Salvation MC: Bought by the biker

Chapter 7

-LUTHER-

"Go home, Paris. I'll call you later," I repeated for the third time, hoping she would finally listen.

"But sweet pea..."

I pinched the bridge of my nose, that ridiculous nickname grating. I took a slow breath, pulling patience from the bottom of my lungs. "Paris... It's late."

Her eyes flicked toward the nurse's room where Audrey was resting. I could hear her thoughts as if she said them out loud.

"Are you going to sleep here?"

"I'm gonna crash upstairs later, Paris. Right now I have church with the men, and I'm already late. I'll swing by your place tomorrow, okay?"

That finally made her happy. She rose onto her tiptoes and looped an arm around my neck, tugging me down for a kiss. My mouth opened by instinct, and she took the invitation, deepening the kiss. Her small hand slid to the front of my jeans, rubbing me aggressively.

Paris is hot. The s*x is great. But she’s superficial, needy, always chasing reassurance. We’ve been on and off for almost two years. She breaks up with me to feel important, then comes back sweet, asking to start over.

More than once I’ve wondered if it’s worth the trouble. But she’s a friend of the family, and I won’t lie. She’s easy on the eye.

My father wants a wedding, wants our families locked together. I’m not only the president of MC Salvation. I’m also the CEO of Lancaster Holdings, our family company with a long history with her father’s business. So it makes sense on paper.

Love wasn’t part of the equation. It never had been. Marriage is a contract. I’ll have to propose eventually and end up with the same kind of arrangement my parents have.

Paris is fine with it. She doesn’t love me either. She wants to be Mrs. Lancaster. She wants the name, the money, the jewelry, the designer clothes, and her time spent throwing charity galas for rich people where the money they raise barely covers the expenses.

Same as my mom.

But this won't happen anytime soon. I'm not even thirty. So when she tried to pull my zipper down, I pushed her hand away and stepped back. "Later, Paris."

She batted her fake lashes and pouted, but nodded. "Okay, baby. I'll be waiting with my new La Perla thong and nothing else."

I tipped my chin to her, surprised to realize I had zero interest in seeing her lingerie. Then I rolled on my heels and headed for the back of the house, toward the room where we hold meet-ups with the club members.

When I stepped into the big room, Tank was already talking with the guys, settled in his usual chair. He lifted a brow at me.

"Paris?"

"Gone. Let's start." I moved to stand in front of the wall with our club symbol painted across it.

Most of the crew were already settled on the leather sofas and the chairs scattered around the low table. Salvation isn’t only for men. We have women too, even if they’re still in the minority.

"As you know, the Vipers attacked our bike shop in retaliation for us burning one of their clubs. I want to thank everyone who stepped in during the defense of our garage. Their Molotovs only destroyed a couple of bikes. The damage would have been a lot worse if you guys hadn’t reacted so fast and so efficiently." I let my eyes move over every one of my crew, pride warming my chest.

"How about Berman and Firth?" Fox called from the threshold. He still had his apron on, tomato sauce splattered across it.

"They’re still at the hospital. Berman has a few burns, and Firth took a bullet in the shoulder. They’re recovering, and the doctors think they’ll be released soon."

A wave of relief moved through the room, a few murmurs rising from the sofas. Firth and Berman were new to the club, but they’re ours all the same.

"How did they find out we were responsible for torching their place?" Alice asked. She usually stayed out of day‑to‑day business, but she wanted to be here for something this serious.

"I have no idea." I scratched my chin, the growing beard poking at my fingers. I’d have to shave later.

"I got a Viper in the cage," Tank said. A few men snapped their heads toward him, surprise mixing with a hint of fear. "His name is Ed, and he’s a real piece of s**t. I tried to make him talk, but he’s resisting. It won’t last." Tank’s lips pulled into a crooked smile.

He’ll make the Viper talk. Tank has his ways.

The thought of making Ed suffer pulls a grin to my lips. Tank is right. Ed is a waste of oxygen. I’m not a criminal, but remembering how he was manhandling Audrey when I rolled in on my bike still makes me want to finish the bastard.

"Someone must have seen something before escaping the fire," I said.

That day spun out of control. We’ve been digging into the Vipers, trying to shut down their s*x ring. It’s not easy. They have people in their pockets, from the police to politicians. Every time we get close, they slip away. That day was supposed to be a simple recon mission. Get in with a fake ID, meet a few people, get out.

But when I saw them shove Audrey onto the stage to be auctioned, I lost it. She looked so small and defenseless, uncomfortable in that hooker outfit they forced on her. I couldn’t let them keep going. I had to save her.

And burn every piece of trash that had forced her into it.

"And what was the Viper doing around here? They know they can’t get into the compound. Did he come for the girl?" Steel asked. He was one of the oldest members, and his voice carried weight.

Our cameras caught Audrey escaping, and the security men called me. I would’ve let it go, but then they told me they saw a car stop and a man jump out after her. Luckily, I wasn’t far. If I’d been ten seconds later, she’d be gone.

"Yes, he was coming for her. But he didn’t know she was here," I said.

"Is she okay?" Tank asked. His eyes narrowed with concern.

"He stabbed her. Alice patched her up. She’s resting in the First Aid Room." My teeth clenched as I spoke. What kind of shitface hurts an innocent woman?

"Is she going to stay here?" Steel faced me, his expression tightening.

I leaned back in my chair, arms crossed. When I answered him, my eyes didn’t move. "Yes. Until she decides to leave."

"Is that prudent, prez?" he pressed. "I know she's pretty. But you—"

"But I what? Are you saying I'm thinking with my d**k?" I barked, my breathing picking up. "Is that what you're trying to say?"

Audrey is stunning. She has the most beautiful blue eyes, long strawberry blond hair, and a soft mouth that was made for sin. She draws attention without even trying. But the girl has been through hell, being kidnapped and forced into exploitation. What kind of person would take advantage of someone so vulnerable?

Besides, I have a girlfriend. Even if our relationship is not the best, I'm not a cheater.

Steel raised his palms in surrender. "Hey, scratch that."

That reminded me I needed to get Audrey a room. I’d put her in my bedroom, but she looked uncomfortable. The last thing I want is to make her feel worse. We have a few houses around the compound. Maybe the guys could set one up for her.

"Is there any place—"

My voice cut off when a scream tore through the air. Audrey was crying out like an injured animal, and I was on my feet before my brain caught up.

I reached the First Aid Room in a heartbeat. Fox was inside, the lights off, and I punched the switch on. Audrey was pressed against the wall, shaking and muttering something I couldn’t understand.

My fists tightened at my sides as I stepped between her and Fox. He’s one of my best friends, but right then, I was ready to tear him apart.

"What the f**k did you do?"