Spectre's Jinx (Knight's Legion MC:

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SPECTRE’S JINX
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Epilogue
 1

Spectre

Anything under nineteen, and I’d usually take another card. Yeah, I was cocky when it came to
gambling. Go big or go home had been my motto since I was a teenager. My four older brothers
would’ve never respected me if I showed fear about anything.
But the smirk on Cesar’s face made me nervous. All week I’d hung out at his blackjack table.
Sometimes I cleaned house, and other times I lost my shorts. If I took another card, I’d likely bust.
“Gonna take all day to decide, homie?” He grinned, showing his pearly whites. That couldn’t be
good.
I’d been studying his tells and trying to memorize them. He was a fucking good dealer, but I’d been
easily distracted when a particular server breezed by, leaving her intoxicating perfume behind, so I
was confident I’d missed some crucial expressions on Cesar’s stupid face.
Are you screwing with me, homie?
“I’ll be off in ten minutes?” A warm breath tickled my ear.
“Why so early?” I thought I had another hour of gambling time.
Cesar twisted his lips and arched his brow like he wanted some of what I had.
“Okay, fine,” she snipped. “I’ll wait for you in the lobby… Or maybe I’ll just go home.”
I grabbed her by the wrist before she left and turned toward her. “No, you won’t. I’ll meet you in
ten. Now blow on my hand.” I waved the cards in front of her.
She put her pink lips together and blew ever so softly, but the devilish glint in her brown depths
negated the gentleness. “Win big, so you can buy me dinner.”
“Absolutely, babe.” I got hard eyeing her as she sashayed away. Good thing no one could see my
crotch under the table.
“So you’re tapping that, homie?”
I got myself under control and faced the table. Shit, she was a goddess. I showed my cards on the
table. “Eighteen.”
“Really? Okay.” He shook his head. “You didn’t answer my question.”
 “A gentleman never brags.”
He chuckled as he revealed his card. “Seventeen.” He gave himself another card. “Seven. Bust.”
I threw my head back and laughed heartily. “I can’t believe it! I honestly thought you had a ten or
an ace under the jack. Fuck.” I put my hand on my chest and continued to laugh.
“Seems the lady brought you good luck.”
“Funny, she’s the opposite of good.” Except for this time, she’d helped me keep my shorts.
“I know, Jinx. I’ve been trying to get with her for weeks. When you swooped in, I lost momentum
with her. After you leave, I’m jumping back in the game.”
“You sound a little bitter, homie.” My eye twitched as I sized him up. He didn’t seem to be Jinx’s
type, but what did I know? I’d only been hooking up with her for a few days. I kept it casual, with no
strings and shit.
“I am. She’s a sweet little honey.” He put his elbows on the table and leaned toward me. “She a
good fuck, homie?”
“I’ll take my payout now.” Rage smoldered in my chest for some strange reason.
He backed away. “Don’t mean any disrespect. Just thought you didn’t care about her.” He slid my
winnings over.
“I don’t care what you do with her when I’m gone. Until then, keep your hands off.”
He nodded appreciatively. “All right, man. Thanks. Maybe put in a good word for me.” He
winked.
I threw my hand up and left, my jaw tight, hands in fists. Something about him showing interest in
Jinx pissed me off.
I didn’t care what she did or to who.
I didn’t own her.
Would never claim her.
Since Cobra stole Karma from me, I vowed never to be stupid enough to give my heart away
again. I would be the single Knight for life. No one would ever make me break that promise.
I stopped in the bathroom for a quick piss and went to the lobby. I was a little early, so I sat by the
entrance on a luxurious leather chair and checked my messages.
Lady M texted me a couple of times a day since I’d taken off on my road trip. It was a little
annoying being a grown-ass man. But I knew she only wanted to be sure I wasn’t feeding my shredded
body to the wildlife on the highway somewhere.
No texts today from her or from one of my brothers.
It probably had to do with Pyro’s arrival. Cobra had done me a solid with a heads-up that the
second-rate drummer had returned to Fargo to beg Piper to give him a second chance. I’d never be so
pathetic to beg a woman for anything.
Second-rate screeched in my head like nails on a chalkboard. I really needed to learn not to be
such a dick.
Pyro was an awesome drummer. I just didn’t like him because of his past drug addiction. And no
man would ever be good enough for my sister.
Dammit, I’d hated seeing her brokenhearted, lifeless, and sad after he’d gone home to California. I
had experienced the same emotions way back when with Karma.
But I’d known Piper would eventually get over Pyro. She’d continue living and would meet
someone else and fall in love…
When I heard she was pregnant, her having a baby changed everything for me. I’d thought, maybe,
just maybe, I could redeem myself for my part in breaking up Cobra and Karma if I helped Piper and
Pyro.
Of course if the wannabe rockstar hurt my sister again, I’d have to kill him.
I put my cell phone in my back pocket and checked out the group of women who entered the
building. One had on a crown and a sash that said: Bride-To-Be.
A few looked my way and waved.
I issued a nod in return.
The women in Vegas were plentiful and adventurous. I’d been living it up in Sin City for ten days,
taking full advantage of the nightlife, gambling, and pussy.
Then I met Jinx a few days ago. We had hooked up, and she left right after I rocked her world. The
following day, I couldn’t stop thinking about her, which was a huge problem. I’d planned to leave the
great state of Nevada that day, but I postponed my departure. If I saw her at work and she agreed to
hang out afterward, I’d stay an extra day. That was three days ago, or was it four…
Hell, if I knew how many days I’d been getting together with Jinx. Things were now getting too
comfortable and familiar for my liking.
“Hey, handsome.”
I turned toward the feminine voice and found one of the chicks who’d checked me out.
“Hey.”
“So it’s my best friend’s bachelorette party tonight, and I wondered if you’d like to party with us?”
“That’s a tempting invitation.” I raked my eyes over her curvy body, lingering on her plump tits
spilling out the top of her sparkly silver dress. She was sex on legs and my usual type. Perfect hair,
make-up, and body, forward and bold, desperate for a good time with a bad-boy biker like me.
“You look like the kind of bad boy to give us a night we’d never forget.”
Knew it. “You’re not wrong, beautiful.”
“So you’ll join us?” She moved closer and leaned into my thigh.
I brushed my thumb against her soft skin, a bit at odds with what to do. I could leave before Jinx
arrived and play with the bridal party. Or I could decline and hang with Jinx.
What to do, what to do?
I should go with this gorgeous woman and forget Jinx. Why complicate shit when I was going
home anyway? I’d never see her again. Better to stop whatever was going on between us before she
got hurt.
I stood and saw Jinx watching us from across the lobby. Shit!
She didn’t appear angry or affected in any way. I could walk away with this sexy woman, and
that’d be it. Jinx wouldn’t cause a scene, and I’d be free to do as I please.
“Well, shall we go?” the bridesmaid asked.
My eyes were locked on Jinx. “No, my date has arrived.” I strode toward Jinx, took her hand, and
led her out of the building. What the fuck, man? You were almost home free. I ignored my stupid
thoughts and noticed how my hand tingled as I held onto Jinx’s.
“Who was that?” Jinx panted while trying to keep up with my long quick strides. She was a little
thing, around five foot two. She had long brown hair and big brown eyes, a decent rack, and curvy
hips I liked to hold onto when I fucked her. She’d never be a runway model, but to me, she was a
goddess in her own right.
“Nobody.”
“She was somebody you were considering. I could tell.” Her voice was light and curious but
unfazed.
“How?’ I glanced down at her as we left the property.
 “You were checking her out the way you did me the night we hooked up.”
“I wasn’t checking her out.”
“If you want to go back and find her, go. I’m cool with it.”
I stopped hard and faced her. “Do you want me to go back?”
People swerved around us as we blocked the sidewalk. It was after seven in the evening and
fucking hot, for only being the middle of May. Sweat beaded on my forehead, and my armpits were
damp after fifteen fucking seconds of being outside.
“I’m just giving you an out. You’re on vacation. Do what you want.” Her indifference fueled a fire
in me.
“All right, let’s go.” I took her hand, and she jerked me back.
“I mean it, Spectre. If you want—”
“What I want is an animal-style cheeseburger and fries. Let’s go.” I tugged her to follow.
“That place is overrated, you know.” She smiled and walked quickly to keep up with me.
“I don’t care. I like it, and I get what I want.” And tonight, I wanted her under me and no one else.
 2

Jinx

Spectre powered down his massive burger and fries while I sipped on a chocolate shake. He’d
offered to buy me something else, but I wasn’t hungry after seeing him gawking at the woman in the
lobby wearing a silver sequin dress that highlighted her mile-long tan legs.
I should’ve never gone out with him after our first night together. My gut had told me he was the
love ’em and leave ’em kind. I hadn’t listened and followed my desires instead. I’d known from the
start he would eventually ride off on his Harley, and I’d never see him again.
Stupid girl. You caught feelings for him.
How could I not with the name Spectre? He was mysterious and had said it wasn’t his birth name.
I wouldn’t have questioned it, given my legal name was Jinx. The lucky guy probably had a normal,
boring name, something I wished I had.
Spectre exuded sex appeal and power and had the most heart-stopping smile I’d ever seen, but he
rarely smiled. I could tell he held back a lot with me. Not quite sure why, but I wouldn’t question him
too much. He didn’t seem like he’d appreciate my nosiness.
Okay, so he didn’t hold back during sex. He handled me with the perfect amount of roughness and
sweetness. I would’ve been a fool to deny myself such pleasure while the opportunity presented
itself. God knew I’d probably never experience it again after he left.
Stop making it sound like no other man could top him. There’s always someone better.
Yeah, but it goes both ways.
I wasn’t half as attractive as the woman back at the casino. She was probably a model. Why hadn’t
he taken off with her? I was just a plain shorty most people called a cutie. Actually, I didn’t know
what people thought of me. Since high school, when I was called cutie, I’d kept to myself.
When I looked in the mirror each day, all I saw was Jinx Malone, a young woman stuck in Vegas
with no possibility of ever getting out. It was fine. We weren’t all meant to live glamorous, perfect
social media influencer lives. Most, like me, were barely scraping by in the service industry.
My heart fluttered. The past several days with Spectre would probably go down in history as the
highlight of my life. A glimpse at how the one percent lived.
“You’re too quiet,” he grumbled with a mouthful. “Stop over-analyzing.”
“What are you talking about?” I swirled the straw in my cup to mix up the shake, which was so
thick, I’d give myself a headache trying to suck.
“I know you’re thinking about the chick, and you don’t have to. I’m here with you.”
“Please.” I waved him off. “I’m not thinking about her.”
“Liar.” What was he, a mind reader?
“Are you always this confident?”
“You know I am.” He was right. I’d never known anyone like him. He strutted everywhere like a
king and ruler of the Las Vegas strip. It was freaking hot, especially when I was at his side. I wasn’t
his equal by any means, but I had taken full advantage of riding on his coattail. Why not? He was
leaving any day. I might as well bask in his spotlight while I could.
“Yeah, I know. So then tell me. Why are you with me?”
“I thought you wanted to get together?” He put his messy burger down and wiped his hands.
Irritation rolled off him in waves.
Way to go, Jinx. Stop sounding insecure.
“I do. But you’re a free man. I’m fine with it if you’d rather be somewhere else or with someone
else.” Not really, but it might be better to stop whatever was happening between us before I ended up
with a broken heart.
“You’re fine with it?”
“Mhm.” I smiled to hide the anxiety building inside me. Why had I opened my big mouth and
confessed my inner thoughts?
“Okay.”
“Okay,” I repeated like an idiot. “I’ll see you around.” I stood and reached for my shake.
“What are you doing?” He snatched my arm and stopped me.
“I’m leaving to catch the next bus home.” If I missed it, I’d have to wait forty-five minutes before
another arrived.
“I didn’t say you could leave.”
I gulped, and my heart stuttered. “But you said okay.”
“Yeah. As in, okay, be fine about me being with someone else. But Jinx, I’m here with you.
Okay?”
“Okay.” Why would he choose me? Me? Boring, plain Jinx Malone?
“Sit down and finish your shake.” He released my arm and resumed eating.
I plopped into my side of the booth. We stared at each other. I throbbed down low, wanting him
more than ever before.
He’s going to break your heart.
I know, and I don’t care.
Hopefully, the memories will stay with me for the rest of my life.
We strolled down the strip toward his hotel. It wasn’t far from the burger joint. He’d admitted he
wanted to be near the place for quick in and out service. He loved burgers, and this chain hadn’t
made it up north where he lived. It could only be found west of Texas, so he wanted to eat there as
much as possible during his stay. A bit extreme if you asked me, but whatever. I thought he was cute.
“Do you want to do anything before going to my room?”
“Like what?” I looked at him, confused.
A group of people came toward us. To avoid bumping into them, Spectre and I moved closer
together. We never acted like a couple. He hadn’t put his arm around me or kissed me in public once.
To those around us, we probably came off as friends… or siblings. Eww, gross!
“I don’t know. Whatever you think is fun or worth seeing. I haven’t spent much time out on the
strip.” His hand went on the small of my back as we weaved through the crowds. Traffic was picking
up the later it got. The city came alive after nine.
“Are you into museums?” We were so close that I could lift onto my toes and steal a kiss if I
wanted. Of course I’d never do that. As it was, I’d made things weird at the fast food joint.
“No. What else is there?”
“There’s stuff to do at the resorts, like the Bellagio Fountains, or what about the Eiffel Tower?”
“Eh, not interested.” He moved beside me when the sidewalk cleared.
“Well, you just ate, so that’s not an option.”
“Oh, I’ll eat again before the night ends.” The corner of his mouth lifted into a devious smirk.
Holy shit! Was he referring to me? He hadn’t gone down on me before. I quivered inside at the
idea of a man giving me oral sex. It would be a first for me.
“I don’t know what to say.” I felt my face heat and my heart rate intensify. I searched the corners of
my brain for a snappy comeback, but Spectre had effectively frazzled my brain and got me hot and
bothered.
He laughed deep from his chest, which made me turn away and giggle.
Before Spectre, I’d only been with three guys. One was my very uptight and religious high school
boyfriend, who wouldn’t go all the way but wanted me to give him BJs. In return, he’d finger me until
I faked coming. He dumped me after graduation. Weirdly, it had taken almost a year for me to
rebound.
When I was almost twenty, a guy I’d met at a party took my virginity in a five-minute encounter.
Foolishly, I’d thought we were hitting it off, but when he refused to exchange numbers, I knew he’d
used me. I’d given him my consent but felt violated nonetheless.
Being brave enough to go out with someone had taken another year. Then I met Neil, who was
sweet and, again, a churchgoer like my ex-boyfriend. We dated for a few months before having sex.
Nothing wild and enthralling like it had been with Spectre. Neil had to be on top, and he had texture
issues, so he wouldn’t touch my pussy with his fingers or tongue. We had a crazy amount of sex for a
week straight, then a pang of paralyzing guilt hit Neil because he had “fornicated” with me, so he
dumped me to repent for his sins.
Something must’ve been wrong with me. Why couldn’t I keep a guy?
I’d given up on finding the right guy and had been going through the motions, working and paying
my bills, when I met Spectre. From the start, I had no expectations. He lived out of state and had been
in Las Vegas on vacation. It was supposed to have been one night…
We were only together for sex, no strings, no drama. But we were also having fun. It was so easy
to be with him, and I’d never felt comfortable with anyone as I did with him.
Stop it. You’re falling for him.
I know.
I glanced back at him when I couldn’t hear him laughing and found him looking at me. His gray
orbs smoldered with lust. I sensed we wouldn’t end up doing any of the touristy things. Not when we
both wanted to get dirty under the sheets instead.
I wished I didn’t crave Spectre’s attention or his hands on me as much as I did. Saying good-bye
wouldn’t be easy, but I’d never forget the good times we shared. And the best sex of my life. I’d
probably compare every guy to him. I doubted anyone could outshine the sexy bad boy.
 “Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked when we stopped at the street corner to wait for
the light to change.
“Excuse me? You were looking at me,” I teased.
“Yeah, I was. Wanna go back to my room?” He shot me a heart-stopping smirk.
Of course I did, but… “Are you sure you— Aah!” Something hit my back, and I fell forward onto
my hands and knees into oncoming traffic. The hot asphalt burned my flesh instantly and cut into my
skin like glass.
A horn blared as a moving truck came right for me. I froze. Paralyzed with fear. This was it. My
number was up, and today I’d die. I squeezed my eyes shut and braced for the impact. Please, God…
“Jinx!” Spectre had me in his arms just a fraction of a second before the truck smashed me into the
pavement.
Men shouted. Women screamed. I imagined dozens of cell phones were recording the terrifying
event. I hoped my face wouldn’t be plastered everywhere on the Internet.
A commotion broke out behind us. I couldn’t see what was happening. Spectre held me so tightly
against his chest I could hardly breathe.
“Jesus Christ! Are you okay?” He carried me away from the street to the wall of the building. “I
will kill that motherfucker.”
“What happened?” My head felt fuzzy. I was on the verge of hyperventilating.
“A bunch of drunk guys goofing off. They were shoving each other dicking around, and one
slammed into you. It happened so fucking fast that I didn’t have time to save you.” Rage twisted up his
expression.
“You did save me.” I cradled the side of his face. “I’m in your arms and in one piece.”
He shook his head. “You’re bleeding.”
“I am?” I looked myself over. My palms and knees were shredded. “Oh, I guess I am.”
“I’m so fucking sorry.” He craned his neck to see the assholes who’d almost killed me, but they
were gone. “I’m going to find them and beat the shit out of them.”
“It was an accident, I’m sure.” Or hoped. The strip could get wild at night, especially on the
weekends.
“They need to be taught a lesson.” It was adorable how he seemed genuinely worked up on my
behalf. His concern made me fall a little more for him.
“No, let’s put it behind us.” I rubbed the back of his sweaty, sticky neck. “You can put me down
now.”
“Nu-uh. I’m carrying you back to my hotel.” His gaze met mine. “Unless you’re not feeling it
anymore?”
“Oh no, I want to show you how much I appreciate you risking your life to save mine. Just maybe
not on my hands and knees.” I pecked his lips playfully.
His face remained rigid, not finding me amusing. “You don’t owe me anything.” He strode back to
the intersection like a badass king. A minute later, the pedestrian signal turned green to cross.
I looped my arm around his neck since he refused to put me down and kept my mouth shut. If he
wanted to carry me two blocks to his hotel, I’d let him. If he wanted to take care of me, I wouldn’t
object.
Maybe our fling was evolving into something more.
A girl like me could only hope. But I wouldn’t hold my breath.
 3

Spectre

What the actual fuck was going on with me? My arms screamed at me to put Jinx down and let her
walk the remainder of the way, but I couldn’t. Not after she almost got smashed like a bug by a
goddamn moving truck.
I’d never been so scared in my life. Even so, I shouldn’t be carrying her like she meant everything
to me, like a precious possession.
She wasn’t.
Not by a long shot.
I breathed hard and eyed my hotel, willing the building to move closer so I could be done.
Chivalry wasn’t me. I wasn’t a nice guy or helpful to anyone but my family and my club.
Then put her down already.
“Spectre?” My name on her tongue made me clench my jaw.
“I’m not putting you down,” I hissed through my teeth.
“You sound out of breath. Am I too heavy?”
“No. I’m furious, is all.” Was she serious? Jinx was about as heavy as my seven-year-old niece,
Nova. My huffing had everything to do with wanting to murder the jackass who almost killed Jinx. It
took everything in me not to drop her on the sidewalk and run after the drunk assholes.
“Oh. Well, people keep staring at us.”
“So what?”
“It’s making me uncomfortable.”
I grunted like an uncaring animal, went through the automatic doors at my hotel, and stopped in the
lobby. “Fine.” I set her on her feet.
“Thanks.” She wobbled and winced, her face turning cherry red.
“Want me to find you a wheelchair?”
“No,” she snipped, cutting her light brown eyes at me. “I just need a second.”
“Well, people are still staring at you.” Jesus, her knees were a mangled mess of dirt and blood.
 “You’re not helping.”
“Only stating facts. I’ll get a first aid kit at the front desk unless you want to go to a clinic?”
“Just take me to your room. I’ll clean myself up.”
“If you say so.” I wasn’t about to argue or be a domineering jerk. She wasn’t my woman or friend.
She was only an acquaintance, and no chance would I blur the lines.
I held open the elevator door, fighting the emotions building inside me as I watched her slowly
come my way. Her petite frame was stiff, her hands out at her sides, and her boney knees torn up. I
should force her to go to a clinic. She might need a tetanus shot or stitches.
“Thanks,” she muttered once inside the steel box.
“Yeah.” I pushed the twelfth-floor button and leaned against the wall. My previous desires to have
sex were long gone. Most days, I was a selfish dick, but I wasn’t into hurting women. Not physically,
anyway. I’d broken hearts, but that was a risk every chick I’d been with took being with me. I hadn’t
led them on or given them false hope of something more with me. Jinx hadn’t been any different. I’d
made it clear I was only interested in fucking.
So why are you with her now?
No fucking clue.
We entered my suite, and Jinx limped straight to the bathroom.
I went to the mini fridge for a beer, cracked it open, and chugged. I preferred something stronger to
battle whatever the hell was going on inside me, but all I had was beer.
To occupy my time, I called Cobra for an update on the homefront. The last time I’d checked in
was the morning after I hooked up with Jinx. Pyro had arrived, so I extended my departure to give my
sister and her drummer time to figure shit out.
“Hey, how’s it going?” Cobra answered.
“Not bad. What about you?”
“Karma is having contractions. I’m hoping it’s not another false alarm. I want to meet my son.”
I did not want to hear this. I was already in a bad mood. Talking about Karma made matters worse.
“I’ll let you go then.”
“No, no. She’s timing how far apart they are. Once she gets to five minutes, I’ll call Stitch to
come. Lady M is on alert. Hope and Piper will assist in the delivery. Shit’s about to get real, brother.
I’m scared as fuck.” He chuckled nervously. “I’ve never handled a baby before.”
I wanted to say something sarcastic and mean, but I bit my tongue. “You’ve held Cherish.”
“Not the same. She was clean and swaddled in a blanket. Karma wants me to cut the umbilical
cord after she’s held him on her chest while he’s all gunky.” He made a noise like he shuddered.
“Gunky? What the hell is gunky?”
He snorted. “A Nova word for the slimy stuff covering a newborn.”
“Gross.” I screwed up my face.
“Yeah. Enough about me.”
Thank fuck.
“What’s new with you?” my brother asked. “Are you on your way home?”
“Not yet. I’ll be leaving soon. In a day or…” I paused when Jinx opened the door and poked her
head out. I covered the mouthpiece. “Need something?”
“Ice, please.”
“Sure.” I got up, grabbed the ice bucket on the table, and left the room.
“Are you there?” Cobra asked. “Is someone with you?”
“Yeah.”
 “Someone is with you?”
“Yeah, but don’t worry about it. I’ll be heading home soon. I just wanted to check in.” I scooped
ice into the bucket and returned to my room.
“I’m surprised you called when someone is with you.”
“Don’t make a big deal about it. She was in the bathroom and I was bored.”
“Sick. Most chicks don’t take a dump when they’re with a guy.”
“She’s not taking a dump. She got hurt while we were out and is cleaning her wounds.”
“Damn. What happened?”
“Nothing. It’s not a big deal.” I let the door close behind me. “She’s not my woman, so don’t
worry about her well-being. She’s just a chick I hooked up with.” My feet jerked to a stop when I saw
Jinx leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed.
She came toward me and snatched the ice bucket. “Thanks.” Our eyes locked for a long second
before she went inside and shut the door.
“You don’t have to be an ass. I was just asking what happened and if she was okay.”
“Well, I am an ass. Nothing’s going to change there.” I dropped onto the sofa and chugged the rest
of my beer, keeping my eyes on the bathroom door. “I gotta go.”
“Shoot me a text when you hit the road.”
“Yeah, I will. You do the same when Ace crashes into the world.” I might be envious of my
brother’s life, but I wasn’t totally heartless. I cared about my nephew and his momma.
“I sure will. Don’t have too much fun, and don’t forget to wrap it up. You don’t want any
surprises.”
“No, the fuck I don’t.” I narrowed my gaze at the door. Jinx had told me she wasn’t on birth
control, but we used a condom each time. Her honesty shocked me. Most women would’ve lied.
“All right. Later.” He ended the call.
I sat there for the next ten minutes glaring at the door. We’d gotten comfortable together, and that
wasn’t okay with me. I should order her a Lyft and make her leave.
That was precisely what I’d do. I quickly opened the app on my phone, put in the necessary
information, then changed my mind. I hit cancel just as the door opened.
“Hi.” She smiled as if she felt a thousand times better than twenty minutes ago. “Thanks for the
ice.” She put the bucket onto the table.
“No problem.” I checked out her knees. There were two Band-Aids on each one. “Everything
okay?” Something was off as she lingered at the table.
“No, not really.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I think I should go.” She made her way to the door.
I jumped to my feet. “Why?” I should have been relieved she was calling it quits so I didn’t have
to. But I didn’t like being rejected. I pushed my hand on the door so she couldn’t leave.
“The lines got blurred, Spectre. I heard you on the phone. I mean nothing to you, and while you’ve
shown me a good time, I’m over it. Have a good life.” She tried to open the door, but I didn’t budge.
“You knew it was nothing more than sex.”
“I know. But it shouldn’t have happened more than once.”
I agreed with her. It happened five times more than it should have. “Okay. You’re right.”
“Yes, I am. Now, will you let me leave?”
Damn, her attitude turned me on. “What about a ride?”
“I already ordered one.” She showed me her phone. “They’re here.”
 Fuck. “Okay, then. Take care of yourself.”
“You too. It was fun.” She smiled wide, her cheeks turning pink, and dashed out of the room.
I went to grab another beer from the mini fridge, but I didn’t want it.
She was right. The lines had blurred. But I’d been looking forward to having another night or two
with her before returning to Fargo. There was a sweetness about her I hadn’t found before. Jinx was
nothing like the club girls I usually partied with or the sluts I’d met in Vegas before her.
Why wouldn’t she give us another night? Maybe she had caught feelings for me.
Dammit! I paced in my room, gripping my head between my hands. I should’ve asked her to stay.
Maybe that was what she’d wanted: to hear me ask her to stay.
I bolted out of my room and pounded the button for the elevator.
I didn’t have her phone number, so I couldn’t call her. She wasn’t working, so I couldn’t go to the
casino to talk to her. I didn’t know where she lived, so I couldn’t ride my Harley to convince her to
give us one more night together.
The bell rang, and I darted inside and pushed the button for the lobby.
Just let her go. It’s for the best.
Probably, but I can’t. I just want one more night.
The steel doors opened, and I quickly scanned the lobby. Not seeing her, I ran out of the building. I
turned right, then left, and spotted her. “Jinx!” I yelled as she got into a car. I sprinted to the vehicle
and pounded on the window.
She rolled it down. “What? Did I leave something behind?”
“Don’t go. Stay with me tonight. Just one more time before I leave.”
“Why?”
“Because we have a good time together. Because I’m horny. Because I didn’t get a chance to taste
you.” I didn’t usually go down on women because it was too intimate, but dammit, I wanted to
discover everything about Jinx. It probably sounded stupid since I’d never see her again, but being
with her felt good. I could open myself up, knowing we’d only be together for a short time. We could
act like a couple in my room, and then I could leave a free man.
The driver cleared his throat.
Jinx rolled her pretty brown eyes. “Not good enough.”
“I know you want to stay.”
“But that doesn’t mean I should. You’re bad for me, Spectre.”
“You’re just as bad for me, Jinx.” Dangerously so, but I was a reckless biker who got his rocks off
on tempting fate. I opened the door and extended my hand toward her. “I’ll make it worth your while.”
She shook her head, smiling. “I’m going to regret this.” She took my hand and let me help her out.
“I promise to leave a lasting impression on you, one burned into your memory until you’re old and
gray.” I shut the door, and the driver sped away.
“You really are over the top cocky.”
I chuckled and leaned down to whisper. “Yes, I am. Just wait until I make you beg for mercy and
scream my name.”
“Never gonna happen.”
“Challenge accepted. Game on.”
 4

Jinx

“I… I… Pleeease,” I cried, trying to lift my pelvis toward his face. Desperate for him to stop. No.
Not stop. I needed to come, but he would cruelly take his foot‒tongue‒off the gas, stimulating me
each time I got close.
“Not yet,” he growled as he held me down with one hand on my stomach while the other tortured
my clit.
“You’re so mean,” I whined. All this time, I had no idea how intense and overwhelming it could
be to be eaten out.
“I never claimed to be nice, Jinx.” He flattened his tongue against my entrance and slowly brushed
it across.
The hairs on my arms fanned out like a porcupine. I bucked my hips like an idiot, trying to get
myself off on his face. My attempt was futile. Spectre had me right where he wanted me, at his mercy
and begging him.
“Spectre, it’s, it’s too much. My head is going to explode.” I squeezed my skull and shut my eyes,
relishing his velvety tongue licking me up and down and from side to side. But when it went into my
heat, I’d almost come unglued, but the bastard wouldn’t stay long enough for me to climax.
“And you will love it when it does.”
“Yes, I’m sure I will. But how long can you be down there?” It’d been at least five minutes, maybe
longer. He hadn’t wasted time when we got back to his room. He’d swept me off my feet and carried
me to his bed.
He’d acted like a frantic man stripping me naked as if afraid I’d try to leave. Obviously, I’d do no
such thing without any clothes on. Yup, he had me where he wanted… Under him and his control.
I loved it.
“I’ll feast on you as long as I damn well please, Jinx. And you’ll fucking love it and won’t
complain. Do you hear me?”
“Yes, sir. I do.” I moved my body on the bed sensually, so worked up and on fire, nothing else
mattered.
“Good girl.” His hands scraped against my torso up to my chest. He filled his large paws with my
breasts, squeezed them, and pinched my nipples.
“Oh God,” I screeched, again trying to fuck his face.
“Not yet,” he hissed.
“I hate you.”
“Good, then you’ll be happy to see me go tomorrow.”
Tomorrow? Guess he’d finally decided. “Yes, I will.” Not really. Why didn’t he live in Nevada so
we could try to have a real relationship? Because Jinx was my name. My mom had told me since I
was a young kid that getting knocked up with me had ruined her life, so she named me Jinx as
payback. Nice, right?
Bad luck had followed me around like an evil spirit. Nothing good ever happened to me.
Spectre was proof.
He growled and ate me with fervor. Taking one of my pussy lips into his mouth, he sucked
forcefully.
I clawed the mattress, my mouth opening and eyes bulging. The epic orgasmic wave building
inside me crashed. I screamed his name as warmth rushed out of me.
I moaned. Howled. Cried.
Literal tears dripped out of my eyes, unable to process the sensations abusing my body and soul.
Spectre stayed between my legs, kissing my inner thighs and caressing my tits. I gasped for air and
trembled. I felt uber-sensitive and tingly. My brain was a mushy mess of confusion, and my bones
were like limp spaghetti noodles.
“Better?” he asked.
“Mhm.” More than better, freaking incredible. I bit my bottom lip. It felt ten times bigger.
“Good. I’m ready to fuck you.”
“Okay.” I dialed into the ripping of the condom packet.
He climbed onto me. “I want you to ride me.”
“I’d love to, but I can’t sit up.”
“Later then.” He snorted and speared his thick iron cock deep inside me, and his lips descended
on mine, kissing me as actively, if not more, than when he devoured my other set of lips.
The smell of my pussy on his face startled me. Not in a horrible way, but in an erotic, kinky way.
After fondling myself once, I’d smelled my fingers out of curiosity, but my juices had a different scent
on his face than on my hand. Perhaps his aftershave had altered it more pleasingly.
“Fuck, you feel good.” He pulled out slowly, then pushed back in just as slow. In and out, he went
at a leisurely pace. “Wide open and wet, so damn good.”
All I could manage was to watch him fuck me as I continued to reel from my most epic orgasm
ever. It felt a bit like an out-of-body experience. My numbness and fuzzy brain hindered me from truly
enjoying our second round of sex.
He dropped his head and pushed our foreheads together. He fucked me hard and deeper than he’d
ever gone.
I felt him down to my toes and in my soul as he consumed me from the inside out.
“Fuck, baby. I’m close.” He ramped up his pounding. “Hold onto me, Jinx. Fucking touch me,
baby.”
I glided my hands against his shoulders to his back, played with the hair at his nape, and kissed
him. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I locked my ankles as if I’d never let go of him.
 But I would set him free tomorrow. He’d ride out of Vegas, out of my life for good.
And I’d wish him all the happiness he’d never have in my desert town… with me.
“I want you to come with me,” he said into my mouth, twisting his tongue with mine.
I bobbed my head because I was so ready for another orgasm.
His hands went under my ass. He gripped my flesh, drove into my heat, and his body stilled. I
clamped around his dick and fisted his hair when my release hit.
We came simultaneously as he requested, which oddly felt like a religious experience. My mind
playing tricks on me, no doubt.
I wondered what his cum felt like inside me. Would it feel like spurting or a blast? Sadly, I would
never find out.
Stop sounding so pathetic! He’s the hottest guy on the planet. Be grateful he gave you the time
of day.
I am, but I can be sad it’s ending.
He collapsed on top of me and continued to kiss me until… Until he’d had enough.

“If you want breakfast before I leave, wake up.”

I fluttered my lashes when his warm lips pressed against mine. The room was still dark, thanks to
the black-out curtains. My vision was blurry, then his handsome face came into focus.
“Morning.” He brushed my hair off my cheek and kissed me again.
“What time is it?”
“After ten. Guess I exhausted you last night.” The corner of his full lips curled up.
“Look at you so proud.”
“Eh, a little. Are you hungry? I can order room service.”
“If you want. It’s your suite.”
“Good answer.” He slipped out of bed and went to the bathroom, naked as a jaybird. He was a
sculpted masterpiece with an ass I wanted to sink my teeth into.
I turned away, rolling onto my side so I didn’t drool. Phew, my body ached everywhere. I felt a
little raw too. I hated condoms but understood their purpose. Perhaps I should consider getting on
birth control so the next time I had sex, I could feel the guy bare.
I threw the blankets back and got my ass up to get dressed. My black mini skirt and white T-shirt
with the casino’s logo on the back were piled on the dresser with my bra. But where was my
underwear? I worked later today at the casino and would need a shower and a nap before my shift
started. Forget the panties.
He exited the bathroom and went straight for the room’s phone. I rushed past him to pee and brush
my teeth.
After washing my face, I stared at my just-fucked reflection. I definitely glowed despite my messy
hair. Combing my fingers through my long locks didn’t help much. In my purse was a hair tie I could
use to put it up in a ponytail.
 “Breakfast will be here in fifteen minutes.” Spectre knocked on the door.
“Okay.” I blew out a breath and pressed my hand against my chest.
Don’t make a fool of yourself. Keep cool. Friendly. And don’t cry. I opened the door and found
him on the sofa wearing a pair of gray sweats with his cell phone in his hand.
He raked his steely eyes up and down my length. “You doing okay?”
“Great.” I sat on the opposite end of the couch and dug through my handbag for the hairband.
Finding it, I put my hair up. Next, I squirted lotion in my palm and put a little gloss on my chapped
lips. Living in the desert wasn’t great for my skin or lips.
Spectre watched my every move like he’d never seen a woman before and was mesmerized.
I checked my phone, and there was a text from my supervisor. I groaned reading it.
“What’s wrong?” He jerked his chin at my phone.
“My boss wants me to come in early. I should go.”
“No.” He sat forward, almost like he was prepared to run to the door and block it. “Our breakfast
will be here soon.”
“He wants me there in thirty minutes. I haven’t even showered you off me. I don’t have a change of
clothes.” My panties were lost. I couldn’t go to work without fresh ones.
“I enjoyed dirtying you up.” A mischievous spark flashed in his eyes.
“I’ll see what I can do in your bathroom to wash your scent off.” Not that I really wanted to be
free of him just yet. I was also famished and looking forward to breakfast. Maybe a long good-bye
kiss afterward.
“What happens if you can’t be in until your shift? Surely they understand that you have a life
outside of the casino. You could have a dental appointment or a meeting with an attorney.”
“An attorney?”
“It just popped into my head. The point is, you could be unavailable to work until your shift.”
I wrinkled my forehead. He was absolutely right, but… “I need this job.”
“You need to eat, and I was planning to take you for a ride on my Harley.”
“You were?” I wasn’t sure whether to believe him or not, but riding on the back of his motorcycle
would be amazing. “Why hadn’t you mentioned it before now?”
“I was going to, then you said you had to go in early. Just tell him you can’t come in until your
shift.”
“Okay. You’re right.” I typed a quick message.
“Yes, always remember that.”
“You’re not cute when you’re cocky.”
“Yes, I am.” He relaxed on the sofa. “Why do you work at that place anyway?”
“Why not? The tips are good, and it’s not as sketchy as some other places where the managers
encourage the women to go the extra mile for larger tips… If you know what I mean.” I sent the
message and anxiously waited for a reply.
“Seriously?” The corner of his lip twitched. “That would never fly at Aeros. My brother demands
a professional environment and protects his employees.”
“What’s Aeros?”
“My family’s casino.”
I jumped when my phone chimed when my supervisor replied.
“What’d he say?” Spectre asked eagerly.
“Fine, and nothing else.” I replied, thank you, but felt horrible about it.
There was a knock at the door, and Spectre went to answer it. Our breakfast had arrived and
smelled delicious, but I couldn’t stop thinking about work. I rarely missed and always came in when
someone called in sick. This one time I couldn’t come in early shouldn’t be a big deal.
“Hey, let’s eat.”
I smiled at Spectre. “Sure, I’m starving.”
“I bet. You didn’t eat dinner and burned a lot of calories last night.” He dug into his food.
“You gave me a vigorous workout.” I sipped my coffee, trying to ignore the heat spreading across
my face, when an image of him licking me flashed in my head.
He didn’t lift his gaze to mine. Awkward.
“So if your family owns a casino, why are you in Vegas?”
“On vacation, of course.” He shoved a fork full of pancakes into his mouth. “Is working in a
casino it for you, or do you have other goals?”
“College wasn’t in the cards for me. And as you know, the service industry is huge in Vegas.”
“Yeah, but don’t you want anything more?” he grumbled while chewing.
“More what? I’ve lived here my whole life. I don’t have a dad, and my mom works three jobs to
pay the bills because I ruined her college plans. This is as good as it gets for me.”
He stared at me for a long second. “How’d you ruin your mom’s college plans?”
“I was born.” I stabbed my fork into the scrambled eggs on my plate.
“What?” he spat. “What kind of crazy talk is that?”
“I’m just regurgitating what I’ve been told my whole life. Believe me, I know she screwed up by
having unprotected sex, but she blames me for it.”
“That’s fucking stupid. It’s not your fault.”
“Aww, you don’t have to get worked up on my behalf.” Jeez, he looked just as he had yesterday
after my near-death experience. He was so adorable in a growly grizzly bear kinda way, but he didn’t
have to defend me. I was used to my mom’s hurtful and exaggerated words. She loved me on some
level. It showed when she wasn’t exhausted from working double shifts. She’d ask if I wanted to
watch a movie, and we’d order a pizza. I only wished we had more days like those.
“Parents should be careful what they tell their kids. The world would be better if parents didn’t
fuck up their offspring.”
“I agree. My mom, Trina, wouldn’t win any awards, but she did her best given the hand she was
dealt.”
“Pft. The hand she was dealt? You’re terrific. I hope she knows that.”
My heart fluttered at his sweet words. I doubted my mom would agree with him though. I’d been
the kid who lost and broke everything. She’d spent a ton of money having to replace shit because of
me. “What about your parents? Do they know how great you are?”
“Of course they do.” He smirked while pouring more syrup on his pancakes. “Let’s hurry up so we
can go.”
“Okay.” I focused on my plate and ate quickly. If I didn’t eat now, I probably wouldn’t until after
my shift. I rarely got breaks at work.
It wasn’t lost on me that he changed the subject each time I asked about his family. I got it. He
didn’t want to get too personal or blur those lines further. He was right to be careful. We were only
having fun during his stop in Vegas, like a summer fling if it were already summer.
The point was, he would return home, wherever that was, and we’d never see each other again. I
needed to be okay with it and move on after he was gone.
You always give up the goods to the wrong guy.
Jinx is my name. I’m bad luck and have bad luck.
 5

Spectre

This woman had me questioning my whole fucking life. Why I refused to give love another shot. Why
I lived in Fargo. Why I’d been an immature asshole to my brother and Karma. So many whys and I
didn’t have an answer for any of them.
I wanted to know more about Jinx but was terrified. What if we bonded? What if I wanted to stay
in Nevada with her? Absolutely not. I was the Sergeant at Arms in the club. They needed me, and I
would never abandon my family as Bone had.
Yeah, I was bitter over my big brother moving to Montana. I missed him and hated him, at times,
for leaving me behind.
Jinx was as bad for me as I was for her. The sooner I got out of Nevada, the better.
But first, we had to finish our ride on my hog. She was the first woman I’d invited to ride bitch.
See? What the actual fuck?
I couldn’t deny how she made me feel or the sensations sparking inside me as we flew down the
freeway toward the Hoover Dam and in the opposite direction of North Dakota. I was a fucking
glutton for punishment, delaying my departure.
And I was aroused.
Calm.
Happy.
This was too fucking much. I could’ve said later at the hotel and left Sin City instead of taking her
out on my bike.
Coulda, woulda, shoulda, I could hear Lady M saying.
Her arms wrapped around my waist, head on my shoulder, scent whirling around me in the wind…
I felt like a king. Not to mention I couldn’t stop thinking about her sweet pussy. I needed to have her
one more time before I rode out of her life for good.
“This is incredible,” she shouted. “So freeing.”
Didn’t I know it. “It’s a lot like flying.” I snapped my mouth shut. I hadn’t told her about my
second love: aviation.
“You like to fly? I’ve never been on an airplane before.”
That was crazy, but I didn’t want to know more than I needed. “There it is.” I pointed as we
approached the dam along the border of Nevada and Arizona.
I parked at the visitor’s center and got off my bike. Jinx followed, stretching her body and tugging
her skirt down.
“Should we go inside, or do you just want to walk around?” she asked.
“We can walk around.” I wasn’t actually interested in seeing the dam. I’d only wanted to have a
little more time with her on my hog.
“Okay.”
Surprisingly, a lot of people were out and about despite the heat. Kids ran around. Old folks
shuffled past us. Jinx and I didn’t talk much as we went from one end to the other. I sensed she didn’t
know what to say, like me.
We stared at Lake Mead. The whole place had been anticlimactic, but Jinx seemed to enjoy
herself. I wasn’t sure what the draw was or why people would waste their time coming there.
She dug into her purse and passed me a silver dollar. “Here, make a wish and toss it in.”
I studied the large coin. “Where’d you get this?”
“Sometimes, I trade my paper dollars for these at the casino. I like to collect them.”
“Then why throw it into the dam?”
“Because it could bring me good luck. And the same goes for you.” She squeezed her eyes shut
and whispered a silent prayer.
Her pink lips captivated me while she made her wish. I almost told her she was wasting her time
and smashed my mouth to hers. I didn’t. I watched her act out her ritual, entranced by her sparkle and
sweet animation.
After a few seconds, she lobbed the coin, opened her eyes wide, and smiled. “Your turn.”
“I don’t believe in this kind of witchcraft.”
She tossed her head back and giggled. “It’s just for fun. Come on. Make a wish and toss that bad
boy into the water.”
“This is cheesy.”
“Yeah, but I want you to do it anyway.” She playfully nudged my shoulder. “It’ll be something you
never forget doing… with me.”
As if I could ever forget her. Before Jinx, I hadn’t spent more than two nights with any chick.
Never took a woman out on a date or bought gifts for anyone other than my mom and sister. I had been
a completely different man with Jinx. Not quite sure why.
“Oh, come on. What will it hurt?” She fluttered her eyelashes. “Just humor me.”
A weird feeling twisted me up inside. It felt like her effervescence had reached my soul and
claimed it. “Fine,” I grumbled, unable to deny her. I raised my hand.
“Wait!” She grabbed my wrist. “Close your eyes and make a wish.”
“Fuck, you’re pushy.” I did as she demanded, and all I could see was her pretty face in the dark
depths of my mind. I hope our paths cross again sometime in the future. I threw the coin, and
bitterness swelled in my chest. I’d never see her again and needed to accept the fact.
“Yay, you did it.” She clapped while doing a little dance. Fuck, she was adorable.
“Let’s go.” I stalked away before I did or said something I’d regret.
“Are you mad at me?” She jogged to keep up with my fast stride.
“No.”
 “I don’t believe you. You could’ve just said no if you didn’t want to throw the coin.”
“As if you would have let it go.” I turned the corner toward the parking lot, hoofing it faster than
before. I peered over my shoulder when I didn’t hear her arguing or footsteps. She wasn’t there.
“Jinx?” I hollered.
Where the fuck did you go?
I returned the way I came, turning the corner again, still not seeing her. If she went back to throw
another damn coin, I’d give her hell for wasting my time. I needed to get on the road.
I wiped the sweat off my brow. Fury boiled in my gut as I searched for her. She wasn’t at the spot
where we’d thrown our coins. Or any other place we had stopped.
Fuck! Where are you?
I went to the bathrooms and waited outside the women’s door.
An old lady came out, and I moved in front of her.
“Was a young woman inside?” I asked.
The old broad checked me out. “Why?”
“I’m looking for my friend. We got separated.”
“I didn’t see a young woman inside.”
“Are you sure? She’s about this tall”—I put my hand to my shoulder— “and has brown hair in a
ponytail. She’s wearing a black skirt and a white shirt.”
“Nope. Didn’t see her.”
“Thanks.” I took off running, blood chugging through my veins. What the hell happened? Had
someone taken her? Could I have passed a trafficker and not realized it?
In Fargo, people disappeared in a blink of an eye.
Dammit!
I went by the snack bar, another bathroom, and the picnic area.
No Jinx.
I took out my phone to call the police as I bolted into the visitor’s center. This wasn’t my territory.
I had no connections with other clubs, so I had to rely on Nevada’s law enforcement, which I was not
thrilled about. But Jinx could’ve been abducted. I’d do anything to find her.
I went to the counter. “My friend is missing,” I shouted in a panicked voice.
“I’m sorry, what?” the clerk asked.
“Her name is Jinx. We were at the viewing side of Lake Mead. On our way to the parking lot, we
were separated. Now I can’t find her.”
“Spectre?”
I spun around, hearing her voice. “Jinx, what the fuck?” I grabbed her by the bicep and forced her
to follow me outside. I put her against the wall and lowered my face to her level. “Where in the fuck
did you go? I was worried sick you’d been taken by a human trafficker!”
“Why would you think that?”
“You vanished!” She didn’t know I was in an MC. I hadn’t worn my cut in Vegas because I was
alone and hadn’t gotten permission to be there. I’d laid low, minding my own business during my road
trip. She probably had no clue about the dangers surrounding her and lurking in dark corners.
“Obviously, I’m fine.” She waved her hand up and down her length.
“Then where’d you go?”
“I was tired of being a pain in your ass. I get enough of that at home, so I let you go. I’ll find my
own ride home. It’s been fun.” She slipped away and went toward a different parking lot.
I gritted my teeth and scrubbed my hands down my cheeks.
 Just let her go.
I can’t. Not yet, but I will.
I raced toward her and snatched her hand. “I brought you, and I will take you back.”
“Really? You’re being stupid.”
“So are you.”
“You don’t owe me anything. We’re not even friends like you’d told the clerk back there.”
Her words burned. “I’m a man of my word. I said I’d take you to work, and I will.”
“Whatever. Just don’t—”
I turned on her and kissed her to shut her the fuck up. And, because I wanted to.
She pushed on my chest and mumbled something.
I didn’t budge and held the back of her head in place to take what I felt desperate for… her
sweetness.
She finally gave up struggling and melted into the kiss. If we weren’t in public, I’d fuck her right
there on the sidewalk.
Take her somewhere for a good-bye fuck.
Yes. A good-bye fuck is a great idea.
I reared back. “Let’s go.” I tugged her by the hand to follow.
We didn’t talk the remainder of the way. I got on my bike first, then she hopped on behind me and
wrapped her arms around my waist.
“What about one last time?” I asked, taking her hand and putting it against my hard-on.
She stroked me a few times and scooted closer. She pushed her tits against my back and whispered
in my ear, “Okay. One last time.”
I started my Harley and drove out of the parking lot. I had no idea where to take her. No hotel or
private room. I wanted a fast and furious fuck. No emotions. No foreplay. Just her and me fucking…
One. More. Time.
In the last twenty minutes, I hadn’t found one semi-private spot to stop. I was losing hope I’d get to
sink my cock into her pussy before we made it to her work. I nearly sulked like a child when she
tapped my arm.
“Turn right at the light,” she shouted.
I turned.
“Left at the stop sign.”
I followed her direction.
“Right at the next alley.”
I slowed and turned. “What is this place?” We were behind a brick building. Across from it was
wooden fencing to separate homes.
“It used to be a dollar store my mom worked at. It’s been closed for a long time. I figured no one
would be around if you wanted to do it here.”
Do it? I couldn’t help but smirk. “Yeah, sure.”
“Okay.” She got off the bike and stood there as if waiting for me.
“Pull your panties off.” I unzipped my pants and tugged them down. My cock had deflated some,
but it wouldn’t take much to get me going again.
“Why are you still on your bike?” She peeled off her pink bikini underwear. She’d searched my
room for them before I checked out. I was bummed she wouldn’t let me keep them as a souvenir.
I patted my lap for her to come here.
“You want to have sex on your motorcycle? How?”
 “Come here, and I’ll show you.”
“So you’ve done it before? Nice.” She moved closer.
“No, I haven’t. But I’ve imagined doing it on my Harley dozens of times.” My fantasies would run
wild, dreaming about celebrities and models I’d like to fuck.
“So I’m the first?” Her expression relaxed.
“Yup.” I helped her straddle my lap and tugged her skirt to reveal her addictive pussy.
“Good.” She took me into her small hand and jerked me off a little. “I’ll put the condom on you.”
“Oh shit.” We’d used the ones I’d brought into my hotel room. I hadn’t replenished my supply.
“You don’t have any?”
“I used them all.”
“We only did it five or six times.” She let go of my dick.
“I’d done a lot more than that before meeting you.”
She scowled. “Well, then. You can take me to work.” She tried to get off me, but I wouldn’t let her.
I had to have her one more time.
“I won’t come in you.”
“Oh really? How?” She tilted her head with attitude.
“When I get close, I’ll shoot my release on the ground.”
“Pulling out isn’t foolproof.”
I palmed her ass cheeks and rubbed my dick against her pussy. “It will be foolproof for us.” I
moved in for a kiss.
“I better not regret this.” She puckered her lips.
“Trust me. A kid is the last thing I want. I’m not dad material.” I sealed my mouth to hers, and we
went at each other frantically.
I wanted to get this over with before I changed my mind about leaving today. Being away from my
family and club seemed to have messed with my mind. I’d clearly been out of the routine of chasing
the bad guys and doing the badass biker stuff I lived for.
After a minute of hot and heavy making out, I lifted her onto my iron rod cock and nearly
whimpered. I’d never felt a woman bare before. Fuck, I didn’t think I could go back to using latex. No
wonder my brothers had old ladies. Feeling her warmth and wetness was fucking incredible.
I bounced Jinx on my dick, spearing inside her forcefully. She was so tiny compared to me that I
had no problem moving her just the way I wanted.
“Oh my God!” she cried and held onto my shoulders. “It’s so intense this way.” She gasped as she
went down on me. Whimpered as she raised. Gasped, going down hard.
The sounds she made were fucking hot and turned me on like never before. Riding me on my hog
probably played a huge part too. Damn, I wished she was topless so I could suck on her nipples.
I went for her neck to give her a hickey as a parting gift. She clenched around me as I marked her. I
wasn’t prepared when an explosive orgasm ripped through her. She violently shook and drenched my
cock in her cream.
Her pleasure set me off. “Fuck, I’m coming.” I lifted her, and her leg hit my handlebar. The barrier
made me lose my grip, and we stayed connected.
“Pull out!” she yelled.
“I’m trying!” I gripped her hips and pushed her away from me and tried to scoot back as my
fucking dick shot ropes of cum.
“Spectre!” Her limbs flailed while trying to get away from me like I was a diseased, rabid animal.
I gave her a firm nudge. She cried out, falling off the motorcycle.
 “Fuck, Jinx. I’m so sorry.” I hurried off to help her.
“Don’t touch me!” She slapped my hand away.
“I didn’t mean to push you onto the ground.”
“Well, you did!”
“I was trying to pull out.” I spotted my cum between her legs when she twisted into a sitting
position.
“Yeah, and how did that work out for you? I thought you knew what you were doing?”
“I never fucked anyone on my bike before.” I rubbed my temples, afraid to ask her if my sperm
made it into her pussy.
“I knew this was a bad idea, but you just had to tempt me.” She lifted her skirt to inspect her hip.
“This is going to bruise.” She winced lightly, touching the scrape on the side of her hip.
“I’m sorry. Let me help you.” I squatted and could smell my goddamn cum. “Did I come in you?”
“I’m not sure.” She got to her feet.
“How can you not be sure?”
“Because you freaked out. I didn’t pay attention at that point. I can’t tell if the wetness is from you
or me.”
“Hey! What’s going on over there?” an old man hollered from the other side of the wooden fence.
“Oh my God,” Jinx whispered and fixed her skirt.
“Nothing!” I put my dick back and zipped my jeans.
“I’m calling the cops!”
“Shit. We need to get out of here.” I got back on my bike.
“You go. I’ll find my own way to work.”
“Don’t do this. Get on the bike.”
“Hello, I’d like to report a sexual assault,” the old man said.
“Come on, baby.” I reached for her. “Before I’m arrested.”
She hopped on, and I sped away.
Goddamn, what a clusterfuck.
I kept checking my side view mirrors for flashing lights. Maybe the cops would think the old man
was senile. I could only hope.
Instead of taking the main road to the casino Jinx worked at, I headed east and worked my way
back, coming from the opposite direction.
“Go to the employee entrance on the side.” She pointed to the left.
I found a spot to park that wasn’t too far from the door and killed the engine. Make it short and
sweet, I told myself.
“Guess this is it.” She got off my Harley and stood awkwardly next to me. “I had fun.”
“Me too.” I avoided her glossy eyes, determined not to drag out my exit. “Sorry about that back
there.” I jerked my head south of us.
“Yeah, it wasn’t how I thought it would end.” She bit her bottom lip.
“Maybe take that pill to make sure nothing comes of my fuck up.” Way to be an insensitive ass.
“Yeah, sure.” She nodded, fidgeting with her fingers. “But we’re probably okay.”
“Good.” I blew out a relieved breath. “Take care.”
“You too.” She shifted from one foot to another. “Be careful out there.” She took a slow step
toward the building.
I grabbed her hand, reeled her into my arms, and captured her lips. I kissed her deeply for a long
second, then released her.
 I was about to ask her to get back on my bike and leave Nevada and her entire life behind for me,
but instead, I said, “Later.” I started my hog and drove off.
From my side mirror, I watched her staring at me until I was out of the parking lot. Fuck, leaving
her had been more difficult than I thought it would be.
How stupid could I have been, almost asking her to run away with me? Jinx was too smart to
gamble on a guy like me.
It was time to get back to reality and never think of her again.
Or try not to, anyway.
 6

Spectre

Three agonizingly long weeks had passed since I left Las Vegas. I’d be a liar if I said I hadn’t thought
about Jinx. She’d been the first person on my mind when I woke and the last when I went to bed. I
wasn’t sure what to do to forget her.
I kept myself busy with club business during the day. Spent more time than I liked teaching Pyro to
fight the old-school way with his fists and knives. His dedication to learning the ins and outs of the
MC life surprised me. He seemed genuinely committed and disgustingly in love with my sister.
Naturally, I hadn’t gone easy on him, but he took everything I dished out.
In the evenings, like now, I helped at the farm to avoid my mom’s million questions about my road
trip. Sometimes I played with Nova.
I finished filling the last watering container for the chickens and put the hose away. It was after
eight, but light out. Living in the country was peaceful, nothing like the bright and crazy Vegas strip.
City folks would probably freak out with the lack of activity. Fargo couldn’t compete with larger
cities’ amenities and diversity. I preferred my hometown over anything else.
Upper Midwesterners lived in their own little bubble. City dwellers couldn’t say they had a field
of sunflowers like country folks. Lady M wanted the vacant lot dedicated to Nova’s favorite flower.
In a couple of months, it would be full of yellow flowers.
Yeah, that little girl wasn’t spoiled at all.
I made my way back to the house and sat in a rocking chair on the front porch, not quite ready to go
inside. Cobra would probably have Ace in his arms. My brother was the proudest papa in North
Dakota. I was happy for him but didn’t enjoy watching him with his baby.
Jinx’s smiling face flashed behind my eyes. I clenched my jaw and rolled my hands into fists.
Nothing I’d done wiped out memories of her. Not even the two hookups I had last week when I’d
finally succumbed to the need to fuck. I felt a little guilty afterward, an emotion I rarely had.
I shut my eyes tightly and tried to smite her out of my head. “Leave me alone,” I hissed.
“Who you talking to?”
 I opened my eyes and looked at Hustler. “Where’d you come from?”
“The kitchen. Who’s bothering you?”
“No one.”
“You’ve been off since you got home. What’s up?”
I sighed. “I’m tired of being asked that.”
“You met someone, didn’t you? I can tell. You’re all angsty and shit. Who is she?”
Maybe talking about Jinx would help. “Just a chick.”
“She’s more than a chick, or you wouldn’t be moping around like you lost your puppy.”
“I’m not moping around. I’ll forget about her. It’s just still fresh.”
“And if you don’t forget her?”
“I have to. She lives in Vegas, and I live here.”
Hustler sat in the chair next to me. “Call and invite her to come for a visit.”
“No, no, no.” I shook my head and laughed. “Why complicate things? I never wanted a serious
relationship. I just need to wait it out. I’ll forget about her soon.”
“But do you want to forget her?”
I considered his question for a long spell. Want to forget her? No. Need to forget her? Yes.
“How’re things with Hope?”
Hustler chuckled. “Okay, I’ll drop it. Hope is doing a lot better. The dark cloud of postpartum
depression seems to be lifting.”
“That’s good.”
“She’s an incredible mother. I just wished she could see what the rest of us see.”
“Self-doubt is a bitch.” After Karma rejected me, I couldn’t get over it. She’d been my first love
and my best friend. We should’ve ended up together, married with a couple of kids.
Choosing Cobra over me had fucked me up badly. Not quite a decade later, I still didn’t trust
myself to find a woman who would love me and be my ride-or-die chick. I’d rather be alone and fuck
on my terms. Lord knows I couldn’t take another broken heart.
“Is that what’s happening with you and the woman you met in Vegas? Are you afraid she’ll reject
you like Karma?”
“Dude, you gotta stop. We hooked up, and that’s it.” I stood and went to the door. “Don’t mention
her again.” I went upstairs to my bedroom and locked the door.
Call Jinx? How? I didn’t have her number, and she didn’t have mine.
I grabbed my shit and went to shower… And jerk off because fuck, I was horny.
I could call a club girl but wasn’t feeling it.
Damn you, Jinx. Get out of my fucking head.

I practically inhaled my breakfast to get out before the kitchen exploded with Knights. The vibe in the
house had been tense since I returned. I wasn’t sure if it was about Pyro, me, or both. I sure as hell
didn’t want to find out. Ignoring the awkwardness was better.
 “Good morning, Uncle Spectre.” Nova sat beside me and served herself waffles and bacon.
“Morning,” I grunted.
“Nova, would you like milk or orange juice?” Lady M asked.
“Milk, please.” Nova glanced at me. “Why are you always gone?”
“I’m not.” I drank my coffee and avoided her critical gaze.
“I got up extra early so I could talk to you. No kid wakes up before seven during summer
vacation.”
I snorted. “What’d you want to talk about?”
“The fair next month.”
“What about it?” I wiped up the extra syrup on my plate with the last piece of waffle and ate it.
“Will you take me? No one will ride the big rides with me, but Daddy said you like to go on
them.”
Gee, thanks, Cobra. “I don’t know. I need to check my schedule.”
Lady M made a tsk-tsk sound and set a glass of milk in front of Nova. “You’re not busy, son.”
“How do you know? I might be on a run.”
“I doubt that. Take your sweet niece to the fair.” Lady M winked.
“Please, Uncle Spectre. I won’t be a pain in your behind.” She made praying hands. “I’ll be
good.”
“You woke up early to ask me to take you to the fair a month before it’s in town?” Who was this
kid?
“Uh-huh. I wanted to corner you before you had plans or a date.”
“A date? Never gonna happen, kid.”
“Pft. One day you’ll find your queen.” Nova patted my shoulder.
Lady M laughed at the stove.
“I’ll take you to the fair one day next month.” I got up, collected my dishes, and went to put them in
the sink.
“Yay!” Nova squealed. “It’s going to be so much fun!”
“Sure. Fun.”
“What’s going to be fun?” Cobra appeared, holding Ace against his chest. The sight of them
churned my stomach.
“Uncle Spectre is taking me to the fair!”
“I’ll be at the airport.” I went around Cobra.
“Hey,” he said. “Did you want to hold Ace?”
I hadn’t held the baby yet. “No. I think I’m coming down with a cold or something.” I raised my
hand in front of my mouth like a shield.
Cobra furrowed his brow. “Okay.”
“Later.” I could tell he didn’t believe me.
“Bye Uncle Spectre!” Nova hollered.
I rushed out of the house and hopped on my hog. Today I had planned to spend the day flying. I
hadn’t been in the air since the fall and needed to get lost in the clouds.
I wouldn’t be sad if I never returned to the ground.
 7

Jinx

Finally, a day off after working twenty-two days straight in a row. My life had been the craziest it had
ever been. Sometimes I put in sixteen hours, and when I got home on those nights, all I could do was
shower and crash in bed.
Twenty-two days. Over one hundred and ninety hours on my time card. Crap, I was tired. Brain
dead. Six pounds lighter.
Why the insane overtime and no days off?
The flu.
The highly contagious virus had run rampant throughout resorts and casinos in Las Vegas. It had
been an unbelievable few weeks at Black Diamond Casino with half the staff gone at once. I’d never
worked so much in my life.
But now that I’d had a whole night’s sleep, nothing to do, and nowhere to go, Spectre was on my
mind. He was lucky to get out before catching it. I didn’t actually know if he had got it or not. I hoped
not.
Weirdly, I hadn’t gotten sick like most of the city.
I sprawled out on the couch and searched for a show to watch, but nothing appealed to me. The
scab on the side of my thigh from when I’d fallen off Spectre’s lap was almost completely gone. I
hadn’t had a minute to think about him for three weeks. I wished I wasn’t now.
Opening the period app on my phone, I held my breath. Did I need to see what I already knew?
Apparently yes.
“Eight days late,” I whispered. “My system is out of whack. That’s it.”
“Did you say something?” my mom asked from the kitchen.
“Just talking to myself. Trying to get caught up on stuff after working so much.”
“You’re young and didn’t miss much,” she replied. “Be grateful for the overtime.”
Grateful? I was anything but appreciative. I hadn’t had time to go to the drugstore to buy the Plan B
pill. Now I could be pregnant, and I’d know about it.
 Not if you don’t take a test. Just take the pill, and you’ll never know if you are pregnant.
“What do you plan to do with your big paycheck?” My mom’s question stole my attention.
“I don’t know. Why?”
“My car needs new tires, and I can’t afford to buy them.”
“I don’t drive your car.”
She pushed her hip out and glared. “Because the bus will take you directly to the casino. I have to
drive to my three jobs. Three jobs, Jinx! Everything you see in this apartment, I paid for. Not you!”
Jesus, I should’ve known she’d want my money. “How much are the tires?”
“At least a thousand.” How did she keep her facial expression neutral?
“A thousand dollars? Tires for your little Kia cost one thousand dollars?” I didn’t believe her.
“I might as well get a tune-up and oil change while there. It’s the least you can do after I’ve
provided for you the past twenty-one years.”
“No, I’ve worked since I was sixteen. I contributed because you made me.”
She rolled her eyes. “The measly money you gave me didn’t make a dent in the budget.”
“Doesn’t matter. You’re the one who got pregnant. I didn’t ask to be born.” My harsh words
stabbed me in the stomach. I could be pregnant, and the baby had no say in the matter like me. I was
glad my mom had kept me. If I was pregnant, how could I consider getting rid of it?
Stop saying if. You’re never late.
I could be this time.
Then do nothing and wait to see if you get your period.
I could do that…
And then what do I do if I end up pregnant? I wouldn’t know where to find Spectre to let him
know, to give him a chance to be in his kid’s life. My father had run out of Vegas like his pants were
on fire when my mom told him she was pregnant. He never wanted me. Neither did she, but her
Catholic upbringing had forced her to keep me.
I was a little appreciative of her religious beliefs. Although she was awful most days and bitter
about me ruining her life.
“You suck, Jinx. How disrespectful to throw my stupidity in my face.”
“I’m out.” I lifted my ass off the sofa, grabbed my purse, and went to the front door. “I’ll give you
the damn money. Just leave me alone.”
She didn’t say anything. The money was more important to her than harping on me for back talking.
Would I ever be able to afford to live on my own? Not if I was having a baby. Crap… I power
walked to the bus stop. The sun shined bright, and the air was dry. We’d get close to one hundred
degrees, and it was only June. Some days I wished I lived somewhere with better weather and
moderate temperatures. I’d never get out of Nevada.
Who cared? Right now, I needed to find out if I was pregnant.

The cheap test stick I’d bought at the discount store showed two lines. Maybe it was a false positive.
 I couldn’t breathe there on the toilet seat. Someone came into the small three-stall bathroom. The
scent of burgers and fries wafted into the room. Meanwhile, I couldn’t take my eyes off the pregnancy
test.
How ridiculous of me to go to Spectre’s favorite fast food place to find out the life-changing
results. Strangely, being there made me feel closer to him.
It also made me hungry.
Pulling off a sheet of toilet paper, I wrapped the stick and put it into my purse. I wasn’t sure why I
did that, but I wasn’t going to question myself. I did dumb stuff all the time, like hookup with a
gorgeous stranger last month. And continued to sleep with him even when I knew he would leave.
But the dumbest thing I’d done was let that bad boy talk me into having sex on his bike and trust
he’d pull out before coming. When I thought I felt his semen, I freaked the fuck out, fell onto the
asphalt, and got road rash.
I hadn’t been just dumb with Spectre—I was brainless.
“Jinx, are you in here?”
I froze, not recognizing the woman’s voice.
“Jinx, we know you’re in here.” They knocked at my door. “Are you okay in there?” More
knocking.
“I’m fine.” I stared at her yellow polish and wedge leather sandals.
“Some guy named Cesar is concerned about you. He said you’ve been in here for fifteen minutes.”
Cesar from the casino? I didn’t know any other guy named Cesar other than the guy who’d been
trying to get me to go out with him.
I opened the door. “Tell him I’m okay. See?” I fanned my hand down my body and went to wash
my hands.
“Yeah, you seem okay.”
“Because I am. Thanks.”
The woman shrugged and left.
I stayed in the bathroom for a few more minutes, pondering my misfortune and the messed-up
humor of the universe.
Upon exiting the ladies’ room, I bumped into Cesar, who appeared to be guarding the door.
Great, now what? “You didn’t need to wait.”
“I saw you go in and not come out in a reasonable amount of time. I got worried. Sue me.”
“My lawyer will be in touch.” I slipped by him and went to order my food.
“Your smart mouth turns me on,” he whispered from behind me.
I ignored him and placed my order. The girl at the counter kept flicking her blue eyes at Cesar.
They both annoyed me. After I paid, I went to an open table and waited for my number to be called.
Of course Cesar followed. “Are you really okay?” He sat across from me.
“Yes, not that it’s any of your business.”
“You sure are moody.”
I rolled my eyes and turned away.
“Missing your boy, Spectre? Me too. I liked seeing his ugly face at the blackjack table.” He tapped
his fingers on the table like he was playing the bongos. “So you’re just going to ignore me?”
Yes. Especially after bringing up Spectre. Hopefully, he’d get the hint and leave.
“I guess he didn’t put in a good word for me before he left town.”
“What?” I whipped my head around to face him.
“You know I want a chance with you. It would’ve been nice if he talked me up.” He smirked as if
proud of himself for getting my attention.
“He never brought you up.”
“That’s strange. He told me to look after you.”
I shook my head. “You’re lying.”
“I swear. He told me after he was gone to treat you good.”
My stomach churned. “I don’t believe you.” Why would Spectre ask another guy to “look after
me?” What did that even mean?
“Okay.” He stared at me for a long second. Cesar wasn’t bad looking with dark hair, eyes, and
skin. But he’d been too persistent in his pursuit of me. I should’ve been flattered, but I wasn’t
interested. Maybe Spectre had seen something good in him. “If you change your mind, you know
where to find me.” He got up and left.
I almost called him back. Almost.
“Number seventy-eight. Seventy-eight. Your order’s ready,” someone called out my number.
I hopped to my feet and went to the counter. “Thanks.” I took my to-go bag and sat at the table. I’d
eat there instead of on the bus as I’d thought initially. I wasn’t in a hurry to get home after all.
Cesar seemed to linger at his car. Was he waiting for me?
I watched him as I ate my burger, fries, and chocolate shake. I wasn’t sure what I’d do if he didn’t
leave soon. Could he have been telling the truth about Spectre?
I couldn’t even call and ask Spectre about Cesar. We hadn’t exchanged phone numbers because it
would’ve blurred the lines. I didn’t even know his real name.
How would I ever get in touch with him? Didn’t he deserve to know I was having his baby?
Maybe he wouldn’t want to know about his child. A guy like him only cared about being free to do
whatever he pleased. He didn’t want to be tied down.
Chewing my food, I recalled him saying he came from a big family, was the youngest boy, and had
four older brothers and a younger sister. What else had he said when we were together?
Think, think, think, Jinx.
He had to have said something about his life that might help me find him.
I sucked the thick milkshake and was relieved Cesar had left. Now I could focus on Spectre and
what I would do about the baby.
Aeros popped into my head. “That’s right!” His family owned a casino. I grabbed my phone and
searched for it. “Holy crap.” My eyes bulged.
It was an elite casino in Fargo, North Dakota. Private airstrip. Luxurious suites. I bet you had to be
somebody or know somebody to get in. I guess I wouldn’t be allowed in.
I made a pouty face. I wasn’t somebody and knew nobody to be on the approved list. Not even
hooking up with Spectre would be enough.
Why was I being sensitive? He had told me no strings from the start. I had agreed.
But a baby changes everything, right?
Maybe.
I’d have to figure out my next move later, not now. This situation was delicate, and I didn’t want to
do anything stupid. My unborn child’s life depended on me doing what was best for him or her.
Contacting Spectre might be the wrong thing to do.
 8

Spectre

“I can’t keep my mouth shut anymore, son. What happened during your road trip?” Lady M sat next to
me on a bale of hay. I’d taken to sitting out by the chicken coop in the evenings to avoid my folks’
questions. They’d be in bed by the time I went inside. “You’ve been home a month, and I’ve hardly
seen you or talked to you.”
“Just got things on my mind.” And I wanted to be left alone. I needed to think through the chaos that
consumed my every thought. It always centered around Jinx and how I missed her.
In my dreams, I smelled her, heard her sweet voice, and made love to her—not fucked her. I’d
wake up tasting her on my tongue with my fingers tingling after caressing her skin. My dreams were
so lifelike—and a total mind fuck.
“What kind of things? You aren’t the same man who’d left. Did something happen while you were
gone? Being gone for a month was a long time. Yet you haven’t talked about your trip.”
“What do you want to hear?” I asked harshly. “I rode through numerous towns. Stopping along the
way.”
“Screwed around with women?”
“Yes! Lots of women.” My heart raced, and disgust pumped through my veins. I didn’t care about
the other women I’d been with before I’d met Jinx. But the two I’d been with weeks ago to help erase
the Vegas beauty from my mind haunted me. Ten tons of guilt and regret weighed on me.
“I’m not surprised. A handsome, single man like you would capture a woman’s attention without
trying. Did you meet someone?”
“I don’t want to talk to you about this.”
“So you did. What’s her name?” She was relentless.
“Lady M, did you hear what I said?” I snarled at her.
She shoved my shoulder. “Don’t talk that way to your momma. If I ask you a question, you reply
politely, or I will bust your ass. Do you hear me?”
“Yes, I hear you. But I’m a grown fucking man who should be respected.”
 “Am I disrespecting you, son? My momma’s heart senses you’re struggling, and I love you too
damn much to ignore it. Is that disrespecting you?” Fuck, she was masterful.
“No, ma’am.”
“No. I’ve given you lots of time to work through whatever is going on with you. But you’ve been
avoiding the family and me, and I’m over it. Now get talking.”
“Her name is Jinx.” I leaned forward, put my elbows on my knees, and stared at the chickens
scratching in the dirt. Lady M had won the battle, as always.
“Interesting name. Is it a nickname?”
“No. Her mother named her Jinx as a punishment.”
“Punishment for what?” The anger in Lady M’s voice made me straighten my spine. She had
perfected the “mom voice.” When she used it, my siblings and I would stand at attention, even as
adults.
“Her mom blames her for ruining her life, so she named her Jinx because of her bad luck. It’s
fucked up.”
“It sure is. What mother would do that?”
“A horrible one, I imagine.” I turned toward her, feeling blessed that she was my mom. My
brothers, sister, and I were fortunate to have a mother who loved us more than herself. Lady M would
die for us. “Jinx’s dad took off after she was born. She’s never met him, and her mom treats her like
shit.”
“That’s awful.” She held my gaze. “And you like Jinx? How much time did you spend with her?”
“Five days. Not nearly long enough to know if we would’ve worked out.”
“Not in my book. After the third date with your dad, I knew he was the one.”
My eyebrows shot up. “Dad took you out on a date?”
She laughed. “Of course he did. I made him jump through all the hoops if he wanted to be with me.
I deserved as much, dontcha think?”
“So you’ve always been a badass, huh?”
“Yes.” She smiled and patted my knee. “All month, your funk has been about Jinx, hasn’t it?”
“Yeah, I can’t get her out of my head. And believe me, I’ve tried.”
She glared at me. “Club girls don’t have magical powers when you’re dipping your dick in them.
You can try to fuck Jinx out of your mind, but it won’t work.”
“Damn, Mom! Don’t talk like that.”
“What, isn’t that what you tried to do?”
“Yes, but you don’t have to be so nasty.”
She tossed her head back and held her stomach as she laughed. “My husband is a biker, the OG
Prez. I can get a whole lot nastier, baby.”
“Please say no more. Just tell me what to do to forget about Jinx. She’s in Vegas, and I’m in Fargo.
I can’t do a long-distance relationship. I need her out of my head.”
“She’s not in your head, son.” She tapped her finger on my heart. “She’s here.”
“Not possible. I’ve only ever loved one girl, and she destroyed me. I won’t let that happen again. I
want to forget about Jinx.” Shit, saying the words made my chest burn.
“Silas, Karma wasn’t your person. You were young, and first love is always the most
heartbreaking. Not many people stay with their high school love. What you’re feeling for Jinx is real.
Are you sure you want to forget her when she is probably the one?”
“She’s not the one.”
“How can you be so sure?”
 “Because I’m here, and she’s not. It was a fling, that’s it.”
“Why don’t you call her?”
“What good would it do? I’m never moving to Nevada.” I stood and paced. “Besides, I don’t have
her number. We never got that personal. Didn’t want to blur the lines.”
“The youth of today are a bunch of idiots.” She gave me a tight hug. “You’re a smart man, Silas.
I’m sure you can find her if you want to.”
“Well, I don’t. Thanks for the talk, Mom. I’ll be back to my old self soon.”
“I only want my baby boy to be happy. It can’t be easy seeing your brothers in love and starting
families.”
“Bone isn’t in love and starting a family. Maybe I should go to Montana.”
“Pft, Micah is most definitely in love with Destiny.” She released me. “They’re both in denial, him
more than her. That’s another problem people have, thinking they can sleep with someone regularly
and not catch feelings.”
“That was my mistake with Jinx. It was only supposed to be a hookup.”
“Well, you wouldn’t be thinking about her if she didn’t mean more. Don’t play it safe. Love is a
risk, but it’s worth it when you’re with the right person.” She was the wisest person I knew. “I’m
going to bed. I’ve got a headache thinking about your brother and Destiny.”
“Good night, Mom.” I snorted; Bone always gave everyone a headache. “Thanks for the talk.”
“You’re welcome, baby. I’m here if you need me.” She strolled toward the house, and I took my
phone out of my pocket.
Without overthinking it, I called the casino Jinx worked at.
“Thank you for calling Black Diamond Casino,” the automated system answered. I hung up, not
wanting to listen to the directory.
What now? I hated dealing with people outside of my MC world. I could ask Hustler to look into
Jinx and get her number, but then he’d tease me about her.
What if I was only lonely, and all this would pass, and I would forget Jinx in time? I’d be a
miserable asshole until then.
 9

Jinx

It was after 1 a.m. when I carefully unlocked the door and crept into the apartment so I didn’t wake up
my mom. Her shift at the diner started at five thirty in the morning. It pissed her off when I was loud.
Inconsiderate brat, she’d call me at least a dozen times a month. It’d been her favorite term for as
long as I could remember.
I turned the bolt slowly, holding my breath and biting down on my tongue.
“What the fuck is this?” My mom’s voice boomed behind me, and the light turned on.
“What?” I spun around, choking on my heart after she scared the crap out of me.
“This!” She threw the pregnancy test at me. It bounced off my stomach. “Is it yours?”
“How dare you go through my things!”
“So it is yours. Jesus Christ, Jinx. How could you be so stupid to get knocked up like me? Have
you not listened to anything I’ve said your entire life?” She charged toward me.
I screamed and tried to run, but she caught me.
Her hands went around my neck, and she slammed me against the front door. “You’re nothing but a
slut! A stupid, selfish whore!” She squeezed tighter, cutting off my oxygen. She was three inches taller
and about thirty pounds heavier. Even if I could take her, I couldn’t fight back. She was my mom, and
I… I couldn’t hurt her.
“Let go,” I begged while struggling to get her hands off me. “Please.” I gagged and coughed, trying
to pry her claws off me.
“You have to get rid of it!” She banged my head against the door. I saw stars. “I won’t let you have
it.” She threw me onto the floor, raised her foot, and aimed for my stomach.
“No!” I turned quickly, bracing for the impact, and screamed in pain when her foot connected with
my lower back.
“You bitch!” She kicked my back repeatedly as she yelled and cursed me for continuing to ruin her
life. Thank God she was barefoot, but it didn’t matter. Each blow was more excruciating than the
previous.
 “Stop, or I’ll press charges!” I shielded my stomach to protect my baby and took the beating.
“You’ll go to jail. I won’t pay your bail.”
“I hate you!” She suddenly stopped. “Pack your shit and get the fuck out of my house!” She
stormed to her bedroom and slammed the door.
A sob ripped from my chest as I curled into a ball on the floor. Burning pain spread throughout my
back. I put my hand against my stomach and prayed my child was okay.
Last week I decided to keep my baby regardless of whether or not Spectre was in our lives. I
hadn’t told my mom I was pregnant because I knew she wouldn’t take it well. Not taking it well was
the understatement of the century. Trying to stomp on my stomach so I’d miscarry was evil and
disgusting. She’d gone too far. My child shouldn’t be around a hateful person like her.
Now my eyes were open to her true wickedness, and I never wanted to see her again.
Lifting onto my hands and knees, I winced as I felt the sore spots on my back. There would be
bruises, despite her not wearing shoes. I carefully stood and went to my bedroom.
The door was open. I flicked the light switch on the wall and gasped.
My dresser drawers were open, and the contents were on the floor and my bed. The mirror on the
wall and the glass from several pictures were shattered.
I entered and closed the door. So help me, I wanted to burst into my mom’s bedroom and do to her
as she’d done to me. Choke and kick her. Trash her room and destroy her things. Naturally, it would
do no good. It probably wouldn’t even make me feel better.
She isn’t worth your ire. You’re better than her.
Am I though?
She had told me my whole life to use protection, yet I still had unprotected sex with Spectre. But I
was an adult and could do anything I wanted. Although I hadn’t planned on getting pregnant by a guy, I
hardly knew.
I’d lost my mind with that cocky bad boy. My brain had short-circuited, and my body overheated
when he was near. The guy had rocked my world, and I had fallen hard for him. Might have even
fallen in love. I placed my hand against my stomach. All the elements were ripe for this little one to
be created. I wasn’t usually spiritual but believed in a higher power, and my baby was meant to be.
And I was meant to be so this little one could be created. It all made perfect sense.
I took my suitcase and duffel bag out of my closet and started to fill them with the clothing and
personal items I couldn’t live without. I didn’t have many keepsakes from my childhood. My mom
wasn’t like some parents with pictures documenting their kids’ lives. She hadn’t held onto my favorite
stuffed animals or preserved some of my baby clothes and blankets. It was almost like she’d tried to
throw out any evidence of my childhood… as a punishment.
I would do everything I never had for my child.
My gaze fell on my jewelry box. The lid was open. Of course it was. That was where I’d hidden
the positive pregnancy test and my tip money.
My money. She’d wanted it and must’ve felt it was her right to go through my things and take it. I
rushed toward the box, and the two hundred and nineteen dollars were gone. Again, I could scream.
But I’d remain calm because I wasn’t like her. She’d lose her mind and break things a few times a
year, cursing me for ruining her mind. It usually occurred after something reminded her of my dad.
Tonight, my unplanned pregnancy had triggered her. She had probably relived the worst time of her
life before I’d gotten home—lucky me for missing the episode.
Fortunately, she didn’t have access to my bank account.
It took me less than an hour to pack my worldly possessions. I was exhausted and hungry but didn’t
want to spend another minute in Trina Malone’s apartment. The next time we were face to face, she
might succeed in killing my baby.
I dreaded lugging my things to the bus stop in the middle of the night—alone. By all means, I’d do
it. I had no other choice. It would be stupid to question my mom’s intent. If she said get out, I would
do just that.
Setting my suitcase and duffel outside the front door, I put on my backpack and swept my gaze
around the only home I’d ever known. It wasn’t much. The seventies Spanish-style stucco building
was dated and falling apart, and the inside wasn’t any better. Our unit had two bedrooms and one
bath, and the kitchen still had the original gold Formica countertops. Some might call it retro, but I
thought they were ugly.
A tear streaked down my face, and I swiped it away. I hadn’t expected today to end with me
getting thrown out on the streets. Maybe this was the kick I needed to finally take control of my life.
Find the positive, Jinx. The silver lining. Yes, I would be okay. I quietly closed the front door and
left.
At the bus stop, I formulated a plan. I’d find a place to store my things and fly to Fargo. If
Spectre’s family owned the casino, they might be known in town. I could ask around and try to
casually bump into him.
Maybe he’d ask me to stay if he was happy to see me.
Maybe for once in my life, something good would happen.
Maybe what I thought was bad luck was a beautiful stroke of luck.
Wandering the Vegas strip in the middle of the night was more than a little creepy. I looked like
one of the homeless people, which made me sad. I didn’t have a home or shelter, just like them.
At least I could go into Black Diamond Casino without getting thrown out. However, I was sure
my supervisor wouldn’t let me keep my luggage in the breakroom for more than one day. And he
wouldn’t let me sleep on the couch. I couldn’t even afford to rent a room. They ran four hundred
dollars on up. Spectre must’ve had a lot of money to stay at his hotel for as long as he had. Not to
mention all the gambling he’d done.
Geez, I wished I knew more about him.
I pulled my suitcase through the lobby, thankful it had wheels. I would’ve never made it through
the city so quickly otherwise.
It was quiet for the most part, but I knew bells were ringing from the slot machines on the other
side of the double doors. Some people gambled day and night in Vegas.
A few employees stared at me as I went past them. No one questioned me, which I was glad about.
I entered the employee breakroom and cursed my bad luck.
“What’s this?” Cesar asked. “Are you moving in or going on a trip?”
“Don’t start with me. My mom kicked me out. I had nowhere else to go in the middle of the night.
Why are you here so late?” I put my things in a corner and collapsed on a club chair.
“Darren called in sick. I wanted the overtime.” He went to the fridge and brought me a bottle of
water. “You look pale and dehydrated.”
“Thanks.” I chugged the water.
“So your mom kicked you out. Why?”
“I’m pregnant.”
“Pregnant?” His eyes bulged, and he stepped back like I had the plague. I imagined Spectre would
react similarly, which would break my heart.
“Yup. She threw me out because I wouldn’t get an abortion.”
 “Fuck, that’s rough.” He stared at my stomach. “Is it Spectre’s?”
“Yes.” I didn’t owe Cesar anything, but I told him the truth so he’d stop trying to get me to go out
with him.
“Damn, Jinx. Are you going to tell him?”
“I don’t have his phone number. Do you?”
“Naw. The dude is super private. He never talked about his personal life.”
“Yeah, that sounds like him. I only know he lives in Fargo. I think I should take time off to see if I
can find him.”
“You think he’ll be happy you’re pregnant?” He smirked. “He ain’t daddy material, Jinx. If you
think he’s going to take responsibility and you’ll be a happy little family, you’re wrong.”
“I’m not in the mood to talk about this, especially not with you.”
“Okay, I got to get back to work anyway. If you need a place to crash, I gotta couch you can
borrow for a short time.”
“Thanks. What about a garage to store some of this when I go to Fargo?”
“No garage, but you can leave whatever you want with me.” He made his way to the door. “You
really gonna go hunt Spectre down in Fargo? I doubt you can get very much time off.”
“You’re probably right about that.” I sunk into the chair. “I don’t have much money, so I can’t be
gone too long anyway.”
“Are you going to fly? It’d be faster.”
“Oh my gosh, I’ve never been on an airplane. I’m not thrilled about it.” It would be fantastic to get
to Fargo within hours instead of spending days on a bus. I’d have to stay at a hotel too. Crap, I might
not be able to afford to do any of this.
“Well, take some time to think it all through, but don’t decide tonight. I don’t think you’re thinking
logically. I’ll check in with you after my shift is over.” He nodded on his way out.
“Sure.” I waved flippantly because I was worn out.
Silence surrounded me, and it was terrific after everything I’d been through. I curled into a ball
and closed my eyes. I needed to get a little sleep before my supervisor and the morning shift
employees arrived.
My brain wouldn’t stop as I tried to sleep.
I should make a doctor’s appointment. Buy some prenatal vitamins.
Come up with an alternative plan if Spectre rejects his baby and me.
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