Page 16

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

T he early morning sun was barely casting a pinkish hue on the sky when Johnny hit the remote control on the truck’s visor, and the gate to the Devils’ Spawn parking area opened to allow him in. The drive northeast had taken him a little over two hours, with only a single stop to allow Isolde a bathroom break. She’d received a few startled reactions when she entered the service station in her pjs, but she’d ignored everyone. Holding up her head and straightening her shoulders with a perfect queenlike attitude, she strode to the restroom. Her body language was clear: there’s nothing to see here.

Once parked, Johnny killed the engine and turned to face Isolde. “We have a committee waiting for us.” He tilted his head in the direction of the porch. “Are you ready for this?”

“Yup. I saw them when you pulled in.”

Johnny sighed, resigned to the situation. On the phone, Barron had given him some of the highlights, but had withheld the full story until they arrived. The most salient detail for him was Gomez’s condition. After finding him severely wounded, Trent had raised the alarm. They were taking care of him in a Savannah level-one trauma center, and he was holding on to life by a thread.

“I’ll help you down. Might as well face the music,” he said.

She grasped his hand. Her features had darkened. “Daddy, nothing is changing between us. My father’s here and he might as well accept the reality. I’m with you, unless…”

Johnny scrunched his lips together. He could guess what she was about to say. “Unless?”

“You don’t?—”

“Finish that thought, and get your butt ready for a major spanking.”

Isolde’s expression didn’t waver. “This is no game. I had to say this. We’re emerging from an unusual situation. We’ve lived in a hideout, separate from everyone. Now we’re reentering life. Your feelings could’ve?—”

With any other man, she might have a point. Not with him. He grasped her fingers. “I’ll say it again: finish that thought, and you won’t escape a huge spanking. I love you more than my own life. You’re my baby, and no one’s taking you from me. Once and for all, it’s you above anyone else. Is that settled in your mind?”

She gave him a sunny smile and nodded. “Absolutely.”

“Okay, then. I’ll help you down. We do this together.”

“This is going to be interesting.” She scoffed, as he brought her down. “I see Trent in the welcoming committee. Who’s the woman?”

“Cel, Blade’s wife. She’s super nice, and a Little too. I have a feeling she’s here to help you get settled.”

“Moral support from another woman just rocks,” she murmured.

Hand in hand, they walked through the clubhouse’s front yard, and Deacon ran out to them. “Isolde, baby. I’m so happy to see you.” He enfolded his daughter in a bear hug. “I’ve been so worried. ”

Johnny watched in silence. Isolde returned her father’s embrace, but he sensed a peculiar distance in her. It was a slight thing, an almost imperceptible difference in behavior. Deacon’s child was no more. Though she still loved her father, the allegiance in her heart was for another man. Johnny occupied the space, with the exception of tiny openings for other people, such as Deacon, Sydney, and Opal.

Tightening the sheet around herself, she moved back a step. “I was always safe, Dad. Johnny protected me.”

Deacon gave Johnny a murderous glare. “Bastard took you.”

Johnny held his ground.

“No.” Isolde tugged her father’s arm. “He didn’t take me.”

Seeming confused, Deacon turned to his daughter. “But?—”

“I went with him. I wanted to. He explained his concerns, told me about the snitch, and I agreed with his plan.”

The tense exchange stopped as Barron, Blade, and Trent joined the father-daughter reunion. Only Cel remained waiting on the porch. Deacon glanced from face to face. “What the hell, a snitch? How did you know?”

Blade nodded. “We had reports.”

“Who?”

“Can’t tell you yet,” Barron said. “Only Gomez knows, and he’s unconscious.”

“It’s frustrating,” Blade said. “It happened right outside on the porch, which is pretty fucking alarming and pisses the fuck out of me.”

“If it wasn’t for Trent…” Deacon didn’t finish his sentence.

“So you discovered Gomez?” Johnny went straight for Trent. “And you didn’t get a glimpse of the attacker?”

“Unfortunately, no.” Trent gave a heavy sigh. “I couldn’t sleep. So I came out to the common room to watch TV. Before I turned it on, I heard the thud of a body falling and someone whimpering in pain. I ran out and found Gomez face down, semiconscious and hurt. He was alone. I yelled for help. Blade awoke first.”

“And?” Johnny turned to Blade.

“Deacon rushed out with me,” Blade continued. “He called 911. It was a chaotic situation. Gomez was still out and bleeding profusely from two knife wounds in his back. The attacker was smart not to use a gun because we would have heard the shots. Trent was covered in blood from trying to help his friend. Honestly, I thought Gomez was a goner, but he rallied and told us, ‘Get them out. Hurry. Rover knows their hideout.’ I texted Barron. He called you immediately.”

“Gomez saved us,” Isolde murmured. “I can’t believe it. What’s his condition?”

“Dude’s strong and very lucky,” Deacon said. “The EMTs got here quickly. He’s in a level-one trauma center. The last I heard, he was stabilized but critical. They still have him in ICU. I’m going back later to handle financial matters for Gomez. The general concern is that he’ll probably lose the injured lung.”

“Poor Gomez.” Sobbing softly, Isolde leaned against Johnny. Without a thought, he put his arm around her shoulder. Deacon glared. Johnny ignored him. At some point, he’d have to come to terms with the reality of their situation. Johnny and Isolde were in love and a couple. Going forward, they were living together. That wasn’t changing anytime soon.

Still, a question lingered in Johnny’s mind. “Did you find the knife?”

Blade shook his head. “Sorry to say, no. However, Captain Weaver of the Garden City police is sending K9s to search the yard later this morning.”

“Great idea,” Barron said. “If there’s anything, the dogs will find it.”

Cel stepped to the forefront of the conversation. “All right, gentlemen. Enough. I’m taking Isolde inside. She’s spent hours on the road in her jammies and still has a sheet wrapped around herself. She needs a shower, clean clothes, food, and a short nap.” She frowned at Johnny. “You could use a break too. Barron, take care of your friend, will you? I’ll tell Blade when Isolde’s ready to come out.”

Blade smiled at Cel. “Sounds like a plan, baby girl. You’re in charge. Guys, you heard my wife. We’ll reconvene after Isolde’s had some rest. We still have really serious matters to talk about.”

Isolde moved to Johnny and got on her tiptoes, offering up her lips. “See you later?”

“You bet.” He kissed her quickly, and she walked into the clubhouse holding Cel’s hand.

As soon as Blade got word from Cel that Isolde had sufficiently rested, he called the affected visitors and members of the Garden City MC for an informal gathering at the conference room. Couldn’t be an official church meeting because outsiders would be present.

With the exception of one brother, currently out of town on a clandestine mission, everyone else showed up. The conference room was packed.

Cel and Isolde came into the room. His baby girl was dressed in borrowed clothes and wore a bright smile on her face, warming Johnny’s heart. Cel took her spot at Blade’s side, and Isolde sat next to Johnny. Johnny kissed her hand, held it within his, and prepared to listen.

Blade gave a report on the K9s. The inspection hadn’t yielded anything new or suspicious. The scents found belonged to everyone in the clubhouse. Gomez’s attacker had cleverly left no traces of himself or his weapons.

“You know, Blade,” Axel broke in, “I worked with the guy in Dalton. If anyone told me Gomez would be so unselfish and heroic, I would’ve laughed. What’s the latest on his condition?”

“Unchanged,” Blade said.

“Gomez is difficult and can be an ass,” Deacon said from his chair.

And a lecherous jerk. Johnny thought, but kept his mouth shut.

Deacon continued to stare at everyone. “He’s always been loyal to the MC. And he’s proven me right.”

Axel sat, then Little Billy stood to speak. “That’s all well and good. We all wish him well. I, for one, hope he recovers soon and without complications. However…” Little Billy paused to study every face. “I’m pretty sure Blade didn’t call this meeting just to talk about Gomez. The club has a problem. We have a traitor among us, and the fucker is still running around loose. This guy betrayed Deacon’s daughter and Johnny Gun, who was trying to protect her, then got into our clubhouse and nearly killed a Dalton brother. How the fuck did he manage? My guess is Gomez surprised this motherfucker in the act and got stabbed.”

A low rumble of voices moved around the room. Johnny glanced at Barron. His friend nodded and stood to address the group. “Let’s face it, guys, the MC has gone through some big changes. The most important was moving from outlaw to legit. My gut tells me, this guy betrayed us because he was unhappy with our new position. We need to discuss this openly. Brothers who’d rather go a different way should feel free to do so.”

Viper stood. “I have one more.”

“What are you doing?” Deacon asked him.

“I’m sorry, my brother.” He spoke to Deacon, then stared at everyone. “We have an open wound between MCs. It’s urgent we heal it once and for all. If we don’t, we’ll never move forward. Deacon, you and Rover need to resolve your feud. This has been going on too long. I understand you and Warden were close as brothers. His death was a deep loss. ”

“Viper, please,” Deacon begged.

“No, you have to listen. I was there, and I remember. The ambush was intense and confusing. But it was never cleared up if Rover had instigated the attack or someone else had. My money is on Gunner since the sneaky liar of a vice president and troublemaker took advantage of every crisis to twist things in his favor. But instead of discussing this with Rover, you let the pain blind you, and it festered. You turned in one of Rover’s men to the feds. He paid you back by trying to kidnap Isolde. Gomez is fighting for his life because of this animosity. Our clubhouse is in ruins. You have to clear the air, make peace with each other. End this once and for all.” He sat down.

“Why does it have to be me?” Deacon groaned. “Rover hasn’t reached out or tried to resolve this with me or anyone else. And he’s got the cartels working with him.”

“How about we try baby steps?” Blade asked. “If we start a conversation, we could work our way to throwing the cartels out of our territory. For now.”

“Doesn’t hurt to try,” Viper said.

“I could negotiate a meeting between the two of you,” Blade offered. “Has to be on neutral ground. Not here, in Dalton, or in LaFayette.”

“And for sure without Gunner,” Viper added.

“Good one.” Blade pointed at him. “Suggestions?”

“The Hell Knights have proven their neutrality,” Viper said. “I know they’re just as frustrated with this ongoing animosity as the rest of us. They’d like to see it end.”

“Deacon?” Blade asked. “

He sighed. “If Rover accepts the meeting, so will I.”

“That’s progress,” Blade said. “I’ll reach out to Josh tomorrow. Between him and me, we can put something together.”

Isolde raised her hand, and Blade chuckled. “We’re not in school, Isolde. What’s on your mind? ”

“Is it possible to visit Gomez? Even just to look at him from a distance?”

Blade tapped the table. “I honestly don’t know. He must be in ICU. Captain Weaver is anxious to speak with him.”

“I’ll call the hospital and find out,” Cel said. “Sometimes they allow a visitor a few minutes.”

“Thank you, Cel,” Isolde said. “That would be awesome.”

“Does anyone have anything else to say? Further comments?” Blade spoke out. “No? We’re done. Let’s leave the room to Johnny, Isolde, and Deacon. They have some issues to work out.”

Johnny stared wide-eyed at his prez. He hadn’t expected this at all, but then again, Blade was highly intuitive and usually shocked everyone with his surprise moves.

“Be strong.” Cel squeezed Isolde’s hand and walked out.

“Good luck,” Barron said as he moved past Johnny.

The large room emptied out, and an awkward silence floated in the air. Johnny held Isolde’s hand, sending her vibes for strength. Deacon remained sitting with his hands clasped between his legs.

“Dad,” Isolde began

He held up a hand. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful to a point. Johnny took you to keep you safe. I would’ve appreciated a heads-up. Some kind of warningso that I wouldn’t worry so much. You’re my daughter, and he took you from my home. I was out of my mind.”

“Let me make something very clear: He didn’t take me. Johnny explained the circumstancesand what he had in mind, and because I trusted him, I went willingly.

“How can you trust him?”

“I just do. Without question. He stood between me and danger. He protected me from one of our own. The man who’d sworn loyalty to the Devils’ Spawn had betrayed your daughterandoffered her to the Wolves. Or did you forget that part? As it is, the traitor is still out there. Be honest, would you have agreed with Johnny’s plan if he had told you? The truth, Dad.”

Deacon glanced at Isolde. His bright blue eyes were full of sadness. “I wouldn’t. In my mind, no one can protect a daughter better than her father. I guess I was wrong.”

“Dad, please. I hated to cause you so much pain, but for the plan to be believable to the snitch, you couldn’t know. I’m sorry it had to be that way, but do you understand?”

He nodded in acceptance. “I guess I do, but I’d be lying if I said I’m happy with your choice. No matter how trustworthy you think he is, Johnny’s too old for you, Isolde. You’re just starting your life. You should be with someone your own age. Someone who thinks and acts like you.”

Johnny’s frustration was mounting. He wanted to take part in this conversation, explain as best he could. And yet, he realized this was Isolde’s argument. If he loved and respected her, he had to let her speak and stay out of it. Eventually, his turn would come.

Holding Johnny’s arm with both hands, she smiled at up him. Her sparkling eyes brimmed with love. “If you think Johnny’s too old, you don’t know me one bit. I’d be bored to tears with a younger guy. I’d run circles around him and eventually leave him. Johnny has the life experience and steady hand I need and want to be happy. He knows my heart, and we speak each other’s language. We communicate on a level where words are unnecessary. My soul and heart belong to him. And I refuse to part from him. I can’t. I won’t. I exist for him, and he for me. And so… There you have it.”

“Nothing I say will change your mind,” Deacon murmured.

“You might have persuaded me before Johnny and I spent time together. Now it’s impossible. My only hope is that you give him a chance. Maybe in the future, when you see my happiness, you’ll accept him. ”

“And you?” He turned to Johnny. “What do you say about this?”

“I kept my distance from her. I also used the same arguments. When Isolde bloomed in my hands, I understood my mistake and cruelty.”

“Cruelty?”

“Yes. Keeping her from what makes her happy is cruel. She wants me, as I am, and I thank the heavens every day for this blessing, because I feel the same way. I’ll turn myself inside out to give Isolde every happiness she deserves. That’s all I can say.”

“And your plans?”

“The works,” Johnny said. “Marriage, children, a house with the white picket fence.”

“You win. Although I still think you’re making a mistake.” Deacon shook his head. “Go on with your plans. I won’t stand in the way.”

“Okay, Dad. It’s not exactly what I’d hoped for, but it’s better than nothing. Eventually, we’ll prove you wrong. Now that that’s settled…” Isolde entwined her fingers with Johnny’s. “Come on. Let’s go catch up with Cel. She wants to show us something.”

Isolde tugged, and Johnny went without resisting. Although a part of him ached for the defeated-looking man sitting on a conference room chair with shoulders hunched as if the weight of the world sat on his shoulders.

Isolde had argued her reasons and desires, an argument Johnny supported and agreed with one hundred percent. The downside had been watching Deacon age years before Johnny’s eyes. Part of him wanted to stay and reassure the man, show him the wondrous vision he held in his heart.

The problem with visions was that only the person experiencing them actually saw the image. Only time would ease Deacon’s misgivings.

Somewhat amused, Johnny followed Isolde through the clubhouse until she opened the door to his old bedroom. Once in a while, he’d slept here when he was either too drunk to ride home, too tired, or had an important job to accomplish for the MC first thing in the morning. He hadn’t stayed here in a long while, but the amazing Cel managed to keep it clean and smelling fresh.

She closed the door and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Hmm, you little minx.” He smiled. “Catching up with Cel was an excuse.”

“I’m sorry, Daddy. It’s been a weird day, and I needed alone time with you. Do you mind?”

“I don’t mind at all. I need you too.”

Holding on to her, he slowly moved back to his bed and sat down. “Straddle my legs, princess. Come close to me.”

Shuffling forward, she did as he asked.

“Now sit down.”

She positioned herself above his lap, then slowly descended. Her buttocks and crotch enfolded his cock with her delicious warmth. Her unique scent wafted through his senses, and he hardened in an instant. But he ignored his body’s reactions and his instinctive desire for just a moment. He wanted to admire the beauty before him at his leisure.

Tilting his head to the right, he lifted her hair with his fingers. He nuzzled her exposed neck, then dropped a kiss on her tender earlobe and silky skin. She trained her clear crystalline emerald eyes on him, which always turned him to putty, and he kissed her long lashes when she closed her eyes.

As his gaze took in her pretty, elegant nose and high cheekbones, he tilted his head to the left. He teased a long caress down the side of her face with the tips of his fingers and carefully tucked a mischievous tress behind her ear. Her lips parted a little to breathe, and he placed a soft kiss on her lower plump lip.

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known in my entire life,” he murmured over her lips. He pulled back a little to gaze upon her glorious face. “You take my breath away. I have to see all of you. I’m removing your top.”

She sighed. “Yes. Release me. I want to be free of everything and feel your skin on mine.”

He rolled up her top, and she raised her arms, helping him. Once she was free, she reached for the top button of his shirt. “Now you.”

His instinct was to yank off his shirt. Instead, he let her do one button at a time. The slow process and gentle touch of her fingertips on his skin teased and titillated his senses. As his shirt fell to the floor, he turned his attention to the clasp of her bra. One small twist and the slip of clothing fell away, revealing her gorgeous breasts and erect nipples for his starving eyes.

In a surprise move, Isolde lifted her nipples, holding them between thumbs and forefingers. “Don’t you like this, Daddy?”

A swell of arousal overwhelmed him. “Yes, baby. I love watching you play with yourself.” He descended on her mouth. “Open for me.” As she did, he licked her warm lips, then lingered on her lower lip to nibble the plump flesh he so loved.

She sighed, and he went all in, allowing his tongue to roam free until hers joined in and it turned into a desperate battle of caresses. Who would feel more? Who would go deeper? As the frenzy threatened to take control, he pulled back a little.

“Do these shorts belong to Cel?” he asked, staring into her eyes.

“Uh-huh.”

“Are you wearing panties?”

“Nuh-uh.”

“Well, I owe Cel a pair of shorts. Stand up.” As she obeyed, he held the waist, pulled hard, and the piece tore down the middle. “Perfect.” He smiled at her supple legs, soft, rounded belly, and the small dark triangle between her thighs, the seat of so much pleasure for them both and one he intended to shave bare soon enough. Her sweet nipples pointed straight at him. Isolde was fully aroused.

Before he gave her the order to sit, he unzipped his fly. “Hold me and sit.”

Her small hands took out his cock, and Johnny gave a strangled gasp of pleasure.

“Can I lick you now, Daddy?”

He blew out a controlling breath. “Maybe later.” He struggled to speak. As much as he wanted to see Isolde’s mouth stretched around his cock, he had to wait. If not, he’d come in an instant, and that wasn’t his plan. His wish was to fill her pussy with his cum, without condoms or barriers.

“I going to fill your sweet pussy, baby. No more condoms for us.”

Oh, her pupils enlarged so much, the emerald color nearly disappeared under the black circle. She wanted that too.

“Baby?”

“Yes.” She arched, thrusting her breasts at him. “I want to feel you in me. No barriers. Go deep, Daddy. Hard and deep.”

“Then sit on me, baby.”

Leaning her hands on his shoulders, Isolde stared into his eyes. “Help me, Daddy. Spread my pussy for you.”

Smiling, he spread her slick labia. As she slowly descended, he felt between his fingers how his cock disappeared completely within her sheath. The sensation was so explosive, he nearly lost his mind.

“You’re so deep in me,” she whispered, slumping forward.

“Here we go, baby. Nice and slow.” When Johnny put his arm around her back, she held on to his neck, then anchored a leg around his waist, fusing them in a desperate embrace. Taking her mouth in a ravenous kiss, he pumped up, and she jerked on her descent. On and on, he continued, slowly possessing and pushing her to climax. At the height of his excitement, Isolde jerked wildly in his arms, and he went over with her. Fuck if her contractions didn’t milk him until he had no more to give.

Emotions overwhelmed him. He dropped his forehead onto her shoulder, going back in time to the afternoon he’d met his angel, and his throat tightened. He’d been underserving and old, worn out and used up by life. Aware of his many flaws and sins, he’d renounced her, even though his soul and heart had ached for her. Yet he knew no other woman would ever hold his heart. For Isolde’s sake, he’d turned his back on her and given her up, offering her a chance to choose someone better than him.

Life and destiny had their own ideas and ruled over man. Danger had threatened her, and he’d answered the call to protect her, no matter the outcome and consequences to himself. In the process, he’d understood love wouldn’t be denied. And now, here she was. In his arms, loving him as hard as he loved her. Despite the obstacles and the danger, she was his.

Glancing up toward a distant sky, he whispered, “Thank you.”