The Originals (Ghosttown Riders #10)

Chapter Three

Nobody warned Meg. Not that she knew many people who’d even ridden on a motorcycle, let alone as a passenger. It was addictive. She’d expected a little fear, but every second was exhilarating, and unfortunately, ended too soon. She could’ve gone for at least another hour, but their destination was only twenty minutes away.

It may not have been in her town, but she was well-acquainted with the Ghosttown River. A few times her parents had taken them there to picnic and swim. Meg didn’t get to enjoy it as much as her siblings since she was always in charge of the little ones. But she remembered it fondly.

There was a small, unmarked patch of dirt off the side of the road, the unofficial designated parking area. Mick pulled over and tapped her leg, giving her step-by-step instructions on how to get off. He’d done the same when she’d gotten on earlier. He showed an immense amount of patience and steadied her when she stumbled slightly after swinging her leg with too much force.

Meg stood off to the side, pulling the band from her hair and shaking her head. She could only imagine what it looked like. She turned slightly and noticed Mick looking at her with a small smile playing on his lips.

“What? Is something wrong?”

He shook his head. “Just gonna tell you how pretty you are.”

There were some people who basked in compliments. Meg wasn’t one of them. If anything, they made her uncomfortable and seemed agenda-driven.

“I’m not going to have sex with you.”

“You keep saying that.” The corners of his eyes crinkled. “You trying to convince me or yourself?”

Meg wasn’t sure. The attraction was definitely not one-sided. She was feeling it tenfold, but she wouldn’t give in to temptation. At least not on the first date. She had experience, but she didn’t sleep around and certainly didn’t entertain the idea of a one-night stand. Maybe it made her old-fashioned, but she had to feel something for her partner and have some kind of connection. Lust wasn’t a good enough reason for Meg.

Mick walked past her, grabbing her hand and leading her down the man-made dirt trail. It was only a short walk, and when the path widened, she glanced across the river. The moon was bright enough to illuminate the area. Mick let go of her hand, and she immediately felt the loss. He walked to the water’s edge, and she followed a few paces behind.

“See all the stars tonight. It’s beautiful, right?”

Meg looked up at the sky and smiled. She’d been on quite a few dates but never one as romantic. Mick might not see it that way, but being around the river, especially at night, felt intimate. They were completely alone in the dark, the light breeze rustling the leaves on the trees as the perfect backdrop under the stars. It seemed thought out, as if he’d wanted to show her something others hadn’t.

She peered over at Mick a few feet away. He was staring at her again. She’d caught him staring a lot on their date, as if she was the only person around. Even at the restaurant, she saw a few women look his way, but he didn’t pay any attention to them. His eyes were always on Meg.

“What were you thinking?” he asked.

“When?”

“Just now. You looked like you were deep in thought, but I saw the little smile, so I want to know.”

Meg rolled her eyes, knowing exactly where his mind went. “I wasn’t thinking about sex.”

Mick stilled then burst out laughing and started down the small embankment. She trailed behind him, quickening her pace to catch up to him.

“I’m just being straightforward.” She cleared her throat. “Putting all my cards on the table.”

He stopped and turned around. “I like that.”

She stepped closer. “What?”

“You laying it all out for me. Cutting out the bullshit. You know what you want and what you don’t. And you’re making it known.” Mick pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his chest pocket, flicked open the box, and offered her one. She was usually only a social smoker. Meg grabbed one, slipped it between her lips, and Mick lit it for her.

She took a drag and flicked the ashes on the ground. “Well, I’m not looking to waste either of our time.”

She immediately regretted her words as soon as she said them. It came out harsher than she intended. But it was true. If Mick noticed, he kept it to himself.

He took a drag from his cigarette and blew out the smoke, looking up at the sky. It was a gorgeous night. There was a small enough breeze to put a chill in the air but not enough to be considered cold.

“Tell me something about you that no one knows.” Mick walked closer to the river’s edge, and she followed.

“Like what?”

“Anything. Gotta make sure you’re not wasting your time with me, right?”

Her lips twitched, realizing he’d definitely caught her slip from a few minutes ago.

There wasn’t anything very interesting about her life. It fit the mold of any average person. She’d bet Mick had done far more and lived a much larger life than she had. It was without question.

“Thinking too hard.” He said.

“I don’t want kids.” It wasn’t a shocking statement, or a deep-rooted secret, but it definitely wasn’t the norm among her friends or most women her age. It was the sole reason she’d kept it to herself.

Mick blew out a puff of smoke and angled his head, squinting. “Thought all girls wanted to be moms.”

Meg scoffed. “Not this one.”

“Why’s that?”

Meg shrugged. Knowing what she wanted was one thing, but vocalizing it sometimes led to being stigmatized, or it was interpreted as selfishness. Girls got married, they had babies, and they raised them while their husbands worked. That’s how her mom’s life had been, and it was assumed she’d follow suit, as if it was the only choice.

“Nah, Meg, you can’t do that.” Mick laughed, stepping closer to her and lowering his voice. “Don’t shut down on me now, sweetheart.”

Where was the harm in sharing? Considering Mick’s lifestyle, he might understand. If he didn’t, she had a feeling he wouldn’t judge her.

She sighed. “I’m the oldest of eight. We’re all about two years apart. A lot of kids, lots of little ones. The older kids are usually expected to help, right? But it’s usually just the girls, and since I’m the oldest and the three under me are boys, caring for all the younger siblings somehow fell on me.”

“They scarred you?” Mick teased.

“A little. My dad got laid off for a while, and money was really tight. He took odd jobs, but nothing paid like his old position, so my mom got a job too. With both of them working, I became the mom. I’m not complaining, but…”

“I’d be fucking complaining,” Mick said.

Maybe she was finally talking to a person who wouldn’t out her secret and humiliate her for it. She glanced over at him, and Mick was staring back. He looked so different outside of the clubhouse. She’d noticed it during dinner. Without the club around, she saw him in a different light. It was as if the biker stigma was washed away, and he was just Mick.

He lifted his chin, smirking. “You gotta tell me what you’re thinking ’cause I like that look you’re giving me.”

The heat rose from her chest to her cheeks, and she quickly turned her head, focusing on the water.

“I wasn’t thinking about sex.” She cringed the second the words left her lips.

Mick chuckled. “Well, you’re the one who keeps bringing it up.”

She was. Maybe she was trying to convince herself. She needed to change the subject before she found herself bent over with her panties around her ankles.

“Your turn. Tell me something no one knows about you.”

“Don’t want kids either.”

She rolled her eyes, smiling. “You can’t take my answer.”

“I can if it’s mine too.” Mick snorted, taking a drag and tossing the cigarette to the ground, crushing it with the heel of his boot. “Never saw myself as a dad. Tied down with that kind of responsibility. Freedom is all I want, all I’ve ever fucking wanted. Live my own life on my terms and not have to worry about letting anyone down with the choices I make. Don’t have to live up to anyone’s expectations. Pure fucking freedom.”

It sounded amazing. Like the kind of life she wanted. Meg loved her family, but she wanted to carve out her own path.

“That sounds like a perfect plan. Just you.”

“I didn’t say that. Said I didn’t want kids. Didn’t say I didn’t want people with me.”

“Right, of course, your club.”

“Yeah, and maybe an old lady.” His gaze heated.

“Like a wife?”

Mick chuckled. “Yeah, a wife.”

That was not at all what she expected to hear from him. How would that even work? Meg had heard stories of wives turning a blind eye to infidelities. However, they’d been discreet. Meg couldn’t imagine any woman watching her man openly cheat on her with random women. From the looks at the clubhouse, there were plenty of available and willing girls.

“Good luck finding a woman who’d be willing to share you.”

He snorted. “Share me?”

“Yeah, you know, with other women.”

Mick raised his brows.

She held up her hand. “I’m sure they’re out there, I just don’t know any. I certainly wouldn’t.”

Mick slowly nodded and looked out over the river. Conversation had ceased, and his mood had taken a turn. She was getting the sense she may have insulted him with her assumption. Meg didn’t really know Mick or anything about relationships in motorcycle clubs. Had she just made an unfair judgement?

“Getting late. Need to get you home.”

The air shifted, and she realized, without intention, she’d definitely offended him. Mick walked up the heavily wooded path, occasionally looking back as if to check on her. It was sweet and a bit unexpected. But why was that? He’d been the perfect gentleman during their date. She’d considered the possibility she’d be fending off his sexual advances all night. It was the opposite. If anything, as he’d pointed out, it was Meg who continuously brought up sex.

The ride to her house in Turnersville was only about twenty minutes. Too short. She would’ve given anything for more time with him. She thought about suggesting it, but Mick’s vibe had changed since her comment. She wasn’t risking being turned down. They were three blocks from her house at a traffic light when he tapped her thigh, shouting over the engine.

“What’s your address?”

Meg stared down the empty street leading to her house. Her parents would ask too many questions, have too many opinions, if they heard the motorcycle. She might be an adult, but she still lived under their roof. It would be more of a hassle than anything else.

“Can you drop me off in two blocks? I can walk the rest of the way.”

Mick glanced over his shoulder and gave her a look she couldn’t quite describe. Had she offended him again? His hand slid off her thigh, and she immediately felt the loss from his touch. Mick drove down two more streets and pulled to the curb. She waited until the bike stopped rolling and took a breath. She’d had so many reservations about this date initially. Now the night was ending, and she didn’t want him to leave. Ironic. She’d thought for sure if anyone would be offended by something said tonight, it would be her. It turned out she was the offending party.

He turned his head. He was probably eager to get her off the bike and away from her. She grabbed his shoulder, felt the soft leather under her hands, and glanced down at his patch. Ghosttown Riders MC. It was probably the last time she’d see it up close. It was on the tip of her tongue to apologize. She should’ve.

“You okay?”

Meg flattened her lips and nodded. She got off the bike and stepped two feet away. Mick hadn’t shut down the bike. Why would he? This date wasn’t ending with a goodnight kiss or setting up plans to see one another again. Meg battened down her disappointment.

“Thanks for dinner and the ride. I liked it a lot.”

He smiled with a nod.

There was nothing left to say. She waved and turned toward the direction of her house. It was dark, but she’d walked home plenty of times alone late at night. There wasn’t much crime in Turnersville. Actually, there wasn’t much of anything in her small town.

She was two houses away from her own when she realized she couldn’t hear his bike anymore. He must have taken a U-turn, heading back to his clubhouse in Ghosttown. There was a good possibility their paths wouldn’t cross again. Aside from the party at the clubhouse and the river, she rarely visited the smaller town. There was never a reason. And it looked like there never would be. The thought alone made her shoulders slump, and an overwhelming uneasiness raced through her veins.

Meg walked up the concrete steps of her front walkway. A chill spread over her arms, pebbling her skin. There wasn’t a bit of a breeze. She stopped midway to her front door and spun around toward the sidewalk, searching the empty street.

Mick was standing on the property edge of her neighbor’s house. His hands were tucked in his front pockets with his gaze locked on her. Without a second thought, she started down the steps and sidewalk, stopping a few feet away from him.

“Is something wrong?”

“No.”

“Then what are you doing here?”

He lifted his chin, gesturing to her house. “Wanted to make sure you got home safe.”

That was beyond sweet. Most of her dates who dropped her off didn’t bother waiting for her to get inside before taking off down the road. But Mick? He parked his bike and followed her home.

“Not too much crime in this town.”

His eyes darkened. “Don’t care. Not gonna take a chance with you .”

She swallowed the knot in her throat.

“I’m sorry,” she blurted.

“For what?”

She hooked her thumb over her shoulder. “That comment at the river about a wife or old lady. The whole sharing thing.”

His face softened, but he remained silent.

“I just assumed—” She clamped her lips. This was not making her previous statement any better.

“That I wouldn’t be faithful?” Mick arched his brow. “Never had a wife or an old lady, but if I did, she’d be it for me. I settle down with a woman, it means I can’t live without her. Wouldn’t want anyone else.”

Meg drew in a breath.

“Come here.” His graveled voice was low, but she followed his command. She stopped a foot away, and he reached out, grasping the side of her neck and pulling her closer. Meg went willingly, maybe even a bit too eagerly. This could’ve been a slow burn first kiss, but he ruined that immediately with skin-on-skin contact. She pressed her hand to his chest, fisting the cotton.

Never in her life had she been the first to lean in for a kiss, but she found herself thrusting her mouth against his and slipping her tongue between his lips. His grip tightened over her neck, sliding his thumb over her throat as his tongue caressed over hers. He tasted like smoke and sugar. It shouldn’t have been a great combination, but she’d never tasted anything more appetizing. It had nothing to do with flavor and everything to do with the way his lips moved over hers.

His hand wrapped over her waist and across her back, hovering over her ass. Wild thoughts ran through her mind. Him and her, naked, consumed her thoughts. She inched closer, pressing her hips against him. He had about six inches on her, and they didn’t match up, but she felt his length press against her lower stomach. Mick was having the same reaction to their kiss as she was. She tightened her thighs trying to find relief. Her panties would be soaked if this continued, but Meg had no plans of stopping.

Unfortunately, Mick did. He ended the kiss, loosening his hold and creating a small gap between them. His eyes scanned her face, dropped to her lips, and he smiled. He slid his hand to her jaw, brushing his thumb over her bottom lip.

“Fucking beautiful,” he whispered.

She’d heard it a few times, mostly from boyfriends with an ulterior motive, and her parents, who were obligated to say it. Never once had she believed it more than she did at this moment.

“When am I seeing you again?”

She licked her lips. “Friday night?”

It was too eager, and the small smile playing on his lips confirmed it. Playing hard to get had ended with one kiss.

“There’s a party at the clubhouse. I’ll pick you up at nine. That good?”

Meg nodded slowly.

“Down the block?”

His question spiked her thoughts from her walk home. If Mick picked her up at the house, there would be an introduction to her parents, and most likely an interrogation when she arrived home. She had no idea where this was going with Mick. Was he worth the hassle of dealing with all the inquiries?

Yes!

“Can you pick me up at my house?”

The corner of his mouth curled. “I can do that.”

“You should probably come to the door. Meet my parents. Will you do that too?”

He pressed his lips against her, muttering, “Yeah, anything you want.”

It was the best answer.

Meg tried to deepen the kiss, but Mick stepped back, smiled, and gestured to her house. Reluctantly, Meg walked backward, taking another last look at him.

“Goodnight.”

She turned her back and heard his voice again.

“Yeah, it was.”

Meg smiled, walked up the stairs, and entered the house.

****

It was after one in the morning when Mick walked into the clubhouse from his date with Meg. It was a strange feeling taking a woman out and even odder going home alone. Mick couldn’t remember the last time it had happened. Fifteen years ago?

There wasn’t a party tonight, and the clubhouse was low-key with a few brothers hanging out mostly at the bar. Mick lifted his chin, greeting Tully with his old lady, Maureen. They’d gotten married last year but had been together for years. Not many stayed faithful in a scene like the club, but Tully had always been all about his woman. Mick hadn’t understood why a man would want to commit to one woman for the rest of his life. After one date with Meg, he understood it.

Mick slipped onto the empty stool next to Jack. He noticed a stack of papers in front of his president. It took him a second to realize they were divorce documents. Jack and his old lady had been separated for years after he caught her stepping out on him. Good fucking riddance. Mick could never understand what Jack saw in a woman like her. But they did have the boys together.

“Is it official yet?” Mick asked.

Jack sipped his beer and smirked. “Getting there. This bitch is worse than a fucking nomad. Can never find her ass. Finally tracked her down with some help.”

The club had a lot of resources for finding people.

“So, how’s that gonna work with the boys?”

Jack slowly angled his head. “She abandoned them years ago and never looked back. Showing up when it’s convenient and good for her. She don’t give a shit about my boys.”

Mick shook his head. “Thought maybe she’d have a ‘come to Jesus’ moment.”

Jack snorted, taking a drag from his cigarette. “I’m sure she’s coming a lot, but it ain’t to Jesus.”

Mick laughed, and a few others at the bar joined in. Jack looked over at Mick and then over his shoulder before a quick scan of the bar.

“Where’s the girl?” Jack asked.

Girl . Compared to Mick she definitely fit the description. At twenty-two, there was an eleven year age difference. Oddly, the gap didn’t feel so big when they were together. Meg was more mature than most women her age. And for his part, Mick might be more youthful.

“Meg,” Mick said.

Jack bowed his chin and arched his brow. “Where is she?”

Probably in bed. Hers, not his. He’d never quite understood the phrase sexually frustrated. Until now. He respected her and wouldn’t push, especially on the first date when she’d made it clear sex was off the table tonight. However, that kiss had replayed in his mind the whole ride back. One kiss and he was harder than a steel rod.

And he was going to bed alone.

Fuck!

“Home.” Mick tapped on the bar. It was his universal sign for get me a beer . The girl behind the counter rushed over, reached into the cooler, and pulled out a bottle, placing it on the bar.

Cap on. You can’t fucking open it? He was seconds from asking when another club whore rushed over, and grabbed the bottle. She brought the lip to the edge of the bar, slammed her fist down, and popped off the cap. Impressive. She offered a small smile and slid the bottle in front of him.

“Thanks, Coll.”

Colleen smiled but didn’t say a word. To him. She shifted her gaze to Jack. “Do you want anything?”

The innuendo was hard to miss.

Mick glanced over at Jack.

“I’m good, darlin’.” Jack lifted his chin, dismissing her, and Colleen followed the cue. She sauntered across the bar. Even Mick wasn’t above watching the display. Her ass cheeks practically hung out of her shorts, and her halter top may as well have been a nipple covering since it showed everything else. It was a standard uniform for most of the club whores. Somehow, she stood out.

Colleen had come to a party a few months back and never left. Wild was an understatement. She’d quickly become a club favorite with her up for anything attitude.

Mick looked over at Jack, who was sipping his beer and discreetly enjoying the show that was Colleen. Long, dark, wavy hair, soft and kind brown eyes, and a perfect body. And she was sweet, which he didn’t see often from the women at the club.

“No one snatched her yet, huh?”

Jack glanced over at him. “Think Dunn’s trying but getting a lot of pushback from the brothers.”

Of course he would. If a brother staked claim, the others would back off. There was no code when it came to club whores, but if Dunn made her his old lady, the brothers would respect it.

Colleen grabbed a few empty bottles from the bar and slyly glanced over in their direction. She’s not looking at me.

Mick sipped his beer and raised his brows. “She seems to like you, brother.”

Jack ignored the comment and lifted his chin. “Meg.”

Mick took a big swig of his beer and wiped his mouth with his arm. “I showed up late, she gave me attitude. Missed the movie, had to work double-time just to get her to dinner. Took a ride down by the river where she spent most of it telling me we ain’t fucking.”

The corner of Jack’s mouth curled. “Got herself a chastity belt on, huh?”

“Tonight she fucking did.”

“That’s way too much fucking work.” Grain, who was seated across the bar with Mack, burst out laughing. “How blue are your balls, brother?”

Very.

Jack chuckled, shaking his head. “Taking her out again?”

“Bringing her to the party on Friday.”

Jack raised his brows. Mick understood the shock. Meg was making him work for it, and in a strange turn of events and opposite of his norm, Mick was all in. There was something special about her. She wasn’t like other women. Meg was smart and beautiful, knew what she wanted and what she didn’t, and didn’t try to be someone she wasn’t for the sake of impressing him.

“Don’t make plans next week.”

Mick glanced over to Jack, who gestured to Tully. “Got Mack, Dunn, and Sly taking the north run tonight. But gonna need you two with me next week.”

“Delivery?” Tully asked.

“Pick up. We got cash coming to us. Should be an easy job.”

Those were the magic words. Mick had a few side jobs, mostly mechanic work on bikes. He’d thought about opening up a shop. But Ghosttown wasn’t a hotspot. He’d considered Turnersville, but as of now it was a pipe dream. If he had any hopes of making it a reality, he’d have to have more cash.

“Just let me know when,” he said.

Mick finished his beer, said goodnight, and started up the stairs. All the members’ bedrooms were on the second floor. It was much like dorm-style living, though no one shared. He reached the landing, and Bebe, one of the girls he’d been with a few times, was walking toward him. Mick didn’t have favorites like some of the other brothers.

“Hi Mick.”

He lifted his chin about to pass her, but she stepped in front of him. Bebe slid her hand over his chest, smiling.

“Want some company?”

He did. The last thing he wanted was going to bed with a hard cock and no warm body to relieve it. However, this wasn’t the woman he wanted underneath him.

“No.” He walked past her and turned into his bedroom.

He’d be going to bed alone. With my fucking hand.