Striker (Black Rebel Riders' MC Book 4) (6 page)

7

Striker

I am sweating bullets as I wait for Baby to show up for inventory this morning. Will she bring our son? Is she ready to submit and let me be in their lives? Fuck, I hope so. I made sure to get coffee and those powdered mini donuts she loves, and I even grabbed some baby stuff for Colt. I called Rumor last night and asked her what he likes to eat. I don’t want to fuck this up. The side door to the garage slams shut. Colt is crying and Baby is cursing under her breath, something about losing his favorite pacifier. I can’t believe she actually brought him. I was prepared to beg. Good to see I don’t have to.

She looks up at me and her frown turns into a smile,
score one
. Her hands are full, she is packing a black diaper bag with skulls on it, Colt is on her hip, and she is trying to push her cell phone into her purse.

Colt has his fingers wrapped in her red hair, he doesn’t want to let go. I tickle his armpit and he chuckles, letting loose the strands he was holding hostage. I take the diaper bag from her and trade her the coffee for Colt. “Let me take him.”

Baby watches me with him nervously, sipping her mocha bliss. “Has he ate yet, I bought some of that peach cereal stuff Rumor said he likes.” She looks shocked that I am being so attentive.
Score two
.

She mulls over her coffee. “No, he hasn’t.” 

“I got that donut sh- stuff, you like.” I catch myself trying to watch my mouth around the little guy squirming in my arms. “Can we go up to my place, and do breakfast together?”

“Actually, that’d be great, I could use a shower truthfully, it was a long night, Colt and I didn’t stay home and I am running behind this morning. Could I use your shower, I feel gross from yesterday?”

I want to press and ask why they weren’t home, but it isn’t my business, I’m just glad this is going well. “Yeah, I can feed little man, while you do your thing. You can use mine, but you can go home too if ya want. I think we could manage on our own for a little while.”  I offer knowing, as much as I want her in my shower, I don’t know if I can focus all my attention on Colt with her naked wet body being one room away.

“Maybe another time, let’s see how you two fair through feeding time.”

I shrug my shoulders and grab her stuff on my way out the door and up the stairs to my place.  Colt keeps trying to yank my glasses from my face. He is successful just as I reach the top stair. Baby comes up right behind me, crushing them under her heel. I can’t be mad though, it’s an accident.

“Oh my goodness, I am so sorry,” she is covering her mouth partly in shock and partly trying not to laugh. Colt’s little lips are curled up in a menacing smile. Little hellcat like his mama.

“No big deal I have some contacts.” I prefer my glasses but looks like if I am going to be spending time with this guy, my contacts might not be such a bad idea.

We make our way inside and Baby takes Colt back from me, so I can go get my contacts in. I come back from the bathroom and they look picture fuckin’ perfect seated on my couch. Colt is laying on a blanket on the cushion next to Baby, gnawing on a teething ring.

Baby looks right at home kicked back drinking her coffee and munching on the donuts I got her. “What are you so smiley about?” She is looking at me like I have three heads.

“Just like what I see is all.”  I go over to Colt and take him in my arms, “Come on let daddy get you fed.” It feels so damn good to address my son as my own.

“Maybe you can hold off with the dad stuff until we sit down and talk about all this.” Baby states cautiously, eyeing me nervously.

“Go take your shower. We can talk after.” She nods leaving me alone with my boy. Baby can’t keep me away from him anymore. I’ll take whatever pain and punishment Grim inflicts on me, this is my family and I’m taking it back.

Colt is sitting in my lap in the kitchen, he loves when I make the sound of an engine roaring every time I feed him a bite of his cereal. Feeling a set of eyes trained on me, I turn to see Baby, leaned against the kitchen counter, wearing them jeans with the ripped knees, and a V-neck plain grey shirt, hinting at her breasts underneath. Her red hair is pulled back away from her face; she looks at peace and good enough to eat.

“I think he likes you,” she smiles warmly at me and it feels wonderful to be finally getting back on friendly terms again. I know we fucked yesterday, but that’s entirely different.

“Think we could start having breakfast together, as a family?” I ask wanting any reason to spend time with them. All she can say is no.

Coming over to the table, Baby grabs the burp cloth from my shoulder and wipes at Colt’s face. “How about we can try it out a few days a week, and if things continue to go well we can, slowly increase your time with Colt. I know I have been a bitch. You hurt me, but it isn’t an excuse to keep you from your son. I don’t want you to feel obligated to be with me, because of Colt. So if you want to see him, we can work something out. ” Doesn’t she realize I want them both.

Colt makes a soured face and spits part of his breakfast back up onto my shirt. The smell…sweet mother of fucking hell that shit stinks. Fuck, what do they put in this baby shit, death? Baby is laughing at my predicament.

“Let me.” She takes Colt from my lap and I stand to remove my shirt before I puke right here. She is rocking Colt in her arms swaying side to side, and his little tired eyes eventually flutter a few times before he is out.  I pull my phone out and snap a picture of them.

“You can put him in my bed, the sheets are clean.” I tell her knowing she was probably thinking it. After that whore left and I drowned my sorrows, I stripped my bed of her trying to wipe away the mistake of inviting her here to begin with. Stupid dick, making dumbass choices.

‘That’d be great.” She pulls the comforter back, laying him in the center of my bed, placing a pillow on either side of him to keep him from rolling off.

Walking to my closet, I pull out a clean shirt. I tense at the touch of Baby tracing her fingers over my tattoo that covers most of my back. Does she know I got it for her I wonder?  Her fingers leave a trail of fire dancing across my back.

“I’ve wanted to do that for some time, ever since I first laid eyes on it,” she whispers against my neck. I don’t know if it is because she doesn’t want to wake our son, or she didn’t mean to say it aloud. Her warm breath makes me shiver all the way to my motherfuckin’ toes. “It’s beautiful.” She states.

I turn around, shirt in hand facing her lust filled eyes. “Want to go with me to do something later today?” I want her with me when I add Colt’s name to the tree. I want to add Baby’s but I am not sure she is ready for that yet. But I’d do it in a heartbeat. 

“What time, I have something I am supposed to do.”

I want to ask whom or what has her evenings occupied but I am trying to be mature about this. “Whenever we finish up today.”  I lean in closer ready to devour her plump lips.

“If we get finished early enough. Fuck, did you fix my computer yet, I need to access the reports.”

“I have one of the potentials trying to recover the shit, Grant is a tech whiz.” Kid is smart, that is why I am trying to get Grim to patch him in and let me have him at the garage, he’d be a huge asset. We could do so much more on the customs with him onboard.

She chews on her lip. She has no clue what it does to me when I see her nibble on that delicate bottom lip of hers. “Well there isn’t much we can do then until he fixes it. How about we let Colt finish his nap then we can go do whatever it is you want.” She shrugs her shoulders indifferently.

“And in the meantime…” I snake my arm around her waist and pull her in close letting her feel what she does to me. She has me rock-hard roaring and ready to go. I push her up against the wall by the closet and kiss her deeply.  Her tongue mingles with mine; slowly they introduce themselves like long lost friends being reacquainted. My cock strains against my jeans. I have to readjust my junk. Shit gets uncomfortable. She shakes her head and laughs.

“It’s not funny.” I lean back in claiming her mouth once more.

This nice side of Baby is making me fall even harder for her than I already had. Seeing her here in my place with our son is the most amazing feeling. I want to barricade the door and tell her she is never leaving but I know that would only push her away.   Damn, I sound just as
PUSSY WHIPPED
as Rebel. Motherfucker has been all hearts and flowers since Rumor agreed to marry his dumbass.

Baby steadies her hand over my heart, looking at me with that fire in those honey whiskey eyes. “We need to talk. Not that I don’t want you in that way.” She rubs her hand down my chest stopping short of my zipper. “Damn, Striker you make me feel so many things but we need to take this slow. We have to do this right for him.” Her eyes travel over to our sleeping angel. His little hands are curled up in tiny fist. He is perfect.

I know she is right, but I cannot help wanting to feel her body pressed to mine as I make sweet love to her.

Baby

I double check on Colt before going to sit on the couch with Striker, I hope I am doing the right thing, it feels right but I just don’t know… I stayed up most of the night reading my mother’s diary, she did horrible things, but as a mother, I can understand why, even if I don’t agree with them. I don’t want to make her mistakes, but I have to make sure that I follow my heart without hurting Colt.

“Let me have it, I can tell by your fidgeting you’ve got shit to say.” Striker pulls me onto the couch, wrapping me in a bear hug. I try to shrug him off; if he isn’t going to take this seriously then there is no point. “Stop pushing me away, I just want to fucking hold you in my arms before you change your mind and walk away from me without looking back.” Is he just as scared as I am?

“You planning on fucking more skanky bitches snatch, tell me now.” I am still not thrilled about him having that dirty cunt here, and thinking of Colt sleeping in the bed where he has fucked many other whores is pissing me off.

“I have no excuse I can just promise that it won’t happen again.” He turns my chin towards him, but I don’t want to look at him, if I do I’ll give in too easily. “Want me to burn that motherfucking mattress, I will, I’ll rip down every goddmaned wall in here and make it new for you, for him. I want this to work, I fucking need you.”

Before I can stop myself, my lips are smashing up against his, claiming his promise. So help me if he fucks this up.

When he kisses me, I swear I feel as though the rest of the world disappears. Nothing else matters when I am in his arms and that terrifies me. He continues to nip down my throat. He shows me how easily he gets lost in me too. We are making out on the couch like teenagers. Just when things start to get good Colt wakes from his nap, leaving us both sexually frustrated.

I reluctantly get up and go soothe my boy; he needs his diaper changed too. Striker is watching us wearing a proud smile on his face. I can see the pride in his eyes when he looks at Colt; damn I have been so wrong to him. I owe them both for robbing them of so much time together. But I am going to make up for it.

Striker takes him from my arms and scratches his beard against Colt’s little tummy making him cry out in a fit of giggles. Seeing them together makes me feel so guilty, I hope Striker can forgive me for how I have treated him. Colt is trying to grab onto Striker’s nose. They look so happy with each other. I go into the living room to gather up our stuff and pick up the mess we made, allowing them a moment together.

8

Romeo

I have been texting Baby all morning, after her and Colt left this morning, Grim called me. Said he needs me to travel back to Tennessee to meet with Gary about this moonshine business. The timing couldn’t be worse. I can’t take the kids with me, and if Baby can’t take the week off to stay at my place, shits gonna’ be fucked. I could call my sister Shelley but she isn’t on my top list of go to people. We haven’t had the best relationship. She thinks I am biker trash.

I don’t have to leave until after Rebel and Rumor get hitched, but fuck. I guess it is time I tell Grim LL left me; maybe Sunshine could help Baby with the kids so I can handle business. I wanted to wait until I found out whom the cocksucker is that was selling LL dope first though.

Pulling up behind the Roadhouse with the kids in my truck, I see Baby coming down the stairs of the garage, with Striker carrying Colt. Good for them. I grip the steering wheel; he better not hurt her again. My cell phone rings, “Speak,” I wait for Five-O to fill me in, though I wasn’t expecting to hear back so quickly.

“Got a hit on the car, it was spotted at a motel near Devil’s Pike about an hour ago.”

“Thanks man.” I end the call and take the kids into the Roadhouse, maybe Rumor can watch the kids today, I hate to interrupt Baby after she had to stay the night last night and looks like her and Striker have plans.

Rumor is just getting ready to head home so she is happy to take the kids for a few hours. Thank fuck, I sure as hell don’t want to call Shelley but I will if I have to.

Striker

“Do you want to ride with Colt and me, or do you want me to follow you?” Baby asks as she gets Colt buckled into the car. I shake my head; no way is my kid going to ride around in a hot pink mustang all the time.

“You can follow me, gotta’ run by my mom’s real quick. Besides, I’m not riding in that pussy wagon.” I clown her.

“Don’t hate.” She hoots sliding into the driver’s seat.

I really don’t have to stop at my mom’s place, I am hoping she can keep Colt while I take Baby with me to get my ink done.

Glancing in my side mirror, I love seeing Baby following behind me. When we get to mom’s she has company, Cowboy is in town. He is actually a really good dude. He treats her right, keeps her happy. Hope we aren’t interrupting, maybe we should have called first. He doesn’t get a lot of time off to spend with her, he drives a truck cross country for a retail company. I wouldn’t have come if I knew he would be here, I hate intruding on them.

After parking my bike, I open Baby’s door for her and then proceed to getting Colt out for her. He smiles so big at me, I hope Baby doesn’t freak out but I am telling Foxie today that this is her first grandbaby, he may be the only unless Baby and I have more, since Rumor found out that she more than likely will never have a kid of her own.

When we get to the door, Cowboy is opening it to greet us. “Your mom is in the bathroom, come on in.” He drawls full of southern hospitality. Yeah, we interrupted something, I laugh to myself. Baby goes into the kitchen to fix Colt some juice in his sippy cup. I take a seat on the couch after laying Colt down on a quilt in the floor so he can crawl and roll around.

Mom comes in. “Well what a nice surprise, you aren’t here with Colt on your own are you?” She eyes me questioningly.  Her hair is messy, eww I know she has sex but knowing you walked in on it basically is gross.

“Of course not,” Baby laughs hugging her from behind. 

“Not that I’m not happy to see all of you, but what are you doing here?” Mom hugs her back.

“I was hoping you could keep Colt for a few hours, I want to take Baby somewhere with me.” I tell her hoping she says yes.

“Well Cowboy promised me dinner, if you’ll be back in time for that then I think, I’d be happy to keep my grandson.”  She winks at me.

Baby’s eyes bug out of her head as she takes a seat by me on the couch. I wrap her hand in mine and bring it to my lips kissing it tenderly, so she knows I support her decision in this moment.

“Foxie, I,” Baby starts but my mom cuts her off.

“I raised you both, did you think this would get past me.  So you together or not?” I shrug my shoulders. “Thomas Black, you had better do right by them. Don’t be a foolish son of a bitch like your daddy was.” She zeroes in on me with a pointed stare.

“I’m trying ma. Let’s talk about this later yeah?”  Fuck, I don’t want to get into this with her right now, Baby is apprehensive as it is. Bringing up my father and his asshole ways isn’t doing me any favors. I swear mom loves Baby more than she loves anyone.

“Suit yourselves.” She picks Colt up from the floor and takes the sippy cup from Baby. “Go on leave us be.” Mom is in a mood, one that you don’t question her, you just do as she pleases. Baby and I both go out the door quickly.

“Did you tell her?” She raises her brow at me accusingly.

“Fuck, Baby he looks just like me, of course she figured it out on her own. Can we just get on the road and enjoy some time together and not worry about everyone else?”

She concedes, “Yeah, I suppose you are right. But Grim is going to kill you.” I have been waiting for it; I am surprised he hasn’t yet.  I know he sees the way I chase after Baby, I don’t try to hide the fact that I love her.

“Let me worry about that when the time comes, we don’t have to decide anything right now.” I would go to him right now and declare my undying love for her, if I knew she wanted me the way I want her. I would give her everything; I’d do anything if she would say the words.

Baby climbs on my bike behind me wrapping her arms around me, holding me tight. Feels like she was always meant to be riding with me. “I don’t have my brain bucket.”

“Do you trust me, Baby?” My question holding double meaning. I want her to know I am motherfucking serious about this with her.

“I want to,” She whispers into my ear as I pull out of the driveway.

Baby

Striker pulls up outside of Inkman’s shop. He better not have brought me here to do what I think he has. It’s too soon. I cannot wear his brand yet.

Striker senses my apprehension. “Calm down, just getting some work done, not what you think. However, if you weren’t so freaked out right now, I would tattoo your name all over my body. That’s how dedicated to you I am. Baby, I swear I am changing, I don’t want anyone else. You are and will be the only woman for me, ever. I’ve loved you since I was four years old.” He runs his hands over my arms coaxing me. He kisses my cheek and I lean into him and return his affection.

When he says things like that how can I walk away from him and deny him, what’s his—my heart, my body and my soul. I take his outstretched hand and we go inside together. Giving him my trust is hard, but I want to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“Hey brother, good to see you. Baby.” Inkman greets us and takes us back to his parlor. Striker tells Inkman what he wants and my heart melts a little more for this man. I am not all that surprised that he wants Colt’s name on his back. But the fact makes me happy, he really is trying.

Striker removes his shirt and sweet lord, my cheeks flush and heat taking in the sight of his naked torso. He grins wickedly at me as if he knows I am thinking about running my tongue down his chest and sucking him off right here. If only we were alone. Not that I think Inkman would mind a little performance art.

Striker takes his place on the chair leaning forward giving Inkman the best access to his back. I watch in awe, it is like magic happening before my eyes. Vines begin to take shape wrapping around the trunk of the magnolia tree, and soon a few leaves appear, one bearing Colt’s name.

“Your name will be added soon,” he grins over at me as he looks at his new ink in the mirror.

Another customer comes in, so I apply the crème and cover the tattoo for Inkman. Striker turns around facing me after getting his shirt on and grabs me forcefully by the waistband of my jeans tugging me forward, pressing our bodies together. Playfully he licks the outline of my mouth with his hot wet tongue, before devouring my lips with his. “Thank you for coming with me today and being cool with everything.” He looks into my eyes piercing me with his own. “Stay with me tonight. You and Colt.” He squeezes my ass possessively.

“I can’t, and even if I didn’t already have plans that’s a little too fast for my comfort. Okay. You promised we’d go slowly.” He reluctantly compromises and we go up front so he can pay Inkman. Fucking Diamond is rubbing all over Inkman in the lobby. She is so gross. She has the nerve to wink at Striker. Fucking skanky snatch Pocahontas wanna’be bitch. I clinch my fists digging my nails in my palms, trying to fight the urge to knock the shit out of her.

It takes everything in me not to knock the fucking jewels off her bedazzled twat. Striker squeezes my hand as he pays for his new tat and leads me out the door before I can demonstrate to her what a bitch I can be. 

Outside before we get on Striker’s bike he places a hand on either side of my face. “Don’t let her ruin this. She meant nothing to me. I was drunk, it’s no excuse but it’s the truth.”

I take his words to heart and commit them to memory because if I know one thing it is that Diamond is a trouble-making whore. She tried to have a go with Rebel, until Foxie put her in her place.

Striker kisses me once more trying to reassure me though no guarantee is needed I am beginning to trust him. “We have another hour.”
Kiss.
“Before we have to pick up Colt.”
Nibble.

“Well then, better get me home fast. One hour, that’s not nearly long enough for what I want to do to you.”  I bite down on his lip ring and suck it between my teeth seductively.

“Is that a fact?” Striker jokes at my forwardness.

“No it’s a guarantee,” I mock him back.

“Well darlin’, I do believe I promised you a fresh mattress. Let’s go test some out.” He winks at me over his shoulder before bringing his bike to life. I climb on behind him.
Asshole
. I was looking forward to having him naked and all to myself.  However, the idea of a new unsoiled mattress does make me content.

One hour later Striker has a different mattress being delivered to his apartment and Colt and I are having dinner with my sister and Romeo’s kids. Not sure how she was dragged into helping, but I am glad that she is. From the sound of things, the kids aren’t telling anyone their mom is gone either. Not my place, I know I need to stay out of it. Romeo and LL are adults and I am not going to get in the middle of their shit. I can be neutral. I will be impartial.  Lord knows being married to a man like Romeo cannot be peaceful. The thought leads me to a road of doubt. Striker has never been faithful to one woman either. I’m not sure I can let myself be bound to another man, only to be left with a broken heart again.

It has been nearly a year since Trouble died. It still hurts as though it happened yesterday. However, I can see that the love I had for Trouble is so much different from what I feel for Striker. Trouble was my best friend, Striker owns me, completely. I miss Trouble so much. I can only imagine what he would have to say about this crap, or better yet what song he would play for me to suit the situation.

“Rumor, do you think…Never mind.” I shake my head. Bringing up Trouble will only make me sad and I already know her thoughts on Striker. He is her soon to be brother-in-law; she loves him and thinks he does no wrong. Maybe she sees the potential in him, the man I know he could be if he would try. I refuse to let us end up like our parents though.