I laughed thinking about it. We had been so dumb and had no understanding of what kinds of threats were out there for us. We were honest to G.o.d lucky nothing had happened to us.

Music thumped through the large speakers while men and women shook their a.s.ses and everything else they had on the dance floor below us. All of them were oblivious to what just occurred in the back of the bar, which was perfect, easier to clean up. It was also a sure sign life went on even in the midst of someone's mistakes.

Sc.r.a.per led us to the plush red velvet chairs with the white trim in our closed off room. We took a seat in the dimly lit s.p.a.ce where gla.s.s mirrored walls lined the front, allowing a great view of the bar and dance floor.

The waitress with her tight red and white shirt and barely there black shorts approached hastily after we were seated. "What can I get ya, ladies?"

The perkiness of the woman's voice made me want to wretch. I had been a lot of things in my life, but perky was not one of them, and I was seriously not in the mood for a bubbly cheerleader. I let it go, however, ignoring it.

"Shots!" Both Kiera and I said together then smiled, looking at each other knowingly. I loved how we could always read each other's minds. Sometimes it was a bit scary when we could do it from across the room.

"Patron, please. Just bring the bottle, gla.s.ses, and limes," I said.

She nodded, rushing off down the stairs with Dune's eyes latched on to her a.s.s. Men.

Kiera leaned back in the chair, her eyes flickering around, surveying our surroundings. She had a radiant beauty about her. Her long, chestnut brown hair in a shade or two different than my own flowed down her back. She had these brown eyes with golden specks flashing inside of them, so different than my bluish-green eyes. She drew in any man she wanted, but rarely did she take a guy up on his propositions. She was happy with herself just the way she was, and I loved her dearly.

With Sc.r.a.per at the entrance of the VIP area, Dune and Case made themselves at home on the other side of the small s.p.a.ce, leaning against the wall, mirroring each other with arms crossed against their chests.

We loved having our own area up here. It gave us the opportunity to dance when we wanted and then get away without anyone bothering us unless we wanted them to. It was no secret who we were-personally or professionally-but neither of us ever let that s.h.i.t get to our heads.

"Antonio had the f.u.c.king b.a.l.l.s to screw some chick while he was here with you?" Kiera broke the silence between us, obviously not done talking about what had happened. In truth, I wasn't done, either. I needed to get s.h.i.t out and calm the h.e.l.l down.

I chuckled even though I didn't find any part of it a bit funny; it was just what came up with an evil death twinge to it. "Stupid, huh? And he must have set it up ahead of time because he wanted to make it quick. There's no way he just picked this chick up tonight. He was in there less than five minutes. I should feel bad for the woman, but I don't. He never could keep it up long. Loser," I growled with the laughter. He always had been fast to the punch, but it was one of those things I had overlooked.

"I thought you said he was good in bed?" She raised her eyebrow in question, staring at me. I had never lied to Kiera and never would.

I shrugged. "Define good. He made me come. Was it mind-blowing? f.u.c.k no, but he made me feel good, told me I was beautiful, blah, blah, blah. He acted like he wasn't afraid of my dad or brothers beating the s.h.i.t out him, but who the h.e.l.l knows?" I wondered if all of that was a lie, too. More than likely, yes.

"Dumba.s.s. He should have worried about you," Kiera said with another slight giggle.

She had seen my handiwork over the years. Some of it was a bit overdone, but I always had a purpose, like tonight. I wasn't one of those women who were lovers and not fighters. While I wanted to be, I was more the opposite. I always blamed it on my brothers because I sure as s.h.i.t didn't want to blame myself.

"No s.h.i.t there." I laughed for real this time. Everyone, including my family sometimes, underestimated me. It worked out in my favor, though. I was a snake-lethal when you p.i.s.sed me off and would strike when you least expected it. "What a f.u.c.king p.u.s.s.y. Did you see him?" I rolled my eyes, waving my hand, unable to help myself. "I didn't realize how big of one he was until tonight." Antonio didn't come off to me like that for all the months I had known him. He had always been a standup guy, even to my father. It was like he did a one-eighty.

"Sorry, babe." Her arm snaked around my shoulders, and she pulled me to her side, giving me a squeeze as I leaned into her comforting touch. The compa.s.sion she gave me filled my heart.

If anything, I knew I would always have her by my side. We might grow old and grey together because no man had the b.a.l.l.s to step up to either of our fathers, but we would have each other.

The waitress flounced back in the room, setting gla.s.ses full of clear liquid, the bottle, and a bowl of limes onto the small table in front of us. Kiera released me, leaned over, and handed me a shot while taking one for herself. Then she held it high in the air, and I followed. She was clearly in a toasting mood tonight. Fine by me.

"To one day finding Mr. Right who loves to eat p.u.s.s.y and not be one!"

I laughed hard at her words, clinking my gla.s.s to hers and watching the clear liquid sway around the gla.s.s. We tossed back the shot in unison, and I felt the burn race down my throat then splash into my stomach. I sucked on a lime and squinted at the sourness on my tongue, already thinking it was time for another.

If anything, Kiera's love life was worse than mine when it came to her family. With her dad-my Uncle Vino-being the head of the family, guys flocked to her, too, but their main goal was to be with the boss's daughter, marry her, and then take over the business. At least with my dad as second in command, it wasn't as bad.

Who was I f.u.c.king kidding? We were both doomed.

Several shots and some serious lime sucking later, our laughter billowed all around us. My body relaxed, and the tension from the a.s.shole melted away.

I scanned the joint, seeing if there were any potential men in the crowd-hey, I was a free woman now-but none were calling to me. Maybe it was just me. Getting laid had never been the problem; it was all the other s.h.i.t in my life that came into play. After the night I'd had, I wasn't feeling it all that much.

There might not be potential men, but that was a moot point as my brother Val, his best friend Ace, and a man I had never seen before, but holy h.e.l.l would like to see more of, entered the VIP section. I breathed out deeply and quickly turned away from the handsome man, my body fluttering merely being in the same room as him.

What was wrong with me? Men didn't do this to me. Ever. My eyes connected with my brothers, whose tight brows, sky blue eyes glaring, and thin-lined mouth told me he was p.i.s.sed as s.h.i.t. Too d.a.m.n bad. I was too drunk to care.

"What mess did you get yourself into this time?" Val asked in a clipped tone. Most people would probably fall at his feet and pray for mercy or cower in a corner at that tone. Me? Not so much.

Being my younger brother by two years, he thought it was his job to protect me. For some reason, he thought he was the older sibling and took the overprotective brother thing to another level. Too bad he was wrong.

Val and I were almost carbon copies of each other, with the same dark hair and golden-toned skin. The only difference was Val had blue eyes, while I had ones that were sometimes blue and sometimes green. It simply depended on the lighting. Even with his more rough and demanding features than mine, no one would mistake that we were siblings.

I waved him off, flicking my hand in the air because nothing would tap down his anger. It was too raw in his eyes. Whenever something went badly that involved me, he had serious issues. G.o.d love him, but he needed to calm the h.e.l.l down.

I leaned back in the chair and took a sip of the cranberry juice and patron I'd had the waitress bring a while ago. "Sc.r.a.per's handling the cleanup. No big deal," I told him. It was over and done with, and Sc.r.a.per had guys taking care of the rest.

"Bulls.h.i.t. That a.s.shole f.u.c.ks some b.i.t.c.h in a bathroom while he's dating my"-he pointed his finger to his chest and pressed firmly for emphasis-"sister. I'll handle this s.h.i.t," he growled deeply, the veins in his head throbbing and his face turning a beet red. He was seriously going to have a heart attack before he reached thirty at this rate. He needed to relax and not let this s.h.i.t get to him so badly.

"No need. He learned his lesson. If he didn't and comes back after me, I'll take care of it." I took another drink, feeling maybe a little bit c.o.c.ky, letting the liquid bounce to my stomach, but by then it didn't give me any aftereffects.

I had every bit of confidence in myself that I would be able to handle whatever situation came up. Even drunk, I could deal.

"Hey, Val," Kiera greeted, breaking up the thick tension that was spiraling out of control from my brother. "Take a breath, boy."

Kiera was my age, only younger by three months, but that didn't matter with her brothers, either. She dealt with this same s.h.i.t, so she understood. She normally would have a calming effect on my brother, which she had on most people, but not so much this time.

Val turned to Kiera with the same fury, but he lightened up just a tad. "Kiera, your dad's gonna be p.i.s.sed you're in this s.h.i.t." He pointed at both of us with a hostile glare, his eyes darting between the two of us. "You know he's part of the Capella family."

Since rolling my eyes at him and yelling duh was way too immature, I decided against it. "No s.h.i.t, Sherlock. I don't care." It was my turn to growl at my brother. Family was family. If the Capella's had a problem, they could deal with their own f.u.c.k-up of a member. Not my problem.

"There's a meeting in a few days with Remeo. This will not go well." Val shook his head, grabbing the back of his neck. Remeo was the head of Antonio's family.

"It's not my fault his d.i.c.k didn't stay in his pants. He got what he deserved." He had, but I was sure I would hear from my father about this and maybe Uncle Vino. However, I wouldn't change what I had done to that sorry a.s.s. I was only a little p.i.s.sed at myself for allowing him to leave with his b.a.l.l.s still intact.

"Dammit, you think I don't know that? I just hate this drama s.h.i.t." I couldn't see any of the men in my life being p.i.s.sed at me. If anything, they would rip Antonio, so I was in the clear for the most part. Business-wise, I didn't work alongside any of them to know what that outcome would be.

"Hi, Ace." I winked at the man who's been by my brother's side since we were kids.

"Hey, babe. How you been?" Ace's s.e.xy voice fell over the room as he slowly walked closer to me.

I wouldn't deny for a second that I found Ace dreamy as s.h.i.t. With his dark hair, deep chocolate eyes, and a body built like an Italian rock, I throbbed every time I saw the man. Problem was, he had a girl and had since high school-Beth.

"Great. Who's your friend?" I nodded toward him, sweeping my gaze over to the man with sharp denim eyes boring holes right through me, sending shivers down my spine.

Now Ace was hot, but this guy tipped the hot-o-meter by another twenty plus. Broad shoulders pulled his V-neck, black shirt tight, showing every ripple underneath of muscular perfection and giving a glimpse of a slight dusting of dark chest hair. Not the long kind, but the kind that looks like he cut it short, and it was s.e.xy as h.e.l.l. Tattoos lined his arms and snuck under the sleeves of his shirt, making my mouth water from wanting to lick up and down every muscle. His face was something chiseled from a d.a.m.n sculpture, and his beard and slight stash made my thighs quiver. I wouldn't mind a little rug burn.

"This is Jag."

Jag's eyes continued to set me on fire as they raked up and down my body, taking in every inch of me. I was not a small woman, but I had been told my curves were what set me apart from others. All a.s.s and t.i.ts, one man had told me. Even better, I loved every one of them.

"You done eye-f.u.c.king me?" I boldly asked, smirking, before hearing my brother's exasperated sigh beside me.

"Not yet." His deep baritone voice glided over my skin like a silky glove just waiting to slide on. His terse words caused every sense in my body to come to full alert, and the hair stood on the back of my neck like a shock wave. My heart pounded in my chest, but I kept my breathing slow, not allowing any signs to show.

"No, she's my sister. Off limits," my brother said.

I turned and glared at him, standing with my hip c.o.c.ked and my hand resting on it. "Don't you dare, Val. No wonder the only men I hook up with are f.u.c.king douches."

My brother gave nothing except fury at my words that had never been truer. I could name five guys off the top of my head whom Val had played a role in making disappear from my life, and I'd had enough.

Val stepped in my s.p.a.ce, getting close to my face, his hot breath bouncing off my nose. "What the h.e.l.l is that supposed to mean? I told your a.s.s to get rid of Antonio as soon as I heard you were dating him."

I stared, my nostrils flaring in rebellion, clenching my fists at my sides. Not the most attractive sight, but it got my don't-f.u.c.k-with-me vibe going. The sad thing was, it hadn't intimidated him since we were kids, but I refused to be walked over.

"I was hoping it would work. I was wrong. Better I learned that for my d.a.m.n self instead of my overbearing brother getting in my d.a.m.n business every time I turn around!" My voice rose, bringing more attention to our conversation as the guards took a step forward. "What the h.e.l.l do you want from me? Just to live with Kiera for the rest of my life, have random f.u.c.ks with men, and never find my one?" I had lost my control by letting the last part slip out, but it was out there. Time to deal.

"First, no random f.u.c.ks. Ever."

I blew out an exasperated breath, trying to calm myself as I ran my fingers through my hair, pulling it tersely.

"Second, living with Kiera keeps you both safe. Third, what the f.u.c.k is this 'one' bulls.h.i.t. Don't tell me your little clock is ticking, and you need to find a man." He chuckled sardonically, actually making fun of me.

Blood boiled in my veins as I stepped closer. Even with my heels, I had to tilt my head to connect with his eyes. I needed to get my point across and have his full, undivided attention. Inside, I vibrated, pulsing with anger that fled through every cell of my body, eating away at me like a virus.

"This d.a.m.n bubble you and Daddy have me in is about to burst. I am a grown-a.s.s adult woman you all have taught well. I run a d.a.m.n business with Kiera, so I am not f.u.c.king stupid. Antonio was a poor choice, but with your dictation, my choices are pretty d.a.m.n limited. I'm sick of this s.h.i.t. Done. You keep this up and you will not like the results." I stepped away.

Our close-knit group was quiet, waiting for his reaction, but I didn't wait for it, didn't care what it was.

"I'm leaving," I announced to the room, moving to the door, the alcohol no longer having a hold on me. Fights with Val always seemed to sober me.

"Sc.r.a.per," I called to the man still standing at the entrance of the VIP, his arms crossed, looking mean.

He nodded yet said nothing as I grabbed my purse from the red velvet chair and looked into Kiera's glowing eyes filled with concern.

"Sorry, babe. I just can't do this anymore. You coming or you gonna stay?"

"I've gotta go meet with my brothers. I just got a text." She held up her phone, dangling it in front of me. "I'll be home in a bit." Compa.s.sion laced her eyes, but she knew I had been on the brink of my family's meddling for a while now. The breaking point had to come sometime.

She nodded, calling her guards over as she walked out of the small room with them.

"Wait." My brother scowled, grabbing my arm tightly and pulling on me.

I yanked it back as I seethed with anger. How dare his a.s.s put his hands on me?

"Get. Your. Hands. Off. Me." I bit out with the only self-control I had left, but he didn't relent. Instead, he pulled me more firmly to him, making me gasp and no doubt leaving a mark on my body.

"You know we love you. We just want to protect you. If you'd listen to what we said about Antonio, I wouldn't be here, cleaning up your f.u.c.king mess."

A red, hazy film covered my eyes as I used every ounce of strength to rip my arm out of his firm grasp. He stood there in shock, looking at his hand like he couldn't believe I had actually been able to get away from him. Apparently, I was stronger than I looked. He'd do best to remember that.

"You go clean up my mess, brother," I smarted even though Sc.r.a.per had said it was handled. I was just p.i.s.sed he had made the comment in the first place. "That is your job, after all," I sa.s.sed, leaving quickly with Sc.r.a.per and my Ghost, who had come into play during the altercation, on my heels.

I just caught the smirk that played on Jag's face as I breezed by him and Ace.

Outside, Sc.r.a.per opened the car door for me, and I climbed into the pa.s.senger seat of the sleek, black automobile, feeling the coolness of the leather on my thighs. It did nothing to cool down the raging inferno inside of me, though. I only wanted to go home.

I replayed the night in my head on a loop, the alcohol simmering in my veins. My brother was at the forefront of the raging thoughts. He couldn't expect me to continue on like this, being under this thumb, crushing me. He had flat out told Jag I was off limits. What right did he have to do that? None.

Before I could finish my thoughts, we were home, the one I shared with Kiera.

The story continues in Blood & Loyalties... http://amzn.to/1POwIfR One Ride by Chelsea Camaron Copyright Chelsea Camaron 2013

Chapter One.

One Encounter DOLL.

s.h.i.t! THIS ONE is going to be a mess to clean up, I think to myself.

Pulling up to the clubhouse, I realize today's barbeque is not just for the local Haywood's Landing h.e.l.lions, but also for our affiliate charter and chapter clubs. Rather than the usual fifty or so bikers with their families, it's more like two hundred of them here today. It's a sight that most would be intimidated by. For me, it's comfort. It's the safety found in my family. Most of all, it's my home.

Once a year, sometimes twice, my dad invites all of the partnering motorcycle clubs out for a huge barbeque. The h.e.l.lion's control all of Coastal North and South Carolina, as well as a few areas in the Piedmont and Appalachian areas of North Carolina. They provide protection, shelter, food, and fun for all affiliate clubs traveling through. The h.e.l.lions are respected and run Carolina Country. Some of the clubs we protect pa.s.sing through our territories are into the more illegal side of motorcycle club life, while others are more of a band of brothers traveling together. Our club walks a fine line in what they do and do not partic.i.p.ate in. As a female, I'm sure there is much more that goes on in the club than I will ever be made aware of. Having such a large area to cover, Dad makes sure to show his appreciation for the smaller charters and chapters whenever possible. Times like this are about family and relaxing; business is off the table.

Our thirty acre compound area is now littered with bikes, trikes, and cars. Burly bikers abound. Ol' ladies and kids are squealing and smiling at every turn. The kids are enjoying the food, games, bounce houses, and pony rides. It's like a mini-freaking-carnival. With all the ol' ladies present, the barflies and hang around wh.o.r.es are at a minimum. Some aren't so bad, but most annoy the s.h.i.t out of me. They all respect the ol' ladies and wives, though. It's a good thing they know their place, too. My dad doesn't tolerate any disrespect of a claimed woman in his club by anyone, but especially not from a bar-b.i.t.c.h just looking for a night with a h.e.l.lion.

Getting out of my car, I smile. My girls are here today, standing on the other side of the lot, waving to me. Savannah Mae and Caroline are my two very best friends, my survival sisters in this crazy lifestyle. Savannah 'Sa.s.s' Perchton and I have been best friends from childhood.

Her dad, 'Danza', is a h.e.l.lion original, along with my dad, Roundman, their friend, 'Frisco', and the late 'Rocky' Fowler. The four men created the MC as a way to ride together and stay safe thirty-two years ago when they were in their twenties. Rocky and his wife pa.s.sed away in a car accident a few years back. Their only daughter, Dina, was in college at the time, with no other family. The Lawson family and the h.e.l.lions MC have made sure to be a support system for her as much as she will possibly allow. She's the reason Sa.s.s and I went to college in Charlotte. Our dads felt it was a good way to keep an eye on us, Dina and Maggie Lawson, another h.e.l.lion princess all at the same time. Dina is a couple of years older than us. She's settled in life. She has a great husband and two beautiful daughters. Maggie and Dina both took care of Sa.s.s and I while we were in college. Especially the first two years, we were young and had been sheltered so much by growing up in our small town run by the h.e.l.lions that college was a wild experience. Dina and Maggie are like older sisters for both of us.

Freshman year, we decided to attempt dorm life. That's where we met Caroline Milton. We lasted one semester in the dorm, before my dad put us in an apartment and we brought Caroline with us. She's the complete opposite of Sa.s.s and me. Caroline majored in business, specifically accounting, where Sa.s.s and I took an easier path, one not involving so much math, choosing arts and communications.

I stifle a giggle as I realize this is Caroline's first time at a large club event. Of course, she knows that Sa.s.s and I have biker Dads, but her schedule has never allowed her to be with us for a party. She's clearly overdressed in her c.o.c.ktail length, spaghetti strapped dress, and wedge-heeled sandals. The dress isn't overly formal, but its fitted and not the casual feel that these barbeques are meant for. Sa.s.s and I are both in jean shorts and tank tops. Denim and leather are safe bets for anything at the clubhouse. A sundress would've been a bit more suitable for her to wear. Although, I don't think Caroline is one to ever dress casually except when cleaning her house or something, and that's a serious maybe. I doubt she even owns a pair of yoga pants.

After college graduation, Caroline stayed in Charlotte. She works with Kenna, one of Dina and Maggie's friends. Sa.s.s and I, on the other hand, came back to the coast to work for the h.e.l.lions storage business and motorcycle garage. I run the storage office, while Sa.s.s is like a "girl Friday", answering phones, doing parts runs and stuff for the bike shop. We share a condo on the beach because at twenty-five, neither of us wanted to live back at home, even though we both know we are never out of the reach of our parents or any of the h.e.l.lions. This has been our world for two and half years, living at the beach, while working beside our dads.

Weaving my way through the hordes of bikes towards my friends, I feel at peace, even amongst the chaos. Gazing around me, I admire the many motorcycles in our courtyard, each decked out in chrome and leather. I hug my girls for our typical greeting, as I reach them.

Together, we make our way inside the clubhouse where I nod and wave greetings at my extended family. Taking in the many unfamiliar faces, I smile knowing I'm safe even with these "strangers" around. It's an unspoken code women are protected and cherished in the h.e.l.lions. I'm no one's target for trouble here, and it's not because this is our territory; it's because I'm a lady of the h.e.l.lions for life, ride until I die.

The affiliates seem to understand who I am, even without introduction. I'm not an ol' lady. There is no cut on my back. I'm not claimed with a property patch. That doesn't mean I'm available either. No, I'm not one to be found riding b.i.t.c.h on anyone's bike. There is only one motorcycle I'm permitted to place my derriere on and those opportunities are few and far between. My dad refuses to let me ride with anyone but him.

I'm not available to guys outside the club either, which suits me just fine. I was born into this life. My heart beats to the same steady tick of a Harley Davidson V-twin engine. I'm Delilah 'Doll' Reklinger. Princess to the Haywood's h.e.l.lions MC. Daughter of 'Roundman', h.e.l.lion original and Prez for the last thirty two years. I'm the kid sister that each of these bada.s.s bikers looks out for. They will gladly kick your a.s.s all because you simply looked at me. I'm a daughter to each and every ol' lady to nurture, love, and treat like one of their own. This is my world, my home, and my happiness.