The Enemy

by Amelia Shea

  She turned around to Coop, who was leaning up against the wall and smiling.

  My town, my people.

  She shook her head. “You sly son of a bitch, you knocked up your wife.”

  Couth had never played a big part in Phoebe’s life. Most days, she repeated her thoughts. Thankfully, the townspeople appreciated it. The room as a whole echoed with laughter.

  “Oh my God, congratulations, this is the best news.” She reached out, grabbing Coop’s hands and tightening her hold. They were going to make awesome parents. “We should be celebrating with apple turnovers.” She turned and playfully pouted at Marley.

  “I’m available for babysitting as soon as he or she is potty trained.”

  Marley laughed along with a few other residents.

  Phoebe grabbed a cookie. “So, they sold their house?” She glanced back at Bailey, who was shaking her head.

  “Nope, saving it for Trista. She’s coming back after she graduates.” Bailey raised her brow with a small smirk playing on her lips.

  Phoebe chuckled. Trista had been so eager to get out of the small town six years ago. She remembered the teen going on and on about wanting to be free and see the world. Now, she’s coming home.

  “It’s good,” Marty said. “Need some young blood here.”

  Phoebe playfully narrowed her gaze. “Is that a dig at my age, Marty?”

  He chuckled. “No, darlin, it’s a dig at mine.”

  Ahh, I’ve missed these people. My people.

  “Oh, for hell’s sake, we have a meeting to start.” Arnett stood and shouted across the room. “We’re not here to discuss babies or food.” He whipped around to face Bailey and snapped, “As mayor, I demand you do something.”

  His outbursts and rants were nothing new. However, Phoebe wasn’t sure the Ghosttown Riders would be giving as much leeway as the rest of them. Phoebe glanced across the room.

  Bailey’s face paled when a curse from the back of the room sounded. From the corner of her eye, she saw a figure straighten and step forward, only to be stopped by another man. Oh, Arnett’s pissing off the bikers. She had not been formally introduced, but if she had to guess from the narrowed sharp gaze, the tall handsome biker who was giving a silent warning to Arnett must be Saint, Bailey’s man. Damn, good for you, Bailey. Beyond his twisted lips and tense, jagged features, the man was gorgeous. Phoebe glanced back at Bailey, who seemed nervous, with a small shake to her head. The last thing her friend needed was a brawl breaking out.

  Phoebe took a bite of her cookie and inched to the edge of the row where Arnett was holding court.

  “Calm. Down.” He flinched and she snickered. “You gotta relax, Arnett. It’s not good to get all worked up, all right?” She popped the last of her cookie in her mouth and licked her lips.

  His glare went straight through her, which only intensified her desire to laugh. He was wired up so tight his head was about to burst.

  “How about this? I’m gonna go and grab another cookie from the table, maybe a cup of coffee, and Bailey can start the meeting. I know there are pressing issues, like,” she shrugged, “feral cats and who toilet papered Main Street.”

  The room erupted in laughter. Her comment had only fueled Arnett’s anger, and it was solely directed at her. Some things never change. She held up her hands and backed up from him. She turned to Bailey and waved her hand. “Take it away, Bails.”

  “I’ll have you know we got illegal pressing issues in this town. And if you showed on time or even at all, you’d know that.”

  Phoebe halted and slowly turned around, trapping him with her glare. He knew damn well why she couldn’t show up. As per his usual angry bitter self, Arnett was being an asshole. Why couldn’t he just let shit go? She eyed his face. He had healed, she’d been punished. It was over.

  Bailey cleared her throat. “Uh… let’s start and focus on the agenda.”

  “Is the illegal activity in this town on the agenda?” he snapped.

  Phoebe groaned. “What illegal activity, Arnett? We live in friggin’ Mayberry.” She snorted, rolling her eyes.

  The snickers from the crowd intensified Arnett’s anger, and his face brightened to a deep shade of red. He jerked his chin toward the back of the room. She followed his gaze to where the all Ghosttown Riders members resided. She flattened her lips. They didn’t seem too happy with how they were being referenced.

  “What have you got to say to them, Mayor?” The snide tone resting on his last word hadn’t gone unnoticed. Bitter, bitter, bitter, Arnett.

  “Mr. Collins…” Bailey said, lifting her hand. She was about to act as peacemaker, a role Bailey was born to play. However, Phoebe felt the strong desire to intervene. Any opportunity to piss Arnett off, she’d gladly take.

  “Bailey, if you don’t mind, I’ll handle this.” She was aware of all the eyes on her, and she scanned the room, taking in the club members. Again, she was caught by one particular stare from the sexy, gruff stranger at the end of the aisle. He watched her through hooded eyes.

  “This is a small, tight-knit community.” She noticed his jaw lock in anticipation of her next words. “On behalf of myself and the fine, law-abiding people of Ghosttown…” She glanced around the residents, who seemed thoroughly amused by her display of theatrics. Well, almost all. Arnett was not amused, though he did seem curious as to what she’d say next.

  She grinned. “We’d like to welcome you to our little town.” She clasped her hands. “We hope you enjoy your time here as much we do. And?” She raised her hand, noticing everyone’s attention was hanging on her last words. “If any of you have a desire to bring apple turnovers to the next meeting, we would surely appreciate it.”

  It caused the exact reaction she knew it would. Of course, her attention was focused solely on the long-haired, dark-eyed biker. The corner of his mouth jutted up slightly. Not much of a reaction, but she’d take it. God, he’s sexy.

  “You are not our goddamn Welcome Wagon, so you need to shut your trap,” Arnett shouted. The laughter died down, and the tension grew. She had no doubt his comment had put the residents on edge waiting on her reaction.

  No one in the room, including Phoebe, was looking for a repeat performance from six months ago. Arnett, on the other hand, had no issue with resorting to nastiness and antagonizing any situation. It seemed Arnett had learned nothing from their altercation. Phoebe had no problem giving him a verbal reminder.

  “Shut my trap?” She raised her brows, seemingly calm. It was all for show. Inside her blood was boiling. She drew in a breath and stepped toward him. “Why don’t you come over here and make me shut my trap, Arnett?”

  In a room full of people who would surely step in if she took another step closer, Arnett seemed hellbent on pushing her. He sneered. It was a challenge; one she knew he wouldn’t take if not for their audience.

  “You are an unstable, crazy, psychotic, delinquent criminal.”

  Phoebe grinned. “With a hell of a right hook, wouldn’t ya say?”

  Aside from the hushed gasps, the room fell silent. She refused to look at anyone except Arnett.

  “All right everybody, just calm down. Arnett, have a seat so we can continue.” Gerry said.

  The councilmen seated next to Bailey, shifted in his seat uncomfortably. She could understand why. Being a small town, especially as small as Ghosttown, word of her altercation had travelled from every house to those who hadn’t witnessed it. The residents knew what happened to the most minor detail. No one wanted Phoebe set off again.

  Gerry cleared his throat, eyeing her and Arnett. “We’ve got a lot to cover tonight, so let’s get started. Bailey, why don’t you take over?”

  Arnett glared back at Phoebe. She winked, and his brows furrowed in a tight squeeze. He’d hit her with the lowest of blows, a virtual sucker punch, setting her off six months ago. It was her own fault, she allowed him to get in deep. A mistake she had learned from. From now on, everything he said would roll off her shoulders. She wouldn’t g
ive his words power. Thank you, therapy!

  “Oh, for Christ’s sake, Arnett, sit down. Ya over there throwing daggers at her, delaying the meeting even more.” Coop, who was standing next to her, sighed heavily when Arnett remained standing. He leaned closer and whispered, “I get to punch him this time.”

  She laughed, playfully slapping his arm. The few people closest to where they were standing by the snack table also joined in.

  “I want a turn too,” Carla said from her seat two rows back.

  “We should have one of those town carnivals, ya know, where they have the dunk tanks. Except, instead of water, we could all line up for a punch at him.” Mary, who had to be pushing eighty, laughed. “I’d spend my social security for the chance to make the old goat see stars.”

  These are my people.

  Phoebe had done her best to meet all the members of Ghosttown when they bought their small property seven years ago. Being part of the town and getting to know everyone had been important to her. They made it easy. Everyone had been welcoming and friendly, minus a few grumpy assholes.

  Finally, Arnett took a seat, and Bailey started the meeting. It would be a long night. Most meetings ranged from an hour to ninety minutes. With the arrival of the new residents, it was sure to take longer.

  Phoebe peeked past Coop to the back of the room. According to Bailey and a few others, the MC was going to revitalize the small town. The plans were set to have all the storefronts occupied with new business, and they even offered their services to revamp the existing. From the looks of Main Street, they had stayed true to their word. They’d made it clear they wanted to be part of the town, not take it over. A concept Arnett and a few of the other older folks couldn’t quite grasp. Not everybody was on board with the changes.

  Phoebe was all for it. Especially since Ghosttown would become her permanent residence as of today.

  She shifted on her feet. After five hours of driving, she would have thought standing would have been a welcomed reprieve. Her legs disagreed. She surveyed the room for open seats. She sighed when she spotted the only vacant chair. Right next to Arnett. His jacket lay on top with a folder. The room was packed with half the people standing, even some women, including herself, and he was hogging a chair for his stuff? Bullshit!

  She cleared her throat and raised her hand, gaining the attention of Bailey.

  “Can I just say something?” Before she could finish, Arnett was on his feet.

  “No, you can’t. You got no say in anything that goes on in this town, seeing as how you aren’t even a full-time resident.”

  While Ghosttown may not have been her permanent residence in the past seven years, it was very much her home, same as everyone else in the room. Unlike Arnett, she didn’t spend her time bitching about what was wrong. She met her neighbors, she interacted with the people, and made a life, though not full time, in Ghosttown. She was as much invested there as he was, and unfortunately for him, his statement was actually false.

  Her excitement was bubbling over, and she was seconds away from blurting out the truth. I can’t wait to see the look on his face. It wasn’t the right time, though.

  She raised her brows and smiled. “Oh yeah? My tax bill says different, Arnett. I am very much a resident of this town.” She tilted her head. “You’re more than welcome to come on over to my place and check it out.” She squinted. She couldn’t resist pulling the tiger’s tail. “How about it, Arnett? Wanna come over? Or are ya scared?” The corner of her mouth curled.

  “The whole town should be scared of your kind of crazy,” he spouted.

  “Nope, got no problem with anyone else.” She waggled her brows. “Just you.”

  The loud bang from the back of the room had everyone turning in their seats. She leaned forward past Marty, who was standing next to her. In the back corner, a small girl was on the floor. From the looks of it, she dropped her book.

  “Children aren’t allowed at the meeting. I won’t have it!” Arnett shouted, and she watched the girl jerk her head as her lips tugged downward. Oh God, this man. As if it wasn’t bad enough, he was an asshole to adults, now with a child?

  No fucking way!

  She whipped her head around and stepped out into the aisle. “That little girl has made less noise in the past hour than you have in the last ten seconds. So if you won’t have it, let’s take a vote.” Phoebe glanced around the room. “Arnett or the little cutie in the back. My vote’s going for her to stay.” She raised her hand and enjoyed not only the snickers but the many people raising their hands.

  She clucked her tongue. “It’s like the mayoral election all over again.” She smirked and leaned forward, staring at Arnett. “You lose.”

  ****

  Phoebe Shaw.

  He clasped his hand over his mouth, raking his fingers over his beard.

  So, this is her?

  Kase had remained neutral throughout the hour of antics playing out in front of him. Other members hadn’t been able to table their amusement. He couldn’t fault them. The meeting as a whole was a fucking train wreck. The back and forth between her and the old man hadn’t slowed the fuck down since it started. It was a shit show with the two of them as the main attraction. Highly entertaining for most. Not him.

  She would be a problem.

  The club had been trying to purchase her property for the last year. Each offer, one higher than the other, presented by their representative, had been denied. She’d made it clear she had no intention of selling.

  He’d originally scoffed at her declaration. If he wanted it, he’d get it.

  Kase had come up with a new angle to work. He could manipulate anyone into doing anything he wanted. Being ruthless and cunning had always been second nature for Kase. His main objective for attending this specific meeting was to get a first look at his new neighbor. He considered a low-key introduction. He wasn’t opposed to using the MC presence as a silent intimidation strategy. He wouldn’t strong arm her. He wouldn’t have to. A recent widow licking her wounds from the loss of her husband would be an easy target. He had no problem using her vulnerability for his gain.

  Before walking in tonight, he had no doubt they’d be taking ownership of her property within the month.

  He snorted, eyeing the blonde. He had her all fucking wrong.

  Phoebe Shaw was not who he expected.

  A hell of a right hook?

  Why don’t you come over here and make me shut my trap?

  Are ya scared?

  What the fuck? She had spewed out quite a few blatant threats to the old guy. All of which seemed to be ignored by the townspeople. It was interesting the way they seemed to turn a blind eye to everything she said, with some even agreeing with her. He had underestimated her pull in the town and how she was received by the people.

  This is a big fucking problem.

  He didn’t have the full story on Phoebe or her absence for the past six months. He’d asked Bailey where she was after months of the property being vacant. All she would say was there was an incident a few months back and Phoebe was staying away. He heard a few references of an altercation. However, the residents were tight lipped about what had happened. It appeared she had the whole town backing her on an incident no one was willing to talk about.

  If he had to guess, the incident had involved the asshole in the front row. Arnett was no stranger to Kase. He lived across the road from the new clubhouse, making him Phoebe’s neighbor too.

  It seemed odd she’d leave town due to an issue with him, seeing as how she was handling him now. If anything, Arnett seemed to be intimidated, though he was trying to mask it. Kase knew people, knew their mannerisms, and had a keen sense for fear. Arnett may not have been backing down, but Phoebe’s presence had him uneasy.

  Kase folded his arms, focusing on the blonde against the wall. There was no hiding the bond she had with the majority of people. She was filtering around, holding side conversations with half a dozen people as the meeting continued. They liked he
r, engaged with her, and seemed genuinely happy she was back. Big fucking problem.

  Kase’s chair shifted forward, and he felt Gage at his back. “I think I’m looking at my future ex-wife.”

  Kase remained silent. Apparently, he wasn’t the only man watching her. There was no doubt Phoebe was on half his brothers’ radar. His gaze travelled over her body. A gray tank, plunging low into her cleavage, molded over her tits. Her shirt alone had gotten half the males’ attention in the room. Her waist dipped and her hips flared with her tight jeans curved over her ass and down her long legs. Cherry on the fucking cake? Red stilettos. He wasn’t fucking blind; he saw the appeal. Half the men in the room were concocting seven different ways to take her if they could get her in their bed. They hadn’t even been treated to the sultry eye fucking he got when she walked in. It was all the reason to keep his distance. This one was fucking trouble.

  He drew in a breath and slowly angled his head, pinning Phoebe with his stare. Unlike most women, she didn’t shy away when he looked back at her. He ground his teeth, watching the corner of her lips curl slightly in a playful hitch. This was new territory for him. He was usually approached in two ways, unsure or all in. Phoebe was neither. He hardened his jaw in hopes of making his message clear. Not fucking interested, sweetheart.

  He turned his attention back to the meeting and ignored her gaze. She only served one purpose for him and bedding her wasn’t it. The MC and their interests always came before pussy.

  Since he took the gavel years ago, he vowed to put his brothers and the club before anyone. He’d made good on his promise.

  Her feminine giggle caught his attention again.

  “I swear, I stopped in the middle of the road and thought I was in the wrong town,” she whispered, making her way toward the back, putting her a few feet away from him. “I can’t wait to go to Main Street. I’m gonna hit the cute little boutique first and stock up on candles, then grab a slice of pizza, stop in at the coffee shop for a latte and pastry, and end my day with a tattoo.” She bounced on her toes and grabbed Coop’s arm. “I love this new Ghosttown.”