Greyson_A Hell's Harlem Novel Read online

  But I didn’t go to her.

  When she called out my name, I still didn’t go to her.

  Even when she cried out for whoever was hurting her in her dream to stop, I didn’t go to her. I didn’t do shit, and I would never forgive myself for it.

  “What the hell is your problem?”

  My back stiffened as the door behind me slammed open, hitting the wall with a loud bang. Catch’s rough voice pulled me from my thoughts.

  “Don’t have one,” I muttered.

  “No?” Catch came into my field of vision and pushed me. “You just fucking threatened me. You’ve never threatened me. Everyone else, yes, but never me.”

  “Yeah.” I pushed him back and got in his face, ignoring the hint of pain hidden behind his eyes. “Because you were supposed to be here, watching her.”

  “She’s a grown woman.” He shoved me back. “She can take care of herself.”

  “What the hell would have happened if I wouldn’t have shown up? You know how Travis is. You know what the fuck he is capable of.” I grabbed the collar of Catch’s jacket and slammed him up against the wall. “You know the shit he’s done.”

  “She wasn’t alone.” Catch struggled against me. “Someone is always here. There’s cameras everywhere. You know that.”

  Fuck me, of course I knew that. “I specifically asked one of you, my crew, men that I fucking trust, to watch over her.”

  “Butcher wasn’t here, and I don’t see you ripping him a new asshole.” Catch shoved me off, straightening his jacket.

  “That’s because I was home taking care of two sick little boys.” Butcher leaned against the doorframe and ran a hand over his buzzed head. “And this fucker isn’t stupid enough to threaten me.”

  My jaw clenched. As much as I wanted to argue with him, he was right. He was much larger than me. I knew when to pick my battles, and dealing with him was not one of them. But I was man enough to admit that I was actually more scared of his wife. She may have been a tiny thing, but you never messed with a biker if you didn’t want to have to deal with their old lady, too.

  “She isn’t our responsibility.”

  I met Catch’s gaze. “Say that again.”

  “Greyson.” He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “We’re doing everything we can to find out what happened to her, but we have to focus on the more important things at hand.”

  Moving to the head of the table, I slumped in the chair that I had sat in for years. I didn’t know why. I didn’t know how but something wasn’t sitting right with me. Travis had a hand in this. He had to. The fucker hadn’t been around in months and then showed up when Eve made an appearance? I didn’t believe in coincidences.

  “Grey.” Butcher sat in the chair beside me.

  “Did you tell Trixie to get what I asked for?” Eve was going to shit a brick when she realized how controlling I actually was.

  “I asked her, yes. I can’t tell that woman shit. I’m not bossy like you are.”

  I met his gaze that time, remembering back to when they weren’t together and how she would do anything to get his attention. “She was discreet?”

  Butcher rolled his eyes which was an odd trait for him seeing as he was so large. “She’s a doctor. Discreet is all she knows.”

  I nodded once.

  After Eve’s and my little moment, I wanted her again, but I also didn’t want little Greysons running around, either. So, after I fucked Eve on the floor like an animal, I had pulled Butcher aside and asked him to mention to his wife about putting Eve on birth control. I should have used a condom in the first place, but my dick thought differently.

  Butcher chuckled, shaking his head.

  “What’s so damn funny?” I asked, ignoring Catch’s gaze burning into the side of my head.

  “Nothing.” Butcher grinned. “Nothing at all.”

  I flipped him off and turned to Catch just as he sat at the other chair left vacant for the vice-president. The rest of the guys filed in one by one. My threat to Catch was an overreaction. I knew that, but I would never admit it to him.

  “I need to know why all of a sudden, after so many months, Travis decided to make an appearance,” I explained to my men. “He doesn’t just show up for no reason. And I need to know who let him into the house.”

  “I think that’s my fault.”

  My gaze met Tray’s. “Do tell.”

  “I brought home someone last night and he must have slipped in when she left.” His stare met mine head on. He didn’t move. He didn’t blink. “It won’t happen again.”

  I scrubbed a hand down my face. “We need to all be in this as one. I can only do so much by myself.”

  “Do you think Travis showing up has to do with Eve?” Tray asked, his dark eyes glimmering like a cobra, waiting for the right moment to strike.

  “I have no fucking idea, but I wouldn’t put it past him. Did you retrace her steps like I asked?” I asked some of the other guys in my club.

  “We did.” Psycho, also known as Marc Taylor, was the newest member to Hell’s Harlem. He stepped forward. “I gathered the two prospects and we went through every inch of the woods. There was nothing out of place.”

  “Fuck,” I muttered. “Of course.” I sat forward. “We have to keep her and our club safe. You know that if Travis wants something, he won’t stop until he gets it.” My stomach churned. “So, this time I’m giving you an order. I don’t want her alone unless she’s in the bathroom or sleeping. And if I find any of you in her bedroom, I don’t give a fuck who you are or why you’re there, I will make it so you wish you never even met me.”

  “Greyson.” Catch sat forward. “You need to calm the fuck down.”

  A hot shiver traveled up my spine. If it were anyone else who had just said those words to me, their face would have landed against my knee already but, because it was him, I let it go.

  For now.

  (Eve)

  I didn’t know what was going on. All I knew was that Greyson had lost his shit on Catch. The guys were close. I never thought I would see it where he was pissed at his crew.

  “Hey, darlin’.” Tray came behind the bar and grabbed himself a beer from the fridge. “Want one?”

  “Sure. Why aren’t you in the meeting?”

  “They’re boring.” He shrugged. “Also, the meeting is over.”

  “Oh.” I didn’t realize that much time had gone by already. I leaned against the counter, taking in the peace and quiet before the party started in just under an hour. “Why does Greyson have all of these parties?”

  “To be social.” Tray handed me a bottle, clinked his against it, and brought the beer up to his mouth. “He likes to be a butterfly.” He winked, taking a swig.

  I laughed. “Right. And I remember everything and am only lying to get attention.”

  Tray paused, raising an eyebrow.

  “It’s a joke, Tray.” I shook my head. “I’m sure that’s what some people think, though.”

  “Who gives a shit what people think?” He leaned against the counter beside me, mirroring my pose. “Do you remember anything at all?”

  “Not really. I’ve had nightmares but I’m praying they’re far from the truth.” I shivered.

  “And if they aren’t just nightmares?”

  “Then I lived one hell of a shitty life.”

  “Well, you looked pretty rough when you got here.” He gently nudged me in the shoulder. “Maybe you kicked some serious ass before you ended up in the woods.”

  I shrugged. “Maybe.”

  We stood there in silence, having another beer each, and didn’t do or say anything else. It was nice. Tray was nice. I noticed for the first time since arriving at the clubhouse that he was a good-looking guy. Angular jaw. Dark eyes. Shaggy black hair that constantly looked like he was running his fingers through it. He was big but nowhere near the size of Greyson.

  My heart jumped at the thought of him. So many questions were on the tip of my tongue. Where was Grey from? Who broke
his heart? Why is it that one minute he acted like he cared about me and the next he was an asshole?

  “Can I ask you a question?” I stole a glance at Tray when he didn’t respond.

  “That depends.” He finished his beer before throwing it in the trash.

  “On what?”

  “Are you going to ask me about Greyson?” Tray leaned against the counter opposite me.

  “I just want to know what his problem is. With me.” He was attracted to me, I knew it down to the marrow of my bones, but when we had sex, it was like he was angry with himself for giving in.

  “I don’t think it’s you he has a problem with,” Tray muttered just as the guys filed into the bar area.

  I found that they only used this room for parties and you weren’t allowed anywhere else in the house unless you lived there or were a part of Hell’s Harlem. It held both a pool and foosball table, a couple of dart boards, and even three pinball machines. It was a contradiction in a way seeing as the people who enjoyed these parties were large, mean, and angry as fuck. The games seemed almost too innocent for them.

  “Well, he definitely has a problem with something,” I told Tray, nodding to Catch as he sat at the bar. “What would you like?”

  He grinned, his gaze roaming down my body and back up to my face. “Well, if you’re taking offers—”

  “Finish that sentence and you won’t be fucking anyone ever again, Catch.”

  I bristled at the deep voice coming up from behind me and placed a beer in front of Catch. “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” I winked.

  Catch chuckled.

  “You’re right. It won’t hurt me because I won’t be the one with the sore ass,” Greyson grumbled in my ear.

  My heart jumped, my eyes widening. “You weren’t supposed to hear that.”

  Greyson laughed, the sound booming from his chest.

  I stared at him.

  “What?” he asked, his laughter dying.

  “Here I thought you were an emotionless douchebag.” I tapped my chin. “I wonder if it only comes out on a full moon.”

  “This one has wit, Grey.” Tray pointed at me before grabbing himself another beer. “I’d be careful with her.”

  Greyson grunted, his gaze burning into mine.

  “Careful.” I scoffed. “That’s boring.”

  Tray shook his head. “Snatch her up, Greyson, or I will.” And with that, he walked away.

  My jaw dropped. Holy hell. “I …”

  “Uh … on that note.” Catch left the barstool he was sitting on and joined Tray at the pool table.

  “Greyson, I didn’t mean anything by it.” I had no idea why I felt the need to defend myself. It wasn’t like the guy wanted anything to do with me.

  But instead of responding, Greyson grabbed two beers from the fridge. He popped the caps off of both before handing me one.

  I tentatively took it.

  His piercing blue eyes watched me, waiting. I didn’t know what he wanted but the silence was unnerving.

  A fast beat started playing throughout the room.

  “Hey, Eve.”

  I turned, finding a couple of guys I recognized from Grey’s club approach the bar. “Hey, guys.”

  “Round of beers please, darlin’,” an older man said, sitting slowly on the barstool. “How’s it going, Grey?”

  “Not too bad,” Greyson answered. “You?”

  “Same old shit. This old body is trying to keep up with you young fuckers, but it isn’t working.” The old man laughed.

  I smiled and started grabbing drinks for them. “You don’t look that old,” I said. “I’d give you fifty. Tops.”

  The old man grinned. “I like you.” He looked at Grey. “I like her. Keep her.”

  “I plan on it.”

  My gaze snapped to Greyson’s. “Oh? And how are you going to do that?”

  Greyson rubbed the scruff on his jaw. “I have ideas.”

  Oh, dear God. But instead of letting him know that he was affecting me, I rolled my eyes instead which, in turn, earned me a sharp slap on the ass. I glared at him.

  He raised an eyebrow, challenging me.

  “You two remind me of my old lady and I. Speaking of which.” The older man turned in his stool. “Grace,” he called out. “Get your beautiful ass over here, woman.”

  A short curvy redhead glanced our way. “Say please, asshole.”

  “Please,” the old man grumbled.

  I bit back a laugh.

  The woman smiled and headed our way. “What do you want? I was having a conversation with the guys about how if they were nice to the ladies, they might actually be able to keep one.”

  “Yeah?” The old man pulled her onto his lap. “Did it work?”

  She kissed his weathered face. “Not at all. These young guys now want to control everything around them.” She scoffed. “Good thing you aren’t like that, right, honey?”

  The old man glanced my way, winked, and turned back to his wife. “Right. I’m a kitten.”

  Greyson chuckled from behind me. “Yeah. And I’m a virgin.”

  I snorted. “I must have been dreaming then.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Careful, Eve. You’re playing with the big boys now.”

  “Hmm …” I tapped my chin. “I don’t remember seeing any big boys.”

  His jaw ticked, his dark gaze burning into me.

  “Aww, honey,” Grace said. “They remind me of us.”

  “That’s what I told them.” The old man laughed. “Well, Grey. Looks like you got your hands full with this one.” He grabbed his beer, giving him a curt nod before turning to his wife. “Let’s go, love.”

  “It was nice meeting you,” Grace told me.

  “It was nice meeting you too.” I smiled.

  They left the bar, walking hand in hand to one of the tables surrounded by other bikers.

  “Who was that?” I asked Greyson.

  “Demitry Bloom.” Grey reached for my hand and pulled me toward him. “The ex-president of Hell’s Harlem.”

  “Really? How come I’ve never seen him around here before?”

  “He doesn’t get out much anymore.” Greyson’s gaze took on a faraway look.

  “Can I ask why he’s no longer the president?” I asked, ignoring the way it felt good to be standing beside Greyson.

  He trailed a hand down my spine, sending shivers along with it. “He’s got several health issues and, like he said, he’s old. But he’s still vindictive as fuck. Every now and again, I’ll go to him for advice and shit. One of the best men I know.”

  “Sounds like he’s inspiring.”

  “He is. I was going through a hard time when he recruited me. So, I became a prospect and worked my way up the food chain.” He winked.

  I laughed, leaning into his side. “I like this. Talking to you. And shit.”

  Grey chuckled. “Yeah, Eve. I like it too.”

  When more people came up to the bar to order drinks, I pulled away from Greyson and served the never-ending line up of people. I had to hand it to him; he definitely knew how to throw a party. But what surprised me most was that he never left my side. Even when his guys asked him to shoot pool with them or have a drink. He would have the drink at the bar but remained close by. I wasn’t sure why. I had seen everyone before that had come into the club for the party. Maybe he didn’t trust them.

  Tray’s comment from earlier slid into my mind. He would snatch me up if Grey didn’t? What the hell did that mean? And Grey said he was planning on it? These men confused me. I liked Tray but as a friend only. I didn’t react to him the way I did Greyson.

  “Eve,” he murmured in my ear a few hours later.

  “Yeah?” I shivered at the soft brush of his lips on my skin.

  “Look at me.”

  I turned in his arms only to realize that the party had died down.

  “Greyson,” I whispered as his thumb brushed along my bottom lip.

  “Yeah?” He inched closer, h
is mouth so close but still so damn far.

  “Kiss me.” My body vibrated. I needed to feel his mouth on mine. His tongue between my lips. His hands in my hair as he took my breath away.

  “Why?” he asked, his voice rough.

  “Because.” I tilted my head back, staring up into his sapphire eyes.

  “Because why?” he demanded, running a hand down my spine. He pulled me against him.

  I let out a sigh, slapping my hands against his chest.

  “You like that,” he pointed out, kissing my cheek. “You enjoy feeling me against you.”

  “Yes.” I grabbed onto his leather jacket. “I do.”

  Greyson cupped my ass, lifted me, and dropped me onto the counter. He placed his hands on my knees and spread my legs apart in a rough move. “Tell me why.”

  I swallowed hard. “What do you mean, why?”

  “Why do you enjoy feeling me against you?” His hand curled in my hair, his lips kissing my neck.

  My skin came alive at the feel of his big body between my legs.

  “You feel good. You make me feel safe and protected.” I leaned back. “And no matter how much of an asshole you try to be, I know there’s a part somewhere inside you that cares about me.”

  Greyson pinched my chin, forcing my head back. “Every part cares about you, Eve.”

  Before I had a chance to respond, his mouth came down hard on mine in a rough, bruising kiss. I moaned, pulling him against me.

  Splitting my lips with his tongue, Greyson dove inside my mouth and controlled the kiss.

  He felt good. So damn good against me.

  All too soon, he released me. His thumb brushed over my kiss-swollen lips. “I have shit to do.”

  “Oh.” I pushed him back and jumped off the counter. “Okay.”

  “Hey.” Greyson grabbed my arm and pulled me back against him. “What’s up?”

  “Nothing.” I shoved out of his grip, trying hard not to let the disappointment settle in.

  “Eve.”

  “It’s fine, Greyson.” I waved him off and headed in the direction of my room. If he didn’t want me, fine. But I wasn’t going to stand there and beg.

  “Eve, what the hell is your problem?”