Dual Desires (3 page)

The beast roared to life beneath them, and she gasped as the vibrations traveled through her body. The bike began to move, and she leaned against him, allowing his broad shoulders to block the wind. Her hair flew out behind her and, for a moment, she let her mind go blank and found freedom. The hum spread through her body, and she breathed in the fresh air. With the long hours she’d been putting in, free time had gone out the window. At this moment, work schedules and money troubles were a thing of the past. She closed her eyes and remembered the girl with dreams of leaving Denton, having adventures, and discovering herself away from family and the small town that liked to pigeon-hole.

They entered the town, and he weaved his way to an area behind a massive white tent.

“This is set up to advertise for our shop. We do everything from overhauling and custom work to tune-ups.” Demon removed his helmet, and she did the same. “Pretty much everyone you need to know right away will be here. I had them come in early to give you time before we open for business.”

“Sounds good,” she said.

“Don’t be nervous. I gave them the rundown, and despite the exterior, we’re really not that scary unless you fuck with us.” He winked.

Then we won’t have any problems.

He put the helmets away in his saddle bag and offered his hand to help her off. Nerves came back full force. She wiped her hands off on her shorts once more and followed him around to the front of the tent. The flaps were down, but she could hear the buzz of conversation and laughter going on behind the scenes. Like a child who’d wolfed down too many sweets, she placed a hand on her aching stomach. He pulled back the flaps and revealed a bustling room full of vest—wearing men, and a few women.

“Don’t be shy, go on in.” Demon placed a hand on the small of her back and carefully guided her in. Warmth spread up her back. She shuffled inside, and he stood close behind her. A loud whistle pierced her ear drums, and she cringed. All movement in the room came to a halt.

“Now that I have everyone’s attention, this is Ardy. She’ll be watching Harley and Rocket from now on.” Demon applied pressure to the small of her back, steering her the way he wanted her to go. Despite the arrangement, he made her feel safe. The only known factor in a room full of strangers, she deferred to him.

Fifteen minutes later, her mind was stuffed with names. New information leaked out her ears, and her head hurt. “Demon, why don’t I take the poor girl to get something to eat before the shop opens and it get’s even crazier? This is a lot to take in.” the petite blonde, Danielle, said.

Demon paused, and Ardy held her breath, silently praying he’d agree.

“Sure. I bet the kids are hungry too. Harley, Rocket, go with Dani and Ardy to get lunch.”

“Yes.” Rocket cheered, jogging over to stand beside them with Harley at his side. The two tiny beings happy and thriving among such a rough—looking bunch of people created a stark contrast that blew her mind. She’d never thought much about the bikers beneath the surface, what they did when they weren’t taking care of business. Suddenly, the velvet curtain had been pulled back to allow her to see the great wizard, or in this case, flesh and blood men.

They meandered around talking about merchandise, prices, and specials they wanted to push. Still dazed, she barely registered Demon telling the kids to be on their best behavior, and Dani guided them out of the tent.

“You doing okay?”

“Huh?” Ardy turned to look at Dani.

“I said, are you doing okay? It’s a lot to take in at once,” Dani said, smiling.

“Yes, it is,” Ardy said, allowing her stiff limbs to relax as they walked down the crowded strip toward the food mecca in the center.

“You’re taking it all in stride considering,” Dani said.

“No offense, but why are you being so nice to me?” Ardy said.

Dani paused. “I love these kids, and they deserve someone who’ll do right by them. Demon too, though he’d kill me if he knew I said that. You seem genuine. It’s a breath of fresh air we could all use.”

Ardy narrowed her eyes. “I sense there’s a story there.”

“There is, but it’s not mine to tell.” The blonde shrugged. “You know how it is.”

“No, but I’m learning. I mean, you can’t live in this town and be completely ignorant, but I’ve never been close to anyone who knew the inner workings.” Ardy smiled sheepishly.

“It’s more common sense than anything. Don’t run your mouth, start shit you can’t finish, and keep the club’s business inside the club. We operate under the family first clause only. The club is our family.”

“I can get that.”

Dani smirked. “Yeah, from what Demon told me, I can imagine you would.”

The familiarity touched a nerve and her eyes widened. “Are you and him?”

“Oh no.” She shook her head. “We’re both second generation, raised together in the Dueling Devils. We’re more like brother and sister than anything. The thought of getting into bed with that asshole makes me sick to my stomach.”

Ardy gasped.

Dani laughed. “Don’t get me wrong, I love the guy, and he’s a pretty piece of flesh. I’ve just been around and seen too much.” She shrugged.

“I get you. I never could understand what girls saw in my baby brother, Liam.” Ardy rolled her eyes.

“How do hot dogs and fried sound for lunch?” Dani said loud enough for the kids to hear.

Rocket and Harley cheered, and Ardy found herself pulled into the special brand of magic children possessed.

They ordered a combo and opted to eat in the bench area set up. Ardy soaked in the information Dani provided between bites of food. By the time they polished it all off, Ardy felt a lot less apprehensive.

“You sit here and marinate while I take the little monsters to the bathroom.”

“Dani?”

The blonde paused and glanced over her shoulder.

“Thank you for everything. Life is a whole lot less scary with you around.”

Dani winked. “I like you, Ardy.” She nodded and disappeared into the crowds.

“Funny how things change. You sure as hell aren’t on your high horse now, are you?” a masculine voice said.

Ardy turned around and rolled her eyes.
Brad.
Being the mayor’s son, he was used to getting everything he wanted, which meant the chocolate brown-haired boy with brilliant hazel eyes didn’t taken rejection well.

“I don’t know what you mean,” Ardy said, refusing to meet his gaze. She’d learned a long time ago the best thing to do with bullies was ignore them.

“Please, everyone’s talking about how your daddy pawned you off like some kind of whore.”

Her head snapped up, and she saw red. “What did you call me?”

“I bet you’re wishing you hadn’t turned your nose up at me now, aren’t you? I could’ve helped you out of this pickle. Instead, you had to go to these savages. Their kind of filth will never rinse off.” Brad sneered, making a mockery of his cupid’s bow lips.

 “As usual, you’re off the mark. What I’m doing is nannying, and I’d never come to you, Brad. You only want what you can’t have.”

“Uppity bitch.” Brad spat the words out like poison, but she’d grown used to ignoring it.

“I’m sorry, was that supposed to hurt my feelings?” She gifted him with a bored expression. His face turned red, and he took a step forward. She opened her mouth to rip him a new asshole, and her words lodged in her throat. Demon stood behind him. His lips were pulled into a straight line, and his eyes practically smoldered.

“Is there a problem here?” The rumbling voice made her want to hide underneath the picnic table.
Did he hear the entire exchange?

Brad tensed and slowly turned to face Demon. “No, no problem at all. Just a misunderstanding.”

“Not what it looked like to me,” Demon said. “I don’t like it when my people are fucked with. You might want to remember that for future reference.”

The blood drained from Brad. “Look, man, I wasn’t trying to disrespect you.”

“No, just her, right? ‘Cause it makes you feel like a real man to harass a woman?” Demon scowled. “Run back to your daddy while I’m feeling forgiving.” Brad glared at her before he turned on his heel and stalked away. “An ex of yours?” Demon asked.

She grimaced. “I’d never have such a lapse in judgment, that’s his problem. He wants what he can’t have, spoiled prick.”

“Figures. I know his type.” Demon shook his head. “Weak people with power like to lord it over others because they know deep down they ain’t shit.” The venom in his words made her look at him with fresh eyes. That was the voice of experience.

“It’s okay. I could’ve handled him. I’m tougher than I look,” she said. He glanced at her and arched a brow. She laughed. “Well, when I’m not so nervous.”

“I told you no one would hurt you,” Demon said.

“I know, but there are a lot of rules.” She raised her shoulders and gave him a small smile.

“You’re a smart girl with a good head on your shoulders. What you don’t know, you’ll figure out.”

Dani reappeared with the kids, and everything about him changed. Even in public there was a softer side to this man when his kids were involved. It gave her hope. Maybe this arrangement wouldn’t be as terrifying as she first thought.

***

Shit.
Demon watched the white cut-off shorts creep up the back of Ardy’s legs as she lifted Harley into her car seat. He’d have to be dead not to notice the coke bottle shape she was rocking. Yet, it was his attraction to her gentle spirit he hated. A woman like that didn’t belong with a man like him. He was done trying to do long-term.

She backed out the car, and he licked his lips. Over the past couple of days with Harley on her hip and Rocket by her side, many had mistaken her for their mom. The thought acted like a bucket of cold water to his hard-on.
All the more reason to keep this shit platonic.

“Having issues there, Demon?” a familiar female voice said.

He glanced down at the tiny thorn in his ass named Dani and scowled. “No, and it’ll stay that way as long as you keep your mouth shut.”

“What? I’m offended.” Dani placed a hand on her chest.

“No, you’re sneaky, and always trying to match-make.” Demon glowered down at her.

“I just think it’s time to get back on the horse,” Dani said.

“I’m fine as-is, Dani.” The pint-sized pixie meant well. While Dani respected him and backed his every decision, there was no underlying fear of him like some of his members held. A perk of being raised up like brother and sister.

“It’s not me you should be worried about. She’ll be living with you when we get back.” Dani patted his back. “I’m going to join her so we can head back to the hotel.” She strolled off, and Demon did his best not to go after her and wring her neck. Dani knew his type—tall, curvy, and sincere. This life had a way of hardening people. When he came home, he wanted to shed that skin and sink into something soft.

“Yo, you coming or what?” Lefty’s voice pulled him from inside his own mind.

 “Yeah, man, I’m coming.” Demon turned away from the domestic display and followed his vice president back to the tent to close down shop and head to the local bar to shoot the shit.

“What was Dani on about?” Lefty said.

“Her usual mischief.” Demon shook his head.

Lefty chuckled. “She trying to push you and the newbie together?”

“That obvious?” Demon winced.

“Only to me. You have to admit, she’s your type.” Left shrugged.

“Was. I don’t have a type anymore.”

Lefty snorted. “You might not commit, but you definitely have a type.”

Demon rolled his eyes, but remained quiet as they moved to the tent and began to lock down the empty space. Taking all their things out every night was a pain in the ass, but if someone got in and stole something expensive, he’d be out for blood. Better to avoid it altogether. In a town like this, hovering on the border of poverty, one of these parts could go a long way.

“You know, she’s cute,” Lefty said.

“Dani?” Demon said. “I always knew there was a spark between the two of you.”

“That ball buster? No way in hell, I’m talking about your little house mouse, Ardy.”

Demon snorted. “We both know she’s not a house mouse.”

“Why, because you’re putting her in the role of nanny? Please, she’s living in your house until her family’s debt’s been paid. If that’s not a house mouse, I don’t know what is.”

“I don’t want this kid to get a bad label. You know?” Demon shrugged. He tried not to completely sully clean things, and this girl might as well be Snow White.

“Kid? Isn’t she twenty-three,” Lefty said.

“Yeah, in normal people years, not club life years. We both know there’s a huge difference,” Demon said as they walked toward their bikes, the last two to leave, like always.

“Hate to point it out, but you’re already protective.”

“Because she’s mine to keep safe. I’m giving her back to her parents exactly the way I took her,” Demon said, narrowing his eyes at his friend.

Lefty snickered. “Don’t be so sure there, D.” He mounted his bike, turned it on, and pulled the throttle.

Asshole.
Demon laughed as he followed his example, and they pulled out of the parking lot and headed to the bar.
I need to squash this now.
Dani and Lefty could be meddlesome. If they both got together, the outcome could be less than pleasing.

They pulled up to Bull’s Bar, and he sought the most unlikely woman he could find—a curly-haired redhead who looked like a strong wind could blow her over. She glanced up, and he flashed a smile, motioning for her to come over with his head.
Time to put on a show.
She walked toward them with an extra sway in her steps. The painted on black jeans and low cut black tank top left nothing to the imagination.

“Hi.” Her breathy voice made his skin crawl. She reeked of desperation and the desire to ride out on the back of someone’s bike.

“How do you feel about keeping me company tonight…” Demon paused, flashing her an inquisitive gaze.

“Jill,” she said.

“Jill.” He let the name slide of his tongue.