nights she comes in.” “What the fuck,” I said, groaning. “We have to stop it. Otherwise, we’re going to lose our jobs.” “I hear you, Lindy. Okay? I’m just trying to fucking wake up. I’m still on my first cup of damn coffee.” “Oh, shit. Why the hell didn’t you tell me? I figured you’d had a pot by now,” she said. “I wish. At this point, I’d have to bathe in it to get over my traumatic morning.” “Want to get together today?” she asked. “I’m thinking about it. Honestly, part of me wants to roll back into bed and sleep this shit off already.” “Well, if you want to come over, then come. It’s gonna be a movie day for me,”

she said. “I’ll think about it. Oh. Question. Since the president of the Road Warriors wants to bang you—” “He doesn’t want to bang me,” Lindy said. “He talks to you every time you’re there and he’s there, right?” “Well, yeah.” “Then he wants to bang you. Have you talked to him lately?” “A couple of days ago. I caught him going into the bar as I was leaving. Why?” she asked. “How did he seem?” “What do you mean?” “Like did he seem upset? Worried? Tense?” “Uh, I mean, it was pitch black, and I was tired as fuck, but now that you mention it, he was a bit distracted. I talked with him for a bit, but his eyes were darting around a lot. That’s not really like him. He’s an eye kind of guy.” “On your tits?” I asked, grinning. “I hate you. Anyway, yes. Now that you mention it, he did seem off. Why?” “Just wondering. I think some shit’s going down with their club.” “Why do you think that?” she asked. “The haven’t been into the bar much. I didn’t know if you knew who their rivals were. I’m working all this coming week, so I want to make sure I’m ahead of the drama in case it gets brought into the bar.” “I don’t really know much about their club. But Rhodie? Our distributor? He might know what’s going down,” she said.

“I didn’t know we had a Rhodie, the distributor,” I said. “We do. He’s nice enough. Walks with a limp. Full head of white hair. Wears a ratty old brown leather jacket.” “Oh, shit. I know who you’re talking about. Yeah, yeah, yeah. He’s the one that brings us those free samples of mixers to try in the bar. That’s how I found that shit that tastes so much like soda for the LITs.” “Yep. That guy. If you’re really curious, you could ask him.” “I’ll keep that in mind,” I said. “And seriously. If you want to come over, just come. I’ll leave the door unlocked for you.” “Thanks, Lindy. I’ll finish this coffee, get a shower, then see how I feel.” “So, see you in an hour?” she asked. I giggled into the phone as I chugged my coffee. “Yep. See you in an hour.”

Chapter 10

After a two-day sleepover with Lindy, I was really beginning to worry about the brothers. Something had happened. I knew enough about biker culture to know when shit had hit the fan. It seemed silly to worry, but I couldn’t help it. Though I hadn’t known them long, and certainly didn’t have any claim to any one of them, the Grove boys had gotten under my skin. Bad. Sleeping for my Tuesday shift was hard, but I managed. I occupied my mind with the phone call Lindy had placed to our realtor. Apparently, the man who owned the piece of property was out of town, hence why we hadn’t heard an acceptance or rejection of our offer, and our realtor had no fucking clue when the guy would be back. So, the waiting game resumed. I was tasked with setting up for our Tuesday night crowd before Lindy ed me to open the bar. There was a rush of the regular patrons before the clubs started trickling in, and I kept my eyes open. Part of me was searching for the brothers, and the other part of me was searching for my mother. I was almost certain she would turn up tonight. Which meant it was night one of our “no fucking free drinks” lesson. Midnight came and went, and none of them had shown up. Not my mother, not the brothers, and, according to Lindy, not Crow. I was curious as to who this guy was, especially now that I knew he was talking up my best friend. I wanted to size him up, make sure he was good enough for her and wasn’t about to run her through the wringer. Lindy had a shitty track record with guys, and I could attribute that to the fact that she prioritized the bad-boy persona over anything else. She liked a man who didn’t follow the rules. Something about a straight-up rebel was thrilling to her. Unfortunately, she usually just became another pawn in their games. It always ended in heartbreak for her, but she just couldn’t seem to stay away from those types of guys. I’m sure there was a whole lot of psychology behind that, shit that had to do with the fact that she grew up in a dysfunctional household like I did, but neither she nor I were inclined to figure it out. We just took it upon ourselves to look out for one another as much as the other would let us.

As my eyes scanned the crowd, they fell on a familiar pair of baby blues. Goosebumps stood on the edge of my skin as I tried to suppress a grin. Adam was looking straight at me with a shadow of a smirk, then all at once the rest of the brothers emerged from the crowd. All five of them had come tonight, and I watched as they approached the bar. “Long time no see,” I said coolly as Lindy eyed me curiously. “Can I get you boys something?” “Well, you do know what we like,” Adam said suggestively My ears burned red hot, and Lindy’s eyebrows shot up damn near into her hairline. “Beers all around?” I asked, clearing my throat. “Whatever’s on special,” Jacob said. I dipped down behind the bar and started digging around in the beer bin. I looked over at Lindy, and her eyes were wide with shock. Her tongue was rolling over her lips like she was looking at a succulent piece of shrimp, and I shook my head. If she didn’t think before that anything was going on between myself and the Grove boys, she sure as hell did now. And I knew I was in for a round of questions after our work shift tonight. “Fancy seeing you guys here again.” I froze, and then slowly rose up from the ground, silently praying I had heard the wrong voice. I watched as Lindy’s shocked face morphed into one of annoyance, and my stomach hit the floor. My fucking mother was here. “You boys me, don’t you? I know I made an impression on at least a couple of you,” my mother said, seductively. It was all I could do to keep from puking on my shoes. “Vaguely,” Tanner grinned. I slid the beers to the guys before I started wiping down the bar. This night was

already going to shit. My mother was at the damn bar trying to turn on her charm with the Grove brothers. I had no idea if they knew she was my mother yet, but I knew she was a few seconds away from announcing it. I braced myself as I cleaned up the bar, then switched places with Lindy so she could field the battle that would be my mother and these fucking drinks. “Get me a shot of whiskey, Lindy dear,” my mother said. “You want to open a tab or pay for just the one?” Lindy asked. I peered over as I kept mixing drinks and I saw my mother’s eyebrows rise in confusion. “What do you mean?” my mother asked. “I’m just asking how you want to pay,” Lindy said. “Pay?” my mother asked. “You know, with money,” Tanner said. I snickered before I turned my face away from my mother. “I could get the lady’s first shot,” Jacob said. “There,” my mother said. “The lovely man with the salt-and-peppered temples will get me my first shot.” “One shot of whiskey coming up.” Lindy took out a glass and poured the drink before my mother threw it back. I watched Jacob throw way more money than he needed to onto the bar. “To cover the beers and tip you for the night,” Jacob said. “I’ll get you cashed out,” Lindy said. “Don’t worry about it. It’s only our first round. But I want you to get tipped just in case you and Emma switch places again,” Jacob said. “Oh, so you know my daughter?”

I cringed at the sound of my mother’s voice as I continued making drinks. I slid them across the bar as the back of my neck began to heat. There it was. She just couldn’t help herself. I could feel all their eyes on me as I continued to sling drinks to the thirsty customers. I wanted to melt into the fucking floor and disappear right there and then. I was pretty sure any shot I’d ever had with any of them was just blown. They would surely look at my sorry excuse of a mother and wonder if I was just like her. “We do,” Nick said. “She’s pretty fucking awesome.” “Isn’t she? I did a good job with her,” my mother said. I physically bit my tongue to keep from saying anything. A good job with me? I fucking raised myself. While she was out partying and drinking it up, I was twelve and home alone making peanut butter and jelly fucking sandwiches. I was cooking full dinners before I was even fourteen fucking years old, so we wouldn’t starve. I was holding my mother’s damn hair back at sixteen as she puked her fucking guts up after a night of doing anything but being a damn mother. A good job with me? Oh, no. I did a fucking good job with her. “I’m sure it goes something like that,” Tyler said. Lindy looked over at me, a grin crossing her cheeks as she tried to stifle her giggle. My mother was so entranced with their young ages and their dazzling blue eyes that she wasn’t even aware of the jabs they were throwing at her. It was embarrassing, really. But it was great entertainment. “Another shot, please,” my mother said. “Tab or cash?” Lindy asked. My mother looked back at Jacob, and my eyes widened. Was she fucking serious? Did she really think he was going to buy her another drink? “The bartender asked you a question. Did you hear it?” Adam asked. My mother’s jaw dropped to the floor as I bent behind the bar and started to laugh.

“That’s not fucking funny,” my mother said. “I didn’t know if you could hear the woman over the crowd,” Adam said. “Why the fuck are you charging me for drinks now?” my mother asked. “I’ve been getting them free for years!” “And that stops tonight,” Lindy said. “Tab or cash?” “Neither. Now give me a damn shot,” my mother said. “I’ll open you a tab,” Lindy said. “Fine. Put it under my daughter’s name,” she said. I popped back up from underneath the bar and hooked my gaze with hers, fury pounding in my ears. “Hmm, that doesn’t sound like a motherly thing to do,” Tyler said. “No, it sure doesn’t,” Tanner added. I watched my mother look from one twin to the other, then back to me, her eyes flashing wildly. “I deserve it, for everything I did for you,” she hissed. “Everything as in forcing her to clean up after you puked all over the house at twelve? Or everything as in leaving her alone for days at a time while you got hammered and fucked strangers?” Lindy piped in, anger adding edge to her normally cheery voice. I slowly panned my gaze over to my best friend as all five of the brother’s gazes went stone-cold. Their playfulness had vanished, and their cute little quips were gone. I could feel the tension growing between all of us as my mother huffed. “Another shot, please,” my mother said. “You can put it on my tab.” I looked over at the person who owned that voice. Who the fuck was about to fuel my mother’s rage? My eyes locked onto some little boy clutching a massive glass of beer, his eyes raking my mother up and down. I looked back at my

mother and saw her eyes shimmering as she licked her lips. “Good to see you again, Gracie,” the young man said. “Hey there, Scottie. You really gonna get that drink for me?” My mother scooted away from the Grove brothers and made a beeline for the young man at the corner of the bar. “Of course, hot stuff. You party hard. You deserve your drinks,” he said. I scoffed and shook my head as Lindy poured my mother another shot. “One shot of whiskey, coming up,” she said. “And put it on his tab,” my mother said. “I’m sure she got it the first time, Mom,” I said. But all she did in response was glare at me. I rolled my eyes as Lindy slid her the shot. I sighed as my mother threw it back, then slammed the glass onto the bar. She hopped up into the young man’s lap and wrapped her lips around his, their tongues battling for dominance as the bar filled with smoke. I rolled my eyes again and switched places with Lindy, who gave me a pat on the shoulder for strength. “So? That’s the mom,” Adam said. “Yep,” I said. “Interesting woman,” Jacob said. “She’s got a thing for you guys,” I said flatly. “Not really my type,” Nick said. “How about you guys?” “Nope,” Tyler and Tanner said. “Pretty much speaks for the lot of us,” Jacob said.

“Sorry for her petty antics,” I said. “No need. Your family tree was obviously on a hill anyway,” Nick said. “You rolled pretty far away from it.” I grinned at his comment as a flush rose to my cheeks. “I see you’re done with these beers. Care for another?” I asked. “I’ve gotta get out of here actually,” Jacob said. “I’m right on his tail,” Nick said. “Same here. But I think Tyler and Tanner are hanging out for a little bit,” Adam said. “I’ll take another beer,” Tyler said. “Sure. I’ll stick it out,” Tanner said. “‘Stick it out.’ Man, you guys know how to make a girl feel special,” I said, chuckling. “We’re just getting started,” Tyler said, staring right into my eyes. “Don’t stay out too late,” Adam said. “And tip our bartender nicely before you two leave,” Jacob said. “Emma, always a pleasure,” Nick said. “Likewise,” I said, smiling. But then, something I wasn’t expecting happened. The three guys leaned over the bar and kissed me on the cheek. Adam’s lips were warm and dominant, pressing deep into my skin before he backed off. Nick’s kiss was much gentler, and his slightly-chapped lips tickled my skin, drawing a smile across my cheeks. But Jacob’s kiss was electric. He kissed my forehead as he cupped the back of my neck. I could feel my body melting into them as Lindy gaped out of the corner of my vision.

“Take care of that sweet pussy of yours,” Jacob whispered into my skin. “Until we can get back to it, that is.” My eyes widened as my cheeks flushed a crimson red in the middle of the bar. But the best part? I could feel my mother’s eyes burning holes into the side of my head. I watched the three of them leave as I settled back onto my feet. My eyes came back into with the twins sitting in front of me, and their smiles were wide. It was the first time I’d seen any of the brothers genuinely smile like that, and I loved the way their eyes sparkled. I dipped behind the counter and pulled out two more beers, opening them before I slid them their way. “Been a busy night?” Tanner asked. “Or relatively simple?” Tyler asked. I leaned against the counter, inching my body closer to theirs so I could put on a show for my mother. “Been pretty busy,” I said. “But that means more tips, so I’ll take it when I can get it.” “Oh, yes you will,” Tyler said. My eyes fluttered over to his just in time to see his gaze drop to my tits. I scooted my arms closer, growing my cleavage as Tanner’s body lifted from his seat. My back was arched, and my hips were swaying to the music, jiggling my ass in a teasing way that had them on the edge of their seats. I felt alive. Desired. Beautiful and important. Their eyes were devouring me. My mind immediately thought of ways I would like them to devour me for real. And I was ready for all of it. “Those are some curves you’ve got there,” Tyler said. “No fucking joke,” Tanner said. “Not ones for subtlety, I see,” I said.

“Why be subtle when the woman I’m trying to woo isn’t subtle herself?” Tanner asked. “Makes sense. You’re confident. Intelligent. Independent. Subtle cues are nice, but sometimes stating a want is better than dancing around it,” Tyler said. “Then why don’t you tell me what you want?” I asked. The brothers looked at each other as my mother’s jaw hung to the floor in the corner. I planted my hands on the bar, squeezing my chest together further as the twins raked their eyes down my body. Lindy was busying herself with drinks, but I knew she was listening. I could tell she was hanging onto every word by the way her eyes looked up at me from beneath the bar. “I’d like to hang out with you after your shift is done,” Tanner said. “You can change that ‘I’ to ‘we,’” Tyler said. “That’ll put you here for another three hours,” I said. “This place doesn’t close down until four.” “Then it sounds like we have a few more beers to drink,” Tyler said. “Sticking with the specials?” I asked. “How about we go with the bartender’s recommendation next?” Tanner asked. I dipped underneath the bar and knew exactly what beer I was handing them next. I grabbed two of them from the insulated drawer where we kept our specialty beers. I popped the caps off and tossed them in the trash, then slid the beers their way. Their hands reached out to catch them as their eyes dropped to the bottles, and a grin slid across my face as their eyes rose back up to mine. I could see the fire sparking behind their luxurious blue eyes. “Naked Threesome. It’s our most popular specialty IPA,” I said. “And one of my personal favorites.” I winked at them before I moved on to another customer, and I could see the stunned look in my mother’s eyes. It felt satisfying to surprise her like that. To

show her what exactly a woman could get if she held herself with some decorum. I took a few drink orders before I turned around and grabbed more liquor to open, and I saw Lindy clapping her hands. I shook my head at her, trying to bury my smirk as I continued to serve up drink after drink. And the entire time, the twins had me in their vision. My mother didn’t cause another scene that night and ended up leaving with the young man who paid for her drinks. I had no idea where they were headed, but I didn’t care. In my book, it was a victory, and a first step in the direction of waking my mother the fuck up. The clock ticked on and the twins hung around. I talked with them when I could, but I stayed relatively busy the entire time. I was relieved when it was time for Lindy to announce last call, and I sighed when the final customer in the bar paid his tab and left. “Guess that means we should pay, too,” Tyler said. “I guess we should,” Tanner said. “It’ll take Lindy and I another hour or so to clean up, so if you want another drink I could let it slide,” I said. “Nope. We’re done. And it won’t take you that long if we help. Let us pay then hand me a rag,” Tanner said. “If you got a broom back there, I’d take it,” Tyler offered. “I guess that charitable nature is genetic?” I asked. “Who the fuck cares. Just let them help. I’m exhausted,” Lindy said. “Pardon my friend. She apparently didn’t have enough coffee,” I said. “We’ll get you girls out of here quickly. Take this, clear out our tab, and keep the rest for yourself,” Tanner said. I looked down at the money he was holding out, and I pushed his hand back to him. I had no idea how much money was balled up in that fist, but I knew it was

too damn much. Tanner pressed his knuckles into the palm of my hand as Tyler turned his head toward me, and their faces slowly sank. “Take it,” Tyler said. His commanding voice sent shivers down my spine. I opened my palm to Tanner, and he dropped the money into my hand. My eyes bulged at the sheer amount of twenties I was hanging onto. They only consumed twenty dollars in beer between the two of them, and I was holding six times that. Easily. I cashed them out and stuck the rest in my pocket as a genuine smile crossed my cheeks. Tyler and Tanner helped us clean down the entire bar. Lindy cleaned the glasses and weighed the liquors, I wiped down the bar and topped off all the mixes, and the twins took care of the main floor. They wiped down tables and chairs, swept the floor, and flipped the chairs up onto the tables to dry off. What usually took Lindy and I an hour and a half only took forty minutes, and I was ecstatic to be getting out of the bar before five in the morning. “You have to tell me all the fucking details,” Lindy said as she hugged me. “Details of what?” I asked. “Don’t you dare stand here and tell me you’re not taking those men home. You fucking deserve it. Have fun and call me when you wake up. I want all the damn details.” “Lindy, I don’t even know if I can. My mother’s probably home for fuck’s sake,” I said. “Isn’t that her car?” she asked. I turned around and saw my mother’s beat-up piece of shit Jeep sitting at the corner of the bar. “Yes,” I said, groaning.

“That means she’s probably at that guy’s house instead. And if you take them home and she’s there with him, call me. You can come to my place.” “I’m not bringing guys home with me while you’re in the other room,” I said. “I’d clear out. Get a hotel room. Emma, it’s been too fucking long since you’ve had some fun. At least, I think. I still haven’t figured out why the other three brothers fucking kissed you when they left. Either way, you’ve been holding out on me. And I don’t like it. So, when you’ve finished doing whatever it is you’re gonna do with these two, I want every damn detail.” “You’re the best. You know that, right?” I asked. “Fucking right I am. Have fun,” she said. I watched as Lindy walked back to her car and got in. Tyler and Tanner came up and stood behind me as I watched my friend pull away. I wanted to make sure she got out on the road before I thought about getting in my own car. But before I could make a move, I felt the twins slip their hands around my waist. “Still up for hanging out?” Tyler asked. “Your call,” Tanner said. “Was there something I did to make you think I had changed my mind?” I asked. “We just wanted to make sure,” Tanner said. “Would you like us to follow you?” Tyler asked. “Yes. Though, if my mother’s at the house, we might have to divert. Just follow my lead, and I’ll get us somewhere,” I said. Their hands were massaging my waist, and I melted into their touch. “Lead the way, beautiful,” Tanner said.

Chapter 11

I was relieved when I didn’t see any cars in the driveway of my mother’s house. The twins pulled up behind me as I got out of my car, and they followed me as I unlocked the door. We stepped into the house, and I closed the door behind me, but before I could turn back around, I felt one of the twins press their chest to my back. “You have no idea how sexy you look in that outfit.” Tyler’s voice made me shiver as Tanner took my hand. “It’s been hard, you know,” Tanner said as he placed my hand on his cock. “Seeing our brothers kiss you, knowing we haven’t even touched you yet.” “I’d like to know how that pussy of yours tastes,” Tyler said. “And I’d like to know what you sound like when you come,” Tanner said. Tyler’s lips descended onto my neck as he pressed me deeper into the door. I was shivering with their words as my body filled with desire. Tyler pulled me from the door and spun me around, and Tanner was there to catch me against his body. Tyler’s lips nipped at my neck as Tanner’s descended onto mine, and I melted against his chest as Tyler held me upright. Our hands made quick work of stripping one another down. The first time, I couldn’t even get the men naked before they devoured my body. But that wasn’t happening this time. This time, I wanted to see all of them. Tyler’s hands roamed my curves, squeezing my tits and massaging my ass. I stared at Tanner’s body as he looked down at me with his aquamarine eyes. His body was covered in tattoos. He had a sleeve down his left arm and a massive tattoo that sprawled along his rippling chest. He had designs all down his toned abs and even a couple between his thighs, and I sank to my knees to get a better look. “So willing to please us,” Tyler said. “Such an angel on her knees.” I felt his hands wrap in my hair as he guided my head toward Tanner’s cock.

I opened my mouth to take him in as my eyes continued to study Tanner’s tattoos. Tyler was moving my head as Tanner braced himself against the door. Fuck me, these two were hot. I could see veins bulging from Tanner’s thick, muscular thighs as his cock dripped for me on the tip of my tongue. “Suck that cock good, and I might let you suck mine,” Tyler said. I swallowed Tanner down, and he groaned. I watched as his eyes fluttered shut, and his black hair moved with his thrusts. Tyler’s hand guided my head as Tanner’s cock traveled down my throat, and I could feel my arousal pooling between my legs. Then, my lips released Tanner with a pop before they switched places. I looked up at Tyler as he kept a hold on my hair, but this time I felt something between my legs. I looked down and saw Tanner scooting between my knees, his face hovering just below my pussy. His hands slid up my thighs and squeezed my ass, then gripped onto my hips before he grinned at me. “Ready?” Tanner asked. “When you are,” Tyler said. Tanner pulled my pussy down to his lips as Tyler slid his cock into my mouth. Tanner immediately found my clit and raked his tongue across it, causing me to moan around Tyler’s cock. He fucked my face as I rode Tanner’s tongue, my body shivering with desire. I could taste Tyler’s precum as his hand gripped my hair tighter, and I placed my hands on his thighs to brace myself while he fucked my throat. “You taste so good,” Tanner said. “Leave some for me,” Tyler said, grunting. They were so fucking dirty. And I loved it. After too short a time, Tyler pulled his cock from my throat. Tanner held up my trembling body like I was a feather blanket as Tyler released my hair. He scooted

away from me, and I leaned my forehead against the door, then I felt someone scooping me up in their arms. “Let’s get you somewhere comfortable,” Tanner said in my ear. I felt Tanner sit down on something as he held me in his arms. But soon, he positioned me on his hips. I felt his cock throbbing against my entrance, his dick growing as Tyler stood in front of me. His raging cock was purple as it leaked in front of me, dripping droplets of cum onto the carpet of my mother’s house. “Such a waste,” I said. I leaned forward and captured Tyler’s cock between my lips again. Tanner moved around underneath me, and then I felt him slide into my depths. I moaned around Tyler’s cock, feeling it twitch against my teeth. Goosebumps rose upon my skin as Tanner held me down and fucked me fast. I bounced against Tyler’s body as his cock filled my throat. His hand grabbed tightly onto my hair as my hands wrapped around his thighs. My pussy was fluttering around Tanner’s cock as Tyler threatened to spill down my throat. I was filled with desire and I was ready for them to blow. I wanted to taste them like I had tasted their brothers last week. “I want to feel your ass around me,” Tyler said. I pulled back from his cock and looked up into his eyes. “Then take what you want,” I said. Growling, Tyler pulled me off his brother’s cock. He turned me around and grabbed my hair, then shoved my mouth on Tanner’s cock. He settled back into the couch cushions as I licked my juices off his skin, taking him all the way back as my ass poked out for Tyler. He knelt behind me, his dripping cock sitting at my ass, then he pressed it all the way to the hilt as I grimaced and shook with pleasure. I felt Tyler’s lips descend onto my back as he kissed up my spine. His hips were pressed into my cheeks as my body shook. Tanner was cupping my cheek, coaxing my eyes up toward him as Tyler’s lips met my ear.

I shivered at the warmth of his breath against my skin. “Are you okay?” I moaned around Tanner’s cock and gave Tyler’s a squeeze with my ass. Soon, Tyler was fucking me right into Tanner’s cock. He bounced me forward, forcing me to take Tanner all the way down my throat. I braced myself against the couch as Tanner grunted, and I could feel beads of sweat gathering at the nape of my neck. Tyler’s hand wrapped around my body and found my sensitive clit, causing my legs to quake as his fingers worked their magic. I slammed back into his cock with my hips as I hollowed out my cheeks around Tanner. “That’s it,” Tyler said. “Give it to me. Let me hear you.” I moaned and groaned with my mouth full of Tanner as my eyes rolled back. Stars burst behind my eyes as I came. My throat closed around Tanner, causing him to bite down on his lip. He pulled his cock from my throat before he could come, causing my moans to fill the room as Tyler kept playing with my clit. Soon, my body was being manipulated again. Tyler pulled me up, my back against his chest. Tanner laid down again, his cock standing tall and proud. Tyler situated me above his brother’s cock and sank me down onto it as my hands planted on Tanner’s chest. “Are you okay?” Tanner asked. “Please don’t stop,” I said breathlessly. “It’s too good.” “That’s what we like to hear,” Tyler said. They fucked both of my holes as sweat dripped from my brow. Their bodies were chiseled by the hands of gods. I could feel every single one of their muscles working for my pleasure as veins bulged from their bodies. Their cocks pulsed against my walls as my juices dripped down Tanner’s balls. My body was jolting with every thrust as my lips captured Tanner’s.

I swallowed his groans of delight as Tyler planted his hands on the small of my back. Tanner’s hands ran up and down the length of my body as Tyler’s fingertips curled into my skin. I could feel them both shaking with pleasure. Their hips were stuttering, and their movements were becoming shaky. Tanner’s hands pulled me deeper into his chest as Tyler slammed one last time into my asshole. “Holy. Fuck. That. Oh, shit. Emma. So good.” Tyler’s cock painted my asshole with his heat as I rutted against Tanner. His curls were grazing my clit, throwing me over the edge once more. I dug my hands into the carpet as a whimper fell from my lips, my ass clamping down onto Tyler and prolonging his orgasm. I pulled Tanner deeper into my body as he lost himself in me, his lips colliding with mine as he came deep within me. “Shit. So beautiful. Fuck, Emma.” Tyler collapsed on top of me just as I collapsed onto Tanner. I was shaking from my orgasm, my toes still curled. I was heaving to catch my breath as my holes dripped with their cum, and I could smell our scents swirling around our heads. I felt so beautiful and protected pressed between their two bodies. Tyler eventually pulled himself off me, sliding his cock from my asshole. I could feel his arousal dripping down between my legs as Tanner pulled himself from my pussy. Tyler threaded his arms underneath mine, pulling me from his brother and helping me to sit on the couch. The two of them wrapped me up in a blanket before they each kissed me on the forehead. I watched them silently get dressed as I leaked cum onto the blanket underneath my body. Tanner came over and helped me to lay down, my body still shaking as he propped a pillow underneath my head. Tyler came and knelt beside me, his lips attaching to mine one last time before he wiped my hair from my brow. “Get some rest,” Tyler said. “We’ll see you soon,” Tanner said.

I listened as the two of them left and worry began to fill my chest. I was turning into my mother. No, I was fucking worse than my mother. At least she only chased one dick at a time. In a single week, I had taken five different brothers on two separate occasions. I had called my mother out on her whorish ways, but I was the one doing things she hadn’t even thought of yet. Was I on the wrong path? What had come over me? The last person I wanted to become was my mother, and I knew this had to stop. I couldn’t go any further with the brothers, even if they wanted more. Maybe they all just wanted a nice little fuck with the bartender to get some shit out of their system. Whatever the hell it was, it stopped tonight. My eyes fluttered closed as their bikes rode off in the distance, and a sense of loneliness settled into my chest. I was going to miss them. And I didn’t even fucking know why.

Chapter 12

“Lindy! I need two more beers while you’re down there!” “What kind?” “The long-necked Coronas. One with lime. One with no lime!” “Got ‘em!” Tonight, the bar was fucking packed. People were pouring in and, for the first time in the bar’s history, there was a line out the damn door. Lindy and I had been inundated with drink orders since the doors opened, and the two of us were carrying around sweat rags. “Emma! I need four of your LITs,” Lindy said. “Coming up. Just let me get some shots out,” I said. “I’ll get the shots. You make the drinks. I don’t know how to make them like you do,” she said. “When we catch a break, I’ll show you,” I said. “A break? Tonight? California will sail away from the continent before that shit happens.” My mother hadn’t been in the bar for a couple of nights, and I hoped that was her learning her lesson. She had been gone from the house ever since the Grove brothers shrugged her off and made her feel like an idiot. Whatever was keeping her away from the damn bar, it was working. And I was better off for it. I made up four LITs and slid them down to Lindy. I kept taking drinks orders and pouring shots as new people pushed their way to the bar. The place smelled of cigarettes and leather and way too much vodka, but the tips were pouring into my pockets. I would easily walk away with close to a thousand dollars tonight, all of it going toward my new place. If the owner of that building would ever get his ass back into town.

I cranked out drinks like an assembly line and tried to clear the area of the bar. There was a small reprieve from everyone bombarding us close to one in the morning, but it didn’t last long. I heard some people sit down at the bar as I wiped down the back of my neck. But when I looked up into the mirror behind the liquors and saw the Grove brothers, my heart skipped a beat. “Good evening, fellas,” I said as I turned around. “Busy night,” Adam said. “Happens sometimes,” I said. “Not this busy,” Jacob said. “You have a point there, but I’m keeping up. You guys thirsty?” I asked. “We know your little secret,” Nick said, grinning. “What secret?” I asked. “We know what your body does when you’re around us now,” Jacob said. I looked over at the twins as identical smirks sat on their faces. They had told their brothers we fucked. And there was a good chance Nick, Adam, and Jacob knew every sordid detail. Which turned me on, even though I needed to keep away from them. “Oh, really?” I asked. “So, what is my body doing now?” “Coursing with electricity,” Tanner said. “Your knees are probably getting weak,” Tyler said. “You give yourselves too much credit,” I said. “The bar’s way too busy for my mind to be focused on anything other than alcohol.” “Want to bet?” Adam asked. “Bet what?” I asked.

“If we can get you thinking about something other than alcohol, then you have to do whatever it is that derailed you,” Jacob said. “Sounds interesting. I’ll play. Take your best shot. I have people coming up for drinks now,” I said. “My lips kissing your neck,” Tyler said. My hands worked steadily to make the drinks a customer was throwing my way. “My hands cupping your cheeks,” Tanner said. I slid two drinks his way before someone called out for another round of tequila shots. “My cock spreading your legs wide,” Nick said. I dipped down behind the bar and grabbed beers Lindy was asking me for. “My tongue buried between your thighs,” Jacob said. I had to it, all this stuff sounded wonderful. But it wasn’t derailing me, and it wasn’t going to get me to entertain the idea of sleeping with any of them again. I couldn’t turn into my mother, and they had this way of penetrating my defenses. They were wiggling their way into a dangerous place, and it wasn’t an adventure I was willing to go on. I heard someone call out for a margarita, and I started making it until Adam opened his fucking mouth. “How about all five of us fucking you at once, making you come so much you out in our arms?” I dropped the margarita mix as the plastic cup went crashing to the floor. I cursed under my breath as my trembling hands went to pick up the mess. Lindy rushed over and helped me as my cheeks filled with heat, but I couldn’t concentrate on the drink I was supposed to be making. “What is it?” Lindy asked. “Take a breather.”

“A margarita,” I said breathlessly. “I got it. Take a break,” she said. Slowly, I emerged from the floor. Adam had a triumphant grin on his face as the other brothers studied me. Images were rolling around in my head of all five of us tangled up in my bed. Their cocks filling my every orifice and covering my body with their cum. I leaned against the bar and closed my eyes, trying to clear my head as my hands began to tremble. “I’m listening,” I said. “I figured you would be,” Adam said. I opened my eyes to Tanner reaching across the bar. He cupped his large hand over mine, trying to help me steady my shaking. He was definitely a caretaker, someone who enjoyed making sure everyone else was okay. I looked into his sky-blue eyes and felt a peace flow over me. Like an acceptance of the effect these brothers had on me. The truth was, I was willing to do anything with them. Not only did I felt safe and wanted, but I felt cherished. They didn’t just please me, they made me feel important, and that was something I’d never felt to anyone except Lindy. Not even my own fucking mother. But the moment was ruined when Jacob pulled his phone from his pocket and took a call. “What?” Jacob asked. The brothers whipped their heads around, and I could tell by the sound of his voice that something wasn’t right. “Okay. We’ll be right there,” Jacob said. “Guys, we need to head out. Crow needs us at the clubhouse.” “Got it,” Adam said. “Emma, as always. A pleasure to see you,” Nick said.

“Try to keep your head above water tonight,” Tanner said. Tyler reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash before he sat it on the bar. “But you guys didn’t order anything,” I said. “Take it,” Tyler said. “You work too hard.” I looked down at the wad of jumbled cash as the five brothers made their way through the crowd. “What was that about?” Lindy asked. I took the money from the bar and shoved it into my already-bursting pockets. “Something’s happening with their club,” I said. “Has Crow said anything to you?” “You act like I have a personal relationship with him,” Lindy said, giggling. “I don’t know any more than you do.” “What do you think could be going on?” I asked. “You talked to Rhodie?” “No, I haven’t seen him lately,” I said, irritably. “Hey, just asking. Don’t lash out at me.” “Sorry. I’m just worried about them.” “Uh, huh. Well, I’m sure it’s nothing. They seem like tough guys. Crow, especially, from the little bit of talking we’ve done. It’s probably just the usual bullshit. You know, a typical pissing contest between rival clubs. Who the fuck knows,” she said. “I hope they’re okay,” I said, fully aware that I sounded like a lunatic. I barely knew these guys, and yet I felt like because I’d fucked them, I was entitled to worry about them.

“Can I get a drink down here?” I turned my head and saw a man waving some money at me to get my attention. “Heard from that realtor yet?” I asked. “Not yet. You thinking about punching that cockhead in the nose?” Lindy asked. “Yep. Just wondering if I could do it yet. Looks like I’ll have to hold off.” “Just try to take it easy. A busy night means a lot of tips, and we’re two hours away from last call. It’ll let up sometime, and if it doesn’t, then we can skip out on cleaning and get the fuck out of here.” “I’m down if you’re down,” I said. “Regroup in an hour?” The man was waving his money relentlessly as his cheeks grew hot with anger. “An hour,” I said, sighing. “Sounds good.”

Chapter 13

I cursed myself for not having any of the brothers’ numbers. They hadn’t been at the bar for the past couple of days since that fucking phone call. I was growing more and more concerned about them, especially since tensions were running high in town. We could always tell when crews were posturing and preparing for a fight. They would ride through town like they owned the fucking place and stir up trouble. The laundromat in Lucas Corner was the scene of a rowdy pregaming session before our bar opened last night, and it just happened to be a bunch of obnoxious fuckers in red leather cuts. The same red leather cut some asshole was wearing a couple of weeks ago when the bouncer had to haul him out of the damn bar. I wished I could call the brothers, just to make sure they were okay. I had tried to shake them from my mind and work through the rest of my week, but it had been hard. Lindy knew I was distracted, and I was dropping more drinks than I ever had in my duration as a bartender. It had gotten so bad last night that my boss pulled me off to the side and made me clock out for thirty minutes to get some air. I was struggling to not worry about them, and it was getting worse. A knock at the front door caused me to roll out of bed. I grabbed my robe and pulled it around me as I made my way down the stairs. There was a note from my mother on the door, scrawled in her drunken handwriting. There was something about “home,” something about “2:30,” and something like “not coming home.” I tossed the note off to the side as I opened the door. My eyes lit up the moment they took in the sight of Nick and Tyler. My gaze scanned them, trying to see if they were all right. I was searching for blood or bruises or battered knuckles. Anything to alert me to what the hell had been going on lately. “She even looks beautiful in the mornings,” Tyler said. “Fantastic.” “What?” I asked. “He said you look beautiful, and I agree,” Nick said. “Did you sleep well?”

“I, uh, I’m not used to doing this before coffee,” I said. “Then I’ll make it quick.” Tyler handed me a folded-up piece of paper and I took it from his hands. It was smooth and small, folded over once to hide its contents. I opened the piece of paper and saw it was a check, and when I saw how much it was made out for, my eyes bulged from my head. “What the hell is this?” I asked. “I see you’re awake now,” Tyler said, grinning. “Yeah, she didn’t even need the coffee,” Nick followed. The check was made out to me for thirty thousand fucking dollars. “Whatever this is, I can't take it,” I said. “You can, and you will,” Nick said. “Not even sort of,” I said. “Here, Tyler.” “Nope,” he said. “It’s all yours.” “I’m not taking this from you. Where the fuck did this come from?” “I adore that sassy mouth,” Tyler said. “We should all stay over next time, and you can talk dirty to us all night long.” I made an annoyed sound and stared at Nick and Tyler, who were looking at me expressions of smug glee on their gorgeous faces. Suddenly, I had a thought that made me sick to my stomach. “Is this because of what I— what we—” I couldn’t even form the words. The smile dropped from Nick’s face and Tyler spoke quickly. “No, Emma. This has nothing to do with that.” “The money is from us,” Nick said. “All of us, as a unit. It’s legal, so don’t worry about that. We own some small bike repair and maintenance shops in and around Lucas Corner.”

“Tanner told us about his encounter with you at the warehouse,” Tyler said. “About how much you lit up just talking about the place you want to open.” “And with the couple of encounters we’ve had with your mom, it’s clear she hasn’t made your life that easy,” Nick said. “I still don’t understand how this equates to you guys giving me thirty thousand fucking dollars,” I said. “We want to help you, Emma,” Nick said. “Consider part of your loft renovation on us,” Tyler said. I stared at them dumbly for a moment before I could find my words. While part of me was happy this wasn’t payment for my fucking them all, I was still uncomfortable with the gift. “I’m serious. I really can’t take this from you guys,” I said. “And we can’t allow you any other excuses to stay under this roof with your toxic mother,” Nick said. “Tanner’s words. Not ours.” “She is toxic, but I can’t—” Tears were forming in my eyes as the check trembled in my hands. Thirty thousand dollars was half of what I needed to renovate the loft into an apartment. It would provide the cost of checking the plumbing and electric, and it would furnish the bulk of the space. It would be a huge burden off my shoulders. I was lost in my thoughts until I felt a pair of lips descend onto my cheek. I leaned willingly into the warmth as my eyes fluttered closed. An arm slipped around my waist, pulling me into a strong, broad chest. I opened my eyes and saw Tyler standing there, his eyes turned down toward me. Then I watched as his lips descended to my other cheek. “Make it the best apartment imaginable,” Nick said. “You’ve more than earned it with the life you’ve led,” Tyler said.

“I have no idea how I’m going to repay you.” “It’s not a loan. It’s a gift,” Tyler said as he released me. “So, treat it as such.” I nodded my head as the two of them smiled back at me, then I watched as they walked to their bikes. I stayed rooted to the porch until they drove off, blending into the horizon as the sun continued to sit high in the sky. My hand was clutching the check like it was a lifeline, which, in many ways it was. I could get out from under my mother and all her drama sooner than I’d anticipated. Everything I wanted was just within my reach. Just as soon as the damn realtor called us back. My phone ringing upstairs pulled me from my trance, and I quickly shut the door behind me. I bounded up the stairs as energy coursed through my veins. I had to call Lindy and tell her what the fuck had just happened. Even if I only put half of it toward the apartment, we had another fifteen thousand we could put down in cash to minimize the debt we would dig ourselves into to afford the warehouse. But the moment I saw Lindy was calling me, I froze. “Hello?” I asked. “You’ll never guess who I just got off the phone with,” Lindy said. “Holy shit. You heard from the realtor.” “Yes, and it’s good news and bad news.” “Fuck. What?” I asked. “The good news is that the owner accepted the offer we made on the warehouse.” “Holy shit! That’s awesome! Are you fucking serious? Lindy, we have to go to the bank. We need to get that loan approved before we can sign the paperwork.” “Which is fine, because we have plenty of time to do that. That’s the bad news. The owner’s still out of town and will be for at least another week. He’s pulling

the listing off the market, but nothing’s official. We only have his word, and the fact that he’s pulling the listing.” “Is there anything the realtor can get in writing?” I asked. “Anything she can make him sign?” “Since she’s technically working for him, no. But, I found this basic document online called an ‘intent to sell’ form. It’s usually used for cars, but I think it could work for us in this scenario.” “What is it?” I asked. “It’s a simple one-page document that states the owner has the intention to sell the property to us. He signs it. We sign it. The realtor witnesses it, and it serves as proof in case he backs out of the sale. It gives us the right to sue him for penalties and heartache and all that shit if he backs out of the deal after telling us we’re golden.” “Well, shit. Get him to sign it,” I said. “I’ll send it over to the realtor and tell her we would feel more comfortable having it signed. I’ll let you know what she says.” “Lindy, holy fuck. This is fabulous!” “We’re almost there, Emma. I know. You working tonight?” “I am. Are you?” I asked. “Yep. I’m not slated to come in until midnight. But if shit kicks up like it did Thursday night, fucking call me. You can’t handle that kind of crowd on your own.” “I will. I promise. Oh, shit. I have something to tell you.” “What? What’s up?” she asked. “I’ve got fifteen thousand more dollars to put down in cash on the place.” “How the fuck did you swing that?” she asked.

“Nick and Tyler,” I said. “One of the twins and the youngest one?” Lindy asked. “Yep. They knocked on my door, like, fucking twenty minutes ago. Handed me a check for thirty thousand fucking dollars.” “What!” “Yeah. Gave me this lecture about how they could tell my mother made my life a living nightmare and how I deserve my dreams. They want me to put all of it toward renovating that loft space, but I think I’m going to put half of it toward more down on the warehouse.” “Oh, no. You’re not doing that. You’ve fucking sacrificed enough. If they gave you that money for that loft, then that’s what it’s going toward.” “Lindy, that’s fifteen extra thousand.” “I don’t want to fucking hear it. What I do want to know, however, is how the fuck you’ve mesmerized these men. I want me some sugar daddies that look like them,” she said. “They aren’t my sugar daddies.” “They gave you thirty thousand dollars. They’re the fucking billboard poster kids for sugar daddies,” she said. “I can’t believe this,” I said breathlessly. “Emma, can you be straight with me if I ask you something?” “I always am,” I said. “What is up with these brothers?’ “What do you mean?” “I mean, what are you doing with them? They come into the bar, they flirt, they kiss you, and now they’re just forking over tens of thousands of dollars to you. Seriously girl, are you sleeping with one of them? Or— oh holy shit— all of

them? Please tell me it’s all of them.” I had mixed emotions about telling Lindy. I mean, what would she think? Would she be ive? Would she call me a slut? Would she equate me to my mother or cheer me on in my endeavors? Fuck, I didn’t really know what the hell was happening between us. All I knew was that I truly enjoyed being around them. “Lindy, I really don’t know.” “Have you fucked them?” Lindy asked again. “Wow, really?” “Okay, that’s a yes. That explains a few things.” “Lindy, just let me explain.” “Do you enjoy being with them?” I drew in a deep breath as I flopped back down onto my bed. “Yes,” I said. “I really do.” “Then that’s all that matters. Really, girl. You’re holding out on me bad. I’m so ready for all these fucking details. I told you to call me after you had your fun with those twins.” “I’m sorry,” I said. “Don’t be. I’ve always known you to screw and tell, so the fact that you aren’t tells me you’re on another plane with these guys.” “Screw and tell? Sounds like a bad porno,” I laughed. “Just be careful. Five guys mean five times the hurt if something goes wrong. But it also explains why you’ve been so worried about them. Glad to hear they’re okay.” “You heard from Crow at all?” I asked.

“No. I told you there’s nothing going on there. We talk at the bar when he comes in, that’s it. I don’t see him outside of The Skull.” I could hear the tinge of disappointment in her voice. “I’m just saying. If you’re interested, he’d be an idiot not to want you,” I said. “I’m good for now. Vex did me in bad. I’ve had my fill of men for a while.” “Ugh, that guy was a super douche,” I said, ing how hard Lindy had cried when Vex had dumped her. “You shouldn’t let him have that kind of power over you,” I said. “I know, I know,” Lindy grumbled. “But seriously, I don’t think I can get involved with another club guy anytime soon.” “Well, in all honesty, you probably shouldn’t. You have really shitty taste,” I said. “Gee, thanks. We can’t all snag five of the hottest guys ever to walk the earth you know.”

Chapter 14

My phone ringing pulled me from my dream of the brothers. I could still feel their fingers dancing along my skin. My body was hot with want as I rolled over, slamming my hand down on my phone. If this was my boss calling me for some bullshit on my day off, I was quitting right now. “What?” I asked. “Emma. He signed the paper.” “Lindy?” I asked. “Yes. Hello. Good morning. The owner of the warehouse signed the intent to sell. I’ve got a signed fucking copy that’s notarized sitting in my damn email.” “Are you serious?” I asked. “Yep. Along with a personal email from him stating that he has every intention to sell it to us. He just needs to get into town to get the paperwork straightened out. In the meantime, the realtor coordinating all this said to come in and see her today. She can help us get shit sorted out with our lender.” “Fuck. What time is she expecting us?” I asked. “In an hour. I’m coming with coffee. We’ll take my car.” My heart was racing as I tumbled out of bed. A quick hot shower and a few pats on my cheeks woke me up enough to dress semi-appropriately for something like this. The dream of the boys faded from my mind and was replaced with the dreams for our business. Everything was coming slowly within reach, so much so that I could taste it. I wanted to drive by the place again. I wanted to go back inside and daydream for the rest of my day off. I wanted to take another look at the loft above the place and imagine what my new apartment would look like. I grabbed my shit and went outside as the snores of my mother filled the caverns of the house. Lindy pulled up in her car, and I jumped in. She handed me my cup of coffee,

but I was already awake. She drove us to the realtor’s office and we walked inside. Our realtor was sitting there waiting for us. “They’re just walking in,” the realtor said. “Ladies. Have a seat.” “Hello! Who are you talking to?” I asked. “I have your bank on the phone. We’ve been ing paperwork back and forth all morning.” “Wait, are you serious?” I asked. “As a heart attack.” I jumped as the voice on the speakerphone filled the room. “So, a business loan for one hundred and ten thousand dollars is what we’re gunning for, correct?” “That is correct,” the realtor said. “Is the loan going underneath both of their names?” “It is,” Lindy said. “Are you sure?” I asked. “Because I can foot all of this. My credit score is awesome.” “You both have fabulous credit scores, actually. Either way you want to do this is fine with the bank,” the realtor said. “I just need to know for the paperwork,” the disembodied voice said. “You got a name, Mr. Telephone Man?” I asked. “Hank.” “Hank. Put the loan in both of our names. Emma Mason and Lindy Adams,” I said. “Okay. Your realtor already filled in most of the paperwork for you. I only need

a few pertinent details. You ready?” “Hit us,” Lindy said. We fed the man our social security numbers and information about our future store. I talked him through how the lofted area of the building was going to be a residential space, and he made a note of it. He quickly went over what the monthly payments would work out to be. We wouldn’t see the money, just the loan amount on our mobile s. The check would be cut from the bank and sent directly to the owner of the warehouse once the paperwork for the transaction was filed. We put everything in order and were ecstatic to figure out that a fifteen-year loan, even with our interest rate, would still put us under a thousand dollars a month for the repayment of the mortgage. “If you want, we can go ahead and get paperwork on insurance for the business as well,” Hank said. “Won’t I need different insurance for the apartment part of the building?” I asked. “Not if you’re going to be doing any work out of it. Like paperwork or finances or ordering supplies.” “My personal office is going to be up there,” I said. “Then that’s perfect. So long as part of the space up there is being used for the business, you can have an umbrella business insurance policy. That will cover it,” Hank said. “Then let’s get it started. Might as well get it all out of the way,” Lindy said. “And keep in mind that none of this will be filed yet. You won’t be charged or owe anything until the final paperwork on the sale gets signed,” the realtor said. “Sounds perfect to me,” I said. Our dream was finally within reach.

As we sat there in the realtor’s office and talked with Hank to get all the paperwork settled, I could feel excitement pooling in my chest. This was happening. It was actually fucking happening. I was within arm’s reach of quitting that fucking bar and moving out of my mother’s fucking house. I thought about just packing up my shit and leaving. I could buy all new furniture with the money Nick and Tyler gave to me that morning. I was trying to keep my excitement at bay until we left the realtor. But when we got into Lindy’s car, I let out a shrieking squeal. “Holy shit! It’s happening!” I leaned over and threw my arms around Lindy, who was giggling and hugging me close. But things took a turn the moment I got home. My mother was standing on the porch with her arms crossed over her chest. I looked over at Lindy and she nodded at me, letting me know she was staying in case I needed backup or a quick getaway. I got out of the car as Lindy sat in the driveway, but I didn’t even get to the porch before my mother was yelling at me. “Did you sleep with them?” she asked. “What?” I asked. “Those fucking twins from the bar. Did you sleep with them?” “As a matter of fact, I did,” I said. “And you fucking call me a slut,” my mother said. “Because you are.” “At least I don’t sleep with two men at once,” she said. The part of me that was worried that I was a bigger whore than my mother reared its ugly head. But I was done with her insults. “No, you just fuck your way through the entirety of most of the clubs in town. How many have there been, Gracie?”

“Don’t you dare turn this on me,” my mother screamed. “We’re talking about you. Princess Emma who thinks she’s so much better than her trashy mama. Turns out you’re no better than me after all. How does that feel, huh? How does it feel to know you’ve done things even I haven’t done? You’re not special, Emma. You’re a whore and everyone is gonna know it.” I could hear the doors opening around us as people stepped out onto the porches. They were staring at my mother as her eyes grew wide with anger. I heard Lindy get out of the car and come up to the porch, her arm slinking around my waist. “Come on. You can stay at my place,” she said. “You don’t get to judge me anymore!” my mother yelled. “You don’t get to fuck two men at once and then call me the slut!” I felt tears rising in my eyes as Lindy helped me get into her car. My hands were shaking as I shoved them into my pockets. My knuckles grazed the check, and I sighed as I closed my eyes. My mother was screaming from the porch. Calling me things like ‘good for nothing’ and ‘no better than her’ and telling me I no longer had a right to look down on her the way I had been doing. And maybe she was right. Maybe I was no better than her. Maybe I was just a slut for the brothers or whatever the hell it was she was calling me. But this check told me they regarded me as more than that. The check they gave me—that I had held onto so I could personally drop it into my personal —proved to me that I was more than just a fuck buddy to them. At least, I hoped it did. “Let’s get you back to my place,” Lindy said. My mother was still screaming from the porch as we backed out of the driveway. “Actually, can we go to the bank first?” I said. “I’ve still got that check.” “To the bank, it is,” she said. “Then, to my place for drinks.” “That sounds fucking fantastic,” I said. “Lead the way.”

Chapter 15

“Do you ever not work?” Tyler asked. I whipped my head up and saw the twins approaching the bar. “Lindy and I are the only two bartenders until our boss hires someone else. So, no, I’m never not working,” I said. “Work hard, play harder,” Adam said. I smiled as he sat down beside the twins. “I was hoping you’d be here tonight,” Nick said. “Funny. I was thinking the same thing about you guys,” I said, grinning. “Thirsty?” “We heard your LITs are pretty good,” Adam said. “They’re signature here,” I said. “What? You thinking about straying from your beers?” “If our girl says it’s her signature, then we gotta have it,” Nick said with a wink. “Should I make four or five?” I asked. “Jacob’s at the clubhouse tonight, but we’ll tell him you asked about him,” Tanner said. “Good. I’ll go pour four awesome drinks, then I have some things I need to talk about with you guys,” I said. I quickly mixed four drinks and carried them back to the guys. They were usually front and center at the bar, but this time they were off to the side, in the darkened corner of the bar that backed up to the entire place. It was an odd place for them to sit, and I could tell Adam’s eyes were trained on the door. And he looked a bit twitchy. “Four LITs,” I said.

They all took a sip and nodded their heads in approval. “This is good,” Tyler said. “Outstanding’s more like it,” Tanner said. “I’d drink it,” Adam said. “I’ll be ordering another one after this one, just to let you know,” Nick said. “You’re all very kind. Thank you,” I said. “Now. What is this problem you have, baby girl?” Adam asked. I grinned at his nickname as my neck began to flush. “I don’t have any of your numbers,” I said. “And I figure that is just not going to do.” “Oh, she says that’s just not going to do,” Tanner grinned. “You want to be able to let us know when you’re thinking ?” Nick asked. “You want to be able to call us for a late-night booty call?” nudged Adam. “Is that what you want?” Tyler ed in. “To be able to call us whenever you want some of our special attention?” I looked at the devilish grins on each of their faces and my panties were instantly wet. Holy fuck, the effect these men had on me was instantaneous and maddening. I tried not to let my mother’s words from earlier filter back into my head, but once I started to , there was no going back. Sensing a shift in my mood, Adam reached out and put his large hand over my much smaller one, running the pad of his thumb over my knuckles. “We didn’t mean to upset you. We were just teasing.” I shook my head and offered a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes. “No, you didn’t upset me,” I tried to assure him.

Nick’s eyes were boring into mine as I stood there. “Well, something did,” he said. “Yeah, for sure,” Tyler added. “Tell us about it,” Tanner probed. Before I could even open my mouth, the cause of my anger and frustration strutted right through the damn door. My stomach dropped and all four of their blue gazes followed mine. “Something happen with your mother?” Nick asked, his voice tight. I shook my head. “No use trying to lie about it, baby girl,” Adam chimed in. “It’s written all over your beautiful face.” “What did she do now?” Tanner asked, his eyes zeroing in on my mother, who was already commanding attention. “Please, just don’t cause a fucking scene. It’s the last thing I need tonight. She’s gonna be a handful as it is,” I said. “We can play it cool. But if she comes over here and starts shit, she’s gonna know whose side we’re on,” Tyler said. “I got it. And thank you. That is very kind,” I said. “I have to ask though,” Tanner said. “What is her fucking deal with you?” “Simple. She wants to sleep with you guys,” I said. The four brothers burst out into laughter as I bit back a giggle. “Not in a million fucking years,” Tyler said. “Nope,” Adam said. “She sounds like a piece of work, and no thanks,” Nick said.

“Gross,” Tanner added. “I don’t know how you stand her.” But their laughter caught my mother’s attention, and soon she was over here pressing herself against Adam. “Hey there, big boy,” my mother said. “Fancy a drink?” Adam looked around at his brothers as my mother shot me a look. “If you’re buying,” Adam said. “Now what kind of man doesn’t buy a woman a drink?” my mother asked. “The kind that doesn’t like a mother degrading her daughter,” Adam said. I swallowed hard as his face fell and hardened into stone. My mother’s eyes flickered toward me, and I could see the anger growing in them again. Just like they had on the porch when she unleashed on me yesterday. This wasn’t going to end well. “What did you tell them?” she asked with a hiss. “Just that you were interested in them,” I said. “Not in the two you already fucked, no,” she said. “But this one I could get behind.” She pulled herself away from Adam and gravitated toward Nick, her hips swaying and her tits shoved up to her chin. But Nick rose from his seat and stood toe-to-toe with her, looking down on her as if she was nothing more than gum on the bottom of his boot. “I think I speak for all my brothers when I say we have no interest in women who compete with their daughters,” Nick said. “Here, here,” Tyler and Tanner said. My mother pulled herself upright and shoved her tits out farther. “But I could make your night, sweet cheeks. I’ve got more than my daughter could ever offer you.”

“And I said ‘no,’” Nick said. I saw the pang of rejection sting my mother as she took a step back. She looked over at me as she pressed herself up against the bar, knocking Nick out of the way. “You think you can turn this bar against me just because you sleep with a couple of men?” my mother asked. “I already told you, you have zero right to judge me anymore, you little slut.” She grabbed Nick’s drink I had just made him and brought it back. My eyes widened as Lindy lunged for me, trying to knock me out of the way, but it was too late. My mother sprayed my face with the cold alcohol, stinging my eyes as I bent over at the bar. I knocked my head against the corner of it and stumbled backward into Lindy’s arms as I heard Nick and Adam struggling with my mother. “You’re a good-for-nothing spoiled brat, Emma! You hear me? You think you’re better than me, but you’ll suck any cock put in front of you, just like me!” Tears rose behind my lids, trying to clear the stinging alcohol from my eyes. “Emma, we gotta get your eyes washed out,” Lindy said. “Let’s get her in the back,” Tyler said. I felt myself being picked up in someone’s arms as footsteps fell closely behind me. Lindy helped me to get my eyes washed out as I cried on the stool, then she sent me to her apartment for the night. Normally, I wouldn’t leave her alone to fend for herself at the bar, but it was a slow night, and I was suddenly exhausted. I was crying behind the wheel of my car as I made my way to Lindy’s place. I got out of the car and stomped my way up to Lindy’s apartment. The guys were right on my heels, but I didn’t fucking care. I couldn’t believe the fit my mother just pitched. I was embarrassed and angry and fucking fed up with her antics. Worst of all, part of me still wondered if she was right. It was Tanner’s voice that broke through my tears as the apartment door shut behind Adam.

“Are you okay, Emma?” he asked. “No! No, I’m not fucking okay! I’ve got a mother hell-bent on making sure I know I’m just like her. One who fucking shits on my dreams and offers me no , and whose childish antics are gonna get me fired from my fucking place of work. I’m sick and tired of her! Why the hell is she so set on ruining me?” I collapsed onto Lindy’s couch as Adam caught me in his arms. “She can only ruin you if you let her, baby girl.” “That’s right,” Tyler said. “You can’t listen to her,” Nick said. “She’s clearly jealous of you because you have a plan for your life beyond whoring around town.” “You’re nothing like her,” Tanner added. “Not one fucking thing about her is anything like you.” “I’m so sick and tired of having to deal with her and all her bullshit,” I said breathlessly. “It’s okay, baby girl,” Adam said. “Come here.” He pulled me into his lap as his hands massaged my back. I laid my wet face into the crook of his neck, breathing in his scent. I could feel someone taking off my shoes before my socks were worked off my feet. Then a foot massage ensued. Then suddenly, I felt Tanner’s lips upon my ear. He kissed up and down my neck as I ground down into Adam’s lap. The hands massaging my feet worked their way up my legs. Hands were gripping my ass while Tanner nibbled on my shoulder, and I felt my body relinquishing itself to them as my lips came up to Adam’s. “Kiss me,” I said breathlessly. “With pleasure,” Adam said. But before our lips could connect, a phone rang out.

“Fuck,” Nick said. “Hold on.” My forehead sank to Adam’s chin as he pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Wait, what was that, Jacob?” Nick asked. The panic in his voice caused me to turn around and look at him. “Shit. Okay. Nope. We’re coming. Stay put and tell Crow we’re on our way,” Nick said. “What's wrong?” I asked. “I’m sorry, beautiful. But we have to run,” Nick said. Adam helped me to my feet as I watched the brothers stride toward the door. “Is everything okay?” It must’ve been the worry in my voice because all of them turned around and looked me square in my eyes. “Don’t worry yourself about it, okay?” Nick asked. “We’ll see you soon.” “Yep. You’ve got our numbers now. Shoot us a text message so we’ve got yours,” Adam said. “Please be safe, you guys. Okay?” I asked. It was like something snapped inside of Tyler, because he strode back across the room, wrapped his arms around me, and planted his tongue right into the sweet confines of my mouth. I tangled my hands up in his hair as the other brothers approached me, and one by one they ed me around. My tongue danced with theirs, taking in their unique tastes and drawing their scent through my nostrils. My hands tangled up in their luscious raven locks as I pressed my body into them, panting once they were done with me. “Always,” Adam said as he leaned his forehead against mine. “We’re always safe.” Then they made their way out of Lindy’s front door and were gone in a flash.

Chapter 16

I kept tabs on all the underground media sources. It was taboo to run stories on the clubs that frequented Lucas Corner, but there were plenty of under-the-radar outlets that distributed media on them. I had been worried about the Grove brothers ever since they dashed out of Lindy’s apartment the way they did, and now I had proof of my worrying. Two hours before my shift, I came across an article about a shootout at the Road Warriors clubhouse. Three people were injured, but no names were being released. I immediately sent each of the men a message but had heard nothing back so far. “Emma! Emma! Did you hear?” Lindy came rushing into the bar as I was flipping down chairs and getting ready for the bar to open. “I did,” I said. “Have you heard from any of the guys?” she asked. “No. I even tried calling them to see if they were okay, but none of them are picking up. Have you seen Crow lately?” “No. He hasn’t been in at all in the past week and a half, maybe?” “That right there should’ve told us something was wrong,” I said. “Do you know who got hurt?” she asked. “No, nobody is saying anything. But you know how tight-lipped these guys all are. No one is going to spread anyone else’s business because they don’t want their own spread. It’s driving me fucking insane,” I itted. The good thing about the underground media in Lucas Corner was that they always had information that was pertinent for us to know at the bar. Rumors and theories were circulating on some of the blogs that the shootout occurred between the Road Warriors and the Devil Hogs; the crew that wore red leather jackets and always stirred up trouble in this damn bar. Even though there was no confirmation on that, either, all the media circuits were circulating that same

information. Which was as much confirmation as we sometimes got in this world. Lindy and I opened the bar that night and tried to keep ourselves occupied. I could see her eyes fluttering toward the door every now and again, and eventually, I wrapped my arms around her. I had been so preoccupied with the shit brewing between the guys and me that I hadn’t stopped to consider the shit brewing with Crow and her. Granted, the man hadn’t been in here in the past ten or so days, so I had no fucking clue who this guy was, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was how this was impacting Lindy, too. “You haven’t sworn off all bikers, have you?” I prodded her. She shook her head slowly, looking me in the eye. “No. I don’t know how or when it happened, but I really do like Crow,” she finally itted. We knew how each other felt, and we needed to lean on each other because of that. The night came and went without any of the guys coming into the bar. None of them returned my calls, and no one replied to my text messages. By the time I got home, I was a bundle of frayed nerves. I sat down on the edge of my bed and tried to block out the sounds of my mother and her boy toy in the other room. I pulled out my phone and scrolled to Adam’s number, then I tried calling him again. And just like last time, there was no answer. I called Jacob and Nick, but neither of them answered either. I tried Tyler, who refused to answer as well, and then I called Tanner. Tanner, with the heart of gold and the sparkle behind his eyes. Tanner, with the innocent demeanor and the chiseled body of a god. Tanner, the brother who truly enjoyed taking care of people when he could. I knew he would pick up if I kept calling. “Emma. Hey there,” Tanner said. “It’s about fucking time,” I said. “What’s going on?”

“Now isn’t a really good time to talk, beautiful. Can I call you back?” he asked. “I know about the shootout,” I said. There was silence on the other end of the line before I heard shuffling. There were voices I couldn’t make out or recognize and panic started to fill my chest. Maybe I needed to tone down my emotions a bit. “What do you know?” Tanner asked. “Only what the underground outlets are saying. Tanner, are you guys okay? I heard there were three injured.” “All of us are fine. You don’t have to worry yourself about that,” he said. “Thank fuck,” I said. “No one could confirm who was hurt.” I felt tears of relief cresting my eyes as I tried to control my breathing. “You were worried it was one of us,” Tanner said. “Or multiple ones of you. I—” I bit my tongue to keep myself from digging a larger hole as Tanner stayed silent. “When you guys didn’t come into the bar tonight, I thought—” “You don’t have to worry ,” Tanner said. “We’re just fine.” “Why does hearing you say that not comfort me at all?” I asked. “Probably because you know more about biker life than you care to it,” he said. I let out a breath. “Yes, I do. I know that shit like this doesn’t just go away until it’s dealt with.” “Yep. I promise you though, Emma, none of us are hurt. But I can’t talk anymore. One of us will call you when we’ve got everything squared away,

okay, beautiful?” “Okay,” I said. “Now, you get some rest. You sound tired. We’ll talk when we can.” Tanner hung up the phone before I could say another word. If I expected that phone call to abate my worries, it hadn’t done anything to help. There was something very, very wrong with what was going on. Shootouts weren’t a regular occurrence, even in the biker world. Shit really had to be bad, and someone really needed to be pissed off for an entire crew to roll up on someone and have at it. My stomach rolled with nerves as I buried myself underneath the covers and pulled them over my head. I blocked out the sounds of my mother getting hers as I closed my eyes, allowing silent tears to roll down my cheeks. I loved this life with everything I had, but sometimes, it fucking sucked.

Chapter 17

I woke up to the sound of a car horn blaring in my driveway. I heard my phone vibrating on my nightstand, adding to the noise that was already banging around in my head. My skull was pounding, and my eyes were puffy from crying myself to sleep. I prayed it was one of the brothers as I looked at the phone, but figured Lindy was a close second to who I needed to talk to. Maybe she had heard something else about the shootout. “Are you the one blaring your car horn in my driveway?” I asked. “Yes. Get the fuck up. Today’s the day,” she said. “Today’s what day?” I asked. “The owner of the warehouse is back in town. We need to get over to the realtor’s office. He’s g shit today!” I shot out of bed like a bolt of lightning and started throwing clothes on. “Give me fifteen minutes to get out there,” I said. “Thirteen and I start blasting the horn again,” Lindy said. “And if it wakes my mother, you get to deal with her.” “Deal.” I splashed some water on my face and threw my hair into a bun. I brushed my teeth and pulled on the first pair of jeans I found on my floor. Holy fuck, it was happening. Today was the first day of the rest of my fucking life. I grabbed my sunglasses and leaped down the stairs, holding onto my cell phone as I searched for my purse. I grabbed everything I could and rushed out of the house toward Lindy’s car. “Eleven minutes. A new record,” she said, handing me my coffee. “Bless you. Now, let’s move. I’m ready to get out of this fucking house,” I said. “Let’s go.” Lindy put the pedal to the metal and buzzed us across town. We ran

yellow lights and red arrows trying to get there as fast as we could. We chugged down our coffee and tried to put on a bit of makeup to look decent as we pulled in to the realtor’s office. Then we took a moment to collect ourselves. We took a few deep breaths before we stepped out of the car. Even though we were frantic and ready to do this, we had to present a calm, united front. This deal wasn’t done yet, and we were two very young women. Anyone could try to step up and take advantage of us, so we needed to show that our heads were in the game. Even though we were screaming like two drunken frat girls on the inside. “There you two are! Mr. Castle, meet Emma and Lindy. These are the two women purchasing the building from you.” The realtor shook our hands before we shook the hands of a very nice-looking man. He had a head of white hair and a professional suit on. There were wrinkles and liver spots on his hands. He looked like what I pictured someone’s grandfather to look like after everyone was ready for church. We all sat down in front of the realtor, and she presented the official paperwork to Mr. Castle. The realtor went through and explained everything before Mr. Castle signed. I was clutching my hands at my sides, trying not to lose my cool. The realtor slid the paperwork over to Lindy and me and explained a few things, like our rights and the amount of money agreed upon for the property. We signed and initialed where we needed to, and then the realtor walked everything over to her fax machine. “I’m sending all of this to your respective banks,” the realtor said. “Once this paperwork is processed, a check will be cut for Mr. Castle, and the two of you will see the loan amount pop up as an on your end. If the three of you want to sit here, we can wait for your banks to fax me over proof of the transfer of ownership as well as the payment confirmation.” “Sounds good to me,” I said. “All I have is time,” Mr. Castle said. Everything took about an hour to accomplish, but when Lindy and I left, we had everything we needed to prove that the warehouse was now ours. We got out to

Lindy’s car, and I threw my arms around her, and we jumped up and down as tears brewed behind my eyes. We had done it. We finally had our building to create our own business, and I had a place I could move into and call my own. I was finally done with my mother. I was finally going to have a place to call home. Lindy and I swayed with our arms around one another in the middle of the fucking parking lot. “I can’t believe we did it,” I said breathlessly. “I say we go over to the building and take a look at it,” Lindy said. “Actually, I want to go home and start packing,” I said. “You want to pack now?” she asked, giggling. “Yes. I want to load my car down with my shit so that I don’t ever have to go back to that house. That’s what I want. To pack. And then we can go take a look at the place,” I said. “Fine by me. Want me to help?” “This is actually something I’d rather do on my own if you don’t mind.” “But if your mother finds you packing, it might kick shit up,” she said. “Then I’ll call you. But for some reason, I feel like this is something I need to do on my own.” “I can’t say I understand it, but I’ve got your back. I’ll go and get some lunch at that place up the road and if your mother starts anything, call me. I’ll only be a couple of minutes away.” “I love you, Lindy.” “Love you, too, Emma.” She dropped me off at my house, but there were five bikes in the driveway impeding her ability to park. My jaw dropped as I saw the brothers standing on

my mother’s porch, their bodies seemingly intact. I turned my gaze toward Lindy, and she grinned at me, unlocking the door so I could get out. “All the fucking details,” she said. “Shut up,” I said, giggling. I got out of the car and she quickly pulled away. I dashed up to the porch but stopped just shy of the brothers. My eyes scanned all of them, looking for blood or bruises or any other visible signs of injury. But they all seemed to be just fine. “We knocked, but no one answered,” Adam said. “Good. That means my mother’s probably not here,” I said. “What are you guys doing here?” “Last night you couldn’t get in touch with us quick enough, and now you’re wondering why we’re here?” Tanner asked. “Sorry. I mean, would you guys like to come in?” I asked. “We’d love to,” Adam said. I unlocked the house and ushered them into the foyer. I shut the door behind us and led them into the kitchen. We all sat down at the table as their eyes darted between one another, and I got the feeling there was something they wanted to tell me. “Is everything okay?” I asked. “We have something for you,” Nick said. “Jacob? You got it?” I watched as Jacob pulled out another folded up piece of paper, but this time I recognized what it was. “Oh, no, no. We aren’t doing this again,” I said. “You don’t even know what it is,” Tyler said. “It’s a fucking check,” I said flatly.

But all Jacob did was slide it over toward my fingertips. “Before you open it, just hear me out,” Jacob said. “You aren’t going to let this go, are you?” I asked. “We want to help you make your dreams come true,” Tanner said. “The look in your eyes when you were talking about your clothing store... it was mesmerizing.” “Mesmerizing? Really?” Tyler asked. “What do you want me to say? ‘Oh, you looked so awesome talking about some clothes, hot stuff.’” I giggled at his impression of his twin. “This is serious,” Tanner said. “He’s right, Tyler,” Adam said. “Shut up.” “I think I speak for all of us when I say we haven’t ever met a woman in this,” Tanner hesitated, “lifestyle, I guess you could call it, that has ion like that. Most of them just drink, smoke, fuck, and hang on guys like their lives depend on it. That’s all they do. But not you.” “We know you don’t want to bartend for the rest of your life,” Jacob said. “And you can’t keep living with your mother. This clothing store of yours gives you what you want and what we want for you: a healthier, happier life.” “One you can be proud of, baby girl,” Adam said. “So, just take the money, okay?” Tyler asked. “Take it and make your dreams happen. Because we want to see it happen for you.” “All of us,” Tanner said. I swallowed down my tears as I slowly opened the check. My heart plummeted to my toes when I saw “one hundred thousand dollars” spelled out in a surprisingly beautiful cursive handwriting. I closed the check and gripped it in

my hands, bringing my fist to my mouth to stifle my sob. “Holy shit. I can’t take this from you guys,” I said breathlessly. “You can, and you will,” Adam said. “All of it.” “I can’t take this. I’ve already taken thirty thousand.” “You haven’t taken anything. We’ve gifted it to you. And if you don’t like the idea of a gift, then think of it as an investment,” Jacob said. “An investment implies you’re taking some sort of stock in my company,” I said. The guys stared at me as their eyes slowly scanned my body. “We take stock in you,” Tyler said. “Does that count?” “We wouldn’t just offer this to anyone,” Adam said. “It’s not like we go around doling out thousands of dollars to pretty girls who screw us.” “Fuck, Adam. Seriously?” Jacob asked. “You make it sound like we’re fucking a bunch of chicks?” “Which we’re not,” Adam clarified quickly. “So, then why are you giving it to me?” I asked. “Because we want to help make things good for you,” Tanner said. “Because you deserve it. Because—” The air in the room shifted instantaneously as Tanner panned his head around to look at his brothers. The tension was palpable between all of us. I could see their eyes sparkling with so many words unsaid. So many things they wanted to it but were trained never to do. In the biker world, no one got vulnerable. No one gave a shit unless they had to. No one went out on a limb for anyone except those in their crew. But all of them had branched out. Toward me.

“Thank you,” I said, nodding. “This means more to me than you’ll ever know. Thank you so much.” “You’re welcome,” Tanner said. My eyes rose to his before I stood from the chair. I went over to my wallet and stuck the check in a hidden compartment. I needed to make a trip to the bank tomorrow to cash it in. That would pay off almost the entire fucking loan Lindy and I took out on the damn place. We would only go into this with ten thousand dollars of debt to our names. Money we could quickly pay off after the first year of our clothing business. Hell, if we stayed at the bar for another month or two and worked that shit on the side, we could pay it off that way as well. I turned around and saw the brothers standing from the table. Adam’s eyes were locked on me as he made the first move. He strode toward me, his ocean blue eyes darkening with lust as he backed me into a wall. “So fucking beautiful,” he murmured to himself. Then, his hand reached up to cup my cheek before his lips descended on mine.

Chapter 18

I grabbed Adam’s jacket and pulled him tightly to my body. The brothers stood around me and stripped me down, tugging at my jeans and slipping my shoes off my feet. Adam’s heated tongue danced around my mouth, pulling moans from me as they undressed me. Soon, I was standing naked in front of all of them, their eyes devouring my curves as my glistening pussy beckoned to them. “Lay down on the kitchen table,” Jacob ordered. “And spread those legs wide for us,” Adam said. I quickly raced to the kitchen table and jumped on top of it. The brothers chuckled to themselves at my eagerness as I opened my legs wide for them. They each started peeling their clothes off as they stalked toward me, their tongues licking their lips as they studied my throbbing folds. “Play with yourself,” Tyler said. “Show us what you want us to do to you.” “You already know what I like,” I said with a grin. “I want to see you touch yourself,” Tanner said. “Come on, baby girl,” Adam said. “Spread those folds for us.” Their words rushed me as my hand traveled down my body. I put on a show for them, moaning as their clothes dropped to the floor. I could hear them sliding their hands down their cocks as they surrounded me, my fingers circling my clit. Their cocks were throbbing for attention, and I was ready to give it to them. “So fucking hot,” Tyler said. “Come here.” I tilted my head off to the side and opened my mouth for his cock. He slid all the way back to my throat as my legs began to quiver. I could feel my orgasm building, threatening to burst forth from my body. “Not until you suck us all off,” Adam said. “Slow those fingers down.” I whimpered around Tyler’s cock as he pulled away from my lips. One by one, the brothers took his place, and I got to taste each of them. My back was arching, and my nipples were puckered to painful peaks. My fingers were slicked with

my arousal as their precum dripped down the back of my throat. Each one of them filled my mouth perfectly, all of them different but all of them so right. I heard them all panting as Adam pulled away from me, the last brother with his cock in my mouth. “I can’t wait any longer. Sorry, guys. Take a seat.” I could hear Tanner’s voice as his arms wrapped around me. I clung to him as he sat down in one of the kitchen chairs, his cock between my dripping folds. I rolled my hips down into him as he slid into me with a pop, and the two of us groaned together as the rest of the brothers took a seat. I rolled into Tanner’s hips as his hands dug into my thighs. His cock throbbed and our lips connected, dancing a lazy tango of ion and desire. My hands slid around his neck as I leaned into him, but before I could establish a decent pace, someone slipped their arms underneath mine. “My turn,” Tyler said. They each ed me around, their cocks filling and stretching my pussy. They tasted themselves on the tip of my tongue as I slammed into their thighs, coating them with my juices. I raked my hands down their rippling chests and felt their strong arms around my body. The brothers held me close to them as they moaned, my walls fluttering around their cocks each in turn. “All right, baby girl. You ready to come?” I felt Adam pick me up from his brother and sit me right on his cock as I nodded. “Yes. Please. Don’t tease me. I need to—” My forehead connected with his as his hands moved my hips. I was putty in his arms as I leaned into him, feeling him thrust deeply into my body. My tits pressed against his chest as he nibbled my ear, murmuring how beautiful I was and how perfect I felt in his arms. The coil in my gut tightened as I bounced on Adam’s cock. I could feel him pulsing with need, ready to release into my body. I kissed up his neck as his hands held me tightly, threading my arms around his waist as my lips found his.

I rocked harder against him, fueled by a desperate desire to come on his cock. I felt him grin into me as my body began to shake. “That’s it, baby girl. Let it go. Drench me in your scent,” Adam said. I moaned into his mouth as my orgasm started low in my belly. My nails curled into his shoulders, leaving crescent marks behind in their wake. My body pulled taut and then released in a powerful orgasm, clenching the swollen cock inside me. Adam’s hands dug into my thighs, holding me down on his lap as he poured himself within me. His hot cum coated my fluttering walls as I sighed into his lips. Then, my body collapsed into his as I panted for air. I felt myself being lifted from Adam as his fluids leaked down my legs. I straddled one of the brother’s again, only this time my head was turned to the side. I felt kisses being pressed into my body as a cock entered my pussy, and when Tanner’s groan hit my ears, I smiled. “Tight enough for you?” I asked. “You have no fucking idea,” Tanner said. I opened my eyes and saw Nick standing beside me. His cock was tracing my lips, painting his precum on my skin. I opened my mouth for him and took him deep as someone grabbed my hand, lacing our fingers together. I moaned around Nick’s cock, feeling him pulse with his need for release. I fluttered my eyes up at him as he wound his hands in my hair, fucking my face. Tanner kept a slow pace, keeping me on the edge as his hands ran up and down my legs. But it wasn’t long before Nick’s head was thrown back in ecstasy. He held on tightly to my hair as I sucked him bone dry. His sinewy legs quivered as my lips kissed his pelvis. I had him all the way down my throat as his body shivered, contracting with a silent pleasure as his jaw unhinged. He pulled away from me and fell into a chair, panting for breath as Tanner

helped me sit upright on his lap. “You okay?” he asked. His nose nuzzled my cheek as I giggled breathlessly. “Never better,” I said in a whisper. I felt someone hook their arms underneath mine and pull me from Tanner. My back was pressed into a tall body as their hands began to wander. It wasn’t until those lips started kissing my neck that I realized it was Tyler. With his slightly chapped lips and his overly-callused hands. “You are incredible,” Tyler said into my ear. I watched Jacob settle on the floor as his cock stood proudly for me. I straddled Jacob’s pelvis as his cock stood poised at my entrance. Tyler knelt behind me, the head of his cock teasing my asshole. I sank down onto Jacob as Tyler pressed into my ass, my body taking them expertly as the three of us groaned together. But as I went to take a breath, Tanner’s cock slid between my lips. The three of them fucked me senseless as their cocks filled every hole. Tanner kept sliding to the back of my throat while Jacob’s cock pressed against all my sensitive spots. Tyler’s dick filled my asshole, pulling goosebumps up from the depths of my body that ricocheted up and down my back. “That’s it,” Tanner said. “So close.” “Ride that cock, beautiful,” Jacob said. “Let me feel all of you.” “Fuck, your ass jiggles so perfectly for me,” Tyler said. The euphoria I was experiencing sent my mind into a dizzy haze as I felt my body tightening. My toes curled, and my throat closed around Tanner. My pussy fluttered around Jacob, and my ass clenched around Tyler. Stars were bursting in my eyes as my swollen clit raked over against Jacob’s pelvis.

Tears of joy and ion sprung to my eyes as I fell off that cliff, diving into a dark sea of lust as my body spiraled. “Shit! Yes. Fuck. Emma. You’re incredible.” “Oh, fuck. Yes. Take that cock. Holy hell. Emma.” “Holy hell. I love your ass. Shit. Mmmm. Fuck.” Their praises as they came within my body were enough to make me stupid. I collapsed onto Jacob’s body, his trembling arms wrapped tightly around me. I trembled, allowing the strength of my climax to wash over me. The room was spinning, and I felt like I was floating. My head was dizzy, and stars kept bursting in my vision. I nuzzled my head underneath Jacob’s cheek as Tyler slowly pulled out of my puckered hole. They all gave me the space I needed to gather myself before I spoke. “I need a shower,” I said. “I think we all do,” Jacob said into my ear. “Where’s your shower?” Tyler asked breathlessly. “I know where it is. I’ll take her,” Adam said. I felt myself being lifted from Jacob’s body before I was cradled against Adam. He held me closely. Protectively. Delicately, but with intent. I felt myself being carried up the steps as footsteps fell behind me, and the brothers followed Adam and me up to the bathroom. They all took turns showering with me, their hands caressing my body as they each had some alone time with me. They all took care of me in their own way. Adam held me close and ran his fingers through my hair. Jacob wanted to wash my hair and massage my legs. Tyler couldn’t stop kissing me and telling me how wonderful I was, and Tanner washed my body down, his hands falling into every crevice. Nick slowly swayed our bodies underneath the hot water as he hummed a little tune in my ear, making me melt into him as the steam of the shower filled the bathroom.

Then, the six of us got dressed and the brothers followed me to the bar.

Chapter 19

It took a couple of days for the money from the boys to hit my , but once it did, I called my bank. I told them I had money to use to pay down the loan, and they took care of it for me. Once I was done with that phone call, Lindy and I had only ten thousand dollars we owed between the two of us for our building. And I knew I would get a phone call from her the moment the notification of payment went through. I was ecstatic. Never in my life had I felt so hopeful about my life. All the Grove brothers wanted me; they were helping me pursue my dreams, and I officially owned the site that would become my clothing store and my next home. I went upstairs to get ready for work and grinned when I heard my phone ring. I knew that would be Lindy, and I couldn’t wait to tell her the good news. “Well hello there, gorgeous,” I said. “What the fuck is this?” Lindy asked. “What is what?” I asked playing innocent. “It says a one-hundred-thousand-dollar payment was made to our loan . What happened?” “Well, you said you wanted details on how things with the guys went. So, now I’m going to give you details.” “They gave you one hundred thousand dollars, Emma?” she asked. “They actually did,” I said, giggling. “They said that they had never met someone as ionate as me about a dream I had. They told me I was intelligent, confident, and that they wanted to help my dreams come true.” “So, they just gave you one hundred thousand fucking dollars,” she said. “I mean, it was from all of them?” “So, twenty thousand dollars a fucking piece,” she said. “I still can’t tell if you’re happy or upset,” I said.

“Emma. I’m fucking thrilled. Ten thousand between the two of us to pay off? Really? I mean, if we worked another month or so at the bar, we could have that. But I’m worried about what they expect from you for this money.” “What do you mean ‘expect’?” I asked. “Don’t take that tone with me. I’m not your mother. But you’re talking about five guys you’ve only known for a couple of months, at best. And already they’ve given you how much now? One hundred and twenty thousand dollars?” “Thirty, technically,” I said. “I’m worried, that’s all. I know they seem sweet, but they ride with a club, Emma. Men like them don’t give without taking something in return.” Now, I wasn’t sure if I was going to tell her I’d slept with all of them. I felt fantastic. On top of the fucking world. I hadn’t been able to stop smiling since they all appeared on my mother’s porch a couple of days ago. But Lindy was slowly sucking the joy out of my day and replacing it with a reality I didn’t want to entertain. What were they expecting in return? “Anyway. The payment’s made. If they’re expecting it back or whatever, we’ll pay them instead of the bank,” I said. “Just take a breath, okay? The payment’s good. And if there was no paperwork signed or anything to denote it was a loan, then they can’t technically nail you. You know, in court or something. Keep your wits about you. You’re smart. It’s what I love about you. But I see you getting caught up, and I’m worried. That’s all.” “Thanks, Lindy. See you tonight?” I asked. “Yep. Booker hasn’t hired anyone else, so I’ll be there.” “Good.” I hung up the phone and flopped back down onto the bed. That phone call didn’t go how I expected it to at all. And now, Lindy had my mind running in a million

different directions. Were the brothers really giving me this money in exchange for sex with them, even though they swore they weren’t? It didn’t feel that way. Did they think they had to buy my attention or affections? I hoped not. The last thing I considered myself to be was some material bitch. I had felt so confident after my luscious encounter with them, and now I wasn’t so sure. I fell back asleep in my bed until my alarm went off to get me up for work. I headed to the bar and helped Lindy prepare for the shift. After the bar opened, we were dancing around one another, trying our best to keep up with the Saturday night crowd. Drinks were flying and money was pouring in. Lindy and I had our tits hiked up to get more tips from the guys, and we were better off for it. I was more focused on getting tips than anything else because of this looming idea of paying the guys back, but soon a voice interrupted my thoughts. “A shot of whiskey, please.” I shot my mother a look as her eyes connected with mine. She hadn’t put any money on the bar to pay with, so I continued working on my orders. But she tapped her hand on the bar to try and get my attention. She had only been there for five minutes, and I was already done with her. “Can a gal get some service?” my mother asked. “Want me to get her out of here?” Lindy asked. “Don’t worry about it. I got it this time,” I said. “You got money, Gracie?” My mother shot me a smug look as she raked her eyes up and down my form. “Can’t sit at the bar if you aren’t paying for a drink,” I said. “I can pay,” my mother said. I watched her shove her hand into her pocket and pull out a crumpled onehundred-dollar bill. She smacked it down onto the bar as people around her began to stare, and I sighed. For once, my mother fucking had money to drink. Which meant I had to serve her.

Which meant I couldn’t kick her out. “One shot of whiskey, coming up,” I said. I went to take the one-hundred-dollar bill from her before her hand came down on top of mine. “I want a conversation with my daughter,” she said. Her eyes held onto mine as a look came over them. A mixture of emptiness and curiosity. I wasn’t sure what deck of cards my mother was playing with tonight, but I didn’t smell any booze on her breath. I looked over at Lindy who was watching the entire exchange, and she nodded her head to urge me on. “Okay,” I said. I poured my mother’s shot and slid it to her as I cashed her out. I handed her a wad of money back that she stuck in her pocket, then she threw the bitter whiskey back. She swallowed deep and grimaced hard, really making a show of it as she wiggled her tits. I rolled my eyes as the men around her stared. “Another,” she said. “So much for that conversation,” I said, murmuring. Shot after shot was fed to her, and each time she made a show of paying me. Like she wanted to show that she was abiding by the rules or some shit. It was a disgusting display, and I still wasn’t sure what her endgame was. But the drunker she got, the looser her tongue became, and I soon found out what it was she really came to address with me. “I heard about your little venture,” she said, slurring a bit. I felt my blood run cold as my eyes connected with hers. “You think you and your friend over here are some big shots. Going off and opening stuff,” my mother said.

“Yeah. Big shots,” I said. I poured my mother another shot of whiskey and she slid a twenty-dollar bill my way. “Keep the change,” she said. “You’ll need it for your thing.” “I’m good on that front, actually,” I said. I cashed her out for that shot and handed her money right back to her. “You think you can just leave me high and dry. After all I did for you. Does your boss know you’re quitting?” she asked before slamming the shot down her throat in another elaborate display to attract male attention. “Haven’t told him anything about it, no,” I said. “Hey, look everyone! The bartender’s gonna open her own shit show!” I saw Lindy approaching us out of the corner of my eye as I groaned. “She thinks she’s better than all of us. Thinks she’s above having to serve us good paying customers our drinks.” The entire bar was beginning to stare at her as Lindy nudged me out of the way. “Gracie, it’s time for you to go home,” Lindy said. “You think you can take my daughter from me. But you’re mistaken, you bitch.” “Mom, that’s enough,” I said. “What do we have here?” I whipped my head up at the sound of Adam’s voice as he approached the bar. “Sounds like we have someone who’s had too much to drink,” Jacob said. Relief flooded my veins as I looked over at Lindy. “Well, hello there, handsomes,” my mother said. “What brings all of you to the

bar tonight?” “Your daughter,” Tyler said. “Emma?” my mother asked. “Now, now. What do we have here? All five of you are looking for my daughter? You know boys, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. If you like what she’s offering, you should see what I can do.” My mother turned and gave me the smuggest fucking look that I wanted to smack right off her face. Her hands were running down Nick’s chest as he stepped up to the bar. She was devouring him with her eyes as she turned her bar stool around and tried to wrap her legs around his waist. But he caught her knees before she could lock him in and swiveled her back toward the bar. “You’re done tonight,” I said. “Oh, I’m just getting started,” my mother said. I watched as she hopped off the stool and walked right up to Tanner. She grabbed the back of his head and tried to kiss him, and their lips almost connected. I could feel my blood boiling as Tanner pressed his hand to her chest, pushing her away as her tongue licked his cheek. “Get out,” I said. “Not a fucking chance,” my mother said. “I’ve got money now. I’m a paying customer! Isn’t that what you wanted?” “Gracie. It’s time to go,” Lindy said. “Over my dead fucking body. Did you think I wouldn’t find out about your fun little store? Huh? How you’re planning on moving out so you can be a whore with your five little boy toys?” She snickered at the brothers as they stepped up to the bar and turned their backs to me. “Your bartender asked you to leave,” Nick said.

“Oh? And you guys are gonna help her out?” my mother asked. “I’m a paying customer!” “Not anymore, you’re not,” Jacob said. “Too bad, I really liked you boys,” my mother said. She was belligerent. So much so that I saw the bouncer filtering his way through the crowd. He picked my mother up around her waist and lifted her off the ground, then started carrying her back through the bar. She was screaming and kicking, trying to elbow the guy in the face. I couldn’t even make out what she was yelling through the slurring of her words. Something she’d said though had stuck in my chest. Was I nothing more than a whore? I took their money. I slept with all of them. How did that make me any different than what she said I was?

Chapter 20

I knew the guys had been trying to call me all weekend, but I wasn’t in the mood to talk. I told Lindy I’d see her after the weekend, then I buried myself in my bed. My mother came and went like nothing had ever happened between us and, during the times she was gone, I continued to pack. I lugged boxes and suitcases down to my car, piling them in as fast as I could. The moment I had everything packed up in my room, I was gone. I didn’t care if I had to sleep in a dilapidated loft with nothing but a sleeping bag surrounded by boxes. Once work was over by the end of next week, I was out of this fucking place. I told Lindy I was putting in my two-week notice at the beginning of the week. That weekend, I had plans to lay in bed and research manufacturers where I could get the best wholesale price for our inventory. I laid out lists and jotted down prices as I stayed underneath my covers. If my mother came knocking on my door, I could play it off that I was tired or some shit. Sleeping like the lazy ass she was. As the weekend wound down, I had five pages of inventory with pricing to go over with Lindy. I had called her up and asked if she could do dinner with me before we started our work week again. I was meeting her tonight at our favorite Mexican t, and we were going to go over all the shit we wanted in our store. I wanted to finalize our inventory and start figuring out how far our saved one hundred thousand would go. I finalized my list and jotted down the last of the prices. Then, I rolled out of bed and stuffed everything into my pocket, heading for my bathroom. I hadn’t showered all weekend because I had been wallowing in self-pity, and I stank. I washed my body down and scrubbed my scalp as I smiled, thinking about that day with the brothers. How they each had their time with me in the shower, kissing me and doting on me and telling me how much they adored me. Despite my deepest fears, they had done nothing to indicate that the money had anything to do with the sex. I shook the thought from my mind and finished getting ready. I pulled on a pair of cut-off denim shorts and a long-sleeved black shirt. I grabbed my leather jacket and threw my hair up into a bun, then went downstairs to find my lace-up

boots. But as I was leaving to go and meet Lindy for dinner, my mother came traipsing through the door. “Move it,” she said as she slammed into my shoulder. “You know what? I have one thing to say to you,” I said. “Perfect, because I have something I want to say to you as well,” my mother said. “Fine. You go first,” I said. “You think that business makes you better than me, but it doesn’t. I’m your mother, and whether you agree with the way I raised you or not, the point is I did when no one else would. Your father didn’t want you. He never would’ve, had he even bothered to who I was. You think this life is all about fashion and freedom and rock and roll, dude. But it’s not. It’s hard shit and crime and losing people you love more often than you get them to stay. I gave up everything to raise you, and the only thing I’ve asked you for in return were some free drinks and help with the damn bills when you got old enough. And if you think that makes me selfish, then you really did turn out to be the entitled brat your grandmother thought you’d become.” “You done?” I asked. My mother was panting, but she nodded and straightened her back, preparing herself for my words. “You’ve always been jealous of me. Of my ambition. Of my strength. Of my youth. You feel like you lost your best years having me. You raised me out of requirement, not because you wanted to. If you could’ve pawned me off on someone else, you would have. So, don’t try to tug me down your guilt trip when the only thing fueling your anger is the fact that I’m making something of myself and you never did. Because I’m sick and fucking tired of it.” I watched shock roll over my mother’s face as I picked up my purse. I threw the strap over my shoulder and walked out the door, closing it behind me without even looking back. I didn’t care how those words affected that bitch, and I didn’t

care if she stood there and cried all damn day. She hadn’t done her best, despite what she said. She’d drank and partied and fucked her way through most of my life and made me miserable in the process. My childhood had sucked big time, and the only thing that had kept me from winding up as bitter and fucked up as she was, was my dream that I’d do better for myself one day. She lost the right to guilt me into her world when she decided getting drunk was more important than my fucking high school graduation. I climbed into my car and looked up into the window. I saw my mother looking through the curtains with a dumbfounded look on her face. Served her fucking right, saying all that shit to me. Trying to convince me no one gave a damn about me. If all else failed, I had Lindy. I had the best friend in the entire fucking world on my side, and I was ready to sit down and have dinner with her. It was time to finalize the inventory for our store before we started renovations on the building. I was ready to begin a life that had absolutely nothing to do with the bullshit that came with my mother. I cranked up my car and backed out of the driveway, making my way into town. I thought about all the research I would have to do on contractors, which meant I also needed to finalize an inside layout with Lindy. We would be having a lot of dinner dates over the next couple of weeks to get everything in order, but if all went according to the plan in my head, we would be watching our dreams come to fruition by the end of the month. It was official. There was nothing in the world that could stop me now.

Chapter 21

“Are you okay?” Lindy asked. We were at the bar getting ready to open that night. “Yeah. Why do you ask?” “Because last night was a shit show with your mother,” she said. “This afternoon was a shit show as well.” “Fuck. What did she do now?” “I think I know why she’s pulling all her bullshit, so I called her out on it.” “What’s your theory?” she asked. “I think my mother’s jealous of me. It started with the Grove brothers, but I think she’s jealous that I’m doing something with my life when she never did.” “She had you. That’s not something to sniff your nose at.” “You met my mother?” I asked. “I want to make sure you’re okay is all.” “Thanks. I appreciate it.” “Could I ask you something?” “You know you can, Lindy. What’s up?” “Those guys really came to your defense last night,” she said. “There a question in there somewhere?” I asked. “Do you care about them?” It wasn’t the question I was expecting, but it did bring me to a pause. I was fucking around with them, sure. And they were giving me money to help me with my dreams. A lot of money, too. But even before that, there was this excitement with them. I’d felt a sense of pride that these powerful, gorgeous, and

good-hearted men were pursuing me. It was one hell of an ego boost. I closed my eyes as I gripped my cleaning rag and thought back to that day when they all sat me down and gave me that check. I ed what it felt like to be intimate with each of them. To be wanted by every single one of them with their cocks buried in my body. I shivered at the phantom echo of their voices ricocheting across my mind. But it was the shower that caught me off guard. How tender and gentle and attentive they all were when we were one on one. They caressed me like I was only theirs and they made sure I was okay. They helped me to clean myself up, and they even followed me to the bar. They defended me against my mother and created a barrier with their bodies when things got rough with her last night. My heart hammered in my chest at the thought of it all. “If I tell you something, will you promise not to judge me?” I asked. “I’m your best friend. I’ll always voice concerns, but I’ll never judge you,” Lindy said. “I’m sleeping with them,” I said. “You’ve slept with all of them?” she asked. “Not individually.” I turned around and caught Lindy’s stare, but it wasn’t as shocked as I thought it would be. In fact, there was a grin spreading across her cheeks. “What?” I asked. “I knew it,” she said. “You knew nothing. If anything, you’re the one that told me to be careful,” I said. “With money, Emma. You always have to be careful when money’s in play. But I knew they didn’t come to your defense for nothing.”

“You think they helped me out because they’re screwing me?” I asked. “No, I do think they like you. But eventually, you’ll have to choose, right?” “I don’t know if I can,” I said. “I enjoy each of them.” “They can’t all share you.” “Why not?” I asked. “You’re really asking me why a bunch of hardcore biker dudes won’t share one chick?” she asked. “Yeah. I am.” “Because they’re possessive as fuck. They want what they want, and they claim what’s theirs. Someone will eventually get jealous. Fights will happen. Hearts will be broken.” “Not if we work through it as a team,” I said. “Come on, Emma. You can’t be serious.” “Look. You asked me if I could choose, and I said no. I really like all of them. And all for different reasons. They make my heart soar whenever they’re around. I feel beautiful and wanted when they look at me. If they make me choose, then I won’t be able to. It’s all of them or none of them.” “You’re insane,” Lindy said with a snicker. “They’re all so different. Jacob’s very fatherly and protective. Gentle, but in a ionate way. Adam’s the alpha, and he fucking shows it with every move he makes. Plus, he has this nickname for me. ‘Baby girl’. It makes me shiver when he says it. And the twins? Tanner and Tyler couldn’t be more different. Tanner’s got this nurturing side to him, and Tyler’s the protective one. Rough and tumble around the edges, but you don’t mess with what’s his. And Nick’s the youngest, but he’s also the most enriching. Full of life and always has a smile on his face.” “Sounds like five very different men,” she said.

“They are. And I enjoy each one of them for all these different reasons. I’ll never be able to choose without feeling a little empty inside, and I’ll never be able to be with one of them without somehow being reminded of the others in some way.” “Well, okay. It’s the twenty-first century. No one’s gonna judge you for some sort of open relationship because they happen all the time. If you’re happy, I’m happy. I want you to be careful, that’s all.” “And I appreciate that. Thanks, Lindy.” “Anytime. You ready to open this place?” The door to the bar swung open and in came all the guys. They were eyeing me with stern glares, and I felt my heart sink to my toes. I looked over at Lindy as she drew in a deep breath, then she made herself scarce. “I’m gonna go get the glasses for tonight. We’ll open up in ten,” she said. “Got it,” I said. “Could we talk?” Adam asked. “Sure. You guys thirsty?” I asked. “Just come sit down,” Jacob said. He pulled out a chair for me, and I swallowed the bile rising in my throat. There was something behind their eyes that was troubling. I could see Nick’s uneasy stare as Adam kept his eyes hooked on me, and one by one they sat around the table. Tanner was jiggling his leg, and Tyler was tapping his fingers. They were nervous, I could tell. My fear was that they were nervous about the money. Had Lindy been right? Were they about to collect for something? Or make a deal? Did they need it back? Holy shit, was I in trouble with their crew? “Should I start?” Adam asked. “Maybe not. Let me,” Jacob said. “Emma, you look wonderful tonight.”

“Cut the shit and get to the point,” I said. “Told you,” Tyler said, murmuring. “Emma, we wanted to know how you’ve felt since the last time we saw you,” Nick said, hesitating and choosing his words carefully. He reached out and took my hand, lacing our fingers together. “Is this about the money? Because if you guys need it back, I can take out a loan. Or keep working at the bar to pay you guys back. I promise. I was fine without the money. I can find a way—” “Whoa there,” Tyler said. “This has nothing to do with the money. Not even close.” “Then why do I feel like you guys are about to drop a bomb on my world?” I asked. “You’re making me nervous.” “We didn’t mean to,” Tanner said. “Fucking hell. Emma, how do you feel after we all fucked you?” Adam piped up. “Jesus, Adam. Could you have been any blunter?” Jacob asked. “Well, you guys are pussy-footing around,” Adam said. “I don’t really know how I feel. It was fun. I enjoyed it. Why?” I asked. “Was there someone you enjoyed more of?” Tanner asked. I could hear the hope in his voice, and it crushed my soul. There it was. The bomb they were trying to drop. They were asking me to choose between them. And as I looked around the table into each of their eyes, it was confirmed. I couldn’t. I’d never be able to choose between any of them which meant I was minutes away from losing all of them. I felt sick. “You want me to choose,” I said.

“We’re scoping out how you feel,” Jacob said. “That’s all.” “No. You’re not. You’re wondering who I’m gravitating toward more because you want to figure out which one of you I’m going to choose. And I’m not. I’m not choosing.” Nick let go of my hand as he leaned back in his chair. “What do you mean?” Nick asked. “I mean, I enjoy all of you. You are all so different, and there is something about each of you that makes you special to me. So, I won’t choose. Don’t ask me to” I said. “Again. Told you,” Tyler said. “Yeah, yeah. Shut up,” Adam said. “So, there isn’t one of us you’d like to be with more than the others.” “Nope.” “And if we try to make you choose, you’re not going to,” Tyler said. “No. If you make me choose one of you, I’ll choose none of you. Look, I didn’t intend to get involved with any of you, let alone all five of you. This is not something I do, but since I’ve gone ahead and done it, I might as well be completely honest about it. I like being with all of you.” My eyes looked down to my lap as I drew in a deep breath, trying to find the rest of the words I wanted to say. “Take your time, beautiful,” Tanner said. “It’s been a very long time since I’ve felt like this,” I said. “Since I felt wanted and important. I’m needed in all sorts of places. With mom to pay the bills. Here to bartend. But wanted? That’s different.” Tanner reached over and rubbed my back, tugging a smile across my cheeks. “See? I enjoy that about you. Your nurturing nature despite the rugged lifestyle

you lead,” I said. “And Jacob? You’re so level-headed and protective.” Jacob smiled and nodded. “And Adam. You’re rough around all your edges, but you’re fierce. Fiery. You don’t take shit, not even mine. And I need someone like that. I need someone who can call me on my bullshit and make me stay true to myself.” “You got it,” Adam said. “And Nick? Your boyish nature? It’s refreshing. You’ve always got a smile on your face, and it’s infectious. You’re more animated, like the lifestyle hasn’t quite tainted you yet. I enjoy that innocence about you.” “Thanks,” Nick said with a grin. “And Tyler? You’re quiet and to the point, like Adam, but your protective nature bleeds from you. You can switch on a dime between aggressive and gentle, and it throws me for a loop every single time. And I love it.” Tyler nodded his head as I rose my gaze to meet Adam’s. “I’m not choosing,” I said. “And you can’t make me.” “Well,” Adam said. “There’s only one thing to do now. Tyler?” I looked over at Tyler as he cleared his throat. “Tanner and I want to know what you’re doing tomorrow for lunch.” I felt my heart leap into my throat as I smiled. “Really?” I asked. “I mean, we gotta eat. And you gotta eat. Figured the three of us could eat together,” Tyler said. “What my brother’s trying to say is—” “I know what he’s saying, Tanner, but thank you,” I said. “And yes. I’d love to do lunch with you two tomorrow. But I do have one question.”

“What’s up?” Nick asked. “Was this bullshit heart attack necessary to get to this?” I asked. The guys chuckled around the table as a line started to gather outside the bar. “Emma. It’s showtime,” Lindy said. “Just one second,” I said. “Hurry up. Everyone’s getting rowdy,” she said. “Everything okay, baby girl?” Adam asked. “I want to tell you guys something quickly. Well, I want to thank you first. For the money you guys have given me,” I said. “Trust me. You already have,” Tanner said, grinning. “Shut up. You’re going to make me blush,” I said. “And if things go our way tomorrow, we’re going to make you scream, too,” Tyler said. “Get it,” Jacob said with a smirk. “Fuck. Okay. The building I put an offer in on? The business-apartment combination? It’s mine. Well, it’s mine and Lindy’s. And because of the money you guys have given us, we only have ten thousand that we owe.” “Holy shit, they accepted your offer?” Nick asked. “Yep. They did,” I said, smiling. “It’s official. I’m going to be a business owner soon. Lindy and I took the weekend and finalized the inventory for the store. Now I have to interview contractors so they can get working on the renovations of the store. It’s gonna be phenomenal.” “Do you have money to do that?” Adam asked. “We have money we saved up for it, yeah,” I said.

I watched the guys look around the table at one another, and I knew what they were thinking. “Oh, no. Don’t do that. You guys have done enough.” “Emma. I can’t put them off any longer,” Lindy said. “We aren’t thinking anything,” Jacob said. “Yes, you are. I know you guys. Don’t look around the table at each other like that. It’s not allowed.” “And since when did you become the boss of us?” Tyler asked. “Since the five of you swooped into my life and made me give a damn about you,” I said. I felt their eyes hot on my skin as I stood from my seat. I walked over to the front door and unleashed the anxious crowd, seeing them all pile into the bar. I turned around and saw the guys staring me down as I walked to the bar, a healthy glow tinting my cheeks. “So? How’d the conversation go?” Lindy asked. “Perfect,” I said as I eyed them closely. “The conversation was perfect.”

Chapter 22

I met the twins for lunch at an outdoor steakhouse place. It was a cool little spot in the center of the small town. There was a small barn-looking building that housed an entire kitchen, and all the seating to eat was outside. I pulled up and parked by the twins’ bikes, and then I made my way to the table they were occupying. “Looking good,” Tyler said. “Gorgeous as ever,” Tanner agreed. I hugged them before we sat down and a waitress appeared at my side. I put in my drink order and told her how I wanted my steak cooked, and then I turned my attention to the two men in front of me. Their bright blue eyes were drawing me in as their black hair accented their chiseled cheekbones. Tanner’s hair was shaggier than Tyler’s, but Tyler’s was tousled with a bit of something. “What the fuck’s in your hair?” I asked. “I told you she’d hate it,” Tyler said. “No, no. I don’t hate it. It’s shiny,” I said. “It’s fucking hair gel. Tanner told me my hair was boring.” “Boring, huh? Well, as long as I can grab a fistful of it while you’re fucking me, it could never be boring,” I said. I grinned as the two of them adjusted in their seats. “Sleep well?” Tanner asked. “I did. I have to work again tonight, but it is what it is. Lindy will be there, and I’m hoping you guys will be, too?” I asked. “We will,” Tyler said. “Though I can’t speak for the others.” “Wouldn’t expect you guys to,” I said. “But if you really want to know, I kind of like this tousled look.” “Told you she’d like it,” Tanner said.

“So, any other shit kick up with your mom?” Tyler asked. He grunted as Tanner elbowed him in his ribcage. “Don’t try to get him to act anything other than himself, Tanner,” I said. “He’s fine to ask whatever he wants. And so are you.” “And you can do the same with us. Whatever you wanna know,” Tyler said as he rubbed his side. “He’s gonna kick your ass later, Tanner.” “She knows me well,” Tyler said, grinning. “And things with my mother are about the same. She’s still a jealous bitch, and she’s still ragging on me about sleeping with more than one guy at a time. Apparently, that’s something she’s never done, so I’m automatically a slut.” “She called you that?” Tanner asked. “I should beat her ass,” Tyler said. “No beating of any asses needs to occur. I can handle my mother. I’ve had to do it my entire life. But I won’t have to soon, and that’s the good news.” “Yes. Tell us more about this building,” Tanner said. “When did the owner sign it over to you?” Tyler asked. “It’s been about a week now,” I said. “And you didn’t tell any of us?” Tyler asked. “I didn’t really have a chance. You guys sort of blindsided me with a massive check. Anyway, I’m already packing up stuff into my car. Clothes and shit like that. Once I can get it all out of my room, I’m dumping it in the loft. I don’t care if I have to sleep in a sleeping bag. I’m not staying at my mother’s house another second longer than necessary.” “You’re not sleeping in that place until it’s been properly looked at and renovated,” Tanner said.

“You need to be safe,” Tyler said. “And I will be. I’m a big girl. But it’s not safe with my mother anymore. She’s become a little too much. I’m concerned for her, but I’m also concerned about her if that makes sense.” “Plenty,” Tyler said, darkly. “Hey, Mom did the best she could,” Tanner said with an edge to his voice. “What do you mean?” I asked. “Your mother reminds me of ours,” Tyler said. “She wasn’t that fucking bad,” Tanner said. “Why’s that?” I asked. “She fucked around a lot once Nick got into his teenage years,” Tyler said. “Slacked off whenever she could.” “No, she fucking didn’t. Now you tell the damn truth, or I’m gonna bust your nose right here,” Tanner said. “Okay, guys. Take a deep breath. I promise you, no one can be as bad as my mother. But what happened?” I asked. “To your mother, I mean.” “She did the best she could after our dad took off,” Tanner said. “He’s a piece of shit,” Tyler said. “We all have the same father, but when Mom got pregnant with Nick things spiraled. They fought a lot. He wanted to abort the baby, and our mother didn’t. He missed getting out on the road with her, and he was tired of working and having to provide for four boys who couldn’t stop eating,” Tanner said. “What a fucking shithead,” I said. “He left before Mom gave birth to Nick and she spiraled. Depression, drugs, drinking. Jacob was only seven at the time, but that’s why he’s so father-like, as you pointed out yesterday,” Tyler said.

“He fucking raised Nick, didn’t he?” I asked. “He raised all of us the best he could. Mom was incapacitated practically for the first couple of years of Nick’s life. She pulled out of it a bit to usher a couple of us into our teenage years, but then she took a weekend for herself. Went on a ride with some of her friends and came back worse than ever,” Tanner said. “What happened?” I asked. “We found out later that she’d seen Dad at the rally getting cozy with some bitch who was pregnant,” Tyler said. “It did her in, I guess.” “Are you serious?” I asked. “She was never the same after that. Jacob sought out a family in the Road Warriors, and we just kind of followed in his tracks,” Tanner said. “Nick didn’t really wanna , but he felt pressured because we all had. He’s fine now. He’s the most active member in the damn group. But it was rough there for a while,” Tyler said. My heart ached for them. Our food was set in front of us along with our drinks, but I scooted over so I could be closer to them. I took both of their hands in mine and brought them to my lips, kissing their skin. They each pressed a kiss to the top of my head before they wrapped their arms around me. “Where is she now?” I asked. “We don’t really know,” Tanner said. “When we all left and ventured out on our own, she sold the house. We assume she’s riding around with her old friends, trying to pick up the pieces of her old life,” Tyler said. “Have you guys seen her at all?” I asked. “Not really. We sort of drifted apart,” Tanner said.

“Well, her from us,” Tyler said. “Stop it. Mom had it hard,” Tanner said. “But that defense only works so long. She had five boys that depended on her,” Tyler said. “Okay. I think that’s enough of the family talk,” I said. “Good, because there’s something we need to give you anyway,” Tyler said. “You think this is a good time?” Tanner asked. “Give me what?” I asked. “Tanner and I own our own bike shop,” Tyler said. “All the brothers sort of set up their own deal, but we went in together.” I narrowed my eyes, having a feeling where this was going. “We were talking last night, and we kept thinking about your business and the renovations you’ll have to do,” Tyler said. “And with you wanting to move in so quickly, you need a lot more cash up front, especially if you want to pull inventory from your pocket,” Tanner said. “Starting a business is tough, and starting a home is tougher. Debt is the worst thing you can have, and you mentioned something about still having it,” Tyler said. “No, no, no. I’m not taking ten more thousand dollars from you guys,” I said. “Well, good. Because that’s not what we’re giving you,” Tanner said. “Good.” “We’re giving you seventy,” Tyler said. “What?” Tyler pulled out a check from his pocket and handed it to me. And sure enough, it was made out to me for seventy fucking thousand dollars. That was two

hundred thousand dollars these men had given me for this damn store. “No,” I said. “You said that last time,” Tyler said. “And I mean it. I’m not taking any more money. Look, this is a serious amount of cash.” “Do you not trust us when we tell you it’s a gift?” Tanner asked. I looked up into his eyes and sighed as I swallowed hard. “Everything is always more complicated when money’s in play,” I said. “I agree. It always is,” Tyler said. “But we want to help you succeed. No one was there to help us, but we at least had each other. You’ve got Lindy, but no one else. And Lindy doesn’t strike me as the kind of girl to have the resources like this to help you.” “No, she doesn’t,” I said. “But we do. Look, you all but itted to us that you cared last night. All of us. So, let us show you that we give a damn about you too,” Tanner said. Tyler thrust the check into my hand, and I found my fingers closing over the piece of paper. “I don’t know how I’m ever going to repay you guys,” I said breathlessly. “It’s not a loan. It’s a gift. An investment in your happiness. That’s what people do when they are,” Tyler hesitated, “doing whatever the hell it is we’re doing. They invest in their person.” “That check will pay off the rest of the debt you have and it’ll renovate your loft. Because it sounds like the money we originally gave you to do that got put towards another use,” Tanner said. “We had debt to pay off and I thought it would be better if we did that first.” “You don’t owe us an explanation,” Tyler said.

“You are handing me seventy thousand dollars. I owe you whatever the fuck you want,” I said. “Look. I know you’ve operated like this your whole life, without much trust in the people around you. But we want to help you because we believe in you, not because you can give us something in return. I know that’s a new concept, so please, roll with it for now,” Tanner said. “Thank you so much,” I said in a whisper. I turned and kissed each of them before we dug into our food. The rest of the afternoon was wonderful, and the three of us sat and drank until the sun set below the trees. We ordered a late dessert to help me sober up so I could get to work. Then, the two of them followed me on their bikes back to the bar. I was excited when I saw Nick standing at the door. It made me wonder if Jacob and Adam would show up for the night. But before I could get to the bar to hug Nick’s neck, my mother emerged and began flirting with him. The twins stood behind me as my mother stroked her finger down Nick’s chest. I felt my jaw tightening as the twins wrapped their hands around my balled-up fists. Nick was staring down at my mother with a stoic expression on his face, trying to keep his cool while she continued to throw herself at him. She was pressing her hips into him and caressing his cheek, cupping his face and bringing her lips dangerously close to his. “What’s going on?” I asked as the three of us walked up. My mother looked at the twins holding my hands before she tried to take Nick’s. “Just having a bit of conversation with tonight’s bouncer,” she said. “Bouncer?” I asked. “Dee called in sick, and Lindy asked me to fill in,” Nick said. “I came by the bar to see if you were around setting up. I was going to offer to help.” “Ever the sweet one,” I said.

“And strong underneath these clothes,” my mother said. She pressed her hands into Nick’s chest, digging her fingertips into his skin. Nick was growing more and more irritated, but I understood why he wasn’t moving. Being a bouncer was a different kind of mindset. You had to guard the bar and make sure the rowdiness stayed out, but you couldn’t discourage people from coming in. My mother had officially become a paying customer, so there were no grounds to toss her out. But I could tell she was getting on Nick’s nerves by the way he scrunched up his nose at her. “Mom?” I asked. “What?” “We don’t open for another hour. Could you please stop groping our bouncer?” I asked. “I don’t know. I think he kind of likes it.” My mother went to move her hand to his crotch, but he snatched her wrist and twisted it up toward her face. “What the fuck, dude?” my mother asked. “Get out,” I said. “Go get drunk somewhere else tonight.” My mother spat at my feet before she yanked herself away from Nick. The twins immediately took up their spots in front of me, blocking me from my mother. I raised my hands and placed each one on the small of their backs, silently thanking them for their and their protective natures. I felt my body warm from my toes to my nose as I heard my mother’s footsteps fade away from us, carrying with her the stress I would’ve encountered that evening had she stayed. “You okay?” Tanner asked. The twins turned around and took stock of me as I nodded. “Just fine. Though I should get inside and help Lindy set up,” I said.

“We can help if you need any,” Tyler said. “If you guys could take care of the chairs, that would be nice,” I said. They followed me into the bar and gravitated toward the tables as I found my way to the back. I got to cleaning glasses and making sure all the liquor bottles were ready for the night. I noticed the twins looking at me from time to time as Nick peeked in through the door, winking at me whenever I caught his stare. “You lucky bitch,” Lindy said. “Damn straight,” I said with a grin.

Chapter 23

I met Lindy at the warehouse Friday afternoon so we could take our first walkthrough as owners together. I wanted to solidify the plans we had to make this place great so I could start ing contractors. The sooner we could get people in here building, the sooner we could get the store up and running. Lindy said she would take over advertising and getting the word out about the place, and all I had to do was worry about bringing the store to life. Which was great, because Lindy could sell the shit out of anything. “What do you think about walls that sprout out from the middle?” I asked. “What do you mean?” Lindy asked. “We could have a big pole in the middle of the warehouse, with like, some padding or shit on it. And the walls could jut out and go straight back. People could walk in a circle-like figure to get to all the rooms, which means they’d have to go through other rooms full of awesome stuff to get what they wanted.” “Good way to shit and get it in their eyesight,” she said. “And it would make things easier on the construction crew,” I said. “The pole in the middle could be massive and each room would have a section. It could be like an advertising pole or some shit.” “Need a roommate, take this number kind of stuff?” she asked. “More or less. And we could run a wall that spans the length of the back end of the store to section it off for our customizable wear as well as our repair shop,” I said. “I like that. Where’s the going?” she asked. “I figured on this wall. There are two entrances. So, we could make the main entrance the one by the dirt parking lot, but put the by this side entrance so shit doesn’t get all clogged up. And we can always change that later if it doesn’t work,” I said. “Where’s the entrance to your apartment? Is it on the side or do you have to go through the store?”

“That would be the biggest change. The only entrance is in the back. It would be off to the side in the repair shop in the back. But I could build an outside entrance and install a door. But that shit would be wrapped up in the cost of renovating the apartment.” “I want to make sure we’re thinking through everything,” she said. “And that’s fine. We’ve got a little bit of time to think about color schemes and stuff because no one will touch any of that bullshit until we have, you know, walls.” “Yeah,” Lindy said, giggling. “I can really see it. It’s simple. It has flow. It has advertising potential.” “You’re going to kill me when I tell you this next part,” I said. “What?” Lindy asked. “What the hell did you do now?” “I went on a date with the twins yesterday, and they gave me more money. I can pay off the rest of the loan on the building and use the rest for the renovation of the loft. Which means we can use the money we both saved up to start renovations on this place and stock it with our first round of inventory.” “You must have a golden fucking pussy,” Lindy said. “Tastes like the rainbow,” I said, grinning. “I’m not even questioning it anymore. You’re obviously in some weird type of shit with them, but if you trust them, then I do too. Because I trust you. Do you want to renovate the loft or the shop first?” “Can’t we do both?” I asked. “Two construction crews out here might be a bit much. I’d start with the loft so we can keep working at the bar for money for inventory. Then, once the loft is up to code and you’ve got outside access to it, you can move your shit in, and I can help you pick out all your furniture while they’re doing up our business.” “Sounds like a plan to me,” I said.

“And in the meantime, I’ll start spreading rumors about the new shop that has customizable shit and patchwork skills. You know Lucas Corner needs something like that ever since Miss Bev died.” “I miss her,” I said. “Me, too. But we can honor her by opening this repair shop and making a ton of cash,” Lindy said. “I like the way you think,” I said, grinning. The two of us sat down in the middle of the floor and started researching contractors. She was looking up teams to do the renovation of the shop as I was calling around for people who could bring the loft up to code for a living space. I found three trusted contractors who were willing to come out and give me quotes on Monday, so I set up staggered appointments with all of them to see who could offer me the best price. Lindy was calling around to other contractors trying to figure out who was the best at the business end of things, and she found only one reputable source that pretty much everyone in town used. So, Lindy got her on the phone, and they had a conversation. Once we were done, we had appointments set, and it was time to go set up for work. Lindy and I headed straight to the bar as we talked about appointment times and budgets we needed to stay within. We set our limits and figured out what we could do without in the store if things pushed us over budget. Then we shut our mouths once it was time to work. We knew our boss wouldn’t hold anything over our heads, but in this town, you didn’t take any chances. The longer we could work here and get decent tips, the more money we had to work with in the long run. And that was important, especially since I didn’t want to rely on the brothers to float me when I needed it. I expected them to come in that night, but only my mother showed up. Her eyes scanned the bar as she pushed her way toward it, then hiked her leg up and sat herself down. “You got any of that decent whiskey?” she asked.

“You got money?” I asked. She slapped a twenty down onto the table, and I poured her a shot. “So. Where are those hunks of yours?” my mother asked. “Haven’t seen them tonight,” I said. “Interesting.” “Why?” I asked. “Nothing. I was wondering when they would move on is all.” I rolled my eyes as I wiped down the counter. Lindy approached me and sighed, nodding her head over to my mother. There was nothing we could do since she was a paying customer and not drunk off her ass yet, so I shrugged and kept plugging on. “You know what? I just had an idea,” Lindy said. “What’s that?” I asked. “Pink fucking leather. We’d sell out of that stuff in a heartbeat,” she said. “That’s pretty expensive shit,” I said. “Just a few pieces to see how they’d do. If we only paid five hundred out of pocket for a few items, we could easily absorb the cost and see how they sell. We wouldn't mark them down. It would be one of our high-end items.” “The point of the store is to keep it affordable,” I said. “But even the affordable stores have that one item that can’t be found anywhere else. Where the hell are the girls going to get pink leather in this town?” she asked. “Nowhere. Because decent women who ride bikes don’t do pink,” my mother said. We both turned our heads toward her as she snickered to herself.

“Can’t believe you’re still chasing that silly dream.” “Can’t believe you’re still acting like a teenager,” I said. “Still planning on leaving your mother high and dry?” my mother asked. “Yep. Got contractors coming out to look at renovating my apartment Monday,” I said. “And where the hell you gettin’ all this money?” she asked. “None of your damn business,” I said. “A beer. Whatever you got on special.” My heart leaped in my chest as I heard Jacob’s voice. “One special beer coming right up.” I gasped when I looked up and saw him. His left eye was swollen and bruised, and I knew he couldn’t see out of it. Even my mother was gaping at him as he sat down beside her, casting her an evil glare. “Jacob. What the fuck happened to you?” I asked. “Yeah, salt-n-pepper. What gives?” my mother asked. “I’m fine,” he said as he brushed my hand away. “But I could use a beer.” “You’ll take your beer in a booth. Come with me. Lindy?” “I got this. You go,” she said. “Anyone gonna get me another shot?” my mother asked. “You got money?” Lindy asked. I dipped a clean rag down into the ice machine and gathered some in my hand. I grabbed a beer and took the cap off on the edge of the bar, then nodded for Jacob to follow me. He groaned as he slid off his chair, indicating to me that more than just his face was hurting. I sat us down at a booth in the corner, then handed him

his beer. “What the fuck happened?” I asked again as I pressed the ice to his eye. “I’m serious. I’m fine,” Jacob said. “It’s club business.” I didn’t like his answer, but I knew it was the only one I was going to get from him. Having spent my life around the different clubs, I knew that not even the most valued and trusted women knew everything that their men were up to. Mostly for the purposes of keeping them safe. The less they knew, the less of a target they would be. I pressed the ice to his eye and sighed. He let me take care of him, but I could tell it was new to him. And given what I knew about how he was raised, it didn’t shock me at all. He was used to taking care of people, not being taken care of. “Where are the other guys?” I asked. “They’re fine. Back at the clubhouse.” “Where you supposedly got this shiner,” I said. “Like I said. It’s business.” I brought his hand up to hold the ice before I slid away from the booth. If he wasn’t going to give me any other answers than that, then I had a job to do. But as I got up from the booth I felt his hand grab my wrist, and instantly I was pulled into his lap. I wrapped my arms around him and his lips crashed into mine. The ice clattered to the floor underneath the booth as my lips swelled against his. His tongue tasted like candy and his warmth was so comforting. I ran my hands through his hair, latching onto his raven locks as he groaned into my mouth. But when I pulled away, I was met with the reality of the situation. His eye was swelling more by the minute and I knew he’d never tell me how he got it. “I got to get back to work,” I said. “Emma, please stay.”

“Listen, I know you can’t or won’t tell me what happened,” I said. “But it still frustrates me. I see you hurting and I want to help, but if you can’t or won’t let me, then there’s nothing I can do but go back to work.” “I don’t want you tangled up in this. None of us do. But I had to see you. To feel you against me.” “And now you have. I have to work, Jacob. I can’t lose my job. Not right now,” I said. Then I got up from his lap, slid from the booth, and went back to work. Jacob sat in that booth all night, ordering beer after beer like it was water. Lindy tended to my mother while we gathered up our tips, but eventually, Jacob got up and left. He seemed to be walking fine, so I wasn’t worried about him driving drunk, but I knew things weren’t okay.

Chapter 24

I felt a mixture of emotions when I woke up the next morning. None of the other brothers had come into the bar, only Jacob and his black eye. I was worried for them and saddened at the fact that they couldn’t trust me. But part of me was excited. Things were about to really get moving with the business and my apartment. I was counting down the days until I had my own place, and once the renovations on the building began, Lindy and I could put in our two-week notice at work. It was so close I could taste it. I wanted to know what was going on with the guys, though. It felt like they only opened up when it came to sex. They were giving me all this money and fucking me into oblivion, but when it came to the important shit, they weren’t letting me in. Sure, the twins told me about their mother, but that was the only insight I had into their lives. It made me feel empty inside. I wanted to know what was happening so I wasn’t in a constant state of worry. Those guys meant something to me, so they had to know I would worry about them. They weren’t stupid. My thoughts warred inside my head. I knew the lifestyle, I loved the lifestyle. I’d dated bikers before and I’d understood the rules of it. Something about these particular bikers was very different though. It wasn’t just a bunch of dumb kids having fun. It was something much more than that. The sex was mind-blowing, and the time I spent with them all outside of the bedroom had substance. I’d trusted them with some pretty intimate details of my life; good, bad, and ugly. Most importantly, I’d shared my dreams with them, and they’d done nothing but me. I guess part of me felt like I’d earned a little more trust than they were giving me. I reached over for my phone to check the time. I still had three hours before I had to be at work, which meant I could lay in bed and wallow in self-pity. I’d given up on my mother. For years, I’d wanted her to be decent. I wanted her to me and not try to crush my dreams. I wanted a mother that I could talk to about boys instead of always wondering if she was going to fuck the guy I was crushing on. But she was never going to change, and I was never going to get her . It was simply time for me to cut my losses, move on, and never look

back. I had a business that was about to get off the ground and men I would need to talk to regarding serious amounts of cash. I had renovations coming up and a new apartment to style. Plus, I had to decide with Lindy about when we were going to start ordering all the new inventory. That was what I could do. I could call Lindy to get my mind off shit. “Hello?” “Morning,” I said. “I’m not even up yet. Can this wait?” Lindy asked. “Now you know how I feel every damn morning you come over. Stretch and listen. I want to talk shop,” I said. “Everything okay?” she asked. “Yeah. You mentioned pink leather the other night. About it being our one highend item, and I like that idea. You got any others?” “Oh, yeah. Tons. I’ve actually been drawing up some designs for clothes.” “What?” I asked. “Yeah. They’re basic things, but I figured giving the manufacturers something to look at would be easier than trying to explain shit. Hold on. I’ll text the pictures to you.” My phone started pinging as picture after picture came through. I put Lindy on speakerphone and scrolled through them, astounded at what I was looking at. Customized lace-up boots and cut-off jeans with rhinestone designs. Ideas for the pink leather items and all sorts of fucking logos and shit for the backs of leather jackets. “Are those fucking leather leggings?” I asked.

“You like them? They’re beyond easy to make. Cheap, but not cheap, if you get what I’m saying. They can come in different colors and sizes, not to mention adorned with different patches and stuff,” Lindy said. “People would eat this shit up. Lindy, I had no idea you could design like this. What the fuck?” “It’s only something I’ve dabbled in,” she said. “Nothing spectacular.” “Lindy, all of this shit is phenomenal. I’m not so sure about the leather trench coat, but these leggings and that pink leather shit? Priceless. And look at these boots! You’ve got them customized down to the fucking rings the laces go through. And what’s this? Fucking leather coats with lace ruffled shit?” “I didn’t know if you’d like that, honestly,” she said. “Lindy. All this stuff is incredible. You’re definitely in charge of the customizing-slash-repair shop. That’s clearly your thing,” I said. “Oh. I meant to tell you. The contractor who's coming by to look at the business portion of the building called me early as fuck this morning.” “Sucks to be you,” I said. “She wants to come by Sunday instead of Tuesday. Something with her kids and doctors or whatever. So, I’m gonna be meeting her there for the walkthrough. Wanna be there for it?” she asked. “Sure. What time?” “It’s not until five. She said the estimate should only take about an hour. Then we can talk budget, plans, and schedules if we decide to hire her. But I’m telling you, she’s the only reputable one in town. All the rest are pretty skeezy,” she said. “Well, we won’t let her know we know that. We’ll stick to the budget and see what her best offer is,” I said. “Good. Now, why the hell did you actually call?”

“I told you, I wanted to talk about the store,” I said. “Might work with others, but not with me. I’ve known you for years, Emma. I know when something’s up. It’s about Jacob’s eye, isn’t it?” “They won’t tell me what’s going on. None of them will. First the shootout we heard about, then the secrecy. Then the black eye last night. They won’t tell me anything, and I’m fucking worried as hell,” I said. “It’s shit with their crew. You know that. And you know men are fortresses when it comes to that life. They want to protect you, but some shit they can’t talk about without risking the safety of their entire network. Come on, Emma. You know how this goes.” “But something, you know?” I asked. “I mean, they’re very open when it comes to sex. And they trust me with their money. Money, Lindy. Two hundred fucking thousand dollars of it. But Jacob can’t tell me where he got his black eye?” “I’m not saying you don’t have a point, but what I’m thinking is why the fuck you’re telling this to me. You need to be telling this to them,” she said. “Because you asked, you nosy bitch,” I said. “Because you needed to talk, you clingy asshole.” “How the hell do I even bring up a conversation like this? And when’s the right time? Things are going well, and I don’t want to ruin it,” I said. “Look, I’m the last person to be taking relationship advice from or whatever, but in the relationships I’ve seen? There’s always going to be shit going down. Buck up, suck it up and be an adult. Voice your concerns and don’t let shit fester. That’s when things get out of control, and you start saying shit you don’t mean.” “Ugh. Fine. See you tonight at work?” I asked. “Don’t like it? Don’t ask. See you tonight.”

Chapter 25

The Saturday shift came and went without a peep from the guys. Mom came into the bar, got shit-faced, and went home with some guy in his car. Her beat-up piece of metal was still in its parking space when I left, so I went home and crashed without a care in the world. I was too exhausted to worry about the guys, and I was too inundated with stuff that had to get done. I had tips overflowing in my coffee can and I had to go put them in the bank. Also, I had the to pay off the rest of the building loan now that the check had cleared in my . And I had to get rest for the appointment Lindy and I had with the contractor on Sunday. But when I woke up to the sound of someone knocking on the front door, I knew my day was about to change. I opened the door in my robe and saw the guys standing there. Jacob’s eye was still bruised but it wasn’t nearly as swollen as it had been. Tyler had a bruise on his jaw, and Adam was limping a little bit as they came into the house. They were holding coffee and doughnuts and had darkened expressions on their faces. I was excited to see them, but the worry was percolating in my stomach again. “Thank you for breakfast,” I said. “It’s the least we could do,” Jacob said. “You guys sit down. You all look like shit,” I said. They all took a seat at the kitchen table, and I doled out the doughnuts. I got everyone mugs, and then I opened the spout on the coffee container, watching the hot liquid pour into the ceramic cups. We all looked like we could use a mug or two of the stuff. But I didn’t even get a chance to sit down before the brothers started in with their questions. “I called you last night,” Adam said. “I was working last night,” I said. “Well, I tried calling that afternoon,” Nick said. “And both Tanner and I tried to call you this morning,” Tyler said.

“Just been busy with work and the stuff with the store,” I said. “Bullshit. Why have you been ignoring our phone calls?” Adam asked. “You’ve got a lot of nerve accusing me of lying when none of you will open up as to why you guys look like you’ve been used as target practice,” I said. They all fell silent and exchanged a round of looks as I sighed. “I feel a little empty right now,” I said. “Then why don’t you sit and talk to us about it?” Nick asked. “Because we won’t open up to her,” Jacob said. My eyes panned over to him as he raised his gaze to me. “Right?” Jacob asked. “Right,” I said. “But I will anyway. If anything, to give you guys a good example of what it looks like.” There was a small round of chuckles that cascaded around the table as I sat down in an empty chair. “I’m fed up with a lot of things, my mother included. I know the reason she’s lashing out is that she’s jealous, but it’s getting under my skin. She never did anything with her life, and she’s jealous that I am. I wish I had a mother that ed me instead of always trying to bash my dreams. Or fuck my men.” They all grinned at me as I took a sip of my coffee. “I think I speak for all of us when I say your mother’s a joke,” Adam said. “I expected something harsher. I’m proud of you, Adam,” I said with a smirk. “Is there anything we can do to fix this?” Tanner asked. “Can you make my mom a decent human being?” I asked. “Because if you can’t, then no. But there is something you can do to alleviate some of the sadness I’m feeling.”

“Name it,” Tyler said. “You guys can start trusting me with more than just your money and your bodies,” I said. “We’ve trusted you with a lot of money,” Adam said. “But money doesn’t mean the same to me as your lives. I can get money. And don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for it. You guys have paid for nearly everything Lindy and I need to get our business off the ground.” “Good. You don’t need to be worrying about debt with a place like that. It’ll take time to turn a profit,” Nick said. “Nick can give you a rundown of all the mistakes he made so you don’t make them,” Adam said. “Asshole,” Nick said. “But you guys get where I’m coming from, right? There’s a shootout and I can’t get in touch with any of you to see if you’re okay. Jacob comes wandering into the bar with a black eye. Tyler looks like he got socked by Bigfoot. You guys have to let me in. I’m worried about you.” “I’m sorry, but the club isn’t any of your business,” Tyler said. “He’s right,” Adam said. “That’s our thing. That’s us. Our family. Our crew.” “Surely this doesn’t surprise you,” Jacob said. “No, it doesn’t surprise me,” I itted. “It just sucks because I wish you trusted me.” “It’s got nothing to do with trust,” Nick said. “Yes, it does. You wouldn’t believe the shit I’ve been privy to over the years at that damn bar. The dirty secrets I’ve come across and the bullshit that’s gone down. You think you guys are protecting me, but you’re not. Keeping me in the dark only disables my ability to help you guys. And I’m a target anyway, with or without you in my life. I’m a bartender at the only bar in Lucas Corner that

doesn’t have a gang affiliation. That’s serious,” I said. “We can’t divulge this kind of information to you,” Tanner said. “Funny. I actually thought you’d be on my side with this,” I said. “You think I’m going to go off and tell all your secrets, but I’m not. I’d never do that. Not to any other club, but especially not to you guys. That shit is sacred and isn’t to be toyed with.” “Then you get why we can’t tell you,” Adam said. “And we don’t think you’re going to blab our shit,” Tyler said. “But we do need to protect you. And we will. No matter what toll that takes on you.” “So, you’d hurt me to keep me from hurt? That doesn’t sound right,” I said. “Emma, look at me.” I raised my eyes to Nick as he reached for my hand. “You have to trust us. We aren’t intentionally keeping anything from you. It’s for your safety. So that you aren’t a target to our enemies.” I knew what I had to do. I knew what I could tolerate, and I knew what I couldn’t. And if the decision I was about to make required me to pay back the money they had given me, then so be it. I could stay on at the bar while Lindy ran the store, and I’d get them their money back. But enough was enough. I couldn’t go through this worry anymore. Especially since it was so distracting. “If you can’t let me in, then this can’t go on,” I said. “You’re being unfair, Emma,” Jacob said. “It is a bunch of bullshit,” Adam said. “Emma, I get why you’re upset, but you’ve been in this lifestyle since you were a kid. I know you know how this shit rolls. It doesn’t matter how much we trust you, we can’t, and won’t, tell you about club business. That’s not how it works,”

Tanner said. “No, you’ll just use my body and toss money at me to assuage your guilt about it,” I snapped, feeling the hurt curl in my belly. I was surprised by how easily that statement slipped from my lips. At that moment, I felt more vulnerable than I ever had, but the reaction I got from three of the brothers broke my heart. Adam, Tanner, and Jacob all got up and left the house. I listened to them as they walked out the door as tears crested the rims of my eyes. “What are you two still doing here?” I asked as I sipped my coffee. Nick and Tyler looked at one another before they both sighed. “We’ll tell you what’s going on,” Nick said. “Kinda wanted to anyway,” Tyler said. “No,” I said. “That’s a decision all you guys need to agree on. It’s all or nothing with me.” “You’ve made that very clear,” Tyler said. “It’s kind of hot that you stuck to your guns,” Nick said. “I’m really not in the mood,” I said. “What if I could put you there?” Tyler asked. I lifted my eyes up from my mug of coffee to meet his. His midnight blue eyes had darkened even further with lust, and I felt a spark set off in my toes. Nick’s eyes scanned my body as Tyler got up from the table, leaving his coffee behind and stalking toward me. My eyes followed him as he stood in front of me, his body stepping in between my legs as he cupped my cheek. “We’ll work on it,” Tyler said. “Don’t shut us out yet.” I nuzzled into his hand, and the air in the room changed on a dime. I heard Nick

get up and pad over to me, taking my coffee mug from my hands. I tilted my lips into Tyler’s hand and pressed a kiss to his palm, and then I felt Nick’s hands come down on my shoulders.

Chapter 26

Tyler swiped his hand over the kitchen table, scattering the remains of breakfast to the floor, before he yanked me from the chair. His hands were all over me, ripping my pajamas off my body. I felt Nick’s hands on my ass, squeezing it as his lips attached to my neck. I felt my body heating with electricity as their skin grazed mine. I slid to my knees as I kissed down Tyler’s body. His muscles jumped for me as my hands raked down his sides. I felt every one of his chiseled muscles pulse underneath my touch as I sank to the floor. His cock was dripping for me, lurching toward my mouth and begging to be between my lips. I wrapped my hands around his thighs and pulled him close to me, allowing his dick to sink into the back of my throat. I felt Tyler’s hands wrap tightly in my hair as Nick perched himself behind me. “Hold on,” Nick said. “I want to taste you.” I heard chairs moving and the table shifting before Nick slid underneath my thighs. His hands traveled up my body, squeezing my breasts as I moaned. Tyler’s cock jumped in my throat, a groan falling from his lips. Then, Nick pulled my pussy down onto his lips. “Oh shit,” I said as spit dripped down my chin. “Holy fuck.” “I love it when you talk with your mouth full,” Tyler said. Tyler’s hand guided my face along his cock as my hips rolled into Nick’s lips. I reached around and sank my nails into Tyler’s tight ass, causing him to thrust forward. I raked my nails down his thighs as Nick sucked my clit between his teeth, causing my legs to grow weak. “I got you,” Nick said. “I got you.” His arms held me up as I braced against Tyler. I could feel myself quickly approaching my end. My eyes rolled back as my throat clamped down around Tyler. I moaned and whimpered around his cock, causing his precum to drip down my throat. I was trembling against them both, riding Nick’s face with no shame as I covered his skin with my juices.

“You taste so fucking good,” Nick said. His vibrations sent me over the edge. His tongue pressed into my clit, riding me through my orgasm as Tyler pulled his cock from my mouth. I moaned into the room, crying out Nick’s name as I shook. Tyler’s hand was holding my hair, pulling my gaze up to his. “You’ll moan my name before this is all over,” Tyler said. “Oh fuck, yes,” I said. Nick slid out from underneath me as Tyler pulled me to my feet. He picked me up in his arms and carried me over to the couch. He sat down on the couch and put me in his lap, his cock throbbing for me as my pussy hovered over it. Then without another word, he shoved me down onto his thick dick as it stretched my walls to their limits. “Holy fuck!” I said. “That’s it,” Tyler said. “Ride that cock.” I bounced up and down as his hands massaged my thighs. They gripped my hips and set a steady pace as my hands latched onto his hair. My knees planted on the couch as Nick grabbed my cheeks, turning my face toward him and meeting his cock head-on. I opened my mouth and took Nick against my tongue as I continued to ride Tyler's throbbing dick. Tyler was pounding into me, lurching my tits closer to his mouth. He wrapped his warm, soft lips around my nipple, pulling it as far into his mouth as he could get. Nick’s long cock curved down my throat, dripping his salty precum as I sucked him off. My body was on fire for them. Goosebumps were ricocheting up and down my back. I could feel their ion and fire for me bleeding through their bodies as we writhed against one another. I slammed down onto Tyler’s lap as Nick cupped my cheeks, fucking my throat faster and faster. Then, Tyler's fingers found my sensitive folds and dipped into them to find my pulsing clit.

“Yes,” I said with a moan. “Tyler. Fuck!” Nick pulled his cock from my throat and stroked himself to my sounds. “Say it again,” Tyler said. “Fuck. Oh shit. I’m gonna come again. It’s coming. I’m coming. Tyler. Tyler. Shit! Don’t stop! Please!” I threw my head back as my walls clamped down around his cock. His fingertips buried into my hips, his mouth dipping to my stomach as I clung to his hair. I felt myself falling as stars burst in my vision. I felt light-headed. Dizzy with the pleasure that was washing over my body. But I knew they weren't done yet. Not by a long shot. Nick slid his arms underneath mine and pulled me from his brother. He settled us on the floor, hovering me over his cock. I slid my trembling pussy down onto his girth as Tyler situated himself behind me, bracing myself for the fullness I was about to receive. Then, the two of them slid in at the same time as I groaned out into the room. The two of them set a relentless pace. Tyler pounded into my ass, causing it to jiggle as he thrust me down on his brother's cock. My hands curled into Nick’s strong chest as my eyes darted along his tattoo. The sprawling, colorful artwork covered the span of his chiseled chest, and I dipped down to press my lips to it. Nick ran his fingers through my hair as my lips fluttered over his skin. Our bodies writhed together as sweat began to drip off the tip of my nose. I settled my head on Nick’s chest as he grabbed my hips and thrust up into me. Tyler was growing against my asshole and Nick pulsed against my walls. I tried to catch my breath as the electric pleasure my body was feeling left me helpless in their arms. “You’re fucking fantastic,” Tyler said with a groan. “So warm and inviting,” Nick said.

The pleasure and the sensations were too much. My body was overloaded and I was ready to burst. I could feel Nick’s hips stuttering as Tyler buried himself deep in my ass. I dug my nails into the carpet as my teeth latched onto Nick’s chest, marking him as my own as my pussy began to clamp down around his cock. “That’s it, baby. Come for us. Milk us dry,” Tyler said. “I feel you. I feel you. Let it go, beautiful. Let it go,” Nick said. “Oh, yes. Nick. Tyler. Shit. It’s too, too good. Oh, fuck.” I could feel them spilling into me as my entire body convulsed for them. My legs shivered, and my arms grew weak. The room was tilting and silver stars collided in my vision. I dropped my forehead onto Nick’s chest, feeling all our juices dripping from the crevices of my body. I lay there and caught my breath as Tyler stayed buried in my ass. “We aren’t letting you go,” Nick said. “We’ll talk to our brothers,” Tyler said. “I don’t want to think about that right now. Right now, I have to get dressed and get over to the warehouse. We have a contractor coming in to give us an estimate and I have to be thinking straight for it,” I said. “Then let’s get you cleaned up,” Tyler said. I felt him slide from my ass before Tyler and Nick both helped me to my feet. “Under one condition,” Nick said. “What’s that?” I asked breathlessly. “Let us take a shower with you,” Tyler said. I stood on my toes and pressed a kiss to his lips as he grinned into my skin. “You didn’t have a choice in that,” I said.

“Good,” they both said.

Chapter 27

“So! How did the appointments go today?” Lindy asked. “Really well, actually. The one I’m going to go with for the loft is ten thousand dollars cheaper than I was expecting. So, we can put that extra toward renovating the business,” I said. “Yeah, that was a lot more than I thought it was going to be,” she said. “I know. Eighty thousand is a steep renovation, but I understand why. The electrical has to be updated throughout the entire place, and the outlets have to be replaced. But, she’s got someone on her team to do the interior finishing as well. So, we won’t be stuck painting walls and shit after shelling out eighty grand.” “Which is nice,” Lindy said. “But it also means we have to solidify what we want the inside to look like.” “That’s fine. We’ve got some time to do that,” I said. “Tell me about the contractor that’s doing the loft. What did he say?” she asked. “It’ll take about fifty grand to do everything, which is fine. I’ve got that money. The electrics are an issue, but the plumbing isn’t. Which doesn’t shock me since the electrics for the business are rough, too. The bulk of the price goes toward having to put in a new door and build an outside access staircase. It’ll have to be enclosed so it’s safe and up to code, so that’s about twenty thousand dollars alone,” I said. “Yikes. Will you have enough money to furnish the place?” she asked. “Oh, yeah. The tips have been great at the bar recently, and there’s no reason why I have to purchase everything new. The mattress and couches need to be new because that’s gross, but the kitchen appliances and the washer and dryer? Nah.” “I’m glad things went well. Did you hire the contractor on the spot?” “I did. We got to talking about how I wanted to keep the space very openconcept, so it saved me on building walls. His team will start at the end of next

week once he hears from the inspector on what exactly has to happen with the place.” “Emma, this thing will be up and running in less than two months on this time schedule,” she said. “I know. It’s exciting, isn’t it?” I asked. Lindy and I were sitting on her couch and daydreaming about how our lives were about to change. We had the schedules set with the contractors; we had plans in motion; we had no debt to speak of for this adventure, and we were in talks with the manufacturers. Lindy and I were sending over some of her designs for the manufacturing plants to test out, just to make sure they could play on our field. I wanted Lindy’s designs to get out there. I wanted her to be able to build something outside of this shop. Her designs were way too good to fall by the wayside. “Did you get all of those designs off to the manufacturing plants?” I asked. “I did. I like your idea of test-driving them all. Giving them a good mix of easy and hard to see who will fit best with us,” Lindy said. “If we can have two that will partner with us for decent prices, that’ll be the best. That way, if something happens to one manufacturer, we aren’t completely shit out of luck,” I said. “What do we want to do about accessories?” “What do you mean?” “Well, we’ve got all the big stuff, but there are smaller accessories, too. Earrings and necklaces. You know, shit women buy and wear to all the biker rallies to make themselves look nice.” “Shit. I hadn’t thought about that,” I said. “Some people in town make their own jewelry. Nice shit, too. Maybe that could be something we could outsource. Take a small profit off whatever they sell in our store?”

“Then we wouldn’t have to worry about tracking down yet another manufacturer. Lindy, you should’ve gone to school for this shit.” “Eh, I hated school. I’m much better at doing things like this.” “You mean pulling shit out of thin air?” I asked. “Exactly.” I could feel the excitement buzzing between us. We were watching television and munching on chips while we talked, but we couldn’t wipe the smiles off our faces. The contractor for the loft told me that once his team got started, it would only take about two weeks to get everything settled and ready for me to move in. Two more weeks and I was out of my bullshit house. “I talked to the guys,” I said. “I was hoping you would. How did it go?” Lindy asked. “Not good. Tyler and Nick were willing to talk to me about what was going on, but that was after Tanner, Adam, and Jacob got up and left.” “Left where?” she asked. “My house. They showed up with coffee and doughnuts. And Jacob wasn’t the only one hurt. Adam was limping pretty badly, and Tyler had a massive bruise on his jaw.” “Shit. They’re really getting roughed up.” “Yeah. In short, they told me that their club business was none of mine,” I said. “I’m not sure why that shocks you,” she said. “I told them I was worried about them. That I gave a damn about them and how they were doing.” “Wait. You told them you had feelings for them?” she asked. “I did. I looked them straight in their faces and told them. I said that if they

couldn’t let me in, then it meant they weren’t serious about me.” “You didn’t,” she said. “I did. You know that ‘none of my business’ shit is just that. Bullshit. There are women all the time who date club seriously and are privy to a lot of the things that happen. I know there are some things I’ll never be able to know, but there are some things I can know. Like why the hell they look like they’ve been used for target practice.” “So, what happened?” she asked. “What did they say when you told them all this?” “I already told you. Three of them got up and left while Tyler and Nick stayed behind,” I said. “You told them you cared for them, and they still left?” she asked. “Yeah. Lindy, it felt like I couldn’t breathe. I felt my heart slide to my toes as I watched them walk out. I’d never felt so vulnerable and exposed in all my fucking life.” “Fuck me, Emma. What the hell have you gotten yourself into?” “I don’t know. I really don’t. And I don’t know if they’re coming back. Nick and Tyler said they would talk to the others, but I haven’t heard from anyone since yesterday morning.” “I’m so sorry, Emma. Come here.” I leaned into my best friend as she wrapped her arms around me. The chips fell to the floor and the television faded into the background. I knew I had so much to be happy about; so much to be thankful for. But even though my soul was on fire with happiness, my heart ached with despair. I missed my boys more than I could stand, and I was pissed that I’d allowed myself to become so vulnerable to them. “I hope they change their minds, Emma. I really do. Because I know how strong you are, and I know you don’t settle. You’ll walk away from them, and it’ll be their loss. And I know how much it’ll hurt you,” Lindy said.

“I hope they will, too. Because I know what I can handle and what I can’t. And this? Seeing them with bruises and limps they won’t explain? I can’t handle that. I don’t think any woman could.” “I know I couldn’t,” she said. “What if they don’t come back, Lindy?” “Then you’ll always have me. We’ll focus on the store, get you moved into your new place, and we’ll show them exactly what they missed out on because they were assholes,” she said. “But they’re not assholes,” I said. “They are if they let a smart, funny, kick-ass chick like you get away,” she countered. I sighed as I closed my eyes and allowed myself to hurt. I let everything wash over me as tears leaked from my eyes. I let the hurt my mother caused me over the years to impact me. I let the betrayal I felt when I saw the brothers walk away trickle through my body. I let the fact that my father never really wanted anything to do with me rush over my mind. I let everything out of my system as Lindy stroked my hair. “It’s okay. I’m right here,” she said. I cried for the position I had willingly put myself in, even as I wondered what the brothers were doing. Even as I wondered if they were all right. As I wondered if they would come back.

Chapter 28

I opened my eyes Tuesday afternoon and sighed. Another day and still no calls from the guys. I was beginning to think they’d made their decision, that Tyler and Nick had talked with them and they had decided to back away. The thought was agonizing, but I knew I didn’t have a choice in the matter. They were going to make whatever decision was best for them, and there was nothing I could do about that. I lay there in bed and thought through everything regarding the business. If it was going to take two weeks for the loft renovations and six to seven weeks for the business renovations, then in less than two months the place would be finished. That meant the painting, the decorating, and everything else that was necessary to open our store. The only thing Lindy and I were responsible for now was getting the interior decorator the pieces we wanted to decorate with, the cash we wanted hooked up, and any clothing racks and shelving we wanted to be set up or mounted. Then, we would be ready to open. I was working with the manufacturers now while Lindy was taking care of the advertising. We were putting up flyers around town that showcased pictures of the place Lindy had sketched. It was amazing, the talent she had been hiding, and I was happy to put it to good use. Lindy was getting things printed off today so we could put them up around town this week. Then all we could do was sit back and wait. I hadn’t spoken to my mother recently, and I was glad. The last thing I wanted to do was witness her antics or deal with her bullshit. I slid out of bed and got myself cleaned up so I could get ready for work, but when I stepped into the shower, it reminded me of the brothers. The shower I had taken with Nick and Tyler had been fantastic. Nick held me close as the two of us swayed underneath the warm water and Tyler had helped me wash my body down. It was their way of helping me recuperate from our ionate and intimate session. I could feel how much they cared for me when I was with them. I could tell I made them happy. I could feel it when they kissed me And while I loved all the attention, it served as a bitter reminder that something bad was going on inside the Road Warriors.

I washed myself down and got out of the shower. I took my time getting ready, hoping my mother would wake up and leave before I had to emerge. I dried my hair and styled it for the night, hoping to get some coffee somewhere before I had to make my way into work. But a knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Coming!” I slipped on my work clothes and rushed down the stairs. My hair was flowing behind me, and the house was silent. My mother wasn’t here, which meant I could take my time getting into work, and the thought made me smile. The less time she spent here, the less time I had to deal with her for the next couple of weeks. I pulled the door open and was shocked to see the brothers standing there. Jacob with his black eye, Adam with his limp, and Tanner with his guilty conscience. I stared at the three of them, my eyes darting around as I took in their haggard forms. Just looking at them was a dark reminder that I felt nowhere near as important to them as they were to me. And the thought made me ache. “Could we talk?” Jacob asked. “I’m actually about to leave for work,” I said. “It’s only five o’clock,” Tanner said. “I’m getting coffee beforehand. We’re out,” I said. “You look nice, baby girl,” Adam said. I cringed at the nickname, cursing myself for buckling when I knew I needed to be strong. Jacob’s voice rumbled in my ears, and Adam’s nickname weakened my knees. Tanner’s dazzling blue eyes held mine as tears crested my eyes, and I looked away before my emotions built any more than they already were. “Emma,” Tanner said.

“I can’t do this right now,” I said. “I have to go.” “We’re sorry,” Jacob said. “For how we acted.” “And for walking out after you insinuated we were just using you. We should have told you how wrong you were,” Tanner said. I shook my head as I bit the inside of my cheek. That was what I wanted. An apology. Something to show me that they knew what they did was wrong. But it wasn’t a permanent fix. Only a temporary band-aid that was ripped off the moment I looked up into Jacob’s eyes. “What you have to understand is that we keep from you what we do to keep you safe,” Adam said. “We have enemies. This lifestyle breeds it.” “Is that what happened? An enemy came after you?” I asked. The brothers looked around at each other but stayed silent. Their walls were going up again. I could see it. They were building them faster than I could plow through them, and I was growing tired. The sex was fun, sure. And the money was nice. But there was something deeper with them. At least on my end, there was. “We need to keep you safe,” Tanner said. “If something ever happened to you, we’d never forgive ourselves.” “No one’s coming after me if you guys don’t care about me,” I said. “You’re an idiot if you think we don’t care.” Jacob’s voice hit me like a ton of bricks. I looked over at him and focused on what I saw beyond the bruising and the swelling. Beyond the yellow-tinted skin of his fading bruise, there was sincerity behind his eyes. A vulnerability I’d never seen in any man that lived this sort of life. I felt my heart skip a beat in my chest as someone reached for my hand. And when I looked down, I saw it was Adam’s hand. Only it was bruised and bloodied and scabbed over.

“Holy fuck,” I said in a whisper. “Adam.” “The money we’ve been giving you was stolen from us,” Adam said. “A rival club decided to raid our shops and took it for their own use. We had to go after it.” “We’ve been hunting them down ever since the shootout,” Tanner said. I lifted my gaze to meet Tanner’s eyes as I swallowed hard. “The same crew that took your money were the ones that shot you guys up?” I asked. “They are,” Jacob said. “They’re ruthless, and the club’s trying to take them down and put them in their place, but it’s taking a while. And everyone’s a target until it’s finished. Even you.” “Why me?” I asked. “Because you’re our weakness, Emma,” Tanner said. “You have been since we laid eyes on you.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I felt a tear cascade down my cheek as Adam released my hand. He brought his fingers up to my skin and wiped my tear away, causing me to nuzzle into his hand. He opened himself up to me, just for a second, and brought my lips to his as he kissed me softly. “This is all I wanted,” I said breathlessly. “All I wanted was for you guys to open up. I’ve never had that before.” “We know,” Jacob said. “Not from my mother, or my father, or any of the fucking assholes I dated before.” “We know, sweetheart,” Tanner said. “And I know that’s only a fraction of what’s going on. But thank you for at least telling me what you just did.”

“It’s the least we could do after everything you do for us,” Adam said. “What do I do for you?” I asked, honestly confused. They gave me endless orgasms and large sums of money. What did I give them? “Are you kidding me?” Adam asked. “You are incredible. You give us you, all of you. You tell us your dreams, and you give a damn .” Adam dropped his hand from my face, and I already missed his touch. I drew in a deep breath as my eyes danced from brother to brother. I felt a bit of relief coursing through my veins. Relief at the idea that they had talked and that they weren’t walking away. I didn’t care if they had only told me a fraction of what was going on. The point was that they opened up to me. They showed me that they were willing to make this a serious thing. And my heart was elated. “Now that that is all cleared up, we have something for you,” Jacob said. I looked over at the eldest brother as he pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. “You gotta be kidding me,” I said. “We got it back from the club. It’s all legal money. There’s nothing for you to worry about or pay back, okay?” Jacob asked. He held the check out for me as my eyes scanned it quickly. Another one hundred thousand dollars. That was it. That was everything we needed. For the loft and the renovations. For the inventory and for starting up. For advertising and the trial runs with the manufacturing plants. The brothers had completely funded my business venture. “You’ve given me three hundred thou—” “We know, baby girl,” Adam said. “But why do you guys want to? I don’t understand,” I said.

“It kills my soul that you don’t understand why we’re doing this,” Tanner said. I whipped my eyes over to him as he reached out for my hand. “We want to see you succeed, Emma. Does that not ? We want you to be happy and chase your dreams.” Tanner asked. I shook my head as more tears streamed down my cheeks. “I don’t understand why anyone would give this kind of money to someone else, no strings attached,” I said. “Then get used to it,” Adam said. “Because you’re going to be taken care of as long as you’re with us.” “This business is not your responsibility,” I said. “But it is your ion,” Jacob said. “And in case you haven’t figured it out yet, Emma, you’re our ion.” I was stunned as I took the check from Jacob’s hand. “I don’t know what to say,” I said breathlessly. “Then don’t say anything. Just take it, cash it, and use it,” Tanner said. I threw my arms around Jacob and planted my lips against his. He wrapped his arms around my back, our tongues dancing together in ecstasy. I pulled away breathless and stepped over to Adam, feeling his hands descend onto my hips. I cupped his cheeks and drew his face toward mine, our lips pressing together fluidly. Tears were streaming down my face as I shook against his body. Then, I stepped over to Tanner and wrapped my arms around his neck. I peppered kisses up his neck until our lips met, feeling his hands massaging my back. I melted into his embrace as my legs grew weak, his body holding me upright and close to his chest. “Do you still have to go to work?” Tanner asked. “Yes,” I said as I pulled back. “I still have to go to work. And I wasn’t lying about the coffee. I’m meeting Lindy so we can go over some things.”

“Well, don’t let us keep you from your business meeting,” Adam said. Tanner helped me steady myself on my feet before the three of them escorted me to my car. I drove right to the bank with the check and deposited it. I didn’t want to carry around something like that all night. Once I got the deposit receipt, I took it and set it right in front of Lindy. “Coffee’s on me today,” I said with a grin. “Let me guess. Things with you and the guys are better now?” she asked. “Not only that, but they let me in a little bit. Apparently, the rival club that shot them up a few weeks ago went around stealing from their shops. The money they’ve been giving me was money they stole back from them,” I said. “Wait, is someone going to come after this money?” she asked. “No. The guys assured me that everything is clean and clear,” I said. “You’re absolutely positive?” she asked. “Yes,” I said. “Okay. Because the last thing we need is getting caught up in whatever bullshit’s going down with their crew.” “I promise you, this money’s good. And with this check, we can fund everything with no debt. All the things we need, the best cash s, all of the stuff we’d need to stock for repairs. We can open everything all at once. We won’t have to wait to open the repair shop later.” “I cannot believe how lucky you got,” Lindy said. “They also said something else.” “What?” “They also told me they cared about me,” I said.

Lindy got up from her chair and wrapped her arms around me. I held her close as I smiled, my cheeks aching from my own happiness. We embraced in the middle of the coffee shop as I giggled like a schoolgirl. I couldn’t the last time I was this happy. “It’s about damn time you found yourself someone good,” Lindy said. “I found more than a ‘someone,’” I said. “We aren’t talking about that. I’m still jealous,” she said. “I still think you should make a at this Crow guy. Who I still haven’t met, by the way,” I said. “Because he hasn’t been in the bar. And now that you know a little bit about what’s going on with them, that makes sense. He’s the damn President of the Road Warriors. He wouldn’t be drinking when there are people in his crew dealing with something like this.” “True,” I said. “But I still want to meet him.” “And I want to serve him alcohol, prop my titties up, and get him to smile. I’m sure once all this shit dies down, he’ll come back in. But for now, you’ll have to imagine what he looks like,” she said. “Describe him to me,” I said. “No, thanks. The last thing I need is to be horny through work. But I have the flyers completed and I want your opinion on them. And I talked to some of the people that make their own jewelry in the area. I have pictures for you to look at.” “You’re on top of this shit, aren’t you?” I asked. “We’re partners in this venture. You’re doing all the backend shit, and I’m doing all the frontend shit. Let me do what I do so you can do what you do.” “Couldn’t have said it better myself. Now, where’s all this stuff I have to look at?”

Chapter 29

“Emma! Wooo! That’s my daughter!” Of course, my mother would fucking show up drunk. “Emma! Shots. All the shots. So. Many. Shots.” I watched as she stumbled up to the bar, knocking into people and shoving them out of the way. “Hey.” “Watch it, bitch.” “What the fuck?” “Get the hell out of my way. I got drinks to order here,” my mother said, slurring her words. “No, you don’t,” I said. “We can’t serve you tonight.” “But I’ve got money. See?” My mother slid a few bucks across the bar before she burped. Her breath was putrid, like she had been drinking for two or three days straight. I didn’t know where the hell she had been, but it had obviously involved copious amounts of alcohol. I hoped to fuck she hadn’t been driving the past few days. “You’re already drunk. We can’t serve you alcohol if you’re already drunk,” I said. “First, I need money. Then, I gotta be sober to drink? That shit doesn’t even make sense,” she said. “It does. Now, let me call you a cab.” “I don’t need no cab. I need a drink!” “You’re not getting one,” I said.

“Whiskey! Whiskey! Whiskey! Whiskey!” By the time she was done, the entire fucking bar was chanting the word. There was a young man who came up and poured his beer into her mouth, and I watched as she chugged it down. I’d had enough of this shit. I’d had enough of my mother coming in here like she owned the damn place. I reached out and grabbed the glass from the young man as beer sloshed all over the front of my mother. “What the fuck, you bitch? That was my beer!” “And you’re pouring it into the mouth of a woman I refused to serve. Get the fuck out,” I said. “You don’t get to kick me out. You’re just a bullshit bartender,” the man said. “With your tits hiked up like you mean something. The only reason you look the way you do is to suck dick or get tips.” “I’d wash that mouth out if I were you.” Adam approached the man from the crowd as Jacob appeared behind him. Jacob grabbed the guy’s coat and pulled him away from my mother, tossing him off to the side. He stumbled into the bouncer who quickly led the guy out the door, but my mother wasn’t done. She had turned her sights on the Grove brothers as they approached the bar, and I knew this was going to get ugly. “All right. You guys done playing hard to get? You want to see where my Emma learned all her tricks?” my mother asked. “You need to go home,” Nick said. “You need to sleep this off.” “Wanna come sleep it off with me, hot stuff?” my mother asked. She stumbled over into Nick who reached out for her, and she planted her lips right on his. “What the fuck?” Tyler asked. “The fuck’s she trying to pull?” I saw Nick push her back to her feet as she stumbled, her back hitting the bar.

“Assault!” my mother exclaimed. “Assault! He pushed me! My back!” I reached out for my mother’s jacket and tugged on it, forcing her head around to look at me. “Get. The fuck. Out,” I said. She spat in my face, and I couldn’t take it any longer. I released her jacket as the brothers tried to peel her off the ground. She had slid to her ass and was trying to say something, but I couldn’t tell what she was murmuring. I grabbed her by the shirt and tossed her drunk ass over to the bouncer, who proceeded to carry her over his shoulder to remove her from the bar. “My daughter’s a slut!” my mother said. “She sucks off the Grove brothers for cash! She’s gonna leave this t for her business! She’s fucking five men at once!” I felt my eyes widen as the brothers stood around me. I could feel their anger radiating from their bodies. I was trembling with embarrassment and frustration as my mother began to heave, vomiting down the back of the bouncer as he walked her outside. “My daughter’s no better than the fucking whore she thinks I am!” “I take it back,” Tyler said. “Our mother’s nowhere near as bad at that.” “Told you,” Tanner said. The entire bar had come to a standstill. Everyone was staring at me as the Grove brothers surrounded me. They were trying to block me from everyone’s eyes as I teetered on my feet, tears rising to my eyes. I was so exhausted and so done with everything. I was tired of working night shifts and sleeping terribly throughout the day. I was tired of chugging coffee to stay awake and slinging drinks to men in disgusting leather coats they didn’t want to take care of. I was tired of associating with my mother, and I was tired of putting Lindy through all my rants and raves and tears. I slowly turned toward the bar to make my way back to work before my boss’s hand came down on my shoulder.

“Go home, Emma. Get some rest.” I turned around to look at Booker as the guys stepped off to the side. Tears were blurring my vision as his hand fell from my shoulder. I shook my head as I looked back to Lindy, fearful that I was about to lose my job. “Booker, what my mother said, I’m sorry.” “I’m not firing you. But it’s obvious you’re exhausted. I’m in the process of hiring another girl, so I’ll call her and tell her that her training starts tonight. Go home. Sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow night.” I nodded through my tears before I felt someone’s hand squeeze mine. “Come on. Let’s go get your stuff,” Jacob said. He led me to the back where I had hung up my coat and purse. He helped me get my coat on as Adam dug my keys out of my bag. I took everything from the brothers before they escorted me to my car, and it took me almost half an hour to convince them that I was okay. That I just needed time and space to breathe. That I was tired and really did need a good night’s rest. “Call one of us when you get home, beautiful,” Tanner said. “If you don’t call within the next hour, we’re coming to look for you,” Adam said. “I understand,” I said. “I’ll be careful.” Then I watched as the five of them receded in my rearview mirror. I wasn’t ready to go home yet because I knew that was where my mother was headed. I looked back at all the things I had piled in my car and figured I could go stay at the loft. It wasn’t ideal, and I didn’t have any furniture, but it was better than going home and having to deal with her drunk ass again. I made my way through town, blindly running stop signs as I got lost in my own mind. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could take working at that bar. As I pulled up to the building, I could feel relief flooding my veins. The loft

wasn’t insulated or anything like that, but Lucas Corner stayed relatively warm, even in early February. I grabbed a couple of bags and unlocked the front door, but when I stepped inside, I froze. The entire place looked like shit. Not just dusty and vacant, but destroyed. Windows were busted, and walls were dented. The little pieces of furniture that had been left behind were shattered to pieces. The stairwell going up to the loft at the back of the building was busted and splintered. I dropped my things to the floor as I ran outside to look at the building. I walked around to the facade that faced the street and crumpled to my knees. Someone had taken red spray paint and written the word ‘Slut’ across the front of the building. This was what my fucking mother had been up to. This was what she was doing before she stumbled into the bar tonight. I could feel my anger bubbling up my throat as I opened my mouth to scream. But as I went to draw in a deep breath, I felt something descend around my neck. It choked off my air supply as I scrambled to get free. Tears streamed down my face as my building slowly began to blur, and as I opened my mouth to scream out for help something came down around it. Then everything quickly faded to darkness.

Chapter 30

I groaned as I sat up, my head pounding with fury. I drew in a deep breath and grimaced at the smell as I sat on the floor. I couldn’t quite clear my head. The last thing I ed was walking into the warehouse with my stuff. But I was no longer at the warehouse. I opened my eyes, but all I saw was darkness. I held up my hand, but I couldn’t even see its outline. Panic flooded my veins as everything started to come back to me. The destruction of my building. The word “slut” written in red on the outside. The arm that came around my neck. Someone had been in the building with me. Oh, fuck me. I had been abducted. Tears rose in my eyes as I held my breath. The last thing I needed was for them to know I was awake. I leaned against a wall that gave underneath my weight, soggy and damp and smelling rotten. I curled my fingertips into the ground, feeling the cold and dirty ceramic crumble underneath my nails. Wherever I was, it was dilapidated and old. There was a small sliver of light coming from underneath the door. I scurried onto my stomach and slid myself around, placing my ear up to the crack under the door. I couldn’t hear much other than the heavy footfalls of whoever the fuck had taken me, so I tried breathing in slowly and silently. Just to see what I could smell. I smelled coffee and Chinese takeout. A hint of ice cream and cigarette smoke. Someone walked by reeking of booze, and it curdled my stomach as I heaved. “What was that?” a voice said. “You think she’s awake?” another one asked. “Someone needs to go check. We can’t do shit until she’s awake.” “Lambert. You go.”

“Why the fuck do I have to do it?” “Quit being a pussy and go see if she’s awake.” I scrambled back into the corner and closed my eyes. I let myself go limp as I tried to swallow back my fear. I took a few deep breaths to calm my shaking nerves, making sure I wasn’t moving any more than I needed to once this asshole pulled open the door. “Fine. I’ll go check,” someone said. I heard heavy footsteps coming closer to the door. This was it. This was my chance to escape. I changed my plan and got up onto my feet, positioning myself to tackle whoever the fuck opened that door. I heard the doorknob turn as the door inched open, but I barreled through it before the guy opened it all the way. “What the fuck?” I came at him with my nails as I clawed at his eyes. I could hear him screaming as his fists tried to connect with my body. I dropped down onto the floor and scrambled down the hallway, dodging the burly men in red leather jackets as I wove my way through the house. Holy fuck, this was the crew the Warriors were feuding with. “Lambert, how the fuck did that little bitch get the drop on you?” I heard a gruff voice say from somewhere behind me. I zigzagged through hallways and down a flight of stairs until a doorway to the outside was in view. I heaved a sigh of relief and reached out for the handle. But once again, someone’s arm wrapped around my neck and cut off my air supply. “All of you are idiots,” the voice said. I tried to gasp for air as the men chasing me fell over one another down the stairs behind me. “Sleep tight,” the voice said.

And once again, that fucking cloth was placed over my nose. I held my breath as long as I could, hoping he would let it slide. My vision started to blur as I struggled to not breathe, and soon I had to inhale. My body took over what I was trying to stop it from doing, and within seconds I collapsed into the arms of the man trying to kill me. This was it. Whatever was going on, I was dead. I dreamed of the guys. I dreamed of their bodies against me as we made love on my bed. I dreamed about having a shower big enough for all of us to enjoy at once. I saw Lindy and I working in the shop, with a line wrapped around the building of people wanting to get in and purchase things. I could see Adam’s playful little grin, and I could feel Jacob’s protective arms around me. I could hear Nick’s soothing voice and see Tanner’s dazzling eyes. I could hear Tyler’s laugh, and I could feel the wind in my hair as I rode down the street with the guys on their bikes. I could hear them murmur how much they loved me as their cocks sank into my body. The pounding sensation at the front of my head pulled me from my dreams. I turned my head to the side and licked my chapped lips. My mouth was dry, and my throat was sore. My neck was throbbing, and my vision was blurry. I tried to move my arms and legs but I couldn’t. Whatever I was sitting on, I was tied to it. They were making sure I couldn’t go anywhere this time. “You’re a fun one to catch,” the voice said. The voice I heard behind me before I ed out. “I’m always up for a little fun,” I said breathlessly. “So, I’ve heard. Rumor has it you’re fucking all the Grove brothers. Is that true? Do you have enough pussy for the five of them?” he asked. “You’ll never know,” I said.

I knew my tough facade was crumbling. My hands were already falling asleep, and I didn’t have the strength to rip the duct tape from my skin. I couldn’t see straight as it was. I could hardly take in the face of the man in front of me. I didn’t recognize him, but I did recognize his leather jacket. There was only one fucking crew who wore those ugly red things. The Devil Hogs. “What do you want?” I asked. “Just what we’re owed,” the man said. “The only thing you’re owed is my fist up your ass,” I said. “So feisty. I can see why the boys like you,” he said. “Don’t you dare talk about them like you know them,” I said. “And protective, too. How sweet. See? I told you guys she was in love with them.” “I’m not in love with anyone.” “Then maybe you are more like your mother than you realize.” “What the fuck do you know about my mother?” I asked. “I know she’s got a tight pussy, and a mole on her left ass cheek she should get checked out. I know her right tit is bigger than her left and that she mewls like a whimpering kitten when I lick her toes just right. She’s a freak in the bed, that mother of yours. But do you want to know what else I know?” I felt bile rising to the top of my throat. Because I knew exactly what he was about to say. “I know she talks a lot when she’s drunk.” “You son of a bitch. Where’s my mother?” I asked. “Don’t worry. Her alcoholic ass is probably at home snoring up a storm. That woman can saw some trees in her sleep, let me tell you.”

There were chuckles around, and I realized that he wasn’t the only one here. I jumped at the sound, and it they laughed, taking pleasure in the pain and fear I was experiencing. I wished the guys were here. If they were here none of this would be happening. Every single one of these assholes would be on the floor, and I would be free. “She’s not a fan of your business dream, your mother,” the man said. “And what is it that my mother calls you when she talks shit about me?” I asked. “You think I’m that stupid?” he asked. “Yes. I do.” A loud crack sounded out in the room as my cheek began to burn. Blood started pooling in my mouth as I spit it out, watching one of my teeth clatter to the floor. I could already feel my cheek swelling as the asshole hovered over my body, watching me as spit and blood trickled down my chin. “You’d do well to learn your place like your mother has,” he said. “If you’ve done anything to my mother, I swear to fuck I’m going to kill you,” I said. “Everyone knows you don’t give a damn about your mother. Your whoring mother who spreads her legs for everyone. She’s got a kink for younger boys, though. And I get why. It was hard for her to take a man’s dick.” I leaned my throbbing head back and looked up at the man hovering over me before I spat in his face. He cocked his hand back and cracked me against my eye, immediately swelling it shut. “She didn’t have to be hit to learn her place, but you’re a little tougher than she is,” he said. “Where’s my mother?” I asked. “Awww. You almost sound like you actually give a shit. How sweet,” the man

said. “What have you done to her?” I asked. “Nothing. She got too drunk to realize I was a bit too old for her, choked on my cock for a few moments, let me fuck her into her mattress, then told me everything I needed to know about her ‘slut daughter.’ That’s how she put it, right? Slut daughter?” “Yep. That’s right,” someone said. “That’s what I heard,” another one said. “Told you, your mother’s a fucking freak,” the man said. It made me sick that these men had been in my house. Had walked past my bedroom. Knew where I fucking lived. It wasn’t my mother that had vandalized my property, it had been them. They used my mother in her drunken state for their nefarious purposes and, even though I couldn’t stand her, I didn’t want her hurt, or worse. “You ready to cooperate?” the man asked. “Cooperate in what?” I asked. “We’re going to make a fun little phone call to someone I’m sure you want to talk to. And you’re going to tell him exactly what we tell you to.” There was some shuffling around before a dial tone started ringing out into the room. I sighed as my head hung over my lap. I felt myself getting nauseous. I was going to vomit right here in my lap. But soon the ringing stopped, and someone picked up the phone, and tears flooded my eyes when I heard the voice on the other end. “Emma? Holy shit. Where the fuck are you?” “Jacob?” I asked. “Jacob! Jacob, help me!” Someone’s palm connected with my cheek and I whimpered out in pain.

“Emma! What the fuck’s going on? Where are you?” Jacob asked. “Repeat after me,” a voice said in my ear. I nodded to let him know I’d heard him as my cheek began to swell. “We want what we are owed,” I said as the man whispered in my ear. “What?” Jacob said. “Emma, what are you talking about?” “We know it was you who took the money from our clubhouse,” I said. The phone call fell silent and I heard a click on the other end of the line. “You don’t get to come into our home and take our money without consequences,” I said. “What do you want?” Adam asked. I whimpered as I heard his voice echo over the phone call. “We want what’s owed to us. The three hundred thousand dollars?” I asked. I felt my blood run cold as the man prompting me gripped my neck tightly. “You stole that money from us. From our personal shops. Shops that aren’t tied to our club. You come and shoot us up, steal our money, and get pissed when we take it back? We don’t owe you shit,” Tyler said. I whimpered as the man whispered his last statement into my ear for me to repeat. “If you want Emma alive, then you’ll give it back,” I said. I heard murmuring on the other end of the line as the guy released my neck. Tears streamed down my face as I tried to keep my eyes open. Blood was still trickling down my chin as I turned my head around, trying to get my bearings. Trying to see where I was through my swollen eye. Anything to latch onto that I could scream out over the phone.

But then, my eyes settled out the window. There was a water tower in the distance. Holy shit, that was the Lucas Corner water tower. I was in the south corner of the woods that surrounded our town. “The south corner of the woods!” I said. “I can see the black and yellow water tower!” I felt something connect with my temple and the world went black. I was thrust back into a dream world where nothing existed but the guys and me. We were all lying in my loft above the store as they ran their fingers through my hair and massaged my body. We were all looking up at the stars through a massive skylight I had above the bed in my bedroom. I was telling them how much I loved every one of them, and I was smiling as they told me they loved me in return.

Chapter 31

I felt myself being lifted as my head fell to the side. My ankles were throbbing, and my wrists were burning, and something was cracking against the skin of my face. I felt like I was levitating, floating into the clouds as the world ed me by. I could barely open my eyes to see what was going on around me. Was I alive? I felt myself being rolled into something firm as the grip on my body tightened. I struggled against the confines, trying to free my legs. I pressed my burning hands into the solid wall as I groaned and struggled to break free. But then a pair of lips graced the outside of my ear. “It’s okay. We’ve got you. You’re safe.” Holy shit, was that Jacob? I stopped pressing against the solid wall and curled my body into it. I brought my knees up as my body began to move, gliding through the air as sounds began to hit my ears. There was groaning and gurgling. Sputtering and cursing. I gripped the material against my hands as tightly as I could, my eyes screwed shut so I didn’t have to take in the carnage that I knew was around me. “Who’s she riding with?” Adam asked. I felt a rumble next to my cheek as I smiled. Adam was the one carrying me. The brothers were here, and I was safe. “I brought her car,” Tyler said. “Put her in it, and we can get her back to our place.” I felt myself being settled onto a seat. It was leaned back, allowing me to stretch out. I could smell the brothers’ cologne wafting around my head as I smiled, my eyes trying to open. “Don’t move any more than you have to,” Adam said. “Just sit tight.” “Should we get a doctor?” Tanner asked.

“Got that covered,” Nick said. I felt the car crank up as someone began to drive. Relief flooded my veins and caused tears to spring to my stinging eyes. The pain in my body was great—but not as great as the hope I felt welling in my chest. The brothers were driving me away from this nightmare. Away from the men that took me in the middle of a place I thought was supposed to be my solace. The movement of the car lulled me back to sleep, and I dreamed of my store again. The decorations on the wall and Lindy’s designs peppered the rooms. I thought about the repair shop and how we would be inundated with leather that needed work done to it. I thought about the reputation we could garner in the streets for being open to every crew, playing off the idea of non-affiliation to bring in more business. I thought about parties we could throw in the sprawling backyard of the building and music we could play. The food we could cater in, and bike shows we could sponsor. I saw my life unfolding in front of my eyes as the brothers drove me wherever they were taking me. And it wasn’t until my back hit something cool and soft that I woke up. “It’s okay. It’s us,” Tanner said. “Where am I?” I asked. “Our place,” Tyler said. “I mean, Tanner and mine.” “What? Who the fuck—” “Let’s get you looked at by a doctor first. Then we’ll explain,” Tyler said. “She’s right through here,” Adam said. I felt the bed dip beside me as a pair of hands descended onto my torso. I reacted instantly. I lifted my hand and captured the wrist of whoever was touching me, ready to fight for my life. My entire body went on high alert as I tried to open my eyes. I grimaced at the pain that ricocheted through my face, throbbing in my head and causing me to feel nauseous. “Ma’am, I’m Doctor Kingston. I’m only here to figure out if you need to go to

the hospital.” Her voice was soft and comforting, and I released her wrist so she could check me out. Her hands slowly pulled up my shirt, her cool touch descending to my ribs. I flinched at her touch, but there was nothing that hurt. She inspected my wrists and ankles gently, asking me to wiggle things for her as I choked down my pain. Then she moved to my face, pressing into bruises as tears welled in my eyes. “The good news is that nothing seems to be broken or fractured. She’s pretty bruised up, and she’s irritated on her wrists and ankles, but that’s it. The swelling and the bruises will fade with time. Tylenol will help her with her pain, and I have something that’ll help with her ankles and her wrists.” “Thanks, Doc,” Jacob said. “Sweetie, I’m going to rub some soothing salve on your skin and bandage up your ankles and wrists so they don’t get infected. It’ll be very cold, but it should numb up your skin so you won’t be in so much pain.” “Thanks, Doctor,” I said. I laid there as she bandaged me up, trying not to flinch. She wasn’t joking when she said it would be cold. But it did numb my irritated skin and brought me a massive amount of relief. Relief I was ready to feel after what I had endured. “Here’s the salve and the gauze. Change the dressing every morning and night. If anything looks like it’s getting infected, give me a call,” the doctor said. “Got it,” Nick said. I felt all the guys sit down on the bed as I sighed. “What the hell happened?” I asked. “Hold on,” Jacob said.

We waited in silence until the front door shut, then they listened for the doctor’s car. I heard it crank up before she backed out of the driveway, then a voice spoke up at the far corner of the room. “She’s gone,” Adam said. “Go ahead.” “The Devil Hogs found out about you,” Jacob said. “They knew they could get to us through you, so they coordinated an attack,” Tyler said. “Yeah. The one who did all the talking slept with my mother, got her to talk while she was drunk, and came after me at my store,” I said. “How do you know that?” Adam asked. “He was a pompous ass and told me,” I said. The guys grew silent as tension permeated the room. I knew what they were thinking. The fact that the man told me about his plans meant he hadn’t been planning on letting me live. No matter what the brothers would’ve given him, his plan all along was to kill me. “I’m alive because of you guys. I know,” I said. “Thank you.” “This was why we didn’t want to tell you anything,” Tanner said. “This was what we meant by ‘trying to keep you safe.’” “I know,” I said. “They would’ve killed you,” Adam said. “I got it.” “It was only because of what you told us that we were able to find you. They weren’t at any of their usual places. They had you in an abandoned house,” Tyler said. The room went silent again as tears stung in the back of my eyes. I felt like a fool. Like a child they were chastising. I knew exactly the type of trouble I’d

gotten into. I knew those assholes meant business. I didn’t need to be reminded of it now that I was out of it. “I owe you guys my life,” I said. “You owe us nothing,” Nick said. “Just shut up, okay? Look, I got myself into a lot of trouble. I get that. Can we put it to rest? Please?” I felt involuntary tears streaming down my cheeks as one of the brothers wiped them away. I could feel their fear, and I could hear their anger vibrating against the walls. I knew Adam was ready to kill someone. I knew Nick was sick to death at the predicament I’d found myself in. I could hear it in every single one of their voices, and I was bracing for the worst. I was bracing for them to leave me for my own good. “It was a big ass mess,” Jacob said. “Now’s not the time,” Adam said. “If we’re going to cultivate a relationship with her, she needs to know. Everything. Fucking hell, Adam. She was taken because she didn’t know who to perceive as a damn threat because of us,” Jacob said. “Fine,” Adam said. “But give it to her straight.” “Give what to me straight?” I asked. “What’s going on?” Tanner piped up. “I think we’re all ready to talk.” “Then I’m all ears,” I said. “The Devil Hogs have been at our throats for a while. Our shops are fairly new to the area, and they accused us of trying to steal their business. They stole money from our shops as revenge for us settling here, so we stole it back, but that wasn’t what caused the shootout,” Jacob said. “What did?” I asked.

“When we stole the money back, it took them four days to figure it out. The president of the Hogs got pissed off that it took them so long to figure it out, so they tried to burn down our clubhouse,” Adam said. “So, the stealing happened before the shootout?” I asked. “Yep. We caught a couple of their guys trying to burn down the place, and we sent them a message. That you couldn’t fuck with us without paying a price,” Adam said. “I’m not going to ask what that message was,” I said. “It’s better if you don’t,” Nick said. “In recompense for our message, there was a brawl. That’s where Jacob got the black eye,” Adam said. “And you got your limp. And Tyler got punched,” I said. “Yes. We thought everything was done with them until there was another breakin at one of our shops,” Tanner said. “But it was a diversion,” Adam said. “While we were tending to the break-in at Jacob’s shop, the core group of the Devil Hogs were taking you.” “You were right,” I said. “About what?” Nick asked. “Sounds like a big ass mess,” I said. “Where do you guys stand now?” “We’re on high-alert. Everyone in our club is. But we hope the message we sent them tonight puts all this shit to bed,” Adam said. “And again. Not going to ask,” I said. “And again, best if you don’t,” Nick said. “I should’ve known about all of this beforehand, you know,” I said. “I should’ve known about all of this bullshit before I was taken.”

“We know,” Tyler said. “I was in danger, and you guys knew that. And you didn’t fill me in,” I said. “We know,” Jacob said. “I could’ve watched out for myself. Taken precautions to protect myself. Fuck, if they wanted to take me down for some reason, that would’ve made Lindy a target. It made my mother one!” “We know,” Tanner said in a whisper. It was the shake in his voice that silenced mine. That desperate plea someone tries to cover up when they can’t contain their emotions any longer. I felt my jaw quivering as more tears spilled down my cheeks. “Here’s how this goes going forward,” I said, as someone wiped my tears. “We’re all ears,” Nick said. “You will tell me everything. And if that’s not on the table, then we’re done. You can take me to Lindy’s and get out. But if we’re going to do this, then I need to know what the hell’s going on with you guys,” I said. “Sounds fair enough,” Adam said. “If there’s a threat, I need to know about it. If something’s happening with the crew, I need to know about it. I can keep myself safe, but not from shadows I don’t know are lurking,” I said. “Okay,” Tyler said. “Should we start now?” Jacob asked. “Fuck yes, you should start now,” I said. “Then I’ll start with this,” Jacob said. I felt a pair of lips lovingly connect with mine. “I love you,” Jacob said.

“What?” I asked. Then, another pair of lips descended onto my neck. “I love you,” Adam said. I felt my entire body trembling with anticipation as another pair of lips descended to my ear. “I love you,” Nick said. Then another pair fell upon my chest. “I love you,” Tyler said. A pair of hands slowly made their way up my thighs, caressing me as warmth filled my body. I was rooted to the bed as fingertips slowly undid the button of my jeans. I felt my shoes being taken off as my pants slid from my body, my breathing becoming shallow as I took in all the sensations. My heart was thrumming in my chest, and my skin was on fire. I could feel the phantom sensations of their lips tingling along my skin. A pair of lips connected with the inside of my thigh as hands pressed against my knees. “I love you, Emma,” Tanner said. I felt a light inside of me spring forth as Tanner’s lips continued to kiss up the inside of my thighs. “I love you all, too,” I said. “I love you guys so much. And I thought I wasn’t going to get a chance to tell you. I knew the moment I ed out in that chair that—” “Ssshhh,” Adam said in my ear. “It’s okay, baby girl.” “I love you,” I said breathlessly. I turned my head to capture Adam’s lips as Tanner’s teeth nipped at my thigh. “I don’t know if I have the energy to—”

I felt my head being turned before another pair of lips connected with mine. “Let us show you how much we love you,” Jacob said. I felt Jacob’s arms hold me upright as someone slid my shirt off my body. My bra was unhooked and it fell from my breasts, causing them to swing against my naked skin. I was lowered back to the bed as Jacob kissed down my neck, then I felt a pair of lips wrap around my nipple.

Chapter 32

Tanner’s lips kissed my pussy as one of the brothers cupped my tits. I opened my one good eye enough to see Nick perched between them, his lips sucking my nipples. Tanner’s tongue swirled around my clit, pressing deep into my pussy as I groaned in pleasure. Nick’s teeth were marking my breasts, sucking red welts upon my skin as my hands curled into the sheets. “Shit,” I said. “Don’t stop.” Tanner spread my legs wider, allowing my juices to drip down my crack. I heard jeans and leather jackets dropping to the floor as the guys got naked. I reached my hands out, trying to feel for someone as Nick straddled my chest. He pressed my tits together around his cock as two other dicks descended into my palms. I held my tongue out for Nick’s cockhead as he fucked my tits. Tanner’s tongue was raking against my clit as his fingers slid within me. I moaned out into the room as fire surged through my veins. The throbbing pain in my body quickly turned to pleasure as I rolled my hips to Tanner’s lips. “So soft,” Nick said. “So warm.” “You taste like home,” Tanner said with a murmur. The vibrations of his voice caused my back to arch. His fingers crooked against my sweet spot, spilling juices onto his face as my walls fluttered around his hand. Arousal pooled against his tongue as I closed my eyes, allowing the pleasure to wash over my body. And as my mouth opened to moan Tanner’s name, someone’s cock slid down my throat. “Be careful,” Adam said with a grunt. “Her cheek’s bruised.” “I got it,” Nick said breathlessly. “Oh shit, your tongue. Emma. Fuck.” Tanner pulled away from my pussy before he rubbed his cock in my juices. He was slicking himself with my arousal, readying himself to sink into me. But I felt someone lifting my back as Tanner moved from between my legs, then the rest

of the brothers pulled away. “Guys?” I asked. “Just be patient,” Tyler said. “Hold on.” I felt someone lying down on the bed before I was rolled on top of them. My back was pressed against a strong set of muscles as hands roamed up and down my skin. It was intoxicating, not knowing who was where at any moment. I shivered with delight as I felt a cock pressing against my asshole. “You comfortable, gorgeous?” Tanner asked. Tanner was the one underneath me. Beautiful, intoxicating, romantic Tanner. “I am,” I said, panting. “I’m perfect.” “Yes, you are,” Nick said as he perched himself between my legs. I could feel his cock pressing against my entrance, teasing me as I rolled into him. Tanner’s hands held onto my hips, holding my body tightly against his. Someone knelt in front of me and poised their dripping cock at my mouth as I opened my eyes. I was met with Adam’s grin as his ocean blue eyes darkened with lust. I felt two throbbing cocks press against the palms of my hands. My body shook with anticipation as I drew in a deep breath. Tanner’s hands caressed my skin one last time, his hands gripping the slight excess of my stomach before he kissed my ear. “You ready?” Tanner asked. “I was born ready,” I said. All at once, the brothers pressed into me. My hands wrapped around Tyler and Jacob as Adam pushed to the back of my throat. Tanner sank his cock into my asshole as my pussy devoured Nick’s dick, and together they all set an identical pace. My body was overloaded with pleasure. I had cocks in every orifice of my body, filling me to the brim with every stroke they took. Groans of pleasure falling

from their lips echoed off the corners of my mind, pulling goosebumps upon my skin. Electricity tingled my toes and shot up my thighs as Nick’s body grazed against my clit. I could taste Adam’s precum dripping down my throat as my entire body began to quiver. “Oh, she’s close,” Nick said. “I can feel it.” “Me, too. Fuck, this ass. I love this ass,” Tanner said. “Even her hands are perfect,” Jacob said. “Shit.” “You got that right,” Tyler said. “I’ve got the best part,” Adam said. “I’ve got that feisty little mouth of hers.” I swallowed Adam’s cock all the way down my throat and held him there as he groaned. His legs shook as his body fell over, catching himself on the headboard. He bit down on his lower lip, his hips rutting into my face as he took shallow thrusts. Tanner pounded my ass as Nick buried himself in my pussy, and my grips around Jacob and Tyler tightened as I approached my end. My eyes rolled to the back of my head as my body let go, falling over the edge of that cliff as I took the brothers with me. “Oh, shit. Yes. Fuck, Emma.” “I’m coming. I’m coming.” “I love you, Emma.” “I’m so glad you’re okay.” “Holy fuck, yes.” Their slurs and curses filled the room as we all came together. Adam poured down my throat and Nick filled my pussy, while Tyler’s release shot into my ass. I felt them throbbing against me. I arched my back away from Tanner as my entire body contracted, shaking with the electric pleasure that nearly blinded me. Nick continued to fuck me, stroking against my clit as it prolonged my pleasure. One orgasm turned into two, and soon all the brothers were buried into my body

as I came for the third time. I stopped breathing as the pleasure became too great, and it wasn’t until I collapsed back onto Tanner that I gasped for air. Tanner held me close to him as the rest of the brothers pulled away from me. Tanner’s hands were massaging my thighs as he slowly slid me back to the bed. Wet washcloths descended onto my skin as the brothers tried to clean me up, and I laid there trembling from the aftershocks of the love we had made. “How are you feeling?” Adam asked. I felt him brush away some hair from my forehead before he planted a kiss on my skin. “Never better,” I said with a grin. “How are you guys?” “Relieved,” Tanner said. “Glad you’re safe,” Jacob said. “Horny as fuck,” Tyler said. “You would be,” I said. “There’s something else we want to talk with you about,” Jacob said. “Could I at least get some cuddling first?” I asked. I heard zippers being zipped before the bed descended in all directions. Hands came down on me as the brothers pulled me closer, trying to each have a part of me as they settled into bed. I was encomed by their warmth as their hands meandered up and down my body, trying their best to comfort me through the pain coursing back into my ts. “Okay. I’m ready to talk,” I said. “We know you’re wanting to make your new home above your business,” Nick said. “But we were wondering if you would consider something else.” “Ah. I was wondering when you were going to want to start making decisions,” I

said. “Nope. We just have a suggestion,” Adam said. “All right. Spit it out. What do you envision for the place?” I asked. “We thought you could split that loft area into two and make it yours and Lindy’s offices,” Tyler said. “Or you could do it up nice and rent it out for parties or some shit,” Tanner said. “Those are all fine ideas, but then where would I be living? The whole point was to get away from my mother,” I said. “You’d live with us,” Jacob said. I turned my head toward his voice as I painfully forced my eyes open. “Excuse me?” I asked. “There’s this house not too far from the building you bought. Five miles, to be exact. It’s a large house. Kind of rundown. It’ll need some work, but nothing major,” Nick said. “It has lots of rooms and a massive kitchen. Plenty of space in the living room and even a couple of jet tubs,” Jacob said. “So, what are you saying?” I asked. “You want me to move in there? You guys can’t buy me a fucking house.” “Nope. We’re not buying you a house,” Adam said. “We’re buying all of us a house.” “What?” I asked. “Emma,” Nick said. “We’re asking you to move in with us.” “To live with us in the house,” Jacob said. “We’d all move in?” I said. “Together?”

“Yep,” Tyler said. “All of us,” Tanner said. “We’d each have our own room, so we all would have our own space. Our own businesses and lives and shit. But then we’d come home to each other,” Adam said. “We’d come home to you.” “You guys are serious,” I said. “We are,” Tyler said. “I mean, I would have to call the contractor. I’ve already hired someone to do the renovations on the loft. Things would have to completely change if we do this.” “You leave that to us, baby girl,” Adam said. “All we need is an answer.” I smiled as I wrapped my arm around Adam’s neck and crashed his lips down onto mine. “Yes,” I said. “I will move in with you guys.”

Chapter 33

After ing the contractor and completely switching plans on him, the next phone call I made was to Lindy. She came rushing over that night and kicked Tanner out of his room. Then, the two of us had a serious conversation. I told her that I was ready to put my two-week notice in with the bar, especially since I wasn’t in any condition to work anyway. Lindy said she was still training the new girl and didn’t feel like she could leave the bar yet, so I told her she was free to put her notice in whenever she felt comfortable. Lindy came to visit me whenever she could for the first week of my recuperation. Then, once I was stable on my feet, my boss let me sling drinks the last week I was scheduled to work. Apparently, people wanted to come in and see me. I told Lindy about what the guys proposed. About how they wanted us all to move in together. The first decision we had to make was what to do with the space above the business, and I wanted Lindy’s input. “I’ve given it some thought,” Lindy said. “Finally. It’s only been a week. The contractor’s getting anxious,” I said. “I think we should do the two offices. We’re going to need a space like that. Plus, if we make it a place that we rent out, then we’re responsible for the shit and damage crews cause with their wild-ass parties,” she said. “That’s very true. I didn’t think about that,” I said. “Give me the number to the contractor, and I’ll call him to tell him the plans.” “Lindy, I can do it.” “You have enough on your plate. You’re still going back and forth with manufacturers and you’re recuperating. Plus, you’ve already started to move into that house. Give me his number and let me do this,” she said. “We haven’t even talked about designs,” I said. “It’s a damn office space. Put up a wall with a door, and we’ll figure the rest of the shit out.”

“Sounds good to me. His number’s in my phone.” Lindy took a break to go get his number, and I continued to sling drinks. It was odd that so many people were coming in to see how I was. Word had gotten around about what happened to me, and everyone kept trying to buy me free drinks. I took their money and poured myself virgin drinks, throwing them back with the crowd as they cheered me on. But soon, a familiar face was pushing up toward the bar. “Emma.” “Mother.” Her eyes examined my face before she sat down on a stool. “How are you feeling?” she asked. “Better than I was,” I said. The two of us looked at one another as the brothers trained their eyes on me. “Okay, I’ll start,” I said. “Emma, look—” “See? This is what I’m talking about,” I said. “Even in a simple conversation, we’re in competition with one another. You had, what, fifteen seconds to interject? And you don’t speak up until I do?” My mother’s eyes hardened as I sighed. “I’m not willing to do this with you anymore. This is my last week at the bar before I get on with my life, and I want to say a few things.” “All right,” my mother said. “Then say them.” “First off, I owe you an apology.” “What?” she asked.

“You heard me. When I first saw the vandalism done to the site of my future business, I thought it was you. In fact, I knew it was you. I was dead set on the fact that you had finally stooped to that level. And I didn’t think twice about it.” “But it was that crew,” she said. “The Hog somethings.” “The Devil Hogs,” I said. “I could kill ‘em.” “Me, too,” I said. “What?” she asked. “I said ‘me, too.’” I watched a grin come across my mother’s face as I began to giggle. The two of us tried to stifle our laughter as we sat there, staring at one another. Lindy was eyeing me strangely, and all the brothers were poised to intervene, and I shook my head as my mother’s giggle died down. “That’s the first time we’ve ever agreed on anything,” she said. “The enemy of my enemy,” I said. “I’d like to not be your enemy,” my mother said. “Then you have to stop competing with me, Mom. You have to stop trying to one-up me. You have to stop all these antics. You have a drinking problem. You’re trying to hit on men that are clearly interested in me to piss me off. It’s exhausting.” “I’m sorry,” she said. “The Grove brothers are off limits,” I said. “They’re spoken for. All of them.” My mother’s eyes connected with mine before a smirk ticked her cheek. “Deal,” she said. “There’s no deal. Just a statement of fact. They are no longer on the market,” I

said. “I’m staying away from them. Got it,” she said. “Good,” I said. “You thirsty?” “You accuse me of having a drinking problem, then you offer me a drink?” she asked. “I’m not perfect. You want the drink or not?” I asked. “Sure,” she said. “Gimme a shot.” My mother slid a ten-dollar bill across the table as I poured her a double. “What’s the occasion?” my mother asked. “To new adventures,” I said. “The rumors true?” she asked. “Depends on what you’re hearing,” I said. “You really moving in with all of them?” My mother nodded toward the brothers’ booth as my eyes followed her nod. I smiled at all of them as a strange man walked over to their table. He was tall and thick, with broad shoulders and hefty arms that bulged against his navy leather jacket. His blonde hair was shaved into something akin to a mohawk, and there were tattoos on his knuckles. His jaw was set in determination as Jacob made room for him. I wondered who the guy was. “I am,” I said. “I finish moving in this week.” “Well, I’ll miss you,” my mother said. “You mean you’ll miss the bills I pay,” I said. “No.” I panned my gaze back over to my mother as she finished off her double shot of

whiskey and slid from the stool. “I’ll miss you,” she said. I nodded my head as I drew in a deep breath. I wasn’t ready to patch things up with my mother. Not yet. There was so much that had occurred over the years. So much hurt and misplaced blame. But this was a start, and I was thankful for it. For the first time, my mother was walking out of the bar sober, on her own two feet, and without a man on her arm. “You okay?” Lindy asked. “Better than I’ve been in a long time,” I said. “What was that about?” she asked. “I think that was my mother trying to fix things.” “I guess there’s a first for everything,” she said breathlessly, watching my mother leave. Then she turned to me. “You ready to meet Crow?” “Wait, what? He’s here?” I asked. “Yeah. He sat down with your boys at their booth.” I whipped my head over as the guy with the mohawk looked right up at me. He had brooding brown eyes and an angry look to him. He was massive. A slab of fucking granite. He locked eyes with me before he shifted his gaze to Lindy, and I watched as his cheek ticked with a smile. “Looks like you’re being summoned,” I said. “Help me carry the beers to their table?” Lindy asked. “Don’t mind if I do.” We cracked open some beers for all the guys and carried them over. We divvied up the beers as the guys laughed at some joke, but Crow’s eyes were hooked on Lindy. She was leaning into him as his hand rested on her hip. Crow was mumbling something to her before Lindy’s cheeks blushed.

“I don’t think you’ve met Crow yet,” Tyler said. “Crow, this is Emma,” Jacob said. “Crow’s the president.” “So, I’ve heard,” I said. “I also see you have an eye for my best friend.” “Emma,” Lindy said. “All I’m saying is she’s been through enough shit. You fuck with her, you get me,” I said. Crow’s eyes looked me up and down before he drew a deep breath in through his nose. Nick wrapped his arm around me, settling it into the dip of my waist. I gazed into the man’s eyes until he finally relented, nodding his head as his hand slid from Lindy’s body. “And we don’t want that,” Crow said. “Damn straight, you don’t,” Tanner said. “So, which of you snagged the girl?” Crow asked. My eyes darted around to all the guys before Nick pulled me down into a kiss. One by one, I leaned over to each of them and pressed my lips to theirs. Cheeks were cupped and caresses were made. Adam grabbed onto my hips and Tanner cupped my ass. Jacob took his time, running his tongue along the roof of my mouth as I shivered in his grasp. And when I pulled back, Crow’s eyes were wide. “Damn. You all got her?” he asked. We all laughed as Lindy scooted closer to Crow. “Things go okay with your mom?” Jacob asked. “We saw her walk up,” Adam said. “I’m sure you did,” I said, grinning. “Things are fine. She walked out sober. I don’t think she’ll be causing a ruckus tonight.”

“That woman’s your mother?” Crow asked. “She’s a legend around here.” “Don’t even get me started,” I said. “How are the beers, boys?” Lindy asked. The guys all raised their beers in salute to her as she smiled. “Well, I need to get back to work. Just because it’s my last week doesn’t mean I get to slack off,” I said. “If you need to rest, then sit down,” Tyler said. “You guys. I’m fine. The bruises at this point are only topical,” I said. “I got her back in case she gets shitty,” Lindy said. “Thanks, Linds,” Nick said. “Anytime, guys. The only thing I ask is that I get to come over whenever I want to hang out at this new house,” she said. “You’re welcome anytime,” Jacob said. Lindy and I headed back to the bar and continued to sling drinks all night. We walked away with over six hundred dollars in tips each. So many people came in to make sure I was okay, and none of them were wearing red leather jackets. I guess the message the boys sent worked after all.

Chapter 34

All my things were moved into the new house as the renovations took place at the business. Carpet was being laid, windows were being replaced, and the entire facade of the building was being redone. Instead of trying to scrub off all that paint, it was going to be cheaper to lay shit over it. So that was what Lindy and I were going to do. We had one team renovating the now-office space above while the other team worked on the business below, and Lindy and I watched as everything started to come together. The renovations had been going on for a couple of weeks now, and the office spaces were almost completed. “We could probably start furnishing them at the end of the week,” Lindy said. “What do you want to put in them?” I asked. “Don’t know. Never had an office before,” she said. “You put in your two-week notice at work yet?” I asked. “Did it before the weekend hit. By the end of the month, I’ll be all yours.” “How are the ments for the place coming?” “I got us a Facebook page set up, and it already has four hundred likes. There’s a Twitter , too. So, we can keep people updated on specials and parties and shit. The flyers around town are up, and there are signs in other people’s windows. And the jewelry makers are talking to their personal customers about our stores since we’re showcasing their shit.” “Perfect,” I said. “Four hundred likes already? I know that’s not a lot, but it seems like it.” “My goal is one thousand by the end of the month.” “How the hell are you going to do that?” I asked. “There are towns that border Lucas Corner. I’m going to ride in with Crow to put up some fliers.” “With Crow, huh?” I asked.

“Can it, Emma.” “Just saying. He’s right up your alley and hasn’t turned into a shithead yet. Two weeks is a new record, don’t you think?” “You’re an asshole,” she said. “And you’re stuck with me.” “How are things with the manufacturers going?” “Really well. I approved the final designs, and they’re being shipped to me now. Well, the house. The guys’ and my house.” “How are things going there? At the house with all the guys?” “We’ve had to postpone a few things, actually. None of us have truly moved in yet,” I said. “Why not? It’s been three weeks since you started.” “Some things needed to be repaired before we could all move in. The house is old. There was lead paint on the walls, and the insulation needed to be changed out. Mold and shit, you know?” “Yikes.” “I know. But all that stuff was wrapped up yesterday and the inspector’s coming through again today. If all goes well, I’ll be spending my first night there tonight,” I said. “Let me know how it goes?” “Always. So, what the hell are we sticking in these offices?” I asked. “I mean, the stereotypical shit, I guess. Desks. Computers with our software on them. A mini-fridge with drinks and shit. Staplers. Hole punchers. Rubber bands. Pencils and shit.” “Sounds like a teacher’s desk.”

“Better than behind the bar,” she said. “Don’t I know it. Don’t get me wrong, I liked working there. But it will be nice to run normal hours.” “I don’t know. I’m kind of a night owl,” Lindy said. “That’s why we will each have a set of keys. You can work in your office whenever you want, and I can work in mine whenever I want,” I said. “Sounds good to me. When do you want to order the furniture for the offices?” “We could get lunch tomorrow, and I could bring my laptop.” “Since when do you have a laptop?” she asked. “Since a couple of days ago. It was my first charge on our company credit card.” “We have a company credit card?” she asked. “We do now. I ordered one for you once I got it set up. Keep an eye on your mail. It’ll be getting to you sometime around Wednesday.” “What’s the limit?” she asked. “Only two thousand right now. Nothing we couldn’t easily pay back over the course of a couple of months. I figured we could request increases as we got our income stream coming in. It’s under the business name and everything.” “Wait, you chose a business name?” she asked. “Filed the paperwork and all that shit. I’ve been busy these past couple of weeks.” “Sounds like it. What name did you go with?” “Open Road.” I watched a smile spread across my best friend’s face before she threw her arms around me.

“It’s perfect,” Lindy said. “I’m so excited.” “Me, too. Now, do you mind staying here with the construction crews? I need to go check on the house,” I said. “You go have fun. Let me know how things turn out.” I got into my car and started for the house. I wasn’t sure what kind of disaster flick I was going to be walking into, but I hoped for the best. But as I pulled up to the house, it looked pretty normal. No caution tape or “do not enter” signs were posted, and all five of the guys’ bikes were parked in the driveway. And there were lights on in the house. I got out of the car and headed up toward the porch. I turned the doorknob to see if the front door was open and was hit with a glorious smell. Steaming broccoli and sizzling steaks. Butter and garlic and cheese wafted through the air. I could smell potatoes and sour cream, and I heard bacon sizzling on the stove. It smelled like I had walked into a restaurant. “Guys?” I asked. “In the kitchen,” Nick said. I walked around the corner and came face-to-face with my five beautiful men. They were slaving over the stove and chopping stuff up on the kitchen counter. There was a gorgeous kitchen table set for six, with wine glasses that were full of red wine. Vases and vases of red and pink roses sat on every surface of the room and acted as a centerpiece to the dining table. “What’s all this?” I asked. “Don’t you know what day it is?” Jacob asked. I looked at him, confused for a second, before it dawned on me. “Happy Valentine’s day Emma,” Tanner said, leaning down to kiss me on the

cheek. In all the business and commotion of the past few weeks, the date went unnoticed. But not by my boys. “You hungry?” Adam asked. “For the stuff I smell? Yes, I am,” I said. They all set the table, placing the food in the middle before they all sat down. “I take it the house has been given the green light?” I asked. “It was. The inspector left this morning,” Tanner said. “Which means these are yours,” Jacob said. He slid a pair of keys across the table to me. “Good. I’m glad I can start unpacking,” I said. “There’s something we want to talk about as well,” Nick said. “There always is with you guys. What’s up?” I asked. “The comment Lindy made at the bar a couple of weeks ago. About coming over whenever she wanted? Well, the house has six rooms. Which means one of us would have to give up a room if she wanted to come stay,” Tyler said. “Or anyone, for that matter,” Adam said. “I could always give up my room. That’s not a problem,” I said. “Or, we could take the room you were going to move into and turn it into a guest bedroom,” Jacob said. “Then where would I sleep?” I asked. I watched all of the brothers grin as the pieces quickly fell into place. “Ah, I see. This is you guys wanting me all to yourselves for a night.

Respectively, of course,” I said. “We could set up a schedule. You know, an order of sorts,” Nick said. “A rotation schedule for who I would be sleeping with,” I said. “Yep,” Adam said. “Well, when you put it like that,” Tanner said. “I’m giving you guys a hard time. I actually kind of like the idea. A schedule would help make sure jealousy doesn’t crop up with you guys,” I said. “We figured we could go in order of age,” Jacob said. “Which would put you first,” I said, grinning. “Yep. Me, then Adam, then Tanner, Tyler, and Nick,” Jacob said. “The only time I’ve ever hated being born second,” Adam said. I giggled as I reached over and took Tyler’s hand in mine. “You could still put all your clothes in the guest bedroom if you wanted,” Tanner said. “And it would be there in case you needed some space,” Nick said. “But having a schedule like this would diminish one brother hogging you all to himself,” Jacob said. “I think it sounds like a great plan,” I said. “So, you’re okay with that, baby girl?” Adam asked. “I’m fine with it. When does the schedule start?” I asked. “Tonight,” Jacob said. His eyes connected heavily with mine as the rest of the brothers started to dig into their food.

“Okay, you two. Simmer down until dinner’s over,” Nick said. “Yeah. Let’s keep it PG. We’re eating here,” Adam said. A blush crept over my cheeks as a smile crossed Jacob’s face. As I sat there and ate my first meal in my new home, everything felt perfect. I was living with five men with whom I’d fallen desperately in love. I had a blossoming business with my best friend, and I was finally done with my mother. Things were on the mend with my body. I was free from the confines of the bar, and I was hurtling toward a life I could be proud of. The kitchen table was filled with talk about the crew and the construction work being done on the business. I talked them through potential timelines and plans and how Lindy’s advertising was working. The six of us even talked about future plans, like parties we could throw and trips I could go on with the crew to rallies they attended. I leaned back in my kitchen chair as I raised my wine glass into the air. “I would like to propose a toast,” I said. The brothers all looked around at one another before they raised their wine glasses. “To men who choke down wine because they know I like it. I couldn’t have asked for a better family,” I said. “Does this mean we can do beer next time?” Adam asked. “It most certainly does,” I said. “Told you,” Tanner said, grinning. “Here, here!” Jacob said as we all clinked our glasses. My smile was so wide that my cheeks ached as I sipped on my red wine. I watched Tyler get up and grab beers from the fridge, handing them out to his brothers. They chugged them down, trying to wash the taste of wine out of their mouth. I giggled at them as they all sighed, leaning back in their own chairs as dinner settled in our stomachs.

Finally, after years of struggling to find my place, I was home.

Epilogue

Six Months Later

“Emma! Another order up!” I looked up at Lindy as she slid a piece of paper across the desk. “What’s this one?” I asked. “Another one of those pink leather jackets,” Lindy said. “I can feel your grin. You can stop now,” I said. “I told you those things would be a hit.” The shop had been up and running for six months now, and we were making a killing. Each month we had pulled a profit, and each month we saw a thirty percent increase in the money we brought in. Word spread quickly about many of our services, and once the ladies started wearing the pink leather, we had hordes of women at our door. Some wanted pink leather coats with tassels, and some wanted them with studs. Other women wanted pink leather accents on the jackets they already owned, and some wanted custom-made pink leather items. We quickly became known for two things: the caliber of our leather repair and our fucking pink leather. It was so popular, in fact, that several biker magazines had featured our shop. From our fully customizable lace-up boots to the repair shop that fixed everything from leather to lace. That exposure prompted us to expand our hours. We started out working a simple nine to five, but those hours were no longer enough once the magazines came along. By the time we were in our fourth month, we had to extend our hours to nine at night, making our days twelve-hour days to serve all our customers. But Lindy and I were making a killing, and we couldn’t have been happier. My mother had become a regular customer in our shop. She loved all the handmade jewelry items and the lacy numbers we sold. She had toned down her look some, especially when we introduced the leather leggings. Thankfully, she traded her cut-off daisy dukes for the customizable leather leggings, and she got rid of her crop tops and went with our brightly-colored corset tank tops. She custom-ordered several jackets and was addicted to the heels we stocked in the

shop. Even though she was still flaunting her body, she was doing it in a way that was more tasteful. Which was something I never thought I would see. “Looks like someone’s got a visitor,” I said. “What? Huh?” Lindy asked. “He just walked through the door,” I said. “Who did?” I watched as Crow waved to try and get Lindy’s attention. Lindy still tried to play off her relationship with Crow, but I knew better. She hated it when I teased her about it, but that was my right as a best friend. She got to tease me for hopping on five dicks, and I got to tease her about dating an older man. The two of them had settled into a comfortable routine. He could drop by the store on Fridays to pick her up and the two of them would spend their weekends together. She played dumb every time he came in, but I knew better. I knew what they were doing, and it made me happy for my friend. In the length of time I’d known her, men in her life never lasted a month. So, to see her with the same guy for over six months made me a happy camper. “She workin’ you to the bone?” Crow asked. “Always,” I said, grinning. “Give me another hour, and I’ll be off,” Lindy said. “No, ma’am. You’re off now,” I said. “But it’s not even eight o’clock yet,” she said. “Go, you idiot. Have fun. Just make sure she’s back in here by Monday morning, Crow.” “Always,” he said. “You ready, Linds?”

“I’m ready, big daddy.” I suppressed a giggle as the two of them strolled out of the store. I stayed at the shop until it was closing time, then I packed up and went on home. I knew I was walking into a candlelit meal. I could see the lights twinkling from the window. It was a tradition the guys had started. At the end of every week, they would cook me a meal, light candles, and the six of us would settle down our week with good food and great conversation. But this time rose petals were lining my path from the porch to the kitchen table. “Who blew up the florist?” I asked. I looked up, my eyes darting around to each of the brothers, my jaw parting in shock. They were all standing there in dark wash jeans and various button-down shirts. Their hair was slick and their faces were clean-shaven. Their blue eyes were twinkling and their shoes were shining. I had never seen these guys dressed up before, and heat permeated my neck as I took them all in. “What’s all this about?” I asked. “Aren’t women supposed to know this kind of thing?” Tyler asked. “Shut up,” Adam said. “It’s our six-month anniversary,” Jacob said. I giggled as Nick pulled out my chair for me. “Sit down,” he said. “Take a load off.” “You guys don’t have to do this,” I said. “Oh, but we do,” Tanner said. “Who wants to start?” “I will,” Adam said. “Start what?” I asked. I watched as Adam pulled up a chair before he turned me toward him. His hands

squeezed my knees before they traveled up my thighs. I could feel my pelvis churning for him, his twinkling eyes flickering with the light of the candle flame on the table. “We have something for you,” he said. “Okay,” I said. “What is it?” He pulled out a square box from his pocket and opened it up. Inside was a beautiful white gold charm bracelet, complete with a single charm on it. It was a silver and pink charm with the words ‘baby girl’ written on it, and I giggled as he wrapped it around my wrist. “These past six months with you have been amazing,” Adam said. “And I couldn’t imagine spending it with anyone else. The nights I get with you? Perfect. The times I get to see you smile? Wonderful. And watching you succeed with your business, baby girl? That’s priceless to me.” I leaned over and pressed my lips to his before Jacob took his place. He pulled out a little box and opened it up, revealing a charm that made me smile. It was a black and white charm of a salt and pepper shaker, and I giggled as he attached it to my bracelet. “You know I love your hair,” I said. “And I love you. Emma, these past few months with you have been incredible. And I’m so lucky to have you in my life.” I pulled him in for a kiss before Nick sat down in front of me. He opened his little box and the charm inside was perfect. It was a miniature Phoenix, the sprawling bird tattoo he had covering his chest. I loved that thing. I licked the outline of it every time it came into my vision as we tumbled around in bed. He hooked it to my bracelet, and I pulled him in for a kiss before he could even say anything. “I know it’s only been six months, but I hope it morphs into six decades,” Nick said. Then, it was Tanner’s turn. He sat down in front of me and took my hand in his, opting to speak before he showed me anything. His eyes were twinkling with

delight as his forehead leaned into mine, and I giggled as he nuzzled my nose. “I don’t know what I would do without you,” he said. “And I hope I never have to find out.” He opened his charm box and showed me what he’d purchased. It was a little Corona beer charm, complete with a lime in the bottle. It was the beer he always gravitated toward. The beer he always prepared himself after a long day at the shop. I pulled his lips to mine and kissed him sweetly as he chuckled into my touch. “You like it?” he asked. “I love it,” I said. “Okay, okay. Now it’s my turn,” Tyler said. “So impatient,” I said. “When it comes to you? Always,” Tyler said. He opened his charm box and I cocked my head. The charm was a rose. Just a simple red rose. He pulled it out and hooked it onto my wrist, but I had no idea why in the world he would’ve thought I associated red roses with him. And then? A grin crossed his cheeks. “I was the one who blew up the florist,” Tyler said. I threw my head back in laughter before I cupped his cheeks and pulled his lips toward mine. He pushed me back into the chair, his hands planting on either side of me. My lips swelled underneath his ministrations as my hands flew to his hair. His kisses left me breathless every time he graced me with one, and this time was no different. But this time, none of the brothers interjected to get us to stop. “I love you,” Tyler said into my lips.

“I love you, too,” I said in a whisper. Tyler stood back as the rest of the brothers sat at the table. My heart was filled with so much love, and my head was swirling from the surprise. I turned myself toward the table as the guys began to grab for their food, but I had something I wanted to say. “Guys?” I asked. “What is it?” Adam asked. “Are you okay?” Jacob asked. “I told you those damn petals were too much,” Tanner said. “No, no, no. The petals were wonderful. Thank you, Tyler,” I said. “Told you,” Tyler said. “I want to thank you. For everything. For trusting me and loving me and opening up to me. I know that part wasn’t easy, especially after what happened with the Devil Hogs. But the trust that’s grown between all of us, it’s strong. It’s what binds us together. I know you guys will always be there for me, and now you know I’ll be there for all of you. I love you. Every single one of you. And I want to thank you for choosing me to love,” I said. “So long as you’ll have us, we’ll always be here,” Nick said. “I know,” I said. “But now, I have something I want to ask you guys.” “What’s up, baby girl?” Adam asked. “I was wondering if all of us could sleep in the same bed tonight.” Grins crossed each of their faces as a fire sparked deep within my gut. “I’m sure something can be arranged,” Jacob said. “Under one condition,” Tanner said. “And what condition would that be?” I asked.

Then, I felt Tanner’s hand creeping up the inside of my thigh before he fluttered his fingers over my pussy. “Why don’t you give us a little show?” Tanner asked. His fingertips slid behind the cloth of my panties as my legs spread for him. I closed my eyes and sighed, leaning back to give him more access. I could feel their eyes on me as I rolled into Tanner’s fingers, riding his hand underneath the table as the boys ate. I could hear them groaning and cheering me on, encouraging me to come as Tanner worked my pussy perfectly. My lips parted as I approached my end, and the words flew effortlessly from my lips. “I love you. All of you. Forever. And ever. And ever.” Then I came at the dinner table, unraveling for them as my body shook. I finally found the life I wanted, and I sighed as Adam’s lips kissed my ear. “This food can wait,” he said as he pulled out my chair. “Funny,” I said. “I was thinking the same thing.” The End If you like this book, check out these others from Rye Hart BURLY MOUNTAIN MEN Damaged Goods | Stone Heart | Cabin Fever | Rugged Daddy| Mountain Man’s Second Chance | Saving Mel | Teach Me Daddy ROCK HARD HOTTIES Rock Hard Daddy | Rock Hard SEAL | Rock Hard Neighbor | Rock Hard Baby Daddy | Rock Hard Boss | Rock Hard Fake Groom | Rock Hard Prince Charming

STEAMY REVERSE HAREMS Sin City Baby | 5 Bikers for Valentines | 6 Mountain Brothers for Christmas | Her Best Men | Christmas With the McCormick Brothers BILLIONAIRE BAD BOYS Single Dad’s Spring Break | Hustler | 69th Street Bad Boys | Filthy Daddy HOT SINGLE DADDIES Cuff Me Daddy | Accidental Daddy | Naughty but Nice | Going Deep SEXY SECOND CHANCES One More Time | Bad Seed | Family Night | Forbidden Touch | Hot Bastard Next Door | Heart on Fire | Luca’s Return | Top Dog | The Longest Rodeo ALL ABOUT THE BABIES Baby Contract | Baby Wanted | Dom’s Secret Baby STRICTLY TABOO Two Weeks of Sin | Taboo Lovers | Step Daddy Desires | The Better Brother | My Hot Stepbrother

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Mr. sexy and enigmatic is seeking a nanny. I'm the lucky lady. But he's rude, impatient, and totally barbaric. And it's getting hard to ignore the rumors. Suspicions for why he moved into my small town.... People tell me he's damaged goods. Flawed or not, I wouldn't mind accepting his package. I just hope whatever he's running from is locked away for good. Note: This is a single dad and nanny romance with sexually explicit scenes suitable for mature audiences only. It is the first part of a duo. Head over to my site and grab your copy before it’s gone. https://ryehartbooks.com/collections/best-sellers/products/damaged-goods-ryehart Want to stay up to date? Request to my private Facebook group for steamy sneak peeks and freebies of what's to come!