Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Epilogue

About The Author

COPYRIGHT

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either a product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously.

All rights reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976.

Copyright © 2016 by SH Richardson

First Edition: 2016

Formatting: CP Smith Affordable Formatting

Editing: Julia Goda Editing Services

Cover By: Sweet Lush Photography & Design, Dollar Photo Club.

DEDICATION

To my two beautiful children, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it, you will land among the stars.” To my wonderful husband for always being there for me…I adore you.

CHAPTER 1

Range

Collection day was my favorite day of the month. Most people favored weekends or holidays, but not me. No way, baby. Give me collection day any day. I gave myself a once-over in the mirror, noticing my shirt was clean and pressed to perfection along with my jeans. This ritual of never leaving the house without clean and pressed clothing was unfortunately a reflection of my poor childhood and upbringing. The only time you’d catch me unkempt was when I was working in the junkyard. During working hours, it was almost impossible not to get filthy; but as soon as my workday was over, I took a beeline straight to the shower and clean clothes. This of course, was usually met with a lot of grief from my friends, who constantly called me a “primping bitch” and gave me shit about my grooming needs. I never let this worry me since I knew it was just their way of poking fun and not meant to be hurtful. My friends knew about my past and could hardly blame me for having a few “issues.”

Satisfied I passed inspection, I made my way to my truck, grabbing my keys and wallet on the way out the door. As soon as I stepped outside, the light breeze hit me in the face and blew my longish hair in every direction. One would think that with my compulsive grooming habits having longer hair would be a deal breaker for me, but this unfortunately was also one of those things my childhood nightmares were made of. Fortunately, the ladies seemed to like it this way. As I made my way to my truck, I allowed my thoughts to drift back to a time in my life when things weren’t so simple and surviving day to day seemed nearly impossible.

“All right, class, let me introduce our new student to you. His name is Range Reardon and he just moved here to Remington. Everyone, say hello to Range and let’s give him a warm welcome, shall we?”

I took a quick look around the classroom filled with all the clean-cut boys and girls, and slowly felt my face start to heat up from embarrassment. They all looked so pristine and youthful with their colorful shirts and bright eyes. Some of the girls had bright bows in their hair and wore frilly skirts with short ankle socks to match. The boys all had nice haircuts and clean faces, each wearing tennis shoes or loafers to fit the style. I could tell as soon as they took one look at me that I was totally out of place with this group of kids. My shirt had a hole in it right at the collar and my jeans were too small, which also meant they were too short for my tall but slender frame. I reached up and scratched the top of my head, noticing how all the girls scrunched up their noses at me, probably considering it was a fair bet I had lice. My nails were dirty underneath and we had run out of toothpaste the day before, so I could only brush with water. I didn’t have a notebook or a pen to my name, but school was free, so I didn’t have to worry about not being allowed to attend. I could also get a free meal here, which would probably be my only meal of the day, considering my old man was not much of a cook even if we had the money to buy groceries. One of the girl students in the back of the classroom raised her hand as if she had a question.

“Mrs. Greene, I don’t want him to sit next to me. He looks funny and probably smells like a stray dog and has the fleas too.”

I felt my eyes begin to sting and my nose start to tickle, and I knew I would start crying any moment. All of the children started laughing and pointing at me, while Mrs. Greene tried to gain order in her classroom. But it was too late. The damage was done. While the teacher was attempting to quiet the class, I took off running down the hall. I didn’t know where I was going, but I knew I had to get out of there and fast. I ran and ran, not knowing which direction I was headed to or how far I was going. It was only after I could no longer feel my legs that I slowed down and took a look at my surroundings. I was standing in front of a sign that said “Buck’s Junkyard Private Property.” The sign was resting on top of a huge gate clearly designed to keep people out when it wasn’t open for business. But since I was small enough in stature, I was able to climb through to the other side fairly easily. As I took a look around the vast yard, I noticed there were cars everywhere. Old cars piled on top of other old cars, different colors and models, but they were all flattened in big heaps on top of one another. I took a few steps forward and could see there were rows upon rows of cars everywhere, even a few cars lying against a tree. I went to take a step further when a hand landed on my shoulder, stopping me in place.

“What the fuck you doin’ here, boy? Don’t you read good?” That voice was so harsh and gruff the owner must be a serious smoker. What I saw made all breath leave my lungs in a flash: a giant, at least to my twelve-year-old body. The man standing before me was massive. He had bulging muscles in his arms and tattoos that ran from his neck all the way down to the tips of his fingers. I could tell by the wrinkles around his eyes that he was an older man, probably in his forties or so. He had silver streaks running through his too long hair and a beard that was braided with a rubber band attached to the end of it. “Did you hear me, boy? I said, what the fuck you doin’, sneaking around here when we’re closed? Don’t you know you could get hurt fucking around this place? Are you retarded or something? Answer me when I’m talking to you!”

I could see in his eyes he was clearly pissed off, so I thought I should go with the truth. “I ran away from school, ‘cause they were making fun of me, and I just ended up here. I wasn’t going to touch anything, I promise. I was just looking around.” At my explanation, the big man folded his arms over his chest and just stared at me. It was right in that moment when my head began to itch like crazy and all I could do was reach up and scratch it like my life depended on it. The man looked me up and down, noticing the too small clothes and ratty tennis shoes, and began to speak again. I’m Buck. This here is my place. What’s your name, boy?” Again, I decided the truth was the best option with the man I now knew as Buck. “My name is Range. Range Reardon. Pleased to meet you, Sir.” This got me a big grunt and a scowl, then he uncrossed his arms and pointed a meaty finger at me in response: “Just Buck, boy, no fucking sirs around here.” To this, I simply nodded. I mean, what else was I going to say to this guy? I had to scratch my head again, and Buck most certainly took notice. The way he was looking at me should have frightened me, but I had seen a lot in my too few years and this man did not raise any red flags for some reason. He was looking as if he was trying to figure out what he was going to do with me. He took a deep breath and used his right hand to caress his beard while speaking. “Follow me to the back so we can get something to eat. It’s breakfast time and I’m hungry. Just lookin’ at your little ass, I can tell you don’t each much, so you must be hungry too. I ain’t gonna hurt you, kid, but I sure as fuck can’t leave your ass out here alone. Bring your little narrow ass and follow me.”

Breakfast sounded great to me, and since right at that moment my stomach decided to growl as well, I thought it best to follow Buck to the back.

Little did I know that Buck would save my life that day, and then give me a new one. I shook off those lingering thoughts as I made my way to my truck, once again excited about collection day. With a smile on my face and the wind in my hair, I set off to my destination like a fucking boss.

CHAPTER 2

Clover

“Rise and shine, M&M, mom says it’s time for you to get ready for work.”

Ugh, I hated that name, but no matter how many times I told them to stop calling me that, all I got was a smile and a blow-off. My sisters seemed to find this extremely funny, but I never thought it was and probably never would. Them calling me the milkman’s daughter started years ago and got shortened gradually over time to just M&M. It was an ongoing joke in my family that either I was adopted or belonged to the milkman. My sisters were all tall, skinny model types with straight, dark hair and dark eyes. I, of course, was short with brownish-blond hair and a strange sort of hazel-grey mix eye color. My parents should be offended by this behavior from their own children, considering most of the neighborhood thought the same thing and never took issue with asking all sorts of fucked-up questions. One neighbor went so far as to suggest going down to the local library to help research adoption and DNA testing. Needless to say, I was so hurt that day I cried for an hour. I rarely cried about this anymore; now I just got mad and frustrated with my parents’ inability to make it stop. Stretching, I took a quick look at my alarm clock and got my mad ass out of bed so I could get ready for the day.

Freshly showered and ready to face my day, I took one more quick moment to give myself a pep talk before I descended the stairs. I could predict how this short interaction with my family was going to go before I even got close to the bottom step: my dad lying on the couch with his house slippers on, reading the newspaper, and my mom in the kitchen, drinking coffee. Although I was only twenty-two, my dad retired several years ago from his job as head chef in an upscale restaurant in New York City. He decided that since the property taxes and cost of living were so high there, we should move here to Virginia and live in my grandmother’s house since it was paid for and she was no longer living. We packed up and moved without giving it a second thought.

I made my way into the den and yelled out a greeting to Denny—as we all called my dad—and he threw his hand up in his usual greeting. He hated to be disturbed while he was reading the morning paper. He said it ruined his entire day. Considering he watched soap operas until he fell asleep, I didn’t really see how this was possible, but whatever. As I neared the kitchen, I could hear my mom talking to my sisters and knew the fun was just about to begin.

“About time your lazy tail got out of bed. You know you can’t be late for work. Next time, go to bed earlier instead of staying up all night, watching television.”

I gave her a quick look as if to say ‘Are you kidding me?’ Out of all my sisters, I was the only one with a job and granted, I’d only been there a month, but I’d never once been late. I took my time, slowly grabbing a mug out of the cabinet so that I could have my morning coffee, when I noticed my sister Shelly staring at me with a smirk on her face like the cat that got the cream. I rolled my eyes and continued to dress my morning coffee with sugar and milk when she finally opened her mouth.

“I have a date tonight with Jason, so I will more than likely be out late. He’s taking me to that new restaurant on Wilson that just opened. I hear it’s really nice. Where are you going tonight, Ashley? Is Tony taking you with him to his concert tonight?”

This little game my sisters insisted on playing every weekend was so old and tired it was like watching two senior citizens trying to cross the street. Eventually, they made it, but damn, was it boring, at least to me. They went through this little exercise in order to make me feel bad. It’d been so long since I’d had a date or gone out with friends, my party dresses had mold on them. It wasn’t like I didn’t want to go out and meet a nice man; it was just that I was sick of all the game-playing and bullshit when the end game was to sleep with me. I think I would have more respect for men if they just came out and said, ‘Hey, let’s fuck.’ I was pulled from my little pity party when I heard my mom asking me a question.

“I take it you’ll be home after work tonight?”

“Of course, what else would I be doing?”

“Don’t be a smartass. Finish your coffee so you won’t be late”

I gave my sisters a quick glance just in time see them snickering, and just like that I was pissed the fuck off. Grabbing my purse from the table, I made my way to the door to start my walk to work, saying a quick ‘Goodbye’ to Denny, who was still too wrapped up in the morning paper to notice.

I enjoyed my time walking to work all by myself. It was only a few blocks, but it gave me time to think and evaluate my life as it stood now. Working at Fosters’ Chocolates and Confections had its advantages, such as a small staff of just me and Mr. and Mrs. Foster. They had been in the chocolate-making business for decades, and since they were getting older decided to take on some help. They still made all of the chocolates and pastries, but I usually got to help out with the prep work and ran the cash register. It was quiet most days and I didn’t have to worry about co-workers and office gossip that usually went along with working in corporate America. It didn’t really matter, because soon I would have enough money saved up for my car and would be able to go anywhere I wanted without having to ask my parents for anything.

I turned the corner and saw Fosters’. It was nestled in between a laundromat and a tattoo parlor in a small industrial section of this part of town. The area wasn’t very populated and those three businesses took up the entire side of the road. Occasionally, the crowd from the tattoo parlor could look a bit rough around the edges, but they were hardly the type to eat chocolate, so they normally just stayed on their side of the complex. I made my way along the sidewalk when all of a sudden I felt a little tickle on my arm. I reached down to see what it was and holy shit! It was a fucking spider. Oh god! I panicked. My breathing came hard and all my blood rushed to my brain to the point where I felt like I might faint. What the fuck should I do? Oh god, help me! was all I could think, along with the fear I might shit myself. I took off running, just in time to see someone getting out of a truck in front of the laundromat. I knew without a doubt that I had to make it there in the next few seconds or someone was going to have to call 911.

I took off running like Usain Bolt, the fastest sprinter in the world, just in time to see my savior round the back of his truck, and I attacked. I jumped on his back, taking him by complete surprise and knocking some of the air out of him. But at this point I didn’t give a shit. I needed him like I needed my next breath.

“Please, get it off me, please. I’m begging you. Help me, please. Get it off me.”

“What the fuck? Get the fuck off my back! Are you crazy?”

My savior flipped me over his shoulder, using a move I could only describe as something out of WWE, and I braced myself for the impact of hitting the ground. With my eyes closed, I noticed that it never came, and I was so shaken up and surprised I could only whisper, “Please, there is a spider on my arm. Get it off before it kills me.”

Tears were streaming down my cheeks and I was finding it difficult to breathe. I squeezed the stranger’s shoulders so tight I knew it was going to leave a bruise. Between crying and squeezing, I saw my life flash before my eyes and hated the vision before me. I was going to die right here on the sidewalk, and no one would miss me. What had I accomplished in my life so far? Who had ever told me they loved me? What risks had I taken so far? With each question that flashed in my mind, I cried harder and harder until I heard his voice along with the feel of a shake to my arms.

“Calm down. He’s dead. I killed the fucker.”

I didn’t believe him. How could I? I continued to shake my head with my eyes closed, willing my death to be quick at his hands—or should I say eight hands of this murdering beast.

“I said, calm down. He’s dead, I swear. Now relax, take a breath, and open your eyes. I promise nothing is going to hurt you now. It’s gone. Open your eyes so you can see for yourself.”

The stranger was holding my arms tightly, but I could feel his thumbs moving in circles on my flesh. His warm touch along with his encouraging words were enough to stifle the panic I was feeling for me to take several deep breaths through my nose and letting it out through my mouth. After a few moments, I was able to calm myself enough to stop crying hysterically and take a few more shuddering breaths. I slowly opened my eyes to see the stranger staring back at me with concern in his eyes.

“Are you ok now? You scared the shit outta me. I could have really hurt you if I hadn’t realized you were a girl.”

I’m dead. I must be. There is no other explanation for the vision I saw before me. The mutant spider took a chunk out of my arm and I was dead on the sidewalk. Angels had come to take me away to heaven. I wished I could have said good-bye to Denny and my mom, maybe even my sisters, before I died, but it was too late to worry about that now. I hoped they buried me in my favorite dress with the pink flowers and curl my hair so it hung nicely with the neckline. Maybe I could appear to one of them as a ghost and tell them my final wishes before they put me in the ground.

“Hey, girl, did you hear what I said?”

“Am I dead?”

CHAPTER 3

Range

It took me less than ten minutes to pull up outside my pride and joy, ready to step inside and smell all of the fresh linens and soaps. Once a month, I came down to collect the money from the change dispensers and restock the washing soap in the machines I made available to the patrons. This was the only time I allowed myself to enter this place, and most people were not aware I was the actual owner.

I bought this place a little over a year ago when the city decided to build this small industrial park area. To say I caught shit from my friends and Buck for buying this place would be an understatement. This only added to their idea I was a serious primping bitch. Buck was the only one who could truly understand my need to have a place like this, even though he initially scoffed at the idea as well.

“What the fuck you need a laundromat for? We got a washer and dryer right here.”

“I know that, Buck. It’s not for washing my clothes. It’s so that, no matter what, I will never be that dirty kid with lice again. It’s just something I feel strongly about. I can’t really explain it, so just accept it.”

Buck just threw up his hands and walked off, mumbling, “Damn dumb ass kid and his stupid ass ideas.” I still remembered the day Buck and I became friends so clearly. He had to shave off all of my hair, because I had such a bad case of lice, mites, and everything else a person could have, just so he could cure it. This was the main reason I refused to cut my fucking hair any shorter than shoulder-length. It was the worst experience of my life as a child by far.

I pulled up outside my building and jumped out the cab of my truck, getting ready to grab the boxes of soap out the back, when all of a sudden Oomph! Something—or better yet someone—was on my fucking back, holding on tight as hell with their legs wrapped around my waist.

“What the fuck? Are you crazy? Get the fuck off my back!”

Whoever it was didn’t weigh very much, but I wasn’t going to take any chances. Buck always taught me to strike first and fast, and ask questions later. This crazy motherfucker was about to go down, consequences be damned. I flicked my shoulder and grabbed the nearest arm I could see, bending at the waist, and twisted. As I spun around to drop this fucker, a curtain of long, blondish hair smacked me in the face, which wasn’t as surprising as the fact that it smelled like Tootsie Rolls. It was then that I realized it was a girl, a girl whom I was about to seriously damage on the hard concrete below us.

Just before she hit the ground, I reached around with my other arm and grabbed her around the waist to hold her upright and steady. She was crying and whimpering something I couldn’t understand.

“Please, there is a spider on my arm. Get it off before it kills me.”

She had her eyes closed and was hysterical. I’d never seen such emotion in my life over an insect. If I hadn’t known this was so serious, I probably would have laughed at this bullshit, but there was something in her demeanor that told me this was hardly a laughing matter. I looked down and sure enough, there was a spider on her arm about the size of a dime, just hanging out there like he owned the spot. I reached down, grabbed his ass, and threw him over my shoulder onto the street behind us. I looked down at the girl again and saw she still had her eyes closed and was shaking like a leaf, not noticing the spider was gone.

“Calm down. He’s dead. I killed the fucker.”

She finally decided to open her eyes, staring at me blankly, and holy shit! I almost dropped her. She had the strangest, most beautiful eyes I had ever seen in my life. Since she wasn’t really saying anything, I decided to take the time to give her a full once-over and damn, was she beautiful. Clear skin, pouty lips just made for kissing, and a set of tits that screamed ‘Suck me.’ Her beauty mesmerized me. Realizing I was still holding her by the waist, I replied to her blank stare.

“Are you ok now? You scared the shit outta me. I could have really hurt you if I hadn’t realized you were a girl.”

She didn’t say anything in return. Maybe she was hearing impaired or something, but she just stared at me like she was seeing a ghost.

“Hey, girl, did you hear what I said?”

She finally looked as though she was coming back down to reality when she said the strangest thing in the world.

“Am I dead?”

What the fuck? This girl was bat-shit crazy and from the looks of things, she thought I was hitching a ride on her crazy train. I slowly lifted her up to a standing position, holding her at arm’s length to make sure she was steady on her feet. She was looking around like she was seeing the world for the first time in her life, still not truly facing reality.

“Hey…you’re not dead. Why would you think that? I killed the spider, so you don’t have to worry about him. Everything is fine now. Are you sure you’re ok?”

With a quick shake of her head like she was clearing her thoughts, she said, “Yes, I’m sorry. I feel so silly to have caused so much trouble. I was on my way to work and looked down to see that gigantic monster on my arm and just freaked out.”

Gigantic monster? Hardly more like a slight inconvenience in my book, but she was so damn cute trying to explain herself, I couldn’t help but smile. She was standing in front of me with a slight blush to her cheeks, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, and now I could see just how small she really was. I was towering over this girl like a giant, but it was hard to tell exactly how old she was. I couldn’t tell where exactly she said she was going, since there were only three businesses in this area, mine included. She didn’t look like the type to work at a tattoo parlor, so I was guessing the candy shop. I stuck out my hand, deciding introductions were in order.

“I guess I should introduce myself since I just gave you a piggy back ride. I’m Range, and you are?”

Now her face was a full-blown red, not the slight pink it was a few moments ago. She looked down at her shoes and barely whispered her answer.

“I’m Clover. Clover Benjamin. Nice to meet you, Range. Thanks for saving my life.”

Holy shit, the way my name slid off her tongue, I thought my dick was going to explode. She had a raspy but feminine voice that probably would work out well if she wanted to be a phone sex operator. I didn’t want her to leave here embarrassed. I mean, if you’re afraid of spiders, then you’re afraid. It was nothing to be ashamed of. Hell, I hated the fuckers, too, and we got a lot of them at the junkyard, considering most of the cars we got were trashed before they even got towed to us, so I could understand her fear.

“So you work at Fosters’ candy shop? I know the Fosters. They were real nice people.”

“Oh, yes. How did you know?”

I had the urge to smirk as I answered her question.

“I didn’t take you for a tattoo girl, so it was my best guess. Let me walk you over so you won’t be late or in case I need to explain to Mr. Foster what happened.”

“Thank you, Range, I really appreciate that.”

Considering we were only about twenty feet from the front of the candy shop, it was unnecessary to walk her, but for some reason, I didn’t want my time with Clover to end. She was beautiful in an exotic sort of way. Different from the other women I had known in my life—and believe me, there were plenty. They all wanted one thing: a taste of the bad boy; a walk on the wild side. And I was more than happy to oblige. Women wanted my cock from the time I turned fifteen, and they had no problem asking for it. I was no longer the dirty kid with too small clothes and a bad case of lice. Buck saw to that. My time spent in the junkyard had honed my body into a well-oiled machine and the girls took notice. I never forgot the reaction I received from them when I first started middle school, turning up their pretty little noses and refusing to sit next to me. I never forgot how it made me feel, and I was determined to make them feel just as bad as I had one day. Yeah, I fucked them all, each one who wanted it, but it was on my terms. I humiliated them in the worst ways I could think of. I would make them get on their knees and turn the other way, only fucking them from behind. I would wait until I was just about to come, then pull off the condom and jizz all over their backs and in their hair, smearing it around and making sure it stuck to their clothes, then make them walk home that way. Yeah, I got my revenge, and I’d never felt so good.

“Thanks again for everything, Range. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come along to save me from the monster.”

“It was my pleasure, Clover. I hope to see you around.”

With a quick nod of her head she was off to work at Fosters’, and I was on my way to take care of business at my pride and joy. Yes, I would see her again. I was going to make sure of it.

CHAPTER 4

Clover

Despite all the chaos from a few minutes ago, I still made it to work on time as usual. The Fosters greeted me with warm hellos and smiles, and my mood shifted to release the last little bit of panic I’d previously felt. Satisfied I would make it through the rest of the day, I relieved myself of my purse and quickly retrieved my apron and hair net, securing them into place. Even though I didn’t work much with the confections, I was still required to wear one due to the health codes and general cleanliness of the store.

Today’s task was a simple one: prepare the molds for the special truffle order we had to deliver the next day. Most of the time, the candies would just pop out once they were chilled and hardened, leaving the molds clean as if they had not been used at all. But on occasion, some of them had to be delicately washed by hand due to a miss fill or spill, which is where I came in.

Eager to start the day, I couldn’t help but think about the poor stranger I assaulted while trying to save my own life from that radiation-zapped creature. Of all the stupid things I had done in my life, this had to be the worst of them by far. Jesus, he could have killed me by slamming me into the ground with just a flick of his strong, muscled arms. Speaking of arms, I thought I would die from another reason entirely when I looked up and saw that hunk of a man staring back at me. His hair was long and wavy, blowing in the wind like some sort of Greek god’s, but he certainly didn’t need a lightning bolt to zap me with, that was for sure. I felt like such an idiot asking him if I was dead of all things. No wonder my sisters teased me about never having any dates. Surely, he must think me a fucking lunatic freshly escaped from an institution or something. I guessed in the long run, it didn’t really matter. I would probably never see him again in my lifetime. And who would want to date someone like me anyway? I was well aware I wasn’t the prettiest Benjamin in the family; my sisters reminded me as often as they could. My strange yet undesirable looks were only part of my burden to carry. Frankly, I was dull and boring, which was not a good combination for a young person who hoped to one day find a man who would love her for herself and not for what was between her legs. I could blame Denny for my lack of sex appeal and outgoing nature, since it was his older age and retirement that pretty much meant he was through with extracurricular activities and running around all over the place, as he often put it. By the time it was my turn at bat, he flat out refused, saying he was too old for that shit and to ask my mother if I wanted something. After the third time she refused my requests, I simply stopped asking and resolved myself to nights spent watching old classic movies and falling asleep, only to wake up each day and do it all over again.

I didn’t blame my mom for marrying Denny at such a young age, but I sometimes wondered what her motives could have been. My dad was over thirty years my mom’s senior, which had to make her feel older than she actually was. He rarely went anywhere now unless he absolutely had to, which mainly consisted of doctors’ appointments for checkups and screenings. Aside from that he could be found on the couch most days, watching soap operas until it was time for the evening news. Once the news was over, it was time for bed. Like me, he followed the same routine each day. I was sure my parents loved each other, considering they had been married for such a long time, but their real passion died years ago, which was just plain sad.

I thought about my parents’ relationship often when I considered what type of man I would want to spend the rest of my life with. At the top of the list was certainly someone who didn’t spend his day watching soap operas. I wasn’t ungrateful for the way Denny took care of us as a family, because lord knows he paid his dues by working for over thirty years of his life, but the one thing I vowed to always have in my life was passion. A love so strong and unbreakable that you could barely breathe without being near each other. I guess this was the reason I enjoyed classic movies so much. The men of yesteryear claimed their women and dared anyone who tried to take her away to a duel or gun fight at sundown. I often wondered what it would be like to have someone claim ownership of your mind, body, and soul to the point where they would die for you. Dramatic, I know, but I couldn’t help but want that for myself. I wanted my Clark Gable or Randolph Scott as my very own. To claim me with a need so powerful, our story would last through the ages, while our children recited our love story to their children and so on, for generations to come. Our love would be epic and swoon worthy to all those who heard it and wish it for themselves. I would hold on to my dream for as long as I could, but for now, I was content with being alone. Unless of course, I was lucky enough to run into Range again without acting like a complete nut job.

Range. His name was so powerful, I wondered how he got it. Maybe it was a nickname and his real name was Beauregard. I hoped life wouldn’t be that cruel to him. He needed a powerful name to go along with his powerful features. Strong arms made for holding on to well into the night. Tall in stature in case I needed something from a top shelf. A beautiful smile reserved just for me. Yeah, Range suited him just fine, and hopefully one day, I would get to ask him where he got his name.

CHAPTER 5

Range

My monthly routine spent at the laundromat took no time at all, just as I’d predicted. Mainly because Ming, the old lady I hired to take care of the drop-off service I started six months ago, was working as hard as ever in the back room and was able to quickly bring me up to speed on what was needed.

Ming was a grandmother to eight, who relocated here from New Jersey when she was ready to retire. She came to me with the idea of the drop-off laundry service. Since she was a previous owner of this sort of business in New Jersey before she retired, her good insight helped me a lot. In compensation, Ming only asked that she be paid enough money to help one of her grandchildren through college, and a quiet place to work in the back. Since I had the space and couldn’t see a downside to the idea, I went for it and have been pleased with the results ever since. Ming always arrived on time, never complained, and was the kindest lady I had ever met. The customers who used the service raved about her every chance they got to the point that the service was more popular than I could have ever imagined. She was so busy I was thinking of hiring someone to help her out, especially since she was up there in age, but of course she declined the offer, simply stating she would let me know when she needed any help. I would keep an eye on it for now and play it by ear.

As I exited the laundromat, I couldn’t help but look over at Fosters’ and wonder how Clover was doing after her breakdown. Talk about arachnophobia to the fucking extreme. If she weren’t so young, I would have thought she was having a heart attack. I hoped spiders were the only things she was afraid of, ‘cause that girl was reckless when she was scared. I mean, to jump on the back of a complete stranger, all because of a little bug, was straight up crazy. I wasn’t sure why I even gave a shit, but there was just something about her that seemed kind of sad and lonely.

Shaking my head at my dumb-ass thoughts making me sound like a complete pussy, I made my way to my truck to drive home, but before I got there I heard my name being called. I turned around to see Mace Fox, the owner of the tattoo parlor, waiving me over to his shop with a huge smirk on his face. Fox was a good guy, who opened his shop right around the same time as I purchased the laundromat. He ran a tight ship, never letting any assholes hang out in front of his shop or cause any trouble for the area. He knew his shop could be a haven for crime, considering it was open late and tended to have all sorts of hooligans coming in and out of there, getting tatted. Considering Fox was an ex SEAL, I was certain he could handle whatever came his way.

When I reached him, I extended my hand for a shake in greeting.

“What’s going on, Fox? How’s business?”

“Oh, you know. Same shit, different fucking day. I had my bat ready to come and save your ass when you got assaulted earlier, but I see you handled it.”

Fox was a big motherfucker, taller than me by an inch or so and built like a brick shithouse. For some reason, he had a knowing smirk on his face like he knew a secret joke nobody else knew and he wasn’t going to let me in on it.

“Yeah, that shit was crazy. Thought it was one of your boys from your place, ready to throw down.”

Fox made a grunting sound like that was the stupidest thing he had ever heard in his life. “Now, you know that shit ain’t happening on my watch. I’ve seen that girl walking to Fosters’ the last few weeks. She keeps her head down, walks alone most of the time, never says a thing to anyone. I try to keep an eye on her when I see her leave for the evening, just in case one of these assholes gets any ideas.”

Until he mentioned it, I hadn’t even thought about her walking home alone. I just assumed someone picked her up after work, considering it was dark by that time. What the fuck were her parents or boyfriend thinking to let a girl like her walk home alone at night? The more I thought about it, the more pissed I got. What if another spider crawled on her and she went bonkers, ran into the street and got hit by a car? What if one of those tattooed bikers got an itch he wanted to scratch and followed her home? What if …

Before I could get my anger under control, Fox talked me down from the ledge I was about to jump off of. He must have sensed I was not happy about the idea of her out alone in the dark in a place like this. I mean if it weren’t for our three businesses, this area would be a ghost town.

“Hey, man, take it easy. Like I said, I usually keep an eye on her, and I think she only lives a few blocks over near Elm. I’m sure she’ll be just fine walking home on her own like she’s been doing for the past few months.”

Fox was a smart man, but for some reason, I still couldn’t shake the thought of her walking home alone as being a very bad idea. Regardless, I had to get over it. She wasn’t mine to worry about. I didn’t know this chick enough to be worried about her safety in the first place. I said my good-byes to Fox with a lift of my chin and made my way to my truck. I still had a busy day ahead of me at the junkyard and certainly no time to worry about some sad-faced girl who worked at a candy store. She was somebody else’s problem and I wasn’t about to make her mine. At least that’s what I told myself on the drive home. But what if…

CHAPTER 6

Range

Pulling up outside the junkyard, I saw the sign that still read “Buck’s Junkyard” in the distance. That old bastard wanted me to change the name when he signed everything over to me, but I flat out told him no. This place would always belong to him, regardless of what the paperwork said. That was something he had to get over and fast, because I was not budging on it. Of course he gave me shit, up until the day he left, giving me all sorts of reasons why I should change it, but in the end he knew his arguments were useless.

Buck had decided a couple of years ago he wanted peace and quiet for the last years of his life. He claimed his lifestyle and the choices he made in his lifetime were something he could never make up for, and solitude was his only recourse. He purchased a small cabin up in the woods and now lived there alone; well, not alone. He owned a cat he named Pussy. He used the peace of being alone to reflect on the things he wished he could change, and the isolation to atone for the things he knew he couldn’t be absolved for. Buck’s time with his MC was something he rarely talked about, but I knew it must have been pretty bad for him to feel like that about life in general. It was one of the reasons why he decided to help me all those years ago. To make up for the one life that was lost due to the choices he had made. To make up for the boy who would never become a man. To make up for the son who was lost to the drugs he sold for the MC he considered family.

Buck got out of the game, and with the money made from his time spent in the MC, he purchased this lot and a few more adjacent lots over the years. When I was younger, I wasn’t aware of how big this place actually was. Buck even built a massive house at the very back of the junkyard, which was where I lived along with a few others who found their way here over the years. Each one of us had our own reasons for turning to Buck, and he never sent us away or denied us what we needed. For some of us, it was a safe place to hide out for a short time. For others, it was a hot meal or a clean change of clothes. For me, it was all of the above. He saved us all in one way or another, but he never felt it was enough to redeem himself for the one person he couldn’t save. Buck would never understand or accept the fact that for us, he was our father, our provider, and our home. He was our lifeline and our oasis. He was the man we all strived to be one day, regardless of where we began in life.

As I pulled up to the driveway in front of the house, I noticed two cars parked out front. One I recognized right away, since it belonged to Maxwell; the other was a BMW that unfortunately belonged to the biggest skank in town. Hoping like hell I was wrong, I made my way inside and was immediately assaulted with what could be described as live audio from a very bad porno.

“Oh God, Max, you’re so big. Fuck me harder.”

“Yes, Max, yes. Fuck my ass harder. Please fuck me harder.”

Maxwell had been away on business and had clearly returned. Just when I was about to lose my breakfast all over my living room floor, the front door swung open and in walked Sebastian—or Drama, as we liked to call him. Looking as flustered as ever, he quickly started rambling on about his crisis for the day.

“Holy shit, Range. You are never going to believe the bullshit that’s going on. I mean, I have a major problem you are not going to believe.”

After years of witnessing Drama have these outbursts when he considered something ‘major,’ I never rose to the bait until I actually heard the whole story. In the beginning, I would get so agitated, locked and loaded, ready to rush out the door to help one of my best friends get out of any situation, no matter what it was, only to find out it was something trivial. Like when he accidentally left his fucking “special” coffee mug at some chick’s house he was fucking for the night. We constantly reminded him about leading in with this sort of bullshit, but of course he wouldn’t be Drama if he did.

“What the fuck are you doing here so early? I thought you had a meeting downtown to discuss that property that’s coming up for sale.”

“I have plenty of time. It’s not until this afternoon, but anyway, you are never going to believe what’s happening.”

Drama was a contractor who restored old, abandoned properties, then sold them at a profit. The junkyard also benefited from his business by buying any copper, steel, brass, or anything else we could find in those old houses before the renovations started. Together we’ve been able to turn a serious profit for both his business and the yard.

“Mother and Aunt Enid want me to take them to some fucking flower tea festival next month at the country club. Can you believe that shit? I mean, what the fuck do I look like, going to some old bitch tea festival?”

This right here was how Sebastian became one of Buck’s boys. Sebastian was raised by his mother, who, don’t get me wrong, was a wonderful woman, and his great Aunt Enid, who was a spinster for all intents and purposes. He was raised to be a proper son, only wearing bow ties, loafers, khakis, with a slicked-back hairdo. That look didn’t go over so well with the kids in our school, and Sebastian was getting his ass kicked daily. One day, I walked up to the side of the parking lot at school and found him surrounded by three larger boys from our grade, taking a beating. I jumped in and scared their asses off. Sebastian ended up following me that afternoon all the way to Buck’s. Of course, Buck took one look at the battered boy and simply said, “Bring him back tomorrow.” After many tomorrows under Buck’s guidance, Sebastian grew to be a strong and capable man, even though often times the drama still remained.

“So, what’s wrong with taking them to the country club? It’s not like they asked you to take them on an all-expenses-paid trip to Hawaii or something.”

“Really, Range? The fucking country club? It’s full of old ladies with flower hats that smell funny. I’m not doing it. Fuck that. No fucking way! And what the fuck is that screeching noise? Is Buck here with Pussy?

Laughing quietly, I answered him

“No, Maxwell’s back from his trip, and from the sounds and smell I would say he has company.”

The door to Maxwell’s bedroom opened and out walked a fully dressed Marci—or should I say, slinked out. Marci, the skank to end all skanks. She didn’t even bother to fix her hair and makeup like the slut she was, making her way over to Drama and I with a smirk on her face and not a hint of modesty whatsoever. I couldn’t believe I actually fucked this bitch once mainly because she was number one on my revenge list.

“Hey, Range. Looking good. You been working out?”

She raised her slimy finger and ran it across my chest while she got an eye-full and smiled her appreciation.

“No. And take your nasty-ass fingers off me.”

She stuck out her bottom lip in a pout and put her hands on her hips to show mock offence.

“Why so hostile, Range? You used to like it when I touched you.”

This bitch was such a whore. I didn’t feel one ounce of remorse as I stared her down and replied to her comment.

“Bitch, I fucked you one time years ago, and if I recall correctly, I had to fuck you in your ass ‘cause your pussy was so loose. I didn’t let you touch me then and you sure as fuck ain’t touching me now. You got what you came for, so get the fuck out and do yourself a favor when you get home and take a shower. You smell like rotten fish guts.”

That certainly got the response I was hoping for when Marci grabbed her shoes and purse, cursing all the way to the door and out to her car. I couldn’t care less that she was upset. Maybe next time she’d keep her nasty hands to herself. I didn’t fault Maxwell for fucking her. She was an easy piece and always down for a good time. You never had to take her out or spend money, and she always said yes. Maxwell wasn’t the type to spend a lot of time and energy chasing pussy. Hell, most of the time, the women would drop to their knees as soon as he opened his mouth. Max was too easy-going to get mixed up in a bunch of drama and lived his life by one motto: Fuck it. If it didn’t suit his needs, he would always reply, “Fuck it,” and just move on.

No, Marci was not the type of girl for me. She didn’t smell like candy, nor did she have eyes that could hypnotize you at a glance. She wasn’t a sad-faced girl who worked at Fosters’ and walked home at night in the dark, unless she was looking to pick someone up. She would never be the woman I wanted to call mine.

I snapped out of my reverie to see Drama standing next to me, shaking his head at my little outburst.

“What’s your fucking problem?”

“You know, you shouldn’t get so upset. I heard somewhere that even people our age can have heart attacks. My mother told me once about this woman…”

Before he got on a roll with more of his dramatic bullshit, I cut him off with a wave of my hand.

“Look, when Max comes out, tell him I’m in the yard. I’ll talk to you later. I have to get to work. And don’t worry about the tea party. It’s just a couple of hours. You can handle it.”

With those final words of encouragement I set about my day of fun in the junkyard, all the while thinking about Clover and hoping like hell she made it home safe tonight.

CHAPTER 7

Clover

I took a quick look at the clock and noticed it was close to quitting time. The Fosters and I worked hard all day trying to complete the truffle order for tomorrow’s delivery. I glanced at our workstation and realized we were no way near completing the order. I would probably have to work late to help out. Right on cue, as if she was reading my mind, Mrs. Foster spoke up and asked the question I’d known was coming.

“Clover, do you mind staying for an extra couple of hours overtime? We could really use your help. I promise it won’t be too much longer.”

Of course I was going to say yes. I mean, what else did I have to do on a Friday night? I had no friends, no car, and certainly no date. Working late would also bring me one step closer to my goal of owning my own car, so it was definitely a no-brainer.

“Of course, Mrs. Foster. I would love to stay and help out.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful, dear. I certainly do appreciate that.”

She gave me a warm smile and a light pat on the arm, but she looked like she had something else on her mind but wasn’t sure how to approach it.

“Is everything ok, Mrs. Foster?”

“Yes, dear, everything is fine. We just couldn’t help but notice that you had an escort to work today. I wasn’t aware you knew Range Reardon.”

What a sly old lady she was. I didn’t even think she’d noticed Range walk me to the door after my little meltdown. I realized I was going to have to watch these two more carefully. Mr. Foster was busy wiping down the work area, trying to look like he was not at all interested in my answer, but I was so onto him as well.

“Well, I don’t really know him. We just met today when I jumped him.”

The last part of my answer was said so low that Mrs. Foster had to lean in a little to try and hear what I was saying.

“I’m sorry. Did you say you jumped him, dear?”

Oh, boy, here we go. It was bad enough I actually did that stupid shit in the first place. Now, I was going to have to try and explain my actions to these two lovely people.

“Yes, you see, when I was walking to work, a spider the size of Arizona was on my arm and I kind of had a panic attack and jumped on his back. It was the only way. That thing was trying to kill me.”

I knew from the expression on her face that Mrs. Foster was attempting to hold back a smile at my rendition of this afternoon’s events, but she was failing miserably. Mr. Foster wasn’t much better, so he just turned and walked to the front of the store like he was looking for something important he needed right at that moment.

“Well, since it was life or death, I suppose you couldn’t have picked a better person to jump than Range, dear.”

“I don’t know what you mean, Mrs. Foster.”

“Oh, come on, dear. I know you had to see how handsome that man is. I mean, those muscles and that tanned skin. Good lord, if I were twenty years younger, I would consider jumping him myself.”

Mr. Foster decided to give his two cents on that matter on the way back from the front of the store.

“Don’t you mean forty years younger, honey?”

“Oh, hush up. You know what I meant.”

While Mrs. Foster was busy glaring at her husband after his keen observation about his wife’s age, I couldn’t help but think about what she’s said. Of course I thought Range was extremely handsome with his beautiful hair blowing in the wind and his strong arms holding me close. What red-blooded girl wouldn’t get hot for a man like him? But he certainly wouldn’t see anything appealing about a girl like me. It wasn’t that I was not hip with the times or anything, but my life was so boring there was no way he would be interested. I was sure the last thing he wanted was a girl who spent her weekends watching American movie classics until she fell asleep.

I was so deep in thought, I didn’t realize the age argument was over and the room had gone quiet. I looked over to see the Fosters staring at me with keen interest.

“I guess you’re right, Mrs. Foster, but it’s unlikely I’ll see him again. I mean, let’s face it. If it weren’t for my little bug problem, I probably would never have met him in the first place.”

“Oh, hogwash, dear. Of course you would have. He owns the laundromat next door.”

Surely, I’d heard her wrong, so like the idiot I was, I just shook my head.

“No way, really?”

“Sure does. Bought it about a year ago. He also runs Buck’s Junkyard across town. He and a few of his friends took over the place when Buck decided to retire. He treated those boys like his own sons, always buying them things and showing them how to fish and hunt. You name it, Buck taught them all how to do it. Yeah, he treated those boys real good, which was a good thing considering most of their parents never gave a shit, pardon my French.”

Wow, what an interesting story. It was hard to imagine someone so young having so much responsibility. I’d assumed he’d been heading to the tattoo parlor, considering he hadn’t carried a bag of laundry to wash and I’d never seen him in the store. How wrong I had been. I had so many questions floating around in my head, but it just didn’t feel right to press Mrs. Foster for more answers. Of all the things I was most curious about, was why a young man would want to purchase a laundromat. I mean, he could have purchased a strip club, which would have fit right in with the tattoo parlor crowd next door. Surely, that was a better option considering. Range certainly was a mystery I wouldn’t mind solving, but it was just going to have to wait. I hadn’t felt excited about a man in so long, I’d almost forgotten what it felt like. Right at that moment I felt like a child receiving her first Barbie doll. I wanted to play with it, take its clothes off, see how far I could bend its legs back before they snapped. Range created an excitement I thought was long gone, considering I hadn’t been on a date in ages. Maybe boring Clover wasn’t immune after all and this was just what I needed to get myself back in the game.

CHAPTER 8

Range

Holy shit, what a long fucking day in the yard. I couldn’t wait to get to the house so I could wash this grime off my body. Of course, I was never as dirty as I felt, but I always ended up scrubbing my skin like I spent the day hauling bags of dog shit around.

As soon as I hit the door, I spotted Maxwell at the kitchen stove with a potholder in one hand and a frying pan in the other, cooking what looked like to be eggs. He had his back to me, but I was sure he’d heard me come inside, which was confirmed when he turned around and gave me the evil eye.

“I hear you gave Marci shit again today. What’s your problem with her anyway? It’s not like you didn’t fuck her first. Or maybe that is the problem? You want her again? You know I don’t mind sharing.”

I was going to choke the shit out of Drama for running his fucking mouth. Max knew I hated that bitch ‘cause she was a skanky whore and nothing else. I didn’t care if he fucked her here. It was as much his house as it was the rest of ours, but this topic was getting old. He knew why I’d fucked her that one time during high school, and he certainly had no room to judge me for my decisions.

“Look, Max, we’ve had this discussion before. I wouldn’t fuck that bitch again with someone else’s dick. If that’s what you like, then by all means, do her. But don’t expect me to treat her any other way than like the cunt she is.”

Max let out a heavy sigh and stared at me with understanding in his eyes. He knew not to push this issue any further, and like with most things he was probably saying ‘fuck it’ in his head.

“Yeah, ok, man. I understand. I just needed a quick fuck, and you know Marci will let me do whatever I want to her and never complains. If she weren’t such a trick-ass bitch, she would be the prefect Mrs. Maxwell O’Neill.”

“Yeah, right. Like your ass is ever getting married. First, you would have to stop all of your extracurricular activities you got going on. I’m sure your future wife wouldn’t appreciate some of the shit you’re into.”

“Yeah, well, fuck it. Go take your ass to the shower, you primping bitch. And don’t forget to wash behind your ears.”

Max gave me a quick fist bump, and I made my way upstairs to my bedroom, ripping my clothes off with each step. I turned on the hot water without bothering to check the temperature, since scalding was always what I aimed for. I stepped under the hot spray and immediately felt the relief I’d been looking for. Maxwell and Drama were my very best friends and I hated fighting with them over trivial bullshit. We all had our demons we were trying to fight. Some were harder than others. I just couldn’t help but think that when it came to women, we were never going to find the perfect one. The one who made your dick hard as soon as she stepped into a room; the one who brought light to this fucked-up world; the one who loved you for who you were and who you wanted to be. I refused to believe that the only option was to end up with a woman like Marci to call my own. No, there was another option out there, and I knew exactly where to find her.

***

Freshly dressed in clean clothing, I made my way back over to the laundromat, hoping I could still catch Clover before she walked home alone. It was later than I’d intended, but hopefully I could catch her on the road to her house before she got too far ahead.

As soon as I pulled up in front of Fosters’, I could see the closed for business sign, but I could still see them working in the back through the front glass of the store. Taking a quick look at my phone, I saw it was well after six thirty, which meant they’d been working longer hours today. I parked my truck and stepped down. Making my way to the front and spotting Mr. Foster, I decided to knock on the glass. Mr. Foster made his way over to the door to open it for me with a huge smile on his face, shaking his head in disbelief.

“Well, hello there, Range. Fancy seeing you here again. How can I help you, son?”

Seeing me again? When did he see me the first time? He must mean when I walked Clover to the door this morning.

“Hello, Mr. Foster. I was hoping to catch Clover before she got off work. Is she still here by any chance?”

“Why, yes. She is, as a matter of fact. We had a huge truffle order come in for delivery tomorrow and are just finishing up. I’ll just go in the back and get her.”

The old man took off toward the back of the store, which gave me time to look around their shop. I’d been inside Fosters’ a few times since I bought the laundromat. Normally, I would just stop in and say a quick hello, considering we were technically work neighbors. It was good business to be friendly with the other businesses in the area in case something went wrong and I was needed in a hurry but couldn’t get here fast enough.

This place smelled like a chocolate lover’s wet dream. Any kind of chocolate you could ever want was displayed on the shelves. No wonder Clover had smelled so good when I almost flipped her over today. Just thinking about her smell and the way she felt in my arms this morning was giving me a hard-on of epic proportions. Jesus Christ, I needed to control that shit before she came out from the back.

“Uh, hey, Range. What are you doing here?”

I turned around and holy shit, I couldn’t help myself. I howled with a laugh so intense I was doubled over, holding my stomach, trying to get a damn grip on myself. Standing there in all her glory was Clover, wearing a brown hair net that was stretched across her forehead, and an apron with chocolate smeared across it in all different directions. She even had chocolate on her cheeks, which just made we want to run over to her and lick it off. She looked so damn sexy standing there in all her chocolate glory without any idea what she was doing to me.

I finally got my shit together long enough to look at her and what I saw nearly made me fall to my knees. Clover was looking at the ground, wringing her hands in front of her, shoulders slumped in defeat at my fucked-up outburst. Shit, I had to do something and quick.

“I’m sorry, baby, you just look so damn cute standing there like a big giant candy bar. I just want to eat you like one.”

My being truthful seemed to have snapped her out of the slump I’d put her in, thank god. She gave me a weak smile.

“What are you doing here, Range? Did I hurt your back or something and you need my insurance card? I have it in my purse. I can get it for you.”

“No, baby, I came to drive you home. I thought about you walking home alone in the dark and that shit just didn’t sit right with me, so here I am.”

“Oh, well, that’s very kind of you, but it’s not necessary. I only live a few blocks and I’ve been walking home safe every night since I started working here. I’ll be just fine, but thanks for your concern.”

I saw I was gonna have to put my foot down with this one. No way was she walking home alone when I was here to take her. No woman of mine was walking when I had a perfectly good truck outside waiting for her fine ass to get in it. Holy shit, where the fuck did that come from? I needed to get my shit together and quick before I said something else to hurt her feelings.

The Fosters must have heard us talking and decided to appear at the front of the shop right then. They both looked from me to Clover then back to me again, each showing that same silly-ass smile on their faces that Mr. Foster had when he first opened the door.

“Well, hello, Range, dear. How are you doing this fine evening? I didn’t expect to see you so soon. Isn’t that right, Clover, dear?”

What was with these two tonight and why did they keep saying that shit?

“I just came by to see if I could give Clover a lift home, seeing as she has to walk and all.”

“Of course, dear, that sounds like a wonderful idea. Clover was just finishing up for the evening. She is more than welcome to leave now.”

I thought Clover’s eyes were going to bug right out of her head as she listened to Mrs. Foster give us the ok to leave. Before she had a chance to protest further, Mrs. Foster quickly reached up and pulled that hair net from around Clover’s head, releasing her long mane of beautiful hair around her shoulders, at the same time he untied her apron. She then gave Clover a little shove in my direction, just enough to get her feet moving and ass in gear.

“See you on Monday, dear. And please, try and have a little fun for once.”

I held open the door for us to leave, giving a quick waive to the Fosters on our way out. As soon as we stepped outside onto the pavement, Clover turned around, abruptly putting a halt to our departure.

“I’m sorry, Range, but I can’t get in your truck so you can drive me home. I don’t ride with strangers and to be perfectly honest, I don’t know you well enough to get in a vehicle with you and let you drive me anywhere. I know I assaulted you earlier, but I’m not the type of girl who accepts rides from people I don’t know.”

She was so cute right now I had to stop myself from launching myself at her and kissing the shit out of that chocolate-covered face of hers. As much as I disagreed with her, I understood her hesitation about wanting to get in a car with me. I mean, let’s face it, if she knew the type of person I was, she would probably run screaming in the other direction. I decided to put her out of her misery and suggested a compromise instead.

“You’re right, Clover. You don’t really know me, so how about I walk you home and I’ll just come back for the truck afterwards?”

“You don’t have to go through so much trouble. I’ll be fine, I promise.”

“It’s no trouble, tootsie baby. Let’s go before the lightning bugs start to swarm.”

The mention of bugs got her ass moving with a small huff. I could already see this girl was going to be a lot of fun. She just didn’t know it yet.

CHAPTER 9

Clover

I couldn’t believe Range just showed up out of the blue to drive me home. I should have known something was up when Mrs. Foster grabbed her purse from under the workstation and started putting on lipstick. Now he was walking next to me, while I tried to come up with something to say. I guessed asking him why he showed up at all was a good place to start, but for some reason, I was afraid of the answer. I took a deep breath and decided to just go for it. What was the worst that could happen?

“So, um, Range, do you normally make a habit of picking up strangers from work?”

“Only the pretty ones that jump on my back and feel me up.”

“Well, you obviously have the wrong girl. I think the one you want probably works at the tattoo parlor.”

Range stopped abruptly and gave me an incredulous look, like I’d just slapped him across the face or something.

“Oh no, tootsie baby, I got the right fucking girl. I got the one who smells like candy and has chocolate smeared over her cheeks. I got the one who has a wild mane of hair that’s perfect for pulling as I bury my cock in her. I got the one who’s so sexy she makes my dick hard just thinking about her.”

I knew my face probably looked as red as a giant, ripe tomato right now. I’d never met a man who talked like him before. Come to think of it, it was probably because they had been boys pretending to be men. Range on the other hand, was all man, from his beautiful hair to his muscular body. I imagined he would have made the perfect lead actor in a 1920s black and white western, riding up to the saloon on a big, black horse, carrying two six-shooters on his hips, while I was a saloon girl, singing every night just for him. As he entered the bar looking for a good time, a man in front would challenge him to a duel at sunset. Of course, he would accept the challenge and fight to the death for his honor. Afterwards, we would ride off into the sunset, never to be heard from again. I was pulled from my A&E moment when Range began walking again.

“So, are you gonna talk to me or just stand there, blushing? Not that it’s not cute, but I’d like to get to know you better, Clover.”

“Why would you want to get to know someone like me, Range? I’m sure there are plenty of other women out there you could spend your time with.”

“I’m sure there are, too, but I want to spend my time with you.”

Wow, I could see this guy had no trouble with his ego. I guess if I looked like him, I would feel the same way. This was going to be an easy fix. I’d go with the truth and once he saw how boring I was he’d run the other way.

“There isn’t much to tell, Range. I work at Fosters’ during the week and then I watch television all weekend until it’s time for work again.”

There, take that, Mr. Ego. Only took me two minutes to scare him away. Must be a new world record. He probably got bored or something and took a bet with one of his friends that he could get the awkward girl at the candy shop to put out. Little did he know I was onto his game. No way was he going to win that bet on my watch.

We continued to walk a few more feet until Range reached over, lightly grabbed my hand, and entwined our fingers like it was the most natural thing in the world. I started to tense and pull away, but then his thumb began to stroke circles on my skin and it felt kind of nice. I guessed holding hands was ok among friends, even though we weren’t really friends. I just couldn’t figure out what his angle was. Clearly, he was good-looking enough to get any girl he wanted at the blink of an eye. Why would he want to waste time on a Plain Jane like me? My sisters would have a field day with this if they knew I was walking home with a hottie like Range. The thought made me chuckle to myself, just thinking about all the insults they would come up with.

“What do you like to watch on television? I rarely have the time myself to sit down and enjoy a good flick, but it sounds like you enjoy it.”

Range looked truly interested in my response. He listened in earnest as I tried to come up with a way to explain my fascination with classic TV.

“Probably nothing you would enjoy watching. I usually watch a lot of older shows and movies.”

“Oh, you mean like from the 90s?” he asked while looking down at me.

“Um, noooo. Kind of older.” It felt so stupid to be so vague, but how was I going to explain I liked movies so old they weren’t in HD?

“Older than the 90’s? So you mean like “Gone with the Wind” type shit? I can see you being a classic kind of girl.” He had a huge smile on his face as he said it, which caused my insides to flutter unexpectedly. How could he not find that lame as hell? Surely, the idea of a twenty-three-year-old woman watching old-ass movies all weekend was a buzz kill. I was sure any minute now he was going to tell me we had nothing in common; that he was glad he could walk me home safely, but he never wanted to see me again. I was totally surprised when he gave my hand a little squeeze of assurance and said, “My buddy Buck used to watch the oldies when he was around. Some of them weren’t half bad.”

Holy shit, that was a shock to the system. Who knew this sexy beast was fond of classic TV? I gave him a huge smile at this revelation but couldn’t help but wonder what else he liked to do.

“What about you, Range? What do you like to do in your spare time?” We were nearing my house, and I found myself slowing my steps because I didn’t want this time with him to end. Something about the way he held my hand spread warmth throughout my entire body and I wanted to savor it for a little while longer. Who knew if I’d ever get the chance again?

“Not much spare time, babe. Between the junkyard and the laundromat, my time is pretty well booked.”

“Oh, yes, the Fosters told me today you owned the laundromat next door. That’s pretty impressive for someone so young.”

He didn’t respond to my praise; instead, he gave me a look like it was no big deal. I still had to wonder why he would purchase a laundromat. It wasn’t exactly something a younger person would aspire to have, or maybe I was just being a judgmental bitch and should stop making assumptions. Maybe one day I’d get to ask, but I didn’t want to pressure him. It’s not like it was my business anyway.

I pulled up short right outside of my house, while Range took a moment to get a good look. It was a nice enough house with three floors that included a basement. My grandmother had lived here for many years before she passed away, but she managed to keep the place in great shape. It had four bedrooms, so each of us had our own, which was a good thing since we rarely got along. The shutters were painted a bland white and we even had a wraparound porch with two rocking chairs out front. Yeah, it was something right out of Southern Living Magazine, but it was home for now. I removed my hand from Range’s grip and indicated with a jerk of my chin that this was indeed my house we were standing in front of, all the while trying to come up with a way to say good-bye to him without it getting awkward.

“Well, thanks for walking me home, Range. I really do appreciate it.” I turned to go inside, but Range reached for my elbow, halting my getaway and at the same time making my heart pound so hard I was sure he could hear it in the silence of the evening. He then did something totally unexpected and a complete turn-on. He licked his thump and brushed it over my cheek then stuck it in his mouth to suck off the contents. It was at that horrifying moment when I realized I still had chocolate on my face from work and had walked all the way home without realizing it. Someone kill me now! He released my elbow and took a step backwards.

“I’ll see you soon, tootsie baby.”

I removed my keys from my pocket while making my way to the front door. As I inserted the key, I chanced a quick glance over my shoulder to see that Range was waiting until I entered all the way into the house before he walked away. I gave him a quick smile as I closed the door behind me then placed my hand on my chest to try and calm my erratic breathing. I had no doubt in my mind I would see Range again. He didn’t seem like the type of man to give up easily. I realized I was in serious trouble.

CHAPTER 10

Range

Two Weeks later

Clover thought she could get rid of me that easily by making it seem like she was this boring recluse. Little did she know I was more determined than ever to get to know her. Every day for the past two weeks, starting that first Friday afternoon, I showed up like clockwork to drive her home. She refused the ride and insisted on walking. At first, I thought it was because she was truly afraid of me and thought I was a serial killer, but later, I got the feeling she enjoyed the walking and talking as much as I did.

I started this evening like I did every other by offering the ride in my truck and waiting for her refusal. Once she said no, I quickly grabbed her hand and began our slow trek to her home. She always smelled like tootsie rolls, and I found it difficult to hold myself back from leaning over and sniffing her like some sort of pervert.

Clover was definitely not like any of the women I would normally deal with. I was stretched so thin with running the junkyard and the laundromat that most of the time I would just pick up some stray tail in a bar or something, just to get my dick wet for the night. I certainly wouldn’t take time out of my busy schedule to walk her home in the evening. If she didn’t want what I was offering, I would simply move to the next one. They were a dime a dozen, all of them just like Marci, up for anything with no commitments. It worked out well for everyone, but after seeing Marci that last time, fucking Maxwell, it had left a sour taste in my mouth. I had a sick vision of Clover coming out of his room with her hair messed up and makeup smeared all over her face, and it made me sick to even think about that.

I wanted something more, someone I could call my own. I didn’t want to be the guy who took revenge on his former classmates by fucking them, then humiliating them before making them leave. I wanted someone sweet who wouldn’t be caught dead leaving someone’s room, looking like a whore who just got paid for her services. I wanted Clover, and I was going to have her come hell or high water.

Clover was quieter than usual on the walk today, so I stopped on the sidewalk and looked into her eyes to see her brows pushed together while she was biting her thumbnail on her other hand.

“What’s wrong, tootsie baby? You seem kind of quiet tonight.” She took a deep breath, seemingly attempting to figure out how to ask me whatever was plaguing her thoughts. She dropped her thumb from her mouth and looked up at me with her beautiful, sad eyes and quietly asked, “How come you haven’t tried to kiss me yet?”

I took in her sad eyes and her sorrowful expression and just wanted to wrap her up in my arms and keep her there forever. She actually thought I hadn’t tried to kiss her because I didn’t want her. That this was some sort of joke I was playing before I dumped her off on the side of the road like yesterday’s garbage.

She confessed to me on our previous walks that she knew she was not the prettiest one in her family, while her sisters were beautiful and could be models. I told her if that was the case, then I had to meet these girls, because she was the most beautiful woman I had ever met in my life. Of course she didn’t believe me, which was probably the reason why she’d asked this question. The truth of the matter was, I knew that once I kissed her, she would be all mine, and I wanted her to know the real me before that happened. Obviously, I needed to make that clear so she could stop worrying I was going to leave her in the dust.

“I haven’t kissed you yet, tootsie baby, ‘cause once I start, I won’t stop until I have you under me, in my bed, while I’m fucking you nice and slow.”

“Really? I just thought….”

“I know what you thought and you can get that shit right out of your mind right now. I wasn’t clear before, but let me make myself clear now. I want all of you, Clover. In any way that a man can have a woman, I want you. Is that clear enough for you?”

“Yes, Range, it’s clear.”

“Good, now tell me more about this car you want to buy with the money you’re saving from working at Fosters’.”

Clover told me all about her father’s retirement from working as a chef in one of the top restaurants in New York and how he didn’t really do much outside of the house. I thought she was bullshitting me when she told me how old her father was. I mean, who the fuck had a kid at almost sixty years old? Her mother, who was much younger, had run out of steam from running the other two sisters around all their lives and refused to play taxi to Clover. Her words, not mine. Clover was the only sister in the family working for something instead of sitting around on her ass and mooching off her parents. I admired that quality about her and was determined to do something about it. She was mine, and I took care of my own.

“Since tomorrow is Saturday, why don’t you come by the junkyard and check things out? We could rent one of those old movies you like, and I’ll even order takeout.” She had a shocked look on her face, like she was about to bolt any minute, lowering her head and looking at her feet. She was afraid. I could see it in her posture.

“Are you asking me out on a date, Range?”

“Yeah, tootsie baby, I’m asking you out on a date. But only if you want to spend more time with me.”

“Ok.”

She said it so quietly I almost didn’t hear her. I reached down and lifted her chin with my finger to get a good look at her eyes. Damn, she was beautiful and scared to fucking death. I took my thumb and ran it across her cheek, smearing the ever-present left-over chocolate and sucking it into my mouth. When she gasped in surprise, I lowered my head and took her mouth in a soul-searing kiss. Tasting her natural flavor mixed with the chocolate on my tongue was like being zapped with a stun gun right to my balls. I reached around her back and bought her body closer, so that she could feel just how badly I wanted her. The two of us stood on that sidewalk, kissing like I was a soldier going off to war and this might be the last time either one of us would see each other. She felt so good in my arms, it was like she was made just for me. I didn’t want to stop, but I knew if we kept going, I would drag her back to my truck and fuck her within an inch of her life.

Pulling back slowly from her intoxicating mouth, I gave her a quick nip on her bottom lip and placed my forehead against hers in an attempt to calm my rapid heartbeat and the steel rod hard-on I had in my pants. She was so goddamn sexy at that moment of our first kiss, I could only imagine what she would look like the first time I made her come in my mouth. This train of thought was doing nothing to stop my hard-on, and as I looked into her beautiful eyes, I could tell she was thinking the same thing I was. She wanted me just as badly as I wanted her, if her dreamy look and flushed face were anything to go by.

“I’ll pick you up at two. I’m afraid it’s a little too far for us to walk, but don’t worry. I promise to take care of you. Wear something comfortable. The junkyard can be dirty.”

“Ok, Range. I’ll bring the movie, since I have some on DVD. Is that ok?”

“It’s perfect, just like you, tootsie baby.” I reached down and took her hand in mine, then placed a quick kiss on the back of her knuckles, causing her to blush the perfect shade of pink. I gave her a light shove toward her door, and she fetched out her keys and entered her house, giving me a quick look over her shoulder. Then she closed the door.

I couldn’t wait until tomorrow so I could show her my other pride and joy. Buck’s junkyard was such a big part of my life that I wanted to share it with her. I had the feeling Clover would love it just as much as I did.

CHAPTER 11

Clover

I thought of Range and that magical kiss till the wee hours of the morning. The way he commanded my body was as if I had no choice but to mold against his and take what he was giving. Not that I was complaining or anything, but I swore that kiss was one for the record books. I’d been kissed plenty of times in my life, but that was more than I ever could have imagined. I felt like Scarlett O’Hara when Rhett Butler kissed her soundly and declared, “You should be kissed and often and by someone that knows how.” Well, Range Reardon certainly knew how.

Deciding it was time to stop fantasizing and get my day started before Range arrived to take me to the junkyard, I trotted down to the kitchen in my pajamas in search of breakfast. Once again, I could hear my mother and sisters talking excitedly about whatever the topic of discussion was this morning. Whether it was fashion or the latest date one of them had last night. Oh boy, this was going to be fun.

Peeking around the corner, I spotted Denny in his usual spot on the couch, reading his newspaper, so I decided to forgo my morning greeting. When I stepped into the kitchen, their conversation seemed to stop once they all noticed I was standing there. They were sitting at the kitchen table with their heads down, speaking to each other like they just discovered where Jimmy Hoffa was buried. My sister Shelly was the first to speak after clearing her throat.

“Morning, M&M, glad you decided to join us this morning.”

I looked at the clock and noticed it was a little after eleven. I guessed I was running later than usual, but nothing out of the ordinary I would say. I was trying to figure out if her statement had a double meaning or something when she decided to let me off the hook.

“Couldn’t help but notice that fine hunk of a man that’s been walking you home for the past two weeks. I was on my way out when I was assaulted by that killer lip lock he put on you right before you came in. I must say, I was really surprised.”

Ashley and my mom were looking at me expectantly, as if I were ever going to share anything with them. I shrugged my shoulders and headed for the coffee pot, not willing to give them any information on my relationship with Range. He was special to me, and I certainly didn’t want them to start making fun of me right before our first date. They could tease me all they wanted about anything else, but not about him. He was off-limits when it came to their cruel and hateful words.

“Look, we just want to know who he is, just in case we need to check him out or something. He could be some sort of serial killer or something.”

I had to laugh at that one, considering I had thought the same thing. But Range was nothing of the sort. He was kind and gentle and determined to make his own way. He worked hard every single day at that junkyard and wouldn’t accept praise for his efforts. My refusal to ride in his truck was initially because I didn’t know him well enough, but now that I did, I preferred our walks in the evening with the cool breeze blowing in our faces and time alone to the quick drop-off and the confines of a truck cab. I’d learned more about Range during these walks than I ever thought possible, and in turn he had learned about me. My likes and dislikes, my penchant for old movies, my time spent alone and lonely. He never judged my preference to being alone instead of going out and was not put off by my mediocre existence.

The one thing I didn’t want was for them to get the wrong idea about Range. I didn’t know why, but their perception of him was important to me, and I planned to protect it.

“Look, he’s not a serial killer, ok? His name is Range and he’s coming this afternoon to take me out on a date. Before you start with the jokes, just save it, because I don’t want to hear it.” Shelly perked up from her seat at the kitchen table, clapping her hands like a fool. I had no idea what was going on with her.

“Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God! I only know of one Range and that’s Range Reardon. Please tell me that fine piece of ass I saw you with is him.”

“Watch your mouth, Shelly, you know I hate that kind of talk in my house.” My mother was not in the mood either judging by the way she scolded my sister and swatted her with a dishtowel. Shelly was rubbing her arm in protest and started to address me again.

“Alright mom, take it easy with that thing. Clover, you need to spill right now, girl, and tell me that your Range is the Range I hope he is.” I could not for the life of me understand her excitement over this whole thing. It wasn’t like they ever gave a shit about me, or whom I went out with. The two of them usually huddled together, whispering their bullshit secrets, not bothering to include me in any of it. If they were so concerned about my feelings getting hurt, they would stop calling me M&M and start treating me like I’m a part of this family. Something I’d learned from Range these past two weeks was that he cared about my opinion and didn’t make fun of me like it was a national pastime. I turned my back to them and began to make my morning coffee as usual. “Yes, Shelly, it’s Range Reardon. Happy now?”

This time the clapping came from Ashley before she reached over and gave Shelly a high five and a fist bump. These two must have been smoking something this morning with their breakfast, ‘cause they were acting crazy as hell right now.

“I told you it was him! Holy shit, Clove, you hit the mother lode with that one. Remember my friend Janice from Hooters?” She had to be kidding me with this shit right now. What did her job at Hooters have to do with Range? I gave her one of my hardest eye rolls to date, and believe me, there were plenty to compare it to.

“Oh, you mean the job you worked at for two days and quit? Yeah, I remember it. Why?”

“Well, Janice used to talk about this guy Range she went to high school with all the time, or at least for the two days I worked there. She would go on and on about wishing she had another chance to fu…I mean sleep with him again and how he was the best she ever had.”

Her quick correction didn’t save her from getting her own rag slap from my mother. She was lucky it was just a rag she got hit with, ‘cause I wanted to knock her over the head with the coffee pot. Range was the handsomest guy I had ever met, so I never thought he was a virgin, but for Christ sake, I didn’t want to hear about his sexual exploits from some bitch that worked at Hooters of all things. How could she possibly still be obsessed over something that happened years ago, and in high school no less? This conversation was quickly going into a direction I didn’t want to take it in.

“Well, that’s nice of her to remember something that happened when The Backstreet Boys were still together. I guess when you aspire to be shift manager at Hooters, it leaves plenty of time for reminiscing about the good old days.”

“Oh, come on, Clove. Don’t get all bent out of shape. I only meant that since you’ve been going through a dry spell, you certainly picked the right guy to bring you out of your little funk.”

“What funk are you talking about? I haven’t been in a funk. I simply chose to not date for a while, unlike you two, who have a full dance card.”

I didn’t know why I was bothering to explain anything to these two. They were staring at me like I just hurt their feelings or something. My mother wasn’t much better with her disapproving scowl, like I was the one who constantly teased and humiliated them on a daily basis. “Look, it’s not like that between Range and I. We just started spending time together, and I’m not sure how to categorize our relationship yet. I’m just gonna play it by ear and see where it leads. Now, you can all find something else to come up with to tease me about.”

There, I’d finally said it out loud. I was sick of being the punch line around here and it was time they all knew it. Strangely, I didn’t feel the satisfaction I thought I would. To my surprise, Shelly and Ashley truly looked like they had no idea what I was talking about. They were just shaking their heads and patting each other on the back in comfort. “Don’t tell me you have no idea what I’m talking about. You guys never include me in anything and insist on calling me a stupid nickname even when I tell you not to, like I’m one big joke.”

Shelly was the first to respond. “I’m sorry, Clove. We only call you M&M ‘cause we think it’s cute, not to be cruel. If we had known how much it offended you, we would have stopped long ago. We promise never to use it again, ok?” Ashley was shaking her head in agreement, and I immediately felt like shit. How was I supposed to know the real reason why they called me that stupid name? I just thought they bought into the rumors I was adopted and wanted to make sure I stayed an outsider. I felt so stupid to have resented them this long, and if I was being honest with myself, I pulled away from them first. They always used to invite me to hang out, but I always said no. Until they stopped asking and I started feeling isolated and alone. How could I have gotten this so wrong?

“Don’t worry about it, guys. I’m just nervous about going out with Range for the first time, that’s all. And thanks for not calling me M&M anymore, regardless of how cute you think it is.” They both stood up from their chairs and advanced toward me with their arms spread open. Oh God, not the group hug in the kitchen shit.

“We love you, Clove, and we are both happy you are going out on a date today. Ooh, I have a great idea. I’ll do your hair and makeup, and Ashley will pick out your outfit. This is going to be so much fun, I can just fell it. We’re gonna knock him on his cute little ass by the time we’re done.” And with that little statement, we all got rag slaps as we ran screeching from the kitchen to get ready.

Two hours later, my room had the look of an F4 tornado path. None of my clothes were left hanging in the closet; instead, they were all lying across the bed, draped over the sink in my bathroom, and swinging from the mirror on my chest of drawers. It was a mess I would have to deal with later since there was no time today, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. My sisters and I talked about anything and everything, and it was then that I realized I had missed them greatly. Our silly rift that caused us all to pull away from each other had done nothing but waste a lot of time; time we could have been spending together like we were doing today. When it was all said and done, one thing remained true, and that was the love we all had for each other. That love was evident when I looked at the final product in the mirror and hardly recognized myself. True to their word, my sisters made me look like a super model, and I was looking forward to knocking Range on his cute little ass.

CHAPTER 12

Range

I had the worst night’s sleep of my life last night. After my kiss with Clover, I didn’t think my dick would ever go soft. The way she felt in my arms as I took her mouth in that mind-numbing kiss, I thought my head was about to explode. I had to jerk off twice before I could even think about getting some rest. Maxwell fucking whomever right next door certainly didn’t help the situation. Those two or three, or however many there were, were so loud I thought they were in the room with me. I had to remember to talk to him about bringing some of his “friends” into the house. I was all for having a good time, but Max was reckless. I would hate to wake up one morning and have my cock in some stranger’s mouth without me knowing it. That’s just the type of shit that would happen with him.

Before I got too put out over Max and his escapades, I remembered today was the day when Clover finally agreed to a date with me. That brought an immediate smile to my face, just thinking about showing her around the junkyard and telling her all of the interesting things that went on around here. The junkyard was closed on Saturdays, so at least I wouldn’t have to deal with any deliveries or customer bullshit. I’d have Clover all to myself and could hardly wait to have her back in my arms again. Just the thought of her had my dick bulging in my boxers yet again, which seemed to be an all too common occurrence when I thought of her.

I could remember one of the few times Buck spoke about his family with me. He hardly ever mentioned them, considering his wife left him shortly after the death of their son. She had blamed him for the whole ordeal. But every once in a while, he would get a far-off look in his eyes and would start talking about something in particular. Drama had snitched one day that I was fucking girls in high school for revenge and Buck wanted to let me in on a secret.

“Boy, you better make sure you wrap that little dick of yours up tight. We don’t need no extra mouths to feed around here. When you finally get done fucking around with those bitches and start looking for the one to settle down with, I hope your dumb ass is smart enough to snatch her up when you find her. You’ll know she’s the one when your balls feel like you got broken glass in them every time you think about her. When you are ready to kill or be killed for that bitch, trust me, she’s the one. Don’t be a fucking fool and let her get away like I did. I regret few things in this life, boy, very few things, but I can tell you now, I’ll always regret that one.”

Of course, I was an asshole about the whole thing and told him I had it under control. He never tried to force any of us not to follow our own paths in life, but on occasion, he would try to impart some of his old-school wisdom as only Buck could. I could see now the point he was trying to make about the broken glass in your balls. I ached to have Clover in my bed and prayed I was smart enough to keep her there.

***

I made my way over to Clover’s house in record time. I didn’t want to keep her waiting. I jumped out of my truck and made my way to the front porch, ready to ring the doorbell, when the front door was wrenched open and there stood a pretty girl I assumed was one of Clover’s sisters. Clover had explained to me during one of our many walks that she didn’t look anything like her two sisters, but I thought she was completely wrong. I could very much see Clover in this girl standing before me.

“Hey, is Clover home?” She gave me an appreciative look before answering.

“And who might you be, handsome?” I’m sure she knew exactly who I was, judging by the smirk on her face, but I decided to play along.

“I’m Range, and you are?”

“I’m Shelly, Clover’s sister. Come on inside. She’s all ready for you.”

I took a step inside and noticed right away how homey their house felt. There were family pictures spread all around each wall, beginning from when the girls were babies. I noticed Clover’s baby photos right away, since she was lighter than the rest of the family with blondish hair versus their dark hair. She had chubby cheeks and a huge smile on her face as she tried to blow out candles on what looked like her birthday cake. The rest were various pictures of all the girls growing up during family outings and vacations, none of which I’d ever had in my life. I almost envied her for growing up in such a loving family, but I couldn’t fault her for that. It made her the person she was today. Damn, in each picture she seemed to get more and more beautiful as she got older.

I heard footsteps coming down the stairs, and when I turned around, the vision before me made me want to drop to my knees and thank God to be alive. Clover was descending the stairs with another girl, who was more than likely her other sister, Ashley, right behind her, but it was Clover who had my full attention.

“Hey, Range. I’m ready to go if you are.”

I took a step toward her with an almost animalistic need to touch her somehow. I reached up with my hand and lightly ran my index finger across her cheek as I looked into her beautiful eyes to convey my need, making her blush a beautiful shade of pink almost immediately.

“Hey, tootsie baby. You look beautiful.” I still had my finger on her cheek as we maintained eye contact when one of her sisters laughed out loud at my nickname for Clover.

“He calls you tootsie baby? That’s too cute. I like him already.”

I couldn’t help but smile at her little outburst, even though Clover had a look on her face like she was ready to run out the door at any minute. Since Clover was in a daze, I decided I should introduce myself to her other sister, so I stuck out my hand for a quick greeting.

“Hi, I’m Range. You must be Ashley. Nice to meet you.” Ashley reached out her little hand, and with a firm grip, gave me a shake. “Nice to meet you, too, Range. Clover has told us all about you.”

“Oh really? And what exactly has Clover said about me?”

Clover quickly snapped out of her trance, grabbed my hand, and dragged me out the door before either of the girls had a chance to respond. All I could hear was a chorus of giggles as we exited the house. I walked her over to the passenger side and opened the door for her to get in. Before she could climb up into the cab, I grabbed her hand and spun her around. As soon as she gasped in surprise, I kissed her firmly on the mouth. It wasn’t like the passionate kiss we’d shared the night before, but a kiss to let her know just how much I’d missed her and couldn’t wait to spend the day with her. When I pulled back to take a look at her gorgeous face, she smiled the biggest, brightest smile I had ever seen. I could swear she was glowing. I released her hand and helped her up into the cab, waiting until she secured her seat belt before closing the door. I ran around the front of the truck to climb into the driver’s side, and with one final glance at Clover, I set off toward the junkyard.

A few short minutes into the drive, Clover turned to face me with a curious look in her eyes and asked, “Why did Buck leave you the junkyard? He must have had family somewhere.” It was a valid question. I just didn’t know how much I wanted to tell her about my past, so I decided to answer the best way I knew how. “Buck considered all of us his boys, me in particular. We all needed him for one reason or another. Most of the time, it was a decent meal or a clean set of clothes. When he decided to retire, he felt I was the most responsible of the bunch, so he left it to me to run.” I hoped my answer was enough to satisfy her curiosity. I didn’t want anything to ruin our day together, and dredging up the past was a sure fire way to send my thoughts straight to hell.

“I guess that makes a lot of sense. He sounds like a wonderful man, and I hope I get to meet him someday.” She reached over the center console and intertwined our fingers, smiling as we made our way. I couldn’t help the warm feeling this girl invoked in my chest. I didn’t think I had ever been this happy in my entire life, and it was all thanks to my tootsie girl.

I should have known that happiness wasn’t meant for me in this life and like most things, it always came at a price.

CHAPTER 13

Clover

As we made our way to the junkyard, I could feel the excitement growing in Range. The old sign that read “Buck’s Junkyard” had announced our arrival, but it was the strange man sitting outside on a motorcycle who for some reason made me feel on edge. He was dressed in all black from head to toe, including a black bandana that was tied around his mouth and nose. He was dirty, but not from lack of bathing. From the looks of things, he must have been traveling a long way, since dust and grime were all over the bike. He was wearing some sort of vest that had patches all over the front of it with the name Craze in the corner.

Range put the car in park and began to get out, but I yanked on his hand I was holding to stop him.

“Do you know him? He looks sort of dangerous.”

“No, he probably just needs a part or something and didn’t realize we were closed on Saturday. I’ll just let him know to come back on Monday.”

“Ok, just be careful.”

“Always, baby.”

Range gave my hand a quick squeeze, got out of the truck, and made his way over to the man on the bike. As he approached, the stranger removed the bandana that was covering his face, and took his helmet off. He didn’t smile or look like a weary traveler in need of motorcycle parts; he looked more like a rattlesnake ready to strike at any moment. His eyes narrowed on Range as he tilted his head to the side like he was contemplating something. I knew I shouldn’t have, but I turned the key in the ignition just enough to roll down the window so I could hear what they were saying.

“Can I help you with something? The yard is closed on Saturday.”

“Don’t need parts, man, looking for Buck.” He took the bandana and wiped the back of his neck with it then placed it in his back pocket. He placed his hands on his handlebars as he waited for Range to reply. I could see that Range was contemplating telling this guy Buck was retired and was no longer running the junkyard. Range was too smart to give this guy Buck’s location without a damn good reason.

“And who’s askin’?”

“A friend of the family.”

Considering Range just told me Buck didn’t have any family, I knew this was a bunch of bullshit and this guy was definitely up to no good. Range would know as well and make it real clear he was not welcome and to leave immediately. I should feel good about that, but for some reason, I just couldn’t.

“He’s not here and won’t be back any time soon. I’ll tell him you stopped by when I see him.” Range stood at his full height and looked the guy right in the eyes, telling him he was not one to be fucked with. The strange man returned with a sly smirk and nodded his head. He removed the bandana from his back pocket and retied it around his face. As he was securing his helmet on his head, he looked right at me and winked, started the bike, and took off down the road. My heart was beating so fast I thought I was having a panic attack. By the time Range made his way back to the truck, I was completely shaken up by this whole experience.

“What did he want? Is everything ok?” Range grabbed my hand and brushed a soft kiss across my knuckles. I immediately felt safe in his presence and my anxiety began to decrease. He had a small smile on his face and used his other hand to tuck a piece of my hair behind my ear.

“Everything’s fine, baby, he was just looking for Buck. He won’t be coming back.” I took a deep breath through my nose and slowly released it out my mouth, instantly feeling better about the situation. Perhaps he was right and we’d never have to see that man again. I prayed he was right, but in my heart, I knew it was just the beginning.

***

Range drove deep into the yard and parked the truck on a paved portion of a dirt road. As far as the eye could see there were stacks upon stacks of cars that had been crushed and piled on top of each other. Standing in this place gave me a strange and eerie feeling; like the cars were oversized tombstones and spirits of past lives were floating all around us. I involuntarily shivered, although it was quite warm out. Range walked around the front of the truck and placed his arm around my waist as he stood next to me, taking it all in.

“It can be spooky as fuck out here if you’re not used to it.” I was amazed at how well he knew what I was thinking. I snuggled into this side and held him around the torso. He felt so warm and safe. I wanted to hold him like this forever. I inhaled his scent and closed my eyes, perfectly content in his strength.

“Come on, baby, let me show you around.” Reluctantly and with a huff, I let go of him in time for him to take my hand and lead me around this vast yard of gutted and deserted vehicles. I was surprised to see just how big this place really was. Not only did it house cars, but boats, motorhomes, tractors, and all sorts of machinery. There were several storage units that Range explained held some of the more valuable items for sale, like copper and brass. They were held under lock and key and were monitored with a built-in security system. Behind the storage units was a clearing, and just beyond that was a sight that made me gasp out loud and cover my mouth with my hands in shock: a house, and not just any house but a beautiful, modernized cabin that took up the entire side of the yard. Since it was located at the base of a hill, you couldn’t see from the junkyard it at all, unless you were standing at this exact location beyond the clearing.

“Oh my god, Range, is that your house? It’s beautiful.” It truly was a marvel. The house had a wraparound porch and picturesque glass windows from top to bottom. It was like something out of a magazine, and I couldn’t help but gawk at it. This was not what I imagined would be in a place like this. How could something so lovely be in the back of a junkyard?

“Buck had it built years ago when he wanted to settle down and start his family. He always said he wanted the place to be his home away from home. An escape from all of the trials and tribulations of the everyday world.”

“It’s so beautiful it hurts to look at it. Any family would love to call this place home.”

Range took my hand and gave me a gentle nudge until we were moving in the direction of the house.

“Come on, baby. I’ll show you the inside. You can get to it from a private road, but I wanted to show you the yard first.”

There were trees and shrubbery all around. Seasonal flowers were blooming along the walkway and there was even a small vegetable garden off to the side. A big oak tree out front had a tire swing hanging from it, perfect for a small child to have loads of fun on a warm, sunny day. I had a flash of Range pushing a small boy on the swing as they laughed and giggled with each other while it swayed back and forth. What a strange thought to have right then. We stepped through the front door into the living room and the sight took my breath away. Vaulted ceilings and a wide-open floor plan with natural light flowing from every window gave the space a feel of being outside, although we were inside.

“Would you like something to drink? We could order take-out if you’d like.”

I took a seat at a nearby empty chair as I tried to compose my thoughts. I had so many questions I wanted to ask about this place and the people who lived here. Why would a man build such a wonderful home and not live here himself? What would make him abandon the notion of having a family to occupy this space to one day just leaving it all behind? I simply couldn’t understand what or whom would drive a man like Buck to turn his back on happiness.

“Tootsie baby? You ok over there?”

I shook my head to rid my mind of these painful thoughts and focused all my concentration on the beautiful man standing before me. Mrs. Foster was absolutely right. He really was a sight to behold. All muscle and defined lines, super model good looks, and a smile that made my panties wet from just one look. His strong arms were at his sides and I wanted those arms wrapped around me, holding me close so that all I could feel was warm and secure.

“Baby, you keep looking at me like that and we are gonna have a serious problem.”

“And just how am I looking at you?”

“Like any minute you’re gonna jump outta that chair and attack me like a starving man at Thanksgiving dinner. Not that I’m complaining or anything. I like that look on you.”

Well, yeah, that pretty much summed up how I was feeling, so I did the only thing a girl in my position could do. I jumped up and attacked him. I’d never been aggressive when it came to men. Perhaps it was my self-imposed dry spell or the way this home called out to me like I belonged there and never wanted to leave. Whatever it was, I didn’t give a shit. I needed him. All thoughts or inhibitions I’d had went right out those beautiful windows surrounding us in that living room. I needed those strong arms and soft lips to take me places few had gone. I held on to the back of his head as I pressed my mouth to his, loving the way he softly moaned when I slipped my tongue inside. Range reached down and grabbed hold of one of my ass cheeks and kneaded the soft flesh as he pressed his growing erection against my belly. Our breaths were coming in harsh pants and my body was on fire with need. I wanted this man and refused to wait any longer.

“I want you.”

CHAPTER 14

Range

Clover and I were standing together, holding each other, trying to calm our ragged breaths with our foreheads resting against each other. She was so fucking beautiful with her pouty lips that were now red and swollen from our kissing. How could I make love to her without telling her the truth about my past? She would never understand my revenge fucks or that strong need to punish those who’d made fun of me all those years ago. Clover would never do anything so vile and spiteful just to prove a point. She had a pure heart compared to all those women I’d fucked, and I couldn’t let her go into this blind without knowing who I really was.

I took a deep breath and took a step away from her warm embrace. I knew it would be hard, but I had to tell her the truth.

“I’ve done some things in my past you should know about. I’m not proud of them, but at the time I was just so angry and full of revenge, I couldn’t see myself get past it.”

I waited for her response as she took in what I was about to tell her. She looked sad and embarrassed I interrupted our make-out session right after she declared how much she wanted me. She wasn’t the one who should be embarrassed by my pending confession. I wish I could spare her the unpleasant nature of my past, but I couldn’t take it lightly. I was trash and always would be, regardless of how successful she thought I was by running the junkyard and laundromat. I’d always be that dirty little boy no one wanted to sit next to.

I took both her hands in mine and sat us back down on the couch so I could look her in the eyes. My shame felt like a third person in this room, sitting with us, and I wished like hell I could just make it go away and take her in my arms. I hoped she could find a way to forgive me, so we can move on together.

“I’ve done some things to women in the past, things that were not very nice.” She was looking at me like I was going to confess to being some sort of rapist or something. This was not going as planned. I couldn’t stand that look on her face any longer. I had to fix this shit quickly.

“I didn’t grow up in a loving household like you did, baby. My old man was an asshole at the best of times and a drunken slob at his worst. We never had shit, no food, running water, or clean clothes. When I met Buck, I was a lice-infested, half-starved, scared little boy who no one wanted to sit next to in school. Buck did what he could for me those first few years. I was still too young to leave home, so I had to go back to that shithole every night and sleep in that filth and dirt. Until finally, Buck had enough and paid my asshole dad a visit one day. I’m not sure what happened, but I moved in here with him that day and made a vow I would make every single one of those fuckers who laughed at me pay, so that’s what I did.”

Clover was so worked up over my story, her entire face was red and tears were streaming down her cheeks like big, giant raindrops. I took her in my arms to comfort her and I guess to give myself a little comfort as well. I hadn’t told anyone that story since I told Buck years ago, and I hadn’t realized the effect those hard years still had on me. I stroked her back and whispered soothing things in her ear, trying to get her to calm down.

“Don’t cry for me, baby. It’s over now. I never want to be the cause of your tears.”

“I’m sorry, Range, it’s just…I can’t believe that happened to you.”

She reached up and placed her small hand on my cheek as she wiped her nose with the other. She had the most earnest expression on her face as she placed a soft kiss to my lips.

“I would have wanted to be your friend, Range, and we could have had each other.”

I lunged at her as we sat on the couch and crushed my lips to hers, trying to express my gratitude for her kind words and understanding nature. I knew I was probably hurting her as I pressed her small body to my own, but I felt like I couldn’t get close enough. I wanted to cut open her chest and step inside and bind her to me always. The kiss was quickly gaining momentum as I felt my erection growing in my jeans. I broke away from her greedy mouth and tried to slow my breathing enough to talk, but it was no use. I was lost in her beauty and wanted to take it further. I held her face in my hands as I spoke the words that would bring us together as one.

“Will you give yourself to me, tootsie baby?

“I’m yours, Range, for as long as you want me.”

“Once I take you, you’ll be mine forever, baby. Please be sure that’s what you want, ‘cause once I get a taste of you, I’ll never let you go.”

Clover didn’t skip a beat as she stood from the couch and extended her hand to me to do the same.

“Then take me, Range. Show me how much you want me.”

That was all the encouragement I needed to get my feet moving. I scooped her up in my arms, threw her over my shoulder firemen-style, and all but ran to my bedroom. Slamming the door closed with my foot, I tossed her on the bed like a ragdoll. She bounced a couple of times on the mattress and her hair was flying all over the place, but she was the prettiest woman I had ever seen. She was just as excited as I was, but I wanted to savor this moment and make it last as long as possible. I knew once I got insider her, I would never want to leave. I stood in my doorway, watching her watch me, wondering about my hesitation, and I all but growled when she started to remove her shirt.

“You are so fucking beautiful, baby. I could look at you all day and never grow tired.”

“Why are you standing all the way over there?”

She lowered her gaze to the mattress and covered herself with her hands. I’d almost forgotten how shy she could be at times, but I wanted the woman who took my hand and led me to this room in order for us to make love for the first time.

“Don’t cover yourself, tootsie baby, let me see your beautiful body.”

She lowered her hands while looking me in the eyes, then reached around to her back and snapped the clips holding her bra in place and slowly lowered it down her arms until she sat bare from the waist up before me. I slowly stepped away from the door and stalked over to sit next to her on the bed. I had to fight the urge to rip off her jeans and panties and slam my cock into her wetness, so I reached up and touched her beautiful face. I slowly lowered my hand and brushed it across her perfect tit until her nipple felt like a tiny stone. I could hear her breath catch in her throat as I kneaded the soft flesh in my hand then reached with my free one to give her other breast the same attention.

“Do you have any idea how beautiful you look right now? I can’t wait to touch ever part of your body with my mouth until you beg me to stop.”

I hated to let go of her warm body, but I had to see the rest of her. I splayed my hand on her chest between her breasts and gave her a tiny push until she was lying down flat on her back. I unbuckled her jeans and began to lower them down her hips. Clover lifted her ass as I pulled downward, never taking her eyes off the progress I was making to get her naked. Once the jeans were at her ankles, I yanked them off and threw them over my shoulder toward the corner somewhere. They were not my concern at this moment. The only thing I wanted to see was this beautiful, naked goddess lying in my bed, waiting for me to take her. My cock got so hard at the sight in front of me, I could have built a Tudor style house with it. Unfortunately, he was going to have to wait, ‘cause my mouth had other plans.

Climbing back up on the bed, I ran a single finger down the inside of her thigh until she parted her legs like Moses parted the Red Sea. I could smell her arousal from where I sat back on my knees, and it was heaven to my senses. I lowered my head to her center, breathed in deeply through my nose, and dove in like a starving man. One swipe of my tongue and I thought my head was going to explode. She tasted like chocolate and caramel and all those wonderful flavors they sold at Fosters’, and I couldn’t get enough. I licked, sucked, bit and then did it all again until she was screaming so loudly, I could hear the paint peeling off the ceiling. I made her come three times with my mouth before my cock decided it was enough and wanted in on the action. Reluctantly, I pulled away from her glorious clit as she lay flat on her back, struggling to catch her breath. Her reprieve was short-lived as I opened my chest of drawers to retrieve a condom while removing my clothes at the same time. She was so spent she didn’t even notice I was hovering above her completely naked until I spoke.

“Open your eyes, baby. I want you to watch me fuck your tight pussy.”

As soon as her eyes opened, I positioned my cock at her entrance and pushed forward. She was so goddamn tight I had to work my way inside until I was completely seated in her warmth.

“You ok, baby? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No, I’m great. I just…needed a moment to adjust to your size, but you can move now.”

She smiled so broadly I felt it hit my chest like a fucking sledgehammer. This girl was going to be the death of me, but I wanted her to feel good having me inside her this way. I rotated my hips in a circular motion, and she moaned deeply in her throat as she reached up with her hands and held me by the waist just above my ass.

“Oh god, Range, that feels so good, don’t stop.”

“So fucking beautiful. I can’t stop, baby…won’t stop.”

I continued to swirl my hips, slow and easy, as I held her leg behind my back. She felt so fucking warm and slick with arousal I wasn’t going to last long, even though my pace was slow by my standards.

“You ready to come again, baby? I can feel you squeezing my cock so tight. I know you want to come again. Come for me, tootsie baby.”

“Yes, Range, yes …oh god …oh god…I’m going to…”

I reached down and firmly pressed my thumb to her clit, and she went off like a fucking shotgun, screaming my name through her release and scratching my back all to hell. I quickly followed, throwing my head back, shouting to the ceiling like I was Hercules and I’d just slayed a lion. Completely spent and out of breath, I rolled away from her to dispose of the condom, but returned quickly to gather Clover in my arms for some much-needed rest. She inhaled deeply as she laid her head on my naked chest, completely sated and exhausted.

“Rest, baby, you’re gonna need it for later. I’m nowhere near done with you yet.”

CHAPTER 15

Clover

I was lying here on my stomach, completely spent, my pussy gloriously aching. True to his word, Range decided to rouse me from a restful nap three more times in the past few hours, and each time was better than the last. I certainly wasn’t a virgin, but as I thought back to my previous lovers, I realized I had never truly been made love to by a real man. Range was all man. From the soles of his feet to the top of his beautiful head, which probably wasn’t so beautiful now, considering I must have pulled a patch of hair from his scalp while he was fucking me.

I glanced over at this beast of a man, who was sleeping soundly with his hand plastered on my ass, and sighed with contentment. Never in a million years would I have believed someone like me would be lying next to a man like Range. It wasn’t because I considered myself unattractive, but my boring and mundane life hardly made for an interesting bed partner. Range didn’t seem to mind my lack of experience; in fact, he relished it. He promised to show me things I’ve only read about in books, and I looked forward to every single second of it.

My cell phone read just after eight. My bladder was not going to hold out any longer. Sliding out from under the massive hand holding my ass, I made my way to the bathroom and relieved myself as quietly as possible so as not to wake him. I was thirsty, so I grabbed the discarded shirt Range had been wearing and decided to head to the kitchen. As I made my way just inside the area, I saw a naked form leaning into the refrigerator, clearly not realizing they were not alone. I made a coughing sound to alert the person of my presence, and ever so slowly they stood and faced me. I could see now that it was a woman in all her naked glory. She was quite stunning with long, blond hair and supermodel legs. Her breasts were perky but sort of had that fake look to them. Her makeup—or what was left of it—was smeared across her eyes, but you could tell it was expertly done at one time. She was holding a banana in her hand and a can of…was that whipped cream? This was a clusterfuck I found myself in, but I had to say something instead of just standing here, staring at her tits.

“Hi, I’m Clover, a friend of Range’s. I didn’t know anyone else was here.”

She gave me a look that told me all I needed to know about this girl. She was a snotty bitch who wasn’t shy about exposing herself to strangers. As a matter of fact, she looked like she was getting off on it. Feeling self-conscious about wearing only Range’s shirt and standing in the kitchen with a naked woman, I tried to grab my drink as quickly as possible and return to bed.

“I’m Marci, a friend of Max’s….and Range’s, of course.”

Yep, snotty bitch at her finest. I acknowledged her statement with a head nod and made my way to the cabinet to find a glass. I was ready to leave this naked tramp to her banana and whipped cream, but of course, I had no such luck.

“So, you’re the one who was screaming so loud you interrupted my playtime with the boys? Next time, you might want to tell Range to gag you with something so the whole world doesn’t hear you.”

“Um, sure, I’ll keep that in mind. Excuse me.”

I attempted to scoot past her with my now full glass of water, but she wasn’t done doling out good advice. She tossed her blond hair over one shoulder and stuck out her hip like she was ready to hail a cab. Pointing that stupid banana in my face, she wasted no time going in for the kill shot.

“I don’t blame you a bit for screaming so loud, Camille. When Range and I fuck, it’s like a herd of buffalo crashing through the room.”

It was official. I was going to jail. ‘Do not pass and do not collect two hundred dollars’ jail. Normally, these types of women were easy to ignore, but there was just something about that fucking smirk on her face that made me want to choke her with the banana she was holding. The thought alone made me break out in uncontrollable laughter; so much so, I couldn’t catch my breath and had to sit down. She obviously thought I was bat-shit crazy, but she had no idea just how upset over her little declaration I really was. A sudden noise coming from one of the bedrooms had me looking toward the hall, only to see two half-naked men coming our way.

“Babe, what the fuck’s taking you so long? We’re getting lonely in there.”

“I was just grabbing some party favors for us when I ran into Camille here, sneaking around. She was the one making all the noise when we got here.”

If she called me Camille one more time, it was life in prison without the possibility of parole. This bitch was going down like the Titanic. She had no idea who she was messing with.

“My name is Clover, not Camille, and I wasn’t sneaking around. I was invited by Range.”

I stood up and extended my hand to the man standing closest to me. He had the biggest smile on his face as he lightly squeezed it, almost like he was having a private moment all to himself. I couldn’t quite understand why my introduction struck him as funny, but he seemed pleasant enough. He had blondish hair, kind of like a surfer, and although he wasn’t as built as Range, he was quite attractive with his leaner build and perfectly straight teeth.

“I’m Maxwell. I live here with Range and the boys. Nice to meet you, Clover.”

He emphasized my name while shaking his head in disappointment at Marci, since he must have figured out she messed it up on purpose. He hooked his thumb over his shoulder to the other man standing in the corner and offered a quick introduction.

“That’s Mitch. He doesn’t live here. He just came to play for a while.”

Mitch was creepy. I mean like Vincent Price creepy. He had a look to him that just screamed serial killer and wanted by the police. I gave him a quick waive of my hand, ‘cause frankly, I didn’t need to know him at all after tonight. He didn’t strike me as the type of person Range would have as a friend, and this little group was weird enough all on their own. He must have gotten the impression by my lackluster response that I was totally not cool with him, ‘cause now he was scowling as he made his way over to me.

“You wanna come play with us, little girl? I promise to make you scream bloody murder before I’m done with you.”

I felt my skin prick and started to break out in a cold sweat all over my body. I was starting to panic and wasn’t sure if I could control it. Fortunately for me, I didn’t have to, because all hell broke loose right in front of my eyes.

“What the fuck’s going on in here? Did I just hear you talking shit to my woman?”

Oh shit, it was Range, and he was not happy with this little gathering in the kitchen. He had on his jeans from earlier and no shirt, and fuck me if I just didn’t want to jump his bones right there in front of this Brady Bunch. I had to keep my shit together, ‘cause this was about to get completely out of hand.

“Calm down, dude. I was just asking her if she wanted to join us for some fun. What’s the big fucking deal?”

Mitch was creepy and obviously learning-impaired. He just poked the bull, and if he didn’t stop, it was going take an army to stop Range from kicking his ass all the way to Albuquerque. The thought of Mitch getting his face bashed in filled me with a sense of joy, but I couldn’t let Range go to jail for me. He was working hard to become more than what he was lead to believe he could be, and a criminal record would derail all the progress he’d made in his life. I had to intervene for everyone’s sake.

“It’s ok, Range. I was just getting some water and didn’t know there were other people in the house. Let’s just go back to your room.”

I lightly touched his arm, which seemed to placate him for the moment, but I could tell he wasn’t done with this crowd just yet. He took a deep breath through his nose in an attempt to calm himself down and grabbed me by the hand to lead my back to his bedroom. But before we could make it two feet out the room, he turned to address them all, pointing a finger at each and every one as he laid down the law.

“Max, you and I will have words about this tomorrow.”

“Marci, don’t ever walk around my house naked again. Do you understand me? Max might like it, but I sure as shit don’t. Do it again and I’ll chuck your ass outside so fast your fucking head will spin.”

And finally, to creepy Mitch he gave the last word. One that left me with chills running down my spine with their intent.

“I’ll see you soon, motherfucker. Don’t blink.”

CHAPTER 16

Range

It took all of my self-control not to blow through that kitchen and knock Max and his band of freaks the fuck out. I couldn’t believe that sick bastard Mitch had the balls to push up on my girl like she would be interested in joining in that freak show. I knew what went down with those three, and it wasn’t pretty. Max needed to get a better handle on his bullshit going forward. I couldn’t have my girl walking in on that shit again. Buck left this house to all of us, but even he would agree this was way out of bounds. I’d have to fill him in on this shit before I made a move, but right now, I was too pissed off to think straight. Clover was standing next to me with her head down, playing with the hem of my shirt, which looked damn good on her. If I weren’t so pissed, I’d definitely take my time ripping it off her luscious body and fucking her senseless, but right now, I had to make sure my girl was ok.

“Come here, baby. That asshole is never going to bother you again. I promise.”

She laid her head on my chest as her arms circled my middle, holding on tightly to my back. She was shaking like a leaf and her heart was about to burst out her chest like in the movie “Aliens” or something. I was definitely going to kick some ass. I held her close and rubbed circles along her spine, attempting to soothe her as much as myself.

“Shh, it’s ok, baby. I got you.”

She took a deep breath and looked me in the eyes while still holding me close, and in true Clover form, she broke the tension I was feeling with one simple question.

“Would you bail me out of jail if I stuck a banana in Marci’s ass? It would have been justified, but I’m sure she would have had me arrested.”

Usually, I found this typical of Clover, cuteness wrapped up in a sexy body, but I could tell she was really upset over this situation and was trying to find her footing. I got the feeling that Marci said some really nasty shit to my girl. I had to find out what it was so I could fix it. Clover wasn’t stupid and it didn’t take a genius to figure out what happened with Max and his friends in that bedroom. She probably thought I joined in every chance I got and she was just a fresh piece of pussy until it was my turn.

“What did she say to you, baby?”

She didn’t want to tell me, but I wasn’t taking no for an answer.

“She basically bragged that you and her, and I guess Max as well, have sex all the time in this house, and she was used to loud noises coming from your room.”

That whore was gonna pay for lying to my girl. One way or another, Max was going to have to find an alternate location for his bullshit. I didn’t ever want Clover to believe I wanted anyone but her in my bed from this day forward. She was never going to believe I hadn’t touched that bitch since high school, but I had to try and defend myself.

“I’m not gonna lie to you, baby. I have fucked Marci, but it was only once. It was a long time ago, during the time in my life where all I wanted was revenge. She was the first of many, but I never went back for seconds.”

Clover’s beautiful face turned white as a sheet, and I thought she was going to throw up right on my bedroom floor. It was one thing to hear the story, but something entirely different to see it firsthand. The disappointment in her eyes was like a fist slamming into my gut, and I hated myself for being the cause of her grief. I needed her to believe I wasn’t that person anymore, that I no longer needed revenge to feel worthy. I fought like hell to bury that dirty, lice-infested kid along with his drunken father’s insults to become something more, something better. I would never be that person again. That person was weak and lacked the discipline it took to succeed in life. He was bitter and lonely and wanted to punish those who’d made him that way. No, I would never be him again, but only if I had Clover by my side.

“Would you please drive me home, Range? I’m suddenly very tired and I didn’t tell my parents I would be out all night.”

“Please don’t do this, tootsie baby. Give me a chance to explain.”

“It’s ok, Range. I just need a little time to think about things. Please, just take me home.”

She looked so fucking sad as she pleaded with me with her eyes to take her home. Tonight would not be the night for explanations. She was lost to me for the moment, but I would get her back. I had to. Clover quickly found the clothes she was wearing earlier in the day and retreated to the bathroom to get dressed. I was no longer allowed the privilege of seeing her beautiful naked body that an hour ago I was balls deep inside of. I couldn’t blame her for pulling away. The thought of her being with someone else made me want to hurt someone, so I could only imagine how she was feeling. She emerged from my bathroom fully dressed and handed me my shirt she had been wearing. I wanted her to keep it, keep me close to her.

“I’m ready whenever you are, Range.”

“I…sure, let’s go.”

I opened the bedroom door and allowed her to pass first, so that I could lock it behind me. Of course, as soon as we entered the living room, we heard all kinds of moaning and grunting coming from Max’s room. Clover quickened her pace and hurried out the front door with a huff all the way to my truck. I had to get her the fuck outta here and fast while planning a way to dispose of three bodies in one night. Not an easy task.

The ride to her house was as silent as I expected it to be, both of us lost in our thoughts. As soon as I pulled up to the front of her house, she jumped from the truck like her ass was on fire. I couldn’t let her leave like this.

“Can I call you later so we can talk?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Range. I’m really tired and have a lot of things to do to get ready for work on Monday. Thanks for driving me home. Good night.”

I would give her this play because I knew she needed it, but one way or another, she was going to talk to me. I just had to give her time.

“Ok, baby. I’ll see you soon.”

With one final look she was gone, and I was just as pissed as I was before I left my house. I had to talk to Buck and fast. I knew that old bastard was probably still awake playing with that damn cat, so I wasn’t concerned when I reached for my phone before I even pulled away from the curb. He answered on the third ring, sounding as grumpy as he always did.

“Who the fuck’s this, calling me this time of night? This better be life or death, or I’m gonna have someone’s balls for breakfast.”

“It’s me, you old bastard. Quit your hollering. I need to talk to you.”

“You ran my yard in the ground already, boy?”

It didn’t matter to Buck how old we were. He still called us boys whenever he spoke to any of us. It was his way of reminding us we were never going to be as old or as tough as he was.

“No, I haven’t run the yard in the ground. How could you even think that shit? I’m calling you about Maxwell. I need to know what to do about him.”

“What the fuck you mean, do about him? What’s that little asshole done now?”

I’m not sure why I found it so difficult to explain this to him. It wasn’t like we hadn’t discussed this before. Max’s behavior had always been wild, but now it was just plain reckless. I worried about him, especially now that I had Clover in my life. I wanted him to find the same sort of happiness I’d found. A woman to call his own, and not a whore like Marci.

“He’s been having a lot of people over, strange people, and I don’t like it. It’s dangerous and his activities are making us uncomfortable.”

“Who the fuck is us? I know Sebastian ain’t talking shit, and Jason and the other boys are still on deployment, so who’s this “us” that’s uncomfortable?”

Buck was definitely too smart for his own good. Even though we’d talked about this in the past, I’d never called him out of the blue to complain about it. There was no way around telling him about Clover, so I knew I might as well bite the bullet.

“I’ve been seeing someone for a little over two weeks now. She’s different somehow, special. I don’t want her to have to deal with this shit.”

He was quiet all of a sudden on the other end of the line, like he was thinking of a solution to my little problem. I was about to tell him never mind, that I would figure it out somehow. Maybe I could rent a little crash pad somewhere in town that was cheap, where Clover and I could spend time together without all the drama. It wasn’t something I wanted to do and she certainly deserved more than just an empty room with a bed in it. I could tell how much she enjoyed being at my house, how amazed she was by the scenery and the openness of it. I didn’t want to take that away from her.

“I’ll talk to him, set him straight. Don’t worry about it for now. Just spend time with your girl. Max is complicated and needs to be handled differently.”

I didn’t see what was so complicated. Max liked to fuck, always had, but Buck wasn’t going to tell me any more about it. It was a deal he had with all the boys. He never shared our situations with the others unless we agreed to it. He always said that when his boys trusted him with information, he would take it to his grave. This was another reason why we trusted him so much. Not only did he care for our physical well-being, but our mental one as well.

“Ok, sounds good to me. Before I forget, there was a guy looking for you today. Said he was a friend of the family, which I know is a bunch of bullshit. Told him you were gone and left it at that.”

“What sort of guy was looking for me?”

“He was a biker, judging by the cut he was wearing, young guy about my age. Didn’t say much after I told him you were gone. Just took off toward town.”

“Huh. That’s strange considering I’ve been off the grid for years. I don’t like it. Keep your eyes open, kid. He shows up again, you call me right away. You got that?”

“Yeah, I got it. I’ll talk to you soon, old man. Say hi to Pussy for me.”

Buck never said good-bye when we talked, just hung up, so I wasn’t surprised when the line went dead. I drove back to my place, thinking about everything that had happened this evening. How it felt to have Clover in my bed for the first time. I could have fucked her sweet pussy all night if it weren’t for that whore Marci running her mouth to my beautiful girl. One way or another, I had to take care of this and get my girl back in my bed where she belonged.

CHAPTER 17

Clover

I snuck into my house as quietly as possible when Range dropped me off. I didn’t want to see or talk to anyone about the events of the evening. I tossed and turned all night, thinking about that bitch Marci and all the shit she’d said about her and Range. I knew I had absolutely no right to be angry with him over something he did before we met, but the way she told me made me downright sick to my stomach. It was bad enough she was standing in the kitchen buck-naked, where anyone could walk in and see her. She made it seem like I was just a temporary distraction for Range, while she was busy entertaining Max and creepy Mitch.

The thought of her and Range together filled me with so much disgust I couldn’t even bear to look at him. All I could think about were the things he and I had just finished doing and wonder if he had done them with her. How could I ever compete with that perfect hair and her willingness to do anything when it came to sex? I was definitely being a hypocrite by judging him for his past. I mean, it wasn’t like I was a virgin, but having it thrown in my face and then confirmed as truth was simply too much for me to work through in that moment. I knew running was not an option when it came to Range. He’d simply find me and demand I talk to him about it. I just didn’t know if I wanted to hear any more about the man he was in the past. I just didn’t have the time to have the nervous breakdown I deserved. I hid out in my room for the entire day on Sunday and ignored all the texts and calls from Range, but now it was Monday morning and time for work. I dragged my tired ass out of bed to get ready, waiting as long as I could so that I could make a hasty exit without all the questions from my sisters. Once they found out about Range and I having sex for the first time, they would be all over my ass for details, none of which they were ever going to get. I could hear the usual chatter coming from downstairs, so like the coward I was, I snuck out the back door.

I arrived at Fosters’ on time as usual, my mind still moving in a thousand different directions. Mrs. Foster said we had an order that would take most of the day to complete and we would have to take turns working out front stocking inventory and putting the final touches on the caramel and dark chocolate bars that were ordered by one of our premier clients. We began working with Mr. Foster running the front, Mrs. Foster adding the caramel to the molds, and me working the petal to fill before cooling. I couldn’t keep my mind steady on this mundane task long enough to make the assembly line move smoothly. I overfilled the molds, causing the chocolate to spill out all over the place and completely mess up the conveyer belts. Chocolate was getting everywhere: in my hair, on my apron, and I could only imagine how much was across my face.

“You seem to be a bit out of sorts today, dear. Perhaps you should relieve Mr. Foster with inventory duties.”

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Foster, it’s just been one of those days. I’ll go ahead and finish the inventory and run the register out front if any customers come in.”

“Sure, dear, send that sexy husband of mine on back so I can see if I can get him as messy as you are while we complete the order.”

I gave her a weak smile and trudged my way out front like the totally inept employee I was today. Hopefully, I could finish out the day without messing that up too much. Most of my anxiety was coming from the fact that I knew Range would be here to pick me up after work and he was going to want to talk about Saturday night. There was no way he was going to let me hide for another day without a confrontation. As much as I dreaded seeing him, I had to admit to myself that I missed him like crazy. I needed to see his handsome face and to be held in his strong arms to know everything was ok with us. I hated not seeing or talking to him for the last two days. It felt like I had lost my best friend in the world and my chest ached with the thought. He had become such an important part of my life, and after we shared our bodies on Saturday night, my feelings were cemented, never to be broken. He was the heart and soul of me, and I couldn’t help but hope he felt the same way as I did, regardless of the past. I didn’t want to lose him.

These were the thoughts that plagued me as I kneeled below the glass display cases in order to stock the new batch of suckers that arrived today. I heard the sound of the bell over the door, indicating I had a customer, so I yelled out I would be right with them without looking up from my spot on the floor. I stood up to greet the customer, and my chest constricted with who was standing in front of me at the counter. It was the motorcycle man who’d been asking for Buck the other day, staring at me with his head slightly tilted to the side. He looked cleaner than he had days before, which wasn’t a surprise, since he had been road weary, but I was surprised to see he was actually quite handsome in a dangerous sort of way. He wore his customary black attire of his leather vest with the name “Craze” written in the corner. He had striking, blue eyes that looked like sapphires, and he was smiling at me with perfectly straight teeth and a deep set of dimples in his cheeks. If it weren’t for his rugged posture and a noticeable scar over his right eye, he would almost look boyish and playful in nature. I had to get my shit together and treat him like any other customer so he didn’t realize how nervous I really was.

“Hello. Welcome to Fosters’. Can I help you with something?”

“Sure, sugar. I’m looking for something sweet I can suck and lick all day. You got any suggestions?”

“Um, ok, why don’t you take a look around? We have a lot of items to choose from. Just let me know if you want something from the display cases.”

He gave me a wink and slowly walked around the store like he was really finding it hard to make a selection. The longer he spent looking around, the more I wished Mr. Foster would return to relieve me. There was something dangerous about this man. I’d noticed it the first time I saw him and he reinforced that today by showing up here. He was after something. I just didn’t know what it was. I watched him closely as he made his way around the store, stopping only once in front of a display of imported chocolates. He returned to the counter empty-handed, but he still carried his smile.

“Didn’t find anything you liked? Perhaps you would like to try some of the homemade chocolates we have on sale today?”

“No, sugar. What I want isn’t in the display case. It’s standing behind the display case.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but my brain was on pause. I couldn’t get the words to form, so I just stood there, looking like a complete fool while he shot me another wink and turned to exit the store. It took me another minute to snap out of my stupor, just in time to see Mrs. Foster come out front to relieve me.

“Everything ok, dear? You look flushed.”

“Um, yes. I’m fine, thanks. I’ll just go finish up with Mr. Foster.”

I didn’t have the time to deal with this shit. I had enough on my plate without worrying about some biker who made a pass at me. He was probably on his way to the tattoo shop next door and decided to stop in for a snack. It happened all the time with those guys. I was sure he was just as surprised to see me as I was to see him. I had to get my over-active imagination under control and concentrate on what was really bothering me today. I needed to see Range, and I needed him now. He was the only one who could lift this weight off my chest and allow me to breathe easier, knowing he still wanted me as much as I wanted him.

***

The workday finally ended and I was sure the Fosters had turned their clocks back a few times, just to torture me. I didn’t even bother trying to fix myself up. I threw my apron under the workstation, whipped off my hair net, and made a beeline for the front door. As soon as I hit the sidewalk, I saw him in all his glory leaning against his truck, waiting for me. For some reason, the vision before me made my eyes mist over, and before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face in earnest. The sight of him bought so much shame and turmoil I lowered my head and slowly made my way over to stand in front of this beautiful man.

“I’m so sorry, Range.”

He lifted my face, softly holding my chin to meet his eyes, and he, too, had a look of regret and longing.

“I’m sorry, too, tootsie baby, more fucking sorry than you will ever know.”

He held out his arms and without hesitation, I threw my body into his, seeking his strong embrace and security. It felt so good to hold him so close, smelling of soap and man. I knew I would never get enough of him. The two days of self-imposed torture I’d endured were finally over and I was right where I wanted to be.

CHAPTER 18

Range

Holding Clover in my arms after two days of not seeing or speaking to her felt like a giant weight had been lifted off my chest. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed her until she came barreling out of that door at Fosters’ with tears in her eyes. I knew she needed time to get over that shit from Saturday night, but one look at her face told me she was as sorry as I was about how it all went down. I couldn’t change what had happened in the past, but I could try and make her understand my motivation behind my childish actions. She needed to know the way I had felt as a young man growing into his own and how the trials of my youth had molded me.

I invited her to take a drive with me to a place I hadn’t been to in years. She needed to see my life from its beginning to understand the man I was now. We made the short drive across town until I pulled up into the empty pasture with the abandoned, broken-down trailer. We exited the truck in silence. I knew she didn’t know where we were or why I had taken her here, but it was my story to tell and this was how I chose to do it.

“I used to live here when I was a boy, just me and my old man. The owner allowed us to stay here rent free, since it was basically a shell of a trailer anyway. It had no electricity or running water, but this was home until I met Buck.”

I heard her audible intake of air and could tell the vision before her was something she could never have imagined. She grew up with birthday parties and picnics, colorful decorations, hugs, and laughter. I grew up here in darkness, dirt, and filth. She could never understand this unless I showed it to her, and that was why we were standing in front of my childhood place of horrors.

“My first day of school when we moved here was the worst day of my life, baby. My clothes were too small, I smelled bad, and I had the worst case of lice known to man. I knew that if I went to school, I could at least get a free meal for the day. We had long since run out of anything edible.”

I took a deep breath and turned to her before I gave her the next memory, which was by far the hardest to tell. I held on to her hands, trying to anchor myself so I didn’t completely loose myself in the memory of that day.

“The teacher made me stand in front of the class like a fucking fool, so she could introduce me to the rest of the kids. She had barely said my name when that bitch Marci raised her hand and said she didn’t want to sit next to me because it looked like I had fleas. I was so fucking embarrassed, I just took off running until I couldn’t run anymore, and that was the day I met Buck. It took some time for me to trust him, but he made sure I had a hot meal every day and clean clothes to wear. He even shaved my head and treated it for the lice, all on his own dime. If I hadn’t met him that day, my life would have been this and only this, at least that was how I saw it at the time.”

She reached up and placed her small hand on my face as a sign of understanding and empathy, but she could never truly understand the pain I had felt being the dirty boy no one wanted, not even his own father. Clover had the kindest heart of anyone I had ever known, and because of that, I knew her feelings were genuine and not just a front. She felt bad for the boy I had been and probably a little guilty for having a childhood most would envy. She didn’t need to feel that way, not anymore; this was my past, a past my children would never have to endure as long as I had strength in my body. They would never have to eat rotten food or dig a hole to shit in ‘cause they didn’t have a working toilet. No, they would never know this life I’ve worked so hard to move past. Never, as long as there was air in my lungs.

“By the time I reached high school, I had been living with Buck full time. My hair had grown back and the girls started to take notice of my muscled body and tanned skin from working in the junkyard. I was no longer the dirty boy they’d dreaded. I was handsome and sexy, and they all wanted a piece of me. I went from being a fucking leper to being a god in their eyes, and I used them as much as they wanted to use me.”

Clover shook her head in understanding and gave me a weak smile. I knew once I had a chance to explain things, she would forgive me and we could move on. My story was one of hope and triumph, not filth and despair. I made it out of this place of horrors and wanted her with me for my next step on my life’s journey.

***

I reluctantly took Clover home last night after we left the run-down trailer. The heavy conversation and all the dredging up of the past had made us weary and in need of rest. I knew I hadn’t slept much in the two days without her and I was sure it was the same for her. I promised to pick her up from work as usual, and with a lingering kiss, I let her go.

It was a long day of work at the yard today. We had a shipment of copper delivered bright and early that had to be secured before nightfall, since it was quite an expensive commodity. Maxwell had been giving me the silent treatment after he spoke with Buck over the phone. He no longer brought his entertainment to the house but chose to leave in the evenings, only to return early in the morning, looking worse for wear. I worried for my friend and hoped he, too, could find a ray of happiness like I had with Clover.

It was almost quitting time and I was in desperate need of my afternoon shower. There was no way I would ever let Clover see me with any signs of dirt on my body. I made my way to the front of the yard to lock up for the night when I saw someone waiting by the gate. I couldn’t believe this fucker came back after I told him Buck was long gone.

“You looking for something, friend?”

“Just wondering how a man like Buck could afford a nice place like this and why he left it all to you.”

“Well, since you know he left it, then you know he’s not here and he’s never coming back. So why don’t you head back to your mother chapter or where ever it is you bikers hang out at.”

“Afraid I can’t do that, friend. You see, Buck has something of mine, and I’m not leaving till I get it back. Besides, I kind of like it here. Think I’ll stay awhile. I especially like that little candy shop in town with all its delicious…treats.”

“The fuck you say, motherfucker.”

“See you around…friend.”

With that last little message he started his bike with a loud roar and took off down the road. I didn’t miss the meaning behind his words. He would hurt Clover if he didn’t get what he wanted. That shit was not happening, not to my woman. I would do everything in my power to protect what was mine. No way was this fucking biker gonna take her away from me, not when I had just found her. But I had to be smart about this and tread carefully. I knew Buck told me to call him if I saw that guy again, but it just didn’t seem like something I needed to do yet. I could handle this fucker. Buck had left one of his guns in the house when he left. For safety, he’d said. This was definitely considered a safety issue, so I would start carrying until I could figure out what this guy wanted. I also needed to talk to Fox down at the tattoo parlor and make sure he kept an eye out for my girl as well. I’d ask around before I called Buck. At least that way we would have some kind of information to go on and not just the fact that the guy was an asshole. I just hoped I was doing the right thing.

CHAPTER 19

Clover

After my evening with Range at his old childhood home, I felt so much better about the whole Marci situation. He swore to me he had only slept with her once and it had been years ago, although she wanted it to have been more. I believed him when he told me he was a better person now than he was growing up. I could see how being lonely and wanting to be accepted would push some people into doing things that were considered immoral. I could never see myself doing such things, but I couldn’t fault him for trying to find his own way through this crazy thing we called life.

We planned to spend some time together tonight after work, and he told me to make sure I informed my parents I might not be home till morning. Even though I was well above the age to have to ask permission, he didn’t want them to worry about me not returning home after work. Range was always so thoughtful when it came to my well-being. I still felt like shit every time I thought about not speaking with him for two days over some girly drama. I planned to make it up to him in a big way tonight, since we seemed to be back on track with our relationship.

I got dressed for work, packed a small backpack with essentials such as a toothbrush and deodorant, and made sure I was wearing my sexiest lingerie set under my work clothes. I was no longer avoiding my family, so I made my way down to the kitchen for the normal morning chaos, prepared for the Spanish Inquisition. It didn’t take long for them to jump in ass first with the questions.

“Well, well, well. Look who decided to finally join us for breakfast. What do you think, Shelly? Trouble in paradise?”

Somehow I knew Ashley would be the first to open her big mouth with a smart-ass comment. Ignoring her would be futile and would only lead to a double team of her and Shelly. It was best to head this off before they got too carried away.

“No trouble. Just a quick break to give each other some breathing room.”

“Girl, with a man like that you need to get closer to that ass, not further away. Screw the breathing room.”

Ashley was real close to being on the receiving end of another dishrag slap from my mother. I could see she was not at all happy we were using that sort of language in her presence yet again, although she had warned us not to. I’m sure she’d liked us more when we were fighting and ignoring each other. That way, we had never engaged in this sort of conversation. My mom gave us all a knowing look and put her hands on her hips, which was her telltale sign she had had enough.

“Look, how many times do I have to tell you girls about that sort of thing early in the morning? Denny doesn’t want to hear it and neither do I. Save your gutter talk for when you’re alone or out with your friends.”

We apologized in unison and began clearing our morning coffee cups and breakfast plates. I grabbed my backpack and purse and let my mother know I would be back in the morning. I was expecting a lecture about safe sex and unplanned pregnancy, but instead, she gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and told me to have a nice day at work. Her response surprised the shit out of me. I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone or something. She knew we were old enough to take care of ourselves, but that had never stopped her in the past from reminding us she was too old to take care of someone else’s kids. My mind was so plagued with this thought I didn’t notice the man sitting on a motorcycle in front of my house until I was right in front of him. I gasped in horror when I realized who it was. Decked out in his customary black garb, sporting a dangerous smile and amused expression, was the biker from the candy shop, sitting on his big, shiny hog right out front for the world to see.

“What are you doing here? How did you know where I lived? You’re not supposed to be here.” I was almost screaming hysterically, but it didn’t seem to faze him one bit.

“Calm down, sweet thang. One question at a time. I came to see if I could give you a ride to work. I just happened to notice that your man lets you walk to work every day instead of driving you, which is a dick move, I might add. You never know who might show up out of the blue.”

I looked around for someone to help me, just in case I needed to scream bloody murder. I didn’t know what frightened me more; the fact that he was in front of my house, or that he had been watching me enough to know I walked to work instead of catching a ride from Range. Either way, this guy definitely picked the wrong girl if he thought he could just show here and intimidate me into giving him information about Buck. He’d be disappointed when I told him I’d never met Buck and had no idea where he was.

“Look…Craze, I don’t know anything about Buck or the junkyard, so you can stop coming to my store, and definitely never come to my house again. Do you understand?”

“Julian.”

“What?”

“My name is Julian. Only folks in the life call me Craze, and you are definitely not in the life, sweet thang. Although you would make a great old lady. Can I at least have your name?”

I should have told him no and kept walking, but I had a bad habit of running my mouth when I wasn’t supposed to, and it always got me in trouble.

“Clover. My name is Clover. But you won’t be using it much.”

He closed his eyes and licked his lips like he was tasting the sweetest of candies. Then he opened his eyes with a blinding smile and repeated my name to himself.

“Hmm, I love the way your name tastes on my tongue.”

Well, I could definitely see where how got his name. This asshole was completely nuts, as in one can short of a six-pack. He had some nerve coming to my home and talking to me like he and I were friends or something. I got that he probably could have any woman he wanted. Some women liked the dangerous type, but I wasn’t one of them. The dark clothes and dangerous eyes did nothing but make me nervous and run in the opposite direction. If Range knew he was here, he would definitely blow a gasket and take this guy out with one punch to the gut, and there would be no way I could stop him.

“I’m sorry, Julian. I don’t think talking to you is a good idea. I have a boyfriend and I’m sure he wouldn’t appreciate you showing up like this.”

“See? Perfect old lady. I get it, you think I’m using you to get to Buck, but I already know all I need to about that old man. I also know that you and Range have only been seeing each other for a short time, so I decided to try my luck. Don’t worry, sweet thang, I knew it was a long shot.”

Well, damn. When he put it that way, how could I possibly be angry with him? That didn’t mean I was gonna jump on the back of his bike and ride off into the sunset with him or some shit like that, but I could see his point. Like Range, he was a man of action, something he had to be in the life of an MC criminal. The way he was smiling at me when he said it made me blush twelve shades of red, and I had to put a stop to this now.

“I’m flattered, Julian. Really, I am. I hope you find what you came here for soon so you can return to your club life and do whatever it is you guys do.”

“Oh, I plan on finding it real soon, darlin’. I suspect once you tell your old man I showed up here today, I’ll be seeing Buck real soon. If a man like me showed up at my old lady’s house, I would do whatever it took to keep her safe. Don’t you agree?”

I had absolutely no answer to this question. I could only stand there with my mouth hanging open like a dead fish, not missing the meaning behind his words at all. He wanted me to be afraid of him and what he was capable of, but I also had to protect Range from danger. I cared about him too much to see anything happen to him. It didn’t matter anyway. He didn’t expect a response from me. He only wanted to deliver a message. Well, it was received loud and clear.

“I’ll catch you later, sweet thang. Have a good day at work.”

He started the engine and took off down the road in the opposite direction, leaving a trail of dust in his wake. He was right. Once I told Range he showed up at my house, all hell would break loose. I couldn’t be the one to put them in danger. What if he called some of his MC buddies to town and they all started to harass us? If I didn’t tell Range, Julian would just get tired of waiting for Buck and go back home. No way would he stick around town, knowing that Buck no longer lived here. He said himself he knew all he needed to know, which meant he had to know Buck was retired and no longer ran the junkyard. No, I wouldn’t buy into his bullshit and tell Range about this little visit. I’d pray he’d just go away, back to where he belonged.

CHAPTER 20

Range

Getting ready to pick up my girl from work, I couldn’t help the smile that came across my face when I thought about seeing her again. After spilling my guts about my shitty upbringing, I was so mentally exhausted I thought it best we gave each other time to recuperate. Well, that time was over and I wanted my woman in my bed tonight.

I heard Maxwell run in and grab something then slam the door on his way out like a fourteen-year-old child. Looked like he was still pissed I’d called Buck about his behavior and had decided to continue his late night rendezvous away from home. Max was a grown man, and he certainly didn’t need my permission to fuck whomever he wanted, but I was glad I had the place to myself tonight so I could spend time with Clover alone. After everything that happened, we needed this time together to reconnect, although I already knew we were still on the same page.

I grabbed my keys and wallet, itching to head out the door, when I remembered I needed to grab my piece as well. Buck made sure he taught all of us how to properly care for a firearm so that in case anything happened to him, we knew how to protect ourselves. Shooting was one of the things I’d excelled at mainly because I would picture my old man’s face on the target and hit the bull’s-eye every time. Buck thought I was a natural and made sure I took all safety precautions during our lessons. When he’d left the gun in the lock box, I made sure it was always cleaned and oiled in case I ever had to use it. I attached the holster to my leg and secured the gun, hoping I could hide it from Clover. I didn’t want her to get worried. Somehow I just knew my girl would not like the idea of me carrying. But if she found out about it, she was gonna have to get over it, at least until this fucker decided to leave town. Satisfied it was well-hidden under my jeans, I set off to pick her up but ran smack dab into Sebastian walking in the door.

“Dude, where you going in such a hurry? Is there a fire or something?”

“Naw, man, just going to pick up my girl.”

“Your girl? I didn’t know you were seeing someone. When did this happen and how come you didn’t tell me?”

Shit, with all the stuff that had been going on around here, I’d forgotten to fill him in. Sebastian could be sensitive when he thought he was being excluded from things in our lives. It wasn’t that I’d planned on keeping it a secret or anything; telling him just had completely slipped my mind. I knew I had to do some damage control before he went into full drama mode.

“It hasn’t been that long since we’ve been seeing each other, but I was actually gonna invite her over to a get-together so she can meet you guys.”

It was a lie, but I had to think quick on my feet. If I didn’t, Sebastian would think I was hiding her from him because I thought he wasn’t good enough to meet her or some shit. The last time I made the mistake of keeping something from him, he wrote me a four-page letter about friendship and respecting others’ feelings. I could not go through that shit again, no fucking way.

“That sounds great. How about Friday night? I could ask my mom to bake a cake or something.”

“I’ll check with Clover. That’s her name by the way. I’ll let you know tomorrow. I’m sure she would love that.”

“What about Maxwell? Is he coming too?”

Oh hell, could this get any worse? Since Max was currently acting like a little bitch, it was hard to tell if he would even show up if I invited him. I had to find a way to corner his ass so we could talk this shit out. Max was one of my oldest friends, and I hated this rift between us over something so stupid.

“Yeah, of course Max is invited as well. Clover has two sisters. Maybe I’ll see if they would want to join us, make it a real party.”

Sebastian lowered his head to look at the floor without responding, which told me something was wrong. He hated being fixed up with women. Being raised by his mother and great aunt, they always had someone’s granddaughter or niece they wanted to introduce him to, and it always ended in disaster. Not that he wasn’t capable of picking up his own women. But the pressure of the set-up was too much for Sebastian. He preferred to do things on his own, which I couldn’t blame him for.

“Dude, don’t worry, it will be low key. I promise. No set-up whatsoever. Just a few friends hanging out for beer and food.”

“Sure, man, that sounds good. Well, since you’re going out, I’ll just hang with Max for a while.”

“Sorry, dude, he’s gone for the evening.”

“Oh, ok then. I guess I’ll catch you guys later. Don’t forget to let me know about Friday.”

“Sure, buddy. I’ll walk you out.”

I felt like shit when I saw that lonely look on Sebastian’s face, but there was nothing I could do about it now. I would make it up to him later. I had to get to my girl and get our evening rolling, ‘cause I had big plans for her tonight, plans I hoped she’d enjoy as much as I.

***

I was a few minutes early, which was good ‘cause I needed time to check in with Fox. If I trusted anyone to keep an eye on Clover, it was him. I could also check to see if he’d heard anything about that fucking prick Since a lot of that biker crowd loved getting tattoos at his shop, I was hoping he had heard some cross talk. As soon as I stepped inside, I could hear all the chatter coming from the guys or girls sitting at the tables, getting their work done; bullshit talk about some bitch they were fucking later on tonight or how much money they’d made this week. If it were any other circumstances, I was sure I would have been highly entertained, but not now. I needed Fox and fast. I spotted him in the corner, hunched over some guy’s back, and gave him a quick chin lift in acknowledgement. He ripped his cloves off and quickly made his way over.

“Range, my man, what brings you?”

“Just need a quick word, Fox. Sorry to interrupt your work.”

He pointed to the back room, which held his office, and indicated with a tilt of his head to follow him. Once we were inside, he got right down to business like I knew he would. Fox wasn’t one for bullshit or small talk.

“This got anything to do with why you’re carrying all of a sudden?”

There was no need for me to deny it. Fox was a sharp guy. Plus, with all his years of military training, he had to see I was leaning more on my right side from the weight of the gun.

“Yeah, something like that. You heard anything about this biker fuck that came to town, looking for Buck?”

“Yeah, he came around here a few times, talking to some of the guys, asking a lot of questions about Buck…and your girl.”

“Fuck you say? He was asking questions about Clover? Like what?”

This was a surprise and was something I was not at all happy to learn. Buck, I could understand since they appeared to have run in the same circles. But he had no reason whatsoever to ask about my woman. This fucking guy was really begging for my foot in his ass.

“General stuff mainly, but I did see him go into Fosters’ the other day. I didn’t mention it before, ‘cause he came out quickly, empty-handed, and just rode off.”

Fuck. Clover didn’t tell me that fucker was hanging around her store. She must have forgotten with all the bullshit going on with Maxwell and his band of freaks. Maybe she didn’t think anything of it at the time, but she had to be more careful with this guy. He was dangerous, and now that she was on his radar, I had to keep a better eye on my girl.

“Thanks, man. Just keep an eye out for my woman if you can. If you hear anything else, just give me a ring. I got the rest under control.”

“Advice, get Buck’s ass back here to handle this guy. You don’t know shit about the life and there’s no telling what this guy has planned. I’ll do what I can from my end. If you need me, just call.”

I thought about his words carefully as I went next door to pick up Clover. Maybe I should take his advice and call Buck to fill him in. Fox was right about another thing: I didn’t know shit about MC life or what this guy was looking for. I couldn’t take the chance of him getting to my girl and hurting her. Running two businesses left me little time to follow her around everywhere she went, but I had to protect what was mine. I thought it was time this guy and I had a one-on-one. He needed to know I wasn’t one to be fucked with and didn’t appreciate the idea of him talking to my woman. His disrespect had consequences, and it was time his ass found out the price he owed.

CHAPTER 21

Clover

“Clover, dear, your handsome beau is waiting for you outside. Why don’t you invite him in so I can say hello?”

Before I could take my apron off, Mrs. Foster had bolted out the front door and ushered Range inside with a dramatic sweep of her hand. I couldn’t wait to hear what obscene suggestions she was making today. Each time he came to pick me up, it got worse and worse to the point where Mr. Foster had to threaten to leave home if she didn’t stop. Of course, she played it off like it was just a bit of harmless fun, but Mr. Foster was not amused and told her exactly that.

“My oh my, Range dear, don’t you look handsome this fine evening. Got special plans for our girl?”

I knew he got embarrassed by this every evening, but out of courtesy, he never complained and always complimented her, which instantly had her hopping around like Peter Rabbit.

“Nothing special, Mrs. Foster, unless you have an activity you could recommend?”

“Well, in my day, young men didn’t come callin’ to a young lady’s house without flowers and he always asked her parents’ permission beforehand.”

Just like clockwork, Mr. Foster entered the conversation and tried to rein in his wife. Like most times, he let her know just how silly her outrageous flirting with Range had gotten.

“Your day was fifty years ago, dear. And if I recall correctly, your father pushed you out the front door and instructed me to never bring you back or he would shoot me.”

“That’s because he knew what a great catch I was.”

“More like he was just plain tired of your shit and wanted to get rid of you.”

“Well, I never.”

“No, you never really did, that’s for sure.”

It was definitely time for us to make our exit from this joint before World War III broke out. These two would probably go on like this for hours, and I was ready to start my evening with my beautiful man. I grabbed Range by the hand and gave a hasty good-bye to the Fosters. They were still arguing about the good old days and didn’t even bother to see us out. I had to laugh at their antics and couldn’t help but wonder if that was really what it was like to be married for so many years, if you became Yin and Yang but loved each other dearly.

“Can you believe those two? One day, she’s gonna push him too far.”

“No way, baby, that man loves his woman with every fiber of his being. He will never leave and she couldn’t live without him.”

We made our way out to his truck, and as he held the door open for me to get in, something powerful came over me. I had this overwhelming need to feel him, his touch, his strong arms around me. Perhaps it was the smirk he had on his face as he spoke about the Fosters or the flash of future thoughts of us together and in love at their age. Whatever it was, it stopped me cold from getting in that truck, and I spun around so fast I startled myself at how quickly I grabbed the back of his head and brought his lips to mine. It only took him a second to catch on to my need and release the door handle to hold me close as I ravaged his mouth with my own. Sharing a moment like this was magical and I didn’t want it to end. I needed more of him and by god, I was going to get it. Breathing heavy, I forced myself to pull away from our embrace and rested my forehead against his in a failed attempt to calm the heat in my core.

“Damn, baby, what was that for? Not that I’m complaining or anything, but I gotta tell ya, my cock is hard as Chinese arithmetic right now.”

“I don’t know. I just…I need to feel you close to me. I feel like I can’t get close enough and it’s driving me crazy.”

Range took a calming breath as he continued to stroke my hair and hold me with his palm splayed just above my ass. I couldn’t tell what was going through his mind. He probably thought I was bat-shit crazy, standing out in the open and molesting him where anyone could see, but if he was offended, he certainly didn’t show it. Instead, he surprised me by reaching down with both hands and hoisting me up into the truck with ease, then slamming the door and running around to the driver’s side to get in. Once the motor was running, he turned to me with heat and promise in his eyes.

“Buckle up, baby. Once we get home, my dick is gonna get real close to your tight pussy until they fuse together like hot metal. I’m hoping that will make us close enough.”

***

The ride to Range’s house took half the time it normally took to get there. I thought for sure we would get pulled over at some point. The truck sped down the highway like a racecar, and Range was gripping the steering wheel so tightly I thought he would break a finger off when he made the turn into the private road leading to the house. I barely had time to unbuckle my seatbelt before Range was yanking open the door and dragging me down the walkway through the front door. All the lights were off, so clearly no one was home. For a brief second I wondered if he was still fighting with Maxwell over that stupid shit that happened a few days ago. These guys had been friends for years, and I certainly hoped a little misunderstanding hadn’t jeopardized that. Before I could get too wrapped up in the Maxwell fiasco, I was being lifted fireman-style over Range’s back and carried to his bedroom with speed reserved for a football running back.

Range kicked the door closed with his booted foot and tossed me across the bed like I weighed nothing. My skin was ablaze with desire. I’d never felt anything so powerful in my entire life, and his beautiful body only amplified my wantonness.

“Take your clothes off, tootsie baby. I can’t wait another minute to have you beneath me.”

“Range, I….”

The look on his face told me I was in serious trouble. He was breathing heavy through his nose and his eyes were closed like he was fighting to maintain control. I wasted little time removing my shirt then my pants while watching Range massage his erection through his jeans. It was a sight to behold. This strong, strapping man was seconds away from pouncing on me like I was a tall drink of water after a long walk in the desert. Something about the way he was staring at me left me feeling powerful and sexy, knowing that I, the shy girl who watched too much classic TV, could render this man speechless and out of control. I reached around my back and undid my bra, slowly bringing it down my arms until my breasts were completely exposed. Range made a growling sound in the back of his throat and lunged for me, then held me close with one arm and stroke my hair with the other.

“You are so fucking beautiful, baby. I missed holding you like this. Promise me you’ll never leave me again, promise me now.”

“I promise I’ll never leave you again.”

Range was taking deep breaths as he trailed his nose down my neck and chest. I realized he was sniffing me, like I was a fresh rose blossom picked from the garden. The more he sniffed, the hotter my skin became, until I was burning up all over. I needed him naked and close to me to quench my thirst. I pulled away and reached for his shirt, then lifted it over his head until his glorious chest was right before me for the taking. I used my fingertips to lightly brush over his nipples, causing him to groan like a beast. I loved having him at my mercy like this, mine to play with, to push his limits to the breaking point. I looked at him with hooded eyes, needing his cock inside me.

“I need you to fuck me now, Range…please.”

He reached his hand out, grabbed the elastic of my underwear, then with one hard pull he ripped them to shreds before he tossed them over his shoulder. His show of need caused my already wet pussy to flow with more wetness than ever before. I spread my legs wide enough for him to see my desire and hopefully coax him to quicken his pace. It must have worked, ‘cause he didn’t even bother removing his pants all the way. He had them down just enough to remove his cock and enter me with one swift thrust.

“This is going to be fast and hard, baby, but I promise to make it up to you later. Hold on to me as tight as you can.”

“Range, I…”

“Hold on, baby.”

So I held on as Range worked my body. It felt so good having his weight pressed against my stomach as he pumped his hips over and over. It didn’t take long for me to reach my peak, and from his heavy breathing I could tell he was right there with me.

“Range. Oh, Range, I’m going to …Ugh…” As soon as I started to shatter, I felt him pulse inside me with his own release and heard him groan my name. I felt so warm and sated in his arms. Until reality hit me like a sledgehammer. We didn’t use a condom.

CHAPTER 22

Range

Jesus Christ, I thought I was gonna pass out I came so hard. As soon as she let go and I felt her warm pussy gripping my cock, I knew it was over for me. I wanted to pack a bag, move into her cunt, and never leave it. It wouldn’t be long before I was ready for round two, maybe even three or four before this night was over.

I pulled my dick from her heat and rolled over to lie on my back, taking Clover with me in the process. She felt so warm and soft, like I imagined a cloud would feel if I were to lie on top of it. I felt her stiffen in my arms and a flash of panic rushed through me. Shit, I’d been too rough and probably hurt her. What the fuck was wrong with me?

“Did I hurt you, baby?”

“No, it’s not that. It’s just…we didn’t use a condom.”

Fuck, I’d been in such a hurry to stick my dick inside her I forgot to grab a condom from my nightstand. Of course she would be upset over that. We hadn’t discussed birth control, and with the way she felt about my past, I could only imagine the thoughts running through her head about AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

“Just so you know, baby, I’m clean. I was just tested. I can show you the paperwork.”

She looked at me with a small smile on her face and ran her hand over my chest.

“You don’t have to show me the paperwork. I trust you. I’m also on the pill, but I was a little worried because we never talked about going bare before and I didn’t know how you felt about that.”

Well shit, when she put it that way, I could see why she was a little upset over it. Of course she was worried about my feelings instead of her own. That was just the type of person she was, but it was definitely something we needed to get out of the way so it didn’t fuck with the rest of our evening. I stroked her back with my free hand, hoping my small gesture of comfort would ease her mind. I didn’t want her to worry about my feelings when her feelings were just as important. As far as I was concerned, she was mine and always would be.

“I’m fine with going bare with you, baby. You’re mine. And the way your pussy felt with no barrier between us, I don’t think I could ever go back to wrapping my dick when I fuck you.”

She thought about my statement for a minute, while I slowly stroked her warm skin. Touching her like this was getting me hard again, but she had to agree before we could start round two. She finally smiled at me and moved in for a kiss, and I knew her decision was made.

“I’m ok with it too.”

She laid her head on my chest and took a deep breath as if a giant weight was lifted from her shoulders. Now was definitely not the time to start round two with the heaviness of our discussion still lingering in the air, so I eased myself from under her with the promise to return with a damp cloth to clean her up so she could rest a while. I righted my jeans and stuffed my hardened dick back inside with a silent promise we would slide back into that slick heat shortly.

After I cleaned our combined cum from her sweet pussy, Clover had just enough energy to turn over onto her side before she drifted off to sleep. I discarded the cloth in the dirty clothes hamper while stripping off my jeans and joined her for a quick nap. I unstrapped my gun from my ankle and quietly placed it under the mattress on my side of the bed in case I needed to get to it fast. No way would I allow someone to come in here and hurt my woman while she slept. That motherfucker would be dead before he hit the door. I needed to find out what the fuck this asshole wanted from Buck before I called him. Buck would be pissed if this was some bullshit I could have handled on my own before dragging his ass all the way down here from the mountains. I just had no idea why after all this time his old club member would want to speak with him. Buck had been out of the game so long, I didn’t think any of his old brothers were still alive, let alone come here to find him. I had to find a way to keep my woman safe from this shit and keep Buck on the outside for as long as possible at the same time.

***

After a few hours rest, I woke my baby up the best way I knew how, and that was with my face between her legs. It was just a little after one in the morning, but the short nap had refreshed my energies and I couldn’t wait to connect with my woman again. I slowly woke her with my tongue massaging her clit and my fingers tweaking her nipples until she was writhing beneath me, trying to catch her breath. She still smelled like tootsie rolls, and I ate at her pussy like a starving man who’d just been offered a T-bone steak. I knew the moment she was coming, ‘cause she locked her knees around my head, squeezing it for dear life, and screamed my name at the top of her lungs.

I crawled up her body until I was leaning over her with my weight on my arms. She opened her beautiful eyes and looked right at me with a sated smile on her face. I leaned over and kissed her fiercely. I knew she could taste her sweetness on my lips, causing her hunger to spike in return. She was ready for more, so she grabbed my ass and spread her legs as wide as they would go. I fit there perfectly, nestled deep in between her warm heat. I continued to kiss her with everything I had until she reached down, grabbed my cock, and placed it at her entrance, silently begging me to take her. I wasted no time at all sliding into her warm pussy. Her walls were slick with her juices and I found heaven between her thighs. Clover held on to my ass checks with one hand while softly running her other along my back as I pumped into her at a steady pace. I didn’t want this to end, but she felt so good in my arms I knew it wouldn’t be long before I exploded my seed deep into her.

“You feel so good, baby. I could die a happy man in this sweet pussy. You ready to come for me again?”

“Range, you feel so good. Don’t stop.”

She was making so much noise that if I had neighbors, I would have been concerned someone would call the cops on us. Knowing that made me fuck her harder until I felt her walls squeezing my cock in a vice grip and I knew she was coming again, pulling me over the edge with her, and we both came with a shout. We were breathing so heavy I thought one of us was going to have a heart attack. Aftershocks tingled along my spine and made my breath hitch as I held her close to me, while we both battled for control of our senses.

I knew I had to be crushing her small body with all my weight on top of her, so I rolled over onto my back and gathered her in my arms for safekeeping. This woman was amazing in every way possible. She was kind, considerate, funny, and a complete match for all of my sexual needs. I never knew a woman could make me this happy simply by wanting to be with me. She never asked for anything. My looks turned her on, but it wasn’t why she wanted me. Every other woman I’d ever slept with had had a motive to being with me, weather it was because I was the hot guy at school or because they thought I had money since I owned a business. Clover only wanted me for me, and that alone made her stand out as someone special.

“You ok, baby? I didn’t break you, did I?”

I felt her cheeks rise in a smile on my chest as she snorted out a laugh before she answered my question.

“No, I’m not broken. I just feel really, really good right now, all thanks to you.”

“Give me a few minutes and I can make you feel even better.”

“No way, I’m closing up shop. You’ll have to wait until tomorrow when I have more energy. Right now, I feel like I got run over by a semi. I couldn’t move even if the house were on fire.”

“Alright baby, you close your eyes and get some rest. My cock will be waiting for you when you wake up.”

She lightly slapped me on the chest with a soft chuckle, and I couldn’t help the blooming smile that crossed my lips. After a few minutes, my eyes began to get heavy and I drifted off to sleep to the sounds of Clover’s heart beating against my chest as she slept soundly in my arms.

CHAPTER 23

Clover

I thought I was dreaming the other morning when Range mentioned he wanted to have a small gathering so I could meet his friends and he could spend some time with my sisters,. Of course, he had just given me two orgasms and I probably would have agreed to just about anything short of killing someone. But as my sisters and I made our way to the private road that led to the house, I couldn’t help but think this was a very bad idea. I loved my sisters more than anything, but it hadn’t been that long since we got back on speaking terms, and old habits died hard. I didn’t want to share Range with anyone, including my family. He was all mine and for once I wanted to be selfish.

Range told me it would only be the five of us, including his friend Sebastian, whom he had been neglecting recently since he was spending so much time with me. He said he felt bad about it, ‘cause “Drama”— as he called him—could be pretty sensitive. He desperately tried to contact Maxwell, who seemed to be avoiding him at all costs, which I knew saddened Range greatly. These two guys played a major role in his life and he wasn’t happy about the sudden rift between them. I didn’t really know Maxwell, but the thought of him deliberately causing Range pain made me want to kick him in the balls. How could he call himself a friend and act like an asshole over some skank bitch he probably didn’t even like? For Range’s sake I hoped they could end this stupid feud and get back to being best friends like they were before I came along.

My sister Shelly pulled into the driveway, looking completely awestruck; much like I was the first time I saw this place. It really was something to behold. We piled out of the car and made our way to the door when it was whipped open unexpectedly by a waiting Range in all his masculine glory. He really was the most beautiful man I had ever seen with his longish hair blowing in the wind and his sexy arms reaching out to grab me in a warm embrace right before he kissed the living shit out of me in front of everyone. I should be embarrassed by the over-the-top sexual lip lock he landed on me, but wet panties gave way to bigger concerns, like how I was going to stop myself from humping his leg like a horny she-bitch. I slowly drew away from the awkward PDA to see him smiling down at me with a mischievous look in his eyes, a telltale sign he knew exactly what that sort of kiss did to me.

“Hey, tootsie baby, glad you guys could make it out. Come on in. Sebastian should be here shortly. He’s never late.”

My sister Ashley took that moment to let Range know just how much she loved his home by squealing like a piglet and twirling around in circles like she was an extra in the “Sound of Music.” I couldn’t blame her. I loved this place as much as she did, maybe even more. We made our way into the sitting area, where Range asked what we wanted to drink then made his way into the kitchen to grab it. I noticed a platter of small sandwiches and various salads laid out on the island for our enjoyment and smiled to myself at how much trouble he’d gone through just to make sure we were comfortable. Shelly noticed and broke me out of my stupor in typical Shelly fashion.

“Your man is the shit. When I grow up, I want one just like him. Too bad he’s madly in love with you. I might want a little OPP action.”

“You’re crazy. He doesn’t …”

My comment was cut off when the front door swung open and in walked a handsome but totally flustered man carrying…were those flowers? Range had told me a bit about his friend Sebastian and his kooky ways, but looking at him now, I realized he was probably an absolute sweetheart. Range walked over to the door to greet him in typical caveman style with a hard smack on the back that made me wince and a half-arm hug, careful not to crush the flowers he was holding.

“Oh shit, man, you shouldn’t have. I knew you had a thing for me all these years.”

Poor Sebastian looked like he wanted to crawl under a rock, completely embarrassed by Range and his macho man bullshit.

“I bought these for the guests. My mom and aunt say you should always greet new lady friends with flowers. It makes a great first impression.”

Yep, total sweetheart. I decided starting today, he would be my very good friend and I would always look out for him. Strange, but I could see the draw to care for this man as Range and Buck must have felt when they were younger. The world would totally take advantage of his kindness, turning someone like him hard and cynical in a heartbeat. Oh, yes, we would be friends from this moment forward. I walked over to him with a broad smile and extended my hand for an introduction.

“Hello. You must be Sebastian. I’m Clover. Nice to meet you.” His cheeks turned pink as he extended his hand to shake mine, and I could tell he was trying his best to overcome this awkward situation Range had placed him in.

“Hi, Clover. It’s very nice to meet you too. Range didn’t tell me you how beautiful you are, but I guess I should have expected that since he up and disappeared on me over the past few weeks.”

He was starting to babble, and the more he spoke, the redder his cheeks got to the point where I thought he would break out in hives. Time for operation ‘Save Sebastian, Part Two.’

“Well, thank you for the compliment, Sebastian. Let me introduce you to my sisters.”

He handed me my small bouquet of flowers, and I lifted them to my nose to give them a quick sniff. They were clearly from the local grocery store, but I appreciated the gesture all the same. Not many guys our age would bring flowers to strangers, but he was right about it making a good impression. I liked him immediately. I walked him over to my sisters, who were standing together, whispering to each other, and I could only imagine the sordid things they were saying about Sebastian. One raggedy statement from either of them and this party would be over along with me kicking their asses all the way home.

“Shelly, Ashley, this is Sebastian, a good friend of Range’s. Sebastian, these are my sisters.”

He extended his hand to each of them while presenting them with their own bouquet of flowers in the process.

“It’s very nice to meet you both. I see good looks definitely run in the family.”

Before I knew what was happening, Shelly took one of his arms and Ashley the other as they led him into the sitting area, chatting away and embarrassing the ever-loving shit out of me and him on the short journey.

“Well, hello, handsome. Where you been all my life? I’m sure I’m not dead, but I must be in heaven, ‘cause you look like a guardian angel.”

“I think we must be dead, Ashley, ‘cause I feel like I’m on cloud nine.”

Oh hell, not the corny pickup lines. These two were going to kill me. Where the fuck did they learn this shit? I couldn’t be more embarrassed if I was standing here naked, holding a sign that said, “Kiss me, I’m a virgin.” I looked over to Range, who was standing there with an amused look on his face, clearly enjoying my discomfort. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much I could do about it, other than put them in their place if they got out of line. People were who they were so I might as well prepare myself for these two barrels of monkey nuts to ruin a fine day.

CHAPTER 24

Range

Watching my woman get embarrassed by her sisters had to be the funniest thing I’d seen in a long time. Those two were a hoot and totally unlike Clover in every way possible. They were outgoing and brash and clearly needed to check their filters, ‘cause they obviously had left them in the car. I could see these two teaching Drama a thing or two about the birds and the bees, and from the smile on his face, I was sure he’d be up for it. Drama loved women, but they often mistook his demeanor for weakness and tried to take advantage of him, but it was all part of the game and he used it to his benefit more times than not. Buck had taught him long ago that being a man didn’t mean you went around punching people out; being manly meant accepting who you were, regardless of what other people thought of you. I’d say he learned his lesson well.

I walked over to a seething Clover, threw my arm over her shoulder, and kissed her on the cheek. She looked so defeated and stiff I couldn’t help but give her a big squeeze and some kind words.

“Don’t worry, baby, he’s fine. Trust me. He loves all the attention. Those two don’t know whom they’re messing with. Don’t let the flowers and compliments fool ya. He’s good at the game.”

She looked at me with skepticism in her eyes.

“And what game is that? The ‘Embarrass the shit out of my sister game so that she’s ready to kill them both and spend the rest of her life in jail being Bertha’s bitch?’”

I laughed so loud at her over-the-top statement that all four of them turned to look at me like I was stoned or something. By the time I was able to talk, tears were streaming down my face from laughing so hard and my stomach felt like I had just finished three hundred crunches. I didn’t think I’d ever laughed so hard in my life. Not that I’d had a lot of moments that could be considered funny, but this girl made everything so much lighter in my life. I felt so carefree when she was around. It was a feeling I embraced one hundred percent.

“No, baby, the game between men and women. You remember that, don’t you? I showed you some of it the other morning when I had my face between your legs, licking your beautiful clit.”

That was enough to snap her out of her foul mood and turn her cheeks a lovely shade of pink just the way I liked them. With a quick kiss she bounced over to the living room and sat down directly across from the rest of the group to join in the conversation. My man Sebastian was in hog heaven, drawing the attention of three beautiful women at once. I hadn’t seen him smile that much since that time I’d dragged his ass out to his first strip club. He deserved all the attention he was getting, ‘cause lord knew I’d ignored him these past few weeks.

He wouldn’t hold a grudge unlike my other best friend in the world. I’d tried to contact Maxwell every day since our little blow-up over his stupid friends, but he still hadn’t answered his phone or made himself available when I was at home. I knew he was avoiding me on purpose, but he had to face me one day so we could hash this shit out. Buck left this place to all of us and I wanted him to always remember that even though we fought sometimes, we were still family. And family sticks together, no matter what. I never wanted any of us to ever feel like we didn’t have a home ever again in this lifetime. One way or another, we were gonna talk like men.

While I gathered all the drinks, the front door swung open for the third time today, revealing a disheveled looking Maxwell dragging his favorite fucking whore behind him. He took in the mixed group of people, and I saw a flash of sadness cross his face before he steeled his shoulders, grabbed Marci by the hand, and slowly guided her into the living room.

“Well, well, looks like we almost missed the party, Marci. Guess my invite got lost in the mail.” I didn’t miss his sarcasm or the evil look in his eyes that told me he was plotting something to destroy my party along with his one-man mouthpiece Marci.

“I say we made it just in time, baby. Looks like they got food and everything.” Marci took her free hand and rubbed it suggestively over Max’s chest and arms while she licked her cock-sucking mouth with her snakelike tongue. I was gonna choke the shit out this bitch if she put her nasty hands on any of the stuff I bought for my guests. She was not invited, and even though I had tried like hell to invite Maxwell, he had no right to drag her ass in here with my girl. Clover looked at me from across the room. She must have seen the veins pumping in my neck with rage. Always the peacemaker, she got up from her chair to make a hasty introduction.

“Hello again, Max, it’s good to see you. Let me introduce you to my sisters.” He actually looked sort of embarrassed by his appearance and tried to smooth down his shirt with his hands before walking over to meet the girls. Not wanting to be left out, Marci dragged her bony ass right along with him, completely ignoring the fact that Clover didn’t mention introducing her to anyone. Sebastian was still sandwiched between the two girls but rose from his seat to greet his long-lost friend as well. “Hey, man, where you been? I’ve been calling you for days now and you never answered your phone.” Max gave him a pound on the back. “Been busy, man,” was the only excuse he gave. What an asshole.

Clover used her hand to make a sweeping motion as she introduced her sisters to Max, starting with Shelly, who just gave him a head nod. Then she moved on to Ashley, who extended her hand for a shake. “Nice to meet you, Max. Range really has some good-looking friends. Glad you could join us.” Marci was a bit salty by this action and decided it was time to bring out her bitch. “Are you sure you guys are sisters? You look nothing alike. Perhaps you all should have a long talk with your mother about that.”

See? Total bitch. But where my girl was reserved and calm, her sisters were anything but. Just like something out of reality TV, the sisters rallied together to fight this new foe, led expertly by my woman.

“Oh, I’m sorry, guys, this is Mildred, a friend of Max’s.” I almost lost control of my fucking bladder when she said that. It was clearly a dig on how Marci introduced her to Maxwell in the kitchen that first time they met. My girl had that look in her eyes, and with her sisters as backup, Marci was outclassed and outgunned.

“It’s Marci, not Mildred, and you seem to have forgotten that I’m Range’s friend as well. Range’s really good friend.” That bitch had a smirk on her face I just wanted to rip off with my pliers. I really should throw her ass out before this got out of hand, but from the looks of things, it was already there. Clover and Shelly were creating some kind of human barricade designed to hold Ashley back, but that didn’t stop her from firing right back at Marci with both barrels.

“Oh, yeah? Range did say he was a member of the ASPCA. He’s got the T-shirt and everything. What is it again? Oh, yeah, just eighteen cents a day.” That was enough to bring the house down. Max howled out a laugh, Sebastian fell to his knees with laughter, and the girls gave each other a sisterly high five before throwing their arms around each other as a sign of solidarity. Holy shit, was it bad that my dick was hard, watching my girl put this bitch in her place? I hoped not. In typical Marci mode, she whipped her hair over her shoulder, grabbed her purse, and stormed out the front door like her ass was on fire. It seemed the bitch wasn’t as stupid as I thought she was. Three against one was never good odds. I was just happy I didn’t have to kick her ass out myself. Now my hands could stay clean of her scummy ass.

Now that the riffraff was gone, we could finally get down to the business of having fun. The girls were still snickering, and if I wasn’t mistaken, Max almost looked embarrassed to have been associated with the likes of someone like Marci. The girls didn’t make him wait long to tear him a new asshole. “You actually sleep with that bitch? What a skank.” Ashley stuck her finger in her mouth and stuck out her tongue, the universal sign for gagging. But Max would not be swayed by this little outburst. “What? You wanna take her place and let me do all sorts of filthy things to you?” He had a smirk on his face, but my girl looked like she was about to go ape shit on him for talking to her sister like that, so I had to step in and reel in my boy.

“All right, guys, why don’t we take this into the kitchen and grab some food? You girls must be starving by now.”

Sebastian stood up from his seat and offered one elbow to each of the sisters, like they couldn’t walk ten feet into the kitchen by themselves and needed an escort. I had to hand I to him, this chivalry shit probably got him more pussy than he could shake a stick at. Buck always did tell us to use what we got and fuck the rest of the dumb shit. We all made our way into the kitchen, but I took a quick moment to pull Max aside. “They leave, we talk. Don’t hide from me, ‘cause I’ll hunt your fucking ass down.” He looked at the hard expression on my face and knew I wasn’t kidding about hunting his ass down. This bullshit stopped today. With a quick chin lift, he answered in the affirmative then joined the rest of the gang.

CHAPTER 25

Clover

I was happy to see Range and Maxwell sharing words before we had lunch. Hopefully, that meant they were on the path of reconciliation. They had known each other for so long, it was impossible not to see how much they cared about each other. And with Sebastian there as well, the three of them made quite a team. Even with their relationship being strained, they worked in tandem, not missing a beat, passing mayo and mustard while grabbing chips and drinks like they didn’t have a knockdown, drag-out fight just a week ago.

My sisters were clearly enjoying themselves chatting away with the guys like they had known them forever and didn’t just meet them a few minutes ago. I couldn’t tell if there were any sparks flying amongst the groups, but they definitely took a keen likeness to Sebastian and his over-the-top politeness. I could tell it was genuine and in his nature and not something he was playing at to get noticed. He was truly a nice guy and we all thought so.

“Do you live here, too, Sebastian?” Ashley asked as she took a huge bite of her sandwich. “No, I live with my mom and aunt, but I’m here enough to call it home as well.” Sebastian answered her question while smiling fondly at her. I could tell he wasn’t the least bit embarrassed to still be living with his mother, even though he was certainly old enough to live on his own. I was sure it was out of his sense of duty that he choose to care for them versus living the life of a carefree bachelor.

“Max, you have got to tell me what the deal is with you and Little Miss Rotten Crotch. Please tell me you’ve been tested for rabies recently,” Shelly asked as she stuck her hip out and rolled her eyes so hard I thought they were going to pop out of her head. Max wasn’t fazed by her clear disgust in the least, smiling like the cat that got the cream. He looked at Range and asked in all seriousness, “What do you think, Range? Should we get tested together?” Range looked like he was about to tear Max a new asshole, and Shelly was just as shocked. Range threw his half-eaten sandwich down on his plate and took one short step toward Max when we all heard,

POP, POP, POP, POP….

The beautiful bay window in the living room shattered in an instant. Range and the rest of the guys threw me to the floor along with my sisters. I didn’t know what the fuck was going on, but whatever it was, it had the guys scrambling to action. Ashley was screaming at the top of her lungs, “Gunshots! Holy shit! Gunshots!” while Sebastian was covering her ears with his hands. Range got low and crawled over to the shattered window. Reaching down his pant leg, he withdrew a pistol I had no idea he was carrying, cocked the hammer, and commenced to firing rounds off at the unknown shooter. He emptied the clip thing and reloaded with expert ease but stopped firing as the assailant drove away. Range looked at his two friends and shouted, “Get your shit! This fucker might come back!” I had no idea what the “shit” was, but apparently Max and Sebastian did, ‘cause they crawled in opposite directions; Max to his room and Sebastian toward the closet, each returning with a different weapon. Max was loading what looked to be a shotgun, while Sebastian had a fucking bow and arrow, which made him like a modern day Robin Hood. Who were these guys and where the hell did they learn to use those weapons?

Range shouted, “Clear!” followed by Sebastian and Max shouting the same. I was so out of it, I hadn’t realized Max was looking through the other bay window and Sebastian was leaning out the front door with his bow and arrow pulled taut and ready to fire. Ashley and Shelly were lying next to me, holding each other. While Ashley cried silently, Shelly attempted to soothe her, but it was no use. She was hysterical. The guys came back into the kitchen and reached down to help each one of us up. “What the fuck was that? What’s going on?” Shelly was pissed. I could see it in her eyes.

“One of you motherfuckers better start talking and fast. We could have been killed in here. And what the fuck is it with Legolas and Rambo here? Where did those guns come from? Who are you guys?” Shelly was asking so many questions in her pissed-off state, Range couldn’t get a word in edgewise.

“I don’t know who it was, ok? I only saw a back tail light of a Harley as it pulled away.”

Oh, shit. My chest constricted painfully as I thought about what Range just said. This was all my fault. If I had just told Range that Craze showed up at my house, none of this would have happened. He could have tracked him down and talked him into leaving town before things got out of hand. He could have convinced Craze that Buck wasn’t here and was never coming back so there was no reason for him to stick around.

Ashley was still crying, so Sebastian reached out to take her from Shelly’s arms to offer her comfort, but Shelly was so pissed I could see her teeth grinding. She was never going to let this go, and I couldn’t blame her. I was afraid of what Range was going to do now that Craze had targeted his home in such a brutal way. It was time to come clean and hope it wasn’t too late.

“Do you think it was the guy looking for Buck?” I had to know what his thoughts were. I could see him making fists with his hands while he paced back and forth in front of the shattered window, but he had yet to say anything to me about what he was planning.

“Who’s looking for Buck and why didn’t you tell me?” This came from Maxwell, who was unloading his shotgun and walking toward Range in a hurry.

“It was nothing, ok? Just some biker asshole that was looking for Buck a few weeks ago. I told him he wasn’t here and I haven’t seen him since.” Range was still pacing as if that could somehow make the situation better.

“I’ve seen him since then.” I said it so quietly I had hoped no one heard me. No such luck.

“The fuck you say?”

“Um…I…”

“None of that cute shit, Clover. I wanna know what the fuck you said. NOW. You saw that motherfucker and didn’t tell me? When did you see him again?” He was nearly screaming at me now, and I couldn’t help the tears that formed in my eyes from having him angry with me over this.

“He came to Fosters’ and then he came to my house. I told him to go away, that Buck was gone and I didn’t know anything and he should just leave. I thought he did. That’s why I didn’t tell you.” I was a sobbing mess now, but the group took no pity on me as they fired off question after question.

“What the fuck, Clover? That bastard came to our house and you didn’t tell anyone? Are you fucking stupid?” Shelly was yelling right in my face like a crazed maniac.

“You’re lucky your sisters are here, ‘cause I would put you over my knee and tan your ass for being so fucking stupid, baby.” Range’s shoulders were shaking with rage, and under normal circumstances the thought of him “tanning my ass” would probably be a turn-on, but today I was completely beside myself with worry and guilt. They were right. It was completely my fault. I did nothing to stop Range’s house from being destroyed by this stranger. Thank god for Sebastian being the voice of reason and bringing calm to this situation. He sat Ashley on the couch and addressed all of us.

“Ok, everyone, just calm the fuck down. This doesn’t help us figuring shit out. Range, Max, remember what Buck taught us, yeah? Know your enemy. What do we know about this fuck nut?” I didn’t think he had it in him to be so forceful, but apparently Sebastian, Range, and Maxwell were full of surprises. How did I not know that Range had started carrying a gun? And why did they all act like they were Army Rangers or something? I wasn’t the only one who had a lot of explaining to do. So as Range went over what he knew about Craze, I thought about all the things that had gone on recently and just how strangely Range had been acting toward me, especially regarding my safety. He knew more than he was telling me and it was time for everyone to come clean, especially about this mysterious Buck. But before I could formulate my questions, Range pulled out his cell phone to make a call. It was short and to the point and could only have been to one person.

“I need you.”

CHAPTER 26

Buck

My boys needed me and no matter what, I would always be there for them. I made a promise long ago to each and every one of them that all they had to do was ask and I would be there. Range never asked for much. Even when he was a scrawny little shit with dirty clothes and lice, he never asked for a thing. Whatever caused him to reach out to me must be important or he never would have called.

I packed a small bag with essentials and left enough food and water for Pussy for a couple of days. If her dumb ass ran out, she would have to be a normal cat and catch a fucking rat or something. I didn’t have time to think about that shit right now. I had to get back home. I still had my Harley, although I rarely used it. I kept it well-oiled and tuned in case I ever wanted to take it for a spin, but I hardly ever rode anymore. Too many bad memories. I never thought I would give up my bike, the open road, the freedom, but the price was more than I could bear. A price I paid every day with my memories, my guilt, my solitude.

My son would have been the same age as Range if he’d lived. I often wondered who he would have become. When I was in the life, he told me once that he wanted to be a club member, the president, and he wanted to ride a Harley just like me. At the time, I had laughed and felt proud he wanted to follow in my footsteps. What father didn’t want his son to grow up to be just like him? I was so fucking caught up, I didn’t see the dangers until it was too late and my son was dead. If I had just stored the shit somewhere else instead of at my home where my wife and son could get to it, none of that would have happened and he would still be alive, my wife would still be with me, and we would have a happy life. Who the fuck was I kidding? One way or another, my dangerous lifestyle would have ruined them, ruined me. It’s always just a matter of time before drugs, guns, and the life ruin everyone.

I jumped on my bike and kicked over the starter. Of course, my baby turned right over for me, but the vibrations under my ass from her engine caused my chest to constrict with pain, anger, and self-loathing. I’d tried to convince myself that saving my boys would somehow atone for the death of my son, but it was just a fantasy, one that I’d never believe no matter how hard I tried. All the shit I’d done in my life could never be erased by helping some lost and lonely boys become men. They would have figured it out eventually, even though they were convinced I had something to do with their successes. Yeah, I fed them, clothed them, and taught them how to defend themselves against any enemy, but they’d always had the will to be better.

At first, I hadn’t wanted to be responsible for yet another life I would ruin, so I tried to send them all away, to warn them of the dangers of being around me, but they never listened. Range would come back to the junkyard every day and just stand around watching, accessing, analyzing. I would scream and yell at him to get his ass gone, but he would return day after day. Every time I saw that boy, he looked worse and worse; too small clothes, dirty face, lice-ridden hair, and wilting away from starvation. I knew from the beginning he lived with his father in some run-down trailer with no running water, but that fucker couldn’t take care of himself, least of all a kid.

He’d reminded me so much of my son, it was uncanny. Range was so curious about everything, always needed to know how everything worked, what part went where, how each motor would perform under certain conditions. He was a natural and only had to be shown something once for him to be able to take it apart and put it back together good as new. He finally wore me down, so I gave him little jobs around the junkyard he would finish in minutes, which normally took my staff hours to complete. I paid him for his efforts, but as soon as I found out that his fuck of a father was taking his money, all bets were off. Range was too young to move away from home without the authorities getting involved, but I knew I had to do something about this worthless cunt. Something about that boy spoke to me, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t cut him loose. I found his drunken, broken-down father and made him an offer. I was no longer in the life, but that didn’t mean I didn’t know how to kill a man and make him disappear without a trace, which was exactly what I told him I would do if I ever found out he was taking the money I was giving that boy again. That drunken bastard swore he wouldn’t do it again, but I knew he was full of shit.

In the end it didn’t matter, because Range was the type of son who would never let his father go without, which normally meant supplying his booze whenever he asked. He willingly gave that bastard every dime he earned until I paid him a second visit and offered to pay for his booze each week so he could stop mooching off his son. For years, I paid that fucker until Range was old enough to get away and move out to the junkyard, where he and the rest of my boys still lived. By then, he was halfway to the grave on a one-way ticket, destroyed by drink and neglect.

Each one of my boys needed me for their own personal reasons and they trusted me to do the right thing by them. I never shared amongst the boys what drove them to me; it was their story to tell. I kept the secrets close and carried the burden of knowing. Each and every one of them held a special place in my soul, and I would kill or die for any one of them. I was on my way home for the first time in years, and god help the motherfucker who wanted to hurt my boy when I got there.

CHAPTER 27

Range

God, I was such a fucking cunt. I yelled at my woman like a fucking asshole until she broke down in tears. What the fuck was wrong with me? I knew why she kept that shit from me. She wanted to protect me from him, but it was my job to protect her, not the other way around. I had to get my shit together and fix this before I lost her forever. She was sitting down with her sisters, while Sebastian stood over them like he was protecting them from more of my bullshit. I’d deal with him later. I scrubbed my hand over my face, taking in the wreckage for the first time while I tried to calm my rage at the audacity of this motherfucker. He’d destroyed my home, visited my woman, not once but twice, and ran off like the rat bastard he was. Yeah, this fucker was going down.

I knew it was time to call Buck home even as I thought of the many reasons why it was a bad idea. I didn’t want him to think I was weak and couldn’t handle things on my own. He taught us how to use force when defending ourselves, or someone else for that matter. Sebastian never liked the feel of a gun in his hand, but for some reason the use of a bow came natural to him. All us boys would tease him that he would get his ass shot off one day, trying to shoot someone with that thing, but over time he became as deadly with it as I was with a nine-millimeter. I shouldn’t have expected Clover to understand these things. Hell, half the time I didn’t understand them, but it was up to me now to make sure she stayed safe and out of harm’s way.

I kneeled down in front of her and took both her hands in mine. She looked so lost with her swollen eyes and runny, red nose. This was all my fault and I had to assure her everything would be ok. The sad look on her face broke my fucking heart, and I wanted to kick myself for acting like a dick to her.

“I’m sorry for yelling at you, tootsie baby. I was just upset about the shooting, and then to find out that that asshole was near you, I just wanted to rip his balls off. Do you forgive me?” She took a moment to consider my apology.

“I don’t understand what’s going on here, Range. How do you guys know how to use those weapons? When did you start carrying a gun?”

I couldn’t lie to her anymore. Too much had happened and she needed to understand the situation we were in. I looked to my two brothers and they gave me a head nod in understanding as I thought about how I was going to answer her.

“Buck taught all of us boys how to defend ourselves. Max was a natural with a shotgun, Sebastian a bow, and I was good with a hand gun. I started carrying it a few days ago after I spoke with Fox at the tattoo shop and he told me that biker was asking questions around town about…us.”

“What do you mean ‘us’? Was he asking questions about me?”

“According to Fox, yes.”

All the color drained from her face and she looked like she might be sick right on the living room floor. She lowered her head between her knees and took a few deep breaths as she calmed herself.

“Max, get me a class of water, yeah?” He rushed off into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of water from the fridge and handed it to Clover. She took a healthy gulp of the cool liquid then reached up to hold me close while linking her fingers around my neck. She was shaking like a leaf, and I could hear her start to sniff again as warm tears ran down my neck, where her face was buried. I rubbed her back in a soothing motion, trying my best to calm her fears. I would never let anything happen to her as long as I lived.

“Shhhh, its ok, baby, everything’s gonna be fine, I promise you.” It was an easy promise to make while I was holding my nine, still warm in my hand from firing it.

“You don’t know that, Range. What if something happens to you? I would never forgive myself if I could have prevented his somehow.” And that right there was why I loved this girl so much. She was always thinking of others instead of herself.

“Nothing’s going to happen to me, babe. Buck is on his way, and we’ll figure out what to do about this mess when he gets here. I don’t want you to worry about a thing, ok?”

Shelly wasn’t having any of this shit, still clearly pissed off and not giving an inch. She jumped up from the couch, grabbing Ashley in the process and yanking her across the room toward the front door.

“I don’t give a fuck who’s coming. I won’t have my sisters put in any more danger because of some bullshit you’re involved with. Until you get your shit sorted don’t even think about seeing my sister again. Clove, get your shit. We’re leaving.”

Clover was whimpering in my arms, squeezing my neck so tightly I thought she was going to choke me until I passed out. I understood Shelly being upset, but there was no way in hell she was gonna stop me from seeing my woman. Fuck that, she needed to back the hell off right now.

“You need to calm down, Shelly. There is no way in fuck I’m letting you stop me from seeing my woman, so you can get that outta your head right the fuck now.” I had to hand it to her. She was not put off by my tone of voice or by my threatening words. She marched right up to me, stuck her finger in my chest, and met me head-on.

“You think you’re the only one who can get a gun? You come near my sister again and I’ll blow your fucking head clear off your shoulders and won’t think twice about it.” Clover released the death grip she had on my neck and stood between Shelly and I. Tears were streaming down her cheeks and she could hardly speak through her sobs.

“Shelly, please don’t do this. I love him. You don’t understand.” Clover was pleading with her sister to listen to her side of the story, but Shelly would not be swayed.

“Fuck loving him Clover. He’s gonna get you killed, and I love you too much to stand by and watch it happen. Now, let’s go.”

Clover turned to face me with defeat in her eyes. I knew she didn’t want her sisters to worry about her. She was in a tough spot and didn’t want to choose between us. She didn’t have to. I already chose her and I’d be damned if I lost her now. She was my always and I would never let her go. I grabbed her behind her neck and focused in on her puffy eyes as I leaned my forehead against hers.

“You go home with your sisters now, baby. I’ll call you later to check on you. Don’t worry about anything. I promised to keep you safe.” She sniffed and shook her head in understanding. I leaned over and gave her a bruising kiss that left us both breathless before I whispered in her ear the words I had been holding in my heart for too long now.

“I love you too, baby.”

She gave me a timid smile and gathered her things to leave with her sisters. I walked them to the car and watched as they made their way down the street and out of sight. My chest was so tight with stress and anger that if I were an older man, I’d be looking for an Aspirin to take. When I returned back inside, Max and Sebastian were huddled together talking quietly amongst themselves, probably trying to gage my mood before hitting me with the heavy shit. They knew me well enough to know I was a volcano just waiting to erupt, killing everything in sight.

“What you wanna do, man? No matter what, I’m with you. I’ve been acting like a dick lately, too self- absorbed by my own shit to realize that shit was going down, but I’m always here for you, brother.”

Max gave me a tentative pat on the back. He’d never know how much I needed my brothers with me today of all days. We’d have plenty of time to deal with our shit once we took care of this biker bitch. He was my brother, my friend, my family, and he always would be. We would have to wait until Buck arrived so that we could formulate a plan of attack. Knowing your enemy was only one of the rules he taught us when dealing with an opponent. Never going in half-cocked without thinking things through was another, and we certainly had no idea what we were dealing with.

“We wait for Buck. He should be here soon. Then we’ll plan. For now, let’s get this window boarded up and this glass picked up.”

We set out to complete the task and waited for Buck silently, knowing that things were about to get bad and we had to be ready for them. No matter what.

CHAPTER 28

Range

We heard the chopper pull up in the driveway just as we were finishing boarding up the window. We took our positions with our weapons pointing directly at the door and the approaching intruder. We knew that asshole wouldn’t be stupid enough to come back after I fired off a few rounds at his ass, but Buck taught us to always be careful and ready. This was something we’d practiced a million times and knew what was to be expected of us.

The front door burst open to a gun-wielding Buck, who pointed his own nine-millimeter at each of us as he took in his surroundings. A momentary look of pride crossed his face, quickly being replaced by concern. He slowly lowered his weapon, and we did the same as Buck entered fully into the house and locked the door.

“Glad to see you little fuckers didn’t forget the shit I taught ya.” I slid my nine into its holster and greeted Buck with a handshake and a manly pound on the back. Sebastian and Max followed my greeting the same way, and Buck rounded the corner to survey the damaged window. Since it was boarded, there wasn’t much to see, but I was sure he used his imagination to figure out what had happened. Not surprisingly, he wasn’t happy.

“The fuck happened?

“We think it was that biker that was asking questions about you, but we’re not sure. I got off a couple rounds but missed him as he got away,” I answered quickly. Buck was not one for beating around the bush, especially at a time like this.

“Anybody hurt?”

“No, but my woman and her sisters were here and it scared the shit out of them. There’s something else you should know; he visited her at her work and home.”

“The fuck you say? You shoulda called me sooner, Range. You know better than to let some biker fuck run up on your woman.” Yeah, I knew better, but she didn’t.

“I didn’t know until today and by then it was too late. That’s why I made the call.”

He blew out a shaky breath, running his hand over his too long beard, which looked to still have the same rubber band on it he had when he left. With heavy steps, he took a seat on the couch and we followed suit, waiting for our instructions. I knew it would take some time for Buck to absorb the scene and run different scenarios in his head until he was certain his next steps wouldn’t get anyone killed. I sat quietly in contemplation, just going over everything that had happened in the last twenty-four hours. What was forefront in my mind wasn’t the danger we may be facing but the fact that Clover had declared her love for me. The thought alone bought an inappropriate smile to my face that Buck quickly picked up on.

“The fuck you smiling at? Something about this shit you find funny?”

“Ah…Range here is in love and completely pussy whipped,” Max offered.

“Shut the fuck up.” I would not have him ruin my thoughts of Clover with his bullshit commentary, although I could tell he was completely amused by my outburst.

“In love?” Buck had a far-away look on his face as if he was remembering the emotion that had long been denied to him. I knew he’d loved his wife and son with all his heart. Since his son’s death and his wife’s departure, he hadn’t taken another woman into his life. He told me once that you only get one true love in this lifetime and he lost his long ago due to his actions. He resigned himself to believing that love in this lifetime was over for him, his penance for mistakes made, and he could only wish for it again in the next life.

“I’m happy for you, boy. Just don’t fuck it up doing stupid shit.” Buck announced with a hard slap to my back that would have made me wince, but I couldn’t be a pussy in front of my boys.

“Now, enough of this male bonding bullshit. Let’s get down to business so we can figure out what the fuck’s going on. You said this guy was young, around your age, sportin’ my old crew’s cut? What did he say when he came to the yard?”

“He asked to see you. I told him you weren’t here and wouldn’t be back any time soon. He said he was an old friend of the family, which I knew was complete bullshit, then he just took off.”

I thought back on that first time that asshole showed up at the yard. I should have asked him more questions, but I couldn’t take the chance with Clover in the car waiting. What if that fucker had started shooting or something? I hadn’t been carrying my piece at the time and had no way to protect her if shit went bad. My only thought had been to get him the fuck outta there and fast. I saw now that was a big fucking mistake on my part.

“Don’t worry about it, boy. Stay focused. What else we got?” Buck must have seen the regret on my face, knowing I felt responsible for the whole mess. If I hadn’t been so intent on spending time with my woman, I could have ended this shit long ago.

“Clover said he told her you had something of his and he wasn’t leaving until he got it.” Sebastian narrowed his eyes at Buck accusingly as he mentioned the conversation we had when the girls were here. Buck didn’t appreciate the tone or the stance Sebastian was taking with him, evident by the way his chest expanded as he rose from his seat to face him head-on. Buck never tolerated disrespect from any of us, and that hadn’t changed with time and distance. His menacing features didn’t diminish with old age and Sebastian knew he had overstepped his bounds.

“I don’t know what the fuck you think you’re talkin’ about, boy, but whatever that fucker thinks I have of his is either long gone or I never had it in the first place. Now, you best remember who you’re talkin’ to or I’ll take your ass out back and give you a little reminder.”

“Sorry, Buck, I’m just…” Sebastian immediately dropped his stance and shuffled over to the couch to take a seat. We knew better than to raise up on Buck. Sebastian must have temporally gone brain dead to think he would let him get away with standing over him with a fucked-up attitude. Buck returned to his own seat, still scowling at Sebastian as he tried to calm his rage. It was time to refocus and stop all this fighting amongst ourselves so we could handle this shit.

“Is there anything you can think of that might be something this guy wants? Any small thing from the past he could be talking about?” I sighed heavily, frustration clear in my voice.

“No. I’ve been out the game a long time, and when I left, I left it all behind. There was nothing I wanted or needed to take with me that held any value to me. I was done.”

I knew this to be true. Buck had been so devastated by the loss of his son, he simply hopped on his bike and drove away from it all, leaving his brothers and his former life to start over. Whatever this guy wanted, it was a mystery, one we had to figure out and damn quick if I had any hopes of keeping Clover safe. Another stupid mistake on my part could cost her life and I’d be damned if I saw that happening. I loved her too much to ever let her get hurt.

“We need to find this guy and end this bullshit fast. I think we should ask around at the local biker bars and hangouts, local gangs, anyone who would have noticed a lone biker in town asking questions.”

“I agree,” Buck replied, on board with my decision. “We need to talk to Fox, see if he’s heard anything else at the tattoo shop, then we’ll hit the streets. Range, call your girl and make sure she’s safe. Tell her everything is going to be fine and that she doesn’t need to worry. The last thing we need is her getting' upset. Let her know you’ll try and keep in touch and will see her in a few days. That will buy us the time we need to hunt. Max, Sebastian, you stay here.”

“What the fuck, Buck!” they both shouted at the same time, but Buck silenced them quickly with a raised hand.

“I need someone here, someone I can trust in case that asshole comes back. I’ll also need someone to do drive-bys on Range’s girl, make sure she’s safe, home and work. Now, you can choose who does what, but that’s the end of it. Got no time to argue.” They were still pissed but understood his logic. Once Buck was done laying down the rules, it was over, no room for second-guessing or arguments.

“Ok, we’ll do it.”

“Good. Range, let’s roll.”

He stood up and headed toward the door, grabbing his bag on the way. He carried extra ammo and essentials, all of which we would need if we ever found this fucker. As much as I had hated calling him into this situation, I knew I was way over my head and Buck would see me through. He had that old-school biker knowledge and could get into this guy’s head so we could figure out what he was thinking and what the fuck he was after. Once you lived the life, you never forgot the hard lessons it taught you, like self-preservation and having your brothers’ backs. I would need Buck to have my back if I was going to make it out alive and protect my girl.

CHAPTER 29

Clover

It’d been nearly twenty-four hours since I last heard from Range, and I was beginning to worry. All of my calls and texts had gone unanswered, which meant he was either too busy or was purposely ignoring me, neither of which made me feel any better. He told me Buck had made it to town and they were going to try and find Craze so they could talk to him and get to the bottom of this situation. Somehow I knew talking would be the last thing they did if or when they finally caught up with him. I still felt like shit for not telling Range about the little visit Craze had paid me, but there was nothing I could do about it now.

I didn’t understand any of this shit that was going on. So many questions were left unanswered; I could hardly wrap my head around any of it. Why would someone so young be looking for Buck if he had left the MC years ago? Why did Range think I was in so much danger from Craze? I knew it was silly and probably naïve of me to think he wasn’t a dangerous man; you had to be if you were part of a motorcycle club, at least that was what it looked like in the movies. Somehow I didn’t get the feeling Craze wanted to hurt me; or if he did, he was way too good at hiding it. He flirted shamelessly, but I’d imagine he had women falling to their knees any time he wanted them to. There was just something in his eyes that said he needed a friend or maybe just someone to help him. Yeah, totally naïve and completely stupid. I really needed to get my head examined.

It was way too early to have to think about all this shit. Monday morning was the worst, and waking up hours before I had to go to work was just plain cruel. I loved my sleep like a fat kid likes cake, and to have it interrupted due to my wayward thoughts just wasn’t cuttin’ it. As soon as I turned over for another ten minutes, Ashley burst into my room like a highly trained SWAT recruit and yanked the covers off my head.

“Rise and shine, Clove oil, time to wakey wakey eggs and bakey.” What in the ever-loving fuck was she so damn chipper about? My life was a mess, Range was in danger, and I didn’t get any sleep last night. Talk about a rude awakening.

“Get out of my room, Ashley. I’m not in the mood for bullshit. I need to try and get ten more minutes of sleep before I have to get up for work.” Completely undeterred, she whipped open the blinds, causing me to squint in surprise. Then she calmly shot my morning to a new level of shit.

“No can do, sister of mine. Mom wants to talk to you in the kitchen before you leave for work.”

“Why? What happened?

I knew it was gonna be bad when she wouldn’t meet

my eyes.

“Shelly told her about what happened when we went to Range’s for lunch.”

“WHAT THE FUCK!” I was so pissed at Shelly for running her big-ass mouth. Now my mom would be all up in my shit over something neither of us had control over. I was going to seriously cuss her ass out for snitchin’ once I was dressed. She had no right to butt into my business. I was a grown-ass woman and could take care of myself.

“She didn’t tell her everything. Just that she didn’t think Range was a good fit for you and that she wants you to stay away from him.”

“Well, that’s not her decision to make. It’s mine.”

“I know, Clove, but weren’t you scared when the window was shot out? I’ve had a hard time sleeping myself since Saturday, and I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

I knew Ashley was really shaken up when Sebastian threw her to the floor when all hell broke loose. I just hadn’t realized how much until I looked into her eyes and saw real fear there. My sisters only wanted the best for me, and of course for me to keep living. I felt like an ass for being so upset with them for being worried. I felt even worse when I looked at Ashley again and saw tears of sadness streaking down her cheeks as she tried to sniff them back. I jumped up from my bed and ran over to embrace her.

“Nothing’s going to happen to me, Ash. Range will take care of everything, I promise you.”

“How do you know that?” she asked through a sniffy sob.

“Because I trust him. He loves me and wouldn’t let anything happen to either of us. You’ll see.”

She wasn’t completely convinced, but at least I was able to soothe her enough to stop crying. She wiped her eyes with her hands and shook her head as if to gain some control over her emotions. It worked for the time being, and I let her go so that I could resume my morning.

“I’ll be down in a minute after I shower and change. Don’t worry, ok?”

“Ok, I’ll see you downstairs.” Then off she went.

***

Freshly showered and ready to face the firing squad, I made my way downstairs with as much bravado as I could muster. I wasn’t about to let them grill me over my relationship with Range; it was mine to hold on to as tightly as I could. No one was going to take him away from me, no matter what. As I entered the kitchen to grab my coffee, I was surprised to see that only my mom was there, no Shelly and Ashley. She must have wanted to speak with me in private, which was something she had never done before. Most of the time, my sisters were witnesses to my most embarrassing moments in life, and through constant teasing never let me forget them. My mom obviously felt this was a different set of circumstances and she needed to discuss this in private.

“Sit down, Clover, we need to talk.” Her tone left no room for argument, so I grabbed my cup of coffee and took the seat across from her at the kitchen table. She had a look that screamed, “Mother lecture coming,” and I braced myself for the onslaught of demands. They never came.

“Do you love this man? I mean truly love him from the depths of your soul?” It was an easy enough question to answer, so without hesitation, I responded.

“Yes, with all my heart. I love him more than I ever thought possible to love anyone. He is my cool glass of water on a hot day, my safety net when I want to jump without looking, my warmth on a cold winter’s day. He’s my everything and a bag of Skittles.”

She stood from the table and emptied her coffee cup into the sink then started to speak without turning to face me. She lowered her head while taking a deep breath to fortify herself before addressing me again. This was clearly hard for her to comprehend.

“Do you know why I married your father? Aside from the obvious, of course. I loved him, but that wasn’t what made me marry him.” I was totally confused by her question and how this related to Range and I, but I waited for her to continue.

“I’m not blind, nor am I stupid. I hear the talk around town that I married an old man, then cheated on him and had a baby with someone else, that baby being you. I know you take a lot of shit from your sisters about how differently you look. I never gave a damn about any of that and neither does your father; we both know the truth and that’s all that matters. What I do care about is that my girls find real love and all that entails.” She must have caught the perplexed look on my face, so she continued with her story. I had no idea she was so aware of what was going on with the people in our neighborhood.

“Your father wasn’t the most handsome man in the world, nor was he the richest. And believe me, I had my pick of suitors. But none of them held a candle to your dad, and I didn’t give a shit about our age difference. He was simply put…nice.”

“Okayyy…”

I dragged out the word, indicating that I was waiting for her to say more, something that would bridge the gap between my situation and her reasons for marrying my dad. What the fuck did him being nice have anything to do with marrying him? I mean, to each their own, but I wasn’t sure a man just being nice would be reason enough for me to say “I do.” What about sparks, lightning strikes, panting with sexual tension? Creaming your panties as soon as your eyes meet across a crowded room? Now those were reasons to marry someone, not because they were nice.

“I see the way you’re looking at me like I’m crazy, and yes, we had passion too. Mind-blowing, rip-your-clothes-off, can’t-make-it-to-the-bed passion.”

“Jesus Christ, mom, really? I don’t really want to hear about your sex life with Denny.” I held on to my stomach like I would blow chunks at any second. She chuckled to herself.

“Don’t worry, I won’t go into details. Just saying that if he weren’t a nice man, we never would have gotten together in the first place and I never would have married him years later. I never mistook his being nice as him being weak. He showed me the fierceness within him on more than one occasion if pushed too far. He protected our family then and he protects it now. The only place in the world I feel safe is with this man, and that comes from years of him helping me to feel that security.”

I was beginning to understand her logic now. She needed to know that Range would keep me safe, no matter what the circumstances. Not only did he need to keep me safe, but I needed to feel safe being with him. It was never solely about my dad being nice to her. I’m sure that played a part in their relationship, but certainly not the most important part. He worked hard to provide for his family, and in the midst of all that he made certain we were safely tucked away in a decent neighborhood with food in our bellies and clothes on our backs. He kept us safe from harm and worry, and that was what a real man did for his family. Range did that for his family, his junkyard family, tirelessly and without complaints. He was my “nice” man in this world and would do whatever it took to put an end to this shit with Craze. Come hell or high water, I would be safe no matter what. There was only one way to answer her question, and I felt it so strongly I stood from my perch at the kitchen table, ready to face my day head-on.

“Yes, mom, Range is a nice man.” She smiled at my answer and started to wash the morning dishes as if we hadn’t just come to some sort of understanding about my relationship with Range.

“Good. Have a nice day at work today. I hope we get to meet your young man real soon.”

With that, I grabbed my bag and headed out to Fosters’.

CHAPTER 30

Range

Buck and I sat outside this dump of a bar, waiting for this douchebag biker to come out. It was early afternoon, but this fucker had been inside since nine this morning. Buck didn’t want to take him on in the building since we didn’t know how many bikers were in there and we didn’t want to take the risk of an ambush. Just because we didn’t see them going in didn’t mean the place wasn’t loaded, and they were sure to be packing heat. We pulled around to a nearby alley and waited. This guy ran a small local crew in the area, dabbling in drugs and women. They were small-time compared to Buck’s old crew, but if anyone knew anything about our unknown visitor, this guy would.

We had been hitting the area pretty hard over the last twenty-four hours. Buck might have been old, but he didn’t lose his touch when it came to extracting information. We hit the local strip joints, crack houses, and drug corners, all while trying to keep a low profile in case we ran into our guy. None of it panned out, but one of the strippers recommended we speak to this guy, ‘cause in addition to being the local hood he was also a known snitch for the right price.

I was tired and frustrated, and to top it off, I missed Clover like crazy. I knew she must have been worrying her pretty little head about me. I’ve only been able to call her once since Buck and I set off to find our mark. She sounded so sad when I had to hang up, but I promised I would call back. That was twenty-four hours ago and we were no closer to finding this guy now than when we started yesterday. I was beginning to think he was some sort of ghost or a figment of my imagination. Maybe a bird flew into the window and broke it and I just thought it was gunshots. Yeah, I needed some sleep. This shit was making me crazy. I let out a much-needed deep breath and ran my fingers through my hair to try and clear some of the tension building in my body. It didn’t work; my ass was so tight I could crack a walnut in it.

“You know, I’ve been in the woods a long time, boy. You might want to stop playing with all that pretty hair of yours before I forget you’re a dude and try and fuck ya.” I was not amused.

“Whatever, you old fuck, you probably can’t even get it up anymore.”

“Shit. Ain’t nuthin’ wrong with my dick. I’ve turned down more pussy than you’ll ever get in a lifetime, boy, and don’t you forget it.”

“Yeah, what the fuck ever, old man.”

By this time, Buck was grabbing his crotch just to emphasize he still had his dick, while I was trying not to throw up all over him. The look of horror on my face did nothing to quench his amusement, but he could kiss my ass if he thought I would ever find it funny to watch an old man play with his junk in my presence. I knew he was just trying to lighten the somber mood in the truck cab; he was just as frustrated as I was, if not more. This fucking guy needed to get his ass out here so we could end this shit.

“You and Max sort your shit out yet?” Buck interrupted my thoughts with a grunt.

“Not really. I was going to talk to him, but that fucker shot out the windows and now here we are. I just don’t know what’s going on with him. You should see some of the crazies he drags through the house at night. I started locking myself inside my room just so they wouldn’t accidentally come in and fuck with me.” Buck had a knowing look on his face like he wanted to say something but couldn’t. Of course, he knew all of Max’s secrets, but he would never tell me. He ran a hand over his worn-out, wrinkled face and exhaled heavily, concern evident.

“Just…cut him some slack, ok? I know you don’t understand, but trust me when I say Max is dealing with a lot of shit, some of which can be hard to handle. I’ll talk to him when this is over, see if I can get him more grounded.”

I shook my head in understanding, silently hoping Buck could reach Max and bring him back from the brink. Lord knew I’d tried and nothing had worked. His self-destructive behavior had me worried. I couldn’t lose my brother and I wouldn’t. He was my family.

A quick glance out the window had me seeing our guy coming out of the bar, stumbling, with some bimbo in toe. I nudged Buck with my elbow, careful not to touch the hand he had just used to play with his dick, and gave him a quick chin lift toward the outside so he could spot our guy coming out. I took the safety off my piece as we exited the truck and tucked it into the back of my waistband. We didn’t need to discuss it; this was the same way we’d operated every time we’d taken on one of these assholes. I would take the guy from the front either by bumping into him or asking a dumb-ass question. While he was distracted, Buck would bring up the rear, holding him by the neck with a gun pointed to his head while we asked our questions. The last guy pissed himself, he was so scared, but I couldn’t afford to feel sorry for him. Time was a wastin’.

I dropped my head and hunched a bit so that my size wouldn’t intimidate this asshole. My long hair acted as a blanket to cover my face so he couldn’t get a good look at me. I had to get closer before he took off in the other direction and we would never get to question him. I decided to go with asking a question this time, since he was already distracted with a whore on his arm.

“Hey, my man, you got a cigarette I can borrow?” I didn’t smoke, but fuck it, he didn’t know that.

“The fuck I look like? The 7-11? Get the fuck gone before I kick your ass.”

That was all the time we needed. Buck grabbed him around the neck and stuck his nine into his ribs before he could say anything else. I pointed my gun at the whore so she wouldn’t scream.

“Hit the bricks, bitch, and don’t look back.” She took off like her ass was on fire. How she could run in five-inch heels was beyond me, but as long as she was gone that was all that mattered.

“What the fuck you guys want? Money? Check my pockets. You can have it all.”

He was panting like a dog with his hands lifted in the air in surrender. His alcohol breath blowing in my face made me want to shoot his ass just to stop him from breathing.

“We don’t want your fucking money, asshole, we want to know where the fucking biker is.” Buck was squeezing his neck so hard the guy’s face was red as a pomegranate. As soon as he made the demand, Buck loosened his hold, causing the guy to cough and sputter trying to take in air.

“What fucking biker? I know a lot of bikers. Which one you looking for?”

“You know who we’re looking for. Don’t play stupid. The one asking all the questions around town.” I was quickly losing my cool with this prick. I lifted my leg and kicked him square in the knee, causing it to buckle when it cracked on impact. Buck placed his hand over his mouth to stifle the scream that tore through his lips before he could alert his buddies inside.

“This is the last time I’m gonna ask you. Where is the fucking biker?” I put my gun right to his fucking head and cocked the trigger, ready to end this asshole.

“Ok, I’ll tell you. Just don’t shoot me.” He was still hunched over in pain but alert enough to answer.

“He’s going into town today, said he had some business to take care of with a girl.”

“What fucking girl, fuck nuts?”

“I don’t know her name, ok? She works at the candy store or something. He said he was going to talk to her about something important, but he didn’t say what.”

His answer took me over the edge, and with a right hook to rival Mike Tyson in his prime, I smashed his face in so hard, blood shot from his nose all over the concrete as his prone body dropped like a rock when Buck let him go. I felt the adrenaline surge through my body, and it took all my strength just to stand upright. He was going for my woman, and I’d left her unprotected. I grabbed my cell from my pocket and quickly called Sebastian. He answered on the second ring. Clover wasn’t allowed any personal items while working due to health codes, so I knew she wouldn’t answer my call and did the next best thing.

“Get to Fosters’ now. He’s going after Clover,” I shouted into the receiver. I could barely get the words out as we were hauling ass back to my truck, hoping it wasn’t too late.

“Rolling hard, brother, meet you there,” was Sebastian’s response. I could tell by the squealing tires he was already shifting gears, trying to pick up speed as he hung up. Buck had Max on the phone, giving him the same instructions, and I put my truck in gear and floored the gas. I sped outta that alley with only one thing in mind: getting to Fosters’ and saving my girl.

CHAPTER 31

Clover

“Thanks for coming in, Mr. Smith. I hope your wife enjoys her chocolates.” I said good-bye to our longtime customer as he grabbed his small bag of treats and headed out the door. The Fosters were taking care of some bank business in town, so I was in charge of running the retail part of the store and cashing out the usual customers by myself. The bell sounded overhead, signaling he had exited the store and was on his way home to his lovely wife. I placed his money in the register, not realizing that when Mr. Smith left someone else came in behind him. Someone who was truly not welcome at Fosters’.

“Hey, sweet thang, good to see you again.” I would know that voice anywhere, but it still didn’t stop me from being startled when he spoke to me. I grabbed my chest to calm my racing heart and turned to scowl at my unwelcomed customer.

“You scared me, Craze, what are you doing here? You need to leave right now.”

“Thought I told you to call me Julian, sweet thang.” Whatever, this guy really was crazy.

“Ok, Julian, you need to leave. I can’t talk to you anymore, and Range is…” he quickly interrupted my tirade.

“Looking for me, I know. I also know Buck is back in town, so I suspect they will be showing up shortly. As a matter of fact, I can guarantee it.” He looked so smug when he said it, he obviously didn’t know Range was carrying a weapon and wouldn’t hesitate to use it to wipe that cute little smile right off his arrogant face.

“If you know all that, then what are you doing here?” I really shouldn’t have encouraged this conversation, but curiosity got the better of me and I found myself asking instead of insisting that he leave. His cocky demeanor suddenly got real serious and whatever was on his mind weighed heavily.

“Shit is going down, Clover, and my time has run out. I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am that you got mixed up in all this. I wish there was another way out, but in my life, those ways are limited.” He looked so sincere when he said it, I almost believed him, until I remembered one important fact.

“Then you shouldn’t have shot out Range’s windows, you big jerk. I was there, you idiot, you could have shot me or my sisters.” This shocking revelation caused all the color to drain from his face and he looked like he was gonna hurl on the counter. He started to shake his head as if to say no, but before he could answer me, the door to the store swung open with Sebastian rushing through it, shouting like a madman.

“Get the fuck away from her, motherfucker!” He advanced toward Craze with a menacing-looking scowl, but he wasn’t ready to take on an armed man, which was exactly what Craze was before he even got close. Craze pulled out his gun and pointed it right at Sebastian’s head without even batting an eyelash.

“Back the fuck off, asshole, or I’ll blow your fucking head off.” Sebastian immediately stopped, his steps faltering slightly as he held up his hands in surrender.

“Hey, man, I’m just trying to give you a head start. Range and Buck will be here soon, and they are not as understanding as I am. Do yourself a favor and clear out while you can.” Sebastian appeared calm, but I could tell he was trying to defuse the situation before it got out of control. I looked to Craze, hoping I could get him to see reason and leave before someone got hurt.

“Julian, please don’t do this. Just leave before things go too far,” I implored him, but he didn’t listen. My words were white noise to him.

“I can’t, Clover. Things have already gone too far. I have no choice.” His arm was steady as he continued to hold his gun on Sebastian. This standoff only lasted two minutes until Range and Buck busted through the door, each of them holding their own guns and pointing them at Craze. I could feel the tension rolling off these men, unwilling to give an inch, but all I could do was stand there and watch it happen.

“I hear you been looking for me, fucker. Well, here I am.” The man I could only assume was Buck was the first to speak as he took in the scene before him. Craze didn’t waiver in his intensity as he took a good look at the large man holding a gun on him. Buck wasn’t as old as I thought, but he certainly had the look of a man who was comfortable around this sort of atmosphere. I saw an air of authority in him and knew any lost boy would find him appealing as a father figure. Even now in all this chaos, he had positioned himself in front of Range, acting as a shield of protection for his boy. He was trying to draw the focus off his family as any father would.

“Took your time gettin' here, old man. Had to step up my game to get your decrepit ass back to town.” He meant the shooting of the windows. Now it all came together, but why?

“Well, you got me here. Now, what the fuck do you want?”

“To talk about old times and how they affect new ones.”

“Not a good time to fuck around, boy, seein’ as I got a pistol to your head. Cut the bullshit before I lose my patience and decide to end this little stand-off by putting some hot lead in your ass.”

Holy shit, Buck was no joke, and although we’d never met, I knew right away this was no idle threat. He wouldn’t hesitate to end Craze where he stood if he didn’t get to the point. I prayed he would put us all out of our misery and state his piece so we could move on.

“Lower your weapon, old man, and I’ll get to the point of my little visit,” Craze answered.

“Not in a position to give orders, boy, and I don’t take none.” Buck didn’t lower his weapon; instead, he cocked the trigger just to prove his point. I couldn’t stand where this was going, and the longer it went on, the more frightened I got.

“Range, I’m afraid…please, just lower the weapons,” I appealed to my man, hoping he at least would see reason. I couldn’t stand by and watch anyone get hurt.

“It’s ok, tootsie baby, I won’t let nothing happen to you. I promise,” Range answered.

“Please, just lower the weapons and talk this out…please.” I was begging at this point, but I didn’t give a shit. I had to do something. Craze lifted the hand that wasn’t holding the gun, indicating he was going to lower his weapon if they did the same. Whatever was driving him to act so recklessly must have outweighed his need to project fear, ‘cause he slowly lowered his gun at the same time Range and Buck lowered theirs. They stood facing each other, still holding the guns but not pointing them at each other, which was a good start.

“You’re one tough old fuck, that’s for sure, but then again, Psycho always said you were.” At the mention of this person Psycho, Buck flinched but recovered quickly.

“The fuck you know about Psycho? He’s been dead for years.” Craze walked right up to Buck with a smile on his face, a huge toothy smile like he was just told he won the lottery or something. Once he got within two inches of Bucks face, he dropped a bomb.

“I know that, old man. He was my father.”

CHAPTER 32

Range

As soon as we hit the door to Fosters’, I knew we were too late. Sebastian was being held at gunpoint and my woman was behind the counter, looking like a frightened rabbit. Buck and I pulled our guns at the same time, and if it had been up to me, I would have blasted that fucker to next week, but I had to wait for the all-clear. I couldn’t risk this fool taking a shot at my brother or my woman, so I followed Buck’s lead. He’d seemed to have it under control until the biker mentioned Psycho. I had only heard the name once, but I knew he was the VP of the club Buck had belonged to and was once a great friend. Outside of that, I didn’t know much else about their relationship, but whatever it was, it was enough to make Buck pause instead of firing his weapon.

“The hell you say. Psycho didn’t have any kids, you lying bastard. You must wanna die today, boy.” Buck wasn’t buying this guy’s story at all, and the more he persisted in telling it, the more Buck was about to lose his shit.

“You’re wrong, old man, he had two kids, a boy and a girl. He kept us hidden from everyone, including you. Thought it was safer that way, considering the shit that went down.”

“I don’t believe a word you say. Prove it or I’ll kill you just for making up this fucked-up story.”

The biker cautiously whipped off his cut to expose his arms, turning slightly to show Buck a tattoo, a strange-looking tattoo, but one Buck clearly recognized, because he holstered his weapon and took a step back like he was fighting to keep his balance.

“What the fuck is that, Buck? Don’t tell me you’re falling for this bullshit story. So what, he has a tattoo, that means fuck all.” I refused to drop my guard, knowing at any minute this fucker could start firing off shots and kill us all. Buck looked like he was having a mental breakdown while he shook his head in disbelief. What the fuck was going on?

“Put away your weapon, Range.” He finally spoke after what seemed like hours.

“No, I won’t, Buck. Not till you tell me what the fuck is going on. We don’t know this motherfucker from Adam.” Buck didn’t appreciate my disagreeing with him and was quickly regaining his faculties.

“You do what the fuck I say, boy. This is my business, not yours, and I’ll handle it. Now, holster your fucking weapon.” He was so angry, his eyes were bugging out of his head and his nostrils were flaring like a raging bull’s. I’d never seen him so upset before with any of us, but that still didn’t make me want to comply with his wishes. I had to be smart about how I wanted to approach this situation if I wanted to get any answers.

“Alright, you mean old bastard, I’ll step aside and let you handle it, but can you fill us in on what’s going on?” He thought about it for a moment before he decided to answer me, still trying to calm his anger and gather his wits. He took a few deep breaths and spoke to the entire group.

“Psycho was my VP and…my friend. We did everything together, whore around, roust bars, get arrested, and we handled all club business together. We never went out on runs without each other, always had each other’s backs when shit got hot. We were together on that last run before I quit the MC, the one that took everything I had.” He was having trouble telling this part of the story. I knew it from the way his eyes glazed over when he thought about his son’s death and having to leave his club.

“What about the tattoo is so special? How do you know it’s not a trap?” I had to know for sure why he believed this bullshit story.

“Psycho and I were tattooed together, a symbol of brotherhood we chose. It’s hidden. You can only see it if we show it to you. It’s not your everyday tattoo that can be duplicated, and this boy has it. Only Psycho would have shown it to him, which proves his story. I just don’t understand why he never told me he had kids.” I hated seeing that defeated look in his eyes as if this whole thing was his fault or something. His friend was the one who chose to keep it a secret in the first place, and now from the grave he’d made Buck feel like it was his fault.

“He was going to tell you after that last run you both took. He said he always wanted us to meet our Uncle Buck, but once you lost your son, he couldn’t bring himself to flaunt his children in your face, considering you didn’t have yours anymore. I think he regretted that decision until the day he died.” This hardened biker looked just as broken as Buck did over the loss of their friend and father. Loss was something they both had in common, and it was clear it shaped them into the people they were today.

“Yeah, well, I guess it’s too late for regrets now. We all have them, but fuck it.” Buck was reflective but would never show weakness in front of us, even though we knew he was hurting. Clover, always the bleeding heart, had tears streaming down her face as she stood behind the counter, listening to the conversation going on around her. I wanted to hold her in my arms, but it still wasn’t the right time.

“You ok, tootsie baby?” I asked her, and she replied with a head nod and sniffles.

“Yes, it’s just sad that Julian never got to meet his Uncle Buck when his father was still alive.”

“What did you call him?” Buck asked Clover.

“Julian. He told me not to call him Craze since I wasn’t in the life, so that’s what I called him,” Clover answered softly.

“Julian…that motherfucker.” Buck had to hold on to the side of the counter to steady himself as he repeated the name out loud. He had a half smirk on his face, like he was in on a joke none of the rest of us knew.

“Yep, that’s right, you old bastard, he named me after you. Well, your middle name, that is. Thank god, ‘cause Buck is definitely not sexy enough for a man like me.” I was glad to see the mood was shifting to something lighter, considering we’d almost shot each other in the face a few minutes before. I still wanted to kill this bastard, regardless of whose son he was. I didn’t know that motherfucker, so I couldn’t let my guard down. He still hit on my woman and showed up at her house uninvited; that alone was cause for at least an ass whopping. I’d be sure to remind him of our unfinished business once he told us what the fuck he was doing here.

“Now that we got all the pleasantries out the way, what the fuck are you doing here after all this time and why were you looking for Buck?” Enough of this old biker brotherhood bullshit; next we’d be holding hands and singing and braiding each other’s hair. Fuck the dumb shit.

“Ah, I see you’re still pissed ‘cause I pushed up on your girl. Old lady material, that one is, just like I told her.” He flicked his chin to indicate Clover, and I was on the move to rip his fucking balls off. Buck grabbed me by the arm to stop me, but I yanked myself away in time to see him shaking his head at his biker brother.

“Not the time for this shit. Range is right. What are you doing here now?” Buck calmly asked Craze. That fucker had a smirk on his face as if to say, ‘I win this round.’ But it was far from over, I would see to that. He turned to give his full attention to Buck.

“Like I said before, I have a sister. Her name is Mia. She’s a good girl, not in the life. She goes to school, has a part time job, and stays out of trouble. Don’t want this life for her. I promised…I promised my dad I would make sure she had a good life, a happy life.”

“So what’s the fucking problem? She wants to be a club whore or something?” I enjoyed the look on his face as I said it; it was a cross between nausea and panic. Good, motherfucker, take that.

“You watch your fucking mouth.” He pointed his finger in my face as I gave him a triumphant smirk in return.

“My President has claimed her. Plans to make his move soon unless I can stop him. I need that last shipment Buck and my father took down before he left the life. He told me it was a large drug shipment, enough to buy out my President so he doesn’t claim my sister. It’s the only chance I got.” I could almost feel sorry for this asshole…almost.

“You know the rules, Buck. You either kill out, die out, or buy out the life. I can’t kill him and not risk the full brotherhood coming down on both of us. Shit, we wouldn’t last a day and Mia would be in even more danger. I need that shipment to save her. I know it’s been years, but that last score was too large just to have disappeared.” Buck had lowered his head as if the request itself weighed a ton and he was having trouble bearing the force of it all. I looked over to Clover and saw she was just as weighed down as Buck, knowing this was a long shot.

“Burned it. Burned it all. It’s gone.” Bucks voice was low and pained.

“What? How the fuck could you burn all that shit, you crazy old fuck? I need that shipment!” Craze ended his demand on a yell. His face was blood red and he was having trouble catching his breath, like someone with asthma. It was over. He’d lost.

“That shit killed my son, motherfucker. MY SON! You’re fucking right I burned it, all of it, down to the last ounce. My boy is dead because of that shit, so save your fucking anger for someone who gives a flying fuck. I lost my entire reason for living that night and I care fuck all about it being gone.” Buck was done. He said his piece and was back to the cold-hearted bastard he’d always been. He didn’t blink an eye as he basically shattered all hope for Craze to save his sister from becoming the property of his MC President. Life was about sacrifice, he once said. Craze would learn this as we all had and would in the future.

CHAPTER 33

Clover

Heartbreaking. It was the only word I could use to describe the situation that was unfolding before me. Sebastian and I were merely spectators to this event, with front row seats to a soul-sucking championship fuck fest. Pain and anger were evident in each of these men. Knowing loss and sorrow made them brothers in arms. I wanted to hold them, comfort them, ease their burdens, but no amount of sympathy can erase years of anguish.

I learned a great deal from watching these men as I stood behind my perch at Fosters’. One can often learn much from just listening to the way different people interact, and today was no different. I learned that Range would do anything to protect me, regardless of the consequences. Like my father before him, he didn’t flaunt his strength, but it would appear out of nowhere in time of need. He worked hard to be different; different from the dirty boy who only knew hunger and misery. He loved his junkyard brothers, and together they formed an unbreakable unit bound by the teachings of a man who’d lost everything.

From Buck I learned regret was something that never left you, no matter how much good you do to make up for it. Careless actions caused Buck to lose his son, but kindness gained him several more; not of his blood, but sons nonetheless. Buck instilled all the virtues to his boys they lived by today: honor, loyalty, strength, and togetherness. He was the glue that kept them together and the father figure each one of them needed to become men. His regret made him feel unworthy, but his actions made him a father.

From Julian I learned that promises made are more important than self-preservation. Killing would have been an easy route for a hardened biker, but not at the risk of his beloved sister. His life was in jeopardy the minute he hit town and started making threats, but none of that was as important as a promise made to a father who wasn’t around to keep it himself. A hardened biker should know nothing of promises, but this one did, and that made him an honorable man. How difficult it must be to have to choose between his blood family and his biker family.

I didn’t know at the time of my reflection that there would be more suffering, more regret, more anguish, all caused by an armed man who entered Fosters’ with the intent to kill. He didn’t yell, he didn’t warn, and he didn’t miss.

CHAPTER 34

Range

It was time to end this bullshit standoff and get the fuck outta here. Buck said his piece. He didn’t have what Craze was looking for, so as far as I was concerned, there was no need to stand around rehashing old times. He was going to have to figure out another way to save his sister that didn’t involve a payoff. Hopefully, he had a plan B. The only thing I wanted to do was hold my woman in my arms and get her home, where she was safe.

The door to Fosters’ whipped open so hard the glass shattered on impact. I looked over my shoulder just in time to see that biker we’d rousted for information pointing his gun at Clover, blood still oozing from his nose where I’d punched him, and he was favoring his left knee where my kick had left it shattered. I’d never believed that bullshit about your life flashing before your eyes when you’re about to die or that things appear in slow motion. I was wrong on both accounts, ‘cause right now, I felt like I was stuck in the fucking Matrix.

“Get the fuck down!”

Craze shouted as he leapt over the counter and tackled Clover to the ground as the first shot rang out. She let out a piercing scream as Craze’s solid body landed on top of her, shielding her from the gunshots at the same time pulling out his piece to return fire.

Sebastian threw himself behind a nearby table that was torn to pieces when the shooter blasted it with at least three rounds before he turned his gun on me. I looked right down the barrel of that gun. It was like looking down one of the tunnels you see a train going through. It seemed larger than life, and with a weird sense of calm, I prepared my mind for the explosion my body was sure to take. But that explosion never came. As two more shots rang out, Buck threw me to the floor with such strength I crashed onto the solid foundation, dislocating my shoulder. At the same time he took aim and shot the biker right between the eyes, both of them going down in a stream of smoke and blood. Buck rolled onto his back and expelled all the air from his lungs, while his arms lay limp by his sides. I crawled over to him, dragging my dislocated shoulder with me, as Sebastian ran over from his spot behind the shot-up table. I placed Buck’s head on my lap as Sebastian removed his shirt, pressing it against the two bullet wounds spewing blood from Buck’s chest.

“Don’t you fucking die on me, old man.” I held his hand tight. Blood pooled in his mouth as he tried to speak.

“Love you…son…take care…my boys.” Buck’s eyes rolled to the back of his head, his chest expanded one last time, and he took his last dying breath as I cradled his head to my chest.

“Noooooo!” Sebastian wailed as he draped his body across Buck and held him close while still pressing his shirt to his bloodied chest, attempting to stop the flow of blood and save Buck’s life. I was only partially aware of things happening around me. My ears felt like they were stuffed with cotton and my vision was so blurry I could barely see Sebastian, who was right in front of me. I felt a strong arm on my shoulder and shouting in my ear but couldn’t make out who it was.

“Range, what the fuck happened? Range, can you hear me? Range, wake the fuck up!” I finally noticed that Fox, who must have run in from the tattoo parlor, carrying a sawed-off shotgun in one hand and a pistol in the other. He was leaning down, shouting at me to get my shit together, but I couldn’t move, couldn’t think, couldn’t believe.

“It was a robbery, do you hear me? It was a robbery, Range, nothing more. Repeat it, damn it.”

Fox was trying to control the scene before the cops arrived and started asking questions. He knew Buck and I were onto something, and he didn’t want any of us to go down for murder, so I repeated the statement.

“It was a robbery, nothing more.”

“Good, that’s good, it was a robbery, nothing more. He busted in, shooting up the place, looking to steal the money from the till. You and your friends were here picking up your girl and got caught in the crossfire. Do you understand, Range? Repeat it, damn it.”

He was shaking my shoulders, trying to get me to snap out of my stupor, but I could only shake my head in his direction so he knew I got it. I could hear sirens quickly approaching, more screams as the Fosters returned to the store from running errands, onlookers shouting and pointing at the dead bodies littering the floor in pools of blood. Then I saw it, the image that caused me to come alive and move into action. Craze was moving from behind the counter, carrying a limp Clover in his arms. Her hair was swaying and her head and arms were limp as he stepped toward the front of the store, carrying her. Blood was oozing from her head and shoulder. She wasn’t moving and her breathing was shallow.

“I need an ambulance right fucking now!” Craze shouted, still holding Clover in his arms. I had to get to my woman. She needed me. No matter how bad I felt about leaving Buck, I had to make sure she was alive. I laid Buck’s body on the floor with a still sobbing Sebastian holding on to him. Dragging my dislocated shoulder, I felt no pain as I grabbed her from his arms and held her in mine where she belonged.

“Tootsie baby, talk to me. Please, I can’t lose you too…please.” The paramedics rushed to my side, carrying a stretcher.

“Sir, you have to let her go so we can help her.” Fuck that, they weren’t taking my woman out of my arms. She was staying with me, where I could keep her safe.

“Range, let her go so the doctor can help her.” Fox grabbed one arm, while Craze grabbed the other, dragging be backwards and out of the way so the paramedics could get to Clover. She looked so pale lying on that stretcher, and my heart ached to take away her pain and make it my own. The scene was too much to take in and I felt myself getting dizzy from my adrenaline wearing off. Screaming, crying, cursing, all of it was going on around me as I felt my chest getting tighter and tighter until finally, I felt nothing.

“We need a fucking stretcher over here!”

CHAPTER 35

Range

I was floating, dressed in all white at the entrance of the junkyard, except it didn’t say “Buck’s Junkyard.” It said “Range’s Junkyard.” What the fuck is going on? Am I dead?

“Wake the fuck up, boy, you got work to do.”

“Buck?”

I was dreaming. It was the only explanation I had for this weird-ass shit going on.

“Who the fuck else would it be?” Buck replied with a smirk, also wearing white from head to toe. He even had white rubber bands around his too long beard and ponytail. He was standing in front of me at the junkyard.

“What are you doing here? You’re dead.”

“No shit, Sherlock. Now, listen up. I don’t have much time. I taught you everything I know, not only how to run the yard, but to look after my boys. They will all need you before everything is said and done, especially Max. Remember your promise and be the man I know you are.”

“I don’t understand any of this, Buck. Where are you going?”

“To Heaven, dipshit. Remember your promise.”

I woke with a start and some serious pain in my arm and head. I was lying in a hospital bed, that much was clear, but how the fuck did I get here and where the fuck was Clover? I had to find my woman, but when I tried to sit up, all I felt was a sharp shooting pain traveling up my arm and stopping just before my chest exploded.

“Hey, relax, man. You’re in the hospital, but it’s gonna be ok.” I rubbed my eyes and blinked a few times, trying to get my brain to clear as well as my vision. Max was sitting on one side of the bed, and Sebastian was on the other, both looking like shit as I took in their red eyes and tired expressions. I tried to sit up, but that shit was not happening.

“What happened? Where’s Clover?” The nurse walked in carrying a pitcher of water and a too happy smile on her face.

“Oh good, Mr. Reardon, I’m glad to see you’re awake. My name is Sally and I’m here to take care of you. Would you like some water?”

“Yeah, thanks.” I had to clear my head and find out what was going on with my woman. After taking a quick sip of water, I turned and asked my question again.

“Where is Clover? I want to see her now, damn it.”

“Please, calm down, Mr. Reardon. You have a dislocated shoulder and a slight bump on your head, which caused you to black out for a short time. We’ve reset your arm and given you pain medication. You’ll be groggy for a while, so try and relax and the doctor will be in to see you shortly.” With that little bit of info, she smiled at Max and Sebastian and quickly left the room.

“Clover is in surgery, Range. She took a bullet to her chest, and when that biker threw her to the ground, she hit her head on the counter. The doctor isn’t sure how much trauma her brain has suffered yet, but they are running tests.” Sebastian had tears in his eyes as he finished filling me in.

“Jesus fuck, I can’t believe this shit happened… Buck…fucking Buck saved my life, took a goddamn bullet for me, threw me out the way so I wouldn’t get hurt. Why the fuck would he do that? Jesus, Buck, why…Why?” I was on the verge of hysteria. The enormity of the situation finally caught up with me, causing me to lose my shit. Tears were streaming down my face and I couldn’t catch my breath as Sebastian tried to get me to calm down, while Max buzzed for the nurse when I trashed in my bed, not feeling anything but anguish and pain. I couldn’t take it any longer and let out a feral howl as I grabbed my chest in pain. The nurse appeared with a syringe, and before I knew it, I was floating in a sea of darkness with Buck’s dying face in the forefront of my mind.

CHAPTER 36

Clover

“She’s going to be fine. We’ve repaired the damage in her chest and shoulder. The bullet didn’t hit any vital organs and went straight through. The bump on her head looks a lot worse than it is. It’s not causing any brain damage according to her latest scan, but we’ll check again just to make sure. She’s been given pain mediation, so she’ll be in and out for the next couple of hours, but all in all I would say it’s the best possible scenario. I’ll be back to check on her in a couple of hours.”

The kind doctor was giving my family an update on my condition. I could see Ashley crying in the corner of the room, while Shelly held her close, stroking her back in comfort. My parents were listening to the diagnosis, my mom leaning slightly on my father’s side as he nodded his head in understanding at the doctor’s instructions. Once the doctor was done, he gave one last quick smile and exited my room to complete his rounds for the day.

“Hi, mom.”

“Oh, sweetheart, you’re awake. How are you feeling? Do you need the nurse?” She sat on the edge of my bed and held my hands, looking relieved, my dad standing at her side.

“No, mom, just some water, please. My throat is so dry.” I looked to my sisters in the corner.

“I’m ok, guys, don’t worry.” I wanted to reassure them, especially Ashley, since she was the most emotional in our family.

“Fuck that, Clove. I told you that bastard would get you hurt, but did you listen?” Shelly screeched.

“Please, Shelly, don’t be mad. It’s not Range’s fault.”

“The fuck it ain’t, Clover. When I see him, he damn sure better run the other way, ‘cause I’m gonna kill him.” Shelly was livid.

“Shelly, watch your language and stop yelling like a fool. Your sister doesn’t need the added stress right now, so cool it. We’re all upset, but placing blame isn’t going to make it any better, so stop it.” My dad spoke calmly to Shelly as she threw up her hands and bolted from the room with Ashley following quickly behind her.

“I’m so sorry, mom. Please forgive me.”

“It was a robbery, honey, you couldn’t have known what was going to happen. I’m just happy you’re going to be alright.” She wiped at a stray tear falling from her eye as my dad patted her on the shoulder.

“Mom, where’s Range? I need to see him. I have to make sure he’s ok.” I tried to move, but it was no use; the drugs were quickly taking over and I knew it was only a matter of time before sleep took me under.

“He’s going to be fine, honey. His shoulder is dislocated and he has a slight concussion, but other than that, he’s doing well. His brothers are with him and he’s also under heavy sedation, so don’t worry.”

I was happy to hear the news as sleep claimed my worried thoughts. I had so many questions that needed answers, but I was in no physical condition to get them. I needed to see Range as soon as possible. He needed me and I needed him. Soon, my love…soon.

CHAPTER 37

Range

I was being discharged today, but I wouldn’t be going home. I wasn’t allowed to see Clover during my twenty-four hours of observation, but nothing and no one was going to stop me from seeing her now. My arm was in a sling, so Sebastian had to help me get dressed, which sucked, since that included helping me into my underwear. Having him come face-to-face with my junk was not the way I wanted to start my day.

“Where the fuck is Max? He was supposed to be here,” I asked Sebastian.

“Um…He’s not gonna make it today,” he responded.

“The fuck you mean, he’s not gonna make it over here today? What the fuck is going on, Sebastian, and trust me when I say I am not in the mood for your bullshit, so just spit it out.”

He turned his back to me and dropped his shoulders in defeat. He didn’t want to tell me about Max. He was stalling trying to get his thoughts in order. I couldn’t tell if it was because I was hurt and he didn’t want to burden me with more shit, or if there was something else that caused his hesitation. I grew tired of waiting, so I yelled at the back of his head.

“Now, Sebastian! Where the fuck is Max?”

“He’s at the house, ok? But he was in no condition to come this morning. I went to check on him last night when we left the hospital, you know, to make sure he was ok and didn’t need to talk or something. When I got there, he had some people over.”

“What fucking people?” I asked through gritted teeth.

“You know, the usual. Mitch, Marci, and a few others I’ve never met.” He looked a bit green around the gills as he answered my question.

“Ok, so he had some people over. What else aren’t you telling me?” He turned to face me while letting out the shaky breath he had been holding. He looked completely put out and disgusted by what he was about to say next.

“Range…I have never seen anything like it in my life. The things they were doing in there made me sick to my stomach, and that’s saying something. The house was a wreck, dirty condoms all over the floor, beer cans piled up on the table, butt-naked women sucking any dick within a two-feet radius. I had to cover my cock with my hands just so I could walk into the living room. I found Max draped across the couch with some bitch sucking on his dick and some random dude fingering his asshole. He didn’t even know who I was!” He ended when his voice broke with sadness at the state of our brother.

“Was he on drugs from what you could tell?” It was a stupid question, ‘cause we both knew Max never did drugs, not even when we were teenagers, but I had to ask.

“No, there were no drugs, it’s just…it’s like his mind has completely checked out. His body was there, but everything else was gone.” He was so overwhelmed he threw himself into the stiff-ass hospital chair and covered his face with his hands while shaking his head back and forth, as if that would clear his memory of what he’d had to witness last night. I stood next to him and rubbed his hair. He hated when I did that, but I spoke to him with all the confidence I could muster.

“Hey, we’ll fix this…He’s our brother and we won’t let nothin’ happen to him.”

“Yeah, ok, man. Whatever you say.” He wasn’t convinced and frankly, neither was I.

***

I arrived at Clover’s room in time to see who I assumed were her parents leaving arm in arm. They looked tired and worried for their daughter, and I couldn’t blame them one bit. If that were my daughter lying in a hospital bed with a bullet wound, I would be climbing the fucking walls by now. I wanted to introduce myself, but by the look on her mother’s face, I didn’t have to. She was smiling from ear to ear and shocked the shit out of me by embracing me in a hug, careful not to squeeze my injured arm.

“Oh, Range, I’m so happy you’ve finally been released. Clover’s been going crazy with worry and she’s dying to see you with her own eyes.”

“Ma’am, it’s good to finally meet you both. I just wish it were under better circumstances.”

“Nonsense, son. I’m just glad you both made it out alive.” Her father gave me a firm handshake and a pat on the back. It was clear these two people loved their daughter and her happiness was the most important thing to them.

“Your friend Julian was here earlier to see her, so we stepped out to give them a little privacy. She said she wanted ice cream, so we are on our way to get her some. Would you like for us to bring you some back as well?”

I tried not to let my heated expression show at the mention of that motherfucker Julian, so I just shook my head to the offer of ice cream and wished them well until they returned. If I had tried to say anything else to them right then, I would have come off like a crazed maniac, complete with any and all cuss words in my arsenal. I took a deep breath to steady my nerves and pushed open the door to Clover’s room. Lying under the standard issued white sheets she looked so tiny and fragile as she slept facing the door. I hated to wake her, but the need to hold her in my arms was too strong to ignore. I crept inside the room and sat carefully next to her on the bed. I took her tiny hand in mine as I watched her sleeping soundly. She had a bandage on her forehead, and I could see the remnants of a heavier bandage on her chest, covering the bullet wound. Just the thought of her being hurt made me want to kill that fucker all over again. I tensed and accidentally squeezed the hand I was holding, causing Clover to wake and open her eyes. She looked so damn beautiful, it hurt my chest just to look at her.

“Hey, tootsie baby…I missed you so damn much.” I kissed her softly on the lips as tears started rolling down her pale cheeks.

“Don’t cry, baby. I’m ok and I’m right here with you. I’ll never leave you again.”

“Oh, Range. I was so scared. I thought we were all gonna die. If Buck hadn’t shot that man…”

“Shhh, it’s all over now, baby. I got you and I’m never letting go.” I used my thumb on my good hand to wipe her tears away as she leaned her face into it and held it there. Jesus Christ, she still smelled like candy and my stupid dick got hard thinking about it. Down, motherfucker, this is not the time or the place.

“Julian came by to visit earlier before he left town.” She felt me flinch and grabbed hold of my wrist so I wouldn’t pull away.

“Range, please, I know you’re angry, but what happened wasn’t his fault.”

“The fuck it wasn’t! If he hadn’t come to town with his bullshit, shooting out windows and shit, Buck would still be alive and you wouldn’t be lying in this fucking hospital bed!” I didn’t mean to yell at her, but she had no idea what was going on, and I refused to let her believe that Craze/Julian was the victim.

“What are you talking about? It was a robbery, Range. It had nothing to do with Julian.” I had the strangest urge to laugh when she made that statement. She was so naïve and trusting of everyone, including those who didn’t deserve her trust. Did I really want to be the one to break her heart by confessing to her that if Craze hadn’t come to town we wouldn’t have been looking for his ass and rousted that fucking biker until he told us where to find him? Could I be the one to tell her I kicked his ass while trying to get him to talk, causing him to seek retaliation against us? Was I strong enough to tell her there was no robbery and it was my fault Buck was dead? As I looked into her beautiful eyes that were pleading with me not to blame her friend for what happened, I knew I wasn’t strong enough to be honest. So I took the coward’s way out and vowed she would never find out how I let her down, how we had all let her down.

“You’re right, baby. I’m sorry. It was just a robbery. I guess I’m still just a little salty with him, because he wanted to fuck you, is all.”

“Oh god, Range. He so did not want to do me.” She had a silly smile on her face that I couldn’t help but return.

“Babe, he did. Just admit it.”

“Ok, maybe he did, but we’re just friends and I love you, so you have nothing to worry about.”

“Damn straight you love me…and I love you back, tootsie baby.”

CHAPTER 38

Clover

One week later

Range never left my side the entire time I was stuck in that god-forsaken hospital. He told the nurses and the doctors to bring him a pillow and to leave us the fuck alone; his words, not mine. He slept on that hard-as-hell chair, holding my hand, until I was released four days later. Shelly flat out refused to be in the same room with him, still placing blame where there was none. She said she would never forgive him for not protecting me, but her issues had to be placed on the backburner for now. Other, more pressing things took all of my focus and energy.

The days following my release from the hospital were the hardest days of my life. Range planned a small funeral service for Buck. He was to be buried next to his son at Oak Lawn Cemetery. All the boys agreed he wouldn’t want some over-blown service with a lot of people he didn’t know pretending to be sad he was dead, so only a select few were invited, followed by a small gathering for food and drinks at Range’s home.

My family and I arrived at the church, minus Shelly of course, and were seated in the pew next to the Fosters. Guilt riddled their faces. Mrs. Foster contemplated closing the store following the events of the shooting, saying that if they had been there, none of this would have happened. I assured her that the community would feel a heavier loss with her closing a business that’s been around for more than twenty years and closing it was no way to honor the victims. It took a lot of coaxing, but she finally agreed, even though in my heart I knew I would never be able to continue working there.

I looked around the small church and spotted Sebastian and Max up front, seated directly in front of the black coffin that was Buck’s final resting place. Seated next to them was a man in a military uniform, complete with a beret and various metals adorning his chest. I wondered who he was until a quick glance to my right landed my eyes on that fucking bitch Marci looking like a tramp in her too small, black dress, overdone makeup, and hooker shoes that were way too tall to wear to a funeral. She caught me staring, puckered her lips, and blew me a kiss, instantly making my stomach roll with nausea before she turned back around and waited for the services to begin. One of these days, I was gonna choke that bitch till she begged me to stop. Unfortunately, today was not the day. Fox sat toward the back of the church by himself, completely separated from the rest of the group and noticeably shaken up, judged by the stoic look on his face and the glassy eyes he attempted to cover with sunglasses.

Range entered from the back of the church, followed by the pastor, ready to begin the service. He stepped up to the podium, wearing a customary black suit with matching tie. He had his hair back in a ponytail, revealing his perfect face. He cleared his throat and began:

“I want to thank you all for coming here today to honor the life of Buck Calhoun. Buck was a man of few words. Actions, he said, made the man, not his words. He would often say, “Never trust a man who talks too much; means he is full of shit.” Range turned and looked to the pastor as if to say, ‘Sorry, my bad,’ and continued. “Buck wouldn’t want me to waste a lot of time up here talking about him as if he were a saint. He wasn’t, far from it, but he was a father, a friend, and a confidant. Buck was a man of his word. If he said it, he meant it. His loyalty to his boys was never questioned . He loved us, cared for us, and to his dying breath protected us.” Range was so chocked up by his statement that he had to step away from the podium to gather himself before he could continue. I was so moved by his emotions, I felt as if I had personally known this wonderful man he called friend. I hurt so bad knowing that nothing could take his pain away and only time would heal this wound deep within his heart. I had to remain strong for him as well as the rest of the boys. They would need me before too long, and I would lend them my strength to see them to the other side of sorrow.

“I’ll miss Buck every day of my life, but he lives on in all of us. He taught us to be men. I will honor his memory and be the man he always wanted me to be and live knowing I was his boy.”

He finished with a short nod of his head, signaling the others to rise from their seats and carry Buck’s coffin to the waiting hearse for the final ride to his resting place.

***

The ride back to Range’s house was a silent one, each of us occupied with our own thoughts and reflections. Earlier in the day, people had stopped by to pay their respects and drop off food and drinks, which were all laid out in the kitchen for us to enjoy. Food was the last thing on my mind, though, as I took in the devastated faces of these junkyard boys and my heart broke for each one of them. Ashley sat beside Sebastian on the couch, holding his hand as he laid his head on her shoulder. She was speaking softly, hopefully giving him encouraging words he would need to make it through today. If anyone could, Ashley was the one to do it. Range stood talking with the man in uniform, whom I was introduced to as Memory. That wasn’t his real name, but Range said it was his call sign with the Marines. He lived with the boys when he was home on leave. He was able to leave his mission on special orders to attend Buck’s funeral, but would be leaving the next day, returning to Iraq.

I went to the kitchen to find more plates, stopping dead in my tracks as I walked in on Marci sinking to her knees in front of a dazed-out Max. He wasn’t even trying to stop her, and from the looks of things, he didn’t care what she was doing to him.

“What the fuck are you doing, you skanky whore? Do you really think this is the time and place for that shit?” I whisper-shouted at her as I stood in the doorway with my hands planted firmly on my hips.

“Why don’t you mind your own business, Clair. He needs me right now. Can’t you tell he’s sad?” This bitch wouldn’t know what sadness was if it smacked her on her fake-ass tits. Max just stood there like a zombie, while I squared off with this chick hopefully for the last time.

“What I know is that you better get your ass off the floor and get the fuck outta here before I kill you with my bare hands.”

“I’m not going anywhere, bitch. You don’t own this house.”

“No, but I do. Now get the fuck out.” Range stood witness to her disrespect and had interrupted us just in time. Marci, being the ultimate drama queen she was, stood up from her knees, strengthened her skirt, and marched her ass out the back door to her car, leaving the three of us to clean up her mess. I stood in front of Max and placed a soft hand on his cheek, hoping to get a response out of him, but it was no use. He was lost to us.

“Max, why don’t you eat something? It might make you feel better.”

“Nothing will make me feel better, Clover. Nothing,” he replied.

“Max, please talk to us. What can we do?” He looked to Range and then back to me and swiftly left us both standing in the kitchen.

“Come here, baby. I need to hold you.” I wrapped my arms around Range’s middle as he held me close in his strong arms, breathing me in. I wished I could take away his sadness with my touch, but that was a ridiculous notion from a naïve girl. He would need more than just a hug to help him make it; he would need his brothers and my love as his anchor in this storm.

CHAPTER 39

Range

Two months later

“I’m telling you, man, it’s true…Michael Douglas said it and I believe it. He starred in “Wall Street,” for Christ sakes.” Sebastian was visiting the yard for the third time this week, spouting off some shit he’d heard on TV. Since Buck had died, he seemed to have gotten even more dramatic, if that was even possible.

“What are you talking about, Sebastian?” Clover spoke up from her desk in the office as we entered the door from outside. She never returned to Fosters’ after the shooting, just couldn’t bring herself to work there anymore, so her sister Ashley took her place. It was a win/win for everyone, since I needed an office manager and she needed a job. I loved having her with me all day, every day, and it gave me a good excuse to watch over her and keep her safe.

“Um, it’s nothing, Clove, just something I heard on TV.” Yeah, he didn’t want to tell her more dumb shit, since she had been an eyewitness to his dramatic ass every time he came over.

“Ah, come on, Sebastian. You can tell me. I won’t laugh.” My baby just didn’t know when to give up, and trust me. She needed to on this one.

“Um…” Sebastian was beet red all over, so I decided to put him out of his misery and hopefully get him to see how utterly ridiculous he was being.

“Michael Douglas said he got throat cancer from eating pussy, and this dumb ass believes it. Will you tell him there ain’t nothing wrong with a good ole munchathon, baby?” Clover didn’t make it thirty seconds before she was lying on the floor, laughing so hard she couldn’t catch her breath. She was rolling around, pointing at Sebastian and banging her hands on the floor, all while trying to get her shit together enough to answer. It was so good to see my baby laughing like old times. I couldn’t help but join in. It had been so long since either of us had something to be happy about, and this was just what we needed.

“Whatever, guys. I’m outta here.” We laughed long after Sebastian left the office, finally calming down after twenty minutes or so. Clover had happy tears streaming down her face and her hair was a mess of tangles and fly-aways, but she was the most beautiful girl in the world to me. The sudden change in the atmosphere caused her to gasp as she took in my heated stare and raging hard-on. It wasn’t tough to figure out what my next move would be. I stalked over to her desk with nothing on my mind but the urge to taste her on my tongue. All this talk of eating pussy had me on the brink of exploding in my pants if I didn’t get to her and fast.

“I think we should test this theory of his about eating pussy, tootsie baby. What do ya say?”

“Um…what did you have in mind?” Her face was flushed either from laughing or the sudden heat that was emanating from our bodies. Her shallow breathing was my signal that she knew exactly what I had in mind. I lifted her off her feet, causing her to squeal out in surprise, and laid her out on the desk in from of me like a Chinese buffet. She had on a cute little polka dot thong under her business skirt that only served to piss me off, since it was the obstacle between my feast and I. I reached two fingers under the waistband and yanked off that tiny strip of fabric then chucked it over my shoulder.

“You are so fucking beautiful, baby. I can’t wait to taste you.” Clover lifted her hips from the desk as if to say, ‘Get to it, asshole,’ and I didn’t keep her waiting. I attacked her pussy like I was on death row and this was my last meal. Clover was panting and moaning so loudly, anyone would have thought I was killing her instead of pleasuring her. She grabbed my hair and yanked it so hard I thought my scalp was bleeding. She locked her knees around my ears, and I knew my baby was coming when she squeezed tight and screamed my name. It was the sweetest sound in the world, and I loved making her do it.

“Holy shit, Range. That was incredible.” I kissed her mouth hard, knowing she could still taste herself on my lips, and moaned when she swung herself around and wrapped her legs around my waist. I loved this woman with all my heart and thanked God every day for bringing her into my life. If it weren’t for a little spider, I never would have known happiness like I felt right now.

“Gotta get back to work, baby, but later on tonight, we’ll see if we can make heads or tails of this Michael Douglas bullshit.” I heard her giggle as I headed toward the door when something in my chest made me stop short.

“I love you, tootsie baby.”

“And I love you, Range Reardon.”

EPILOGUE

Clover

I wish I could say that everything went back to normal with the boys. Sadly, it didn’t, at least not for all of them. Time did little to heal the boys’ sadness of losing Buck. I would often catch Range staring off into space, lost in his thoughts or memories of a happier time at the junkyard. Sebastian continued to visit often, which wasn’t strange, considering he did business with Range. What was strange was that he seemed to do little else. He never dated, at least from what I could tell, although I secretly wished he and Ashley would hook up and become an item. He just never seemed interested in doing anything.

Range worked twice as hard as he ever had before, dividing his time between the yard, the laundromat, and me, of course. I encouraged him to slow down before he burned himself out, but I was met with a resounding, “No fucking way,” every time I mentioned it. He didn’t want to fail, he said; the boys were counting on him to always keep things going so they would have a place to call home. He promised Buck he would protect them and he would never go back on his word.

Maxwell was a train wreck; most days, he and Range barely spoke to each other. We were all worried about him, but the more we pressed, the more he would lash out and then disappear for days without a word. I felt like we were losing him to the darkness, but Range still had hope his brother would return so they could be a family again.

As for myself, I could truly say I was happy for the first time in my life. I moved in with Range and the boys, much to Shelly’s dismay. After all this time, she still couldn’t let it go. It made no difference in my decision to move out. I loved Range and needed to be with him as much as I could. I never wanted to fall asleep again without him by my side, protecting me. After everything that happened, I thought he needed me too. Knowing I was safe and in his arms was the only way he could sleep soundly. This was our life now, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Well…except maybe a guard dog instead of a guard cat. That’s right. We became the new parents to Pussy, and she fit right in, becoming the yard mascot and all around pain in the ass.

Yeah, I loved my life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SH Richardson lives in Virginia Beach with her husband of twenty years and two children, ages eighteen and twenty four. She graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology. She has five dogs and loves taking long walks on the beach, reading romance novels, and traveling.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Epilogue

About The Author