He looked at me and a slow grin spread across his face before he let out a booming laugh.
There was nothing like Ryker’s laugh and I hadn’t heard it in so long, I wanted to bottle it.
“You think?” He shook his head, still chuckling as he stood up, tossing his trash in the bin to our left. I followed suit. “Ready?” he asked with a raised brow.
“Yep.” I nodded.
“Can you borrow your dad’s car for a day or two while I get yours sorted?” he asked after he’d pulled up to my house, his engine still running.
“I’m sure.” I nodded, handing him my helmet.
We stared at each other for a few seconds. “Thanks, Ry,” I offered.
“You’re welcome,” he replied. “See ya.”
With that he was gone and I was left with a mix of hope and confusion as I watched him disappear around the bend.
****
I was back at the store the following afternoon. This was after a shift at the day care and after I’d picked the dogs up from home. Dad had been holed up in his room as per usual.
I was grateful to be busy as I shifted through the endless boxes. I had no idea what my mom had been thinking when she’d bought some of the stuff. I wrinkled my nose as I pulled a doll down from the shelf that could only be described as terrifying. Its eyes seemed to follow me everywhere, and rather than try to figure out how to sell it I simply chucked it toward the rear exit with a shiver.
But amongst the terrifying dolls and few candles, which smelled like a nursing home, there were treasures. Beautiful bags, scarves that never went out of style, ponchos that had ironically come back into style since they’d been sitting in the back room. Despite a few exceptions, my mom had amazing taste.
I looked up from my work when the dogs started to go crazy, growling and barking wildly until their noises turned toward whimpers of excitement. If Roxie peed on the floor again I was going to be seriously pissed.
“Piper?” Ettie’s voice called.
“Hey,” I greeted in surprise, coming out from the back room and finding not only Ettie, but Connie, Sophie, and Scarlet too.
“You mentioned you were going to be here, we figured we’d pop in. I hope that’s okay?” Ettie asked, as the dogs hopped in excitement around the four of them. “We brought coffee,” she added with a smile, extending the cup she held.
“Thanks.” I smiled, hauling the dogs back by their collars. “I’m glad you stopped by,” I assured them sincerely.
“They’re so cute. I should bring Chief over to play,” Scarlet said with a warm smile, kneeling to pet Roxie and Tank. I’d heard about her and Cole’s giant bullmastiff.
“Totally,” I agreed.
“Need any help?” Ettie asked, looking around the cluttered space.
A short laugh escaped me. “With life or the store?”
“We’re a full service operation,” Scarlet replied, without missing a beat.
I laughed as they followed me into the back.
“So you survived Vegas,” Ettie ventured, after they’d settled in.
“Barely,” I muttered dryly. “I’m sorry for hanging up on you the way I did—I had no idea…” I shook my head, trailing off.
“I know, I should have been clearer,” she reassured me.
“I was at the club when she called Ry,” Sophie informed me, cocking her head toward Ettie. “I’ve never seen him like that. We’ve all just seen the goofy side of Ry. But when it comes to you the alpha comes out in a big way.” She grinned.
I blushed, not sure what to do with that information.
“He was barking orders at everyone, ready to come to blows with Cole when he tried to slow him down.”
“Geez,” I muttered.
“Glad it worked out,” Scarlet said, as she raised a scarf up out of a box to admire it.
“We cleared the air a bit,” I admitted.
“Oh yeah?” Ettie asked.
I nodded. “I don’t know if he’ll ever forgive me, but I think he at least heard me. That’s something.”
“Why did you leave, Piper?” Sophie asked, curious, her tone gentle as she watched me with her big brown eyes. Though she was married to Axel and knew all about their upbringing, I wasn’t sure how much of my history she knew.
I blew out a breath. “Because I didn’t want Ryker to have to grow up before his time. I didn’t want him living with my burdens. He’d already had enough of his own.” I looked at Sophie. “Axel may have mentioned it, but I’ve known Ry since we were in second grade. I started sneaking him into my house to protect him. I think you know his dad used to beat the shit out of him—out of both of them,” I explained as she nodded sadly. “He was my best friend for years before we got old enough to realize we loved each other; real, unwavering love.” I sighed reverently. “I’d like to think I knew better than anyone what his dreams were. But once my mom got sick, the store started to struggle, and my dad withdrew, he set them all aside—for me. I couldn’t let him do that.” I shook my head, as they all stared at me with big eyes. “I wanted more for him. So I stepped aside. I forced it when maybe I shouldn’t have.”
“Damn,” Connie murmured.
“Yeah,” I agreed.
“And he knows this?” Scarlet pressed.
“Now I think he does,” I replied. “What happens next is anyone’s guess.”
“Well, the fact that I haven’t seen him even glance at another girl since you’ve been back in town speaks volumes.” Ettie winked.
I scoffed. “I seriously doubt that.”
“I wouldn’t doubt it.” Connie laughed. “She’s totally right and no offense, honey, but Ry wasn’t known to be discreet. It’s a noticeable change.”
I shrugged, trying to ignore the bloom of hope sprouting in my chest.
“All right, we gotta jam,” Connie announced after a time.
“Thanks for the help and the pep talk,” I replied, following them out.
“Anytime, we’re here, Pipe,” Ettie said firmly, wrapping an arm around my waist. “Damn, you’re tiny. Next time I’m bringing you a full-fat mocha with extra whip.”
“You should,” I agreed, knowing I needed to put some weight back on. “Haven’t had much of an appetite,” I admitted.
“I get it,” she replied softly. “We’re here,” she reiterated.
“I know.” I squeezed her briefly before letting go. The other girls delivered quick hugs and similar sentiments.
I drove home feeling that familiar dread creep over me at facing another night in a lifeless house. The dogs helped keep me company, but even their demeanor changed whenever we stepped inside.
When we pulled up I was shocked to see my Subaru parked in the driveway with Ry leaning against it.
“Hey,” he greeted as the dogs catapulted from my dad’s car to greet him.
“Hey. Thank you for bringing my car back. I don’t even want to ask what you had to do.” I smiled hesitantly.
“Not a big deal, let’s go inside.” He cocked his head toward the dark house.
“You’re coming in?” I asked, perplexed, as he grabbed a bag from the car and began to lead the way.
“Yep, brought dinner. Figured we’d try to get your dad to join us for a little while.”
His casual words belied the deeper meaning underneath. He was ready to make a truce and in typical Ryker fashion, he was going to do that while helping me at the same time.
“I’d like that,” I murmured, following him inside.
“Is he here?” he asked, perplexed as to why no lights were on inside.
I reached over and flicked on the hall light. “Yep.” I sighed, my eyes pointed up the stairwell to where my dad no doubt lay in his dark room.
I felt Ryker’s gaze on me as I walked back to the kitchen, flicking lights on as I went, the dogs’ collars jangling as they followed.
My heart surged when he opened the silverware drawer and grabbed us glasses from the cupboard, navigating the kitchen with a familiarity tha
t spoke volumes.
“Let me try,” Ry suggested softly, after I’d tried unsuccessfully to get my dad to come down for dinner.
After a brief moment of hesitation I nodded. Whatever got him out of that room.
He was gone for a while but he returned alone.
“Shit, Pipe,” he muttered, coming to sit next to me on the couch and reaching for the food.
“Yeah, it’s bad,” I agreed. “I don’t know what to do,” I added, the words nearly painful to admit. “Did you go in?”
He nodded grimly, but didn’t elaborate.
“What’s good?” He jutted his chin toward the TV as he speared an egg roll.
I shrugged, flipping through the channels until I groaned, knowing I was in for it.
“Stop! Was that Cheers?” he demanded, pointing his fork at the TV.
“Yes,” I grumbled. I’d been subjected to countless hours of it through the years. I’d never understand why Ry liked it so much.
“Come on,” he coaxed, and for the first time since I’d been home, shot his trademark grin at me, dimples and all.
How could I say no?
“Fine,” I agreed. “Just one,” I added. “I’m not watching a marathon of Cheers. I’ve already done that with you more times than I can count, and I hate this show.” I shook my head with a smile.
“Yeah, like I didn’t have to sit through the entire series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” he shot back. “Twice.”
“You liked it!” I exclaimed, slapping his arm.
“I didn’t hate it,” he allowed.
I burst out laughing.
For the next three days, Ryker was in the driveway when I got home. He brought dinner and we’d watch a movie or TV. Each night he’d go up to my dad’s room and come back down with the same grim expression.
I’d started researching depression and had talked to Jill about resources the hospital might provide. Something had to give.
“You want to roll over to Scar and Cole’s tomorrow night?” he asked, his tone casual as we sat on opposite sides of the couch watching a movie.
I tried desperately to take the invite at face value and not overthink it. “Sure,” I replied, after I found my voice.
“Cool.” He rose, grabbing his cut off the chair. “I’m headed out. I’ll pick you up around eight.”
“Okay,” I agreed, knowing my eyes were wide with surprise as he gave me a chin lift and left the room.
When I got ready the next evening, I felt a new kind of thrill. Ryker and I had been spending a lot of time together, but this felt different. This felt like… possibility.
When I heard a bike rumble from off in the distance, drawing closer with every second, it was as though my heart was tied to the engine, beating harder as the engine rumbled loudly before cutting out.
He was here.
I smoothed a hand nervously over my shirt, hoping I was dressed okay. I’d opted for tight black jeans, boots, and a vintage Misfits t-shirt that was surprisingly flattering. I grabbed my leather jacket and ran down the steps.
“Hi,” I greeted him breathlessly at the front door.
He did a body sweep, seeming to like what he saw before he held out a helmet in my direction.
“Hang on tight,” he muttered, as I swung up behind him.
I leaned over, holding his leather-clad torso as tightly as I could. His hand moved over mine, squeezing once before we rocketed from the curb. That simple gesture made my heart pound harder than something far more intimate with any other man ever had.
It was a quick ride to Cole and Scarlet’s and I found myself disappointed that it was over so quickly.
The house was filled with voices, music, and laughter when we stepped in.
“You came!” Ettie greeted me almost immediately, her curls bouncing with exuberance as she embraced me. “And with Ry,” she whispered conspiratorially in my ear.
“It’s true,” I admitted, as she pulled me away from Ry and deeper into the room and through to the kitchen.
“Do I need to put him in the garage?” Scarlet asked, moving into the kitchen, her barely-there belly poking out through her top.
“No, I think he can stay.” I laughed, as a baby squealed from somewhere. It was controlled chaos in their home, with kids squawking, Cole and Scarlet’s giant bullmastiff making the rounds, and rowdy bikers having a good time.
“We need a bigger place,” Scarlet muttered, seeming to read my train of thought.
“Will your daughter be able to sleep through this?” I asked in disbelief. Grace or “Gracie” was toddling around with Chief at her side.
Scarlet nodded. “She can sleep through anything. Sophie and Axel aren’t so lucky with Maddox. They’ll probably take him home soon.”
I nodded absently. I worked with kids but having one was way off my radar.
“Who invited the tramps?” Connie demanded, more to herself than anyone else, as she joined us in the kitchen.
“Uh, not me,” Scarlet retorted in irritation, as three platinum blondes strode into the house. “Cole had better take care of that before my hormones hurt someone.”
I watched in morbid fascination as one of the women wandered over to Ryker and with far too much familiarity ran her hand through his hair.
It was little comfort that he swatted her hand away and moved out of her reach.
This went on a while.
Though he didn’t reciprocate the advances of the many girls who tried, I realized with crushing clarity that tonight had been nothing more than him offering me a ride. He’d stayed on the opposite side of the room since we’d arrived, and I wanted to kick myself for getting my hopes up.
“I need some air,” I muttered to no one in particular.
I sat on the front stoop, listening to the raucous noise behind me. When the door opened and a big body sat down next to me, it took me a second to realize who it was.
“Hey, Pipe,” Axel’s deep voice greeted me.
“Hi, Ax,” I murmured.
We sat in silence for a moment. Though Axel and I had never been necessarily close, we’d always had the same mutual interest.
Ryker.
“Congratulations on getting married and Maddox. He’s beautiful,” I said, after a time.
“Thanks,” he replied. “One on the way too,” he added.
“I heard.” I smiled, scarcely believing that the formidable Axel Black was about to be a daddy of two.
“Why are you out here alone?” he asked. “If it’s because of those blondes, trust me, they aren’t anything to waste your time on,” he scoffed.
I shrugged, unable to speak.
“You missin’ her?” he asked, perceptively.
I nodded, biting my lip. Though my mother was always on my mind, there were times where the loss loomed, unexpectedly and as overwhelming as though it were a living thing. I missed her hugs so much, and at a time like this I really needed one.
He clasped his giant hands against his knees and sighed. “I don’t doubt it. That woman had brass like I’ve never seen,” he marveled with a fond chuckle. “Did you know she came to our house? It was years ago. Must have been the first time she saw Ry with bruises. She shoved my pop, I never thought I’d see the day. I think he was so shocked he couldn’t even react,” he went on, lost in memory. “I thought she was the bravest lady I’d ever met. I still do—next to my wife.”
That was so kind of him to say, and I had no doubt he meant it. The Black brothers didn’t say things they didn’t mean.
“I didn’t know that, but I’m not surprised.” I laughed through newly formed tears. “She was never afraid of anything. Not your dad. Not the raccoon family living in our basement that she had to get rid of when my dad was out of town.” I grinned at the memory.
Axel chuckled. “I can picture it.” He nodded as the front door opened and Connie poked her head out.
“There you are.” She smiled in my direction. “You want to come in? The girls want to hang.”
; “Go on, have fun,” Axel nudged, rising and offering me a hand up.
“Thanks, Ax,” I murmured.
“Anytime,” he grumbled, moving inside, no doubt to find his wife.
And so I found myself holed up in Cole and Scarlet’s room with Connie, Scarlet, and Ettie.
“Not that I’ve been back in town long, but it seems like there are a lot of unfamiliar faces out there,” I commented, grabbing a beer from the six-pack we’d commandeered.
“The boys are recruiting.” Connie shrugged from her spot on the bed.
“Recruiting?” I asked, with a wrinkled brow.
“They’re always recruiting but especially now with everything going on—there’s power in numbers,” she explained. “And recruiting means skanks,” she explained, matter-of-factly. “Almost all of the patched guys are spoken for.”
“Damn right,” Scarlet cut in.
“Prospects want pussy,” Connie continued.
“Sure, who doesn’t?” I responded dryly, making the girls laugh. “Is this because of all that stuff with the Black Riders?” I guessed.
“Yeah.” She continued, “They’ve been making moves against us for a while now. Sophie’s dad got mixed up with them—he ended up dead.”
“Oh my God!” I exclaimed, horrified.
“He was a bad dude,” she explained. “At first our guys thought maybe he got killed because he owed them money. It looks more and more like it was to send a message. Now they want our territory. The guys won’t say for what.”
“Shit,” I breathed, taking another drink as a shrill laugh filled the air. Everyone had moved outside and Scar and Cole’s room led straight to the backyard.
“Better go make sure no one steps out of line,” Scar muttered, rising.
“Yeah, okay preggo, go tell ’em who’s boss,” Connie teased.
“They already know,” Scarlet replied confidently.
I had no doubt that was true.
We wandered to their large backyard as I surveyed the scene warily. The amount of bottled blonde had grown since we’d been having our little pow-wow. Luckily for them, Wes, Cole, and Mack were all off to the side, steering clear and seemingly minding their own business.
Ryker on the other hand was knee-deep in skank. He stood near the guys but had a very enthusiastic blonde on his arm trying desperately to get her tongue on his neck. The rational side of my brain saw that he wasn’t reciprocating. He actually seemed to be trying to carry on a conversation with a prospect I’d met briefly while simultaneously pushing her off.
Ryker (The Ride #4) Page 5