When Karma Comes To Call (6 page)

“Okay, man, your call. As soon as I hear from O’shay, I’ll let you know what we got planned next. For now, just heal up, brother. Whatever you need, the prospects will get, and Doc is going to keep a close eye on you for the next little bit. Everything else is on your girl.”

“I’m good with that.”

Demon holds up his hands and walks out. He didn’t look out, but the look in his eyes said everything.

***

Karma

I hate being out here on my own, though I’d never show it. I return the glares of the other women with disinterested looks and keep my back to the wall as I watch the room. My ribs ache and my panties are soaked. Arsen tasted good. My mouth waters and I long for more. He brings out a side of me I all but forgot. Getting laid hasn’t been a priority for some time, and before the only euphoria I worried about came with white powder. I probably have cobwebs down there. I tug on the shirt that belongs to Arsen and try not to fidget in my jeans. The clingy material is irritating my side, but I refuse to look too sloppy. These people are predators. If I act like prey, they’re going to pounce. I miss the silence and camaraderie available with Arsen.

“Your man tired of you already?”

I look up at the brown-haired man with a white smile and crystalline blue eyes. His cut says Sailor.

“He’s talking with Demon.”

“They could be a while. Why don’t you come and keep me company at the bar?” he asks.

“No, thank you,” I reply politely.

“No?” He snickers. “You that stuck up?”

“Are you that egotistical?” I ask.

His jaw clenches. I’m playing with fire. I don’t know these people and I’m no one’s anything. Still, sitting here and taking everything anyone offers up like a little bitch doesn’t sit well with me.

“You got a real mouth on you,” Sailor growls, taking a step toward me.

“A fact Arsen appreciates. I’m pretty sure he’d like her and it to stay the way it is. We got a problem here, Sailor?” Demon asks.

“Naw, just trying to show her a little hospitality, and she got lippy.”

“I’ve seen your brand of hospitality. Can’t say I blame the girl. In case there’s been some confusion, she’s off limits. Now if you want to answer to Arsen ...”

“No, man. W-we’re good,” Sailor says, holding up his hands. The blood drains from his face, and real fear appears in his eyes. “All you had to say was she belonged to him.”

I frown at the world belong. What exactly did Arsen do for these men? His words return.
I take care of problems
. Images of
Good Fellas
plays in my mind.

“I can see you’re going to cause trouble,” Demon mutters.

“I’m sorry?”

He shakes his head. “Come, walk with me.”

I stand, and we walk away from the small crowd gathered at the bar. “Lucky is going to work up paperwork. We want forty percent of what you make. We’ll back your upcoming events and let you have creative control. We’re not looking to control you or clip your wings. We just want to make us both some money and have access to your numbers to make everything add up.”

I roll the deal over in my mind. It’s fair. They stand to lose more than me if they back me and I bomb. “For how long?” I ask.

“A year, then we’ll revisit things.”

“Done.”

“Like that?” Demon asks.

“What other choice is there? I could’ve died the other night,” I whisper.

“But you didn’t. You’re a lot tougher than you look. You saved my brother. I owe you for that,” he says.

I want to believe him, but words mean shit—it’s all about actions. “What happens next?” I ask.

“Tomorrow we’ll make shit official. In the meantime, you’ll stick to the Slayer and get him back to fighting shape. Anything you need you ask for, and we’ll provide it.”

“Where will I stay?” I ask. The thought of being separated from Arsen agitates me.

“With him. I’ll have a prospect bring in a cot.”

“Okay,” I say, suddenly exhausted.

“How are those ribs feeling?” Demon asks.

“Like they were bruised.” 

He laughs. “Might want to watch that mouth. People around here don’t like being disrespected, especially not Slayer.”

“Trust me, he likes my mouth just the way it is.” I cover my mouth. “I’m sorry.”

Demon laughs. “Fuck, you’re right about that. Come on, I’ll introduce you to Duff, he’s going to be your prospect.” Just like that I’m welcomed into their fold and given a task. It’s more than I’ve had since Billie died. I soak it up like a sponge. At least for a time, I have a place to belong and support. I listen to Demon rattle off rules in a haze. In this foreign place, I’ve found solace.

Informed, and feeling tired, I’m dropped back off at the room. I walk inside and find Arsen asleep. His mouth is open and quiet snores spill from his cupid’s bow lips. I can’t help but smile. He looks so much lighter in sleep. I should be receiving a cot soon, but my eyes are drooping. I slip off my shoes and ease into the bed, hugging the edge of it. The soft mattress and the heat pouring from Arsen’s body lull me to sleep.

I wake up with a start. The room is pitch black. My heart is pounding, and it takes a minute to acclimate.

“You okay, K?” a deep voice asks.

“Huh?”

“You back here with me?” he asks again.

“Y-yeah.” I sit up and whimper as my ribs protest.

“No one is going to hurt you here.”

I remain silent. He can’t promise that. No one can.

“You want to know how I know that?”

“How?” I ask, moistening my lips.

“Reach onto the nightstand beside you.”

I reach out and feel the cool metal.

“That’s a 9 millimeter. My .45 is beside me. Anyone comes in here has a death wish. You can’t control what happens, but you can be prepared.”

The steel is comforting. It’s real, and solid. I grip it and allow it to calm me.

“You understand? That’s power you’re holding right there. Power to defend yourself and take a life is necessary. This is your last line of defense. Because just outside this door is an army of men who’d lay their life down for either of us.”

His words and the 9 millimeter calm me. I vaguely wonder if I’m on my way to becoming a sociopath.
Does it matter if it gets me through?
I place the gun down and rest my head back on the pillow.

“Better?” he asks.

“Much.”

“Come here,” his husky voice commands.

I slowly move my body to his. He wraps a strong arm around me and I run my hands over his arm, imagining the tattoos that cover it. He buries his face in my neck. “We’re going to get through his together, girl.”

“Why?” I whisper.

A moment passes, and I wonder if he’ll tell me. “’Cause whether you like it or not, you’re mine, and I protect what’s mine.”

I close my eyes. I’m a responsibility. “I’ll pull my weight.”

He tightens his arm and winces. “Not what I meant.”

“What did you mean?” I ask, pressing him for more.

“The minute you risked your life for me you came under my protection. Nothing is going to touch you as long as I’m breathing. You believe me?”

I hold my breath. I want to so badly, but I know better. People fail you every time.

“You think I say shit lightly?”

“No, I think things happen.”

“You’re going to believe me before this is all done,” he says.

“Hmmm.”

He cups my breasts. “I know what you need to stop thinking.” He nips my ear lobe and sucks it into his warm mouth. His nimble fingers pluck at my nipples, and all the thoughts lingering from the nightmare disappear. “Let me show you how well I can take care of you.” His cock presses into my ass, and I can’t help but arch my back. “That’s it, baby. Give it up to me.” His hand trails down and slips into my panties. “You wet for me yet, baby? Is that pretty little pussy ready for me?” His words have me flowing like a river. The raspy tone and the heated breath against my neck has my clit swollen and aching for him. He bites my neck hard.

“I didn’t hear you, Karma.”

“Yes,” I whimper.

He rolls my clit between his thick, calloused fingers. I lean my head back against his shoulder, careful not to jar my ribs or his legs. Our injuries have effectively bound me like a rope. I’m at his mercy and loving every wicked moment of torture. He nibbles his way down my neck and plunges two fingers inside my pussy. I gasp at the unexpected invasion. “You’re so fucking tight and wet.” He circles my walls, and I grip the sheets, moaning as I roll my head from side to side.

“Yes, you feel so good,” I say.

“You going to come for me, baby. I want to feel you squeeze my fingers.”

His words push me toward the edge. The pressure builds. My pussy weeps and my walls tremble. It’s been so long since I’ve felt a man’s touch, and I’ve never had anyone like Arsen.

“Oh, Arsen.”

“That’s right. I’m the one making you feel like this. Let me hear you call my name.” He adjusts his angle, hitting a spot that makes me see stars. I splinter and reassemble in his arms. Tucked close like something of value, I can’t help but wish I could be his. He traces my lips with his fingers.

“Open up.”

I part my lips and moan at the salty sweetness.

“Now give me those lips.”

I turn my head, and he pushes his tongue in my mouth, feeding at my mouth like I’m his last meal. He bites down on my bottom lip, hard. The metallic taste of blood floods my mouth and he continues to devour me. What we have is volatile and potent. I’m alive. My senses are on fire, and I never want it to end.

He growls. “Fuck. I want to be buried deep inside your pussy right now.”

His harsh words open a door inside of me.

“Tell me,” I whisper.

“You like that? When I talk about that tight little hole I’m going to wreck?” He grips my hair, winding it around his fist and pulling it tight.

I moan, “Yes.”

The pain and the raspy voice trigger pleasure. I’m flooded with a fresh batch of wetness.

“You wet right now?”

“So wet.”

“Can’t wait to heal. Get your ass up here and sit on my face,” he growls.

The air rushes from my lungs. My cheeks heat. I’ve had some lovers, but none were too interested in eating me out. It’s been my experience that men shy away from it. I close my thighs together, pinning his hand.

“You telling me no?”

“I’ve never really done that.”

He hisses. “You telling me no one’s ate that juicy pussy of yours right? You been fucking with the wrong men. I can’t live with that knowledge and do nothing about it.” He pushes my pants off my hips, and I help him, sliding them down my legs and kicking them off.

“Up, now.”

I push the hesitation away and carefully climb over his body. Gripping the head board, I hover over his mouth. He grabs my hips and brings me down to him. His tongue flicks my clit, and I close my eyes, enjoying the heat and friction he’s providing. His fingers dig into my thighs as he licks, sucks, and drives me toward an explosion.

“Oh, yes, Arsen.”

He moans and my walls flex. He thrusts his stiff tongue inside my slickness, and I grind into his face, desperate for completion. He must have a Ph.D. in pussy. He hits a spot that sends me flying. I scream, fucking his face to wring out every iota of pleasure I can get. His name is a mantra I need to change as I wade through the waters of desire. When I come, it’s hard and violent. My body twitches and I slump back against the wall. I slide to the side, trying to be careful not to agitate his wounds. My eyes are heavy along with my limbs. He pulls me to him, but it’s the covers he tucks around our bodies that make the wall I’ve erected crack.

“What about you?”

“Tonight was for you. Now sleep.”

I want to protest, but he just wore me the fuck out. I yawn and close my eyes, snuggling close. I’ll deal with the fall-out tomorrow. Tonight, I need this.

Chapter Five

Arsen

You can learn a lot about a person living with them. It’s been a week with Karma, and I feel like I’ve known her for months. The intimacy isn’t what drives me crazy. It’s the inability to do all the shit I want to do to her. She’s been helping me out when I need it without being asked, and I’ve been paying her back at night. It’s good between us. O’Shay rolled over. Told us we were square, dropped a pretty penny, and offered up some free studio time. I know technically it should be settled, but I’m a paranoid bastard. So I’ll be watching over my shoulder for the next few months. I watch her scramble eggs, fry bacon, and toast bread. She’s humming something soulful and looking completly at ease in the clubhouse. It boggles my mind. Not many women are out for this life, and even the ones who live it have been known to give their old man trouble. I didn’t need that.

“How are your ribs feeling?” Doc asks.

“Less tender.”

“Good.” He looks down at the leg I have propped up. “Nice to see someone follows directions around here.”

“I’m taking it easy,” Karma says.

Doc snorts. The door opens and I watch Arden walk in. Her dirty blonde hair is pulled back in a bun and she’s still wearing her scrubs.

“Long night?” I ask.

“Always is. I have the next few days off,” she says, walking up to sit at the table. Being grounded has provided me with a chance to reconnect with her. I can see she’s lonely. Neither of us trusts easily, and her closest friend relocated to another state.

“Hey, Arden. You hungry?” Karma asks.

Arden smiles. “Yeah, I’m starving.”

“I made plenty, usually the smell brings them flooding in,” Karma says.

She makes me a plate, slides one to Arden, and pauses with a hand on her hip. “You going to have a cheat day with us, Doc?” Karma asks. The teasing lilt to her voice speaks volumes. She feels comfortable here. I’m not sure how to feel about that.

“I’ll have a few strips of bacon,” Doc says.

Karma smirks and makes him a plate.

“Any interesting ER tales?” Karma asks.

Arden snickers. “Had an idiot come in with a homemade vibrator stuck where the sun don’t shine.”

“No!” Karma squeals.

I cringe and shovel the eggs into my mouth. Nothing needs to go in my exit, ever.

“Takes all kinds,” Doc mutters.

“I wish I was a writer, so I could put this shit in a book,” Karma says.

“Who’d believe it?” Arden asks. She closes her eyes. “This is freaking delicious, Karma. Thank you.”

“Thanks. I like to cook, it’s a de-stressor,” Karma explains.

“Sit. You need to eat, too,” I instruct. She’s been horrible about healing, running around, taking care of me, and ignoring her own healing process.

“I need to make more.”

“That’s what prospects are for. Park it,” I snap. She narrows her gaze, and I kick the chair across from me out with my foot. “You going to make me get up and make you?” 

“No,” she says.

“Jesus, bro, caveman much?” Arden asks.

“Eat. You look like you’ve lost weight,” I say, ignoring her words. My sister’s right, I’m all over Karma like I’m her old man.
I want to keep her.
The realization is sobering. I blink and take her in. She looks good in a pair of cut offs, a T-shirt, and my flannel.
Mine.
She woke the beast inside quieted by the betrayal of my first love. My knee-jerk response is to protect myself.

~~~
Past

I sit back in the chair watching the detective across the table. The metal of the seat digs into my back. My ass went numb hours earlier. He’s grilling me about the drugs he assumes Dueling Devils are running. We’re just the middle man, but he doesn’t know that, and he won’t. Not from me. It’s part of our deal to clean out the territory. We do a few runs while they’re setting up shop elsewhere, so they don’t lose money. In exchange we get the territory free and clear without battle. It was a win on both sides until now.

“I want to give you a chance to save yourself, Arsen. You’re young. Do you really want to go down for this club?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Detective Macneil.”

“Last chance, give me something good on Dueling Devils, and you can walk away free and clear,” the detective says. In his mid-forties, the man has a fatherly vibe. He’s using his nice voice, and pretending to give a damn. Crow’s feet and laugh lines lend to the good cop role. They picked the right person to come in and run game, but I’m too smart for that. They have nothing to find, that’s why they’re bringing us in on bullshit charges and grilling us one by one. I’m solid. I’m not going to crack.

“I should let you know, we have Lydia Sarton in custody. It seems like your girl likes crystal. We caught her with enough to send her to jail. You got something to say to that?”

My muscles tense. “Like I’d believe that. She doesn’t use.”

“Funny, that’s what she said. But evidence is evidence.”             

They had to plant it. Our lawyer can get her off. The thought of my petite, blonde girlfriend locked up fills me with dread. She’d be someone’s bitch by the end of the first day. My stomach aches. Club first.

“Interesting story, but I don’t read fiction,” I say.

“If only that were true, Mr. Smarts. See, Ms. Sarton told us an interesting story about you and meth. She also showed us a stash. You’re going away for a long time.”

“You can sell this to someone else, ’cause I’m not buying.”

Macneil shakes his head and sighs. “You have one chance to find your way out of this. Testify against Dueling Devils, give me something good, and I’ll bump this down and get you less time, maybe even probation. It’s your first offense.”

I cross my arms and stare at him. This can’t be right. She’d never turn on me. We’ve been together since high school. I took her into the fold with me.

“All right, Mr. Smarts, you’re under arrest for possession of meth with intention to distribute. You have the right to remain silent …”

His words are a blur. She ratted on me. My old lady turned me in to get her ass out of the line of fire.

~~

Present

“Earth to Arsen.” Arden snaps her fingers in front of my face and I flinch.

“What?” I growl.

“You back in the land of the living?” 

“Yeah.” I nod.

“You need meds?” Karma asks, instantly by my side.
She’s not Lydia.

I nod my head to cover my tracks.

“I’ll get it.” She pushes back her chair and disappears into our room.
My room.

“What’s up with you two?” Arden asks.

“What?”

“Don’t play dumb. I know you. You don’t do nice,” Arden says.

“Who says I am?” I ask. Doc snorts. “Got something you want to say, Doc?” I ask coldly.

“Listen, Slayer, you let a girl who looks like that, and treats you like that get away, you’re dumber than I thought.”

I ignore him and scan the room, looking for a distraction. The blonde who stumbles out of the room blinking against the light is a mess. Her hair is a ratty nest. Her lipstick is smeared. Black smudges under her eyes make her look like a heroine user. I lock onto her.

“Blondie, come here,” I say, patting my leg.

She blinks and walks over to me. I can see the fear in her blue eyes.

I ignore the weight of my sister’s stare and pat my knee.

“H-hey,” Blondie says, gingerly perching on my good leg.

“How about you finish cooking here? Boys will be up soon.”

“O-okay, I can do that,” she whispers.

I massage her exposed hip, ignoring the bones sticking out. Her body feels wrong. But this is about proving a point and saving us both. I can’t give Karma what she needs, and she deserved a life unhindered by us. Her name connected with mine brings trouble. Karma walks up to the table. Her face remains stoic, but her eyes show the hurt. I stare her down.
This is my life. Look at it. You don’t belong here.
I will her to understand. She sets the pills on the table.

“I’ll get you some water.”

“Blondie can do it. Can’t you?” I ask.

“Y-yeah.” She scrambles off my lap and rushes to the fridge.

Karma holds her head high and sinks back into her seat. It’s a stalemate.

“So, what are you going to do on your days off?” Karma asks.

“I don’t know, I was thinking of shopping. Can I steal her?” Arden asks.

The danger should be over, but I don’t want to let her out of my sight.

“I don’t see why not. I mean, you don’t need me, right? You have all the help you need right here, and the danger has passed. I would think I’d be leaving the club house soon, actually,” Karma says.

“We’ll see,” I growl.

“When do you want to leave for the mall?” Karma asks, ignoring me.

“I can shower, change, and power through, then crash after our trip if that works for you,” Arden replies.

“Did you hear what I said?” I bark.

“Yeah, I heard you. But I’m pretty sure you’ve got no
claim
on me
.
Your job is to keep me safe. You’ve done that. I don’t have an event. Everything’s been quiet, and I want to get the hell out of here before I lose my shit. This is your home, not mine.”

Little bitch has a sharp tongue when she has a mind to hurt.
Message received loud and clear. It’s what I wanted, right?

“Fine, but your prospect goes with you,” I say.

“Oh this is bullshit,” Karma huffs.

“I’m in charge of keeping everyone safe. If I tell you to do something, I expect it to be done without lip. You hear me, girl?” My blood boils.

“I heard you,” she snarls.

“You better lose that bass,” I say.

“I’m sorry.” An eerie smile lines her lip. “I forgot how things work here.” She bats her lashes, and makes a coy expression. “I should never raise my voice or question you. Should I start to call you sir, too?”

My dick hardens at the thought. She’s winding me up and she knows it.

“Well, sir, if you please, I’d like to go get dressed so I can go shopping with my friend, your sister, Arden. Is that okay with you?”

“Bitch,” I hiss.

“I’m taking that as a yes.” She drops her fork on her plate. “I’m not hungry anymore. I’m sure that bitch can take care of the dishes.” She stands and stalks off. I move to lumber after her.

“I wouldn’t if I were you,” Arden says.

“Fuck, you going to give me shit, too?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “You were wrong there. She’s not—”

I slam my hand on the table, rattling the plates and silverware. “Don’t you say that whore’s name.”

She holds her hands up and shakes her head. “One day you’re going to have to let that shit go, so you can move on and be happy.”

“Who says I’m not? Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong. That shit doesn’t work out well.”

She shuts her mouth and spins on her heel, giving me her back. Silence falls over the table.
Not everyone needs an old lady and kids to feel complete. The dreams I had were those of an idealistic young man, I know better now.
If that’s true, then what the hell is this sinking feeling in my gut?

***

Karma

The nerve of that asshole has me ready to go at him, Slayer or not. I know crazy. I grew up in it. The insanity gene swims in my bloodstream. I have no problem going for his head. All these other bitches are afraid of him, but I can see the value of gaining his respect. That means risking his bite. I don’t know what we have, but it’s more than releases in the dark. I’ve been doing my damndest to take care of him and he repays me with this? I’m not a telling kind of person. I prefer to show, and by the time I’m done he’ll kill me or fuck me and we’ll agree to terms.

I dig into the pile of clothing Chase left and come out with a pair of cut-offs, a Harley Davidson tank ripped in the back to expose my flesh, and my black fuck me boots. I take care with my make-up, and fluff my girls within an inch of their life.

I’m aiming to make a statement, and I’ve always been a ‘go big or go home’ kind of girl. After adding my underage Kat Von Dee lipstick I’m ready to bail. I grab my purse, and walk out. Wolf whistles greet me left and right.

“Damn, you clean up well,” the attractive biker I’ve come to know as Hound
says.

“This is nothing. You should see me when I actually try,” I reply with a wink.

I hear Arsen growl, and smirk.
Two can play this game, motherfucker.

“I’m ready, Arden.”

“I see that.” She grins evilly, and obviously knows what’s up. An unspoken girl code passes between us.

“Where the fuck do you think you’re going dressed like that?” Arsen questions.