“What do you think you’re doing?” she asked, giggling.
“I’m touching my woman.”
She moaned, turning her head enough for him to kiss her lips.
“I want your cock,” she said, whispering the words against his lips.
“You’ll get me tonight. I’m going to fuck you so hard. Your pussy is going to be sore in the morning.”
Prue wriggled her ass, rubbing his cock. “I can’t wait.”
He held her for several minutes basking in the feel of truly possessing her. They hadn’t talked about her going back home or of her moving closer to him.
“I love this,” she said.
She hadn’t told him how she felt, but he believed she loved him. Zero was in love with her and had been for a long time. He just hadn’t realized it. His guilt over Trevor had held him back, and he’d found solace in loving Sophia from afar. Over the years he’d tortured himself, stopping him from having any other woman.
“I’ll leave you to take care of the kids,” he said, kissing her head.
Prue nodded, moving away to push the swing.
He made his way into the clubhouse, picking up the toolbox stored in Tiny’s office. Zero knocked on the door even though it was partially open. Tiny had a tendency to fuck Eva, and if any of them walked in the leader made sure to hurt them when he finally got hold of them.
“Come in,” Tiny said.
Opening the door, he found the office empty apart from Tiny sitting at the computer. He was clicking away when Zero entered.
“I’m here for the toolbox,” Zero said.
“It’s in the corner.” Tiny glanced up at him as Zero retrieved the box. “How are you and Prue holding up?”
“We’re doing okay. Waiting for Alan to strike is not helping matters.”
“I know. Nothing has happened at all. It’s like he doesn’t exist. I’m sick and tired of chasing ghosts.” Tiny sat back, rubbing a hand over his face.
“Nothing from Alex and Ned?”
“No. Alan was there, and then he was gone. We’ll find him. Everyone slips up eventually.”
“What if he doesn’t?” Zero asked.
“Then we better hope we’re ready for the fight he’s going to give us.”
Zero stared down at the ground. He hated feeling helpless. Ten years ago he’d fucked up, and now the whole club was paying the price for his fucking stupidity.
“What’s the matter?” Tiny asked, leaning back in his chair to stare at him.
“I’m sorry. I was such a fucking idiot. I didn’t even think about what was happening or the consequences.” Zero stopped talking. What could he say?
“You took matters into your own hands. Trevor, your friend, you were close?” Tiny got up from his chair, moving around the desk to sit on the edge.
“Yeah, we were like brothers. I wanted him to join The Skulls. He had other plans.”
“Plans that got him killed.”
Zero nodded. “Yeah.”
“Look, you were a prospect ten years ago. We fuck up, and we learn from our mistakes. I can’t turn around and say you shouldn’t have fucked over this guy because I don’t know what I’d do if it was a friend of mine.” Tiny let out a sigh. “I’ve buried a lot of friends, and I’ve killed a lot of people. I know if anyone fucks with my family, they will die. You were taking care of your family, and you were hurt. You fucked up and left the man alive.” Tiny shrugged. “I can rant and rave at you, but in the end, I’d be a hypocrite. I will hurt and kill anyone who thinks they can take my family away from me. I expect the same from all my men.”
“Okay.”
“You can beat yourself up, or you can brush this shit off and deal with the now rather than the then, got it?” Tiny asked.
“Yeah, I got it.”
“Good. Stop being a pussy and go work.”
Zero headed to the door.
“Next time you want to fuck your woman, do so away from the pantry. Watching your ugly ass is not a sight I’m going to forget easily. It’s there.”
Laughing, Zero left the room, feeling happier than he had in a long time. Tiny didn’t hold him responsible, and knowing that helped him to deal with what he had done. He stood outside watching Prue with the children. Making his way toward his bike, he started working. He pulled the bike away from the others in the center of the compound near the gate. The gate was not open, but Zero wasn’t afraid.
He set to work, listening to the sounds of the children laughing. Life was good. Working on his bike he could pretend for several minutes that nothing was wrong. Every time he looked at the closed gate he was reminded of the danger that surrounded them.