Bear (Kings of Rebellion MC spin off) Read online

  A tear slides down Simone’s cheek and I grab her in for a cuddle. “Don’t cry.”

  “I just feel so sad for her.” She wipes at her face. “She deserves to be happy but I get scared that if she shuts everyone off, she’ll stay like that forever. Kristen needs a man who will prove his worth to her and help her come through this.”

  “Is that how Breaker helped you?” I question her.

  Simone then smirks. “Fortunately, I didn’t go through half as much as what Kristen and the others went through.”

  “You still had a hard time.” I remind her, remembering everything that I saw in that run down, battered house we all found Simone and the rest of the girls locked in. “I won’t give in on Kristen, I want to be the one that brings her back, like Breaker did for you.”

  “I hope so.” She smiles sadly. “I knew that no matter what I said you would still go after her, but I just want to give you a warning. Be careful with her, don’t expect a lot and be patient. The best thing you could actually do, is don’t flirt with her at all.”

  “What?”

  “It’s true.” She laughs. “Just don’t flirt with her and she might start missing it.”

  Simone pats me playfully on my shoulder, leaving me alone to think about Kristen. I want her. I want Kristen a lot. Every time I see her I want her more and more. She’s fucking gorgeous! I love her no shits given attitude and the way she confidently carries herself. You wouldn’t even guess that she’s suffering the way that Simone just explained, but she obviously is and it’s no shocker after what she’s been through. I’m going to prove myself to her. Make myself look irresistible to her so she starts to flirt with me instead. She’ll want me, as much as I want her.

  I’d kill another brother if he put his hands on her. I see her as my Potential. Potential is a word we use inside the club for women that we see becoming our Old Ladies and I’ve made sure to refer to Kristen as my Potential often. Just so they know. She’s so fucking sexy that she would have every single man after her, but I’ve made sure to keep her clear of all that. Apart from me, of course. As beautiful as Kristen is though, it’s not just her attractive looks that have me hooked. Kristen herself interests me with her no shits given attitude. Truthfully, that side of her turns me on. No woman has intrigued me like she does, so I won’t give in on her. Kristen will eventually be mine. Just you wait and see.

  Chapter Four

  Kristen

  Last night was a quiet night in the clubhouse because most of the men were visiting the bars instead. So it was a nice night, me and the girls were able to talk and drink wine as if we were in a sophisticated bar, acting classy. Breakfast will be busy this morning, so I’ve made sure to get up early and get mine. I have work this afternoon, I now work at one of the bars that the MC owns. It’s called Phoenix and it’s a small bar, so it gets pretty busy but I actually really enjoy working there. The music and the laughter, its right up my street and it makes it so it doesn’t feel like work. There’s some creepy men who approach you but I’m under the protection of the club however, I’m capable of handling myself. After what I’ve been through, the men I’ve seen in there do not faze me at all.

  So here I am, sat eating breakfast in silence and its bliss. I did tell the girls that I’m having my breakfast but they’re lazy bitches so I’m dining alone. I like my own company so I don’t mind.

  Imagine my surprise when Bear appears in the dining area, grabbing a plate and filling it with his chosen breakfast. He even looks a little shocked to see me sat at a table when he turns to find a seat.

  “Morning.” He smirks, coming to join me at my table.

  “Good morning.” I smile back, “I’m surprised to see you up at this time.”

  “Why?” He laughs.

  I finish the food in my mouth. “I thought you all had a crazy night? It’s why the rest are still in bed right?”

  Bear nods. “Yeah, but I still get up for a decent breakfast. If I left it until later the rest then I’d be left with the scraps.”

  “Smart thinking.” I grin.

  “I’m guessing you thought the same?” He begins to eat his food, groaning from his enjoyment and I can’t take my eyes off him.

  “Yeah.” I clear my throat. “But the others are too lazy.”

  Bear laughs and continues to eat his breakfast, while I’m about finished with mine.

  “I never asked you.” Bear adds. “How come you decided to stay? Why didn’t you go home?”

  “Do you want me to go home?” I ask him and he quickly shakes his head.

  “I didn’t mean it that way.”

  “Relax, I was joking.” I laugh and I physically see him relax in the way his shoulders sag. “I was never close with my family, I bet they don’t even realise I’ve gone or there was no worry about me not being around anymore.”

  “I’m sure that’s not true.” Bear frowns.

  “No, it was.” I assure him. “It was the way I grew up, parents didn’t give a shit and I had no siblings or other family. They just genuinely didn’t give a crap so why would I want to go back to that? I have a good life here now, I consider myself to have a family now and friends that mean the world to me, I like my new job so why wouldn’t I stick around?”

  “Well, when you put it like that.” He grins and continues to eat his food.

  I stare at Bear as he eats, in his own world and I can’t help but think something is off. Bear hasn’t so much spoken a chat up line or flirted like he usually does. It’s got me intrigued, is he doing this on purpose or is Bear up to something?

  “Why didn’t you take VP?” I decide to ask him. Bear looks over at me a little surprised that I asked that. Personal question for a personal question. He doesn’t look like he’s going to answer me, but then he swallows down his food and speaks.

  “I don’t think I ever wanted to be VP of the club.” He answers. “When I was twenty-two Breaker asked me to be VP and I said I’d think about it, which actually shocked him so imagine his surprise when I said no.”

  “Has anyone ever turned it down?” I ask.

  “Not that I know of.” Bear shakes his head. “But why would I want to do something my hearts not into?” I’m actually really enjoying seeing this side of Bear. Usually he just flirts and banters but we’re actually talking right now, learning something about each other. I like this side of him. “It might sound odd, but I don’t really care about the politics of the club, the ones you take care of when you Vice President anyway. I just want to ride my bike, enjoy my life and do my work. Being Head of Security means I can do that and be important enough around here. So I’m happy and I think Mason will be better suited to the role anyway.”

  “Hawk?” I ask, Bear’s younger brother is defiantly suited for the role of VP, in a few years. Bear nods. “I agree, I don’t know him that well but from what I’ve seen he seems confident enough to take it on.”

  “Oh he’s confident enough alright.” Bear laughs.

  Just then, we’re joined by a couple of other members, Tate and Cruise. I don’t know these two well, but they seem to be close with Bear and from what I’ve seen and heard, they seem like good enough guys. They’re both good looking, Cruise looks a little more dangerous than Tate though. They both have that biker vibe going on but Cruise has the tattoos on his neck and piercings on his face. A little more biker edge.

  “Hey you two.” Tate wonders over, his eyes transferring from both me and Bear with a slight smirk.

  “Kristen.” Cruise nods to me and then just nods to Bear.

  “Hey.” I greet them and Bear signals a head bob, pretty much what all of them do around here.

  “Getting along, I see.” Tate continues to smirk, glancing between Bear and me.

  “Just getting my breakfast Tate.” Bear answers as I put down my knife and fork, signalling that I’ve just finished.

  “You gotta beat the crowds.” I flash them a wink.

  “I’m surprised you’re up so early Bear.” Cruise laughs whilst shaking his head. “You were fucking wasted last night, where did you and that girl get to anyway?”

  My ears perk up at that. Bear seemed to have hooked up with someone last night. I wonder if he even got any sleep last night? Is she still in his room? Why the fuck am I bothered?

  “Now that would be telling.” Bear laughs and the other two join him.

  “She was hot.” Tate nods in approval.

  “Even hotter in bed.” Bear adds with a chuckle and I have to force myself to laugh along as he looks up at me. I don’t want it to look like I’m bothered. Am I bothered?

  Why do men do this? Talk about the women they slept with in this way. Of course women talk about the men the slept with, not all but each to their own. The same with men, I’m sure but I’ve never heard a woman talk about a guy the way men do with women. As if it’s a job well done. I push down the irritated feeling that has arrived inside of me and decide to join in on the boy banter.

  “Decided to branch out from the club bunnies this time Bear?” I ask him. “You were starting to get a little lazy.”

  Tate and Cruise burst out laughing.

  “She’s got a point.” Chuckles Cruise.

  “I bet she was your typical, slutty type huh?” I tease. “Bleached blonde hair, hardly any clothes and covered in make up.”

  “You sound jealous Kristen.” Bear says, stabbing his food and placing it in his mouth. I watch him as he chews, feeling like a dear caught in the headlights.

  “No.” I frown. “Just speaking my mind.”

  “Which does sound a little jealous.” Tate smirks. He’s starting to really annoy me.

  “I’m meeting her tonight anyway.” Bear adds, looking down at his plate while he eats. “She asked and I thought why not? I’m not doing anything else.” Bear then looks up, right at me and it feels as though he’s waiting for a reaction but he’s not going to get one.

  “She must be a special girl.” I reply, making my voice sound as flat as possible, no emotion whatsoever.

  Bear flashes me a naughty wink. “Don’t worry babe, she doesn’t top you on the leader board just yet.”

  “Good to know.” I grin, standing from my seat and collecting my empty plate and glass. “Have a good night.”

  I leave the three of them to it, taking my dirty dishes into the kitchen area to clean them up. Is that why he wasn’t bothering to flirt with me, because he’s met someone else? Is he no longer interested in me?

  I shouldn’t be feeling so suspicious and annoyed about this, should I?

  So why do I?

  Chapter Five

  Kristen

  The clubhouse is currently full of celebrations due to the birthday of an Old Lady and the birth of a daughter to another and her old man. The energy feels great and it helps to pick up my mood. I seemed to have woken in some sort of bad mood this morning and I won’t accept that it has anything to do with Bear and what he seems to be getting up to in his own time.

  Lyla, the Old Lady who has just had the baby girl and part of the party celebrations, walks by and I rush over to her so I can take a look at the baby.

  “Hey.” I smile wide as I come to stand next to her. “Congratulations!”

  “Thank you.” She smiles sweetly, holding her baby girl. “You having fun?”

  “I am.” I look into her arms and take my first look at her daughter. “Oh god Lyla, she’s so beautiful. Look at those chubby cheeks.”

  Lyla laughs, looking down at her child. “I know, she’s a chubby little thing.”

  “Do you have a name yet?” I eagerly ask. I’m not close to Lyla but we do talk when we run into each other around the clubhouse and I know that her and her Old Man, Beau have been trying for a baby for a few years now. I’m so happy for the two of them.

  The baby begins to stir a little and I look down at her again, she looks dainty but chubby and absolutely gorgeous, loosely wrapped in a pink blanket with a bow headband on. She’s so cute that my stomach clenches, my body wanting that for itself. I’ve never even thought about having kids but it seems my body reacts on instinct.

  “Oh Lyla.” I gush. “How are you feeling?”

  “Tired.” She laughs. “But so happy.”

  “I bet.” I nod. “I can’t even imagine what that’s like.”

  “It’s tough but completely worth it. It helps when you have a large and helpful family around you though.” Lyla replies, beginning to rock her crying baby daughter.

  I agree, there’s so many people within the Kings family and they all love and support each other. I like to think that I’ve joined this family, but it’s early days yet.

  A laugh, that I know so well, erupts from the other side of the room and my heart flutters slightly. I curse my body for reacting to Bear however when I turn to look over at him, the great mood that I was in falters because standing right beside Bear is a little brunette woman. Her brown hair is pulled into a sleek ponytail and her face full of make up. Her breasts spill from the tight dress she wears as her arm wraps firmly around Bear’s arm. Clearly stating her claim on him. Anger stirs inside me.

  “So I’m guessing that’s the girl he met the other night.” Mumbles Simone as she walks over to me.

  “I guess so.” I answer as Lyla gives me a kind smile, walking away and leaving me alone with Simone. “She looks exactly like I thought she would.”

  Simone laughs. “I was thinking the same. Obviously nothing compared to you though.”

  “What?” I look at her, confused as to why she had to say that.

  Simone just smirks, deciding to stay silent.

  “Oh my god.” Bailey appears looking wide eyed, casting looks over at Bear and his busty guest. I just nod, acknowledging who she’s talking about.

  “I can’t believe he bought her here.” Simone shakes her head in disappointment.

  “Oh I can.” I add, “he hasn’t stopped talking about her.”

  “That’s to make you jealous.” Bailey giggles.

  I watch the girl as Bear talks with Breaker and another biker, Timmy. I don’t like the way she joins in on the conversation and laughs along with them. The way her hands stay firmly on Bear and how she leans against him. In fact, it’s pissing me off the longer I watch.

  “I don’t like her.” Simone frowns over as the girl dares touch Breaker’s arm, as she laughs at something he just said. I watch Simone as her perfectly shaped eyebrow quirks up, silently daring the girl to touch Simone’s man again. I’m kind of hoping she does, so I can watch Simone tell the girl to fuck off out of here.

  Unfortunately for me, that doesn’t happen. Instead, Bear leaves Breaker and walks in our direction. With his new fuck buddy loyally following. Ugh! Have I got to meet her? I cast a look across at Bailey and Simone to see they don’t look so pleased either.

  “Hey girls.” Bear grins, obviously not aware to the tension as his brunette friend smirks at the three of us and it’s not a nice kind of smirk. It’s a ‘fuck you’ sort of grin and it immediately pisses me off. Holding back my anger, I force a smile towards Bear and nod.

  “Hey Bear.” Simone and Bailey follow suit and say the same as I had.

  “So, whose your friend?” Simone asks, taking the words right from my mouth. Simone was a sort of quiet girl but since being with Breaker and coming into her own as his Old Lady. Helping him mange all the Old Ladies and other women within the club. She’s a lot more confident now and its well within her rights to ask Bear this question as the Presidents woman.

  “This is Lucy.” Bear introduces his new friend.

  The three of us look to Lucy, faking our greeting smiles. “Hello Lucy.” Simone is the first to acknowledge her.

  Bear then introduces the three of us to Lucy, informing her that Simone is an important woman around here, and that Simone is practically his sister. I think this is so Lucy doesn’t get out of line during her visit, which is a shame. After Bailey, Bear turns to me. “And this is Kristen, a close friend of mine.”

  The fact he called me a close friend warms my stomach, when it shouldn’t but for some reason I can’t help myself lately.

  “Hey.” I say, greeting her out of respect for Bear and I really wish I hadn’t when Lucy replies in spite.

  “Oh hi.” Lucy smiles, tilting her head in fake innocence. “I’m finally glad to meet you, Bear talks about you all the time.” I’m kind of smug after her comment, but not for long. “Mind you, we don’t do a lot of talking, do we Bear?” Lucy giggles, wrapping her arms securely around Bear’s arm again as she looks at me but she doesn’t see Bear’s reaction. I do though and it’s the only thing that makes me feel better in reaction to her because Bear doesn’t look too pleased by her hands on him. Bear winks at me though and it sends my heart into a frenzy. It shouldn’t though. I want to be angry with him, but it seems my traitorous body still likes him to my surprise.

  I share another glance with Bailey and Simone again, all of us on the same wave length when it comes to Lucy. I don’t like her and neither do they. In return, this bitch Lucy doesn’t like me either and I’m perfectly fine with that. I can see through her false behaviour and she can probably see straight through mine too.

  Most likely feeling the tense atmosphere around us, Bear decides to take his leave. “I’ll catch up with you later.” He looks to me, making Lucy frown slightly. I see she’s trying to hide her reaction but I see it.

  “See you later.” I wave to Bear as he drags Lucy away. The slut dares to look back at me, her false smile now gone.

  “Fuck me.” Simone laughs. “That was awkward.”

  “Explain to me why she’s hanging from his arm and not you?” Bailey quizzes.

  I roll my eyes, watching Bear and Lucy disappear. “Oh stop it, we’re not like that.” I try to lie to myself as much as I did with them.