The Joker (The Soldiers of Anarchy #3)

by Nikki J. Summers

She was my girl in every sense of the word.

I knew she was it for me. I’d never want anyone the way I wanted her. She was everything.

“Do you know how special you are?” he whispered, kissing my neck and then manoeuvring himself to lie over me. He rested his elbow close to my head so he could look at me. “I knew that despite all the pushbacks this would be worth it.”

This was different because this wasn’t fucking; it was making love.

“After tonight, your pussy will be moulded to my cock.” He moaned. “You’ll feel me for days.” “I hope so,”

I’d always said Colton King would be the death of me as a joke to my sisters. But right now, lying in his arms with him buried deep inside me, I felt like not having Colton in my life would be the real death of me. He was mine. Every crazy, fucked-up part of him. And even though it still scared me, I held onto him like I’d never let go. I didn’t want to let go. Life had done a three-sixty on me and being with him was one heck of a rollercoaster ride. Question was, would I survive? Could I survive the man they all called The Joker? Or would life come back to bite me in the ass?

“Colton has told us so much about you. I’ve been dying to meet the famous Shelley.” “Infamous you mean.” There I was again, on my guard. I needed to lighten up. “Hardly. He thinks the light shines out of your ass, excuse my language.” She smirked, glancing down at the floor and biting her lip, and then she added, “We’ve waited a long time for someone to come along and knock him off his feet.”

“He is crazy about you. And he might not show it, but tomorrow, he’ll be devastated that you left. Take it from someone who’s been where you are. I know how you’re feeling. The first time I came here to see Adam, I walked away. I thought I was running away from the dreaded walk of shame too, but I wasn’t. I was hiding from my feelings, and I guess, what I’m trying to say is… are you doing the same? Hiding, that is.”

“Shelley, if there’s a chance that what’s between you and Colton could be more than a one-night thing, then don’t leave. And in my opinion, I think… no, I know he wants more. Don’t turn your back on what could be the most amazing thing to ever happen to you. He might act like a joker to everyone else, but he’s an amazing guy, the best. He’ll always be there for you. He won’t ever let you down. He’s not made that way. None of these boys are. They’re one of a kind. Diamonds in the rough. And if you find a guy like that, you hold on for dear life. I know he’ll be holding on to you.”

“Thanks, by the way,” I said, picking up the tray. “It’s fine. I’ll just put two more in. Adam’s still asleep anyway.” “I didn’t mean for the breakfast. I meant for what you said last night to Shelley in the corridor.” Her eyes went wide. “You heard that?” “Yeah, and I appreciate you putting a good word in for me.”

Shelley had tried to bail, but I understood why. She had self-preservation down to a tee and she was a hard nut to crack, but I enjoyed getting her to open up. The sweetest things are always hardest to work for, and I loved a challenge. Besides, she was the only woman I wanted, and that was something that had never happened to me before. I never thought I’d be a one-woman man, but even the thought of talking to another girl made me nauseous. I guess Adam and Devon were right; when the one finally comes along, you know. I knew. I was like a horse with blinkers. There was only Shelley.

“You’re ridiculous.” Then she frowned. “By the way, what’s with all the black card and paper birds in your drawer? Are you a secret artist too?”

It’s something I was asked to do for Leah May, by her father.” Shelley sat quietly for a moment, and then she asked, “Why you? Why didn’t her dad ask Devon to keep whatever promise it is you made?” “Because he didn’t want to ask Devon to keep secrets from his girl. That, and he knew I was the man for the job. He loves me. What can I say? I change people’s lives.”

“Kenny Byers is meeting us on Tuesday evening. He’s given us an address in Sandland.” “Send me that address,” I said, my body snapping to attention as I sat upright. “You don’t need to come. We can do the rest ourselves.” I couldn’t believe she’d pull the independent bullshit on me, and I shook my head. “No fucking way. I have history with that man too. I need to be there. I won’t take the kill away from you, but I want to see it.” The way she sighed told me she wasn’t happy, but this wasn’t up for negotiation. “We’ll all be there,” I added. “You can try and stop us but it’s happening.” “Fine,” she replied, forwarding the message from her phone to mine. “But his final breath? That’s all mine.” “I wouldn’t have it any other way, baby.”

“Our first kill together,” he mused. “I’ve never had a partner in crime before.” “You work with four other men.” I reminded him. “That’s different. We’re a unit. With you–” he leaned down to whisper, “–It’s much more special. It’s us.” “Bonnie and Clyde mark two,” I deadpanned. “Only we won’t get caught.”

“You won’t get killed. I’d never let that happen. You’re working with me now. Chill.” He was always so positive, so breezy about everything.

“I like your sunny attitude to murder.” I scoffed. “It’s really refreshing. But I can guarantee your friends don’t have the same outlook.”

“We’ll have to be quick,” he whispered. “But sometimes quickies are the best. I’ll make sure I hit the spot.”

“Fuck, yes. That’s it,” he cried. “Look at you, my beautiful girl, coming so hard for me. You’re stunning.”

“Leave her,” Bryony told me with empathy in her eyes. “Let her calm down. When she’s ready, she’ll come to you.” I didn’t like that idea. I didn’t like the thought of her leaving without me, feeling so hurt, but I nodded and let Bryony turn her back on me and leave too. Once we heard the front door close, I faced the others and asked, “Why does it feel like my heart’s just been ripped out?” Devon sighed, and Adam took a step closer to me. “Because you love her,” he said. “And when she hurts, you hurt a million times more. That’s how it goes.” I couldn’t speak. All I could do was let Adam’s words sink in. I loved her. I did love Shelley, and the thought of her being in pain was crippling me.