By the time they stepped out of the elevator on the Fourth Floor, she was out of breath. Her body highly tuned to him, she struggled to get her keycard out of her back pocket.

  Elling removed the card from her fingers and held it up, opening the door. She clung to him, tugging on his vest as he shut the door.

  He captured her mouth and pressed her up against the wall. She raised her leg, trying to climb his thigh. Unable to breathe, she panted between nipping his lips and sucking.

  What started out as passion quickly turned to desperation to get back to how it'd been before their worlds had collided.

  "Condom." He pulled back.

  She used his distraction to run her hands over his upper body. As if drawn to the heat of him, she undid his belt and had his zipper down, her hand around his cock, stroking him, when he groaned and pushed her hand away to put on the condom.

  "Your jeans." His intense gaze never left her. "I need them off."

  Kicking off her shoes, she undid her pants and pulled them down along with her panties. She moved back to him, grabbing his hair and lifting herself upward. His hands slid under her armpits and elevated her off the floor as if she weighed nothing. She wrapped her legs around his waist.

  His cock teased her bottom as he pressed her against the wall, lowering her more. She wiggled and arched until the head of his hardness pressed against her pussy.

  Her body hummed. Clinging to his neck, she stroked her tongue with his, high at the contact.

  He grabbed her hips, lowering her down. She plunged onto his cock. A gasp ripped from her at the fullness.

  "That's where you belong." He kissed her again before making a trail along her jaw to her neck with his mouth. "Right here."

  "Yes." The back of her head hit the wall as she gave him more room to explore her skin with his lips, his tongue, his teeth.

  He pumped in short increments. Each one powerful and filling.

  The air in her body expelled as his size filled her completely. His tongue on her skin had her sucking in short breathes. Back and forth, in and out, he kept her breathing.

  Her lower stomach warmed, tightened. Her spine arched. Her nipples constricted. He drove her higher.

  Frantic and consumed, her hands—she had no idea where her hands were, except they were full of bulky muscle, hardening against her palms.

  "Oh, my God..." She gasped, her back sliding up the wall with each thrust. "I'm." She grunted on an exhale. "Going." She moaned. "To..."

  His movements came faster, taking the rest of the words out of her mouth. Her legs tightened around his body. She moved as much as she could without losing her position.

  "That's my girl." His fingers dug into the cheeks of her ass, lifting her up and down on him.

  Heart racing, she went wild. Her climax grabbed and shook her. Her head pitched forward, and she bit his leather vest, muffling her scream of pleasure.

  He pounded into her, lifting her higher on the wall. A burst of air tickled her ear as his low, drawn-out grunt broke through his breathing.

  The heaviness of his weight pressed her to the wall as he shook off the tremble in his legs. She stroked the back of his head through his thick hair.

  The muscles in her thighs gave up holding on to him. Elling shifted, withdrawing his cock out of her, then slid her down his body until her feet touched the floor.

  He kissed her softly. "I need to get rid of the condom."

  "Bathroom. It's right...well, the same place it was in your hotel room." She pulled him back when he stepped away and kissed him. "I'm glad you came back."

  "It was easier than kidnapping you and taking you to the Slag clubhouse." He pecked her lips and walked out of the room.

  She stared after him, thankful for the lamp she'd left on when she went to go meet him. "Hey?" she called after him. "You weren't really going to—"

  "Nei." He stuck his head out of the bathroom, amusement lighting his eyes. "I wouldn't have, but I thought about it."

  "You can't. It would get you killed." She slipped on her jeans. "Whatever comes up between us, it's important that you come to me first. We can't go through being apart over not talking to each other or knowing where each other stands again."

  "Ja." He walked out of the bathroom, buckling his belt. "I don't want to upset you, but I do have to leave."

  "Already?" She sighed. "I was hoping you could stay a little while."

  He stopped in front of her. "You need to sleep, and I need to get back to the clubhouse."

  "What's your hurry?"

  "Things to do." He tipped her face and smoothed the hair off her overheated cheeks. "I'll be back tomorrow night. I'll meet you by the back door of the hotel. Do you have some boots?"

  "Riding boots?"

  "Ja."

  "Of course." She tilted her head. "Why?"

  "Wear them." He lowered his forehead to hers. "Get some sleep."

  She walked him to the door and kissed him again. Watching him go out to the hallway, she let her head fall to the edge of the door and held on to the handle. He was gorgeous, all happy and content after having sex.

  "Bye," she whispered.

  He turned his head and winked. "Have it good."

  Her heart fluttered. He was like nobody she'd ever known. All his funny ways of saying things only made him more endearing.

  Have it good? She closed the door smiling. She had no idea what he meant, but yeah, she had it real good tonight, thanks to him.

  Chapter 31

  Elling left out the front door of The Fire Ring, walked across the street, and knocked on the door of the two-story house. Turning his back while he waited, he looked out at the curb. Since the Feds tried to bring in Brikken and failed, there had been no sign of Agent Campbell hanging around trying to bust up Slag.

  For that, he was grateful.

  The door opened. He turned and lifted his chin. "Hey, Prez. No baby yet?"

  Tiredness etched Roar's eyes. "Two more days."

  It'd only been two days ago he'd seen Lizzy. She'd seemed happy and excited and very pregnant. Roar, on the other hand, looked beat to shit with worrying.

  "You got a few minutes?" he asked.

  "Ja." Roar stepped outside. "What's on your mind?"

  "I've been thinking about getting my own place." He lit a cigarette and offered one to Roar who took the pack, lighting his own.

  "As you know, there's nothing in the bylaws against moving out of the clubhouse." Roar blew smoke in the air. "If you're set on getting your own place, we can move one of the couples out of the community room and into yours. I'm sure they'll appreciate the privacy."

  He inhaled deeply on the cigarette, gazing at the clubhouse standing tall behind the bar. Moving out wasn't a rash decision. He'd been thinking about a way to make his relationship with Jacqueline work for both of them. Renting his own place to call home was only the first step.

  Elling rubbed the back of his neck. "There's another thing I wanted to talk to you about. To get your opinion, considering it crosses over to involving the club."

  "Go ahead." Roar leaned back against the house.

  "Jacqueline Stanton." He glanced at his president. "I'm not willing to walk away from her."

  "She belongs to Brikken."

  "Ja, I know." His chest tightened every time he thought about the implications of being with her.

  "You're sure about your feelings?" The warmth of Roar studying him heated his body.

  He'd always been his own man. He never asked for favors, never needed advice, and did what he wanted. To admit he needed approval from the club knocked him down a peg.

  "Never felt this way before." He shrugged. "Just know, I want her with me."

  "It'll start a war between our clubs." Roar let a stream of smoke out of his mouth. "I have to tell you, I understand why Brikken would be out for blood over you seeing the woman. They're not going to let her walk into Slag."

  "She would never give anything up and wants nothing to do with Slag." He inhaled deeply. "Same goes for me. I wouldn't ask about her family, and I don't plan on rubbing elbows with them."

  "Hey, I'm not saying you would. I'm saying, Brikken won't trust you, ever. They have a right not to." Roar ground the cigarette against the thigh of his jeans and put the filter in his pocket. "The same way I don't trust Jacqueline to be around Slag."

  "Do you trust me?"

  "With my life, my woman's life, and my men. But, put her between us, and who are you going to save?"

  He remained quiet. Understanding what Roar was saying, he still wanted to believe that he would protect his president first.

  As soon as he thought the answer, he wanted to retract it. He would want to save both of them. Why would he have to choose?

  The chance of him being in a situation where Jacqueline was around the Slag members, and he had to choose which one to save was slim. Even non-existent, because he planned to keep her safe from everyone. She didn't belong around club business or the crime-filled life he led. It wouldn't make any difference if she belonged to another motorcycle club or attended Divine Service at the local Lutheran church. He wanted his woman safe and protected, and with him.

  He wasn't recruiting a new member for Slag.

  "She wants to keep our relationship secret." He looked Roar in the eyes. "I'd like to convince her to move in with me, away from the clubhouse, when she's ready. I want to believe when that time comes, I can meet with her family. If they want blood, they can try and take mine. I won't go down without a fight. I have a lot to gain, and I'm tired of always losing people I love."

  Roar whistled low. Elling waited for him to tell him he'd thought everything out and had a good plan. Hell, he was responsible for making sure all the Slag members followed the rules and performed all the research behind every hit the club put on the others.

  He was a thinker. He was thorough. All he'd done since sleeping with Jacqueline the first time was think ahead and plan.

  "I'll just say this...there's nothing stopping you from going forward with your plans. Every one of your Slag brothers understands the bylaws and will step in front of a bullet for you." Roar fisted his hand and thumped Elling in the chest. "Don't lose your head. Play smart."

  He nodded. "Ja."

  "Appreciate your time." Looking back at the house, he said, "Give Lizzy my best."

  Roar dipped his chin and remained in front of the door. Elling walked down the driveway.

  "Elling?" called Roar.

  He stopped and turned around. All he wanted was Jacqueline. He wanted her in the house he provided. A child in her belly. Her love warming his days and nights. Hell, he wanted what every man wanted. Someone to come home to that would think he can't do no wrong and would love him the rest of his life.

  "I believe you made the bylaw..." Roar cleared his throat. "If one member is threatened in any capacity, the club as a whole is responsible for making sure that not only will they protect their brother, they will stand in front, beside, and behind him."

  He exhaled harshly at the reminder.

  As soon as he'd patched in, he'd made the amendment to the book with his dad in mind. Maybe, a clearer view of what being a Slag member meant would've saved his father.

  He patted his chest with his hand, lowering his chin. Respect.

  Roar said, "In honor of Slag, I support you."

  He left with what he'd come for. Jogging across the street, he headed to the side of the building to go through the gate to the alley. The others would know if there were any rentals in the area. Hopefully, he would have good news for Jacqueline soon.

  Chapter 32

  Elling's long strides led Jackie to his Harley. She hurried along, holding on to his hand and hugging his arm to her chest. Excitement supplied her with her second wind after coming off an eight-hour shift.

  "Where are we going?" She came to a stop beside his motorcycle.

  One of her favorite things lately were the nights he'd stop at the hotel after her shift and take her for a ride. The alone time with him, coupled with the freedom of the open road and the wind in her face, gave her quality time doing what he loved. She benefitted by being with him and taking comfort from him. Not to mention, it rocked to be able to touch him outside and not worry about anyone seeing them together.

  He opened his duffle and handed her a helmet. "We're riding."

  Noticing it was a different helmet than the one he'd given her before, she turned it over in her hands and inspected the shell. Her heart sank. In the back, the Slag colors were posted for any other rider to see.

  "I can't wear this." She held her arm out, trying to give him the helmet back. "We can take my car."

  His gaze went to her hand. "You want us being together to remain secret, wear the helmet."

  Her spine stiffened. She hadn't planned to start a fight as soon as their night began. She was still trying to figure out how to get her helmet out of her parents' house next time she visited without them asking questions. They wouldn't want her riding with anyone but Brikken members and would question who she's riding with.

  He rummaged through the duffle and held out a roll of black electrical tape. "I'll fix it."

  Ripping off a three-inch piece of tape with his teeth, he pressed it over the spot on the helmet she didn't want showing. Then, tore off two more sections and completely covered the colors marking the helmet as belonging to Slag MC.

  "Better?" He held it out to her.

  She smiled. "Much."

  He might not understand her reasons, but it would be an insult to her family to wear a Slag helmet. She stretched to her tiptoes and kissed him softly.

  "Thank you." She dropped back on the heels of her boots and latched the D hook under her chin.

  "Ready?" He got on the bike.

  She climbed up behind, knowing he still wore his vest and the bike bore Slag colors, too. For some reason, she could overlook those things. They were on him, not her. But, a helmet on her head shouting she belonged to Slag was too much.

  He rode through the parking garage. She hugged his back, turning her face away from the attendant. This was her night out with Elling.

  She rather no one from work see her going out. Secrecy would stop many of the questions and comments. She'd hate if someone made an innocent remark about her 'boyfriend' when Stassi or one of her family members were visiting.

  He pulled onto the one-way street and turned onto Sixth. She held her face to the wind, letting the cool night air take her away.

  The stars were shining—or, she imagined them bright and clear. Once they left the city lights, she'd be able to see if she was right. She had her man in her arms. The night was perfect.

  Rubbing his stomach, she pressed against his back. The happiness that came from being with him couldn't compare to anything in her life.

  Lost in the ride and having him at her disposal to touch, she lost track of where he'd taken her. Though she'd been in Portland a year, she hadn't ventured out of the downtown area by herself. There were enough stores, restaurants, and novelty shops to keep her busy without putting herself in a risky situation when she barely knew a soul.

  He took her down a side-street. The headlight lit the way as the houses spread out.

  Lulled into a headspace where her thoughts slowed, and her hands stilled, she pressed her cheek against the back of his shoulder.

  It amazed her that in one night, her whole life changed. The minute she'd spotted Elling outside the hotel on his broken Harley, he became her focal point—and now the most important person to her.

  Her future grew clearer every day, and she no longer worried about mundane things, but how she could keep Elling forever.

  When she was with him, everything she wanted seemed possible.

  The rumble of the engine changed. She raised her head and looked forward, trying to see where Elling had brought her. There was only a guardrail in front of the motorcycle when it came to a stop.

  She blinked, letting her vision adjust to the night, and spotted all the lights of the city below. He'd taken her somewhere in the West Hills. She knew the area by looking out her hotel room window and seeing the huge homes splattered against the hillside.

  He cut the engine and patted her thigh. "Hop off."

  She slid off the seat and removed the helmet. "It's beautiful up here."

  "Have you been up here before?"

  "No." She walked over to the thigh-high barrier and peered out in front of her to the city below. "Is that all of downtown?"

  "Ja." He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, under her breasts, and pulled her back against his front. "See the lighted arch?"

  "Uh, huh." She hugged his arms.

  "That's the bridge over the Willamette River. If you follow that to the left, you should be able to see the hotel. It's higher than any building around it."

  She followed the lights, quickly spotting the streets with the moving cars. "Where's your clubhouse?"

  "It's..."

  She looked over her shoulder at him. "Unless you don't feel comfortable telling me. I was only curious."

  "It's not a secret." He pointed. "It's in North Portland. It hard to see I-5 from this angle, so I'm trying to get my sense of direction from here."

  "My hairdresser is in North Portland," she said.

  "Do you know where Taco Bell is?"

  "Above Swan Island?"

  "Ja. We're a couple blocks south. We have a bar, The Fire Ring. The clubhouse is behind that, and backs the railroad tracks."

  Knowing where he lived only made her jealous. He had a whole other part of his life that she would never be a part of. A part of him that would always be separate from her.

  Amazing how a few miles seemed so far away.

  He kissed the side of her head. "You'll have to tell me if you get tired."

  "I'm not." She sighed. "It's the beginning of my weekend. I can sleep later."

  "What are your plans?"

  She shrugged. "What are yours?"

  "I hope to be with you tomorrow."

  "Then, that's my plan, too." She turned and looped her arms behind his neck. "Have you ever been married?"

 

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