At the same time, Vince was just like so many of these people. They perused the inventory and touched the bikes reverently. It was almost a cult-like worship. To her, they were as terrifying as an angry bull at the rodeo, and she couldn’t comprehend the intense love for the beasts. But unless she could figure it out, she would never know what made Vince tick, why he felt so loyal to the club, or why he rode on two wheels instead of four.
Ariana stepped out of the car and walked through the lines of bikes outside, trying to get a feel for them. She tried to absorb the positive, enthusiastic energy of the shoppers and admirers. But nothing struck her. She turned to leave, but she looked back to the shop and decided to see what was inside. There were more bikes and lots of gear. Maybe something in there would catch her eye.
She browsed the shelves and racks, enjoying the feel of the leather jackets beneath her fingers and reading the sarcastic and lewd comments on some of the shirts. She thought several of the helmets were pretty while others were just silly. Still finding no tingling sensation within her, Ariana returned to the motorcycles inside the shop, considering them more carefully. She read the information on a couple of them, details about the size of the engines, speed, fuel mileage, and prices.
As she came up on the next one, she admired it. No, it didn’t give her a sense of excitement, and she didn’t feel an instant connection. But it was a beautiful piece of equipment, painted a solid shiny black with electric blue lightning bolts on either side of the tank. It was covered in chrome – handlebars, wheels, décor – and it looked fierce and classy, all at the same time.
“Who would have thought I’d find you here?” The voice made Ariana jump, and she stared straight into Vince’s incredible eyes. He smiled, full of charm. “I thought you had a serious vendetta against motorcycle clubs. You never told me you had a secret love affair with their rides.”
Embarrassed to be caught here, Ariana rolled her eyes. “I don’t. I just… ” She trailed off, not wanting to explain her reason for coming here today.
He chuckled. “It’s alright, Ariana. You can admit it. Lots of people have strange fetishes they don’t feel comfortable talking about. And a lot of them hide behind the guise of hatred for it. I see the way you’re staring at that machine.” He pointed to the bike she’d been checking out. “I guess the real surprise here is that you have impeccable taste. In fact, I might just have to ask you to take your hands off my ride.”
“I have as much right to be here as anyone else,” she countered. Why did he always make her feel defensive? “And I don’t have a fetish. I just wanted to see if I could understand the passion people feel for these death machines.” She glared at him. “So tell me, smartass. Tell me why you love bikes so much. Explain it to me so I can understand.”
Vince stared at Ariana, taken aback. He’d been teasing her, but now she was adamant – and almost passionate – about wanting to understand what was so special about riding. That only added to the shock of seeing her admiring that particular ride. She probably hadn’t realized that the four bikes in front of her were here inside because they were sold and customized. “Okay, but first, let me ask you something.” She raised an eyebrow. “Did you not see the ‘sold’ sticker on that one?”
She frowned and checked it, blushing. “It’s not like I was going to buy it.”
“You’re damn straight you’re not, because I already did.” Her expression was the epitome of surprise, and he laughed. “You honestly thought I was joking about that? Come on, I had to replace the one you saw in a pile on the road beside me. I had some work done to this one yesterday—a few personalized details added—and now I’m here to take her home.”
She didn’t say anything for a minute, then she finally smiled. “I don’t like bikes as a whole, but this one caught my eye because it’s pretty. Not in a feminine way. I wouldn’t want to insult your manhood. But I think it’s a beautiful design.”
“I’m glad you approve of my taste.” He closed his eyes and thought about the sensation he got from riding. “The reason people literally become addicted to riding is because it’s like flying. You aren’t caged in a box, there’s always wind in your face and your hair, and you can go as fast as you want. It’s refreshing, and there’s nothing in the world that can make you feel so free. It’s truly liberating.”
He opened his eyes, hoping to find revelation in Ariana’s face. Instead, he saw confusion and doubt.
“I just can’t see that,” she said. “When I look at these, I see the lack of enclosure as less protection. The air blowing at me, I think, would just annoy me and make it hard to breathe. And as for speed, I scare myself in my car if I don’t pay attention. I don’t need an unbridled horse that can gallop three times that fast without breaking a sweat.”
How disappointing and sad. “Who taught you to hate clubs and riding?” he asked, keeping his voice down now.
“Why does it matter?”
He wasn’t going to push her, but he’d find out eventually. “I know it’s hard to imagine, Ariana. I can’t really put it into words. But let me take you for a ride and show you. It’s the only way you’ll ever understand.”
Ariana’s eyes grew large, and she shook her head vigorously. “No way! I’m not getting on one of these.” She pointed at the motorcycles, backing away from them.
But he smiled. “If I promise to keep it under the speed limit, will you please give me a chance to show you how it feels? I’m telling you, it’s the only way to understand. And if it’s too much for you, I’ll bring you right back and never ask you to ride again.”
He saw her wavering, and it wouldn’t take much to push her over the edge. “Live a little, Ariana. You’re a paramedic. You, of all people, should understand that life is short and precious. Let me give you an adventure you never thought you’d experience.”
She glanced nervously back and forth between the bike and Vince, and he knew he had her. Her chest heaved with a deep breath, and she told him, “One short ride. That’s all.”
Success. “You won’t regret it.” He pointed her toward the rack of goggles. “Pick a pair that fit and bring them up to the counter. I’ve got to write the check so I can ride off into the sunset with you on that ‘death machine.’” He laughed as she stuck her tongue out at him. With a spring in his step, he made his way over to pay for the customizations on his bike. This was going to be a wild ride.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Ariana didn’t know what had come over her. She should have just said no, she wasn’t going to get on that thing. But something inside her had to know. She couldn’t explain it, and she couldn’t define her need. Something swept over her, aside from incredible fear, as she waited at the curb and Vince pulled the rumbling machine up beside her. Heart pounding, she shouted over the noise, “What now?”
Vince smiled. “Put the goggles on, and throw your right leg over behind me.” She did as he instructed, feeling awkward. He leaned back and said over his shoulder, “Now, get settled, and wrap your arms tight around my waist. I don’t want you falling off the back.” He laughed, but Ariana didn’t particularly find it funny as she pictured him doing a wheelie and dropping her on the pavement.
She clutched at him for dear life, and strangely, this felt more intimate than when they had sex. She was pressed against his back, and unlike getting laid, she had to put complete trust in his ability to keep her safe. She didn’t like giving up control, especially to do something she had sworn she never would.
To his credit, he didn’t push the accelerator, but easing them out to the exit, and when he turned onto the road, he drove just as gently. She doubted he rode this way on his own, but she was grateful he wasn’t trying to scare the shit out of her right away. He increased his speed gradually as they continued, and stray hairs blew out of her clip, flying around her face in the brisk wind that felt fresh on her face.
He turned a corner, and the bike leaned. Ariana nearly panicked as he leaned with it, and she had to lean with him.
She was sure they were going to skid across the ground any second, crushing their legs beneath the heavy bike, but he righted it and sped down the street. Overwhelmed, Ariana looked from side to side, noticing the buildings they passed streaking behind them. She’d never noticed how quickly the world went by in a car, and now, she wondered just how fast he drove. But it didn’t matter; he held steady, and she loosened her hold on his waist just a bit so air could flow between them and cool her.
The sensation made her throw her head back, and for a moment, she didn’t seem to be connected to the ground. The machine that vibrated beneath her disappeared with the road, and the wind carried her body. She closed her eyes and imagined clouds floating beneath her, and it made her laugh out loud.
The bike slowed, and she came back to earth. They were at a red light, and suddenly, she was terrified. What the hell am I thinking? This was so stupid. She could have been killed at any moment! And yet, a little voice at the back of her head reminded her that this was living. If she was always scared of the consequences of life, how could she really live?
Despite her terror, Ariana was almost disappointed as Vince pulled back into the dealership parking lot and stopped beside her car. Feeling awkward once again, she dismounted and pulled off her goggles, then reached to try to smooth the mess of hair that had come out of its clip. With a teasing grin, Vince reached up and tucked a stray strand behind her ear. “So, what do you think?”
Ariana didn’t want to say she’d truly enjoyed it, but she couldn’t lie. She nodded. “I think I get it now.”
He stopped the engine so they didn’t have to shout and pulled off his sunglasses. “Do you?” His eyes twinkled.
She shrugged. “As much as a non-biker can, I think. Yes.” Ariana thought about inviting him over. Something about that ride had aroused her. But her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she scowled as she dug it out.
As she stared at the text from Sal, the world spun, and she felt faint. She needed to sit down.
Vince was off the bike and grabbing her. “What is it, Ariana?”
She shook her head. “I have to go.”
He nodded, not even questioning her. “Are you okay to drive?”
Not really. “I’ll be fine. I’ll call you later.”
Vince hesitated as she went around to the driver’s side of her car. “I may or may not be available, but if I don’t answer, I’ll call you back as soon as I can. I might be on the road or out of town.”
Ariana gritted her teeth. “What you should be doing is taking care of your leg.”
“Take care of yourself, Ariana. I’m taking care of the leg, I promise.” He closed her door and waved, and Ariana sat with the engine running while she watched him drive away.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
She hated how she never knew when he was going to be around, but right now, she didn’t have time to dwell on it. Sal’s text weighed on her mind. He’d said he needed to talk to her right away.
Dialing his number, she waited for three rings before he picked up. “Hold on, Ariana, I have to get somewhere that I can talk,” he answered, and she heard movement and hospital equipment in the background. She hadn’t meant for him to go all the way to the hospital; she’d just thought he’d make a couple of calls.
“Why are you at the hospital?”
He chuckled. “I had to sweet-talk a couple of people to get things rolling. They’ve been running behind on blood work or something, and no one had looked at the CT scan or x-rays yet.” There was a slam, and then it was quieter. “Okay, I’m outside. Damn, it’s hot today.”
Ariana rubbed her forehead. “I guess it is. So, what’s the word?” She held her breath.
“Well, the first problem is that everything is overshadowed by the effects of alcoholism, so it’s hard to get a complete diagnosis. But they know for sure he’s got some cirrhosis of the liver from drinking. On top of that, they suspect the breathing problems and additional sepsis throughout his body are being caused by amyloidosis. They figure it’s in his lungs and liver, maybe his kidneys. They’re scheduling biopsies to get tissue samples later this afternoon.”
Ariana wasn’t familiar with the condition, but she knew it wasn’t a good thing. She’d look it up in her textbooks when she got home. Now, she asked, “Is that treatable?”
He didn’t answer right away, and that made Ariana sick to her stomach with fear. She may not get along with her parents, but the thought of them not being there…
Finally, he said, “It depends on how advanced it is. I asked around, and it sounds like chemotherapy is the best option.”
Ariana closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the seat. Not good. “Alright, thanks, Sal.”
“I’m going to hang around and see how quickly they get that biopsy scheduled. My wife is picking up my son today, and he’s got soccer practice, so I’m good until about six. I’ll let you know what I hear.”
“You don’t know how much I appreciate that.”
“I know this is hard for you. If you want to swing by later or tomorrow, and you need a buffer, I’ll come along. And don’t worry about owing me anything. We’re good..”
She’d do something for him, maybe get a gift card for his kid. “Thank you, Sal. It’s nice to have a friend I can count on.”
He chuckled. “That’s me. Take care of yourself, okay? I’ll talk to you later.”
Ariana hung up and found herself stuck once again with nothing to do except wait and worry. She stared at the goggles she’d thrown in the passenger seat. If only she had a hobby or an obsession, she could throw herself into it. That was one area where Vince was superior – he had something to occupy him when he needed a distraction.
She put the car in gear and pulled out of the parking lot. She would go home and try to get some schoolwork done. It would be difficult, but she’d do her best to make use of her time. Then, later, she might call Vince and see if he was still around. She didn’t get her hopes up, though. He had a whole group of friends around that took up a great deal of his time. Maybe, someday, she would, too.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Vince rode up to the front of the clubhouse, cocky and confident, ready to show the rest of the Claws his new ride. It was more powerful and better-customized than the one he’d wrecked, and he could just imagine the jealousy it would evoke in the rest of the crew. But as he shut off the engine, he felt the dark mood that hung over the place, and he went straight to Cyril.
He didn’t have to ask questions. Cyril faced him, and Vince knew the answer. Eyes dancing beneath his bushy brows, Cyril told him, “Cortez called. I’m taking you, Traunch, Pound, and Dustin with me tonight. Gordo, Cortez, and three of his goons want to meet on neutral territory at eight. I think they’re taking the deal.”
It was a lie; if Cyril really believed that, he wouldn’t be so excited. Vince pressed his lips into a thin line. “What if I’m not available?”
“Horseshit.” Cyril didn’t even look up, too busy packing a bag with what he considered essentials – water, cigars, and a hand gun.
“I’m serious, Cyril. I might have something important to take care of.” Vince crossed his arms.
Cyril straightened, his brows gathering over the bridge of his nose. “You’ve got nothing more important than this club, Larson.” He poked a finger into Vince’s chest. “I’ve taken care of you for more than half your life, boy, and you’ll show respect where it’s due. Tonight, you’re riding with me and the crew, and we’re taking care of business.”
“Take your hands off me, Cyril, or I’ll take them off for you.”
“Don’t threaten me, Larson,” Cyril growled. “I’m almost twice your age, but it doesn’t mean I’m any less dangerous.” He shoved Vince and turned to walk away. It took all of Vince’s self-control not to go after him.
Instead, Vince stormed outside, lit a cigarette, and grabbed his phone. He punched in Ariana’s number and cursed when he got voicemail.“Hey, Ariana, I tried to get out of it, but I’ve got
obligations tonight, and I probably won’t be available. If you get a chance in the next hour or so, call me. I’d like to know that you’re okay after… whatever happened earlier. I’ll try you one more time before I leave.”
“Whipped!” Pound called from a few feet away. Vince scowled at his friend, who ambled over. “I told you it was going to happen.”
Vince shook his head. “You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.”
Pound pointed to the phone. “You’re already letting that woman know when you can and can’t talk, checking in on her randomly, and worrying that you won’t hear from her before we go. You’re whipped, brother.”
Not in the mood to be teased, Vince threw a punch at Pound’s arm that left his friend rubbing the spot. “I’m not whipped. I ran into her at the shop when I picked up my new ride, and she almost collapsed over some message she got. I thought it might be appropriate to ask how she was. Not that any of it is your concern.”
SECRET BABY AT THE ALTAR Page 36
