by Faith Gibson
“Sure. Can I watch television while you’re gone?”
Ryker frowned. “Of course. You can do whatever you want. All I ask is you don’t leave the room.”
That wouldn’t be a problem since she had nowhere to go. “Thank you. Is it okay if I turn it on now? I’m really excited to see what kind of shows are on these days.”
“Rhi, how long has it been since you watched TV?”
“Ten years. When my dad and I went to live in our new home, we weren’t allowed to have one.” They didn’t have anything that could be a distraction from the teachings of the Bible. Rhi had not been allowed to take any of her toys or books with her when they moved. Her life had ended the day she lost her mother in more ways than one.
“I’m sorry if I’m overstepping, but can I ask where your mom is?”
“She died when I was thirteen. My dad said it was a brain hemorrhage, but my grandmother said it was God’s punishment. She never liked my mom because Mom was different. Grandmother called her nasty names because my mom refused to go to church.”
“You mentioned earlier they called you Anna because it sounded less pagan. Is that why your grandmother didn’t like your mom? Because she wasn’t a Christian?”
Rhi nodded. “Mom was a free spirit. At least that’s what she told me. I never understood what she meant until later when someone called me that. I was always getting into trouble because I wanted to help in the garden, the way I helped my mom. I was laughed at when I talked to the plants. Mom said they were living things and thrived when you treated them as such. When I told my preacher that, he chastised me and wouldn’t let me near the garden afterwards.”
“Rhi, was your preacher in charge of where you lived?”
“Yes. Everyone thought he was a good man, but I thought he was a jerk. I used to get in trouble for talking to the boys. Before we moved, I had lots of boy friends. Not boyfriends, but friends who were boys. Our neighborhood was filled with them. I rode bikes with them. Played video games. We lived in a cul-de-sac back then. Everyone knew everyone, and it was normal for everyone to play together. We all went to the same school. Rode the same bus. I called their mothers ‘mom’ the same way they called mine that. Nobody cared that I talked to plants or that I liked to play in the dirt. They were my friends. But when my dad took me to live in our new home, I didn’t have any friends. There were a few girls in my school, but they didn’t like me very much because I was always getting in trouble. And if I got in trouble, everyone was punished.”
Rhi didn’t like thinking about those early days, so she picked up the milkshake and took a sip. When the chocolate hit her tongue, she smiled. “My mom used to make the best milkshakes. She always added extra syrup to the top. Said it was a little dose of love.”
“She sounds like a wonderful person. Did she name you Rhiannon after the song?”
“She was the best, and yes. We would listen to music while we worked in the garden and sing all the old rock songs. Stevie Nicks was her favorite singer.” Rhi’s heart still hurt thinking about her mom and the happy life they’d had. “I’m going to watch TV now, if that’s okay.” She didn’t wait for Ryker to answer since he already said it was okay. She picked up the remote and hit the power button. Sinking down onto the sofa with her milkshake, Rhi got lost in clicking through the hundreds of channels. Ryker left to get his motorcycle, and only then did she let herself dream of a future away from her home and Brother Josiah. Away from the man who courted her so he could see if she would make a good wife. Away from the father who had taken another, Godlier, wife. A future where she could have a little house of her own where she could talk to the plants because they were living creatures. A place she could openly worship the goddess, the way her mom taught her.
When Ryker returned, he untied his boots and toed them off, setting them beside the sofa. He sat on the end opposite her. Rhi held out the remote, but he shook his head. “I’m fine watching whatever.” He laced his fingers behind his head and stared at the TV. Rhi was more interested in watching him than the show about gardening she’d come across, but that would be rude. It would also give her body ideas she didn’t think were wrong, no matter what Brother Josiah said. Her mom had talked to her openly about sex as soon as Rhi got her first period. Told her she was a woman even though her body would continue to blossom like the fragrant flowers in their garden. Daisy explained how Rhi would respond to boys differently as she got older and what would happen when she gave into those urges. Her mom never called sex ugly or sinful. She said with the right person it would be beautiful. Life-altering. But she also told Rhi she should be selective in who she gave her body to because it was a gift. One that should only be given to someone who would appreciate it. Nurture it. Respect it.
Rhi had never found someone worthy, but she wondered if Ryker would be. He was older, but that meant he was experienced in the ways of the world. The world outside her former home. He was a man who rescued people like her. Him and his family. “Will you tell me about your family? You mentioned a brother. Is he the only one?”
“Not by half. I have six older sisters. Three sets of twins who live in Texas. That’s where we’re from originally. Then there’s me. Maveryck and Warryck who are twins are next oldest. We all were born in Texas. Then we moved to New York, and Hayden and Kyllian were born here. My dad, Sutton, he formed a motorcycle club a long time ago. He handed the presidency over to me about twenty years ago. War has a daughter, Lucy, and his female’s name is Kerrigan. Maveryck has a set of four-year-old twins – Major and Marshall. Those kids are so fucking cute. Mav’s woman is Natalia. I have a daughter, McKenzie. She goes by Mac. She’s only been in my life a few months, but that’s a story for another day. Depending on what you decide to do once Rory gets here, you’ll probably meet everyone at some point. The Hounds too. That’s the name of our MC, The Hounds of Zeus. They’re all great males, and every single one of them would protect you with their life. It’s not just my blood family who helps those in need, but my biker family too.”
“You mentioned your twin brothers have women. Do you have a woman? I mean if you have a daughter…”
“Mac’s mom died a long time ago, but no. There’s no one in my life now. I have too many responsibilities to worry about having a mate.”
Rhi found it strange how Ryker spoke of the women as females and mates. She found it disheartening how he didn’t have time for a woman. And just because he was the first man she came across outside her home, that didn’t mean he was someone she should seek out as a companion. Why did that make her sad? He was gorgeous and kind. It wasn’t just his looks; it was his heart she was attracted to. Mostly.
Rhi didn’t ask any more questions. She tried to focus on the television, but the events of her evening were catching up with her. She tried to stay awake until Rory got there, but her eyes wouldn’t stay open. Rhi slid down, resting her head on the arm of the sofa, and exhaustion won the battle.
Chapter Four
Ryker
Ryker was convinced Rhi had escaped a cult. She wore the same slip-on shoes he had seen when they went into Gideon’s compound, and the way she described the preacher and all the rules… It all added up. Whether or not it was one associated with the Ministry, he didn’t know. Ryker wanted to find out, but it was clear Rhi was tired. He didn’t ask all the questions he was curious about. He was going to let Rory have that conversation. When Rhi asked if Ryker had a woman, he didn’t miss the hope in her eyes, but he wasn’t the male for her. He might want a mate, but Rhi had been sheltered the last ten years of her life. She was too young and naïve for someone like him. If Ryker did find a mate, she needed to be tough like Lucy or Natalia.
But she needs someone like us to care for her. Protect her. Love her.
No, she needs someone softer, like Kyllian.
Kyllian’s a child.
So is she.
Look at her. Really look at her. She’s all woman. Just because she’s not wild like Juliette was doesn’t mean she’s n
ot strong. Rhiannon has to be tough to have escaped from that bastard James.
Ryker should be pissed his Gryphon was comparing Rhi to Juliette, but he wasn’t. He understood the need for a mate. The need of connecting with another person. Yes, he wanted it. Enough time had passed since he lost his wife. He agreed with his beast that Rhi was strong, but Ryker didn’t think he was right for her. She was most likely a virgin. That wasn’t a bad thing. Ryker would be honored to be her first under normal circumstances, but Ryker wasn’t a gentle lover. It’s why Juliette had been perfect for him. She’d been wild and willing. It was that same untamed abandon that had drawn him to Cassandra. As with other lovers he’d taken over the years, Ryker sought out those who matched his penchant for down-and-dirty fucking, not gentle lovemaking.
Ryker was still sitting on the sofa watching Rhi sleep when his phone vibrated. It was a text from his mom letting him know she and Sutton had arrived. He responded with his room number and stood to gather himself. If anyone could read Ryker, it was his parents. Sutton more so than Rory. His father was adept at taking one look at someone and knowing where their head was.
He opened the door before they had a chance to knock. Rory hugged Ryker as she did every time she saw him or his brothers. His father was carrying several shopping bags, so Sutton lifted his chin. Rory walked over to where Rhi was sleeping and studied the young woman. Ryker couldn’t talk freely with his parents in the living room with Rhi, so he motioned toward the bedroom. Sutton set the bags on the bed, and Rory began emptying them. While she placed the toiletries in the attached bathroom, Sutton leaned against the far wall.
“Tell us everything.”
Ryker had already told them about Rhi running from James and hiding in the dumpster. He recounted their earlier conversations. “I have no doubt her father moved them to a compound. Whether or not it’s part of the Ministry is yet to be determined.”
Rory began putting the clothes in the dresser. “That poor child. First, she loses her mother, then she’s hauled off to live in a cult. I’d like to know what made her run now.”
“I thought you could talk to her. She needs a woman’s touch.” Sutton stared at Ryker, eyes narrowed. Ryker knew what his father was doing – reading the situation. “Don’t look at me like that, Pop. You know Mom is better equipped to handle this. It’s what she does. What you both do. It’s why I called you.”
“Fair enough. We got a room down the hall. When she wakes up, give us a call, and we can all sit down over breakfast. Might I suggest you carry her to bed? She doesn’t look comfortable on the sofa.” Sutton smirked, and Ryker pinched the bridge of his nose. Meddling Gryphon.
Rory laughed softly. “She is pretty. And strong.”
“And way too young. She’s barely older than Mac, for fuck’s sake.”
“So? We know age is a number that means little in the scheme of things. But think of it this way; the younger she is, the more years you’ll have with her.” Sutton clapped Ryker on the shoulder. “See you in a few hours.”
Ryker followed his parents to the door. Once it was closed, he turned and stared at Rhi. Her hair was fanned out over the arm of the sofa.
She looks like an angel.
His Gryphon wasn’t wrong, and his dad was right; she looked like an uncomfortable angel, so against his better judgment, Ryker strode over and lifted her in his arms. She smelled like garbage, but underneath was her unique scent, something earthy and sweet, and Ryker had to admit it called to him. When she took a shower, it was going to be harder to ignore. Rhi stirred in his arms but didn’t wake. She nuzzled his neck, her breaths tickling his skin. Ryker didn’t linger. He took her to the bedroom and set her in the middle of the king-sized bed. He removed her shoes, then pulled the covers up. Rhi turned onto her side, her hair falling over her face. Ryker pushed the strands back, enjoying the softness. If she were someone different, he would imagine grabbing fistfuls of her long mane, tugging it while fucking her hard from behind. But she wasn’t one of his lovers who knew the score. Who liked it rough. She was a young woman who’d been sheltered the last ten years and no doubt had been taught sex was something that should only happen between a married couple. Or at the least between a couple in love.
Rhi was a beautiful, naïve woman, and Ryker wasn’t going to taint her innocence.
Rhiannon
Rhi startled awake. It took her a few seconds to remember she wasn’t at home. The previous day came barreling back, and she felt both elated and nervous. The clock on the bedside table showed it was after eight. That made her smile. Sleeping late wasn’t allowed at home. Pushing the plush covers off, Rhi sat up and stretched. When she went into the bathroom to pee, there were full-sized toiletries lined up on the counter. Rory. Rhi was excited about meeting Ryker’s parents, but first, she needed a shower. It was bad enough Ryker had been around her all evening, smelling the stench of trash. There was no way she was going to meet his parents in the same condition. She turned on the water, letting it heat. After peeing, she stripped out of her dress and pantyhose, gathered the things she needed, and climbed under the spray. Rhi took her time, enjoying the wonderful water pressure. While the conditioner sat on her hair, she shaved her legs and her armpits, singing her song. The one her mom took her name from. When she was finished, Rhi was loath to get out, but she was ready to meet Rory and Sutton. To find out how they were going to help her get away and start a new life.
Just as she turned the water off, there was a knock on the door. “Rory put your new clothes in the dresser,” Ryker called out from the bedroom.
“Thank you. I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
“I’m going to order breakfast. Anything in particular you want?”
“Can I have pancakes?” Rhi had always loved her mom’s pancakes. She had loved everything her mother cooked.
“Yes. Bacon or sausage?”
“Bacon, please.”
“You got it.”
Rhi waited until she heard the bedroom door close before she stepped out of the tub. Not that she thought Ryker would sneak back in to get a look at her naked, but she didn’t want him to see her with no clothes on. Rhi’s body was nothing special. If Ryker figured that out, he’d have no reason… Stop. She couldn’t allow herself to get caught up in him. He was probably going to hand her off to his parents and be on his way. Rhi finished in the bathroom quicker than she wanted. She found the new clothes and underwear where Ryker said they’d be. The bras and panties were lace. They felt strange against her skin. Rhi chose a long-sleeved tee that was softer than anything she’d ever felt. She pulled on a pair of jeans that hugged her legs. It felt weird wearing them after so long of having to dress like every other woman. Even the married ones were required to wear the oversized pants and tops that did nothing for their figures.
Not wanting to keep Ryker waiting, Rhi towel-dried her hair, removed the tangles, and left it down to air dry. Ryker was standing by the window, looking out. He turned, smiling when he saw how she was dressed. “I hope the clothes are okay. I told you Rory would dress you like a biker chick.”
Rhi looked down at herself. She was barefoot, so until she put on the soft leather boots, she thought she looked like a normal woman. The few women she came across when she and James made their weekly trips to the city were usually in jeans and sweatshirts or tees under jackets. She had only recently been allowed to leave home, so she hadn’t been to the city during summer. For that, she was thankful. She’d definitely stand out if she’d had to wear her cotton pants.
“Rory and Sutton would like to join us for breakfast, if that’s okay with you.”
“It’s fine. I’d like to thank her for all my new things. I’ll have to find a job so I can pay her back.”
“That’s not necessary. Like I said before, it’s what we do.”
Before Rhi could argue, there was a knock at the door. Ryker went and paused only a second. Without looking through the peephole, he opened up to let a couple in. A couple who could in no way be Ryker’
s parents because they weren’t old enough.
The woman was a pretty blonde dressed as Ryker had described Rory. The man was dark-haired like Ryker. The woman approached Rhi, assessing the clothes. “Hello, Rhi. I’m Rory, and this is Sutton.”
“Uh, hi. You… thank you for the clothes. But…” Rhi didn’t want to be rude about the couple’s ages, but she had to ask. “How is it possible you’re his parents. Is he adopted?”
Rory laughed. “Oh, I promise you I birthed him and all his siblings. Sutton and I have good genes, that’s all. Now, why don’t you come sit down and tell us about you and the man you ran from?”
A knock sounded on the door, and Ryker let in a young woman bringing room service. The woman kept eyeing Ryker, and although it brought out a jealous streak, Rhi couldn’t blame her. Ryker ignored the woman’s glances except to sign the paper she presented. When everything was spread out on the table, the four of them sat down. As Rhi poured syrup over her pancakes, she wondered where to begin.
“Coffee, dear?” Rory asked.
“Oh. I’ve never had coffee. Is it any good?”
Rory poured her a cup. “Personally, I can’t live without it. There’s only one way to find out if you like it or not. Some people like it black, some with cream or sugar or both. Take a sip, and if you don’t find it to your liking, we can doctor it up until you do.”
Rhi took a small sip. It was hot and bitter. She shook her head. “Nope.” She added cream from a miniature pitcher and stirred it with her spoon the way Rory had. That was better, but she decided to try it with sugar. After adding a teaspoon, Rhi found it to be perfect. “Yes. I like it.” Ryker was watching her. Something about his expression was off, but she figured it was because she didn’t know how to act like a normal person. Rhi knew where she lived they didn’t do things like most other people. She hadn’t forgotten what it was like before her mom died and her dad carted her off to live with the church community.
