by Chiah Wilder
“You keep doing that and we’ll never leave this place,” she joked. She broke away, picked up her purse, and hooked her arm through his as they left the abandoned shack. “Look,” she exclaimed, pointing at a double rainbow, its band of color shimmering against the gray sky.
After Banger dried off the seat, they hopped on and headed back to Pinewood Springs. As they rode, Belle realized that she’d fallen hopelessly and completely in love with him. She wasn’t sure exactly when it’d happened. It could have been when she’d gone to his house again and had seen his wife’s pictures were gone, or the night he’d brought Emily home when she’d run away. There were so many moments they’d shared, the good and the bad, and they’d all slipped into the corners of her heart, filling it until it was overflowing with love. She didn’t know if he loved her, but she didn’t care. Riding on the back of his bike, her body pressed against his, the wind blowing through her hair, she felt total happiness. No matter what happened, she’d never forget this feeling. It would be etched on her heart forever.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
He was impatient and he needed money fast. Waiting around for the “right time” drove him fucking crazy. If it were up to him, he’d have already taken care of the dark-haired bitch, and he’d be invested in some premium coke. All he could do was buy the street shit just because he wasn’t calling the shots. Walking over to the window, he slammed down the blinds, shutting out the morning sun. He picked up his phone on the first beat of his tune. “This shit’s gotta happen now. I’m tired of waiting around.”
Soft laughter fell on his ears, and instead of soothing him as it always did, it pissed him off even more. He seethed in silence. “You have to be patient for just a bit longer. The plans are all in motion, I swear, and soon, we’ll be rolling in money.”
He snorted. “We fucking better be. What about that bitch whose mouth is flapping nonstop to the cops? Have they talked to you?”
“They did, and I wasn’t happy about that. I was cool as ever, and they seemed satisfied with what I told them, but the bitch has become a pain in my ass. No one knows about you, so you’re in the clear. I can handle myself.”
“Just give me the word and the bitch is dead. Who the fuck is she again?”
“Harold’s daughter. If I didn’t have other plans for her, I’d have you kill the cunt.”
“If anything changes, just give me the word.” He lit a roach, inhaling deeply. “I’m broke.”
Her exasperated sigh filled his ear. “Again?”
“Yeah, that’s why we gotta do this shit soon. I’m coming to Pinewood Springs.”
“Don’t. You should stay away. I don’t want to be seen with you around town. Let’s keep it cool, okay?”
“You’re not thinking of double-crossing me are you?” His brows knitted together.
“Of course not. Anyway, I need you to help. I can’t do this all by myself.”
“I’m just fucking climbing the walls.”
“You’re on call. When I give you the word, you come. It’s not too much longer. Shit, that fucking pesky detective is back for another round of questions. I could strangle Harold’s daughter. What a fucking bitch. I gotta go. I’ll call you.” There was a pause. “Stay cool, okay?”
“Easy for you to say. Call me.”
He hung up and tapped his fingers on the nightstand in his modest room. If the pace didn’t pick up soon, he’d have to take things in his own hands.
* * *
As Belle placed the boxes of tomato sauce and sliced peaches—another gift from Ruthie—in her trunk, her phone pinged. She looked at the screen, expecting it to be from either her children or Banger, but it was from an unknown number. She closed the trunk and settled into the front seat of her Honda, then opened the text.
Unknown: You bitch. Why the fuck did you send the cops after me?
Belle looked around the parking area, grateful that daylight savings had kicked in and it was approaching twilight even though it was eight o’clock. She instinctively locked her car doors then stared at the text. She had no idea who it was from. The only person she’d told the detective about was Harold’s old mistress. She was so not in the mood for this.
Belle: I don’t know who this is.
Unknown: The woman your husband loved. You know my name, you used to call his work often enough.
Belle: I have nothing to say to you. If you had nothing to do with my husband’s death, then you shouldn’t mind talking to the cops. I’m done with you. Don’t contact me again.
Megan: You’re such a pathetic, jealous bitch. I can see why Harold came to my bed. He loved me, not you.
Belle shook her head, determined not to be sucked into this juvenile “conversation.” She simply hit Delete when the next text came through. Rubbing her temples, she switched on the ignition and pulled into the street. On the way home, Belle wondered why Megan was so mad about the detective asking her questions regarding Harold’s death and her relationship with him. If she were innocent, why would it bother her? What did she have to hide?
When she turned down her street, the leafy green trees on both sides were dark against the setting sun, their lengthened shadows melting into the twilight. Streetlights lit the sidewalks, a smudgy pool of yellow glowing around each one. The sun was dipping behind the crest of the mountains, and the sky was awash with colors found during the height of autumn. To the east, Belle could see chips of light winking against the darkening sky. In the warm amber glow, she spotted Banger’s bike parked next to the curb, and her insides lurched. She pulled into the driveway, reapplied her lipstick, attempted to smooth down her hair, and went inside her home.
From the sound of their voices, Belle knew they were in the middle of a video game. She set down her purse and keys and quietly padded into the living room. When she saw the two of them transfixed by the screen, she smiled. It was too cute: Banger on the couch, his face taut, eyes unblinking, and Ethan cross-legged on the floor, his shoulders hunched, brow furrowed. She watched them for several minutes until Banger darted his eyes to her, a huge smile spreading over his face which lit her heart. She nodded and mouthed, “When you’re finished,” and went upstairs to shower and change.
When she came back downstairs, they had finished their game, and Ethan was excitedly telling Banger about joining Little League for the summer. Belle walked in and ruffled her son’s hair, receiving an “oh, Mom” look. Then she leaned over and kissed Banger, who gave her a “want to fuck” look. “Who won the game?” she asked.
“Who else?” Banger grimaced and pointed to Ethan, who was sporting a huge grin.
“Has anyone eaten?” Belle questioned.
“I just had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when I got home. Emily’s in the kitchen deciding what to eat,” Ethan replied.
Belle walked into the kitchen and saw her daughter leafing through take-out menus. “Anything look good?”
“I’m sick of pizza, but Indian sounds good. What do you think, Mom?”
“I love Indian. Let’s see what the guys want. If they want something else, we can order from two places.”
She and Emily went into the living room, and everyone decided on Indian food. When the delivery arrived, they sat around the kitchen table, eating and talking like a normal family. Emily even talked about school and how much fun she was having being in the spring play. It was a perfect evening, and Belle wished she could freeze the moment.
“Mom, Chelsea and I are going to a movie tonight. Is that cool?” Emily asked as she helped clear the table.
Belle’s stomach churned. “Are you done with your homework?”
Emily nodded.
“It’s fine. Please be sure to be home by eleven o’clock—your weeknight curfew, okay?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Are you picking Chelsea up?”
“No, she’s picking me up in about forty minutes. I better change my clothes.” Emily rushed out of the kitchen, her footsteps on the stairs loud and fast.
&nbs
p; Banger came over to Belle and rubbed her shoulders. “It’ll be fine. They’re just going to a movie.”
She placed her fingers against her throat. “I hope she’s not lying to me. I can’t help but think the worst.”
Banger turned her around, kissed her, and held her close to him. She rested her head on his shoulder, and the stress dissipated a bit. I’m so glad he’s in my life. They stood and held each other until Ethan asked if they wanted to watch a movie. Belle pushed back from Banger after kissing him deeply. They walked together into the other room, finding Ethan sitting on the floor with several DVDs sprawled around him.
After much thought, Ethan picked an action picture, which made Belle groan inwardly, but she could tell by the smile in his eyes that Banger thought it was a good choice. As they watched the movie, Emily ran down the stairs then poked her head into the living room. “I’m off,” she said.
“Bye. Have a good time.” Belle had to bite her inner cheek to keep from adding, “And remember your curfew.” She wanted to show her daughter that she trusted her, even though a large part of her didn’t. She hoped Emily wouldn’t disappoint her.
After the movie and a few games of Sorry, Ethan went up to his room to sleep. He and Banger had really hit it off, and Belle was bursting with happiness. She could never be involved with a man if her children disliked him. Emily was still wary of Banger, but she did tell Belle that she was okay with her mom dating him—she just didn’t want him acting like he was her dad. When Belle told him what Emily had said, he chuckled, stating, “I already got a daughter who’s a handful. I don’t need another one.” Belle hoped in time Emily would warm up to Banger a bit more.
The minute he heard Ethan’s door close, he had his arms around Belle, his mouth on hers. She giggled and whispered, “We have to be careful. I don’t want Ethan coming down and catching us.”
He nodded, his gaze riveted on her face before it slowly moved over her body. There was a tingling in the pit of her stomach. Pulling her close to him, he brought his finger up and starting at her forehead, he lightly ran it over her face. The mere touch sent a warming shiver through her. She tilted her head back and his finger swept over her neck, her shoulders, and landed on the sensitive spot between her collarbones. She whimpered then held her breath as his butterfly kisses flitted over her neck, cleavage, and arms. “I love how soft you are,” he breathed into her tingling skin, as he continued caressing her.
She moved her face toward his to capture his mouth, but he turned away, preferring to lavish small kisses over her sensitive body. When his lips pressed to her neck, right under her ear, the jolt of his touch made her heart race. He took her hands and turned them over, tracing long, slow patterns over her palms with his tongue. She groaned and closed her eyes, letting herself become caught up in the sensations which were exploding over every inch of her body.
His mouth was back on her neck, his hand tangled in her hair as he licked, sucked, and kissed her deeply. “I fuckin’ love how your hair feels in my hands,” he whispered. His lips seared a path from her neck to her cleavage while his hands slipped under her knit top, exploring the hollows of her back. Every part of her quivered as he continued to seduce her. She gasped loudly when his hand dipped into her leggings, kneading her ass cheeks. Belle ran her fingers up and down his muscular arms, squeezing his biceps as she leaned down and licked the tattoos on them.
Raising his head, he held her closer, and she felt his uneven breathing on her cheek. Placing his hand on the side of her face, he turned her so they were directly facing each other. His tongue traced the soft fullness of her bottom lip, sending shivers of desire racing through her. Then his mouth covered hers hungrily and the kiss fused them together, like soldering heat joining metal. His tongue slipped in and swirled around hers, and their breaths mingled while they tasted and consumed each other. He swallowed her moans and she his grunts, and the power of their kiss made her dizzy. She pulled away, seeing the hunger and tenderness in his piercing blue eyes.
“Woman, you get me all fuckin’ worked up.” He tugged her closer to him, and she buried her face in his neck. “I think about you all the time.”
She looked up and kissed his chin. “That makes two of us. You know I’m crazy about you, don’t you?”
He looked down at her, his eyes soft and bright. “Good to know. I’m pretty crazy ‘bout you too. You make me feel stuff I haven’t felt for a long time. I like having you in my life.”
Belle held her breath as she waited for him to continue. Then she heard Emily come in through the back door. She broke away from Banger and smoothed her hair down. Emily walked in the room and dropped onto a chair.
“How was the movie?” Belle asked, her skin still scorching from his touch.
“Good.” She eyed Banger then her mom. “Mom, can I talk to you about something? It’s personal.” She twisted a strand of hair around her finger. “It’s about Jared, a boy I like.”
Belle cleared her throat. “Of course, Banger and I were just ready to call it a night.” She glanced at him, and he gave her a half-smile, regret shining in his eyes.
He stood up. “Your mom’s right. I gotta go.” He walked to the door and Belle followed him.
She went out on the porch with him, tugging him back when he started to walk down the stairs. “Sorry.” She nuzzled her face against his chest.
“Family comes first. I get it.” He kissed her.
“You’re not mad, are you?”
“Nope.” He walked down the stairs and headed to his Harley. Halfway down the sidewalk, he turned to her and said, “I want you to meet Kylie. She’ll be coming home in a couple of weeks. Time you two met.” He swung his leg over his bike, broke the stillness of the neighborhood with his cams, then he was gone.
Belle jumped up and down on the porch. Yes! She went inside and sat on the couch. Looking at Emily, she said, “Now, tell me what’s going on with this boy.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Banger couldn’t get Belle out of his mind. He had a stack of paperwork to go through on his desk, and all he could think about was Belle. He had it bad for her, and it felt right. He’d been in love before; it was a wonderful thing, and he knew how it felt. Everything about Belle was perfect, and that could mean only one thing—he was in love. He’d been ready to tell her when her daughter walked in the previous night. Talk about shitty timing. Banger was pretty sure she had some strong feelings for him too, only he wasn’t sure if she loved him.
Ethan was a pretty cool kid, and Banger got a kick out of playing video games with him and talking baseball. He was like the son he never had. If he had to be honest, Emily was a pain in the ass, and he could foresee some problems with her down the road, but he had to give the girl some credit—she was trying real hard.
He picked up his phone and sent a text to Kylie.
Banger: I want you to come home next weekend. We gotta talk.
Kylie: R u okay? Ur not sick or anything…?
Banger: No, I’m good.
Kylie: Then what?
Banger: Gotta talk in person, not over a fucking text.
A very long pause ensued, and Banger didn’t think she was going to respond. He figured she may be in class or in the middle of doing something. He turned to the stack of papers on his desk and began shuffling through them when his phone pinged.
Kylie: Is it about that lady u’ve been seeing?
Banger scrubbed his face with his fist and sat staring at her text. He didn’t want to tell Kylie over a fucking phone how he felt. Maybe he didn’t have to tell her he loved Belle, only that he wanted her to meet his woman, but Kylie was bright. She wouldn’t buy that shit for a minute—she knew him too well.
Banger: Yeah.
Kylie: Ur not going to marry her, r u????
Banger: Dunno. Not sure how she feels about me. I told you, I don’t want to do this on the phone.
Kylie: Not sure I want to meet her. Let me think about it. K?
Banger sighed, but he knew th
is was hard on Kylie. For the past six years, it had just been the two of them, and they’d been each other’s comfort when Grace had died. He’d let her call the shots on this one, he didn’t want to force anything on her. But he hoped she’d give Belle a chance.
Banger: Ok. You let me know if you come down. Love you.
Kylie: Love u too, Dad.
Banger stared out the window at the aspen trees, the leaves a new vivid green that only the springtime could bring. Evergreen trees, dotting the parking lot around the clubhouse, towered over the aspens. From an open window, he heard the swift rush of the creek which ran behind the property.
A knock on his door drew his attention away from the window. The doorknob turned right when he said, “Come in.”
Hawk sauntered in and took a seat, a scowl creasing his brow. “I found out who underbid us. The fuckin’ Demon Riders.”
Banger’s eyes narrowed as his anger grew. “You sure?” Hawk nodded. “Fuck!” Banger slammed his fist on the desk. “I shoulda had you kill that sonofabitch, Dustin, and that piece of shit, Shack, when you guys went to close their sorry-ass club down. Fuck!” Banger was angry at himself for letting a friendship of twenty-plus years cloud his judgment. He blamed himself for all the problems his club was going through. He also knew that the traitor or traitors were among the newest members to have joined.
“I know you’re thinking what I am,” Hawk said as he leaned forward in his chair. “Dustin and Shack have been itching to get back at us, and they placed a fuckin’ mole in our club. I don’t know if it’s all of them, or two of them, or only one, but I know it’s someone in the fucking group.”
“Fuck, Hawk, you were right when you told me not to trust them. Shit, I thought they were loyal. I’ve known the brothers for a long time. We went through hell and back when we were fighting with the fucking Deadly Demons. Damn, I can’t believe they’d betray their club. Fuck!” He pounded his fist again on the desk.
“We’re gonna find out soon. I set all the cameras up, and Rock, Chas, Axe, and Bear have been taking turns watching. Nothing yet, but I believe that’s all gonna change. I arranged for a family dinner tonight out in the yard. Mostly everyone will be outside. Usually, the club is swimming with people except when we have a rally. I want to get this shit over with, so I think having everyone mostly outside will bring the piece of shit inside.”
