Freedom to Ride - Resolution (Raven's MC) (15 page)

“Thank you,” she said to Nate, then Ethan and lastly looked to Cameron, who was glad to be able to put a smile on her face after everything she’d suffered.

“I can’t wait to tell the lads.
Ma
” Nate shouted loudly and his mum charged into the room seconds later, dripping wet and cradling Holly in a towel, who still had shampoo in her hair.

“What?” she asked panicked, expecting a masked murderer to be in the house with the way her son had shouted for her.

“Why are you holding a broom?” Nate asked his mum amused.

“I’m about to hit you with it, numpty. I thought someone was attacking us,” she said, smacking him across the back of the head for scaring the life out of her.

“And you thought a broom would scare them away?” Ethan asked, sniggering at his brother.

“You’re not too old to be put across my knee and have your backside skelped,” Alice said, frowning at Ethan.

“We have some good news,” Deanna interrupted, smiling as Nate rubbed his head. Seeing them being admonished by their mum at their age and size was hilarious.

“What is it, hen?” Alice asked, turning to her.

“Holly’s officially mine, Ma,” Nate said, proud and honored that the adorable wee girl was finally his.

“Oh my boy,” Alice said as she walked into the room and pulled Nate into a hug. Holly wriggled in her arms and looked about the room in total confusion. Nate reached over and cradled Holly in his large arms and held her tight, Deanna and the others smiling, watching them together.

“I have to tell the members,” Nate said excitedly and Alice took Holly again and disappeared to finish her bath.

“I’ll come with you. I know Cameron wants to speak to Deanna about something she’d requested,” Ethan said as he got up. Nate walked over to Deanna and kissed her softly.

“Tell me when I get home,” Nate said, already knowing what information she wanted from Cameron. She nodded in reply as he left with his brother.

“I’m happy that I’ve been able to do something for you,” Cameron said to her after the door closed.

“Cameron, you’ve done so much for this family. I know you’re working constantly trying to find my dad’s remains and I’m very thankful. Did you manage to find out the full details?”

“Yeah. I’ve read the official report. Lee’s mum, Cynthia Walker, did commit suicide. I know Lee had told you that she took an overdose but the actual cause of death was drowning. Apparently she was found floating in the bathtub at her home. The autopsy revealed that she had large amounts of water in her lungs. Before the cocktail of drugs she’d consumed could have taken effect she’d drowned. The amount of pills she’d swallowed would have killed her eventually, so there is no way that it could have been accidental or suspicious. It was definitely suicide.”

“Thanks for telling me, Cameron. I just needed to know everything, especially as it somehow involves Lee. I just can’t understand how it links to him though. I’ve only seen his father once, which was at court and he acted like he hated his son.”

“I remember. I’ve actually interviewed him but I’m going to look more closely into his background and finances. I’ll let you know. Take care of yourself.”

“Thanks again Cameron,” she said as she walked him out and closed the door behind him.

Deanna smiled as she headed into the bathroom to help Alice and to also celebrate the happy news together.

“Jesus Deanna, you’re just so sexy dressed like that.”

It was the following afternoon and Nate was treating her to a ride out. The club hadn’t had a chance to take a run together recently but plans were in place to have one the following month to mark the end of summer and celebrate the club’s business success over the past few months.

Deanna sauntered over to Nate as he straddled his gigantic bike, wearing his usual dark outfit of black jeans, leather jacket and MC cut. He admired how shapely her body looked wearing the new tight leathers he’d bought her as she pulled on her helmet.

Some months before she’d teasingly asked him if she could learn to ride a motorbike but Nate had said he preferred her on the back of his, wrapped around him, but he would teach her if she really wanted.

“Climb on babe,” he said, patting the space behind him.

As she settled on the seat behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, he pulled on his helmet and started the bike. The beast roared to life and she felt strong vibrations run through her body. This was one of the things that she enjoyed most in life.

She held him tightly as he revved the bike and they pulled away, thundering down the road.

They eventually pulled over to a quiet lay-by on the banks of Loch Lomond, thirty minutes away from the compound.

She climbed off and stretched, unzipping her leather jacket as it was a hot day. Nate walked off to a nearby ice cream van and she wandered down to the shore, finding a secluded spot and sat down in the grass, watching the sun shining off the water.

“Here you go,” he said, handing her a mint choc-chip ice cream and she smiled her thanks as he sat next to her.

She couldn’t help but stare as he took off his cut and jacket, revealing the tight black vest underneath, his defined muscles on display. Nate looked at her from the corner of his eye and smirked, knowing she was watching him.

“This is just what I needed,” Nate said, leaning back in the grass as a pair of canoeists floated by on the water.

“I love it here. It’s so beautiful. Have the club decided on where we’re going on the next run?”

“We’re batting around a few ideas. It’ll most likely be Loch Ness.”

“Really? I’ve never actually been there. Holly would love to go.”

“I thought of that. I was going to ask Ethan to follow us and drive Holly and Ma as well. They’re part of the MC.”

“That would be great. I know Holly will be thrilled.”

“We can stay for a few days and book into a lodge or something, have a holiday. We could all do with one,” Nate said, his mind drifting back to everything that had been happening recently.

“I’d like that too,” she said as Nate pulled her back to lie on his chest, his arm wrapped around her and his fingers playing with her curly hair.

“I’ve actually brought you here as there’s a few things we need to talk about.”

Deanna jerked feeling apprehensive but Nate stroked her hair to soothe her.

“Logan and me have been talking as this summer has been a nightmare. We’ve taken on far too much work for the size of us. We’re putting together a plan for the future and what’s best for the club. Several of the members have mentioned that we’ve not had enough time together lately and we’re all missing the club rides. After all, it’s what the MC is all about. Another thing I’m going to do is get rid of Shaun as soon as possible.”

Deanna sat up and looked down at Nate, shocked that she’d had no idea they’d been planning all this.

“You’ve not mentioned anything before. How do you think he’ll take it?”

“I haven’t said anything before as it was only decided at the club meeting this morning. I don’t give a fuck how he takes it. I don’t trust him. I watched the last time he was in and he wouldn’t take his eyes off you. He ain’t coming on Ravens property again,” he said firmly, deeply suspicious of the man.

“I know you’ll do what’s best. But I agree that the work has been exhausting. We’ve all helped each other out but it was still too much at times.”

“We have to do things properly and need to keep suppliers happy. It was a mistake bringing in outsiders. We will only use club members as our mechanics and if we need anyone else we’ll only take people on who come recommended by people we trust,” Nate said and Deanna knew he was thinking about what Alastair had done to both her and the bikes.

“Yeah, sounds good,” she said, her eyes focused on the sparkling water.

“I was speaking to Quinn this morning. He’s coming to the club in a few days’ time. He’s in talks with Ethan about employing a brand new McKnights security team in his nightclub in Glasgow as a trial.”

“That’s good, isn’t it?”

“Aye, it is. He’s got a lot of influential contacts and he knows what’s he’s doing, but I’ve talked with him about the baby recently and he isn’t coping. I know you’ve recently spoken to Olivia.”

Deanna had actually called Olivia the previous evening to check on how she was doing. When Olivia had asked after them she’d told her the good news about Holly. Olivia had been happy for her friend, but was still struggling with the loss of her own baby.

“Deanna, we’ve got Holly and I desperately want to have more children, but you have to understand that, until all the danger has passed, I will no’ put you or our unborn child at risk.”

“I know, I won’t either. But once it’s all settled, I’ll be tying you to the bed for as long as it’s needed, honey.”

Nate’s deep laughter echoed around them, startling a crow that was trying to sneak up and steal his ice cream. The bird gave him a haughty look before it flew away, Nate watching it thoughtfully.

“Something else I’ve been thinking about. Should there ever be a time in which you can’t communicate you’re in danger, we need some sort of safeword. Ethan said it’s a standard security practice.”

“I hope you’re not referring to BDSM, buddy. I promised to serve you but not for you to become my master and me your sex slave,” she joked, but she actually quite liked the sound of it.

Nate looked at her and smiled but his face became serious.

“If you ever need me to understand that you’re in urgent need of help, use a safeword. I think it’s best if you say something that’s linked to the club, but not necessarily a word you’d use every day. Either raven or rose, like your tattoo.”

“Okay Nate. If you think it’s necessary,” she said, curling her body over him as she lowered her face.

“I do. Anything to keep you safe,” he said softly, as her lips came closer to his.

“Now that’s all settled, are you going to fuck me or what?” she whispered and giggled as Nate choked on the last of his ice cream cone.

CHAPTER 20

“Nate, we’ve got trouble,” Logan said as he walked into the club office.

“What’s up?” Nate asked him.

Nate was sat on the end of Deanna’s new desk, which was made from very thick and heavy wood and steel. Hopefully it would last longer than the previous one.

“Shaun’s demanding to speak to you. We’ve let him inside the compound but told him we’re no’ working on his bike. He’s pissed. It’s weird, it looks like he’s taken a hammer to it.”

“What d’ya mean?”

“His bike looks like it’s been purposely damaged.”

“I knew there was something no’ right about him,” Nate said quietly.

Turning back to face Deanna, he was filled with unsettling thoughts that Shaun did in fact only visit the MC to see her.

“I’ll come and talk to him,” Nate replied. “You stay in here until he’s gone Deanna.”

Logan left, heading over to Shaun who was stood next to his motorbike, his face red and eyes glittering with anger.

“Can you print those letters off and get them ready to be posted? It’s the best way I can think of to explain to customers about the changes we’re making. I’ll deal with Shaun,” Nate said to her.

They’d just finished compiling a formal letter to be sent to all their customers and suppliers.

“Okay Nate. Don’t forget that Quinn’s due in ten minutes for your meeting. Olivia’s coming with him. She really wants to meet Holly so I’ll take her over to the house once I’ve finished printing these off.”

“Alright babe. We’ll meet you over there once the meeting’s over,” Nate said.

Bending down he kissed her quickly before straightening and then heading to the door, preparing for the confrontation ahead.

“What the hell’s going on? This prick just told me you won’t work on my bike. Why?” Shaun yelled, gesturing madly at Logan as Nate walked over to them.

“Shaun. You’re not welcome on Ravens property anymore,” Nate said, his voice lacking emotion as he tried to control his temper.

“This is bullshit. I spend a lot of money in this garage.”

“We’re implementing a few changes at the moment and can’t work on your bike. What’ve you done to it anyway? It’s a complete mess,” Nate asked as he wandered over to Shaun’s bike, which had unusual cracks and scratches in the bodywork.

“I came off it going too fast round a bend,” Shaun said, watching apprehensively as Nate took a closer look. Nate frowned when he saw that the damage didn’t match his version of events.

“I can recommend another bike garage in the city, they’ll be able to help you out . . ,” Nate trailed off as he looked down at Shaun and noticed that his expression had darkened and a dangerous glint entered his eyes as his gaze focused on something behind Nate.

Nate turned and saw Deanna stood in the office doorway chatting and laughing with Logan, oblivious to Shaun watching her. As Nate swung his head back he growled under his breath and the threatening sound brought Shaun’s attention back to him.

“Is there something else I can help you with?” Nate said quietly with ice in his voice, not liking the way Shaun had stared at his wife.