I was sick and enraged when he was done. How could someone do that to the person they supposedly loved and their child? If I had the chance to meet his father face-to-face, it would never happen, but if it did, and I had a gun, I’d shoot the bastard myself. Maybe being around the Kings was making me bloodthirsty. If it were only for the blood of those evil, like his dad or the Jacquots, I could live with it.

  That first night in Tyrant’s bed had been eye-opening in so many ways. He hadn’t lied. It was a long night with him reaching for me again and again. Our lovemaking was unlike any I’d experienced, making me crave him even more. He claimed it was the same for him. I was exhausted the following day. He’d called Handler and told him he wouldn’t be at the garage. Then, he messaged the club that he wasn’t to be disturbed unless it was an emergency. Of course, when we next saw them, we’d been on the receiving end of teasing, which made me blush.

  My biggest hurdle wasn’t the teasing from the guys. It was talking to my brother. Later that day, I’d told Tyrant I had to talk to River. He agreed and left the house to allow me alone time. At first, he wanted to stay, but I thought it would be best if he didn’t. River might not be comfortable talking in front of him. The difference between my brother in that conversation and now was drastic. I was happy it had the desired effect.

  We were seated in Tyrant’s living room. River had a soda, and I was drinking water. I was trying to be better at it. Tyrant has gotten the flavor packets, which you can put in to make water more palatable. I know. I was weird. Who hated the taste of water? Me.

  “I need to know what’s up with you and Tyrant. Something has changed since we returned the other night and left the clubhouse to go to bed. I know we accepted that they wouldn’t likely hand us over to the Jacquots, but it’s more than that. I went back to Cobra’s, and we talked for a while longer. He assured me they would help us. What did Tyrant say to you? You went out with him yesterday, and I haven’t seen you until now. Tyrant was hovering. And why did Cobra tease you guys about staying holed up? What did you do yesterday? Last night?”

  I fought not to let my cheeks redden. I kept my head turned or down as much as I could. River and I were close. I’d been the one to educate him on sex, not Dad. We usually talked about most things, but talking about my sex life hadn’t been a topic of conversation. He might ask how a rare date went or why I broke up with a boyfriend, but that was it.

  I started with what we did yesterday. “Since you were busy helping Crypto, and I had nothing to do, Tyrant asked if I wanted to go to work with him. I jumped at the chance. He took me to their garage, the weed dispensary, their security company, and finally, the strip club. They were rather different from what I had pictured, but in a good way. Then we came back, had dinner, and talked.”

  “What did you talk about? And don’t tell me nothing. How you look at him makes it seem like you’re into him. There’s a sexual tension there. God, don’t tell me you fell for his smooth talk and then into his bed. Lakelyn, he’s not like the men you’ve dated. He’ll eat you alive and leave you heartbroken. I’m glad they’re willing to help us, but don’t forget that they’re outlaw bikers used to having their way.”

  “River, I can take care of myself, and while they are outlaw bikers and can have their way in most things, Tyrant isn’t using me or leaving me heartbroken.”

  “So you did sleep with him,” he pounced.

  “Whether I have or not isn’t your business,” I tried to tell him.

  “Like hell, it’s not! And before you tell me not to cuss, I’m an adult in a few months. I won’t have him or anyone else using my sister. I’m going to talk to him. If he gets pissed and won’t help us, we’ll go back to our idea of leaving Nebraska.”

  As River came to his feet, I knew I had to tell him. I didn’t want him fighting with Tyrant.

  “Tyrant isn’t using me for sex. I know this because he asked me to be his old lady. He introduced me to the businesses as such. He was waiting for my answer last night. He knew I needed to think about it. And I did, River. I thought long and hard, and the truth is, I’ve fallen so hard for him that it’s crazy. I know it’s been only a few weeks, but I’ve never felt like this after months with someone else. He says he’s the same. I rode on his bike. He doesn’t allow it. I’m the only woman who has ever ridden with him.”

  “So he says. Why do you trust him so much? How can you be sure he won’t kick us to the streets? Come on, there has to be more.”

  We’d ended up going in circles. I refused to share Tyrant’s past with River. It wasn’t my story to tell. If my man wanted to tell others, he would. Eventually, we’d gotten tired of arguing. By the time that occurred, we decided to take a break from each other. River returned to helping Crypto.

  When Tyrant came back to the house, he asked. “How did it go? Is he cool?”

  “It didn’t go very well. I need to wait and talk to him again. He thinks you’ll hurt me. He wants to know why I believe you and how I know you won’t toss us out in the streets.”

  “Did you tell him about how I grew up?”

  “No, I didn’t. That’s not my place. I would never tell anyone that, Killian.” I got closer to him and slipped my arms around him. I lay my head on his chest. Tyrant clutched me tightly to him. I felt so safe when he did that.

  “I need to talk to him. You tried, now let me.”

  “Honey, please don’t fight with him,” I begged.

  “I won’t. I promise. I just need to do this man-to-man. I should’ve done it, to begin with. He’s the man of your family. I’ll be back soon. Why don’t you think of what you want for dinner? We’ll go out and eat. We’ll see if River wants to go.” He gave me a deep kiss before he left.

  I did think about dinner choices, but I mainly paced and worried. It was over an hour before Tyrant returned. He assured me things were fine and my brother would go to dinner with us. Later, when we met at the clubhouse, River hugged me, and he shook Tyrant’s hand. There was a new acceptance there that I was so happy to see. We ended up with the whole club, even the prospects, coming with us. The only ones who didn’t were the sluts. It had been a fun, slightly crazy experience to eat out in public with all of them. I’d never laughed so much in my life.

  That was two nights ago. Tonight was Friday night. The guys had sanctuary and were now scattered around the common area, relaxing and ready to have a good time. My brother was talking to Drax and Haze at the bar. Jury and Smuggler were playing pool against Cardiac and Blood. Handler and Charmer were throwing darts. Earlier, the club decided that rather than fend for themselves or have the women cook, they would bring in a ton of pizzas. It was the best pizza I’d ever tasted, so I hadn’t complained, although I overate and felt full and lazy.

  I let loose a bit and had a couple of mixed drinks. When the guys heard I was, River had teased them to look out. They thought it meant I was a lightweight and would be drunk after one or sick. That wasn’t what he meant, but we didn’t enlighten them. I hoped there would be no reason to find out. It shouldn’t be a problem.

  It was close to ten o’clock. I knew the sluts would be here soon with women from town. I wasn’t thrilled, but I could deal. Tyrant was talking to Howler and casting concerned looks at me. The reason was beside me. Alice had come in about twenty minutes ago. She said it was to talk to me. I knew Tyrant wasn’t happy, but I said sure.

  “He’s upset I’m here. I should’ve stayed away,” she whispered to me.

  “Alice, you have a right to speak to anyone you want. I might be with Tyrant, but that doesn’t give him the right to dictate who I can and can’t speak to.”

  “I know, but it’s weird for him.”

  “Why? Because you and he have had sex?”

  Her mouth dropped open. “I-you, what…”

  “I figure he has had it with all of you more than a few times and plenty of others. Do I like it? No, but I can’t get pissed every time I see one of you. If I did, I undoubtedly would be in a foul mood every minute of the day. All I can say is I don’t ever want to hear details, and if you try to put the moves on him, I won’t be so understanding,” I warned.

  “I would never do that, Lakelyn. I like you. I know the others are upset that you’re here, and they feel you’re stepping on their toes, but the truth is, none of us had a part of Tyrant. He used us for sex, and we used him. If some of them thought they’d get more, they were stupid. I will never do that to you or him. I’ve never seen him smile, and he laughed the other day. How he watches you and likes to be near you tells me Pres is in love with you. I think it’s beautiful. I wondered if he was capable of it.”

  “He’s more than capable, though I don’t know if I’d call it love. We haven’t known each other long,” I objected. My heart jumped. Even if he did say my love in French the first night together, it was likely an in-the-moment slip.

  “But it’s been long enough for you to fall in love with him. Don’t deny it,” Alice said.

  She had me there, so I didn’t bother. Alice giggled. The door opened, and Mera, Bailey, Kendall, and more women poured in. I heard the soft groan Alice let out. Undoubtedly, they’d make a big deal that she was here early and speaking to me. I hoped they wouldn’t. Alice was asking for my advice. She and I, on the tour of the strip club that day, had talked about what I used to do for work. She came tonight to see if I could help her with a friend who she felt was abusing alcohol.

  “Don’t pay them any mind. You’re allowed in here. You were talking to me. I hope what I told you is helpful. I can give you more. Just give me a day to dig up more resources. I knew where they were back home, but not so much here.”

  “Lakelyn, that is so kind of you. Thank you. I’m afraid that if she doesn’t get help soon, something horrible will happen. Any advice you can give me, I welcome it.”

  I patted her arm to comfort her as a snide voice interrupted us. “What the hell do you think you’re doing here early and speaking to her?” Mera asked Alice acidly.

  Now, if I hadn’t had two drinks, would I have let her words roll off me? Possibly. Or it might not have made a difference since I disliked Mera so much. I raised my eyes to Mera’s. She was glaring at me.

  “I don’t see how it’s any of your goddamn business if Alice is here early or not. And it sure isn’t yours if she decides to speak to me. Why don’t you run along and take your bitchy attitude with you? None of us wants to hear it. We’re trying to have a good time,” I told her calmly.

  The astonishment on Mera’s and the faces of the other women who’d followed her like ducklings to watch the confrontation were comical. I glanced over at Alice, who appeared somewhat shocked, then laughed.

  “Listen, bitch, I don’t know who you think you are coming in here, monopolizing Tyrant, and now trying to get cozy with one of us, but it needs to stop. If the men are too blind to do it, I’ll send you packing. You need to leave,” Mera hissed.

  Her hand flew out to latch onto my arm. I could’ve avoided it. Instead, I let her do it. Her look of triumph changed when I came to my feet, and I leaned toward her.

  “If you don’t let go of me right this second, I’ll beat the stupid out of you. Push me and find out if I’m full of it,” I warned her.

  I heard the loud murmurs from the women surrounding us. The men I could see were hurrying toward us. Tyrant was in the lead. I let them come, but focused on Mera and her posse of skanks. They were egging her to hit me.

  “Mera, don’t! If you do, Tyrant—” Alice tried to warn her, but Mera cut her off.

  “Tyrant will be back in my bed tonight. He’s already bored with this piece of trash. He told me so,” she said as she swung her open hand at my face.

  I heard a roar and shouts of anger, but I wasn’t paying attention to them. I dodged the slap and then swept my leg out, taking Mera’s legs out from underneath her. When she hit the ground on her ass, I straddled her. She tried to punch and slap at me, but I ducked them or let them glance off me so I could grab her head. I gripped it between my hands and slammed it off the floor. She screamed. Then, I was airborne. I went to lash out at whoever grabbed me, but Tyrant’s scent engulfed me, and I recognized his touch. I relaxed. I turned my head to smile at him.

  “Hi, honey,” I said.

  “Hi, bébé. Mind telling me what you’re doing?” Tyrant asked. I think he was torn between anger and amusement. Brutus dragged a crying and swearing Mera up off the floor.

  “Not at all. I was talking to Alice, as you know. Then Mera and these other women came in, and Mera seemed to think it was her place to chastise Alice for speaking to me. She was about to evict me. Why didn’t you tell me you were bored with me, and she was to return to warming your bed?” I stated innocently.

  “I’m what?” he snapped.

  “You’re throwing me back into the street to take Mera back, and you had her come to take out the trash, a.k.a. me.”

  His eyes landed on Mera, who was standing with Brutus behind her. She had nowhere to run. She wasn’t so confident anymore. Her eyes darted all over the room. Seeing no one standing up for her, Mera tried to defend herself.

  “She’s been strutting around here like she’s in charge, Tyrant. Why are she and Alice allowed in the common room before the rest of us? I’ve been here the longest. I thought you said she wasn’t to be one of us? She keeps hogging your attention and time. She’s in your house, Tyrant. You never let any of us stay there,” she whined.

  “Did you ever think there’s a reason I’m spending time with her and she’s staying with me?” he asked Mera.

  “Sure, but you don’t need her for sex. You have me.”

  “Turn down the fucking music!” Tyrant bellowed.

  I wasn’t sure who did it, but the music abruptly stopped. He moved, so I stood with his arm around my waist. Mera disliked it. Her expression said she did.

  “Since there seems to be confusion around here, let me clarify. One, I’m the fucking president of this club, and my men or I decide what someone’s status is or who stays or goes, not the rest of you. Two, the reason I’m spending time with Lakelyn and she’s in my house is simple. I don’t want any of you to forget this, so listen closely. Lakelyn Barbeau is my old lady. We’re official. I just have to wait for her property cut to arrive, which should be soon.”

  Judging by their smirks, the men didn’t seem surprised by the news. The women, on the other hand, aside from Alice, were shocked.

  Mera let out a ghastly scream. “No, you can’t! Tyrant, please don’t do this. I’ve done everything to be exactly what you want and need. She can’t come in here and steal you out from under me. I understand if you want to occasionally fuck someone else. A man like you needs variety. I can live with that. She won’t,” she sobbed.

  “Mera, I don’t know where you get the idea that Lakelyn is stealing me from you. I was never yours or anyone else’s. I fucked whoever I wanted because I didn’t give a damn who got me off. It was your choice to be what you are and to come here. However, in Lakelyn’s case, I’m not only claiming her. I’m swearing an oath right here that I’ll always be faithful to her. Why can I do that for her? Easy. I love her. She’s my old lady and always will be.”

  She broke down into agonized sobs. I felt a twinge of pity for her, but that died when she tried to charge me and scratch my eyes with her talons. Howler and Brutus dragged her out of the common area as she struggled and screamed.

  “Bailey, I know she’s your cousin. You’re free to leave with her if she leaves. However, if you stay, I don’t want any problems from you or anyone else. Anyone coming after my woman is gone. This warning is Mera’s last one.” Tyrant warned her, but made it loud enough for all the women to hear.

  “I understand. I’m not leaving, but I need to make sure she’s alright. Can I?” she asked.

  “Yes, go.”

  As she rushed after her cousin, the tension slowly dissipated. I wasn’t sure what to do next. Tyrant took the choice away from me.

  “My old lady and I are calling it a night. We’ll see you when we see you. Come on, Lakelyn,” he demanded softly.

  “Give me a minute,” I said, then told Alice to come see me tomorrow.

  After I found my brother and hugged him, I let myself be led away. Tyrant was silent and frowning. Oh lord, was I about to be punished for fighting? It didn’t seem fair, but I wasn’t sure of the rules. How badly had I messed up?

  Tyrant: Chapter 15

  I was incensed by how Mera acted and how Lakelyn had to defend herself against anyone in my clubhouse. I could’ve partially seen it from one of the sluts from town, but Mera had been with us since almost the start of this chapter. She was the first one to come to us, offering herself as a cumslut. Of all people, she would know the rules of behavior.

  Even if we didn’t have old ladies, she’d seen them when other chapters visited. And I never paid her more attention than I did the others. It was a rule I had, so none of them thought they were special. I’d made sure to tell my brothers they should do the same. How she equated that with her being mine and allowing me to fuck other women was crazy.

  When Lakelyn and I reached the house, I got out of my head and tuned in to how quiet she was, then to her upset expression. I hung up my cut and got rid of my boots and socks. There was no need for those. She kicked off the sandals she wore and walked away from me. I watched her enter the living room. Hurrying up behind her, I had to admire her ass. The sway of her hips and the plump globes under the denim of her shorts made me harden. As many times as we’d had sex over the past several days and nights, you’d think I was tired of it, not a chance.

  “Lakelyn, I’m—”

  “I know, you’re pissed at me. I’m sorry, but what was I supposed to do? Let her be an utter bitch to Alice and me? She started it. I just didn’t take it. Is that one of the rules I don’t know about this life? Was I supposed to walk away? I can’t always do that, Killian. And I know you hated being forced to lie to get her to stop.”