Page 24 of Indecent Villain

"No. Slippery fucker ran and got on a motocross bike. There is no way to follow him. I will find him."

"Okay. See you back at the house." Hanging up, I say to Salem, "We need to move. Now."

"Jock," Salem says, "help me kick the windshield out."

While they do that, I move off of Kinsley and pull her with me. We both have the same idea as she climbs onto my lap and wraps her arms around my neck. It's not until I feel moisture on my skin that I realize my strong girl is crying.

I cup the back of her neck with one hand and pin her to my chest with the other. She isn't the only one who had one hell of a shock. I need a stiff drink after today. My fingers slide into Kinsley's hair as I bury my face there. The scent of sweet apples drifts up my nose. The urge to take this girl is strong, so much so after nearly losing her. It's that thought that snaps me out of the fear coursing through my blood.

I lift my face and meet Salem's gaze through the rearview mirror. "I want the fucker found. Help Nine. I want the pleasure of killing the bastard."

Kinsley sits up and wipes her eyes with the sleeves of her sweatshirt. "I don't think it was Rogers. At least, I’m not sure; maybe it was him."

I cup her face and bring her close. "It's as well that you drive me crazy. Saved your fucking life." I press a kiss to her lips and tug her into my chest. I'm not letting her go anytime soon.

I stare out the window while I cradle my girl in my arms and wonder how the hell I'm going to sort out the mess Jude left behind. I have contacts that can get me what Jude failed to deliver, but it's like a claw in my gut to do it. Since the gun deal was brought to my attention, I can't stop wondering what else my brother had been up to. Who else might he have screwed over. At the end of the day, I'll sort the shit out because it means Kinsley stays safe.

WatchingKinsley sleep is not conducive to sorting out the chaos of Jude’s affairs, but I can’t help myself. When I close my eyes, I see the bullet lodged in the seat, right where her head had been. I attempted to sleep, but I woke up at the sight of Kinsley dead in the car and me covered in her blood. Hence, why I’m currently sitting in an armchair by her bedroom window. Her own guardian angel.

Moonlight reflects off the lake, and my eyes follow it to my own house. It’s dark because no one is there right now. The security sensors and any other shit Nine has outfitted over there is switched on and being monitored.

My attention returns to Kinsley as I rub my hand over my chest where an ache thrums. The girl means a lot to me. I’ve been forcing myself to wait until after her birthday before I slowly allowed her to see my need for her. I sure as shit wasn’t expecting her to tease the hell out of the beast.

My heart jolts at the sudden and overwhelming need I have to make Kinsley truly mine. To feel her warm and alive against me.

My fingers curl into fists as I force myself to relax. She may have been teasing the beast, but she is an innocent. My sweet, innocent girl.

The light on my phone alerts me to a message.

Nine: Prez downstairs.

Me: On my way.

With one last glance at Kinsley, I slip out of the room and jog downstairs and into the office. Prez—whose real name is Wilder Drake—raises a brow at my attire of sweats, tee, and socks. It’s late. What does he expect? He stands as we briefly hug and pat each other on the back.

“The man you are after, Sykes Taylor, is dead. Nine is getting rid of the body with Razor.”

I glare at my friend. “I wanted that fucking honor!” I snap.

“We got there too late. He’d already been taken care of. My guess is so he couldn’t name anyone.” Prez sits, and I slump in the office chair. “Jude left you in the shit from what I hear.”

“Yeah. I’m so fucking tired,” I admit.

Prez watches me closely. He knows me and has for a long time. “Padre has a lead on Jubal. He’s checking it out with Wrath. I’ll let you know how that turns out.”

I nod. “It’s been a while,” I comment.

“Well, if the mountain won’t come to Mohamed,” Prez drawls, then bursts out laughing.

At first glance, you wouldn’t think he’s a cheery guy. His height and broad shoulders could scare someone to death. But behind his icy-blue eyes and red beard lies a loyal friend.

“When we have Jubal, you can come to me.” He grins and gets to his feet. “You need me or the club, we’re a call away.”

I join him at the door and shake his hand. “Thanks, man. I may need to take you up on that before all this shit is done and dusted.”

He tips his head, and I watch as he climbs onto his Harley next to where Geo and Cross are waiting. They roar down the driveway, making me want to join them, but I have other priorities.

It’s a first that I’d rather go back upstairs to Kinsley than follow Prez and members of the club.

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