Death: Diamond MC, #3

By Lila Rose

New neighbors are the bane of my existence, but nothing prepares me for the new woman next door. 

A long time ago, I swore off blondes. 
Until her.
Until Raya crawls under my skin and stays. 
Sure, she always seems pissed at me, but I'll soon make her realize I'm not always a dick. 

But then there's a new threat that has me seeing red and needing to hunt for blood. 

The name Death isn't just for show. And anyone who steps in my way or threatens those under my protection are going to get up close and personal with the man behind the namesake.

Running is pointless… when Death knocks on your door.  


Note: This is book #3 in the Diamond MC series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Warning: This book is for ages 18yrs and above, it has offensive language and contains triggers (mentions abuse)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lila Rose
• Release date: Apr 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215607565

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

DEATH

Stepping out onto my front porch, I moved over to where the afternoon sun hit the boards to warm my back while I leaned against the railing. The noise of an approaching vehicle had me twisting to see a moving van coming my way.

Fuck, I muttered when it stopped out front of the house next door. Annoyance twisted my gut as I took a long pull of my beer and placed it on the railing. Crossing my arms over my chest, I straightened and planted my feet apart while glaring at the vehicle of doom.

I already semi-liked the people I had in the neighborhood. I didn’t want someone new to deal with. A moving van meant things could change. If I couldn’t control that change, my skin itched.

Who the fuck would it be?

I enjoyed the peace I had around the place. No one had pissed me off yet. Hell, we hardly talked, which was what I liked the most. My neighbors on the other side were an older married couple who traveled a lot. Their place was always quiet. Across the road, opposite me, was a single guy, a bit younger than me, but we had an understanding of not getting in each other’s faces when we had gatherings. And God fucking knew my brothers could get rowdy. To the left of him was a lady in her eighties who was mostly deaf. To the right was a younger couple, but they were far enough away that I didn’t know much about them, and they were the same with me.

Yeah, I’d get some side glances when they were outside if I was taking off on my ride, but it was never a look of fear or concern about having a guy from a motorcycle club on the street.

Things were good.

Would this new fucker mess that up?

They’d better not. And no offense to kids, but I goddamn prayed that whoever moved in didn’t have a tribe of them. I loved my sleep too much to be woken by a baby or kids running crazy and being loud.

I was just too damn old for change. Selfish.

A groan slipped free before I ground my teeth together when a small red car pulled up behind the truck. Arms waved around inside it. Looked like two people. Women, maybe.

The driver side door got flung open, and out popped a curvy blonde woman who appeared in her late thirties. Her laughter rang across the way as she raced ahead of one of the moving guys.

Sorry. So sorry. I was supposed to be here but got distracted, and then my car decided to have a fit. She jumped up the steps to the porch and quickly unlocked the front door, swinging it free and shifting out of the way. I’ll be in there shortly to tell you where to put things. With a bright smile, she raced back to the car and opened the passenger door to help a younger version of herself out of the car.

That chick had a cast on her leg. She was only a little different from the first woman, slightly slimmer and shorter, but if I was to guess, they’d have to be sisters.

Would they be a problem?

Christ, I hoped not.

My door opened, and Bethany stepped out with a satisfied, sultry smile. She pulled her handbag strap over her shoulder as she swayed her hips over to me. I have to go, honey.

I grunted and watched her hands slide up my chest. Had fun, babe. Call me when you’re in town next.

Her smile grew. Oh, I will. She lifted up and pressed her mouth to mine. I didn’t take it deep, leaving it as a quick peck. Until next time, she called over her shoulder as she made her way down the path to the car that pulled up.

Goddamn, I loved flight attendants. Somehow, in my luck, I’d stumbled across a bar that was situated close to the airport where employees hung out. Never would have guessed how quickly I was swarmed by women, and some men, after walking in there with my cut on. What I liked most about hostesses was that they had nothing to do with the club. It was drama-free fucking because they weren’t in town for long. And those of them who were, well, most of them didn’t want a long-term relationship.

They wanted what I did: a quick, easy, hard fuck.

I tipped my chin up at her. Later, gorgeous, I called before she climbed in.

I shifted my gaze from the leaving vehicle back to next door, narrowing my eyes at both women who stood on their path watching me.

The younger one had a small smile and blushing cheeks. The older one waved crazily and said loudly, Hi, I guess we’re your new neighbors. I’m Raya, and this is my younger sister, Wrenley.

It was too early to be a dick in case they were decent women. But I also needed to keep my distance because I preferred not to get close to neighbors. Didn’t have time to help with lifting or fixing anything.

With a chin lift, I made my way to my door. Hey. Name’s Death. Opening the screen door, I entered and waited, knowing it was bound to come.

Did he say Death? her sister asked, tone a little softer than the older one.

He did.

Do you think that’s an omen?

Rolling my eyes, I chuckled low.

Raya snorted. What? You think he’s going to come kill us in our sleep because his name is Death?

Ah, maybe. I mean, no. I don’t know. She sounded apprehensive.

Wren, you don’t need to worry. Didn’t you see his biker vest?

Why would her sister worry? Not that I cared. I didn’t.

I didn’t take notice. I was too busy being jealous over his long hair.

Seemed like a lie to me.

Raya laughed lightly. Come on. Let’s get you inside so I can help the movers.

And I’m still really sorry I can’t help.

More laughter rang out. Yeah, you totally sound sorry.

Walking into the kitchen, I admitted to myself that I couldn’t deny the older one was all-right-looking. But there was no way in hell I’d sleep with a blonde again, especially one who lived next door. That’d be a disaster waiting to happen.

I’d stick with the ones I regularly hooked up with. I liked my life. I enjoyed the time I had with the women who frequented my bed, but I also preferred my space as my own. And yeah, for a while, I’d been jealous of what my brothers had with finding their one and only, but not enough to search for my own. Hell, as far as I knew, searching wouldn’t work anyway. The brothers had found their better halves with time and acquaintances or work.

My day would come.

For now, I’d stick to what I knew I liked and fucking enjoy it.

Just when I’d made myself something to eat, my phone rang.

Torch, I greeted the brother.

Brother, problem at the security office that needs your attention.

Fuck. What type of problem?

A certain actor wants your attention, and he ain’t leaving until he sees and talks with you.

You’re fuckin’ with me?

He chuckled. Nope.

Fuck me. This was just what I needed after realizing today was the day for new neighbors. A house that’d been sold what seemed like ages ago, but no one had moved in. Why now? Not that it mattered since I had other issues to deal with.

Where’s Rule and Boss? Why aren’t they on him?

They are, but this guy wants to talk to the man in charge and won’t say why, no matter who asks.

Jesus Christ. I knew this fucker was going to be trouble when I first met him. He was young, but that wasn’t it. For me, it was that he acted entitled, wanting more. More people fawning over him. More people listening, to control.

He wouldn’t get it with my company.

He’d hired us to guard him, to keep him safe, and to do as he was damn told in certain situations. I should have listened to my gut and not made the month-long contract with him while he traveled. Yet, from what I knew, he hadn’t made a move to go anywhere in his first week.

I’ll be there in fifteen.

You got it, brother, Torch said, then hung up.

Sighing, I grabbed my keys and made my way out to the garage. The only day I took off, and this little shit was screwing it up. The drive to the office only took me ten, and I pulled around back to the employee parking. I stormed in through the back door and out to the front reception area. Brothers who worked there got out of my way, noting my anger as I slammed through the doors and stopped behind the desk where Torch sat. He scooted his chair back and stood.

What’s the problem, Mr. Hammond?

Eric Hammond was a good-looking kid. A rising star. But it’d all gone to his head.

He shot up from his seat and glared. "I asked for guards. I didn’t ask for psychopaths. They pushed my fans out of the way and yelled at them and me in front of thousands."

I lifted my gaze to Rule, the brother I’d put in charge. What happened?

Eric stamped his foot. I told you what happened. If you want the rest of your money and for me not to release a bad review, I—

When my gaze sliced down to him, he shut up. I glanced back at Rule.

He decided he wanted to go shopping. We told him it was a bad idea. He got his way, and when people crowded him, it got out of hand. Was a risk. Then a couple of guys were saying shit about him. One tried to grab him. I took that dick down and he started yelling.

He just wanted a photo, Eric complained with a huff.

Rule was all I said.

We’d overheard them talking about grabbin’ him for ransom. He tipped his chin toward Torch. Already emailed the video and audio files in. It’s all in there.

This is bullshit, Eric whined.

Shut it, I clipped. My men don’t fuck around. If they say there was a threat, there was, and they’d have proof to back that up. This was your mistake for not listening to them in the fuckin’ first place. You either get on board and pay attention to everything they say, or we drop you as a client.

You can’t do that.

The front doors opened. Eric’s manager and mother swept in. Eric suddenly paled. He already knew they wouldn’t be pleased with him deviating from his daily plan. Especially since it brought about this situation.

After we explained everything, they scolded Eric for his behavior and ordered him to follow our instructions.

The frowning manager then turned to me. We had to push back his tour for the up-and-coming movie, but we’re planning on leaving tomorrow. We’d like to keep the contract with your company. They’ve obviously proven themselves invaluable. Unless you’d like to stop working with Eric completely?

That was an out. I could say fuck it and drop him. But after the lecture they’d given him, Eric seemed well reprimanded and now sat moping in a chair. As long as he listens, we’ll guard him.

The manager nodded, but it was the mother who said, He will. I promise. I’ll keep a better eye on him also.

With a quick word with Rule and Boss, they left, and I faced Torch. Next time we have a client like that, tell them I’m not at their beck and call, yeah? Unless they didn’t listen to my employees like Eric hadn’t. No matter what Rule or Boss said, he was set on seeing me. Dickhead.

Torch’s lips twitched. Sure, brother. But if I have to deal with them any longer than that, you’ll find their dead body on the ground.

Groaning, I scrubbed a hand over my face. There wasn’t a doubt that he spoke the truth. Torch had a switch in him that went off when threatened or fucking pissed.

What are you doin’ in reception in the first place? Where’s West?

Torch sat down and threw his feet up on the counter. Lunch with his Russian.

I’d have to have words with him about leaving Torch to man the phone and counter. But another day.

Right. I’m headin’ off. Hoping to get a ride in this afternoon. You in?

Sounds good.

Meet you at the compound in a couple of hours, then.

He saluted and picked up his phone to play some sort of game on it. Shaking my head, I headed home to get a workout in before the ride.

When I pulled into my drive, my new neighbor—the eldest—was outside and waving me down.

Fuck my life. As soon as I was out of my car, she walked over to the fence that divided our properties. Yeah?

She flinched a little from my sharp tone but placed a smile on her face and tucked some blonde locks behind her ear. If she was flirting, I wasn’t into it. I just wanted to get inside, work out some of my annoyance, and find peace out on my bike before seeing if one of my hookups was available.

Sorry to bother you. But we, ah, missed our grocery order, and I—

I snorted, running my gaze up and down her. I don’t have a cup of sugar for you, darlin’.

She blushed. No, it’s—

Not interested. I turned.

Raya made a noise in the back of her throat. "You’re being rude for no reason, biker guy. I’m obviously not your type, I get it, but you don’t need to be an ass. I’m not coming on to you. All I want are my groceries that were delivered to your front porch. Then she coughed out, Jackass."

Facing her, I raised a brow.

She waved a hand toward my house. I didn’t want you to come home and find me on your property without permission. My groceries are there, and it has ice cream in them melting. Can I get them?

Fuck. Now I did feel like a dick. Fine.

Thanks, she sassed before climbing over the small fence that divided our properties at the side of our houses. Silently, we walked up to my porch. I went to grab a couple of bags for her, but she flicked her hand out. I’ve got it.

Sure, I could have proven I wasn’t the prick she thought by insisting I help, but maybe her wrong opinion of me was for the better. So instead, I went inside and closed the door. Not that I went far, wanting to stay and listen.

Her grumbles were too quiet. I couldn’t make them out. Though it wasn’t a surprise that she was bitching about me under her breath. I had acted like a dick and felt slightly bad for it. She got me at the wrong time, when I was already irritated.

Ah, screw it. I didn’t care what she thought of me. Being civil would be enough.

CHAPTER TWO

RAYA

Wrenley’s laugh distracted me from glaring at the neighbor’s backyard. At least the fence in the rear is tall, so I don’t have to see his annoying, handsome face .

I glanced over at my sister, who was lounging in an outdoor chair, and asked, What?

It’s funny how you’re still pissed at the guy two days later.

Glaring once again, I waved a hand toward his yard. "He was a dick for no reason. Okay, so he might have been in a bad mood to begin with, but he could’ve been polite enough to let me finish what I was going to say. Instead, he jumped to the conclusion that I wanted to get in his pants. And this was after we saw a woman leave his house that morning. I scoffed. It didn’t matter how attractive the douche was, no way would I warm his sheets. I’ve never met such an egotistical man before. Crossing my arms, I flopped back on my own seat to soak up the afternoon sun. Do you think it’d be petty of me if I put a potato in his tailpipe?"

Wrenley giggled as she threw the straw from her drink at me. Yes, Raya. It would be.

Damn.

Her smile dimmed a little. I’m going to miss this.

Rolling my eyes, I picked up the straw and threw it back. I’m only restarting work again.

She pouted. Yes, and leaving me alone after two months off.

Wren, you’ll be asleep most of the time.

She sighed. I suppose. Though I still think the night shift is going to kill you.

It’s better money, I reminded her.

What about if I need to pee through the night?

You haven’t needed my help yet to pee. You’ll have your crutches close. Besides, you only have to wear that for another week.

My thoughts drifted, and my heart clenched. I did pray that Wrenley would be okay on her own. Even though we had a fifteen-year age gap between us, with me being thirty-eight and Wren twenty-three, I worried about her because… well, no one should have witnessed what she had. Only, it wasn’t just that. I had a gut feeling there was something else worrying her. Though, no matter how much I’d asked, she just told me her stress was over what she’d witnessed.

Wren—

Don’t, please, Raya. I’m only teasing. I promise I’ll be okay. The nightmares are lessening, and I completely understand why you took the night shift job. If…. Since I can’t work just yet, the extra cash from those late hours will help.

Smiling tightly, I nodded, but I still felt heavy inside my chest. Knowing my sweet sister had been there when our father killed our mother….

Since that day months ago, we’d been inseparable. But now I had to make sure we had an income to keep this roof over our heads and food on our table.

We’d been lucky that our aunt had