Biker Chicks: Volume 3

by A. J. Downey

  Tab was already up. The bed empty aside from me and one crimson feather edged in black. I picked it up, and spun it between my fingers, smiling. I went to my leather jacket and placed the downy feather in the pocket before standing and giving a long, lean stretch.

  I needed a shower, all the best sex left you needing one, and last night had been really good. I took my time and when I got out, I blow dried my hair and did my usual braid over the shoulder. Tab had returned from wherever he’d gone by the time I stepped out into the room. I went to him, wrapped in nothing but a towel yet, and bent down enough to kiss him where he sat on the edge of the bed.

  “Where did you get off to this morning?” I asked and he pulled me close, down so I straddled his lap. A little hopeful thrill chased down my back but with a gentle smile he sort of squashed it.

  “You’ll see. It’s a surprise for you.”

  “Hmm, I’m sure I’ll love it but to tell you the truth, I’m starving.”

  He kissed me and I kissed him back, breaking the kiss so I could stand up and not let myself drown in him, as nice a death as that would be.

  “No really, I’m hungry for you, sure, but I also need real food.”

  “Breakfast should be served soon.”

  “Awesome.”

  I set about getting dressed and loved how closely he watched me. Once fully clothed we packed up our bags. We were just about finished when we heard a bell ring somewhere in the house.

  “Ah, breakfast.” Tab held out a hand to me and I took it, letting him lead me to the dining room.

  Best. Breakfast. Ever.

  Pancakes, bacon, eggs, and orange juice but bacon. Everything is awesome when bacon is involved.

  We ate with gusto, sitting side by side, our free hands entwined under the table like a couple of besotted teenagers that didn’t want to let each other go. It was fantastic, and I couldn’t ever remember a time I was happier.

  That was, until Tab led me outside. Sitting where the Harley Gabriel had given me yesterday had been was a shiny, new, black Suzuki GSXR.

  “Oh, you know me so well!” I cried and Tab laughed.

  “The Harley is far more comfortable than this for long distances, are you sure you would still prefer it?” he asked.

  “I’m sorry, but absolutely… where’s yours?” I asked.

  Tab chuckled, “I am afraid motorcycles are much more your speed, my heart.”

  “And yours?” I asked curiously. His wings unfolded, the sun glimmering off the crimson feathers.

  “I would much prefer flying.”

  “I should have figured,” I couldn’t be jealous, not with this beautiful machine in front of me. His beautiful, beautiful machine that I couldn’t wait to open up.

  Tab distracted me, pulling me tightly into his arms and kissing me fiercely, when he broke the kiss he smiled at me lovingly and said, “Remember, never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly.”

  I laughed and held him tight, nodding, “I think I can manage that but just how fast can you fly anyways?”

  “Fast enough, even so, our destination for tonight.” He handed me a slip of paper with an address in his elegant script. He gestured toward the GPS mounted on the bike and I went over to it, straddling my new and beautiful gift to punch it in.

  When I was through, Tab handed me my helmet and, apparently my passport in the name of Tabitha Serenity St. Peter. I looked up at him and he laughed.

  “Gabriel?” I asked.

  “Gabriel,” he affirmed.

  “Just once I’d like to score one on him, he’s been kicking my ass lately.”

  “And what a beautiful and shapely ass it is, Cupcake!”

  I rolled my eyes, “Seriously?”

  He stuck out his lip in a pout, “What you didn’t like my Harley?”

  “It was beautiful,” I said, “I just have a very real need for speed. What can I say? I love me my rice-powered vehicles.”

  “Fair enough. Be safe and have fun.”

  “Thanks Gabriel.” I put out my arms and Gabriel hugged me tight.

  “You have a good time last night?” he asked.

  I arched a brow as he backed away, “You really think that’s any of your business?” I countered.

  “Of course not! That’s why I asked.”

  Tab just stood by and shook his head. Gabriel looked at us both and sighed.

  “I’m serious, be careful you two.”

  Tab and I exchanged a look, “Driving the point home a little much, aren’t you?” I asked.

  “What is it, brother?” Tab asked.

  “Can’t say.”

  “Great…” I muttered and knowing I wouldn’t get shit else out of him, I put my helmet on.

  Tab nodded and embraced Gabriel, thanking him. Gabriel gave a little salute and I fired up the bike. Tab stretched his wings and with a smile, launched himself skyward. I turned carefully over the gravel and headed toward the main streets, following the guidance of the GPS.

  Oh I was in love. The bike hummed beneath me, and gave such a beautiful whine when I twisted the throttle, a joyous sound that reached deep into my soul. I headed back to the freeway and when I got there, I took it north, opening up the bike, laying lithe across the tank, melding body and mind with the machine as the wind rushed over us and the pavement blurred beneath us.

  Now this was freedom, but it still didn’t compare to the joy I felt when I was with Tab. I could feel him above me, a presence only I knew was there. I knew he had my back and that was amazing all on its own.

  I passed through the border gates into Canada with ease, and remembered to keep an eye on my speed, using the inner dial marked with kilometers per hour versus the outer ring of notches marked in miles. When the warning came it was like being punched in the chest. The burning and tingling of the scar between my breasts telling me I was in some deep shit. I glanced around and figured it had to be the pack of riders in my side view mirror coming up on me fast.

  I sent up a prayer to Tabbris, I’m in trouble. I love you, I’m pouring on the speed. It was one-way communication but at the same time, unless he or I were in Hell, absolutely fool proof.

  Music played in my helmet and I pushed a button flashing on the Bike’s display. Bluetooth calling made my little prayer a two way conversation.

  “Adelaide, I see them. Don’t do anything dangerous, you cannot die but –“

  “I know, Tab. It doesn’t make me immune to debilitating injury, believe me I know. What do you think they want?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Do we want to find out?”

  “No… just keep riding.”

  “Then what? There are a lot of them, and they’re going to catch up eventually. If you get caught up with me we’re toast… Shit, fuck! What do we do?”

  “You remain intact. You swore to me once, that no matter what happened, you would find me. The same,” he choked up slightly, “The same goes for you, if you are caught, I will find you.”

  “I believe you,” I said. “I always believe you.”

  This was a bad idea. This was a very bad idea. We both knew it, but there wasn’t another option.

  “I don’t want to go anywhere populated. All it would do is put innocent bystanders in danger. I’m pulling off at the next exit, I’ll see if I can’t get – “

  “Adelaide!” came through my headset, but it was too late, he pulled up next to me and reached out a hand grabbing my arm. The many splendored lights of travel through time and space took over, only the colors were corrupted somehow, muted and dark, the blur of the countryside melding with the blurred corrupt colors of rust, charcoal, and old blood.

  I heard my assailant’s bike wind down and I let off my throttle to match. Wherever we ended up, we needed to match speed or we were both going to go down. I didn’t want that.

  My tires found traction again and I fought the bike, my assailant broke off so we wouldn’t collide and let the ether take them. I was alone, on a strip of asphalt that was qui
ckly coming to an end. I slowed down and brought the bike around coming to a stop.

  My breath heaved, my heart raced, hammering against the inside of my ribs. I sat astride my bike and thought, son of a bitch! That was like the perfect trap.

  I didn’t bother with my helmet. I just un-holstered my forty-fives, though they were just plain guns now and not the miracle forty-fives that Miri had given me.

  “Oh come now, Addy. You won’t need those. I’m far too powerful for them to have any effect.”

  I whipped my head in the direction of the muffled but familiar voice. Lucifer stood nearby, flanked by several of his lieutenants. He was right. I hated how right he was, but there was no sense in denying it, or taking pot shots to piss him off further.

  “What the fuck do you want?” I demanded.

  His eyes blazed at the insult in my tone.

  “I want Tabbris to have precisely what I have, which is not what I wanted!”

  Someone had shown up behind me, because before I could even send up a prayer, they clocked me with a massive blow to my helmet. I wasn’t going to die, but it was a tough enough blow that the last thing I remembered was the pavement rushing towards my facemask.

  My last thought was when the fuck is this shit gonna stop?

  The most likely answer?

  Never.

  A.J. Downey is the internationally bestselling author of The Sacred Hearts Motorcycle Club romance series. She is a born and raised Seattle, WA Native. She finds inspiration from her surroundings, through the people she meets, and likely as a byproduct of way too much caffeine.

  She has lived many places and done many things, though mostly through her own imagination... An avid reader all of her life, it’s now her turn to try and give back a little, entertaining as she has been entertained. She lives in a small house in a small neighborhood with a larger than life fiance and one cat.

  She blogs regularly at www.ajdowney.com. If you want the easy button digest, as well as a bunch of exclusive content you can’t get anywhere else, sign up for her mailing list right here.

  Neely

  Erin Trejo

  I throw my leg over the side of my bike. I’ve always loved the ride. It makes me feel. That’s something I haven’t done in a long time.

  Walking into the lawyer’s office, I grin to myself. The trumped up charges against me almost make me laugh. Of course I did it, I’m just not telling them that.

  I walk to the front desk eyeing the little blonde that sits there on her phone. Her long manicured nails tapping over the screen.

  “Excuse you. I have an appointment.” Her green eyes slowly slide up until they meet mine. She’s pretty, that much I can see but she is no match for me.

  “And you are?” Oh this one has an attitude.

  I lay my chest across her counter before reaching towards her. Wrapping a piece of her hair around my finger, I twirl it.

  “I can be your best friend or your worst fucking enemy.” I love how she sucks in a breath. It turns me on when they do that.

  Her eyes widen as she looks at me. She doesn’t know how to respond to me. Not many people do.

  “I assume you are my next appointment.” A deep voice rumbles behind me. I slowly slide my body off the counter before releasing her hair. With a wink and a blown kiss, I turn to face the voice.

  He isn’t bad looking for a lawyer. His dark hair is well styled but those dark eyes are what pierce through me. I’ve never met him before but I do know of him. He is the lawyer for Iron Claw MC.

  “I suppose I am. I’m Neely Denton.” Extending my hand, he takes it with a heart stopping smile. I don’t usually go for guys that are outside of the MC but he can be my exception.

  Giggling to myself at the thought, his eyes burn into me.

  “I’m Braddon Pierson. Nice to meet you. Follow me.” That I can do. I’d love a view of the back side of this man.

  Following along behind him, it is a nice view from here. I don’t think he missed the little groan that escaped my lips either. I saw the way his body tensed up. It was cute.

  Following him into his office, he closes the door behind us.

  “Please, take a seat.” Motioning to the chair, I opt for the edge of his desk. I’m not a normal chick. I’m far from it in fact.

  “Can we get this over with Braddon, I’m kind of a busy person.” Licking my lips, he watches me with interest.

  “Is killing one of your main businesses?” I watch as he unbuttons his jacket, slowly sliding it off his arms. He clearly works out by the way his muscles bulge from under his crisp white dress shirt.

  “Killing isn’t really a business is it?” Crossing my arms over my chest, he grins.

  “I suppose not but that is what you are charged with. Care to elaborate on what happened?” Shaking my head, I have other things in mind that I’d like to do instead. Him being one of them.

  “I didn’t do it. That’s the end of that.” Shaking his head, I can see his annoyance with me. His patience is running thin much like every man I’m around.

  It’s a fault of mine. Driving men insane. It gives me a sick rush to watch them get so angered that they don’t know what to do with themselves.

  “Well, the dead man says differently.” Shoving back in his chair, I watch him with a smile.

  “Dead people don’t talk, Braddon. That’s the beauty of them being dead.” His eyes roam over me. He’s trying to assess me. He won’t get far. That ship sailed long ago. Getting a read on me is virtually impossible.

  “Neely, this is a serious matter. You need to take this seriously. Now your club president doesn’t want the Iron Claws involved in this. He’s paying all costs but this was done on your own time.” Look at him talking to me as if he already knows I’m guilty.

  “Braddon, I’ve heard all about you. You are the best at what you do. You graduated at the top pf your class. You are superb. I don’t think we have a whole lot to discuss.” Hopping off his desk, I start towards the door.

  “I know about you as well, Neely. You were left a long time ago by your mother. She wasn’t up for the title mother of the year for obvious reasons. She left you alone a lot when you were younger. Things happened to you, yet the state so stupidly let her have you back time after time. What I don’t know is what happened to you to make you the way you are today.” His words sting. They wound me deeper than any knife possibly could. He can’t even imagine the hell I’ve lived through.

  ***

  I had to get out of there. I left Braddon’s office as quick as I went in. How dare he act as though he knows anything about my life. He knows nothing.

  Although I’ve heard all about Braddon from the guys, that was our first meeting. I have seen him a few more times in the last two weeks but he has kept it professional. As much pull as I may feel towards him, that’s all it is. He doesn’t know me well enough to think otherwise.

  He doesn’t think the charges hold any kind of merit which I’m grateful for. I made that mistake, I should own it.

  It wasn’t all my fault though. The man came at me first but with my record who the hell would have believed me.

  I did what I had to do, much like I have my whole life.

  The wind blowing around me as I ride calms me if only slightly. I used to be able to jump on my bike and ride for hours. It would keep me sane but these days, there really isn’t anything left inside of me to calm. There are demons and monsters that haunt my every waking moment.

  I pull off my exit and head towards my favorite spot in town.

  Away from anyone and everyone. It’s a quiet place out in the woods overlooking a small pond.

  Cutting the engine off, I set my helmet on the seat before cracking my neck from side to side.

  Walking through the tree line, I inhale the scent. Fall is the best time of year. The air is crisp and the leaves crunch beneath my feet.

  Making my way towards the pond, I notice I’m not alone. I can hear the crunch of the leaves behind me. Who the hell would be o
ut here? No one ever comes out here.

  I slip behind a tree, pulling my knives free of the holsters they’re in. With one in each hand, I await the idiot that decided to fuck with me.

  When the noises get closer, I move. Springing from behind the tree, I pounce, wrapping my legs around the waist of my intruder.

  We both tumble to the ground with me on top.

  ***

  “Why are you following me?” Gritting between my teeth, the tip of my knife poised at his throat.

  “Neely?” The voice is familiar. I slowly pull back and look in the eyes of my lawyer, Braddon. Isn’t that great!

  “Braddon? What the hell? I could have killed you!” I snap a little louder than needed but damn, I almost cut his throat.

  Climbing off him, I slide the knives back where they belong before turning to walk away. I don’t need his shit right now.

  “Neely! WAIT!” Rolling my eyes, I keep walking until the pond comes into view. Dropping down in my favorite spot, I know he’s coming, I can hear him walking.

  Braddon sits next to me not saying a word. He’s probably letting his unfortunate meeting with me settle in first.

  “I could have killed you.” The words are a slight whisper. I don’t know why Braddon makes me feel the way I do but it’s there. It’s as though he knows the inner workings of my mind. As if he understands the reason I do the things I do but he can’t possibly.

  “Did you say that to him?” Glancing over, I can see he wants to know. It’s not just a work related question.

  “Are you asking me as a lawyer or as a friend?” I watch his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows.

  “As a friend.” Shaking my head, I want so much to confide in someone, to make things right but how? I’ve become a monster.

  “He came at me. You’ve seen my record; no one would believe that.” Braddon’s hand comes to rest on mine before he sighs.

  “I see a lot of pain in your eyes, Neely. I hate it. I hate the way it hurts you. I’ve known you before you’ve known me. I watched you. Blaze told me about you a long time ago.” Pulling my hand away, I try to stand but Braddon doesn’t let me.