Jake’s Angel (King’s Of Fury MC #2)

Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

AVERY

It took about an hour for the men to grab whatever they were trying to get from Sadie’s computer and pack us both into the truck. Mack grabbed both of my bags and had one of the prospects pack up everything I had in the closet as well.

A large black wrought-iron fence comes into view through the tree line, with two tall men standing near the opening. The younger-looking one has short blond hair and blue eyes. He’s wearing a leather vest like the two who were guarding Sadie’s house. It has two patches on the front. One says ‘Prospect’ on one side and Mason on the other. He’s not huge like the other two, but he looks like he could’ve played football somewhere before.

Good God! How many of them are there?

The other one, a dark-haired behemoth with day-old stubble on his chin and dark brown eyes, looks a lot scarier. He’s handsome, but the scowl he’s wearing makes me think he’s not one to be played with. Sadie said his name was Declan. He left with Jake shortly before us.

Mack rolls down the window of the truck and shakes hands with the behemoth. The patches on his cut have his name on one side and ‘Enforcer’ on the other.

What the hell does Enforcer mean? What does he enforce? His will upon unsuspecting strangers?

Get a grip, Avery.

The scary one leans down to get a better look at me. “Hey there, sweetheart. We were introduced earlier. I’m Declan.” He smiles. “I don’t eat small humans or pretty girls—not without their express permission anyway.” He winks at my gasp. “With all the shit going on, I’m not sure if I told you earlier, but it’s good to have you home, brother.” Declan taps Mack on the shoulder.

“It’s good to be home, brother.”

Brother?

“Prospect!” Declan shouts. The young guy standing a few feet behind him rushes over at his bellowing. “Call down and let Gabe know they’re here.” Mason turns away and makes the call. “Hey Mack, keep yourself hidden as best you can. Liz has been trying to get a beat on you since she found out you were home yesterday. Don’t worry, we told her you had Lisa tied to the bed and would come see her when you came up for air.” He winks.

“Fucker,” Mack grumbles.

“Ah, there you go, sweetheart. You d o have a smile. It’s a pretty one too,” Declan says, winking at me again. He’s not as scary as he looks.

Looks can be deceiving. Don’t let them fool you into thinking any differently.

I know better than to trust first impressions … but a girl can hope for the best.

“Head to the clubhouse. Gabe wants to meet our guest.”

“What? Don’t I have a beautiful smile too, Dec?” Sadie whines. Hawk is glaring at her.

“Oh, of course you do, Sugar.” Then he smiles widely. “Maybe if you weren’t trying to avoid this asshole so much, I’d see it more often,” Declan teases.

“Fuck you.” Hawk laughs. “If it wasn’t for me, none of you assholes would ever smile. Walking around here all moody and shit.”

“You’re definitely a good for a laugh. I’ll give you that one, brother.” The three men laugh. Mack waves out the window while Hawk flips Declan the finger.

“Who’s Liz?” I ask Sadie quietly.

“She’s Caleb’s wife. You’ll meet her soon, I’m sure.” Sadie smirks. “For an ol’ lady, Liz makes it a point to know what’s going on around here. She is the exception to the rule when it comes to club business. They never tell her, but somehow, she always finds out. I can’t wait for you to meet Liz, Aves. You’re going to love her!” Sadie says.

“She’s Caleb’s wife,” I repeat. “So, she would be your grandmother then.” Sadie beams.

“Yep. She’s the best part of this crazy family, if you want my honest opinion. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her.”

Trees line the entire property, keeping it hidden from plain view. “See that big building there? That’s the clubhouse. If you drive around back, past the yard, there’s a long winding road. It’s a long driveway. If you follow it up, it’ll lead you to Liz and Caleb’s house, where you’ll be staying.” Mack says.

“I thought I was staying at Sadie’s?” There’s a slight tremble to my voice, I hope Mack doesn’t notice but anxiety is creeping up inside me again, followed by the unrelenting anger clawing at my chest every time someone feels the need to tell me what I’m going to do .

Sadie puts her hand on my shoulder and squeezes, helping to calm me down.

“Let’s go inside the clubhouse. I’m sure Pres will explain everything to you once we get inside.” Mack says somberly. I drop my eyes and study my converse for a minute, untangling the laces with my finger.

Sadie never told me I could get caught and held captive by a bunch of bikers when I agreed to come to Oak Ridge. I don’t possess the same diversion skills she has.

“If it makes you feel any better, I’ll stay at Liz’s house with you.” Sadie comforts me by gripping my shoulder.

“Yes, please. I’d feel much better having you there.” Mack doesn’t say anything, but is watching us closely in the rearview mirror.

Hawk chimes in, breaking the ice. “Well, hell, if you two are having another sleepover I want to join in the fun this time. I get to be in the middle.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me. My face heats.

“In your dreams,” Sadie shoots back just as Mack shouts, “Shut your fucking mouth!” Sadie belts out a laugh, and I am at a complete loss because I’m pretty sure Hawk just propositioned us for a threesome.

“You’re not the brightest crayon in the box, are you?” I ask him, perplexed.

“I owe you one, asshole.” Mack looks deadly serious. Hawk, however, is still laughing with his head against the seat.

“What the hell is wrong with him?” I nudge Sadie, lowering my voice. “He just says whatever comes to his mind and doesn’t care if it pisses people off.”

Sadie’s reply comes quick. “Dropped on his head as a baby. Lack of survival skills. Who knows?”

We drive down the path through the tall redwood trees until it spreads wide into a large open area. We pass two large barns and a metal shed before finally making our way to the main building. Mack parks us past the bikes along the side of the massive building.

It looks like an old horse stable you might find at the tracks, with the outside metal siding painted to look like a wood cabin. It’s very deceiving, but beautiful. Not what I would expect a biker’s hangout to look like.

It has a long wooden overhang on one side where several motorcycles are parked underneath. There are some large, but darkly tinted windows under the overhang that run almost the full length of the building. It appears to be two stories. I’ve seen TV shows about biker gangs and their clubhouses, but they are nothing like this place.

I swallow past the lump in my throat and take a deep breath, preparing to open the door, when Hawk yells out, “Prospect, get the fucking door!” Just as I’m about to open it, Blake comes running up out of nowhere and holds it open for me.

We enter the building and I’m in utter shock at what I see before me. The outside of this building is very deceiving. What looks like a huge equestrian style barn from the outside is an oversized nightclub with an industrial kitchen and a bar. This has my curiosity piqued, to say the least.

Sadie barrels past me, heading straight for the bar. She drops her purse on the shelf behind it, then grabs the makings for a mimosa from the small fridge under the counter and starts mixing herself a drink.

Isn’t she afraid of getting into trouble?

Much to my surprise, no one bats an eye at what she’s doing. Not even Mack.

What the hell?

The bar is long and lined with several red leather topped chrome plated stools. Behind the bar, there's a mirrored wall full of liquor bottles, and it's definitely not the cheap stuff Sadie grabs from that sketchy drive-through dairy near Baron's Edge.

In the center of the mirror is the club’s logo in white, etched in the glass. It’s the same one they all wear on their backs.

They sure love that skull.

The room is painted in a deep burgundy color, and the floors are covered in a mix of black industrial carpet and black tiles. The carpeted area has three long couches facing a set of eight flat screen televisions mounted side by side. Mack sees my question and answers, “Not everyone likes the same teams or sports. This way we can watch a variety of stuff, and no one gets their ass beat for changing the channels on a commercial break.”

He's so nonchalant with his explanation, I can almost believe he belongs here. It’s such a stark contrast to the man I’ve come to know growing up.

There are framed motorcycle pictures and neon beverage signs throughout the room mounted on top of diamond plated steel sheeted sections of the wall. It's a stunning display. When I first thought about their clubhouse, I assumed there would be pictures of naked women everywhere, broken down tables and concrete floors. I couldn't have imagined a place so well-kept and intentionally designed. It’s obvious this place is sacred to them.

We continue our slow walk through the room. I pass a short woman with an almost nonexistent outfit and boobs so big she should topple over.

If those are real—Elvis is still alive!

“The only thing real about a club whore is they’re catty and believe they have a claim on every dick they’ve sucked on this property.” I gasp, startled to see Skyler standing beside me.

My cheeks flame when I realize. “I said that out loud, huh?” Skyler smirks.

“We’ve all thought it. You can speak freely … most of the time.”

It’s a shame, because the purple pixie-style haircut looks pretty on her. I smile at the ‘club whore,’ trying to be nice. She looks me over, rolls her eyes, and walks away.

Ok, so apparently the short purple one is a people eater. Got it.

Sadie shouts from where she’s leaning against a barstool loud enough for all to hear, “Take a lesson from Drea over there, Aves. Sucking too much dick stunts your growth and your personality. Does wonders for buying new tits, though, doesn’t it?” My hand flies over my mouth to hide both my shock and laughter. Sadie lifts her glass in salute when Drea gives her a dirty look.

Skyler laughs beside me. “They aren’t all horrible people. But there are a few. Unless you want to be bailing Sadie out of jail, or a clubhouse lockdown, I’d steer clear.” She gives my shoulder a squeeze, then struts to where Ethan is, planting a kiss on his lips. I turn away, not wanting to intrude on their privacy.

There are two pool tables and a small stage area with three poles coming down from the ceiling.

Off in the corner, there’s a makeshift dance floor with a jukebox and what looks like it could be a DJ table. I can’t help myself when I catch a glimpse of Hawk talking to some woman up in the corner. She’s wearing more clothing than the last one was, but something about the way she’s touching him, all proprietary like, makes me want to lash out on behalf of my friend.

I grab the pole and call out, “Hey, look Sadie! We can practice our pole dancing skills right here in the clubhouse.”

It’s meant to be a joke, and I try to hold a straight face, but the heat and fury on Hawk’s face as he spins around to glare at us is priceless . He’s got that no-way-in-hell look on face. It’s an exact match to the I’ll-do-whatever-the-hell-I-want look Sadie’s throwing back.

I don’t know what’s going on between the two of them, but I can’t help but feel like he needs to be taught a lesson about screwing with my friend’s emotions.

I’m pulled out of my joke by a familiar voice growling behind me. “Over my dead body, Angel.” He’s so close, I feel the heat of his skin against my back. His breath caresses my ear, coaxing a shiver from my body.

Why does he sound so pissed at me?

I whip my head around and find Jake looking none too happy with me.

What the hell is his problem now?

“You two have no business being up on those poles, unless you’re applying for the role of club whore or stripper. In which case, please continue.” He gestures with his hand. “I’d love to watch the audition.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Did you just call me a whore?” My words said loud enough that we have gained an audience.

A deep throat clearing comes from somewhere behind us. I turn to find Mack and a tall older man, who looks to be close to Mack’s age, with short black hair peppered with some gray, and a full beard. He’s got tattoos on every inch of exposed skin that I can see except for his face and neck.

The stranger walks over, places his hands on my shoulders, bending down to meet me eye to eye and says, “Long time no see, baby girl.”

Awkward vibes, anyone? No? Just me? Alrighty then.

“Avery, this is Gabe, he’s uh …” Mack starts, but it’s Gabe who finishes the introduction. “Club President. I’m a close friend of Russ and Mack. I’ve known you since you were a baby. It’s been a long time, sweetheart.”

I tense at the mention of Gramps’ name. I don’t see him anywhere, and I’m terrified when he does finally show he’s going to want to send me home.

“Pres. Our new friend here was asking about pole dancing. What are your thoughts on the subject? You think Russ would approve of his precious princess becoming a stripper?”

I’m met by Jake’s deep blue eyes, which are not so casually raking over my body and assessing my features. Even though he just saw me a little while ago, he drinks me in from head to toe like he’s never seen me before.

What game is he playing now?

“Not happening.” Gabe angrily snaps. “And fuck you for suggesting it.” He points at Jake.

Jake’s hands come up in a placating manner. “I was merely asking since she was telling Sadie they could practice their moves here for the guys in the club.”

I can feel the heat crawling up my skin all the way to my ears. “What the …” I stop myself before I completely lose my shit on these leather wearing assholes who think they can just step in and tell me what I can and can’t do. They’re all watching expectantly for me to continue my thought. But it’s Jake’s smirk that has me ready to pounce.

Okay, smartass, two can play at this game.

“Actually, Jake here was just asking me if I wanted to audition to be a—what did you call it—a club whore or a stripper? Did I get those right? He was offering to watch my audition, though I’m not sure exactly what he was asking of me for said audition . Would you care to explain further, Jake?” I tilt my head, biting my lip and fighting hard not to laugh at how uncomfortable and angry he looks. “What does a club whore do for you , exactly?”

“You did what?” Both Mack and Gabe growl at Jake. Both men’s heads whip around, pinning him with a glare.

“It was a joke.” Jake throws his hands up in surrender, while fixing his deadly glare on me. “I wasn’t really asking her to do it. I was explaining the facts. The only women who use the poles are strippers or club girls.” He pauses, “Or Skyler.”

“Fuck you, Jake!” Ethan shouts across the room. Skyler’s face is buried in his chest, but I can see her shoulders shaking from here. I’ll have to ask her later what Jake’s going on about.

“Whores. You specifically said whores. ” I correct.

Jake lets out an exasperated groan.

Damn! Even when he’s frustrated, he’s a fine specimen of a man. I could get lost in those blue eyes of his. Or maybe with someone a little less… him.

I watch as the three men interact without words. They’re all so casual with each other. And pretty to look at.

On the bright side, my new temporary home will have a great view.

No. Damn it. I can’t think of this place as home. My stay here won't be long.

I can’t help all the thoughts running through my head. These men are nothing like the boys in Baron’s Edge. They couldn’t hold a candle to the men standing in front of me now. I smile to myself at the thought.

Gabe leaves the room, down a long hallway, with Mack and Caleb in tow.

“Something funny to you, Angel?” Jake asks, catching me off guard and instantly grating my nerves.

Why do you have to be so good-looking? Bastard.

“No, asshat. You can stop calling me Angel now. You know it’s not my real name.”

“Mmm. But I think it fits.” A shadow passes over his face, like he’s seen a ghost. When he catches himself in whatever thought he was having, his expression goes back to the inquisitive look he had before. “What was it you were laughing about just now?”

“I was just admiring your patches on your cut.” I say ever so sweetly, running my fingers over the letters just like I did the other day when he was pressing me against the wall with his body. The way he’s looking at me, the heat in his eyes, tells me he’s thinking about it too.

Maybe I shouldn’t taunt him. I don’t know these men and they sure as hell don’t know me. But then again, that’s just what I need, isn’t it? A new place, where people don’t know me, where I can be whoever I choose to be. The thought gives me the little extra bit of confidence I need to press forward.

“I think they got the letters wrong.” I carefully trace over each letter, one by one. My voice dripping with a little extra sweetness for shits and giggles.

“How do you figure?” He stands with his legs wide, his hands moving to my hips, his still heated eyes looking down at me. The temperature between us has jumped up ten degrees, searing me from the inside out. The door to the clubhouse opens again and I catch the movement of two men walking toward us, but I keep my attention on the handsome jackass before me. If he wants to challenge me, I’m going to give him a run for his money.

Be brave. Obedient, submissive Avery is no more.

“I believe the abbreviation should be SOB,” I goad him, while Hawk and Declan chuckle from somewhere behind me.

“Damn, Jake. She’s only been in town a few days and already she’s calling you on your shit.” I hear the sound of a door opening, followed momentarily by Gabe and Mack walking into the room in deep in conversation. At the sound of their voices, Jake releases me, taking several steps back.

“Tell me Avery, what did our Sergeant at Arms, or as you so eloquently put it, our SOB here do to get on your bad side today? I’d like to avoid repeating his mistakes,” Hawk asks, throwing an arm over my shoulder.

“Don’t think you didn’t help him get into this doghouse, asshole.” Sadie jumps in.

“You mean besides the fact you all broke into Sadie’s house, stopped me from leaving town, and forced me to come here, where I feel completely overdressed and underwhelmed?” The mention of the other women's lack of clothing causes Sadie to almost spit out her drink.

Whore.

That’s what they called her.

I’m ticking off each offense on my fingers one by one.

“We did not break-in. You heard Sadie. She let us in.” Hawk slants his eyes at her, scoffing at the words she used. She laughs him off, focused on finishing her drink.

“Jake, here, is just making an ass out of himself again by making assumptions about me.”

“I’ve made no assumptions, at least none that I’ve spoken out loud,” Jake says, smirking at me. His eyes rake over me. His scorching gaze sets my entire body ablaze.

Ugh! Ass!

“Haven’t you, though?” I ask, placing my finger on my chin, trying to remember his exact words.

“You know what they say about assuming, don’t you?” I wink at him. Hawk smiles back, telling me he’s enjoying our back and forth.

“Let me see … the first time we met, I called you on your caveman bullshit with Sadie and you assumed I was a spoiled bitch. You can’t deny it. We all saw it written on your face.” He says nothing, only arches one eyebrow at me. “It’s why you call me princess, isn’t it?” He smirks.

Jerk!

“Then when I tried to leave after our conversation, you assumed I needed rescuing, so you followed me into the hallway at Magpie’s. Turned out I only needed a distraction.” It’s my turn to wink. “And today, when I mentioned wanting to practice my pole dancing skills, you automatically assume I want to be one of your many stripper friends. Wait—that’s not right. Whore. You assumed I wanted to be one of your many whores. No offense, ladies.” I toss out for good measure. “Those are some pretty bold assumptions … Ass .” Jake still doesn’t say anything. He’s glaring at me, his face unreadable, leaving me to hope he can’t sense how nervous I am taunting him this way.

The silence carries on for what feels like hours, but must only have been a moment or two, however it’s enough to cause everyone else to walk away from the showdown.

I look up to find Sadie, Declan, and Hawk have gone back to the bar across the room, leaving me alone with Jake.

“Aren’t you going to kiss me, Angel ? ” Jake asks, stepping into my personal space. I watch him cautiously, trying to figure out what he’s up to now. He drops his arms to his sides, crowding closer into my space, but I don’t dare retreat. Grabbing my wrist, he tugs, forcing my body to smack into his. To catch myself, I plant my other hand on his chest. His back blocking me from everyone else’s view.

“Now this feels familiar, doesn’t it?” His voice is so low I can feel the rumble in his chest against mine.

My heart flutters.

Jake leans in closer, and I know he can feel my racing pulse.

I’m in so much trouble.

It feels like small sparks of electricity shocking my skin everywhere his hands touch, and I can’t help but wonder if he feels it, too. But before I get too lost in the sensation, he pulls me in tighter, putting his mouth near the shell of my ear. The feel of his warm breath on my skin has my stomach tensing and heat pooling in my belly. He mummers quietly enough that only I can hear him.

“Maybe I should kiss you again. Hmm?” His tongue flicks out, licking the edge of my ear. “You were a lot less troublesome when my tongue was in your mouth.” His thumb brushes my skin just under the hem of my T-shirt. I gasp at both his words and his touch.

“You’re delusional. I-It was just a means to distract the others. To not be seen.”

I nervously peer over his shoulder, praying no one else can hear our conversation.

“That’s not exactly true now, is it, Angel? You were just as into it as I was. I remember exactly how turned on you got when I grabbed your neck and deepened the kiss. Do you ? Or should we give everyone here a show, so there’s no confusion about how good I can make you feel?”

Nope! Those weren’t sparks! They were the beginning embers of the fiery hell that this man is creating for me.

There’s something about him. I want to give in, to see where this would go, to indulge in whatever this is, but I can't. Something tells me he would break me, and not in the way others or my grandmother have tried to.

This would be much worse.

Bruises and broken bones. I can heal from those. I’ve already proven that. Damaged pride, false accusations, and a shitty reputation—I’ve survived those too. But someone like Jake? He has the power to hurt me, and the confusing part is, I don’t know why.

I barely know him.

Yet, something about him calls to me, and it scares the crap out of me.

I mentally scold myself, and pull out of his hold, narrowing my eyes at him for a moment. Telling myself I need to stay away from him. I want to, but I don’t.

There’s something about him that gets my pulse racing and my body humming. Things I never thought I’d feel for anyone.

Damn him!

Changing tactics, putting my sweetest fuck you smile back into place, I ask, “Have you always been a talking penis, or did you save your special party trick just for me? Because I must say, I’m not impressed.”

I don’t know how, but Hawk sneaked up behind Jake, shushing me with his finger to his lips. I hold back my smile until Hawk slaps Jake on the shoulder, “I believe she just called you a dickhead, brother.”

Jake looks like he has something to say, but our battle of the wits is postponed at the loud thunderous sound of Gabe shouting, “I want you two girls and officers in church! Now!”

Sadie looks at me with genuine concern. When she reaches where I’m standing, she leans in close and whispers, “Women aren’t allowed in church.”

“Okay. So, what does that mean?”

“I honestly don’t know.”

“Ladies.” Gabe comes to a stop beside us and gestures to the hallway. “If you two will follow my men into the sanctuary, we’d like to ask you two some questions.”

“I thought Sadie said women aren’t allowed in church, um, sir.”

“She would be right. But since my office won’t hold everyone, we’re making an exception. But only until we hear what you two have to say. When the brothers convene to decide our next steps, you won’t be in the room.”

“Where will we be?”

Gabe and Sadie exchange a look. She seems visibly shaken by him. “Well, now, that will depend on what you have to say.”

Well, that’s not ominous, is it?