by Chiah Wilder
For a long pause, he stared at her, silence filling in the air around them. Wheelie caressed the side of her face. “You’re important to me.”
“Hearing you say that means the world to me, but I also know how important the Insurgents are to your life. We can make this happen without you losing the brotherhood and me getting killed by Tigger. We just have to pretend for another week or so. I’ll talk to Cara tomorrow.”
“If that’s the way you wanna play it. Just make sure you don’t let Tigger know anything. You know to call me if anything happens, right? I know Cara won’t tell anyone, even Hawk, if you tell her not to.”
“So, it’s settled. Now, I want to forget about all the shit in my life and just lose myself on the back of your bike. When are we going to Hanging Lake?”
Wheelie kissed her then chuckled. “I like a woman who appreciates a good ride. If you’re ready, we can leave now.”
The road stretched ahead, curving around the mountain as it hugged the land. With her arms snug around Wheelie’s waist, Sofia’s body moved in sync with the Harley, and she welcomed the rush of warm air around her. As the bike sped on, Sofia could see the amber flint of rivers and the occasional mirror-like flash of a mountain lake. Wildflowers glowed with bright-colored butterflies offering pops of color amid the dark green of the pines, and behind the gossamer clouds, the bluish-hued mountain peaks soared.
Wheelie looked behind him and winked at her, and she pressed closer to him and kissed his cheek. This is what I want: to live loudly and without fear, and at that moment, she believed it was possible. Wheelie meant everything to Sofia; the way he treated her, and the words he spoke, told her she meant something to him. Her world felt complete except for one real fact: Tigger would never let her go. The thought shrieked through her mind, and a lump of fear coiled in the pit of her stomach. Sofia shook her head in an attempt to break up the thought, and she hugged Wheelie tighter, willing herself to dwell only in the moment.
As the Harley climbed up the pass, coolness replaced warmth. Waterfalls flowed from steeply angled rock formations, shimmering like threads of metallic silver, and Sofia focused on the tiny prisms of light bouncing off the waters’ mist.
But … as hard as she tried, a small niggle of doom had taken root in the back of her mind, refusing to go away.
Chapter Eleven
Tucker Nelson’s heavy boots thumped rhythmically on the diner’s linoleum floor as he followed the blonde hostess. His eyes were on her swaying ass, and when she turned her head as if sensing his stare, he gazed at her unabashedly and offering no apology. Redness streaked her cheeks and she sped up her pace until she put a menu on the table and mumbled, “Your waitress will over shortly.”
Gawking at her breasts in her too tight uniform, Tucker nodded and slipped in the booth. The hostess scampered away, getting lost in the crowd. He stared out the large window watching cars coming and going from Ruthie’s Diner.
“Can I getcha something to drink?” the waitress asked, setting a glass of ice water in front of him.
Tucker noticed her big tits before he saw her face. He licked his lips then slowly looked up at her. “Is your root beer homemade, or is it the shit that comes from a fountain machine, Brenda?” he asked while glancing at her name tag.
“Homemade. You want it?”
“A large.”
“Got it.” The waitress whirled around and ambled away, and Tucker felt a tug in his pants as he pictured the blonde hostess sucking the cute brunette’s tits as he shoved into her sopping pussy. He shifted in his seat and took out his phone. “Asshole,” he said under his breath as he read Russ’ text. It was the twentieth one he’d sent since Tucker arrived in town the day before.
Tucker: Quit sending me all these fucking texts. U’ll know when I’ve killed him.
He turned off his phone and placed his feet on the seat across from him. Tucker figured it’d take him a few days to learn the biker’s routine then he’d shoot him in the head or back when he least expected it. Not a hard way to earn twenty thousand. The only complication: The dude was a member of a one percenter MC. He’d have to be careful not to rush things along, and Russ texting him every minute was driving Tucker nuts.
“Here’s your root beer. Are you ready to order?” Brenda asked, pen and pad in hand.
“The bacon double cheeseburger and … how’s the green chili?”
“It’s good. It’s one of our most popular items.”
“Is it hot and spicy like you?” Tucker’s lips curled up.
Brenda licked her lips. “Not as hot.”
He chuckled and scratched his beard. “Now you’re making me curious.”
She winked at him. “So, do you want a cup of the chili?”
“I sure do, darlin’.” Tucker stared at her nicely shaped ass as she sashayed to the counter until he lost sight of her. He tugged at the bristles on his face that were as thick as a house broom.
After finishing his burger and chili, he sipped his root beer while watching Brenda flirt with a table of men wearing cowboy hats. Every once in a while he saw her give him sidelong glances, and he debated about asking her out and then inviting her to his motel room. Dragging his eyes away from her, he turned on his phone and cussed under his breath when he saw three text messages from Russ. As much as he wanted to fuck Brenda, he was in Pinewood Springs to do a job: kill Wheelie. He couldn’t afford to screw up, because not only did he need the money, but the last thing he wanted was to go back to prison. Spending twelve years in that hellhole was more than enough for anyone’s lifetime.
“Do you want anything else? We got real good peach cobbler, and our coconut cream pie just won an award last year.” Brenda gave him the type of smile that told him she was hoping he’d ask for her number.
“I’ll try the cobbler. You must know a lot of people in this town. I’m looking for a friend of mine from years ago. We went to high school together in Denver. I’m living in LA now and just passing through and remembered that he’d moved here after we graduated.”
“What’s his name?” Brenda put the pen and pad in her apron pocket.
He laughed. “His name was different in high school, but he goes by Wheelie.”
Her frosted pink lips spread into a big grin. “You’re Wheelie’s friend? That’s cool. I knew there was something I liked about you.”
Tucker took another sip of his soda. “So, you know him?”
“Yeah. He eats here all the time. I even went to a party at his clubhouse this past weekend.”
“Is that right. Is he a regular? Maybe I can meet up with him when he comes in.”
“He doesn’t have a set day or time. Sometimes he shows up alone, but he’s mostly with his brothers.”
“The Insurgents, right?”
“Yep. I can mention that you’re looking for him the next time I see him. How long are you in town for?”
“I’m not sure. I’m scouting the place for a potential location to film my next movie.”
Brenda’s eyes widened. “You make movies?”
Tucker glanced around then crooked his index finger, gesturing for her to come closer. “Don’t tell anyone because I don’t want to be plagued by wannabe actors. It happens all the time. I can trust you to keep it under wraps, right?”
Bobbing her head in agreement, she pressed her fingers to her lips. “Mum’s the word … but how exciting.” Her brown eyes sparkled.
“If I decide to film here, you can be an extra. Give me your number and I’ll let you know.”
“I’d love that.” She took out her pad and scribbled on it then handed the paper to him. “Maybe we can get together for a drink while you’re here. I’d love to hear about your movies. I know some real nice places around town.”
“I’ll see how my schedule plays out. Do you know Wheelie’s address? I want to surprise him.”
Brenda shook her head. “I don’t. He may even live at the clubhouse. A lot of the guys do. I can tell you how to get there, but they won’t just
let you in.” She giggled. “It’s like trying to get onto a military base or something with all the security.”
Yeah … I don’t have a death wish. “Maybe his workplace?”
“I think he just opened a business. I’m not sure, but I can find out. If you give me your number, I’ll let you know.”
“I’ll call you.”
“Where are you staying?”
“In town. So, you find out where I can surprise Wheelie and remember not to say anything. He’s gonna love it.”
“Okay. You’ll probably see him around. He rides a wicked-looking Harley. It’s metallic red and has so much chrome on it, it’ll blind you.” She chuckled.
“Thanks. I’ll look out for it. I’ll take that cobbler now.”
After taking the second bite of the dessert, a thunderous roar rumbled outside, rattling the windows. Tucker looked out and saw a bunch of motorcycles turning into the parking lot. The men switched off the engines and the deafening vibrations stopped. As the bikers came in, Brenda walked over and started chatting them up. A few of them had their backs to Tucker, and he saw the Insurgents’ rocker on their cuts. He glanced back at the parking lot and looked for Wheelie’s Harley based on the description Brenda had given him. He saw gold, blue, green, and a host of other colors, but no metallic red.
The waitstaff buzzed around the tough-looking men, pushing tables together and handing out menus. Tucker caught Brenda’s eyes and she rushed over. Red blotches ruddied her face, and her eyes sparkled and gleamed.
“Some of the Insurgents are here,” she said breathlessly, darting her gaze back to where they sat. “But Wheelie isn’t with them. That’s too bad for you.”
By the way Brenda acted, he had no doubt she’d tell the outlaws he was looking for Wheelie. She was infatuated with them and that made her unreliable. Tucker pushed the cobbler away and shrugged his shoulders. “Those are the breaks. I’ll have to catch him next time I come through.”
“You sound like you’re leaving. I thought you’d be around for a couple of days,” she replied, tilting her chin down and frowning.
“I did too, but I just got a call from the studio and I gotta get back, pronto. I’ll hold you to that drink offer the next time I’m in town.”
“So, you decided to shoot your movie here?”
“Yeah. I meant what I said about being an extra. I’ll call you when I get back to LA and tell you about the contract, but right now I need to leave. Be a good girl and bring me my check.”
“Here you go,” she said, placing the bill on the table. “You need to pay up front at the cash register. I can’t believe I’m gonna be in a movie. It was nice meeting you. What did you say your name was?”
“Sam Nicholls. It was good to meet you too.” As he watched her walk away, regret wound through him. He’d thought they could have had some fun, but after he saw the way she responded to the bikers, he knew she’d never be able to keep her mouth shut. By the time she said something, Wheelie would think he’d left and that’s when Tucker would strike.
The sooner he got the job done, the faster he blew out of this town and got his money. A few days in Vegas at the blackjack tables, stuffing bills in sexy strippers’ G-strings, and fucking the best-looking whores money could buy was just what he needed before he went back to San Diego.
Tucker walked out of the diner and admired the shiny motorcycles as he slid into the rental car. Maybe he’d steal Wheelie’s bike after he murdered him; he’d always wanted a Harley-Davidson.
With hands gripping the steering wheel, he drove out of the lot and began canvassing the town for a metallic red Harley with a shitload of chrome.
Chapter Twelve
Wheelie jerked his chin when Bones entered the office. The large man plopped on the chair in front of the desk then leaned over and snatched a tissue from a box.
“It’s damn hot out there. I never remember it hitting the high 90s this early. If it’s this bad now, what’s August gonna look like.” Bones wiped his face then tossed the wadded up tissue in the trashcan.
“It’s good for my business. What’ve you been up to?”
“Been hanging with Animal. That dude loves blackjack. We went over to the casinos in Black Hawk for a couple of days. Lost my ass, but picked up a real hottie, so I can’t complain.” Bones looked around the room. “You got anything to drink in here, or do I have to get it at the vending machine out front?”
“There’s beer, water, and pop in the mini fridge,” Wheelie replied, pointing to the back corner of the room. “Grab me a water.”
Bones pushed out of the chair grunting, like he was bench pressing five hundred pounds. “It’s just so fuckin’ hot.” He opened the fridge and threw a bottled water to Wheelie then snagged a can of Coors. He cracked the top, sank back down in the chair, took a long drink then belched. “Fuck, that’s good.”
Wheelie laughed and unscrewed the bottle. “Whatcha got going on today?”
“Not much. I just came back from Tigger’s place. I took his ol’ lady to the grocery store. She hardly had any shit in her fridge.” He took another long drink. “She made me a sandwich when we got back. It was damn good.” Bones shook his head. “I can’t figure out why Tigger treats her like shit all the time. She’s pretty damn nice.” He leaned toward Wheelie. “And fuckin’ hot. She was wearing these shorts that clung to her ass in just the right way. I know I shouldn’t have been looking, but I’m a man and that’s what we do.” Anger bubbled beneath Wheelie’s skin as he stared at Bones. “If Tigger wasn’t a brother, I’d make a play for Sofia. I don’t get how he can fuck the club girls all the time when he’s got a hot woman at home. The dude sometimes spends days at the club. If she were my ol’ lady, I’d be buried in her pussy most of the time.” Bones guffawed then got up and grabbed another beer.
Wheelie wanted to punch Bones in the face for speaking so disrespectfully about Sofia, but he held back, gritting his teeth and stiffening his muscles until they hurt. He didn’t like Bones, or any man, leering at her and fantasizing all sorts of things about her—that was reserved only for him. “You want me to get the guys to shine up your bike?”
Bones crinkled his brow and gave a half shrug. “I guess.”
“I’ll tell Dale.” Wheelie stood up and walked out. He had to stop Bones from talking about Sofia, because if he didn’t, he wouldn’t be able to hold himself back and likely end up beating the shit out of his brother. Wheelie glanced at the clock on the back wall: 12:15 pm. He rubbed the back of his neck. I thought it was later. Today’s going by so damn slow. Time away from Sofia made the minutes and hours creep by. All he could think about was seeing her again.
The last few days with Sofia had gone by so quickly. He’d never enjoyed a woman’s company as much as he did hers. Wheelie wasn’t the type to spend all his free time with a chick, but with Sofia it was different. She stirred up some deep feelings inside him, and he couldn’t wait for her to leave Tigger and move in with him. Sofia’s soft voice echoed in his head. “I’ll have to get my own place for a while so the club doesn’t think there was anything going on between us.” He licked his lips then ran his index finger over them, picking at a dry patch. She’s so worried about me getting kicked out. If Wheelie was being honest, he worried about it too, but he’d be damned if he’d let Sofia know that. She had enough shit to deal with, and Wheelie knew that even after all she’d been through with Tigger, it still wasn’t going to be easy for her to start a new life.
As if on cue, his phone pinged and Wheelie looked down, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Sofia: It’s too long until I’ll see u!
Wheelie: I hear ya, babe. Heard u went shopping with Bones.
Sofia: U guys r faster than the news wire. Can’t believe it.
Wheelie chuckled and glanced around the room.
Wheelie: After all this time you’re just finding this out?
Sofia: lol. How did u know?
Wheelie: He’s here. Said u make a killer sandwich
.
Sofia: I do. Will have to make u one.
Wheelie: Ya. U know, I still have your taste on my tongue.
A pause.
Sofia: That makes me crazy wet. I want u. Right. Now.
Air hissed in between Wheelie’s teeth as he breathed heavily, the bulge growing against his jeans; he quickly stood behind the tall card display rack.
Wheelie: I wanna spread your legs & eat out your sweet, wet pussy. Then I’m gonna turn u over & put my hard cock deep inside u.
Another pause. His dick throbbed.
Sofia: I’m gonna let u do anything u want to me.
Rereading her text left him pressed against the rack, looking out the window and watching the rainbow-colored foam spray cars as he tried to calm down his raging lust.
“Wheelie?” Bones’ gruff voice boomed.
Fuck!
Sofia: U still with me, sexy?
Wheelie: I’m hiding behind a card display tryin’ to get my cock to chill out. Bones is coming.
Sofia: LMAO!!
Wheelie: Smartass. I gotta go. See u later.
Sofia: xoxo ♥
Wheelie turned back to the display, trying to think about something other than Sofia moaning through parted lips as he drove into her. Damn! There’s no way Bones can see me like this. I’m acting like a fuckin’ teenager. He picked up a few cards and read them, trying to refocus his attention from Sofia to birthday greetings.
“What the fuck are you doing? I thought you were getting some dudes to polish my bike,” Bones stood next to Wheelie.
Wheelie pressed closer to the display. “Yeah. I got sidetracked.”
Bones glanced at the cards in Wheelie’s hands then back at him. “You’re reading these? What the fuck?”
“Just doing inventory.” Wheelie put them back in the slots.
“I gotta say you’re acting weird, dude.” Bones looked at the wall clock. “I can get my bike done another time. I gotta go. Banger wants me to pick up Harley and Braxton from day camp.”