Nana's Biker Friend

by Trinity Blacio

  “We’ll find those responsible I promise. I’m really sorry about your dog.”

  “Thank you. I was never allowed to have any animals while I was married. The idiot hated animals. I hope you like animals because I want another dog.”

  “I love animals.” She knew he heard her when he squeezed her leg. He consulted with Radar for a few moments, but with the helmet on she couldn’t hear what they were saying.

  As Radar mounted his bike, at least twenty other motorcycles pulled up near them. “Don’t you think if we went out by ourselves it would be less obvious?” she asked.

  He pulled his helmet on and she heard his response through the speakers in hers. “I would do that if I was alone, but I won’t risk your life. No, we’ll go together. Maybe we can draw them out. We’re ready, though.” Two bikers pulled in front of them while two others fell in behind. Each one carried a rifle in his sidearm.

  When Alexander started their bike, excitement raced through her. Even though there was a big possibility of being attacked again, Maria was bound to have a great time.

  Chapter Eight

  Maria’s giggles lifted Alexander’s spirits as they pulled out of the garage. He was glad he could bring some laughter into her life even as he scanned all around him for danger. Nothing could make him happier than riding his favorite bike with his woman snuggled behind him. He hadn’t informed her there were over forty men surrounding them. Some of his father’s guards had arrived and even Alexander knew better than to say no since it would not make a difference.

  “I take it we are not being followed?” Maria asked as they roared onto the highway, headed toward her daughter’s house.

  “No. I got word the group we thought attacked you is on the run. Soon we’re hoping they will be caught. Are you warm enough?” he asked, reaching down and squeezing her leg.

  “I’m fine. It was in the eighties last time I checked. God, this is amazing, Alexander. It’s so freeing.” She sighed. “You know, I’d like to strangle my ex-husband. I’ve lived more in the past year than in the twenty I was with him.”

  “Well, that part of your life is over, and I promise to make each one of your days from now on adventurous and filled with loving.” In his heart, Alexander made a promise to surprise her every day.

  We will protect your treasure, I promise. Radar’s thoughts came through as clear as the spoken word.

  “So tell me how long have you and Radar known each other? Has he found his chosen one?” Maria asked.

  Almost as if he’d heard her, Rader turned his head towards them.

  “We’ve been best friends since we were little,” Alexander said. But, no, he hasn’t found his chosen one yet. Don’t think about it, little one. He will find his own woman.”

  “We’ll see. How about Trent or Mathew have they found their chosen ones?”

  “Please tell me you are not one of those females who try and set up her girlfriends with everyone,” he teased.

  “Hey, everyone needs someone, ya know,” she sang, teasing him right back as he exited the highway and headed toward Cain’s family property. Pulling onto the private drive, he watched the huge gates open up for them.

  “Nice set-up. Right in the city, he has his own forest and security.” He pointed. Wolves ran beside their bikes as they rolled up in front of Cain’s house. The front door opened and Cain stepped out, holding a small child.

  “That’s Brian, one of my grandsons. He’s such a smart little boy.” Maria climbed off the bike, took her helmet off, and shook her hair free.

  “Nana!” the little boy jumped from Cain’s arms and ran to Maria who scooped him up.

  “How’s my bud? Have you been good for your mommy and daddy?” She nuzzled the boy’s neck as she carried him over to Alexander. He hung his helmet on the handlebars, liking that his woman was so great with kids, imagining her with theirs. “Brian, this is Nana’s friend Alexander. You’re going to be seeing a lot of him, so be nice.” Maria set the boy down.

  He scrutinized him. “Is he going to marry you? Because I like bikes.” The boy started to climb up his legs and Alexander laughed.

  “Yes, I’m going to marry your nana, and when your daddy says it’s okay, we’ll give you a little ride.” He grinned as the boy howled and hugged him tight.

  “Just had to corrupt my son, didn’t you?” Cain came over with Tara and another man. “Alexander, I’d like you to meet my Uncle Thomas, who found out about Grangers. He was giving me an update. Why don’t you come in and I’ll fill you in on what we have learned so far.”

  Alexander handed the boy to Cain and shook Thomas’s then watched in mild surprise as Thomas stepped around him and swung his woman up into a bear hug. “Damn, woman, you’re beautiful! If I’d known you clean up so well, I would have been sniffing around your door long time ago, but, once again, I’m too late,” he said, setting her back on her feet. “Take good care of this one. She has a heart of gold. Maria here saved my granddaughter last summer in the pool. We owe her a lot.”

  “She will be treasured each and every day, wanting nothing. That I can promise,” Alexander announced. Alexander tugged her to his side and kissed the side of her head. He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “I don’t like seeing others touch you, Maria.” Alexander nipped her ear to make her laugh, when all he wanted to do was rip the guy’s head off.

  “You poor thing. I’m sure you’ll get over it.” Maria patted his stomach like he was a child.

  “Honey, I’m ten times your age, and if you ever pat my tummy again, I’m going to….” He reached under her arms and started to tickle her.

  She jumped, screaming and squirming away, but he cornered her against the wall of the house. “I meant it, Maria. I’m a very jealous man when it comes to you. Please give me a little leeway here if I act like a caveman sometimes.” He nuzzled her and stepped back to see Tara smiling at him.

  “Thank you. I know you’ll keep her safe and happy.” She stood on her tippy toes and kissed his cheek, earning a growl from her husband.

  “He’s not the only one who’s jealous. There is no reason for you to be kissing him,” Cain snarled and pulled her away.

  Tara laughed and slapped at him. “He’s going to be your father-in-law if they get married.” She squealed when he pinched her ass.

  “Hmm, father-in-law, never thought of it that way. Well, tell me, Dad,” Cain said grinning from ear to ear, “when are you two plan on making it official? I heard your folks were coming into town.”

  Alexander groaned. “Yes, as soon as they heard someone had put a hit out on Maria, Father insisted on coming and bringing extra guards. Of course he brought Nella with him, too.”

  “Shit! Has he released him?” Cain asked glancing at his uncle who also frowned.

  “No, but there are no promises. If they try again…. You know my father, Cain, he does not ask questions.” Maria went stiff in his arms.

  “What or who is Nella?”

  Cain and Thomas laughed with him and Radar. “Little one, Nella is nothing for you to worry about. Why don’t you go with Tara and your grandson while we chat? We won’t be here long. I’m afraid we need to be back at the hotel before five if we’re going to change before meeting my folks for dinner.”

  “Don’t think I know you are ignoring my questions. You will answer them later.” Maria faced her daughter. “I swear, I never thought I would be meeting another set of potential in-laws in my lifetime. I’m too old for this crap.”

  “Ohh, Nana, that’s bad. Don’t say that or Daddy spanks.” Brian peeked at his father whose lips quirked.

  “That’s right, Nana, no cussing or I’ll have your future husband bend you over his knee,” Cain said, a little of his alpha voice coming out.

  “Cain, stop that! You know I hate when you do that voice thing, dropping his tone till it sent a chill up her spine.” She reached over and ruffled her grandson’s hair. “Well, okay, I’ll be good.”

  “Don’t worry, Maria. I’ll take care
of you.” Alexander pinched her cheek before following Cain and his men into the house. “Radar, come on, you need to hear this also. Trent, inform the men we’ll be leaving in a few minutes. Next stop, the river.”

  As they filed into an office, Radar took a seat to Alexander’s left, Thomas on his right, while Cain sat behind the desk. Any levity was left outside and the tension in the room was palpable.

  He began. “Cain, you know how my father works. He’s been quiet for a long time. I think he’s been waiting till I found my chosen one. Now that I have, who knows. But he won’t allow anyone one to touch his family, and the fact they have tried twice—”

  “Hence, the Nella. Do you know how many he killed the last time he was let loose? Mind you, I know they were dirt bags, but that kind of press in my city?” Cain shook his head.

  His uncle shrugged. “There is nothing you can do, Cain. The Nella would at least purge our city of some bad elements, which would be nice, since the police need all the help they can get. I’m surprised he agreed to come with your father. The last time the two of those got together was, well, frightening, to say the least.” Thomas stretched his legs out in front of him. “By the way, Grangers was seen at the hotel after you left. The woman who helped Maria—she’s dead.”

  “What?” Maria screamed and he cursed under his breath. He should have seen her lingering in the doorway. “No! Alexander, please tell me she’s okay?”

  Chapter Nine

  Maria sat at Tara’s kitchen table and shook her head. “Why? All she did was help me.” She sucked in her breath and jumped to her feet. “My purse. I need my purse.” Maria ran for the door, but Alexander wrapped his arm around her and held her.

  “Radar, grab her purse. He carried her back to the table and sat down with her in his lap.

  “Doug and Sandy,” she whispered, staring into Tara’s face.

  Tara jumped up grabbing at her husband’s shirt. “You still have the guards on my brother right? We have to save Sandy. She’s been through too much already. Cain?”

  “I’m not waiting. If they haven’t gotten her yet, I can’t take the chance.” Maria shoved her chair out of the way. “Tara, can I use the Hummer. It’s big enough we can have her lie down in the back, if she needs to, and bring some of her things. Plus, I’m sure the hotel bed will be more comfortable than that ratty thing she sleeps on anyway.”

  “Of course you can borrow it.” Tara got up and started to dig in her purse.

  “Stop both of you. Doug is well protected.” Cain hugged his wife and took her purse off of her shoulder and set it back onto the counter. “You two are going to stay right here while Alexander and I go for Sandy.”

  “Our trip to the river will have to wait, Maria. I’m sorry, but I won’t risk you. As soon as we have your friend, we’ll swing by here and pick you up.” He kissed her cheek and swung around to leave, but she was already grabbing his arm.

  “Cain, she’s only met you once. She’s stubborn and very sick. Please be careful with her and make sure she has all her meds. Everything else we can get. Alex, be careful.” She reached up and kissed him softly.

  “Alex?” He laughed at her. “I’ll bring your friend back safe.” He placed his hands on her cheeks, holding her. “I’m so sorry.” With that, he kissed her hard and quick before releasing her. “Radar, stay here with the women. I’ll send in Trent and Mathews. Half the team will surround the grounds, while the rest come with us.” He issued orders as the front door closed behind them.

  She plopped down into the chair he had been sitting in. “Tara, I don’t know how you deal with all this, but the last six hours have drained me. I’m too old for this crap, and to think he wants me to start over.”

  Radar placed her purse on the table in front of her.

  “I’m really his chosen one?” she asked, hunting for her cell.

  “Yes, you’re his. Don’t worry. He’ll take care of you,” Radar said.

  “I don’t need anyone to take care of me. “ She punched in Sandy’s number and held her breath, waiting to see if she would answer, praying she would.

  After the third ring, Maria got up and started to pace. “Come on, Sandy, please pick up.” On the fifth ring the answering machine clicked on. At once, Maria hung up and tried to hold back the tears.

  “She’s fine. They didn’t get to her.” Tara had tears rolling down her cheeks.

  “Damn it. You two stop it.” Radar looked at Thomas, who shook his head.

  She dialed the number through watery tears. “Please, Sandy, answer,” she whispered as the telephone started to ring again.

  “Damn it, Maria. I was sound asleep. What the hell is so important that you had to wake me.” Her friend sighed.

  “Cain is on his way to you. Pack a bag. Do not forget your meds. You will be staying at the MGM with me. I’m sorry, Sandy, but I have some psycho after me, killing people everywhere I go, and I can’t lose you, too.” Maria heard the pounding on her friend’s door, as someone tried to break it down. It was too soon. There was no way for Alexander and his men to make it there so fast.

  “Don’t answer it. Listen to me, Sandy. Don’t say a word. Grab your key to Mr. Lance’s apartment next door, if you have it handy. Go to your bedroom window. Climb out of it and head to his place and stay there. But don’t hang up.”

  Sandy whimpered, but Maria could hear her climbing out of the window.

  “They’ll be at your friend’s house in five minutes,” Radar said.

  After an endless minute, Sandy spoke again. I’m inside. I don’t think anyone saw me—I even shut my bedroom window, so they wouldn’t think I went out that way. You know I like adventure and all, but this is a little much, girlfriend.” Sandy gave a weak chuckle, but Maria heard the worry in her voice.

  She felt terrible. “I know, and I’m so sorry, but wait till you get to the MGM. I’ll make sure you get one of those fancy massages. Maybe we can do it together. Maybe we can get some hunks to rub us down, but I don’t think Alexander is going allow it.” She needed to keep her friend calm until the good guys got there. She’d never seen any of this coming when she met Tara for coffee that morning.

  “Crap! Someone is walking around my apartment, Maria.” Sandy’s breathing sounded labored. All this stress couldn’t be good for someone undergoing cancer treatment. “Wait, he’s running toward the door.” Sandy sighed.

  “Most likely Cain and Alexander are there. Don’t move. They’ll come for you. I’m sure Radar has informed them where you are.” Maria sat back down in the chair and took a deep breath.

  “So who is this Alexander? Is he the one who gave you the orgasm this morning, and do you know why these people are trying to kill everyone associated with you?” Sandy asked, her voice a little bit more relaxed.

  She laughed. “Yes, he’s the same man that I was talking about this morning. He says I’m his chosen one. Do you believe that? Anyway, ever since people found out about it, things have been happening. They tried to shoot me on my way from your house earlier then they killed my dog.” Her eyes filled with tears as the realization sank in. Poor Ecstasy.

  “O, my God, Maria. I’m so sorry. I know how much your mutt meant to you. Are you okay? And what the hell is a chosen one? Is this guy like Cain?” Sandy rattled off the questions without pausing for breath.

  “I’ll explain, but first let’s get somewhere safe, shall we?” Maria patted her daughter’s hand as Tara put a bottle of sweet tea next to her. Thanks, she mouthed.

  “Okay. Cain is here. I’ll see you in a few minutes and, yes, I know, meds,” Sandy said and hung up the phone.

  “Again, Tara, how do you deal with all of this?” Maria scrubbed her hands over her face. “Really, a few hours and I’m ready to pull my hair out.”

  “One day at a time, Mom. That is all you can do. At the end of the night, it’s just you and your family so it’s well worth it. So, are you going to stay here, or are you going to go back to Alexander’s home?” Tara took a sip of her tea, glanci
ng over at Brian, who was coloring next to them.

  “I hate the thought of moving away from you two, but I do need to have my house cleaned.” She shivered. “There was so much….”

  “Don’t think about it. It’s already being cleaned. The items not destroyed are being packed and sent to Alexander’s home,” Radar stated as Trent and Mathew came into the kitchen. “We need to get ready. As soon as they roll into the drive, Alexander wants us to be ready to leave. Maria, you will be riding in the car with your friend. Alexander’s father has found out about the latest attack and he is ordering the Nella released as soon as we are all safe in the hotel.”

  Chapter Ten

  As soon as they pulled into the driveway, Maria came running out of the house. Alexander sighed as Cain laughed.

  “It took me over a year before Tara stopped running out of the house.”

  “Great.” He grinned opening the door and sweeping her up in his arms. “You, lady, are a pain. You have to allow your guards to exit any building first, Maria. What if someone was outside, waiting for you? It would have been too late for them to help you.” He hugged her tight, before stepping back. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Yes, and if the person wanted me so bad, they would have waited till I came out anyway.” She peeked at his bike, but he shook his head.

  “There will be plenty of time for riding, but I want you with your friend, safe. I’ll be right in front of the car, hop in.” Alexander nodded to Cain behind the wheel of the Hummer. “Thank you for this.”

  Alexander shut the door and climbed on his bike. Rader held out his helmet all the while staring at the car.

  “Is the woman okay? I can’t get much from her, but I smelled the hospital when you opened the door.” Radar started his bike at the same time he did.

  “She’s in stage three of the human cancer. I’ll let Maria explain what we are then offer to bring her over. I have a feeling Sandy does not have much time left if something drastic doesn’t happen, and Maria has lost too much all ready.” Alexander pulled around the car and headed toward the hotel and his parents.