Page 16

Tempest

I closed the clubhouse door behind us, the click echoing in the stillness. Kasen’s eyes met mine, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. The tension from the last few hours still coiled tight in my muscles. “Ready to go home?”

She nodded and followed me to my bike, getting on behind me. I rode slowly through the compound, needing those extra minutes to calm myself.

We pulled into the carport and I turned off the engine, then helped her off the bike. As we entered the house, I flicked on the lights and scanned the interior, making sure no one had slipped in while we were gone. I didn’t think the cartel could breach the compound, but I wasn’t taking chances.

“You think the plan’ll work?” she asked, breaking the silence.

I grunted. “It has to.”

She nodded, worrying her bottom lip. My eyes tracked the movement.

“Tempest, I --”

“Don’t.” The word came out harsher than I intended. I softened my tone. “We can’t afford distractions. Not now.”

Kasen’s eyes flashed. “Is that what I am? A distraction?”

Fuck. I scrubbed a hand over my face. “You know that’s not what I meant.”

She took a step closer, determination written across her features. My breath caught as she reached for my hand. Her fingers were soft against my callused skin.

“I’m here,” she said quietly. “Whatever comes next. I’m not going anywhere.”

Part of me was proud of her for standing beside me, giving support to me and the club; the other part wanted me to send her far away from here. I needed her safe.

“They got their hands on you once. If they manage to take you again…” I couldn’t even finish the thought, but I knew she understood what I was trying to say.

“Getting kidnapped terrified me, but not enough I’d run away from you, or what it means to stand by your side. Even if I’m shaking inside, I will do my best to remain strong and face my fears.”

I lightly touched her cheek. “I know, baby. And I love you for it, but the thought of you being caught in this mess again scares the shit out of me.”

I pulled her to me and kissed her, my touch gentler than I’d ever allowed myself to be. My fingers brushed a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. Our eyes locked, and in that moment, everything else fell away. The club, the danger, the years of restraint -- none of it mattered.

Kasen’s gaze held mine, a universe of unspoken promises passing between us. My heart thundered in my chest, a stark contrast to the stillness of the room.

“Tempest,” she breathed, her voice barely audible. “Rick.”

I couldn’t hold back any longer. Slowly, deliberately, I leaned in. Our lips met, and the world ignited.

The kiss started soft, exploratory. But like a match to gasoline, it quickly blazed into something more. My hands cradled her face, thumbs stroking her cheeks. I was used to violence, to anger, to the harsh realities of club life. But with Kasen, my touch turned tender, reverent.

She pressed closer, fingers curling into my cut. A low growl escaped me as the kiss deepened. My mind raced, torn between desire and the ever-present awareness of the dangers we faced.

“We shouldn’t,” I murmured against her lips, even as I pulled her tighter against me. With the threat hanging over our heads, I needed to be focused on the club right now.

Kasen pulled back just enough to meet my eyes. “We should,” she countered, her voice steady. “Life’s too short for maybes. Especially in our world. We lost Gears and Bats. What if that had been you? We have no idea what’s coming next, or if we’ll lose anyone else.”

I guided us toward the bed, our movements fluid, almost choreographed. My heart pounded, a mix of desire and the ever-present edge of danger that never quite left me. As we moved, my cut slipped from my shoulders, falling to the floor with a soft thud .

Kasen broke our kiss, holding up a hand. “Wait,” she whispered.

My body tensed, old instincts kicking in. “What’s wrong?”

She smiled, a gentle curve of her lips that eased the sudden tension in my chest. Without a word, she bent down, carefully picking up my cut. Her fingers traced the patches, lingering on the Sergeant-at-Arms rocker.

“This is part of you,” Kasen said softly, draping it over a nearby chair. “It deserves respect.”

The simple act hit me harder than any punch. This woman understood me, understood the life I’d chosen. Of course, she damn well should, considering who her dad was. I pulled her close, burying my face in her hair.

“Kasen,” I breathed, my voice rough with emotion.

She reached for the hem of my shirt, her touch light but purposeful. “Can I?”

I nodded, lifting my arms as she peeled the fabric away. Her eyes roamed over my chest, taking in the scars and tattoos that told the story of my life. The way she looked at me made it feel like this was our first time.

“Your turn,” I said, reaching for her.

One by one, I undid the buttons on her shirt, revealing smooth skin beneath. Kasen shrugged out of the garment, letting it fall beside my discarded shirt.

“Beautiful,” I murmured, tracing the curve of her collarbone. “No matter how many times I get to see this sight, I’ll always be in awe.”

Kasen’s breath hitched. “Rick, I --”

“Shh,” I cut her off gently, pressing a kiss to her shoulder. “No more words. Not now.”

She nodded, her hands moving to my belt. The clink of metal seemed impossibly loud in the quiet room. I stepped out of my jeans, then helped Kasen with hers.

Standing there, vulnerable in more ways than one, I felt a rare moment of uncertainty. This wasn’t just sex. This was Kasen -- my woman. The one I’d desired for far too long. Now she had my property patch, and she’d be by my side the rest of our lives.

“You okay?” Kasen asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I met her gaze, seeing my own mix of desire mirrored there. “Yeah,” I answered honestly. “You?”

She smiled, reaching for me. “Never better.”

I laid Kasen down on the bed, my rough hands a stark contrast to her soft skin. Every touch was deliberate, gentle in a way I’d rarely allowed myself to be. My fingers traced the curve of her hip, the dip of her waist, memorizing every freckle and scar. I wanted the moment to last forever.

I looked up, meeting her eyes. The vulnerability there matched my own, and for once, I didn’t fight it. Her hand cupped my cheek. I leaned into her touch, savoring it.

I leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that spoke volumes. It was slow, deep, conveying everything I didn’t say out loud. My hands continued their exploration, reverent and careful, as if she might disappear at any moment.

Kasen’s fingers trailed down my back and my arms, tracing the ink on my skin. I shivered at her touch, marveling at how she could make me feel so exposed and vulnerable. Not two words I typically associated with myself.

As we came together, it was with an intensity that took my breath away. There was no need for words; every caress, every gasp, every shared look said more than enough. She met my thrusts, as eager as I was. I pressed my forehead to hers as we moved as one.

The world outside ceased to exist. There was only Kasen, only this moment, only us.

When she came, my name was on her lips. The feel of her pussy squeezing my cock was enough to trigger my own release. I thrust into her, not stopping until every drop of cum flooded her pussy. We hadn’t discussed children, but at this rate, we’d probably have one or two soon enough.

I traced lazy patterns on Kasen’s skin, savoring the warmth of her body against mine. But the afterglow couldn’t keep reality at bay for long. My mind raced, calculating risks, mapping out strategies. As much as I wanted to stay here, in the moment, with her, I had other responsibilities. Not to mention the guilt over losing Gears and Bats. They’d died because I’d been careless.

Kasen stirred, her fingers ghosting over my chest. “I can hear you thinking,” she murmured.

I exhaled sharply. “Can’t shut it off. The cartel --”

“I know.” Her voice was soft but firm.

“You could still be a target. They had you before and may intend to grab you again.”

Kasen propped herself up on an elbow, eyes flashing. “I’ve always been a target, Rick. Comes with being Tank’s daughter. It’s not the first time I’ve been placed in harm’s way. I may not have been in the hands of the bad guys before, but it could have happened.”

“It’s different now,” I said, frustration bleeding through. “They’ll use you to get to me. They have to be pissed I took down their men, freed you and those other women. I essentially took money from their pockets. The cartel isn’t going to let that go.”

“Let them try,” Kasen challenged, chin lifting defiantly.

I sat up, running a hand through my hair. “This isn’t a game, Kasen. These guys -- they’re animals. They won’t hesitate to --”

“To what? Hurt me? Kill me?” Her words were sharp, cutting. “I’m not some naive little girl. I know the risks. I still remember how scared I was in Florida. But you showed me more self-defense moves, and now that I’ve faced them before, I don’t think I’ll freeze up if it happens again.”

“Knowing ain’t the same as living it,” I snapped, old fears clawing at my gut. “Look. I’ve not made it a secret I don’t trust women. You’re an exception. I’ve been screwed over one too many times. But there’s one that…”

Kasen’s hand on my arm, gentle but insistent. “Hey. Look at me.”

I turned, meeting her gaze. The fire there matched my own.

“I’m not running,” she said, each word clear and deliberate. “Whatever’s coming, we face it together. And if you want to talk about the past, I’m here to listen. We’re a team now, aren’t we?”

I nodded and ran a hand over my face. “Yeah. Just not something I like re-living. Trusted the wrong woman. I was only a teenager. She was a little older. I thought I was hot shit because she was into me. Except it was all a game to her.”

“What do you mean?” Kasen asked.

“I had a sister once. About nine years younger than me. I’ve never told anyone about her. Far as the club is concerned, I’m an only child.”

“What happened?” She reached over and took my hand.

“The woman used me to get close to my family. Then she lured my little sister.” My hands fisted as the memories washed over me. The fear. The helplessness. Betrayal. “Mary was only seven. She’d been a surprise for my parents, who thought they’d never have more children. We never found her.”

“Then how do you know for sure what happened?” she asked.

“The woman I’d been dating was caught and questioned. They ran her prints. Found out she’d been a missing child herself. The men who took her used her up, then trained her to bring in more girls. But when the police went to check the location she’d given them, the men were long gone… and so was Mary.”

“I’m so sorry.” She leaned into me. “I guess when I was taken it made you feel like you were living it all over again.”

“Except this time, I saw it happen and was able to get you back. I have no idea if Mary is still alive, or how much she suffered. Part of me hopes she died shortly after she was taken. I think that would be far more merciful.” I sighed. “She’d be in her mid-thirties now if she were still alive.”

I gripped Kasen’s hand, my fingers intertwining with hers. The tension in my jaw eased slightly, but my voice remained low, intense. “I swear to you, Kasen, I’ll protect you with everything I’ve got. No matter what it takes.”

Her eyes softened, but there was steel beneath. “And I’ll be right there with you, Rick. Not as a burden, but as your partner.”

“Kasen --”

She pressed a finger to my lips. “Listen. I’m not helpless, despite the fact I got kidnapped before. I’ve grown up in this life. I’m well aware there are monsters in the shadows, those who wear human faces. I can handle myself, and I can have your back.”

I pulled her closer, my forehead resting against hers. “Are you sure you know what you’re signing up for?”

“Maybe not,” she whispered, her breath warm on my skin. “But I’m choosing it anyway. Choosing you.”

My heart thundered in my chest. This woman, so fierce, so loyal -- she was offering everything. I cupped her face in my hands, my thumbs tracing her cheekbones. “I don’t deserve you,” I murmured.

Kasen’s lips curved into a smile. “Tough. You’re stuck with me.”

I chuckled, the sound rough with emotion. Then, sobering, I locked eyes with her. “I promise you. Whatever comes our way, we face it together. No secrets, no holding back. You’re my old lady now, in every sense of the word.”

She nodded, her gaze never wavering. “And you’re my man. Through hell or high water.”

I pulled her down, wrapping her in my arms. As we settled into the bed, I whispered against her hair, “I love you, Kasen. More than I ever thought possible.”

“I love you too, Rick,” she murmured, her body relaxing against mine.

As sleep began to claim us, I held her tight, my mind finally quieting. Whatever storms were brewing, we’d weather them side by side. For the first time in years, I felt a sense of peace. With Kasen by my side, I was ready to face whatever came our way. At least, I hoped like hell I was.

A distant crash jolted me awake. A quick glance at the clock showed I’d only been asleep a few hours. My body tensed, instantly alert. Kasen stirred beside me, her breathing still deep and even. I held my breath, straining to hear.

Silence.

Then, a flicker of movement caught my eye. A shadow passing across the window.

My hand instinctively reached for the gun under my pillow. “Kasen,” I whispered, gently shaking her. “Wake up, darlin’.”

Her eyes fluttered open, confusion quickly replaced by understanding as she caught my expression. “What is it?” she mouthed.

“Not sure,” I murmured, sliding out of bed. “Stay here.”

Kasen sat up, shaking her head. “Like hell I will.”

I bit back a growl of frustration. This woman would be the death of me. “Fine. But stay behind me.”

She grabbed my shirt off the floor and tugged it on. I pulled on my boxers, and we crept toward the window, the floorboards creaking beneath our feet. I peered out, scanning the darkness.

Nothing.

Then, a flash of metal in the moonlight. A car, idling near the fence line. Maybe I hadn’t heard a crash but a car door? I’d been asleep after all. I may not have heard what I thought I did.

“Shit,” I hissed.

Kasen’s hand found mine, squeezing tight. “Think it’s the cartel?”

I nodded grimly. “Most likely. We need to move. Now.”

As we scrambled to finish dressing, my mind raced. The peace we’d found was shattered, reality crashing back in. How the hell had they gotten so close? It just proved that no matter how tight we thought we had this place locked down, the evil bastards coming for us would always find a way inside.

I shot off a text to Savior, Saint, and Wire, alerting them. Hopefully, Wire would be able to get a better look at the vehicle on one of his cameras. It looked like shit was about to hit the fan.