Page 15 of Johny B

It’s JB.

My breath catches in my throat when I see him climb off his bike and stand to his full height. With his back to the house, he pulls off his helmet, and that quiff of his remains perfectly in place, his leather cut gleaming like a new pin. I wouldn’t have expected anything else. He swings around, his eyes falling to the window, as if sensing I’m watching from the other side. The sightof him is all it takes, and my skin is on fire. Desire darts to my core.

My breath hitches as I watch Stone lead the way towards the front door.

“Hey,” Stone greets me as he steps over the threshold. “We’ve just come to pick up JB’s gear.”

“Sure,” I respond, trying to be as cool as I can, regardless of the tension within the room. My eyes go to JB, but his body language is giving nothing away. “You, okay?” I ask him. There are no visible signs of him having taken a beating from anyone, but I need to know that he’s not hurting.

“I’m good,” he grunts back, barely acknowledging me, as he makes his way to the stairs. I go to follow, but Stone’s hand comes out and captures my arm.

“How are you doing?” he asks. It’s obvious he’s been given his orders from Smoke to make sure he keeps me away from JB.

“I’m not so bad, thanks.” I move again towards the stairs, only to be blocked by Stone and his huge body.

“So, Smoke’s your dad. Didn’t see that one coming.” He startles. “Bastard usually tells me everything. I’m a bit pissed that he didn’t feel he could trust me, but I understand why he keeps it under wraps.”

Smokes and Momma’s relationship had always been kept quiet, along with the fact that he had a baby with her. It was something he insisted on from the very beginning. They had both been so young and totally infatuated with each other. They’d also been stupid enough not to use protection. At first, his reasoning was that he didn’t want the club to see my mother or me as his weak spot or as an excuse to ridicule him. As time went by, he rose to the position of president, and the risks became greater. After my mother’s life was taken, it became imperative that our secret stayed firmly under wraps. The daughter of the president of an MC club would be of significantinterest, the perfect target and a negotiation tool for those who might want to take advantage of it.

“Stop with the distractions, Stone. What’s going on? Why are you stopping me from talking to JB? Daddy’s orders?” I say sarcastically.

“Partly.” He takes a step closer to me, hesitating before he puts his hand on my shoulder. I guess he’s scared that it might trigger me, but it doesn’t. I’ve known Stone a long time, and I see him as family. “I’m the one who thinks it’s a bad idea.” He lets out a deep sigh. “JB’s leaving. That’s why we’re here. He’s going back to Florida today.”

“But I thought he was involved with some trouble down there?”

“He was, but an agreement’s been made with a promise of no repercussions, so Cannon, his Prez, has called him back.”

“Oh, I see.” I cannot hide the disappointment in my voice.

Footsteps at the top of the stairs warn us of JB’s impending return.

“It’s for the best, Scarlett. Smoke would never agree to this going any further,” he whispers just before JB walks into the kitchen.

“Sure,” I reply, as I try to ignore the pain that’s gripping my heart. I keep my eyes averted because I can’t risk looking at JB. If I do, I might just embarrass myself by throwing myself at him and begging him not to go. I’m the daughter of an MC club president and the manager of a Whore House. I’ve already shown that I can be weak and vulnerable. I won’t be showing it again.

“You got everything?” Stone asks JB, who’s holding a backpack and bedroll.

“Just about,” he responds.

I make haste towards the door, swinging it open and standing back, clarifying that it’s time they left.

“Safe trip home, JB,” I blurt out, keeping my eyes fixed on a spot far across the yard. “Try to keep out of trouble.”

As he walks to the door, not once do I feel his eyes on me. He just walks on by, with no emotion, no words, not even a goodbye, thank you, nor kiss my ass. I slam the door shut behind him but can’t resist moving back to the window.

Johny B

When I get to my ride, I secure my bedroll to the front of the handlebars, then grab a fistful of my bag ready to secure that, too. But knowing that I can’t leave like this, I let it drop back to the ground.

Stone is already on his bike and revving the engine, ready for us to go. I quickly glance his way, our eyes connect, and I smirk back at him. Ignoring the swift shake of his head, I turn and walk back towards the house.

With my hand on the handle, I fling open the door and with sure steps, I head into the kitchen to where Scarlett is standing with her back against the counter. I take hold of her shoulders and bring her swiftly into my arms. I place my lips firmly on hers and the intensity of the sexual charge between us is palpable.

“What are you doing?” she questions.

“Making sure that you understand that this is far from over for us, Scarlett,” I whisper against her lips. “I promise. You and me, what we have, the connection. This is just the beginning, and you can be sure as fuck that I’ll be back to finish what we started.”

One more deep, lingering kiss and I’m out the door before Stone makes his move and drags me back outside. Hopefully, leaving Scarlett with a racing pulse and a heart full of promises.

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