Sinners & Saints (Ravage Riders MC Book 2)

by Nikki Landis

  “I know how much you hate drama,” Star purred, rubbing up against me.

  Oh, hell no. “That’s not going to work. I don’t fuck my employees so get over your shit. Both of you. I’m not dealing with this again. Understand?”

  “Yes,” they both answered sweetly. Uh huh. Liars.

  “Good, now where is the new girl? I thought she was the last on stage tonight?”

  “Oh, Cami? She’s nearly ready and backstage right now. Why don’t you go watch the show?”

  I just might. Lately there was so much sexual tension built up inside me I think I could nut for a week and still not feel relaxed. Instead of sitting at the front of the stage by the drunken bachelor party and the idiots shoving dollar bills into Cami’s G-string, I approached the bar. “How was tonight, Cherry?” Sitting on one of the stools as she passed me a drink, my eyes flicked to the cameras camouflaged in the upper corners of the room.

  “The usual. No trouble, although I did see a suspicious guy enter the bar around midnight. He didn’t give the bouncers or the girls any problems that I saw.”

  I frowned and threw back the shot. Fixing her with my stare, I ticked my head toward the surveillance cameras. “Were they on all night?”

  “Sure, R.J. Why wouldn’t they be?”

  “They aren’t right now, honey,” I pointed out and stood, shoving off the bar with my hands. “Why do you think that guy was suspicious?”

  “What? Oh, well he kept glancing around like he was nervous. I asked Bulldog to keep an eye on him, but he said he left about half an hour later. Never ordered a drink or approached the stage either, now that I think about it.”

  “What did he look like?” I would have to do a perimeter check on the building and make sure nothing had been tampered with on the outside.

  “Average height and build, dark blond hair that was a bit shaggy, except for his eyes. Something about them was odd.” She shook her red shoulder length hair and sighed. “I’m sorry I didn’t notice the cameras.”

  “It’s a moot point now. What was odd about his eyes?”

  “They seemed to have this weird greenish glow. He gave me the creeps.”

  Fuck. “Don’t worry. I’m sure he’s long gone by now. I’ll have Bulldog and Art check the building with me. Someone will walk with you to your car. Yeah?”

  “Yeah, R.J. Thanks.” She blew out a breath and began wiping down the bar as I left to find Bulldog.

  “Yo, Bulldog,” I yelled, ticking my head in his direction.

  “Yeah, boss?” He stood with his massive arms folded across his barrel chest and eyes constantly watching the door. Guy took the job serious which I appreciated. The MC certainly paid him enough.

  “Cherry said there was a stranger here tonight. Guy had weird eyes and never bought a drink or approached the girls. Know what she’s talkin’ about?”

  “Sure, boss. I got a good look at him. Taller than the average guy, more on the lean side, dark hair slicked back and creepy green eyes. I watched him until he left the club.”

  I slapped his shoulder with a smirk and leaned against the wall next to him, needing a cigarette. Too much fuckin’ stress in my life. “Thanks for watching out. Be sure to talk to all the girls and give his description. If the guy comes back, I don’t want any surprises.”

  “You got it.”

  “Did you notice the cameras were off?”

  “What?” He looked around and found the ones turned off in the corners all over the club. “Shit. I’m sorry.”

  “Doesn’t help our girls or property if the cameras aren’t on to record, man.”

  “Understood. I’ll make sure Art and the others know to watch the cameras closer.”

  Bulldog was head of security here at the club. I promoted him and gave him a raise hoping he could keep them all in line and off the girls. For the most part we didn’t have trouble, but that kind of luck wouldn’t last long, not with the MC and all the shit that went down with the Outlaws a couple of weeks ago. “See that you do. I’m gonna go have a smoke.”

  “Want me along, boss?”

  “Nah, I want you to check the perimeter. Take Art with you. That prospect has it too easy. Make sure nothing has been tampered with outside. Look for dangling wires, the control boxes, everywhere.”

  “I’m on it.”

  Leaning against the brick façade, I lit up and inhaled, instantly scanning my vicinity out of habit. Across the street was a mini mart but the lot was mostly empty at this time of night. I almost looked away until I saw a sexy little brunette exit a silver that was oddly familiar. Her long hair swayed in the breeze as she stood, turning my way as if spooked. Striking green eyes met mine as she stood under the light of the streetlamp. I was curious why she was at the store in the middle of the night, but it wasn’t my business. Unable to help myself, I winked at the girl I’d met only hours ago.

  A light laugh bubbled from my lips as Cara scurried inside.

  It was probably for the best. A sweet little thing like that shouldn’t be wandering this neighborhood alone at night. Her light floral scent drifted over from the light wind as I inhaled and tossed the cigarette to the ground, snuffing it out with my boot. The perfume was nice. A little stronger than I usually liked. I preferred a cleaner, more sweet scent on my women. I hadn’t noticed any perfume when she came on her home visit earlier at Edge and Rae’s. Not that it mattered.

  “Hey, boss.”

  “What’s up, Bulldog?”

  “No outside evidence of tampering. Not sure what happened but I’ll call the electric company in the morning and make sure everything is up to code and in working condition.”

  “Good. Time to lock up. I want all the girls walked to their cars. No one is left alone. Period.” That was usually a rule anyway but sometimes girls left alone or rushed out. Not anymore. I wasn’t placing them in any kind of danger if I could prevent it.

  “Done.”

  He disappeared inside as I heard a car engine start. Cara left the mini mart lot in a hurry. She was safely driving away as I caught her nervous smile. Run home, sweetheart. This end of town isn’t for you.

  About an hour later everyone was gone, and I was left to lock up the club on my own. I’d sent Bulldog home and Art back to the clubhouse. They both needed to rest before they came back for tomorrow night’s shift.

  I didn’t see anything but a shadow before a piercing and sharp pain pulsed in the left side of my stomach.

  What the hell was that?

  I didn’t see a soul as I lifted my hand and metallic fluid trickled from my fingers. It was dark red.

  Was I attacked?

  “Fuck,” I groaned, pressing in hard against my side. Warm, thick blood oozed between my fingers and began to drip onto the ground. Intense pain radiated throughout my body as I fought sudden nausea and collapsed to my knees. If I didn’t get help soon, I could die out here.

  Alone. Bleeding out like some slaughtered animal.

  The blood was pooling on the concrete beneath, spreading toward the edge of the sidewalk and approaching the grass. The yellow glow of the streetlamp hovered above as I swayed, lightheaded. Keeping upright was suddenly too strenuous a task. My head fell forward as my body fought for control.

  A few seconds later, I succumbed to the throbbing agony in my side and landed on the ground with a muffled groan.

  “Fuck,” I repeated on a whisper.

  I was going to bleed out . . .

  Chapter 5 – Cara

  The night ran late with my visit to the homeless shelter which often happened. I hadn’t eaten a thing since lunch, and I was starving. Pausing to drive thru a local restaurant, I picked up dinner and texted to let my sister know I was running late.

  “Hey, Car,” Charlotte greeted as I entered through the front door, juggling bags of food and my purse. I set them down on the table by the door and shrugged out of my coat. Once it was hung up, I turned to scoop up the bags.

  “Sorry, I’m late. What a long day –”

 
; “Where have you been, Cara?”

  Freezing where I stood, I failed to notice Max was waiting in the living room. My sister Charlotte shook her head slightly as our eyes met. She seemed upset and I could only wonder what Maxwell said to her before I arrived. I didn’t see my niece. Charlotte probably had her occupied in her room.

  “I had a home visit this evening and –”

  Max had me pinned against the wall so quickly it didn’t register in my brain that I had smacked my head for several seconds. A dull throb ached at the back of my skull. “You didn’t answer my texts or calls.”

  “I went to the homeless shelter after the home visit. They needed my help. It was busy,” I emphasized, staring straight into his dark blue eyes that held a level of anger that was all too familiar. “I didn’t have time to check my cell.”

  Maxwell Forman wasn’t always this violent or cruel. When we were in high school, he was a sweetheart. Our relationship had naturally progressed and last summer he proposed. That was when everything changed. I no longer knew the man that gripped my upper arms so hard I knew I’d have bruises later.

  Seven years, four months, and eighteen days. That was how long we’d been together. Max was the son of Barry Forman. A formidable and wealthy businessman. He owned quite a few properties in Providence and the surrounding cities in Northern California. His son had always been a bit arrogant and controlling but it wasn’t until this last year that I really noticed how vicious Maxwell had become and it was getting worse. I hardly had any privacy and I was constantly accused of being unavailable when he needed me. It was beyond strange.

  “I’m sorry,” I apologized in a rush, hoping to keep his anger at bay. I didn’t want Max causing a scene in front of my sister or niece.

  “Forgiven,” he answered quickly with a smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I have plans tonight. You’ll be going out with me tomorrow.”

  “Of course.”

  Max leaned down and pressed a kiss to my lips. “Keep that phone close. I’ll be calling later.”

  He released me and I nodded, sighing with relief when he left without another word.

  “What the hell?” Charlotte asked, hands on her hips. “When did he get this bad?”

  Shrugging, I didn’t know how to answer that question.

  “Cara.” Worry was clear on her face. “He’s dangerous. I haven’t seen Max on edge like that before. What’s going on?”

  “I don’t know,” I admitted honestly.

  She sighed. “He doesn’t hurt you, right?” She was staring at me with such concern that I couldn’t lie.

  “A little.”

  “You know that’s not okay. He doesn’t have the right to boss you around.” She seemed to be getting angrier and I didn’t want to have this argument right now. The day was long and exhausting.

  “I know.” I picked up the bags that held dinner. “Hungry?”

  Charlotte knew I was done talking about it tonight. “Yeah. I’ll check on Sophie.”

  I plopped down on one of the chairs at the kitchen table and opened the bags, setting containers of salad, pasta, and garlic bread out. Since I was starving, I served my own plate and began to eat, knowing they would forgive me for starting without them.

  My sister entered the kitchen a few minutes later, her voice concerned as she leaned against the wall. “Sophie has a fever.”

  “Is she sick?”

  “I don’t know but she says her tummy is acting funny.”

  “Do you have any Tylenol?”

  She shook her head. “No. We used it up last time she was unwell.”

  “I’ll go to the corner market,” I volunteered, wiping my mouth with a napkin. “You want some popsicles too?”

  “Yeah. She loves those when she’s sick.” I started to rise, and she shook her head. “Finish eating first. It’s not a rush.”

  I finished and then stood, gesturing to the food. “You need to eat too. It’s getting cold.”

  Charlotte made a plate and picked at her food, unusually quiet. She had far too many worries and responsibilities as a single mother. I tried to relieve that burden as often as I could, but I knew there were some things I just couldn’t change.

  The night was warm and cloudless, the stars shining brightly down upon the city, partially disguised by the stores and shops, streetlights and sporadic cars on the road. I pulled up to the corner market and exited the car, pepper spray in hand. This wasn’t the greatest neighborhood, but it was what Charlotte and I could afford. We didn’t make much money and my new job was supposed to help clear our debt so we could buy a better place soon.

  I worried for my niece. Sophia was only eight years old and she’d known a lot of hardships. As a single mother, Charlotte struggled to make ends meet. That was why I moved in with her instead of with Max. We both wanted Sophia to have a better life. Max said he understood but that was over two years ago. I had a feeling he wasn’t happy with that decision now.

  The parking lot was dark, several of the streetlamps were out adding to the creepy atmosphere. I swear if I got mugged or raped out here, I was gonna lose my shit on someone. Maybe I should consider buying a gun for protection. Not that I knew how to shoot one.

  Ugh.

  I hated guns.

  Sore subject.

  Our family had a sad past and guns didn’t have a place in my life.

  I closed the driver’s side door of my car and walked quickly toward the front entrance. I hated coming here so late at night. An uneasy feeling tingled the base of my spine and I turned around, half expecting someone to be standing right behind me. How odd. No one was there.

  As I turned, I felt the sensation again and spun around prepared to launch pepper spray at anyone stupid enough to sneak up on me.

  Nothing.

  This was weird.

  My eyes scanned the surrounding area, but it was eerily quiet except for the sound of muted bass and thumping music coming from the strip club across the street. Bright neon signs advertised Scarlet Syn as a gentleman’s club. Uh huh. Sure. And I was the Queen of England.

  Gross.

  Why were guys such pigs? I could hear them catcalling and whistling as a tall muscular man dressed in dark jeans and a black leather vest stepped out of the front doors. A look of disgust lingered on his face as he moved under the lights, his swagger all confidence and his body pure muscle. I was surprised to see his expression. After all, I figured most of their patrons enjoyed the atmosphere and lure of sex.

  As I watched in curiosity, he lit up a cigarette and leaned back against the brick façade. I gasped at the handsome face glowing within an amber flame as he puffed and took in a long drag. Enchanting dark eyes met mine as he noticed I was staring in his direction. Blushing, I was just about to look away when I realized exactly who it was. That biker . . . R.J.

  My eyes widened. He winked, taking another long pull before he exhaled into the wind.

  He must have been able to see my surprise since he chuckled lightly. The sound echoed and drifted in the air like it was purposely carried directly to my ears. Goosebumps rose to the surface of my skin and I nearly shivered. My reaction had nothing to do with the weather.

  Ignoring him, I walked into the store and bought the items I needed. Fifteen minutes later I was home and helping Charlotte care for Sophie. Once the fever reducer kicked in, my niece was asleep. My sister slept in the same room as me, on separate twin beds. We wanted Sophie to have her own space. Our two-bedroom townhouse was small, and we didn’t mind sharing. Once they were both asleep, I changed for bed and turned out the lights.

  I tried to lay down, but I couldn’t relax. For some reason, I kept feeling the urge to return to that market. After tossing and turning for another five minutes, I decided to go back and convince myself nothing was wrong or out of the ordinary. I dressed and drove back to the market and deserted parking lot, my gaze instantly focusing on the club across the street and the dark shadow resting on the ground just out of illumination of the stre
etlamp.

  Was that a body? Torn about whether or not I should approach, I bit my lip and almost decided to leave and call 9-1-1. After a brief internal debate, I crossed the street and approached, shocked to find the biker. He groaned as I fell to my knees, eyes wide as I saw the blood soaking his shirt.

  R.J. was laying on the ground on his back, his large frame covering the sidewalk as one knee bent outward toward the road. I wasn’t sure how badly he was injured.

  “R.J. can you hear me?” I lifted his shirt and found a deep laceration on his abdomen. Someone had stabbed him! “Oh, God. Shit.”

  He mumbled under his breath and I couldn’t make out the words.

  “Shit,” I repeated, pulling out my phone and dialing 9-1-1. This dispatcher was so calm it was disconcerting. She informed me that help was on the way and I hung up, applying pressure to his wound as she instructed.

  “Angel,” he whispered as his eyes fluttered, and I leaned closer.

  An angel? Was he hallucinating?

  “R.J.?”

  “Cara,” he moaned, shaking his head. “Don’t cry.”

  I didn’t realize that I was until he pointed it out. Tears spilled down my cheeks as I thought of him dying right here on the street. It was awful. Who would do something like this?

  “Stay with me,” I ordered, squeezing his hand. “You can’t die on me.”

  He tried to laugh but I could see the pain etched in the lines and angles of his handsome face. He was breathing shallower and I was afraid he would die in my arms before the paramedics could arrive.

  “What are you doing at a strip club?” I asked to distract him. It was a stupid question, but I really wanted to know.

  “Angel . . . dance for me.” His laugh was off like he didn’t believe this conversation was real.

  Maybe his reality was blurred. His blood loss was substantial.

  I brushed my fingertip along his chiseled jaw and the stubble that grew there, liking the rough texture beneath my hand. I didn’t know what made me lean toward him, but I was completely overtaken by his presence, sucked in like a magnet and concerned beyond the ability to wonder if it was appropriate. “An ambulance is coming. Help is on the way.”