Chapter 4
Ryan
“Go get it, Tank,” I encouraged as my pup sprinted toward his tennis ball in the front lot of the warehouse. I was killing time, waiting for Nate to show up for work.
As Tank happily brought back the drool-covered toy, I glanced at my phone. Nate was already over an hour late. Usually, that wouldn’t really bother me, but with what Cass had witnessed the day before, I was rightfully worried and starting to become enraged.
Nathan had been one of my best friends since we were kids. His life had unraveled after I selfishly dropped out of his life while I was dealing with my brother’s untimely death, in the military and joining the club, and I felt guilty about it all. I wasn’t going to sit idly by while all his hard work was flushed down the damn toilet. I’d had my suspicions for a while, and Cass had confirmed my worst fear.
Finally, his old Chevy dually loudly rumbled into the lot. My blood ran cold as it swerved into his space, parking slanted in the lines as he back her in.
“Fuck,” I grumbled to myself as I made my way over to the driver’s side.
“Hey, man.” Nate’s eyes were squinting and glassy as he hopped out of the truck.
There was no wasting time. I wasn’t one to ever beat around the bush with anyone. “Are you high right now?” I barked the question at one of my best friends as he steadied himself with the side of his vehicle.
“What?” he asked, shoving his hands in his pockets.
“Just answer the fucking question.” I was getting heated quickly.
He violently shook his head. “No. I wouldn’t do that. I’m sober.”
“Empty your pockets,” I ordered, taking a step closer.
Without protest, he turned the pockets of his jeans inside out and tossed me his cellphone and wallet. “See, I got nothing on me. Cassidy talk to you?”
I nodded. “We’re just worried about you.”
“I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night. Sorry I’m late, but that is really it.”
I didn’t believe him as far as I could throw him, but we had work to get to and the truth would come out eventually.
“All right. It’s because we care,” I reassured him as I patted him on the back before leading the way into the warehouse. “I need those crates moved into the short-term storage section. Guys will be by next week to pick them up.” I pointed to the crates that Buck had dropped off the day before.
“You got it, boss.”
I led him into the makeshift kitchen. “Get some coffee first. Can’t have you tired and driving a forklift—you’ll fucking kill yourself. Let’s a whole lot of paperwork I don’t want to deal with,” I teased, giving him a quick wink.
After filling my own mug up, I sank down in my chair. I fielded calls, listened to way too many messages, responded to emails, and set up delivery and pickup dates that needed to be taken care of.
A while later, I grabbed a yellow pad from the desk drawer.
Mikey,
Even though you’re just a little guy right now, eventually you’re going to grow into a man. I promise, son, that I will always do my best to lead by example and help you become a strong and good man. A man that you can be proud of. You have the whole world in front of you and I never want you to feel like you cannot come to me with any problem, big or small. We’re family, and no matter what, I will help you without judgment. Never forget that.
With that being said, there are some things I want to tell you. There is a code every man must live by in his life. Follow your code, son. Never let anyone compromise your moral compass.
Over the years, I have learned some lessons that I want you to take very seriously. Read them carefully and hold on to them.
Never shake a man’s hand sitting down. Stand tall, look him in the eye, and grip tightly.
A man’s bike is his baby, and you must respect that.
Never make the first offer during a negotiation—this’ll give you the high ground.
When you’re at a hotel, always request an early check in and a late checkout—they come in handy more times than not.
Your word is your bond, and you must never tell secrets.
Stay away from petty drama and trash-talking. It’s unbecoming.
Hold anyone you look up to to the highest of standards, and always treat them with respect.
Treat everyone with respect, even when they don’t return the favor.
Always return a car you have borrowed with a full tank of gas.
Live your life with passion and purpose.
Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be.
Never forget that when you marry a woman, you marry her family too, and there’s good and bad that comes with that. Never let your woman face anything on her own. Her struggles along with her happiness are yours to share in equally.
Try to be like a duck: let shit roll off your back, remaining calm above the water while paddling like hell underneath.
Don’t be scared to be alone—sometimes you’re the only one you can trust.
Always thank a veteran when the opportunity presents itself.
Be kind to the new kid and be his friend.
Never be quick to judge, and always give only one second chance. People make mistakes but you mustn’t be a doormat
Never send a letter that was written out of anger. Write it, but never send it. It’s good to get your feelings out, but once it is sent, the words cannot be taken back.
Always respect your mother and never talk back to her—she is always right.
Never underestimate the power of good manners.
Always stand up to bullies and protect the ones who are being bullied. There is no room in your world for that type of mindless cruelty.
Don’t be scared to follow your dreams. It’s all right to fail, and that’s how you learn to succeed.
Friends are as good as family—treat them accordingly.
Always be confident, but learn to balance it with humility. Always be humble.
When in doubt, ask the hard questions.
I won’t always be there to help you while you struggle but remember these words and take them into account. Add to this list as you grow and learn your own code, but never subtract from it.
I will always love you, son.
-Your father
As I finished the letter, I heard a large crash in the warehouse. I sprang to my feet, rushing to see what happened. A crate was on its side, Nate scrambling off the forklift.
“What the fuck happened?” I barked, flying up to Nate’s side as he stumbled out of the driver’s seat.
“Fuck, the crate lost its balance.” His hands were in the air as he stared down at the cracked wood, half off the lift.
“Just go home.” I checked to make sure there wasn’t too much damage. Thankfully there wasn’t.
“Ax, I swear, it was just an accident.” He tried to defend himself.
“It’s fine. Your head’s just not in the game today. Get some rest and be sharp tomorrow.”
Chapter 5
Cassidy
“Good morning, handsome,” I whispered in Ryan’s ear as he stretched. “Happy birthday!”
He groaned and mumbled, “Don’t remind me.”
I shifted into his arms as he tucked me into his side. “What’s wrong?”
“Just another year older. I found a few gray hairs yesterday,” Ax complained before kissing my cheek. “I have to head to the office early so I can be back here and ready for dinner tonight.”
“Teresa and Witt are going to watch Mikey for us. I’m going to go over there before you get home to drop him off so I can have you all to myself for a few hours.” I told the lie through gritted teeth. Ryan had made me promise I wasn’t going to throw him a party, but he would love it once it was actually happening. It was starting to get to the end of weather cool enough for bonfires, so it was perfect timing.
I sat in bed watching Ryan trim up his beard and brush his teeth. I knew it was weird, but I lov
ed watching him make a complete mess of himself. Whiskers all over the place, suds of toothpaste dripping into his facial hair—it was adorable.
I stopped him as he started to button up his dark blue dress shirt. “You have a few minutes before you have to be in.”
He shot me a knowing glance, before letting the shirt fall to the floor. “I always have time for you, babe.”
He pulled my silk teddy up over my head, letting his fingertips roll over my breast and down my stomach.
Getting on his knees, he pulled my legs up over his. Putting his fingers to my lips, he watched as I sucked on them gently. He quickly pushed two fingers into me as I arched my back.
“Gah, that feels so good,” I moaned as he gently got me ready for him.
“And it’s only the beginning,” he responded while rolling the head of his dick over my clit.
Thrusting into me, he pulled on my hip bones perfectly. I grabbed my tits as they bounced with every pump.
Locking eyes, Ryan winked at me as a huge smile spread on his lips.
“What?” I asked with a giggle.
“You’re just so fucking sexy. I can’t stand it sometimes,” he replied before leaning down to kiss me.
We rode out our orgasms together wrapped in the love and passion we had for each other. It was simple and perfect and completely ours. There was no better sex than with someone that truly loved you and, in that moment, I completely understood that.
After getting cleaned up and dressed again, Ax shot me his panty melting smile, the one that made me weak in the knees.
“Happy birthday,” I teased.
“Thank you, beautiful. All right, now I really do have to get the heck out of here. I’m heading out.” With a quick peck, he was out the door.
After getting Mikey up, feeding him his breakfast, and giving him a quick bath, I sprang into action. I wanted everything to be perfect. I cleaned the entire house, did all the laundry, and spent forever digging through my closet trying to find the perfect dress for the night. Laying out a light teal sundress Ryan had bought me for Christmas with my favorite boots on the ground next to them, I felt ready for the day.
My cell buzzed in my pocket as I played with Dozer on the back porch.
“Hey, girl! What’s going on?” I asked as I answered the call from Raine.
“We’re on the road!” I squealed with excitement.
“Awesome. Remember this is a surprise. Ryan doesn’t know about the party at all.”
I could hear Ryder yell into the phone. “I promise to not spoil it.”
“Thanks guys, see y’all tonight. Is Bear on his way too?”
“Just got off the phone with Scarlett, I think they are an hour or so behind us.”
“Perfect.”
Ryan
“Hey, Ryan?” Nate tapped on my open office door as he made his way in.
“What’s up?” I asked, holding my hand out and offering him a seat.
“Are you good?” He made his way into the small office.
“Yeah, man. We’re fine. Was there something else?”
He rubbed the back of his neck, standing in the middle of the room. “I hate asking but is there any way I could get my check a few days early?”
I pulled my checkbook out from the drawer, starting to make one out to my brother-in-law. “Yeah, that shouldn’t be a problem. Everything all right?”
He finally sat down, bouncing his knee as he diverted his gaze to the picture of Cassidy holding Mikey in the hospital room on the day he was born. “Yeah, just got some bills that need to be paid sooner rather than later.”
I ripped the check out and handed it over to him. “You know if you need money, you can come to me. That’s what family is for.”
“I know, and I appreciate it. Just couldn’t wait for the end of the week, ya know?”
I leaned back, trying to read his body language. There was something he wasn’t telling me, and that made me nervous. “Totally get it. Don’t sweat it.”
I followed Nate into the storeroom, seeing the Renegades’ crates still where we had moved them the week before.
“Fuck, why the hell haven’t these been picked up?” I asked, more to myself than to him.
“No one showed the other morning for the scheduled time,” he responded with a shrug. “Want me to make some calls?”
I dug my ringing cellphone out of my pocket. “No. I’ll get to the bottom of this later.”
Cassidy
“Excited for tonight?” Teresa asked as I set Mikey’s car seat down next to the couch.
I nodded with a huge smile spreading on my face. “I just hope Ryan isn’t mad about it.”
“How could he be?” Witt asked as he walked in with Kathleen in his arms.
“He’s just been all bah humbug about the whole birthday thing. He asked me to keep it low key, and he thinks we’re just going to dinner.” Keeping secrets from Ryan made me uneasy whether it was for a surprise party or not.
“Trust me, once he’s there with all of his friends with a beer in hand, he’ll be glad you went behind his back. It’s for his own damn good. That boy works way too hard to not cut loose for at least one night.” Witt set Kathleen down and she jumped into my lap.
“Can I come to the party, Aunt Cass? Please?” she asked, bouncing a little and holding the tiny white and rainbow unicorn rubber duck I had gotten her.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart.” I hugged her to me.
“Lilly is coming over soon to play with you and Mikey, remember,” Teresa responded.
“Yay!”
Crisis averted.
“Ryan is going to be home soon. I’m gonna head out and meet him there. See y’all in a bit?” I kneeled down, kissing Mikey on the forehead.
“Yeah, we’re picking up a keg for Nate and then we’ll be on our way.” Witt walked me to the door.
Ryan and I pulled up to the house at the same time.
“Mikey all set?” Ryan asked as he hooked his arm around my neck before kissing me.
“Mmmhmmm. Witt really seems to like having him around.”
Tank trotted next to us as we made our way inside. “They’re going to be knocked up again before we know it.” Ryan chuckled to himself as he filled Tank’s water and food bowls in the kitchen.
“Baby fever isn’t just a chick thing,” I responded.
Grabbing me, Ryan put his hands on my stomach. “What about you? Want another bun in this oven?” he teased.
“Not when you put it like that.” I laughed, playfully shoving him away.
“Aw, come on babe. Don’t you want a whole bunch of screaming kids running around this place, wreaking havoc? Could be fun.”
“I love our family just the way it is,” I replied, starting to head up the stairs.
“As do I,” Ryan cooed as he smacked my ass, following me.
After quickly getting ready, we were off.
“Can we stop at my parents’ place? I have to drop off this paperwork with Nate really quick.” I held up a manila envelope full of bullshit documents as Ryan put his truck in gear.
With an eyebrow raise, he put his hand on my knee. “Of course, babe.”
Chapter 6
Ryan
“I knew it.” I slammed my fist into the steering wheel as I glanced over at Cass, who was bouncing in her seat. The flames of a raging bonfire could be seen from the gravel road as we made our way to her folks’ home.
“Don’t be mad. Everyone wants to celebrate with you.” Her sheepish grin and furrowing brow melted my heart.
“I could never be mad at you, babe. Thank you for putting this all together.” It was a kind gesture, but it stung my heart a bit.
We passed the row of bikes lining the fence as we headed into the field out back. “Looks like the gang’s all here,” I remarked as I parked my truck between Nate’s and Witt’s.
“Are you surprised?” Cass grabbed my hand before I could hop out of the Bronco.
“I couldn’t be more surprised
if I woke up in the morning with my head sewn to the carpet.” I shot her a wink.
“Okay, Clark Griswold,” she teased, following me out of the car.
Handing me a beer, Nate slapped me on the back. “Happy birthday, man.”
“Thanks.” I cracked open the can, taking a long swig. “It’s just like old times.”
Cassidy had no idea how hard it was for me to have a birthday, let alone celebrate it like we used to so many years ago. It made me miss my brother so much and feel guilty that I was alive to see another year while he was six feet under. My mind tripped back to all the parties Cameron used to throw in this very field as we were growing up, the dirt still etched with the countless times he’d stupidly done donuts in the Bronco after a few too many. I could hear his voice echoing in my head, telling me to suck it up and enjoy the night, but I fucking missed him, some times more than others.
Reading me, Nate held his beer high in the air, pouring a little out. “He’s here with us, man—don’t forget that.”
I gave him a quick hug. “Yeah, you’re right.”
Nate’s eyes were glassy and his pupils were dilated to three times their normal size. I could tell he was on something, but it wasn’t the time nor the place to bring that shit up again. I’d have to figure out another way to make him open up to me about it.
Glancing over my shoulder, I checked to make sure Cass was with Teresa and Witt as Buck and Mac walked up to join Nate and me.
Right as I was about to head over to them, a sight for sore eyes came into view. Ryder, Raine, Bear and Scarlett were walking over with shit eating grins on their faces.
“Y’all were in on this too?” I hooked my arm around Ryder’s neck, squeezing hard. “I could kill you guys for not giving me a heads up.”
The Unacceptables Series Box Set Two: Books Five through Nine with Exclusive Bonus Chapters Page 14
