What the fuck? I didn’t want to get into that with him so I left it alone. “She’s a lot fuckin’ better off without a man who screws around on his wife with prostitutes.”

A harsh laugh escaped his lips. “And you’ve never cheated on a woman? I find that hard to believe; you bikers are neanderthals.”

I didn’t answer him because I would have to admit an indiscretion. Guilt sliced through me at that thought and then the pain hit; the pain I’d managed to bury lately.

Fuck.

He kept at me. “Thought so. Velvet’s found what she deserves.” He stopped talking but then looked at me thoughtfully. “You do know that she’s damaged goods, don’t you?”

I’d heard enough from this motherfucker. “I don’t want to hear any-fuckin’-thing else you have to say about Velvet.” I picked up the folder and threw it back at him. Pointing at it, I said, “That shit will become public knowledge if you don’t back the fuck off her. She’s not going to talk about you to the media but she’s also not going to sign your dirty deal.” I turned to leave, but then faced him again, and added, “Blade has more shit on you than what’s in that folder so don’t fuck around with this. Let Velvet know you’re dropping it otherwise I’ll be back.”

There was more than a flicker of surprise when I mentioned Blade’s name; there was fear, and that made me a happy fucker.

Chapter 22

Thunder ~ Jessie J

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Velvet

I eased into the chair and let my body relax. It had been a busy week of work and study, and I was exhausted. Sex with Nash had also taken it out of me; he was insatiable. I’d actually told him I needed a night off from him last night and as much as I’d missed him, the sleep I managed to get had been worth it.

My Saturday had been a lazy one so far. I’d slept for most of the day, having only gotten out of bed at two in the afternoon. Nash came over and woke me up, and although I could see the desire in his eyes, he hadn't pushed for sex. Instead, he made me coffee and waited patiently while I showered and dressed. Madison had invited us for dinner; she said she had a surprise for us which made me nervous. I wasn’t a fan of surprises. It also kind of felt weird to be going to dinner with Nash. This was the first time we were going to something together, and although we’d spoken about us working towards something, our relationship wasn’t clearly defined. The idea of turning up to an event together where our friends would be was a little intimidating. I wasn’t ready for all the questions they’d be sure to have.

“You alright, sweet thing?” Nash’s voice dragged me out of my restful haze. He was standing behind me and was gently massaging my neck and shoulders. I could grow used to this kind of attention.

I sighed deeply. “Nash, has anyone ever told you how amazing your massages are?”

He didn’t answer me and his hands slowed down. “No,” he said before adding quietly, “I’ve never given massages to anyone else.”

My heart rate sped up, and my body tingled. Nash shared pieces of his heart with the most simplest statements. I wondered if he realised what they meant to me. “Well I’m telling you that your hands are magic.”

He chuckled and then I felt his warm breath next to my ear as he whispered, “I’ve been told that before, sweetheart, but it means more coming from you.”

And I tingled again.

His hands kept working their magic and I closed my eyes, letting his touch ease the tension out of my body. I was sure we could have happily stayed in our own little bubble, however Madison interrupted, dragging us out of it.

“You two going to come inside and join us?” The way she asked made it sound like she almost expected us to say no.

Nash gave my shoulders one last squeeze before taking his hands off me. I missed his touch instantly. “What’s this surprise you’ve got?” he asked her.

She grinned. “She’ll be here soon.”

“She?”

Madison winked at him and nodded. “Yes, she. I think you’ll love the surprise.”

My mind was racing trying to figure out who and what Madison was talking about. Nash appeared to be doing the same. I gave him a questioning look but he shrugged his shoulders and said, “Got no idea, babe.”

We followed Madison inside. Her house was buzzing with people; Scott and Harlow were here with Lisa, J’s sister, Brooke was here with Crystal, and Griff was here too.

Brooke gave me a warm smile. “Hi, Velvet. It’s good to see you again.” We’d met at J and Madison’s wedding, and had spent a lot of the night chatting. She was lovely and I was really happy to see her again.

“Hey, Brooke. You too. How’s that hot fireman treating you?” When I’d met her, she had just started dating a fireman. The photo of him on her phone she’d shown me was hot and I could only imagine what he looked like in real life because photos taken with mobile phones didn’t do anyone justice.

She blushed. “He’s good. I just dropped him at work, otherwise he would be here tonight.”

“I think I’m going to have to meet this man. Anyone who can make you blush the way you just did must be a man worth knowing.” I winked at her.

Nash’s hand slid over my ass and he pulled me close. “You don’t have any free time to meet another man, sweet thing,” he murmured.

Brooke watched us with interest; clearly surprised. “Yeah, I don’t think I’ll introduce them, Nash. Velvet’s stunning, and I think she’d steal his attention.” It was her turn to wink at me now.