Renascence: Death Dealers MC Book 5 Page 3

  He’s wearing his vest like the day I met him, but this time he’s in all black, and just as hot as I remember.

  “Good workout?”

  Workout. Damn it. There he stands, looking good enough to eat, and here I am looking like shit. Probably smell like it, too.

  “Yeah.” I take a self-conscious step back. “The equipment here is awesome.” I motion toward the treadmill I vacated. “Getting on?”

  “I was heading out actually. You need a ride home?”

  “No, thanks. I have Uncle Jeff’s truck.”

  “Cool. I’ll walk you out.”

  “No need. I have to shower first anyway.”

  “I’ll wait.”

  “Really, you don’t need to—”

  “Emily,” he cuts me off, tone stern. “I’ll wait.”

  “Fine.” I roll my eyes, giving him a wide berth as I pass him on my way to the showers. If he wants to sit there and wait, that’s his problem.

  Usually there’s no one here at this time of night; it’s why I choose to come near closing. I like my solitude. For the last week, I’ve mostly had the gym all to myself and I’ve loved it. Now he shows up. I figured I’d run into him sometime, whether here or the pet store… or anywhere, really. It’s a small town, after all.

  A part of me longed to see him, if only for him to look at me like he wants to rip my clothes off. A man hasn’t looked at me like that in a long time and well, I liked the way he did it. The other part of me hoped I’d imagined it, prayed I’d daydreamed the entire scenario. Nothing good can come of it.

  After a quick shower and change, I find Venom waiting for me by the front desk. He’s talking to Kurt, a conversation that ends the moment they become aware of my presence.

  “Ready?” Venom asks.

  “Yeah.”

  “Let’s go.”

  He places his hand at the small of my back, and even through my clothes, his heat warms my skin.

  “See you tomorrow, Emily.” Kurt waves.

  “Bye, Kurt.”

  Venom pushes the glass door open, allowing me to exit ahead of him.

  “So, you sticking around?” he asks.

  “I like it here,” I reply with a shrug. “It could probably become home, but I haven’t made any decisions yet.”

  “I know Jeff would love having you around. He’s usually an ornery motherfucker, but that’s changed since you’ve been here.”

  “Uncle Jeff loves me,” I say in my best spoiled brat voice, smiling at the man next to me.

  Venom chuckles. “Can’t argue with that.”

  We enter the parking lot, and I’m a little disappointed to see the truck come into view. As much as I know I should stay away from him, I like being in his presence. I open the door of the old truck, but as I turn to thank Venom, the look in his eyes stops me.

  “What’s your deal?” he asks, brows furrowed in confusion.

  “What do you mean?” I lean on the truck, waiting for his answer.

  He takes a step closer, caging me in with his arms. My breath gets caught in my throat, heart beating so fast, and so loudly, he can probably hear it.

  “You want me. I know you do. The question is why are you fighting it?”

  “Why do you want me?”

  His eyes slowly slide down my body before meeting mine again. I can’t stop the shiver that gaze induces.

  “Don’t tell me you’re that clueless, Emily.”

  Yeah, right, ’cause I’m so hot. Not. “I just met you. I don’t jump into bed with men I don’t know.”

  “Okay.” He drops his arms, shoving his hands into his pockets. “What do you need to know?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “I’m single, no kids, and I’m clean. What else?”

  “You think throwing out a few pieces of random information is going to get me to sleep with you?” I ask, completely taken aback.

  “Not random, completely relevant. Besides, who’s talkin’ about sleeping, darlin’?”

  “I… you… what?”

  My sputtering turns his smirk into a grin. He’s infuriating but gorgeous in a disarming way. It’s the only reason I’m still standing here. There’s something about him, something I can sense but not recognize, underneath all the conceit and swagger. It makes me want to dig deeper, to find what he’s hiding… to unearth his secrets.

  “Emily.” I snap out of my haze, meeting his stare. “That look you’re giving me? It’s getting my dick hard.”

  My mouth falls open in shock. “Wh…what?”

  He takes a step forward, standing so close his chest is rubbing against my breasts. My lids flutter closed, nipples aching from the contact. His scent. It’s some kind of woodsy, manly cologne with a hint of leather. Christ, he smells delicious.

  “This little innocent thing you got going… I can’t tell if it’s an act. Is it, Emily?” A firm hand grips my hip, pulling me forward. As his hardness presses into my thigh, I realize he wasn’t kidding. “Are you just a cocktease?”

  I shake my head, eyes still closed. There’s no way I can look at him now. He thinks I’m a cocktease. I’m not any kind of tease.

  “Open your eyes.”

  Ugh! Why does this man want to wreck me?

  “Look at me, Emily.”

  I slowly open my eyes, gasping at his proximity. If I licked my lips, my tongue would probably touch his lips, too. It’s a struggle to stop myself from doing just that.

  “I want to fuck you… in every position I know. Hell, I’ll probably make up a few just for you. I want you under me, on top of me, on your hands and knees. I want your naked body in my bed. I want to spread your thighs and sink my dick so deep inside you, you won’t question what I want ever again.”

  Jesus.

  Buddha.

  Shiva.

  Zeus.

  Holy Mother of God.

  My knees weaken. I have to press my palms into the side of the truck to keep myself upright when he pulls away.

  “Do you understand?” I think I nod, because he continues, “Glad we cleared that up.”

  He motions for me to get in the truck. I climb in, my entire body trembling. The door closing startles me, and I look over to see him walking to his bike. With shaking fingers, I start the truck and slowly make my way out of the parking lot. One question is playing on a loop in my head: What the fuck just happened?

  Venom wants me.

  The gray-eyed, bearded, tattooed god of a man wants me in his bed. He wants to do all sorts of things to my body and… I want him to. God, I want him to. I want him to do all the things he wants. How can I feel like this when I just met him? I know absolutely nothing about him!

  Other than he’s single, has no kids, and no STDs.

  Well, at least that’s what he says. What I do know is that I haven’t felt like this in a long time. I know that, when I was practically in his arms, I didn’t want to move. I know he charged into the back of the pet shop like a superhero to save me from a box of mice. It could have been anything, but he didn’t care. A man who’d known me for only a few seconds was willing to put himself in danger for me. I wish I’d met someone like him a long time ago.

  I glance in the rearview mirror, and there he is behind me. Every turn I make, he follows. I think nothing of it until I turn onto Uncle Jeff’s street. What the hell is he doing? Does he think he’s going to do all those things to me tonight? I didn’t agree to anything earlier, did I? Shit.

  When I pull into the driveway, he stops at the curb, though he doesn’t shut the bike off or make any attempt to dismount. I watch him as I hop down and lock up the truck. Still no movement. I make my way toward the porch, tossing the occasional look over my shoulder. With the front door open, I turn to face him.

  That’s when it hits me. He only wanted to make sure I got home okay. That’s… sweet.

  He gives me a two-fingered salute, and I return a small wave. The minute I close the door, I hear his bike thundering back the way we came.

  Staying
away from that man just became a hell of a lot harder.

  CHAPTER 3

  ***Venom***

  My workout tonight has been very strategic.

  Every machine I’ve used has been perfectly positioned to ensure I’ve been in Emily’s direct line of vision for the last thirty minutes. This isn’t even my regular time, but since Kurt told me it’s hers, here I am. This is what my life has become—basically stalking.

  It’s working, though. She hasn’t taken her eyes off me. I’ve pretended to ignore her, but I’ve never been more aware of anyone or anything in my life. Having her body pressed against me last night had me running every possible scenario through my mind of what I could do to it. To her. I got zero sleep.

  I’d love nothing more than to walk over and rip her ridiculously large T-shirt off and see exactly what she’s hiding under there. Give her a real workout.

  I grab some weights, taking them to a bench directly in front of her. I can almost hear the gulp as she swallows. Her step falters and she grabs the bars on the treadmill, trying to play it off. I know I’m a little conceited, but I’ve worked hard to get my body where it is; I’m entitled to a big ego.

  After my third curl, she reaches for her water. I finally meet her stare, smirking as her eyes widen. I’m tired of this game. I drop the weights, making my way toward her. She removes her earbuds, watching expectantly.

  “Hi, Em.”

  “He—” She clears her throat. “Hello.”

  “You almost done?”

  She glances down at the treadmill’s display, then nods.

  “Cool. I’m gonna grab a shower and wait for you out front.”

  I walk away, not giving her the opportunity to brush me off. She’s a “good girl.” I know that now. She isn’t playing games or being a tease; it’s just the way she is. I’m not looking to corrupt her, nor do I want her to save me from anything. I don’t need to be saved. What I need is soft, wet, tight, and hidden between her thick thighs. Emily is probably used to men wooing her with flowers and candy, not telling her how many positions they want to fuck her in. There’s no way in Hell she’ll get that from me, but if she wants to know more about me before I can get my dick inside her, I’ll play along. I want her that much. A few nights—days, too—of her in my bed should satisfy my craving.

  I don’t know what it is about her that’s calling to me. It definitely isn’t the innocent thing; I like my women with experience—ones who give as good as they get. Then again, the quiet ones sometimes turn out to be the biggest freaks. Fuck, I can’t wait to get my hands on her.

  After my shower, I grab us some drinks and wait for her at the juice bar. Surprisingly, she shows up not much later. The leggings and oversized T-shirt are gone, replaced by jeans and a tee. Her hair is wet and up in a ponytail. The woman isn’t even trying to be sexy and still the situation in my jeans is getting uncomfortable.

  “Hi.” She approaches nervously, rubbing her palms on her thighs.

  “Hey.” I hand her one of the cups. “This is for you.”

  She takes a sip, her lips wrapping around the straw in a way that makes me wish she were doing it to my dick. Fuck, I’m gone. As much as I’m a horny motherfucker, I can’t remember a woman ever having this strong of an effect on me.

  Dropping her bag on the floor, she takes the stool next to me, brows knitted.

  “Mmm… this tastes like… chocolate milk.” She takes another sip. “With a hint of banana?”

  “Very good.” I nod, smiling at her confusion.

  “That seems a bit counterproductive after a workout.”

  “It’s low fat, with the banana for additional carbs. It helps to replenish muscle tissue and reduces recovery time.”

  “If you say so. I mean, who am I to argue with someone who looks like you?”

  “I do say so. And now that I’ve seen the way you suck on that straw, I’ll make sure I’m waiting here with one for you every night.”

  “What do you mean?”

  I place my hand on her knee, leaning closer. She gasps but doesn’t move. “Think about it, darlin’.”

  Her cheeks turn red, but then she throws her head back, laughing. “Okay, this time it’s not me. That was definitely a penis joke.”

  I join her, liking the sound of her laughter more than anything else. In the short time I’ve known her, she’s always seemed so weighed down. Now, for the first time, she looks unburdened.

  And I did that.

  “You’re a sharp one, Miss Emily.”

  “What can I say? My parents didn’t pay for college for nothin’.”

  “Money well spent.” I shift in discomfort, attempting to change the subject. “Why were you avoiding me all night?”

  “I wasn’t. The conditions weren’t exactly conducive to conversation.”

  “Not even to say hi?”

  Her gaze drops to the counter. “You didn’t, either. I figured you didn’t want to talk to me.”

  “I thought I made myself clear last night. Is there something you need clarification on?”

  “I just… I can’t. I can’t do that with you.”

  “Why?”

  “You don’t want me, Venom. Trust me.” She slides off the stool, grabbing her bag before walking away from me. “Thanks for the drink.”

  I follow, catching up to her outside. “Why?” I repeat.

  “Just drop it, okay?”

  “Are you afraid to say you’re too good for me?” My nostrils flare, teeth clenching.

  She stops in her tracks, turning to me with eyes wide in horror. “What?”

  “You heard me. You think I’m biker trash, or whatever it is your kind calls mine nowadays.”

  “That is so far from the truth. In fact, you’re the one who’s probably too good for me.”

  “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

  “Look, it’s not a condescending, social hierarchy type thing. What you want? I’m severely lacking in the skills department. You’d be better off with your hand.”

  Emily spins on her heels, leaving me to watch her retreating back with a confused frown. Skills? What, she thinks she can’t satisfy me? That’s the biggest load of bullshit I’ve ever heard out of a woman’s mouth.

  “Emily!” I call out, jogging to get to her side. “Are you fucking with me right now?” I grip her elbow, forcing her to look at me. “Usually it’s the woman worried about the man not pleasing her.”

  “Yeah, well… I doubt you have that problem.”

  “Shit. You’re fucked up in the head, aren’t you?” I look her up and down, seriously contemplating if it’s even worth trying to fuck her anymore. I don’t do crazy bitches. I don’t do whiny bitches, either, and Emily’s self-deprecating behavior is beginning to turn me off.

  “Why, thank you.” Her voice breaks as she tugs out of my hold, hurrying toward her uncle’s truck.

  Fuck me. Sometimes I don’t know how to keep my fucking mouth shut. “Emily, wait!”

  She pauses by the truck but doesn’t turn around. I make my way to her, taking a deep breath as I lean on the vehicle.

  “Look, I’m sorry. This whole situation’s just been a little weird for me. This is not how it usually goes down when I try to get with a woman.”

  “No.” She shakes her head. “You’re right. I am fucked up in the head, and you need to stay far away from me.”

  She still can’t look at me, keeping her eyes glued to the ground. Her entire demeanor screams “damaged,” and she’s right, I should stay away from her. So why am I still standing here?

  “I was wrong, Emily. I don’t think you’re fucked up.”

  “You don’t?” Her eyes meet mine, hope in her tone.

  “No. I believe someone fucked with your head and is taking up valuable real estate in there. You need to evict them.”

  “That’s easy for you to say.”

  With a sigh, I take her hand in mine while extending the other for her to give me the key. “Come on. I’ll take you home.”


  “But… what about your bike?”

  “I’ll get someone to pick me up.”

  “There’s no need—”

  “Emily, get in the truck, please,” I cut her off, my voice calm and controlled.

  She drops the key in my palm, climbing in and sliding across to the passenger side. When I’m seated next to her, I text Jeff’s address to the prospect and tell him to pick me up.

  “Thank you,” Emily whispers next to me.

  “No problem, darlin’.”

  The drive to Jeff’s is quiet. I don’t know what to say because I don’t know what the hell I’m doing. I should have gone my way and allowed her to go hers. Instead, here I am, taking her home with the intention of doubling back to get my bike. I’ve put in way too much work already. I’m better off going back to the clubhouse and picking one of the Hounds, but for once, easy pussy has no appeal for me. Well, not right this moment.

  I’ll try another approach with Emily. If this doesn’t work, then I’ll call it quits. She’s probably leaving soon anyway.

  I pull into the driveway and we both sit quietly, staring up at the porch. When I can’t take the silence anymore, I clear my throat.

  “I’m sorry for the way I’ve been behaving. You’re obviously not used to guys like me, and I shouldn’t have said the things I’ve said.”

  “Thank you, but that’s who you are. You shouldn’t change for anyone.”

  “I want you, Emily, but the fact of the matter is you won’t be around forever. You need to tell me if I’m wasting my time here.”

  “It’s not you,” she insists. “It’s me. It’s all me. I do need to get my mind right, and I don’t want to drag you or anyone else into my mess. Can we… can we be friends?”

  “Yeah.” I let out a mirthless chuckle, watching the prospect pull up to the sidewalk in one of the club’s Chargers. “Sure, Emily.”

  I can’t believe it. Me, Venom, fucking friend-zoned.

  ***Emily***

  Friend.

  Friend?

  I could kick myself for even thinking, let alone suggesting it. I can’t be Venom’s friend. How can I even be around him knowing that, in no uncertain terms, he wants me in his bed? Knowing that’s exactly where I want to be, how am I supposed to be friendly?