Elling and jackie, p.5
Elling & Jackie, page 5
Knowing there was already one government official visiting Campbell meant the case against Slag was worse than they'd hoped.
The club had always come out on the side of fortune, and none of them had spent time in prison because of club activities. That could change if he couldn't find a way to stop Campbell from hanging around.
Prison would be hell for all of them. Peer had a kid he was responsible for. Roar was about to become a father for the first time. Brage had just got hitched to Dinah. There were Slag members with their own family, living away from the clubhouse. There was a lot more going on besides keeping the money and weapons moving toward Norway and keeping the Portland and Seattle Chapters thriving.
He reached into his pocket and grabbed his pack of smokes. Exhaling loudly, he stopped. His decision not to break the rules had nothing to do with the woman laying down the law on him. The club needed him to stay here, to protect them.
A soft knock moved the door against his boot. He opened his eyes and peered through the crack, spotting the hotel employee at his room again.
Knowing she wasn't going to give up, he bent his knee and moved his foot away from the door. Without holding the door, it swung open. He remained in the chair.
She looked at him, then the window, and returned her attention to Elling. He waited to see if she was going to bitch about the rules again.
She held out her hand, holding out a can of chewing tobacco to him. He remained sitting, taking in the meaning of her gift.
"I'll make a deal with you. You can have this if you close the window, so the alarm downstairs at the desk will stop. Maybe that way, you and I can both get some sleep tonight." She stretched out her arm. "Please."
He remained sitting. "What's your name?"
"What?" Her arm lowered.
He grabbed her wrist and removed the can of chew from her hand, slipping it into his pocket.
She rubbed her wrist. "Jacqueline. Jackie."
"Well, Jacqueline." He took in her heaving breasts. "Let's work out a deal."
"We just did." She frowned. "You took the chew."
He dragged his feet closer, planted his hands on his knees, and pushed to his full height. He took in the way her chin lifted, following his eyes. His balls ached more each time she sought him out.
Elling stepped closer. She never backed away.
Looking up and down the empty hallway, he pulled her inside and shut the door.
Chapter 8
The door clicked shut. Without turning her back on Elling, Jackie reached for the handle. Surprisingly, he made no move to stop her from leaving.
She lunged out of the room and looked back at him from the safety of the hallway. Her heart pounded. What weird attraction made her drawn to him?
He was a biker. Just like every other man in her life.
Stubborn to a fault, macho to the extreme, short on words and long on patience. If she wanted to be with a biker, she could go back home and have her pick of any of them.
"What? What do you want from me?" she said, unable to take the way he was looking at her or understanding how he could think pulling her into the room would make her stay.
He expected her to do something. Stay. Leave. She had no idea because, unlike the bikers in her life, he had a mysterious quality about him, and his blue eyes were throwing all kinds of emotions at her, that she couldn't read.
He walked across the room, leaving the door open and said, "Keep me company while I lock up the window."
She bulged her eyes at his back. Every ounce of Rollo's blood ran through her veins, screaming at her to get the hell away from him. He was an enemy of Brikken Motorcycle Club which meant he was a danger to her.
"In Norway, people don't stay inside all the time." He picked up the screen. "Fresh air is good for you."
She looked down the hallway, making sure they hadn't drawn anyone's attention. The security camera on the far wall was broadcasted to the front desk, where the night clerk could watch all the floors in the building. Only the rooms were private, except there was a security alarm on each window to keep guests safe. They would never want a child pushing against a screen and falling several stories to the busy road below. The hotel would suffer a lawsuit, and the world would lose a precious child.
Not wanting Terri to watch her consorting with a guest, she stepped into Elling's room again, out of view of the camera. "You're from Norway?"
"Ja." He popped the screen into place. "I came to the U.S. when I was nineteen years old."
Having lived her whole life in Tacoma on the land her grandfather developed for Brikken Motorcycle Club until recently, she couldn't imagine moving to a different country. She studied the back of Elling. Maybe that's what made him stand out from the other bikers in her life.
He'd experienced a different culture, a different climate, a different way of life.
"Do you miss Norway?"
He took out his knife and used the tip to tighten the screws. "I miss my childhood."
His answer confused her. She grew up wanting to be an adult for as long as she could remember. Everything good was supposed to happen when she turned eighteen years old.
Once she'd reached adulthood, she had no desire to go back to being a child. She rubbed her lips together. Except when it came to bills and supporting herself. That was stressful.
Elling pushed on the window. "Locked up tight."
Feeling satisfaction over convincing a man, let alone a biker, to do what she asked, she raised her brows and stayed within reach of stepping out of his room. Because Chief was her father, she knew Elling's change of attitude toward her came with a price.
"What do you want from me?" she asked.
"I think that's what I asked you the last time you showed up around me."
"I...damn you. I was shopping and on a public street. I don't get how you could think I was stalking you or whatever." She shook her head, frustrated at having him around. Losing all form of professionalism, she snapped, "Just...enjoy your stay."
She stepped back, ready to escape to her room. Her foot barely hit the hallway and Elling grabbed her hand, pulling her toward him again. She crashed into his hard chest.
He stared down into her eyes. She jerked away, but he still held on to her and yanked her back. Planting her free hand on his chest, she prepared to push off him when his chest expanded against the palms of her hands, and she stopped.
Locked onto the patch on his vest, she gasped. She should fight. She should run. She should call home.
"Fuck," muttered Elling before he grabbed her jaw, tilted her face, and captured her lips.
Shocked, she thought to pull away, but his full lips were soft against hers despite the rough handling. His hand firmly cupped her jaw, holding her in place. The slight smoky scent hanging on the edges of her senses gave her a false sense of security.
Chief smoked. It was a familiar scent that reminded her of home.
He opened her mouth. The tentative invasion of his tongue teasing her to kiss him back melted her stiff spine. Her stomach fluttered, and she fisted the leather of his vest.
He was forbidden. The enemy. And, so sexy.
Intoxicated, she floated, swept away by him. She gently sucked his tongue, caressing the wet heat of him.
He never let go of her wrist and took her arm behind her back, pressing her closer while holding her jaw prisoner, delving deeper into the kiss.
Her heart raced. He stole her breath. She couldn't think, only feel.
He dominantly restrained her, holding her against him. She moaned, unable to help herself. She needed to break the kiss. Stop him. Leave.
No, she needed a little more. Just one more second...
Elling pulled back and dove back in, kissing her with more urgency before he dragged his lips off her again, breathing heavily. Even if she had the strength, she couldn't walk away because he held on to her.
"You deserve more than a Brikken tattoo," he said.
She stiffened. The euphoria he'd wrapped around her gone in a burst of anger.
She jerked away, and he let her go. She went straight to her room and locked herself inside.
The next thing she knew, she was in bed, wrapped in the comforter she brought from home, trying to warm herself from the coolness of the air conditioning. She must've taken a shower because her wet hair dampened her pillow.
Elling knew nothing about her. He was a judgmental asshole.
Chapter 9
Brage sat on his motorcycle beside Elling's Harley. He picked up his duffle after the women inside the clubhouse supplied him with enough food to see him through the next twenty-four hours. Thankfully, Agent Campbell had left the hotel by noon and headed straight here, parking across from the bar.
When he'd planned on staying at the hotel, he assumed there would be food delivered to the room. What the young girl from the restaurant brought him was almost inedible.
Once Campbell had parked in front of the bar for the day, he'd set Marcus to watching the agent, and hit up the clubhouse. At least he'd have food to eat that tasted good.
"Next weekend we'll be going to Pitnam after Bantorus. You're on the crew to go inside the body shop." Brage put on his helmet. "Make sure you call if something comes up and you want to stay at the hotel longer. I'll need to fill your spot."
He needed to go on the raid. Concentrating on a job would get his mind off the long, silent hours spent watching the Fed, and keeping track of Jacqueline's schedule. As of yet, he hadn't spotted a Brikken member checking up on her.
Though, he'd left the hotel when Campbell took off that morning. For all he knew, Brikken could be at the hotel now.
"Unless a team of Feds show up downtown to talk to Campbell, I'll be back. So far, he's only had one visitor. It's not enough to go on," he said.
"Stay safe." Brage started his Harley and rode off.
He finished securing his duffle. There was nothing for him to do here, except wait until Marcus informed him Campbell was leaving. From the agent's behavior in the last few weeks, Campbell tended to sit across from Slag property from afternoon until late evening.
Arms came around his waist from behind. He reached back and squeezed the hip, recognizing the woman. He chuckled, glad to be back at the clubhouse if only for a short time.
"You're looking for trouble sneaking up on me like that." He pulled Heather's arm, bringing her in front of him. "Can't you find someone to entertain you?"
Heather sighed and looped her arms around his neck. "I need to go to work in fifteen minutes but wanted one of your hugs. I missed you."
"I was only gone one night." He raised his brow. "I can bet you weren't lonely.
"Don't be smart. Hug me tight."
He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off her feet, rocking her side to side. Her laughter tickled his ears, and he set her down on the ground. Any of the Slag members would be happy to entertain her. She floated between whatever man filled her needs for the moment.
If it wasn't him, it was Rune or Viktor or Glenn.
"Did you hear that Roar let the gender of the baby slip?" Heather straightened the top of her uniform.
He studied Heather and the excitement on her face. Roar never divulged secrets, and last he'd heard, he and Lizzy were planning on keeping the sex of the baby hidden until delivery.
"Really?" he asked.
Heather gathered her hair on the top of her head and took the band off her wrist. "The others don't think he gave away the sex, but I definitely heard him refer to the baby as she yesterday during work."
"A son or daughter would be good. I don't think it matters much to either one, they're just excited, as they should be." Elling motioned for her to walk across the alley and went with her to the bar.
"Are you going to be at the clubhouse tonight?" Heather paused at the entrance to the breakroom.
"I'll be gone."
She hugged him quickly. "I'm starting to think you're seeing someone. You're going to make all the women jealous."
He grunted, reminded of Jacqueline.
Last night, he couldn't stop himself from kissing her. She'd stood there all soft-eyed and warm, while her body remained tense and ready to bolt out of the room. Her emotions resonated with him. He wanted her and knew he couldn't have her.
It was only a kiss. He hadn't taken her.
That small taste of her should've satisfied him. Instead, he hoped Agent Campbell would make it an early night and go back to the hotel, so he could be around Jacqueline again. He had no idea what he hoped would happen, but he wanted to be near her and figure it out.
"I better get ready to work," said Heather.
"Have it good." He stepped away, and Heather called his name.
"Ride safe," she said.
"Ja." He raised his hand. "You..."
Inhaling deeply, he turned and walked into the bar without saying another word. He enjoyed Heather. She was a good woman. He wouldn't want anything to happen to her because he wished her a good night.
In the middle of the room, Peer flipped on the switch lighting the ring of fire in the middle of the room. He stared at the glowing orange flames as they rose in the air. For as long as he could remember, Slag Motorcycle Club took comfort and strength from always having a fire burning.
"I thought you were going to be gone tonight." Peer motioned him over to the counter. "Want a drink?"
"Nei, I'm good." He sat on the stool. "I'll be taking off whenever Marcus lets me know it's time to roll."
Peer glanced at the front windows. "I wish I could see the end to how this is going to play out for Slag."
He nodded. They all wanted to be prepared for the worst and held on to hope that they'd all survive the investigation. Slag was too deep into harassing the other motorcycle clubs in the area and keeping the attention on the Portland Chapter, they couldn't fall back and put everything on hold. To do so would open the Seattle Chapter into getting attacked and jeopardizing their shipments to Norway. They'd lose everything they had fought for.
"How's the kid?" he asked.
Peer picked up a towel and flipped it over his shoulder. "He's got two teeth now."
Elling grinned, enjoying Peer's boast. Gaining teeth happened to every child, but to Peer, it meant the world, and that was cool to share in his happiness.
"He'll be eating lefse soon," he said.
"Not if Coco is around." Peer shook his head. "I think she's related to Thorgerd and Irpa, especially when it comes to caring for Tyr, lecturing me about too much sugar in our diet."
He chuckled, picturing Coco standing up with the Norwegian goddesses and shooting arrows out of the tips of her fingers if Peer took a wrong step in being a single father. His MC brother was lucky to have Coco around and helping. Every child deserved to have a strong woman in his or her life.
Lizzy walked into the bar, followed by Dinah, Heather, and Monica. Behind the women, Roar and Brage came through the swinging door and took the stools on each side of Elling.
"Meeting on Thursday at seven o'clock." Brage leaned against the counter.
"I'll be there," he said.
Roar steepled his hands, turning toward him, and lowered his voice. "I would like that to happen without our friend outside counting the members as they ride in."
"Do you want me to distract him?" he asked.
"I'd feel better if it was you doing the job." Roar looked over Elling's shoulder, then brought his attention back to him. "I've had a discussion with Brage and Viktor this afternoon. We think it would be good if Campbell has a reason to stick by you."
His shoulders tensed. "You want me to give him a reason to arrest me?"
"Nei. I wouldn't jeopardize you, brother." Roar frowned. "I wouldn't sacrifice any of my men."
"Say what needs done," said Elling.
"Let Campbell know you're at the hotel. Let him see you. Let him question why you're away from the clubhouse." Roar paused as Monica walked behind the men. "You don't have to answer him. It'll probably be better to ignore his questions like you've been doing. By you being there, maybe he'll think you're on the outs with the club and giving his offer some thought, which will make him stick close to you and away from us."
He puffed out his cheeks and exhaled loudly. "Campbell makes me itch."
Roar nodded. "It'll be over by Friday."
"We have plans on Saturday." They had the hit in Pitnam on Bantorus Motorcycle Club, and he was part of the crew.
"Ja." Roar planted his hand on Elling's shoulder and stood. "We're watching the situation. But, we need you to secure the playing field."
"I will."
Roar stayed beside him. "You're okay doing this alone?"
He lowered his chin. "It's best that way."
Brage smacked him on the back as he left with Roar. Needing to move, Elling went out the front door of the bar and found Marcus. With the change in how he stayed at the hotel, he needed to figure out a way for Campbell to know he was there without coming out and talking.
If he followed him into the hotel and made sure the agent spotted him going in the room on the same floor, it would put Campbell on alert. From there, he'd need to keep his head on straight and not get backed into a corner.
"Quiet evening?" Elling reached into his pocket, feeling the can of snuff Jacqueline had given him and pushed it to the side, grabbing his smokes.
"Besides having the staring contest with our friend across the street, it's Tuesday. Not much happens around here besides ladies drink for free when the bar opens." Marcus looked at his cell phone. "Women should be rolling up any minute."
Elling leaned against the building. "Let's both hope that Campbell leaves early. I can get back to the hotel, and you can have your fun."
Marcus looked at him. "How is the hotel life?"
He scoffed. "I rather pitch a tent and sleep outside. It's too quiet, too stuffy, and time moves slowly. I'll be glad when the job is done."
"You need a woman to help you pass the time." Marcus kicked the heel of his boot against the sidewalk. "This is a hard life we're living, my brother. Every night, I think it's time to settle down and see what makes the others who are committed seem so damn happy. I swear Roar's head is about to burst. He's so proud, walking around here with his woman big with his baby."
