“My uncle’s dead?” she chokes out. “Why?”
“They can’t trust someone who’s going to rat them out. He fucked up and couldn’t keep his mouth shut at the police station. He sang like a bird for the police, trying to make a deal. I told them everything he said.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Money talks, sugar. Now how about this? I give you this little bitch back after you come to the park and we make a fair exchange.” I do my best to control the burning rage in my chest. The man has signed his death warrant. I’ll watch him die with pleasure. I don’t care how he dies as long as he does.
“How can I trust you?”
“You can’t, but you want this stupid little girl back. She’s not a tenth of you, but I’ll show you that’s worth it.”
“Fine. What park?”
“You better come alone. If I scent your lap dog and his thugs, I’ll kill this bitch. Don’t fuck with me, Mackenzie.”
“If you rape her, deals off. Understood?”
“I told you it’s you I want. Come alone and she goes free.”
“Fine. What park? Or am I going to have to take a fucking guess.”
“Drive to Paxton. There’s a park you hung out with your roommate at.”
“How do you?”
“I’ve known all along where you were at. You’re lucky that asshole got there before I did. I set up your car to fail. Your damn uncle delayed my trip back to Steeleville or I would have taken you like I planned. I hope that fucker taught you how to use that little mouth and pussy. I don’t expect a shy little flower.”
“You are so crude. I need a car to get there, so I need some time. I can swipe his truck while he’s working.”
“You have an hour.”
“Fine,” she sighs, hanging up.
“That was great, Mac.”
I lift her up and hold her in my arms. “I don’t want you to do this.”
“Hey, we have the guys in Paxton there. They owe us.”
“Maybe we can call it in or at least give them a head’s up.”
“I’ll call Butcher,” Boomer says, stepping away from us.
Cyber adds, “The police are on the way to her uncle’s residence to check on his supposed death.”
“Are you okay, Mackenzie?” I whisper against her ear.
“You won’t let him hurt me, will you?”
“Of course not. I’d die before I’d give you up to him. Several of the guys can drop him from a distance.”
“Okay. I just got off the phone with Butcher. They’re ready and he’s in the area.”
“Yeah. I have him marked in the center of town. Is that the park?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s run through our plan.”
Chapter 12
Mackenzie
With every mile, I feel my tension ratchet up another level. My phone rings, and it’s Johnny. “Hello, kitten. I missed you. Tell me where you’re at now.” I shiver in revulsion and fear. I knew he thought I was attractive, but I never understood his true desires. I can’t believe I never noticed the full magnitude of his obsession until now.
Gaining control of my emotions, I puff out my chest as if he can see my strong demeanor and say, “It’s Mackenzie, and I’m six miles away.”
“Good. Turn into the gas station in Paxton. I’ve changed my plans. I want to meet there.”
“What are you planning? I don’t trust you.” I remind the bastard. He has a sick obsession with me. I’m surprised it took him all this time to finally come after me when he knew where I was the entire time.
“Do you want this broad back or not?”
“She’s not going back with me, so I don’t know what you’re gonna do with her.”
“I’m going to leave her there. She can find another ride. There’s a biker gang who looks a lot tougher than those fuckers you deal with. These guys might be interested in giving her more than a ride.” Vanessa cries out and I’m betting he has her trapped in the back seat from the sounds. “Shut the fuck up you dumb bitch.”
I’m hoping it’s the biker gang that Boomer was talking about that Johnny mentioned. God, I hope they know what they’re doing. I pull into the gas station and see two bikers who look a lot rougher than the Steele Riders. They’re patched up and gruffer. I can’t picture these guys in suits like I’ve seen many of the Riders in. I don’t get out of Simon’s truck until I see Johnny get out of his vehicle.
“Where is she?”
“She’s being held until you keep your end of the bargain.”
“Really? I’m supposed to believe that?” His eyes dart to the truck, looking to see if anyone’s with me. When it seems calm enough for him, he begins moving closer to me. I get a wink from one of the bikers and then as planned, I run to their side.
“Please help. Please help me,” I cry out, hoping that we’re not being played.
“What’s up, sweet thing?” the biker with a tank patch on his leather vest, says.
“He’s got my friend and he’s trying to kidnap me too,” I plead.
The other guy with him interrupts after polishing off his beer can and tossing it. “If we help you out from the big bad guy what do we get?”
“I don’t know. What do you want?” That immediately sets Johnny off, and he pulls out his gun, but before he can get a round off. Another weapon is pointed against his head. It’s an older man with similar patches as the other two. Suddenly, Johnny’s being surrounded by squad cars. Police from Steeleville and Paxton pull up and jump out with their guns trained on him. The older man lowers his weapon and holsters it as he steps back.
Thank fucking hell for that. “Go on into the gas station.”
As soon as I’m in the gas station, Simon’s pulling me into his arms. “Dash, you did incredible.”
“I can’t believe it worked.”
“Me either. It makes no damn sense how he’s so gullible. Does he believe that everyone’s as corrupt as him?”
“No, baby. His obsession with you just overruled his senses. I’m guessing he and I have that in common.” His mouth takes mine in a deep kiss. The rest of the Riders come out of the back. They trailed behind ten miles for the whole trip and then went around a backroad that leads to the station.
“Oh my goodness. Where is Vanessa?”
“She’s in the trunk still.” The guys went outside and popped it with a drink in hand.
I see Vanessa rumpled up, face bruised with mascara and tear stained cheeks. The poor girl. I want to apologize for all my negative thoughts about her even though they had been justifiable at the time. This is my fault. I got her into this mess. She’s sobbing against Law’s chest, but I can’t see what she’s saying.
“Can we go home now?”
“Almost. They’re going to detain him here and wait for word on your uncle’s true whereabouts.”
“Did they not find him where Johnny Boy said?”
“They haven’t contacted us yet. At least Law hasn’t told me, but he’s kind of busy at the moment.” I look back over to them and he’s walking her toward an ambulance. “She’s going to be okay, Mackenzie. Don’t put this on you. You didn’t kidnap her. You didn’t force her into that vehicle—he did.”
“But he did it because of me. I’m the reason he attacked anyone in Steeleville. Although, I’m not sure why he took Vanessa. We were most definitely not friends in the least.” She and I didn’t like each other.
“I’m not sure. There are a thousand questions I have. My biggest is if he’s been following you this whole time why didn’t he take you when he had the chance?”
“I’ve been wondering that myself. I hope they get it out of him.” Ghost is walking toward us since he works for the Steeleville Police.
“What’s up, Ghost?”
“First are you doing alright? We can have someone come talk to you. This is a very traumatic experience.”
“No, thank you anyway.” I’m not the one who was locked in a trunk, knowing that I
could be killed at any minute.
“Well, I came over here to say that they have found your uncle dead like Johnny described.” Shit. I should feel bad, but I don’t. I’m not liking myself at the moment. “Are you sure you don’t need to talk to a professional?” he asks again. I shake my head because I don’t feel like talking. Ghost nods and taps my shoulder before walking away.
Simon turns me in his arms to face him. I look into his gorgeous brown eyes and read nothing but concern. “Babe, are you sad that he’s dead or upset that you’re not sad?”
“How can you tell?” Tears are already dancing around the rim of my eyes, waiting to spill off the edges.
“It’s written all over your face.”
“I must be a horrible person,” I sob, letting the tears fall as I press my head on his chest feeling his warmth engulf me.
Gently rubbing my back and with low calming sounds, I relax. I used to think that was only a baby thing, but it works for adults too. “Just because someone is family doesn’t mean you have to love them. No family member worth loving would do what he did to you.”
“Thank you for all of this.”
“Don’t thank me, Dash. I put you in danger. I was losing my shit, hoping that they wouldn’t fuck it up or that Johnny wouldn’t snap, but you were too precious to him. I was ready to run out there, but his warning made it too dangerous for you to have me seen. I wanted to blow his brains out.”
“Would you have?”
“If it came down to it, hell yes. You’re my girl. I’d do anything for you.” I need him to take me right now, but we can’t with all these people around. I don’t even care if we have an audience, but I’m sure he’ll kill any man who sees me naked.
“Can we go home now? I want to lay down.”
“We’re going to need to give our statements I believe before we can leave.”
“If we must,” I sigh. He leads me outside where everyone is still gathered. Vanessa’s sitting on the edge of the ambulance and jumps off when she sees me with Law two steps behind her. I’m bracing myself for the vitriol she’s about to spew, but then she throws her arms around me.
“Thank you for coming to get me.”
“It’s my fault you were kidnapped.”
“No. It’s my fault. I was stupid enough to talk to him even though I knew he was bad. Stranger danger’s no joke, but I felt invincible. I’m sorry about all the rude things I said before. You’re right. I do have a lot of growing up to do.”
“I’m sorry. I hope that you can move past this.” We hug again and Law interrupts, saying he has to take her home and that he’ll gather the rest of our statements later. Nodding, we say our goodbyes and wave everyone off. Suddenly, I feel exhausted.
“Time to go home,” Simon growls against my ear.
The second we take off, he says, “Don’t think I didn’t see where your mind was going earlier. First you’re going to get some sleep then we’re going to fuck like bunnies.”
“That sounds perfect right now,” I murmur, letting sleep take over.
Chapter 13
Wrench
She’s been sleeping for three hours, but I’m worried about her. This wasn’t how the day was supposed to go. I had everything planned to ask her to be my wife. Now I’m scared she’s more upset than she let on.
“Simon.” Her soft voice pierces through my thoughts. I turn around to see her with a tiny upturn of her lips. I’ll take any genuine smile from her even if it’s a little one.
“Mackenzie, how are you doing?” I move to my side of the bed, sitting with my legs stretched out.
“Sorry. I was more tired than I thought.”
“A lot of stress on you. Come here,” I say, pulling her close to cradle her in my arms. “I love you, Dash. You can tell me anything.”
“I love you, too. I’m not sure how I’m feeling though. I’m confused, upset, and scared.”
“Scared?”
“Yeah, it’s crazy how easily he’d been watching me. My life had been in danger for a year and I had no idea. Will I ever feel safe again?”
“I’d love for you to feel safe again, but we know he’s in jail and by the time they’re done with him, he’ll never get out. As for being with me, I’ll do everything that I can to protect you. I’d die for you, Mackenzie.”
“That doesn’t help, Simon. I don’t want you to die for me because I’ll be alone. I just need to learn to be more self-aware. Maybe learn some self-defense or something.”
“That can be done. I won’t let anyone harm you, but if you want to feel more secure, we can set it up. There’s a room in the clubhouse for hand-to-hand combat training. Most of us don’t use it unless we’re training a new prospect.”
“How do you all stay so fit?”
“Our regular jobs or our workout room at the clubhouse.”
“With Steeleville growing, I’m surprised you don’t have a gym. It would be cool. Or maybe something like a YMCA for the town.”
“That’s a great idea. I have to run everything past Jackson and Boomer since they own the town and the land. They may have it all planned out already.”
“It’s just an idea.” She shrugs her shoulders.
“Well, it’s a great one. So as to what happened today with Vanessa…”
“I’m as shocked as you are about that.”
“I’m not that shocked, but I just don’t want you to feel guilty. She doesn’t blame you and you shouldn’t blame yourself.”
“It’s going to take some time.”
“That’s fine, but if you start wallowing or becoming scared, I’m taking charge woman.”
“Thank you, Simon.”
“Anything for you, Dash. Now are you hungry?”
“I could use some food.”
“Good, because my mom’s on her way here with dinner.”
“Catered.”
“Only the best for you,” I tease. Mackenzie can cook, but she needs to be resting. I settle her back on the pillows and then stand up. “I’m going to straighten up the place before she shows up. The doorbell rings. “A little too late it seems.”
“I’m going to freshen up.”
“Okay, Mac, I love you.”
“I love you too.” She kisses my cheek and runs into the bathroom while I go out and meet my mother. She’s standing there with the bags of food.
“I’m sorry I’m earlier than expected, but I’ve been so worried.”
“That’s fine. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Where is Mackenzie?”
“In the bathroom.” Let me take these. I grab the bags and my mother follows behind me to the kitchen.
“So when is this wedding happening?”
“When I can find the time to ask her. It’s not like we’ve known each other that long. I want to marry her tomorrow, but first I have to ask and then however long she wants to take.”
“What are you waiting for?”
“Hello, Mother. She just went through something pretty traumatic.”
“Yes and she needs her big strong man to take care of her.”
“I love her, but my plans to ask Mackenzie were thwarted.”
“Ask me what?”
“To marry him.”
“When you’re ready to ask, I’ll be waiting.”
I step back, drop to one knee, and pull out the ring that’s been burning a hole in my pocket for what feels like forever. “I fell in love with you the first time we met and every day it grows deeper and deeper. Will you marry me, Mackenzie?”
“Yes, Simon. I’m sorry I ran away for so long.” I slide the ring on her finger, stand, and then kiss her hard, thrusting my hands into her hair as I devour her lips.
“Never again, Dash.”
Epilogue
Wrench
Two years later
“I want it candy apple—” I stop talking to Frank when I spot the sexiest woman alive strolling through my garage like she owns this place.
“Get out,” I snarl at Frank
then to all the guys. “Early lunch,” I bark out.
Tools drop and I can hear movement all around. They know damn well that tone means I’m on edge and someone’s about to get it good. I growl as she approaches like a damn wild animal.
Mackenzie cocks her brow up at me with a mischievous grin as if I’m not going to spank her ass for coming in dressed like that. Her hair up in a messy bun, letting some strands dance around her face and neck. A pair of tiny shorts barely visible under my red and black flannel buttoned just to the top of her cleavage, driving me nuts.
“You don’t have to make them leave,” she says so sweetly, pressing her hands against my chest. I set down the tablet then slide my hand around the back of her neck, my fingers teasing her scalp.
“Boys, out now.” This time I hear the garage door lower and the side door clicking closed. I’d fuck her back here, but this isn’t my workstation, and my jealousy won’t allow my wife’s pussy to grace anyone else’s station. The territorial rush surging through me intensifies at the image of her sweetness on their stuff.
Taking her by the hand, I lead her up to my office where I’m going to spend my lunch feasting on her. The second we’re inside, I close and lock the door.
“Strip,” I command, lifting my plain gray tee shirt over my head and tossing it on the floor.
“We need to talk,” she says, kicking off her sandals and unbuttoning the flannel. Her large breasts held up by a black bra that barely covers her nipples. Damn it, I’m hard up just staring at the picture she presents. I bite my bottom lip as I drink in the sight.
“About what?” I manage to get out even though my mind on one thing.
“About us.”
I freeze. A rush of panic and anger fills me. “Are you thinking of running again?”
“No. Of course not.”
I let out a harsh breath and cross my arms. “Good because I’ll drag your ass back. Now continue stripping.” She pops the button on those itty bitty shorts, sliding them down with her panties. I let out a deep groan.
“Bend over, Dash. I’m going to fuck you hard. Can you handle that?” I grunt against the underside of her ear. She shivers, backing up her ass to graze my bulge. Her need has become insatiable with every baby we have. I just know she’s pregnant again.
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