Page 4 of Riding Hard
“What’s that mean?” I stare into the diner like a creep, watching everyone eat pie and meatloaf.
“When Chaplain needed a place to stay, you were the first to offer up a room. You said your cabin was so big you’d barely notice he was there.”
I grunt. “Chap is one of us. That was different.”
“Yeah. This isdifferent,too.” There’s an inflection in his tone that’s tinged with sarcasm, and I know why. The guys have been trying to hook me up for ages. If only Gunner knew how young and completely inappropriate this woman was, he’d have different thoughts.
Another crack of thunder hits above, and I start up the truck. I need to get out to the campground. “This storm is getting worse. I gotta get a few things done before I head home. You guys should call it.”
“Not raining here yet, but clouds are moving in. Good luck with the hot girl you’re trying not to let in.” He laughs, then disconnects the line.
What the hell am I doing?One attempt to help Bella is sufficient. Amber only asked that I offer her protection because it’s what the MC does. We protect the people of Rugged Mountain where the law can’t go. But showing up at Bella’s campsite and demanding she live with me might be about as insane as it gets, especially if she’s trying to get away from a controlling father. But… Amber said no one else knew she was out here, and I can’t sleep tonight knowing this storm is hanging over us and I’m not doing anything to keep her safe.
I park the truck at the side trail where I see a small Honda Civic tucked into the gravelly patch off the side of the road. I noticed the same car outside the tattoo shop earlier. It has to be Bella’s.
Tucking my flashlight into my pocket, I trudge into the forest.
Rugged Mountain is primarily forest land. For many, this means fishing, hiking, hunting, and camping. Except most folks know when a good summer storm rumbles through, it’s best to take shelter.
One heavy boot after the other, I follow the slick trail the hikers use. A nearby brook burbles beneath the rolling thunder and heavy rain. Aside from that, the earth is quiet. It’s not until I cross the creek and hike at least another half a mile that I see a small green tent lit up beyond the tree line.
She’s tucked herself back far enough that I second guess what her father has done. This has to be more than a fight. Amber and I have had disagreements before, but she never ran off and insisted on living in the woods.
“Incoming.” I flash the light three times in front of the tent, trying not to startle Bella, but she screams anyway, which is followed by a heavy crash of thunder. “It’s Diesel.”
The tent unzips slowly and her bright eyes peek out through the darkness. “You shouldn’t have come out here.” She zips the tent back into place.
“They’re calling for sixty mile an hour winds tonight. A tree could fall on your tent. Do you know what happens if a tree falls on your tent?”
“Just go!”
I pull my knife from my pocket. “If I have to slice in there and carry you back to the truck, I will.”
She stills and her flashlight clicks off. “Did Amber set you up to do this, too? Because if she did, she crossed a line. I’m perfectly—”
“Nope. This is all me.” I grip the side of the tent with one hand and lay my knife against the canvas. “Last chance to come out on your own.”
“Ugh!” She slides the zipper down and pokes out further this time. Her hair is tied up, and she’s wearing an oversized hoodie as she stays folded into her sleeping bag. “I told you already. I can’t go right now.”
“Why?” I growl through the rain that’s soaking me to the bone.
Her gaze sticks on mine as lightning flashes nearby. I notice now that there’s a scar on the corner of her left eye I hadn’t seen before. The line is fresh and there’s slight bruising around the edges.
I kneel down toward her. My hand instinctively moves toward her face. “Did someone hurt you?”
She flinches away. “No. Now please leave. You’re only going to get yourself into trouble.”
My stomach tenses as I stare at her. I’ve seen this look before.
There’s no way I’m walking away now.
Chapter Three
Bella
I should call the police. I should scream for help. Under no circumstance should someone be allowed to reach into your tent, pick you up, and carry you out of the forest like an object.
Unless that’s some kinky thing you’re into. Then, by all means.