Thorn (Salvation's Bane MC 3): A Bones MC Romance Read online

  When she had control of herself, Thorn tilted her chin up to look at him. “You OK? I didn’t mean to scare you, honey.”

  “I’m fine,” she snapped. Mariana tried to put heat in her response, but the truth was, she was fine. The longer Thorn held her, the more secure she felt. It was crazy how at ease she was with him. In fact, no one had ever been as considerate and caring toward her as Thorn had. Right from the beginning.

  “Mama said you’ve been at it a while. Thought the activity was doin’ you good. You tired or do you need more?” He looked down at her. Probably judging her response.

  Finally, she just relaxed into his embrace. “No. I’m good. I need a shower, though.”

  “Good,” he said curtly, swinging her up into his arms as he made his way to the steps at the shallow end of the pool. “We’ll shower together.”

  * * *

  Only an idiot wouldn’t know where this was headed. Mariana fought her instincts to just let nature take its course. Setting herself up with the wrong guy was what had gotten her into this mess to begin with. But hadn’t she just realized how safe Thorn made her feel? She didn’t have many absolutes in her life, but she knew with no doubt at all that Thorn was the one man she’d ever met who could and would keep her safe. He’d fight her demons whether she wanted him to or not. Besides, she wanted this. Wanted Thorn. It might be the only time he allowed this, but, if he wanted her, she was willing to give herself to him. Whatever happened afterward, she’d deal with.

  He adjusted the water temperature in the shower adjacent to his room before turning to face her. “We need to talk,” he said, stalking toward her. Why did he have to be so… over-the-top dominant? Why did she have to respond to him?

  “No good conversation ever started out that way.” She crossed her hands over her breasts. The wet bathing suit was starting to make her chilly in the air-conditioned room.

  “It will in this case. At least, we’ll both know where we stand with one another.”

  She sighed. “Yeah, I guess this needs to happen. We gonna do it before or after we get out of the shower?”

  His lips twitched. “No reason we can’t wash and talk at the same time. I mean, unless you’ve got other ideas.”

  She was self-conscious about sex with him. Jason had been her only lover, and she hadn’t really learned much from him. He hadn’t been lying when he’d said she just lay under him. Still, she could muddle through that, she thought. After all, enthusiasm trumped experience in this case. Right? What she was unsure about was his desire to have sex with her in the first place. He was much older than her. What if the idea creeped him out?

  “Well, I had an idea. I mean, showering together means we’ll have to be naked.” She shrugged. “Figured one thing would lead to another.” Mariana tried to hide how much she wanted this. Tried to be cavalier about it. Like she could take it or leave it. Truth was, she thought she might want this more than anything in the world at that moment.

  Thorn studied her for a long moment. Any amusement he’d shown was completely gone. “Be very sure what you’re asking for, Ana.” His voice was like honey over gravel. It was a weapon he used shamelessly. Even if she hadn’t been sure, that voice would have made her drop her panties at a hundred paces.

  “I think you know I’m sure. You don’t get to be your age in this kind of lifestyle without knowing what a woman wants,” she said softly.

  “Then we definitely need to talk first. Because you get one shot at this. One, Ana. You decide you’re letting me have you, that’s it. It’s not over until I decide. When I decide I’m done, I’ll tell you in no uncertain terms. There will be absolutely no misunderstandings along those lines. Do you understand me?”

  She didn’t, but wasn’t sure how to express herself. Apparently, he was adept at reading her expression because he let out a frustrated growl.

  “Fuck,” he swore softly. “What were you expecting?”

  She swallowed. Obviously, he was displeased. “I don’t expect anything from you, Thorn. You wanna fuck, I’m down with that. Hell” -- she gave him her best cocky grin -- “I think it would be the best time I’ve ever had. I won’t betray you or your club, and I won’t be clingy.”

  He jerked his head back like she’d taken a swing at him, then his features shut down. “We definitely need to talk about this. For now, all you need to know is that, while you’re with me, you’re only with me. Clear?”

  Mariana nodded.

  “Words, Ana.”

  “We’re clear,” she squeaked.

  Again, he studied her before nodding once. “Strip,” he said. It was a command, and simple. Before she realized it, she’d peeled down the shoulder straps of her bathing suit. His gaze was hot and intent, staring at her tits. Naturally, they peaked hard and pointed through her suit top under his scrutiny.

  “Didn’t say stop, honey.”

  “What about you?” She was trying to postpone this to gather her courage.

  “You can strip me when you’re done.”

  OK, that sent a shiver through her. Would he really let her strip him? If so, would he let her explore his body? Lord knew she wanted to.

  He didn’t rush her, just let her gather herself, making up her mind. That alone was enough for Mariana. This truly was her choice. Taking a deep breath, she wriggled out of the bathing suit and kicked the wet fabric away.

  Thorn took a step toward her, resting his hands on her hips, his nostrils flaring. Mariana looked up into his eyes, recognizing the hunger there. Strangely, it gave her courage to keep going. No man had ever looked at her like that. Like she was desirable. Like he wanted her.

  Thorn slid one big hand up her body to cup the slight weight. He kneaded gently, finding the nipple with his fingers and tugging. Mariana had to bite back a whimper, not wanting to look like too much of an innocent.

  “God fucking damn it,” he whispered. “Never seen such perfect tits.” He lowered his head and took the other breast in his mouth and sucked. Mariana did cry out then, unable to stop herself. Her hands went to his head, threading through his hair as he sucked and licked at her breast. Jason had never played with her like this. Her experience with sex consisted of literally lying under Jason. He’d never given her pleasure. Certainly hadn’t played with her body. Now, here came Thorn. In three or four seconds he’d given her more pleasure than she’d experienced in her adult life, and he hadn’t even made her come yet. But, oh, when he did, she had no doubt it would be life altering.

  “Easy,” he murmured around her nipple. “Let me taste you a while.” He moved to the other breast, and her legs did give out then. Thorn just wrapped his arms around her back and opened his mouth to take in as much of her breast as he could. His arms were strong and warm, giving her the illusion of safety when she knew she was anything but safe. At least, where her heart was concerned. This was just sex to him. He might be possessive and want her all to himself, but eventually he’d either grow tired of her inexperience or simply lose interest in her. When he moved on to someone new, Mariana knew her heart would break. Thorn had been the one to pick her up when she fell. He was the one who’d been with her during all the trauma of the past few weeks. How could she possibly give him up after this?

  She could feel his raging erection through his jeans and desperately wanted to get to it. She just wasn’t sure if she should without permission.

  “Get in the fuckin’ shower,” he growled. She thought he was impatient to get in with her, but he kept hold of her arm until she was safely inside. “Sit.” It was nothing less than an order. Thankfully, she had the presence of mind to spot the small shelf molded into the shower and took a seat as he commanded. Once she sat, Thorn stripped the remainder of his clothing off and climbed in with her.

  God, the man was glorious! Wide shoulders, tattooed skin, heavy muscles over his chest, arms, and thighs, all made for a treat she wanted to lick up. Rigid abs seemed to dance with his every movement. Everywhere she looked she found raw brawn and masculinity. S
cars mingled with the tattoos along his body, and Mariana ached to trace every single one of them with her tongue.

  She must have been licking her lips, because Thorn smirked at her. “Like what you see, honey?”

  Unable to form words, she just nodded, still looking her fill. Without thought, she reached out for his cock. It stood up hard and proud from a neat patch of dark hair. The thing was intimidating but, in that moment, Mariana knew she’d do anything to have it. She needed to touch and taste it. To fill her mouth with it. Her pussy.

  Her ass?

  Hell, she’d do anything he wanted. No question. Even if what he wanted might be uncomfortable for her, she’d try it, not doubting he could make it pleasurable for her.

  “You wantin’ to suck me, baby?” Again, she nodded, her gaze never leaving his cock. “Then, what’re you waitin’ for? Suck it.”

  She did. Mariana lapped at the head of his cock once before groaning and engulfing him. He tasted salty and wild, pulsing inside her as if he appreciated what she was doing.

  “That’s it. Take me deep as you can.”

  It was difficult because he stretched her lips wide, but Mariana did as he ordered. She loved the velvety feel of his skin in her mouth, the veins and ridges prominent. She’d never done this before. Jason had never seemed to want her to touch him at all. In high school, her girlfriends had laughed about giving head. Some of them liked it, others hated it. All of them were in agreement that men adored it. She’d thought maybe it was her, that she just didn’t look like the kind of girl who’d enjoy that sort of thing, because none of the boys she’d dated had even hinted they’d want her to suck them. Judging by Thorn’s reaction, she wasn’t doing half bad.

  “Fuck! Ah, fuck!” He gripped her hair, moving her as he needed her. Sometimes, he held her still and fucked her mouth like he might fuck her pussy, though his thrusts were always measured. He didn’t hurt her or make her gag, but he seemed to skirt the edge of discomfort. Just one more thing to suggest Thorn was very experienced indeed.

  Finally, he pulled out and pulled her to her feet. “Put your hands on the wall and spread your legs,” he commanded.

  Mariana obeyed without thought. She heard something tear, then glanced over her shoulder to watch him rolling a condom over his cock.

  “I’d rather take you bare, but we’ve not discussed that.” He gripped her hip and aimed his cock at her entrance, tucking it so the head pressed against her but didn’t penetrate her. “Last chance, baby. You sure this is what you want?”

  How could he possibly ask her this now? “Oh, God! Yes, Thorn,” she whimpered. “Plea -- AH!” Mariana screamed as he pulled her hips to him, entering her fully. Her head thrashed as the burn overtook her, the pleasure mingling with pain.

  “Shh, shh,” he said, pulling her back against him so his arms were wrapped tightly around her and her back was to his chest. His lips grazed her ear, and he snagged her lobe between his teeth, biting down gently. Again, she got the sense he gauged her reaction. She reached out blindly and found his thigh, gripping it with her hand. “You good? Hurt?”

  “No,” she gasped. “Yes!” She shook her head, trying to clear it of the haze of pleasure. “No, I’m not hurting. Yes. I’m good. Please don’t stop.” That last was almost sobbed out. Nothing had ever felt this… desperate in her whole life. It was like if he didn’t finish this, she’d die. And she might. The unfulfilled pleasure was steadily chipping away at her sanity. He’d barely touched her, played with her tits for a few seconds, and this was what he’d brought her to. She was so fucked.

  “Good,” he rumbled, sliding out and urging her to turn in his arms so she faced him. “I’m going to hold you tight, but feel free to move as much as you need to. I won’t hurt you or let you fall. When you feel the need to come, tell me.”

  Gasping for air, she nodded.

  Her body wasn’t her own. She knew that the second his mouth closed over her nipple. Now, as he thrust in and out of her pussy, Mariana knew this was meant for her. Because no way Thorn was getting as much pleasure from this as she was. If he was getting any pleasure at all from her body, he was still managing to keep tight control over his reactions. His focus was on her. She knew it like it was her own thought.

  When she shivered, he dropped one hand to her clit…

  And it was over.

  “Coming!” The word was more a gasp than anything else. She sucked in a breath to scream, but the spasm of her body was so hard, she couldn’t let it out. Her muscles seized, and her whole body shivered with tension. Finally, she was able to let go her breath, the scream erupting from her like the most violent volcano. Thorn stiffened, his thrusts going deep once, not retreating. His arms tightened around her, his fingers at her pussy gripping her instead of stroking. Then his bellow mingled with her screams.

  * * *

  Thorn looked down at the woman sleeping so trustingly in his arms. After having sex in the shower, Thorn had carried her to bed -- his bed -- and crawled in with her. He’d pulled her into his arms and wrapped her up tight, her head resting on his chest. She’d been stiff for a few seconds, then her delicate fingers had curled against his chest muscles as if clutching him to her. Then she relaxed into him, her body molding itself to his like she belonged there.

  Did she? Thorn wasn’t sure. He knew he wanted her there. But first, he had someone to kill. The little bastard had fooled them once. Wouldn’t happen again. Next time he unleashed his team, no one would find the fucking body.

  She shifted her position, then gave a small moan like she was still a little sore. He’d have to question her thoroughly about that when she woke. Last thing he wanted to do was cause her more pain. Lord knew she’d had enough in her life without him causing more.

  There was a soft knock at the door before it opened slightly and Red poked his head in.

  “You decent?”

  Mariana sat up, her eyes wide, voice slurred with sleep. “Wha -- Whosdare?”

  “Shh, baby. It’s just Red. Lay back down and rest.” Surprisingly, she did, only murmuring softly something incoherent. Thorn gently tucked the covers around her naked body as he sat up. He placed a soft kiss on her lips before walking to the door. He was still naked.

  Red opened his mouth to speak, but Thorn gave him a hard look, shaking his head once before slipping out into the hallway and closing the door carefully behind him.

  “This better be good.” Thorn normally wasn’t grouchy or minded when he was called out late into the night. Red raised his eyebrows but didn’t mention his bad mood.

  “You wanna put on some fuckin’ pants?”

  “Not really. Didn’t plan on being out here that fuckin’ long. Now what the fuck is it?”

  Red stared at him hard for a moment, then delivered his message. “Little fucker’s been askin’ around about you.”

  “Good. Make sure he knows where to find me.” He turned to go, but Red continued.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Thorn. He’s not stable.”

  “Well aware of that. Man who could beat the woman carryin’ his baby until she lost it ain’t fuckin’ stable.”

  Red grabbed his arm as Thorn turned to go back to Mariana. “I’m serious, brother. You need to prepare for this. Got no doubt you can take care of yourself and your woman. But you’ve got more here to worry about than the two of you. Kid’s gettin’ some buddies together who think they’re tough. They ain’t, but the guns they have are.”

  “Fuck!” Thorn swore softly. “Don’t fuckin’ need this.” He thought for a moment. While he had every confidence in his brothers’ abilities to protect the clubhouse and everyone in it, he didn’t believe in borrowing trouble. “Inform Beast and Vicious. I want a meeting in fifteen minutes with every member here. Restrict the club girls from going in or out. They leave the premises, they’re on their own. Put out the call to everyone. They ain’t at the clubhouse in two hours, they need to shelter on their own. No one gets in or out without my say.”

 
; “On it, boss.”

  “And Red?” The other man raised an eyebrow. “Anyone who sees that fucker anywhere other than at the fuckin’ front door and makes a positive ID, they’re to take the son of a bitch out. We’ll deal with the fallout.”

  Red nodded once then headed off to do as Thorn instructed.

  Fuck. He didn’t need this. He needed to take the hunt to the little motherfucker. Not wait around until he came after Mariana.

  Front fucking door…

  Then he paused.

  If he let Jason Harrison and his buddies inside the clubhouse, then… Sure, it would put Mariana in more danger than he liked, but it would also give him the greatest advantage. With absolutely no chance of an innocent getting hurt.

  “Red!” Thorn called out, hurrying down the hall and to the stairs. “Change of plans.”

  Chapter Five

  Church was full. Every member of Salvation’s Bane had made it to the meeting, even those not at the clubhouse. All of them were stoic and focused on the orders Thorn was handing down. “Harrison will show up. When he does…”

  “We invite him into the lions’ den.” Ripper finished. “We killin’ all of ’em?”

  “Not if we don’t have to. Jason Harrison, though, does not leave this place alive.”

  “Gonna be witnesses,” Ripper said. “I can fuck with any city cameras pointed in this general area, but there’s bound to be someone who sees them heading this way. Ain’t exactly rural.”

  “Blood?” Thorn turned to the man they depended on to take care of any mess that might lead back to the club. The man was ruthless and, more than once, had been called on to silence wayward tongues.

  “Kill those who need killin’,” he said softly. “I’ll make sure the rest are appropriately ignorant should they be asked.”

  If Blood said he’d take care of it, it was as good as done. His methods might be questionable, but Thorn had learned that, in most cases, it was best not to question his cleaner much. Or at all, really. Done was done.

  “Good. Work with Beast if necessary,” Thorn said.