The Long Road Home: A Devil Chaser's MC Novella

by L. Wilder

  “Don’t. This isn’t a time for what-ifs. You have to find a way to put the past behind you, for good. You’ve gotta stop hiding behind the walls of that clubhouse. You’ve got a bright future ahead of you.” Bishop looked over to Gavin and paused a moment before he continued, “Only you can decide when you are ready to start living again, Sunny. The apartment is yours when you do.”

  She took a step back, looking at her new place, and a tightness filled her chest. Everything she’d always wanted was within her grasp, but she had to find the strength to reach out and grab it.

  Sensing her struggle, Gavin walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “You’ve got this, baby. You just have to take that first step.”

  “It’s really a great place.”

  Bishop smiled. “It’s not going anywhere. Take your time, and when you get ready, it will be here waiting.”

  “And Katelyn is moving in?”

  “She and Gavin have been getting things set up for the past week.”

  “I can’t believe she hasn’t said anything,” Sunny said with surprise.

  “It wasn’t easy. She was pretty excited about it.” Gavin laughed. “I thought she’d spill the news for sure.”

  Sunny looked over at him. “Was this your idea?”

  With a slight nod, he’d given her his answer. “Figured it was time for you to have a fresh start.”

  “Thank you.” She eased up on her tiptoes and gave him a quick kiss. “I love it.”

  “Want to see the rest?” Gavin asked.

  “Sure.”

  She followed him to the back and as she stepped into her new bedroom, she heard Katelyn ask, “Are they here?”

  “Back here, Katelyn.”

  Katelyn started walking towards the bedrooms and found Sunny waiting for her in the hall. Normally, she knew right away what kind of mood Sunny was in, but at that moment, she had no idea what her friend was thinking. “What do you think?”

  “I think it’s amazing. I just can’t believe you kept this all a secret.”

  “Gavin wanted to surprise you.”

  “I’m definitely surprised.”

  Katelyn could see that Sunny was having her doubts, so she slipped her arm through hers and pulled her into Sunny’s new bedroom. “We’ve always talked about getting a place together, and this place is so cool.”

  “You really think I can do this?”

  Katelyn gave her a tight hug and answered, “Absolutely. This is going to be awesome.”

  “Okay, then I guess we’re roommates!”

  “That’s what I’m talking about.” Katelyn gave her a tight hug. “I’ve gotta get to work before my boss blows a gasket, but I’ll be back tomorrow to help you get your stuff packed.”

  “Sounds good.” Sunny followed her back into the living room. When she saw that Bishop was about to leave, she walked over to him and said, “Thank you for all of this.”

  “No need to thank me.” He looked over at Gavin. “This was all him.”

  Once Katelyn and Bishop were gone, Sunny took some time looking around the apartment, opening cabinet doors and peeking in closets while Gavin waited patiently on the sofa. He tried to make himself busy by looking over his emails and checking the weather on his phone, but he couldn’t take his eyes off her. He loved watching her wander around the apartment and seeing how excited she was becoming. When she stepped out of the kitchen, there was a wild look in her eye. He wasn’t sure what she was thinking until she started to race over to him. She pounced into his lap and put her knees at his sides, straddling his waist as she leaned down and kissed him.

  Her eyes danced with excitement as she told him, “I love it. I really, really do.”

  “Glad to hear that. I was hoping you would.”

  “Well, I do. Very much,” she told him as she lowered her mouth to his, kissing him tenderly. His hand reached to the back of her neck, tangling in her hair as he took control of the kiss. It quickly became heated, and Gavin couldn’t hide how much he wanted her. When Sunny felt his thickness beneath her, she eagerly reached for the hem of his t-shirt and pulled it over his head, then removed her own and tossed it to the floor. The tips of his fingers trailed along her skin as he reached for her bra, gently slipping it down her shoulders. His kisses followed his touch as he pulled her breast free, lightly caressing it in his hand. Her head fell back as he began to nip and suck at her sensitive flesh, sending jolts of pleasure coursing through her body as he took her nipple into his mouth.

  The warmth of his breath caressed her skin when he growled, “You’re mine.”

  “Yes,” she panted as she rocked her hips against him. Impatience overcame her as she lowered her hand between them, sliding it slowly between his legs. He immediately reached for her waist as he stood up from the sofa and carried her into her new bedroom. He lowered her down onto the bare mattress, and with a mischievous smile, he began to unbutton his jeans and lowered them to the floor. With him watching, Sunny slowly began inching her jeans and panties down her hips. She’d barely gotten them off when he dropped to the bed and settled himself between her legs. With her knees at his side, a low growl vibrated through his chest as his erection brushed against her center. He looked down at her, his eyes roaming appraisingly over her naked body, and she started to writhe under the heat of his gaze. His hands slowly snaked over her hips and up to her breasts, squeezing them gently in the palm of his hands. She wrapped her legs around his hips and pulled him closer as she brushed against the head of his cock.

  “Fuck,” he groaned as he dug his fingers into her flesh.

  His mouth crashed down on hers, and his hand instinctively reached for the back of her neck, grasping at the hair around the nape of her neck as he deepened the kiss. His touch set her on fire. Every inch of her body burned for more, making the anticipation of having him inside her almost too much to bear. She looked up at him and pleaded, “Gavin.”

  She could see the emotion that crossed his face when he looked at her and said, “Never dreamed it’d feel like this.”

  Her eyes locked with his as she replied, “I know. You make me feel whole again.”

  “I love you, Sunny Jacobs.”

  She had no doubt he meant every word.

  She looked down at him and saw the love in his eyes as she said, “I love you too, Gavin. More than I ever thought possible.”

  “How did you fit all this stuff in that one little room?” Bull asked as he carried another large box out to the truck.

  “My lucky girl’s going to need a bigger closet,” Gavin scoffed as he passed by him in the hall. They’d been helping Sunny move over to her new apartment all morning, and there was still lots left to move. Gavin was clearly eager to get done as he whipped past her with another load of boxes and bags towering in his arms.

  Trying her best to ignore the wobbling boxes in Gavin’s hands, Sunny followed behind Bull with her duffle bag full of shoes. “I’m beginning to think I’m a packrat. I didn’t realize I had so many clothes. It’s kind of ridiculous.”

  “It’s not that bad. I’ve seen worse,” Bull told her as they walked outside and over to the truck.

  “Oh yeah? Sounds like there’s a story behind that.”

  He pushed the cardboard box into the back of the truck and then turned and reached for Sunny’s duffle bag. Once he’d put it away, he said, “Some stories aren’t worth the breath it takes to tell ‘em.”

  “Maybe, but I’d still like to hear it.”

  He started walking back inside, and with his back to her, he said, “I was a stupid kid. Thought I’d found the one. All I found was a whole lot of heartache and a shit-ton of unpaid bills.”

  “Oh.”

  “She was a real beauty. Don’t think I’ll ever forget that smile of hers.”

  There was a sadness in his voice that tugged at Sunny’s heart. “Sounds like you loved her.”

  “I did. Loved her like I’d never loved anyone, and then one day she was gone. Packed one bag and l
eft the rest of her shit behind.”

  When they got back to Sunny’s room, Gavin had already filled his arms full of boxes and was walking out of the room. He smiled at Sunny as he said, “Just a few more and we’ll be done.”

  Once he walked out, Sunny and Bull grabbed another box and quickly followed behind him. Before they stepped back outside, Sunny asked, “Did you ever try and find her?”

  “I did, but after a while, I figured I was just wastin’ my time.”

  “But didn’t you wonder if something happened to her? Like something bad might have happened?”

  “No. I knew why she’d left.”

  “Why?”

  “Another guy. Had more money than you could shake a stick at. She knew I couldn’t give her what he could, so she left. Can’t say I blame her, but it was a real bitch moving all her shit out of my place.”

  “If that’s the real reason she left, then she’s an idiot. You’re a catch, Bull, and you’re better off without a woman like that.”

  “Yeah, you’re probably right about that, but I sure loved that woman’s cornbread. Some of the best I ever had.” He laughed as he put their boxes in the back of the truck.

  “Cornbread? Bull, you are a nut!”

  “No doubt about that. Now, enough about me and my shit. How ‘bout you? You good?”

  “I think so… I’ve started having those dreams again.”

  “About that night?”

  “Yes. The same stupid dream. They seem so real, like I’m right back there. I get to the same point each time, and then it just stops and starts all over again. It’s like I’m trapped in some weird cycle. You’d think by now, it would’ve gotten better.”

  “You just need time. They’ll stop.”

  “It’s like my mind is trying to get me to remember something. The memory is right there, but I just can’t get to it.”

  “Maybe it’s best that you don’t.”

  “How am I supposed to get over my past if I can’t even remember it?”

  “There’s nothing you can do to change things, so just leave it where it belongs… in the past. Focus on the future.”

  “I guess you’re right.”

  “I usually am,” he laughed.

  They were standing by the truck talking when Gavin walked out with the last of the boxes balancing in his arms. “Are you two gonna help me or what?”

  They both rushed over and helped Gavin get the rest of her things packed into the truck. Once they were finished, Sunny told them, “I really appreciate you guys helping me. Lunch is on me.”

  Bull patted his abdomen as he said, “Deal. I’m starving.”

  “Wait.” Gavin looked over to Sunny. “What about Scout?”

  “Already got her in the truck.”

  “And her food and litter?”

  “Got it.”

  “Then, we’re set. Let’s roll,” Gavin told them.

  By the time they had everything moved over to the apartment, Katelyn had gotten off work and helped Sunny unpack, while Gavin went to the garage to get caught up with work. It took most of the night, but the girls finally got everything set up just the way they wanted it. Sunny sat down on the sofa and looked around, seeing parts of herself scattered around the room. Those anxious feelings that she’d had about moving were gone. For the first time, she had a place of her own and found herself feeling hopeful about all the new possibilities. She reached for her new college schedule, and even though they didn’t start for several more weeks, she was excited about all the new classes she would be taking. After talking to Ana, she’d decided to make nursing her major. It had always been something she’d considered but never thought she’d have the means to do it. Now that she had her chance, she would do whatever it took to see it through. She was determined to stop letting her fears about Drew control her, and she would put her calculated life in the past. The future was there waiting for her, and she was ready to take that first step forward.

  When she noticed how late it was, she reached for her phone and sent a text message to Gavin.

  Sunny:

  I thought you were coming by.

  Gavin:

  About to head that way. You okay?

  Sunny:

  I’m great. Just missing you.

  Gavin:

  Give me ten minutes. Want me to bring dinner?

  Sunny:

  Yes! I’m starving.

  Gavin:

  What about Katelyn?

  Sunny turned her head towards Katelyn’s room and shouted, “Do you want anything to eat? Gavin is bringing takeout.”

  She came out of her room wearing a pair of jeans and her favorite red sweater. Her hair was all fixed and she’d put on makeup. “No, thanks. I’ve got plans.”

  “I can see that. Where are you headed?”

  “Just going out for a bit. I won’t be long.”

  “So, it’s a secret?”

  “No. I’m just going out.” She grabbed her purse and keys as she started for the door. “Call me if you need me.”

  “Okay. Be careful.”

  “You know I will.” She smiled and closed the door behind her.

  Sunny looked back down at her phone and responded:

  Sunny:

  It’s just us.

  Gavin:

  Okay. Be there soon.

  She looked back over at the door and curiosity washed over her. It wasn’t like Katelyn to keep things from her. They’d never kept secrets, which made her wonder why she hadn’t said anything about her plans. She couldn’t help but wonder if it had something to do with Conner and Levi. Before she could think too much about it, there was a tapping noise outside her door. Thinking it was Gavin, she hopped up and opened the door, only to find no one there. She was about to shut the door when she spotted a small white envelope sitting on their welcome mat. Without thinking too much about it, she reached for it and went back inside, locking the door behind her. There was no name written on the outside, and she started to wonder if the mysterious note must have had something to do with Katelyn and her odd behavior. She was just about to open it when there was another knock at the door.

  She placed the envelope on the counter. “Who is it?”

  “It’s me,” Gavin answered.

  This time when she opened the door, she found Gavin standing behind it with a big smile and an armful of Chinese takeout. “What is all that? I said it was just us.”

  As soon as he stepped inside, the kitten pranced over to him, weaving between his feet. “Hey there, Scout.” He placed the large brown paper bag on the kitchen table and reached down to pick up the kitten, scratching the top of her head. “You said you were starving.”

  “I did, but this is enough food for an army.”

  “It’s Chinese. We’ll eat, and in an hour, we’ll be hungry again.” He lowered the kitten to the floor and started to unpack the sack full of food.

  “True. I guess you’ve got us covered, then,” she laughed.

  “That I do. Now, get your cute ass over here and eat.”

  They both fixed themselves a plate and once they were done eating, Gavin stood up and started cleaning their mess. Sunny looked at all the leftovers and laughed. “We definitely have plenty for later.”

  He reached for her plate and said, “That’s the plan.”

  Sunny followed him into the kitchen and helped him put everything away. They’d just about finished when Gavin noticed the envelope. He picked it up and turned to Sunny as he asked, “Is this trash, too?”

  “I don’t know what that is. I think it’s for Katelyn, or else it’s something she dropped on her way out.” She placed the leftovers in the fridge and closed the door before she started back into the living room. “It was on the front mat.”

  Something didn’t feel right as Gavin studied the small white envelope. He held it up to the light hoping he’d be able to see what was written inside, but he didn’t have any luck. A gnawing feeling started to build in his gut, and he was just about to ask her t
o open it when she called out, “Open it if you want to.”

  He quickly tore it open, and his chest tightened when he read what was written inside:

  I saw what you did.

  Meet me at Paris Landing Lodge on Sunday at 10 a.m. or I go to the police.

  He reached for his phone and took a picture of the note, then sent it to Bishop with a message:

  Gavin:

  We’ve got a problem.

  Bishop:

  Who’s it from?

  Gavin:

  No idea. Someone left it on Sunny’s mat. Have Bobby check the security feed.

  Gavin folded the note and shoved it into his back pocket as he walked back into the living room. “It’s just a bill from the landlord. I’ll get it to Bishop.”

  “What kind of bill?”

  “Some upgrades Bishop had done before you guys moved. He’s been expecting it. Nothing for you to worry about,” he told her as his phone chimed with a text message. He looked down at the screen to see what Bishop had replied.

  Bishop:

  On it. Don’t tell her what’s going on. Just find an excuse to get her back to the clubhouse.

  Gavin:

  Be there in 10.

  “Okay.” She picked up the remote and asked, “Wanna watch a movie?”

  “Got something I need to take care of.”

  “Oh,” she answered with disappointment.

  “You’re going with me.”

  With a puzzled look on her face, she turned to him and asked, “I am?”

  “Text Katelyn and let her know you won’t be back tonight.”

  There was something about his tone that worried Sunny. The playfulness he had during dinner was gone and replaced with apprehension. She could see that he was worried about something, so she asked, “Is something wrong?”

  He held up his phone to her as he explained, “That was Bishop. I need to get over to the clubhouse to see him before he leaves for the night. Figured we’d just stay there since it was late.”