Protective (The Houston Defiance MC Series Book 5) Read online

  Finley weakly smiles at me, then turns to Zero. “Is that okay? If I borrow Texas and some other guys in shifts if I stay at my place? It will be easier on me. All my work is there. I don’t want to stop my life if I don’t have to.”

  Zero nods. “Let’s be vigilant about this, especially with everything else that’s happened recently. Texas, you can leave with her immediately. In addition, I will be sending Phantom with you to keep watch outside.”

  Finley’s body sags like she is relieved. “Thank you, Zero. I should have known being so hard would get me in the shit one day.”

  “We got your back, Fin. I got your back,” I tell her honestly.

  “Good to know! Because I can’t tell how bad this is going to get…” Her eyes relay just how concerned about this guy she really is. “He’s bad news, Texas, real bad news.”

  I reach out, placing my hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. With me and Phantom around, no fucker is getting through those front doors of yours without coming through us first.”

  “It’s settled then. The guys will pack and leave with you. Fin, while they’re packing, I need you to give Neon all the information you have on this Maxen asshole so we can be as prepared as we can be.”

  Finley nods her head. “Got it… thanks again, Zero. I know I don’t come to you guys for much. I’m always the one helping you out, so I really appreciate you stepping up like this.”

  Zero laughs. “For what you did for me, Neon, and Kevlar? Yeah, I think it’s the least we can do.”

  Spinning a little, I turn to Finley. “I won’t be long. I’ll just grab some shit, tell Phantom, then we can head out.”

  Finley bobs her head in understanding.

  With quick steps, I turn and head to Phantom, who’s sitting with Nickel and Siren chatting about something, so I interrupt, “Phantom, got a sec?”

  He shoves a piece of bacon in his mouth, shifting his eyes up to me. “What?” he grunts out with his mouth full.

  Scowling, I shove his shoulder. “You need to pack. We’re going on protective detail.”

  Phantom swallows, then wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. “And where the hell are we going?”

  “Fin is in trouble. We’re detailed to stay with her at her home.”

  “Why can’t she stay here?”

  “Because she has a life… a job, and that job doesn’t bode well with residin’ at a biker clubhouse for prolonged periods of time. So, stop back chatting and fucking pack, you asshole.”

  Nickel chuckles as Siren sits on his lap.

  Phantom groans, grabs another strip of bacon, then stands. “This better be worth it.”

  I turn to him. “You’re not long out of a prospect badge, brother. You still gotta earn respect ‘round here. Don’t think that patch on your chest automatically disqualifies you from doing the rounds. You’re still working your way up. That shit can be taken away as easily as it was given.”

  Phantom dips his head. “I know.” His eyes shift over to Prinie with her baby and cranes his neck to the side. “Still getting used to the way things are ‘round here. How shit’s changing.”

  I grip his shoulder with a heavy sigh. “You still holding a flame for Prinie? She was always going to choose Wraith, Cannon… you know that.”

  “Nah, man, I know. We were just good friends up until all that shit happened. She’s a mom now, which blows my mind. I miss her, but that’s all. I can’t go anywhere near Prinie. Wraith would have a coronary.” He smirks while I snort out a laugh.

  “That’s probably true. He’d keel over after he kicked your ass for going near her.”

  “Right? History tells me my friendship with Prinie is done and dusted. But seeing her every day is hard.”

  “It’s tough, brother. Looks like we’re gonna have to find you a nice woman to distract you.”

  Phantom curls up his lip. “Nah, I’m good. How ‘bout we focus on you and your distraction first?”

  I jerk my head back. “I don’t have one.”

  “Exactly!”

  I shove him as we walk toward the stairs leading to our rooms. “Shut up, fucker!”

  We each take the stairs two at a time, then head down the hall to our respective rooms.

  “Meet you downstairs in a bit,” I call down to him.

  “Gotchya.”

  Opening the door to my room, I make my way inside and head over to my closet. I reach in for a duffle, then place it on the bed to start packing. Grabbing the essentials, I make sure to pack some extra ammo, just in case. I’m almost finished packing when a gentle knock sounds on my door. I peer over my shoulder as it slowly opens. “Yeah?”

  Finley pops her head around with a bright smile. “Thought I could help you pack if you needed a hand?”

  Gesturing for her to come in, she opens the door fully and steps inside, striding over to me. “You and Phantom riding on your bikes?”

  Tilting my head, I waggle my brows. “There’s no other way.”

  She snorts. “You boys and your rides. Guess I’m taking your bags in my car?”

  “Yeah, and the grenade launcher.”

  Her eyes bug out of her head as she opens her mouth wide forming an ‘O’ shape. “Texas, I am not having a grenade—”

  “I’m kidding,” I placate her with a toothy grin.

  She huffs, folding her arms over her chest. “You’re gonna be like this with me this entire time, aren’t you?”

  I chuckle. “What? Charming? Charismatic—”

  “What? No. I was thinking more along the lines of a full-of-himself jerk?”

  “Ooouch! Finley, you wound me!”

  She snickers. “I don’t think anything could wound those thick muscles.”

  I grin, holding up my arm, flexing my bicep. “Oh, you noticed, did you?”

  She grabs my arm and pulls it down with a roll of her eyes. “In all seriousness, I want to thank you for coming to watch over me. I was hoping it would be you. I trust you and feel safe with you.”

  Taking her hand in mine, a tingle vibrates, burning like a smoldering fire from the tips of my fingers, up my hand, along my arm, igniting my chest. It’s like a swirling volcanic eruption flowing over my body making every inch of me blaze hot at her touch.

  Staring into her eyes, her lips part slightly as she lets out a small breath, like she’s feeling the burn too—a burn that’s surely going to turn us both to ash.

  “Fin… there was no way I was letting you walk out of here unprotected. If there is some convicted murdering asshole after you, I’m watching you like a damn hawk.”

  The corner of her lips turns up as she slowly backs away from me. “You just want to be able to use me for when you get yourself in trouble. You know… have that amazing attorney on speed dial.”

  Chuckling, I turn back grabbing my duffle and hoist it over my shoulder. “You telling me I’m not already programmed into your cell?”

  She grins. “No… you’re not.”

  Raising my brow, I smirk. “I actually believe you. You probably don’t even have Zero in your cell, right?”

  She beams wide. “See, you do know me!”

  Walking to her, I edge her near the door. “Can’t have any traces back to the club, right? Can’t have that for such an esteemed attorney, can we, Miss Knight?”

  “You criminals and ruffians would have me disbarred in an instant if the bar knew the shit I got up to for you assholes.”

  Laughing, I walk with her back out into the hall.

  The tingle in my hand from where we touched still present.

  But I can’t think about that right now.

  My job is to protect her, so that’s what I’m going to do.

  “Hell, if you knew half the shit we got up to, you would be on the other side, trying to put us away.”

  Finley glares at me, the look stern. “I do not need to know that, Texas.”

  Chuckling, we take the stairs and see Phantom all packed, ready to ride out.

  Zero makes his way ov
er along with Neon, and they both glance at Finley. “Thanks for the info on Maxen. We will do what we can from this end. Try to keep tabs on him at all times. Texas, maintain your line of communication. If you need or hear anything, we know Fin’s place is under half an hour across town in River Oaks. We can get to you fast enough if an SOS is sent by either you or Phantom…” He turns to Finley. “We got your back.”

  She nods her head. “You guys are putting yourselves on the line for me. I won’t forget this.”

  Zero grips her shoulder. “You’ve done shit for us that I can’t even begin to thank you for. There ain’t nothing that would be enough. This is the least we can do.”

  I couldn’t have said it better myself.

  “Okay, let’s go get these two buffoons settled in at home. It’s gonna be a long, few days.”

  Phantom chuckles. “I call dibs on the sofa.”

  Groaning, I crack my neck to the side. “You’re taking post outside.”

  Phantom shifts his eyes to Zero, and our president nods. “I agree with Texas. One outside, one in. You can rotate if need be, but Texas is in charge over there. Shit luck, kid.”

  Phantom huffs, hoisting his duffle over his shoulder, then walks toward the door. “Figures,” he mutters under his breath.

  I chuckle to myself as Fin loops her arm with mine. “Well then, let’s do this!”

  We head for the door giving my brothers one last curt nod before I leave, then we make our way out to Finley’s blue Audi A3 TFSI Cabriolet. I throw my duffle on the rear seat, followed by Phantom doing the same.

  I turn to Fin, grabbing her hand again.

  Volcanic reaction!

  Her eyes meet mine as she inhales deeply.

  “We’ll ride behind you. If anything happens, we’ll be right there. If anyone is waiting at your home, we’ll be right there. I packed enough ammo to wipe out ten people, four times over.”

  She lets out a huff. “Oh God, don’t tell me shit like that.”

  Smirking, I lean past her. She smells like jasmine—the scent is tantalizing—as I open her car door. “Drive safe. I’ll see you at home.”

  She grins. “My home.”

  “Mine now, too, baby.”

  She rolls her eyes. “Jesus Christ! I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?”

  Laughing, I pull the door back. “Nope. You’re gonna love having us there all up in your space.”

  She slides in and grips her hands on the steering wheel. “Mm-hmm.”

  Closing the door, I pat the side twice then wink.

  Turning, I head over to my ride. Phantom has already straddled his bike with a cocky smirk on his face as I jump over my hog. “What are you smiling about?”

  He starts his engine and revs it twice with a laugh. “Watching you two fight the pull you have toward each other is going to be fucking epic!”

  Scrunching up my face, I glare at him.

  But before I can do anything else, he pulls his bike out behind Fin and they both take off.

  Sitting for a moment, I try to figure out if I’m making the right move. I’m always available whenever Fin is around. We have this bond, that for some reason, I’m trying to ignore.

  She’s the club attorney.

  I’m a 1% biker.

  There’s no fucking way this could work.

  What the hell did I just sign up for?

  FINLEY

  Pulling my car into my driveway, I turn off the engine to two roaring Harleys pulling into my garage. My neighbors will be watching, but honestly, at this point in time, I’m done caring what they think. To be truthful, I have never cared what they think.

  I am a strong, independent woman, and I damn well don’t need their approval.

  Sliding out of my car, I lean over and grab my bag. The keys are in my hand when I close the door, pressing the button to lock my baby.

  The door to my garage closes, shutting the two bikes in just as Texas strides over, all brawn and cocky attitude as he saunters his way toward me. The guy is hot, there’s no denying it. Especially with his shaved head, beard, tattoos that peak out from his shirt, and his muscles—don’t forget his massive muscles. But it’s his eyes that get me. The kindness in his golden-brown orbs tell a whole other story beneath the cocksure persona he portrays. Texas puts off this joker, this arrogant, can’t-touch-me vibe. But from the times I’ve had with him, I know deep down, he reflects on everything.

  I’ve noticed the times he’s talking himself up, or being a jerk, and the facial expressions he instantly makes are like he regrets what he’s said. I’m not sure why he feels like he needs to be this macho guy he pretends to be. I like him in any and all forms he comes in. He’s a good guy—he makes me laugh and that’s all I care about.

  Though his need to protect me so quickly was a little confronting. I know we have a good friendship. I also know when I am around him, the air changes. When I touch him, this adrenaline rush flows through me that I simply can’t control.

  But we both know, even without talking about it, that I can’t have a relationship with a biker.

  I’m a respected attorney.

  An attorney with a reputation.

  A good standing in the community.

  My character has to be second to none.

  No matter if I was interested in Texas—which I’m not—it could never go anywhere.

  “This is your house?” Texas asks, snapping me from my racing thoughts.

  I glance over my shoulder to my two-story villa. The white façade gives it a Hamptons feel. The balcony upstairs extends from my bedroom and makeshifts as a porch over the front door. The ornate coffee table and two chairs on the balcony are a place where I can relax with some bubbles and unwind after a prolonged and busy day at work. The lengthy chiffon curtains drape the floor-to-ceiling windows—they help make the home open and bright. Taking in the pretty garden bustling with flowers, a small water feature, and steppingstones, the walkway with a stoop leads to the front door. Warmth floods through me that I am in this position and own this little piece of heaven.

  Using my own money, I built my law firm from the ground up, and in my first year, I was able to buy this house outright. I worked hard for this home, and it means so fucking much to me.

  A small smile touches my lips, and I nod. “Yeah, this is my house.”

  Texas bobs his head like he’s impressed. “It suits you.”

  I turn back to face him, rolling my eyes. “I don’t know if you mean that as a compliment or an insult?”

  He grins. “It’s upscale and expensive-looking… take that how you will.”

  “I still don’t know if it’s a compliment?”

  He chuckles, reaching into my car through the open roof, grabbing his and Phantom’s bags. He shrugs and starts walking toward the front door. “Could do with a dog,” he states deadpanned and keeps walking.

  Phantom has a devilish grin on his face like he’s in on some big joke.

  I smirk while walking behind them both. “Asshole,” I mumble under my breath.

  Making my way to my door, I pull up the key and turn it in the lock, then Texas gestures to Phantom, who softly nudges me out the way.

  “Sorry, Fin, I gotta go in first. Make sure it’s clear of intruders and bugs.”

  Standing back, I let out a huff.

  Damn, of course, I should have expected as much.

  “Sure… go on ahead. Don’t break anything. And take off your damn boots before you enter. I haven’t had mud on my carpet since I bought this house, and I’m not about to start now!”

  Phantom raises his brows at Texas, and he shrugs. “You heard the lady.”

  Phantom grumbles under his breath, stepping out of his boots, then pulls out his gun, gently opening the door. I try to hold back my smirk, but Texas spots it and chuckles as Phantom takes off inside the house.

  “You were shit-stirring about the floor, weren’t you?” he asks.

  I grin from ear to ear. “I don’t even have carpet. It’s all woo
d flooring.”

  Texas bursts out laughing while shaking his head. “This is why we get along. But he’s not going to be happy knowing you’ve played him.”

  “Pfft… he’ll get over it.”

  A few minutes later, Phantom steps back around the door, lowering his gun. His eyes focused on me, then they drop to his shoes. “You’re gonna keep taunting me, aren’t you? The whole damn time I’m here?”

  I reach out gripping his shoulder. “Sorry, the look on your face was so serious. I wanted a laugh and you gave me one so easily.”

  Phantom huffs, bending down to pick up his boots. “Next time, laugh at Texas.”

  “I’m constantly laughing at Texas.”

  Texas turns to me, furrowing his brow.

  Grinning from ear to ear, I wave him off, pushing my way inside. “I’m assuming there aren’t any of Maxen’s men in here and we’re all good, right?”

  Phantom scoffs out a laugh. “Too bad if there were, you’ll just disobey us at every damn turn anyway.”

  Laughing, I walk through into the kitchen, placing my handbag on the counter, then turn back to face the two bikers who appear completely out of place in my home. “Look, I don’t follow orders. I make them or I break them. Those are the only two options. I’ve been running my life a certain way for so long, and it’s been working… I just can’t roll over and do what you guys tell me to do. It’s not in my nature to follow someone else’s lead.”

  “Because you’re always in charge, at work, in your life—”

  “Exactly!”

  Texas steps forward and comes to a stop right in front of me, his aftershave filling my senses, making it a little harder to think straight. “Problem is, Fin, right now… that’s not working. Because you have an asshole after you. A man who’s out for revenge, and all this boasting isn’t going to keep you safe. It’s gonna get you fucking killed.”

  My stomach rolls as my mind flashes back…

  “I’ll get my revenge on you, Finley Knight, even if I have to bide my time, you’ll get what’s coming to you. You’ll get yoursss!”