Sting, page 7
“Thank you, Ms. Jezebel. You’re always so nice.”
“Honey, I’m only nice because you’re even nicer. Ask anyone. I’m a badass.” The older woman lifted her chin and gave Jerrica a cocky smirk, looking so much like all the men in the club I nearly burst out laughing myself. Jerrica laughed and ran back to the other women, throwing her arms around Jezebel.
“You’re almost as wonderful as my sister.” Jerrica’s comment was so soft I almost didn’t hear it.
“High praise indeed. Iris is a remarkable woman. I’ve gotten to know her over the last few months. I see why you love her so much.”
Jerrica looked back at me. “She’s the best big sister in the world.”
“You’re the best little sister in the world.” I grinned at her, trying to hold back my tears. “Go on. Get your shower so you can join the group.”
Clover snagged Jerrica’s hand again and led the way to the bathroom. Clearly the girl wanted Jerrica at that table with the others.
Once the door was closed, a hand landed gently on my shoulder. I looked back to find Sting right behind me. I knew he’d been there the whole time, but he’d allowed us to enter into the group in our own way. I doubt many men would have had the foresight for such a thing, but I was beginning to realize Sting wasn’t an ordinary man.
“She’ll need to be seen by the doc. Just like the others.” His voice was gentle. I knew he was right, but I wanted to put it off as long as possible. I didn’t want her to have to relive this any more than she had to.
“I know. I wanted her to feel normal for a while.”
“Honey.” Jezebel came to me and urged me and Sting out of the immediate vicinity. Once we were in the kitchen area, she spoke in hushed tones. “You know she’s never going to be normal again. Right? We have no idea what happened to her yet, but we know what they were setting her up for.”
“I probably shouldn’t have suggested she shower. But after so long, I doubt they’d be able to collect DNA anyway.”
“That’s not something you need to worry about, Iris.” Now, Jezebel had the look on her face I’d seen the men have. She was readying herself for battle. “DNA isn’t going to make a damned bit of difference.”
“But, won’t the court need it when we go to trial?”
I looked from Jezebel to Sting and back. They gave each other a grim look. Jezebel was the one to speak.
“There isn’t going to be a trial, Iris. And I think you know that.”
I sighed. “Yeah. Sorry.”
“As long as you realize what’s happening.” Sting framed my face with his hands. “No one hurts my girls and gets away with it. Even if you weren’t my girls when they took her, you are now.”
“El Diablo doesn’t let human traffickers live long in his territory,” Jezebel said softly. “These guys were dead the second he found out they were in his area. Preying on those he considers his.”
“What about Mr. Brown?” The sudden thought about the man who was supposed to protect all these girls nearly made me see red. My vision tunneled as my anger spiked. All I could see was his face as he callously told me he’d sent Jerrica off with strangers. There’s no way he didn’t know what he was doing.
“Iris? Take a breath.” Strong arms lifted me. I thought I might need to fight someone off, but that comforting scent of masculine sweat and gasoline surrounded me, and I relaxed. And the tears came. “Come on, Iris. Breathe. In and out, baby. In and out.”
“I’ll get Fury.” That was Jezebel.
I sucked in a breath. Then another one. “Sting…”
“I’m here, little hellcat. I’ve gotcha.”
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Now that I’d broken through the panic, I trembled in Sting’s arms. Looking up into his face, I saw nothing but understanding and a hint of satisfaction. That look finally broke through the rage and fear consuming me. I knew I’d probably made a fool out of myself so I tried to scramble out of his arms.
“No need to be sorry. That’s what I’m here for.” He kissed the top of my head. “You good?”
“No! I’m not good! Sting, Mr. Brown is still at the home. What if he’s planning on sending more girls away? He got three out after Jerrica, and no one even questioned him!”
“Relax, baby. Black Reign has something going with him. I ain’t in their club, so I don’t need to know about that. But he’s not gonna hurt anyone else again.”
“You promise?” I needed the reassurance even as my mind shied away from what would happen to the director of the home my sister and I had lived in for years. I didn’t want that bastard free, but I wasn’t sure I was ready to say I wanted him dead.
OK. That wasn’t true. I did want him dead. I didn’t want my hands dirty. How hypocritical was that?
“I swear it, hellcat. He’s not gonna ever hurt anyone again.”
I wound my arms around his neck and let loose a little sob. I didn’t want to break down. Now wasn’t the time. Jerrica would be out of the bathroom soon, and I needed to be strong for her. She had so much to deal with, and I needed to be with her. She needed to know she wasn’t alone and that she had a strong protector. How could I be that when I was losing my mind at the moment?
It wasn’t long before Noelle and Fury entered the room. Sting had taken me to a bedroom where he had finally calmed me down out of the view of the children. Fury stood back while Noelle took the lead.
“I think you’re fine,” she said with a smile. “Just a bit of an emotional release. Want us to look at your sister while we’re here? You can stay with her if she wants, and we can do it in a non-clinical setting.”
It was hard to focus, but I looked from Noelle up to Sting. I have no idea why I did it, but once I did, he took over. I was surprised at how relieved I was. I didn’t feel like I was capable of making any decisions at the moment.
“If Jerrica is comfortable with it, then yes. It will be better to get it over with so she can join the other girls and be a kid for a while.”
“She needs a break the same as you do, Iris.”
I nodded my head. “As long as she’s OK with it.”
“I’ll be gentle when I ask her.” Noelle gave me a genuine smile. I remember how she was with the other girls and knew Jerrica was in good hands.
It wasn’t long before Noelle had Jerrica in the bedroom with us. Noelle had Fury and Sting step outside so she could talk with Jerrica and see any injuries she had.
“If I need Fury to look at an injury, I’ll call him back in. Otherwise, he’ll rely on my judgment. Should be easier on Jerrica.”
Jerrica looked from me to Noelle. “It’s OK, Iris.” Then her gaze went back to Noelle. “As long as there ain’t needles. I don’t like needles.”
“I’m not going to promise. Fury might want to do some blood work. Just not today. That I can promise.”
Jerrica sighed and repeated, “I don’t like needles.”
“Want to know a secret?” Noelle leaned in close to Jerrica. “I don’t like needles either.”
“Really?” Jerrica’s eyes got wide, and the ghost of a smile tugged at her lips. “You might be better’n I thought. I don’t like doctors either.”
“Well, then you’ll love me. I’m not a doctor.” Noelle reached a hand to Jerrica. “I’m an MMA fighter. I help because Fury’s too scary. He looks like a meanie, but he’s really a teddy bear.”
That did get a small giggle out of Jerrica. I could have happily kissed Noelle. Jerrica needed to have someone look her over, but I couldn’t have let anyone else make her submit to an exam.
Thankfully, Noelle didn’t take long. It was just the three of us. When Noelle asked Jerrica the inevitable questions about sexual assault, I had to fight to hold back tears. Again, like with the others, Jerrica denied anyone touching her inappropriately.
“I wasn’t really expecting it.” Noelle brought Fury back to the room after Jerrica joined the other girls.
Sting nodded. “If they were going to sell her, they’d want her to be untouched. It would increase the price.” He pulled me into his arms, kissing my temple. “You satisfied she’ll be good for a while?”
Oh. That’s right. He wanted to talk. “I won’t leave without telling her where I’m going.”
“Didn’t expect you to. Tell her you’ll come get her in the morning. Jezebel knows how to find us if she needs you.”
I did as Sting said, reassuring Jerrica. She didn’t want me to go, but Clover took her hand and led her to Jezebel, climbing up into the woman’s lap. Jerrica looked back at me, then followed Clover, and the girls snuggled against Jezebel and each other. Noelle took a blanket from the back of the couch and wrapped it around the girls’ shoulders. Jezebel spoke softly to them. Jerrica smiled once. Clover looked up at Jezebel and smiled before laying her head on Jezebel’s shoulder and closing her eyes. Jerrica looked at me one last time and smiled.
“I promise I’ll be here in the morning, honey.”
“I know.” Jerrica didn’t look scared. Strangely, I thought Clover’s acceptance helped ease Jerrica’s fear. “You sent Brick after me last time. You didn’t forget me.”
“I could never forget you, Jerrica. Not ever!”
She looked at Sting. “You gonna take us with you, or are we gonna stay here?”
“That’s what me and your sister need to work out. Plannin’ on takin’ you with me. You good with that?”
“Will Brick be going too?”
“He’s my vice president. He goes where I go.”
“Then I guess it’s OK if we go with you.”
“You like Brick, huh?” Sting grinned. I got the feeling he was very pleased with Jerrica. “You know he’s not the only one who can protect you. Right? I’m pretty handy myself.”
“Yeah, but he’s much bigger’n you. So he has to be better.” I could tell Jerrica was only half joking. Brick made her feel safe like Sting made me feel like he could fix anything. Sting had brought Jerrica back to me. And the other girls I hadn’t even known were missing. He’d never intended to leave them or Jerrica. He wasn’t willing to risk their lives. So he found an alternate way of doing things.
“That he is, honey. That he is. So, you good for the night?”
“I’ll be here with you and Clover.” Jezebel smiled at the two girls. “We can build a blanket fort if you like.”
“That would be fun.” Jerrica grinned at Clover, and the girl nodded eagerly.
“Good. If you need Iris, just tell Jezebel, and she’ll send someone after her. We’ll be in the compound. We’re not leaving. We need to talk.”
Jerrica didn’t need any other convincing. While she probably had some pretty rough days and nights ahead, for now she was content. Whatever had happened when Brick rescued her, he’d made an impression. If it put her mind at ease, I was thankful they’d made a connection.
“Come on, little hellcat,” Sting said, tugging my hand so I had to follow him. We’ve got a long night ahead of us.”
Now, why did that simple statement send thrills through me?
Chapter Six
Sting
Having Iris in my room was more satisfying than I could have imagined. No, it wasn’t really my room, but it was the space I’d been living in for the last three months. She eyed me warily, like she knew I was ready to pounce on her.
“Are you afraid of me, Iris?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“Good. I see no sense in dragging out this part of the conversation. I want you and Jerrica to come with me back to Evansville. I’ll get Wrath to make your adoption of Jerrica happen now instead of waiting on the state of Florida to make a decision.”
Her lips parted. “You can do that?”
I shrugged. “Ain’t my territory, but Wrath’s a damned good lawyer. Besides that, he has Shotgun and Esther working with him. They can file the proper documents and get it pushed through in record time.”
“As long as Jerrica comes with me, I don’t care where we live. I need to be able to get a job to support us.”
“Don’t worry about that either. I’ll take care of both of you. The club takes care of its own.”
“The club. Your club?”
“Iron Tzars. Yes. I came here for advice from my father, Warlock. He was president of Iron Tzars until a month ago. I hadn’t been here long when you came to Hope for help. El Diablo asked for our help with this. It’s what we do. Shut down human trafficking rings when we find them.”
“They have a lot of that in Indiana?”
“Not what I’d call a lot, but more than you’d think. We’re not so naive to think we’ve shut them all down in the area, but we do what we can. They needed to find Jerrica fast. We did the best we could. Still took us three months.”
“I might never have found her if you hadn’t come along. Thank you, by the way. I’m sorry I doubted you.”
“Which brings me to another part of the discussion. You’re in trouble, little hellcat.”
She took a step back, eyeing me with caution. “Trouble?”
“Don’t act like you don’t know what I mean. I promised you a spanking for running off on your own. I think it’s time for me to follow through.”
Iris tilted her head, managing to look both incensed and intrigued. “I’m not letting you abuse me, Sting. No matter how good you kiss.”
“You like my kisses?”
She rolled her eyes. “You know I do.”
“Before we start this, my name is Aiden Wagner. Call me whatever you’re comfortable with, but you should at least know my name.”
“Why would it matter to you if I know your name or not?”
I stepped closer to her. She didn’t back up. Instead, she rested her hands on my chest, her gaze following her touch. I waited until she looked up at me again before I answered her.
“You’re mine, Iris. Everyone in my club knows it. Everyone at Black Reign knows it. Since the moment I first saw you, I knew you were going to be mine.”
She sucked in a breath, her eyes going wide. “What does that mean?” Her whispered question was followed by a shiver through her body. Her fingers clutched at my chest, and sweat glistened on her upper lip and forehead. Her pupils dilated, and she wet her lips, her gaze dropping to mine.
“Oh, I think you know what it means. Just to be clear, though, I’m makin’ you my ol’ lady. We’ll both adopt Jerrica. It gives me the woman I’ve grown to admire over the last three months and gives you the protection you need for your sister and yourself. As the ol’ lady of their president, my club will protect you with a ruthlessness you’ve never even conceived of. With Jerrica as my daughter, they’ll be worse with her. She’ll always have a strong protector with her. You won’t have to worry about adopting her by yourself. I’ll be your husband. We’ll be a strong family unit for her.”
“You don’t know me. I don’t know you. This isn’t something we can do on a whim.”
“This isn’t a whim, Iris. Tell me you’ve not been studying me the three months we’ve been here together. Tell me you never noticed me as a man, and I’ll forget about this.”
She opened her mouth, then closed it. Stepping closer to me, she rested her forehead on my chest between her hands. “Fuck.”
“That’s what I thought. Now. We’re not leavin’ this room until we have this worked out between us. Tell me what expectations you have for a husband.”
“You’re too bossy for me.” Her voice was muffled, but I thought I caught a thread of humor.
“Hellcat, you don’t know the half of it. What else do you object to?”
She raised her head, looking me in the eyes. “I don’t do casual sex. And I need to know what being an ol’ lady means. ‘Cause I don’t share.” Oh, she was a fierce little thing. I knew where she was going, and I loved her thinking.
“Being my ol’ lady in my club is the same as being married. I’ll give you a nice ceremony and all that shit if you want. I’ll even make it legal. But for all intents and purposes, me claiming you as my ol’ lady means we’re an exclusive couple. My club will enforce that in no uncertain terms. Neither of us will ever cheat on the other.”
“What about a divorce? If you can just decide I’m your woman, can you decide you don’t want me anymore?”
I shook my head. “It’s more complicated than that. I let the club know what I want. They have to agree. Especially since I’m their president. They’ll want to make sure we’re a good match for each other. They’ve been judgin’ us almost since the first day we met. Every member of Iron Tzars will report what they find to the other officers in the club, and they’ll vote. If they agree, I’ll get your property patch. Same with a divorce. The officers will listen to both sides and decide if we need to try harder to work it out or if we’re done.” There was more, but I wasn’t about to tell her. Not now. It made me a bastard, but I needed her on board with this. Because there was no way I could let her go. She was under my skin but real fucking good. “You should know that I grew up in Iron Tzars. I’m twenty-nine. In all that time, I’ve never seen even one couple divorce. Warlock is the only man I’ve ever seen give up his ol’ lady, and she wasn’t approved by the club. He called her his ol’ lady, but she wasn’t really. The club knew they were a poor match. Or, rather, that she didn’t want him. Not like he wanted her.”
She looked up at me for a long time. I could almost see the wheels turning in her mind. In the three months I’d watched her, I knew Iris was nothing if not intelligent. Though I didn’t want her to know there was no leaving the Tzars once she was on the inside, I had the feeling she could figure it out on her own.
“I know there are things you’re not telling me. And I’m a fool for agreeing to this.” She sighed. “What happens if we don’t work out? I get the feeling I don’t just get to go on my happy way.”
