Page 7

Delaney

“Come here, Little Flower,” Talon says as he turns his chair to face me. I carefully climb into his lap to straddle him, and he cups my face.

“I’m sorry,” I sniffle. “I shouldn’t have said that. Any of that. I didn’t mean it. I don’t know why I said it. I don’t know why I keep being so mean. You’ve been kind to me, but I keep pushing you. I pushed and pushed and tried to get you to break… but I just hurt you instead. I’m so sorry, Talon. I’m sorry.”

“Baby,” he says softly. “I got mad at you for trying to help me. I shouldn’t have gotten mad at you. Most importantly, I never should have hit that wall, especially with you right there. I let my anger get the best of me and that was not fair to you.”

“I deserved that. I never should have compared you to them. Ever. You are nothing like them,” I say tearfully.

“You did not deserve that, Delaney,” he says, wiping my tears away. “I should have walked away long before I did. We both needed space, but I just kept arguing, knowing that you were triggered.”

“I texted Viper off your phone,” I admit.

“I know. He told me,” he says. “Can I tell you something?”

“Of course,” I say.

“Vince raped me,” he says. “A lot.”

“Oh, Talon,” I say softly. “I guessed but… I am so sorry.”

Talon goes on to explain what he told Viper and how it felt nice to finally let himself say it. I cannot imagine how awful that must have been for his mother to know and not help. I don’t know if my mom knew how Dad would touch me, but I’d like to think she’d defend me. “I have felt alone for so long,” Talon says. “Vince also made fun of me for my weight. I still struggle with it, but I work hard to be where I am, even if it’s not good enough.”

“Stop,” I say. “You are beautiful. You are handsome and sexy. I know it’s hard to see yourself that way after being told the opposite so many times, but I love the way you look. You are healthy and that is all that matters. If you want to lose weight, I will be right there with you. Your worth is not predicated on your size, and I am so sorry that society has taught you otherwise.”

“I just… I don’t know. I guess I wish I was thinner,” he says. “More fit.”

“Do you wish I was thinner or more fit, because I do?” I say.

“That’s…”

“That’s what?” I ask. “Not the same, because it is.”

“You got me there,” he says with a soft smile. “You are a brat, ya know that?”

“I do,” I smile. “I’m really sorry, Talon. I know I deserve to be punished and…”

“Stop right there,” he says. “You do not get punished for having emotions. You were triggered. I was triggered. We need to learn to work together when these things happen rather than against each other. If you deserve a punishment, then so do I.”

“Ohhh. Can I spank you?” I ask with a grin.

“Only if I can take your ass,” he counters.

“Deal!” I say, putting my hand out to shake his.

“I didn’t expect you to say that,” he laughs. “No, no spanking.”

“Damn. How else am I going to punish you then?” I ask sweetly.

“How about this? No one gets punished. We start talking to each other about whatever is bothering us, no matter what it is. We find a way to move forward together, but we also learn to recognize when we need to take space alone and think,” he says. “We just need to take this day by day.”

“I don’t like fighting with you,” I admit.

“I don’t like fighting with you either, but you know what?”

“What?” I ask.

“Viper pointed something out and I wanted to get your opinion,” I say.

“I’m listening.”

“I told him I was afraid to fall for you, and he said I already did,” he says. “He thinks I am capable of love, but it scares me. The only person I ever remember loving was my father, and he’s gone. I’ve been heartless since.”

“You are not heartless,” I say softly, cupping his face. A tear slides down his cheek and I wipe it away. “We are broken, Talon, but our jagged pieces fit together perfectly.”

“I’m afraid of becoming dependent on you for happiness only to lose you,” he says.

“I’m not willingly going anywhere,” I say with a small smile. “Leaning on each other for support isn’t dependency. Asking for help does not make you weak. I will be whatever you need me to be, because I know you will do the same for me.”

“You are too sweet for me, Laney,” he says, searching my face.

“What can I do for you?” I ask.

“What do you mean?”

“How can I support you? When you get triggered, what can I do?” I ask.

“Just distract me,” he says. “It doesn’t matter how. Just ignore my anger and do whatever you want.”

“So, I could just suck your dick every time you got mad?” I ask with a grin.

“I’m feeling a bit angry right now, Delaney,” he says, also grinning with a devilish look in his eye.

“Silly man,” I laugh.

“Yes, but just sitting in my lap and making me look at you will help. I just need out of the situation sometimes,” he says. “How can I help you ?”

“I just need out of my head sometimes. I get into a spiral of thoughts, and I don’t know how to stop, so making me stop is helpful. It really just depends on the situation,” I say. “Worst case scenario… fuck me. Make me come until I pass out. Hell, choke my ass out, so I take a nap.”

“You are a kinky little thing,” he smirks.

“I don’t know how, but I suppose,” I laugh. “I don’t know how I am able to separate consensual sex and rape, but I am. I’ve always known the difference.”

“Mmm. There’s more to your trauma, isn’t there?”

“Yeah. My dad was pretty awful to me,” I say. “I don’t know if Mom knew, but… it went on until he thought he accidentally got me pregnant. He never touched me again after that.”

“Now I want to kill your father,” Talon frowns.

“Be my guest. He has cancer, so better get to it before the cancer does,” I say. “That’s why they were trying to marry me off to Logan. They did not want me running the company and wanted to merge it while getting rid of me at the same time.”

“Probably going to have to handle that soon. I’m surprised Logan hasn’t reached out yet,” he says.

“Maybe he won’t,” I say.

“He will.” Talon looks into the distance after nodding once. “I have stopped all operations and essentially have gone legitimate. Until I know you won’t get caught up with something, I’m not getting involved in gun sales or anything.”

“So… why don’t we take over your father’s business and eventually my parent’s business? Hell, all I would have to do is show up with you. If you had a plan, they would ditch Logan in a heartbeat. They will always go for the one that they think will win.”

“Is that what you want to do?” he asks.

“It’s not what I want, Tal. This is your empire. I am just your wife,” I say.

“And my wife is more important than anything else,” he says. “What do you want?”

“I want a normal life,” I say. “I don’t want to live in fear.”

“Then we stop everything illegal, and we focus on legitimate business dealings. It’s something we’ve been wanting to do,” he says. “I own a number of bars, that’s where my legal income generates from, so we can shift focus to that. This house is paid for, so that worst case scenario, I still have a home.”

“So, what now?” I ask.

“I just want to focus on us for a moment,” he says. “Let’s go lie down and watch some television.”

“Okay,” I say with a smile.

Talon stands and keeps a firm grip on my ass as he stands. I wrap my legs around his waist, and he carries me back into the house. When we get to the bedroom, he sets me down and sighs when he sees the wall.

“Talon,” I say.

“Yeah?” He’s staring at where he hit the wall. I move to stand where I was when he did it and pull him close to me.

“Fuck me.”

“Right here?”

“Yes. Let’s rewrite what happened,” I say, unbuckling his belt. “All of that anger… pain… Regret. All of it. I want it.”

“I’m going to need a lot more leverage than a wall to give you everything,” he says with a smirk.

“Start here. This is where it began.”

Talon grabs the back of my neck and tilts my head back before kissing me gently. Desire sweeps in and our kiss grows passionate. He pushes me back against the wall and I shove his jeans down so he can step out of them. We only break our kiss so that I pull up his shirt. He helps me get it off him before he nearly tears my clothing off, leaving me naked. When he grabs the backs of my thighs, he lifts me up and slams inside of me. “Oh God,” I gasp as I cling to him.

“Fuck, you feel so damn good,” he rumbles before kissing me again. He adjusts me so he has a tight grip on my waist and my legs are draped over his arms. I whimper into our kiss each time he bottoms out, sending an incredible wave of pain through my belly.

“More, Tal. Please,” I mutter.

Talon grunts as he backs us away from the wall and sits on the bed. I push him back to lay and plant my hands on the bed beside his shoulders. I start rocking my hips, taking him hard and deep. He lifts his hips and matches my speed perfectly. We groan each time our bodies collide together, but we don’t stop. I get to the point where I am quickly losing energy, and I can’t keep up with him. He eventually pulls me down to lie across his chest before tightly grabbing my hips and fucking me hard and fast from below. I scream out my pleasure as he forces it out of me.

“Fuck. It hurts,” I whimper. “You’re so deep.”

“You can take it, Little Flower. God, you take me so well,” he groans. “Fuck, I don’t want to come yet.”

“Wha—“ Before I can finish my word, he abruptly pulls me off his cock and brings me to his face. The most feral noise I have ever heard pours out of me when he wraps his arms around my thighs and starts sucking my clit so hard that my eyes roll back. “Fuck. Fuck. Oh my God. Tal… Oh God, I’m commmming!”

The man is eating my pussy like he is starved and won’t let up. He keeps a tight hold on me as he sucks and bites at my clit. I quickly become a mess when he pushes me through three rapid fire orgasms. I can’t form words or really do anything other than scream and come. There is nothing subtle or delicate about the way he is making me scream. When I can no longer hold myself up, Talon rolls us so that I am on my back. I arch dramatically off the bed and my whole body is nearly convulsing.

When he finally pulls away, I get only a second of reprieve before he brings my shaky legs to his shoulders and slams back into my pussy. “Fuck,” I scream.

“Scream for me, Laney. Let me fucking hear you,” he grunts as he pounds into me. I can hardly catch my breath as he quickens his pace. He leans into me and stabs deeper, earning a whimper.

“Talon… please.” He continues to intensify his thrusts as if he is trying to break me. He’s grunting and growling, pouring all his emotions into his movements. Eventually, he reaches a point of desperation that he drops my legs to lean into me more, and I wrap myself around his body.

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck,” I yell while digging my nails into his back. “Oh… Fuck…. I’m gonna come…. Please, God. Harder. Faster. Please.”

Talon grunts as he drops his head, burying into my neck as he drives into me harder. He suddenly quickens his pace to a speed that drags another scream out of me. He is hitting something so sensitive inside of me that I can’t draw in a breath. I am reduced to silence as I dramatically arch off the bed with my head tipped back and my eyes rolled closed. Talon moans as he peppers my throat and chest with kisses as he brutally fucks me through my orgasm. Arousal floods from my body and it feels never ending until I fall into a stupor that has lulled my brain to the point of disassociation.

I am vaguely aware of him cleaning both of us and the bed. I can feel the heat of his body close and the scent of him is comforting beyond anything I have ever known. He is running his fingers through my hair, scraping his nails along my scalp with every pass while he lazily props himself up. With his other hand, he is gently dragging his fingertips from my thigh to my ribcage and back down. As I start to come out of my daze, I groan.

“There’s my girl,” he says softly as he moves his hand from my waist to my cheek to cup my face.

“You… Dicked me to death,” I mumble.

“I did,” he laughs. “Are you okay?”

“If I say yes…. Will you do it again?” I say with a lazy smile, still trying to force my eyes open.

“Mmmm. You might actually die if I did that again. How do you feel?”

“Sore… Satisfied… Happy,” I answer. “You?”

“Tired. Very tired,” he chuckles.

“Thank you for saving me, Talon,” I say, finally managing to drag my eyes open. “I know our situation didn’t start in the most ideal way… but I simply couldn’t be happier married to anyone else… We have a ways to go, but I am so excited to go on this journey with you.”

“That means… so much to me. I don’t deserve you, Delaney, but I will do everything I can to make you the happiest I possibly can.”

“All I need is you,” I say. “Laying here like this… This is all I need.”

“Well, then I am going to spoil you rotten, Little Flower,” he says before gently kissing me.

The bedroom door suddenly slams open, and I let out a shrill scream as I cower into Talon’s chest. “What the fuck is wrong with you, Jude?!” Talon barks as he pulls the blanket over me.

“Get up. Get dressed,” Viper says, throwing clothes onto the bed. “Now, Talon. Get the fuck out of bed!”

“What’s going on?” Talon says as he pulls us up to stand but keeping me wrapped in the blanket.

“The cops just fucking raided the clubhouse. They are on their way here. Is everything here good?” Viper says, tossing me my dress. “Please get dressed, Dee.”

Talon nods to me as he starts pulling his clothes on and I let the blanket fall so I can pull my dress on. “Everything here is fine. Why did they raid the club house? There is nothing there. Torch is destroying everything right now still, right?”

“He’s already done. Apparently, the house had cameras when you took Delaney. Logan has them coming after you for kidnapping,” he says.

“What?!” I snap.

“Fuck,” Talon sighs.

“They’re looking for me, right?” I ask.

“Yeah,” Viper says. “I’m not telling you what to say, but the truth will land him in jail.”

“Fuck that. It was a kink thing, remember?” I say. “I told him to do it. I gave him permission to enter the home and take me. We planned on eloping, so we did.”

“You don’t have to…” Talon starts to say, but my glare makes him stop.

“You are my husband. I am choosing this. I am choosing you over everything else. I made an oath to you when I signed that paper and didn’t fight it. Do not ever suggest that bullshit again,” I say firmly.

“Everyone is downstairs, so we can make it look like we are all just hanging out,” Viper says. “Come on.”

“Is Fang here?” I ask.

“No. We didn’t call him. Knox called from the clubhouse and told me, so I came straight here. Knox should be here soon after the cops,” Viper says.

“Let’s go downstairs,” Talon orders.

We follow Viper down to the living room and I sit with Talon on the couch while Viper, Torch, and Rogue sit with us. We all take a second to breathe as we see the car approaching. I get up and go to the door, knowing they will just bust it in. I open the door before they get a chance to.

“Can I help you?” I ask.

“Delaney Mercer?” the man says.

“Delaney Maddox now, but yes,” I say. “Can I help you?”

“We have a warrant to search the property,” he says as he shoves a piece of paper in my hand and pushes past me. I go to Talon and show him the paper. He frowns deeply at it before glaring at the man and woman who are now standing here.

“What is this?” Talon asks.

“You were caught on camera kidnapping Miss. Mercer, Talon,” the man says. “You are under…”

“Aht. Nope,” I say. “Not how this works. Do I look kidnapped to you?”

“We have…”

“What are your names?” I ask.

“Detective Andrew Heed,” he says with a frown. “She is Detective Katy Phillips.”

“Great,” I say. “I wasn’t kidnapped, and he didn’t break in, or whatever it is that warrant said. I set that up.”

“You expect us to believe that?” Andrew asks, raising an eyebrow. Detective Katy, though, is scowling at Talon behind me with both of her hands on her waist, one not releasing the gun for a second.

I meet Detective Andrew’s gaze. “I don’t care what you believe. He wanted to help me get away from his abusive stepbrother. We made a plan, and that was it. We got married, and we fuck every chance we get. Have any questions before you get the fuck out of my home?”

“Can I speak with you separately?” Katy asks.

“Why, so you can play twenty questions?” Talon says with a frown.

“It’s okay,” I say before turning around and kissing him on the cheek, only to see the scowl deepen on the female detective’s face. Oh? Okay. I think I know what’s happening here. A chuckle bursts out of me.

I walk to the kitchen with Katy, and sigh heavily when she looks at me like I am some kind of victim. “What really happened, Delaney?” she asks. “You are safe. I can get you help, but I need—“

“I am fine,” I interrupt. “Well, I was until you people barged in.”

“Delaney, I know Talon. He is a cruel man with a lot of power,” she says. “Just yesterday, he assaulted me.”

“Then why isn’t he in jail?” I ask.

“That’s what we are trying to do here, but I need your help, Delaney. We know he kidnapped you. I don’t know how he convinced you to stay here and pretend to be happy but—“

“Stop right there,” I say. “You cannot just accuse someone of assault and suddenly they’re guilty. That is not how that works. Clearly, you don’t have evidence, and I also know that Talon would never do anything he wasn’t given permission to do. If you put yourself into a position, and then you later regretted it, that is on you. It is not his fault that you have regrets.”

“That’s not what—“

“Also, let’s talk about how you are standing here trying to get me to lie and say he kidnapped me just so you can arrest him for something you have no evidence on. Are you really that desperate to put an innocent man away?”

“He is not innocent,” she frowns. “He is connected to at least a dozen murders.”

“Oh, so you have evidence?” I ask.

“The investigation is still ongoing,” she says.

“So, you don’t,” I say. “The warrant was to search for me, and you found me. Listen, detective, with all due respect, go fuck yourself, or your partner. In the mean time, stay the fuck away from me and my husband. You can get the fuck out of my home now.”

“Miss—“

“Mrs.,” I snap and point to the living room door. “Out. Now .”

When she walks back into the living room, I go back to Talon. “This dirty bitch is sitting in here trying to get me to lie and say you kidnapped me because she really wants you arrested for sexually assaulting her,” I tell him.

“Oh, sweet Katy,” Viper laughs.

“Katy, dear,” Talon says calmly. “You do realize that I have video footage, right?”

“You can’t use—“

“Yes, I can,” he says. “I have every right to record in public without the consent of anyone around me, so long as it is not malicious. I felt as though I was being set up the moment I was invited to dinner, so I made sure to wear a camera.”

Viper turns his phone around and it’s a point-of-view video looking at Katy. I can hear the conversation faintly, but she is every bit consenting through the interaction. When she outwardly says no, you can see her gripping onto his arm and pushing it further down her pants. The audio isn’t picking up Talon very well, but Logan is mentioned as the one who sent them there.

“Want a copy?” Talon asks. Andrew looks pissed, so I am guessing they are together.

“Please,” Andrew says.

“I’ll send you whatever the conversation was that they had in the kitchen too,” he says as he taps around on Viper’s phone. “Sent.”

“Now get the fuck out,” I say. “Unless you have a valid reason to be here, do not step foot on this property or any other property associated with Talon.”

“You don’t have the authority to—“

“My last name says I fucking do. Now get the fuck out before we have to call and talk to someone above you,” I shout. “Out and off the property.”

“Have a good evening,” Andrew says. When they leave, we wait until they are off the property and the gate is shut behind them before we talk.

“Laney,” Talon says, taking my face between his hands.

“I am so fucking mad,” I say. “Did you know she was consenting, or did you not care?”

“Are those two statements related?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.

“No,” I sigh.

“I knew she was. I definitely threatened more, but I hardly pushed the situation,” he says. “Why are you mad?”

“Because Logan did this,” I snap.

“Close your eyes for a second,” he says softly.

“Talon,” I sigh heavily.

“It’s that or I bend you over the couch,” he smiles. “I think your poor cervix might need a little break, don’t ya think?”

“Yes,” I say with a small smile.

“Right. So, close your eyes,” he says, and I do. “Focus on just your breathing for a second.”

“Okay,” I say. “Then what?”

“Think you can handle this head on?” he asks, making me open my eyes.

“Like right now?” I ask.

“No,” he says. “We can give it a little time and then approach him.”

“And kill him?”

“No, stabby,” he chuckles. “We need to get him riled up. We will pay him a visit and show him how happy you are.”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“I mean… I am going to put us in a position where he runs into us,” Talon says. “You will be safe. I will be safe.”

“Okay.” I smile. “I can’t promise I won’t melt down after.”

“Well, I can’t either. We will manage together, yeah?” he says sweetly.

“I’m sorry,” Knox says as he stands at the now open door. “Who in the fuck are you, and what have you done with Hawk?”

“Funny,” Talon deadpans.

“I’m just playing with ya. It’s nice to see you smile, man. Really,” Knox says. “I am extremely curious, though.”

“I think we all are,” Torch says.

“Viper seems to know something,” Rogue says.

“Guys,” Viper sighs.

“It’s okay,” Talon says. “Sit down, guys. I’m going to explain something.”

“You don’t have to do this,” Viper says.

“I do,” Talon replies. “I don’t want people thinking I am heartless. I don’t want anyone to think they can’t speak up about this shit.”

“Alright,” Viper sighs. Talon pulls me into his lap and hugs me tightly for a moment, calming himself first.

When he sits up, he explains everything that Viper and I know. I rub his back as he talks, and he keeps control over his emotions for the most part. Rogue doesn’t. He is in tears. When Talon stops talking, Rogue comes over to sit beside us before hugging him. It’s an awkward hug at first but they embrace the comfort.

“I am so sorry, Talon,” Knox says. “Truly… I wish I knew what to say other than I want to kill them.”

“At least my dad won’t be lonely on the death list,” I remark.

“You too?” Torch asks.

“Yeah. Dad started touching me and like… teaching me how to touch him when I was like five or so. As I got older, I knew it was wrong. I knew that’s not how dads should behave, but life was easier when he wasn’t mad. He nearly got me pregnant and stopped altogether,” I explain. “I knew they would marry me off, but I don’t think I understood the gravity of what they meant until I went home with Logan. I realized too late that I didn’t have to listen to them. I could have refused to go.”

“You’re a people pleaser,” Viper says.

“I’m trying to get out of that habit,” I remark. “Instinctively, I don’t want to fail anyone, so I just do as I am told. The more I push back, though, the more in control I feel.”

“See? Bratty behavior,” Talon teases.

“Mhmm,” I smile.

“You guys staying here?” Talon asks the others.

“If you don’t mind,” Viper says. “I’d feel better knowing you two were okay.”

“You’re welcome to stay. Just knock next time you come in the room,” Talon laughs.

“I will,” Viper laughs. “Hey. Actually. Why don’t you tattoo that girl?”

“You can tattoo?” I ask Talon happily.

“I sure can,” he smiles.

“Well… My parents, Logan, Vince, and Cheryl all said I was forbidden from getting a tattoo,” I say with a shrug.

Talon narrows his eyes at me before looking at Viper. “Got some time?”

“Fuck yeah,” Viper says.

“Are you okay with him touching you?” Talon asks me.

“Yeah. Why?” I ask.

“We are going to tattoo something that’s… pretty big. I think you’ll like it,” he says.

“Right now?” I ask.

“Mhmm,” he smiles. “We can do it up in the room so you can be comfortable.”

“Definitely watching Viper touch your girl,” Torch says.

“Mhmm,” Talon laughs.

I have been laying here now for a while while Viper and Talon give me a tattoo. I have been asleep for most of it, but after years of being beaten and raped, I guess my tolerance for pain is pretty high. It’s almost soothing the way it hurts. At first, I was uncomfortable but now I’m just dazed.

“You awake?” Talon asks, kissing my forehead.

“Mhmm,” I smile.

“Wanna see it?”

“Is it done?” I ask as I jump up from the bed.

“It is,” he says. “Viper did most of the color. I did the other half.”

“Oh my God,” I say softly as I look at my arm. The tattoo spans from my shoulders down to my elbow. The left side is a dark and broken Medusa that fades into brightly colored flowers with vivid green leaves and vines. On the happy side there is a hawk and raven sitting together, almost snuggled. They have their backs to the dark side of the tattoo and stay facing the happiness together. It is detailed and the vines reach far.

“Like it?” Talon asks.

“I love it. So much,” I say. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Little Flower. You have a great pain tolerance.”

“I dealt with you monster fucking me already, so tattoos are nothing,” I laugh.

“Let’s get this covered so you can get some sleep,” he says, gently kissing me.

“It’s so weird seeing you be gentle,” Viper says. “I like it.”

“Best of both worlds,” I say. “Amazing, almost painful sex, and then top-notch aftercare.”