Diablo Chapter 15

Jauhnna still wasn't herself. Ever since Trick or Treat and meeting Jaycee, she'd been depressed and withdrawn. I tried to cheer her up, but she couldn't seem to shake it. I felt for the little girl, but it seemed she and Jauhnna had bonded. Hell, I felt like I had bonded with her, too. I knew part of it was probably her desire to be a mom. It killed me that she would never have children of her own. You could see she was meant to be a mother.

Those thoughts reminded me of the conversation I had with Brooklyn about starting a second family. After seeing what Bear and Bull were like with theirs, I knew I'd be willing to do it if she desired it. Since having kids of our own was out of the question, that left fostering or adopting. Fostering, I didn't see happening. She'd get too attached and wouldn't be able to let go. Damn it, I wouldn't either. If we ever fostered, it would only be a temporary thing until we were able to officially adopt.

It was with that in mind and her unhappiness that I did what I did today. I called Susanna to question her on the foster parent requirements. They were extensive, and she sent over the paperwork to me. She told me everything we'd have to have and do to qualify. It would take months to get clearance if the State deemed us foster parent worthy. There was concern that they might think the head of a motorcycle club wasn't appropriate. On top of it, she said they tended to grant it to couples who were married. They saw it as more stable than just boyfriend and girlfriend relationships, even though it wasn't hard to get a divorce these days.

I thanked her and told her I might be calling to ask more questions. She was agreeable. I did ask her not to tell Jauhnna about our conversation if they happened to talk. I explained about her not being able to have kids and how I didn't want to get her hopes up only to dash them. She was sympathetic and said she understood. Mum was the word. When I was done with her, I went straight to Micro. Surely, there was a way to speed this up and eliminate any obstacles.

I caught him working in his office at Vintage Rummages. When I knocked on his open door, he gave me a surprised look but waved for me to enter. I came in, closing the door behind me, which raised his brows. I sat in front of his desk.

"What can I do for you, Pres? If this is about Galway and Janus, I'm just waiting for the Patriots to give us the green light. I don't think there's anything more I can dig up on the bastards."

I knew everything he'd found, and there was a lot. It made it complicated to take them out. If I had my way, I'd find them and kill the bastards and get rid of the bodies and be done with them. However, their organizations were into some ugly stuff. None of us wanted to leave them standing. Hence, there was a delay as we got everything in place and had a solid plan that would eliminate everyone who needed to go in order to have the two organizations fold. The six men who'd touched her against her will, in addition to Galway, were his personal guards and enforcers. Not decision makers, but they'd die too. I itched to have it done and over with so she could get on with life, free of that worry. Soon. This was what I kept telling myself and her.

"I know. That's not why I'm here. I wondered if you might be able to do some work and find me some answers on something totally different."

"I probably can. What is it?"

"I want to know if there's a shortcut to applying and getting approved to be foster parents. I don't want to wait months. I don't want them to come back and not approve us due to me being a biker. It's bullshit, but you know how people are."

I saw I'd surprised him. "Damn, Diablo, I have to say, I wasn't expecting that. It's wonderful that you and Jauhnna want to do it. I think she'll make a great mom, and I know you'll do the same as a dad. All you have to do is see you with Jai and Thane. You're taking a leaf out of Bull and Bear's book."

"Yeah, it seems like it. I know she's always wanted kids. Not being able to have any hurts her. She bonded the other night at the senior center with that little girl, Jaycee. You saw her crying." He nodded. The whole club had. I excused us right away so I could take her home. The others stayed, with the exception of Butcher. He escorted us home.

"We did. Let me see what I can find out and do. If I need more help, are you alright if I reach out to the others?"

I knew he meant the computer guys in the other clubs when he said the others. "I am, but all of you need to keep it on the down low. Jauhnna has no idea I'm working on this. I don't want to disappoint her if the State says no. If they say yes, I want to be able to surprise her. Fostering will only be a stepping stone to adoption for us. There's no way she can take a child in and then let them go. Hell, I don't think I can do it."

"Adoption is great. My parents are one of the best things to ever happen to me. I hate to think how I would've turned out without them."

I knew he'd understand. Micro had been in the foster system until he was adopted at five years old. He was lucky and ended up with wonderful parents. He was close to them and his siblings. They came to the compound for family occasions and holidays. They didn't live too far from St. Augustine.

I stood up and held out my hand. He took it, and we shook. "Thanks, brother. I know you're busy with everything else. I appreciate this more than you know. Don't hesitate to ask some of the others to help. Hell, if he's not too busy, or she isn't, I bet Smoke and Everly know shit we can only dream of."

He grinned. "They probably do. I swear, one day when I grow up, I want to be like them. They're scary good. I feel I know my stuff until I go up against them, and then I feel like a first grader just finding the on button on my laptop," he admitted ruefully.

"You're much better than that, but I get it. Okay, I'll get out of the way. If you need something, let me know."

"I sure will. Later, and Pres, this is fantastic."

Giving him a chin lift to acknowledge what he said, I opened the door and was gone. I had to get back to Prep & Restore to finish off some things, so I was free to go home. I was looking forward to spending more time with my woman.

My phone went off as I was riding there. I didn't have my earpiece on to answer it, so I let it go to voicemail. I'd be at the shop in less than ten minutes. It could wait. As I got to our street, I thought I knew what the call was about. There were two police cars parked outside Prep & Restore.

There were people standing on the sidewalk, and I saw a few bikes I recognized parked close by. I didn't waste time finding a parking spot and then getting my ass to the shop. As I walked up, a couple of cops tried to tell me I couldn't enter. Lucky for them, Crash saw me and told them I was the owner. Moving past them, I saw what the commotion was all about. One of the big front windows had been busted out. Glass was all over the sidewalk and, no doubt, the front reception area. My first concern was Carly.

"Is Carly alright? Did the glass cut her? Was anyone else up front when it happened?" I asked Crash, who'd come sauntering up to me.

"No, she's fine, and no one was up there but her. She sat far enough back that it didn't get to her, plus the desk and counter shielded her, too. She's a little pissed but unhurt."

"Thank God. Okay, do you have any idea who did it? I doubt whatever was the cause was accidental."

"You'd be right, and yes, we know who did it. Carly watched it happen. It was Ackerman. He stood out on the sidewalk, screaming we weren't getting away with this, then he hurled a brick through the window," Crash snarled. We'd been joined by Thunder, Turbo, Cowboy, and Punk, as he explained.

"Christ, is that man mental? Did he honestly think he'd get away with it? I hope the cops have gone to arrest his ass," I snapped.

"Oh, they didn't need to. The idiot stood there ranting after he did it. Rex was here visiting Carly in between jobs. He went out and restrained him until the police could arrive. Carly called them as soon as he showed up outside and began yelling. They were dispatched before he threw the brick. They have him in the back of a squad car over there. I figure the cops will want your statement about the issues you've been having with him. Carly told them, but you know how they are," Thunder added as he waved in the general area of the cop cars.

"I can do that. Why are you guys here? Not that I mind, just curious."

"We'd taken a late lunch and were on our way back to our places when we rode by and saw the commotion, so we stopped. Carly tried to call you, but she said you didn't pick up, so she left a voicemail," Turbo told me.

"I didn't have my earpiece in, and I was close, so I planned to get it after I got here. Well, shit, there goes my plan to get home early. Point me to whoever is in charge so I can get this farce on the road. Maybe arresting him will wake the stupid fuck up," I grumbled. My earlier good mood was quickly evaporating.

As a group, they led me over to an officer. He was slightly older looking than the others. He scanned me from head to toe when I stopped in front of him. His gaze stopped on the word President on my cut.

"You must be the Diablo these guys have been talking about."

"I am. And you are?"

"Officer Merritt. Mind telling me what the deal is with you and Mr. Ackerman?"

"Well, I believe Carly, my receptionist, filled you in, but if you need to hear it twice, here goes. The long and short of it is we did a job for Mr. Ackerman several months back. A contract was signed and agreed to. We completed that work and asked for the remainder of our fee. We get half up front and the other half when the job is done. At that time, he asked to have additional work done. I informed him it would cost extra, but we could amend the contract and do it. He wanted it done but at the original price, which wasn't possible. It was extensive work he was asking for. When he refused, we left it as it was. However, he refuses to pay us the remainder of our money. He says the job isn't done. He claims we forged the document with his signature on it. I got tired of fighting with him every week to pay, so I handed it over to collections to deal with him. He was here not long ago, contesting it again, and I informed him if he didn't pay, it would go to our lawyer next, and then I had him leave. That brings us to today."

"He claims you and your club have been harassing him. That you came to his home and tried to intimidate him. He claims the incident today was him showing you he wouldn't be pushed around by you. He did say you cheated him out of work and are demanding payment for work you didn't finish," Merritt informed me. He was watching me closely as he did.

I couldn't help it. I laughed. He gave me a puzzled look. "What's funny?"

"The idea that if we had visited him at his home, he'd be able to come here today and do this. Believe me, if I had been inclined to do that, his ass would be in the hospital."

"Sir, that's a threat. You shouldn't be telling an officer of the law this."

"Whatever. He doesn't have a mark on him, and if he does, it wasn't put there by me or any of my brothers. Personally, I think the guy has a screw or two loose. What are you gonna do with him? Can I expect him to get some jail time out of this, or will he post bail and be back out causing trouble before the day is over?"

He sighed. "Truthfully, he'll post bail and probably get a fine. It depends if he has a history of priors. If he does, then a magistrate may do more. If he's been adamant about not paying and that you cheated him, then I'm not sure he'll quit. As for you getting paid, that's not likely either."

I liked how forthcoming he was. He didn't automatically side with Ackerman just because we were an MC. Usually, the police did.

"I'm afraid you're right. We're a business, Officer. We have a great reputation. I won't have him messing with it. If he doesn't pay, I'll seek legal recourse. It's in his best interests to pay us and move on. Maybe you or one of your people can talk some sense into him and make him see that."

"We'll try. Okay, I need your legal name, phone number, and address for my report."

Taking out my wallet, I removed one of the business cards I carried with me. I rarely gave them out, but they had everything on them he needed. He took it and then gave me one of his. In a matter of minutes, he rounded up his people, and they headed out with Ackerman. As they drove off, I saw the crazy bastard staring at me from the back of the squad car. His eyes told me this wasn't over. Knowing I could do nothing about him at the moment, I got to the important things I could.

"I need to call our glass company and get them over here as soon as possible to replace this. In the meantime, get Zax and Liam over here with some plywood and nails to cover this up. I'll get the brooms. This glass needs to be swept up so no one gets hurt."

"I've called the prospects already to get their asses here. Rex said he'd call the glass company. We'll get the glass out here and in reception swept up. Why don't you go talk to Carly and Rex? We've got this," Thunder offered.

"Thanks, I will." I gave them all a chin lift of thanks, then headed inside to question Carly and Rex.

As I passed through the lobby area, I noted the glass had already been swept up. Leave it to those two to be on the job no matter what. I found them in the employee breakroom. Carly was sitting at a table drinking coffee, and Rex was up pacing the room. The fierce expression he wore told me he wasn't happy, and if he had the option, Ackerman's neck would be between his hands. I gave him a nod of understanding as I went straight to Carly. I gave her a one-armed squeeze.

"How're you holding up, Carly? You didn't get cut, did you?"

"I'm fine, Diablo. Just pissed. That man needs his head examined. He was out there ranting like a lunatic about harassment, cheating, and how we wouldn't get paid a dime more. I called the police like you told me to do. We were waiting for them to come when, out of nowhere, he hefted up a brick and threw it. I have no idea where he got it. I didn't see it until he threw it," she said.

"You should've let me go out there and deal with the bastard. Then we wouldn't have a broken window," Rex groused.

"If you went out there, it would be you in the cop car headed to the jail, not him. You know he was hoping someone would lay hands on him," she chided him.

He scowled harder, but he didn't argue with her. I slapped his shoulder. "I feel ya. If I'd been here, it would've been my first reaction, but she's right. We have to play it cool and by the law with this one. Until we get this resolved, one way or another, I'm having one of the prospects here during work hours. I don't want you alone, in case, when he gets out on bail, he comes back."

I saw some of the tension leave Rex, and Carly smiled. I knew it had to have been preying on their minds. Like Rex, I would be the same if it was Jauhnna or Brooklyn in Carly's situation.

"Thank you. I would feel better," she admitted.

"No need to thank me."

"I already called, and the glass company will be over before the end of the day to take a look. They may have to order a pane, but they'll put a rush on it. I can board it up until they can replace it," Rex offered.

"Thanks for calling them. The prospects are on their way to board it up. All I want is for you to make sure you give Carly the comfort she needs. If you need something, I'll be in my office."

I stayed and chatted a couple of minutes more about nothing too serious. I mostly talked about how the current jobs were going, then went to my office. As soon as I got there, I placed a call.

"Hello," Jauhnna answered on the house phone. Yeah, I was one of those people. No matter the technology, I still kept a landline at home. I told people it was so I could have a fax machine, which was true, but the real reason was I didn't fully trust cell phones to work when you needed them, even if I did have one. Now that I thought of it, she needed one. I jotted it down on a notepad as I answered her.

"Hello, Serenity. How's your day going?"

"It's okay. The usual. Is everything alright? You don't usually call me this time of day."

"I wanted to let you know I won't be home early like I said. There was a problem at work. I'll tell you about it when I get home. I wanted you to know."

"Did anyone get hurt?" Her worry came through.

"No, baby, no one is hurt. I should be home by six. If I get delayed longer, I'll call."

"Okay, just take care. I'll see you when you get here. Ride safe."

"I will. Love you."

"Love you, too."

We both said bye at the same time. I reluctantly hung up. The urge to say the hell with it and go home was strong, but I had responsibilities to see to. Buckling down, I got to work so I could get out of there as soon as possible.

???

It was closer to six-thirty when I rolled into my garage at the house. I'd called and let her know I was running a tad behind my six o'clock estimate. When I left the shop, I had to make a pit stop. The item I got was in my cut pocket. Shutting the garage door, I entered the house through the door that connected it to the garage. It brought me in through the laundry room slash mudroom, which was a short distance from the kitchen and living room. The scent of food led me to the kitchen first.

I was right to check there. She stood in the kitchen stirring something. She looked up and gave me a blinding smile. My whole body felt lighter just seeing her. It was amazing what a change she'd already brought to my life in such a short time. I went straight to her. I opened my arms, and she slid into them. I hugged her close as I devoured her sweet mouth. She moaned and gave as good as she got. It was with great reluctance I stopped, but if I didn't, she'd find herself over the counter or on the dinner table as my supper. Just the kiss had gotten me hard.

The damn temptress knew it, too, because as we parted, she rubbed her hand up and down my bulge. I growled and gave her a stern look. "Darlin', you keep that up, and your fantastic-smelling supper will get cold."

She smirked at me. "And it would be worth it. However, I know how hungry you are when you get home. How about we say it'll be continued later? Now, go wash your hands and get comfortable. Dinner will be served in ten minutes."

Giving her a quick peck on the lips, I patted her ass and then left the kitchen to go to our bedroom. I didn't waste time changing into a clean shirt and a pair of shorts and washing my hands. I put her gift on my nightstand to give her later, then went back to see if there was anything I could do. She let me set the table. It was a big thing for her. She wanted dinner to be at least a sit-down meal at an actual table. I hadn't done it in years, but I didn't mind.

I helped her carry the bowls and platter to it. Tonight's menu included fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, roasted asparagus, and hot rolls. My stomach growled. I'd had to up my workouts since she started cooking for me. After pulling out her chair and seating her, I took my seat.

"Babe, this all looks and smells so good. Did you know fried chicken is a favorite of mine?" I asked as I placed food on her plate. I would always serve her first. Once I thought I had enough on hers, I began to work on mine.

She gave me a secretive smile. "I might've had a little birdie who told me."

"Really? A birdie. And which of the guys would tell you that?"

"It wasn't one of your brothers. This birdie lives further away."

"Brooklyn? When did you talk to her?"

"Today. She called to see how I was doing. We got to talking about food, and she gave me the lowdown on what her dad loves. She hinted the way to your heart might actually be through your stomach, so cliché," she was grinning as she said it.

"Babe, you already have my heart, so no need to win it. You know, I love anything you make, but you don't have to cook for me."

"I know I don't. I enjoy it. It's nice to have someone appreciate it. Okay, enough talking. Let's eat. I hope you like it. It's a recipe I haven't made in ages."

Liking it ended up being way too tame of a description. I loved it. The combination of spices she put in the coating on the chicken was amazing. It was hands down the best fried chicken I'd ever had. The potatoes were creamy, with the right amount of butter and a hint of garlic to them. The gravy just added to the flavor explosion, and the asparagus, not something I ate much of before, was great. She made it al dente, and it had hints of garlic to it. The rolls were warm and tasted wonderful. I sat back, groaning when I was done. She finished before me but sat there, keeping me company. I patted my stomach.

"Woman, you're gonna make me fat and lazy if you keep cooking like this. My workouts will need to double just to stay ahead of the pot belly."

"I doubt that. You don't have any fat on you, which disgusts me, I hope you know."

"Why's that?"

"Because I have to watch everything I eat, and I still gain. I have excess weight, which pops up on my ass, hips, thighs, and my stomach. Men have it easy."

Shoving back my chair, I stood and moved to stand next to hers. I tugged it away from the table, and then I lifted her up. I grabbed her ass and hoisted her onto the table. I shoved the plates to the side. Pressing my groin between the V of her legs, I rubbed my growing erection against her pussy. Only the thin fabric of our shorts separated us.

"That body you're talking trash about is mine. I happen to love every inch and pound of it. These thighs, that ass, your hips, stomach, and tits drive me wild. I don't want you to lose any of it. I want you soft, not a hard, bony stick. When I make love to you, this gives me something to hold on to and softness to cushion us when I'm pounding this pussy." I rubbed my cock up and down her V. She moaned and shivered. Desire had her pupils dilating slightly.

"Victor, don't talk like that."

"Why not?" I had my hand underneath her shirt, pushing her bra cup out of the way so I was able to tweak her nipple.

"Because if you don't stop, I'll strip naked right here and beg you to take me on the table," she said breathlessly.

"Good. I need some dessert. Strip. You have two minutes to be bare and spread out on the table for me. I want you on your back with your legs spread wide," I ordered gruffly.

My cock was throbbing at the images her words and mine put in my head. I backed off. She was on her feet, hastily shedding her clothes. I did the same. As soon as I had mine off, I moved the plates to the counter. I didn't want to break them or create a mess, and I knew I was about to get vigorous.

The sight of her soft, creamy skin and all the things she'd been disparaging made me lick my lips. I fisted my cock and stroked it. She watched and whimpered when she saw me do it. Her hand crept toward her pussy. I had to stop her.

"Don't you dare touch yourself. Your orgasms are mine to give or take. You'll get them when I say you can. Lie back."

She pouted but did as I told her. I was beyond happy that my demanding attitude didn't turn her off. She assured me it was different from Radigan's when I asked. As she got in position, I pulled a chair up to the table and sat down. I slid my hands underneath her ass and slid her to the edge so her legs hung over. Bending forward, I put her legs over my shoulders and inhaled. Her scent made my cock throb more. Not wasting time, since I was ravenous for her, I took my first taste. Her flavor on my tongue sent me into a wild frenzy.

I licked, sucked, and nibbled as I growled. I ate her from top to bottom. She was panting and crying out for me to make her come. I teased her to the brink, then backed off a couple of times. She was spilling her cream, and I was lapping it up. The third time, when she got to the brink, I let her come. She wailed my name as she gushed and fed me more of her delicious cum.

When she came down from her orgasm, I knew I wasn't able to wait a minute longer to have her. Lowering her legs, I stood, placed the head of my cock against her entrance, then slid in hard. She moaned and gripped the edge of the table. She was so warm, wet, and tight that I groaned the entire thrust. She was clasping me in a hard grip.

My plan was to take her slowly. She ruined that when she panted out to me, "Victor, baby, please. Fuck me hard. I need to come again. I want you to take me. Claim me. God, do it!" she sobbed.

She was trying to ride my length, but I had my hands on her hips, holding her still. When she wasn't able to do it, she clenched her inner muscles around me. I broke. I slid my hips back and then snapped them forward, impaling her. She moaned.

Setting a hard, fast pace, I pounded in and out of her. As I did, I whispered to her. "Is this what you want? You want me wild and out of control. Desperate to have you? If so, you got it. I want you to scream and beg me. Fuck! You have no idea how good you feel. Or the things I think about doing to you."

"Tell me. What would you want to do that you haven't?" she whispered back hoarsely.

I hesitated. I hadn't planned to introduce her to all my fantasies until she was more comfortable with me and sex. So far, nothing I'd done triggered her, but I was afraid one day I would.

"Victor, tell me, please."

"They're just fantasies. You don't have to ever let them happen. Alright? I dream of taking you while you're tied to the bed and totally at my mercy. There are so many toys I could introduce you to. I've pictured you dressed in sexy outfits, begging me to take you. Taking you in every way possible." I explained as I thrust over and over. I'd slowed down a little as we talked. Her pussy contracted around me as I told her each of them.

"In every way possible? Do you mean you'd want to have anal sex, too?" she asked cautiously.

I had no clue if Radigan or those other bastards had forced that on her as well. If they had, I doubted they'd properly prepared her, and if not, they'd definitely traumatized her. She might never want to even let me play with her ass, let alone fuck it. Even women who hadn't been raped didn't want anything to do with anal. I'd experimented with it after my wife died, but it wasn't something I had to have or desired all the time. Missionary sex had never been my preferred position, but as the years passed, I explored more and found things I enjoyed more.

"Baby, we can talk about this later. Right now, I want you to come for me. Show me you need me as much as I need you," I diverted her attention.

She didn't say more. As she tried to thrust back into me, I forgot our discussion and went for it. I pounded into her so vigorously that the table scooted across the floor. She gripped the edge until her knuckles were white, but her expressions and the sounds she made told me she wasn't in pain or hating it. It was absolute pleasure coursing through both of us.

Rubbing her distended clit, she came hard. I was able, by some miracle, to hold back mine. I kept thrusting through hers. When she came out of it, I drove her right up toward the next one. Needing her on her belly, I withdrew long enough to roll her over then I re-entered her. It allowed me to go deeper. She whimpered.

As I hammered into her, I worked myself closer to coming. When I knew it would be impossible to hold back, I raised her upper body off the table and pressed her back against my chest. As I thrust up into her, I grasped her tits and kneaded them, then plucked hard at her nipples as I gently bit her shoulders and the back of her neck. She screamed and then came in a gush of her cum. I growled and latched onto her shoulder with my teeth and rubbed her clit with one hand and twisted a nipple with the other. She squeezed my cock so fucking hard, I saw stars, then I was exploding and shooting my load deep. It went on and on as she continued to grip me and cry out her ongoing orgasm.

As I came down from my mind-numbing release, I wasn't able to stop myself from wishing she was able to get pregnant. The thought that this time would create a baby filled me with hope. I knew it was impossible, but if things turned out the way I hoped, we'd start a family in a different way.

Exhausted, I slumped over her, pressing her into the table. I had enough sense not to crush her. I kissed her sweaty neck. She was breathing hard like I was.

"You undo me, Jauhnna. That was incredible."

"I can't move, Victor. I can't feel my legs. It was incredible. You'll have to leave me to sleep here tonight."

Chuckling, I raised up and reluctantly slid out of her. I caressed her ass cheek.

"Babe, you'll never sleep on something like this. I'll carry you to bed," I promised.

"No, I'll walk. Give me a few minutes. Why don't you go upstairs, and I'll be up after I clean up from dinner."

"Nope. I'll help you do it tomorrow. It can wait. Getting you cleaned up and comfortable in our bed can't. As amazing as that was, I have the feeling it won't be the last time tonight."

She whimpered, but not in a bad way. She tried to argue that she would walk, but I wasn't having it. As soon as my legs were stable, I scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom. First stop, a bath. Then we'd snuggle in bed and see where it led. Yeah, it was early, but I only needed to be with her. Creating memories was what I wanted. You never knew how long you might have to do it. I'd learned that the hard way.