Defining Darkness (Royal Bastards MC Tampa Chapter Book 1) Read online

  Ivy turns, glancing back at Void. His eyes shift to the floor like he doesn’t want to be a part of this discussion. I’m confused as to why she’s even turning to him for an answer. What’s with that?

  She tightens her hands in mine, her eyes shooting to Nycto for the briefest of moments before returning to me. “Why don’t we stay here?”

  “Here? At the clubhouse?”

  “I mean… I’m sure Nycto is willing to let us stay until we get on our feet, or even for longer if we want to. To be honest, Eva, I feel safe here. Protected. And I haven’t felt like that for a long time.”

  My body slumps at her words. All I want is for Ivy to feel safe and protected. After what we’ve been through in our lives, then being kidnapped to be sold, I want her to know she’s being taken care of.

  “Why do you feel safe here, Ivy?”

  Her eyes shift to Void—it starts to sink in. Maybe she’s seeing him as her hero? She doesn’t want to leave him.

  “Have you seen this place, Eva? It’s a bunker. An underground bunker. I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel protected. We’re in this country illegally. We can’t go back home for fear of being taken again. If we go out on our own, it’s exactly that… we’re on our own. Here, the Royal Bastards can protect us. If those assholes who tried to buy us ever come knocking, Nycto and his brothers will be here for us. Doesn’t that mean something to you?”

  Her belief in these guys is quite astounding for someone who has only been here for twenty-four hours, give or take.

  “You really wanna stay here? At a biker club? I didn’t think it would be your kind of thing?”

  “To be honest, I didn’t either, but since I’ve been down here, this room has felt more like home than I’ve felt in a long time.”

  That statement shocks me. This weird, dank, strange-smelling cell is more like a home than our home was back in Cuba?

  I don’t understand.

  “How can that be?”

  She exhales. “Think about it, Eva. At home, it’s just you and me. It’s amazing, great, and all that. Plus, we are the best company for each other—”

  “But?”

  “But here there are brothers. There are people who will literally give you the shirt off their back.” She points to Nycto’s shirt I’m wearing. “They’re not just a biker club, Eva, they’re a family. A family we don’t have anymore. We could have that again, and this time it could be so much bigger and better.”

  Emotion overwhelms me. “I miss our parents more than anything Ivy, but replacing them with a biker club isn’t going to fill the hole their deaths left behind.”

  “No, it isn’t, but maybe having a whole other family by our sides will help us move on.”

  I gulp a lump down my throat as I ponder her thoughts. She wants to stay. I’ve been grappling with these feelings myself for days. The thought of having a connection with Nycto, but having to leave him to find Ivy was always there. Now I have Ivy, the thought of figuring this thing out with Nycto is even scarier. His bulky arms fold over his chest, an expression on his face telling me he’s desperate to hear what I have to say, but he isn’t making a move. Whatever I say next affects everyone here in so many ways. For once, I hold all the cards, and this power is not something I want to have.

  “If we stay, are you going to keep me locked in your room?” I direct the question to Nycto.

  His nostrils flare as he exhales. Finally showing some kind of emotion, he steps toward us. “Are you going to try to leave the compound?”

  Glancing at Ivy, she shakes her head. “No, not unless you tell us we can.”

  The corner of his lips turns up. “Then, no, I won’t lock you in my room. You’ll be free to roam around like Ivy.”

  Excitement bubbles inside of me. “Where’s Ivy sleeping?”

  Her eyes widen as they dart back to the cell-like room.

  “We have a spare room upstairs she can use—”

  “I want to stay down here!” Her adamant tone cuts through Nycto’s words.

  We both raise our brows as she pleads, “Please.”

  Nycto rolls his shoulders. “Are you sure about that? This is not built for living, more… keeping in people in transit.”

  “I know, but I like it. It’s my own little bubble for now. I can come up and see everyone when I’m tired of my bubble.”

  My stomach knots suddenly. If I’m able to come and go as I please, does that mean I’m going to be in a different room? Is my time in Nycto’s bedroom now over? “And… where’s my room going to be?”

  Nycto frowns, worry lines appear across his face. “You’re staying in my room, Chiquita. Don’t think for a second you’re sleeping anywhere else.”

  His firm attitude should anger me, but all it does is ignite a fire inside my soul. My whole body begins to throb, and my stomach clenches as I stare at him. His eyes bore into mine, the color of hot chocolate during a snowstorm, wrapping around me like the tightest embrace. The heat? It is like it’s 115 degrees down here, just from his intense gaze. The way Nycto demands what he wants only makes me want to stay.

  He turns me into a puddle in a matter of seconds with his harsh tone and glare. No one has ever been able to do that before.

  Ivy drops her hands from mine, causing me to snap out of my Nycto delirium. Ivy shifts her gaze from Nycto to me and back at Nycto. “I think it’s a good thing we’re staying, Eva.”

  Clearing my throat, I tilt my head. “You do?”

  “I do. Now, c’mon… come check out my digs.” She turns, heading for her cell.

  My eyes meet Nycto’s quickly before I turn, following her into the strange room. It’s like a little hotel suite, but I don’t miss the pole around the middle of the room with a chain attached to it.

  What the hell is that about?

  I choose not to ask.

  If I don’t ask, I can’t be told an answer I don’t like.

  Ivy makes her way over to the bed and sits down. I follow, moving in beside her.

  Nycto signals to Void. “We’ll let you girls get reacquainted. We will be upstairs when you’re ready to come back out. I’m gonna send out Pep to buy you both a new wardrobe.”

  “You’re buying us clothes?” I ask.

  “Can’t have you wearing my underwear, woman.”

  Void scrunches his face up at Nycto like he had no idea.

  “Thanks,” Ivy calls out.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  Nycto dips his chin, then they take off for the stairs leaving me with Ivy.

  I inhale, smiling at her. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “Oh, no, you don’t. We’ve established we’ve missed each other. It’s good we’re both here. Let’s move on from that—”

  “What?”

  “You need to spill the beans.”

  “About what?”

  “Not about what… about who. You and Nycto, sis. I saw that. Don’t tell me you don’t feel something for him because it was written all over your face and body just now.”

  It’s like nothing has changed between Ivy and me. She’s been taken captive, rescued by bikers, and she wants to talk about my love life?

  “We have far more pressing issues to talk about, Ivy. Like where were you taken? Who had you? What happened while you were there?”

  She groans. “Seriously, Eva, nothing happened. I was taken the same night as you. Transported to some fancy-as-shit house, locked in a bedroom by some old fart who said he had plans for me, but, luckily, they never did because Nycto and the guys came in shooting up the mansion to high hell and rescued me.”

  My eyes widen. “Nycto came and got you?”

  She hesitates. “Yeah, him… Void… and a few others. It was all pretty simple and quick. Nycto told me he had you. I remembered Void from when he tried to put me in the van when we got off the boat, so I knew they had been in contact with you. I had to trust them. They went to the trouble to get me out of there, so I knew it couldn’t be all bad. I had no clue
what the old dude was going to do to me, so I figured, fuck it. What did I have to lose?”

  “Who convinced you to come?”

  She hesitates again. I’m not sure why, but then her lips slowly turn upward. “Void.”

  So that’s the connection she has to him.

  “And you were okay with them keeping me from you for a day?”

  She shrugs. “Didn’t have a choice, but I knew you were here, so it was only a matter of time. I was okay with waiting while they were making sure I was okay.”

  Sighing, I reach out, pulling her to me again in another embrace. “I know I’ve said it, but I am so glad you’re here.”

  “Me, too.” She pulls back. “Now, stop avoiding the issue and talk to me about Nycto.”

  “Jesus Christ… where do I start?”

  “Just tell me. Do you like him?”

  I tense up. Do I like him?

  Sometimes I hate him.

  Sometimes I crave him.

  Do I like Nycto? As in, do I want to pursue something romantic with him?

  “Honestly, I…”

  Chapter Nineteen

  NYCTO

  Bringing the shot of tequila to my lips, I throw my head back as I let the caramel-colored liquid burn all the way down my gullet. Void sits back watching me without taking the shot sitting in front of him.

  “Hit me, Stace,” I demand, slamming the shot back on the bar.

  Void grabs my glass placing his hand over the top of it, halting Stacey from pouring my fifth shot. “He’s had enough,” Void tells Stacey, then tilts his head instructing her to leave.

  I grumble under my breath, shoving his hand away. “You’re a fucking pussy.”

  “I am? You’re the one up here sulking or some shit.”

  “I’m not fucking sulking.”

  “You gonna pout and throw a tantrum?”

  “Fuck you!”

  “Why are you acting miserable. Eva’s staying… isn’t that what you wanted?”

  I groan, swiveling on my stool, turning my back to the bar. “Yes, and it’s all going to plan—”

  “Then what the fuck are you bitching about?”

  “What if Eva finds out? What if someone lets it slip? What if this all comes tumbling down around my stupid ass and she leaves? Not only does it put her in danger but us, too. I have royally fucked this shit up from the start.”

  Void slaps my shoulder. “Then, we have to make sure Eva never finds out.” He picks up his shot, throwing it back.

  Now he finds a reason to drink.

  “Exactly my point. Eva can’t find out. No matter what. You have to drill it into Ivy.”

  “She’s smart. She knows what’s on the line.”

  “You think Eva’s gonna stay down there all night?”

  “You’re the president of the Tampa RBMC. Stop thinking with your dick. Get your head into gear, Prez.”

  “The fuck did you say?”

  “Look, I know Eva has your balls in a twist, but since her, you’ve put this club at risk. You’ve changed into this person I don’t even recognize. I’ve never seen you so tied in fucking knots. While it’s good to see you putting someone before yourself for a change, you’re putting her before your brothers.”

  I glare at him. “You got your panties in a twist ‘cause Ivy’s not putting out for you?”

  “You’re an asshole!” He stands, pushing the glass across the bar in frustration and walks off.

  It wasn’t my intention to argue with Void. He’s been the only brother on my side through this mess. The one brother I can count on. Taking Eva and Ivy in has been a hardship for the club. If Andrés finds out, we will be in a world of shit.

  Running my hand through my hair, I glance at the stairs, willing Eva to come up them, but there is no sign of her. So, I stand to make my way to my room. Eva needs to spend time with her sister. I get it. I’ll give her that. I also have to show some trust that they won’t leave. For now, I need to have a shower and wash some of this frustration off me.

  Opening the door to my bedroom, it’s strange entering and Eva not being there. The whole room smells of her. It’s intoxicating, but I make my way to the bathroom, close the door, and begin taking off my clothes. Reaching into the shower alcove, I turn on the hot faucet as far as it will go, only adding a bit of cold water. The lighting in the room is dull, just the way I like it.

  I stare back at myself in the mirror. “You really are a fool, Nycto,” I murmur to myself.

  Then, I step past the glass divider which has already fogged up, letting the beads of scorching hot water ignite my skin. I hiss through my teeth as it burns. I need it, as punishment. I’ve made bad decision after bad decision.

  I have made a good one too.

  But the good of one doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for the few. Saving Eva was not my best move, but I can’t deny I am glad I did it. She might fight me, resent me for my actions on some level, but I did it all to save her from a life of hell.

  Guilt for my club weighs me down as I place my hands on the wall, moving my head under the stream. Holding my breath, I let the water pummel me, the droplets cascading over me like a waterfall, drowning my sins away. It’s refreshing until a sudden creaking noise has me on high alert. Pulling out of the stream, my hand scrubs at my eyes as I look at the door of the bathroom.

  My heart leaps, thuds, then stops.

  Eva stands half in, half out of the bathroom, her eyes transfixed on the foggy screen. The mist swirls in the air leaving just enough to the imagination, but I’m sure the outline of my body is on full show for her right now. Our eyes connect as my lips part slowly—I’m not sure what move to make next.

  So, I still, watching her watching me.

  Eva draws her bottom lip in by her teeth, the sight has my cock instantly hardening. Tension fills the air, and if she’s going to stand there ogling me in the shower, then I’m sure as hell going to give her a show. Reaching for the body wash, my eyes stay transfixed on hers. Eva’s eyes widen as she studies my movements. I bring the container to my hand, squirting the liquid into my palm.

  She edges further into the room. My palm slides up my chest, an instant lather of bubbly soap forms on my pec as I circle. She gulps as she inches closer.

  With my other hand, I swipe the mist off the glass level with my groin but hiding my erection from her. A slow smile crosses her face as her eyes wander up and down my body, which I’m now lathering with soap. The air pops and crackles with electricity as I lower my hand down my abdomen.

  Eva tenses, her body going rigid as my cock throbs with desire. My hand skims down gripping hold of my cock, and I give it a firm pump. Pleasure rolls through me as I let out a groan. She can’t see past the mist, but she’s all too aware of what I’m doing.

  Eva’s lips part as she lets out a heavy breath. I pump harder on my cock, my eyes staying focused with hers. Lust greets me back, her chest heaving like she’s having trouble holding herself back.

  I pull faster on my cock. Pleasure rolls through me. My other hand comes up onto the glass to hold me in place. “Fuck, Eva,” I exclaim, my climax nearing.

  Her eyes widen like I’ve woken her from a trance, and her hands start moving. My eyes follow as she pulls my shirt off her body in one swift movement. My hand stills on my cock as she then slides the sweatpants down. My cock throbs in anticipation. With her so bare like this, she’s fucking stunning. Her hands hook around her bra. It falls to the floor freeing her full breasts.

  I almost come on the fucking spot.

  I start stroking myself again and again as she lowers my briefs showing me her perfect pussy. I groan, loving how much of a fucking angel she really is right now.

  Is she going to stand there and pleasure herself on the other side of the glass?

  She shocks me, stepping around the shower alcove.

  I stop stroking myself as she stands at the edge of the shower waiting for confirmation to enter. I reach out for her, wrapping my arms around her waist, pul
ling her to me under the water. She hisses at the temperature, so I swivel her out of the stream as much as I can because all I care about is touching every fucking delicate inch of her body.

  I turn, slamming her into the wall, my cock pushing against her. The friction making me moan as I crash my lips to hers. Eva’s hands run up into my hair as mine feel her body, needing to touch every inch of her silky skin. My hips rock into her, needing the contact I have been lacking. Having her pussy rubbing against my already worked-up cock is making this almost unbearable.

  My tongue collides with hers in a flurry of passion as I kiss her like this will be the last time.

  “You’re gonna be the death of me,” I moan, moving my lips to her neck and sucking.

  “I thought my heart was going to explode watching you touch yourself,” she pants out. One of her hands moves down to my ass, pulling me closer to her.

  Fucking hell.

  My cock throbs so hard that if we don’t move this along, I’m going to come from the anticipation alone. So, I pull back from her a little, sliding my hand down her stomach then straight between her legs. Her head throws back as I move in between her perfect folds. Eva’s like fucking heaven as I find her clit and circle. My mouth comes back in kissing her with as much purpose as I can muster.

  Eva’s hips push against my hand like the needy bitch she is, so I circle harder, faster, working her to her climax quicker. I need to get her there because I don’t know how much longer I can hold out.

  I need to fuck her.

  I’ve been holding back, trying to be a decent guy, but I can’t. Not now that she’s started this.

  My inner animal has taken hold.

  He can’t be tamed.

  Soft whimpers echo from her lips as I move my mouth to her neck, biting and sucking on her skin. She likes that, so I bite down harder as her muscles tense. Her body shudders, her nails clench into the skin on my back. Eva moans, throwing her head back against the shower wall as she climaxes on my fingers. Her legs wobble as I grip her hips tight, her glassy eyes stare into mine in a daze. “Holy shit.”