by M. Merin
She’s reaching her hand towards me and I realize I’ve stopped to stare at her. “Good to meet you, Flint. Come on in.”
She grips my hand firmly and gives me a half smile, showing front teeth that slightly overlap. “I’m so sorry I can’t offer you a seat! I do have coffee though?”
Looking around, there is nothing in the room but a coffee table and piles of books. “When did you move in?”
“Officially, yesterday after we came back from the cabin. Gunner is responsible for my two pieces of furniture, but I ordered a couch and chair today and would love to have you and Bree over for dinner soon. I’m a reasonably good cook.” She timidly smiles up at me and I realize she’s nervous about my visit.
I nod, I’ll let Bree handle that. “You’re smaller than I expected.” I can just imagine what that other piece of furniture is.
“I get that a lot. My Gram and mother have like five inches on me.” She snorts, waving a hand into the air.
I nod again, not even sure why I mentioned it. She hands me a cup of coffee, indicating sugar and milk.
Leaning against the counter, I start; “As you can guess, I’m trying to wrap my head around a Maddock throwing over her life for a biker.”
She narrows her eyes at me and says, “He is more than that silly label, as I expect you know.”
“But how do you? You’ve spent, what four days with him? What about the life you had? This life we lead, it affects those around us; don’t fucking kid yourself that it won’t.” I say slowly after taking a big gulp of coffee.
“What do you know about the life I had?” Red is creeping up her neck, but she isn’t backing down. Well, I suppose if she can stand up to Gunner she won’t back down from me either.
“Well, then, the life you could have?” I shrug, dismissing her anger. Thinking that the best way of protecting her might be to run her off.
“I’ve waited long enough to be out from under my parents’ control. Before meeting Gunner, I had planned to transfer out of state. This way, I can still be a part of my Gram’s life and in a region I love. With a man I love.”
“What happens when he has one too many drinks one night and fucks some easy snatch?” I raise an eyebrow at her, just gauging her responses now.
“He won’t.” She looks ready to do battle.
Riley
“Has Gunner ever broken his word to you?” I continue, wanting to smack this man. Letting the silence draw out, he finally shakes his head. “Then why do you think his word to me is worthless?”
“It’s the life, Princess. One way or another, it gets to us all.” Flint finishes his coffee. “I best be getting back to Bree. Think about it good and hard.”
I watch him leave in silence. What can I say to this man who’s known Gunner for so many years? I lock the door, hit the lights and wander back to the bedroom. Crawling into the space Gunner slept in last night, I will myself not to cry until I finally fall asleep.
Chapter 17
Riley
The next day I’m on autopilot. Breakfast, classes, lunch then the library. Leaving later than I planned, I get to the parking lot, only to wander around in a circle. My SUV is gone. I dig out my phone to call campus security, only to notice a text from my mom telling me where to meet their driver when I’m ready to leave campus.
Fuck. They’re back and they took back the car they bought me. Taking deep breaths I head back to the warmth of the student center. I need to think. Their driver will only take me to their house. I’ll be a virtual prisoner. I can call Flint or Connal, but that still leaves me without transportation in the coming days. Gram is my only option.
Fighting back tears, I dial her. No answer, so I try her cell. Straight to voicemail. I consider this a bit of an emergency, so I call her driver, Rogers.
Success! “Rogers! I’m so happy you answered.”
“Of course, Miss Riley. Your grandmother is unavailable right now, may I assist you?”
“Please. Long story, but I no longer have a vehicle and I’m stranded on campus. Can you possibly come get me?” Silence stretches out so I’m forced to repeat his name, in case the call was dropped.
“Your parents are here, Miss Riley. From the volume of their voices, it seems unpleasant and I would prefer to stay nearby. Perhaps if you could take a taxi and I can meet you in town with the fare?”
“Is she alright?”
“Yes, Miss Riley. It’s merely your parents. How about if I run over to your apartment and leave the money in an envelope inside the downstairs door?” He suggests.
“Thank you so much, Rogers! I will come by in the morning.”
“Good evening, Miss Riley. I’ll let your grandmother know to expect you.”
Walking down to the security gate, I ask them to get a cab for me. While there are raised eyebrows, I’m shown a warm place to stay and before long I’m heading back to my apartment. Finding the money, as Rogers promised; I’m soon home. My own home; albeit an empty one.
Knowing I won’t be able to reach Gunner and calling Gram this late, especially after any earlier upset she might have had; would be selfish. I hesitate a moment and call Bree.
Going straight to her voicemail, I decide to leave her one; more out of a need to speak than anything else. “Bree. It’s Riley. You may be working late. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t bother you, just wanted to hear a friendly voice. Um, no need to call back.”
Feeling like an idiot, I decide to wait until the morning and text Connal, he may know of an inexpensive car I can buy. Making some hot chocolate and heading to bed, my phone rings.
“Riley, you ok, Hon?” I’m so relieved to hear Bree’s voice, I almost start crying.
“Bree, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have…”
“No. I meant to call you earlier, Flint shouldn’t have said what he did and I already gave him an earful.”
“Oh, no, it’s just I was at school and the library then I came out and my parents had taken my SUV. They left a driver behind for me but I ended up in a cab. I was scared they wouldn’t let me out of the house. I’m sure I’m just being paranoid, but…” I can’t stop babbling.
“Shit! Riley, are you at your apartment? Is anyone with you?” She asks, instantly concerned.
“I’m here alone.”
“Can I bring my dog? I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” I’m so relieved to hear her suggest this but hate feeling so needy.
“I don’t have any furniture, just a bed. And nothing for a dog to eat.” I can’t help my ragged breath right now.
“I’ll be there soon. Don’t you worry; we’ll have a girls’ night. I’ll call you from outside so you know it’s me.”
True to her word, Bree is at my place twenty minutes later. A beautiful dog is bounding up the stairs ahead of her. “His name is Ragnar, ok if he just explores a bit?” I laugh, as Ragnar runs all around then circles back between us.
She comes in, dropping a duffle bag near the door and moves to place another bag on the kitchen counter. “This place is darling! Can I leave Ragnar’s food up here? He’ll get into it otherwise.”
I nod and walk over to hug her. “Thank you for coming, I know you were busy. I didn’t have anyone else to call right now.”
“Shush! It was nothing. Now I said a girls’ night. Do you have some towels that we can use to make a bed for Ragnar? I forgot his pad. I’ll make popcorn, I managed to remember that, and I brought a bottle of wine. Let’s get this all figured out.” She soothes me.
I move to make preparations for Ragnar, while she handles the other items. Changing into her pajamas, as I’m already in sweats for the night; we sit across from each other on the bed and I unload. I know she’s at least twenty years older than me, but she’s amazing. She listens, she keeps me on track, and then she weighs in. As I start to calm down, I realize I basically know nothing about her.
“Bree, can I ask, where are you from? Do you have children? I feel so bad to just throw all of this at you.” I take a deep breath and a calming sip of
wine.
“I’ve lived lots of places. I wasn’t lucky enough to have a child, but I’m really, really good at being an Aunt. I was married a bit later in life and before I knew it he was taken from me. I wound up here last summer and met Flint. Who’s a force of nature in his own right.” She smiles at me and I can see the love that she has for him reflected on her face.
“Flint was pretty, um, intense, the other night.”
“He was kind of an ass to you; let’s just put that out there.” It must be the wine, but I start giggling. “I hadn’t arrived here prior to you and Gunner originally meeting; but let me say, I’ve never seen him with another woman. Not that I’m around the clubhouse, or him, twenty-four-seven, but the guys would heckle him about his ‘monk’ status. Hell, if he cheats on you; I’ll help you plot his demise.”
We both start laughing. As it’s getting late, we lie down; Bree promises to drive me back and forth to school the next day; I’m too tired to argue.
Gunner
All in all, the run went smoothly. I hate dealing with the crew from California, but the weather seems to have kept all the wolves and pigs at bay. I was watching my phone, worried about any news from Riley and the guys; but all seems quiet.
Pulling into the clubhouse, I’m anxious to get the briefing with Jas over with and get home. Sitting in a corner with Jake, Connal signals me immediately, but Vice motions for me to join him in the office. As the low man on the run, Royce hits the bar. Vice and I let Jas know the score and get a timeline for the next deal. Connal and Hawk are next up, and we debate sending the Probie with them.
Jas finally looks at me and tells me that Connal is waiting to talk to me, gladly taking my dismissal I head out to the bar to talk to him.
“You’re going to want this,” It’s not the best start when he has to give me whiskey before the news. I accept it and raise an eyebrow so he’ll get started. “Turns out her parents arrived the day you left. They reclaimed her SUV the next day,” He fills me in on Riley’s week and I signal for another drink. “…so she called Bree.”
“Good.”
“Yeah, Bree went straight there and spent the night. Riley called me in morning, and I set her up with the loaner car I keep at the garage. She gave me a budget, not a lot, but asked me to help her find something dependable to drive. I have something but been dragging my heels on that till I got your input. She said she could do seven thousand tops.”
“Double that; make sure it’s safe and dependable. And don’t fucking tell her I’m contributing, I’ll tell her if she asks.”
“In that case, I have something I can show you tomorrow. Older guy, doesn’t drive much and had already asked me to help sell his truck cause with arthritis getting in and out is hard on him. He’s asking twelve. Then let’s see, Friday night she was at her Grams; I hung around and followed her home – she started crying when she got in the car, but I just tailed her home and took off after she was inside.
“I gave her a call this morning to let her know I was checking on a vehicle for her and see if she needed anything. She sounded good, said Flint had just called her and she was stuck at home waiting for a sofa to be delivered. Said she’d have me for dinner when she had a place for me to sit; do you know if she can cook?” He looks hopeful. We’re usually all trying to find a place for a home-cooked meal.
“We mostly eat out, she did pasta one night, I don’t know. Thanks, Connal. I owe you.”
“You really don’t, you know that. But if she can cook, then I do want an invite!” Laughing, I hit him on the shoulder; turning to leave I see Frank. Fuck me. I haven’t seen him since last week and need to square that shit.
Walking over to the booth, I see he’s getting blown by Deb but he motions me over anyway.
“That was bullshit,” Frank grunts at me, reaching a hand around Deb’s head to control her rhythm.
“You’re right, I shouldn’t have hit you. I wasn’t expecting to see her here and overreacted. It won’t happen again but let me be absolutely clear: no one touches her but me.” I growl at him, not caring who’s listening.
“Fuck Gunner, that’s downright unfriendly; not sharing an ass like that.” He laughs, half panting over the job Deb is doing on him. Before I can knock the shit out of him again, Connal is almost on top of us.
“We all friends here, Brothers?” He drawls out. “Gunner, come to the garage tomorrow at eleven for that test drive, it’s all set.” He stands there as Frank looks between the two of us, then decides to pull Deb up from under the table, settling her on his dick; he smirks up at me. Like I fucking give a shit about her ass.
I head out behind Connal.
“You can’t hit him again until you claim her, you moron.” He smirks at me.
“But it’d really feel good.” We laugh then part ways. I shoot Riley a quick text before head to her place.
As I pull up, there is a large truck, a squad car, and the regular Saturday shoppers outside her place. With no parking in sight, I pull around to the spots in back and let myself in the back door with the extra key she gave me.
Chapter 18
Gunner
“This isn’t a good time, Officer.” Is the first thing I hear. Riley sounds more annoyed than anything, so I continue into the front room.
“All good, Sweetheart?” I decide to announce my entrance before I get to the end of the hallway. The front room has two guys unwrapping a sofa, a third coming through the door with an oversized ottoman, and Officer Kennelly standing near the kitchen island. Everyone has frozen and turned to stare my way.
Riley’s face lights up and she quickly closes the distance between us.
“Gunner! I wanted to surprise you but…” She indicates the furniture, then the nuisance in the kitchen area.
“What are you doing here, Sorenson?” Kennelly cuts in.
“I believe I’m welcome here, what about you?” I stand, holding Riley to my body and staring the Officer down. I have no real problem with cops in general but this one is an all-around pain in the ass.
“He came up when I let the delivery guys in,” Riley explains.
“I’m here on an authorized wellness check; Riley’s family is concerned about her and considering the company…” Mr. High and Mighty starts spouting before my girl cuts in.
“Enough! I am an adult, Officer. I was at my Grandmother’s last night and she expressed no concern for my wellbeing. I have already asked you to leave and I will be calling the Sheriff. You have no right tracking me down because I’m upset with my parents and won’t return their call.” While I had every intention of handling this, I do love seeing her fight her own battles.
As Kennelly flushes, remembering the presence of the three delivery guys who have paused to watch the show; he starts stammering about this being a legitimate complaint. Riley simply points to the door; he replaces his hat and heads out mumbling to himself.
“Gentlemen, I believe there’s one more piece?” She turns this last bit on the delivery guys to get them moving again and I don’t waste a moment picking Riley up and putting her on the island. Kissing her thoroughly, letting her feel how much I missed her. Lost in her arms, I step back when we’re asked where to place an extra wide upholstered chair. Riley points, jumping down to inspect it. Tipping the workers then signing off on some paperwork, she locks the door behind them. “Do you like them, Gunner?”
“I need you. Couch or bed, Sweetheart?” I ask, pulling off my clothes.
Riley
“Sit here” I indicate the large chair. Watching him cross the space and sit down, I reach up under my long skirt and remove my panties. Keeping my skirt up, I move to sit on him but pause as I see he’s fumbling with a condom.
I quickly seek to impale myself on him. Moaning, I feel as tight as I was the other night.
“Easy there, Sweetheart,” He lifts my shirt over my head and lightly nibbles on each breast. “I know how to get you wet, then you just slide on down.”
With a knee on either side o
f him, I gently bounce on his cock; overly eager to feel all of him inside me again, my pussy is soon wet enough to help him get fully seated. I sit still for a moment, grinding my clit against his pelvic bone.
“Ride me, Sweetheart. Really. Fucking. Hard!” Gunner strangles out and I’m off.
My inexperience causes me to lift off his cock a few times but I eventually set as fast a pace as I can manage and between his cock hitting all the way up to my cervix and him sucking my nipples through my lacy bra; I’m coming before I know it. Slumped over him, he leans over to kiss me; slipping his tongue in to take possession of my mouth as his dick still throbs inside me.
Then with one hand behind me, he leans my nearly limp body back so I’m mostly lying on the ottoman. Moving to the edge of the chair, he says, “My turn.” Then pounds into me until his release comes, his eyes don’t leave mine and the fierce need I see in them brings me a second crashing orgasm as he finishes while yelling my name.
Standing with me in his arms, his gradually softening cock still inside me, he walks over the kitchen before setting me back on the island. Dumping the condom, and grabbing a dishtowel to wipe me off; he picks me up, this time cradling me in his arms before moving back to the new chair.
“I fucking love this chair.” He smiles down at me while holding me close and protected against his naked body.
I can’t help but laugh and all the stress from the past few days completely dissipates.
“Riley, I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you.” I put my finger over his mouth but he merely kisses it before pulling it away. “Connal told me what he knew and I feel like shit I couldn’t be here to ease your load.”
“Gunner, this was all going to happen regardless of you. The only difference is, because of you, I’m staying here now and will have to deal with them.” Taking a breath, “I didn’t even consider they’d take the SUV back and strand me in the middle of winter!
“Gram said to give it a day or so before reaching out to them, but agrees with me that they’re more upset about how this will look to their associates than anything else. Mom actually told her she must have dementia and should be evaluated! Rogers is beside himself thinking they may try to get her out of the way.”