Summer Pain Read online

  Victory took a deep breath. “I’m sorry I didn’t warn you—any of you—before now.”

  “And I’ll ask you again. Why didn’t you?” Sassy’s confidence was clearly restored. She rose from the table to carry her dirty dishes to the sink but not before shooting Victory a condescending glare.

  “I told Damsel he was willing to do anything to hurt Logan because Logan had you, and you were living at the Heroes and Rogues clubhouse.”

  “Do you really think he would go as far to make up some sort of lie about Logan being a cop because he doesn’t like the fact that I’m living here at the clubhouse?” Sassy asked.

  Victory nodded. “Yes, I do. I think it was killing him. It was bad enough you were in bed with his enemy, but to know you went as far as returning to the lifestyle he’d introduced to you was more than he could bear. There was only one way he could get you out. He made up the story about Logan and tried to put a bug in Gaylord’s ear.”

  “And it almost worked,” Logan reminded her. “I could’ve been killed. Sassy could’ve been hurt.”

  “But you weren’t,” Devon reminded him. “And I give you my word, Logan. My word. I’ll never doubt you again.”

  “Your word is good enough for me.” Logan felt a victorious surge of relief shoot through his veins as he eyed the man who had just assured him of his complete trust.

  Now, he only had one real problem left. And it was a doozy. If Summer had confided in Tigger, and if Tigger believed her—and he undoubtedly would if she let the cat out of the bag, because she would be able to show proof—then he and Sassy still wouldn’t be safe here.

  Documented facts would always outweigh any promise a full-patch member made to another. If Tigger came back to the clubhouse with proof Logan was a Fed, then he and Sassy would have no other choice but to run.

  Logan wasn’t ready to go. A gnawing question bothered him, one he’d often feared he might be forced to answer. What was he willing to do if the truth was revealed? Who was he willing to hurt? What measures would he take to protect his cover?

  He shot Sassy a knowing look and said, “Well, this time Damsel didn’t win.”

  “Which reminds me,” Victory paused and elbowed Devon in the ribs. “You didn’t extend that invitation.”

  Devon frowned.

  “What invitation?”

  “You won’t like it, Logan,” Devon told him, twisting his mouth. “But here it is all the same.” He took a deep breath. “Sassy, if for any reason, you and Logan don’t work out…if you breakup or he leaves, or whatever…you always have a place here. We want you to know that.”

  Victory looked absolutely satisfied as she reached across the table and took Sassy by the hand. “You belong here with us. You’re a part of our family.”

  “I’m starting to feel a little left out,” Logan teased.

  Devon’s nose twitched. “Don’t worry about it, man. These women around here stick together, and after what happened between Tigger and Mama, Victory wanted Sassy to be sure she understood her position here in case…well, you know.”

  “We won’t,” Logan deadpanned. “Because one day soon, I plan to propose marriage to Miss Sassy Road.”

  She grinned. “And I plan to accept.”

  “See there?” Logan winked at Sassy. “We’re on the same page.”

  “Well, I’m glad, especially since Tigger and Cara aren’t even in the same book now.”

  “Give ‘em time,” Logan said, perhaps wishful thinking since Summer had started to represent the largest of obstacles. “One of these days, they’ll decide they can’t live without one another. Wait and see.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Tigger was snoring something awful by the time Summer slipped out of bed and stumbled to the shower. It was nearly seven o’clock in the evening, and Mark had been sending her texts since early afternoon. He was at the Carnegie. He’d rented a room three doors down from hers, and he wanted to see her as soon as possible.

  After a quick shower, she threw on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. She left Tigger a note telling him she’d gone for a run, and hurried down the hall.

  Mark answered the door after the first knock. “It took you long enough.”

  “I was tied up.”

  “Figuratively or literally?”

  “What difference does it make?”

  “Nice shiner,” he remarked, waving his finger at her swollen cheek.

  “Your boy did this to me.”

  “Which one?” he asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

  She took a seat on the edge of the bed. “Why am I here?”

  “I thought you understood your duties, Agent Pain.”

  “I did too. That is, until one of your—and I quote here, so please bear with me as I upchuck the words—‘best agents in the field’ paid me a little visit.”

  “And I ask you again. Which one?”

  “Gaylord.”

  “I see. Let me make a suggestion. You’d better choose your sides wisely.”

  “I believe the reason Gaylord Martin has been on the inside for as long as he has is because he’s had a guardian angel, someone looking over his shoulder one minute, and turning the other cheek the very next.” She took a deep breath.

  She realized then, and too late, she had treaded on dangerous ground, and made a strong accusation to a contributor of the guilty party. “I have no proof of this, of course.”

  “What are you trying to insinuate, Miss Pain?”

  “Downgraded from Agent to Miss so quickly?” She sniffed. “I’m starting to feel like we’re both showing all of our cards before the flop.”

  “Don’t taunt a supervisor with riddles. I’m the only person who can help you.”

  “Your agent—you know the one who has been undercover for nearly twenty years—did this to me.”

  “I’d reconsider that statement if I were you,” Mark advised her.

  “But it’s true. He should ask for an early retirement.”

  Mark’s entire demeanor changed then, confirming her delayed suspicions. Mark was dirty…as dirty as Gaylord. He was the handler, the guardian she’d suspected Gaylord had on the inside.

  “Tigger knows where I am, and who I’m meeting with,” Summer said. She tried to appear tough and untouchable, but she had a feeling Mark wasn’t buying her bluff.

  “You’re a dumb rookie.”

  “But I’m a smart cookie. Maybe you should tell Gaylord his threat didn’t stick. Tell him I have amnesia and can’t quite remember the details of the story he wanted me to convey.”

  “You’re in over your head.”

  Summer slowly turned around and glared at the man who was responsible for this royal mess of a sham within the MC undercover operation. “I don’t know what you and Gaylord are up to, but I intend to find out. And I won’t go home until I have the truth.”

  “If you pursue this, you’ll go home in a body bag.”

  “Then so be it, but at the end of the day, at least I’ll have my reputation intact. I’m sure Logan Marcs feels the same way. Unfortunately for you, he probably won’t be willing to look the other way when he hands in his final reports to the Special Agent in Charge who replaces you.”

  “Don’t use Marcs to threaten me,” Mark told her.

  “Touché,” she whispered. “Isn’t that what you did with Gaylord?”

  “You don’t know what’s involved here, Summer.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. I know precisely what’s at stake. Millions and millions of dollars, more money than the Feds pay you and Gaylord to do your jobs.” She paused before she left the room. “Poor old Logan doesn’t have a clue. Does he?”

  “Like I said, leave Marcs out of this.”

  “Sorry, boss. I can’t. He’s running around here thinking Gaylord has gone rogue so he’ll do what he can to replace him. As determined as he is, he might just pull that off. Then what? You’ll send in another undercover, show him how the game is played, and before long, the money will start disap
pearing into your offshore bank accounts.”

  She had crossed the line now, and there was no turning back. “And we both know that scenario is a long shot.”

  Sampson had too much invested in Gaylord to let him go. He couldn’t risk Gaylord losing his position at the head of the table. He was now the charter president of one of the most powerful MC clubs in this nation’s history. So that could only mean one thing. Thinking aloud, she added, “You’ll stop at nothing to have Logan removed. Which likely means, you’ll stop at nothing to discredit me, too.”

  “Or you can do what you’re told,” Mark suggested.

  “I don’t think so. I’m one of the good guys.”

  “Ha! Is that what you told yourself when you let one of the most notorious one-percenters in the MC into your bed?”

  “What are you talking about?” Her racing pulse finally stilled.

  “Tigger is a gun runner, Summer. He is organized crime at its very worst. And you? Well, you couldn’t wait to fuck the very man who will eventually bring down Logan Marcs. The way I see it, you played right into our hand. I’m glad you told Tigger everything. You took care of a very big problem for us. Goodnight, Miss Pain.”

  The door slammed behind her. She walked down the hall with diminished confidence. Mark was just as dirty as Gaylord. Now, she needed to find a way to get to Logan Marcs and let him know.

  He wasn’t a rookie. He’d know how to advise her. Surely, he’d know what to do. If not, she was as good as dead.

  * * * *

  “Logan Marcs?”

  “Yep. Who’s this?”

  “Is the line clear?”

  “Probably not,” he replied.

  “I need to see you.”

  “Who is this?” Logan demanded.

  “I’m with a friend of yours. I haven’t told him anything.”

  “That’s good to know. What do you want?”

  “A meeting.”

  “Where?”

  “The clubhouse,” Summer replied.

  “Not a good idea.”

  “It’s the only safe place right now,” Summer insisted.

  Logan took a deep breath. “What do you have for me?”

  “Two rogues.”

  “Two?”

  “Yes. Can you put the equation together from there?”

  Damn it! How had this rookie seen through Sampson so quickly? It had been right in front of him all along, but Logan hadn’t even suspected Mark of foul play until recently. Yet, Summer rolled into town and figured it out in a matter of days.

  “I need to see you.”

  “Come to the clubhouse when you can. Sassy will set up a few minutes of girl time. Can you be here tonight?”

  “Tonight or tomorrow. I don’t know what our plans are.”

  “If what you’re telling me is true, you aren’t safe there.”

  “What I’m telling you is one hundred percent accurate,” she assured him. “And you’re right. I’m not safe here or anywhere. Neither are you.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Summer returned to the room and found Tigger pacing the carpet with his cell phone to his ear. “I don’t like it, Logan.”

  She took a seat on the bed. Marcs hadn’t wasted any time in setting up a meet.

  “I understand what you’re saying, but if it’s that dangerous, then we’re better off staying put. This place is secure.”

  Tigger continued pacing. “It’s not like that. Hell! I don’t care what Cara thinks. She doesn’t have anything to do with this. I just don’t like trying to move Summer right now. Someone is bound to be out there watching for us.”

  Tigger snapped his phone closed. “Damn it!”

  “What’s wrong?” Summer asked, playing dumb, but also a little curious to know what extreme measures Logan had taken to lure them over to the club.

  “Gaylord is making plays all over the place. Logan thinks he paid you a visit because he suspected you mean something to me.”

  “Do I?” She caressed the bedspread with her open palms.

  Tigger dragged his hand down the length of his face.

  She immediately regretted the question. “You don’t have to answer that.”

  “Damn it,” Tigger grumbled, squatting in front of her and taking her hands in his. “There’s only one way to answer you right now. I see you in my future. Do I care what happens to you? Yes. Is it crazy that I do…considering my past with women? Yeah. It’s insane.”

  “But?”

  He swallowed. His Adam’s apple jerked. “I’m scared to death I’m falling for you.”

  “And that’s a bad thing?”

  “Terrible,” he teased, wearing a silly smile. “It’s too soon.”

  “Because of Cara.”

  “Hell no. This has nothing to do with Cara.”

  “I see. So why are we going to the clubhouse exactly?”

  “Logan is afraid the club is under attack. Gaylord fingered Logan as an undercover cop. At first, Devon believed Gaylord. A vote went to the table, and Devon wanted Logan out. We got that hashed out, but we can’t ignore the fact that Gaylord came here to see you. It stands to reason he’s been following our guys.”

  “Do you know why?”

  “Personally? I think Logan shook a sleeping bear. Logan has been collecting information about Gaylord. Turns out, Gaylord is an undercover cop—Fed, whatever—and now, he’s frantic. He’s obviously willing to go to any lengths to protect his cover. Logan thinks we’ll be safer at the clubhouse.”

  “And what about Mama?”

  “I’d call her Cara if I were you.”

  “Okay. What about Cara?”

  “I’ll deal with her.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of,” Summer said, rising from her seated position. “The last time you dealt with Cara you ended up with your cock crammed down her throat.”

  “Really?” Tigger shook his head. “You’re gonna throw that at me after our night together?”

  “You’re damn straight.” She bracketed her arms around his waist, slammed his body against hers, and held him tightly against her. “Don’t ever make the mistake of thinking I’ll forgive and forget twice.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with your damned memory.”

  “True.”

  He winked. “Just saying.”

  “Okay, so I won’t forgive twice. A woman never forgets.”

  Tigger kissed the tip of her nose. “I hope not. Because I want a repeat of last night once we’re settled in at the club.”

  “You can have anything you want. Anywhere. Anytime.”

  “I may hold you to that.”

  She laughed. “Oh that’s right. Your club has a reputation for housing exhibitionists.”

  “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

  “And you say it like it’s the most natural thing in the world.”

  “I’m proud of my woman. What else do you want to hear?”

  Her heart soared. “Those very words again and again.”

  * * * *

  “You gotta be kidding me.” Cara glared daggers across the room. “Just who the hell does she think she is coming in here flaunting Tigger around like he’s her latest acquisition?”

  Sassy sighed. “Come on, Cara. Give her a break.”

  “No way in hell. I’d like to see how you’d treat someone if they waltzed in here like they owned the place, twirling Mr. Logan Marcs around like a new ride.”

  “If anybody is the new ride, lover, it’s that gal.”

  “Shut up, Jake.” Cara grunted. “If it weren’t for you, I’d still be sleeping in Tigger’s bed.”

  “You propositioned me, Mama,” he reminded her. “Next time you want a revenge fuck, see one of the prospects.”

  Cara shot him a quick glance, thinned her lips, and quickly averted her gaze to study Logan with fierce eyes.

  Apparently, she’d been under the misguided impression that no one knew she’d fucked Jake, too. Logan was smarter than that. Hell, even Tigger probably
knew the truth. The blowjob had led to the whole wet and messy enchilada.

  Still, Logan stood back and observed. Drama Mama could throw a wrench in his little pre-planned meeting with Agent Pain if he didn’t try to redirect her attention elsewhere. Maybe Jake would take one for the team.

  “All I’m saying is Tigger ain’t her boy toy,” Jake continued. “Shit, Mama. That gal is barely legal.”

  “Jake just shot your plans all to hell,” Sassy whispered in Logan’s ear.

  “I wish he’d shut his trap. We can’t use him if he keeps infuriating the club’s sheep.”

  Sassy frowned. “I wondered what Cara was thinking when she threw Jake in this mix. She sort of asked for the trouble she has by name, huh?”

  “Yes she did,” Logan agreed, thinking even Cara could do better than Jake. The guy had a reputation of riding a thousand miles with a thousand different women.

  “How am I supposed to lure Summer back to our room if Tigger and Cara are watching her every move?”

  “You’re brilliant,” Logan whispered.

  “What?” Sassy studied him as if she were profoundly confused.

  “I should’ve thought of this sooner.” Logan kissed the top of her head and patted her cheek. “Cara will want to talk to Tigger. I’ll assure him we’ll keep an eye on Summer. Tigger and Cara will do whatever it is that they always do—”

  “Fuck and argue?”

  Logan shook his head. “After talking to Tigger earlier, I have a feeling the latter is probably all they’ll accomplish, but what they do really doesn’t matter to us. I just need a few minutes with Summer.”

  “You really think Tigger is hooked?”

  “Oh yeah.”

  “How does that happen?” Sassy asked. “I mean, look at us. We knew one another for a lifetime.”

  “And we were separated for a number of years, but I still had you in my bed within a few days of you walking in here. Remember?”

  “How could I forget,” she rasped, entwining her fingers with his. “You’re just irresistible.”

  “And you were always the only woman for me.”

  “Quit flirting,” Sassy scolded him. “This may not play out the way you’d hoped. Cara thought she was the only woman for Tigger.”