Page 82 of Paladin's Hell

Chapter 27

Paladin

Right at this moment, Jayden’s where I’ve always dreamed of having her. In my bed. Problem is, I’m not there. Nah, I’m with fucking Taser at the strip club. It’s Sunday, it’s closed. Nothing to do but patrol around, checking out every noise and sound.

I’d half expected Taser to stay inside monitoring the cameras, but to give him his due, he’s outside with me.

I’m stamping my feet. It might be spring, but the night’s turned chilly, and standing around, or just walking a few paces isn’t enough to keep me warm.

I’ve checked the cameras are still working, and their positioning for the umpteenth time. It’s cold, and it’s boring. Seems like it’s getting to the man with me too.

“So, Pal. You certain nothing’s followed you to Pueblo from Tucson?”

I shake my head before I reply, “Can’t be certain about anything. But a drive-by’s not the Herreras’ style. They wanted us? They’d come in guns blazin’.”

“You’d know, I suppose,” he says grudgingly.

“So, Prez will be questioning everybody. You got any skeletons maybe rattlin’ their bones?”

“Nah, nothing from me.”

His tone makes me cock my head questioningly. “You’re going to speak to Hell, though?”

Throwing me a sneering look, he confirms, “He’s speakin’ to everyone, isn’t he? If there’s anything he should know, I’ll tell him.”

I’m wondering about having a word with the prez. Taser is edgy about something. Mind you, the way single brothers screw around, I expect Hell will get quite a lot of information.

The night continues, time dragging. The most excitement is when a rat runs across the parking lot, the movement catching both of our eyes. I replace my gun in its holster sheepishly.

“You certain you got nothing to do with that body?”

“Let it drop, Taser, will you? I’ve told you before. Know nothing about him. It’s most likely the body was moved and planted here, so what about you? You’re the manager of Tits Up. Message for you?”

“Message for the club,” he growls impatiently. “Nothing to do with me personally.”

He’s getting on my nerves. “I’ll check around the front again.” I do, just to get a moment to myself. But there’s nothing there. No movement this time of night on the quiet roads of the city. Everyone else is in bed. Where I want to be. Next to Jayden.

My pillows, sheets, are going to smell of her.My cock twitches. I will it to behave. Got my girl where I want her, that’s enough for now. I’m not going to take things further. I may not have much experience, but I know things have got to proceed between us slow. What if I’m a disappointment to her? I make myself think of something else, and not about the fact, when it comes to it, I won’t know what the fuck to do. She does. Nah, she was never an active participant before.

She’s asleep in my bed. Perhaps it would be better if she wasn’t. It’s putting thoughts in my head that shouldn’t be there. Think of that new exhaust you want, Pal.

The sky is lightening by the time Thunder and Lizard arrive, relieving us from the night shift. I get on my bike, and side by side with Taser, ride back to the clubhouse.

It’s quiet inside, just a prospect and Ink watching over the compound. Exhausted, I climb the stairs. Unlocking my door as quietly as I can, I open it.

She’s sprawled out, in my bed. Sheets kicked off where she’s too warm. With my back to the door, I just stand and watch her, drinking in the most beautiful sight of my life. Checking out the colourful pyjamas she’s wearing, covered in unicorns. I’ve got a child-come-woman in my bed. Her clothing, the innocence that radiates off her sleeping body, makes me realise I shouldn’t be thinking the thoughts about her that I am.

She’s appropriated most of the bed, and is lying in the middle. I slide out of my cut and tee-shirt, leaving my jeans on. Yawning widely, I bend down and take my boots and socks off, then step forward to the bed. I’m so tired, if I don’t lie down, I’ll keel over where I stand.

There’s a small space I can just about fit into on the left-hand side. I lift the covers, ease my body down gently, freezing as a small moan comes from her mouth. Then moving again when she’s quiet once more. Managing to find enough space, I lie on my back, my hands secured under my head. My nostrils breathe in her perfume. As I close my eyes, I feel the warmth radiating from her.

This feels so right.

I wake, too hot. I’m being smothered. Jay has rolled over. I don’t want to disturb her, but fuck, I’m burning up. Her body is flush against mine, her leg thrown over my thigh, her arm over my chest. She’s treating me like a teddy bear. I’m uncomfortable, sweating, but I’ve never felt so good in all my life.

When I wake for the second time, it’s movement that’s disturbed me.

“Oh, God, Pal. I’m sorry. I…”

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