Hold Close (Biker Daddy Bodyguards #2) - Sue Brown Page 0,44

lazily over his thighs.

Louis licked his lips and then looked at himself and Craig’s legs. “We’re a mess,” he gasped out, laughing.

“A total mess,” Craig agreed. “I think we need a shower first, then a bath.”

“I’d agree with that,” Louis said. “If I can move. I think I’m frozen.”

“You stay there, my boy.” Craig wearily got to his feet. “I’ll take care of you.”

Louis grabbed his hand before he could leave, and kissed his palm. “I’ll take care of you too. Always.”

Chapter 13

Louis

The music was loud and pounding. Guests were drinking and eating. In quieter corners of the club, networking was taking place. He already knew Romero would be organizing the entertainment for next year’s bike expo, and hosting the after-party. His network was done. Jamie had organized this year’s event perfectly. Louis would send him and Vera on vacations of their choosing as a thank you.

Louis was here to smile and make sure everyone was happy. And he was sure they were, except maybe the man behind him. He looked over his shoulder at the stern-faced man who’d never moved more than a foot from his side since the guests had started to arrive. “You know you’re intimidating them all, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“This is supposed to be a party.”

“They can party away from you.”

Louis rolled his eyes. “I’m the host. This is my business, Craig. These are my clients. They’re allowed to talk to me.”

Craig grunted.

“You’re being ridiculous.”

He knew Craig would prefer it if he were anywhere except here, but that wasn’t the way it was going to be. He was tempted to ask for an intervention from Jace, but he was sure Craig would eat him alive. His Daddy was in full bodyguard mode, and he didn’t mind. He was grateful to have that stern, brooding presence at his back.

“Louis, baby.” Conchita reeled over to him, arms open, her breasts spilling over a skintight crimson satin dress.

Despite the fact Louis was thrilled to see her and had made sure she had a personal invite, tension flooded through him. The flashback took him back to the alley again.

Then a hand rested on his back, grounding him, and a firm voice said, “Ms. Conchita?”

Conchita’s black and silver eyes opened wide as she stared over Louis’s shoulder. “And who are you, Mr. Tall, Dark and Mysterious?”

“I’m—”

“This is Craig Booker. He’s my boyfriend,” Louis said, staring at Craig, daring him to say something different.

Craig ignored him, his full attention on Conchita. He took Conchita’s hand and brushed his lips over the back of her hand.

“Oh my.” She fluttered her false eyelashes at him.

Louis ground his teeth. What the hell did Craig think he was playing at?

Craig kept holding her hand. “You saved my boyfriend. I’m eternally grateful. Whatever you want, just ask. If I can provide it, I will.”

Louis had to hold back from rolling his eyes. Really? Did Craig have any idea what he’d just committed to? Conchita was a monster. A monster he’d love for ever, but a monster nevertheless.

She gave him a speculative look. “I’ll hold you to that, gorgeous. And as for Louis, I’d do anything for him. He’s one of the few people who’ll put up with me.” She laughed at Louis. “You think I’m blind to what people think about me, darling? Conchita sees everything and knows everything.” She leaned forward and Louis leaned in too. “You keep your Pappi close to you. He cares for you and you need that.”

Louis gaped at her. “You know?”

Conchita burst into silvery peals of laughter.

“What did she just tell you?” Craig said. He wore the biggest grin. “Ms. Conchita sees everything and knows everything.”

“You keep him this time,” Conchita said, patting Louis’s cheek. “Now I’ve got to go and annoy your sweet boy, Jamie. Just because I can.”

She vanished into the crowd, leaving behind a trail of expensive perfume.

Louis looked at Craig, one eyebrow raised. “Did she really know, or did I just give away my biggest secret to the biggest gossip in Seattle?”

Craig shrugged. “You’ll soon find out. I think you might find she knows a lot of secrets and only chooses which ones to share. She really likes you.”

“She really likes you too, Pappi.” Louis let his accent slip a little.

“I’m honored.”

And for once Louis believed Craig meant it.

Craig stayed at his back throughout the evening and Louis found his presence comforting. A lot of people wanted to talk to him; some for business, some out of curiosity. Louis’s assault was common knowledge by now and he handled