Born to Ride_A Clubhouse Collection

chapter 9

Two nights later, I’m back on shift at Two Two Oh Eight bar. I’m on with Candy and it’s busy as all get out.

“Hey, girl, how you been? Mitch said you had an issue. Hope it’s all sorted?” Candy asks me during a lull in service.

“Yeah, all sorted,” I mutter unconvincingly as I scan my tables, making sure everyone has a full glass.

“Well, I’m here, you know, girl. You ever need to talk; I’m always ‘round somewhere.”

“Thanks.”

I can feel his eyes on me as I work, but as I subtly try to find him, I have no success. I know he’s here somewhere though, because I sense his nearness in my veins.

I wipe down my last table and collect my bag from behind the counter. After waving goodbye to Mitch and Candy, I make my way out into the parking lot.

I see Roam, relaxing against the hood of my car. My eyes move over his body and my mouth waters. Heavy black boots encase his feet, well-worn jeans hang from his hips, a black shirt and his leather cut sits on his shoulders. My heart thuds loudly in my chest and my core unconsciously clenches.

To cover my body’s reaction to him, I roll my eyes at him.

“Time for our chat, sugar. Been waitin’ long enough. We can do it here or in private. I’d prefer in private, but I’m gettin’ the picture that you’re a stubborn ass, so I’ll let you choose,” he grins through the last part.

“Whatever,” I mutter.

“Public or private, sugar. Make your choice.”

“Private,” I huff. He reaches out and grabs my hand. Giving a tug, he pulls me off my seat and I follow him to wherever he deems private enough for our chat. I try to pull my hand from his but he just employs a tighter grip, so I eventually just give up trying.

He walks us over to a Harley motorcycle and then releases my hand. He swings his leg over the beast and gestures with a flick of his head that I should get on behind. I tentatively mount the bike. Unsure of where to put my hands, I sit them on my knees.

He hands me a helmet, which I promptly secure tightly to my head. “Gonna need you to hold on, sugar,” he rumbles. “Where?” I stupidly ask.

His answer is to grab my hands and wrap my arms tight around his waist. I feel his breathing quicken as a result of my nearness. His stomach is tense and I feel each ridge of his muscles against my palms. The front of my body is flush up against the back of his. When he starts the bike, the vibrations cause a violent tremble to move through my body. I know he feels it, because there’s no way he couldn’t feel it.

“Hold on, sugar,” he warns before the bike lurches forward and we’re tearing down the road.

I close my eyes and duck my head into his back as the wind rushes by us. Roam slows the bike and we veer left onto a dirt road. He guns the throttle again and we travel for a ways before he slows again to take right turn. Finally he pulls to a stop and cuts the engine. I remove my helmet and slide off the bike. My legs feel like jelly but adrenalin is racing through my blood. I feel f*cking awesome!

Roam takes my hand and leads me toward a beautiful country-style home. It looks old and worn and even though it’s only illuminated by the glowing outdoor lights, I can feel its charm.

We walk up the stairs and he unlocks the door before walking us inside. I look around at the sparsely decorated house. Despite the lack of furnishing, the house’s natural character shines through. It really is a beautiful home.

“Be right back.” Roam leaves me standing there as he goes just down the hall and through a door. I walk over to a wall with a few photos hanging on it. There are a few of a younger Roam with some of the other bikers, including Switch. They must be around eighteen or twenty.


There’s an old fashioned wedding portrait of a young couple in love and one next to that of the same style picture, just a different couple. But, it’s the picture of a handsome little boy sitting in the lap of a beautiful woman who is sitting in between Roam’s legs that captures my attention.

All are wearing wide, happy smiles. Roam’s arm drapes across the shoulders of the woman and his other hand rests on the little boy’s leg.

It’s a family photo.

What the f*ck?

“You want a drink or somethin’?” I turn when I hear Roam’s voice.

“Uh,” my hesitation hangs heavy within the sound. My eyes dart around just waiting for his partner to come out of the shadows wielding a knife or a gun...I know, I know, I have an overactive imagination.

“Somethin’ wrong?”

“The picture,” I say, gesturing behind me.

“What pict – oh, that one. Yeah, Jasper gave it to me last Christmas. Promised him I’d hang it, so I did,” he says by way of explaining.

“Jasper?”

“My kid.”

“Oh.”

“That a problem for you?”

“Um, well, no. I don’t think so,” I stutter.

“Good. Now, you want a drink?”

“What about Jasper’s mom?”

“We’re not together, if that’s what you’re askin’.”

“Okay.”

He stalks off and comes back a few seconds later with a can of coke. I take a sip and then ask, “Why did you bring me here, Roam?”

“Straight to point. I like that,” he laughs. I don’t laugh though. I just look at him, waiting for him to tell me that I’m not good enough for him. That I’m not good enough for anybody. Just like my father used to tell me. I mean, that’s why I’m here, right? He said that us f*cking would never happen again. That it should never have happened in the first place. Though, why he had to bring me here to rub it in my face, is beyond me.

“About the other night,” he starts.

“Look, we don’t have to do this, you know? You made yourself perfectly clear and I accept that. Let’s not drag this out and make things even more awkward than they already are,” I launch in, interrupting him.

“No, you need to shut up and listen to what I gotta say,” he growls at me.

“Pardon?” I glare at him.

His jaw clenches so hard that his cheek tics. Damn, why does he have to be so gorgeous? Why do I want to lick him all over when he gets that pissed off look about him? God, I am so f*cked up.

“F*ck you’re even hotter when you’re pissed,” he whispers, his eyes scanning my face.

I’m not going to lie; his words make my happy place do a little dance. I ignore it and mentally tell my privates to get their act together.

“The other night, what I said, it came out all kinds of wrong. I didn’t mean it shouldn’t have happened. What I meant was, you deserve better than to be f*cked up against a wall in a restroom at a f*ckin’ bar. I saw that dickhead with his hands all over you and I had to step in, then I watched you all night and the more I watched you, the more I had to have you. I lost control and took you. What I should have done was taken you home and f*cked you there. Shoulda never let you leave. I feel like, even if I f*cked you every night for the rest of my life, it wouldn’t be enough.”

I stare at him, completely blown away. You could knock me down with a feather, I’m sure. But, he’s not finished.

“I’m not real into sharin’ much about my feelin’s, so that’s about all you’re gonna hear from me. The rest of the time, I’ll show you. Now, it’s up to you. You wanna take this ride with me or not, sugar?”

My body is screaming Hell yes! But my mind is a lot more wary. “What exactly does taking the ride with you entail?” I ask cautiously.

“Not gonna make any promises to you that I can’t keep. But, I wanna see where things go with you.”

“Okay,” I find myself agreeing. I think I just shocked myself.

“Good. Now come over here. I need a taste of your sweetness, sugar.”

My knees tremble, but my legs still make their way toward him of their own accord.

I stop in front of him and look up into his blue eyes. He smiles down at me and two dimples pop out. His eyes twinkle and I am lost in their depths.

He leans down and his lips blend with mine. My mouth opens, granting his seeking tongue entrance. A sigh escapes me and he pulls me flush against him. Walking backwards, we find ourselves in his bedroom.

He slowly removes my clothing as I return the favor. Soon, we are naked before each other. I sit on the bed and then lay back. He climbs over me, resting his weight on his forearm. He uses his free hand to stroke down the side of my body. I shudder as his calloused finger tips gently graze the underside of my breast.

“F*ckin’ amazing,” he whispers before leaning down and taking my nipple into his mouth. My hands thread through his hair and hold him to me as he continues to gently lave my hardened bud.

His fingers travel down and brush through my lips. “F*ck,” Roam growls when he finds my wetness.

“It was the ride over here,” I half lie.

His fingers penetrate me at the same time as he calls me out on my lie. “So, it’s got nothin’ to do with me?”

“No,” I pant, as his fingers piston in and out of me. “I think you’re lying, sugar,” he muses.

“I’m not,” I breathe.

“So if I just stop, it won’t bother you?” He asks on a raised eyebrow, and then he does just that – he stops.

“No,” I cry. “Don’t stop. It’s you, all you,” I plead. His fingers slide back inside me and I sigh in relief. He gives a little chuckle before lowering his head and sucking my * into his mouth. My hips buck upwards and I grip his hair tightly. His fingers begin to pump in and out of me at a furious pace and his tongue works its magic. It isn’t long before I am screaming his name and thrashing on the bed as my orgasm rips through my body.

He positions himself over me and reaches into the nightstand for a condom. After sliding it over his pieced goods, he kisses me gently and then he slides inside me.

“Gonna f*ck you slow, sugar,” he whispers against my lips.

“Yes,” I breathe.

Then he does what he said he was going to do. He f*cks me slow and sweet. His eyes never leave mine the entire time he’s inside me. I feel like the center of his world. My lower belly begins to tighten and I moan softly as I come apart beneath him, at the same time as he loses himself inside me.

He slides out of me, tosses the condom into the trash and comes straight back into bed. Pulling my back against his front, he plasters me to him and we both fall asleep.

***

“Wake up, sugar.” Roam slapping me on the ass, rouses me from sleep.

“What’s going on?” I mumble.

“Your girl’s here to see you,” he answers.

“Jenn?”

“Yep. Grab a shirt out of the top drawer and grab a shower if you want. I’ll make coffee.” He walks out and then pokes his head back through the door. “Just so you know, sugar, what happened with Christa that night at the clubhouse, is never gonna happen again. No way I can share you.”

“Good.” Even I can hear the relief in my voice. He winks and walks out I get out of bed and set about taking a quick shower.

I hear Jenn’s voice as she chats to Roam. Her voice is stern and I try to listen but I can’t make out what she is saying. I grab one of Roam’s shirts and make my way out to them.

“Here, sugar,” Roam hands me a cup of steaming coffee.

“Thanks,” I go up on the balls of my feet and kiss him lightly on the cheek. “Mornin’,” I smile.

“Mornin’,” he grins back.

“Hey, Jenn,” I greet my bestie.

“Hey,” her eyes look between us cautiously.

“Is everything alright?” I ask her.

“Yeah, sure it is. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You are okay, right?”

“I’m good. Great, actually,” I answer truthfully.

She lets out the breath she’s been holding. “Good. I’m glad. I just wanted to make sure.”

I look at her and my heart warms. Then, I walk over to her and put my arms around her. “Love you, Jenn,” I whisper in her ear.

“Love you, too,” she whispers back.

“You want some breakfast?” I ask.

“Only if Roam’s making his grits” she grins cheekily at Roam before turning back to me. “He makes the best grits. He made them at the Clubhouse once and they were to die for,” she winks.

“Sounds yum. Do we get eggs with these famous grits?” I tease.

Roam grins and shakes his head. Then he busies himself making our breakfast as Jenn and I idly chat amongst ourselves.

“What’s cookin’?” Switch’s voice comes booming through the house, just as we’re about to dig in.

“You smell me cookin’ a mile away, brother?” Roam laughs.

“Somethin’ like that. Serve me up a bowl,” he says, rubbing his stomach.

***

After breakfast, Jenn and Switch make their leave and I tidy up while Roam takes a shower. After getting changed back into my clothes from yesterday, Roam walks out and takes my hand.

“You busy today?” He asks.

“No. I don’t work again until tomorrow night.”

“Good. I want to take you somewhere.” He gives my hand a tug and leads me outside to his bike. Handing me a helmet, he throws his leg over and turns the key. The bike roars to life and I slide on behind him. My arms immediately wrap around his middle and then he takes off.

A short while later, Roam pulls into a grassy clearing beside a lake. He cuts the engine and we both get off the bike. I look around while Roam is getting something from the saddle bags. It’s a beautiful area. There are bushy green trees everywhere and the grass is lush. The water is sparkling and it’s so quiet and peaceful.

Roam lays a blanket out on the ground and then sits in the center of it, with his legs and arms open. I crawl in between them and lie my head back against his chest.

“It’s beautiful here,” I tell him.

“Used to come here when I was a kid,” is all he replies with.

“Is Roam your real name?” I feel him jerk at my question, so I think I surprised him.

“Yeah, why?” He laughs through his reply.

“It’s just a different name, is all. I thought it might have been a nickname.”

“Nope. My mom was whacked.”

The seriousness of his tone, in what was a light hearted conversation, causes me to turn my head and look up at him.

While I’m trying to think of the right thing, or anything at all, to say, he looks out at the water and continues.

“My father’s Italian. He met my mom and they had an affair. He left and went back to Italy and not long later my mom found out I was on my way. She’d never traveled, but said she always wanted to. She called me Roam ‘cause it reminded her of my father, and she always wanted to go there. Stupid bitch couldn’t even spell it right.”

“Where is she now?” I ask softly.

“Passed away about ten years ago. I was eighteen, on my own. It’s how I found the club. Started off as a prospect, got patched in a little over twelve months later. They’ve been my only family ever since, ‘sides Jasper.”

“Was she a good mom?”

“Did the best she could, sometimes wasn’t as good as it should have been, but it was still better than some have it.”

I felt like he’d shared a lot, and I’d shared nothing. So I shared. “My dad was a bastard. My mom was weak.”

“Was?”

“Mom shot him and then turned the gun on herself a few years back.”

“I’m sorry, sugar,” he kisses the side of my head, near my temple.

“It’s for the best. She did what she had to do to make sure we were both set free.”

We both sat there, together but alone in our thoughts.

“Things go how I see ‘em goin’ sugar, I want you to meet my boy,” Roam surprises me by saying.

“I’d like that, a lot. Are you and uh, his mom...Are you on friendly terms?”

He gives me a squeeze around my shoulders. “Yeah, sugar. Amy and me, we never had a relationship. She was just a piece of ass ‘til I knocked her up. We got a good thing goin’ on and it works for us. Jasper’s happy and content ‘cause there’s no animosity between his parents. I have him every other weekend and some night’s durin’ the week, when I’m not busy.”

“That’s good. You sound like a good dad,” I muse.

“Doin’ my best. Didn’t have a father so f*ck if I know if I’m doin’ it right, but I’m doin’ my best.”

“I never asked you about the shooting,” I mention quietly.

He sighs. “Can’t tell you much – its club business. Many years ago the club was into illegal shit. Stuff went down and a bunch of rival club members ended up dead. That shooting was one of the dead member’s grandkids retaliating. Stupid prick is only a teenager. Enlisted a bunch of his buddies to help him.”

“Did you hurt him?” I ask, horrified at the thought.

His body shakes. “No, sugar. You gotta understand, not all MC’s are outlaws. The one thing we do all share, is the bond of the brotherhood. We met with the Prez of the other club and he’s going to handle it. He knows we’re not happy, but he also knows we don’t want friction between the clubs. He’s as pissed off as we are, because we’re all on the same page. The kid will think twice about going off halfcocked in the future, that’s for sure.”

“You do know my name is Lacey, right? Not Sugar.” I attempt to lighten the mood.

“Yeah, I know,” he chuckles. “But you’re sweet as f*ckin’ sugar.”

I smile to myself as I think, I might be done running. Maybe it’s time to stay.