Beast: A Steele Riders MC Novel

by Steele, C. M.

  After a few minutes, I’m back at my questions. “What am I supposed to be working as?”

  “A bartender.”

  Immediately I’m freaking out. “What? I don’t know how to do that! What if they come in there?” They couldn’t be more off base than a bartender. I’ve got zero skills making drinks, and I’m not a people person.

  “Calm down.”

  “Have you ever met a woman who ‘calm down’ actually worked on?” I’d punch him if he wasn’t driving.

  “Nope, but I’d hoped it would work on you. Anyway, the town is guarded by a group of bikers. Their President owns the town. He and his brother built it. They are good people. You’ll be safe. They don’t know your predicament. Only my friend Will is aware of the reason you need to hide, but he doesn’t go by will in Steeleville. They call him Beast.”

  I slap my hands on my thighs. “Beast? You’re expecting me to trust someone named Beast?”

  “For someone in your predicament, you're very picky. Yes. I think he gets that name from his size and his skills as a lawyer because he’s not even remotely like a beast. In fact, he’s quiet and calm when he’s not in a courtroom.” He emphasized the calm like a dick.

  Rolling my eyes, I bite out through gritted teeth, “Wow, a lawyer named Beast. Interesting. Is there a welder there named Beauty?”

  “Ha-ha. Be nice. These people are going to be looking after you. Once you’re protected by one, you’re protected by all. The man you are going to be working for at the bar is called Boss. I’m not sure his real name, but he served with some of them in the military.” Military men? Interesting.

  “Really, okay. Well, it’s better than being hunted by drug dealers and their associates,” I sigh. Sliding down in my seat with my thoughts to myself, I’m finally resigned to my fate.

  We reach the outskirts of Steeleville, and I swear I see a camera mounted on one of the utility poles. It’s an odd place for a police camera. Maybe it’s just a weather instrument. We do live in the wild west of weather. Speaking of weather, I’m glad I’m inside an air-conditioned vehicle because it’s a freaking scorcher.

  Entering the town, I get the small-town feel. The main street is just like any other in the good old USA. Small shop buildings line the street although most of them seem vacant. Spencer mentioned that the town is new, so many of the businesses aren’t operational yet. We pass the bakery he mentioned, followed by a tattoo shop where he pulls into a small parking lot next door. That’s when I see the sign for a bar called Panhandles. “We’re here.”

  “Yeah, can’t miss it.” I salute him. “Lead the way.”

  “Calm down,” he barks out.

  “Asshole,” I mutter under my breath, but he hears me and laughs, opening the door for me. We leave my things in his car while we step inside. It’s almost empty, but at this time of day, that’s a very good thing because I’m already a bundle of nerves. A large man with salt and pepper hair and matching beard looks at us and smiles. “Welcome to Panhandles. Come sit.” He taps the bar top, and we move to the stools in front of him.

  “So what can I get you?” he asks, flipping a bar towel over his shoulder.

  “I’m here for a job,” I say, taking a seat on the stool with my elbows on the counter. I’m trying to remain cool, but this is all new to me.

  “Name, sweet girl?”

  “Mary Sta…Baldwin.” Shit, I almost blew my cover. He knows it, but thankfully, he politely ignores my slip.

  I’m Boss.” He sticks a hand out over the bar top and takes mine. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. You’re here sooner than I expected.” He looks toward the clock by the door. “So, where are your things?”

  “I’ll be back with them.” Detective Spencer gets up and walks out.

  Boss comes around the bar and says, “So, since you’re going to be working here, I’m going to give you a quick tour of my pride and joy. You’re training will actually start tomorrow. I don’t have time for it today because I’m supposed to drop you off at Beast’s place.” He starts to lead to the back room, but I freeze.

  “Beast’s place?” I blanche because I’m going to be forced to stay in a place I don’t know anyone and with a biker named Beast.

  His brows screw up in surprise. “Yes. DA Brandon’s home. I thought you knew that.”

  “No, I must have forgotten to ask. All I was told was that they found me somewhere to live and work.”

  He pats my shoulder and leads me to the storeroom with all the beer and bottles of liquor. “Don’t worry, you don’t have to fear Beast. Just stay out of his way and out of his things, and you’ll be fine. He’s grumpy when anyone invades his personal space.”

  I step back out into the corridor that leads back to the main bar area. “Ooh.”

  “Relax. I didn’t mean to freak you out,” Boss says, walking to the bar. “Come here and let me show you the set up behind here. We have two speedwells and two registers. Most nights, we only have two employees working. It’s pretty safe here, but I still request that they are escorted out. One of the Riders will do it if I only have one person closing.”

  “Is everyone working tonight?”

  “Yes, Fridays and Saturdays like all bars are our busiest nights. Roxie and Hans will work both nights. We’re closed on Sundays.”

  “Kind of like Chick-fil-A?”

  “Yes. So these are the beer coolers. Have you ever opened a beer before?”

  “No, I haven’t. Aren’t some twist off, and some you need to pop off.”

  He puts two bottles on the bar and hands me a bottle opener. “Yes. Here’s both. Open one of each for me. You’ll learn which are which as you go. They can all be popped off it that makes it easier.” I’ve seen this done before, so I do it like I’m a professional and it works. I’m jumping up and down like crazy, forgetting that I have a beer in my hands. It starts fizzing over.

  The door opens and in walks a larger man with a thick beard, but he’s in a dress shirt and a pair of jeans. He runs up to me, takes the beer, downing it in one long drink.

  “Never waste a good beer.” He winks and sets the empty bottle down on the top. I wonder if he’s the Beast they mentioned. He’s a handsome man, but then I spot a ring on his finger and know that if there’s a wife at home, there’s no way they wouldn’t have told me that.

  “Boomer. It’s good to see you,” Boss says with surprise, unnerving me a bit. Boomer?

  “Hey, old man. Don’t be hitting on the young girls in town. You’re old enough to be her grandfather.”

  “He wasn’t…” I exclaim, shaking my hands, trying to dispel his impression.

  “Relax. I’m just jerking around.”

  “Boomer, let me introduce you to my new bartender, Mary. Mary, this is the mayor, president, owner, and well damn boss man of this town, Garrett Steele.”

  No one told me anything like that, but it makes sense at least. “Steeleville…ah.”

  “Nice to meet you. I’m sure you’ll like it here. If any customer gives you shit, you let me or Boss know, understood?” Damn, okay. I feel like I’m talking to a mob boss and not the mayor of the town. I suppose when you’re in charge of everything, you don’t take shit from anyone.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Boomer is fine.” He turns attention to Boss and says, “Now, can I have a word with you for a minute?” He tips his head to the back.

  Boss nods. “Sure. Mary, why don’t you walk around the bar and get acquainted with the setup. Next time don’t shake a beer. I’ll be right back.” He winks and then follows Boomer to the back office. I practice moving around the bar when Detective Spencer enters with my things.

  “Sorry it took so long. I had to take a call. Where did he go?”

  “He went to talk to Boomer?” I point toward the back.

  “Boomer, strange name for his position, but he bought the town after serving in the Special Forces and owning a demolition company.”

  “Oh, really. That explains a lot.” Instantly, his name cl
ears it up for me. I’m curious why they call Boss, Boss when it’s really Boomer that’s in charge. I don’t want to ask because that would be rude, but I’m sure I will eventually.

  “Don’t be intimidated. They aren’t the type to treat women badly.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I’m going to leave you now. If you need anything, you talk to Beast, and he’ll get in touch with me. Here’s a small stipend that should help, but I doubt they would let you pay for anything. Take care. I promise I’ll do my best to get this resolved as soon as possible.”

  “Thank you for everything.” He leaves just before the guys come from the back.

  “Mary. Boomer’s going to do me a favor and take you to Beast’s house.” I quirk my brow up and stiffen my shoulders, hating the change in plans even though this guy is supposedly so important. Those are the ones who have too much power and usually head into criminal activities.

  “Mary, please. I don’t know what’s going on with you or Beast, but I promise you’re the safest with any of the Steele Riders. If you want to call my wife, she’ll tell you.”

  “No. It’s just…” I stammer, looking for another excuse for my reaction.

  “You don’t need to explain, but I have to go pick up my wife from school. If you want, I’ll take you to meet her, and then we can all head to Beast’s place.”

  “Okay.”

  “These yours?” he asks, looking down to where Detective Spencer left my things.

  “Yes.” He picks them up easily, tips his head toward the door, and says, “Follow me.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow at ten AM, okay?”

  “Yes, thanks.” I dip my head and blush, following Boomer to his large SUV. He opens the back passenger door and helps me in without letting go of my suitcase and duffle. I’m short as hell, so getting in his giant vehicle is difficult.

  “Sorry, my wife rides in front with me.”

  “No. Not a problem. I understand.” He closes the door and loads my things in the back before getting into the driver’s seat.

  “The drive isn’t too far from here,” he adds.

  “So Boss says you’re here temporarily, but if you need anything, we’re always around.”

  About ten minutes later, we arrive at a small school, and he says, “Stay here,” and then he steps out of the vehicle. He leans on the hood and makes a call. As soon as he hangs up, he moves to the front of the building. Another large muscular guy is standing by the door, and they shake hands. He has on a motorcycle vest thing that I’ve only seen on television. I can’t read what it says, but I’m assuming it’s one of the Steele Riders he mentioned.

  A minute later, the guy leaves to another black SUV, and the front door opens to a beautiful, pregnant woman. Boomer takes her hand and her bag before leading her to the front passenger side.

  “Hey, Crystal. I’d like to introduce you to Boss’s new bartender. We’re dropping her off at Beast’s place.”

  “Beast’s place?” Her brow arches and she eyes me with a bit of curiosity.

  “It’s not my business, and Beast asked us to leave it that way.” He buckles her in, moving the straps to protect her and the baby without doing any damage and then gives her a tender kiss before closing the door. I swoon mentally.

  “Hi, I’m Crystal Steele, Garrett’s wife. Although I’m sure you already know that.” The look on her face is a warning, and I read it loud and clear.

  “Yes, and congrats on the baby.” I don’t have any interest in the man, but I’m sure she’s still marking her territory. I like her.

  “Thank you.”

  “Does Beast usually have work matters that you all handle that you’re used to the secrecy?”

  “No, but as a lawyer, we never hear about his cases. The man is as tight-lipped as they come. We all know that if you have a reason for silence then that’s what it is. We’re like a large family.”

  “Oh. I’m going to be bored at the house when I’m not working, it seems. I wish I had some books then.”

  “Well, girl, I’ve got those in spades, and I have an extra Kindle if you need it. The nearest bookstore is in Dallas, so this is the best we can do. Beast has a book collection, but he’s very sensitive about people touching his things. Like very annoyed if anyone touches any of them.

  “So everyone says.”

  “Well, let’s get this show on the road,” Boomer says as he jumps in the front seat.

  We drove in companionable silence until Boomer asks his wife about her day. I watch them and wonder what it would have been like to have a family. I grew up in foster care, bouncing from place to place. It seems now as an adult, I’m doing the same thing.

  We pull up to a small house with a large security gate. Boomer reaches out and enters a code on the pad along with his thumbprint. “New installation. Only a few of us have access. Sorry, but you’ll be trapped here until Beast comes home. I promise you’re safe here.”

  “Um…thanks.” From looking at the setup, I’m guessing I most certainly am.

  “Let us walk you in and show you the guest bedroom.”

  “He only has three bedrooms, but one is his home office.” Boomer says and then jumps out, so I follow suit and nearly fall on my ass. He asks as he reaches Crystal’s door. “Shit. Are you okay?”

  “Just mortified but cool.”

  He helps his wife down, treating her like she’s fragile. It’s so freaking cute that I’m envious: to have someone that dedicated to your well-being and to love you so profusely.

  He leads us inside to a very neat and clean home. It’s so bare that it reminds me of a doctor’s office or something, but it’s not clinical. Modern, sleek but sterile.

  “Down this way is the guest bedroom.” I follow Crystal for the grand tour while Boomer grabs my things and brings them inside. It’s a decent size with a full bed at the center and everything perfectly crisp.

  “Beast’s room is right down there.” She points to the door opposite of mine and then she says, “The other side of the house is where the office and the kitchen are.”

  I throw up my hands in a mock-surrender. “Okay. Thanks. I’ll stay out of his rooms.”

  “Well, we need to be going, but if you need anything, give me a call,” she offers, slipping her arm around Boomer.

  “Um…I don’t actually have a phone.” It’s another thing I had to leave behind.

  “No problem. I’m sure we can have that taken care of,” Boomer answers.

  “Oh, no. Please don’t. I’ll be fine.” They nod, but something in their posture lets me know that they are just humoring me. Crystal reaches out and gives me a hug.

  They leave, and I’m all alone in this immaculate house, letting the loneliness seep through my bones. Sitting on the bed, I wonder what the hell I’m supposed to do until he comes home.

  A rumble in my stomach reminds me that I pretty much haven’t eaten today. Please tell me there’s more than some crackers. It only takes a minute for me to find the kitchen. If the house is neat, the kitchen is pristine. It looks like it came straight out of an expensive magazine or someone’s dream kitchen on Pinterest and hasn’t been used yet. I run my hand over the black, white and grey granite countertops, trying not to drool. A part of me is glad that I’m here by myself, so I don’t look like a nut.

  I start to dig in the cabinets and then into the fridge, deciding what I can make. I find everything for spaghetti, I quick thaw some Italian sausage and then get to cooking a quick sauce, chopping the veggies like this was my own kitchen. I’m in the middle of dumping the veggies into the pan with the sautéed sausage when the grease pops, shocking me, and I jump back, hitting the spoon that I used to stir the sauce, sending a splatter of bright red everywhere including his beautiful white cabinets and my face.

  I run to the guest bathroom and grab the towels hanging nicely. Shit, I cringe using them, but some bleach should get them back to the pristine white.

  I do my best to clean the kitchen and then turn everything off.
I have to wash up. There’s no way I can meet him looking like a disaster after dirtying his kitchen. I get to my temporary room and go into the bathroom to shower. I’m naked by the time I realize that there aren’t any towels in there. Shit. I hope there are towels in the other bathroom. I leave the room, believing I’m alone, but I’m not.

  Chapter 3

  Beast

  Regret strikes me, knowing that there’s a complete stranger with a shit load of baggage invading my private space. I do my best to push through the rest of the day without freaking the fuck out. Staying late suddenly doesn’t hold any merit. Now I want to get home and make sure she’s not sneaking into rooms, snooping around my office.

  As I make the thirty-minute drive back home, I call Boss. He’s busy at the bar, and it’s a little loud since it’s the start of a long Friday night. He shouts over the crowd, “Sorry, Beast, can’t talk. Be nice.” I make my way to the house, hating that he couldn’t tell me anything about her. Boomer sends me a text. Took her to your house for Boss.

  I call him right away since I’m driving and can’t respond. “Hey, don’t freak out.”

  “I’m not. I’m just driving.” I partially lie because I don’t trust people. Maybe it’s a lifetime of being a part of a secret operations team or the fact that I’m a lawyer. Either way, I never trust people or their motives, especially in my home. “She’s set up in the guest bedroom. Crystal says we’re going to need extra guys on her. She’s hot—her words, not mine.”

  “Hot? That’s all I need. I don’t have time to babysit. She’s not bringing people into my home no matter who tickles her fancy for the night. This is a bad idea. I should set her up somewhere else.”

  “She’s safest there, but I can see what I can do.”

  “Thanks.” We hang up, and I feel a little bit of relief. I creep into my place, attempting to catch her by surprise to see if she’s doing something manipulative. Shit. If she stays, I might have to get some cameras inside my house. I’m losing it. This woman hasn’t done anything wrong. In fact, she’s the witness to something terrible and is willing to testify despite the danger to her.