Faithfully Devoted: Rage Ryders Templeton

by Liberty Parker

“That you’re in lurve,” Ghost says making googly eyes, and pushes out his lips as if he’s going to blow me a kiss.

  “You gonna kiss me now, Ghost? Gotta say, didn’t realize Bristol wasn’t satisfying all of your needs. But if you must, I’ll bend over, and you can kiss my ass.”

  “Fuck you, Justice, my Ol’ lady keeps my lips plenty busy.”

  “TMI, motherfucker, she’s like a sister to me.”

  “Hey, you started it,” he inserts.

  “And now I’m ending it,” Wasp tells us, shutting us both up. What can I say, sometimes we like to act like immature teenagers, but it keeps things fun and interesting. “Go talk to your woman, Justice, meeting is adjourned,” he says slapping the table letting us know discussion and play time is officially over.

  Once I make it to our room, I walk in and see Lizzie is fast asleep. She’s curled up in a ball in the middle of the bed. A smile crosses my face knowing that I’m part of the reason she’s so utterly exhausted. I wonder if she suffers from insomnia, if she does I wouldn’t mind helping her find sleep on a nightly basis. A man’s job is to care for his wife, and that’s one job that wouldn’t be a hardship conquering. I decide that while she’s sleeping I’ll head in the bathroom for a quick shower. I don’t know my Ol’ lady all that well yet, so I’m not sure how to break the news to her that we’ll be moving for an undisclosed amount of time.

  She hasn’t even spent one night here yet and I’m already moving her. It would be different if I was taking her to our home, something I don’t own as of yet. Now that the thought’s entered my mind, I’m wondering if I shouldn’t go ahead and have the girls get started on finding us a few to visit once we return.

  Once I finish with my shower and shaving I walk back into the bedroom to get dressed. Once I’ve got my jeans on and am pulling my shirt over my head I hear her moving around in the bed. I’m not going to do anything with her since we’ve been going at it non-stop since our wedding night, but I wouldn’t mind holding her while we have the talk about plans for the next several months. I climb in next to her and lay on my back before I pull her body on top of mine.

  “Hmm…” is all she articulates.

  “Have a good bath and rest, beautiful?”

  “Yes, I feel so refreshed and ready to get up and meet everyone I didn’t get the chance to at our wedding.”

  “You ain’t missing nothing,” I tell her jokingly.

  “So, you don’t want me to meet them?” she asks me with her eyebrows drawn back like I’ve offended her somehow.

  “I absolutely do, but we need to talk before I go and introduce you to those you didn’t get a chance to meet.”

  “Is everything okay, Justice? You have me worried with the tone in your voice.”

  “Everything is golden, Lizzie.”

  “Well, you called me Lizzie instead of beautiful, so I’d say everything isn’t great.”

  I break down and tell her about my brothers out in Templeton, about the trouble they’ve found themselves in and how my help is needed to get the situation under control and detained.

  “Could you tell me why it’s so important for you to be there and what it is exactly they think you can do to help them absolve this issue?” Listen to her and her fancy words…God I enjoy hearing her speak.

  “Let’s just say I have special training.”

  “Care to elaborate on this special skill set you have?”

  “I told you bits and pieces about my childhood, but what I didn’t tell you is the second I graduated high school I joined the Army. I did well and moved on and was accepted for the Rangers.”

  “Aahh …” she gasps, “you’re an Army Ranger?”

  “Was beautiful, was—am not now, but I have the training needed to get inside and get some intel, I am the best at not being seen or heard, I can track better than anyone in our club and I have resources that may be needed during this mission.”

  “Mission huh, sounds like you still have some Ranger in you soldier,” she teases me.

  I appreciate her sense of humor, decide she’s in a playful mood I want more of, so I begin tickling her. I have her underneath my body and that quickly morphs into something else as my body responds to her nearness. I know I told myself I wasn’t gonna take her again, but she’s so fuckin’ sexy and adorable that I can’t help myself. We begin to kiss, and I remove our clothing as quickly as I possibly can. I wonder how long I will crave her the way I do?

  A couple rounds of sex, six orgasms later and we pack up and are ready to hit the road. I’m gonna stop in at the local diner on our way out of town and feed her for our two-hour journey to join my other brothers at their new clubhouse.

  When we pull up to the Templeton compound, I roll down my window and tell the new prospect to inform Kid that I’ve arrived.

  “Prez says to pull on up and they’ll be out to help you unload. Your room is set up and ready to go,” he informs me.

  “Thanks, and you are?” I ask because his name isn’t sewn onto his cut, letting me know he’s new to the game.

  “West,” he tells me.

  “Appreciate it, West, be seeing you around,” I convey to him as I roll through the opening gates.

  “I’m glad to see they take security seriously here, I was worried when you told me it was new. I wasn’t sure they’d be set up already.”

  “We’ve learned some hard lessons the last few years and security is our top priority, that and our women’s safety,” I say, squeezing her hand which has been in mine the entire trip.

  “You ready to meet the rest of my family? They were dealin’ with shit here and didn’t make it, I think you’ll get along well with the Ol’ ladies.”

  “I hope they’re more inviting than the women of your club were,” I hear her mumble. I’m stunned, I guess I didn’t realize they weren’t as welcoming as I thought they’d be.

  “You’ll need to explain that to me once we’re settled for the night,” I tell her, opening up the door so I can get out.

  “It’s not important, pretend like you didn’t hear that,” she says, looking out the passenger window.

  “That’s not how this works, beautiful,” I tell her. I walk around the front of the truck and to her side and open her door to help her out.

  “Thanks,” she says, placing her hand in mine. Once I have her out of the truck, I place a kiss on her forehead.

  “I don’t want you stressin’ about anythin’, give it time and you’ll fit in. They won’t be able to help but like you. You have an amazing personality and are easy to get along with. They just haven’t had the chance to get to know you. Give it time, for me,” I give her my puppy dog eyes and she sighs…score! Gets her every damn time.

  “I will, Justice. I just worry that I’m the odd man out. I just hope the actions of my father don’t punish me in the long run.” I understand what she’s saying, but I don’t feel that they’ll hold anything against her. I’ll talk to Bristol, I know she’ll help her out, Kori too. Ashton is another story all together, she’s protective of all of us, and most likely sees my Lizzie as the enemy. If it becomes too much, I’ll have to say something to the guys.

  “Stop makin’ out in my parkin’ lot and get your asses inside!” I hear Kid holler out.

  “Hold your damn horses, we’re coming!” I call back out.

  “I’ve got your horse swingin’ right here,” he beckons back, holding himself between his legs.

  “Watch it, asshole, my wife is standing right here and there’s no need to scare her off or blind her for a lifetime,” I playfully reply.

  “You’re just scared she’ll know there’s bigger and better out there and leave your ass,” he adds. I grab Lizzie’s hand and walk her up to where Kid is standing. After I punch his shoulder and we exchange pleasantries, I introduce him to my wife.

  “Kid, this is my wife, Lizzie. Lizzie, meet my friend and the President of the Templeton charter, Kid.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” she answers, taking Kid’s o
utstretched hand. He grabs hers and pulls it in and kisses the back, right above her knuckles.

  “Watch it, fucker,” I playfully growl. I have nothing to worry about when it comes to my brother and trying to put the moves on my woman. He’s a very happily married man and father of the demon twins. At their young tender age, they are hell on wheels and it’s hard to keep up with their antics. We adore them anyway, no matter what mess they seem to get into and cause. They take after their father on that aspect of things, so who can blame them for what DNA flows through their body.

  “Come on, let’s get you two settled in your room, Riley expects the two of you to come to the house for dinner. She’s been preparing all day, she’s excited to see you and meet your wife.”

  “Sounds good, we could use a good home-cooked meal. We ate out a lot on our honeymoon and didn’t get a chance to eat at the club before we left to head here.” Lizzie nods her head in agreement, but she looks exhausted. “Let me get her down for a nap and I’ll come down and talk to you and set our plans in stone.”

  “Prospect!” he thunders out.

  “Yes, sir,” the young kid comes up to us.

  “That’s Prez to you, not sir. Get Justice and Lizzie up to their room and hand them the key. While they’re getting settled, I want you to bring up their luggage.”

  “Yes, sir…um, Prez sir,” he replies. “Come with me and I’ll show you where Prez has you set up.” We follow the kid up the stairs and down the hallway. It seems we’re being led to the officer quarters if memory serves me right.

  “We made sure you had one of the rooms that had a bathroom attached,” he tells me unlocking my door.

  “We appreciate that,” I counter, and know that with as quiet as Lizzie is being, she’s fixing to crash while standing on her feet. I hand him my truck keys and send him down for our belongings, while he’s gone doing that, I get Lizzie settled in bed. “I’m not going to leave until our things are brought up, after that, I’ll lock the door while you sleep and head on down and meet with Kid.”

  “Sounds good, I just need an hour to recharge then I’ll be good to go,” she expresses around a yawn. “Love you,” she mumbles as she falls into a deep sleep.

  “You, too,” I mutter. I’m still unsure of myself when I say these words to her, I do adore her, but I fear that I’m lying to her when I make these declarations. Is it really possible to be in love with each other after such a short amount of time knowing each other? I’m protective of her, that’s a known fact, and I feel my heart beat faster each time she smiles at me. Affection has always been a foreign concept to me, I have been passionate about many, but I’ve never experienced being in love…so I question on if that is what I’m indeed feeling.

  Once I have us semi-settled, I head down to the bar and grab a beer before I seek out Kid. Locating him in his office, I bang on the door and wait to be called in.

  “Enter!”

  “Is that how you welcome visitors here? Gotta tell you, it needs some work, man.”

  “Shut the fuck up, Justice.”

  “Not my style,” I comeback and cause him to smirk.

  “Some things never change,” he playfully states. This time, I’m the one who smirks at him.

  “Tell me a little about the issues you’re having?” I request, sitting down and putting my feet up on his desk.

  “Does this look like your home?” he questions me.

  “Nope, but I don’t mind making myself at home while going over the issues with you.” Might as well get comfortable, because I know we’re gonna be here for a bit.

  “It’s gonna be fun having you around,” he deadpans.

  “Always, brother. I’m the life of the motherfuckin’ party!” I shout.

  “If this is a party, I hate to see what happens at a funeral when you’re around,” Ryder states coming into the room. We all somber at those words, wasn’t too long ago we buried King and he’s sorely missed by all of us. Not a day goes by that I don’t pick up my phone to call him and ask for his advice…especially with me now being married.

  “I miss Dad every day,” Kid tells us. “I could really use his guiding hand at a time like this.”

  “We’re all here for you, whatever you need, you’re not alone in this,” I state, trying to comfort him the only way I know how.

  “Wasp and Tic have been instrumental, but there’s a loss I feel every day.”

  “That’s understandable, man. He was a man who you can’t help but miss on a daily basis,” I respond, losing myself in my own misery.

  “Okay, enough of this shit, I need your help,” Kid informs me.

  “Yes, down to business,” Ryder states.

  “We got rid of our last threat, just to have another one pop up. They could’ve at least waited six months, so I could get my house in order. Anyway, it’s some punk ass, low-life drug dealers who’ve decided to move into my territory. So far, they’ve hidden their lab so far under the radar that we can’t find it. We know two of the key players, I have files on them that I’ll hand you once we’re done here so you can do some of your own research.”

  “Do we know if they’re low-level or do they have support from someone with power?” I ask, happy that we’ve gotten down to business.

  “They’re being financed by someone. These are kids, Justice. No older than nineteen I’d say. No way they have the kind of green it takes to run this type of organization.”

  “They’re banking,” Ryder adds. “Not just a little either, they’re driving around in Land Rovers and Mercedes and shit. No way a kid on the streets can make that kind of cash without financial backing. No, someone’s messin’ with us and using these kids as the bait. We just need to go fishin’ and find out who it is they’re workin’ for.”

  “Sounds as if I’m not gonna have a lot of free time on my hands. Think the ladies will be willin’ to step up and help Lizzie find her bearings? She’s new to club life, as you well know. I don’t think she’ll fit in unless someone offers to show her the ropes.”

  “Now you know Sadie, Riley and Skylar are gonna be all over that shit. Kaci too, but she’s a little busy with some client that seems to be takin’ up a lot of her time. Trust me, it’s been a thorn of contention between her and Travler.” I roll my eyes, because Trav is not only protective of his woman, but he’s got a jealous streak a mile long. He worships that woman, she’s his world and he holds her close, but not too tight for fear of pushing her away.

  “How are they holdin’ up?” I probe, curiously. Those two had this push pull thing going on until Travler finally got his foot out of his ass and did something about it. He manned up, but not too long later knocked her up. Kaci had a hard time adjusting to motherhood in the beginning with their son’s rough start, but from what I hear she’s grasped it and is a damn good mother.

  “They’re doing really good, they’re practically inseparable, which is why I think he’s having such a hard time with how demanding her new client is.”

  “They’ll figure it out,” I enlighten him, because I can see the worry etched on his face.

  “All these damn women keep us on our toes,” Ryder chuckles, then points at me, “just you wait, that spitfire you married will make you question everything you thought you knew.”

  “Already has,” I inform him.

  “Check out the information in the folder and we’ll pick this up tomorrow. You’ve gotta go get your woman up and ready, because Riley is blowing my damn phone up. She’s anxious to meet your bride, might wanna give her a heads up,” he laughs out.

  “Will do, are you and Skylar joining us?” I prod Ryder.

  “Not tonight, man. She has a final tomorrow that she’s studying for…maybe another time.”

  “Let’s make it soon, I’d like Lizzie comfortable with as many of you as possible before I become scarce around here.”

  “You got it.” I walk out of the room, ready to see my woman. I can’t believe how much I missed her, and I was only away an hour, tops.

/>   Six

  Lizzie

  I slowly open my eyes when I feel a rush of warm air blowing in my ear.

  “Time to rise and shine, beautiful.” I stretch my body, slowly waking up. My limbs are sore from all of the driving and riding I’ve been doing. I open my eyes and the glorious sight that is my man greets me.

  “Hey, how long was I out?” I question.

  “Not long, but we need to shower and get dressed. Dinner at Kid’s tonight, I can’t wait for you to meet Riley and the two spawns they made.”

  “Spawns, that’s kind of a mean terminology for their children, don’t ya think?”

  “No, they’re twins and give the meaning double trouble a whole new category. You’ll be runnin’ for your life once you are alone with them for more than two minutes.”

  “They can’t be that bad, Justice. They’re just kids.” He laughs at me, and it makes me a little nervous. Seriously, kids are kids, they are innocent and sweet.

  We haven’t been through the door more than two minutes when the most adorable children come up to me.

  “Who’re you?” the little boy asks me.

  “I’m Lizzie,” I respond.

  “Are you the bitch my uncle had to marry?” the girl asks me, and I know my jaw has dropped and is possibly touching the floor.

  “Jayna! Where did you learn that word?” I see Kid look anywhere but at his daughter and I can see the laughter that he’s holding in. Okay, I can admit when I’m wrong and Justice was right about these two. They are most definitely a handful!

  “I heard Uncle Ryder telling Daddy that she was a bitch,” she pouts. My eyes are so wide I’m afraid they’re going to explode out of my face.

  “Now wait a minute!” Kid hollers out, “that isn’t how that conversation went,” he declares defending himself.

  “Then how exactly did it go?” Justice rumbles out.

  “I’d like the answer to that one too,” Riley says, giving Kid a dirty look with her hands in fists dug into her waist.