The Biker's Vow, page 6
Will he take Angel to California? I’ve not attempted to find out. Is that why he isn’t texting or calling? Is he with her?
The thought of him with another woman makes me want to die.
Not literally, but it makes me sick enough to think I might be dying a slow death.
People die of broken hearts all the time.
Maybe I’m going to be one of them.
I miss him so much I can hardly think straight.
“You all set for your first appointment of the day?”
“Yeah. I promise that my personal life won’t impede my job performance. I’m good. Send them on back.” I’m anything but good. My heart is in tatters. I have no idea where I’m going to live. What I’m going to do. I just want Smoke, and I can’t have him.
I’ve still not spoken with Creed, not that I’ve expected to hear from him at all. He knew the score and so did I. Onetime deal. I needed something for the pain, and he happened to be my temporary remedy.
“Cool. Glad to hear it. But you know if things get tough, you can talk to me or Jules. You know she thinks you’re the tits.” Roane winks at me and slaps a palm against the door frame.
“Thanks, I think.” I smile to myself as I hear him talking to someone up front in the waiting area.
As if fate wants to call me a liar, Creed enters the room. His massive presence and energy dominate the small workspace. “Hey, beautiful.”
“Hi. What kind of tattoo are you interested in?” I plan to keep this strictly professional. I won’t be tempted by his charm or rugged good looks simply because I’m lonely and missing Smoke. Nursing my broken heart and blaming myself. Wondering if I drove him to this. Did he do it out of revenge? Hurt me because I hurt him.
Creed flashes a dimple at me. “Something simple. Behind my left ear.”
“Okay. Like what?”
“Your phone number.”
“I’m sorry, what?”
“In case I get lost, so they know who to return me to.”
“Ha. Funny.”
“I’m being serious.” He licks his lips, all sexy and inviting. “I messed up before. I know that. You know that but figure I gotta shoot my shot. Let me take you out for dinner.”
“That’s a terrible idea. For one, I’m not interested. Two, I promised Smoke I’d steer clear of club brothers. And we both agreed not to talk about the other night.”
“Lucky for me, I’m persuasive and I’m not patched in…yet. And you don’t owe that guy anything. I know what I saw and what you saw that night. We did nothing wrong.”
I scowl at him. Like I need a reminder of Smoke’s betrayal. We had barely ended things before he had his pants down for someone else. “No way. Doesn’t matter.”
“All right. I’ll ask again later.”
I roll my eyes. “Do you want some ink or not?”
“Yeah, beautiful. I want those hands on me.” He circles his grip around my wrist, bringing my right hand to his chest. “Something right here.”
“You already have a chest piece.” I pull my hand away, hoping he can’t see the blush creeping across my cheeks.
“You remember what I’ve got on my skin?” He smiles bigger.
“Ugh. Whatever. Tell me what you want and where.”
“I’m not really here for a tattoo. Here to offer you a ride.”
“I’m not interested in whatever ride you’re offering.”
“Not even to California?”
“So you guys have everything all set?” I question Sabrina and try not to cry at the sight of her bags laid by her feet.
Didn’t take long at all for them to pack their bags and be ready to go, which makes me think they already had this in the works. It was bound to happen sooner or later, but I wish it wasn’t the moment Smoke and I broke up.
She and Jimmy found a place around Davis Creek. An efficiency apartment over a dental office. Tiny but affordable. At least until they can save towards something more spacious for their imaginary baby. I can’t believe Sabrina hasn’t told him the truth. That’s not a secret you keep or something to lie about. I love my best friend, but I’m disappointed in her. This will come back to bite her in the rear sooner or later and when the day comes, I’ll be there for her while resisting the urge to say I told you so.
“I’m going to miss our morning coffee chats.”
“Me too, but I won’t miss you and Jimmy arguing. When are you going to tell him?”
“I don’t know. He’s happy and being like he used to be. I’m scared of what he’ll do when I tell him. I mean, would it be so wrong to wait a bit and tell him I lost it?”
“Are you asking or thinking aloud?”
“I’m a terrible person.”
“You’re scared. Trust me. I get it more than you know. Smoke dumping me had me thinking some crazy thoughts myself, but I won’t manipulate him with lies. You’re better than that, Brina. Even if you lose him, wouldn’t it be better to happen now before you dig yourself deeper into a situation?”
“Easy for you to say. You have a brother ready to swoop in and solve your problems. Jimmy is all I have. I can’t lose him.”
“You have me. And sure, Eric is ready to give me a hand, but that doesn’t mean my life is perfect. You of all people should know that.”
“Just promise you won’t tell anyone. Let me do this my own way.”
“Fine. Don’t expect me to lie for you. I won’t be a part of whatever this that you think you’re doing is. It won’t end well for anyone. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
“I thought you were my friend, Em. That you’d have my back on this. Guess I was wrong. Guess I’ll see you around or not, since you aren’t welcome at the clubhouse.” She smirks at me, and my jaw hits the floor as my supposed best friend gathers the last of her bags and walks out the door and possibly my life.
Maybe it’s a good thing I didn’t tell her what I suspect is true about my own situation or about Creed. Sounds like she’d use both to hurt me.
I don’t even recognize her anymore.
My luck keeps getting better and better.
First I lost Smoke and now Sabrina.
Chapter Ten
“You’ve got to be fucking shitting me,” I growl at Hound.
He looks over his shoulder at the sight that has me seeing red and ready to kill first and ask questions later.
Ember’s strutting toward Roane’s RV with a travel bag as he and Jules load up with their kids.
“What the fuck is she doing here?”
Hound tries to hide his slight chuckle. “Heard Venom Ink will be in Anarchy. Maybe she’s a fan or Roane is taking her along.”
Roane doesn’t need my permission to bring an employee with him, but considering the state of shit, I’d think he’d asked me first.
My babydoll. Fuck me, I’ve got to stop calling her mine, even if it’s only in my inner thoughts. Ember pretends not to notice me as she continues past Roane’s RV and stops at Creed’s bike, where he’s currently shoving some shit into one of his saddlebags.
Hound must still be watching the scene that’s unfolding because he presses a hand to my chest. “Keep your cool. She may only be talking to him.”
“Doesn’t matter. It’s none of my business. Ember’s free to make her own choices.”
“You sure you’re good?” He stares me down, looking for a crack in my defenses.
“Fuckin’ peachy.”
“Hey boys. We ready to ride out?” Angel sashays toward us and Hound looks at me like must be out of my fuckin’ mind.
Ember glances in our direction and I can’t meet her gaze. Not after what I did. If that didn’t make her hate me, this for damn sure will.
Hound snorts. “Catch up with you later.” He shakes his head as he hustles over to where Prez, Viking, and Prodigy have a map spread out across the tailgate of a truck, going over our route one more time before we ride out.
“Let’s get this shit over with.” I grunt and take this cunt’s bag to stow away. Promised to drop her off with her sister in Arkansas. She’s got some family down that way. Normally, I wouldn’t think twice about it. Guess her grandma is real sick and we’re heading there anyway to link up with some of the Kings of Anarchy to join us for the ride to California.
I watch Creed run a finger under Ember’s chin before taking her smaller bag and stowing it with his. Fucking asshole. It’s my fault for handing her straight to him. Kills me to watch, but she needs to live life. Hate that I’m not the one to give her this experience. There’s no going back now. I made my choice, and she’s making hers.
The first leg of our trip we’re not riding much further than Drag Creek. Located in Eastern Kentucky and home to the Black Rebel Riders’ MC. Murder’s taking a couple cases of their moonshine as a wedding gift to Hero. The VP of the KOAMC in Southern California.
We line up to ride out and Angel wraps her arms around me. Her touch feeling fifty shades of wrong. Prez, Easton, Prodigy and Viking ride ahead of me along with Holy, Link, and Banks. Sandman brings up the rear behind Navarro, Static, and me. Fucking Creed is riding behind me.
Those staying behind close the gates once we are all through the gate.
Every time I glance behind me, I catch a glimpse of Ember, and I know the next week is going to be pure hell.
Drag Creek, Kentucky
After paying our respects to the grave of Jack ‘Grim’ Jones, one of the founding members of the Black Rebel Riders’ MC, we settle in at the campground owned by the club. They rent out ATVs and have trails and cabins. Place is operated by a biker by the name of Solo and his Ol’ Lady, Vada. The business took some time and heavy investment to get operational, but it was worth the wait. We swing by occasionally and rent some cabins. Do some riding and fishing. Camping. A little boating.
They have a nice setup.
Prez and East are shooting the shit with Rebel and Striker Black, the President and Vice President. Could be we patch over to their club if not the Kings. One thing I do know is that change is coming.
I spy Ember with Creed across the field, roasting marshmallows and wieners over one of the designated fire pits. I got shot of Angel the moment we parked. She’s not my responsibility and she sure as shit isn’t my fucking date.
“You stare at them any harder, they may burst into flames,” Prodigy says as he drops into the chair next to mine as I nurse my beer.
“Fuck off.”
“You want to tell me what the fuck you’re doing?”
“Nope.”
“I told you not to hurt her.”
“Coulda. Shoulda. Doesn’t matter now, does it?”
“Matters to me when I gotta drag her out of bed and force her to shower. Matters to me when I’ve got to take time from my wife to clean up the mess you fuckin’ made.”
“Noted.”
“So that’s all you’ve got to say?”
“You were right. Is that what you want to hear? That I should have backed off and never picked back up where we left off. Was too soon. Cut her loose and, as you can see, she’s doing what you wanted.”
“Fuckin’ knew you’d pull this shit.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’re an ass who can’t handle having one woman.”
“Creed isn’t any better.”
“Guess that remains to be seen.”
“You really want your sister with someone like that guy?”
“She’s too good for either of you.” Now that’s something we can agree on. “What I want to know is what you did besides break her heart that had her not wanting to leave bed.”
“Doesn’t look all that sad to me.” I take a heavy pull off my beer and motion to Creed, who is feeding her a S’more.
“What would you have her do? Be back at home curled up in a ball crying and starving herself to sleep? You dumped her and told her to find a new place to live.”
“Fuck if I know.”
“You better figure it out and fast, or you just might lose her for good.”
The flames between my babydoll and me dance higher, the heat licking my face giving me a preview of what hell will be like. I watch her as she giggles and swipes sticky goo off Creed’s lips.
A week ago, I had it all and now I’ve got nothing but my regret. It’s enough to bring a man to his knees to watch the woman you love being happy with another man.
The black ooze coating my heart seeps through my skin as my anger continues to build. I’m not even mad at her or that bastard wearing that stupid fucking smirk when he sees I’m watching the show.
Heavy rock belts from a nearby speaker, but I can’t hear the words or follow the tune. All I hear is static as I watch my world crumble, with no one to blame but myself.
Prodigy takes off and I don’t blame him. I’m not good company, and it’s probably costing him not to put his boot in my ass for being so goddamned idiotic.
Crushing my empty can, I toss it into the firepit and grab another. Can’t drink my problems away, but I sure as fuck can numb them for a while.
“I hope I didn’t get you into too much trouble,” Angel says as she takes up the seat Prodigy vacated.
“Don’t pretend you care. I’m doing you a solid. Don’t read anything more into it. Be ready to ride out in the morning.”
“Where are we sleeping?”
“I’ve got my sleeping bag.”
“Does it sleep two?”
“Nope,” I grumble.
“What about me?”
“Offered you a ride. Rest is on you.” I guzzle down what’s left of this beer. Wiping the back of my hand over my mouth, I ponder if I’m being too much of a dick, but catching another glimpse of Ember snuggling up with Creed, I feel justified.
Without warning, a chubby fuck by the name of Dutch comes streaking past us, running for the lake naked as the day he was born other than his cut while his Ol’ Lady, Darlene chases after him.
“Fucking hell,” Ace mutters from a few feet away as he shields his woman, Norah, from the hairy assed sight. “Hope he can swim. I’m not going in after his dumbass.”
Ember’s gaze catches mine briefly and my heart stutters in my chest at the pain laced in her expression.
“Better use Dar’s titties as floaties,” a biker by the name of Tread bellows, cupping his hands around his mouth, breaking the tension and the spell of Ember’s penetrative gaze.
Leaving Angel to make her own sleeping arrangements for the night, I soldier into the woods to take a piss. I stumble through the trees until all I’m left with is the quiet of the night and my thoughts I can’t seem to escape, no matter how hard I try.
Figured the freedom of the road with nothing but stretches of highway before me for the next few days would be enough to clear my mind by the time we reach Anarchy. Didn’t figure Ember making the trip into the equation. Thought I’d leave her and my troubles behind me in West Virginia. Instead, she’s everywhere I look.
Haunting me in the flesh with her big blue eyes and them pouty lips I want nothing more than to taste.
I can’t escape her.
Chapter Eleven
Arkansas
“If you want to ride with Smoke, beautiful, I promise I won’t be offended.” Creed has this wistful expression on his face as he observes me watching Angel thank my ex for the ride.
“Are you trying to get rid of me already?”
“Not yet. Give me a few more hours?” he grins his signature sexy smirk, popping a dimple out as I swat at him.
“Jerk.”
“You know you love it when I’m rude. All part of the thrill of the chase.”
“Is that what this is? And what happens when the chase is over?”
“It’s not that serious.”
“Of course not. We’re simply having fun. Something I’ll write in my diary later.”
“Not even going to tell the grandkids about me. Ouch.” He plugs a cigarette between his lips.
There won’t be any to tell.
The thought depresses me more than it should. I’m young and have my life ahead of me. No matter how hard I attempt to look at the bright side, my thoughts drift to Smoke and what might have been. “Smoking kills, ya know.”
“Live fast. Die young.”
“Just don’t attempt the dying part when I’m riding with you.”
“Damn.” He licks his lips and takes a hard draw.
“What?”
“Wish you and I were about five years down the line in life.”
“Why is that?”
“Cause’ I’d wifey you the fuck up. Keep you barefoot and pregnant.”
My stomach drops. He sounds like Smoke and my heart cracks more.
“I don’t plan on having kids.”
“You say that today, but a few years from now. You’ll change your mind.”
“Highly doubt that.” I crinkle my nose and wave my hand at the cloud of smoke forming a halo around us as he flicks his cigarette to the ground and pulls me into his hips.
Creed slides his hands into my back pockets, giving me a possessive squeeze and trapping me between his legs. “You don’t like kids?”
“It’s not that. Can we talk about something else?”
“We don’t have to talk at all,” he says, shoving a piece of gum in his mouth. It won’t completely kill the taste of nicotine, but it will help disguise the bitterness of the tobacco.
Creed’s mouth moves against mine and I open to him, wanting to ignore the fact that my ex is nearby and that I wish it were him I am kissing instead.
I don’t know what that says about me
“Get a room,” someone shouts, and Creed flips them off.
“Let’s get some grub. I’m starving.” He slaps me on the ass, then releases me.
I follow Creed past the Kings of Anarchy MC clubhouse to where they have some picnic tables set up buffet style loaded down with hot dogs, hamburgers, all the sides, and trimmings.
“What do you take on your burger, beautiful?” Creed questions and I confess that him serving me is a nice switch. Normally I’d be the one grabbing Smoke a plate.
