by Nikki Landis
Smirking, I didn’t bother to comment on the obvious answer. “I’ll get rid of him,” I promised, standing as I stretched.
“I don’t want him trying to force his way in. Sophie fell asleep early. I shut her bedroom door but if she hears raised voices she’ll wake up.”
“I’ll be as quick as I can.”
“Be careful.” The serious look on her face betrayed her worry.
“I will.”
Max was pacing my front porch as I walked out to greet him and shut the door behind me. If he yelled, I wanted to keep my sister and niece safe. There was no way to sense his mood. He was unpredictable and violent. I wouldn’t give him access to the house if I could help it.
“Hi, Max.”
“Cara.” He stopped and stood perfectly still, his hawkish eyes resting on my body in a way that made my stomach clench in knots. “I have business and I’ll be occupied for a couple of days. We won’t be meeting again before the gala.”
Relieved, I hoped he couldn’t see how I felt. “That’s fine. I need to go shopping anyway.”
“I expect you to be ready at seven on Saturday. There’s a meeting I need to attend before the event and you’re coming with me. The evening will run late. Pack a bag with extra clothes and things you’ll need. We’ll be leaving Providence for a few days.”
My body broke out in a sudden flash of heat and sweat as I imagined how a small animal feels when a massive predator closes in. Backing up, I bumped into the brick exterior of the house as Maxwell took a few steps closer.
“Your reaction worries me.” His voice was low and quiet, deadly calm. “Are you refusing?”
Yes! My mind screamed. I shook my head, placing my trembling hands against my thighs. “No.”
“Why don’t I believe you?” He closed in, blocking out the street and everything else in my vicinity.
“I’ll be ready, Max. Like always.”
“Good.” He didn’t move, just kept staring, his expression close to a sneer. “I’ve heard a distressing rumor.”
Shit.
“What rumor?”
“That you’ve met some new friends. One in particular. Another man,” he emphasized as his hands lifted to my shoulders. “Do I need to worry, Cara?”
Swallowing hard, I shook my head. “No. I don’t know who would have said that to you.”
“It’s rather simple. I have friends all over Providence. Many are loyal, almost to a fault. So, I’ll ask again. Do I need to worry, Cara?”
One of his hands rose to wrap around my neck. He didn’t squeeze but the threat was clear.
“No. I swear it.”
“If you’re lying to me, I will find out.” His hand slowly began to tighten until my airway was cut off and I couldn’t help my reaction, clutching at his grip. Stars danced in front of my eyes as he squeezed so tightly that I thought he might crush my windpipe. “Let this serve as a reminder. No one fucks with me or makes a fool out of Maxwell Forman. Am I understood?”
I was going to pass out. Darkness crept in from the edges of my vision. I managed to answer as he laughed and backed away, releasing me as I fell to my knees and gasped for breath.
“Seven on Saturday, dearest. Be ready.”
Max whistled as he spun and walked back to his limo, climbing inside and pulling away as I lay on my side unable to fight the tears that filled my eyes and spilled over as my throat burned. I heard the door open and Charlotte’s shocked screech as she pulled me into her arms.
“Cara!”
“I’m okay,” I lied.
“No, you aren’t. We need to call the police. He assaulted you.”
“It won’t help. He’s too powerful. I’ve tried before, remember?”
Charlotte didn’t care. She pulled the phone from her pocket and I had to swat it away. “Why aren’t you fighting him?”
“I am. I will,” I promised, my voice hoarse. “I’m getting help. It has to be the right time when I’m not alone.”
She shook her head. “He almost killed you.”
“I’m breaking off the engagement at the gala. A public announcement so he can’t deny it or hurt me. I’ll be free from him soon.”
“Why don’t you ask R.J. for help?”
“He’s coming Saturday. Everything will be settled. You’ll see.”
She looked skeptical. I didn’t feel as convinced as I sounded either.
“I’m scared for you, Cara.”
“I can’t say anything before Saturday. R.J. will get hurt. We need to plan this right so Maxwell can’t retaliate.”
“It’s too dangerous,” she argued.
I didn’t care. Protecting the ones that I loved and cared about meant I made sacrifices. Today was one of them. Maxwell Forman wouldn’t be able to come after me or my family after Saturday. He would have to admit it was over and I would have dozens of witnesses.
Just a few more days.
I could do this.
R.J. and I couldn’t meet until the gala. It was obvious Max had someone watching me. I had to be careful. If Max caught us together, he’d become violent. And it wasn’t worth anyone else becoming hurt in the process.
“YOU’RE JUST THE PERSON I wanted to see,” Rae announced, walking up to the front office inside the school the following afternoon. “Do you have a few minutes, Cara?”
I glanced at the clock and nodded. “Sure.” Jean and I finished our caseload a few minutes prior. I was almost done for the day. “What’s up?”
It seemed odd that I would get a visit from both R.J. and Rae within the same week, but I shrugged it off, following her outside as she suggested a walk.
“I can’t do confined spaces right now. Makes me feel anxious. The baby is messing with my head,” she laughed, her hair whipping around her face in the wind. “Fresh air helps.”
We walked to a set of benches on the edge of the playground. The breeze and slightly cool air relaxed my tense shoulders. I sat down next to Rae as she tilted her head, her big brown eyes concerned.
“What are those marks around your neck, Cara?” Her voice was gentle but firm. She wanted the truth.
Reaching up, I realized the wind had blown my scarf askew and she could see the bruises and discoloration I’d been hiding all day. In truth, since last night and Max’s visit.
“Max,” I whispered. “He knows I spoke to R.J. and he was pissed.”
Her hand covered mine as she blinked, her expression a mixture of disgust and anger. “Is this the first time?”
“No.”
“I didn’t think so. You’re too calm.”
Sighing, I didn’t reply.
“I need to call Peter.” At my confusion, she clarified. “Edge.” Rae dialed Edge, waiting patiently until he picked up on the third ring.
“There’s been an incident,” Rae informed him as she spoke fast and low. “Send someone over to Cara’s house right away to watch over the place. I’m bringing her to the clubhouse.”
Edge’s voice sounded angry, but I couldn’t make out his words.
“I’m safe, babe. Promise.”
I heard a loud bang and then another male voice yelling in the background.
“Yeah, she’s right next to me, R.J.”
“. . . right the fuck now!” I only caught the last part.
“We’re on our way. There’s no need for you to come here. I’m only ten minutes away.”
The sound of motorcycles could be heard in the background.
“I love you, Rae.” Edge came through clear and then I heard the click that confirmed he hung up.
“Well, I guess that means we’re gonna have a personal escort.”
“I’m sorry,” I blurted, blinking back tears. “I’m more trouble than I’m worth.”
“Nonsense, Cara. You need help and I intend to make sure you’re taken care of.”
“I don’t suppose there’s any way to change your mind.”
“Nope.”
I didn’t think so. Shit just went from bad to worse and I di
dn’t know how to react.
Chapter 11 – R.J.
“You okay, brother?”
I sat down beside Valan, watching as the Irishman downed another shot of Jameson. I lost count over an hour ago when he nearly slipped from the stool and hit the floor. Since then, he’d had at least another three of the fine whiskey, switching from Guinness which was his usual drink of choice.
“Kiss my arse,” he slurred slightly. “I’ll ken when I’ve had enough.”
I nearly laughed. His brogue was thick when he drank heavily.
“Give me another,” he roared, slamming his palm down on the bar and making the cute little blonde Sammie jump. She was a club whore but had plenty of experience waitressing and mixing drinks. Most of the guys appreciated that she could anticipate what they wanted and serve their liquor fast.
“I’ll get to you in a sec, Valan.”
He snorted in disgust and gestured for her to move faster and pour him another. “Bollocks,” he complained as I chuckled lightly.
“Don’t you think you’ve had enough today, Valan? It’s only noon and you’re barely able to stand.”
He glared at her, daring Sammie to deny him. “I ain’t no eejit. Just pour another one.”
“Seriously. Go eat something. You won’t be able to stand soon.”
He stared her down and didn’t move. “Jameson. Now.”
She sighed and filled his glass, slamming it down and sloshing the amber liquid on the bar as she turned in a huff to another of the Riders, whispering under her breath. “Grumpy fucker.”
Valan picked up the shot and tossed it back. “She’s a gobshite.”
“Maybe,” I agreed, slapping him on the shoulder. “She’s not wrong though. You’re gonna have a hell of a hangover later.”
“Get up out of here, R.J.” Valan’s loud laugh rang out. “Quit taking the piss.”
His expressions never ceased to amuse me as well as the rest of my brothers. “I care about you, brother. Let me get you some food and put down the alcohol for a bit. Yeah?”
He grumbled under his breath but agreed.
Fifteen minutes later he was staring at the plate I set in front of him, shaking his head. “Who made this?”
“Neveah. She said you like corned beef.”
He grunted. “I do.”
Shrugging, I pulled out my cell as he ate, scrolling through my messages. I was almost disappointed that there wasn’t anything from Cara, but no news was good news. At least that meant she was safe and unharmed. She promised she’d call or text if Max tried to hurt her again and I had to trust that she would. Even so, I still worried. That wasn’t gonna change until I met Maxwell Forman and set him straight.
I couldn’t wait for Saturday.
Valan stood and rose unsteadily to his feet. “Think I need to have a sleep.”
He was drunk off his ass. I don’t know how he kept that sandwich down.
I supported him as he stumbled through the clubhouse, down the hall, and up the stairs to his room. Once he collapsed on the bed, I turned to leave.
“She’s good for you.”
Pausing, I wasn’t sure if he was coherent or talking to ghosts, but his gaze was fixated on my retreating back. “Oh?”
“You take Cara if she makes you happy. Don’t wait to long and lose everything.”
He was speaking of his dead fiancé, the ol’ lady that was killed a few years back. Sad story. Valan never got over her or the fact that he blamed himself for not being there the night she died.
“Thanks, Valan.”
His eyes were closed, and he snored loudly, already asleep.
Smirking, I left and made sure the door was locked behind me. Out in the hall, I snagged one of the prospects. “Keep an eye on Valan. Don’t want anyone fucking with him right now.”
Junior nodded. “You got it, R.J.”
MACK BANGED THE GAVEL down as soon as my brothers were seated around the table. I sat a few seats down from my pres and made sure everyone was present. Every seat was occupied but one. Valan, our SAA, came stumbling in a few seconds late, cursing under his breath.
Mack folded his arms across his chest, lifting his chin at the Irishman. “You ready to join us, princess?”
“Aye, fuck, pres. I ain’t been sleeping well.”
“Get over your shit, Valan. I need my Sgt. At Arms alert.”
Valan nodded, rubbing the back of his neck as he took his seat. “You got it, pres.”
“Church is in session, you bunch of crazy fuckers. We’ve got some shit to handle. Everyone needs to pay attention.”
Mack was in a mood. I wondered what pissed him off.
Edge looked around the table, meeting each one of our brothers in turn. “We’ve got problems. Someone has been buying up the properties around Scarlet Syn and now we’ve gotten slapped with several violations. They’re threatening to shut us down.”
“Any word on the buyer?”
“Nothing concrete but this stinks like Forman Industries.”
Forman? As in Barry and his son Maxwell? Son of a bitch!
“That wouldn’t surprise me at all,” I admitted, knowing what kind of man Maxwell was and how he treated Cara. “Smug bastard thinks he owns Providence and the whole of Green County. Maxwell is Cara’s fiancé. Soon to be ex,” I emphasized. “He’s a ruthless, abusive, conniving prick.”
“Then he probably takes all of the shit with Cara personal, only adding fuel to the fire,” Edge added.
“That would be my guess.”
“Doesn’t look good for us,” Mack announced. “I want to know as much as we can find out about Forman industries and Maxwell. Valan, take Jake and scope out their properties. See what you can find out.”
“Done.”
“Edge, you and GQ find out all you can about these properties and how they’re being bought. Including how much they sold for, exact locations, anything that we might find useful. Look out for any known affiliations. This stinks like a set up.”
“No doubt,” Ghost chimed in.
“We need to keep a close eye on the clubhouse. Ghost, fill in the prospects and make sure they understand the seriousness of the threats we’ve got with the Outlaws. Wouldn’t be a shock to find Devlin and the SOMC waiting to strike when we were weakest.”
“I’m on it, pres.”
“Shit,” I cursed, staring my brothers down. “Cara said she saw Maxwell meeting with Devlin and a few members of the SOMC just a few days ago. I bet they’re both in on this together.”
Mack sat back and sighed. “That’s a fuckin’ guarantee. Looks like the Outlaws are tryin’ to take down our club, starting with our businesses and cash flow. It’s what I would do,” he admitted. “We need to be smart about this. Keep your heads low and stay out of sight. We need Intel right now, not to start a fuckin’ war.”
My brothers agreed but more than a few looked like they were ready to give the Outlaws the beat down they deserved. Looking around the table, I noticed Bryce’s absence. I didn’t say anything aloud, but it was suspicious. Why wasn’t he in Church?
“Dismissed,” Mack bellowed, banging the gavel again.
My brothers stood to their feet and headed out, leaving me alone with Mack.
“Why wasn’t Bryce here?”
“A temporary agreement.” He shrugged. “Edge agreed it was best for now.”
Yeah, I couldn’t say I didn’t see it coming. “I hope he stays loyal to us.”
Mack pulled out one of his expensive cigars and lit the end, puffing for a few seconds before he replied. “We’ll find out soon enough, R.J.”
With all the shit that was going down, I didn’t doubt it.
Chapter 12 – R.J.
Edge and I stood outside by our bikes after Church, puffing on a couple of smokes. He tried hard to completely kick the habit for Rae, but stress usually pushed him back into his nicotine addiction, at least temporarily.
“Don’t tell Rae. She’ll kick my sorry ass and those pregnancy hormones are no
joke.”
Chuckling, I took a long drag and exhaled, not the least bit fazed. “If she asks, I’ll tell her the truth.”
“Asshole.”
“You know I’ve never been able to lie to Rae.”
“Yeah, yeah.” He wasn’t pissed. We both knew Rae had owned our asses since we were ten years old. Edge shrugged. “It’s not Rae you’re thinking about. It’s Cara.”
Might as well admit it. He was right.
“Can’t stop,” I confided. “She’s under my skin, Pete. I want to be with her and that’s dangerous. There’s too much shit going down and she’s my weak spot.”
“Yeah, same as Rae and Leah are mine.”
“Exactly.”
His cell phone vibrated his pocket as he exhaled and stomped his cigarette into the ground. I could hear it clearly as the noise echoed within the leather of his cut. Swiping across the screen as he pulled it free, Edge smiled. “Hey, babe.”
Rae’s sweet voice was muffled but I could tell she was upset.
“What!” Edge exploded.
Turning my head sharply, I dropped my own smoke and stomped it into the concrete.
“What the fuck, Rae? Are you okay? Where are you?”
I could hear Rae speaking but couldn’t make out the words.
“Tell me you’re safe. Is Cara with you?”
Cara? Was she hurt?
“Did someone attack her?”
That was all I needed to hear before I yanked the phone from his hand. “Where’s Cara? Did something happen to her?”
“Yeah, she’s a little shaken up but she’ll be okay. Cara’s right next to me, R.J.”
“We’re coming to get you right the fuck now!”
I handed the phone back to Edge and swung a leg over my Harley. Firing it up, I watched as he did the same.
“I love you, Rae.” Edge hung up, his expression a mixture of anger and worry. He lifted his chin in my direction. “Got your back. No one fucks with our women.”
“Damn straight. Where are they?”
“The school.”
I didn’t give a shit if I disobeyed every traffic law or speed limit along the way, I was going to reach Rae and Cara as fast as possible. The elementary was ten minutes away and we made it in three.
