“I needed a drink.” She scrubbed at her face. “I don’t even know why I’m letting a complete stranger walk me back to the inn, no offense, Iron.”
“You surprised me, too. No offense taken. Why did you allow me to accompany you?”
“I don’t know. I feel safe with you.” Amber let out a dry laugh. “That’s rich, considering my history with men hasn’t been exactly great.”
Amber felt safe with him? She had no idea what Iron was capable of. Iron had done things in the past he wasn’t proud of. How would she react if she knew killing and violence came so easily to him? More than once, he’d killed for his MC. Iron would do it all over it again if it meant keeping the people he considered family safe.
“Hey,” she said, interrupting his train of thoughts. Amber touched his furrowed brow. She stood so close Iron could almost smell the soap she used and the perfume she wore. He inhaled a lungful of her scent. He wanted to spear his fingers through her soft curls, tug her close. Give her a kiss she wouldn’t forget.
She said, “You’re thinking too hard.”
He caught her small and slender fingers with his callused and inked ones. Amber’s breathing hitched. He lowered her hand, not wishing to discomfort her any more than necessary. Let her go, the same voice in his head whispered. Iron couldn’t. Wouldn’t.
“Can I see you again tomorrow?” His voice came out husky.
Iron was dead certain she’d refused him outright. If she did, that would give him an excuse to leave her alone. His hands might no longer be clean, but he and his MC brothers stuck to one hard rule. They never forced women.
“Okay,” she said after a heartbeat.
“Let’s go for a ride on my bike. I’ll show you the sights. Treat you to lunch. You eat steak?” Iron didn’t even know if she had allergies or if she was a vegan.
“Steak sounds good,” she answered in a whisper.
“I’ll pick you up,” he said.
“You don’t have to do that. Where do you work? Maybe I can stop by when it’s your lunch break?” she asked.
“Iron Works. It’s the auto repair shop on Maple Road,” he answered.
“I’ll look it up on my phone.”
Iron walked her up the steps of the inn. Mrs. Thompson sat on one of the rocking chairs on the porch, knitting.
“You had a good evening, dear?” she asked Amber. Then she spotted Iron and narrowed her eyes at him.
“I did, thanks to Iron,” Amber said. She paused, finally noticing their staring contest.
“Didn’t I warn you to keep away from the bikers?” Mrs. Thompson asked her.
“What are you, her grandmother?” Iron asked with a scoff.
Mrs. Thompson glared daggers at him. Despite the animosity between Mrs. Thompson and the MC, Iron genuinely liked her. The old woman had grit, unlike most of the locals who feared them.
“Someone has to look out for Amber,” Mrs. Thompson replied in a curt voice.
“Iron did me a favor actually. Someone was hitting on me in the bar, and I just wanted to be left alone,” Amber said.
Amber was nearly to the door, but she took a few steps and returned to him. Then she pressed the palms of her hands on his chest, rose on tiptoe, and gave him a kiss on the mouth. It was a quick and fleeting one, but nonetheless, it woke his dick. Before he could pull her close and taste her further, she pushed away and walked inside the inn.
“Amber’s a nice girl, Iron. She hasn’t had it easy either,” Mrs. Thompson said. She fixed her black stare on him while her hands worked the knitting needles. “She told me she’s here for a vacation, but I can spot a runner from a mile away.”
“I know,” he answered. “I saw the signs.”
Mrs. Thompson regarded him for a few seconds. Mary knew his mother back when his mother was still alive. Redemption was a small town. Everyone went to high school together.
“It would break her heart knowing you’re still with that club,” Mrs. Thompson finally said.
Iron said nothing to that. Mrs. Thompson would never understand that the club was his only family. His brothers always had his back, and he’d do anything for them and the club. Some bonds, once forged, could never be broken. Iron truly believed that.
“What happened between your nephew and Bear was truly unfortunate. Both of them have scars from that accident, but they’re alive. Isn’t that all that matters?” Iron asked her.
“We’re not talking about my nephew. We’re discussing Amber and you promising her to leave that poor girl alone.”
“I won’t make any such promise, especially when it comes to her. Hurting Amber is the last thing on my mind, I swear.”
“But you have designs on her. I can see it in your eyes. Men like you see women as playthings. Don’t deny it. Once you’re done with her, you’ll only leave her with a broken heart.”
“That isn’t true. I could name a few of my brothers who are happy with their old ladies. Some of them even have kids.”
“Be on your way, Iron. We’re done talking, and you’re obstructing my view,” she said in a curt voice.
“Very well, I’ll leave you to your knitting, ma’am.” Iron pretended to tilt an imaginary cowboy hat.
Chapter Three
Iron left the inn and walked back to O’Riley’s to retrieve his Harley. Iron was no longer in the mood for drinks. He decided to say goodnight to his MC brothers before heading to his apartment.
“Aw, someone struck out?” Chains asked him. “Let’s get you a beer, old man.”
At first, Iron hated it when Chains called him that, but he slowly got used to it.
“Nah. I’m calling it a night and heading home, and for your information, I’m seeing her tomorrow again.”
“Seeing her?” Bear asked, scratching his beard.
“I’m taking her on a ride. We’re going on a date,” Iron explained.
Chains snorted his beer out of his nose. Iron mutely grabbed a couple of napkins from the dispenser on the table and handed him one.
“You? Taking someone out on a date?”
Iron growled at him. “What’s so surprising about that? Before you found Tanya, all you cared about were hookups and one-night stands.”
“So, you’ve found your very own Tanya?” Bear asked him. His oldest friend sounded way too skeptical for Iron’s liking.
“Screw you both,” he grumbled. “I’ll see you assholes at the clubhouse tomorrow.”
Iron sauntered out of there, irritated. A leggy blonde in a mini-skirt and a tube top stopped him from leaving the bar. She pressed a bold hand on his chest and practically thrust her barely covered breasts at his face. He vaguely remembered sleeping with her once or twice, although, for the life of him, he couldn’t remember her name.
He never said no to a good time. Women in this town and even outsiders were always willing to throw themselves at him or his MC brothers. Tonight, he wasn’t in the mood. He gently parted from her.
“Not tonight, Charlene,” he said in a firm voice.
“Are you sure you don’t want my company tonight, Iron?” She fluttered her fake eyelashes at him.
“No. I want to be alone.”
Charlene stuck to him like glue, even though he tried to shake her off.
“Did that city girl break your heart? I could make you feel better.” She practically purred at him.
He held her shoulders, placing some distance between them. Why did everyone think he struck out with Amber?
“Don’t make me repeat myself. Find someone else to play with tonight, Charlene,” he said in a tone that brooked no argument.
“It’s Caroline,” she said, looking pissed. She finally spun on her heel and looked for another prey. Iron left the bar and returned to his bike. He mounted it and revved the engine, deciding to take a little detour before heading back to the clubhouse. Riding solo always cleared his head.
Mrs. Thompson and Chains had a point. Iron had no business bothering Amber. It was clear to anyone with a good pair of eyes that she came to R
edemption to get away. To heal.
Iron never bothered going on dates. They seemed like too much work. When he had an itch to scratch, he could go to O’Riley’s or sate his urges with the help of a willing club whore.
Never once did he get the urge to get to know a woman on a deeper level, the way he wanted to with Amber. He hungered to know more about her. Where she came from. What drove her here. Stories about her childhood. What made her tick. Her likes and dislikes.
This was crazy. He’d only met her tonight, and already, he’d become obsessed with her.
He rode back to the MC clubhouse and parked his bike in the lot. The clubhouse was rowdy, noisy, and chaotic like always when he entered. As Iron went right to the steps leading to the members’ rooms, he noticed Chains had returned from the bar. Seated on his lap was his old lady. The couple only had eyes for each other. Saint, the MC President, manned the bar tonight. He leaned over the bar only to give Olivia a kiss on the mouth. Not far from them, sat Devil and Destiny, their lips locked together.
Iron always thought he’d ride solo for the rest of his life, but right now, he pictured Amber being here with him. Him leading Amber up these very steps and to his bedroom. Waking up next to her, naked, all stretched out beautifully on his bed every day—shit. Why did his thoughts precariously tip toward that dangerous direction?
He returned to his room and locked the door behind him, not in the mood for any additional company tonight. The club whores knew they were welcomed if he left the door unlocked. Not tonight. Iron stripped out of his riding leathers and the rest of his clothes, then lay down on his bed. He curled his fingers over his cock and stroked himself.
Amber was the star of his fantasy. He imagined her getting on her knees, naked and beautiful, her hair unbound. A mischievous smile on her lips as she eyed his dick like a challenge. He groaned, moving his fingers faster as he pictured her taking her time to explore. After she made him come, he’d carry her to his bed. Then it would be his turn. He wouldn’t rush. Iron would take all the time in the world exploring every inch of her tempting, young body. He’d tease her until she begged him to take her.
With a moan, he came all over his fingers. Spent, he recovered his breathing. He felt … unsatisfied. The real thing would probably be so much better. Mrs. Thompson asked him to leave Amber alone. If he were a decent man, he’d do just that. Too bad he wasn’t. Iron already knew how he’d proceed. He’d go slow and easy. Iron wouldn’t rush her. Once Amber trusted him a little more, maybe he could even help her heal. Move on from the demons that dogged her. Once he freed her from the chains of her past, he’d make her his.
****
Amber woke up in a cold sweat. Sleep eluded her, just like it had ever since she lost Michael. Amber clawed at the sheets. David called her stupid for naming their unborn baby. She touched her stomach with regret.
Depression threatened to spill from her worried box of memories, but she held it back. After losing Michael, she spent days simply lying in bed until David returned from work. At first, he’d been apologetic, super nice to her after her miscarriage. It was only a matter of time before he turned nasty and abusive.
“I’m free of him. I did it all on my own,” she whispered to herself.
She pushed away the hair that was plastered to the side of her face and sat up in bed. Not the bed she shared with David. For a second, she couldn’t remember where she was. The sight of the unfamiliar furniture made her panic. Then everything came rushing back to her. Her bus ride. Meeting Mrs. Thompson. The big and sexy biker from the bar. Iron.
Amber didn’t even know why she let him walk her home. He turned out to be a complete gentleman and kept his hands to himself the entire time. He even looked surprised when she kissed him. Amber touched her lips. She actually did that. Kissed a random stranger she’d just met. David always called her boring and predictable. Take that, she thought.
Iron wasn’t even her type. Neat, put-together, and charming men in expensive suits like David always attracted her, but David turned out to be the devil in disguise. Iron was older, maybe twice her age, but he certainly kept himself in shape. Rough around the edges. That smile, though … it went right to her heart.
Amber didn’t think she’d be attracted to any man after her experience with David, but she sure wanted Iron. She even agreed to go on a ride with him today. That was wild. So unlike her. Mary warned her about the MC men, but she couldn’t seem to stay away from Iron. The thought of breaking off their date never once crossed her mind.
He’s just a distraction, something you need to take your mind off Michael and David, she told herself. She took a quick shower but didn’t dress just yet. She studied her reflection in the mirror and cringed. She lost plenty of weight after the miscarriage, so her ribcage practically showed. With tentative fingers, she touched the ring of ugly purpling bruises around her neck. The last marks David would ever leave on her.
She had to hide them again. With a sigh, she looked through her limited clothing options. Last night, it had been fine wearing a turtleneck because it had been breezy. Today, it would be warm. She put on a pair of shorts and a long-sleeved shirt. To cover the bruises, she put on a light summer scarf. Amber looked ridiculous, but Iron certainly didn’t care how she was dressed last night. She knew she looked like she was dressed for winter even though it was only summer.
“Why do I care what he thinks?” she asked herself.
Amber ran a comb through her hair. She didn’t feel as shitty as the day before, so she applied some makeup to make her eyes pop. Amber couldn’t remember the last time she felt this good. This free.
She headed downstairs and her stomach rumbled. The inn had a tiny restaurant, but most of the breakfast-goers were probably gone. The clock on her phone told her it was nearly 11:00. She never woke up this late before. Only an elderly couple was in the restaurant. Mary was talking to them. Spotting her, Mary broke off from her conversation with the couple and made her way to Amber.
“Did you have a good night’s sleep, dear?” Mary asked her.
She didn’t. Amber kept tossing and turning the entire night. When she finally went to sleep, the clock had read 4:00. She’d gotten used to plenty of sleepless nights. It made her cranky during the rest of the day. Maybe she could stop by the local pharmacy. Get some pills to help her sleep better.
“I did,” she lied. “The room’s very comfy. I know breakfast is over, but do you think I can get a cup of coffee?”
“Of course. Jerry.” Mary flagged a waiter. “How do you like your coffee?”
“Black, thank you,” she said gratefully. She wouldn’t be able to start her day without a decent cup of coffee. Mary ordered herself a cup of tea.
“We also have some additional blueberry pastries left, don’t we?” Mary asked Jerry, who nodded. “Bring us a few of those. Thanks, Jerry.”
Mary tugged her to the closest table to sit. Amber supposed she had time to kill. Iron told her to meet him at lunchtime.
Coffee and breakfast were soon served. Amber realized she hadn’t eaten since lunch yesterday. She finished the pastry in a few bites and started to reach for another, but she paused. Mary hadn’t even gotten one.
“Those are all for you, dear,” Mary said in a kind voice. “If you’re still hungry, I can have the cook whip you up some eggs, bacon, and pancakes.”
Amber practically salivated. Judging by the fantastic pastries she just ate, she bet the food here would also be delicious. She shook her head. “Thank you for the offer, but I’m meeting someone for lunch.”
“Let me guess, Iron?” Mary asked her.
“Are you going to warn me it’s not wise seeing him again? I know it isn’t, but—” She paused. “He offered to show me around town.”
“You’re an adult, Amber. You make your own decisions. I knew Iron’s mother, you know, sweet woman. I suppose if you had to pick someone from the MC, he’s a decent choice.”
Amber mulled over her words. “You said you knew his mom? Is sh
e … gone?”
“She died five years ago. Iron doted on her and spoiled her plenty.” Mary smiled. “Well, I can see your mind’s made up. You enjoy yourself today, you hear? Tell me all about your date later.”
“I will,” she replied, blushing slightly. “Thank you for breakfast.”
“It’s my pleasure, dear.”
Chapter Four
Amber checked her phone for directions to Iron’s shop. A fifteen-minute walk. She could use some air. Amber didn’t get the chance to see Redemption the day before. Two MC men lingered outside the auto repair store. She hesitated. Flight or fight?
“Hey, pretty lady. You in need of some repairs?” asked the younger man. He eyed her up and down, interest evident in his gaze. “I haven’t seen you around here before. You new?”
Amber couldn’t answer him right away. Maybe this was a bad idea after all. It wasn’t too late to back out, but that would make her a coward. She was tired of running and hiding, of being pushed around. She straightened her spine.
“I’m looking for Iron.”
“You’re the girl from the bar,” said the older of the pair.
“Woman,” she corrected. Perhaps he thought she was too young for Iron or something. “I turned twenty-two this year.”
“Still young in my estimation.” The guy nodded toward the entrance of the shop. “Iron’s in there. Go right in.”
“Thanks,” she said with some relief.
“I didn’t catch your name. I’m Bear, and this is Rider,” he said. “We work with Iron.”
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Amber.” Feeling proud of herself for standing her ground, she pushed her way inside. Despite the fact all the windows were open, it was sweltering hot inside the car garage. Tools lined the walls. Three cars were currently being serviced.
“Bear? That you? Hand me over the torque wrench,” came Iron’s familiar voice.
“It’s Amber,” she answered. “What does that look like?”
“Never mind.” Iron slid out from under a black Toyota, wearing coveralls and covered in grease.
Bending Iron (Fallen Saints MC Book 5) Page 2