BULLET: Lords of Carnage MC Read online

  “Goddamnit, Six, pay for what?” Bullet’s eyes are ablaze.

  “Breaking up with him in the first place.”

  I lean back against the sofa cushions and close my eyes. I feel so exhausted all of a sudden. “I never thought he’d be such a psycho. I just thought he was a run of the mill lying, cheating piece of shit. But when I told him we were finished, he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He was calling me all the time, telling me it wasn’t over, that he needed to see me. I got kind of freaked out by it, to tell you the truth. I was working at a shitty job I hated, and the lease was almost up on my apartment… so I just up and left town.” I stare down at a faint coffee ring on the surface of the table in front of me. “And it seems like I’ve been leaving towns ever since.”

  Bullet doesn’t say anything, seeming to sense I’m not finished. I suppress a shudder at the memories that start flooding in. “I figured that would be the end of it, but instead, he went nuts. He started calling and texting me, demanding to know where I was. When I wouldn’t tell him, he’d try to worm it out of my friends, giving them the excuse that he needed to get something from me.” I bite the inside of my cheek, remembering. “Thankfully for me, my friends always hated Flash, so they weren’t about to tell him anything. And because I didn’t want to put them at any risk, I stopped telling them anything about where I was or what I was doing. I cut them off, to protect me and them.”

  Not for the first time, a wave of odd gratitude floods me that Flash never met my mom, or even knew her name. When I started seeing him, I was in a period of being really angry with her. So I told him she was dead. Since she hardly ever called me or wanted to see me, it was a pretty easy lie to get away with. I can’t help but be relieved at how that simple twist of fate has probably stopped Flash from tracking her down to get to me.

  “The last time he cornered me was in Chicago,” I continue. “He attacked me in public. Tried to rip my clothes off right in the middle of a freaking crowd outside a club.” I tear my eyes from the coffee table to look at Bullet. “You know what they say about how in a crowd, no one will step forward to help you? Well, it’s true.” I let out a bitter laugh. “No one even lifted a finger. It was like we were some sort of street performers, and they were the audience. I finally managed to kick him hard enough that he let go for a second, and was able to pull away from him. At that point, some of the people who had been watching finally seemed to realize he was actually trying to hurt me. Some guys grabbed him and roughed him up, and I was able to get away. I left everything I had in my apartment, and just drove out of town right then and there.”

  “Fuck,” Bullet hisses.

  I shake my head again, angry at myself for being lulled into staying so long in one place. “I knew he’d find me again. Deep down, I knew it. He always does.” I put my palms on the cushions on either side of me, preparing to stand. “So, I have to leave, Bullet. I’m sorry,” I say softly. “I really sort of liked the direction it seemed like this was going.”

  Bullet’s jaw is tight, but his eyes are unexpectedly tender. “Six. Come on. How can you live like this?”

  Defensiveness rises up inside me. “It’s better than not living at all,” I retort. “Or giving myself up to Flash.”

  Something seems to click in his brain. “Is this why you go by Six?”

  Suddenly, I want to tell him. I want to give him something of me. Something real. To remember me by.

  “Yes.” I swallow, and then make myself go on. “My name is Stacia Edison. Six is… well, it’s how many different places I’ve been since going on the run.” I smile tremulously. “It’s simple. Something I can remember without too much effort. Plus, it has the added benefit of being androgynous. Six could be a girl or a guy. I guess I figure a name like that gives me one more layer of protection. Small as it is.”

  Bullet’s laugh is brittle. “So, did you used to go by Five before this?” When I nod, he shakes his head. “I don’t know if that’s idiotic or genius.”

  In spite of everything, that makes me chuckle. “Let’s go with somewhere in between.”

  “So…” he continues, his brow furrowing. “I can’t believe I’m suggesting this, but have you ever thought about calling the cops on this piece of shit?”

  I blow out a breath. “No. Let’s just say I have my reasons for not doing that.” I’m pretty sure my record in juvie won’t do much to make the police believe my story. And the last thing I want is that kind of scrutiny from the law, when I’m doing my best to stay under the radar.

  Thankfully, Bullet doesn’t probe. But what he says next is a complete surprise.

  “Six. Stacia.” The words come out husky, and I shiver a little to hear him say my real name. He reaches out and puts a finger under my chin, lifting it until my eyes meet his. “You’re done running.”

  “But I can’t st…”

  “You’re done. This ends here.” His words are final. Resolute. “I’m gonna make this guy go away.” Bullet’s dark orbs bore into mine. “Do you believe me? Do you trust me?”

  I want to. God, I want to.

  For the first time in years, I let myself imagine for a moment what life would be like if I could stop running. If I could stop looking over my shoulder all the time.

  The relief that floods through me — even though it’s only a specter, a what-if — is so sharp that tears spring to my eyes.

  I want to believe Bullet that this could all be over. Forever.

  So, I whisper, “Yes.”

  Even though I don’t know if it’s true.

  When Bullet kisses me, his lips are hard, demanding. But when he pulls back to look at me, his gaze is softer than I’ve ever seen it.

  “Come on,” he says, standing and reaching down to pull me up with him. “You’re gonna stay at my place for a few days. No arguing,” he barks when I open my mouth to interrupt him. “Tomorrow, I’m gonna talk to the club. The Lords are gonna take down your ex, once and for all. Don’t worry, Six. You’re not gonna have to see this fuckin’ weasel ever again.”

  Bullet gives me a few minutes to pack a small bag with toiletries, a change of clothes, and my laptop, which thankfully is still on my nightstand where I left it. I fret about not being able to bring more, but he promises me we can come back tomorrow or the next day.

  Finally, when I’m ready, he holds his large, strong hand out to me, and I take it.

  Something seems to shift in the air between us as I allow Bullet to lead me out of my apartment. With a mixture of relief and apprehension, I realize I’ve confided more in Bullet than I have to anyone since I first started running. I’ve told him things that no one else knows. Not even Hannah. For better or worse, I’ve decided to I’ve put my trust in him.

  The last time I trusted a man, I ended up having to give up everything I knew, just to save myself.

  And only time will tell if I’ve just made yet another huge mistake.

  15

  Bullet

  Once we’re out of Six’s apartment, I don’t call her by her real name again. She seemed to sort of flinch when I said it — like it’s a door to her past life that she’d prefer to keep closed, at least for now.

  But the sound of it rolls over and over in my mind. Stacia. It’s a secret. A confidence. A sign that I’ve broken through one of the walls that she’s built so high around herself.

  I know Six would never have asked me for help with the piece of shit who’s stalking her. Hell, she was willing to pack up and leave town before she’d let anyone else in. This girl is used to going it alone. If I hadn’t been with her when she got home tonight, she would have been gone without a trace, and I’d never have seen her again.

  The thought hits me like a shot to the gut, to know how close I came to losing her.

  It’s kind of fucked up to be worrying about losing some chick I hardly know.

  Except, Six isn’t just some chick.

  There’s something about this girl. And it’s more than the fact she’s a hot piece of ass. It’s true, up until tonight I knew next to nothing about her.

  But I want to know more. A lot more.

  And the best way to get there is to make sure she doesn’t get freaked out and leave town. Because one thing I do know after tonight is that this girl has gotten damn good at disappearing. And I sure as shit don’t want her disappearing on me now.

  When we get to my place, she doesn’t talk much. I can tell she’s a little freaked out at the idea of staying with me. She hesitates in the doorway, like she doesn’t want to intrude. And even though I tell her to make herself at home, she looks like she’s trying to make herself as small as possible.

  Six deposits her backpack on the floor next to one corner of the couch. She pulls off her jacket and sets it down, too. Her expression is pinched, and it’s pretty obvious that tonight has taken a toll on her. “I, um… could I just get a blanket for the couch?” she asks hesitantly. “I’m sort of tired. If you don’t mind, maybe I’ll just go to sleep.”

  In spite of myself, I roar with laughter, so loud it startles her. “What the fuck, Six? You’re not sleeping on my couch. Come on,” I growl, picking up her backpack. “The bed’s big enough for two.”

  “Are you sure?” she swallows, reddening. “I mean… you don’t have to…”

  “Don’t be dumb,” I cut her off. “I’m not having you sleep out here. And I sure as shit ain’t sleeping on the couch, either.” Then I see the troubled look on her face and try to sound more gentle. “Come on, Six. You said you’re tired. Don’t overthink this.”

  I don’t wait for an answer. I figure she’ll follow me since I have her stuff. Turns out, I’m right. When I get to my bedroom, I toss her backpack on the mattress and turn around. She’s standing in the doorway again, looking like she’s waiting
for an invitation. I cock my head at her, and she seems to realize what she’s doing.

  “Sorry,” she murmurs, and steps through the door.

  “It’s not much. And I wasn’t expecting visitors,” I rumble, nodding toward the unmade king-size bed. At least I washed the sheets not too long ago.

  “It’s great.” She gives me a tiny smile. “Thank you, Bullet.”

  Six bends over and rummages in her backpack, pulling out a toothbrush and a tube of paste. “I’m gonna go brush my teeth.”

  “Bathroom’s through there,” I say, pointing.

  “Thanks,” she nods. She takes a step toward the hallway, and then stops. “Oh!”

  “What is it?”

  “I, um…” She purses her lips. “You’re gonna laugh at me.”

  “No, I’m not. What is it?”

  She exhales softly. “I forgot to bring something to sleep in.”

  I burst out laughing again.

  Six rolls her eyes. “I told you you were gonna laugh at me,” she mutters.

  I clear my throat and try to stop. “Look, darlin’, I’m sorry, but if you don’t want me to laugh, don’t say such stupid shit. Do I have to remind you where my tongue’s been?”

  “Could you not… say that quite so crudely?”

  “Oh, darlin’, that ain’t crude. Crude would be…”

  “Stop! Lalalalalalalala!” Six cringes and claps her hands over her ears.

  “Okay, okay!” I snicker. “But enough with the ‘I don’t have a flannel nightie that buttons up to my chin’ Victorian-ass bullshit.”

  Six mumbles something I don’t catch, flips me off, and makes a break for the bathroom. Chuckling, I go out into the living room to give her some space. While I’m out there, I get a call from Hale about some club business, so I step outside to take it. By the time I get back inside about ten minutes later, the bathroom’s empty. I go into the bedroom to see how Six is doing.

  She’s lying in bed, the covers pulled up around her. Fast asleep.

  I snort and shake my head as I kick off my boots and strip off my clothes. To say tonight did not go according to plan would be the understatement of the damn year.

  Still, even though I was really looking forward to getting back between those thighs of hers, there’s something to be said about seeing her there, in my bed, looking about as relaxed as I’ve ever seen her.

  I push back the covers and get in beside her, trying to ignore the hard-on I’ve been dealing with since before she went into the bathroom. As if on cue, Six sighs deeply and turns toward me, curling her body into the space between my arm and my side. I stifle a groan as my cock grows harder. Jesus Christ, going to sleep next to her tonight is gonna be damn near impossible.

  This is a first, for sure. In fact, it’s a whole night of firsts.

  I should be pissed. Not at her, but at myself. The rational part of my brain is telling me I’m a goddamn idiot for bringing a woman I barely know to stay at my house, for Christ knows how long.

  I don’t bring women home. Not even to fuck. And sure as hell not to stay.

  Then again, I’ve never wanted to before now.

  And shit, there’s no way I could have left Six alone in her apartment after her piece of shit ex broke in. I wasn’t about to bring her to a hotel, either. Especially because I’m sure she would have skipped town during the night, even if I managed to get her to promise me she wouldn’t. The only way I can keep her here in Tanner Springs is if I keep an eye on her. She might think she’s safer leaving, but I know that ain’t true.

  If I’m gonna protect her, I need to keep her close.

  But that’s not the only reason I want her here. Much as I hate to admit it.

  I want her here for me. Because I don’t want to lose her. Not like this.

  I don’t know where this shit is going with me and Six. But I plan to find out. And no dickhead ex-boyfriend with boundary problems is gonna fuck with that.

  The next morning, Six wakes up just as I’m getting up to go take a shower. Apparently, a decent night’s sleep has put her in a good mood, because the first thing she does is cut me a sly glance as I’m standing up from the bed.

  “Is that for me?” She gives me a wicked look.

  I glance down at my dick, which is at half-staff.

  “It sure as hell can be.” My voice is thick. “You wanna join me in the shower?”

  Six sucks in a breath.

  “That’s one heck of an invitation,” she murmurs. “Not sure I can resist it.”

  My cock snaps to full attention.

  “Shower. Thirty seconds,” I say, turning away.

  By the time I enter the bathroom, I’m painfully hard, my erection throbbing a low, steady beat as I turn on the shower head. I push open the fiberglass door and step inside, hearing Six’s soft steps padding in behind me as I do.

  “Sorry I passed out last night,” she breathes against my back as she wraps her arms around me from behind. “I guess I was more tired than I thought.”

  “Stress will do that to you.” I turn around and reach for her. She’s standing under the shower spray, her body already glistening and wet. Rivulets of water slide between her breasts, down her stomach to her pussy. My cock throbs harder. “You know it was fucking torture lying next to you last night.”

  “Really?” Her lips part, her dark-pupilled gaze locking on mine. Want is written all over her face.

  “Really.” My hands slide over her body, my thumb grazing an already hardening nipple. Her eyes half-close in a shudder. Jesus fuck, she’s sexy. “You drive me fucking crazy, Six. I’ve never wanted a woman as much as I want you.”

  I can’t believe I just told her that, but I don’t fucking care. It’s the truth. Before I can think to take the words back, my mouth is on hers. I kiss her long and hard, my mouth devouring hers before gliding over her wet skin, down to her neck. Her moan is low and keening, telling me she needs this as much as I do without her having to say a word.

  “Oh, fuck, baby,” I groan. I reach down and cup her ass, then pull her up and brace her against the wall. I want to take it slow and make this last, but I’m too turned on and the way she’s writhing her hips against me tells me she needs it now, fast and hard. Her whimpers turn to soft cries as she wraps her legs around my waist and I angle myself up so the head of my cock is nestled against the wet heat of her pussy. “Need to be inside you,” I grunt.

  “Yes, Bullet,” she pants, as I cover my mouth with hers again. Rocking my hips, I push myself inside her and she moans into my mouth, clinging to me as I begin to thrust. The angle of my cock is brushing against her clit just right, I can tell by the way she meets me thrust for thrust, and soon the entire world drops away and it’s just us, our bodies taking and giving, me burying myself inside her deeper with every stroke, until suddenly she tenses in my arms. Her pussy begins to contract around me as Six whispers my name like a prayer. Seconds later, my balls begin to tighten, and with a final thrust I drive deep inside her and find my own release.

  Half an hour later, I’m guessing we’ve probably used up ninety percent of the water in Tanner Springs.

  “Being clean never felt so dirty,” Six quips as I toss her a towel. “Is this how you’re gonna wake me up every morning that I’m here?”

  “I guess you’re gonna have to find out,” I wink back at her.

  But even though my tone is joking, I gotta admit I like the sound of that.

  What would it be like to wake her up every morning… forever?

  Huh.

  * * *

  I instruct Six to call in sick to work and stay locked in at my place. She starts to protest, but I manage to convince her by promising her it’s just for one day.

  “Do this for me, Six,” I insist. “You trust me, right?”

  My chest tightens with emotion when she doesn’t even hesitate. “Yes. Of course I do.”

  “Okay, then. Sit tight. I promise I’ve got it covered. Just do this for me today, so I don’t have to worry about you while I’m getting shit together. Promise?”