by Jamie Begley
“What did you say?” Shade questioned.
“Nothing. Sir.”
“You can go get changed.”
“Thanks. Sir.” This time her tone was a little sarcastic; his ordering her around was getting old, fast.
“Would you like a lesson I give when I believe someone is being disrespectful?” Shade snapped.
“No, Sir.” Lily rushed to the bathroom, locking the door behind her. She knew the most important lesson in self-defense was knowing when to run.
Chapter 7
Vida waited impatiently as she sat on the couch, watching Sawyer pace the floor while twisting a lock of her hair.
She tensed, getting to her feet when the door opened and Colton, Ice, Max and Jackal entered the hotel suite. They were in Louisville, Kentucky, staying in a hotel while Kaden was set to perform a concert there tonight with Mouth2Mouth.
Vida ran into Colton’s arms the minute she saw him. “Did you see her?” Vida looked up at her husband with watery eyes.
The door opened and closed again. Vida knew it was Kaden coming into the room; sure Colton would have called him when they were back in town. Kaden had stayed as long as he could before he had gone to the arena for a sound check.
“I saw her,” Colton answered his wife’s question.
Vida couldn’t help it; she started crying, knowing from the sounds next to her that Sawyer wasn’t able to contain her emotions any better.
“Vida, you’re breaking my heart, please stop,” Colton said, holding on to her shaking body.
“I’m sorry.” Vida managed to get herself back under control.
Colton sat down on the couch, pulling Vida down next to him.
“Was she okay?” Sawyer asked, sitting on Kaden’s lap when he sat down on a chair.
“She was fine,” he assured her.
“We want to see her, Colton,” Vida and Sawyer both spoke together.
“You two are going to have to wait. Digger’s trial comes up in two months. Once he’s sentenced and sent to prison, it will be safer for you two to approach her. But it’s not going to be easy, Vida.” Colton put the brakes on their possible reunion.
“Why?” Vida asked impatiently.
“What little information Penni would tell us about her friend is the truth. She’s prone to anxiety attacks and gets easily frightened. Plus her adopted sister is married to a member of a motorcycle club—The Last Riders.”
His grim voice had Vida searching his eyes. “Is she in any danger from them?”
“No, honey. She’s safe with them. To be honest, it relieves my mind that they watch over her as closely as they do,” Colton said, not telling her about the incident at the fair.
“She shouldn’t be in any danger from Digger. He doesn’t even know she’s alive,” Sawyer entered the conversation.
“No, he doesn’t, and I want to keep it that way. He’s not giving up any information on the women he’s kidnapped until he gets a deal. I won’t feel better about Lily’s safety until his whole operation is shut down,” Colton told them both.
“I agree,” Ice spoke up. “Don’t underestimate Digger just because he’s in prison.”
Sawyer and Vida both reluctantly nodded their heads.
“Did she look—” Vida got her voice back under control. “How did she look?”
Colton ran his thumb over Vida’s cheek, wiping away the tear that clung to her soft skin. “She’s beautiful, sweetheart, just like you said,” he said softly.
Vida’s head fell to his shoulder. “Whatever it takes, Colton, whatever we have to do, we’ll do it to keep her safe,” she vowed, seeing the same resolve in Sawyer’s eyes.
They had waited all these years; they could wait a few more months.
* * *
The week went by fairly quickly for Lily. By Friday, she had managed to get more comfortable with Shade handling her body during her defense lessons.
He refused to let her go back to her old workout outfits, instead making her put Winter’s back on after she had washed and tried to return it.
As she left Friday, she and Shade came around the corner of the house to see Kaley walking up the steps in a red leather skirt and a black halter top. Rider had his arm around her shoulders.
“I thought she was dating Train,” Lily said.
Shade didn’t say anything, silently walking her to her car.
“See you Sunday,” Lily said, getting in her car.
“Later,” Shade said, turning back to the house.
With that, Lily drove home.
Going inside the house, she saw Beth and Razer getting ready to go out to the party at the clubhouse.
“What are you doing tonight?” Beth asked as they were going out the door.
“I’m having dinner with Charles and Miranda and her husband,” Lily replied on her way upstairs to take a shower.
“When did Charles get back in town?”
“Last night,” Lily answered.
Charles had spent the last few months opening a new restaurant for his father.
“Have fun. See you tomorrow,” Beth called out, closing the front door behind them.
Lily went upstairs and took a shower. She brushed her hair then made a knot on her head. Going to her closet, she pulled out a bright yellow dress that fell softly to her knees. To finish the look, she slid a colorful strand of beads around her neck.
Sliding on her sandals, she was just coming down the steps when the doorbell rang.
She opened the door to Charles’s smiling face then let him in while she grabbed her purse and cell phone.
“Miss me?” Charles asked.
“Of course. How was the opening?”
“Really good. Dad’s already planning his next one.”
“He deserves it. Both of you have put a lot of hours into making your restaurants successful.” Lily smiled at him.
“Ready?”
“Yes.”
They met Miranda and her husband at the Pink Slipper. Lily always felt uncomfortable there because they served liquor; however, they sat well away from the bar and neither Charles nor Jackson drank.
Miranda talked of her child while the men talked about the restaurant opening in Lexington.
“Who’s babysitting for you tonight?” Lily asked, playing with her silverware.
“I asked Kaley, but she was too busy. I know you work for them, and that Beth is married to Razer, but I really wish she wasn’t involved with The Last Riders. I’m getting worried about her,” Miranda confided.
Lily didn’t mention that she had seen her at the clubhouse a couple of times that week.
“She’s not even trying to find a job,” Miranda said with a worried frown. “I’ve heard rumors, too, of stuff going on out there, but when I ask her, she won’t talk to me about it.”
Lily could respect that Kaley wanted to keep her private life private. Lily didn’t like it when others tried to snoop into hers. Treepoint was a small town and most people gossiped to keep themselves occupied.
Lily changed the subject, not wanting to hear the rumors about The Last Riders. They had been kind to her, and Beth wouldn’t let herself become involved in anything that was illegal. Lily didn’t want to be disloyal to Beth by discussing them.
They went to a movie afterward, which everyone enjoyed, deciding to go to the diner for coffee and dessert once it was through. They were sitting there, laughing over the movie, when the door opened and The Last Riders came in, taking several large tables. Beth and Razer came in the door last with Razer’s arm wrapped around Beth’s shoulders and her hair windblown. They sat down at the large table. Lily noticed that Beth lost her smile when she saw her, but she still came to their table.
Lily noticed that Shade was missing from the group.
“Did you have fun at the movies?”
“Yes, it was good. I see you guys went for a ride.” Lily wondered at her sister’s bright flush.
“Yes.”
“Enjoy it while you can, winter w
ill be here soon,” Lily said as Charles paid the waitress their ticket.
“Where’s Kaley? Didn’t she go on the ride?” Miranda questioned Beth.
“No, she stayed at the clubhouse,” Beth spoke as she turned to go to her own table. “See you in the morning, Lily.”
“Okay.”
Lily could tell that Miranda wasn’t happy with Beth’s answer.
Following Charles out the door, she waved at the members sitting at the table, seeing Rider was also missing from the group.
“You’re quiet tonight,” Charles said on the drive back to her home, sending her a questioning glance.
“I guess I’m just tired,” Lily replied, laying her head back against the headrest.
“Lily, is everything all right? I try not to pry, but you know that you can talk to me.”
“I know, Charles. You’ve always been a good friend to me. I’m glad you’re back in town,” Lily said, looking out the window.
“Where are we going?” she asked Charles as they drove past her house, instantly alert.
“It’s still early; I thought we would take a walk.”
Lily was ready to go home. Her hand went to her wrist. “I have to be up early in the morning, Charles. I volunteered to help at the church.”
“I won’t keep you out too late, Lily. I missed you while I was gone, I thought we would be able to spend the summer together. Dad’s restaurant took longer to get situated than I thought. Didn’t you miss me at all?”
Lily looked at his handsome face as he drove. “I missed our friendship, Charles. I don’t really have anyone to talk to since Penni left school.”
His lips tightened. Lily knew it wasn’t the answer he wanted to hear.
She watched the road, wondering where they were going. They drove out of town, going toward the lake. Lily wasn’t frightened. She had dated Charles since high school, so his actions didn’t raise any alarms.
Ten minutes later he pulled into a spot within walking distance of the lake. Charles got out of the car, coming to open the door for her. Lily emerged, letting him take her hand.
He searched her eyes. “Do you remember when we used to do this in high school? We would walk for an hour and just talk.”
“I remember, Charles.” Lily walked next to his tall figure, knowing he was reaching out to her, and trying to reconnect after being away for most of the summer. However, Lily had felt the loss of closeness before he had left when he had tried to deepen their relationship, and she had to tell him she didn’t return his feelings. She thought maybe he had hoped being away would have changed her mind, that missing him would have shown her she cared about him after all.
Lily watched her feet as they walked. She could have told him before he left that she wouldn’t change her mind about him. He didn’t attract her in that way. No man did.
As soon as the thought crossed her mind, a picture of Shade appeared to replace it.
“Is something wrong?” Charles paused next to her.
“No, I guess someone walked over my grave.” She shivered again. Charles placed his arm over her shoulder as they walked further along, losing sight of the car.
* * *
Shade sat in the darkness of Cash’s borrowed truck, watching Lily as she walked next to the fucker that was courting a death wish if he didn’t move his arm. He relaxed when he saw Lily move slightly away, keeping a few inches between them. He didn’t like them holding hands, but he could handle it.
He had planned to come up with another lame-ass excuse to spend the evening with her, but Razer had told him that Charles had beaten him to the punch. He hadn’t had to deal with him before now because he had been out of town, but now he was back and thought he and Lily would continue dating.
Shade got out of the truck as soon as they walked far enough away that they couldn’t see their car. Keeping to the shadows in case they doubled back, Shade made it quickly to Charles’ car, kneeling down by the back tire. He slipped his knife out of his boot, and thrust it into the tire before moving to the front and doing the same. As soon as he heard the hissing air, he returned to the truck, sliding back behind the wheel.
Taking out his cell phone, he gave Rider a call to give him a head’s up that Razer would be calling him shortly, so he needed to finish his business with Kaley. He wanted his ass ready to roll when Razer called to give Lily a ride home.
Shade sat back and patiently waited for the couple to return.
* * *
Lily couldn’t hide her yawn as Charles talked about his father’s new restaurant.
“Let’s head back; I can tell you’re tired,” Charles broke off.
“I’m sorry, Charles. It’s been a long day.” She squeezed his hand, relieved when he gave her a smile.
When they got to the car, he opened the door, letting her slide inside. Lily watched as he walked around the front of the car, seeing Charles bend down by the front tire then stand with a frown on his face. She turned as he walked to the back tire and stood, staring down for a minute before getting inside the car.
“I have some bad news. We have two flat tires,” Charles said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his cell phone.
“Don’t you have a spare?” Lily asked then felt stupid at the look he gave her.
“I do, but not two. Dad’s still in Lexington, so I can’t call him. I’m going to try Lyle, but it’s Friday, so the chances aren’t good that he’ll actually answer.”
Lyle was the town drunk. Lily hated to refer to him that way; however, he was drunk more often than he was sober. She really didn’t want to be stuck in the tow truck with him after he had been drinking most of the night.
“I’ll call Razer,” Lily offered when Charles had no luck reaching Lyle. She pulled out her own cell phone, calling her brother-in-law. He answered on the third ring, and Lily quickly explained their predicament. He offered to send Rider.
“Thanks, Razer.” She disconnected the call, turning back to Charles. She could tell he wasn’t happy she had called Razer, but the problem with living in a town the size of Treepoint was that your options were limited.
“I wanted to spend some more time with you. I guess I got my wish,” Charles said wryly.
Lily laughed. Reaching over the console, she kissed his cheek. “I really missed you, Charles.”
The tension faded from his face and he relaxed back against his seat. They started talking about the mischief they would get into in high school.
Twenty minutes later headlights pulled in behind them. Rider opened his truck door as another truck pulled up next to him. Shade climbed out of the older-looking truck that everyone in town knew was Cash’s. Both Charles and Lily then got out of the car.
“What’s going on, Lily?” Rider asked as he walked next to Charles and looked down at the car with the two flat tires.
“We went for a walk and when we came back, the tires were flat,” Charles explained.
“I’ll get it loaded onto the trailer and drop it off at the garage.”
“I’ll give you both a ride home,” Shade offered, moving forward.
Neither of them said anything as the two men loaded Charles’s car onto the trailer. When they finished, Rider climbed back into his truck.
Shade went to the truck he was driving and opened the passenger door for them. Lily climbed into the truck first, holding her dress down as she slid across the seat so that Charles had enough room to sit. Shade climbed into the driver’s seat and started the truck, as Lily tugged her dress down over her knees.
When Shade backed up and turned around; she was sitting so close to him the movement of him shifting gears had him brushing his arm against her breasts. Lily stiffened, trapped between the two men with nowhere to go.
The silence in the car could be cut with a knife. Feeling agitated and uncomfortable in the silence, her hand went to her wrist, but before she could snap it, Shade’s hand covered hers, preventing her from snapping it.
She slid her hand away, laying both
hands on her lap.
“I appreciate you and Rider coming out.” Charles broke the silence as they hit the outskirts of town. “We tried calling Lyle, but he didn’t answer.”
“That’s because he was at Rosie’s. I saw his truck as I passed.” Shade’s cold voice filled the cab of the truck.
“That explains it.” Charles muttered.
Lily expected Shade to drop her off first, but he kept driving past her house.
“Where to?” Shade asked.
Charles gave him directions and silence resumed in the truck. She had to force herself to keep her breathing even as they turned a corner and she was pressed up against Shade’s side. Thankfully, Charles lived close by and it wasn’t long before they were pulling into his driveway.
Charles opened the door when the truck came to a stop. “Thanks, Shade. You and Rider come by the restaurant and I’ll buy you dinner,” Charles said, getting out.
“We’ll do that,” Shade said.
“Goodnight, Lily. I’ll see you in church Sunday.
“Goodnight, Charles.”
Charles closed the door and Shade backed out of the driveway, his arm again rubbing against her breasts again. Lily tried to scoot over, but his thigh was sitting on her dress. When her dress started slipping up, she sat still, pinned in place. She didn’t make an issue of it, since it was a short distance to her house.
“Did you have fun on your date tonight?”
His harsh voice startled her.
“Yes. We went to the movie and ate with my friend Miranda-Kaley’s sister.”
Shade didn’t respond, stopping at a red light.
“Beth and the others came into the diner when we were having coffee. You didn’t go riding with them?”
“No, I wasn’t in the mood for a ride tonight.”
The light turned green, and the truck moved forward again.
“I’m sorry you ended up having to get out tonight,” Lily apologized.
“You would have done better keeping your own ass home tonight.”
Lily stiffened next to him. “What do you mean by that?”
Shade turned the truck down her street.
“I mean, you need to be cruel to be kind, and quit leading him on,” Shade replied, turning into her driveway.