The Bad Boys' Reluctant Woman Read online

  God, he fucking loved her. She had no idea how damn much he did.

  “The woman you saw was Chloe Jackson. She’s a younger sister of Stefan's. He’s part of the Law Castle Bad Boys.”

  “You guys sound like a circus act,” she said.

  “We kind of are. Men and women come to see what all the fuss is about. She means nothing to me other than being a relative to a friend.”

  “Then why did she have her hand on your ass?”

  “The girls like to come and whistle at us as if we’re a spectacle. She was giving them something to talk about. It means nothing to me. Chloe means nothing to me. I’ve got you, Zoe.”

  “You share me with two of your friends. You don’t really have me,” she said.

  Jake stared down into her eyes. She looked so insecure, and he hated himself for putting that insecurity there. “You’re our woman, Zoe. We will never share you with anyone else. This is what Brent, Connor, and I wanted. You’re what I want.” He kissed her lips. “Okay?” he asked.

  After a time, she nodded her head. “Okay, I don’t like other women touching your ass. If no other man is touching mine besides you, Connor, and Brent then I want the same.”

  “That’s not fair. You’ve got three men while I only have you,” he said, teasing her.

  “No, you’ve got one woman and two men. Brent and Connor can touch your ass any time they’d like.” She smiled sweetly at him.

  “You’re a vixen. There is no way any of those two is coming near my ass. It is staying pure. I promise.”

  She smiled at him. He took her hand. “May I introduce you to a friend?”

  “Yes, I’ll be embarrassed, but I think I deserve it.”

  ****

  Brent was waiting for Jake and Zoe to return as Connor came back. He looked pale, but there was relief on his face as well. Chloe stood against the wall admiring the tools. The girls who had been admiring the guys had disappeared.

  “Where’s Jake?” Connor asked.

  “Gone to get our girl. This one here decided to scare her off.”

  “Hey, how was I to know your girl would be the possessive type?” Chloe said, folding her arms over her chest.

  “You always loved shit stirring, Chloe.”

  “Hi, Chloe,” Connor said, making no move to touch her.

  “How have you been, Connor?”

  “Fine.”

  Jake walked in with a big grin on his face. “Our jealous kitten is ready to say hello. Chloe, this is Zoe, our possessive woman. Zoe, this is Chloe, a sister to a friend.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Chloe said.

  “Likewise.”

  “The guys would like you,” Chloe said, eyeing Zoe.

  “Guys?” Connor asked.

  “Yes, there is a get-together tonight at Stefan’s place. He wants you all to come, and you’re invited as well,” she said to Zoe.

  “I can’t make it. I’m working at The Dugout tonight. Steve gave me the job, and I don’t want to call in sick,” Zoe said.

  “No problem. They intend to move their party to The Dugout. You’ll be more than welcome to meet them there.” Chloe looked at her watch. “I’ve got to go. See you all later.”

  “Where’s Vicki?” Zoe asked.

  “She said she had some stuff to do and she’d see you at work.”

  “Are you guys okay if I hang out here awhile? I don’t want to change for work, and I’m more than happy to stay here.”

  “It would be our pleasure,” Brent said.

  She took a seat on a work bench as they began working. Brent was conscious of her presence. Noah and Drew walked out and stared at her.

  “Is she real, or do we have a statue now?” Noah asked.

  “She’s real. Zoe, meet Noah and Drew, our bosses.”

  They shook her hand. “No hanky-panky in the workplace, guys. See you at Stefan’s later, and don’t forget to close up.” They both left.

  “I’m starting to think we own this shop,” Brent said.

  “What do you do in your spare time, Jake?” Zoe asked.

  “What?”

  Brent was interested in where this conversation was going.

  “Brent writes and Connor bakes. What do you do?” she asked.

  “He’s never told us what he does. It is top secret. We know he likes to paint, but we’re not allowed in his space. I bet he’s got some porno crap going on,” Brent said.

  “I don’t get that. You all share a house together, and you have no idea what Jake does with his spare time?”

  “I always figured he was using the attic room to jerk off or something,” Connor said.

  “Bite me.” Jake punched Connor as he passed.

  “I paint,” Jake said after some time.

  “You paint? That's it?” Brent asked.

  “Yes, nothing fancy. I like to paint, and that’s what I do in the attic. Why do you think our decor in the house is so good? That’s what I do to earn extra cash.”

  “Cool,” Zoe said.

  “Cool, you’re not going to ask to see them.”

  She shook her head. Brent chuckled at the incredulous look Jake shot her.

  “I better make my way over to work,” she said.

  “Will you be okay?” Connor asked. Vicki pulled up outside the mechanic shop.

  “I figured you’d want a ride,” Vicki said, walking inside.

  “I do. You’re a lifesaver.”

  “Thanks, Vicki,” Jake said.

  “Don’t mention it.”

  Brent watched the two women disappear inside the car. “Do you think we should clean up and get to Stefan’s?”

  “I don’t want to go to some party,” Connor said.

  “I don’t think we have much choice.”

  “I hate these fucking parties.” Connor shook his head.

  Jake hadn’t said a word since Zoe had left. He was looking out of the work shop with a rag in his hand. Brent left him to his thinking as he eased the hood down on the car that was pretty much fucked. This is why he preferred writing stories. The cars he wrote in the stories always had sweet engines.

  “I’m in love with Zoe,” Jake said, turning towards them.

  That was a mighty big step.

  Brent paused staring at his friend. “We never talked about forever with her, Jake.”

  “I know. I love her. She’s the one,” Jake said.

  “Don’t you think you’re rushing it a little too much?”

  Jake shook his head.

  “I feel the same way,” Connor said.

  Brent stared at both men in shock. He cared about her. Shit, he might even love her, but he’d not had the feelings his other two friends clearly had.

  “Then I guess she’s the one,” Brent said, envious of the way Connor and Jake were feeling.

  “You’re not going to argue with us?” Jake asked.

  “No, I’m not.”

  I want to feel the same as you.

  He wouldn’t tell them his thoughts. They’d hold themselves back from Zoe, and he knew she wasn’t the hold back type. If his friends were in love with her then it would only be a matter of time before he was as well. At least he hoped so.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Connor glanced around at the huge barbeque. He checked his watch and saw it was past eight. They’d been here for over two hours. The Dugout had been open since five. He wanted to get to the bar to see Zoe. He wanted to explore what Tristan had told him. Did he want to see her in pain, or were his feelings more to do with sexual satisfaction of claiming Zoe as his?

  His mind was full with so much bullshit. He smacked himself on the side of the head in an effort to clear his mind. His thoughts were driving him crazy.

  Jake and Brent were mingling with the rest of the groups. He preferred to stay back and to have his personal space than try to mingle where he didn’t really belong.

  Stefan came to stand by his side. Connor didn’t say anything as they both looked out over the crowd of people. “We’re going
to The Dugout in a second. I wanted to talk to you about something,” Stefan said.

  “I’m all ears.”

  “Drugs are making the rounds in this town. I don’t like it. It is bad for business.”

  Connor shook his head. “You’re talking to the wrong guy.”

  “You’re the one who went to Tristan. He came to me, and now I consider this my business. For too long the trailer neighbourhood has not been our concern. They were a lost cause and all that crap. I don’t like it. I want to fix that problem.”

  “Stefan, we’re not some biker group fixing problems.”

  “No, we’re a bunch of strong men intent on protecting this town. I’m not asking you for advice, Connor. I’m telling you that this is what we’re going to be doing. Anyone caught dealing or with anything will answer to us if Tristan doesn’t find them first,” Stefan said.

  “I’m not dealing or doing drugs,” Connor said.

  “I know. Your moods say otherwise. I don’t want your crap anymore, Connor. You either suck it up, or you leave the Bad Boys behind. Do you understand me?” Stefan said.

  “I never asked to become a member.”

  “And yet you’re always present and hanging with us.” Stefan handed him the photo taken a few weeks ago at the picnic. “You’re a part of us, man. I think we’re a part of you as well. Think about it.”

  Connor stared at the photo. Jake had stuck their copy on his refrigerator at home. Shaking his head, he put the photo down then followed Jake and Brent towards their truck. The Dugout would be busy tonight. He was silent as they travelled towards the bar. Connor bounced his free leg as they got closer. He needed to breathe in Zoe’s warm scent.

  His feelings and pain were coming back. He needed to fix them quickly before he exploded.

  Parking the car was easy. The bar was full, and a live band was up on the stage. The country music filled the air. Connor spotted Zoe at the bar. He ignored everyone and pushed past them all to get to his woman. Zoe had handed over a drink when he got to the bar. She was standing next to the flap that opened. He opened the flap, caught her hand, and pulled her into his arms.

  “Let’s dance,” he said.

  “I’m working, Connor.”

  “I’ll pay them the difference.” There were a few whistles and catcalls as he spun her onto the floor. Her scent washed over him calming his nerves. Jake and Brent were waiting by the bar as he escorted her on the dance floor. The song changed, and Connor pulled her close against his body, his hand going down to her ass.

  “You were right,” he said.

  “About what?”

  “I’m not a sick bastard. I just want you.” He slammed his lips down on hers and pressed a leg between her thighs.

  ****

  Jake signalled to Vicki for a beer watching Connor with Zoe. The crowd had opened around them. Their dancing catching everyone’s attention. It was explicit and made his own cock thicken. Stefan stood next to him.

  “Is that Zoe? The girl everyone is talking about?”

  “Yeah,” Jake and Brent said.

  “Why are you two watching and not up there with him?” Stefan asked.

  “Because he needs this. She calms him in a way we don’t understand.”

  “I can see that.”

  Connor eased her away then swung her back close to him. Observing the couple Jake saw they were totally into each other. The rest of the world didn’t matter. Zoe looked fucking hot with the jeans they’d brought moulding to the fine shape of her ass.

  “He deserves some happiness. You all do. I want to meet this girl.”

  The track ended, and then another one started up. Connor kept her locked in his arms. Jake watched his friend bury his head against her neck. It looked like he was trying breathe in her scent.

  Minutes passed, and finally Connor made his way over to them. His hands were around her waist. Jake saw her kiss Connor’s cheek then go over to Brent, kissing his lips, and finally to him. Her smile was bright, her face flushed with happiness. She leaned down and brushed her lips against his. He loved this side of her. Jake knew he was a goner for the rest of his life. He would willingly walk to the ends of the earth for her.

  “Zoe, Stefan Jackson wants to meet you. Stefan, this is our Zoe.” He pointed between the two.

  “Nice to meet you,” she said.

  “I’m sorry to break up the introductions, Zoe, but can you help me? I’m swamped here,” Vicki said, over the bar.

  “I’m coming.” Zoe turned to Jake. “You’ll be waiting to take me home?” she asked.

  “Home? To our place, baby,” Jake said.

  She smiled. “I’ll be waiting.”

  Zoe moved back around the bar leaving all four men alone.

  “Does she pass inspection, Stefan?” Connor asked.

  “Yes.”

  Stefan moved away from their group.

  “What’s going on with you, Connor?” Jake asked.

  “Nothing. I’m just not in the mood for Stefan and all of his circus politics is all.”

  Connor grabbed the beer and made his way to the end of the bar.

  “You know something happened to him as a kid,” Brent said.

  “I know. I just don’t know what.”

  “He’s been like it for a while.”

  “We’re thirty-five, Brent. It is time he got over it or talked to us.”

  “It is one of the reasons why I know he’s hiding something serious.”

  Jake frowned, turning to his friend. “What do you mean?

  “What could be so bad that he prefers to keep it to himself?”

  ****

  Brent was waiting for Zoe to finish up. Earlier, Connor had dropped him off so he could grab his own truck. The other two were waiting at home for when she arrived. His cock twitched at the thought of how their evening could progress. He wanted her so damn bad. Considering The Dugout had been busy there had been no problem with people starting fights. The last of the customers were leaving. Zoe came out after two in the morning, looking tired. The moment she him, he saw her smile.

  “You waited for me.”

  “We told you we would.”

  “I don’t see a we, Brent. I see a you.”

  Brent smiled taking her into his arms. “The guys are back at the house. How are you feeling, baby?”

  “Tired, exhausted, happy, and a little nervous.”

  “Why nervous?”

  “Because I don’t know what’s going to happen, and that scares me sometimes.”

  He folded his arms over his chest, staring at her.

  “What?” she asked.

  “You gave in pretty quickly. Are you regretting your decision to be with us?”

  “No, I didn’t give in. I just got tired of running from what I actually wanted.”

  Brent wondered if there was more to it. When nothing came to him, he helped her into his truck. His was smaller than Connor’s truck and with less room. He was only able to move one passenger around.

  He pulled out of the parking lot and began the short drive home. Zoe rested her head on her hand against the glass of the window. In no time at all, she was fast asleep. Tomorrow was a Saturday, and they only did half a day at the shop. He hoped they got chance to spend a lot more time with her on Saturday afternoon and the whole day Sunday.

  Jake was waiting for him as he pulled up.

  “She’s asleep,” Brent said, getting out of the truck but leaving the door open.

  “We need to wake her. If I try to get her out she’ll fall.”

  “You’re right. I just don’t want to wake her. Where’s Connor?”

  “Inside, baking a cake I think.”

  Brent climbed back inside and tapped her leg. “Baby, we’re home. It’s time to wake up.”

  She opened, her eyes becoming instantly alert. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

  “Don’t worry about it, angel. Jake’s there. He’ll help you out.” Brent watched her open the door, and then Jake took the t
ime to help her get down. She was tired.

  “Come on, Zoe. We’ll get you washed and dressed.”

  She muttered something then leaned against Jake. Within seconds she was asleep.

  “I don’t think we’ll be getting any tonight,” Brent said.

  Jake glared at him before carrying her inside their house. Connor was waiting. The scent of baking filled the air.

  “She’s too tired. Let’s take her upstairs and go to sleep,” Jake said.

  They all locked up the house then followed Jake and Zoe upstairs. Brent thought they’d go to the guest room that Zoe had slept in the night before. Jake continued up the stairs to the room they’d shared her in.

  He placed her on the bed. Brent watched as he undressed her until she wore only her bra and panties. Jake did the same with his own clothes, leaving his briefs on then climbed in beside her. “Are you two going to join us?”

  Connor was in the same state of undress. “Come on, man. She’ll want us when she wakes up.”

  Brent stared down at her peaceful face. He wanted to join, and the thought of waking up and not being part of it scared him.

  He pulled his clothes off and climbed in behind Jake. Connor was close to the end of the bed leaving no room for him.

  “I don’t care what any of you say. I’m not fucking any of you,” Brent said.

  “It would be like fucking a brother,” Jake said.

  “Ditto.”

  After a time Brent began to fall asleep. He’d always been part of the sharing but never really thought it would work. With Zoe, he felt there was a chance. If only he’d be able to feel what the other two felt.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Zoe woke up pressed against two masculine and hard bodies. Their scent made her pussy melt. She opened her eyes and saw Jake looking down at her.

  “Hello, sleepy-head.”

  “Did I fall straight to sleep after Brent picked me up, or is this the result of some amazing fantasy that I’ve cooked up?” she said.

  “You fell asleep in the car on the way home,” Connor said.

  “We made sure you were comfortable and decided to join you,” Brent said from over Jake’s shoulder.

  “I see you were all the gentlemen.” She gazed at their briefs. Each one had a long, thick erection.