by C. M. Steele
My reality just became unbearable. I’ve finally found the one that makes life worth living and know letting her go is the best thing I can do for her.
“Doc, are you listening to me?”
I sit up straight and apologize. “Sorry, I was in my own thoughts. What’s up, Boomer?”
“You did the right thing. Give it time to quiet down here, and then go get your woman.”
“So you know where my mind was?”
He claps his hand on my back and chuckles woefully. “I fell in love with Crystal, and her safety is my whole world. Now, when someone threatens that, I’m ready to drop bodies. My sister was the target today, and that feeling of helplessness almost got the better of me. The best thing we can do is eliminate the threat, then give these women everything we can.”
“When will be the right time? I want to hold her right now, but fuck if that’s going to happen until we have this shit under control.”
“Does she know how you feel?”
I shake my head, wishing I’d told her how I felt before she left. “No, she doesn’t. I told her father that I’d give her time to be at home and miss me. Fuck, I really hope this doesn’t take forever. How the fuck do I keep the young college guys away from her and still keep her out of harm’s way?”
“I don’t know, man. I’d give it a couple of weeks until we know what’s going on, and then I’d snatch her ass up and make her see that you’re the best guy for her.”
“I like your plan.”
“Good, now go home, take a shower, and check on your sister. She’s probably worried sick.”
“Shit, I totally forgot about that. I spoke to her earlier, but that doesn’t mean she’s still okay. Thanks, Prez.” I get up and head home from the hospital. The hour-long drive gives more weight to the idea of building a small hospital in Steeleville. Boomer and I talked about it before, but once we have a chance, I’d like to start the planning process. It’s not an overnight build, so there’s a lot to go into it. Maybe Jackson, Boomer and Morgan’s brother, can do the mock-up for us since he’s an architect.
The plan grows in my head, and before I know it I’m in Steeleville town limits. As soon as I get through the front door of my house, Sammie’s arms come flying around me in a big hug. I hold her close and whisper, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. Just make sure they pay,” she demands in a choked sob. She may not be one of the Riders, but she’s my family and therefore a part of the Rider family. She is as outspoken as they come, but she stays out of our business. Well, that is until now.
I pull back and look at her. A switch has flipped for her. No more of the innocent bystander. Sammie’s ready for war like the rest of them. She’s always been a fighter and that’s the reason she managed to survive after my mother abandoned her five years ago. At twenty-two, she’s been through a lot.
We are technically only half-siblings. We just met again when my mother told her she had a brother who lived in Dallas and gave her my information before bailing on her to OD somewhere. I have vague memories of a little baby girl, but I frankly never looked back after my mother dumped me on the streets, telling me that if anyone asked, I ran away. I’d been adopted at ten by some kind people, a retired Marine and his lovely wife who saw me on the streets eating out of garbage cans. They took me in and did everything they could to get permanent custody of me.
For years, I got the best of everything. I’d learned so much and even graduated high school two years early, giving way to my passion for medicine and working with those in the military as a part of my love for my father. And that’s how I met the Riders. Many of us served together, even if it was just a brief time. My sister found me and from that day on, I promised to protect and love her like she deserved. I’d try to make up for the past and for leaving her behind.
Today, she’s a grown woman who’s everything a woman should be despite her setbacks, and I couldn’t be prouder. Now, if only I could ensure her safety.
She pulls away from me and slaps my shoulder. “Okay…enough of this emotional crap. Go shower, and I’ll fix us up some food. I’m sure you could eat a ton right now, and frankly I need to keep myself occupied.”
Chapter Six
Sophia
Three months.
It’s been three freaking months since I saw or spoke to Joe. He’d gone from intensely interested to completely ignoring me by the time we hit the airport. At one point, I swore he was going to say something, but then he closed his mouth and walked away. As if a switch flipped, away went the warm, kind, caring man and in his place—nothing, as if the man never really existed. Just a painful figment of my imagination.
I can’t understand what happened between us in that short span of time, but whatever it was, he is gone from my life. It was purely by accident that I learned about what happened to Mick. My parents had been talking about how Mick had come out of a coma two months ago. I demanded details and once they told me, I felt like maybe that’s why he abandoned me. I clung to that thought for over a month, but time passed with not a word. I let my heart be touched but not my body. A part of me is glad my father stopped me before I snuck out of my room to see Joe because I had no doubt that I would have begged him to fuck me. Instead, I’m at home, still a virgin and staying that way for the foreseeable future.
My finals are today for my first semester of community college, and I should be studying, but all I can think about is Joe. Nothing truly distracts me from thoughts of him. It’s kind of pathetic that I long for a man who can’t even pick up the phone to call. I’ve considered calling him, but what for?
I head downstairs to get something to eat before heading to school. “Sophia, stop looking so miserable.” I roll my eyes at my mom while she makes breakfast for my dad. “Obviously he’s not coming for you.” She turns off the burner and comes toward me with her arms open. I give in and hug her. I know she means well, but it’s not helping. “Maybe it’s time you moved on. It’s been too long.”
I push away and grab a bottle of orange juice from the fridge. “Mother, I know already. You don’t have to remind me that my heart’s aching for a man who stole it on a whim.”
“I don’t think that’s what happened, sweetheart,” my father chimes in. I didn’t hear him enter the room. “The man is making changes and dealing with a lot. I can’t speak about their business, but I know that he’s just as miserable as you are.”
My heart beats insanely, but I hide my excitement because I’ve been there before. My sister claimed that Joe asked about me and missed me, but still no call from him at all. Over waiting like a puppy dog wagging its tail, I huff out, “Whatever. I’m going to the mall after my classes. I’ll be back later.”
“Do you need money?” my dad asks, whipping out his wallet like he always does.
I wave my hand, brushing off his offer. “No, you know that. You never leave it empty.” My bank account has more money in it that I can spend in a month.
“That’s because I love you,” he says, slipping a couple hundred bucks into my book bag pocket.
At least someone does.
***
I’m done with my classes by noon, and I need some way to kill time. I send a text to my friends to see who’s available, but all of them have shit to do. Most are in college, so they’re super busy working to pay for it. I’m a trust-fund baby, so my free time is my own after working on my Gen Eds. My parents talked me into going through that first since I really have no freaking clue what I want to be when I grow up. Well, I do know one thing, and that’s to be a mom like my mom, but I doubt that’ll ever happen now that my heart belongs to a jackass who essentially forgot I existed.
I end up heading to the mall alone. It’s fine because I love hitting up the bookstore there. I read everything from science fiction to romance and I’m always adding to my bookshelves. Well, only the good ones. The ones I don’t care for end up going in a box and given to charity, so that maybe someone else can enjoy them more tha
n I did. I can usually read four books a week, so I spend a great deal of time in bookstores whenever I spot one.
As soon as I’m inside the bookstore, I run into a guy I’ve seen here several times over the past month. “Are you following me?” he asks right away. “Because that would be fabulous if you were.” His frown turns into a smile. He’s just a few inches taller than me and around my age.
I return his smile, which is the first time I smile in forever. “No, definitely not. I just happen to like books just as much as you do. I’m Sophia, by the way.”
He takes my hand and brings it to his lips like an old-school gentleman. I’m not affected by him like Joe, but I am flattered. “I’m Tony. So, what’s your go-to genre? I’m a classic mystery kind of guy.”
He’s still holding my hand, so I gently pull it away and reach for a book I already own. I hold it in front of me, displaying its awesomeness. “Since I love all genres, I prefer to go by looks first. I’m a cover queen. If the cover interests me, I read the synopsis on the back and go from there.”
“Ah, judging a book by its cover.”
I shrug my shoulders and laugh. “Ya got me.”
“Smart way to go about it.”
“Although there are days when I pick up a thriller just to get me through the day.” I grind my teeth, thinking about Joe again.
“Uh oh. It’s for those days when someone pisses you off, aren’t they?”
“How did you know?” I laugh because he’s spot on.
“I can see the anger in your eyes when you said that.” He scowls, pretending to imitate my expression.
“Yeah, it’s hard to read a romance when you want to punch a man in his balls,” I playfully warn him.
“Oh shit.” He throws his hands up to stay off my list. “That guy’s in serious trouble. And a fool, I might add. Well, I better get going, I’m on my lunch break. If you ever want to have dinner and talk about books or something, I’m always available.” He hands me his business card and smiles. “You know…just as friends, Sophia. I promise.” With a wink, he takes his purchases to the register.
I smile back at him. Maybe I should consider it, but then again…No, I really should forget about Joe. After all, he hasn’t even bothered to call or email or anything since I left.
Tony walks out of the bookstore with one last wave to me, which I return, and then I head into the book section. I’m not interested in him as more than a friend, but I sure could use one at the moment. I rush out to catch him and grab his arm. “If you really mean as friends, Friday night works great for me.”
“Absolutely. I know a broken heart when I see it. Text me your address, and I’ll pick you up.”
“Okay, great.”
“Happy book hunting,” he cheers as he leaves.
“Thanks.” I walk back into the store, feeling a little less stabby. A romantic comedy could work today.
A sense of normalcy invades my spirit. I’m not interested in dating him, but I could really use a night away from thoughts of Joe.
***
The rest of the day goes by in a flash as I read the book in my bedroom, laughing hysterically. A text hits my phone, and I wonder if it’s from Tony canceling on me. I already texted him my info for Friday.
Crystal: Call me when you have time.
I wonder if Mom mentioned my date, even the fact that it’s a friend kind of date and not a romantic one.
I call her right away because I’m sure as soon as Boomer gets home, they’ll be getting freaky. I’ve been on the other end of the line several times, and I end up telling her to call me later after she gets the dick out of her mouth. What can I say? I’m a bit jealous. Boomer worships the ground Crystal walks on. Joe is obviously the wrong guy for me. I wish my heart would believe it like my head does.
“Hey, what’s going on, girlie?” she asks.
“Nothing. Are you killing time until Boomer gets home?”
“Yeah, but I just got off the phone with Mom and wondered if the rumor was true?”
“What rumor?”
“That you’re running off to get engaged,” she exclaims.
“What! I’m going on one friendly date, and I’m engaged now? Mom has lost it.”
“I’m fucking around. She didn’t tell me that. However, she did mention the book guy and the innocent date, but that’s not the story I’m going to tell Doc. I think he needs to pull his head out of his ass or risk losing you to someone else, don’t you think?”
“It doesn’t matter what you tell him. He hasn’t spoken to me since I left, so I don’t give a fuck what he thinks.” In truth, I know that’s a lie. I’m sadly pathetic and hope that he comes charging in to win me over, but I doubt it. Besides, I don’t want him to do anything to the guy.
“Oh, girl. I wish you luck on your date. Well, see ya.” She hung up with a giggle. Something is seriously wrong with her. I think it’s the pregnancy brain.
I go back to my book. Well, I try to read it at least, but all I can think about is what she said. Would she really tell him that I’m with someone else, and if she did, what would he do? Damn it, I hate this bullshit. I hate him.
Chapter Seven
Doc
I’ve just finished another sixteen-hour shift. I’m physically and emotionally drained, but all I can think about is getting away from this place. I miss the fuck out of Sophia so much I can’t breathe. We’ve been pretty free of drama in town for the time being, but every time it comes back, making me unwilling to bring Sophia into this chaos. Her father keeps security on her at all times and thankfully updates me whenever there’s something I need to know. So far nothing has happened except that she misses me. It’s the one solace I have, but how long until she hates me and chooses to move on? I’ve pushed her away because I don’t want to be the reason something awful happens to her, but it’s untenable. I should just go get her and demand that she love me and stick it out.
The Riders and I are always on the lookout for more trouble since the shooting. The attempted kidnapping of Sophia and her family had been an isolated incident that turned into a terrible mistake, but a truce had been struck and things should have been great. However, the shootout that nearly took Mick’s life was just the start of shit popping off in the area by a different group of bastards from a drug lord wanting to move into our area.
Shortly after, things were on the mend and danger looked to be gone, but then one of our own worked for the drug lord and attempted to abduct Crystal. Even one of our own couldn’t be trusted, so how can I bring Sophia into that?
I finally arrive home and head into my room to take a shower. Sammie’s at work, so I dig in the fridge and snack on some leftovers, but I don’t taste anything. My mind and stomach ache because I need Sophia. I muscle down the food and then move over to the living room to stare blindly out of my front window, feeling nothing but misery. It’s the last week of fall, but the weather has been pretty mild and dry, so I take my Harley out for a ride. My face is protected by my mask, but the breeze feels good hitting my body as I pick up speed.
Three miles out of town, I stop at a gas station and go in to get a drink and warm up for a second. I’ll probably turn around and go home, but I’m fucking thirsty.
The bell chimes as I step in, alerting a group of bikers by the beer coolers. They all make eye contact with me and I know that if they give me any shit, I’m going to have more fucking problems that I don’t want or need. I’m packing like I always do after I get out of the hospital, but I don’t have support behind me for this much trouble.
Not wanting an issue, I carry on with my purpose and walk over to the cooler next to the one they are congregating around. While opening it up, I toss them a friendly nod that says I’m not looking for trouble. I sure as fuck don’t want to kill anyone tonight for no fucking reason. Grabbing a bottle of water, I move to the register as if I don’t care about their presence—and honestly, I don’t. As I go to pay, that’s when all hell breaks loose. The door flies open and two
pieces of shit with machine guns come barging through. They see me and their eyes narrow with recognition, but their targets are the bikers at the coolers. They start to open fire, spraying the room just as everyone else busts out their guns.
Fuck, the poor young woman at the register is freaking out, shaking and screaming, so I tell her, “Get out of here while you can.” I pull out my gun and stand in front of her, shooting at the intruders, popping the first fucker in the head. It’s a clean shot, but that forces another bastard to come in and I remember him quite well. He belongs to Cortez.
I continue to fire off at Cortez’s men as the girl sneaks into the back room. Then he’s dropped by one of the bikers. The gunfight is over almost as quickly as it started. Everything happened so fast that it takes a minute for me to get myself out of the fog. A groan coming from the right side of me shakes me out of my haze. Some of the motorcycle crew circle the guy on the floor while the others move to check on the bastards at the door.
“Hey, you? Are you hit?” a gruff voice hollers at me.
“No,” I mutter.
“Fine. Help me with him. Tank has to check on his woman.” A large fucker like Beast runs past me and to the back room, while two guys check out the surroundings outside.
“It’s okay. It’s just a flesh wound,” the guy bleeding out grunts.
“It’s not a flesh wound, you idiot; you’ve been shot in your shoulder. We need to get you to the doctor,” the other biker tells him. The wound is obviously very serious, and the hospital is a long way away.
“Hey, if they didn’t wreck my Harley out there, there’s a medical kit inside. Can you get that?” I holler at a biker with the Prez patch on his chest. I don’t care who he is. I need to save this man’s life, and I don’t have time to play nice.