Tempting The Biker (Royal Bastards MC: Charleston, WV Book 3)

by Glenna Maynard

  “That what she wants?”

  “It is. My lawyer has drawn up the papers. It will all be handled discreetly. No one will ever know you’re the father. I can drop them off to your clubhouse later today. Alexa can move on with her life, and you can go back to being the trash that you are. My husband is willing to look the other way this one time. We can make sure Alexa gets a good education and marries a decent man. One who will provide her everything you can’t give her. Go home to your wife, Mr. Thatcher. Worry about rebuilding your family, and I’ll take care of mine. Look at you.”

  “Yeah.” I snarl, staring at my wrecked knuckles, bloody and scabbing over from the damage I did on Ruthie’s car. “Tell me one thing. Boy or girl.”

  “If you must know it’s a girl.”

  Fuck me. All the air goes whooshing from my lungs. The vase slips from my grip, shattering against the dingy white tile. Without another word I give her what she wants. I leave. She’s right. I can’t be the man Alexa or this kid needs. I don’t have it in me.

  Alexa deserves a do over. A fresh start like I tried to give her in the beginning but was too damn selfish to follow through on. This time I’ll be a better man. I’ll do the right thing. I gotta let her go for good.

  I drive to the clubhouse and get lost in liquor and easy pussy. I drink myself into oblivion but still no matter who I fuck all I see is her. My pretty girl with her tempting red lips. Those gorgeous green eyes haunt me. All I want is her, but I’m no good. A rotten bastard who will only ever hurt her.

  After I fail to fuck away thoughts of Alexa, I stagger down the road to Rochelle’s grave. I drop to my knees in the dirt. A storm brews. Thunder roars in the distance and lightning crashes. Rain pelts against my skin but nothing can wash away my sins. I grip the grass, digging my nails into the soil of the earth.

  “I don’t know what to do,” I mutter to the headstone. “I fucked everything up. I let you down, Ro. I wanted to be a good father. I didn’t want to love her, but I wanted her more than anything, and I’ve paid the price for giving in to temptation. I’d give anything to see you just once. To tell you I’m sorry I disappointed you. Give me a sign, princess.” I look up at the dark clouds rolling overhead.

  When I don’t get a response, I let out a roaring scream and punch the ground. I’m beaten down and defeated. I don’t know what the hell to do. Maybe Rochelle would have been better off had I not killed Dusty. The man Ruthie moved in when I was in prison. The murder Ruthie helped me cover up. The one she holds over my head.

  “James.” Ruthie’s hand touches my shoulder gently.

  Fuck. Is this my sign? Is this what you want, Rochelle?

  I grab her hand, clutching onto the only person I have left.

  “Do you know why I wanted to be with you all them years ago?”

  I shake my head. Her words intrigue me. I don’t know why she’s here, but I’m listening.

  “Because I knew I could count on you. You’d never let me down. I never told you because I was ashamed, but my father...Alexa wasn’t his only victim. I see a lot of myself in her. Wanting to escape a bad home life. Looking for a hero. I’ve watched the two of you, and I want to believe there’s nothing going on. I’m not blind though. The way she looks at you. She’s in love with you. Maybe it’s all a crush or in my head.”

  “There was someone but not her,” I lie.

  “If you can say it’s over with whoever she was and that there was nothing between you and Alexa, then I believe you. I don’t think it’s a coincidence we were both drawn here, honey. We’re meant to be together. I knew it all them years ago just like I know it now. You’re best I’ve ever had and all there will ever be for me. Come home with me. Let me take care of you for once.”

  Maybe it’s regret or guilt. Maybe it’s all the alcohol fueling me, but I know I need to make a change.

  Chapter Twenty-four

  “I got your bag. Everything is ready to go. Your father scheduled your induction. You just get into the bed and relax,” my mother orders, practically pushing me onto the hospital bed. “It will all be over soon, sweetheart. You’ll see things are better this way. Time to move on with life and look to the future.”

  When James turned his back on me, I was alone and on my own with no one to count on but my parents. Our relationship isn’t great, but they are all I have. I don’t blame him. I knew he’d hate me. I hate me. No one wishes it were me who had died in that wreck more than I do. Rochelle should be having the time of her life with Colter. Experiencing all her firsts with him. Now neither of them will ever have any of it. I did that. I took that away because I was selfish. James lost his daughter and Papa had to bury his son.

  I can’t bear to be in my apartment because all I think about is Rochelle, Colter, and James. Mostly James. I knew I’d miss him. Only I wasn’t prepared for how greatly. I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. He’s all I think about, but this baby is coming, and it’s up to me to do what’s best.

  My mom knows a couple who have offered to adopt. I’m conflicted. Ideally it makes sense. I’m in no position to take care of a baby. I don’t have my diploma. I’m eighteen and on my own. The lease will be up on my apartment soon. My parents say I can come home if I give up my baby and finish school. I don’t want to depend on them. I’m scared though. I don’t know what to do. I’m lost and heartbroken.

  Nowhere to go. No job. No one wants to hire me because I’m a dropout and pregnant. My life is a mess, and it’s my fault. I made the choices that put me in this situation. I gave my heart and body to a man who hates me. He doesn’t love me, nor does he want to be a father to my child. However, despite it all I owe it to him to call him and tell him that our daughter will enter the world today. That he lost Rochelle, but he’s gained another child.

  “Where’s my phone?”

  “Let me see.” She pilfers through my overnight bag. “I could have sworn I stuck it in this pocket. We must have forgotten it.”

  “I need my phone now.”

  “You don’t need it. You want it. Big difference. Besides you need to focus on delivering a healthy baby for the Mahoney’s. Your father and I went through a lot of trouble finding someone who could be discreet and pay for your hospital bills. Having a baby isn’t cheap, Alexa.”

  “I don’t need a reminder. I just want to take some pictures when she’s born.”

  “I thought we agreed that it’s best if you don’t hold her or do any of that stuff. Don’t need you getting attached and changing your mind.”

  “She’s still mine. If I want to hold her and take a million pictures I will. Now get me my phone, Mother. You promised I could call James.”

  “I can call him.”

  “Will you really call?”

  “Now why would I lie? Really, I do wonder about you sometimes.”

  I turn away from her to hide my tears. If she sees them, she’ll just tell me I’m acting emotional and to toughen up. Part of me thought if I called him, he’d come. That all he needs to realize we can still be a real family is to hold our child.

  “I’ll be back with your phone. It’s probably in the car, but if you need anything your father is doing his rounds, and one of the nurses can page him.”

  “Just get my phone,” I mutter, biting back a sob.

  She exits the room, and I let out the tears I’ve been battling all morning. A nurse comes in to check my vitals before administering the oxytocin to induce me. The process is slow moving until my water breaks. That’s when the contractions really kick in. By the time my mother brings me my phone, I’m dilated to seven and wondering about my epidural.

  “Did you call James?” I ask through gritted teeth as another wave of pain hits me, my belly tightens, and I want to die. I need my epidural. I’m not strong enough to do this without pain meds.

  “No. You said you wanted to do it.”

  “Just give it to me please.” I go up on my knees and rock back and forth wishing more than anything he’d walk through that door. That he’d rub my bac
k and hold my hand while promising me everything will be okay. “Ahh,” I cry out. “It hurts. I need my epidural.”

  “You don’t get drugs. Your father thought it best you experience the true pain of the consequences of your actions.”

  “Why? Why would you do that?”

  “You need to learn that you just can’t go around doing whatever you want. There’s a price to pay for every wrong step you take. Maybe you’ll think twice about spreading your legs to biker trash in the future.”

  Another pain rips through me. “Just fucking call him,” I scream.

  “Your father will be in soon to check you. It’s almost time. The Mahoney’s will be here shortly to pick up the baby as long as she’s healthy.”

  “No. I want to spend her first night with her. You can’t do that. I didn’t sign anything yet.”

  “Really, Alexa. You can’t expect to keep her. You’ll never make it on your own.”

  “Call James.”

  “Wake up, you fool. He’s not coming. He doesn’t want you or his bastard. He never did. He used you. Preyed on your weak nature.”

  He promised me. He swore I could count on him.

  “No. He’ll come if you call.”

  “I didn’t want to do this, but you leave me no choice. I spoke with your precious James and you know what he said. He said that you were a delusional little girl with a crush. He denied everything. Now I don’t know who the father is, but you’ve got to stop this behavior. But since we need his signature for the adoption, he signed the paperwork if we promised to keep it all discreet. You should be ashamed, lying like that on a married man. A man who took you in. He wants nothing to do with you. They all blame you for what happened to Rochelle and her boyfriend. You think he wants to see you. Hear more of your lies. That man said to tell you to keep away or he’d be forced to take actions to shut you up for good.”

  “I hate you.”

  “Well, darling girl, the feeling’s mutual. You think I want to be here cleaning up the mess you made of your life? I’m here for the sake of your father’s reputation. He has a status to uphold in the community.”

  “Get out.”

  “What?”

  “You heard me, Victoria. I want you to leave. I don’t want you or your help. I’ll take care of my baby on my own.”

  “The Mahoney’s are good Christian folk. And if you pay your cards right you father has arranged a husband for you. One of his doctor friends. He’s a bit short and going bald but with your prospects I think you should count your blessings that anyone is willing to marry you or take your child.”

  “I don’t care if they have all the money in the world or if God himself comes down to put my child in their arms. It’ll happen over my dead body. Now get the fuck outta here so I can birth my daughter in peace.”

  “If this is what you want. Then fine. Have it your way, but when you and that baby are hungry and homeless don’t call upon me.”

  “Don’t worry.” I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth, attempting to control the pain. “We don’t need you. We don’t need anyone.” Not James either. I can do this. Somehow. Someway.

  The second she leaves I collapse into a heap of pain and tears.

  Another contraction rips through me so violently I feel as though my spine will tear itself free from my body. I go blind momentarily from the agony. I blink and attempt to stand. I can see my cell phone on the other side of the room laying on top of my bag. If I can get to it, I can call James myself. Another contraction hits me, followed by another, and I go to my knees, screaming for the nurse.

  My monster prick of a father rushes in and goes into doctor patient mode.

  “No. I don’t want you here.” I attempt to shove him away.

  Thwack. His hand whips across my face. “Calm down damn it. Right now, what matters is delivering your child safe and healthy. Now get back to bed so I can examine you. Don’t know why you are up to begin with. Where is that stupid nurse?” he curses under his breath ushering me into the bed.

  I don’t want him to touch me but am left without a choice as my baby doesn’t want to wait any longer.

  “I can see the head,” he announces as the nurse finally shows up.

  Fifteen minutes later my gorgeous Wylla Mae is cradled in my arms screaming her head off as I kiss all her fingers and toes feeling more love than I could ever imagine for this one tiny person who has been the source of so much trouble and heartache.

  “Hello, my tough baby girl. It’s just you and me, but I will always love you and protect you. I named you Wylla because it means faithful. And Mae after my friend. Rochelle Mae Thatcher. She would have loved you. She’s your big sister, and I bet right now wherever she is that she’s your guardian angel.”

  Wylla Mae and I are both released from the hospital the following evening. Me with more stitches than ought to be humanly possible and her healthy as can be. I have no one to call. I keep telling the nurse my ride is running late.

  I’ve gotten as desperate as calling Nickel but he’s not picking up. I even thought about calling Tanner, Colter’s friend. That’s how sad and pathetic I am. I have no friends. Rochelle was all I had, and I killed her. No one is coming. No one cares about us.

  “Knock. Knock.” I glance to the door of my room and see Ruthie.

  My heart jumps to my throat. “Wha-what are you doing here?”

  “I meant to come sooner, but I’ve had some car trouble.” She rolls her eyes. “Anyway, the nurse said you were released and asked if I was your ride. Do you need a ride?”

  “I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

  “It’s no trouble. I figured your mom would be here.”

  “We aren’t speaking.”

  “Okay. Well I’m here. Do you have a car seat?”

  “I do at the apartment.”

  “No problem. I will run and get it. You and this little sweetie.” She rubs a finger over my sleeping daughter’s dark hair. “You sit tight, and I’ll be back in a flash.” She starts back out the door of my hospital room.

  “Ruthie?”

  “Yeah?” her voice wobbles slightly.

  “The key. It’s in the front pocket of my bag.”

  “Right.” She fishes it out and flashes me a tense smile.

  I swallow hard once she’s gone. Does James know she’s here? Did he send her to check on us? Does she know the truth? Did she come to see for herself that I gave birth to her husband’s love child.

  I have too many questions and no one to ask them to.

  Chapter Twenty-five

  “You really didn’t need to go to so much trouble.” My stomach churns as Ruthie busies herself in the kitchen boiling bottles.

  “Rochelle would have been glued to your side if she were still here. I don’t know, Alexa. Seeing you. It makes me feel closer to her if that makes sense.” She dabs at her eyes. “Sorry. I get so emotional at times.”

  “Don’t apologize. You miss her. I do too.”

  “You were like the big sister she always wanted. I want another baby, but James feels it’s too soon after Rochelle.” My heart clenches in my chest hearing his name. She has no clue that my daughter belongs to her husband. I’m a terrible person. She’s grieving the loss of her daughter, and here I am flaunting my baby in her face in the apartment her husband pays for. “Between us, he’s having a rough time. Losing Rochelle changed him, but it brought us closer together. I know you and Ro were friends, but I think being a mom now you can relate.”

  “Sure. I’m glad I guess that things have gotten better for you guys. I didn’t know you were having trouble,” I lie.

  “Things were rocky but last night.” She winks. “We well reconnected you could say. Before long our babies might be playmates. I think James will come around, and well if we are lucky, we conceived last night. He was just...” she lifts her shoulders and smirks all dreamily.

  I’m going to be sick. Bile burns in the back of my throat. He was with her. While I was in the hospital
crying for him, he was fucking his wife. I deserve it. I know I do. But her words and the bitter truth of it all still fucking cuts into my chest and rips my heart out. He was never going to leave her. Not for me. He never loved me, did he? It was all sex.

  My head spins as the realization takes root. He used me. I was nothing but the other woman. My heart hammers in my chest so fast. I can’t breathe. Is this what a panic attack feels like? Or am I truly dying?

  “To be honest with you, Alexa. Rochelle isn’t the only reason I’m here.”

  Sweat beads across my top lip. My stomach plummets to my feet. Oh shit. She knows. She’s going to tell me that James and her want my baby or to stay away. My mind races as she smiles at me.

  “My father.”

  “I...I’m sorry what about him?”

  “I know this might be a difficult conversation to have, but I know what he did to you, and I was wondering...well I got the impression that your daughter might be my half-sister. So if you need anything at all I want you to know that you can count on me. He may have been a bad man, but what he did isn’t your fault. Your mom may not be in the picture, but you’ve got me. James too. I know he’s been cold and distant since the accident, but he knows you need us.”

  I’m going to faint. She thinks Wylla Mae belongs to her rapist father. I swallow hard not knowing what to do with this information. Do I agree with her lie or make up a new one?

  “Don’t feel obligated. Your father. Wylla isn’t. Um. Tanner. You remember him. Colter’s friend. It was a onetime thing, and he doesn’t know. I don’t have any plans on telling him.”