Renegade: Desert Knights MC (23 page)

And I can only cry, “Help. Please help.”

I stand up, wedging my feet into my new pair of heels. The leather backs rubs up against my skin, and I wonder why I didn’t take all that advice about breaking them in before wearing them. No one wants to be in pain on their wedding day, especially while walking down the aisle to the man of their dreams.

“Are you ready?” April asks as she holds my white gown up above her head. “We’re already running late.”

“I know, I know. I just want to hold my baby one last time before I get in there. I’d really like to avoid messy fingerprints all over my gown.” I walk over to my mom who has been sitting quietly in her wheelchair, my baby girl in her arms. She smiles down at her as she hands her back to me.

When Bella was born, I was a mess, a total wreck. It had been seven months since the night my entire life changed, and I was still feeling the weight of it on me almost every day and night. My life was full of nightmares and daydreams of bodies on the ground, Anton falling into my arms, the sound of my mother’s scream. But as soon as I heard Bella’s cry, I knew that my life would never be the same. It would be more than my past or who I was brought up to be. It would be about her, about our family.

And now, it’s going to become official: Mrs. Anton Murdoch. We could all three have the same name. I could burst just thinking about it as I stare down at my tiny redheaded baby with those almond eyes that belong to me and the rest that was all her daddy. With those eyes, she would get to witness her parents finally becoming one. What more could a girl like me ask for?

After a few kisses and hugs, I place my baby back in my mother’s arms and allow April to slip my dress over my head. It’s nothing too formal. Just a lacey white dress with cap sleeves. Everyone was telling me to go for something beaded and bedazzled, but that’s just not my style. I also couldn’t imagine Anton looking at me covered in fake jewels and sparkles. I instead got something timeless, practical, simple.

When I spin around to face my friend and mom, I know I’ve made the right choice in dresses. Their eyes light up when they see me with my veil in place. “You look amazing -- everything I dreamed you would look like on this day, Tory.” My mom wheels herself to my side and takes my hand in hers. Even though it’s been nearly a year since I found her cut up in the bathroom, she’s still much weaker than I could remember. Still, her hand presses into mine as she adds. “I couldn’t be more proud of you than I am right now.”

I choke back the tears that are forming in my eyes as I look over towards the large clock in Anton’s and my new house. We just closed the deal on it last month, and I’ve already spent countless hours painting and priming everything, including overseeing him build the in-law suite for my mother to be as close to us as possible. It was the least I could do given all that she sacrificed for me.

“Oh man,” I say, overwhelmed by my own thoughts, “It’s time to go. The guys are waiting for us.”

April walks outside, baby in her arms, and flags down the limo driver. He helps my mother into the car while April puts Bella into a car seat. I hang out in the back. I wasn’t going to be riding with them. I had other plans today -- a surprise fit for Anton. I watch as the limo turns off our road and down towards the wedding chapel.

When it’s all clear, I carefully hike the skirt of my dress up and exchange my heels for a pair of brown, dusty cowgirl boots. My bike, a vintage Harley painted in a flashy pearl white, is waiting for me all polished and ready to go. For the last few months, while Anton’s overseeing official Desert Knights business and managing the merger between them and the Senators, I’ve been taking riding lessons with Leo, April’s new boyfriend. Once I was comfortable, I put in the order for two new matching bikes -- one in the black on black Anton loved and this white one for me. A “bride and groom” pair, the dealer noted as I smiled happily.

I head out towards the chapel slowly, enjoying the ride and even the curious stares from the few gawkers out on the main roads. The California sun beats down on my skin and the wind whips through my curled hair, but I don’t mind it. I’ve never felt so alive in my entire life. This is what I have been missing out on for all those years locked up in my bedroom, dreaming of what life would be like when I was finally set free. Who knew my savior would have been a man on a motorcycle.

I turn into the church, parking just outside the doors. From just outside, I can hear the music starting and I get a glimpse of April carrying Bella in her arms down the aisle. I put the bike in park and wait for Anton to hear the engine rev over and over again. A few heads turn before the entire congregation is staring out at the woman on the bike. Leo grabs Anton’s arm and drags him outdoors, pointing at me as I come into view.

“Tory?” He says as he places his hands over his mouth in complete shock. “What the hell is this?” His tuxedoed arms stretch out towards me as he gestures to the bike.  

“You like it?” I smile over to the crowd of onlookers staring at me in total disbelief. Not many MC women ride bikes. Then again, most of them aren’t like me.

“I love it,” He stammers as he walks out towards me. I place the bike in park and dismount as he asks the million dollar question, “But how? How did you do this?”

“Well, it’s not just this bike… it’s that one too.” Leo reappears from around the chapel wheeling the matching bike towards him. I wait for him to speak, but Anton just stares at me completely dumbfounded. I explain quickly, fearing the worst, “I just wanted you to know that I will always ride with you. No matter what life puts us through, no matter what roads it takes us down, you will always have me as your partner. Forever.”

Anton takes one giant step towards me and scoops me up in his arms. Our bodies collide as our lips touch and part. We both melt into one another as we take in my words. Forever. We were in this together forever. Throughout the rest of the ceremony and dance, we held on to the other, our hands never leaving the other’s. 

THE END

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For as long as she can remember, Kara Parker has been fascinated by old westerns and the thrill of the open road. Irresistible rogues, seductive heroines, and explosive plots are things she loves reading and writing about.

When she’s not writing her next book, Kara can be found tending her backyard garden and playing with her two kids.

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I CAN’T TRUST HER, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN I’M KEEPING MY HANDS OFF HER.

I don’t take no for an answer, and I get things done—whatever it takes. 
So when our latest heist lands us the best runner from our rival club, it’s up to me to pry the words out of her mouth. 
Easier said than done. 
She’s a maniac on the road and a bigger freak between the sheets. 
With lips begging to be kissed and curves screaming to be tamed. 
She thinks she can beat me, she thinks she can lie. 
But she better get in line, because if she doesn’t… 
… I’ve got orders to put a bullet between her eyes. 

SMALL TOWNS DON’T TRUST OUTSIDERS

GARRISON

I came to put the Hardell gang in the dirt. But then Chelsie stepped into my life and flipped things upside down.

She’s got secrets behind those big sexy eyes. One look, one night, and I was hooked.

When I heard what the Hardell gang did to her, did to her friend, something in me snapped.

This war of mine just got personal.

And I won’t stop until I make her MINE.

CHELSIE

Small towns don’t trust outsiders, not when they’re under the thumb of the Hardell Gang.

I had to keep my head down—all of us do.

But then he showed up.

Started asking questions and poking around where he shouldn’t.

When the Hardell Gang went after my friend, he’s the only who cared.

He’s got a dangerous look about him. I know men like him.

Fearless. Reckless. Not afraid to die.

I know I should stay away, but something about this drifter is pulling me in.

Grabbing hold, and never letting go.