She could hear tapping, like dogs toenails hitting the floor outside the door. Maybe Cassy was here with the four dogs again. Then there was whining, and she knew for sure it was a dog. The door opened, and she didn’t even see the small dog until he was on the bed with her. The sound he was making sounded like a wounded animal. Grisly was wiggling so much he couldn’t stay on his feet. Rainy moaned from the pain, but she reached out and grabbed him. Holding him in her arms, she glanced up at Decker. “Thank you.” Tears rolled down her face. She was so happy to know Grisly was alright. “You didn’t abandon him on the highway?”
“No, Sassy, he was here all this time. Cassy was taking care of him.” He then gave her his devilish grin, and Rainy knew she was losing the battle. She was starting to fall in love with him. As much as she didn’t want it to happen, she knew she had crossed that line.
Decker pulled his clothes off, except for his shorts, and got in bed with her. Grisly calmed down and curled up beside her as if he belonged there. Decker was trying to be careful not to hurt her. He gingerly laid his arm around her waist. Rainy moved his arm to her hip. Her ribs were sore from where Maddog had kicked her. She felt warm and safe now that Decker was with her. She drifted right off to sleep.
***
It had been three days now since Decker had given her Grisly back. She was sick of this room and had decided to go out into the main part of the clubhouse. Decker had been gone most of the morning. The bikers had partied all night. She thought it was a weekday and thought that was unusual, but maybe not. She had no idea what day of the week it was. Entering the bar, she saw bodies everywhere. A young, dark-haired naked woman was laying on top of the bar. On the pool table were a couple of women and one of the bikers. Bodies were strewed all around the clubhouse. Rainy checked to see if they were still breathing. The room also smelled bad. It was worse than normal. It wasn’t just the smell of stale beer. It smelled musty and stagnant to her.
She moved around the clubhouse picking up beer bottles and glasses. After she tossed the bottles in the trash, she filled a tray with the glasses and headed for the kitchen. In the meantime, Grisly was wandering around the clubhouse. Rainy knew she needed to take him out, however, she knew Maddog could be around. She knew she shouldn’t be afraid of him, only she couldn’t help it. He had tried to kill her. And he would try again if he got a chance.
Grisly came into the kitchen, and she decided to open the door and let him go out. She stood and watched him for a few moments before going back to the task at hand. The kitchen was also a mess, not that she minded cleaning it because it gave her something to do. Filling the sink with hot soapy water, she put the glasses in and started to wash them. Then taking a dishcloth, she started to wipe down the counter when someone touched her. Rainy jumped, not knowing who was in the kitchen with her. “It’s alright, Sassy. It’s only me,” Decker said. She turned and scowled at him. He grinned. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I didn’t know it was you, that’s all.”
“Where’s the dog?”
“I let him out into the backyard.”
“Okay, I’ll go find him. I’ll be right back.”
“Wait,” she called out to him before he got to the back door. He came to a stop. “What day is it?”
“Saturday.”
She frowned. “It can’t be.”
“Yes, it is.”
“But I just came home from the hospital two days ago. And it was Saturday when Maddog attacked me.”
“No, Sassy, that was a week ago. You’ve been sleeping a lot. But I’m happy you’re up and moving around now. I need to talk to you as soon as I bring the dog inside.”
“Grisly likes being outside. Why can’t he stay out for a while?”
“I’ll explain when I get back.”
She watched Decker disappear out the door and wondered what he was going to ask her. She went back to washing the glasses and then dried them, placing them into the cabinet. It was at that moment that Decker came back in with the dog in his arms. Setting the dog back on his feet, he held his hand out for her to come along with him. They went to the bedroom, and he took the chair that his cut was draped over, hanging the cut on the back of the chair. Turning the chair around, he straddled the seat, motioning for her to have a seat on the bed. She did as he wanted. She sat facing him. “The club is doing a charity run tomorrow. You will be riding with me. Maddog will be on the run also. I want to know where you are at all times. Also, when you take the dog out, you need to have someone with you. And don’t let the dog out of your sight.”
Rainy frown at him. “But why?”
“Maddog will hurt the dog to get even with me.”
“Decker, if this guy is so damn mean, why do the rest of you let him stay in the club?”
“Because he’s good at what he does.”
“And what is that, exactly?”
“Whatever Tinman asks him to do.”
“Like, kill someone?”
“If Tinman thinks it’s necessary, yes.”
“Did Tinman ask him to hurt me?”
“No. It’s because Maddog is jealous of me, and he wants you. That’s the reason for the upcoming wedding. His argument is that you’re not really my old lady. And that I had the tattoo put on you just to keep you safe. We both know that is the truth. But now, if I were to marry you in front of all the bikers, he can’t argue with that. I just don’t want you to be upset. And you need to know I am just trying to keep you safe.”
“So it’s not real?”
“That’s right.”
“Well, won’t I need a wedding dress?”
“No, you will get my cut. It has been made just for you. You will be wearing black.”
“A black wedding?” She mused.
“A biker wedding. Look, I know you must hate this club, but for your own good, please play along. The old ladies are going all out for this wedding. They are making plans, and Baby has plans to decorate the clubhouse. Other chapters are coming also. Even outside clubs will be attending.”
“It sounds like a lot of work for nothing. I mean, it’s not like we’re even a couple.”
“I know, but there a reason for the madness.”
“To keep me safe.”
“That’s right, Sassy.”
“So, Mr. Big Bad Biker Dude, why would you give a shit what happens to me?”
“Now who else is going to bust my chops if you’re not around, Sassy? Besides, I think you’re cute.”
She noticed he said cute, not beautiful or pretty, just cute. “Whatever,” she moaned.
Decker moved over to sit next to her and leaned in, giving her a tender kiss right on her lips. She pulled back and gave him a questioning look. “Just practicing, Sassy.”
“Save it for the wedding.”
“Yes, ma’am!” He stood up and left the room.
If he keeps doing things like that, he’s not the only one who’s going to need a cold shower, Rainy thought.
Chapter 16
Black Wedding
The day was pretty, and there was a soft breeze blowing. The sun was out in full force, but it wasn’t too hot. Fall was right around the corner. If this was a real wedding, it would be the perfect day to get married. Baby’s decorations were awesome. The clubhouse and the front yard looked very nice. An arbor had been set up across from the clubhouse. And Rainy wondered if that’s where they would have the ceremony. She wasn’t excited about the wedding. After all, it was only for show. The inside of the clubhouse was also nicely decorated with white streamers and balloons. All the tables were also covered with white table cloths. And pretty little candle burning lanterns sat in the middle of the tables. The two long tables had been put into the center of the room to set the food on so that the bikers and their old ladies could serve themselves. A small table with a cooler would be set up at the end of the food line for drinks. All alcohol would be served from the bar.
Grisly came into the room. Just at that moment, Handlebars strolle
d in. As soon as he saw the little dog, he stomped his foot and Grisly took off with his tail between his legs. When he was sure he was safe, he turned and growled at Handlebars. Handlebars then stomped his foot again, and the little dog ran away again, but returned for more. Rainy was just about to scold Handlebars when Decker came into the room from outside. Grisly charged at him, grabbing his pant leg and started to growl and shake his head back and forth while still holding on to Decker’s pant leg. Decker gave the tiny dog a sideways shove with his foot, and the dog slid across the floor. Grisly retuned for more. All this time, Rainy felt they were being mean to the dog, and they were only playing with him. This made her think, what else was she not seeing? If she was wrong about the way they treated the dog, what else could she be missing?
***
Handlebars saw Rainy. “Aren’t you supposed to be getting ready? The wedding is in less than two hours from now.”
Rainy only shrugged. And then she walked away from them and headed for the kitchen. Handlebars turned to face Decker. “What’s wrong with her?”
Decker shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. Maybe she’s getting cold feet.”
“Maybe you better go warm them up before she decides to haul ass.”
“You worry too much, Hans. She’s not going anywhere.”
***
Rainy stood at the back door looking out into the yard. She was deep in thought. This thing with the dog bothered her because she had misjudged these two men. And now that she was thinking about it, both of them were only trying to help her, she realized. It was her safety that they were concerned with.
“You going to get dressed soon?” Liz asked, breaking Rainy’s thoughts.
“That will take me about two minutes.”
“That fast huh? Alright, why don’t you go get ready. Baby wants to take some pictures of you alone before everyone gets here.”
Rainy frowned at her and wondered why she wanted pictures of her dressed in leathers. However, she nodded her head in agreement and walked off, heading for Decker’s room. Rainy pulled the bag out of the closet that the leathers were in. It was the same outfit she’d tried on in the leather store. And the same outfit Liz had picked out for her. After she undressed, she put the black tank top and leather pants on. There was a leather jacket that went with it, only it was still too hot to wear that. But all she had for shoes were her sneakers. So she slipped them back on. They did not go with this biker gear. And Rainy knew they were tattered and worn. Okay, but it’s all I have. Maybe I can clean them up a little.
There was a soft knock on the door. “Come in,” Rainy called out without even knowing who was there. Liz, Baby, Barb, and Cassy came into the room. Grisly became excited when he saw Cassy and started to whine. Liz came to an abrupt stop, and the other old ladies almost ran into her. She frowned at Rainy. “You are not wearing that to get married.”
“Yes, I am.”
“Why?”
“Decker told me it was a biker’s wedding. And that I would wear leathers, and he would give me his cut as part of the ceremony.”
Barb laughed and so did the others. “Well, that just goes to show you what Decker knows. The leathers are for when you leave to go on your honeymoon.”
“What honeymoon?” Rainy asked.
Liz rolled her eyes. “That’s what you do after the wedding, sweetheart.”
Rainy didn’t like the fact that Liz was talking down to her. “I’m not two years old. So save your smartass comments for someone else. I know what a fucking honeymoon is.”
Barb stepped up next to Liz. “You going to take that off of her?” Barb asked.
“Today, yes. She wouldn’t look good black and blue. As it is, we have to hope makeup will cover her bruise’s from Maddogs beat down. Besides, after today, she’s all Decker’s.”
“Where’s the dress?” asked Baby.
“I’ll get it. You have the makeup and the things for her hair?” asked Barb.
“I do,” replied Cassy.
“Good. I’ll be right back,” said Barb as she went out the door.
Cassy handed Rainy shampoo and conditioner. “Go take a shower, and wash your hair.”
Rainy took the bottles out of her hands and went to wash her hair. She was confused because Decker told her she would wear the leather, and now they are talking about a dress. Now she was wondering what this dress looked like. Maybe the dress was black leather?
After her hair was washed, she stepped back into the room with a towel wrapped around her and her hair dripping wet. Most of the old ladies were there. Rainy had to maneuver around them to get to the bed. “I know you guys all want to see what she’ll look like. But you’re going to have to wait. We need the space to work here, ladies.” Liz ordered them out of the room. “Why don’t all of you go and give Tools a hand with the food. I know he would appreciate the help.”
Cassy took Rainy by her shoulders and guided her to sit down on the bed. She went right to work drying and styling her hair. “You have a head full of thick hair.”
“I know.”
“That’s unusual for a blonde.”
“How’d you know I was a blonde?”
“Your roots.”
“Yeah, I need to dye my hair again.”
“We don’t have time today. When you get back from your honeymoon, I’ll do it for you. You still want it black?”
“Yes.”
“And don’t worry about Gris while you’re gone. I’ll take good care of him.”
“I know you will, Cassy, and thank you.”
“Sure, anytime. I like him. He’s a cute little guy.”
“Have you always cared for him?”
“No, Handlebars has. You know he pulled him out of the fire.”
“Yes, someone told me.”
“Yes, he has scars from it. That’s why he always wears long sleeves.”
Plugging in her curling iron, Cassy started to curl Rainy’s hair one section at a time. “Why would anyone want to hurt a small dog like that?” asked Rainy.
“I don’t know what happened, I wasn’t there. It happened at another clubhouse, in another state.”
Maybe I misjudged Handlebars. He has to have a good heart.
Barb moved in and started to apply makeup to Rainy’s face. “You have pretty skin.”
“Thanks,” Rainy said, uncomfortable and not trusting Barb at all. “Do you use anything on it?”
Oh God, I wish she would stop trying to be nice. “No,” she replied
Barb kept on working, not saying anymore. After she was done, she said, “You going to put the ribbons in Cassy?”
Cassy came over and went to work. She placed a tiara of white baby roses on top of Rainy’s head. Then she clipped white ribbons to the tiara that would run down her back. There wouldn’t be a veil.
“Now you can get dressed,” said Liz, who handed her underwear. Rainy pulled the underwear on and wondered where the bra was. Liz opened the box and pulled out the dress. Rainy’s jaw dropped open. The dress was beautiful. White with gold running through the material. The back of the dress was open to the waist. Liz held the dress for Rainy to step into. Then she helped her pull it up. The skirt was open, showing her legs. Once the dress was zipped up, it was form fitting. A lot like a leotard, and that’s why she didn’t need a bra. But how did they know her size?
“Okay, now for the shoes. And let’s hope they fit as well as the dress,” said Barb.
Liz came over with a box. Taking the high heels out of the box, she knelt down and slipped on the right foot and then the left. “Stand up and let’s see if they fit,” Liz told her. Rainy stood up and grimaced from the pain. “Too tight?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, plan B.” Liz pulled another box out and opened it. “Here, give me your foot.” Rainy lifted her foot and Liz went to work putting socks on her. Then she pushed on the right boot. And continued to lace it up and tie the laces. Then the left. “Now stand up and see if that’s better.
&nb
sp; Rainy stood up, and to her surprise, the boots were comfortable. “Biker boots?”
“Sure, anything goes at a biker wedding,” said Barb. Rainy smiled back at the four of them because it’s something she would have done for her wedding if she had planned one. “Want to see?”
“Yes.”
“Come on,” said Barb, leading the way. They all went to another room where there was a full-length mirror. “What do you think?” Barb asked.
Rainy couldn’t believe the way she looked. She didn’t even look like herself. She turned to the left and then the right. “I like it!” She even felt beautiful.
“That’s all that matters,” said Liz.
“Come along, and let’s get some pictures before the boys get back,” said Barb. And Rainy followed them outside.
One hour later, Decker stood with Handlebars and waited for his new bride to come out of the clubhouse. The bikers were in a festive mood. Even Maddog was there and ready to party.
None other than Tinman offered his arm to escort her down the aisle. The aisle was made up of the motorcycles lined up facing each other. The headlights were also turned on. Music was playing, but there were no chairs. Everyone stood facing the arbor in no set order. Rainy walked with Tinman down the aisle between the motorcycles towards Decker. Decker was dressed in his leathers. He looked divine in his biker gear. Rainy felt he had to be the best looking man she’d ever seen. The breeze was blowing his long blonde locks around. He was fighting to keep the long strands out of his face. They stopped in front of the arbor. “Who gives this woman?” asked the preacher. If that was what he was. He was also a biker, but not one of The Screaming Bandits. He was from another club.
“That would be me,” said Tinman. Rainy wasn’t sure why Tinman was the one giving her away. Maybe because he felt he owned her? Taking hold of her hand, he placed it into Decker’s.
“Face each other,” said the preacher. Rainy turned to face Decker. He grinned at her, taking both of her hands in his. She was nervous and knew she had no reason to be. It wasn’t for real, she kept telling herself. “We are here to join our brother and his old lady together. I’m going to read a poem called ‘Alone’.” The preacher picked up a book and started to read. “ I stand here alone. The same way I was born alone. I have walked through life all these years alone. The same as I ride my bike alone. One day I found you and knew I was no longer alone. For you are always in my heart, even when we’re apart.” He closed the book and looked up. “ Do you, Decker, take this woman to be your old lady?”
Rumbling Thunder Page 13