Irish
The last few days, I’d rushed to get things ready for Janessa to come home with me. The hospital was finally releasing her. She’d been in ICU for several days, then in a regular room another four. Her bruises were starting to fade, and her cuts were scabbed over and nearly healed, except the few that had required stitches, but even the sutures had been removed from those. The doctor had cautioned me about her bruised ribs, but had said that intimacy wasn’t out of the question if we were careful. My heart had started racing at the thought of having Janessa in my bed. I didn’t want her to feel rushed, though, not after we’d been apart for the past five years. We were pretty much strangers, even if she had starred in my dreams for so damn long. Innocent ones at first, then after I’d realized she was legal, the dreams had shifted and I’d stopped thinking about her as a kid.
Which was probably why I found myself in the shower, the hot water beating down on me as I gripped my cock. Just thinking about Janessa made me hard. I braced a hand against the tiled wall and closed my eyes, wishing it was her hand on me. I stroked the shaft, long hard pulls, and imagine what she’d look like on her knees, her big eyes staring up at me. I groaned as I pictured her with pre-cum painting her lips before she sucked me. It only took a few more tugs before I was coming, jets of cum painting the shower wall, and even then I wasn’t satisfied.
My breathing was labored and I stared at my cock in frustration, since I was still mostly hard. It wasn’t the first time I’d jerked off since reconnecting with Janessa, and I doubted it would be the last. I didn’t kid myself and knew that she would need time to recover. The last thing she needed was me bending her over every surface in the house the second we walked through the door, even if that thought had been fueling my fantasies the last few days.
I got out and dried off, wiping the steam from the mirror. I hoped she’d be happy here, that she’d like our new home. When the new compound had opened and everyone had moved from our previous location, Cinder had given each patched member the option to have a house inside the gates. Scratch still kept his Victorian in town, and Jackal seemed content with the home he shared with his family. Everyone else had opted to have a house built, including me.
I hadn’t seen myself settling down at the time, and now I regretted it. I’d asked for a small two-bedroom, but if things worked with Janessa and we had kids someday, then we might need more room. Which was part of what I’d been working on while she was waiting to be released. I knew we’d want more space, something that we could make into a real home. A house that Janessa would be proud to call her own.
Cinder and Scratch had agreed that if I was seriously thinking about taking an old lady that I would need something bigger. They’d offered me a different home and said they’d have my current one remodeled for someone else to use later, unless anyone wanted to claim it as is. I knew there were a few brothers who swore they’d never have kids. I’d had the Prospects move my shit from my house over to a new location. There had been a vacant four-bedroom farther down the road from the clubhouse, but now I had a lot of empty rooms. I’d wanted everything to be perfect when I brought Janessa home, but it wasn’t meant to be. At least I had my bedroom and living room furnished, and I’d already put all my bathroom shit in here.
I glanced at the counter and saw the razor I seldom used, my comb, and the few other products I used. Janessa had liked the cologne I’d worn back when we’d met, and I’d never been able to change after that. I’d kept wearing it, if only because I knew she’d liked it. I’d caught her sniffing me a few times since we’d reconnected, so it seemed she still liked the scent.
I had a true bachelor pad before this house. I didn’t even own fucking plates, or I hadn’t until now. Not only had my furniture and few possessions been moved to the new house, but I’d also gone shopping and bought the essentials, like cookware, plates, and other kitchen shit. I’d also picked up some new towels and bought some girly scented crap for Janessa. I’d remembered she smelled like cherry blossoms before and picked a few things in that scent, hoping she still liked it.
Clarity and Josie had made some suggestions on stocking my fridge and pantry. I probably should have just asked Kalani, but I wasn’t sure how she and Tex felt about their daughter staying with me. Well, I knew how Tex felt. He was fucking pissed about it, but by some miracle, Kalani had convinced him to let Janessa live her own life.
There was no way in fucking hell I was putting Janessa on the back of my bike, not right now. I’d already arranged to use one of the club vehicles until we had her truck out of the impound. Tex hadn’t been able to pull the truck, something about Janessa having to sign off since her name was on the registration, which meant they hadn’t allowed anything to be removed from the vehicle either. I’d need to make room in the dresser for when she did have her things.
Just the thought of whether or not she wore cotton or lace had me groaning and looking down at my wayward cock. Fuck if the thought of her wearing barely there scraps of cloth didn’t make me hard as a fucking post again. I glanced at my phone on the counter and saw that I was about ten minutes ahead of schedule, which meant I had just enough time to attempt exorcising the demons before I saw Janessa.
I dropped my towel and reached for the lube I kept in the bathroom, then slicked my shaft with the cool gel. My hand didn’t feel anywhere near as good as I imagined Janessa’s would, or her mouth. I stroked faster, my grip a little harder as I chased another orgasm, but I knew it probably wouldn’t be enough. Since seeing her again, nothing was as good as the real thing would be. I groaned as I came, my dick twitching in my hand. It took me a few minutes to clean up myself and the bathroom, then I finished getting ready and left to get my woman.
The black SUV was comfortable enough, but I hated riding around inside a vehicle. I much preferred the wind in my hair and the thrum of my bike between my legs. But for Janessa, I’d suffer through the torture of being in a metal box on wheels. When I got to the hospital, I parked at the curb near the door and waited. Tex had assured me he’d get Janessa down to the car. He’d convinced Kalani to hang out with Clarity and the kids. I hoped like hell he didn’t plan to follow me home. I didn’t want him hanging over us like a dark cloud when Janessa saw the house for the first time.
Tex wheeled Janessa out of the hospital, and I jumped out of the SUV. I pulled open the passenger door, then stood back as Tex lifted his daughter into the vehicle. He buckled her in like she was still a little girl, then gave her a kiss on the forehead. When he backed away and shut the door, he turned to face me. I could see the uncertainty in his eyes, as well as the promise he’d fucking kill me if I hurt his daughter. I could respect that. He stared at me a moment, but didn’t say a word, then he turned and walked off.
I blew out a breath and got behind the wheel of the SUV. Janessa gazed at me with a smile curving her lips. I reached over and took her hand, then lifted it to kiss the backs of her fingers.
“Alone at last,” I said.
“I love my parents, but I’m glad they’re giving us some space.”
“How much space, exactly?” I asked.
She shrugged. “I think they’re staying in town for at least a few days. Noah and Clayton were having fun playing with Scratch’s kids. Honestly, I think this is the first time Mom and Dad have been away from the compound overnight since Clayton was born.”
“About my house…”
“What about it?” she asked.
“I just moved so I don’t have all my rooms furnished yet. It’s kind of bare. Didn’t want you to be disappointed when you see it. I have all the important shit like towels and kitchen stuff.”
“Seamus, I don’t care about that stuff. I just want to be with you.”
“I, um, only have one bedroom set up. You can take the bed and I’ll sleep on the couch.”
I could feel her staring at me as I drove toward the compound. I didn’t know if she was pissed that I said I would sleep on the couch, or if she just didn’t know what to make of the entire situation. The quiet was a little disconcerting, but I was clueless as to what to fucking say. I wasn’t used to driving around with a woman. I’d never allowed one on the back of my bike, and I’d sure as hell not been in a closed vehicle with one. Not in a long-ass time anyway.
At the compound, Killian opened the gates and waved us through. I’d have to talk to Cinder about tightening security with Janessa at my place. Jordan lived here with Havoc, but she could also take care of herself pretty damn well. It wasn’t often that Clarity or Josie stopped by, but I knew they got together around town all the time. We hadn’t had a woman visit the new compound before, especially an unclaimed one, except the club sluts. If the assholes who hurt my woman found out she was still alive and might be able to ID them, I had no doubt they’d come for her. I didn’t like the thought of the Prospects not checking to see who they were letting into the compound. Yeah, I was in a vehicle owned by the club, but it wasn’t unique. What if someone driving an SUV just like it had pulled through the gates instead of me?
I didn’t kid myself. I was low on the totem pole, but I was sure that Cinder would agree that Janessa needed to be protected at all costs. I hadn’t made her my old lady yet, but it was a possibility, and she was a Reaper’s daughter. We had a truce with that club, along with a few others, and if Janessa got injured on our watch there would be hell to pay. Even if I never made anything official, she was mine. Would always be mine. Whether she agreed to be mine permanently or not, she was the only woman I’d ever consider my property.
I pulled to a stop in front of my new house and tried to judge Janessa’s expression to see what she thought. The woman wasn’t easy to read at all. She got out of the car, whimpering a little and clutching her ribs. I cursed and went after her.
“You couldn’t wait for me to help you out of the car?” I asked.
“I’m not an invalid, Seamus.”
“You have bruised ribs and you’re still healing. You aren’t an invalid, but you also aren’t at full strength. Everyone needs help sometimes, Nessa.”
She sighed and looked from me to the house again. Without waiting for help, because she was apparently a stubborn-ass mule, she let herself inside, then wandered from room to room. I shut the front door and twisted the lock, not wanting any surprises. I waited in the front entry, thinking Janessa would come back this way when she’d finished looking around. I was wrong. I heaved a sigh and went in search of her, smiling a little when I saw her stretched out on the bed. She’d obviously found my clothes since she’d pulled on a T-shirt and didn’t seem to have anything under it. She was more beautiful than I’d imagined, and I’d imagined plenty over the past year.
“I see you found something to wear,” I said.
She cracked an eye open and looked at me. “After wearing that horrid hospital gown for so long, I was ready for something comfortable. It was nice of the hospital to let me have a pair of scrubs since the police kept my clothes as evidence, but they felt weird.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t go straight for the shower.”
“Are you saying I smell?”
I opened and shut my mouth. Well, I’d stepped in it that time.
“No, you don’t stink, Nessa. I just figured you’d want to relax and maybe smell like something other than antibacterial soap.”
“I think I want a nap,” she said. “Are you okay with that?”
I eased onto the edge of the bed and smoothed her hair back from her face. “Baby, you can do whatever you want. As far as I’m concerned, this is just as much your home as it is mine.”
“Really?” she asked, rolling onto her side.
My gaze dropped to her breasts, and maybe I was an asshole for noticing the way they moved under her shirt. I tried not to be a complete dick and stare, but my cock was already getting hard. Jesus Christ. It was going to kill me, knowing she was here in my bed and I would be out on the couch.
“Seamus,” she said softly.
“Sorry.” My voice didn’t sound quite right and I forced myself to stand up, then immediately wished I hadn’t. It was difficult to hide how hard I’d gotten and the last thing I wanted to do was scare Nessa.
“Wait.” She reached out and wrapped her fingers around my wrist.
“I can’t be here right now, Nessa. You haven’t been in my house for even an hour and already I’m…” I stopped and took a breath. “You need to heal, sweetheart. The last thing you need is me getting hard every time I look your way.”
“Do you know how flattering it is that you want me that much?” she asked. “Maybe some women would be offended, and if it were any other guy I’d probably feel the same, but I want you, Seamus, just as much as you want me.”
I closed my eyes, trying to get my dick under control. Then I heard the bed creak as she got up and felt her fingers slide against my cheek. I felt like I was in high school. My cock got so fucking hard it was painful. She slid her hand down my neck and kept going until she reached my belt buckle. I sucked in a breath and my heart started pounding. I’d always thought if this moment happened, I would be the one seducing her, not the other way around.
“Nessa, what are you doing?”
“I think we should get it out of the way,” she said.
“Get what out of the way?”
“Seeing each other naked.”
I blinked and stared down at her. Did she just… “Nessa, did they give you pain medication before you left the hospital?”
“I have to be drugged to want to see you naked?”
“Um… babe… I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but you stripping me naked right now seems out of character. I know we haven’t seen each other in five years, but Scratch is always telling me how sweet you are. Sweet and innocent were, I believe, his exact words. So, no, I don’t think you have to be drugged to want to see me sans apparel, but the timing is a little strange.”
She reached down and grabbed the hem of her top and yanked it over her head. Her breasts bounced free and I swallowed so damn hard it echoed in the room. My gaze scanned the rest of her body and my brain short-circuited. It wasn’t like I’d never seen a naked woman before. Hell, I’d probably seen a hundred or more of them in my lifetime, but none of them were Nessa. She was perfection, and mine!
With a wink and a flirty smile, she turned and walked off, straight into the bathroom. I’d only taken two steps when she slammed the door shut, and I heard the lock click. Mother. Fucker. That little tease had wound me up, then shut me down. I grinned as I stared at the closed door and shook my head. Yeah, little Janessa Rodriguez was going to keep me on my damn toes, and I had a feeling I’d love every second of it.
I chuckled as I left the bedroom, pulling the door mostly shut behind me. If she needed something and called out, I wanted to hear her, but I also wanted to give her some semblance of privacy when she came out of the bathroom. Even if she’d stripped in front of me, I didn’t think she normally would parade around naked in front of a guy. It didn’t mesh with what little Scratch had told me over the years.
While she showered, I went to the kitchen and pulled out a box of macaroni from the pantry and some ground beef from the fridge. I set the noodles to boiling as I browned the meat, adding some salt and pepper. After I’d drained the meat and noodles, I turned on the oven and let it warm. Then I grabbed one of the foiled baking dishes I’d picked up, and mixed the noodles and ground beef before tossing in three different shredded cheeses and some Velveeta. I let the dish bake and prowled the house, making a mental note of the things I still needed to buy before this place would even somewhat resemble a home and not an empty house.
It really did look rather pathetic. I wondered what Janessa had thought when she’d walked through all the empty rooms. Did she see the potential in this big house, or was she disappointed in how little I owned? I’d never given a shit what a woman thought, and maybe it made me a pussy to worry about it now, but Janessa wasn’t just any woman. She was the one I wanted next to me the rest of my life, if I could get over the hurdle of her dad.
By the time Janessa appeared again -- wearing a different one of my shirts and hopefully some panties -- I was pulling the dish from the oven and plating our food. Steam rose from the gooey goodness and the kitchen smelled pretty awesome. I’d run across some simple recipes online one night when I was bored as shit, and I’d actually pulled off a few. Like this one. I set the plates on the table, then grabbed some forks and got two sodas out of the fridge.
“Hope you’re hungry,” I said.
“For food that didn’t come from a hospital cafeteria? I’m starved!”
“It’s one of the few things I know how to make. Mostly I just microwave shit when I get hungry, or I eat at the clubhouse or the diner in town.”
“How old are you, Seamus?”
“Thirty-two.” I stopped and stared at her. “Why?”
She snickered a little. “You made it to the age of thirty-two, and you can only cook a few things? Do you have no survival skills?”
“Are you laughing at me?” I asked with some amusement.
“Maybe a little,” she said, holding her thumb and forefinger a few centimeters apart. “I don’t mind cooking. I sometimes even enjoy it.”
“Your mom teach you to cook?” I asked.
She set her fork down, her gaze dropping to the table. What the fuck did I say wrong? I’d always thought moms taught their kids to cook. My mother hadn’t bothered with that sort of thing, and the last time I’d seen her was a long fucking time ago, but surely some moms did that shit.
“Mom was in the asylum the first twenty-two years of her life. Dad did most of the cooking, even though Mom started to learn after a while. She still doesn’t cook as much as Dad does, but I think he likes taking care of her.”
“Fuck. I’m sorry, Nessa. I wasn’t thinking. I sometimes forget that psycho doctor was after her when we first met. She doing okay now? She seemed happy. I know she was worried about you, but I could still tell that she seemed content with her life.”
“She’s good.” Nessa smiled. “Dad dotes on her. I found out recently that the reason they’ve only had the two boys is that she can’t have more kids. The doctor said it would be dangerous for her, so Dad got snipped. I can’t help but think they’d have had a houseful. Mom’s the best mother I could have ever asked for.”
“Well… that’s more than I needed to know about Tex, but I’m glad you had an awesome mother.”
Nessa laughed and started eating again.
“When we’re done here, maybe we can watch a movie. I’m sure you’re supposed to take it easy for a while,” I said.
“My doctor said you spoke to him.” She gave me a coy smile. “Something about whether or not it was all right to be intimate?”
Shit. “Um, I wasn’t expecting anything to happen, but if things progressed that far I wanted to make sure it was safe. And my tests came back fine, so I’m clean.”
I tried not to wince at how ridiculous that sounded. With my reputation, which was definitely deserved, I wouldn’t blame her if she got up and walked the fuck out. If she’d known all this time I spoke to her doctor about that, I wasn’t entirely certain why she was even here. Shouldn’t she have told her dad? I knew she hadn’t, or Tex would have cut off my balls by now. Yeah, we’d talked about being intimate, but I hadn’t expected her to just walk into the house and strip.
I wasn’t scared of much, and honestly the Reaper didn’t frighten me. He wasn’t that much older than me, which was probably part of his problem with me being with Janessa. That and the fact I’d screwed anyone in a skirt for the last five years. I was lucky Janessa was willing to give me a chance, and I really didn’t want to fuck it up.
“I’m fucking with you, Seamus,” she said.
I wasn’t sure what to make of her. She was so different from the girl I’d met before, and yet when I looked into her eyes, I still saw that young Nessa who had been cute and flirty despite the big age gap between us. The grown-up version was saucy and sexy as hell. If I hadn’t been captivated by her before, I sure as fuck was now.
“We can watch a movie,” she said. “I’ll even let you pick, seeing as it’s your TV and all.”
“Very considerate of you.”
“I’m thoughtful like that.”
I just shook my head and cleared the table. I cleaned up the kitchen and led Nessa into the living room. She cuddled against my side on the couch, and I flipped through the channels until I found something I thought we might both like. At first I thought it was an accident when she brushed against my thigh, but then it happened again. When her fingers slipped dangerously close to my cock, I glanced her way. She was staring at the TV, but the look in her eyes said the movie wasn’t on her mind, unless it had switched to a porno without me noticing.
I let her play her games, trying to act like I didn’t notice. Another twenty minutes passed when her head rested against my shoulder and the hand on my thigh went lax. Her breathing was deep and even, and her eyes had closed. I contemplated moving her to the bed or leaving her alone. As she shifted against me, I realized she wasn’t comfortable, so I shut off the movie and carried Janessa to the bedroom. The temptation of lying down with her was too great.
I toed off my boots, removed my belt and my cut, then stared at my jeans and hesitated. After a moment of arguing with myself, I kicked them off and slid into bed with just my boxer briefs on. I lay down next to her, trying to relax. She immediately curled against me, and I held her close. In all the years I’d been fucking women, I couldn’t remember a single damn time I’d just held one all night and slept beside her. It seemed right that my first time should be with Janessa.
I breathed in her scent and closed my eyes, feeling content and happy for the first time I could ever remember. Other than my brothers, I hadn’t trusted anyone in a long time. Maybe not ever. Well, not since I discovered that even parents would screw their kid over if it benefited them in some way. All little kids were trusting, until you gave them a reason not to be. The grown-up me, however, hadn’t trusted anyone but the men I knew had my back. And now Janessa.
I only hoped it didn’t all blow up in my face.