Jerry's Passion: Insurgents Motorcycle Club (Insurgents MC Romance Book 6) (23 page)

Upon exiting, Kylie lounged against the wood-paneled wall, waiting for him in all her fresh, sexy splendor. “Are you ignoring me?” she asked.

“Nah. Just been super busy with club shit, that’s all.”

“I’ve been home for three days, and except for our encounter at the club—which
I
instigated—I haven’t seen you. I don’t like that.” She paused. “And I don’t like you ogling the women at the table next to me whose tits were on display for any man in the bar.”

“I wasn’t ogling anyone but you. Shit, Jax had to tell me to tone it down.”

“You were looking at those women. I saw you.”

“Rock was talking ‘bout them. He wanted me to go with him to see if they were worth fucking later on. I didn’t want to because the only woman worth fucking is you.” He reached out and trailed his finger from her bottom lip, down her throat, past her collarbone, and straight down her cleavage.

“If you feel that way, then why have you been avoiding me?”

“I told you, I had a bunch of club business to do. I want to be with you.”
The devil’s gonna pull me to Hell, but I crave her and need to taste her again.
“What about you coming to my place later tonight? Can you get away?”

“Yes. What time?”

“I’ll come by at eleven o’clock. We should be done here by then. I don’t want you coming over by yourself, not with that fucker fixated on you.”

“The purple Corvette creep? I doubt he’s in Pinewood. I haven’t seen him in a while. I think he’s moved on. Probably bullying another poor girl. I’ll just come to your apartment on my own.”

“I’m picking you up, woman. Don’t argue with me. Drive your car around the corner from your house. I’ll meet you there.”

“Okay. Crap, my dad’s headed this way.” Kylie moved back from him and began walking down the hall. “Hi, Dad.”

Banger glanced at Kylie, then at Jerry, who saw a hard glint for a split second before it was gone. “Hi, honey. What’re you two doing?”

“Talking martial arts. I’ve signed up to take more classes this summer.”

Jerry noticed Banger’s face relaxed, and he breathed out while Kylie and her father spoke. “Well, I’m gonna head back out. See you.” He brushed past Banger, and when he went past Kylie, his fingertips grazed hers lightly. He went back to his space by the counter, inserting himself in a discussion about bikes.

A couple hours later, he was wiping the wings’ hot sauce off his thumb when he noticed Kylie wasn’t at her table. Glancing around, he saw her at the bar placing an order. He also saw a fraternity-type guy standing too close to her, talking and laughing. From Kylie’s face, Jerry could tell she was uncomfortable. Two of the guys’ buddies came over, and they had her enclosed in their circle. When the frat boy’s hand ended up on her ass, Jerry saw red, and he rushed forward like a bull charging the matador’s moving cape. “Take your fucking hands off her.” He broke through the circle and tugged her to him.

“Who the fuck are you?” the frat guy asked, puffing up his chest.

“I’m the one who’s gonna kick your ass for disrespecting her.” In his peripheral view, he spotted Banger coming toward them. Moving Kylie behind him, Jerry slammed his fist into the guy’s jaw, then lowered the man’s head and kneed him smack in the face. Blood gushed out, and the frat boy’s two buddies started cussing at Jerry, trying to hold his arms back, twisting him around so he faced the bar. Behind it, Moe watched, a bored expression on his face. Bringing his leg up and front, Jerry kicked one of the guys in the kneecap and he fell to the floor. The other let go of Jerry’s arms, who then kicked him full-on with his steel-toed boot. The man yelled in pain and collapsed. Jerry bent down and was ready to slam his fist in his face when Hawk pulled him back. “It’s over. Leave it alone.”

Jerry grabbed Kylie’s hand. “Come on.” He led her away from the downed men. As he approached the Insurgents group, Banger blocked his way, a scowl on his bearded face. Jerry stared back, a glint of defiance in his gaze.

“Why the fuck did you jump in like that for Kylie? I had a handle on it.” His blue eyes narrowed. “You got something with her?”

“Some fucking jerk has his hand on your daughter’s ass, and that’s what you ask me? You should be glad I did something to help out. I’m tired of your goddamned questions.”

Tersely, Banger said, “You’re making a lot of noise, but you haven’t answered my fuckin’ question yet.”

“You know, I don’t have to take this shit. I’m outta here.” Jerry whirled around and headed for the door, the murmurs from the old ladies and the brothers filling his ears.

He opened the door, and as he went through it he heard Banger’s gruff voice. “Kylie, in the back room. Now. We gotta talk.”

Then the door closed behind him.

K
ylie stood in
the back room, picking at her nail polish. Her dad’s anger was palpable as he stood boring a hole through her. After what seemed like forever, he asked in a low, hard voice, “You got something with Jerry?”

She shook her head, dread weaving around her nerves.

“Look at me when I speak to you. I want to see your eyes.”

Kylie’s muscles tensed and a small stab of defiance jabbed her. She wasn’t a child anymore, and she should have the right to choose whomever she wanted to date. Her mother and father certainly did, and her grandpa couldn’t stand her dad, but her mother continued seeing him because it felt right. If her parents had the freedom to choose, why couldn’t she?

She fixed her eyes on her dad’s and jutted her chin out. His flashing eyes chipped away at her new feeling of independence, and she lowered her gaze.

“So, are you?” Banger glowered at her, and she shifted uncomfortably in place.

“I think Jerry’s real cute, and it was nice that he stood up for me. Those guys were jerks, but I was ready to knee the one who had his hand on my butt in the balls and pop the other one behind me in the ribs with my elbow. I didn’t need you or Jerry to help me. I had it covered.”

Banger’s eyes softened and he chuckled. “You’re my girl all the way. I saw fuckin’ red when that fucker touched you, but I’m your dad. Jerry’s the only brother who charged over. All the rest knew I had your back. It was something a guy would do for his woman.”

She shrugged. “I think any of the brothers would’ve come to help me.”

“If I weren’t there, for sure, but none of them did because they knew I owned it.” He sighed and came closer to her. “I know you’re young, and flirting with a good-looking guy is fun, but Jerry isn’t for you. He’s the type who’d break your heart. I know you can’t see that because you haven’t been around a lot of guys—”

“Whose fault is that? You made sure every guy in high school knew you were the president of an outlaw MC. The boys would look at me, but they were scared to death to date me.”

“Maybe I was overprotective, but I didn’t have your mother around to tell you ‘bout boys and all that girl stuff. I didn’t want you to end up pregnant and dropping outta school. I did what I thought was best.”

“I know, and I’m good with that.”

“You’re in college now and meeting all sorts of guys. I’m sure there’re some you like. All I’m saying is that I don’t want you to give your heart to a biker who knows how to sweet-talk you. Jerry’s a good brother, but he’d make a shitty boyfriend. He chases too many girls, and he’s not interested in settling down with one woman. He’s a fucking player, and every time I see him, he has another woman or two around him. I don’t want you with a man like that. I don’t want no man breaking your heart.”

She smiled softly. “I don’t think you can protect me from ever having a broken heart. I have to find my own way, Dad. I love you, but you have to let me fall so I can learn how to get back up on my own. Losing Mom taught me that the people I love aren’t always going to be around my whole life.”

“I’ll always be there for you, honey. No matter what happens, I’m there for you.”

“I know, and it makes life easier to maneuver knowing I have your support and unconditional love.”

Softly, he said, “I want the truth from you. Is something going on between you and Jerry?”

She took a deep, pained breath and looked down at the floor. She couldn’t lie to her father, even though she knew he’d go ballistic and end whatever she had with Jerry. But how could she let Jerry get hurt? She had no doubt in her mind that her dad would crush him, and he’d lose his patch, something which was more important to him than his life. She knew what the patch meant; she grew up understanding that the brotherhood and life were entwined, and a member couldn’t have one without the other. How could she destroy Jerry? How could she lie to her beloved father?

How the fuck can I choose?

“You gonna answer me?”

Nodding, she opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, Hawk burst into the room. “You gotta come quick. Belle thinks the baby’s coming.”

Banger’s face paled and he rushed to the door. Kylie intercepted him, hugged him, and whispered, “It’ll be okay.” He nodded at her then dashed off.

The Insurgents and their women watched as Banger’s SUV sped away from the bar. Kylie offered to go along, but Belle asked that she take Ethan home and watch him. When she and Ethan arrived home, she called her dad on his cell phone. He told her that the doctors said it was a false alarm, but Belle’s blood pressure was very low and she was a bit dehydrated, so the doctor wanted to keep her overnight for observation. She offered to come to the hospital, but he told her he was good, and he needed her home to watch Ethan. Kylie hung up and said a small prayer that Belle and the baby would be okay. Nausea rippled through her stomach and she stretched out on the couch, staring out the French doors.

The summer night was warm and breezy. She’d been so happy a few days before, thinking about coming home and having a romantic summer with Jerry, but at that moment, guilt assuaged her. Why did it feel so wrong when they weren’t together, but so right when they were? If he wasn’t any good for her, why was he such a sweetheart to her? No matter which way she went with her tie to Jerry, she’d end up losing out. Her phone vibrated and she grabbed it, hoping all was well with Belle.

Jerry:
How’s it with ur dad?

Kylie:
Not sure. Belle had a false alarm. He’s with her @ the hospital. That part is ok.

Jerry:
Shit. I still want to see u. U?

She sighed, knowing she should stop whatever they had before it consumed her, but she wanted his strong arms around her, his whispered voice telling her she’s the only woman for him. She needed his warmth and desire.

Kylie:
Ya. Emily will b home soon. So 11:00 around the corner.

Jerry:
Can’t wait, babe.

Kylie:
♥

The minutes ticked by and she finally heard the front door open, the jangle of her dad’s chains as he stepped on the marble foyer floors. “Is Belle okay?” she asked.

“Yeah, she’s good. We just had a scare. Her blood pressure is doing good, and she’s got some fluids going in her. I gotta make sure she drinks more.”

“How are you?”

“Fuckin’ beat. I’m gonna head upstairs. You in for the night?”

“Margo wanted me to come over. We haven’t seen each other since Christmas.”

“Have a good time. You gonna be late, or just stay at her house?”

She held her breath. “Just crash.”

“What time you going? I’ll take you.”

“I’m good, Dad.”

“No fuckin’ way I’m letting you drive alone until I nail this fucker who’s been giving you grief.”

Damn!
“At eleven. Is that good for you?”

“Yep. I’m gonna wash up, then we’ll go.”

She picked up her phone and texted Jerry the change in plans: he’d pick her up at Margo’s house.

Heat radiated through her when she saw Jerry roll his bike out right after her dad’s taillights disappeared. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach when she thought about spending the night with him. Her body craved his touch, and already shivers rode her spine as she saw the rugged biker pull up beside her, his inked arms lit up by the streetlight.

She hopped on behind him, and he turned around and kissed her firmly on the lips. With her arms wrapped around his toned waist, she leaned her head against his upper back and relished the warm night air as it caressed her.

Fifteen minutes later, they were at his apartment complex, and he helped her off his bike. Closing the garage door, he hooked his arm around her shoulder and murmured against her hair, “Glad you’re here, babe.”

Tingles coursed through her body and she tucked herself tighter against his side. He led her up a flight of stairs into his building. As they waited for the elevator, his mouth captured hers and they kissed deeply until the bell pulled them apart. Inside the elevator, he tugged her to him again, kissing her and whispering, “I wanted to kiss you the minute you came into Steelers. Fuck, babe, you taste and feel so good.”

When she stepped into his apartment, she noticed the freshly painted white walls and prints of different Harleys hanging on them. The place was neat and functional, and he had the generic bachelor pad color scheme of brown, black, and beige. “Nice place,” she said.

“Thanks.” He continued to trail kisses down her neck, tugging down the strap on her crop top so he could nibble her shoulder.

She giggled. “That tickles. Do you have any beer?”

He nodded, his eyes smoldering. Then he went to the kitchen and brought her a can of beer, which he opened for her. “No hard feelings?”

She took a large gulp and wondered if she’d ever stop being nervous when they were alone. Walking to the couch, she squealed when he pulled her back. “We’re going in this room.” He led her to his bedroom, kissing her as they walked inside. He switched on a small light on the nightstand then whipped off his T-shirt. He took the can of beer from her hand and placed it on the dresser then yanked her to him and whispered in her ear, “I want to make you feel good.” Small nips on her sensitive skin sent a cluster of shivers up her spine, and she whimpered and pressed closer to him. Tugging on her top, he said, “Take this off.”