by Chiah Wilder
“That’s an image that’s making my cock wake up.” Bones chuckled low in his throat.
Wendy giggled, and her long nails, painted a hot pink, thrummed against the back of one of the wicker chairs.
“When it’s ready, come find me.” She winked, flipping her silky hair over her shoulder.
Wendy bent down low to pick up the beer can from the table, the angle offering the men a generous view of her cleavage.
“Fuck, you’re killing me,” Bones muttered.
“Do you want anything else, Shadow?” The club girl jiggled her big tits before straightening back up.
“Just the beer. Thanks.”
“Okay.” Another wink then she walked away, her rounded hips swaying slightly.
“Damn,” Bones said. “How the fuck can you give up the variety, dude?”
“Been there and done that more times than I can count.” Shadow shifted in his chair; he didn’t like talking about his feelings for Scarlett to his buddies.
“What’s up with him?” Smokey asked, pointing to Helm, whose leg still rocked back and forth.
“He tried the new stuff we’re producing,” Shadow replied.
Smokey guffawed. “That’s some strong shit. I smoked some last night in my room, and I was chair-locked for hours.”
“The club should make a shitload of money on it.” Shadow glanced down at his phone.
“That’s what Banger and Hawk are banking on.” Smokey plopped down on a chair next to Bones.
Shadow nodded while opening the text.
Scarlett: Everything ok?
Shadow scrubbed his face with his free hand. When his woman had told him about Warren’s dad threatening to hurt him, Shadow thought it was adorable as fuck that Scarlett worried and fussed over him. But now, five days and counting, her concern had started griping his ass.
Shadow: I’m fine, babe. U don’t need to worry.
Scarlett: I’m not. Just asking. What’re u doing?
Shadow: Sitting with Smokey & Bones. We’re watching a stoned-as-fuck Helm.
Scarlett: Sounds stimulating. Hehe.
Shadow: How was ur lunch with ur dad?
Scarlett: Good. He didn’t raise his voice once or bring u up. Wonder what he’s got up his sleeve.
Shadow: Maybe nothing. Don’t worry so much.
“Here you are.” Wendy rubbed her ample chest against his arm as she set the beer can in front of him.”
Shadow glanced up. “Thanks.”
“I brought you some mixed nuts because I know how much you like them.” She threw him a warm smile.
“Thanks again.” He looked back down at the phone.
Scarlett: I can’t help it. With my dad it’s definitely the calm b4 the storm.
Shadow: Whatever your family or that fuck Huntington dishes out, we can handle. How’s work?
Scarlett: Good. R u coming over tonight? I hope so.
He looked up from the phone.
“Are we still going for a ride this evening?” he asked Smokey.
“Yeah. Chas, Axe, Cruiser, Blade, Animal, and Wheelie are gonna join us.”
“I’m getting in on that too,” Bones said as he stood up. “But first I got some pussy I need to eat.”
Shadow and Smokey chuckled as Bones scurried after Wendy.
“He left his beer, so it’s mine now,” Smokey said, popping the top.
The phone vibrated against his thigh as Shadow took a long pull of his drink.
“You talkin’ to Scarlett? I’m surprised her old man hasn’t hired someone to take you out, dude.” Smokey scooped up a handful of nuts and popped some in his mouth.
“Believe me—my guard’s up just for that.”
He checked out the latest text his woman sent.
Scarlett: R u there?
Shadow: Sorry, babe. Talkin’ with Smokey. Tonight I’ll be over at around 9. Some buddies and me are going for a ride and some chow.
Scarlett: That’ll be fun. I’ll call Kiara and Ashley & see if they can do dinner.
Shadow: Then I’ll see you at 9.
Scarlett: Can’t wait. Oh, I bought something.
Before he could respond, the phone vibrated again, then there was a picture of Scarlett wearing an ultra-sexy red lace teddy with peek-a-boo cut-outs over her tits that left little to the imagination. Another picture came through showing her sweet rounded ass in a thong. Shifting in the chair, he tried to relieve the pressure when his cock stirred. Down, boy. Smokey’ll have a heyday with this, and we don’t fuckin’ want that.
Scarlett: Do u like it?
Shadow: Yeah—if I was there, I’d have u flat on your desk pounding into ur sweet, wet pussy. Fuck—u got me going now, and Smokey’s here.
Scarlett: Sorry.
Shadow: No you’re not. U like teasing me …
For the rest of the time until he saw Scarlett, all he’d see was the picture of her in that skimpy teddy in his mind.
Scarlett: U know me too well. I have to go. xoxo
Shadow: For that you’re gonna get a good spanking.
Again he squirmed in the chair, ignoring Smokey’s stare.
Scarlett: I can’t wait. I love when u spank me.
“Fuck,” he muttered under his breath.
Scarlett: I have to go. My boss is going to be here any minute.
Shadow: See u tonight. Love you, woman.
Scarlett: I love you too. And by the way, I took the pics b4 I went to work this am. xxxxx…
Shadow put the phone down on the table, then he picked out the cashews in the bowl and tossed a few into his mouth.
“You done sexting?” Smokey said.
He jerked his head back. “Fuck off.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s what you wanna do.” Smokey chortled. “So where should we eat tonight? Axe, Chas, Wheelie, and Cruiser want Mexican so we can go to Rosarita’s in Crystal Grove, or we can get some thick steaks at Choppers in Estes Valley.”
“Choppers is my vote,” Shadow said, glad that the conversation was steering him away from the pictures Scarlett had sent him. But the minute he thought about them, his dick stirred again. He just had to focus on the road, his brothers, and the food. Simple. But I can’t wait to unpeel that sexy outfit from Scarlett’s body, piece by piece. Aw shit … there I go again.
“Okay, Choppers it is.” Smokey wiped his hands on his jeans. “You ready to rock ’n roll, or do you need a moment, bro?” His gaze fixed on Shadow’s crotch.
“Shut the fuck up.” Shadow jumped up from his chair. “Let’s get going. I’m itching to get on the open road.”
Smokey nodded, then pointed at Helm. “He was supposed to go with us, but I guarantee he’ll be in the same spot when we get back.”
Shadow laughed as he dug out the keys to his Harley from his pocket. He threw the cans of beer in the recycle bin, then walked down the steps onto the lawn, the soles of his boots crunching over patches of brown, dying grass.
“This damn heat’s killing everything,” Smokey said as he came up beside Shadow.
Up ahead, he saw the other riders waiting by their bikes under the large oak tree at the far end of the parking lot, and he picked up his pace, each footstep scattering small rocks and gravel across the asphalt. Smokey and Shadow bumped fists with the other brothers, then went over to their Harleys and jumped on.
The motorcycles roared out of the lot, kicking up dust and shattering the late afternoon stillness. Shadow was in the middle of the line next to Wheelie, and the warm summer air rushing around him felt damn good. And as he passed sheep grazing in fields on the left and a group of horseback riders following a trail along the river on the right, all thoughts vanished from his brain. Shadow relaxed as he became one with the ride, peace and a feeling of invincibility descending upon him. That is what he and his brothers lived for.
* * *
The traffic light suspended on a span wire across Main Street changed from yellow to red, and he braked then stopped. Shadow ran his gaze up and down the deserted rows of storefronts a
nd businesses, and he glanced at the time on his phone: 11:49 p.m. There were no pedestrians; the only signs of life were a truck and a few cars. Tall metal streetlights spaced evenly on both sides of the road threw pools of yellow onto the sidewalks. On weeknights, Main Street was empty after ten o’clock, even during tourist season.
All the action was centered a few blocks over on Spruce and Maple, where bars, nightclubs, and restaurants lined each side of the roads.
The light turned green and Shadow rode until darkened buildings gave way to rows of houses with large front lawns. Lights from windows and porches cast yellow streaks over shrubs and trellises. A canopy of stars brightened the dark, moonless night.
When Shadow turned on Scarlett’s street, a surge of excitement rushed through him. He couldn’t wait to hold her soft body close to him and kiss her deeply. Shadow had texted her when he left the clubhouse to tell her he was on his way so she had time to slip into that sexy teddy that had been on his mind since Scarlett had texted him the picture of her wearing it. All through dinner at Choppers, he kept sneaking peeks at it. If it were up to him, Shadow would’ve hauled ass back to Pinewood Springs three hours before, but when they got back to the clubhouse, there were several members from one of the Insurgents’ chapter clubs there. It would’ve been disrespectful to the visiting brothers if he didn’t stick around, so he did until he couldn’t stand being away from Scarlett for one more minute.
Most of the windows in the apartment buildings were dark, and the street had an eerie stillness about it. Stopping at a light, Shadow caught the flicker of a shadow in the corner of his eye and turned to see … nothing there. He rubbed a hand over his eyes. I could’ve sworn I saw someone. Shit … I stared at the damn computer too long today doing inventory.
Shadow pulled through the intersection, then he saw it again—a wisp of brightness that faded away all at once. He slowed down. What the fuck? The night breeze sighed and the trees whispered. Shaking his head, he shifted gears and picked up his speed when he caught a flutter of swift movement off to his right side behind the cluster of shrubs. Shadow hesitated, sensing something, but it was too late. He saw a figure dash out of the trees toward him. Shadow revved higher, but his peripheral vision picked up something flying in the air, and he turned his bike sharply, trying to avoid the object from hitting him. Clang! The sound of metal slamming against metal vibrated through him.
“Fuck!” he cried as he was bucked off his motorcycle. Shadow slammed into the side of the road and tumbled a few times. “Shit!” Streaks of pure adrenaline pushed him up on his feet, running and looking for his bike. The Harley was still rolling, and before Shadow could reach it, it crashed into a parked car, then fell on its side. Pain reverberated through his back, hands, and left arm as he ran over to his downed motorcycle.
A couple in a minivan pulled over, exited their vehicle and hurried to him.
“Are you all right?” The fine lines in the man’s face deepened with concern.
“Yeah—I just need to find the fucker who did this,” Shadow growled.
“We saw the guys come out from behind the tree and throw something at your bike,” the woman who was with the older man said.
“Did you get a good look at their faces?” Shadow asked as he looked down at his shredded gloves. Blood oozed from between the tears.
When she shook her head, gray curls brushed across her forehead. “Not really. It was too dark. We’ll call an ambulance for you.”
“I don’t need one.” Shadow glared at the torn sleeve of his leather jacket. His left arm felt like molten lava had been poured onto it. He slipped the jacket off and surveyed the road rash. That’s gonna be sore for a while. He could see patches of gravel imbedded in his skin. When I find the fuckers who did this, I’m gonna make them pay. Fury burned through him as he walked back to the area where he wiped out.
“My wife’s right—you should go to the hospital.” The man called out after him.
In the middle of the road, a twenty-inch tire iron lay on the asphalt. Shadow grimaced when he bent down to pick it up. I’m gonna beat the shit outta the fuckers with this! Strewn around the area were bits and pieces of his cell phone and sunglasses.
“Do you need us to do anything?” the woman asked as she walked toward him.
“Yeah. I need to borrow your phone—mine’s busted up.” Shadow gazed down the road again, then over to the right from where the men had approached. “Did you see where the fuckers went?”
“They took off running past that building”—the man pointed to Scarlett’s place—“then they got inside a car. It looked like a Mercedes or BMW.”
“Color?” The rage inside him intensified.
“Not sure—rust or brown maybe.”
“No, Jim, it was burgundy, or it could’ve been red. It’s dark out so the color could be off, but it’s in the red family for sure,” the woman said.
“Great, thanks.” Shadow took the phone she offered to him.
“We should call the police. This was a criminal act—an assault,” Jim said, anger punctuating his voice.
“No badges,” Shadow said as he plugged in Smokey’s number.
“You don’t want them to get away with this,” the woman said.
“Lynn, leave it alone. If he doesn’t want the police involved it’s his business.” The man came over to her and held her hand.
Shadow nodded at them. “I appreciate your help, but I’ll take care of this in my own way. There’s no fuckin’ way I’m letting those bastards get away with what they did,” he said turning his back and walking away, out of hearing distance.
“Hello?” Suspicion laced Smokey’s voice.
“Hey, it’s me. My phone got busted because some fuckers threw a tire iron at my bike.”
“What the fuck?” Anger replaced wariness. “Do you know who the assholes are?”
“I got an idea.”
“Did you get hurt?”
“Not really. Road rash—the shit that happens when you wipe out. I’m just glad I wasn’t going too fast. I knew something was off. Fuck! I should’ve gone by my gut.”
“I’ll get some of the brothers to come with me. Where are you?”
“I’m at 1238 Greenwood Boulevard. A couple stopped to help me out—I’m using the woman’s phone.”
“How’s your bike?”
“It doesn’t look so good. It crashed into a parked car. That’s gonna be a fuckin’ pain in the ass. I’ll leave a note and have them call me at work. I’m so fuckin’ pissed!”
“You got every right to be. I’m pissed too. Okay—so we’re on our way. In a while, dude.”
Shadow glanced over at the couple. “I need to make one more call,” he said in a loud voice. They nodded and he tapped in Scarlett’s number.
“Hello?” Her voice softened his rage a little.
“Hey, darlin’,” he replied.
“Why are you calling me from a different number?”
“I’m using someone’s phone. I got into an accident.” He heard her gasp. “Don’t freak out, babe. I’m all right.”
“Are you sure? Oh God, I can’t believe this. Where are you?”
“I’m sure. I’m near your building.”
“I’m coming down now,” she said, worry coating her voice.
“You don’t have to. I can come up as soon as Smokey and some of the other brothers get here.”
“I’m already pushing the button on the elevator.”
“Turn to your right when you get outta the building—you’ll see me.”
“Okay. The connection is crapping out since I’m in the elevator. I’ll be …”
Scarlett sounded like she was talking underwater, so he hung up then cleared both her number and Smokey’s from the woman’s phone. He’d tell Scarlett some punks threw the tire iron because he didn’t want her to worry or talk him out of exacting vengeance.
The pain seared through him as he walked over to the woman.
“Thanks,” he said, handing it
back to her.
“Did you call someone to come get you?” Lynn asked as she slipped the phone into her purse.
“Yeah. Do you have a piece of paper and a pen?”
Nodding she fished around in her purse.
“Do you have a way to get your motorcycle to a shop?” Jim asked.
“My buddies are coming and will help take care of things.” Shadow took the paper and pen from Lynn and wrote a quick note and then walked over to the car that his bike crashed into and left the folded paper under the windshield wiper.
“I still worry that you may be hurt. I used to be a nurse and there are different degrees of road rash. It looks like you have some debris in your arm, probably in your hands too. You have to get that cleaned out. You don’t want to get an infection. You really should go to the ER,” Lynn said.
“I’ve wiped out before so I know what to do. Anyway, I got a friend who’s a doctor and he’ll check me out.”
“We’ll stay with you until your friends get here,” Jim said.
“That’s not necessary. They’ll be—”
“Oh, baby.”
Shadow turned around and saw Scarlett running over to him. He noticed her face blanch after she looked at his motorcycle beside the parked car. She came up to him and threw her arms around his neck.
“Fuck,” he gritted.
Scarlett jumped back. “Did I hurt you?” She glanced at his arm and her lips trembled. “You’re injured!” Then her gaze fixed on his gloves. “There’s blood. Take your gloves off.” She reached out to help him, but he shook his head and unfurled the gloves from his throbbing hands.
“Jim, go get that towel in the back seat,” Lynn said.
“What happened?” Scarlett asked as she placed her hand on his shoulder. “How can I help you?”
“The guys will be here soon. I gotta go to the clubhouse to get cleaned up.”
“Two men threw that”—Lynn pointed to the tire iron tucked into Shadow’s waistband—“at him. My husband and I saw them. We couldn’t believe anyone would do that. The world is getting crazier by the day.”
One of Scarlett’s hands flew to face, covering her mouth. “That’s horrible.” She cut her gaze to Shadow. “Did you know them?”
“No.”
“I wonder if Bruce Huntington had anything to do with this. Remember what I told you I overheard? I can’t believe he’d do it—that would be too terrible.”