Vagrant: A Bad Boy Billionaire Romance

by Voss, Deja

  If that means I get to do Tucker while I’m at it, I’m not going to complain.

  * * *

  “I’m here for Moss Tanner,” I say to the young receptionist at the jail. She raises her eyebrows at me.

  “You sure?” she clucks.

  “I think so…” I say. “Do you have a Moss Tanner here?” I’m not uncomfortable in the waiting area per se, but I’m definitely out of my element. It’s a quiet little jail, I’m guessing Creede doesn’t see a lot of major crime.

  “I do.”

  “Well, I have the money. What do I have to do to get him out?”

  Basically all she needs from me is a check. Before too long, I’m standing face-to-face with a man built like a linebacker with the face of a serial killer. Charles Manson on steroids comes to mind. I can see why the receptionist was confused. We don’t exactly look like a couple. We don’t even look like we live on the same planet.

  In my line of work, I’ve interviewed all sorts of “scary” people, but Moss is different. He makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up, and not in the sexy, excited way Tucker does. He’s looking my body up and down like I’m a piece of meat until he shoots me a nod of approval, as if he’s checking me out in a bar or something. It’s very strange, and I feel extremely uncomfortable.

  “Want to get out of here?” he asks, like we’re ditching prom or something. He puts his hand on the small of my back and guides me out into the parking lot without waiting for an answer. I really wish he wasn’t touching me right now. Everything about this guy makes my skin crawl.

  “So you must be Molly,” he says as we walk down the street together. I try to stay ahead of him a couple steps, hoping he gets the picture that I’m not interested in letting him feel me up, but every time I pull away, he just inches himself that much closer. “How’d a girl like you get yourself tangled up in a shit show like us?”

  “I’m friends with Tucker,” I say. It’s not exactly a falsehood.

  “I think that maybe you two are more than friends,” he sneers. “I think that maybe you’re using the power of that pussy of yours to get yourself a nice cushy story.”

  “Well I think you’re an asshole,” I hiss at him. “And I think that it’s none of your business.”

  His laugh is a deep roar, extremely over the top, and yet something about it makes me feel like I might have misjudged him a little bit. This guy might be big. He might be rude. But I have a feeling he’s probably all bark.

  “I’m just fucking with you, girl. Thank you so much for bailing me out. I can see why Tucker likes you so much.”

  “What were you in for anyway?” I ask him.

  “Just an old warrant. No big deal.”

  I leave it be for now. I’ll get there eventually, but I’m not trying to pry just yet.

  “I’m actually really looking forward to this story you’re going to write about us,” he says.

  “You are?”

  “Sometimes it’s nice to see things from an outsider’s perspective. Lets you know your weaknesses.”

  “That’s an interesting way to look at it. I promise you, Moss, I’m gonna write this thing with utmost respect to you guys. I appreciate the opportunity. I truly do.”

  We reach the bottom of the trailhead, and just as promised, Forrest and Tucker are waiting on four-wheelers. Tucker has my backpack, and he’s got Dolly on her leash. She wags her nubby tail wildly as she sees me approach, but as soon as she gets one look at Moss, her teeth come out. She has this low growl that starts in the back of her throat and her whole body vibrates while her hair stands up on end.

  “Calm down, little one,” I say to her, scooping her up in my arms. “You’re ok.” She’s eyeing his every move, eager to wiggle out of my arms and sink her teeth into him.

  “I’m sorry,” I say to him. “She’ll calm down in a little bit.” I know better. She won’t. When Dolly doesn’t like someone, she isn’t afraid to show it. Dolly knows people better than I do, that’s for sure.

  “It’s alright, Molly,” Forrest teases. “He has that effect on mostly everyone. They’re just too polite to admit it.”

  “Fuck off, Forrest,” Moss says. “And don’t think I’m riding bitch on the back of that thing with you. You can walk the dog.”

  “It’s ok,” I insist. “I have something.”

  I fish out Dolly’s carrier from my backpack. “She can ride on my back if one of you guys takes my bag.”

  Tucker helps me get suited up, sliding Dolly into the pouch on my back.

  “You’re going to drive like a grandma, do you promise me?” I demand. “If you hurt one hair on her body, I’ll probably have to kill you.”

  He kisses me on the forehead. “Here,” he says, handing me a helmet. “I know I’ve got precious cargo on board.” He winks. My heart melts. The fact that he had the foresight to care about my well-being and safety once again is so sweet. It’s like he genuinely cares about me. Most women would think he doesn’t have a lot to offer, but everything he brings to the table is more than any other guy I’ve been with.

  We mount up the four-wheeler and head up the hill. Riding along through the woods with my arms wrapped around his waist, my body pressed tight to his, makes me feel closer to him than I ever have before. Not just physically, even. The sun is shining down on my skin, but the wind gives me goosebumps. The forest is lush and green, and he cruises slowly down the narrow paths, avoiding bumps and puddles.

  Moss and Forrest have already disappeared far into the distance. I can’t even hear the roar of their engine anymore. We reach a shady spot and Tucker pulls over, shutting down the motor.

  He pulls my helmet off and looks into my eyes, the smile on his face stretched ear to ear. I tilt my chin to kiss him on the lips.

  “When we get up there, it’s probably better if we don’t do this,” I warn him.

  He takes my mouth in his, nibbling on my lower lip until I moan into him.

  “Everybody already knows,” he says. “It’s kind of hard to have secrets on the mountain.”

  “I know,” I say. “But I have to at least pretend like I’m working. I promise you can play with me all night long once we get back to my place.”

  “I think I can deal with that,” he shrugs. “You just look so fucking sexy in that sundress,” he says, toying with the strap, pulling it down my shoulder.

  Dolly pokes her head out of the carrier and starts licking his forehead and we both laugh.

  “Sorry, pup,” he says. “You’re really pretty too; you’re just not my type.”

  “Let’s get going,” I say. “You promise to let me know if I’m overstepping any boundaries? I don’t know your clan code. I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable.”

  “Oh trust me, it’s not them I worry about. Not when you’re around. If any of those meatheads look at you sideways, you tell me.”

  I think about the way Moss was touching my back, how awful his glare made me feel, my skin crawling replaying that awkward walk from the prison in my mind. Tucker doesn’t need to know about that. The last thing I need to do is start drama already. Plus, guys like Moss tend to like to put on a show for anyone who will pay attention to them. I’m sure he was just trying to establish his alpha-ness to the new girl.

  “That’s nice of you to look out for me. You’re really sweet, Tucker.” He plants another kiss on my lips, and it’s so hard to resist not just taking him right here, hitting the pause button on the afternoon of work I have planned out and just enjoying the day enjoying him.

  “I’ll do whatever it takes to look out for you, Molly. From the second I saw you, I knew in my heart that it’s what I’m supposed to do. I might not be whole, but just being with you makes me feel more complete than I can explain.”

  It’s a bittersweet feeling, knowing that I have the exact same thoughts. Spending time with Tucker made me realize that I’m a little less whole than I thought I was. Then he shows up, and it’s as if everything is better.

  “Read
y?” he asks, jumping back on the four-wheeler and firing up the engine. I put my helmet back on and join him on the back, hugging him close as we make our way higher and higher up the side of the mountain.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Tucker:

  I don’t remember what it feels like to introduce a girlfriend to my parents for the first time, or even what it’s like to have parents for that matter. I’m sure I did; hell, everyone came from somewhere. But I know I’m nervous as shit bringing her around the crew.

  She’s so soft and warm, but smarter than most. She treats everyone with compassion, as if they are just like her.

  I know for a fact they are not just like her.

  I saw the look on her face when she got back from the jail. I never want to see her look scared and broken like that again. Moss is a good leader, but he’s over the top. He likes getting people riled up, and, like a rabid dog, he will happily bite the hand that feeds him, infecting them with his toxic personality. I see it in his relationship with Luna on a daily basis.

  I shouldn’t have made her go down there alone to get him, but it’s what she wanted. I might trust Moss with my life, but I definitely don’t trust him with hers. I can tell how seriously she’s taking this story, though, and I wouldn’t do anything to get in the way of that.

  I’m already an inconvenience enough to her life. I can’t get in the way of her career.

  We pull into the campground, and everyone is just lounging around aimlessly. The smell of cloves and patchouli about burn my sinuses out of my skull, meaning everyone got themselves cleaned up, showered, and shaved for her arrival.

  The men jump up, surrounding the four-wheeler, circling us, staring.

  “Why are you guys acting like such creeps?” I ask. “You’re acting like you’ve never seen a girl before. Get the hell out of here.”

  “It’s ok,” she giggles. “I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.”

  “I guess that’s better than Barbara in Night of the Living Dead. Cuz that’s the vibe I’m getting right now.”

  “Well please, you guys don’t have to eat my brains,” she teases. “I brought snacks! Where’s my backpack?” I help her with her helmet, and I pull Dolly out of the little carrier and let her run loose. She bounces from person to person, smelling their hands and letting them pet her.

  “I gave it to Mitch,” Forrest says.

  “Who’s Mitch?” she asks.

  “He’s the guy who keeps track of our stuff. He makes sure we stay honest and that everyone gets equal,” Forrest tells her.

  “That sounds smart,” she says, and I can tell she’s making mental notes. “I’m sure it’s a lot easier not to have to worry about rationing stuff out.”

  “There she is,” Mitch booms from the other side of the campground in his typical jovial fashion. I am actually kind of excited for her to meet the old guy, the voice of reason around here, and the man I can most relate to. “Our heroine. Thanks for fronting us the cash to get Moss out. We should be able to pay you back in no time at all.”

  “As long as he shows up for court like he’s supposed to, I’ll get it back,” she says naively. Everyone around starts laughing, and she shakes her head. “He’s not going to court is he?”

  “We’ll pay you back, love,” Mitch assures her. “Here’s your backpack by the way.”

  “Actually, since you folks are so nice as to let me come spend some time with you and learn your stories, I brought you presents. A peace offering. I know this story thing isn’t ideal for you all, but I wanted to show you I’m not some uppity bitch who’s just here to make a quick buck.”

  She pulls open the bagful of snacks and everyone’s eyes light up like kids who just dumped their trick or treat haul.

  “Are those gummy bears?” Forrest shrieks. It’s hilarious seeing my big burly band of brothers getting so worked up over junk food. It’s almost like they’re a bunch of prisoners who just got commissary.

  “Here’s for the grown-ups,” she says, handing Mitch a couple bottles of whiskey. “I figured you guys might appreciate these.”

  “This is a good woman, Tucker,” Mitch laughs. “Don’t fuck it up.”

  “Tucker!” Luna’s shrill voice squeals from behind a tree. She’s wearing nothing but a string bikini and flip-flops, her breasts barely contained by that thin strip of fabric. She comes over and wraps her arms around me in a big bear hug. “What took you so long? I was worried sick.”

  “Where’s your man?” I ask her, peeling her off of me. “I need to talk to him.”

  “He’s meditating,” she says. “He can’t talk right now.”

  Meditating is Moss’s codeword for plotting. Planning. Hiding out and cutting everyone off while he lets his rage manifest into his next elaborate scheme. Usually when Moss gets back from a day of ‘meditation’, something dramatic happens. Maybe he actually does just need some time to himself out in the woods, though. A few days in prison really did do a number on him.

  “What do you need to know, sweetie?” she asks. “You know I always help you. You’re my baby bird with the broken wing.”

  Her behavior is off-putting to say the least, but I’d already been warned that she doesn’t play well with new girls. I just didn’t get a chance to tell Molly.

  Molly doesn’t seem to care though; she just marches up to Luna and offers her hand. “So you must be the queen bee around here,” she says.

  Luna eyes her suspiciously. She takes her hand limply, showing her complete disinterest.

  “I actually brought something for you, too, but I don’t know if you want me to give it to you in front of the guys. It’s girl stuff,” Molly whispers. “I know it’s probably a pain in the ass to try and get downtown, especially that time of the month.”

  “Dammit, Molly,” Luna laughs. “I wanted to hate you, but that’s really one of the nicest things you could’ve done. But just for the record, I can’t be bought!”

  “I’ll make sure to note that,” Molly says. “And I completely understand why you might not like me. But I promise I will do nothing but respect you guys and your space and land.” It seems to appease Luna for the time being, and she scurries off to Mitch to get her goods.

  “How did you know?” I ask her.

  “I didn’t,” she shrugs. “But I had a feeling there were at least a few females hanging out around here. I mean look at you guys. Look at you,” she says, blushing.

  “What do you want to do now, Molly?” I ask her, putting my arm around her shoulder. “What’s your process?”

  “My process is, I’m going to let everyone enjoy their goodies, and you’re going to walk me home.”

  “Just like that?”

  “Things like this take time. I gotta warm everybody up first. Come on, I’m in the mood for a hike.” She jumps on my shoulders and wraps her legs around my waist, pressing her lips into my neck.

  “I gotta carry you down that hill again?” I tease, searching for her lips.

  “I’ll make it worth your while,” she purrs into my ear. “You’re staying at my place tonight, right?”

  “If I have to,” I joke, hooking my arms under her knees. The way she giggles when I tickle her thighs hits me right in the dick.

  “Put me down, goofy, I’m just kidding,” she says. “Do you know where Wader’s Rock is?”

  “I do.” It was where I was hanging out all day before I found her. The place where I was dreaming about building us a nice sturdy hunting camp. “Why?”

  “I was trying to go there when you found me the other day. I was hoping you’d take me,” she says, sliding down my back. “Let’s get out of here, no?”

  Molly:

  The guys seemed so distracted by my peace offering that they really didn’t even give a second thought to us sneaking off. That’s fine by me. I want them to feel comfortable around me, act like themselves, I want to be a fly on the wall.

  Of course that’s nearly impossible when Tucker is a Venus flytrap, waiting around to snap me u
p at any second. It’s cute the way he hovers over me, but it’s going to be hard for me to flip that switch from personal to professional when I’m so especially partial to this hottie holding my hand and leading me through the narrow footpaths of the forest.

  We let Dolly run ahead and he takes his time pointing out different signs of wildlife, tracks, rubs, even different types of poop. The man knows his shit, quite literally. Birds are singing in the trees and he can identify them by their song, at least that’s what he’s leading me to believe. I have no way of calling him if it’s bullshit; all I know is blue jays are blue and owls go hoo. As much as I love spending time in nature, it’s only recently that I’ve discovered that side of me. Having Tucker as a guide into the wild, in more ways than one, is making for the perfect day.

  “How did you learn all this stuff?” I ask him. For a man who has no recollection of his real last name or last known whereabouts, he sure remembers a lot of really minor and oddly specific details.

  “I guess it’s just in me.” He shrugs. “It’s who I am.”

  It’s so hard to keep my mouth shut, but if I’m going to let myself fall for this man, I can’t settle for the vague. “You know who you are?”

  “Molly, don’t be cruel.”

  “I’m not being cruel. I’m being concerned. I care about you, Tucker. I want to get you help. I can tell from being around the Vagrants for an hour that you’re not like those guys.”

  He reaches into his backpack and pulls out a notebook.

  “Here,” he says, handing it to me. I start flipping through the pages. They’re drawings, blueprints almost, complex designs for houses, office buildings, hotels.

  “What is this?” I stammer.

  “I don’t know. I come down to the rocks and draw this stuff sometimes.”

  “You think this is who you were? Who you are?”

  “I’m working on it,” he says. “This is my cross to bear. There’s a whole lot more to it than figuring out who I was. I have an opportunity to figure out who I want to be. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I think that’s more important.”