Sweet Revenge (Sinners MC Book 1), page 23
He dropped his head and laid a soft kiss on my lips. “We made it to the bikes, but then we heard the door slam closed again behind us. Nick was there.”
“Who’s Nick?”
He pushed a wet strand of hair behind my ear. “You know him as Smoke.”
I shook my head. “I never met him. Snake talked about him, though, like he was a god or something.” I giggled. “I always thought he had a crush on him.”
He chuckled. “Nick was sent in as an undercover agent by the FBI.”
My mouth dropped open at the same time my eyebrows shot straight to my hairline. “Wow.”
He dropped his lips to my neck again. “Nick blew up the building, Maggie. He killed them and a few other Widows they brought with them.”
I watched something flash through his eyes and pushed my body as tight as possible to his. “Are you okay?”
He laid his forehead against mine while the steam from the water surrounded us. “All I felt was relief.” He huffed. “Like I could finally breathe after all these years.”
I ran my hand down his chest and around his back. “That’s how I feel with you.”
He grinned and pulled back so he could press his lips to mine, except this time, the kiss turned hot and desperate. I took a few steps back so I could feel the cold shower tiles against my back while he ran his lips down my neck.
I sighed and laid my head against the wall when his lips traveled down over my chest, and he lifted my leg behind the knee to wrap it around his waist. He pushed inside me slowly, trailing kisses along my neck and collarbone before his lips landed on mine again. He thrust slowly as though we had all the time in the world, and I guess now we felt like we did. We took our time, running our hands over all the skin we could reach, kissing slowly and building each other up until we both gasped and let ourselves go with orgasms so intense, I wondered how we didn’t fall to the shower floor from their power.
He carried me to his bed where he dried us before laying me down and climbing in beside me. He curled his body around mine, and within minutes, I felt his soft breaths against my ear. Smiling, I settled in deeper against his body and sighed, deciding we could sleep here this one time.
The cats would be fine.
Tonight, the only thing I needed to take care of was Gunner.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
GUNNER
Arms crossed over my chest, I watched as Luke, Cam, and Pike made their way over to the bar where Bear and I were standing. It was Sunday morning, well before Hanks would be open, and here we stood, back in the same place we had a year ago, but this time, we weren’t facing the same fight we were then.
I couldn’t read Luke’s expression or Cam’s, but the overwhelming tension in the room was palpable. Bear leaned his back against the bar top and wrapped his hands around the edge behind him. He looked casual, but I knew differently. Neither of us wanted to lie to these men because they’d become our friends and brothers over the last year, but we would protect our club at all costs.
Luke came to a stop in front of us, flanked by Pike and Cam, and put his hands on his hips. “Fire at the Widows clubhouse on Friday night. No one saw anything, no witnesses, and the rest of the club members who were away are on their way back. There’s not much left. Some identifying evidence of both Viper and Snake, a little of another man, who’s still unidentified, near the back of the club, but other than that, only ash.”
“Only three bodies?” Bear asked.
Luke raised his eyebrow. “You expecting more?”
Bear shrugged. “Just thought he’d have a bigger army with him.”
“More bodies were found right outside the back doors, but they’re still being identified.”
Bear jerked up his chin. “Shouldn’t you be happier that the man who’s been hunting you is finally fucking dead?”
Luke ignored that, and Cam spoke up, causing us to shift our attention to him. “Arrests were made this morning throughout the Diablo gang, including their leader, which will cripple them. At least for a little while.”
“And the cartel?” I probed.
“The FBI has officially opened a case,” Cam reported, his face serious. “That information stays in this room.”
Bear pulled his hands from the bar top and crossed his arms over his chest. “Understood.”
“Nick?” I asked the question I knew both Bear and I were curious about.
Cam dropped his head before looking back up. “He’s gone.”
Bear furrowed his brow. “Gone? What the fuck does that mean?”
“Means no one’s heard from him.”
“He safe now?”
“He’s gonna need to lay low for a while.” Cam’s eyes flicked back and forth between us. “We found his cut in the club, reported it to the Widows and officially declared him dead along with the others.”
“He check in with the bureau?”
“I talked to his handler this morning. He told me Nick checked in, went through debriefing, and then said ‘I’m out, make them believe I’m dead,’ so that’s what we’re doing.”
“Snap believe it?”
Luke nodded. “Yeah. We could tell it pissed him off that he lost his VP and the clubhouse because of an explosion, but I’d venture to say he seemed even more pissed off that he lost Nick, well Smoke to him, in the same blast.”
“They rebuildin’?”
Luke shook his head slowly. “No clue, but if I had to guess, I’d say they will.”
“That’d be my guess too,” I agreed. “Gonna take some time, though.”
“Should be quiet around here for a while then.” Pike spoke for the first time.
Luke dropped his arms. “I’m heading out.” He lifted his chin in our direction. “Gia had the baby. They’re having a little party next Saturday, and Brody said to invite you guys.” He pointed at me. “Make sure you’re there, or Kate will kick my ass.”
I jerked my head back. “Kate? Why?”
Luke smirked. “She wants to get to know Maggie.”
“Syd too.” Cam nodded. “Said make sure you bring her because she wants to hear how the cats are doing.” Cam snorted and shook his head at me. “Two cats, brother? Really?”
Luke aimed his grin at me. “She appreciate it?”
I cocked my eyebrow. “What the fuck do you think?”
Luke chuckled. “I think you both enjoyed her birthday.” I laughed along with the others, only sobering when Luke slapped his hand against my shoulder. “Never thought I’d see the day when Maggie O’Brien smiled freely, and that’s because of you, brother.”
I nodded, but no more words were needed. The Sinners saved her from a situation when he couldn’t, and I’d known for the last year how appreciative he was, but I wasn’t sure he ever believed she’d find happiness. I knew. I knew from the day I met her that if she gave me the chance, I’d give her something to smile about every day for the rest of her life.
Luke dropped his hand and headed for the door with Cam not too far behind, but they both stopped when they stood a few feet away, shared a look, and turned to face us.
“Glad you had the opportunity to say what you needed to say to your father before he died, Gunn.”
My eyes narrowed, but I didn’t react and neither did Bear even though I felt his body tense beside me. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Luke nodded and grinned down at his shoes before his gaze landed on me and Bear again. “Gotta admit, I wasn’t surprised when Snake turned, even expected it.”
Bear stood straight and dropped his arms. “How?”
“Brody’s cameras are better than I’d even hoped.”
I snorted out a laugh. I should’ve known these men wouldn’t leave anything to chance. “How the hell did Brody get in the clubhouse?”
“After they left for the rally. He found a good time and was in and out before Snake and Viper knew what the fuck happened.”
“You’re lucky they didn’t catch him, brother,” Bear stated seriously.
“No.” Luke shook his head. “They’re lucky they didn’t catch him.” His expression turned serious. “You underestimate my brother and just how much he hates women being forced into situations; how much we all do.”
“Guess we won’t make that mistake again,” I admitted, admiring him and his brothers even more than I had before. And I wouldn’t have thought that possible.
Luke smirked. “I wouldn’t.”
They turned to leave, and Luke yanked open the door, pausing only when Cam looked back over his shoulder. “Oh, and Pike.” Pike’s head shot up, and he stared at his best friend. “It’s nice to see you haven’t lost your touch.”
They left after that, and we stood silently until Pike finally spoke up. “Son of a bitch, I forgot how good that bastard is at finding me when I’m in position.”
Bear slapped him on the back of the shoulder. “You served a lot of years together, man, so it makes sense.” Pike nodded, and Bear continued, “Never did get to tell you nice shot, brother.”
Pike frowned. “He shouldn’t have even gotten a shot off.”
“It was quick,” I said honestly. “There were so many things going on. I almost missed it.”
Pike ran his hand around the back of his neck. “I was distracted, watching a couple of prospects taking on the boys out back. Wanted to make sure a gun wasn’t pulled on them and almost completely fucking missed the bastard inside pulling a gun on you guys.”
“You were doing the right thing. The prospects needed your eyes on them more than we did.” Bear replied.
Pike huffed out a breath. “Too bad I didn’t have Cam on that hill with me. We could’ve taken out the lot of them before you boys even had to throw a punch.”
“That would’ve taken out all the fun for us.” I said, only half-joking with him.
We all laughed easily, something else I hadn’t been able to do in a while, only stopping when something occurred to me. “You think they know Nick blew it up?”
Pike nodded. “Yep. If they knew I was on that hill, then they knew where Nick was.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “They’ll never talk about it, though. I know that.”
“What makes you think that?”
“They never turned me in, and they all knew I took out Sullivan after he killed my sister. They never will.” His eyes flicked between both of ours. “They’re never going to sacrifice Nick or his freedom for doing what any one of them may have done in his situation. He did what he had to do, and they trust that.”
Bear snorted. “Never thought I’d see the day when I’d trust cops and private investigators to have my back.”
“They’re different,” Pike declared. “All of them have fought for their country, so they see the gray in every situation. All but Luke. I have to be honest, I always worried Luke was too much of a straight shooter to ever understand the sins of my past or look past the black and white of the situation, but then I watched him protecting his brothers, his family, and most recently Kate, and I realized something.”
I jerked my chin up. “What’s that?”
“He’s a man. A man like us.” He motioned among the three of us. “And when someone hurts the ones he loves, he sees the gray.” Pike shoved his hands deep into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “He might just be the most dangerous of all of us because you’d never expect it from him.”
“You’re damn right about that, brother,” I agreed. “Never when I met him, would I have thought he’d be the man he is.”
Bear swung his arm out and punched Pike in the shoulder. “When you joining us?”
Pike chuckled. “I think I’m happy watching your shit from the outside.”
Bear smirked. “Figured you’d say that, but if you ever change your mind, there’s always a place for you with the Sinners, and you won’t ever be a prospect.” His face once again turned serious. “What you did for us, what you offered and sacrificed means you’d come in as a member. I know all the members would feel that way.”
Pike nodded. “I appreciate that.”
“You need to get yourself a bike first.”
Pike huffed out a laugh. “Just bought a house, man. I really don’t think Bella would agree to a bike right now, especially when we have a wedding to pay for.”
My eyes widened in surprise. I’d wondered how long it would take for him to marry Bella. “How’d you talk her into that?”
He shrugged but had a shitty grin on his face. “I got her when she was tired and off her game.”
We laughed along with him, Bear shaking his head and finally speaking up. “When is it?”
He sighed. “I don’t know. We’re telling everyone on Saturday that we’re engaged, but Bella and her mom are already diving into the bridal stuff, so I’m guessing one of them will tell me the date.”
I shook my head, laughing. “You act annoyed, but you love this shit.”
He grinned down at his boots before lifting his head and facing us once again. “I love that she said yes and that I can give her this, but man, I’d marry her any day, any time; none of the other stuff matters to me.”
“She wants the other shit?” Pike nodded, and I continued, “Then let her have it.”
He smirked. “When will I be coming to your wedding?”
I lifted my hands in surrender, letting him know he could tease me, and I didn’t care. “As soon as fucking possible.”
“That’s what I figured.”
Bear tipped his chin in my direction and I nodded. “We’re headin’ out.”
“I better see you on Saturday.”
“You will, brother.” I promised with Bear nodding his head in agreement.
As I followed Bear outside and straddled my bike, I realized Saturday would be the first time I’d get to take Maggie somewhere and feel safe doing it. Our biggest threats were gone. Snap and the others would be busy rebuilding. Hopefully, they would look at the Diablos as the possible cause of the fire, at least initially to keep the heat off us. We weren’t completely free yet. I wouldn’t feel like Maggie was able to be out in the open until I saw what the Widow’s next move was, but at least I felt like she and I could take a deep breath and maybe find a little peace.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
MAGGIE
Sitting in the front seat of the car Gunner had fixed up for me, I wrung my hands together and stared out the side window. I felt him take my hand in his and squeeze gently, but I kept my eyes averted. I was nervous, more nervous than I’d ever been, and I still had no idea why I agreed to this.
“It’s just a party.”
“I know.” I wrung my hands together in my lap. “Thanks for bringing the car.”
He snorted. “There was no way I could haul that gift on my bike.”
I dropped my head and smiled at my lap. “I thought it was cute.”
And I did. When Becs said we were all invited to the Dimarco’s house to celebrate Brody and Gia’s newest edition, I didn’t think it included me. But it did. And I decided we needed to bring something. I scanned over several websites online and researched what babies like because I had no experience in this, but I wanted something special. Something heartfelt from me to the family that took me under their wing and showed an interest in me. It wasn’t something I was used to, but because of Gunner and the Sinners, I was getting a lot better at feeling comfortable with people and holding conversations that would have intimidated me before. I’d talked to Sydney and Kate on the phone this week, promising I’d come and that I was excited to see them. I hadn’t lied, I was excited, which was another new feeling for me and one I wanted to hold on to.
Sitting side by side on the bed with Gunner, I’d showed him the things I’d found, and he nodded, telling me to get whatever I wanted and not worry about the price because he’d take care of it. I knew then that I wanted to start working for Kat as soon as the guys thought it was a good idea because I wanted to take care of myself. It wasn’t that I didn’t appreciate Gunner and what he wanted to do, but I wanted to feel like I was contributing. I wanted the control to make my choices, knowing I was completely responsible for them. I told Gunner what I was feeling, and he ran his finger down my cheek, telling me he’d talk to Bear and give me the green light when the club thought it was safe.
After what probably felt like an eternity to Gunner, he finally gave up and just listened to me ramble on about each of the things I liked that I was having a hard time choosing between. I hadn’t expected to buy the large activity center, but I kept coming back to it and comparing it to everything else. He finally reached over and closed the lid on the laptop I’d borrowed from Becs, grabbed my hand to pull me from the bed, and took me to the store to buy it.
“I know, baby.” He dropped my hand and put his hand on my leg, sliding it up under my skirt, and my head snapped his way.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m making good use of our time.”
Giggling, I slapped his hand but to no avail, considering he only moved it farther up my thigh. I waited for the butterflies and wasn’t disappointed when the farther his hand traveled, the faster they fluttered in my belly.
He pulled up alongside a curb and put the car in park but didn’t move his hand. I turned to face him only to find him staring at me. He lifted his eyebrows. “You good?”
I glanced over at the large farmhouse with the huge wraparound front porch and smiled before looking back at Gunner. “I think so.”
“They’re good people.”
“I know.” I swallowed hard. “There are just so many of them. I can handle them one on one, but this time, they’ll all be here in a group. It’s a little overwhelming.”
Gunner chuckled and lifted his hand to wrap around the side of my neck. “That’s true. But you underestimate yourself, Maggie. You’ve already charmed all of them; all they want is to be your friend. No, strike that, they want to be your family if you’ll let them.”
I smiled softly, leaned forward and pressed my lips to his, immediately feeling myself calming. He deepened the kiss and slid his hand farther up my leg until his finger brushed along the edge of my panties.
