by Debra Kayn
Chapter 17
The bell on the front door of Pauly's Peddlers jingled. Heidi picked up the plastic crate filled with new inventory and rounded the counter. She'd survived five days working after being rehired. Living at Glen's helped her arrive on time and falling into a routine seemed normal, until she thought about how much her life had changed since meeting Glen. When those moments happened, it was downright scary how easy it was to slip back into society.
"I'll help them, Pauly." Heidi left her boss working on repairing a chain a customer had brought in earlier in the day.
Setting the crate near the wall, she strolled over to the man looking at one of the Trek bicycles. "Is there anything I can help you with today?"
"I'm just browsing." The lean man, wearing bike shorts and a tank, grinned. "Really, I'm debating whether to splurge and buy a new bike or be the responsible adult I'm supposed to be and walk out of here and get on my perfectly good, old bike."
She clasped her hands in front of her. "What kind of bike are you riding now?"
"A Trek." The man laughed. "It's four years old and...hey, do you want to look at it?"
"Sure." She looked up and found Pauly watching her. "I’m going outside for a minute to help the customer—"
"The name's Jack," said the man.
"I’m going out to look at Jack's bike." She nodded at Pauly who waved her away. If she learned one thing, bicycle enthusiasts loved to show off their wheels the same way classic car owners could talk for hours about all the work they put into their vehicle.
Outside, she stood in front of a well-used bike in great condition. "Tell me what you like about the new model that's tempting you to buy?"
"The new bearings and tire clearance. When I started out, I only rode on the street. I've since ventured onto the bike paths through some of the local trails." Jack crossed his arms and cocked his head, looking at his bike. "I also need new toe grips, but I want to keep the pedals I use now. I upgraded six months ago, and I'm happy with them."
"Were you serious about whether to buy new or not?" she asked.
"Definitely." He shrugged without uncrossing his arms. "I'm just not sure I can validate the expense when this bike serves its purpose."
"You can upgrade your bike for a quarter of the money you would buying a brand new one." She pointed to his bike. "Call it a test period. Put a little money into upgrading this one with the things you like on the new models, see how you like the upgrades, and if you fall completely in love with the way the bicycle rides, you'll feel more confident about investing in a new bike later. The new models have a couple different paint options, and some say the bulkier frame is aesthetically pleasing."
"That makes sense." Jack raised his brows. "I would like the extra clearance when I'm on the trails. That's the major thing I want."
She opened the door, spotting the poster for the annual bike ride that made Portland famous taped to the glass. "Let me take you inside the store to talk to Pauly. He can walk you through the process and different options with an upgrade and give you an estimate—which will be a fraction of what a new bike would cost you. He works fast and can start the upgrade on your bike at your convenience. Most of the time, he can have the bicycle back to you in three or four days. Right in time for Portland's Naked Bike Ride in two weeks."
Jack's laughter followed her inside. She passed him off to Pauly and returned to the crate of supplies to stack the hangers. There were only twenty minutes until closing.
She looked out the window as she hurried to restock. Glen and the other Notus Motorcycle Club members were parked in front of Vavoom's already off work for the day. He'd let her know before he went to work that he'd be at the bar and be able to take her back to his house.
Over the last week, they'd fallen into a two-person routine. Glen took her to his house, they ate together, watched some television, and then Glen held her hand all the way upstairs to his room where they got ready for bed.
Each night, he held her.
It amazed her how easy it was to slip into a habit that she imagined only couples shared when they lived together. While she and Glen weren't having sex, he also never treated her like a roommate. It was more, but she couldn't push what they had together into a neat, little box. Deep down, she knew the bond they were creating was special.
Her pulse accelerated. She looked away from the motorcycles and filled the hook with new chains for twenty-six-inch bicycles. It was getting harder for her to settle for cuddles. Last night, she kept telling herself she'd turn around and face him. She even counted down from thirty, pushing herself to move.
But in the end, she remained with her back toward him and let him hold her.
"Thanks for the help," said Jack, behind her.
She half turned. "What did you decide?"
"I'm dropping off my bike in the morning." Jack grinned. "I'll have it back in time for the ride."
"Excellent." She watched him leave the shop and ride away.
She was still smiling when her view was blocked by a pedestrian with familiar, brown eyes that glared at her. Dropping the box she held in her hand, she stepped back in fear and ran into one of the model bikes on the showroom floor.
The bicycle toppled over. She tripped on the spinning wheel, falling on her hip and her hand. Pain ricocheted up her arm.
"Dear Lord, Ms. Heidi." Pauly appeared in front of her and widened his stance, gripping her upper arms. "Are you hurt?"
She shook her head and mumbled. "Only my pride."
"Let's get you up off the floor." Pauly lifted her clear in the air and then lowered her to her feet. "What happened?"
She peeked around him and to the sidewalk outside the shop that was now vacant. "I-I just tripped."
"Don't be lying to me." Pauly tucked his double chin. "I saw the look on your face. Something scared you."
She shook her head, dizzy from the adrenaline rush of seeing Evan again within a week of the last time he found her. Now he knew where she worked.
"Hey, hey, hey..." Pauly removed his handkerchief from his back pocket and put the cloth in her hand. "Heidi, I think it's time you tell me what is going on."
She gasped for air that wouldn't fill her lungs fast enough and made her eyes water. "I can't."
"Bullshit, and pardon my French." Pauly patted her shoulder. "One of these days you're going to have to trust somebody, and seeing as how I believe you want to keep your job and I'm here with you five days out of the week, who better to help you than me?"
Glen.
Glen was the best person to trust.
He was the only person she wanted to trust.
"I'm okay, Pauly. Really." She moved her wrist and handed Pauly his handkerchief back. "Nothing's broken."
Pauly blew out his already round cheeks and shoved the small cloth in his pocket. "The offer remains open."
"Thank you." She looked at the fallen bike and bent over, picking up the handlebar and setting it back on the kickstand. "Let me put the crate away before we close."
Making her escape, she completed the rest of her duties, and when the clock on the wall reached five o'clock, she said goodbye to Pauly and walked out the front door of the shop. She looked both ways up and down the street, searching for Evan. To say she was scared was not doing the situation justice.
Evan knew she was in St. John's. He knew she worked at Pauly's Peddlers. The moment she walked across the street to the bar, Evan would know how to find her. Her list of people she needed to protect kept growing.
She could run. Just keep walking until she disappeared into the underground in Portland. Her parents would remain safe. Evan's dad wouldn't be hurt. Glen could go on and find a happy life.
The cars whizzed past her. She inhaled deeply. She couldn't keep trying to escape. One day, she'd have to face her past, and she had no idea how to protect everyone for when that time came.
The traffic blurred in her vision. She wanted more in her life than always being scared and alone. Glen made her believe s
he could change her life. Maybe he could also protect those she loved. While working at the bike shop wasn't something that would support her in the long run, she loved the responsibility of holding down a job, the support from Pauly, and the respect from the customers.
Two years ago, she was alone. She'd done the only thing possible to stay alive.
But, she was no longer alone. She had Glen.
She stepped off the curb and ran across the street like the devil was licking her soles. A car honked and she dodged the fender that came close to hitting her. Jumping onto the sidewalk, she threw herself at the glass door and ran smack-dab into Glen.
"What's wrong?" He pulled her away from him and held her arms.
"I..." She inhaled swiftly. "I need..."
"What, Blue?" His hold on her tightened.
She peered up into his eyes. "I need your help."
With that final declaration, she fainted.
Chapter 18
Heidi sat on the couch in Glen's living room, nursing a glass of whiskey. She swallowed and scrunched her nose at the aftertaste. Glen pushed the coffee table out of the way and sat beside her. Afraid she'd pass out on him again, he kept his hand on her back.
She handed him the glass. "I'm okay now."
He passed the drink to Wayne, who passed it to Thad, who made Chuck put it in the kitchen. Glen rubbed her back. He'd wanted her to confide in him since the night she attempted to steal his wallet. He'd be happy she finally asked for his help, but her fear—big enough to make her pass out— worried him.
"We're going to help you, Blue." He rubbed his mouth with his free hand, unwilling to stop touching her. "Tell us how."
Heidi looked over at the Notus members and whispered, "I only want you to help me."
"Okay." He turned his head and motioned his chin toward the door for his MC brothers to leave. "I've got this. I'll call you later."
The others left the house. Alone with Heidi, he turned to her, ready to take care of whatever trouble she was in.
"You're in danger," she blurted. "There's a man who will try to hurt you because you're helping me."
"Not going to worry about that now. Are you in danger?"
She nodded. "Yes, but it's more important that you help my parents. I can take care of myself."
"Your parents?" He cupped his jaw and braced his elbow on his knee to keep studying her face.
He couldn't follow her story. Everyone was in danger, and she had parents in the picture? Where were they when she was homeless? Who was she scared of and had her running away?"
"They live in St. John's. If I give you their address can you or one of the other club members park outside their house and make sure nobody gets to them?" She put her hand on his thigh. "I can't pay you what you guys usually get, but I'll give you my whole paycheck. I get paid once a week."
He could feel her shaking. "I don't want your money. I'll protect them, but first, tell me who is after you and your parents."
"His name is Evan." Her gaze darted around the room as if the man would suddenly appear. "He's my ex-boyfriend, and he's evil."
"Did he hurt you?" He braced, wanting to kill the man already for the fear he witnessed from Heidi.
"Many times." She closed her eyes a moment and reopened them. "I've never told anyone that before."
Over twenty years of dealing with missing women who escaped an abusive relationship never prepared him for the fury that hit him knowing someone he cared about had suffered.
"He was a thrower." She glanced at him. "He never hit me or pushed me. He threw things, and he'd hurt me where nobody else could see. Broken ribs, bruises on my legs and stomach that took two months to heal. He did this all while we lived with his dad. His father never had a clue what his son was doing to me. I couldn't tell him because first I was ashamed and his dad really loves him, but later Evan told me he'd kill his dad if I told. He threatened me all the time, telling me he'd kill my parents if I ran to them for help or called the police. Then, one night...he broke my ribs by throwing a chair at me. It was his birthday. I-I'd cooked him a meal, and his dad came home, and he'd b-bought a pistol for Evan. He held the gun up at me with his father in the same room and mouthed bang at me. I knew he would no longer be satisfied by throwing plates, chairs, books, or whatever was close to him now that he had a gun. He would kill me."
"Jesus Christ," he mumbled. "Tell me you left right then."
She nodded. "I packed my backpack, and while Evan was at the shooting range trying out his new present, I ran away. I couldn't let him kill my parents or his dad, and he would've if he found out they helped me, so I didn't tell anyone."
"How long ago was this?"
She leaned against him. "Over two years ago."
Her eyelids drooped, and her hands lay limp in her lap. Telling him the truth about her situation had exhausted her. He couldn't imagine a woman living on the streets for that long and survive.
"Blue, how did you...?"
She sat up. "I used shelters when I could get to Portland, but I wanted to stay in St. John's."
"Why?"
She shook her head. "I kept my eye on his dad. I knew if Stewart was okay, then his relationship with Evan hadn't changed. That Evan hadn't killed anyone because of me. I know it probably doesn't make sense to you. I know it wasn't smart, but it was the only thing I could think to do."
"You kept your friends close and your enemies closer," he said.
She nodded. "I found places to live across town, away from where he lived, and where my parents live. A few times, I found groups of women to crash with in abandoned houses or an apartment, or we watched out for each other under the overpass. There are ways to survive, and I learned the tricks."
He flinched. She reached out and touched him again. "I never sold myself."
"I wasn't asking."
"But, you were wondering." She sighed. "He found me, you know."
"Evan?"
"Yes." She leaned against him again. "The day you took me on your motorcycle, and I ran away. That man who was honking at you was him."
"Fuck." He stood, unable to sit still any longer. "I should've known."
"It's not your fault. You've done so much for me, and I've..." She wrapped her arms around her waist. "I took advantage of your generosity."
"What happened today? Why are you finally telling me?"
"I started hoping that my life could be like the one you were giving me by letting me stay here and I screwed up," she said, covering her forehead with her hand. "I made a mess of things at Pauly's. It was closing time, and I saw Evan outside looking in the window. He'd found me. I knocked over a bicycle and Pauly...God, I hated to lie to him. He wanted to help. I couldn't pull him into my life, too. I didn't want Evan to hurt him, and he would. Anyone who helps me is in danger. He's probably outside, waiting right now to get me or kill you."
"He's not going to get to you. Not when I'm here." He sat beside her and brought her over to his lap. "Nobody is going to touch you again. I promise."
"It's not me I'm worried about. My parents need protection until I know what I'm going to do."
His hold on her tightened. "You're not running."
"What else is there for me to do?" She sighed. "I know it's a lot to ask for you to believe me after I've lied to you, but Evan won't stop. Now that he's found where I work, it'll never end."
"He will if he's dead," he said.
"Glen." She smoothed the muscle jumping in his lip. "That's not funny. You can't do that."
"You can't stop me." He framed her face with his hands. "First, I need all the details. The guy's full name. His address. I'm going to call Wayne, and he can call the others. Then, we'll have Lieutenant Gomez come over and get your state—"
"No." She sat upright. "No police."
"Blue, I want this guy caught, or I'm going after him myself and put a bullet in his head."
She slid from his lap before he could stop her. The alcohol made her wobbly, but fear had made her determined. He wa
s losing what headway he'd gained with her tonight by pushing. The shield she'd erected around herself for the last two years while she protected everyone she loved was coming back up, and he needed to break her down. It was the only way he could protect her.
Chapter 19
An hour after Heidi shut down on him following her confession, she finally walked back into the living room and agreed to talk to him. Glen hooked her neck and held her in front of him.
"You need to give me Evan's last name, Blue." He refused to let her back away from him.
Her pulse ran fast and hard in her neck underneath his fingers. "You don't understand what I'm opening up if I do."
"Then, tell me."
"Evan's dad is a good person. A good man." She blinked the tears from her eyes. "Evan is smart because of who his dad is, and I'm nobody. There's a good chance that if the abuse gets out in the open, the only people that it'll hurt are those connected to me. My parents. You. And, even Evan's dad. Trust me, I've thought this through. There is no good outcome."
"Blue, the hardest lesson to learn is sometimes you have to put yourself above other people's happiness." His thumb stroked her cheek. "You've been paying for someone else's crime for too long. If other people have to feel the sting of what Evan has done, they can handle a few dark moments if their love for you is even a pinch of the love you have for them."
"Can you protect them? My parents? Evan's dad?" Her gaze intensified. "Can you promise me that nothing will happen to them or you?"
Fear and desperation had her grasping for any sign of hope. He'd be damned if he wouldn't make her feel secure.
"I've already texted every Notus member. Everyone is coming over and will be here any minute. I swear on my life, we will take care of you and everyone you love. But, I need a name to start the ball rolling. Can you do that?" He lowered his voice. "Can I get your life back for you?"
She shivered. Her whole body quaked under his hands, and he grew harder, bigger, stronger. He would do whatever necessary to protect her.
"Okay," she said.
He barely heard the word. "What's his name?"
