Fighting to Ride

by Debra Kayn

  "How soon would you be able to bring in a large order?" Mike glanced at his friends. "Say, thirty four AK-47's with an extra thirty mags, and a dozen AK-15's?"

  "Half the money up front, we can do that within a week." Kurt asked, knowing damn well the militia would bite because he'd already informed them when they met in Pitnam months ago.

  "We have a deal then," Mike said, reaching into the inside pocket of his coat.

  Kurt shook Mike's hand, taking the money. He turned to Remmy and Ink. "Escort them down the road and make sure they're protected."

  "Right, prez." Remmy motioned for the guests to begin walking.

  Kurt went with the other members to the clubhouse. The door shut behind them, and cheers went up. Kurt knuckle bumped German. "Get the whiskey out."

  As the men passed the bottle around, celebrating their first success, Kurt counted the money. Bantorus sealed a fifteen thousand dollar profit after he took the cost out for wholesale. He divided the money and pushed the piles to the edge of the counter.

  "Don't spend it all in one place," he said, removing his percentage. "Let's not forget, besides the guns, we have an order for bikes. We'll need everyone here when the supplies come in. I'll set up a rotation shift for the members on the motorcycles. I want a truck going to Lagsturns MC on the first of the month."

  Over the years, Lagsturns MC, from California, had gone from a rival club to the Bantorus MC into a partnership with them. Duck and Big Joe, the president and vice president of the Lagsturns, mellowed over the years and in their old age pulled back from working with other one percenters, though there were rumors that the younger members were still willing to do anything, the officers were no longer front-runners in crime. Kurt pocketed his money. Lagsturns had earned his respect over the years with their help and their changes, though he trusted none of them.

  "I'm riding up to Meghoni Mine. I'll need the officers with me—he gazed at Remmy, Ink, Cutter, Germ—let's make sure the miners know we're not leaving." He pointed at Sawyer. "Stay here and wait for the delivery. When we're done, we're heading into town, so keep an eye on things here."

  Sawyer shifted, rearranging the front of his jeans. "Damn it."

  Kurt thrust his fingers through his hair and snapped the rubber band he'd removed from his pocket onto the extra three inches of hair at his nape. "The girls will wait."

  Muff jumped off the floor and landed his ass on the top of the bar. "What delivery?"

  "Guns," Kurt said, meeting each member's gaze.

  "You went ahead and ordered them, gambling on the militia saying yes?" Crain rocked back on the heels of his boots and laughed. "Jesus, I should've known. You learned from the best."

  Kurt grinned, and quickly sobered. "That means, we're in business. We've had our fun, now we settle down. Each of us had a good thing going in Pitnam, and nothing is changing here. Keep your eyes open, and a hand on the throttle."

  "What about the girls?" Sawyer asked.

  Kurt stilled. "What about them?"

  Risa expected him tonight. He'd already had the papers delivered to her, and all she had to do was sign. Until those papers were back in his hand and signed by both of them, anything could happen.

  "I'm just saying a couple of us should stay in town." Sawyer's ears turned red and he pulled his bandana down farther. "I could do it."

  He'd already formulated a schedule to make sure the women were never alone. Muff, the only member missing today, because he'd volunteered to entertain the ladies in town would continue to stay at the Sterling Building. "That's a real nice offer, Sawyer."

  Sawyer smiled.

  "But I got something else for you to do today," Kurt said, enjoying himself too much at the kids expense.

  "Shit," Sawyer muttered.

  Kurt ran his tongue over his teeth, drawing out the discomfort Sawyer was going through. "We need two prospects, and I want you to put the word out before the sun goes down. It's your job to bring in the gophers."

  Crain snorted. "Let the fun and games begin."

  They all had spent time doing grunt work, and while they did shit jobs, they'd earned their way to being a full trusted member. Every member had to go through the process to earn reverence and the established member's trust, while climbing rank. No one skipped out or got excused from putting in time, including him.

  Rain was even harder on him, because he had to prove he wasn't his daddy's boy when it came down to protecting and serving the club. Kurt rotated his shoulders, easing the tension. Both Rain and his dad were getting up there in years. They still rode, they still ruled, they still ran the Pitnam chapter, but their riding time was limited. He pushed the thought of changes coming around because he wasn't ready for his dad and Rain to step down yet.

  Kurt lifted his chin and motioned for the others. "Let's roll."

  Once outside, he checked his cell. His dad had confirmed the schedule he'd texted him earlier. He scrolled through his contacts and found Risa's phone listing. He'd taken her number off her phone while she slept the other night.

  He slowed his walk, letting the other members distance themselves from him. When he had privacy, he pushed the button.

  Risa picked up on the second ring. "Kurt?"

  "Yeah." He tilted back his head and gazed at the sky.

  "How did you get my private number?"

  He stopped walking. "Lifted it."

  Several seconds ticked by in silence. His chest warmed, because even though calling her was a stupid thing to do, he wanted to hear her voice.

  "That's wrong," she said, but there was laughter in her voice.

  He looked down at his boots to hide his smile. Lately, every time he thought of Risa, he felt like smiling. "Maybe, but that doesn't stop me."

  "I received the papers earlier," she said.

  He toed the rock half buried in the soil. "Good."

  "They came in a yellow envelope," she added.

  He glanced over at the men waiting beside the motorcycles. "Is that important?"

  "Not at all. I just don't know what to say, because you haven't told me why you called," Risa said.

  In charge of running the Federal charter, running not one, but three businesses, worried about failure, and knowing the Bantorus MC establishing themselves in Federal would cause problems he'd have to work out should tell him now was not a good time to mess with Risa. He opened his fist and shook his arm. "Just wanted to check in and make sure you're available tonight, so we can get this business over with."

  "Oh. Yeah. Sure." Risa paused. "If that's all then, I'll see you tonight. Good—"

  "Risa." He swallowed, not wanting her to hang up.

  "Yes?"

  He turned away from view of the men. "Keep talking to me."

  "Why?"

  "Like your voice, angel." He blew out his breath, wondering what in the hell he was doing. The last thing he needed to do was get involved in a relationship. He needed to keep things simple. "I better go. The guys are waiting for me."

  "Wait. I want to tell you something."

  He relaxed. "Go ahead."

  "The girls are happy with the arrangement. They said they like the bikers, and were afraid I'd be upset if they preferred to take you up on the deal rather than work for me and keep our regular business going." She laughed softly and the sound wrapped itself around him, refusing to let go. "I guess it finally hit me that I'll be doing less work for more money, so I can see the advantage of going into business with you. I ended the meeting by giving them all my full support and told them about the arrangement you and I have talked about. I also appreciate you putting the clause in that if we ever decide to split our partnership, the business reverts solely to me, minus any debts you'd acquired for Silver Girls and the building, of course. That's...more than generous. Thank you."

  "That's nice to hear, angel," he said. "I'm glad you're happy."

  Silence came over the phone. He ran back over the contract wondering if he'd pushed too hard, but he'd purposely gave her a deal she couldn
't walk away from, because he wasn't ready watch her leave his life yet. He still wanted her.

  He rubbed the back of his neck. "Risa?"

  "Are you going to kiss me again tonight?" she interrupted.

  His balls tightened at the husky tone of her voice. There wasn't any doubt that if he went to her tonight, they'd kiss and a hell of a lot more. "Yeah, I'm going to kiss you."

  "Okay," she murmured. "You're good at it, you know."

  Then when no one else around to hear him, he laughed. More than anything, he wanted another taste of her sweet lips.

  "Bye, angel," he said.

  "Bye."

  He disconnected the call, slipped the phone into his pocket, and jogged down the slope toward the others. Risa had given him a little more insight into her life. Instead of stubbornly denying him what was rightfully his, the building, she'd compromised. In return, he'd proved that he was worth getting to know better. A hell of a lot better.

  He could be patient if he had to be, but he'd prefer to walk in tonight and sink deep inside her body and never leave until he had his fill. Taking his time wasn't his normal way of doing things, but Risa...he had a feeling she was worth the hard work, and he wasn't afraid of getting what he wanted.

  Fifteen minutes later, he rode his motorcycle to the top of Twelve Mile Road and cut the engine. The gravel pit in front of the outcropping of buildings at the Meghoni mine held all the miners' vehicles. He gazed over at Remmy, who'd joined in on the ride at the crossroad. "They're working three shifts. I'm guessing about one hundred to a hundred and fifty employees in all?"

  Remmy nodded. "Sounds about right."

  "There's the truck the two scared kids were driving the other night after the drive by." Ink pointed down the hill.

  Smoke from the smelter rose through the air. Kurt leaned forward, bracing his arms on his handlebars. "From the outside, you'd never know the miners were two miles underground in their own city under the earth."

  "Monica says it's over a hundred and twenty degrees down there." Cutter popped a handful of sunflower seeds in his mouth. "I'd end up cutting my way out. Man, I hate small places."

  Kurt wasn't too hot on tight spaces either. The working conditions would wear on a person. "Take a look at the five cars by the gate. Those will be the ones to watch around town. The others will follow by example, so we get the top guys settled and come to understanding that the girls are cutting their hours—but still available to see on the weekends, we should be okay."

  "Hell, it's not like we're up against Los Li." Crain put his helmet back on. "Miners will be a piece of cake."

  Kurt circled his hand in the air. "Let's head into town. I have one more stop to make, but you guys go ahead and keep things low at the Sterling Building. Shift changes in an hour. I don't want any miner stepping through the door at Silver Girls."

  He led the men back to the road. At the viaduct, he stretched his arm out low to the side and opened his fist. His men rolled into town, and he veered to the left to the general store. Tonight was all about sealing up his business and he needed more than a couple of condoms at his disposal.

  Chapter Eleven

  The lobby of the Sterling Building vibrated with excitement from the girls, or maybe the newness of having the bikers hanging around and the easier workload put Risa's employees in a good mood. Risa stood in the office doorway, leaning against the frame, and smiled at the way her employees laughed and joined in on the ruckus.

  Germ flung his arms out to the side, sharing a story about fishing in the Columbia River. Cutter held Monica on his lap, and let her trace the flame tattoo on his forearm. Remmy stood at the counter, sipping a beer and listened to JoJo talk. Risa studied the Bantorus VP more closely. No, he only half listened, because his eyes were on the front door.

  None of them fooled her. They were waiting for trouble to arrive.

  Shari squealed. Risa turned to Ink and found him wrapping his arm around her smiling friend. Everyone seemed at ease with the new arrangement.

  Maybe that's what made tonight different. Usually, the girls acted. The miners never cared if the smile on their faces came naturally or plastered on for their enjoyment. The dances were always well executed and timed. Risa watched Shari walk around the chair Ink sat in, trailing her hand along his shoulders. Tonight¸ her employees flirted and enjoyed the nervous energy in the room.

  Risa pressed her hand to her chest. She felt the same turbulent excitement for Kurt to arrive. Her stomach quivered, and she looked toward the door. Kurt still hadn't shown up, and it was past seven o'clock.

  Alana shrieked, leaning against German. Unable to see Alana's face, Risa walked into the room to make sure everything was okay, but before she approached them, German picked Alana up and sat down with her in his lap.

  Risa stopped. From the soft giggles, everything was okay. She trusted miners around the girls. After all these years, they seldom had a fight break out or had one of the men get too aggressive with the women. The bikers still worried her.

  They were rough.

  They were bossy.

  They were appealing in that -unavailable- bad-boy-have-to-own-the -world- way that drove women crazy for them. Including her.

  Granted, so far, all the Bantorus members seemed to follow the rules, but she sensed that any moment all hell was going to break out. She stepped back to the edge of the room and straightened the lampshade. Kurt kept them in line when he was here, but he carried the same stubborn and dependent streak she viewed in the other bikers.

  What kind of man holds her naked body all night while naked, his cock between her legs, and doesn't have sex with her? Her hand shook and she lowered her arm. The man was made of steel and left her guessing. Earlier, he almost sounded like he wanted to talk with her. After she hung up, she chalked it up to her over active imagination. He barely said two words to her, so he was probably concerned she wasn't going to follow through with their new business partnership.

  However, he had said he'd kiss her tonight.

  She caught her lip between her teeth. God, she wanted to kiss him again.

  Different from the other men she was around every day, he excited her. That wildness he created in her made him more attractive, and yes, she had to admit, the dangerous side of him appealed to her too. Unlike her, he wasn't afraid to be different or stand out from normal.

  She should be leery of such a man but for some reason, his solid stance about right or wrong struck a chord inside of her that made her happy. He gave her a fair deal with their new business agreement, while keeping Silver Girls open, had her respecting him. She popped her lip out between her teeth, and groaned softly.

  Dammit. He made her feel special when he held her all night. He also left her more confused. Was he really going to prove he was a better man than every male in town?

  Doubts and his lateness at arriving left her stomach rolling. Maybe he'd changed his mind, and he was too nice to tell her the truth. After learning about her mother and her formative years, he probably decided she wasn't worth the trouble.

  Nobody had ever tried to make her believe she was worth more than she was, besides Nate, who raised her like his own. Other men gave her attention. More attention than she'd asked for, and never in the way she wanted. Kurt had done everything right.

  The front door swung open and the Bantorus men all turned and went on alert before relaxing again. She put her arms down at her sides, fingered the ragged edge of her cutoffs, and gazed at Kurt walking through the door. Positive he could see her shaking, she held perfectly still.

  His gaze trailed from her face, down her body, and back up again and met her eyes. While he looked, his mouth softened and his eyes warmed in that way that validated she wasn't going crazy. Goose bumps broke out over her bare skin. She'd changed out of her dress and into a pair of shorts with a tank two hours ago in hopes that he'd approve of her choice of clothing. Going by the intense gaze and the length of his stride as he made his way toward her, he liked what he was seeing a l
ot.

  Kurt stopped in front of her, hooked her around the waist, pulled her to her toes, and kissed her. Possessive and demanding, he opened her mouth and deepened the kiss. She hung on to him, accepting everything he gave her. Shocked into happiness over his arrival, she kissed him back.

  He pulled back enough to whisper, "Change of plans, angel. Let's walk a block and grab a drink at the bar."

  "Now?" She fingered her lip, trying to follow the conversation.

  He'd left her disoriented. She wasn't even sure her legs would work. All she wanted to do was take him upstairs away from the others and have him all to herself.

  "I need to go out tonight, and I want you with me." He motioned for Remmy and when his vice president stood by his side, Kurt said, "Gather the officers and have them bring a woman. It's time to take them all and hit the bar for dinner. We'll leave the other members here to watch over everything."

  "Got it, prez." Remmy walked away.

  Risa let go of his shirt, but Kurt swept up her hand and held it. "What's going on?"

  "Nothing." He leaned down and kissed her again. "Taking my girl out for a drink and dinner."

  She walked with him through the lobby, because she wasn't sure what to do. He hadn't mentioned going out when he called her earlier. "What about the paperwork?"

  "It'll wait." He pushed the door open, let her walk through first, and then followed her outside without letting go of her hand. "Right now, I'm starving and I want to spend time with you."

  Behind them, four of the Bantorus members walked along the sidewalk. Risa looked behind her, raising her brows at Shari with Ink, Monica with Cutter, German with Alana, and Remmy with Jojo. The girls shrugged while hanging off the men, apparently unbothered by the fact the bikers dragged them out of the building for a night on the town.

  At the end of the block, Kurt crossed the street and turned left. She hurried to keep up with his longer strides. He noticed her struggling to match his steps and slowed the pace, giving her a lazy look. She bumped her shoulder into his arm.