by Chiah Wilder
Smokey’s Distraction
Insurgents Motorcycle Club
Chiah Wilder
Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
CROW: Night Rebels MC
Copyright © 2020 by Chiah Wilder
Editing by Lisa Cullinan and Dana Hook
Cover design by Cheeky Covers
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Please purchase only authorized additions, and do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials.
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Disclaimer:This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
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Insurgent MC Series:
Hawk’s Property
Jax’s Dilemma
Chas’s Fervor
Axe’s Fall
Banger’s Ride
Jerry’s Passion
Throttle’s Seduction
Rock’s Redemption
An Insurgent’s Wedding
Outlaw Xmas
Wheelie’s Challenge
Christmas Wish
Animal’s Reformation
Shadow’s Surrender
Insurgents MC Romance Series: Insurgents Motorcycle Club Box Set (Books 1 – 4)
Insurgents MC Romance Series: Insurgents Motorcycle Club Box Set (Books 5 – 8)
Night Rebels MC Series:
STEEL
MUERTO
DIABLO
GOLDIE
PACO
SANGRE
ARMY
CHAINS
Night Rebels MC Romance Series: Night Rebels Motorcycle Club Box Set (Book 1 – 4)
Nomad Biker Romance Series:
Forgiveness
Retribution
Steamy Contemporary Romance:
My Sexy Boss
Prologue
Denver, Colorado
A wave of dizziness and nausea seized Ashley as shock jolted through her. She gripped the edge of the desk to keep herself upright.
“Hello? Are you there? … Hello …”
The persistent voice drilled into her brain.
“Ashley, are you there?”
She sank down into the chair and let out the breath she’d been holding ever since the prosecutor had told her the terrible news.
“I’m here,” she said, reaching for the bottle of water next to the computer. Ashley took a large gulp. “I can’t believe he’s out so soon.” Her hands trembled slightly as she put the bottle back on the desk.
“We tried our best to keep him in longer,” Dave Pettine said.
“But he got eight years. How could he be out so soon?” Ashley ran her icy fingers down her throat.
“Good behavior credits, and it wasn’t a violent crime. I am sorry. I wish he would’ve done his full-time rather than four years.”
“He threatened me in court. Doesn’t that count for anything?” She leaned her head against the back of the chair.
“A lot of defendants say things after a conviction. He’s never contacted you from prison or sent anyone to harass or hurt you. The parole board takes all of that into consideration. He’ll be on parole for two years, so he’ll still have to be accountable to the justice system for a bit longer. If he screws up, he’ll be back in prison.”
“I guess that’s something.”
“Please let me know if he tries to get in touch with you. Not contacting you is one of the conditions of his parole.”
“Okay. When was he released?” Ashley heard papers rustling on the other end of the phone.
“A week ago.”
Chills skated over her skin and she rubbed her arm. “Thanks for letting me know.”
“Sure. Give me a call if you have any problems.”
“I will.”
Ashley put the phone down on the desk pad and looked out the window at the ubiquitous skyscrapers glowing under the late afternoon sun. She glanced at the criminal court building as all the details of the trial came flooding back like a tsunami. Had it really been four years since she’d taken the stand to testify against her former boss on embezzlement charges? The cold hatred in Jeffrey Elion’s eyes as she’d answered the prosecutor’s questions remained burned into her brain.
Ashley straightened the collar of her silk blouse and turned her eyes to the computer screen. She had a ton of work to do that morning and two meetings with prospective clients in the afternoon. Thinking about what Jeffrey Elion might or might not do wasn’t a luxury she could afford. Anyway, her former boss was a brilliant man, and she didn’t doubt for one minute that he’d be back on his feet making money again with another business venture. Hopefully he’ll keep his greed at bay ... and Janice’s. Jeffrey’s wife certainly loved buying expensive things, and she’d made a point to tell Ashley and the other employees all about it whenever she dropped by the office.
Three years after Jeffery’s conviction, Ashley had run into Janice at Neiman Marcus, and she was taken aback that Jeffery’s wife was a sales clerk. She’d tried to duck away before Janice could see her, but she’d noticed Ashley, and if looks could kill, Ashley would’ve been a goner. A small shiver traveled down her spine. One thing’s certain: Jeffrey and Janice blame me for the fallout of his criminal behavior. Ridiculous? Of course it was, but true in a scary and real way.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Startled, her heart pounded as she asked, “Who is it?”
Another knock.
Ashley sprang from her seat, making the chair bang against the wall.
“Are you okay?”
It’s Zach. Damn, I’ve got to get a grip. “I’m coming,” she answered as she rushed toward the door.
Her boss stood there, his forehead wrinkled as his eyes roamed over her face. “You look like you need a break.”
“I was just in the middle of something, that’s all.” She turned away and headed back to the desk, her fingers lightly wiping the perspiration from her brow. “What’s up?”
Zach sank down into one of the chairs. “How’re things going with the Centurion Ho
tel campaign?”
“Good. I spoke to the general manager when I got in this morning. He’s very pleased with the results. He loved the marketing package I came up with, encouraging couples to book weekend romantic getaways at the hotel. He said they’re booked out six months because of it.”
Zach smiled. “That’s great. He’d dropped me a line to tell me how much he likes working with you. You’ve briefed Chandra on the project, right?”
“Yes, why?”
He shrugged, then glanced at his watch. “Rich, Jeremy, Connor, and I are very impressed with the way you’ve been handling a lot of the difficult clients and projects at the firm.”
Ashley smiled. “Thank you. I thrive on challenges.”
“That’s what I like to hear. I just signed a new contract, and I’d like you to run with it.”
“Sure. What’s the company?”
“A+ Construction.”
Her eyes widened. “That’s a turn in a different direction.” Innovative Marketing Group worked primarily with hotels and tech corporations. “I’ve never heard of that company.”
“It’s pretty small. A buddy of mine owns it. We’ve been friends since we were kids. Anyway, he wants to start marketing in hopes of acquiring some lucrative contracts in Aspen and Vail, as well as several of the other affluent mountain areas. I think you’d be perfect for the job.”
“I don’t know much about construction, but I’ll research it.”
“That’s what I like to hear. The job’s in Pinewood Springs.”
Confusion swirled inside her. “You want me to commute that far?”
“Of course not. You’ll relocate there for a few months. The firm has some other contracts you can work on in the area.”
“I have to live there?” She groaned and leaned back in the chair. “Zach, I’m a city girl. How am I going to make it in a small town?”
“It’s not that bad. There’re a lot of outdoor things to do—I grew up in Pinewood Springs. Aspen is only forty miles away, and Denver’s a short three-hour drive, so if you’re dying for the city vibe, you can come home on the weekends.”
Ashley thrummed her fingers on the desk. “Why me? Chandra is fantastic and loves mountain towns; Maryann is a top-notch employee, and I’m pretty sure her uncle’s a contractor”—she pointed a manicured nail at him—“and there’s also Tyler. He loves mountain climbing.”
Zach shook his head. “You’re one of the best marketing people we have at Innovative. You know that. And you’re perfect for this job because you don’t put up with bullshit. You’re all work and no play. My friend’s a bit rough around the edges. Maryann wouldn’t last a week with him, Tyler isn’t a good fit, and Chandra would end up falling hard for the client.”
Ashley rolled her eyes. “Oh … please. Do you know how sexist that last remark was? Chandra’s a level-headed marketing pro.”
“I’m not disrespecting Chandra, but I know my friend. He’s a real ladies’ man—a charmer.” Leaning forward, he steepled his fingers and stared at her. “I know you’re all business and you’d get the job done. I wouldn’t be worried about you. I considered Tyler, but I think there would be too much friction. Daniel is rather … uh … unique. He doesn’t trust many people. Anyway, my understanding is that he’s out of the office working with his crew most of the time. Your interaction with him would be minimal.”
“Is this a done deal, or can I think about it?”
“You can think about it, but the partners and I hope you’ll see this as an opportunity toward adding your name to the firm.” Zach rose to his feet. “If you decide to take on the project, you can still work remotely on your current campaigns.”
“Not too much pressure, right?” She laughed dryly.
“In the end, it is your choice, Ashley. If you decide to take the project, I’d like you there in a week.”
Ashley watched as Zach walked out of the office, then she shook her head. He’s trying to blackmail me, and I won’t put up with it. There’s no way in hell I’m moving to some town in the mountains to deal with a cocky, womanizing jerk. I’ll give it a few days so Zach will think I considered the offer, then turn him down. And if I don’t make partner because of this, I’ll just have to find another firm. Ugh … Men! She swiveled the chair around, then turned back to her computer screen and began tapping at the keyboard.
“Are you still here?” Jeremy said as he poked his head into Ashley’s office.
She glanced up. “I have some work I need to finish before I leave. I’m trying to come up with a catchy slogan and interesting marketing plan for an otherwise dull product.” She chuckled.
“Not an easy feat,” Jeremy replied. “If you need to bounce some ideas off me, hit me up tomorrow.”
“I may take you up on the offer.”
He smiled. “My door’s always open. Zach told me about the Pinewood Springs campaign.”
“I told him I wanted to think about it. I’m so swamped right now. Besides, Zach doesn’t paint a flattering picture of his childhood buddy.”
Jeremy laughed. “No, he doesn’t. Don’t feel any pressure about it. If you don’t think you can do the job, it’s no big deal. Either Zach or I will step in.”
A slight prick of irritation wound its way around her nerves. “I know I can do the job, but it’s just a matter of timing.”
He nodded, then smiled at her. “Don’t work too late. I’ll see you in the morning.”
She stared into the hall until she heard the door slam shut, then looked away. Through the large window she watched the lights twinkling in Civic Park as well as the hotels and apartment buildings lining Broadway Street. To the left, the darting quicksilver of car lights was mesmerizing. Ashley shifted her eyes back to the computer screen and noticed that the time was already six thirty; she’d been at work for more than thirteen hours.
“No wonder my neck’s so stiff,” she muttered while moving her head from side to side. A low stomach rumble reminded her that she hadn’t eaten anything since that morning. Ashley straightened out her desk, switched off the computer, and stood up. The familiar squeak of the cleaning cart drifted down the hall. She gripped the handle of her briefcase and walked out of her office.
“Hi,” she said as she passed by the cleaning crew. The man and woman smiled and nodded at her, then the man pressed his foot down and the vacuum roared to life.
Ashley counted the seconds as she waited for the elevator that would take her to the parking garage. She was just about ready to take the stairs when the brass door opened. She stepped inside and pressed the button for the sixth floor.
The elevator jerked before stopping, then the doors slid open and Ashley ambled out. Stepping into the parking garage was like entering a deep freeze. She buttoned the top of her coat and hurried toward her black Buick Regal, but as she crossed the lot, she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her.
“You’re being paranoid,” she whispered under her breath. The call from the prosecutor that morning about Jeffery’s release still had her on edge. Taking a deep breath, she slowly let it out, willing herself to relax.
Then she heard the scrape of shoes against the concrete floor. Faint like a whisper, but there was no mistake—someone was there.
Don’t turn around! Ashley gripped the briefcase tighter and picked up her pace.
When a set of headlights switched on, she cried out, then laughed when the driver pulled out of a parking space and drove toward the exit ramp. Another person who worked late. Relief swept over her, and she started walking again toward her car. She didn’t get far before the same scraping noise from before echoed around her. Heart pumping, icy terror racing down her spine, she forced herself to keep moving.
Then it was quiet.
Ashley strained her ears to listen as the seconds ticked by.
Nothing.
Probably another false alarm. I need to stop parking so far away. I can hit the treadmill instead. Her heels clacked on the ground as she hurried forward.
Suddenly, heavy footsteps reverberated off the concrete walls.
Oh shit! Someone is here. She ran with long strides, her boots pounding the pavement, both elbows swinging at her side. For an instant, exhilaration surged through her, but then panic replaced it as a raspy breath from behind filled her ears.
She ran faster, gasping for air while blood pumped through her veins, yet the footfalls quickened. With each thump appearing closer, fear slashed within her as tears squeezed out of the corners of her eyes.
Pressing the keyless entry fob, the Buick’s headlights illuminated the dark corner of the garage. At the car, she flung open the door, jumped in, locked the doors, and started the engine. Ashley pulled out of the space and, with tires squealing, tore out of the parking garage. A person with baggy pants and a hoodie pulled down low ran after her. Cursing the winding ramps that led down to the street level, she gripped the steering wheel and concentrated on not crashing the car.
The stream of headlights on the street was a welcoming sight, and she quickly merged into traffic, putting more distance between herself and the garage.
By the time she secured a chair under the front door’s knob at her apartment, Ashley was a shaking mess of nerves. Rummaging through her purse, she fished out her phone and tapped in Dave Pettine’s number.
“He was in the parking garage. He wants to kill me,” she said when the deputy district attorney answered the phone.
“Calm down, Ashley. Are you in a safe place?”
“Yes—I’m at home, but Jeffery was in the parking garage at my workplace. He had to have been waiting for me. I knew he’d be after me. What am I going to do?” She rushed over to the window and looked down: The people and cars looked like miniatures in a staged street scene.