Crickett put her hand on her husband’s shoulder. “They love each other, Abel. You need to talk to your daughter.”
Abel’s fingertips loosened their grasp slightly. “Do you love my daughter?”
I nodded; his hand was crushing my throat a little too much for my words to form.
“Then you’ll do the right thing and not be with her. She deserves more than this life.”
He finally let me go and I fell to my knees.
“Leave.” He turned his back on me and made his way down into the living room.
With pleading eyes, I silently begged for Crickett to do more, but she just shook her head and followed.
I trotted down the stairs, eyes locked on the floor. I knew that if I looked into her eyes she would know sooner than I was ready to tell her. Abel was right: I loved her more than keeping her in this life—my life. I was nothing more than a deadbeat biker, and that was the way things were going to stay. I hadn’t chosen this life, it had chosen me, but that didn't mean that I was going to drag Raine down into the gutter with me.
As she called after me, crying, I got on my bike and pulled away. I knew I was breaking her heart, but it was for the best. I drove down the mountain to my dad’s house where I knew he’d be waiting.
With not even one foot on the bottom step on the porch, I heard my father yell, “Get your fucking ass inside.”
“Dad, please.”
A beer gripped in his hand, he spit on the porch in front of my boot. “You’re lucky Abel didn't kill you, son. What were you thinking?”
I walked through the front door, heart on my sleeve, preparing for the worst. “I love her, Dad.”
Holt sank onto the couch, staring at me. “This ain’t just a chick that you fuck and pretend to love, son. She deserves more than this. More than us.”
“Fuck.” I paced around the living room. “Don’t you think I fucking know that?”
“Then why would you ever think a guy like you could be with her?” I could see his nostrils flaring. Raine was like a daughter to him and he was going to feel just like Abel did, and I knew they were right.
“Didn’t you hear me? I fucking love her. I’ll give it up, all of it. I’ll turn in my cut. I’ll walk away, take her away.”
My dad took a long swig, glaring at me. “Do you know what you’re really saying, Ryder?”
I nodded and sank onto the couch, defeated.
“Then prove it. Fight for her and prove to Abel that you mean it. Win her and show you deserve it.
Raine
“How could he do this to me?”
Crickett ambled around my room, staring at some of my stuff on my desk. “Do you remember the first time we met, honey?” My stepmom picked up my yellowing unicorn rubber duck that was my most prized possession from when I was little.
I thought back to that day: hopping into my dad’s big white truck to see a strange woman sitting in the front seat. “I gave you a flower and said you were pretty.”
With kind eyes, she smiled and took a seat on the bed next to me. “You’ve always been very special, Raine. Your dad has always known that and he wants more for you than a dangerous life married to a club member.”
“But Ryder, he’s different. I know that is so cliché to say, but it’s true.”
Crickett put her hand on my shoulder, slowly pulling me in for a hug. “I will talk to your father. I can’t guarantee anything, sweetheart, but I’ll try.”
“Thank you.” I held on to Crickett, trying to choose my next words carefully. “Do you think he’s scared history is going to repeat itself?”
My stepmother pulled away from me, her face fighting back the pain we knew was starting to blanket the entire room. “Honey, what happened to your mother and grandmother didn't have anything to do with the club. You know that right?”
I nodded. “Then why is Dad so scared of me dating Ryder? You and Dad have made it work.”
“All I can do is try to remind Abel of that. Fingers crossed.”
“Thank you.” I pulled my blanket around my shoulders, wiping the tears away from my soaked face and neck.
“You do know that it is a hard life, right? It’s scary and dangerous and you never know if your man is going to come home to you. Are you prepared to live a life like that, baby?”
I nodded. “If it’s for Ryder, I’ll go to hell and back.”
“Okay then.” She kissed my forehead and that was that.
Crawling under the covers, I shot off a text message to Ryder.
Me: Goodnight babe. Crickett is on our side. Hopefully Dad will come around soon.
Ryder: Goodnight, my love.
I drifted off to what I knew was going to be a restless night’s sleep, but the nightmare that plagued me was one that I hadn’t had in years.
“What are you doing?” My hollow voice begged to scream but nothing more than a cry came. I was frozen in the corner of the room watching the terrifying scene unfold in front of me.
The shadowed figure trudged over to my mother and grandmother as they screamed and pleaded with him to stop. Huddled in the kitchen together, they were completely defenseless.
In a low raspy voice, he laughed. “You can all see me in hell when this is said and done.”
Bang.
Bang.
Bang.
They each fell to the ground in succession, soaked in their blood mixing on the kitchen floor.
I was spared, left alone to scream in the corner.
Cold, alone, scared.
3
Raine
It took a few days of playing by the rules for me to snap out of my funk. Ryder and I were keeping distance physically, but constantly texting. It fucking sucked, but the dust needed to settle.
Me: Heading into the bar now. How much longer will you be at the shop?
Ryder: All freaking day and probably a good part of the night. Abel has been more than interested in making my workload keep me from seeing the light of day.
Me: I’m sorry.
Ryder: You’re worth it. Have a good shift babe.
With a deep breath, I walked through the doors of the bar. Crickett was unloading a rack of beer glasses as she smiled at me. “Hey sweetheart. You ready to take over?”
“How was the day shift?” I put my purse under the register and grabbed Crickett’s draw of cash to put mine in.
Crickett shrugged. “Nothing to write home about, but tonight should be good. We have a new girl coming in to train.”
I was shocked. No one had mentioned getting another chick. “When was that decided?”
“Jesse’s niece just moved in with him and his old lady so we said she could work a few shifts here. It’ll help us out a lot.”
We did need more people and with Ryder working his ass off at the shop, his offer to help out was completely off of the table.
I started counting out Crickett’s money while she finished setting up the bar for my shift.
“You know this is all going to blow over, right sweetheart?”
I swallowed hard. “I just want everything to be back to normal. Dad has barely spoken to me and he’s working Ryder to death.”
“Just be happy that he’s still letting Ryder work.” She grabbed her stack of tips, shoving it into her bra strap. “Your dad’s in the back room, why don't you go say hi? Break the ice a bit.”
I could hear my heart in my chest as I knocked on the door to the office. “Come in.” My father’s burly voice leaked through into the back hallway.
“Hey Daddy. How’s it going?”
His eyes were wide, his shoulders stiff. “Fine.”
My heart was breaking. “Dad, I can’t take this any more. I need us to get back to normal.”
He dropped his shoulders and leaned back in his chair. “I’m just trying to do what is best for you, Raine.”
I sat in the folding chair next to him, taking his large, leathery hand in mine. “I know.”
“We’ll get through this baby doll. I j
ust can’t see you head down this rough road. This life is too dangerous. I want more for you.”
“But what about what I want?”
His eyes locked on the floor. “I know what you want, but I am your father and I know what is best for you Raine.”
I stood up and yelled, “I am not a freaking child.”
Slowly, my father rose to his feet, gripped my shoulders, and glared into my eyes. Through gritted teeth, he tried to even his temper. “But you’re my child and I love you more than anyone, including Ryder.”
Tears started to sting my eyes. “You don't know that.”
“But, I do, baby doll. I surely do.”
I wiped my eyes, pulling away from him. “I have a shift to start.”
He nodded and watched me walk out of the office without saying another word.
* * *
“So, have you ever bartended before?” I wiped down the bar while trying to get to know Keira, our new bartender.
She shook her head, her long blonde hair swaying around her shoulders. “I was a server in Des Moines, but I have never worked behind the bar.”
Crickett grabbed her bag from behind me, putting her hand on my shoulder. “Raine is great, you’re learning from the best.” She winked at me before starting to head to the back door. “Holt will be in soon to take over as manager, you ok with holding down the fort for an hour?”
I nodded. “I got this.”
Other than a few members shooting darts over in the back corner, the bar was empty.
“Is it always this slow?” Keira helped unpack a few boxes of beer bottles into the troughs.
“It’ll pick up once dinner hour is over and the guys finish at the shop.”
Trent slammed his empty beer bottle down on the bar top. “Hey, you. Another heavy.”
I whipped around to see Trent eyeing Keira up and down, licking his lips.
“That ain’t a way to talk to us, Tre, and you fucking know it.”
He threw his hands in the air. “Sorry darlin’. What’s your name?”
Keira blushed as Trent started to lay on his sweet, thick southern drawl that always had northerners soaked within seconds. Trent was hot as fuck—tattooed, rippling muscles, tall, thick black hair with the burly beard to match—but his crassness and vulgarity seeped through every pore.
I popped the top off the Budweiser, handing it to him. “Play nice.”
“I just asked for the young lady’s name.”
After looking up at me, Keira smiled sweetly at Trent. “Keira.”
“Oh, you’re Jesse’s newest member.”
She nodded. “Got into town last night.”
“Well, I hope you like our little town. Maybe I could show you around sometime.”
That’s where I drew the line; I wasn’t about to let this new, innocent chick be swooned by that scumbag. “Trent, don’t you have a game to get back to?”
He smirked at me, nodding. “Yes, ma’am, I do. Keira, it was a pleasure.”
I could see her cheeks flush as he winked and shoved away from the bar.
“Everyone around here seems so nice.”
I laughed. I couldn't help it, that shit was comical. How could she not see through that act? “Just be careful. There’s only one thing on Tre’s mind and that is not showing you around our town in any sense of what it might mean back in cow country.”
The shift kicked off and the bar started to get full after Holt showed up.
“Keira, this is the other manager, Holt. He’s my father’s right hand man.”
Holt shook her hand. “How are you liking it so far?”
Keira beamed up at him while making a Jack and Coke for her uncle. “It’s been great. Raine’s a good teacher.”
Holt winked at me. “That she is. Raine, we’re running low on lemons, grab some from the back? I’ll cover your section for a bit and see how our new girl is doing.”
“Ok, great. Don’t worry, he doesn't bite. Holt taught me everything I know.”
Making my way to the back cooler, I heard footsteps behind me. Right as I spun around, I was grabbed by the hip. “Hey babe.” Ryder’s smooth tone washed over me like a slow setting sun next to the lake in the summer.
Wrapping my arms around him, I melted.
“It’s only been two days since I held you, but that might as well be a lifetime.” His drawl was low and thick.
“What are you doing here? I thought Abel had you working late tonight.”
He kissed me quickly. “He told me I had been working hard enough and deserved a little bit of time off.”
There was no time to waste. I pulled Ryder into the cooler and slammed the door shut. Crushing our lips together in the chilly air, we hungrily made out like high schoolers under the stairs between classes.
“Who’s at the bar?” Ryder huffed, pulling my shirt up over my head. Instantly my nipples got hard under my thick lace bra from the frigid temperature in the small space.
“Your dad and the new chick. I only have a few minutes.”
“Fuck it.” He growled into my shoulder. “That’ll have to be enough time.”
Ryder undid his jeans, pulling his erect member out through the hole in his boxers. He yanked on my white shorts, letting them fall around my ankles. He turned me around and I arched my back as Ryder thrust himself roughly into my wetness. My hand pressed against the icy metal of the wall as his cock filled me with sheer pleasurable pain.
With his hand firmly around my mouth, I let out a muffled scream.
“Shhhh.” He hushed me. “We don't want anyone to hear.”
The head of his dick slammed into my g-spot over and over as we panted and lightly moaned. Right when his thumb started to massage my swelling clit, it was game over for the both of us.
“Fuck, your cunt feels so goddamned good taking my dick.” Ryder’s gravely drawl curled into my ear, pushing me completely over the edge.
My pussy pulsed and tightened around this throbbing shaft as we rode out our hasty orgasms together.
Before fixing our clothes, Ryder pulled me into him, kissing the top of my head, my bare back pressing against his cotton shirt and leather cut. “You’re fucking amazing, babe.”
I spun around in his arms, wrapping mine around his neck. “Right back at ya.” He handed me his black bandana from his back pocket to wipe the come that was dripping down my inner thigh. “Thanks.”
“No worries. Can’t have you going back to work a fucking mess on my account.”
We both got dressed and made sure we looked somewhat presentable. Ryder even smoothed out my eyeliner for me with this thumb.
“Do you think anyone will notice that you were looking for lemons for more than ten minutes?”
I shook my head. “I’ll say I had to throw out the rotten ones if anyone asks.”
Ryder chuckled. “All right then.”
Bricks that had been resting on my shoulder for days slightly lifted. “This might all work out.”
He nodded. “Here’s to hoping. I’m going to post up at the bar.”
And just like that I felt like everything was falling back into place.
Ryder
After going to the bathroom to wash the sweet smell of Raine off my fingers, I bellied up to the bar for a much needed drink.
“Hey Ryder.” My dad put a beer down in front of me as I watched Raine cut lemons at the other end of the bar. “It’s good to see you here, son.”
I took a sip. “Yeah, tell me about it. Who’s the new chick?” I pointed the top of my bottle over to the blonde that was asking Raine questions in rapid fire.
“Jesse’s niece, Keira. She’s going to be staying with him and Barb for a while so we figured it would help everyone out if she started working here.”
I lit a cigarette, taking a few long drags. Even though I was within just a few feet of Raine, it might as well have been miles. The bar was slammed and between training the new girl and Tre trying to jump her bones, I barely got a chance to talk to her.
“Hey, Ryder, you coming out tonight?” I froze. Abel was standing right behind me and I hadn't even noticed.
How fucking long has he been there?
Did he catch me eyeing Raine?
I turned to look at him, arms crossed, glaring down at me. “To Secrets?” I asked, completely shocked that Abel was even acknowledging me.
He nodded.
“I wasn’t planning on it, didn't know if it was a thing for prospects to do.”
“I’m telling you, you’ll be there.”
I let out a deep breath. “Then I will be there.”
He clapped me on the shoulder and waved to his daughter. Raine brought him his three fingers of whiskey with one ice cube in it. “Thanks, sweetheart.” He nodded to Raine, but her eyes never left mine.
Before ambling away, Abel slapped me on the shoulder. “See ya later, son.”
It was the most he had spoken to me since having me pinned against Raine’s wall.
Hopefully that’s a good fucking sign.
* * *
Strip clubs were so far from my thing, but if Abel wanted me to go out with the guys, that’s what I was going to do. No questions asked, it was my role, and I wore that patch proudly.
I posted up at the bar with Ozzy, taking a few shots of tequila to kick the night off a bit and make the whole experience a little more tolerable. The fat, dimpled thighs of one of the D-listers jiggled on the bar top as she danced, giving it her all. I couldn’t understand for the life of me how a big old broad like her could shake her ass like that, gyrating all over the place without slipping in her clear eight-inch hooker heels, a thong, and pasties.
Disgusting.
I threw back another shot.
“I hate these places.” Ozzy slammed his empty shot glass down onto the bar, ordering up another round for us.
“You’re preaching to the fucking quire, brother.”
He nodded over to the lounge area where the rest of our crew was posted up, watching two dancers make out on stage. “Abel hates this shit too. Always says Crickett’s got her shit on lock and that she’s the only chick his dick twitches for now, but all the other guys think it’s the best thing since blowjobs, so here we are.”
Unspeakable: An Unacceptables MC Romance Page 3