Dirty Side Down Read online

  I’m not really in the mood for a run to Santa Fe, but I’m the only one who can get the job done quickly. Plannin’ to ask Luck to watch Karina, but I ain’t discussing that with Romeo. “Yeah. Won’t take long.”

  He nods and picks up a key. “Room upstairs is all ready for you two lovebirds. Even had the prospects move your stuff up there.”

  I arch a brow, because he knows I ain’t keen on people touchin’ my shit. Not that I keep anything important here, but still.

  “Except your bed. Figured you’d want something with a stronger headboard to tie her down to.”

  “Jesus, you’re a fucking asshole.”

  “Just tell me on a scale of one to ten, how fucking crazy is she in the sack?”

  “Would you knock it the fuck off?”

  “Shit, you’re really serious about her?”

  Seriously fucking annoyed with my president is what I am. “Yes.”

  He sits back in his chair with a sigh. “How do you think that’s gonna work? She’s a fuckin’ kid.”

  “What’s it to you?”

  He stares at me for a minute as if he’s trying to figure out what to say, then lets another cocky smirk loose. “Don’t wanna see you get your heart broken, brother.”

  “Yeah right, dick.”

  He finally stops prying into my love life and we discuss how things need to go down Thursday. When we’re finished, he walks me out into the main room.

  “I gotta head to the shop. Need anything, call me.”

  He takes off and I go meet Luck at the bar. “What’d you find out?”

  Luck’s got a photographic memory. Makes him perfect for jobs like this. He never needs to write down an address, or anything else incriminating. “Lives in a nice area north of Thunderbird.”

  “Neighbors?”

  “Yes. But not too close.”

  “Family?”

  “Son’s in college. Wife left shortly after the son.”

  I nod, thinking over my plan. “You wanna come with me?”

  “Yeah, whatever you need, brother.”

  Cracking my knuckles, I stare at Luck so he understands what I’m looking for. “Need to have a conversation with him. Threatened my girl yesterday and threw some other bullshit on her.”

  He raises an eyebrow. “Karina? Why?”

  “He got an anonymous tip ’bout her living with me. Told her he was gonna call protective services or some stupid shit. She was in fuckin’ tears when she came home.”

  Luck’s face darkens. “Motherfucker.”

  “Yeah. Also said some shit about not letting her speak at graduation because of her ‘low moral character.’”

  Now, Luck’s really pissed. I knew he’d be the right guy for this job.

  “You’re thinking Hemi’s the one who tipped him off?”

  “Yeah, that’s the other reason I want to have a chat with him.”

  Luck snorts at the word “chat.” Any talk we have with Hackett’s gonna involve my fists and his jaw. “I got a meet with Hade, get the schedule, and do a pick up. Then I’m meetin’ up with her at Romeo’s shop.”

  The corner of Luck’s mouth twitches.

  “Yeah, I don’t want her alone with him longer than necessary. Let’s meet here at eight and ride to Hackett’s together.”

  “You got it.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  It was total wishful thinking on my part that Athena would just pull up and let me out at Romeo’s. Nope. After her last class, she went to the trouble of changing into a pair of short-shorts that would make Jessica Simpson blush.

  “Really?” I ask as she approaches.

  “What? It’s hot out.” She grins wide and devilish. “Don’t roll your eyes at me.”

  A kid I recognize from school and the clubhouse greets us when we get to Romeo’s shop. “Hey, Karina, right? Romeo’s inside. Dante called and said he’s on his way.” My heart kicks when he says Dante’s name. He only dropped me off at school a few hours ago, but I miss him.

  My gaze is drawn to the open door to the shop’s office. With his arms braced against the doorframe, Romeo fills up the entire space. He really is a good-looking guy. He knows it too, which somehow makes him less attractive.

  “Well, hey there, little Karina. Who’s your pretty friend?”

  Athena glows from the compliment, but she’s too tongue-tied to respond. “Romeo, this is my best friend, Athena.” I’m not sure how to introduce him. Dante’s friend? The president of the Iron Bulls MC? I’m saved by Romeo introducing himself.

  “You go to school together?” he asks.

  I want to figure out a way to work in that she’s only seventeen, but it seems sort of inappropriate. And honestly, it’s not my problem.

  The rumble of Dante’s bike draws all of our attention to the front entrance. The galloping of my heart is nothing compared to the fluttering in my tummy when he gets off his bike and removes his helmet. His eyes find mine right away. My body’s compelled to run to him, but I’m afraid of embarrassing myself in front of Romeo and Athena, so I keep cool.

  Cool only lasts a few seconds. The way his body moves as he swaggers my way. The sexy smirk. His deep voice when he calls out, “Hey, baby girl.” My feet are headed in his direction before my head knows what’s going on.

  I close the distance between us by throwing myself against him. His arms wrap around me and our mouths meet. Romeo’s catcalls and Athena’s giggling are like a bucket of ice water over our heads.

  “I missed you,” I whisper when we part.

  His nose brushes against mine. “Me too.”

  Panties. Soaked.

  He loosely wraps his arm around my shoulders and steers me to the garage. Romeo snickers, then turns his attention on Athena. Dante seems to remember she’s still here too. He lifts his chin at Romeo. “Find anything wrong with it?”

  “Nope. No clue.”

  Dante opens the door and pulls out my backpack. He hands it over with a knowing smile and my cheeks flame. I’m also sickened remembering being trapped in the car with Logan, afraid of what he might do to me. The slamming of the car door makes me jump and then Dante’s wrapping his arms around me. His lips brush against my ear. “You okay?”

  I nod and shake my head at the same time like some sort of cracked-out bobblehead doll.

  “On second thought, I think I’m gonna find her a different car,” he says to Romeo. His eyes meet mine. “Want to make sure my girl’s safe.”

  Athena’s eyes are wide. But for once, she keeps her mouth shut.

  “Yeah, I can help you out. What were you thinking?”

  “Maybe a small SUV.” Dante runs the back of his hand over my cheek. “Does that sound okay?”

  “Whatever you think is best.”

  He nods then glances at Athena. “Do you mind giving her a ride home? Maybe you two can hang out together for a while?” He flips open his wallet and hands me a couple bills. “Grab some pizzas or something.”

  “Okay.”

  “I’ve got a thing tonight. Won’t be back until around ten.”

  I wonder what the “thing” he has to do is, but I’m not going to ask in front of Athena and Romeo.

  “Wow,” Athena sighs when we’re back in her car. “He really…he’s amazing.”

  “Who?”

  She cuts me a look. “Your man. You know I’ve been worried he was like some creepy older dude taking advantage of you, but he’s so…nice. Well, nice for a big, scary biker dude.”

  I can’t help chuckling at the way she sees him.

  We decide to look for prom dresses. Well, Athena decides I need a prom dress. She’s had one burning up space in her closet since freshman year.

  “I don’t even know if I want to go to prom,” I moan as she drags me into a floofy bridal boutique. “Why are we here?”

  “You want a nice dress, not some cheap, flimsy thing.”

  “Why? I’m only wearing it once.”

  She gives me a look like she’s thinking of choking me.
“Here,” she says, thrusting a hideous blue and nude lace monstrosity of a dress at me. “This is totally your color.”

  “That looks like some sort of pageant dress. No fucking way,” I whisper loud enough that the sales girl glares at me. Oops.

  We finally settle on a sleeveless, sky-blue lacy dress. The skirt reaches my knees and is the only dress in the store with a high enough neckline to keep my tits covered.

  “So much material for a biker girl,” Athena teases me as I model it for her. “Is Dante taking you?”

  I can’t help laughing. “No way. Why would he go to a high school prom?”

  “Uh, ’cause he’s your boyfriend?”

  Boyfriend. “There’s nothing ‘boy’ about him.”

  She lets out an exasperated snort. “Whatever.” Her eyes sparkle with amusement.

  Luck’s dressed in traditional bad guy black and waiting for me outside when I pull up to the clubhouse. We don’t bother wearing our cuts. This matter’s personal.

  He drives, while I rifle through my duffel bag of interrogation toys. My fists are lethal enough, but I enjoy the visuals.

  Luck’s intel was good. The VP’s car sits in the driveway. No other neighbors in sight. Even so, we park away from the house and stay away from the road.

  I don’t bother with pleasantries like knocking. After circling the house, we determine Hackett is alone and in the kitchen. The explosion of glass shattering around the back door gets his attention; but he’s so stunned, so unused to anything interrupting his perfect life, he just stands there gaping at us as we burst in the house.

  I didn’t bother covering my face. He’s gonna know in two seconds why I’m here and who I am.

  I point to one of the dining room chairs. “Sit.”

  “What do you want? I can give you money.”

  These fucks always think it’s about money.

  “Sit the fuck down.”

  He sits. Luck binds him to the chair and I crouch down in his face.

  “You and I have some business to discuss, Daniel.”

  “Who are you?”

  My fist connects with his jaw, snapping his head back. I barely feel it, but he acts like I put a bullet through his knee.

  “Shut the fuck up. Who called you about Karina Rivers?”

  He spits out blood and shakes his head. “What? This is about a student?”

  For a smart guy, this fucker’s pretty dense. Another pop motivates him to stop dicking around.

  “I don’t know! It was a man. We didn’t speak long.”

  “You get a number from him?”

  “No. Like I said, we didn’t speak for very long.”

  “Enough that you upset my girl and said some nasty shit to her.”

  His eyes widen and he shakes his head.

  “Don’t bother fuckin’ lying.”

  “I wasn’t aware of what she’s been up to.”

  “Oh, and what’s that?”

  “The man said she was whoring herself out to the Iron Bulls. Is that where you’re from?” he asks.

  Luck must be feeling left out. He smacks Hackett on the back of the head. “Don’t worry about us.”

  At least that poor moral character comment makes more sense. Maybe I won’t kill him after all. “Karina’s no fuckin’ whore. She’s my girl. She ain’t under age, so you threatening her with calling children’s services in was bullshit.”

  “The caller said—”

  “I don’t want to fuckin’ hear it. You could have easily looked that shit up. Don’t ever threaten her again.”

  “I’m sorry—”

  “Shut up. Here’s what’s gonna happen. You’re gonna stay the fuck away from her.” Asshole’s nodding before I even get the first condition out. “You’re calling me immediately if you hear from this prick again. And you’re gonna find out his name and get me a number.”

  He shakes his head and I grip his hair in my hand and yank his head up. “Finally, and most importantly, if my girl has the grades she speaks at that graduation. And you’ll write her a glowin’ fuckin’ recommendation to any college she applies to.”

  “Yes, of course.” He focuses on his lap, as if he hasn’t been staring at my face for the last half hour. “You’re not going to kill me?”

  “Not tonight.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  “What a fuckin’ pussy.” Luck’s shaking with laughter while we drive away from Hackett’s house. I explained in detail what would happen if he ran his mouth. We left him tied to the chair, but he should be able to work himself free in an hour or two.

  “You gonna tell Karina she doesn’t have to worry?”

  “Nope. No reason to bring her into any of this. Less she knows the better.”

  He nods, but doesn’t seem to agree with me. Doesn’t matter. “I need another favor, brother.”

  “Okay.”

  “Gotta do that Santa Fe run Thursday. I’m still not comfortable leaving Karina alone with that fuck still out there.”

  He glances at me and in a wary tone asks, “And?”

  “Can you stay at the cabin and watch her for me?”

  “You want me to babysit your girlfriend? Why not just have her stay at the clubhouse?”

  “Seriously? Come on, you’re the only one I trust.”

  “Yeah, okay. Isn’t she gonna think it’s weird?”

  “Doesn’t matter.”

  We part ways at the clubhouse. Do I feel bad asking him to do something I should really ask the prospects to do? Not really. I barely trust them to watch my bike. I sure as fuck ain’t gonna trust them with something as precious as my girl.

  The house is dark when I pull up and a lick of concern brushes me. Pulling out my phone, I see Karina’s sent me a few texts. The last one is the best.

  On my way home.

  She walks in a few minutes after me, with a big garment bag trailing over her arm.

  “I’m so sorry, Dante, were you here long? I tried to text you a bunch—”

  I gotta cut off her breathless rush. “Calm down, baby girl. It’s fine. You two have fun?”

  She relaxes, and it bothers me that she’s—what? Scared I’d be mad at her? Her eyes roll and she sets her bags down on the end of the couch. “No. She made me go dress shopping.”

  I can’t help laughing. Thought girls loved that shit. “Got a prom dress?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Can I see it?”

  “You want—?”

  “Yeah, I want. Show me.”

  The simple rustling of the plastic dress bag gets me hard. “Show me, baby girl,” I say again in a lower voice.

  She turns, a question on her lips, but when she takes me in, she gets it.

  She moves to go upstairs.

  Okay, maybe she didn’t get it.

  “No. Clothes off. Right where you are.”

  “Oh,” she breathes out, so soft I almost don’t hear it.

  Slowly, she works her shirt over her head. She’s too flustered to be sexy about it, and that makes it even hotter.

  “Clothes off right where you are.”

  When Dante growls out those words, my belly drops. My mouth’s so dry. I can’t force any words out. Good thing my hands are ahead of me. Even as my legs tremble, I’m working my shirt up over my head and sliding my shorts down my legs.

  “Nice,” he encourages.

  With my eyes still on his, I reach behind me, hook my fingers into the garment bag, and work the dress loose.

  “Get shoes too?” he asks.

  “Yeah.”

  “Put ’em on.”

  This time I have to turn and I put a lot of effort into bending over the end of the couch and slipping into the shoes. Behind me, Dante chuckles softly. “You’re sexy as fuck, babe. No extra wiggling required.”

  Biting my lip, I shimmy into the dress and turn. A soft gasp escapes me. Dante’s almost right in my space. He’s so big I don’t expect him to move so silently.

  But there he is.

  “Fuckin�
� beautiful, baby girl.”

  Heat stings my cheeks. His hand reaches out and he traces the high neckline with one finger. “Are you excited?”

  I don’t think he’s asking about the dance. “Yes.”

  “Turn around.” Oh, God, the things his low, rough voice does to me.

  My body shakes as I turn and position myself over the end of the couch. Ass up, legs wide. It’s automatic and I’m filled with pride at the way he sucks air in and slowly lets it out behind me. “You know just what I want.”

  “I try.”

  “Well, you’re damn good at it.”

  A light breeze grazes my legs as he flips the dress up. Thick, rough fingers hook into my panties and drag them down my legs, the soft cotton brushing against my already sensitive skin. He leaves them at my knees and grabs my hips, runs his hands over my ass, up and down my back. Patiently, I wait while he decides what he wants to do to me. His hands drift lower, then one thrusts between my legs, rough, yet somehow gentle.

  I gasp and push back against him. Two fingers thrust up, tight and hard. A soft cry of shock and need leaves me.

  “Drenched. You want to come on my fingers, baby girl?”

  “If you want me to.”

  I get a soft pop on my ass. “I asked what you want.”

  A strangled cry tears out of my throat. “That is what I want.” He keeps working his fingers faster, harder until I’m whimpering. “Make me come, daddy.”

  “Fuck,” he growls. “Stay still.”

  His hands leave me for a second, and I keep myself still. His hands grip my hips again, and he drives into me, savage and hard. My body burns in all the places where our skin touches.

  “Don’t come yet, baby girl,” he warns.

  Okay. His hands slide up, yanking the zipper down. He pulls me up long enough to work the dress off and toss it on the couch, then he’s back to thrusting and teasing me.

  “Tell me when you’re close.”

  Close. I’m dancing right on the edge. “I’m close,” I whimper.

  He slows and rubs his hand in big circles over my back. “My girl’s bein’ so good.”

  Even though he’s moving at a lazy pace, I’m still close. “Daddy.” This time I whisper it as a warning. His hands slide under me, tugging and pinching my nipples. “Please,” I beg as he keeps grinding into me.