Page 8

Ezra

O n receiving a call from Hawthorne, Ezra had dropped everything and rushed to the offices. Dana had looked totally shellshocked when he’d reached her. Once Hawthorne said that Dana needed him, Ezra hadn’t hesitated in coming for her. Dana was as white as a ghost and heartbroken when Ezra arrived. From what he could gather, it wasn’t because of being hurt, but more along the lines of how Dana’s family had hurt other people. Hawthorne had promised Ezra the files later so he could see why Dana was so shocked and also do damage control. Ezra knew he had to distract Dana as soon as possible, or his girl would stew on shit.

He was surprised to learn that Dana had told Hawthorne to tear her nasty family down. Not because it was the wrong thing to do; it certainly wasn’t. But because Dana had the strength to weather the decision. Ezra knew they’d come after her and was fully prepared to protect her with everything he had.

Ezra had worried about Dana all the way to her house. Alert, he kept looking for any distraction in Dana’s driving, but she drove safely. It was when they got home Dana fell to pieces.

He didn’t hesitate and lifted her into his arms. Ezra’s cock twitched at the soft armful of woman he held, but he sternly told it that this wasn’t the time. Dana was falling apart before his eyes.

Ezra hadn’t even got Dana inside before she began babbling, and as Ezra was used to hearing a lot of dark shit, none of what she said was a surprise. He’d seen the worst that humans could do to one another; hell, sometimes, he’d taken part in evil stuff. But for Dana to realise her so-called respectable family was darker than night was a shock.

Ezra had no idea how that family had raised someone like Dana. It was a fuckin’ miracle Dana’s soul wasn’t as black as theirs.

Ezra did his best to calm Dana down as she sobbed the pain away. He sensed that Dana was ashamed, but he did what he could to reassure her that their actions had nothing to do with her.

When Dana finally cried herself out, she curled into a ball on his lap, and several minutes passed before Ezra realised she was asleep.

He carefully lifted Dana up and laid her on the bed.

Ezra felt a pang hit him as he took in how tiny and vulnerable Dana looked. He swore to shield her from any harm, there and then.

Deciding to let her sleep for an hour, he walked downstairs and called Hawthorne. A verbal report would do for now.

Dana

With a yawn, I woke to the scent of my favourite bubble bath and wondered what was going on. As I sat up in bed, I winced. The memory of today hit like a wrecking ball.

Shit, what a freaking mess.

The last recollection I had was curling on Ezra’s lap—and then nothing. And speaking of Ezra, had he left? I realised that was a stupid thing to question because of the smell of the bubble bath. The moment I had the thought, Ezra exited the bathroom, his eyes aimed at me.

“Saw you starting to stir, so ran a bath, baby.”

“You stayed?”

“Yeah. Of course I did, Dana.”

There was no ‘of course’ about it. I couldn’t remember a time when somebody had put my needs before theirs. Wow, it felt amazing to know someone actually cared about my wellbeing other than the Hawthorne men.

“The bath smells wonderful,” I said, nodding towards the bathroom.

“You know Lindsey? My sister? Linds has all that expensive crap, too. Not a huge surprise that I recognised the good stuff from the ordinary shit. I’ve run a hot bath and left a glass of wine there, too. When you’re ready, get into jeans and a jumper; it’s turned cool outside, babe, and then we’ll go for a ride,” Ezra ordered.

I glanced out the window and saw the sky was overcast and chilly.

“We could order takeaway and turn the fire on?” I suggested.

“We’ll do that tonight, but you need the wind in your hair right now. Trust me, baby, please,” Ezra said and pulled me to my feet.

I pouted, and Ezra offered a half smile.

“Pout all you want, but you’ll feel a shitload better after a ride,” Ezra stated and slapped my ass, making me jump.

Before I could say anything, Ezra hauled me up and kissed me stupid. As I stared with a dazed expression, he smirked and leaned closer.

“Go have a bath, baby, and get dressed,” he whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

I nodded dumbly, and Ezra sauntered from my bedroom, looking very much like a self-satisfied male.

◆◆◆

When I walked downstairs forty minutes later, Ezra was relaxing in front of the TV with a ball game on. He turned his head, checked my outfit, and offered a lazy smile.

“You eaten at all today, babe?” Ezra asked as he clicked the TV off.

My stomach announced that it was hungry with a loud growl.

“That’s a no,” I replied, laughing.

I felt much better. The hot bath and frothy bubbles had relaxed the tense muscles and also helped clear my head slightly. Knowing we were going for a ride, I’d dressed in jeans and a jumper and some cute kitten-heeled boots. Approval shone on Ezra’s face as he took in my hair tied neatly back. I wasn’t one for heavy make-up and had just dashed a light dusting on to bring colour to my cheeks and to make my eyes sparkle a little.

Yeah, I was still pale from the shock, but it wasn’t as noticeable as before. Not hidden under the make-up, anyway. Ezra walked forward and took my hand.

“I’d rather watch TV and curl up, but I think you need a ride,” Ezra said.

For a moment, I was tempted to demand to stay in, but my stomach growled again.

“Come on, let’s get you fed,” Ezra added with a chuckle.

I nodded in agreement, grabbing the keys and following him outside.

As Ezra reached the bike, I was surprised when he pulled out a parcel and gave it to me. On opening, I discovered a brand-new riding jacket.

“Is this for me?”

“Yes. Saw it in the Rage store.”

“Thank you so much. Wow, I love this.”

It was a black leather, waist-length jacket with several zippers, making it look badass.

Ezra swung up onto the bike, and I climbed up behind him.

Moments later, the Harley roared, and Ezra backed out of the drive. I tucked in tight, like our previous ride, and wrapped my arms around his waist. Happily, I lay my head against Ezra’s strong back, safe in the knowledge that Ezra wouldn’t allow anything to harm me.

Ezra rode for about half an hour before pulling over at a 1950s diner. I cheerfully took in how cute and quaint it appeared from the outside. As we walked in, I was charmed at the décor, which looked original and had been either restored or perfectly preserved. A waitress met us and directed us to a table. Flo, her name badge said, gave us a menu and inquired if we preferred coffee or tea.

Ezra and I both answered coffee, and Flo darted away, only to return as we checked out the menus. Efficiently, Flo placed two large mugs before us and put down various sugars and creamers.

“Ready to order, hun?” Flo asked me directly, which gave her kudos points as she didn’t automatically focus on Ezra.

“The large bacon cheeseburger and fries, please. Can I have onion rings and corn on the cob with that?” I asked.

“Make that two of the same,” Ezra added.

“The coffee is free and refillable. But we do some fantastic milkshakes if you’re interested,” Flo said and pointed to the menu.

I quickly ran down the list and ordered a cherry while Ezra chose mint choc chip.

“This is such a cool place; how did I not know this existed?” I wondered out loud.

“Rage visit once a month during a ride before we head to Magic’s. We do other rides, but this one’s special as it’s all day. The old ladies often can’t walk straight the next day,” Ezra said with a chuckle.

“Oh, I can imagine they are bow-legged,” I agreed with a laugh.

“Just a bit.”

My eyes widened as Flo brought over the milkshakes, which, no lie, were bigger than my head.

“Holy hell!” I murmured as Ezra began laughing again. I loved hearing Ezra so relaxed and at ease. This wasn’t something you often saw with the Rage MC brothers, so this was a completely different side of Ezra.

“Wait till you see the meal,” Ezra teased.

◆◆◆

Ezra hadn’t been wrong. To his amusement, I ended up with a doggy bag with half the burger. The damn thing had been so huge. Ezra ordered desserts to take away after I kept eyeing a decadent red velvet cheesecake. The milkshake was filling in itself, and I thought Ezra would have to roll me home. Instead, I managed to swing up behind him and allowed the road to absorb all the negative thoughts left by my family.

Ezra was completely at one with the Harley and road. It seemed they merged into one entity, making me feel like I belonged with them. The wind whipped around us. My ponytail flew free under my helmet, as my hair was so long it hung down my back. Despite only having ridden once before, I had no fear and was relaxed when we got home to mine.

We swung off the bike, and the blood pumped through my veins. I was buzzing. If my legs weren’t wobbly right now, I’d be demanding another ride.

Ezra dismounted and smiled at my obvious joy.

“Damn, you really love the road,” he murmured, drawing me close.

“Ezra, I don’t have the words to describe the feeling.”

Ezra dipped his head and kissed me.

Immediately, my hand shot to his neck and held him in place as I urged Ezra to deepen the kiss. Ezra responded happily and wrapped me into his arms, and his mouth made love to mine. Heat flowed through me, making my weak legs even weaker, and I was clutching his tee for all I was worth. Wistfully, I wanted to feel his skin against mine and worship the hard body I knew Ezra’s clothes covered.

Ezra was smiling when he ended the kiss, and I stared, dazed. Without a word, he bent and swept me up into his arms and placed another peck on my swollen lips. He began walking down the path to my house, breaking off as he stumbled.

A rueful chuckle escaped as he reached the front door and realised he’d have to put me down.

I was loath to leave the heat of Ezra’s body, too, but I allowed him to lower me. Clumsily, I fumbled with the keys, finally getting the right one in the slot, and Ezra shoved the door open and picked me back up, carrying me inside. Ezra snatched the keys from the lock as we entered and kicked the door shut.

Without a word, he carried me to the sofa and placed me down before covering my body with his.

Ezra’s mouth hit mine again, and I reached for his tee, yanking it up and running my hands over his back. His pelvis nestled against mine, and my panties grew wet.

Ezra kept kissing me until I thought I’d pass out from lack of oxygen. Meanwhile, gentle but demanding fingers tugged my top loose and slipped inside.

A soft moan escaped me as Ezra broke the kiss and ducked his head to suck on my hard nipple through the flimsy material. He supported his weight by leaning on an elbow while my legs locked around him.

“Oh my God,” I gasped as he took my nipple into his mouth and bit gently. I almost came off the sofa in excitement. My head tipped back, and my back arched, needing more, wanting to feel his mouth on my bare skin. A growl left Ezra as he yanked my top up and my bra cup down. A short scream flew from my lips as my begging nipple got what it needed so badly. Ezra sucked deep, and I ground my pussy against him in reaction. A hand slipped down my ribs to my waist and then slid around to grab my ass to pull me tighter to him. Ezra’s cock was rigid against my pussy, and boy was he huge.

The sheer feel of Ezra’s skin and mouth was driving me crazy as he toyed with my breasts, making cries fly from me.

He turned his head and used his teeth to yank down the other cup before taking that nipple, which was almost painful as it demanded attention.

A loud ring made us both jump, and we gazed into each other’s eyes, surprised, and then we both began to smile ruefully.

“That’s mine,” Ezra complained.

“Yeah. Answer it, it’s okay,” I replied, although my body screamed in disagreement.

“Don’t wanna,” Ezra said before reclaiming my lips.

Hell, I didn’t want to stop, but the phone cut off and started again. Ezra groaned against my mouth, making shivers run down my spine.

“That’s Drake’s ringtone.” I gasped as Ezra pulled back. The call cut and, seconds later, rang.

“Shit, I better get that,” Ezra replied sheepishly, and yanked it from his pocket. “Bad timing, brother!” he growled at Drake.

Whatever Drake said had Ezra sitting up, and I sat up, too, and rearranged my clothing. Ezra was scowling as he clipped out one-word answers.

“Do you need me at the clubhouse?” Ezra asked.

Shit, Ezra didn’t look happy with the suggestion he’d made.

“Okay. Keep me updated,” he mumbled and hung up.

Patiently, I waited for Ezra to explain what had happened. I wasn’t one to pry, but the atmosphere had changed.

“Ezra?”

“Sorry, babe, you need to know. A group of Fangs rode through the outskirts of town. Near where Apache and Rock are converting those warehouses. Half the club has ridden out to enforce security. Those apartments bring in a lot of money for the guys.”

“Are you going?”

“No. Drake has ordered me to stick with you. Pres is aware you might be on Fangs’ shit list.”

“That brought us back down to reality.” I laughed.

“Yeah, it fuckin’ did. Drake’s timing is perfect,” Ezra complained.

“Certainly is. Shall watch a movie and order takeout later? Do you like shark movies?”

Ezra looked at me warily.

“What kind?”

“Jaws, The Meg,” I replied.

“Don’t mind them, but not ones that fly around in a damn tornado!”

“No, me either.” Amused, I laughed.

“How about we stick Jaws one and two on and then order Chinese?” I suggested.

Ezra’s eyes lit up.

“As long as you sit on my lap and bury your head when the scary bits come on!” he teased.

Bemused, I rolled my eyes.

“Jaws isn’t scary!”

“No, but you can pretend,” Ezra replied.

I let Ezra sort out the film as I got glasses, wine, and beer. His face glowed at the haul as I returned with a huge bowl of popcorn and a bag of chocolate.

“Yup, you’re my girl, Dana,” Ezra said, yanking me onto his lap and settling me in.

Content, I leaned my head on his shoulder, and Ezra snaked a hand into the popcorn and took a handful. The opening music started, and wrapped up in each other, the film took our attention.

◆◆◆

“Fuck, delivery is two hours. And I’m hungry,” Ezra complained several hours later. I blinked in amusement. Ezra had devoured the snacks and was now complaining he was hungry? Wow, he ate a lot!

“Order and go pick it up. Honest, you won’t be long if you ask for a collection time,” I suggested.

A scowl descended over Ezra’s face. “Not leaving you alone,” he returned.

“The takeaway is seven minutes away. Ezra, I’ll be fine for a quarter of an hour,” I retorted. “Plus, I have a gun and will shoot anyone who tries to come in.”

“Don’t know,” Ezra said, uncertainty in his voice.

“Ezra, my basement doubles as a panic room. Believe me, Dylan went through security when I moved in, then when the Fangs began attacking. And then had Davies update it thoroughly when I was chased. This house is a fortress,” I reassured, stroking his arm to soothe him.

“Okay, but keep your gun handy,” Ezra ordered.

“Of course.”

Ezra phoned the order through and then had me show him the basement. Once he’d seen it, it was clear he felt much better about leaving.

Five minutes after he left, I heard a rap at the door. Alert, I grabbed my phone, checked the camera, and ground my teeth. No way was I answering it. That asshole could stand out there until Ezra returned. The knock became a pounding, and then Patrick began shouting my name.

Furious, I stormed to the door and threw it open.

“What the fuck do you want, and why are you here?” I spat.

Patrick glared. “Dana, we need to talk.”

“No, we don’t!” I exclaimed.

Jesus, what was it going to take for Patrick to bugger off and stay gone?

“Dana, let me in,” Patrick demanded, taking a step forward.

Without hesitation, I whipped out my gun and aimed.

Patrick froze in place.

“Patrick, you’re not crossing the threshold. Should you attempt to do so, I will shoot you as an intruder. My camera records everything. This is your warning. You are not welcome here, not wanted here, and you have nothing I wish to hear. So leave, now!”

Patrick took two steps backwards and held his hands out placatingly.

“Dana, look, I just want to talk.”

“Well, I don’t want to. Bang on the door again, and I’ll have the police on you,” I warned.

Stepping back with the intent to shut the door, Patrick shocked me into stopping.

“Dana, I’ve served Shania divorce papers,” he shouted.

Amused, I stared.

“Marrying Shania was the worst thing I have ever done in my life,” Patrick continued. “Shania blinded me with sex, and I know I was a fool. What will it take for you to give me a second chance?”

“Never!” I hissed. “There’ll never be anything between us, Patrick. Jesus, I’m with Ezra, and he is more man in his little finger than you are in your entire body. Do you really believe I’d take back the guy fucking my sister in my bed? No, not happening.”

“Ezra is a thug. He’s nothing, just a gangbanger who you’re slumming it with,” Patrick shot back.

“Ezra is anything but a thug. He’s everything I hoped you would be, kind, compassionate, caring, loyal, and respectful, to name a few of his traits. Ezra doesn’t feel the need to fuck someone else because he can. And he never would cheat on me. That I know for a fact!”

“Dana, you’re deluding yourself; men like Ezra cheat constantly.”

“And so do assholes like you.”

Patrick glowered at me. I saw the anger in his face and knew he hadn’t honestly listened last time.

“Why do you want me back?”

“Because you’re beautiful, caring, and you’ve grown. You’d never have spoken to me like this; you weren’t strong enough. Dana, you’re amazing. And together, we achieve great things,” Patrick said earnestly.

“And my contacts would help your career,” I suggested, and Patrick nodded.

“Yes. Together, we would be unstoppable.”

“The fuck we would. You want me back because of my contacts. Honestly, Patrick, do you think I would believe this bullshit? Ezra wants me for me. Not the people I can introduce to his life. God, Lord, get over yourself. You’re nothing remarkable.”

Patrick straightened, and an ugly expression crossed his face. Shit, I’d pushed him too far.

“Think you’re special? Dana, it’s no wonder I fucked your sister. You were frigid. If you don’t acquaint me with people, you’ll regret it,” he hit back.

“Frigid, is that why you love fucking women that look barely legal? Oh yeah, I know about it—and about how you like taking it up the ass. Do you think I should feel ashamed because you didn't know how to arouse me? Ezra kisses me, and I’m soaking wet. He touches me, and I crave more. You were like a wet fish, climb on top, bang away, and off you fucked. No finesse or anything. Yeah, I’m aware of your secrets, Patrick, so don’t threaten me!” I yelled.

Patrick paled. “What did you say?”

“You heard me, and putting this quite bluntly, fuck off!”

A lethal voice behind Patrick exclaimed, “Enough!”

Patrick spun around as I raised my gun. I lowered it instantly on seeing it was Ezra, who was glowering at Patrick with hate in his eyes. Hell, I hadn’t even heard him return.

“You come here, giving Dana crap, when it’s you who’s the piece of shit. Who the fuck do you think you are? Dana dumped you because you’re a cheating motherfucker. Dana is mine . She’ll never be yours again, and if you come around again… well… what you hear about Rage isn’t all lies,” Ezra seethed.

Patrick took one look between Ezra and me and then scurried away.

“Pissed at you!” Ezra said, pointing a finger at me. “You promised to stay safe.”

“I did, and I meant it. Patrick was forcefully banging on the door. I didn’t want trouble, and I had my gun,” I replied.

“It’s because you had that”—he nodded to the weapon—“I ain’t paddling your ass red. Now, let’s put that scene behind us and eat before it gets cold. We’ve two movies to watch,” Ezra said.

A little shocked Ezra had let this go so easily, I followed him into the kitchen and dished up our meals. We collapsed again on the sofa, eating them as Jaws played merry hell on the screen.

Once we’d eaten, Ezra dragged me back into his lap, and I snuggled in. I could definitely get used to this.