It took her a minute to really absorb that she had no idea why Buck would show up at her work.
She was so surprised she sat right where she was and watched him walk to her door, see her, grin, then circle around behind her desk. When he spun her chair around to face him she found her voice. “What are you doing here?” she asked with a nervous laugh.
He cut her off by leaning on both arms of her chair and dropping a kiss on her lips. It was brief but it still made her rub her legs, her body lighting up like he’d shoved a hand under her skirt and pinched her nipple. “Why are you here?” she tried again, smiling at the way his mouth gave her a half-smirk like he knew the effect he had on her.
“Meeting in town. Thought I’d drop by while the guys went for food.”
“Aren’t you hungry?” she asked, hands instinctively running over his ribs.
“Not for anything at a diner,” he told her, pulling her to her feet by both hands. “I’m wondering if I can hang out with you tonight. When you’re done work.”
Gertie grinned as he pulled her into his hold. “I think I can do that.”
“I’ll take you to your place. You can pack a bag. I wanna spend the weekend with you.”
Gertie’s stomach flip-flopped. “Yes,” she said immediately, her knees giving even more when he grinned.
“Good. I wanna show you someplace, too. Can I come get you at five?”
Gertie was nodding as he spoke. “Sure. That sounds good. I’ll see you then.”
Buck kissed her then, really kissed her, like he kissed her when they were alone, and her awareness of her surroundings vanished. She kissed him back because that was her immediate instinct, clutching his shoulders and slumping into his hold like she couldn’t stand on her own.
“Gertie?”
She parted her mouth from Buck’s and tried to step away, but Buck didn’t release his hold on her. They both turned to the door, and Silver Fox had turned sideways in the doorway, eyeing up Maggie right where she stood in the hallway, eyes wide and surprised.
“Maggie,” Gertie tried to sound normal, like her heart wasn’t racing and a biker wasn’t all over her. “What’s up?”
“I brought your plane tickets ..?” she said, sounding almost meek and mouse-like.
“Oh, thanks,” Gertie struggled to get free of Buck’s hold, and after a bit of wrangling he stepped back, chuckling. She was trying to keep her expression professional but Silver Fox was laughing his ass off at her. “Umm, Maggie, you remember Buck?”
Maggie’s wide eyes went to Buck and she nodded. “Yeah, hi there.”
“Hi,” he returned easily, his hand grabbing hold of Gertie’s ass as he planted another kiss on her. “Plane tickets? What’s that for?”
“I’ll tell you later,” she promised before he planted another long, wet kiss on her.
“Five o’clock?” he wanted confirmed.
“Five o’clock,” she returned on a whisper, blinking herself back to the present.
Silver Fox was side-stepping around Maggie, eyes running over her with great interest. She knew it, but she kept her eyes locked on Gertie like nothing bad could touch her if she didn’t look at him. Buck gave Maggie a nod and then the two were gone, the air suddenly clearer.
Maggie stepped into her office, holding up the paper sleeve with her plane tickets. “Taylor told me to bring these by,” she said, trying to sound casual.
Gertie adjusted her blouse, remembering again that her friend had been somewhat invisible the past month or so. “Yeah,” she said, taking the tickets. “Thanks.” Then she dropped into the chair again, tucking her hair behind her ears.
“So, umm …” Maggie hovered near the door, obviously curious. “Are you … seeing him?”
Gertie looked up, blinking in earnest. “Who? Buck?”
Maggie gave her a knowing look. “Yeah, Buck. The guy that just shoved his tongue down your throat. Damn Gertie, even I felt that.”
Just like that they were friends again, and Gertie giggled as Maggie ducked into a chair.
“So, spill it. How long have you been seeing him?”
Gertie shrugged. “A few weeks, that’s all. I ran into him a couple times after that night at The Dog’s Breakfast and ... I don’t know. I’m not used to this.”
“To what?” Maggie hissed, leaning in.
“It’s intense, I guess?” Gertie explained, and it still seemed inaccurate. “I’m not used to being this into someone. I mean, it’s physical but it’s just so …” she waved her hands like that could possibly mean something.
Maggie was nodding, though. “Wow,” she burst out. “But it’s good, right?”
“What?”
“The sex!” she hissed. “God, I thought he was going to fuck you on the desk while me and buddy boy over here watched.” Maggie tilted her head. “What was his name, by the way?”
“Oh,” Gertie was embarrassed. “I don’t know his name. I think of him as Silver Fox.”
Maggie frowned. “You don’t know his friends’ names?”
Gertie shrugged. “Well, I know some of them. He’s usually with Knuckles and Tank so I know them. But Silver Fox is another story.”
Maggie grinned again. “Buck is hot, Gertie. But isn’t that scary? I mean, is that group, you know, an illegal organization?”
Gertie took a deep breath, because she’d been wondering that too. She’d tried to pry a bit to find out but Buck masterfully eluded having to answer. “I’m trying to find out. I mean, I don’t think I’m in any danger from them. He takes good care of me, and you should have seen how he was when he was staring down Jim when he attacked me. I mean, I know he wouldn’t hurt me.”
Maggie stood up, her smile fading. “I hope you’re having fun, Gertie. I really am glad for you. But … just be careful. If they are into illegal things, they might know other people who are really bad. I’m just going to worry about you, okay?”
Gertie smiled. “Okay. And thanks, Maggie.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Buck and Tiny found the rest of the group at the diner down the block from Gertie’s office. It was the first time Buck had been to her office, and about the fifth time he’d realized how out of his league she was. It was all glass and concrete and tile floors. The walls of the offices were glass and wood panels, very sleek and modern and likely expensive as fuck. Her desk and chair probably cost as much as his bike, which was his only prize possession.
Even in the fancy surroundings and her stuffy clothes she’d been hot as always and kissed him like they were on even ground. It was another thing he liked about her. He’d endured Tiny’s ribbing about being whipped because he knew the asshole was jealous.
They’d finally gotten their sit-down with the Mad Gypsys, who of course pleaded ignorance on who might have driven to Markham and shot at Fritter. Jayce wasn’t an idiot – none of them were. Thor and his asshole officers were all but smirking with every question and that’s all any of them needed to see. That sounded like war, and shit was likely going to get very, very bad.
At least the city separated their territories. That was a small bit of luck, but G-Town was closer. Jayce had already hired the Nomads to stick close to Markham so that the Red Rebels could still do their runs and make their money that way without leaving the town vulnerable.
The dealers were still getting in. They’d run a few kids off here and there, but no one that seemed to be in authority could be found. The Gypsys weren’t stupid, after all. Eventually Jayce would want them to capture a dealer that actually knew something, but they’d have to come into the city for that which got dicey. But it was coming.
The guys were finishing up their meal, and Buck sunk onto a bench next to Knuckles, stealing a fry from his plate.
“So, how’s Miss Dénise?” Knuckles teased, adding an almost cartoon-like French accent to Gertie’s last name.
“Fine,” he answered while chewing, uncommitted to giving one impression or the other. Tiny, thankfully, kept his mouth shut as he
pulled over a chair from another table to straddle backwards.
“Might need her to reach out to those dealers for us,” Jayce mused, taking a swig of beer. “They know her now, they’ll feel safe with her.”
Buck felt a bit of reluctance. He didn’t want to drag her into club shit. She was just a woman he was … sleeping with. And taking on a weekend ride as a surprise. Shit.
“We’ll see,” he answered with the same indifferent tone.
“Someone told Trinny about her,” Jayce went on, and Buck shot eyes at Tank. It had to be that big fucker. “Now she wants to meet her. Wants to have everyone over for a fucking barbecue next weekend.”
“That’s not the only reason for the barbecue,” Tank pointed out with a shit-eating grin. “It’s also your birthday, boss.”
The table cut up at that. A birthday party for Jayce McClune. That was hilarious on so many levels. “I hope there’s balloons,” Tiny chuckled.
“Is she hiring a clown?” Knuckles asked.
“Yeah,” Jayce snapped back. “That’s why you’re invited.”
The teasing was deflected off of Buck, and that was good. He made his supper from a few more of Knuckles’ fries and the crew got up to leave. It was just before five, perfect.
“You taking off this weekend?” Jayce asked outside the diner, pulling on his riding gloves and digging his helmet out of his bike storage.
“Yeah,” Buck replied, rubbing the back of his neck. “Unless you need me.”
Jayce shook his head. “Nah. No big moves planned. And with the Nomads in town we won’t be short-handed.” Now Jayce grinned. “Where you taking her?”
Buck shrugged. “Just a ride up north. Nothing specific. Just to get away for a little while.”
“Enjoy it,” Jayce instructed, swatting his gut. “Might get heavy the next few weeks. No colors though, right?”
“Yeah, I got another jacket with me,” Buck answered immediately.
“And keep your phone on, even if you’re having fun. Just in case.”
“Will do, boss.”
“And just keep an eye out.”
“Of course. Nothing stupid.”
Jayce seemed satisfied, mounting his bike. “See you back Sunday then.”
Buck gave a slight salute as the crew pulled away in one loud, roaring group. He crossed back to the other side of the street, and before he’d gone one block back in the direction of Gertie’s office he saw them. Two of G-Town’s dealers, standing right under the awning of an abandoned stereo shop, shaking hands with people walking by that looked like they had no business shaking hands with drug dealers.
That was ballsy. Buck knew the tie-wearing downtown scene enjoyed controlled substances as much as anyone else, but he was shocked that the dealers were so blatant about it.
At the moment their attention was on the five Red Rebels tearing off down the street, and Buck was able to slip down an alley to round the building on the other side of them to collect his girl. No need to draw attention when he was on his own.
The lobby of the office complex where Gertie worked was all stone and glass, and it was full of people dressed just like her, filing out for the weekend. He drew a few curious stares, but he had his eyes peeled for wild red hair.
She stepped off an elevator, eyes down on her phone, and he felt his burner vibrate in his pocket but he ignored it. Gertie shoved her phone in her purse then looked up, right at him. Her smile was instant and he knew he was smiling back. She always lit up when she saw him and it was a kick to the head every time.
To shock the shit out of him she ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him before he had a chance to say anything. He wrapped his arms around her on instinct, laughing under the assault of her mouth and tongue. “Jesus,” he mumbled. “What’s got into you?”
“It’s Friday and I’m spending the weekend with you,” she answered between kisses.
He laughed again, shutting her up by holding her by the back of the head while giving her a serious, for-real lip lock then backing off and taking her hand while she still looked all dazed and sweet. “Come on,” he urged, pulling her arm. “Let’s go pack a bag for you.”
Gertie was easy to pull along behind him, and as they headed back in the direction of his bike Buck couldn’t help but notice the dealers had changed spots. It relaxed him some, and Gertie scurried after him as they made their way down the street without him really caring that it was a couple’s thing. But as they turned the corner towards his bike he pulled up short, knowing now where the two dealers had gone.
They were standing right next to his fucking bike. One was even fucking leaning on it. Oh, that fuck wanted to die.
His body must have tensed, and he knew his face had gone cold, because Gertie tightened her grip and said cautiously, “Buck? What is it?”
He let go of her hand with a snapped “Stay right here” and headed in their direction. They saw him coming, and the prick with his ass leaning on the side of the seat didn’t so much as shift position. Buck kept himself somewhat in check, grabbing the asshole and yanking him away from his ride so that the bastard stumbled on the curb and fell on the sidewalk.
“What the fuck, man?” the other guy, with two gold teeth, sputtered out, hands up like that should calm something down somehow.
“Never touch a man’s bike, asshole.” Buck directed it at the guy he’d put down on his ass, who was now standing up and giving him a cold glare.
“Our bad,” Goldie was apologizing with an annoying peace-maker tone. “Our bad, dude. Sorry about that. We don’t see many Rebel bikes around here, that’s all. We was just wondering who was going to be coming to claim it, honestly.”
“Now you fucking now,” Buck growled, backing Goldie up onto the curb and a good six feet away from his front tire.
“Buck!” He heard Gertie shout it so he was turning just in time to see the other asshole rushing him. He tightened his posture just in time; the guy’s swing bounced off his arm, leaving him open for the shot to the nose Buck jabbed between his hands. Another left roundhouse swing meant the prick went down hard, barely clear-headed enough to catch himself with both hands. Buck turned back to Goldie who had gone wide-eyed and quiet.
“Get the fuck out of here,” he suggested and Goldie nodded, running to help his pal up and both of them hightailed it down the street double-time. He didn’t miss how they both stared right at Gertie, and for her part a hand was over her mouth, looking terrified. Buck felt shitty for a second, doing that in front of her, but they had to know it was coming. And he couldn’t go soft just because Gertie was there.
“You all right?” he asked, knowing it sounded stupid. She didn’t get hit or anything, but she looked shaken.
“I’m fine,” she whispered, letting him take her hands.
“Come on, honey. We should get moving, get your shit and go. You okay to ride?”
“I’m fine,” she repeated, louder. Stronger.
“That’s my girl,” he mumbled, kissing her temple and pulling her to his bike. They had to get the hell out of the city fast.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Gertie tossed a few tops in the bag, ones that could all be worn over a black bra since that was what she was wearing at the moment. She pulled on jeans and a long-sleeved thermal, hunting through her closet for her one and only leather jacket. It wasn’t a biker jacket but it was a mid-length belted trench. It would have to do.
She had low-heeled boots she could wear too, so that was good. Buck had her rushing, which was making her panic just a little bit. She almost forgot panties and her hair brush she was so distracted.
After seeing Buck nearly knock a guy out, she should probably be just staying home and keeping to herself this weekend. Then she reminded herself that the asshole who’d gotten the beat-down was the one who was going to jump him, so that should even out, right? Either way, she was never approaching those dealers again.
Back on his bike, with the city speeding off in the other dir
ection, Gertie easily noticed how Buck seemed to relax, his back loosening and his shoulders slumping down to their normal posture. It made her feel better too, and she just enjoyed being wrapped around him as the wind ran through her and over her.
They stopped in Markham, but not at the clubhouse. Instead, they were in front of a small, brick-façade rancher with a trimmed but dry front yard, with yellowed plastic awnings starting to crack over all the windows and the front door. He dropped the kickstand and waited for her to climb off first before taking off his helmet and following her.
Gertie stared up at the house, pushing her sunglasses up to the top of her head. She turned to see that Buck had opened the compartment where her bag was and he was pulling it out.
“Where are we?” she asked. This wasn’t exactly the whisking-away-for-the-weekend she’d been expecting.
“My house,” he answered simply, handing over her bag and smiling while he made his way past her and up the walkway.
“Your house?” she repeated, following because now she was terribly curious. “I didn’t know you had a house.”
Over the front door on the concrete steps the awning was held up by wrought iron trellises which were rusting. She stared at them, wondering if he was actually the kind of guy who would train a plant to crawl up a trellis. She doubted it.
Buck pushed the front door open and held the screen for her as she stepped through. The house smelled dusty and stale, like it had been closed up for a while. There was brand new furniture in the living room. As in, brand brand new. The couch was still wrapped in heavy plastic. There was an entertainment table across from it holding a flat screen TV still in its box. Over an eat-at counter she could see brand new appliances with the blue plastic shipping wrap still in place.
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