Cherry Read online

  “Bethany and Nightmare know.”

  That’s understandable. Bethany is her best friend, but I’m a little jaded that Viking didn’t confide in me, his blood brother.

  “And you know how he is. He doesn’t open up about anything,” she continues, making an excuse for him that he doesn’t deserve.

  I know that Vike’s stubborn, but it still sucks.

  “We had this big plan,” she laughs, but there’s no humor in her voice. It’s broken. “We decided to wait until we had an ultrasound. We were going to have a big party for the club and make our announcement.” Buckets of tears fall over her cheeks and it twists me up inside to witness her like this. “Then two and a half months in...I-I just lost it one day. The hospital says it’s common in early pregnancies.”

  “Okay.” My brows raise. “Not to be insensitive, but can’t you guys try for another?”

  “I know you’re not being insensitive, and others would probably think the same thing.”

  I wait, breathing, trying my damndest to project calmness so she feels comfortable enough to keep speaking.

  “We’ve been trying for five years to get pregnant and it had finally happened.”

  “Fuck,” I murmur. It was meant for myself, but it comes out loud enough for her to hear.

  “Exactly. There’s a chance it could be the only time I ever get pregnant.”

  “I had no idea you guys were even trying. Does anyone else know you’ve been struggling with this? Doctors or anyone?”

  “I’ve confided in Bethany, of course, and my dad. It’s why he finally got sober.”

  Her father, Prez, is the original Oath Keeper. Ares is the president of their club now, but we still call Princess’s father Prez out of respect. And we’ve all noticed the change in him; he went from drowning his sorrows to one day coming into the clubhouse looking like a different man. We’ve each made him a tonic with lime at some point, noting that he’d cut alcohol out of his life completely. I had no idea what made him change, but it makes sense.

  She swipes at the wetness coating her cheeks, using the blanket to attempt to dry the evidence the tears have left behind. “Viking is too stubborn. He says we don’t need help from anyone else, that we’ll work it out together.”

  “And he’s off being an asshole.”

  She nods. “He blames himself. I’ve lost him.”

  With a jerk, I disagree. “No. Far from it. He may’ve fucked up, but he’ll come to his senses and that’s when everyone in his path will be mowed over so he can get back to you.”

  With a sniffle and fresh tremble of her lips, the shattered female admits, “I sure hope you’re right, Odin, because he’s my life.”

  She wasn’t looking for a knight,

  she was looking for a sword.

  -Atticus

  I sit quietly watching as the new girl packs her meager belongings. Everyone around here knows not to step on Princess’s toes; this girl was a dumbass not to heed our warnings. She could’ve had her pick of the new prospects coming in with the set of perky tits she’s sporting, but that won’t be happening now.

  Honey flicks her gaze my way, no doubt thinking the same things I am. She learned the hard way believing she’d come between Nightmare and his ol’ lady. She’s lucky to still be around. Had she not backed off and made amends with Nightmare’s lack of interest she’d have been put out on her ass too.

  Like it or not, that’s the way things are when you’re a club slut for the Oath Keepers MC. Not only are the members super picky about the pussy they let hang around, but they’re ol’ ladies are tough bitches that they covet above all others. Every one of us club sluts wishes we’d belong to a brother and wear their patch, but that’s not reality. We may fantasize about them putting us on the back of their bikes, along with giving us the ol’ lady title, but I’m not stupid enough to believe it’d ever happen. We’re their good time, not their forever.

  “That’s all my stuff. Good luck with this bunch of dicks,” the new girl mutters as she slides her backpack over her shoulder and sends us a peace sign.

  Honey and I don’t say a word, just send her off with a perfected fake smile. I have nothing to say to her. Like I mentioned, she should’ve listened to us. It’s her loss to be put out on the street; I know what I’d be missing by fucking up around here. Of course, the brothers can be assholes and they’re rough around the edges, but they protect us and they’re damn good to us at the end of the day. We make them feel like gods when they need it, and in return, we have what we need to get by. Coming from a rough childhood, it’s a fair trade-off in my eyes.

  Once we’re alone, Honey turns to me again. “Dumbass!” she mutters, and I snort in agreement.

  “That’s an understatement. She’s fortunate Princess was out of it or she’d probably be leaving on a stretcher. I can’t believe the brothers allowed her to stay for two extra nights or that Princess hadn’t ripped her hair out in the last forty-eight hours.”

  She hums in agreement. “It’s because she went to Blaze crying and whining about not having anywhere to go yet. He’s been fucking her ever since she showed up here, so she got to sleep in his bed. Odin found out about it today and gave her the boot for good.”

  My brows rise at this new information. Honey’s a little too good about listening to things when no one thinks she is. Many of the guys underestimate her sneakiness. “You saw Odin?”

  Everyone around here knows I have a soft spot for him the size of a mountain. He may be fifteen years younger than me, but that means absolutely nothing. He’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid my eyes on and happens to own the biggest cock I’ve ever sucked. The man is so much more than what meets the eyes.

  “Yeah. I overheard him talking about it with Blaze and then I saw him go into the room Princess is staying in afterward. Probably checking in to see if she’s hung herself. At this rate, it wouldn’t surprise me.”

  My teeth grit at her flippant remark. I don’t know how she can be so crass and unfeeling about someone going through what Princess is right now. “I can’t believe this whole thing is going down. I should make sure Odin doesn’t need anything.”

  She snorts, wearing a smirk on her lips. “You haven’t gotten him off in how long?” Her remark burns just a bit. She obviously believes that I’m nothing to Odin.

  I shrug, because fuck her and her cutting words. She may not care about any of the guys, but I do. I’m a piece of ass to most of them, but they’ve become my family—the only one that I’ve got too. “That’s irrelevant. The two people closest to him are going through some serious shit, and it must be stressful on him. I can only imagine what he must be thinking.”

  “Whatever! If you want him to angry fuck your mouth until it hurts to swallow for a week, that’s up to you. Personally, I’m staying far, far away from the temper tantrum he’s on edge of releasing. I happen to like my tonsils intact.”

  I could be just as catty in return and remark about her maybe getting back into Blaze’s bed after being replaced by the new girl. I don’t, though; I hold my tongue. I’m not anything like her, but damn do I want to knock her down a peg or two...or three. I’m a better person than her and I’ll stay that way, thank you very much. I’ve had people talk down to me my entire life and no matter what Honey says, Odin’s never been one of them.

  I won’t sink to that level either, and besides, I’ve grown used to Honey’s snarky comments having to share a room with her and the other club sluts. She’s all bark and no bite. Besides, she’s also had to deal with a case of crabs from a brother visiting from another club, so she’s had payback already.

  Exhaling, I grab my coal-colored fake leather leggings and a fitted scarlet, long-sleeved shirt. Nothing fancy, but it does the trick. The front portion directly over my breasts laces up leaving plenty to be seen, and the brothers always groan when they notice me wearing it. The weather’s changing enough that the blistering Texas heat is finally cooling down enough to enjoy the outside and I can break o
ut all my favorite leggings. “I need to shower,” I reply, blowing her comment off completely and head for the crowded bathroom we must share.

  Chaos is the first of the brothers I run into as I’m leaving my room. I send my handsome friend a bright smile. “Hey, Chaos. Did you eat dinner? I could make you a plate if you’d like.”

  He grins. “I’m good, darlin’, but thanks for checking on me.” He sends me a wink, his eyes dropping to my shirt. “Jesus, woman; I tell you every time I see you in this. It’s the God’s truth, though, you have the best set of tits I’ve ever seen.”

  My smile widens. Any woman would be lucky to be the receiver of his compliments. He’s an ex pro football player with a salt and pepper mane that has women of all ages panting after him. I’m sure he has many young ladies popping up with some wild daddy fantasies. I know I’ve never minded one bit having his attention on me. He’s also one of the sweetest, most respectful men at the clubhouse, and those are a rare gem to discover.

  “Coming from you, Chaos, it never gets old.”

  And it’s the truth. Any of these good-looking men finding me attractive is one hell of an ego boost. Honey’s younger than me, and the ol’ ladies are all beautiful as well. Sometimes I can be a little too hard on myself; I’m my own self-esteem’s worse enemy it seems. I know all too well that just because a man will fuck you, it doesn’t mean he wants to cherish and love you. It can be a hard pill to swallow on some days, but it’s one you must make peace with or it’ll eat you up.

  He pulls me in closer, right next to his barstool. The big guy wraps his arm around my back, resting his massive palm on my hip. “What’re you up to, sweetheart?”

  Releasing a breath, I reluctantly admit, “I was just about to look for Odin, actually.”

  “Oh?” He cocks his head, looking me over again. One thing I admire about Chaos is he’s never judging. He may ask a few questions here and there then give you his opinions, but he never makes you feel judged or guilty for feeling a certain way.

  With a nod, I take a sip from his ice-cold beer before continuing. I only drink from it because I know he doesn’t mind at all. There are other men around that’ll bite your head off for touching their drinks, but not Chaos. “I figured he may be under some increased stress and need some company.”

  He takes a long pull from the beverage, briefly turning away before glancing back over at me again. “As long as you don’t try to get Odin to talk about shit, I think it’s a good idea. He’s lucky you care so much.”

  “But...” I can see the unspoken words in Chaos’s intelligent gaze.

  “Just be careful, Cherry. I’d hate for you to get hurt in all this.”

  “You’re concerned for my safety or my heart?”

  His mouth tilts, shooting me a knowing look. “Your heart, darlin’. Odin will shatter it, if you allow him to.”

  My stare lands on the bar top, and I pause before I give in and admit the truth. “I know Chaos, but what if it’s already too late?”

  “Too late?”

  I nod and take another sip of his beer—needing any courage I can gather to speak the words aloud. “What if I’ve already given my heart away, even if it wasn’t my choice at the time?” I say, swallowing my nerves down, my stomach twisting with the shared revelation.

  “You always have a choice, Cherry.” He pulls my hand from his thigh, engulfing it in his warm palm so I look back at him.

  “Not with him, I didn’t,” I confess quietly. My lip wobbles just a touch and his grin drops. I didn’t willingly give my heart to Odin...it just sort of happened. He’s never shown me any indication that I mean anything at all to him, more so than just to get him off. However, the heart desires who the heart desires, and it can’t be helped no matter how hard you fight it.

  “Then you better be willing to go through some shit and be ready to hold on, ‘cause Mercy’s coming home, sweetheart. She’s getting married to some snob and I’m sure our boy won’t be having that on his watch. At least, not if there’s any unresolved feelings or emotions between the two of ‘em.”

  Mercy, fuck, that’s his ex-girlfriend. She’s an Oath Keeper member’s younger sister from another chapter. Mercy and Odin were off and on since Odin was sixteen years old. I didn’t know he still carried a torch for her though. I thought that ship had sailed long ago. Hell, I was around when he was still seeing her, even back then. He’d have another girl and me take turns sucking him off, then leave and break Mercy’s heart a little more.

  “I thought they were over and done with long ago.”

  He shrugs. “Then we’re about to find out, aren’t we, sweetheart?” There’s no menace in his voice, only truth with a bit of compassion. Chaos didn’t have to offer me his friendship when I found this club, yet he has and I’m grateful for it.

  With a nod, I stand a bit stiffer. “It seems I have my work cut out for me then.” Not that I’d ever believe Odin would be mine completely, but I have a feeling that if he ruins Mercy’s upcoming wedding, that my chance with him will be lost completely. “Shit,” I whisper.

  “If your heart gets broken, you come to me. I’ll help you get through it,” he murmurs after a moment.

  Turning into his gentle embrace, I hug him tightly. “Thank you, my friend.” Pulling away, I offer a chaste kiss on his lips and his arm drops. It’s not sexual in the least bit; it’s just true friendship and support. I’m grateful for Chaos more than he’ll ever realize, I suppose.

  “Good luck.” He continues his drinking and I go to search for the man who fills my dreams.

  I don’t have to look too far, as I discover Odin outside in the garage tinkering with his motorcycle. The guys spend a lot of their time out here, especially when something’s on their minds. There have been plenty of days where one or two of them will come out here, and before long, the entire club makes their way to the garage, drinking and messing with their bikes. I hold off from interrupting Odin right away, wanting to admire him from afar. I can never get my fill of the man; it’s always been that way when it comes to him.

  What a sight to behold; the biker is purely divine. Just like his namesake, he’s utterly massive. His body’s an overpowering figure; mimicking that of a magnificent Norse god. Long blonde locks pulled back into a thick, tight braid cascade down his back, the sides shaved nearly to the skin. The style only adds to his look, pulling off the broody, commanding alpha scowl so well. With a jaw so strong, you’d think fists would break upon contact with it and cheekbones set high enough they make him almost beautiful. A straight nose compliments his face perfectly with sparkling cobalt irises that are far too easy to get lost in. I would know; it’s happened to me way too many times to count. He’s not just almost beautiful; he’s fucking breathtaking for a man.

  Then there’s Odin’s insanely stacked body. With arms the size of my waist, he can pack a punch that’ll send you all the way into next week. His frame’s made up of a wide chest that leads down to rigged abs and a heavy, long cock. His thighs are as thick as small tree trunks, and his ass is firm enough to bounce a quarter off it. I’ve squeezed the luscious roundness many times along with running my nails over his solid back. I could never possibly have my fill of touching his amazing body and the Norse tattoos spread randomly on his skin only makes him sexier.

  “You keep licking your lips like that, and we may need to do something about it.” His deeply growled words have my cheeks heating. I’ve been busted ogling him, but he’s used to women staring. They’d be stupid not to look. Even when I have tried to hold back, he’s somehow gotten me to give in easily.

  “Promises, promises,” I murmur, keeping up the laid-back flirting attitude he’s come to expect from me.

  “Mmm...” The gorgeous biker rumbles. “You know I always make good on them.”

  Smiling, I take a few steps in his direction, noting his gaze shifting to my chest. It’s exactly what I was wanting when I put this shirt on. “You could make good on it now,” I suggest with a shrug, pulling the tie
on my shirt as I sway my hips a bit more.

  He stands, towering over me by a good foot—maybe more—his body twice as wide as mine. “Come closer, Cherry, and maybe I fucking will.”

  A key to success is playing the

  hand you were dealt like it was

  the hand you wanted.

  - Millionaire Motivator

  With a flick of my wrist, Cherry doesn’t hesitate to come to me. She’s always been good about doing what I’ve wanted without question in the past and with the shit that my brother Viking has stirred up, I could use a release badly. Cherry’s a hang around that’s stuck around the club through the ups and down and I admire her for her loyalty. It doesn’t hurt that she’s fucking gorgeous and has ten years on me either. I don’t know what it is about an older woman that gets me so goddamn fired up, but it’s sexy as hell when they know just what they desire and won’t think twice about letting you know.

  She drops to her knees before me, and a pleased grin twists my lips up at having her in my favorite spot. “Take my cock out and suck it,” I order as she’s already eagerly reaching for my jeans.

  “Whatever you say; just let me get my hands on you.” The beauty works my belt buckle free then yanks the loop over the jeans button. The zipper glides down and Cherry’s keenly pulling them lower on my thighs.

  We’ve always had an undeniable chemistry sizzling between us since I was a teen and first came to the club. At sixteen I had her and another club whore in the bathroom, on their knees, sucking my cock. They made it into a game, seeing who could get me to make a sound or blow my load in their mouth first. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the many years to follow of Cherry attempting to outdo any new females showing up, thinking to push her to the side. She knows damn well she’s my favorite bitch around here and relishes in the fact, even though I’ve never mentioned it out loud.

  “You gonna be able to take all my cum this time? You better swallow each drop, so I don’t have to punish you.”