Iron Cross: The Dartmouth Cobras #6 (7 page)

“Or something. I’ll get you home, pal.” Scott slapped Tyler’s shoulder, rolling his eyes when Luke came over and grabbed the drink Deisha had just fixed for Tyler. “Looks like I’m the designated. Where’s Ramos, Luke?”

“Amia was being fussy and Jami didn’t want to ruin Silver’s night out, so he went to see if he could help get her back to sleep.” Luke handed Tyler the glass after having drained half of it. “He let me stay to make sure Tyler was all right.”

“I’m fine.” Tyler brought the glass to his lips, sipping even as he looked over at the dance floor. Raif wasn’t there, but Becky and Pearce still were.
Good
. “Hey, Scott, how come your man’s hogging your woman?”

“They missed their last date night because Casey got sick. We all got to play together, but I told them the rest of the night is for the two of them.” Scott smiled fondly at the couple, who both looked pretty goofy dancing to the harder techno music now playing. Then he turned to Luke. “What about Casey? Jami’s watching her too
, and Becky was worried it would be too much.”

“Casey
’s sleeping real good, last I heard.” Luke winked at the bartender as she slid a glass of vodka and OJ across the bar to him. Without being asked, he handed her his keys. “Guess this leaves the three of us free to do whatever the hell we want.”

“Which means staying here and getting drunk?” Tyler kinda liked that idea. Except for the fact that Chicklet wouldn’t be too happy seeing him like that. She didn’t nag at him on the rare occasions he drank—not unless he did something stupid.
She just didn’t wanna see him messed up.

Luke shrugged, eyeing Scott. “Pretty sure our boy won’t wanna go anywhere.”

Scott frowned at Luke, then at Tyler when he nodded. “How do you figure?”

“Zovko’s here,” Luke said, looking around, likely trying to spot him. “So’s Pearce. Pretty simple.”

“Yeah, and you seemed pretty pissed when you left the locker room,” Tyler added, thinking too late that Scott might not have wanted to share that bit of info. He gave Scott an apologetic smile. “Sorry.”

Scott made a dismissive gesture with his hand. “I wouldn’t be here if me and Zach hadn’t worked it out. He hasn’t given me any reason not to trust him. I overreacted. It’s just weird, knowing Zach has an ex
who’s still hung up on him. But that’s Zovko’s issue, not mine or my man’s.”

“Maybe you should make nice with Zovko. He won’t hit on Pearce if you’re his friend.” Luke smiled as he drained his glass. “
Me and Ford are cool.”

“Ford never tried to get Jami back.” Tyler finished his drink. Deisha served him and Luke another. It took facing Scott to regret pointing out the difference between Raif and Ford. Like he didn’t already know. “Shit. I didn’t mean—”

“But you’re right.” Scott stared at the bar. “I just wish he’d back the fuck off. Zach acts like they’re just friends, but it’s fucking obvious that’s not what Zovko wants. But he’s all pleasant and shit and if I say anything, I look like a jealous asshole.”

The club had a three
-drink limit, but Deisha wasn’t skimpy with the vodka. So Tyler was feeling damn good by the time he polished off his last drink. They’d shifted the conversation away from Raif for a bit, but the man kept creeping back into Tyler’s head and he knew it was just because he wanted to help Scott deal with the man.

About an hour before closing, he got an idea. He grinned at his best friends and pushed off the barstool. “We should send Raif a message.”

“Yo, why do you call him ‘Raif’?” A lazy smile slid across Luke’s lips. “Or is it personal?”

“Shut up, it doesn’t matter.” Tyler shoved his hands in his pockets and focused on Scott. “He wants to take something of yours. How about we take something of his as, like, a warning?”

An evil slant to Scott’s lips told Tyler his plan was the perfect slap shot hitting the back of the net. Scott jerked his chin toward the exit and Tyler and Luke followed him to coat check, then outside. A bitter chill had Tyler hunching over as he crossed the parking lot, but the alcohol kicked in and chased away the cold, slowing his strides as something distracted Scott.

“Did you know Zovko gets to keep the cars he
drives in all those commercials? He’s got a wicked collection—it was even featured on some car show.” Scott walked right up to Raif’s white 1971 Challenger, running his hand along the side as though admiring the smooth lines. “This is his only old one. Think he’d mind if we ‘borrowed’ it?”

Luke burst out laughing. “Do you care?”

“Nope.” Scott rubbed his jaw and cocked his head. “No alarm. This is his winter car, so I was thinking…”

Tyler knew
exactly
what Scott was thinking. A little prank, kinda illegal, but Raif hadn’t been properly “welcomed” to the team anyway. The look on Raif’s face would be worth the risk. Tyler’s brain was a little fuzzy from the vodka, but he would have loved the idea completely sober. Raif had been in the league long enough that he’d figure out what had happened to his car real quick.

No cops. No issues. Just a bit of fun.

“Have you ever stole a car before, Scott?” Tyler decided Scott was awesome and could do pretty much anything. He could get the door open and hot-wire the car and they’d go for a little ride. Wait an hour and text Raif to let him know where to find it. “Will be easy, right?”

“Really, Tyler?” Scott raked his fingers through his dark blond
e hair. “I was an asshole, not a criminal.”

A whiff of tobacco and the three of them turned to the sound of a rough laugh. Ford shifted his cigarette to the edge of his lips as he spoke up. “Why? You need one?”

Scott’s lips thinned. “You’re not a criminal anymore, man.”

“No, guess I’m not. But I’m in a good mood.” Ford let out another puff of smoke and leaned his hip against the car. “And I owe you for making sure Cort looks good in front of the judge.” His eyes looked a bit glazed, almost like he was high. Tyler was pretty sure he didn’t do drugs anymore. But Ford wasn’t acting like the responsible businessman he’d been for a while. It got worse as he kept talking. “I’m not fucking blind, Scott. I’ve seen the way Raif looks at Zac
h. And I saw him looking at Cort tonight. Whatever you’re doing, I’m in.”

“We’re stealing his car,” Scott said. And he wasn’t drunk, so
if he was willing to do it, Tyler was in too.

“Oh yeah, and how were you gonna do it without me?” Ford smirked at the silence from all three of them. He pressed his hand against the window and it slid down a few inches.
“Thought so. Well, these old cars aren’t hard. I’d tell you where to go if it was one of the asshole’s new ones. See if you can get your arm in there, Tyler.”

Tyler stepped forward and slid his forearm into the opening. Got stuck at the elbow. “Can you get it down any more?”

“Sure.” Ford took a folded knife out of his pocket. Jabbed the solid metal into the window, shattering it. He didn’t seem to notice Tyler gaping at him when he unlocked and opened the door. His voice was muffled as he slid into the car and ducked his head under the steering wheel. “And Scott?”

“Uh, yeah?” Scott folded his arms over his chest, then unfolded them to grab Luke
who tripped sideways.

Fiddling with some wires, Ford got the car started. He got out and punched Scott’s shoulder. “We’re even.”

After Ford went back inside, Tyler stood beside Scott, exchanging glances with Luke, really wishing he could have another drink. This was crazy. Reckless. He wanted to do it, but he didn’t want Luke and Scott getting in trouble.

But he didn’t think anyone
would
get in trouble. Raif was cool—well, most of the time anyway. They’d pay for the window and everything would be all right.

“We doing this?” Scott threw the front seat forward and shoved Luke into the back. “I gotta get him home, but if you’re not okay with this, Tyler—”

“This was my idea too, Scott. No way you’re taking all the credit.” Tyler went around the car and got in the passenger side after Scott unlocked the door. This
was
crazy. But right now, it made sense. He was pissed off and he had to do something. And this was it. “Let’s go!”

I need discipline, Raif? Well, ya may be right.
Tyler rolled the window down all the way, howling into the night as Scott sped down the street.
But you’re gonna wish you were wrong.

R
aif stood outside the medical scene room for a long time, debating whether or not he should go in. The blinds weren’t fully closed, so he could see that Chicklet was giving her sub Laura aftercare. He didn’t even consider going in until Chicklet slid her sub off her lap and onto the blanket spread out on the floor. Laura leaned against the wall with a smile on her lips and a bottle of sweet tea in her hand.

When Chicklet began cleanup, Raif knocked softly at the door.

“Come in.” Chicklet dropped a disinfectant cloth in the metal bin by the counter and glanced over at him. “Zovko. What can I do you for?”

Smiling, Raif stepped into the room, but not too far. He simply wanted to share some information, not impose his presence. “Your sub went into the main area of the club looking to be punished. He did manage to get Callahan to consider, but I stepped in. I can’t say I understand why you would have chosen to—”

“Really?” Chicklet placed her hands on her leather-clad hips, a sly half-smile on her lips. “You’re not here to lecture me, Zovko. You’re either here because you want to play with him again, or because you want to see how I’ll thank you for handling him.”

“You’re not curious as to why Tyler is not here with me?” Raif knew it wouldn’t be wise to smirk at the uncertainty in Chicklet’s eyes, but
there was some satisfaction at seeing her cockiness fade. They didn’t speak often, but when they did there was always tension—as though the wrong word would lead to a heated argument. Neither of them had pushed it that far yet. But he was about to. “Your boy left with his friends. There is something bothering him, but he wouldn’t speak to me after our scene.”

Eyes like storm clouds sweeping
over the mountainside forests of home flashed with rage. Chicklet’s hand whipped out to latch on to the front of his white dress shirt. “What did you do to him?”

Raif gently plucked her fingers from his shirt, catching her hand before she could move away. She was a strong woman, tall enough that she matched his height with heels. But there was something delicate about her features, something he hadn’t noticed
before because her eyes and her presence made her appear more a powerful force than a woman a man would lust after.

One look from her could silence the most powerful Dom. She could pass for mid-thirties, but he had a feeling she was at least forty. Experienced, confident, and
intimidating.

To most.

He smirked at her, not caring anymore if it was smart. If they were to discuss anything, she had to accept that he didn’t see her as the all-knowing Domme. They were equals, and he would show her all the respect she showed him. “He was begging to be punished. Rather than beat him, I reduced him to a thing. He could not speak and he didn’t get the attention he’s used to.”

“Objectification.” Chicklet inclined her head, glancing at his hand holding hers, shifting closer, rather than away
as he’d expected. “Creative. I like that. But do you really think you know him well enough to mindfuck him like that?”

“If you were so concerned—”

“I’m always concerned, but I knew there were people out there looking out for him.” She bared her teeth in a tight smile which made goose bumps rise on his flesh. “That’s not what I asked. Mason wouldn’t have let Tyler leave if he didn’t look okay. I’m not Tyler’s mother, I’m his Domme. I’ll discuss this with him later, but I trust him not to do anything stupid.”

Raif released her hand and stepped back. “Then what are you asking?”

“Why did you do it? You hardly ever play with the subs here, but you chose one who’s a teammate and a friend. And not for just any scene.” She cocked her head, looking him over slowly. “Do you care about him?”

“I do. As a friend. And I’
ve considered—” Damn the woman. The shift in her demeanor, the honest curiosity in her tone, had him speaking without thinking. And yet—he had nothing to hide. “I’ve considered taking on a sub to train. I’m not interested in more.” He lifted his shoulders dismissively. “He needs it, but I’m sure you know that.”

She nodded and turned, taking a few moments to observe Laura before returning her attention to him. “Maybe he does, but I have a feeling you’ve had a change of heart?”

“He’s straight. That alone is more of an obstacle than I care to deal with.” He didn’t really need to say more, but he’d come here to warn Chicklet that there were issues she might not be aware of. “I’m not sure he’s fit to play at all right now. There was something in his eyes… I wouldn’t have let him leave if he were mine.”

“It’s sweet that you’re worried.” Chicklet patted his cheek, laughing when he jerked away. “
Ah, so you’re one of those. You’ve never submitted to anyone, have you?”

“I am well trained. You don’t need to worry that I mishandled your boy.”

“I’m not worried. And I appreciate you coming to me about this. I’ll keep an eye on him.”

“Good.” Nothing else to say.
Raif had to get out of there. The woman made him uncomfortable and he wasn’t sure why. He’d been around many Dommes who’d seen him as a challenge. It wasn’t a game he played. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, Chicklet.”

His hand was on the doorknob when she spoke. “I should still thank you.”

All he had to do was open the door and walk away, pretend he hadn’t heard her, but her teasing tone made the edges of his lips quirk. No form of thanks would involve him submitting to her. He faced her, one eyebrow raised in question.

The intimidating goddess she played within these walls had given way to a woman wh
o moved with a sultry sway, a medusa that turned his cock turn to stone. He leaned against the door as she slid up to him and hooked her fingers to the waist of his leathers. “How will you thank me?”

“There’s only one way I can think of that a woman can truly express gratitude to a man like you.” Her hand stroked
the swell of his cock through the leather. “If you don’t object?”

He closed his eyes as she continued to stroke him. “Why would I?”

Her long fingers latched on to his zipper. Drew it down, one inch at a time, no rush. “A man like you can have almost anyone. But you won’t give up on the one you
can’t
have.”

She knelt in front of him, gazing up in a way that made her look so much younger. Sweeter than he knew she was. But the illusion was enough to bring his guard down. He smiled and petted her short, silky hair, an earthy brown, like leaves covering the earth in the fall. When it came down to it, she was a woman and he was a man. T
here were things they could do for one another.

No need to make it more complicated. “
I won’t discuss this with you. There’s no reason for me to say no to what you offer; that’s all you need to know.”

“That’s fine.” She let out a lust
-filled sigh as she wrapped her hand around him. “For a man who’s known for his appetites, you’ve been very hands-off lately.”

He groaned as she ran he
r tongue up the underside of his cock, her gaze on his face. His body didn’t care about following the conversation, but his brain held on for as long as possible. “I know what I want.”

“And who?” She pressed a soft kiss to the head of his dick. Her red lipstick left a smudge on his flesh, but with the way the blood darkened his skin, it almost blended in. She licked the bead of precum leaking from the slit at the tip of his cock. “Do you want me, Raif?”

Her mouth was hot as it covered him, so wet, so fucking perfect. His mind shut down as she sucked and swallowed, picking up speed as her saliva slicked his length. He forced his eyes open to see Laura, but he’d gone too far to even begin to understand the knowing smile on her lips. He fisted his hands in Chicklet’s hair and groaned out the last word he was capable of.

“
Yes
.”

* * * *

He’s all mine.

Chicklet smiled even as she moved her hands to Raif’s hips, using nothing but her mouth to toy with him. He was so close and it wouldn’t take long to send him over the edge.

She worked her tongue against the ridge under the head of his dick. Moved her lips up and down, feeling her panties grow damp as the power enveloped her. Few understood the control a woman had on her knees, but she’d always been aware of it. She hadn’t played this kind of game in a very long time—at one time, it had been her second favorite sport. Raif was no different than the men she’d amused herself with when she’d started as a Domme. Arrogant and so sure he could have whatever he wanted.

Making him question everything he’d ever believed would be easy. His arrogance would be his downfall, and if she gave a shit about how much he’d doubt himself after, she wouldn’t be doing this. But he’d done the one thing she wouldn’t tolerate.

No one fucks with my friends.

As she went through the motions, bringing one hand back to the base of his cock to squeeze so he wouldn’t come, she let her thoughts drift. Laura knew her well enough to get what she was doing, but Tyler had never seen how vicious she could be. She didn’t like that Raif had been the one to puni
sh him, and yet…maybe it was good. Tyler liked this man, and seeing Raif sniffing around Pearce bothered him. Maybe that was why Tyler had been off after the scene. She’d know once she talked to him.

Until then
…she squeezed hard and increased the suction of her mouth. Released Raif and hopped to her feet, a smirk on her lips as he let out a low growl and reached for her.

“Again, thank you, Raif.” She blinked as she realized he’d become Raif in her mind, and out loud. That was odd. She tended to call all the
guys by their last names because she was used to doing so with the men on her own hockey team. Not that it mattered. Raif was staring at her with a dark understanding in his eyes as she wiped the saliva from her lips. “If Tyler wants to play with you, we can discuss it. You may have heard the three of us are in a rather open relationship. Now that I’ve had your cock in my mouth, even Laura has permission to fuck you if she wants to.” She looked over her shoulder, grinning at the way Laura batted her eyelashes with feigned innocence. “Do you want to finish him off, baby?”

“I will if you want me to, Mistress.” Laura rose gracefully to her feet, head bowed in a perfectly submissive posture. “But I do prefer Doms.”

“Oh, Raif is a Dom. He’s just in way over his head.” Chicklet met Raif’s eyes. Let her tone turn to ice. “We could all have a lot of fun. But only if you understand one very basic thing.”

Raif drew in a long inhale. His lips curved up slightly as he replied. “And what is that?”

“I make a very bad enemy. And if you fuck with my friends’ lives, that’s exactly what I’ll be. If you try to come between Demyan and Pearce—”

“Ah, is that the issue?” Raif put his finger over her lips. “I won’t come between them. I think Demyan is wrong for Zach, but that’s up to Zach to decide, isn’t it?”

Damn him, the man had a point. She’d probably have to hurt Mr. Zachary Pearce if he made the wrong choice, but it
was
his choice to make. “It is.”

“Which still leaves this little game. You can’t seriously mean to offer up your subs as a distraction? I’d heard you were a fiercely protective Domme.” He traced his finger over her lips. “If you’d like to distract me, maybe you should finish what you started.”

They both knew that wasn’t going to happen. Not now anyway. Chicklet shrugged and slid her hands up his chest, enjoying the firmness of thick muscles under her hands as most women would, but her darker side relished the way those muscles twitched, betraying how much she affected him. For subs, she preferred Laura’s graceful surrendering of control, and Tyler’s playful, but heartfelt submission. But once in a while, she had the urge for a bit of a power struggle. Raif was the first Dom she’d met in years who might be able to give her that.

“I might finish what I started one day, but you’re not ready to do what it takes to have me.” She held her hand out behind her, hearing the sweep of the blanket across the tiled floor as Laura
crossed the room. Then felt her girl’s small hand in hers. “As for my subs, I always keep their best interests in mind. Tyler might be able to learn something from you.”

Letting out a soft laugh, Raif shifted aside, then opened the door for them.
“He certainly could, but you might want to ask him if he’s ready to learn what I can teach. I regretted pushing him as far as I did, and I don’t regret things often.”

“Why though? He asked for it.”

“Yes, but I wanted to give him more. I wanted to…” Raif sighed and leaned against the open door. “I wanted to hold him after and tell him I am here.”

“I think you’re a good Dom, Raif. And maybe I don’t hate you.” Chicklet squeezed Raif’s shoulder, fully understanding how a closed off sub could leave a Dom feeling damn useless. Raif had pushed Tyler, but
not without putting himself out there at least a little. She could respect that. “If you do a scene with Tyler again, it won’t be a punishment. We’ll talk, okay?”

“I would like that.” The hint of Raif’s soothing Croatian accent made Chicklet
feel like she’d just laid out on a massage bed to have big, strong hands relax her entire being. His lips were close to hers, and then he kissed her, a soft, chaste kiss that promised so much more. That voice and his hot breath did unforgiveable things to her. No man made her knees go weak. But his next words did. “And I will be ready to do exactly what it takes to have you, Chicklet.” He kissed her cheek, and whispered, “I’ll be ready to beg.”