Page 1 of Riding Hard
Chapter One
Bella
My hand sweats as I hold the gun tight in my hand. It’s the very first time I’ve tattooed anyone‘for real.’ Well… my sister is real, and my friend Amber is too, but they don’t count. They’re not big, hulking men with swollen biceps and deep graveled voices. Making a mistake now could have much more serious consequences.
“Why the six of hearts?” I lay the needle down and start to trace the outline I’ve transferred. The image is a classic playing card, and requires minimal shading, but my heart is still in my throat. Months went into choosing the proper gun. Weight versus efficiency. Coil or rotary. Despite the time and research, I still wonder if I’m holding the right one.
Besides that, Diesel isn’tjust‘some big guy.’He’s the co-founder of Rugged Mountain MC. The dude has made a name for himself in town as the guy who doesn’t take shit from anyone. I’m sure our paths never would have crossed had it not been for his daughter, Amber. We’ve run in the same circles for years.
“You don’t read cards?” His voice gets deeper with every word.
I glance up at the behemoth. “Read cards?Like what… tarot cards?”
He laughs. “No. Well… kind of, I guess. My grandma kept a six of hearts tucked into her pocket for as long as I knew her. She gave it to me when she passed. It’s supposed to be a reminder of my youth, virtue, and a time when the world was at my feet and opportunities were a dime a dozen.”
I try not to furrow my brows together. “Is that kind of depressing, or am I missing something?”
He nods and smiles, pulling the worn card from his pocket. “It’s a token to remind me that possibilities are always open. No matter how old we get, we can always unlock new doors and create a different version of ourselves.”
Insightful for a man who looks like he crushes skulls for a living.
“So, what new doors are you wanting to open?” Talking seems to help distract my nerves from the pressure of getting this tattoo right, so I want to keep him going. The man is covered in ink…good ink.Ink from other artists at this shop who’ve done it for their whole lives. The only reason I’m getting this gig is because of people I know, and I’m aware of that.
“We’ve talked enough about me.” He swipes his giant hand down over his beard. “What about you? How are things? Amber said you’re having trouble at home.”
Oh God.I huff out a heavy sigh and lean back in my chair, lifting the gun from Diesel’s arm. I love Amber. We’re friends, and I know deep down she’s worried and wants to help, but I don’t need her big, scary dad showing up to fix things for me.
I lift my foot off the pedal switch and stare at Diesel. I’d guess he’s in his late forties by the salt and pepper hair and his rough, enormous hands. Though, I’m not sure it matters when you have a face like that, large, inked biceps, and a thick and full beard that I just want to explore… everywhere.
Did I really think that?I shake my head and squeeze the bridge of my nose between two fingers. “If this is about the fight my father and I had, I’m fine.Really.”
“Amber said he kicked you out of the house and you’ve been camping out near the creek.”
“I’ve been camping at the creek because I needed a break. I’m twenty-five. It’s time I got out of that house, anyway.”
He stares down at the ground, then glances up at me again. “We had some pretty bad storms pass through here last night. It’s not safe.”
“I understand you’re here doing your daughter a favor, and I appreciate that, but if you’re asking if I need protection, or whatever it is you motorcycle guys offer, I don’t.”
He nods. “Okay. You don’t.” His arm stretches out, and he stares at me as though he wants me to go back to work.
I sigh and lean into his bicep, trying to steady the gun where I left off, but my hands are shaking. “You know… if I were you, I wouldn’t talk emotional shit with your tattoo artist, especially when they’re still learning.” I laugh. “Praise.I work better with praise.” I don’t look up, but I can feel him staring toward me, burning a hole in my face. “What are you looking at?”
“You’re doing good. The lines are crisp. Keep going.” His deep voice sends a shock straight through me.
I need to get laid. I’m one hundred percent sure that all of my problems could be solved with one solid dicking. A release of tension, and a reminder that I’m desired. “If you want to talk, why don’t you tell me the truth about what kinds of opportunities you’re hoping your six of spades will get you?”
He shifts abruptly and inspects his arm closely. “It’s supposed to be the six of hearts!”
“Chill… I’m fucking with you.” I chuckle under my breath, hoping this is what I need to finally relax.
He laughs and settles back in. “Okay. How about I answer your questions, then you answer mine?”
I roll my eyes and tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. I know I’m going to need a distraction so I can finish this tattoo, so I reluctantly agree.
“Deal. Talk to me.”
He straightens and clears his throat. “Alright. Well… I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the MC is doing volunteer work to help finish the lodge at Balsam Creek by Christmas.”