by Paula Cox
“They’re going to be our biggest and most demanding clients but if we nail it, we’d be the ones in need of bigger offices.”
“Oh, we can do it easy enough.” Picking up the TV, he went down again. When he came up, she was rapidly typing on the phone. “What now?”
“I’ve set up an initial meeting with their administrative head for tomorrow at nine p.m. sharp. We should both go and meet her. She has got a whole list of requirements for warehouses and for factory outlets, so I’d like it if we went over those with her.”
“Sure. I’m taking the last haul now. Why don’t you lock the apartment and come down with me?”
She glanced at the row of boxes. Only two were left. “Let me just finish this email.”
“Come down when you’re ready.”
Riley walked down for the last time. Tania winced as she typed out the email. He hadn’t said anything but she was aware that he didn’t like her working during the weekends. Working on their business was a little obsessive and neither of them could seem to let go. It was obvious they would need to put in more effort to not bring work home from the office. Sure, it might give them an initial boost if they worked too hard, but they would burn out soon, and she enjoyed the work too much to give it up due to exhaustion at some point. It was better to keep a control over this for now.
Weekends were for personal time, and the rest of the week they could work like dogs. She loved this life and wanted them to grow old together while doing the same work, so they would have to be more disciplined and less anal. All she wanted was to be with Riley, to have a good business, and to have fun. Nothing else excited her.
Tania shoved the phone in her pocket and walked to the door. She opened it, gasped when she saw who was behind the door, and tried to shut it.
The men strode in and before she could scream, one of them put a hand on her mouth and clamped her around her neck. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. She’d thought that they left such dangers behind but it was right there on their doorstep once more.
“Where is Riley?”
She hoped that he was gone. “He wouldn’t leave her,” said the other man. “If she’s here, he must be here or, perhaps, he went downstairs.”
“Should I go and check?” said the third man.
The man who held her laughed as she struggled against his hold. “Don’t worry. He’ll find us, and then we’ll deal with them. He wouldn’t leave his ladylove for long. She’s the key and we’ve got her.”
Too late did Tania realize she had put Riley in danger. She should’ve gone downstairs with him. Why didn’t she do so? Now they were both in trouble and she didn’t know what these men would do.
Chapter Thirty
If he’d an antenna built into his head, it would’ve started to vibrate at a sharp speed but as it was Riley straightened after he closed the trunk of the car and cast a careful look at the parking lot. He hadn’t seen anyone come in, but, for some reason, he felt as if he was in danger, as if someone watched him. If that was true, leaving Tania alone hadn’t been the best idea of the day.
He ran up the stairs, not waiting for the clunky elevator that took far too long to move from one floor to another. He burst through the door and stopped short. She stood in the far corner, flanked by three big men. There was no way he could rescue her without getting into a fight. Damn it! When would this nightmare end? For how long could they keep fighting the same people? Sooner or later, this thing had to end.
He could tell from Tania’s expression that she was scared. He was, too – more so for her sake than his own. These men were dangerous and, worst of all, they were desperate. They could do anything, and he didn’t want her to be hurt.
Riley closed the door. “Mac, Paul, Jimmy. It’s been a while.”
Although he kept his voice friendly and calm, the anger that spiraled deep inside him was hot and strong. Ever since their office was broken into, Riley was expecting something like this. Even though he didn’t connect the dots, his instincts told him to carry some extra precautions. Putting his hand behind his back, he drew out a pistol. It was small and light, but it would do the job. He hadn’t even told Tania about it, and the expression on her face told him she was just as shocked as the men who surrounded her.
As the guys clustered tightly around Tania, he pointed it towards them. “I’ve a license to carry it and, given that we’ve already been attacked once and I was nearly killed, I think my plea for self-defense would stand a good chance.”
Mac gulped but he didn’t shift away from the trio. “You sent Raymond and Charlie to jail.”
Riley smirked. “They deserved it. It’s a crime to commit an insurance fraud, to kidnap a witness, and to kill people. They were way in over their heads, and you’re just plain lucky they didn’t drag you into jail with them.”
“We’re brothers. That’s what Devil’s Mafia Brotherhood stands for,” said Jimmy. Knowing these men well, Riley realized that he was the brains behind this little scheme. The other two were just lackeys. This was Jimmy’s show. “One of us is in trouble, we all come. That’s how it goes. You sent them to jail, and you’ve got to suffer.”
“Where was that motto when they tried to attack me right in this apartment?”
Mac’s gaze darted to Jimmy and then settled back on Riley. “We didn’t know they were planning to do that.”
“But you were the one who slashed my bike and vandalized our office.”
Jimmy curled his upper lip. “It wasn’t enough to make you realize you fucked with the wrong dudes.”
“You’re the ones who are screwing with your future. I left that life the moment I realized that those assholes were playing us for fools. We never signed up for insurance fraud, kidnapping, and attempted murder.”
“You’re lying about those things.”
“Don’t be silly. Do you think it would’ve been easy for me to fool the police?” He snorted while his hand that held the gun remained steady. “Raymond and Charlie were caught and there’s enough evidence to nail them. Now, you guys have to decide if you want to take the same route or if you want to start clean again.”
“We want revenge, and beating your sorry ass fits the bill,’ growled Jimmy.
He wouldn’t use the gun. Riley wasn’t such a great shot that he could confidently shoot them while they were standing so close to Tania. And he didn’t want to hurt these guys. They were lashing out at him because he’d dared to remove the status quo. He didn’t blame them for their anger, but it was misplaced. He wasn’t the one who deserved it. Raymond and Charlie, the gang bosses who whipped up such a nefarious scheme, were the ones who were responsible for putting the whole club in jeopardy. Once, all these men wanted were to ride the bikes together and make friends with each other. He was sure that they hadn’t forgotten the good old days when life was carefree and they didn’t have to worry about police or insurance fraud. Maybe he could remind them of that time.
After debating both sides of the argument, he shoved the gun back in the waistband of his trousers. “It wasn’t loaded anyway.”
Mac raised his eyebrows while Tania sucked in a deep breath. “You’re a total idiot,” said Mac.
“Am I?” Riley took a step forward. “Think about it. You beat me, I press charges, and you go into jail. Who’s the idiot then?”
“We’ll fucking kill you as well as your ladylove who caused all this trouble in the first place,” growled Jimmy. “And then you won’t be able to talk to the police.”
Riley nodded. Maybe he was the confirmed idiot. Rather than talk to these guys, he should call the police, do something to help Tania, but, instead, he was actually having a conversation with them, but he was aware these men weren’t bad people. They didn’t know about the insurance fraud until after everything happened. They didn’t help kidnap Tania and, sure as hell, they didn’t want trouble. Right now, they lacked direction – and he planned to give it to them.
“It’s a good plan except someone must’ve seen you
come in or may see you go out. If we were to die, the first people the police would investigate would be members of Devil’s Mafia Brotherhood as we’ve already filed complaints against them. Your names would pop up. Some witness would claim seeing you here and that would be the end of your illustrious career as murderers.”
Paul, who hadn’t said anything up until now, shifted on his feet. “Shit!”
“Yeah, that’s what you’ll end up landing in. A pile of shit is what you deserve for trying to protect Raymond and Charlie, but they don’t deserve your sympathy. They’re the ones who deserve the brickbats for running the gang, for doing things that we didn’t agree to. So I’ll ask you: are you sure you want to end up in trouble over men who betrayed your trust?”
Paul sighed and looked down at his feet. Mac winced, and Jimmy growled. “You’re trying to mess with our heads.”
“I’m trying to show you the right path. Look, we all signed up at Devil’s Mafia Brotherhood because we love bikes and we’re speed junkies at heart. That’s not what they had in mind but I’ve found another club who does all that, and they’re not involved in any illegal activities.”
Tania who was quiet up until now hissed. “Riley.”
He ignored her. “If you want, I’ll introduce you guys. They’re always happy to take on new members. And trust me; Devil’s Mafia Brotherhood is history. We might as well start with another club and this time we’ll choose wisely.”
The men all exchanged looks as they thought he was crazy. Perhaps he was. But Riley didn’t want to take down every members of the biker’s club. Most of the men weren’t bad people. They didn’t deserve to be in this mess. Like him, they were innocent bystanders who got into something that was way beyond their capability. If he could bring them around to the right side, Riley would consider it an accomplishment, but he could only lead them to the right path; he couldn’t force them on it. Maybe they didn’t want a normal, quiet life. Perhaps they had gotten so used to the violent, wild life that Devil’s Mafia Brotherhood offered that they didn’t want something sane and ordinary anymore.
“Jimmy,” said Mac in a low voice.
Jimmy bit his bottom lip and Riley knew this was a crucial moment. Jimmy was their leader right now, and it all depended on what he chose. If Riley failed, they would likely beat the hell out of him and they might kick around Tania, too. He didn’t want that to happen. She didn’t deserve any more abuse. Shit! He shouldn’t have let down his guard. He should’ve kept a loaded gun in his pocket and shot out their kneecaps so they couldn’t move while he called the police.
He made his choice, though, and they would make theirs. There wasn’t much else he could say to influence their decision. They would do something that made sense to them, and he could only hope that they would choose that which was sensible.
Jimmy stepped aside and allowed Tania to run to him. “Where does this biker’s club meet?”
And just like that, it was all over. Riley dug into his pocket and pulled out his wallet as he released a breath he wasn’t aware he’d been holding. After taking out a card, he held it out. “These guys are legit. I’ve checked them out. Tania and I are planning to join them.”
Mac frowned while Jimmy strode forward to take the card. “They take women?”
“Yeah, they do.”
The men weren’t sure what to make of this new development but they didn’t say anything. Jimmy took the card, took a look at it, and then shuffled towards the door. “Come on, guys; let’s go.”
Riley held Tania close as they moved away. After what seemed like an eternity, he allowed her to slip out of his embrace. “A gun?” she asked.
“It was insurance, but I never kept it loaded.”
She shook her head. “I can’t believe you actually offered them a chance to join the same biker’s club that we’re thinking of joining.”
“If you’re not comfortable with them, we don’t have to join them. But these guys…they’re just looking for direction, and I hope that they find it this time. Raymond and Charlie failed them, but maybe this new biker’s club won’t.”
She put her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. “I thought we were dead for sure this time.”
“We have nine lives, just like cats.”
“Let’s hope, then, we haven’t used all of them yet.”
He sucked in a deep breath of air. What if other gang members found them later? It could always happen. Now that they were targeted so many times, he simply couldn’t ignore the possibility that someone else may find them to seek revenge for destroying the biker’s club. Or, perhaps, Raymond and Charlie may get bail or get out of jail and embark on a quest to exact their pound of blood.
“Tania, it might be a good idea for you not to remain with me. If anyone else comes after me…”
“Don’t be silly,” she announced in a voice that invited no argument. “They could find me easily enough, too. After all, I was the catalyst that caused this trouble. We’re in this, Riley, for now and forever.”
Lifting her head, she looked into his eyes. Her lips curved in a smile, and he bent his head to kiss her. As always, it was hot and stormy, slow and sweet. She was everything that he’d dreamt of, and now, for the last time, Riley hoped all trouble was behind them and they could move forward without looking back.
He lifted his head and tucked a lock of stray hair behind her ear. So perhaps separation wasn’t the best idea that he came up with, but he had other tricks up his sleeve. “Tania, how about we go to a jewelry store and pick out a ring?”
“A ring, yes.”
She waited for an explanation and he sighed. “I just knew that you would make me work for it.” Letting her go, he dropped on one knee. “Tania, will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife? I promise to do as best as I can to earn and keep your trust, and I’ll spend my life bringing a smile to your face.”
She considered him. “No more hanging out with guys who are thinking of illegal schemes?”
“I’ll stay a mile away from them.”
“Okay, then. I’ll marry you.”
He stood and swept her in his arms. “I love you.”
“And I love you more.”
The kissed and this time, Riley was sure that happy ever after would last for a long, long time, and if they were lucky, it might remain like this for the rest if their lives.
***
Five months later, they walked out of a meeting that was held in the office of Brick and Mortar, one of the largest retail distributors. “We nailed it.”
Tania laughed. As she swept her hair from her face, the three-carat diamond that was nestled prettily in the ring twinkled. “We sure did. I don’t think I’d ever forget Brin’s face. He looked positively outrageous when they informed him that the contract was ours.”
It was particular satisfying to beat her ex-boss. Now that they were a successful team, Riley felt a surge of pity for the guy. Brin had lost the best member of his team and the sad truth was that he didn’t have anyone to blame for that mishap except himself.
He held Tania’s hand as they marched down the pavement, totally happy with all they achieved and the pace with which they were moving forward. He didn’t much care about anyone, not her ex-boss, not the men who were languishing in jail for the crimes that they committed. All he wanted was his slice of heaven, and this was it.
“We’re a team.”
“Oh, yes, we are,” she agreed.
THE END
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Books by Paula Cox
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Road to Nowhere: A Motorcycle Club Romance (Blacktop Blades MC) (Beauty & the Biker Book 1)
I’ll kill them all to keep her safe.
They did unspeakable things to an innocent woman.
And then they left her on the road to die.
I picke
d her up against my better judgment…
And then I started a war to make those animals suffer.
ARSEN
I broke my personal rules when I stopped to help her.
But something told me that Quinn needed it more than most.
Her eyes stared blankly into the distance like she’d looked evil square in the face.
And when she told me what happened, I saw red, too.
It was a mistake to get involved.
But I can’t just wash my hands of this affair.
The monsters who broke her need to pay for their crimes.
And I’m the devil sent to make that happen.
They think they can finish what they started:
Kill her, and me too.
But they don’t know what I’m capable of.
