by Austina Love
“If that’s what you need to tell yourself to get this done then so be it.” Trip kept his back toward him.
“Shye will completely believe me when I tell her everything I did was because of Pike and Carter. Hell, you did me a favor, biker boy. Keeping me here while who knows what happened to Carter. And Pike ran off like a scared animal…not only do I have a solid alibi but I look more like a victim than the criminal. I’d shake your hand but…” Gage let out a mocking laugh. “They’re tied up at the moment.”
Heat washed over Trip as his hatred for this man escalated. What will Shye think when she returns to find a man she’s known most of her life tied up and held prisoner? He recalled how shocked she’d been over Gage’s involvement as if she hadn’t wanted to believe he could do something this low especially to her. He knew how badly she wanted to believe that Gage had been forced into the drug ring.
Betrayal was a hard thing to accept. Denial came much easier.
“You still have to give up the day and time of the next drop,” Trip said without turning around.
“I’ve just sold their base of operations and put my ass in their line of fire. I may as well go all the way if it means getting Shye back. You may get your man, Trip Viper—but I just took your woman.”
Damn him! Trip stalked to the opposite side of the cabin and stared out the window. Gage was smart—he had to give him that. How fast his mind worked had come as a surprise especially under pressure. Fast-talking dirty lawyer! No wonder he’d been able to clear Carter of the many charges against him. And now he was going to paint a false façade to Shye in an attempt to discredit his character. The man was a shrewd attorney through and through even in his personal life. How will she know who’s telling the truth when I refuse to set Gage free until after we make the bust?
Worry cluttered his mind.
I managed to get her farm back. But will she believe it was me or will she credit her old friend, thinking he finally escaped the bad guys?
He couldn’t risk a setup by releasing Gage before he caught Draven. He was so close to avenging Ty’s death that he couldn’t let go. Losing Shye over this would send him into seclusion, and as much as he loved her, he’d made a vow on his brother’s grave that he couldn’t break. He knew she wouldn’t want to marry a man who carried no honor. He prayed she would trust the right man and not be deceived again.
His heart ached for her.
Pinned between a promise made years ago to bring a killer to justice and a vow he’d recently made to the truest woman he’d ever known—his internal struggle ensued. Will Shye accept my reasons for holding Gage captive or will she believe his lies?
All of a sudden the door blew open as a fierce storm descended upon them. Rain bands drenched Trip before he pushed the door shut. Then he heard a light tapping outside.
“Trip…it’s me.”
His heart leapt at her voice and he flung open the door. “Shye!” Immediately he swept her into his arms and kissed her face then her lips. “I missed you, angel.”
She offered a warm smile then her gaze shot to Gage tied to the chair. “What’s going on?”
“He showed up here looking for you. We had no choice but to make him stay.”
“Tell her!” Gage shouted. “Or I will!”
Shye backed away. “Tell me what?”
Chapter Six
“I wanted to give you time to settle in.” Trip shot Gage a look of utter rage. “We got your farm back.”
“You did?” Shye gasped with wide eyes. A mix of excitement and apprehension washed over her. “How? When?”
“I did it, darling,” Gage piped up. “The papers are over there.” He nodded toward Remle’s desk.
“You? What’s really going on here?”
“Your lover boy won’t release me until he gets his revenge.” Gage stared straight at her. “I came here to find you, return the land and apologize for my behavior of late. They dragged me through the door and tied me up before I had a chance to state my case.”
Trip spun around. His eyes blazed with fury. “Shut the hell up! She doesn’t need more lies.” He grabbed Gage by the throat, lowered his head and growled through clenched teeth in a low menacing voice. “If I didn’t need your ass to lead the way, I’d drop you right here.”
Shye shook her head to clear her mind. “What?” She’d never seen this level of rage in him. She placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Trip…please let him finish.”
His eyes met hers briefly but in that momentary glance she saw the swirl of turmoil smoldering in their depths. Had she not known his gentle side this burst of outrage would’ve unsettled her.
He removed his hands and stepped back at her request but every muscle in his body was still tense with visible anger.
“Show her the papers,” Gage barked while rubbing his neck. “I signed the farm over to you, honey. There’s a copy of the title insurance and the contract is signed by me. The original title search is safely in my office should you ever need it.”
Remle handed her the papers. She flipped through each page. Tears misted her eyes as she saw for herself Gage’s signature on each page and her name as the buyer.
“But I haven’t paid you…I don’t have enough money saved for this yet.”
“Don’t worry about it. You can reimburse me when you are able. Carter was killed this morning at the prison so I am free now. Free of his sniveling, blackmailing ways and free of his cronies.”
She didn’t blink. “What about all that talk over the farm being too much for me to run alone?”
Gage sighed with a yielding expression. “I had a change of heart when I saw how hurt you were during our last visit. I was under a lot of pressure. I’m so sorry, darling. Can you ever forgive me?” He paused contemplatively. “In fact, consider the farm my gift to you. Your parents can keep the money and you don’t owe me a thing. It’s the least I can do to make up for what I put you through. Will you accept it as my token of peace and perhaps even an act of goodwill to regain the favor of your dear parents.”
She caught Trip rolling his eyes but he respected her request and didn’t interrupt.
“I’m overwhelmed.” She looked from one man to another. “Is this for real?” Her gaze stopped on Trip.
“Yes,” he replied. “The farm is yours again, babe…free and clear.”
“Then why is Gage still tied up?” she asked in a soft voice.
Trip took her hand in his. “I could tell you that we forced Gage to sign the land over to you and that La faxed the papers here while you were gone. But I doubt I could win a battle of words with this man.”
“Is that what happened? Or is Gage telling the truth? Did he come here to make amends?”
“Yes, that’s how it went down and no, he didn’t come here with good intentions. We did drag him in and tie him to the chair. He wasn’t a willing participant, but I won’t defend my actions,” Trip told her. “He’ll only twist them around. You’ll have to search your heart and believe what you feel is right.”
Knowing what had happened to Carter, she wanted to believe Gage’s profession. All along she’d wanted to believe he had fallen into the wrong crowd and had been forced to cooperate. Now that Carter was indeed gone and Gage had signed her farm over, she couldn’t help but wonder if everything he said was the truth. And if so, why is Trip holding him hostage? There didn’t appear to be a threat to her wellbeing and the blackmail ploy of marriage was clearly off the table.
Still, Trip hadn’t gone overboard in self-defense, which made him appear more confident in his words. Yet Gage’s timing was perfect. Only he or someone close to him could’ve known about Carter’s demise, which would indeed lend credit to his account.
“Seems your boyfriend is so hell bent on avenging his brother’s death that he’s willing to hold an innocent man prisoner until he gets his man,” Gage added.
“Trip?” She stared at him with questioning eyes. “Why are you keeping him here now that he’s no longer involved?”
“I am this close—” He pressed his thumb and index finger almost together, leaving a small space between them. “To bringing in Ty’s killer. I can’t risk Draven getting away through a legal loophole created by his attorney friend here. And…we can’t be sure Gage will give us accurate details on the next big deal. If he’s free he’ll lie and they’ll disappear again especially since the farm will no longer be available to them. We have to make him lead us to Draven and his crew.”
“See, Shye?” Gage wriggled in the chair. “Trip’s top priority is going after Draven instead of placing your needs first. I got your farm out from under Carter and as soon as the way was clear gave it back to you. But Viper isn’t happy with that. He won’t be happy until Pike is dead.”
Shye raised her hand in a motion for him to stop. “Please…let me think. I am very grateful to you, Gage, for what you have done, but I need to make up my own mind about Trip.”
“Well you’ve known me almost all of your life, darling. He road into town for one thing and is just using you along the way.”
“Gage!” Shye waved him off and walked into the kitchen area.
“You lying prick,” Trip growled barely loud enough for her to hear.
This was not the reunion she’d expected upon her return. Traveling with the Rain Riders had been incredible—gripping—liberating. She hadn’t wanted the experience to end. Never did she expect to find Gage bound to a chair when she walked through the door. She’d longed to share her thrilling encounter with her fiancé. Though he hadn’t yet presented an engagement ring, she assumed his proposal had been sincere.
Now she had her land back! She could move her parents back home without delay. Would Trip honor his words and move onto the plantation with her? Was he sincere when he’d agreed to make her home his too? Or would he take off again in pursuit of Pike and leave her behind?
She wanted to believe both men—that Trip loved her as he said and Gage was innocent like she’d hoped. Why can’t they work together to capture Pike? If Gage is innocent then wouldn’t he want the men who’d been forcing his hand put behind bars? And is it possible that avenging his brother’s death is more important to Trip than a life with me? What if he doesn’t catch Pike this time? What if the evil man slips away? Will Trip follow him around forever? When will this nightmare end?
“Hey…” Trip spoke softly upon his almost silent approach. “Are you okay, my love?”
She turned slowly. “Am I your love, Trip? Or do I come second to your thirst for revenge?”
“If you have to ask me that then maybe we aren’t meant to be as I thought.”
“You’d give up just like that?” Tears formed but she fought them back.
“I won’t defend myself against that bastard. Every word I said, though significantly less in number than his, was the truth. I’d never lie to you. If you can’t trust me then we have nothing.”
His blunt statement hit hard. He was a man of strong conviction. She loved that about him.
“Then release him. End this and go after Pike on your own.”
Trip shook his head. “I explained why I cannot do that. Please trust me and accept my methods. I stood by you from day one without asking you to go against your gut instinct. If we are to be married, then I’d hope you could do the same for me.”
“But I wasn’t holding an innocent man hostage at gunpoint.”
“No…” He gave a light laugh. “You were only robbing and blowing up banks and using me as your getaway driver.”
She shrugged her brows and grinned. “Touché.”
“Then you accept my way of handling this matter?” Hope shone in his alluring dark eyes. “That is not an innocent man in there. Do you trust me?”
“I do…”
“But?”
“I can’t be a part of it…I’m sorry.” She placed one hand alongside his face. “I understand, but I don’t feel right taking action against Gage when he just signed over the farm.”
A frustrated look swept over Trip’s face. “He wasn’t exactly willing.”
“Then tell me…how did he sign all those papers with his hands tied behind his back if he didn’t arrive with them already signed?”
He shrugged and nodded in open understanding. “I can see how that seems impossible. He is outnumbered. We held him at gunpoint then tied him back up.”
“This is a lot to digest, baby,” she said with pointed brows. “I just can’t see him doing all that against his will.”
“He said he was almost glad to get rid of the place.”
“Now that does not sound like Gage. I’m not comfortable with this situation. However, I do respect your need to handle it your way.”
His arms slid around her waist and pulled her close. “I don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t.” She laid her head on his shoulder and breathed in his scent. “I wanted so much to tell you about my experience, but it will have to wait.”
“I’m sorry, babe.” He nuzzled her neck. “Please stay with me. I need you.”
Her lips touched his, lightly at first then hungrily as they sunk into a heady kiss laden with passion. He swept her into a powerful embrace while kissing her with hot desire. Her body ached to join with him—to stay. Yet she couldn’t take part in a kidnapping. Trip had been riding on the edge of the law for so long that she worried he may have lost sight of the line between justice and revenge.
“Forgive me,” she whispered in the few seconds their lips were free. “I must go.”
He reluctantly let her ease from his arms. Tears welled in her eyes over the hurt she saw in his. Her spirit tumbled as she turned and walked out the back door.
Crouching near a stream deep in the woods behind Remle’s cabin, Shye waited. Her stomach growled with hunger as the sun climbed to its highest point of the day then began inching downward in a clear blue South Dakota sky. She’d been in prayer all morning after leaving Trip with that heartbroken look in his soulful eyes. She missed him already. As she arose from prayer, a majestic bald eagle soared overhead then dipped lower until its shadow settled over her.
Thank you, Wakatanka. She stood with shoulders pulled back while clutching the black feather. I am ready, Nagi.
Instantly feathers replaced her arms and fingers. Her feet shifted into awesome talons that looked powerful and sharp. The icy chill of assuming the shadow of another creature and shifting into its form settled over her. She then knew that the transformation was complete. When in the shadows her body felt cold and she could merge through any solid surface while in her shifted form. She’d grown accustomed to the bone-chilling sensation though each time a feeling of awe fell upon her—astounded by the gift her ancestors had given her.
Up, up she floated on the summer breeze until buildings looked like dots and people were specks to her keen eagle eyes. This was where she found peace and the best place to think. While she didn’t fault Trip for his tactical methods, as they both had strong military backgrounds, she simply couldn’t play a part. If Gage was even slightly remorseful, as he’d said, then she felt compelled to back away until the situation sorted itself.
Her faith was based on honor. She couldn’t disobey that.
While gliding effortlessly on massive wings she kept watch for something to satisfy her hunger. She enjoyed the glorious feeling of freedom while soaring on a strong wind current. Below a river sparkled beneath the sun and she caught sight of a huge fish hovering near the surface of the crystal clear water.
After releasing a piercing call, she swooped rapidly down and snatched the fish straight from the water with her talons. Carrying her prey to a nearby cliff, she laid it down and proceeded to eat. The fish tasted fresh and clean and stilled the grumbling in her stomach. Once her meal was finished she spread her beautiful feathered wings to soar upward again.
She hadn’t been flying very long this time when something in the distance caught her side vision.
The Rain Riders!
Flapping her wings,
she followed, wondering why they’d returned. The wrong had been righted and the stolen land that had belonged to her family for generations was now in the proper hands. Who have the riders come for? Her focus honed in on a couple of people riding north on the highway far below. Dipping lower, she recognized Trip and Remle on motorcycles with Gage riding bitch.
Oh no! The deal must be going down tonight and they are taking Gage along as insurance. Panic deluged her. She drifted lower, but took care to remain behind the Rain Riders as they thundered across the sky. A glance at the sun indicated she had only a few hours of daylight left before she’d be forced to shift back or remain forever in darkness. Flying alongside the riders thrilled and terrified her in the same light.
What if they mistake Trip for one of the drug dealers? Or worse, what if they’ve deemed Trip guilty of a crime against Gage since he returned the farm? Her heart beat faster. She could do nothing but watch and hope that the man she loved hadn’t made a fatal mistake.
The three men below looked up. She could tell by their horror-stricken expressions that they’d spotted the riders. Trip swerved as the herd of approaching horses made contact with the road. He laid his Harley down and skidded at least fifty feet before coming to a stop. Gage had been on back with him and rolled off the seat a short distance away. Both men appeared shocked into disbelief.
Remle on the other hand pulled his bike to a stop before colliding with them and jumped off to watch. She knew that as Chief Blackwater’s adopted son, Remle had nothing to fear and he most likely was more awed than anything. Yet she couldn’t help but wonder if Remle feared for his longtime friend as she did now.
Gage sprung to his feet and took off running down a steep embankment. She didn’t understand why he’d be afraid. He grew up hearing the stories. Surely he knows that the riders only take those who have committed a crime against their ancestors. His remorse and return of the land had indeed been a step in the right direction. Then her gaze shifted to Trip who walked to the middle of the road and stood with his shoulders squared and head lifted with impressive dignity.