Rust: King's Harlots, #6

By J.M. Walker

"An unexpected evil brings both the MC and Military world together in this brand new series by J.M. Walker"

His demons are loud.
Held captive within his mind, he does everything he can to forget his life before Vice-One.
As one of the newest recruits, his main goal is to have his “brothers” trust him and he’ll do just about anything to make that happen. Until one passionate night with Creena Chan, the military was all he had.

She’s hiding from her past.
A trained professional, she keeps that part of her life to herself. The darkness weighs heavily on her chest, mixing with the beats of her heart, caused by the one man she tries to ignore. Vincent Stone is nothing like she imagined. Months of flirting lead to an explosion she never saw coming.

Only when Creena and Stone’s limits are tested, do they realize exactly what they will do to find that peace their family and friends deserve.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.M. Walker
• Release date: Mar 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386212225

Book preview

OTHER BOOKS IN THE KING’S HARLOTS SERIES:

Grit

Stain

Grim

Rude

Numb

Warning:

Not suitable for readers under 18 years of age.

Keep ice water, snow or a cold shower near by.

May cause fantasies, fanning of one self and mild to extreme hot flashes.

You’re welcome.

To my readers.

I can’t believe this is the last book in the series. It feels like just yesterday I was throwing ideas at Angie Stanton and having her read super early copies of Stone’s book, only to find out that that book wasn’t in fact about Stone, but Angel. I had scrapped it all and started over. Giving Angel and Jay the first book and now Stone and Creena the last book. It’s funny how things work out.

These couples will forever be in my hearts. Although we will see some of them pop up every now and again in future books like Greyson’s story or Brogan and Coby’s son’s story, it won’t be the same. Not only did this series help me gain new readers but it also challenged me. Female motorcycle clubs are not the norm. And while my girls aren’t your typical MC, they’ve proven they can survive in a man’s world.

There are so many people that have helped me along the way.

Rachel Mizer for the stunning cover. I can’t believe I’ve had these covers for over a year and that it’s the last one. As always, it was a pleasure working with you.

Wendi Lynn. Thank you for helping me perfect this story and for not disowning me with this one. ;)

Christine Stanley with The Hype PR, thank you for pushing me and for helping me strive to be a better writer. I love you, poopy!

Tammi Plummer, even though 2017 was a year with many trials, you helped me in every way you could. Your support never ceases to amaze me. Love you!!

My beta readers. Angie Stanton, Joanne Thompson, Christina Gwin, thank you for helping me make Stone oh so much better!

Twinsie Talk Book Reviews: You girls are my sisters. Forever and always.

Lily White: Thank you for reading Rust and helping me perfect it.

To the authors, bloggers and everyone else who helped me spread the word about this series. You all are amazing and I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for me, the Harlots and Vice-One.

My Jems. My readers. You’re support means everything to me. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. So thank you. For everything. And for putting up with my constant teasing. I love you all! And here’s to a new year with new books! And more chances for me to rip out your soul and bathe in your tears.

You’re welcome.

J.M.

XX

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 41

EPILOGUE

A STABBING PAIN thumped inside my head, trembling down the length of my spine. I groaned, rolling onto my stomach when I felt another body shift beside me. My heart gave a start. I picked through the memories of the night before, trying hard to remember what the hell had happened but came up short. All I knew was that I was hungover as fuck.

My stomach churned, stale bile rising to my throat. I will not throw up. I will not throw up. Breathing through the impending nausea, I turned onto my side when I realized I was completely and utterly naked.

I let out a soft sigh. I had gone home with men before only to wake up and leave without a word. Most of the time, I couldn’t remember my little rendezvous. Just like now. The ache between my legs let me know that either I got punched in the vagina or the guy was huge. Damn huge by the way my muscles protested every time I moved.

The body beside me shifted again, turned toward me, and wrapped a heavy arm around my middle. He cupped my breast, running his thumb back and forth over my nipple. A shot of electricity surged through my body.

At that point, everything inside of me came alive. It was like the warmth from the man in bed with me sucked the hangover right out of me. The hairs on his legs scratched at my own. The heavy weight jutting forth from his pelvis pushed against my ass.

I bit back a moan. But as much as I didn’t want to, I pulled his arm off of me.

With my mouth as dry as a desert and the alcohol from the night before leaving an awful taste on my tongue, I ignored my body’s reaction to the guy and pushed out of bed.

As soon as I stood, the room spun around me.

It had been a long time since I’d gotten that drunk. After celebrating a friend’s wedding the night before, it was almost a given it would happen. But I still couldn’t imagine who I had gone home with. There was no one that I was even remotely close to being interested in. No one other than a guy I had become friends with and kept him in the friend zone because it was safe.

Rising from the bed on shaky legs, I glanced back at the still form lying peacefully on the mattress. Sheets hung low on the man, just barely covering his ass. It was all I could make out in the dim lighting of the room.

Desire unfurled deep in the pit of my belly. I only wished I could remember what we had done. And also find out who he was. All I could tell was that he was huge, taking up most of the bed.

Squinting in the early morning darkness of the room, I searched until I found a T-shirt. As soon as I slipped it over my head, a breath escaped me. The scent of man, leather, and sex wafted into my nose, awakening every delicious fantasy I’d ever had for another person of the opposite sex.

Holy. Shit.

I had never reacted like that to a man’s scent before. Having my fair share of one-night stands, slipping into their shirts and stumbling in the dark the next morning was normal for me, but this was much more.

Feeling around in the dark until I found a door, I opened it and slid my hand up the wall until coming in contact with a light switch. Flipping it on, I winced, the light burning my retinas.

After my vision cleared, I gasped. A large en-suite bathroom stood before me. Who the hell is this guy?

I pulled the door closed behind me and went in search of toothpaste. The jungle in my mouth needed to go and I needed to get home.

Home.

I hadn’t been living at home in weeks. My stomach tumbled. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the horror of the past couple of months back into the deep recesses of my mind. I couldn’t think about that shit now. Not with this hangover from hell.

When my gaze landed on the old-fashioned claw bathtub, a whimper left my mouth. What I wouldn’t do for a bath.

Instead, I searched through the drawers until I found a tube of toothpaste and brushed my teeth with my finger. After I cleaned myself up at least until I felt somewhat human, I opened the door, ready to meet the guy who had brought me home.

As soon as I left the room, I bumped into a hard, tattooed, half-naked body. Oh ... I looked up and up until I met the eyes of the man who had made me weak in the knees from just his scent.

Vincent Stone.

Holy fucking fuck.

A wicked grin spread on his too handsome face. Pushing me back into the bathroom, he kicked the door closed behind him.

I ... I swallowed hard, the blood rushing through my body and banging in my ears.

Tattoos of all intricate designs lined his skin. The beautiful masterpiece made my inner tattoo artist purr. I licked my lips, my eyes landing on the piercings in both of his nipples. He hid his exterior well, because I had no idea that he was inked or pierced.

As he came toward me, I backed up.

Once I hit the wall, I lifted my hands, but it didn’t stop him.

Stone closed the distance between us, placing his hands on my hips, and brushed his nose into the crook of my neck. He inhaled, a deep growl rumbling from his chest. His nose moved down the length of my throat, under my chin, then up the other side. He scented me. He actually fucking scented me. If he wasn’t holding me, I would have melted at his feet.

He lifted his head, his brows narrowing. Hmm.

What? I asked, my hand fluttering to my throat.

His gaze twinkled in the fluorescent bathroom lighting. You smell like sex.

Well —I swallowed hard— I imagine that’s what we did last night.

You can’t remember? he asked, his lips pulling up into a cheeky grin.

I ... Memories of us dancing at the wedding came rushing back. Our friends, Angel and Genevieve, or Jay for short, finally tied the knot and I got shit-faced out of my damn mind to help celebrate. I remember dancing with you.

Stone leaned down to my ear, his mouth brushing ever-so-slightly over the soft skin beneath it. With firm hands on my hips, he pulled me against him.

When our hips touched, all thoughts about the night before were gone as the power between his legs proved he wasn’t done with me. His erection rubbed against my lower abdomen, igniting a burn I had never felt before. I wanted to climb him and make him take me like a fucking caveman. I cleared my throat, trying damn hard not to think about the package he was carrying beneath the fabric of his pants.

"You couldn’t keep your hands off of me. I remember you grinding your ass into my crotch. You put my hands on your body. You showed me what you wanted, baby girl. What would make you moan. He licked up the side of my neck. And that made me hot as fuck."

Holy hell. I was in way over my head. No man had talked like that to me. Ever. I ... I ... Fuck, I couldn’t even speak in front of him. Stone had never been like this. Not with me. We flirted and became friends but nothing more. Both of us had been busy but now ...

Stone pinched my chin, tilting my head back. Nothing to say?

I don’t know what you want from me, I whispered, entranced in his dark gaze.

He grinned. You sure had a lot to say last night. He released me and took a step back before stretching his arms over his head. He leaned his head from side to side, the sound of a crack reverberating through the room. I’ve always been into women who tell me what they want in bed but you ... He winked, licking his lips, and let his eyes roam down my body.

My cheeks heated. Before I became lost in his gaze again, I gave myself a shake and shook my head. You could be lying. You probably don’t even remember everything and are just making up shit. I went to step by him when he grabbed me from behind and pulled me back against him.

Does it feel like I’m lying? he growled, pushing his pelvis into my ass.

I gasped, a flush of heat washing over my skin. His erection pressed into my rear. All of it. All of him. Every inch of Stone pushed up against me.

My heart raced, mixing in tune with the beat of his own.

He lifted my shirt to my waist, landing a hard swat on the cheek of my ass.

I whimpered, the burn from his palm sending a rush of heat through me.

Does it feel like I don’t want you again? His hand brushed up my middle to my throat. Fuck, Creena, he groaned in my ear. What the hell are you doing to me? One night with you and I’m fucking addicted. I want more.

Leaning my head against his shoulder, I grabbed his other hand from my hip and placed it on my lower abdomen.

His breathing picked up, his hips moving back and forth against my ass.

Something snapped inside of me to the point that it sent a flutter racing through me. I wanted to see how far I could take him until he broke. I was never into dominating in the bedroom but Stone made me want to push him until he pushed back. I threw all caution to the wind and ground back into him.

He pushed me up against the door, inching his fingers lower.

I stopped him, tightening my hold on his hand. As much as I wanted him inside me, I needed to see how far I could go before he snapped and completely lost control. No.

A growl rumbled from his chest. Pushing his thumb into my mouth, he tilted my head back further. You want me to fucking break. You keep rubbing your ass against me and I’m going to come right here. That’s what you want, isn’t it? You want me to come in my pants. His hot breath washed over me. Or do you want me to come on your ass, baby girl? Want me to coat your skin with my release?

Fuck me. I don’t give a shit, I panted. Just come for me. Come hard, Stone, I told him, closing my lips around his thumb.

Fuck. His mouth moved to the back of my neck, his teeth sinking into the skin. I can taste the sweat from last night on your skin. Shit, Creena. His hips pushed forward. Inching a hand under the fabric of the shirt I was wearing, his fingers dug into the flesh of my hip.

I arched into him, his clothing covered cock rubbing between the cheeks of my rear. My heart hammered in my ears. One little move and I could have him back inside me. I could have him again, and this time I would remember it but, instead, I circled back against him.

I had to regain control. This man was going to be my undoing. One word and I could be bent over the sink but I couldn’t. Not yet. I wanted to play with him.

Stone wrapped his fingers around my throat, rubbing his hips back and forth. He stiffened, his cock swelling beneath his pants. A deep groan vibrated from the back of his throat. "Fuuuuuuuuuck."

I smiled, my heart jumping against my ribs. A flush crept up my neck at my newfound bravery over making him come.

Shit, woman. Stone shook himself, stepping away from me. I can’t believe you just actually fucking did that.

I laughed, the awkwardness no longer there.

His gaze snapped to mine. You think that’s funny, do you?

I do. I pulled down the shirt and patted him gently on the arm. It’s okay. I’m sure you lasted longer than five minutes last night.

Oh, just you fucking wait. Stone ripped his pants down his legs and tossed them to the side. Strip.

My mouth dropped, my gaze landing between his legs. Wh-What?

Stone wrapped a hand around his now flaccid cock, tugging on a barbell piercing the head. Keep staring at it like that it’s going to think you’re disgusted by it.

I ... My cheeks burned, my gaze meeting his once again. There was no way I could be disgusted by ... it.

He chuckled. Strip.

What? I frowned. Why? My eyes fell back to the monster between his legs. My core clenched. God, he had been inside me. His beautiful pierced cock had been in me, and I couldn’t remember. Of course. Why would I need to remember something like that?

I’m hungover as shit, he answered, pulling me from my thoughts. A shower will help and I just came in my pants like a twelve-year-old. He grabbed my hand, tugging me against him. Now strip. He smacked my ass.

I shivered, the tingle of pain enveloping me in a blanket of bliss. I ...

He patted my hip. Hurry up. We’ll shower and I’ll drive you home. He turned around, and that was when I saw it.

Wings covered his back. They were detailed and dark. The only color being drops of red blood the tattoo artist had conveniently placed at the small of his back.

Stone. I reached out to touch him when he spun on me and grabbed my hand.

Don’t, he ground out and kissed my fingertips.

Your piece is beautiful, I told him, trying to lighten the dark shift in the air. I would give anything to be that talented.

You are, but thanks. He brushed past me and turned on the shower. "I’m not going to ask you again. Strip."

But isn’t that a little intimate, Stone? I mean ... I shrugged. It’s just—

We’ve already fucked, Creena, and I just came on your ass. He grabbed the hem of the shirt I was wearing. And this shirt doesn’t belong to you anyway.

Were we going to have sex in the shower? Not that I would complain in the least but a part of me didn’t want to wash the remnants of the night before off of me. I enjoyed feeling him on my skin, his touch embedded in my flesh.

Touch me there, Stone. Yes, just like that. God, you feel good.

Words from the night before slid into my mind.

Stone grinned, his gaze darkening.

As if he could read my mind, his body hardened.

He was an addiction at its finest and I hadn’t even experienced him in his entirety.

Yet.

***

(Stone)

Creena Chan, was going to be the death of my dick.

I had made it seem like I remembered everything from the night before when really, I only remembered her words. Every single syllable as she told me what to do to her. Every enunciated breath as I took her past the power of seduction and right into submission. But she didn’t know that. She thought we had a good time and that was it. But there was more. Much more that I couldn’t allow myself to confess.

It was one reason I didn’t drink often. That darkness unleashed itself every time alcohol touched my lips and the women I had been with had fallen prey to that power. Some liked it. Most didn’t. I scared them.

But with Creena, there was something more. I could sense it. She wasn’t scared of me. She looked past my walls and into my soul. I wasn’t sure if she was aware of it or not but there was a connection between us that made even me nervous.

As she stared up at me with those beautiful green eyes of hers, she chewed her full bottom lip.

My mouth tingled, itching to get a taste of her tongue. I couldn’t remember kissing her the night before, our drunken stupor taking over fast and hard.

Stone, she said, my name falling from her lips like a petal in the wind. She was going to make me fall to my feet like a sexual slave waiting for its Master. She would be my Master. And fuck me, I didn’t give a shit if submitting to her went against everything I believed in.

I cleared my throat, needing to collect myself before I truly unleashed everything onto her.

Strip, I demanded one last time before I would force her to take off the shirt she was wearing.

She sighed, pulling the top up and over her head.

A soft growl escaped my mouth. She was beautiful. Damn near flawless. Her olive skin tone marred with light tiny freckles made every inch of me come alive. My dick grew, pointing toward her, and begged for her touch. Rubbing up against her ass and coming undone in my pants was not enough.

Her breath caught in her throat, her eyes falling to my dick then traveling back up to my face.

You make me hard, I said, wrapping my hand around my cock and tugging on the piercing. That’s not something I’m ashamed of.

I don’t think you have any shame, she said, a pink flush spreading from her breasts up to her neck.

I grinned. Not one bit. I turned to head into the shower before looking at her over my shoulder. Nice tattoo, I said, nodding toward the word Breathe just under her left breast. It was drawn in cursive, underlining the length of her full tit.

Her lips twitched. Thanks.

I stepped under the hot spray, my mouth turning up into a wide grin when I felt her behind me. Her obeying my demand to join me in the shower did something odd to me. It made me happy and elated but also strung the fuck out. This wasn’t good. Not one fucking bit.

Have you ever taken a shower with someone, baby girl? I asked, needing the sound of her husky voice to drown out the voices in my head.

No. She stepped up behind me, running her hands up my back. But I’m always willing to try something at least once.

My cock twitched.

Fuck.

WE SHOWERED. WE dressed. We left.

No sex. No kissing. No touching.

A part of me wondered if maybe I had done something wrong. After I’d touched his back, Stone closed up almost instantly. He didn’t talk much after, and it made me curious to find out what darkness had eaten him up.

As promised, he drove me back to Asher and Meeka’s place.

I had been staying with our friends for a couple of weeks while the Organization, an entity that dealt with terrorism and human trafficking, were still not brought to justice. I loved Asher and Meeka, but I really missed my own bed.

When we pulled up to their home, I realized that neither Stone nor I had spoken once.

Thank you for driving me.

Stone parked and shut off the truck before unbuckling his belt.

What are you doing? I asked, my heart jumping to my throat.

Meeka invited me over for lunch. He raised an eyebrow. Is that a problem?

Not really wanting to do the walk of shame in front of the people I lived with, I tried thinking of a way we could go into the house separately. Maybe I could make Stone wait five minutes.

They already know we’ve fucked, Creena. Stone shrugged. No big deal. He stepped out of the vehicle and walked around to my side. He opened the door, leaning his arm against the roof, and peered into the truck at me. Coming? he asked, licking his lips.

I cleared my throat, slid out of the truck, and made sure to brush up against him in the process. Every nerve ending in my body came alive every time we touched. Maybe later, I purred. He wanted to tease me? Well, I could throw it right back.

Fuck, he whispered, his breath brushing over the side of my face.

I laughed, patting him on the chest. You might want to take care of that. I pointed down to the erection he was sporting.

Damn, woman. He shielded himself and grabbed onto my hip. Stop teasing me, he grumbled in my ear.

You loved it earlier, remember? I brushed my hand up his chest to his mouth. You came hard for me.

He shivered, giving the pad of my thumb a gentle nip.

A shot of pleasure coiled in my lower belly.

In a rough move, Stone wrapped a hand around my wrist, digging his fingers into the bones. You’re playing a very dangerous game, Creena.

Yeah? I licked my bottom lip. I’m willing to bet it’s a game you won’t mind losing.

His nostrils flared, the bright lust in his eyes shining even more. He kissed my cheek and pulled me away from the truck before slamming the door shut behind me. You don’t know shit about me, Creena. Remember that.

Listen to me right now, asshole. I tugged my hand from his grip, glaring up at him. "Just because we fucked doesn’t mean you get to treat me like one of your many whores. We were friends first. Remember that." I stormed past him into the house, letting the door close in his face.

He grunted, shoving the door open until it smashed against the wall.

Problem? I asked, sweetness dripping from my voice.

He grinned. Careful.

I shivered at the underlining threat in his deep voice.

Hey, guys, Meeka came out of the kitchen, stopping suddenly. Is there an issue? she asked, a teasing lilt to her voice.

All right, I sighed, waving a hand in front of my face. Get it out.

She laughed. I’m not saying shit.

But I will, Asher boomed from the kitchen. Have fun?

I slumped onto the couch, scrubbing a hand up and down my face. Stone glanced at me before heading into the kitchen when Meeka sat beside me.

Rough night? she asked, curling her arm in mine.

I don’t remember, I mumbled.

And that only made Meeka laugh harder.

My cheeks heated. How bad were we at the reception?

Uh ... Meeka grinned. You were all over each other. It was intense and hot as hell. Asher pulled you two apart a couple of times. We didn’t want you fucking on the dance floor.

Oh, God. I dropped my head in my hands.

It happens. She giggled. Stone’s a good guy. It could have been worse.

I grunted. Yeah, I guess.

What do you mean? she asked, frowning.

He ... he’s different. I can’t explain it, but it’s like as soon as we had sex, he became a different man. I shook my head. Never mind. I’m not making sense.

No —she patted my hand— "I get it. He is different. Asher said he’s had a hard life. I’m not sure if something happened before he was assigned to Vice-One or after. She shrugged. Just have fun. Both of you deserve it. She rose from the couch. Oh. Your brother called."

Shit.

***

(Stone)

Creena’s sass turned me the fuck on. Her fire, her energy, her damn smile made me hard as a rock. I pushed, she pulled and shoved it all back in my face.

After lunch, we helped Meeka clean up. Creena glanced my way, a hint of a smile tugging on her full mouth.

I hope that smile is for me, I whispered in her ear while reaching behind her to grab a dish off the dish rack.

You’re very full of yourself, aren’t you? She grinned, a rosy glow hitting her cheeks.

I’m only just getting started. Putting the dish away, I leaned against the counter and nodded toward Asher and Meeka. When are the babies due?

Not soon enough, Asher grumbled.

No sex? I teased.

Meeka wants to be cautious, he grunted, wrapping his arm around his girlfriend’s middle. Whispering something in her ear, his mouth turned up into a grin when she