Page 12

BOND

Church was loud but happy as everyone discussed Rochelle’s idea. Even if we’d only been together a short while, I knew my woman, and Rochelle was worried about the future. I knew this, and nothing I said would stop that worry until the threats to her and Daisy were all buried six feet in the ground.

While she was uncertain about the future, it didn’t stop her from living her life, and it made me proud that she was mine. Her asking Rogue and Julia to be guardians to our princess had cemented her place in everyone’s hearts without even trying. They would be perfect guardians. She was right; we needed to make sure that Daisy was looked after. I’d been happy to sign the will that Rochelle and Noni had the lawyer draw up. While I had no intention of anything happening to either of us, I also knew that life was uncertain, and situations happened that we didn’t always see coming.

I’d had no idea that she’d been thinking about starting a business with the Crows; why it surprised me, I had no idea. Our women were nothing if not enterprising. From when I’d joined the Crows back in the early two thousands, I’d always thought that the brothers were the muscle and the women the brains.

I knew most MCs didn’t work that way, preferring to keep their women separate. But it worked for us and, in a way, made us stronger.

None of us were hurting for money, and that was mostly because the Crow women were fucking amazing when it came to investments.

We’d not been able to do anything with the money that Rochelle’s dad had given her because we didn’t want to leave a paper trail when it came to her. We could have taken a leaf out of her book and opened an account in someone else’s name, but we’d decided to err on the side of caution and bring as little attention as possible to us. So, for now, we’d put it in the safe in Noni’s office.

It made my heart happy to see Rochelle settling in and putting her stamp on things. I’d ordered her cut, and we were going to have a small ceremony tonight to welcome her to the family properly. We’d arranged to set up a Zoom call with the UK chapter so that she could meet most of them that way. Once the threat to her was over, I’d take her and Daisy on holiday to the UK to meet the family there. Call me a caveman, but I couldn’t fucking wait until she was mine in all ways.

I was brought out of my musings by Bull thumping the gavel onto the table, making me jerk slightly. Next to me, Blaze sniggers slightly, “Where was your head, brother?”

“On what’s coming,” I reply quietly, “and on how lucky we are when it comes to our women.”

Blaze started to reply but was interrupted by Bull, “If that’s all, the meeting’s done. Any further questions on this project, see either Rochelle or Noni. Any other business?” He looks enquiringly around the table.

“Just a few more things,” Noni replies, looking up from her notes. “My friend Jill will be coming to stay for a couple of days. I’m hoping to persuade her to stay and take over managing the spa and gift shop side of the hotel. Is everyone okay with that?”

Most of us had met Jill Landry and liked her. She seemed to be a general dogsbody to her family, the one they called on for all manner of support. I knew it annoyed Noni, who felt like they took advantage of her good nature.

“I’m fine with that,” I answer Noni. The rest of the table all gave their votes.

“Don’t forget to be at mine and Noni’s tonight for supper,” Bull reminds us before ending the meeting. “You’re all free to go. Remember to look out for anything weird or out of place.”

“Yes, Pres,” we shout as one.

Bull rolls his eyes, standing up, “Get out, you fuckers.”

Laughing, I stand and pull Rochelle’s chair out for her, “Come on, baby, let’s go and get Daisy from Grace and head home.”

I feel the need to spend some time with just my girls before tonight. I’ve been feeling on edge for a couple of days, and I have a feeling that our time of peace is going to be over before we know it.

I’ve spent time with Rochelle and Daisy in the pool. We’ve been joined by most of the club, and we’ve smoothly transitioned from the pool to Bull and Noni’s home for the evening.

We’ve just finished eating when Bull stands up and bangs on his bottle of beer with the back of a knife, calling our attention to him. The table falls silent; even the children are waiting quietly for whatever is coming next.

“Bond,” he gestures to me to come and stand next to him. Pushing my chair back, I get up and walk to stand next to my president. Noni passes him a box, and he turns towards me and hands it over.

Clasping my shoulder, Bull declares, “You’re the first for this chapter of Crows to do this. Skinny, Rogue, and I did this with the Originals. Before you do, I want to say something.”

Bull takes a deep breath, clearing his throat before continuing, “I’ve known you all your life. We grew up together, we’ve been through good and bad together, and I consider you my little brother just as much as I do Skinny. I’ve worried about you my whole life, from the time I knew how bad it was in your home to when you joined up with Skinny and me.

“But this last year, I’ve worried about you more than any other time, even when we were getting shot at, because I knew there was nothing I could do to make your hurt any better. Then you took that trip a few weeks ago and came back a completely different man.”

Bull pauses, and I swallow at the lump in my throat because I’ve never realised how much Bull cared for me until this moment. I’ve always thought he’d put up with me because Skinny and I were best friends.

“What I’m trying to say,” Bull continues, “is that I’m proud of you. I’m proud of the man and the father you’ve become.”

Then Bull grins teasingly, “And the fact that you’ve somehow managed to bamboozle a smart woman like Rochelle into taking you on is just the icing on the cake.”

Laughing, I put the box that Bull had handed me down on the table and embrace my president, taking the pounding on the back that he gives.

My words nearly lost amongst the hooting and hollering from the rest of the brotherhood, the women, and children, as I say quietly so that only Bull can hear me, “Thank you, Samuel, for always looking out for me. I couldn’t have chosen better brothers than if we’d been born to the same parents. I appreciate all you and William have done for me over the years.”

“You’re welcome, Drew. Now make her yours,” Bull responds, giving me one more back-pounding slap and letting me go. When the table quietens down, I call out to Rochelle, who is smiling, her eyes a little tearful as she watches Bull and me.

“Rochelle, baby, can you come up here?” I ask her, holding out my hand. Surprised, Rochelle stands up and hands Daisy to Blaze when he holds his hands up for her.

As she walks up to me, I can’t help but think to myself that I’m a lucky fucker. She’s the whole package: gorgeous, smart, and doesn’t care that I have to have things a certain way. Although that need to always have everything in its place seems to have got better since she and Daisy have been in my life.

Rochelle comes to a stop near Bull and me, looking enquiringly at me. Taking her hands in mine, I start, “Rochelle, I know you’ve already agreed to be my Old Lady, but that was when you were under pressure, and you needed to feel safe.”

Taking a deep breath, I look into my love’s bright eyes. She is smiling at me as I continue, “You know how important this is to me, so I’d like to ask you again here amongst my family if you would do me the honour of agreeing to be my Old Lady, not because you need to, but because you want to.”

Rochelle smiles as she throws herself into my arms. “Of course,” she answers, pressing a kiss to my lips. “I’d be honoured.”

“Thank fuck,” I whisper hoarsely, deepening our kiss to the hoots and hollers of my brothers, making us laugh.

Removing my arms from around Rochelle, I open the box that held her cut and take it out, holding it up for her to slip over her shoulders. As it settles over her shoulders, something in me settles as I read the property patch on her back, seeing my name on her. Rochelle turns around, her face beaming with a smile as she runs her hand over her name patch on the front.

“Thank you,” she whispers, wrapping her arms around me. “You’re welcome, baby,” I reply, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head before we are inundated with well wishes from everyone. It was only when I heard the faint whistling, cheering, and shouts coming from the laptop Skinny set up earlier that I remembered we’d arranged to do a video call. Looking around for Blaze, I take Daisy from him before tugging Rochelle over to the video to introduce her to the UK chapter.

“Congratulations, Bond,” Reaper smiles, pulling Abby closer to him. His sharp gaze moved to Rochelle, softening slightly as he welcomed her, “Welcome to the family, Rochelle. You’ve got one of the good ones.”

“Thank you,” she responds, “and I know. I’ve had bad, so trust me, I know a good man when I see one.”

Reaper doesn’t say anything else; he just nods his acknowledgment as he looks at Daisy, “And this must be Daisy. Fuck me, brother, she’s tiny.”

“She is,” I agree. “But she’s a fighter.”

From behind Abby and Reaper, a soft voice came over, “Orange,” Ellie pushed her way between her parents. Even at the age of twenty, she still has that slight innocent ethereal quality about her that she’s always had. She smiles at us, her blue eyes sparkling. “Your colours are orange. It’s beautiful. And you’re right, Uncle Bond, Daisy is a fighter,” her eyes flick towards Rochelle, “and so is her mama.”

Ellie chews on her lip as she hesitates; I hate that she’d been made to feel that she had to hide who she was, but I also understood. People are dickheads. Ellie cants her head to the side slightly as she looks at Rochelle, “It’s going to be okay. Trust in the Crows and their allies.”

Rochelle doesn’t say anything at first, then she smiles slightly. Reaching out a hand, she touched a finger to the screen. Ellie mimics her on the other side. “You’re very special, Ellie. I do trust the Crows.”

Ellie beams at Rochelle. “Good, I can’t wait to meet you in person. Congratulations, Uncle Bond, you’ve found the one.” She blows a kiss at us. “Love to you all,” then disappears again.

Reaper and Abby chatted for a bit longer before they were pushed out of the way for the next couple. It was a good evening of celebration and bonding until we called it a night.

I do one more round of the cottage to ensure it’s all locked and secure before I make my way back to our bedroom. Rochelle was just about to hang her cut up on the hook by the door when I stopped her. Taking it from her, I tell her, “Take your clothes off, baby, and put your cut back on. I want to fuck you while you’re wearing it.”

Her eyes widen at my words and her cheeks flush slightly. “Mmh, you like that idea,” I rumble, my lips just touching her ear. Rochelle shivers slightly, so I continue, “You like the idea of me fucking you while wearing my name?”

“I do,” Rochelle answers, “I like knowing that I belong to you.”

‘Fuck me, she needs to strip and do it now,’ I thought as my cock hardened when she admitted that she liked belonging to me. I’d never been the possessive type, but with Rochelle, I found I was.

Stepping back slightly, I huskily order, “Strip, Rochelle,” licking my lips as she hurried to comply. When she was standing completely naked, waiting for me, I helped her into her cut. “Hands on the end of the bed, arse in the air. I want to see what’s mine,” I instruct as I kicked off my shoes and socks and stripped off my own cut, hanging it on the hook by our bedroom door before removing the rest of my clothes as Rochelle did what I asked. Holding back a groan of need, I gripped my cock hard as I looked at her luscious arse thrust out as if waiting for me.

Dropping to my knees behind her, I run my hands up the back of her calves then her thighs, nudging them further apart so that I can get to what is mine. Rochelle whimpered low in her throat as I spread her open; seeing her glistening wet pussy has my mouth watering and I can’t wait to taste her.

Tapping her thighs, “Open for me, baby.”

She opened her thighs wider for me, and I wasted no time in burying my face in her waiting pussy. Holding tight onto her thighs to stop her moving, I licked her from top to bottom and didn’t stop until she was begging me to come. Sucking her clit into my mouth, I held on tight as she bucked against me, riding my face as she comes. I didn’t wait; standing, I shoved my cock into her still rippling pussy, eyes rolling to the back of my head as I gritted my teeth and tried not to come.

Rochelle lay panting, arms spread out in front of her as she grasped at the bedspread, my name on her cut filling me with possessiveness and the need to mark her with my cum.

“One more time, baby,” I tell her. She shakes her head slightly, “I don’t think I can.”

“Oh, you can,” I assure her as I snap my hips forward, before drawing back and planting myself deep. Reaching around, I find her clit and flick it gently; I’m instantly rewarded by Rochelle thrusting back against me, so I do it again until she’s riding my hand and my cock at the same time. Bracing my legs, I stand firm. “That’s it, baby, use my cock,” I croon just as she comes, sobbing again.

Wrapping my hand around her leg, I lift it until it is resting on the bed, and then I power into her, thrusting hard. The only sound in the room is our skin slapping, Rochelle’s whimpers, and my moan as I feel that familiar tingle just as Rochelle’s pussy ripples around my cock. “Fuck,” I snarl as we both come, my back bowing as I throw my head back and bury myself as deep as I can in her soft folds. We come hard; knees weak, I lean forward, panting slightly as I wrap my arms around her and press soft kisses to her leather-covered shoulders.

“Holy fuck, Bond. I think you broke me,” Rochelle chuckles. “I don’t think I’ve ever come that hard before. If that’s what you call fucking, then we need to do that again.”

Laughing softly, I groan as my cock softens and slips out of her warm body. Pressing one last kiss to her back, I bend and pick up my shirt, wiping at our joined cum that is running down her legs. Once she is clean enough, I pull her up and into my arms, resting my lips against the damp curls of her temple.

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“Nope,” she shakes her head before yawning. “I’m feeling all sorts of good right now,” she assures me tiredly.

“Come on, baby,” I tell her, pulling back the covers. Taking her cut off her, I help her into bed, tucking the sheet around her. I know I won’t be able to sleep without a shower. Leaving her tucked up in bed, I quickly shower, then check on Daisy one more time before joining Rochelle in bed, knowing it will only be for an hour or so before Daisy wakes us up.

It’s not Daisy, though; it’s my phone that wakes me up. Groaning tiredly until I see Bull’s name. All vestiges of sleep leave me as I hurriedly answer, getting out of bed so as not to disturb a still-sleeping Rochelle. “Bull?” I answer.

“Dex called; the guys watching the Black Mambas say they’re making a move.”

“Okay,” I answer. “Do we know when?”

“Not yet; probably won’t be until night after next. They’re running around like chickens without a head, apparently. The bossman is upset because his drugs haven’t arrived. I’m letting everyone know now, but we’ll meet in an hour to firm up our plans.”

“Okay,” I agree, ending the call. Daisy whimpers from down the hallway.

Walking towards her room, I vow to do all I can to make sure my girls are safe. We’d already put a plan in place, and tomorrow we’d go over it all again. But before we got there, I had a job to do first.

Picking Daisy up, I quickly change her before pressing my lips to her little head, “Daddy will keep you safe, princess,” I whisper to her as I take her to Rochelle.

“Who called?” she asks, taking Daisy from me.

“Bull,” I tell her. “The Mambas are making a move.”

Rochelle inhales, and her wide, worried eyes meet mine. Cupping her cheek, I assure her, “It will be okay, Roch. We have a plan in place, and we’re not alone. Dex has men on the ground in the city. I may have to leave for a little while, but if all goes well, I’ll be back before the evening.”

When I’m dressed, I open up her nightstand and take out her handgun, putting it next to her.

“Keep that on you today. Don’t open the shop; have the phone transferred to your cell. Stay close to the other women today. If there are any issues, Noni will get you all to the safe room.”

Rochelle swallows but nods. I know she’s scared, but she’s not falling apart, showing how strong she is. Bending, I press my lips to hers, “Love you, Roch.”

“Love you too,” she replies, tears swimming in her eyes. “Please be careful.”

“I will,” I assure her before kissing Daisy’s head. “Daddy loves you, princess.”

With one last kiss to Rochelle, I leave the house, ensuring to lock the doors behind me and walk towards the hotel and our temporary Church, meeting Rogue on the way. We nod to each other, but neither of us says anything. We all know what we have to do. It’s not the first time, and I doubt it will be the last time.

Rogue and I are the last to arrive. Bull turns as we walk in. Everyone is standing in front of a map of the city.

“Right, let’s get started,” Bull states. “Bond, you and Cairo will be leaving within the hour. Are the bombs ready to travel?”

Both Cairo and I nod. “Yeah, Pres, they are,” I assure him.

“Okay, you know the targets; let’s get this done with as little damage as possible. The bombs will throw them, but they’ll still come for her.”

“Do we know how they found out where she is?” I ask.

“Money talks, brother, you know that. The private hospital that her dad’s in, they got to one of the board members who has a drug problem; he squealed like a canary.”

“Where’s he now?” I grind out.

“Drake and Sam have taken care of him.”

My shoulders relax slightly. Drake and Sam Madden, are married to Ava and Marie Moore, Noni’s ex-bosses, but that’s not how we knew them. We’d served together. If they’d taken care of him, then I didn’t need to worry.

“That’s good. Cairo and I need to leave. Are you all good to keep an eye on things here?”

“We’re good, brother. We’ll help Noni move the guests to Ava and Marie’s hotel. Julia, Grace, and the children will all be going over there too,” Rogue assured me. “You two be careful, and for fuck’s sake, don’t get caught.”

“We will, and we won’t get caught. It’s like you don’t even know us,” I reply with a smirk. Tilting my chin at Cairo, I ask, “You ready?”

Cairo grins slightly maniacally, “I was born ready for this type of mayhem, brother. Let’s go blow some shit up.”

“Fuck,” Bull groans, wiping his hand tiredly down his face, “don’t blow yourselves up for Christ’s sake.”

“Don’t worry, Pres,” Cairo claps his hand on Bull’s shoulder as we leave. “You know Bond and I live for all things that go kaboom.”

He claps his hands together before throwing them up in the air to show a bomb going off. Laughing at the look on Bull’s face, he walks out, and I can’t help but smile as I follow him. He’s not wrong; both of us do love our bombs.

The usual three-hour drive to the city was cut in half, with it being the middle of the night and there not being any traffic on the road to contend with. That, and the fact that we were on our bikes, meant we could travel faster than we would in a vehicle. We split up as soon as we got to the city. We each had our targets and knew where they were. After setting the last bomb, I got back on my bike and headed back to our rendezvous spot to meet up with Cairo.

We’d been in the city for just over an hour, and we were already on our way back home. The sky was just starting to lighten as we drove towards it. As the sun started to slowly rise in the sky, I couldn’t help but grin as I watched the first explosion in my wing mirror. We’d hit almost all their warehouses that held their stock. Rochelle had given their locations to us during the first Church meeting, and we’d had people watching them. Considering how much stock they held and the monetary value of that stock, the guards they’d had on them were shit. It hadn’t been hard to get around them. I’d been hoping to at least have one of them stop me. Cairo hadn’t had any issues either. A few of the properties he’d been to hadn’t had any guards at all; the one that did have a guard was so busy with a lady that Cairo found it easy to slip past.

“They’re going to be pissed, brother,” Cairo shouts over to me.

“I know,” I acknowledge. “Come on, let’s get home so that we can help Noni get her guests moved and the town shut down.” Opening up my bike, I relaxed as I flew down the road and the air flowed past, relaxing me. Even with the threat hanging over us, there was nothing quite like riding with a brother on an open road to blow your worries away. Even if it’s only for a little while.