Stand Off (Predators MC 2)

When she had first moved to the sunny area, she had burned from being in the sun. Now she had developed a tan that the women at the bank would be envious of.

Her smile slipped at remembering Queen City. She didn’t miss the bank, the city, or her mother, but one person in particular never left her mind, despite all her efforts to keep herself busy. The beach house was meticulously organized and clean, despite the sandy beach just outside her door.

She looked out the front window to see what Cole was doing as she replaced the pitcher in the refrigerator. Casey took off running as fast as she could, her bare feet running across the cool tile floor, both hands slamming the screen door open before she ran across the porch. Leaping over the two steps, she landed on the hot sand.

“Leave him alone!” Her terrified gaze landed on the large group of men standing near Cole, who was sitting on a blanket.

Casey hastily bent to grab a piece of driftwood then raced forward, stopping in front of Cole, blocking them from getting any closer.

“Stay away from him!” she screamed, glaring at Max, Ice, Jackal… All the Predators stared back at her, calmly stepping back.

“What’s wrong, Casey?”

She didn’t take her gaze off the Predators at her brother’s soft question, unaware whimpers of fear were escaping her lips.

“I was showing them my shells.” Cole was surrounded on the blanket by the shells he had collected. “They like my starfish.”

Max’s gaze went soft as he edged to the side slowly. He dropped to his knee on the blanket. “I like this one.”

Casey half turned, watching Max distrustfully as she kept the Predators within sight.

“That’s one of my favorites,” Cole said excitedly, picking it up to hand it to Max. “You can have it.” As soon as he offered the shell to Max, his beautiful smile slipped.

“That’s okay. I’ll find some myself. Maybe I can find one like it.” Once Max refused Cole’s offer, he saw the sunny smile return.

“I’ll help. I like looking for shells. I have forty-two or forty-five.” He looked up in confusion at his sister.

“Forty-six,” Casey answered gently.

“Forty-six.” Cole nodded.

Casey lowered the piece of driftwood as Cole began showing Max his favorite shells. Ice, Jackal, and Fade all took a seat on the blanket as he showed off his collection.

Casey stared down at her brother’s blond head. He was wearing a swimsuit, his skin tanned and slick. Staring at him, she thought he was one of the most handsome men Casey had ever seen. Surrounded by the Predators, she saw he was as muscular and fit as any of the bikers. There was only one difference between Cole and them.

He had the mind and capability of a child.

“Cole, your lunch is ready. Go inside, and I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Okay, Casey,” Cole said happily, unaware of the tension coming from the group. Cole picked up his red bucket, putting his shells away. Then he stood up, taking his bucket with him.

“Can they have lunch with us? I can help him find his shells when we get done eating.”

Casey started to shake her head.

“We’d like that, Cole. We’ll be inside in a little while.”

Cole grinned, carrying his pail to the house.

“Please don’t hurt him. If you want to… I can take him next door to the neighbor he likes to play with.” Casey blinked back tears. “I’ll do what you want, just please don’t hurt him.” Casey sobbed.

Max stood. “Shut up, Casey. Just shut the fuck up.” He jerked her to him, lifting her off her feet then kissing her as if he were starving for her.

Casey pulled back, gasping for breath.

“I don’t understand…”

Ice and the others stood.

The president of the Predators brushed the sand from his jeans. “You two need to talk. We’ll give you some privacy and keep Cole company.” Casey frowned worriedly. “You have my word, Casey. You and Cole are under the protection of the Predators. No one will touch you again.”

Casey relaxed in Max’s arms, feeling them tighten around her as the men left them alone.

“Why are you here, Max?”

His hand went to her hair, tilting her face up to his. “Because you’re mine. You’re coming back to Queen City with me.”

“No, we’re happy here, and I can’t go back to Queen City.” Casey tore herself away from Max.

He didn’t try to grab her back; instead, he shoved his hands into his jeans. “Because of Renee? Or me?”

“Max… I can’t go back.”

“Yes, you can, and you will. I’m not leaving you behind, Casey. From now on, we’re going to be together. You and Cole can move into my house.”

“I’m not going to move in with you!” Casey agitatedly paced back and forth. “You gave me to the Predators!” she cried in pain. “You never cared about me. You just wanted revenge for the club.” Brokenheartedly, she began crying. “You gave me away.”