Burn: Men of Inked Heatwave #2 Read online

  I glare at Crow, watching him as he gawks at Tamara’s ass. “Why are you here?” I ask him as soon as the girls hit the dance floor.

  He shrugs, lifting his water to his lips, giving zero fucks that I don’t want him here. “Just trying to hold on to that goodness.”

  I lean forward, setting my beer to the side and clearing a space in front of me. “While I understand wanting to hold on to that goodness, there’s definitely a line you’re crossing.”

  “A line?” he asks, slinging his arm over the chair and placing his glass of water down in front of him. “She asked me to come and have a drink. It was either come here or hang with the guys, watching them as they got shit-faced. What would you have done?”

  “Crow, baby. Watch!” Tamara yells, turning around as soon as he glances in her direction and shaking her ass in a way that doesn’t say friends at all.

  “Fuck,” he hisses, but not from being pissed off.

  “Crow, listen.” I take a deep breath, trying not to be a hypocrite because, fuck, I’ve been there. I’ve been drawn in by all the sweetness, almost getting Gigi killed in the process. “Your life doesn’t mesh with hers.” I turn my head toward Gigi and Tamara, laughing and bouncing to the old eighties metal song coming out of the oversized speakers. “She’s everything you think. Sweet and all that shit, but she isn’t for you. She’ll never be for you.”

  He narrows his eyes, studying my face as he tosses his thumb over his shoulder. “And your girl?”

  “I don’t deserve her. I don’t think I ever will. But we’ve been to hell and back together.”

  “Tamara said you two work together.”

  Tamara’s a little too chatty, especially with a complete stranger. “We do now.”

  “And you used to live at the compound.”

  I nod, keeping all emotion from my face.

  “She told me all about you, Pike. All about her family too.”

  My knee starts to shake as I force myself to stay seated. “They wouldn’t like you either.”

  He gives me a shit-eating grin. “Never met a family who didn’t love me.”

  “What are you doing with a kid like her?”

  “Kid?” He laughs. “She’s not a kid. Look at her. Isn’t she the same age as your girl?”

  I scan the dance floor, catching sight of Tamara and Gigi shaking their hips and tits for everyone to see. There’s nothing childish about them besides their ability to bicker and sometimes be annoying as fuck.

  “They’re a year apart,” I tell him, swallowing because I know I’m being an asshole.

  “I get where you’re coming from. I know you don’t want my dirt to blow back on her, have her running for her life.”

  I know that’s a dig at me. I’m sure Crow knows all about the men who were lost in the Disciples from the attack by DiSantis’s men.

  “I’m not like most of the guys in the club. I stick to myself. I do what’s needed when I’m asked and am loyal as fuck, but I’m not into the club whores, drugs, and drinking every day scene. I work my ass off working on cars, saving my money for when I get an old lady.” He turns his head toward Tamara, the smile back on his face. “I want some goodness in my life someday too. But I know that girl—” he pauses for a second and looks back at me “—is a wild one and isn’t looking to settle down. I’m not here to break her heart. I’m not here to turn her bad. I saved her from some bad shit with Lefty, and you know it.” He points at me, and I resist the urge to bat his hand away. “She asked me to come, so I’m here. Tomorrow, she’ll move on, putting her crazy love on someone else. But tonight, I’m soaking up her sweetness, storing it away for the times I need to remember I’m more than just a soldier in someone else’s army.”

  “Get your fuckin’ hands off me!” Gigi screeches from the dance floor, her voice carrying over the music.

  The guy has a lopsided smile, not seeming to care that she’s batting his hands away.

  I’m out of my seat before she can say another word, Crow’s loud bootsteps right behind me.

  I grab the guy by the collar, hauling him backward until he stumbles, almost falling over. “The lady said hands off.”

  “Who the fuck are you?” he croaks, slurring his words and spitting at the same time.

  “Her man,” I tell him, twisting the material around his neck so tightly, I know he’s losing oxygen.

  “Incoming!” Crow yells out as Tamara and Gigi are pushed backward, and a small group of men steps forward.

  “The fuck you touchin’ him, man?”

  Here we go. There’s never a dull moment. Never a simple evening out. Never any peace.

  The guy in my clutches swings on me, and I sweep my leg out, taking his feet out from under him.

  “Oh fuck,” Gigi hisses, eyes wide as the other men move toward us, fists in the air.

  “I got you,” Crow says at my side.

  Mass chaos breaks out. Fists, legs, chairs, and just about everything movable goes flying in the bar. It’s like something out of Roadhouse.

  As my fist connects with a guy’s face, I search the crowd while Tamara and Gigi head toward the door, hands over their heads to protect themselves.

  “You messed with the wrong motherfuckers,” Crow tells one of the guys before landing a wicked uppercut, causing the man’s head to snap back in a completely unnatural way.

  In this moment, I’ve never been happier to have the bastard by my side.

  “Son of a bitch.”

  My eyes snap open, and I wince as the sunlight streams through the open curtains. “What’s wrong?”

  I turn, seeing Gigi holding a small sheet of paper, her eyes wide and mouth hanging open.

  “The bitch did it. I’m going to kill her.” Gigi starts pacing, shaking her head.

  “Did what? Who?” I ask, rubbing the sleep from my eyes before lifting up on my elbows.

  “Tamara,” she whispers as she stops moving, gaping at the paper in disbelief.

  “What did she do?” I ask again.

  Gigi shoves the piece of paper in my face. “Read it.”

  I hope you loved Burn, the continuation of Pike and Gigi’s story. The ride isn’t over… Tamara Gallo’s a wild one and her story is coming next in Wildfire.

  Dear Reader,

  I’d love to say Burn was easy to write. But that would be a straight up lie. I know how hard you fell in love with Gigi & Pike in Flame and the pressure to follow that awesomeness was intense. But in the end, I wrote my little heart out, giving you happiness, insanity, and some sexy fun along the way.

  I love living in the Men of Inked world. The Gallos are such an amazing family filled with love, laughter, and ball-busting fun. There’s always some parts of my crazy Italian family sprinkled into every story too.

  The Men of Inked Heatwave isn’t over though. There are THIRTEEN kids from the original Men of Inked series. Phew! That’s a lot.

  I’m a lot like Gigi, a complete Daddy’s girl and sassy. But one thing I know…my mom is not Suzy. Rose is even sassier and she’ll throw down with words any day of the week. She think she’s the head honcho in the family, but then again… her two sisters probably think they are too.

  If you loved Gigi & Pike, please consider leaving a review or letting your reader friends about the Gallos. That would be super sweet and totally cool of you.

  If you love my writing and want to know when the next Gallo book releases:

  Sign up for my Newsletter

  Follow me on Bookbub

  Text GALLOS to 24587

  Join my Private Facebook Reader Group

  If you’re new to me and are looking for your next favorite read, check out Throttle Me — Joe Gallo’s story. Gigi’s father is where everything started and he’s a super alpha.

  If you’ve already read Throttle Me, check out my other free reads.

  Mad Love,

  Chelle xoxo

  More Books by Chelle Bliss

  View Chelle’s entire collection of books at menofinked.com/b
ooks

  * * *

  Original Men of Inked Series

  Join the Gallo siblings as their lives are turned upside down by irresistible chemistry and unexpected love. A sizzling USA Today bestselling series!

  Throttle Me - Book 1 (Free Download)

  Ambitious Suzy has her life planned out, but everything changes when she meets tattooed bad boy Joseph Gallo. Could their one-night stand ever turn into the real thing?

  * * *

  Hook Me - Book 2

  Michael Gallo has been working toward his dream of winning a MMA championship, but when he meets a sexy doctor who loathes violence, his plans may get derailed.

  * * *

  Resist Me - Book 3

  After growing up with four older brothers, Izzy Gallo refuses to be ordered around by anyone. So when hot, bossy James Caldo saves her from trouble, will she be able to give up control?

  * * *

  Uncover Me - Book 4

  Roxanne has been part of the dangerous Sun Devils motorcycle club all of her life, while Thomas Gallo has been deep undercover for so long, he’s forgotten who he truly is. Can they find redemption and save each other?

  * * *

  Without Me - Book 5

  Anthony Gallo never thought he’d fall in love, but when he meets the only woman who doesn’t fall to her knees in front of him, he’s instantly smitten.

  * * *

  Honor Me - Book 6

  Joe and Suzy Gallo have everything they ever wanted and are living the American dream. Just when life has evened out, a familiar enemy comes back to haunt them.

  * * *

  Worship Me - Book 7

  James Caldo needs to control everything in his life, even his wife. But Izzy Gallo’s stubborn and is constantly testing her husband's limits as much as he pushes hers.

  Men of Inked: Heatwave Series

  The Gallo’s Next Generation

  * * *

  Flame - Book 1

  Gigi Gallo’s childhood was filled with the roar of a motorcycle and the hum of a tattoo gun. Fresh out of college, she never expected to run into someone tall, dark, and totally sexy from her not-so-innocent past.

  * * *

  Burn - Book 2

  Gigi Gallo thought she'd never fall in love, but then he rode into her world covered in ink and wrapped in chaos. Pike Moore never expected his past to follow him into his future, but nothing stays hidden for long.

  * * *

  Wildfire - Book 3

  Tamara Gallo knew she was missing something in life. Looking for adventure, she takes off, searching for a hot biker who can deliver more than a good time. But once inside the Disciples, she may get more than she bargained for.

  Men of Inked: Southside Series

  The Chicago side of the Gallo Family

  * * *

  Maneuver - Book 1

  Poor single mother Delilah is suspicious when sexy Lucio Gallo offers her and her baby a place to live. But soon the muscular bar owner is working his way into her heart — and into her bed…

  * * *

  Flow - Book 2

  The moment Daphne Gallo looked into his eyes, she knew she was in trouble. Their fathers were enemies--Chicago crime bosses from rival families. But that didn't stop Leo Conti from pursuing her.

  * * *

  Hook - Book 3

  Nothing prepared Angelo Gallo for losing his wife. He promised her that he’d love again. Find someone to mend his broken heart. And that seemed impossible, until the day that he walked into Tilly Carter's cupcake shop.

  * * *

  Hustle - Book 4

  Vinnie Gallo's the hottest rookie in professional football. He's a smooth-talker, good with his hands, and knows how to score. Nothing will stop Vinnie from getting the girl—not a crazy stalker or the fear he's falling in love.

  * * *

  Love - Book 5

  Finding love once is hard, but twice is almost impossible. Angelo Gallo had almost given up, but then Tilly Carter walked into his life and the sweet talkin' Southern girl stole his heart forever.

  ALFA Investigations Series

  A sexy, suspenseful Men of Inked Spin-off series…

  Sinful Intent - Book 1

  Out of the army and back to civilian life, Morgan DeLuca takes a job with a private investigation firm. When he meets his first client, one night of passion blurs the line between business and pleasure...

  * * *

  Unlawful Desire - Book 2

  Frisco Jones was never lucky in love and had finally given up, diving into his new job at ALFA Investigations. But when a dirty-mouthed temptress crossed his path, he questioned everything.

  * * *

  Wicked Impulse - Book 3

  Bear North, ALFA’s resident bad boy, had always lived by the friend’s code of honor—Never sleep with a buddy’s sister, and family was totally off-limits. But that was before Fran DeLuca, his best friend’s mom, seduced him.

  * * *

  Guilty Sin - Book 5

  When a mission puts a woman under Ret North’s protection, he and his longtime girlfriend Alese welcome her into their home. What starts out as a friendship rooted in trust ignites into a romance far bigger than any of them expect.

  Single Novels

  Enshrine

  When Callie’s life crumbles around her, can she trust her attraction to ruthless Bruno?

  * * *

  Mend

  Before senior year, I was forced to move away, leaving behind the only man I ever loved. He promised he’d love me forever. He vowed nothing would tear us apart. He swore he’d wait for me, but Jack lied.

  * * *

  Rebound

  After having his heart broken, Flash heads to New Orleans to lose himself, but ends up finding so much more!

  * * *

  Acquisition - Takeover 1

  Rival CEO Antonio Forte is arrogant, controlling, and sexy as hell. He’ll stop at nothing to get control of Lauren’s company.The only problem? He’s also the one-night stand she can’t forget. And Antonio not only wants her company, he wants her as part of the acquisition.

  * * *

  Merger - Takeover 2

  Antonio Forte has always put business before pleasure, but ever since he met the gorgeous CEO of Interstellar Corp, he finds himself wanting both. And he's hoping she won't be able to refuse his latest offer.

  * * *

  Top Bottom Switch

  Ret North knows exactly who he is—a Dominant male with an insatiable sexual appetite. He’s always been a top, searching for his bottom…until a notorious switch catches his eye.

  Love at Last Series

  * * *

  Untangle Me - Book 1

  Kayden is a bad boy that never played by the rules. Sophia has always been the quintessential good girl, living a life filled with disappointment. Everything changes when their lives become intertwined through a chance encounter online.

  * * *

  Kayden the Past - Book 2

  Kayden Michaels has a past filled with sex, addiction, and heartache. Needing to get his addictions in check and gain control of his life for the sake of his family, Kayden is forced to confront his past and make amends for the path he’s walked.

  Do you LOVE audiobooks?

  To check out my entire audio library, please visit menofinked.com/audio for more information.

  Get a Text Audio Alert

  Text AUDIO to 24587

  USA Only

  * * *

  Want the latest audiobook news and special giveaways! Join here: menofinked.com/audionews

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Chelle hails from the Ohio, but currently lives near the beach in Florida even though she hates sand.

  She's a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, coffee fiend, and ex-history teacher.

  She loves spending time with her two cats, sometimes pain in the ass alpha boyfriend, and chatting with readers.

  To learn more about Chelle’s books, please visit men
ofinked.com.

  Want to drop me a line?

  [email protected]

  menofinked.com

  Where to Follow Me:

  Acknowledgments

  I don’t even know where to start. Writing the acknowledgements are fucking hard. Like my head is ready to explode at the amount of mental energy. So, I’m going to keep this simple.

  Thank you to every person who helped me with Burn.

  Readers: you’re the best damn people in the world.

  Friends, betas, ARC readers: you’re the bees knees.

  Brian: thanks for putting up with my crankiness.