Rattrap Read online

  “What have I heard about what, boss?”

  “There’s an alert on the system that a new biker gang is encroaching on our territory. Suggestion is they’re a renegade break-out from the Angels and that is not good news. We’ve been asked to gather intelligence.”

  Sal tilted her chair back. “You’d be better off talking to Rogue Hellaby. I haven’t heard anything, but he’ll know about any biker-related trouble within five hundred miles of Phoenix.”

  “I’m not going to The fucking Wyverns for information.” Adrian paced a bit more. “I’ve been tied to my desk for too long anyway. Time to do a little bar crawling.”

  “I can hold the fort here. You be careful and call in every hour.”

  “Yes, Mom.” Adrian grinned.

  “Oh, you did not just call me that! I may be older than you but five years does not make me mother material, unless it means I can cane your hide.”

  “I don’t need that kind of parenting, Sal. I’m going to clear off home and change into something more appropriate. I don’t think rocking up to biker bars in a sheriff’s uniform is going to win me any friends.”

  “Very wise. Watch your ass, okay?”

  “Always.”

  Adrian grabbed his keys and strolled out into the early evening heat. Anything that took him away from his desk was good in his book, especially when flavored with a hint of danger.

  Chapter Two

  Teddy followed Rogue and Hatchet down the road leading away from the Sheriff’s Station. A heat haze shimmered above the tarmac and he adjusted his navigators to shield his eyes from the glare. The thrum of the Harley between his legs was comforting. He’d spent half his life in the saddle and loved the raw power of a perfectly engineered machine. Anyone who said a machine couldn’t have a heart had never tuned their ear to the beat of a Hog. He didn’t really take much notice of the direction Rogue took, just brought up the rear of their little convoy and kept an eye out for hidden patrol cars, so he was a little bemused when they pulled into the municipal swimming pool’s parking lot.

  Teddy levered down his kickstand and dismounted then pulled off his helmet.

  “Is that Crow’s bike?” He gestured at the fierce black machine parked close by.

  “It is.” Rogue balanced his helmet on the seat of his bike and rubbed a hand through his hair. “Orlando wanted to swim and Shelton decided to go with him. Crow is keeping an eye on them.”

  Hatchet spat a gob of saliva into the dirt. “Crow will be watching Shelton’s tight little ass in a pair of wet Speedos, that’s what Crow will be doing.”

  Teddy chuckled. “When are the two of them finally going to get it together? Anyone with eyes can see that Crow wants to fuck that boy’s brains out.”

  “Shelton’s one of us, not just another piece of ass,” Rogue said. “And Crow’s a Dom. He’s treading carefully.”

  “Romance sucks,” Teddy said. “If two men know what they want, why not get to the good bit and fuck like bunnies? It’s a sure-fire way of finding out whether or not you’re compatible.”

  “Like you and a certain man in uniform?” Hatchet smirked.

  “The sheriff and I have an understanding,” Teddy said.

  “What’s that then?” Rogue asked. “He understands how to haul your ass to jail? He gets plenty of fucking practice.”

  “Funny. He wants me. He’s just…shy,” Teddy said. “That stunning ass is begging for a good pounding. Those uniform pants don’t hide zip. He gets a hard-on every time he sees me.” Teddy lost eye contact with Rogue, whose gaze had strayed to the path.

  “The brat’s on his way, isn’t he?” Teddy said to Hatchet.

  Hatch grinned. “How did you guess?”

  “Shut it, you two.” Rogue held open his arms and Orlando walked straight into them. Rogue threaded his fingers through Orlando’s damp hair and tugged his head back. He kissed him. Hard.

  While Rogue and Orlando had their lips locked, Crow and Shelton strolled up. Teddy watched their fingers brush together with every stride. Tempted though he was, he didn’t comment on the poorly concealed display of affection. When it came to Shelton, Crow’s temper had a hair trigger, and Teddy was all for preserving the peace with his crew. Anywhere else, World War Three could break out and he’d wade right in with enthusiasm, but not with The Wyverns.

  “Nice swim?” Teddy asked no one in particular.

  “Perfect.” Orlando separated from Rogue just far enough to speak. “We need a pool back at base. You guys could work off some testosterone digging a big hole. Shelton and I could supervise. Of course, it would be hot work and you’d have to have your shirts off. You’d get all sweaty and dirty and…” His eyes glazed over.

  “I don’t think Trap would fund that kind of investment,” Hatchet said. “Our comfort isn’t normally his top priority.”

  “Talking of… Teddy and I have a date with Mr. Smith.” Rogue scowled. “Orlando, you’ll ride back with Hatchet.”

  Orlando instantly stuck out his lower lip. “Do I have to?”

  “What’s wrong, brat?” Hatchet grinned. “Afraid you’ll fall off?”

  “Look, you follicularly challenged ape, you couldn’t avoid a pothole if it jumped up and ran around yelling ‘I’m here, I’m here!’ Whenever I ride with you I get so shaken up you can see cappuccino froth coming out of my ears.”

  Hatchet grinned and swung a long leg over his saddle. “So don’t drink coffee before a road trip.”

  Rogue picked Orlando up and dumped him on the pillion seat.

  “We’ll have a discussion about your attitude when I get back. In the meantime, behave. I don’t want to find Armageddon going down the instant I walk back through the door.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Orlando sulked and pressed his face into the back of Hatchet’s denim jacket.

  Crow mounted up and Shelton clambered on behind him.

  “I shouldn’t be more than a couple of hours,” Rogue said. “If Orlando gives you any trouble, Hatch, you have my permission to confiscate his Twinkies.”

  Orlando glared. “That’s not playing fair.”

  “Nope.” Rogue waved as Hatchet pulled away, kicking up a cloud of dust.

  Crow gave a mock salute and followed after him.

  “You’ll pay for that later,” Teddy said with a chuckle.

  “True.” Rogue shrugged. “It’s worth it to have an excuse to fuck the attitude out of him. We’d better get moving. Mr. Smith doesn’t like to be kept waiting and that guy is definitely a wolf in fleecy underwear. I’d like to avoid getting on his bad side.”

  “Let’s go then. Where’s the meet?”

  “A spot on Salt River, near Estrella Mountain. I’ve met him there a couple times before, so just stick to my tail.”

  “Okay.” Teddy settled onto his saddle. The meet with the enigmatic Mr. Smith he could do without.

  * * * *

  Half an hour of steady riding carried Teddy and Rogue away from the ’burbs. Rogue took a sharp, concealed turn from the highway, and the road narrowed to a lane and finally a gravel track that ended in a clearing on the bank of the river. A high-end four-by-four with tinted windows squatted like a black bug in the shade of a couple of stunted trees. As he switched off his ignition, Teddy repressed a shiver. He didn’t meet with Mr. Smith often and he was glad of it. He was quite content to let Rogue and Hatchet put up with the mysterious go-between who provided the link between The Wyverns and their benefactor-cum-puppet master, Horatio Trap.

  Rogue strolled to the water’s edge then bent to pick up a stone. He skimmed it across the water, watching it bounce. Teddy joined him. It was a beautiful spot, and for a moment Teddy imagined bringing Adrian Hayder there. A picnic blanket, a cooler full of beer and a few hours of outdoor pursuits would suit Teddy just fine. He liked the feel of the sun on his bare ass. He’d pin the sheriff down, tear off his pants and give him a pounding he’d never forget.

  “Fuck,” Teddy muttered as his cock hardened.

  Rogue raised an eye
brow. “What the hell are you daydreaming about?”

  “Nothing!” Teddy protested.

  “The kind of nothing that has handcuffs attached to his belt, I suppose?”

  “We’ve got company.” Teddy heaved a sigh of relief that he didn’t have to explain anything to Rogue. Both men put the water at their backs and faced the new arrival.

  “Dressed to impress,” Teddy stated in a low voice. Smith wore a charcoal pinstriped three-piece suit over a pristine white shirt. His tie shimmered in the evening light, the pattern an optical illusion in gold and amber. Teddy found his eyes drawn to the intricate design.

  “As far as I know, Mr. Austin, there is no law against sartorial elegance.”

  “Fuck it, Smith, since when did you change your nationality to British?” Rogue growled. “You could cut glass with that accent.”

  “The suit is from a tailor on Savile Row, the accent was a free gift that came with it.”

  “Sarcastic fucker.”

  “Yes, Rogue, another of my more endearing traits. Now to business. How are you getting on with your latest task?”

  “Teddy, this one’s all yours,” Rogue said.

  Teddy laced his fingers behind his neck and rolled his head, releasing tension with a series of cracks. “I’m almost there. I’ve been making regular appearances at the bar The Knights hang out at. My bike draws attention, so starting up conversation isn’t difficult. I’ve dropped a couple of hints about finding a new club to join and I’ve gotten into a couple of fights. As instructed. I reckon in a few more weeks they’ll trust me enough to let me in.”

  “They know you’re with The Wyverns?” Smith asked.

  “Of course. I’ve been throwing in a few comments about how The Wyverns are getting soft, that I don’t get enough respect, that kind of thing.”

  “Good. I need you to step up the pace. Mr. Trap wants you on the inside sooner than planned.”

  “Too dangerous,” Rogue snapped. “This is risky enough as it is. We know these guys aren’t what they seem but not what they’re covering up. Teddy needs to take it slow or they’ll get suspicious.”

  “It can’t be helped, my sources inform me that the law is sniffing around. Teddy needs to be part of the Knights before they decide to relocate and we lose the opportunity.” Smith turned toward his vehicle. “Just get it done. Once Teddy is accepted I’ll send word about the next steps.” He climbed into the back of the vehicle and shut the door before either Teddy or Rogue could protest further.

  “Fuck it all to hell.” Rogue straddled his bike and sat staring at the river. “I don’t like this, Teddy, but it’s your neck on the line.”

  Teddy paced up and down, kicking at loose stones. “It stinks. We’re gonna need a plan ’cause there’s no way I’m trusted enough to be taken into the fold yet.”

  “Maybe Shelton can come up with something. Let’s get back to the ranch and get our heads together. I don’t want you hung out to dry on this, your fucking life insurance premiums are already sky high.”

  Teddy chuckled. “I’m not sure knife and bullet wounds are covered.”

  Rogue grinned, but to Teddy it seemed forced. Rogue was worried and that rubbed off on Teddy. “Home then. A hot meal and a cold beer do wonders for concocting plans,” Rogue said. Teddy could get with that program if food was involved.

  * * * *

  By the time Teddy and Rogue sighted the adobe walls of The Wyverns’ headquarters, the sun had dipped below the horizon. Teddy didn’t spot anyone patrolling their perimeter, but he wasn’t meant to. Rogue flashed his headlight three times as they traversed the dirt track leading to the low, hidden complex they called home. Whoever was out there would see and know that the arrivals were not a threat.

  Teddy parked beneath the bike shelter. He pulled his helmet off as he followed Rogue inside. He scrubbed a hand through his hair in an action born of muscle memory, feeling grit grind into his scalp.

  “I’m taking a shower before we eat,” he called out to Rogue, who already had an armful of wriggling Orlando. Teddy didn’t expect or get an answer. He smiled as he strolled down the passage leading to his room. It was good to see Rogue in love. The gruff leader of The Wyverns deserved some happiness and Orlando was cute. Teddy liked him. He admired his spunk and his ability to bait Hatchet, which was becoming the stuff of club legend.

  Teddy’s room was blissfully cool. He stripped to his skin, dropping his clothes in a messy pile near the door. The small en-suite wet room was identical to those in all the other bedrooms. Teddy turned the shower on to full power and stepped beneath the spray even before it had warmed up. The blast of cold water across his overheated skin was shocking enough to make him yelp and hop from foot to foot, but for a few precious seconds his mind cleared. Teddy sighed happily as the water warmed. He shampooed his hair twice, then slathered a palmful of gel over his skin. Imagining Adrian Hayder in the shower with him was enough to nudge Teddy’s cock to life.

  “There’s a clever boy. You know what you like, don’t you?” Teddy gripped his shaft and gave it a couple of experimental tugs. “Be better if the sheriff’s luscious lips were wrapped around you, wouldn’t it?” He braced himself with one hand against the tiled wall and jacked himself hard. The familiar tingle of an impending orgasm swept the length of his spine and shot through his balls. “Yes!” Teddy shouted as cum fountained over his fist. “Fuck, yes!” His thigh muscles trembled and his knees threatened to give way. Teddy slid down and parked his ass on the floor, letting the shower wash away all evidence of his release. The patter of spray on his ultra-sensitive dick was almost too much to bear. He swore under his breath. “Fuck. Why does it always feel like I’m plummeting down from an adrenaline high? A moment’s euphoria followed by the day after fucking Christmas.” He closed his eyes and tilted his head so that the shower rained down on his face. “I need to get laid in the worst possible way.”

  After a couple of minutes’ recovery time, Teddy hauled himself up and turned off the water. He grabbed a towel then gave himself a brisk rub. “Get a grip, you fucking wuss.” If Rogue sensed he was feeling a bit fragile he wouldn’t let Teddy carry on with the plan to infiltrate the Knights of War. He dressed in a pair of faded black jeans and a pale blue T-shirt with a picture of Sasquatch on the front and the slogan ‘World Hide and Seek Champion’. It was a present from Orlando, who’d stated quite seriously that anyone as freakishly tall as him had to be related to a yeti.

  Teddy’s stomach growled. “I could eat a fucking yeti, that’s for sure.” He headed for the communal room to find food.

  Hatchet and Artie were parked on the couch, an old episode of Star Trek on the flat screen in front of them.

  “Hey.” Teddy walked over. “Any chow going?”

  Artie waved in the general direction of the kitchen. “Sure. Orlando made chili. There’s plenty left. He and Rogue are in the kitchen with Crow and Shelton.”

  “Bull on patrol then?”

  “Yep. He caught the night shift.”

  Teddy left them to their Klingons and pushed through the swing door into the kitchen. The rest of The Wyverns were gathered round the well-scrubbed table. The aroma of spiced food tickled Teddy’s nose, making him drool.

  “Please tell me there’s something left?”

  Crow shoved a chair back with his foot. “Orlando cooked for thirty. We’ll be eating this for weeks.”

  Orlando, who was seated on Rogue’s lap, scowled. “Better too much than too little. And that is true for sooo many things.” He squirmed in Rogue’s arms. “Let me go and fix Teddy a bowl. He’s wearing my favorite T-shirt so I need to be nice to him.”

  Teddy took a seat. The table was covered with all the essential fixings for a chili meal—sour cream, grated cheese, nachos. Orlando deposited a huge bowl in front of him along with a fork.

  “Here you go. There’s more where that came from.”

  Teddy dug in and soon little noises of pleasure were escaping his lips between mouthfuls. “Wow, this is f
antastic. Spicy but not so hot that it melts your taste buds.”

  Orlando preened and resumed his position on Rogue’s lap. “Just one of my many talents.”

  “I’m stuffed.” Shelton pushed his empty bowl away with a declaration that had Crow’s eyes darkening. Shelton glanced at Crow and blushed to the roots of his hair. “I mean, I’m really full… Oh God.” He buried his head in his arms. Crow grinned and squeezed his shoulder.

  “We can talk while Teddy eats,” Rogue said, saving Shelton from further humiliation. “Orlando, go and pull Hatchet and Artie away from whatever sci-fi disaster they’re watching.”

  Orlando went a little too gleefully, and Teddy wondered exactly how the message would be communicated. Less than a minute later, Orlando shot through the kitchen door and dove for the safety of Rogue’s arms, Hatchet right on his tail.

  “You little brat! Wait till I get my hands on you.” Hatchet skidded to a halt. Artie followed at a more sedate pace.

  “What the hell is going in?” Rogue asked.

  “Your… Your… Aagh, I don’t know what to call the little trouble maker… He just stroked my head and said the pool tournament was in the kitchen.”

  Teddy almost choked on his chili.

  “That’s it! That gives me an idea as to how we can tip the scales and get Teddy into the Knights of War a bit quicker,” Shelton exclaimed.

  Everyone started talking at once until Rogue banged on the table. “Quiet! Orlando, put some coffee on, and don’t think I’m going to forget that you are overdue a spanking.”

  “And the rest,” Hatchet muttered.

  “Everyone else, sit. Listen to Shelton.”

  Teddy continued to scoop chili into his mouth. Why did it feel as though he was eating the last meal of a condemned man? He pulled the bowl of nachos and the dish of sour cream closer. If he were heading down the green mile, he might as well do it on a full stomach.

  Shelton bobbed up and down in his seat. “This couldn’t be more perfect. When Rogue said we needed a plan to get Teddy into the Knights of War quicker I thought the easiest way would be to engineer a fight between us and them, with Teddy switching sides. It would be difficult to pull off without it appearing staged, even though Teddy does have a reputation for brawling.”