I kiss her forehead and follow him out. We climb on our bikes and pull away from the compound. When he makes the turn on what’s known as snake road, I see the reason in this ride. The turns in this road require a lower gear and complete dedication to the ride. It’s not the altitude of the Dragon’s Tail ride—it has the same type of curves, but with no shoulder and the gravel gives way under you.
I watch helplessly as Danza’s back end gets swirly in front of me. He’s hit a patch of loose rock, causing a slip. However, being the seasoned rider he is, he finds the delicate balance needed to right the bike back into place. Without saying a word, he’s speaking to me, and I understand every second of it.
Back at the clubhouse, everyone has arrived. This is a family function, therefore no barflies or hang-around hoes allowed. Roundman calls for quiet so we can start the announcements.
Tripp begins, “Thanks for comin’ out. This will be the last trip Doll makes out here until after the baby is born. Our next visit will be to introduce Blaine Ward Crews, Hellion in training!”
The claps and cheers sound at their announcement. When the hugs and man back slaps are done, I put my arm around Sass. Looking around, I make eye contact with Aunt Marsha and nod for her to make her way over.
“We’ve faced a lot of losses, but we’ve come back together stronger. Each person in here is family to me, and as Sass and I raise the next lil’ Hellion, he will carry with him a piece of my family. Kenneth Red Oleander will carry on the name, and I will share with him everything Bull shared with me.”
Aunt Marsha rushes over, hugging Sass and me as she cries. After things settle down a bit, Aunt Marsha pulls away and goes off to wash her face.
Turning Sass to face me while I still have everyone’s attention, I feel on edge. I am not one to get nervous, so I can’t say that’s exactly what I feel in this moment. It’s more a feeling of being on the brink of embarking on something great and it’s time to take the leap. Anticipation.
“Button, you’ve pushed me hard from the beginning. You’ve made me grow into a better man, even if I didn’t see it for far too long. Your dad and I went on a ride today, as you know. One where you have to slow down, take your time, and think things through.
“Life throws us many curves. We have to ride them out, holding those that mean something close. Sometimes, things get tough and the rocks slide from under your tire. You get a little off balance; maybe even go a little sideways. When something means so much to you, though, you find the way to get back between the lines. You fight to make it right and ride out the challenges.”
Dropping to one knee in front of her, I pull out the one carat, round solitaire engagement ring, holding it up to her. “Marriage is a long ride full of smooth times and rough times. Things won’t always be straight and easy; sometimes we gotta hug the curves and each other. Sometimes, the road will give way and the ride will be shaky, but together, we can pull through and ride on. Button, will you take the forever ride with me?”
With tears in her eyes, she nods her head yes as I slip the ring on her finger.
Chapter
21
Family
~Sass~
(Six Months Later)
Looking up from my spot on the couch, I smile. In front of me is my man, holding our baby while talking to my best friend. We’re in Catawba for the first time since ‘Red’ was born. Eight pounds, twelve ounces of little Hellion was born with Tank at my side, coaching me through it all, and a waiting room full of bikers and ol’ ladies anticipating his arrival. For a while, I was lost, not knowing where I belong, but with one look at my little guy, I have found my place.
There is no greater love than the one of a mother to her child. I feel that now.
I have loved Tank for most of my adult life. His support during my pregnancy was just another reason to fall more in love with him. What’s more, every time I see him and our son, I fall in love all over again.
When I see my precious baby boy in the tatted-up arms of any of these bikers, I wonder why I ever felt I didn’t belong here in the first place.
My mom took a picture in the hospital of my dad holding Red. A picture that matches the one taken of him holding me when I was just a day old as well.
This is my life. This is where I belong.
‘BW,’ Doll and Tripp’s son, is three weeks younger and currently napping in his swing. Tripp needs Tank for a transport, and since Rex is caught up in Caroline’s situation. No one is comfortable with her being alone right now. Tripp and Tank thought Doll and I could spend this time together and help each other with the babies. My mom offered to stay with me while Tank is away, however I have missed Doll and want this time with her.
My mom, unable to stay away from the grandbabies—yes, BW is her grandbaby, too, she says—came with me. Therefore, my dad, who hasn’t done a run in years, decides to go on this one with the boys.
At first, my mind starts running a mile a minute with questions. Is the run that serious? How much danger are they in? Is this a new client? How much protection will they have? Are my mom and dad hiding something from me and that’s why my dad has joined in?
All of this could be coincidental and innocent. My mom does love both our boys. My dad would be bored waiting around with us. If he’s not needed back home, the logical thing for him to do is to go on the transport.
“Stop it, Button,” Tank leans over, whispering in my ear.
When did he get over to me? I am so lost in my thoughts, I didn’t notice him making his way over to me on Doll’s couch.
Handing me the baby, he sits down beside me, draping his arm over the back of the couch behind me.
“Stop what?”
“Getting emotional and then over-thinking, allowing yourself to get scared.” He plants a kiss on my temple.
“How did you know?”
“I know you, Button. It’s in the way you watch me.”
“I love you. I’m nervous about you leaving, though,” I reply, avoiding his eyes.
My hormones are still all over the place from having Red. I don’t want Tank to see me tearing up over this. I really am okay with what he does, but it comes with a level of danger that makes me uneasy.
“Button, it’s a regular run. Tripp needs me at his back for an additional driver.” He cups my chin and turns my face to his. “I promise, this one is simple.”
“I know, I know.”
“I’m goin’ with him. You think I’m gonna let anything keep him from comin’ home to you?” My dad pipes in from his place in the chair near me while meeting my gaze to show me he’s serious.
“I’m okay with this, really,” I try for reassurance. The last thing I need to be is a distraction for them. Even if this is a transport of legal cargo, the Hellions have enemies who could attack, regardless.
The more I think on it, the more I settle. My dad would lay down his life for any of his brothers. Tank almost did lay down his life for the club. Any of the boys would step in the line of fire for the others. They are careful and he is as safe as he is going to get being with Tripp and my dad.
Besides, bad people are everywhere.
Look at the random shootings, public bombings, and even what we see in schools today. No one is really safe. At least with the club, he’s not in it alone. I smile, realizing I am strong enough for my baby, for my man, and for his club. Most of all, I’m not alone. I have the club to support me.
“Seriously, Mom and Doll are here. I’ll miss you, but I can do this. You’re a Hellion. I’m a Hellion. Forever ride, this is what we do.”
The end… until the next ride.
Merciless Ride
(Coming Fall 2014)
Chapter One
Unexpected
~Tessie~
No, no, no. Don’t die, dammit. Fuck my life.
It’s two in the morning, and I just got off work from the bar. Tonight was a long damn night.
We’ve been busier since the Desert Ghosts have been in town, working
with the Hellions on something. Staying in this small place, they only have two options for a place to grab a beer. Tiny’s where a man that’s far from tiny will be serving them or find me at Ruthless. Since they are in business with the Hellions, they come to Ruthless. Although not Hellion owned, it’s their place to grab a drink and unwind.
I am on my way to pick up Axel, my son, when my little Honda Civic’s dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree. I have just enough time to pull it safely to the side of the road before it cuts off completely.
No! This isn’t happening, I think to myself as I try to restart the car.
Click. Click. Click. Nothing.
Looking over at my cell phone, I think of my limited options. Who can I call at two in the morning to come give me a ride?
I don’t want my mom to have to get dressed and get Axel dressed to come out here. Plus, I still have to get the car towed. I knew I should’ve signed up for triple A, but damn, that’s just another bill. A bill I can’t afford.
Picking up my cell phone, I dial the one person I know can help me get a ride and get my car towed.
“Hey, Doll, sorry to call so late.”
“No problem. What’s wrong, Tessie?” she asks, the sleepy tone in her voice reminding me normal people don’t keep my kind of schedule.
Shit, I woke her up, but she’s one of the few friends I have. Plus, she will come get me no questions asked since Tripp and Rex are away on a transport. If they were home, Rex would have been at the bar tonight either to troll for fresh pussy or give me an orgasm in the stock room before the night was over. Rex and I have a fucked up history, one centered on sex; sometimes a little more, but mostly, it’s just about getting off. I’ve stopped hooking up with him. It’s not easy to keep pushing him away, but it’s necessary. It’s time to move on, he’s not going to change. He’s certainly not going to give me what I need.
“My car broke down out on Miller’s Hill Road. It won’t start back up, and I need to get home. I’m sorry for bothering you, but I didn’t know who else I could call,” I say as I hear noise in the background.
Doll is mumbling something, but I can’t bring myself to focus on her as my blood runs cold when I hear Tripp’s voice say his name. Rex. Shit, he can’t come get me. No. No. No. He can’t come with me to get Axel.
Panic is setting in as I run through how this night is going. He will ask me where my son is. He always asks me about Axel. My plan was to get Doll on her way and call my mom to keep him overnight. If Rex is too close, I won’t have time. He will wonder why we can’t go get him.
“No worries, Tessie; Rex will be there shortly to get you,” I hear her say his name, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“Rex? I th-thought they were on a transport,” I stammer, questioning why he’s back.
“Oh, they got back about an hour ago, it didn’t take as long as they originally planned. Tripp heard you talking, so he called him while we’ve been on the phone. He’ll pick you up and get your car taken care of. Do you need a ride tomorrow?”
“No, Doll. Thanks, you’ve done so much already. I gotta go. I need to call my mom so she’s not expecting me right away for Axel,” I try to quickly get off the phone.
With that, we hang up. Making a quick call to my mom, she agrees to keep Axel overnight for me. Since he’s already asleep, this works out better anyway for him. Regardless of who comes, none of the Hellions need to lay eyes on Axel.
Knowing he’s settled, I have to prepare myself to see Rex. I seem to lose all self-control when he’s around. I always have. I have given myself mental boundaries with him, knowing he’s never going to grow up; I’ve stopped holding out for that. He is also never going to commit to me or anyone else for that matter, so I have also given up on that dream. I need to set the boundaries for my body more firmly.
Rex is sex walking, period, end of story. He has blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, a body that has defined muscles and ink, making you want to lick every inch of his skin. Yet the thing about Rex is he knows he has the whole package. He knows he looks good. He is confident in his bedroom abilities, as he should be. He also has an edge to him. The same edge that all the Hellions carry. The thing that draws the barflies to them like a man lost in the desert to water.
Headlights come my way, drawing my attention just as the wrecker pulls up in front of my little car. I hold my breath as the driver’s side door opens, but my mouth drops when it’s not Rex who climbs out.
At six feet tall, broad shoulders and all muscle, the man coming towards me is another example of the edge all the Hellions carry. His long sleeved, black t-shirt pulls tightly against his well-defined chest, abs and arms. His short, blonde hair is hidden under an old, worn out, baseball hat. His jeans are well washed and fit him like a pair of broken in shoes, comfortable perfection. His black motorcycle boots stop in front of me.
“Hey, Tessie. Let’s get you loaded up and home to your boy.”
“Shooter,” is all I manage.
“Yeah, you get me. Rex called. He couldn’t make it but didn’t want you on the side of the road.”
This is a moment my heart should sink a little that Rex isn’t coming to help me. What surprises me is I don’t feel short-changed. I don’t feel let down. For once, I feel nothing for Drexel ‘Rex’ Crews.
~Shooter~
Damn him! Brother or not, right now, I want to kick his ass.
I swear I heard him as I answered the phone, say “Suck it harder, bitch.” Instead of dropping the barfly, he calls me to pick his woman off the side of the road. Only Tessie isn’t his ol’ lady, she’s just his back-up pussy. The pussy he doesn’t want to hold onto but won’t let go of, either.
Tessie is beautiful. She deserves so much better than Rex or any man such as the likes of us. She’s petite, maybe five-feet-four. She has dark brown hair and brown eyes that dance when she smiles. Her perky breasts are what most may consider small, yet they fit her body perfectly. She has an ass that is round, but not overly large, just enough to really grip as she rides you. With Tessie, though, it’s more than that. She’s genuine. She’s caring. She’s sweet. She’s loyal. She puts up with a lot of shit, not only from our club, but all the guys going into the bar.
I won’t lie to myself; I’ve watched her for years with Rex, envious as hell. Tessie accepts him as he is—whatever he gives her. I have never met a woman who can easily understand and take a man truly at face value the way Tessie does, not only for Rex but all of us.
I have been a patched member of the Catawba Hellions MC for five years now. My boss, Ryder, introduced me to the club after he patched in with the Haywood’s charter. His wife’s father was an original.
I make the almost hour commute daily to work at Ryder’s Restorations, painting cars for him. The pay is good, business is good, and the guys at my shop are good. I could relocate to a place closer to work, but I don’t want to be in the city. I like being close to my club and not having neighbors.
I move through the routine of hooking up Tessie’s car to the wrecker. My buddy here has a towing and recovery business, so he said he would come get her, but I couldn’t send a stranger to get Tessie. She’s a single mom, by herself, on an old road in the middle of nowhere, and it’s late. A familiar face might make things a little better, especially since I don’t know how disappointed she is over Rex not coming personally.
Glancing over my shoulder, I see her watching me.
“Need help?” she asks, sticking her hands in her jean pockets.
“Nah, baby. I got it. Go ahead and get in. I’ll be a few minutes and we’ll get you home.”
She nods at me before proceeding to get in the vehicle. The 1993, silver Honda Civic she’s been driving certainly has seen better days.
Once we get this to the shop, I will give it a complete overhaul. She has a kid to get home to. Jobs here are few and far between, and the bar is really the only place she could go right now, not without leaving her mom. It’s a small town, people talk, therefore I know T
essie hasn’t had an easy life.
The car secure, I climb in behind the wheel to tow it back to my place. Looking over at the passenger seat, I see she has fallen asleep against the door already. Reaching over, I buckle her in and she startles awake.
“Shooter, thank you.”
“Anytime, baby. You need me to take you to your mom’s or your place?” I ask, wondering if she needs to pick up her son.
“My house, please. Mom didn’t want me to wake Axel.”
The exhaustion is written on her face, but more than that, there is a loneliness in her eyes. I don’t know why, but I feel the need to apologize that it’s me that came to get her.
“I’m sorry Rex couldn’t make it.”
“I’m not,” she says, gazing out the window into the dark night.
How do I respond to that? Rather than involve myself in another man’s business, I stay quiet. Her phone rings from her purse.
“What, Rex?” she answers with a dull tone. There is a pause for him to speak. “Yes, Shooter came. I’m on my way home.” Her brows draw together in frustration, but her voice remains impassive. “No, you can’t come over tonight.” She sighs deeply. “Rex, I told you, no more.”
Another pause while he speaks. “You couldn’t come get me because you were doing who knows what to some barfly. Rex, I told you, I’m done. Besides, the fact that you want to come over tonight after not coming to get me yourself shows the complete lack of respect you have for me. We’re over and have been for years. Hell, we weren’t even really together, so there is nothing to be over.” Her voice never raises, never sharpens. She’s calm, cool and detached as she continues after allowing Rex to reply. “Move on, Rex. I’m going to. Goodnight.” And with that, she swipes her thumb across the screen to end the call.
She lightly bangs her head against the window as we pull up to her house and she starts to unbuckle. Quickly, I reach in my back pocket and get my business card out of my wallet.
“Look, Tessie, you need anything, I don’t care the time, call.”
Forever Ride Page 18