Devil's Ride: RBMC Tonopah, NV

by Nikki Landis

  As pres, I never rode solo.

  Made getting a little peace and solitude hard as hell.

  We’d been riding for two hours and I was lost in my thoughts, edgy and restless in a way I hadn’t been in a long time. My Reaper was feeling my need for drink, pussy, or a good fight. I didn’t care which as long as my dick or my fists got a workout. Hell, I’d take both.

  It was days like this when I thought of the past and my early time in the club surfaced. Eighteen years since Keys and Lockjaw died and I still had nightmares about their murders. I didn’t say shit to my club about it, but I didn’t think it was a secret. Weakness was something I never showed, even to my brothers. Mammoth, Papa, and Exorcist were the only ones that had stuck around long enough to remember those days. None of us spoke about it but I knew it hit each man hard. Same with the memory of my pops.

  Raptor was a loyal brother and none of them forgot that. Maybe it was one of the reasons I was voted in as pres without argument. Keys held sway when his last wishes were known but so did the fact that I was born into the club. Those dark days were a blur now, covered in anger and sin. I probably would have ended up a lot worse off if it wasn’t for Mammoth, Ex, and Papa. They didn’t let that shit fly. I had my ass kicked a few times before I accepted my position and from that day on, I was the ruthless asshole we all needed me to be.

  Hot Nevada wind blew with an unforgiving and relentless consistency. The bandana I wore up over the lower portion of my face was printed with white skulls over solid black and I felt the sting of the heat and sun on the back of my neck for far too long. I spotted a sign for the Blacktop from Hwy 95 and we took the next exit, following the offramp to the bar.

  I’d seen this place a few times but never stopped before now. The building was old and had the look of a dive bar but there was a chance there was a hot waitress and plenty of booze. All that I needed. Bodie parked his bike next to mine and close to the entrance where we could keep an eye out for trouble.

  There weren’t any other motorcycles, so I wasn’t expecting anything to go down but preparing for confrontation was part of my life. I didn’t live this long by being careless or stupid. A gun was hidden in the waistband of my pants and under my long white t-shirt long ago stained by the dirt of travel. I had a knife in the pocket of my jeans and a heavier blade inside my cut. Hidden in another pocket was a set of brass knuckles and another Glock. I could see some hard time just from what I was carrying if the law decided to give me trouble.

  They didn’t though. Las Vegas to Carson City was the territory of the Tonopah chapter of the Royal Bastards MC. No one fucked with us, not if they wanted to keep breathing. I didn’t have a problem with the law when they steered clear of me and my club. Fuck with me though, and I could make their lives a living hell.

  Entering the comfortingly dirty establishment, I walked straight for a booth in the back where it was dark enough to ensure a little privacy, not that we needed it. I was used to the stares tossed our way. The Royal Bastards had a reputation for being hard-ass motherfuckers and that shit was like icing on the proverbial cake. I ate it up and never got sick of seeing the respect and fear in their expressions.

  Bodie slid across from my seat as we both looked around the interior, marking every exit and entry point in the bar. It was second nature, and we did it so fast that neither of us noticed. Hard lives led to even harder choices. Always prepare for the worst. Never be taken by surprise.

  I learned that the hard way all those years ago.

  A pretty young waitress approached and asked for our order. I was just about to flirt with her when my gaze landed on the bar straight ahead. My jaw dropped slightly and then slammed shut. Blinking rapidly, I tried not to betray my reaction.

  Holy fuck.

  There she was. I finally found where she’d been hiding for eighteen long years.

  My angel. Dropped straight down from heaven with a crooked and chipped halo. She was a lot older now and that was good because I wasn’t into underage pussy. No one in my club was allowed to do that shit. I set the example and expected them to follow it. Never once heard an argument about it either.

  Blonde hair was tossed over her shoulder as she laughed and joked with the other bartender. Sucking in air through my teeth, I let out a low whistle a few seconds later. No pure angel could ever be that fuckin’ sexy and downright fuckable. No devil would ever be as dick-hardening or temptingly exotic.

  She stood about five-foot-nine inches tall with a heavy fall of platinum hair that cascaded down her back, dangling just above the curve of her mouth-watering ass clad in a pair of jean shorts so tiny and small I was sure that the denim was gonna split open any moment. An hourglass shape of full, womanly curves begged for my fingers to caress every single inch. Her thick thighs could lure a man between them and trap him before he knew what hit him, locking him into a pleasure filled promise of passion and endless ecstasy. I’d stay buried there for hours and never come up for air.

  A fuckin’ goddess that owned the room with every flash of that full-lipped and seductive smile. Her features were flawless — radiant skin that glowed under the low lighting and was tanned to a light golden color; perfect cheekbones, high and dusted with natural color; eyes so fucking blue they beckoned like the ocean’s crystal-clear waters. I could drown in them even from a distance.

  It took three seconds to claim this hypnotic angel as mine. Two seconds for my lip to lift in a snarl and become hostile at the thought of any other man touching her or looking her way. One second to know I was hooked, ensnared on her line, and begging not to be released. A heartbeat to realize I’d kill to sink between her thighs and have her ride me and my bike.

  Half a single breath to rise to my feet and head in her direction.

  Bodie’s chuckle faded into the background as she placed a drink on the bar’s smooth surface and lifted her head. A smile that fucking dazzled lifted the corners of her lips and I couldn’t help but think she’d done so just for me. If I had any doubt that she was the same girl I’d met eighteen years prior, the one who haunted my dreams with her perfect and pure aura, I was positive now that this little blonde bartender was it. Her aura pulsed with an amber glow that brightened considerably when our eyes met.

  And in that moment, I was struck like lightning.

  The room spun as I clutched at my chest and she ticked her chin in my direction. “You lost, handsome?”

  Fuck no. I was home.

  “You tell me, angel, ’cause I think I must have stumbled straight into heaven.”

  She smirked at my comment and plopped a glass right in front of me. A shot of Jameson was poured and gently pushed in my direction. “You’re a smooth talker.”

  Picking up the glass, I tossed back the Irish whiskey and then smiled, nice and slow as I leaned in and turned on the charm. My hand reached for hers and she hesitated but didn’t end up pulling away as my fingers rested gently on top of her own. “When does your shift end?”

  “When I get off.” A naughty grin sent the blood in my head rushing south and I groaned a little in response.

  Just those simple four little words conjured a heat and burning need deep in my bones. It was a good thing I was standing at the bar because my massive erection would have left little doubt as to the direction of my thoughts. I probably looked as hungry for her as I felt as I leaned in close, brushing back the stray lock of her hair over her shoulder, whispering my next few words.

  “I can help you with that.”

  A deep feminine laugh next to us caught my attention and I blinked, catching the brunette staring me down with humor. “She’s taken, honey.”

  My eyes narrowed. “Yeah, by me.” It was a hell of a thing to say but I wasn’t about to give up.

  An arm slid around my angel’s shoulders as the brunette leaned in and pressed a kiss right on her lips. Catcalls and whistles erupted around the bar. No way. As sexy as that might have been to me in the past, I wasn’t about to share. I didn’t hesitate and hopped over t
he bar’s top, landing between them as they separated.

  “Hey!” the brunette shouted.

  My angel started giggling. “It’s no use, Suraya. He knows we’re not lesbians.”

  “Maybe I’m bi.” She lifted her chin and pouted. “Besides, we’re both hot as fuck.”

  “While I don’t disagree with that statement, I’m only here for my sweet angel.”

  She huffed a little under her breath and turned away. Suited me just fine. I was only here for one reason.

  “My name’s Trish,” my angel announced, reaching up and tugging on my beard so I was staring down and into her eyes. “Let’s get that straight. I see who I want. Do what I want. Got it?”

  Nice try. “Until this moment, sure,” I replied smoothly, “but now I’m gonna help you out with that.”

  “Do you ever listen when other people are talking?” Her gaze roamed the leather of my cut. “President. I should have known.” A look of sudden disgust appeared. “Sorry, Grim, but I’m not interested.”

  What the fuck was that? Did she have something against bikers? Her reaction went from playful to closed off in the blink of an eye. I needed to do something and fast.

  “Listen, baby,” I growled, “I don’t know what you’re thinkin’ but I’m just gonna stalk this bar until you agree to let me give you a ride home.”

  Her hands went straight to those curvy hips and all I could envision were those bare thighs wrapped around my waist as I plunged my cock inside her over and over again. I’d pound that pussy and have her coming so hard she’d forget every argument against us that she had.

  “What time are you done?” I asked again, not moving out of her way.

  Her arms rose and crossed over her chest, pushing her cleavage up and out of her top. I was tempted to lean down and run my tongue over the mounds just to prove she wanted my touch. There was indecision in her eyes and that wouldn’t do. I needed my angel. Now that I found her, I wasn’t letting her walk away.

  My Reaper had latched onto her fast. Intrigued by her innocence and light, he was dead set on claiming her in every way possible. Visions of how he’d fuck her and bring her to the edge of orgasm, delighting in the tight wetness as he plunged in and out of her pussy was almost too much to ignore. My dick was rigid and painfully hard against the zipper of my jeans with no chance of that changing anytime soon.

  What I thought was the sun’s rays covering her in a halo all those years ago was actually her pure and innocent aura. One of the brightest and sweetest I’d ever come across. To this day, I’d yet to find one as perfect as the blonde who stood mere inches away.

  Holding out my hand, I introduced myself. “Name’s Grim but that’s my road name. You want to know I’m serious?” I asked, backing her up against the counter as I leaned in close and whispered in her ear. “My real name is Dexter Lanford. Dex, for short. You can call out any of them you want when you’re coming. I won’t mind.”

  She blushed and I knew she was picturing it in her head. “Get out of here.” I could see her start to crack a smile and saw my way in.

  “Give me a chance, beautiful. We’d be great together.”

  “Who thinks that? You? Or your dick?”

  “Both,” I answered honestly. Why lie?

  She accepted my handshake and I held onto her, rubbing small circles into her soft flesh. “Tricia Holloway. Trish to my friends.”

  “Well, Trish you and are I gonna be real close. Might as well get used to the idea.”

  A serious expression crossed her face. “I know. Knew it then too,” she admitted.

  She remembered me. Wow.

  I caged her in as I released her hand and my body pressed flush against her own. “I’ve never forgotten you. Not one single day.” Lowering my head further, I brushed my lips across hers so fast she didn’t have time to shove me away. “I’ll be back for you, angel. Every night. You’ll see.”

  Bodie was calling my name and I knew something was up. My phone had vibrated my pocket a few times, but I ignored the world to have my five minutes with Trish.

  She was gonna be my ol’ lady. She just didn’t know it yet.

  Her aura pulsed a little brighter and I smiled a soft and confident grin that proved I was right. Trish Holloway knew it and in her baby blues I saw a woman who needed all that I could offer. If I didn’t have a club to run, I’d have her in the back room on all fours and giving her a taste of what was to come.

  “Stay safe, my angel.”

  I snagged a pen and receipt that was on the counter and wrote down my number. Placing it in her hand, I wrapped her fingers around the paper.

  “Don’t lose it. Put my number in your cell as soon as I leave. Call me if you need anything. I mean it.”

  She nodded.

  “Gotta go, baby. Duty calls.”

  Unable to resist, I pressed another kiss on her lips and let it linger a few extra seconds. She gazed up at me with such hunger, need, and fear that I knew I’d be back every night until she was secure enough to let me take her home. After that, she’d be coming back to the Crossroads.

  The club needed to meet her because Trish Holloway was mine.

  When I walked out of that bar, I left a piece of my heart behind. The first time a single soul touched that deep inside since the day Keys died. If I wasn’t such a hard motherfucker, I probably would have shed a tear or some shit. As it was, I was gloating all the way to my bike.

  That sweet little woman never stood a chance.

  Grim returned every single day for a solid week. He was doing a fine job of making me second guess my decision to stay way from bikers. Sure, I was attracted but Moby’s association with his club left a bad taste in my mouth. Maybe it was wrong to lump them both together in the same category. Grim and his club didn’t seem anything like Moby’s. As different as night and day. Didn’t stop me from me from wondering if I could be rushing into heartache and trouble.

  Exactly one week later I left the bar as usual at the end of my shift and smirked when I saw the two motorcycles side by side in the lot. Bodie winked as Suraya sauntered his way, all sass and eagerness. Grim ticked his head in my direction.

  “We doing this or what, angel? You’re starting to deflate my ego.”

  Ha. Yeah, right. You could almost taste the confidence pulsing off his body. He had me and he knew it.

  “I’ll agree to a ride home,” I replied haughtily, giving him a serious look. “Nothing else.”

  Grim swung a leg over his bike and patted the seat behind him. Get that sexy ass on then, baby. I need to feel you close.”

  Quirking a brow, I tried to make my way over as slow as possible so I didn’t betray the fact that his words could literally melt my panties off my body when combined with that deep gravelly voice. Once I was seated, he tugged on my hips until I was right up against him and turned, helping place a helmet over my head.

  “Need you safe,” he announced, making sure the strap was secure.

  The bike rumbled to life beneath us and I slipped my hands around his waist, holding tight because I wasn’t used to riding one of these death traps. Grim chuckled like he could sense my apprehension and glided from the lot, rolling smoothly over the dip in the curb so that I hardly noticed. The road wasn’t in the best condition either. Old, uneven, and displaying numerous potholes along the path that led back to Hwy 95. I never raised off the seat or felt a single jostle. That man made sure I was so secure if I closed my eyes, I could picture myself floating on a cloud.

  Kind of hard not to completely fall in love with him from that alone.

  Grim was sweet and attentive. He noticed the little things that another man might not pick up on. When I was starting to shiver in the cooler night air, he pulled over and rolled to a stop, hopping off his seat to reach into his saddlebags. A sweatshirt was pulled free and he insisted that I put it on before we continued down the road.

  The wind blew over us as the stars emerged and spread out in a beautiful display. They hung low in the sky and so
bright it felt like you could reach out and touch each one. My hand lifted into the air at the same time a shooting star shot across the Nevada skyline. I was a firm believer that most things weren’t coincidence. Life had a way of twisting its way around and finding the outcome it wanted.

  Just like when I was a little girl, I made a wish on that star. A secret one that I wouldn’t reveal to a single soul. Might have had something to do with the biker I was wrapped around.

  Grim was far more intuitive than any other guy I’d ever met. His gloved hand lowered and pressed to my thigh before it squeezed. The gesture wasn’t flippant. He saw the same star and I wouldn’t have been the least bit surprised if he made his own wish too. He ticked his head toward the sky and confirmed he’d seen its bright streak.

  By the time we rolled up on my driveway – and Grim never even asked for the address – I was warm and buzzing with the big biker’s presence. Having him so close, it did something to my insides. My stomach was uneasy. My heart raced. Heat blossomed and grew between my thighs.

  I never wanted to throw caution to the wind and hop in bed with a man so fast in my life.

  Grim wasn’t the type to take things slow. I could sense that about him. Sure, he waited until I was ready but once I was, there was no going back. All or nothing. All throttle. Zero brakes.

  Hot as fuck.

  We sat in silence for several heartbeats before he finally spoke.

  “You need to understand something about me, angel. I’m the kind of guy who gives his all to his woman. I’ll treat you like a queen but when I want you, I’m taking that pussy and making it mine. If we walk in that door right now, we’re fuckin’. Got to know that’s what you want too.”

  I knew he would say something like that, but my jaw still dropped open.

  “Nod if you agree, baby.”