The Originals (Ghosttown Riders #10)

Chapter Seven

A month probably wasn’t enough time to make a lifelong decision, especially at her age. It didn’t matter. Meg was wholeheartedly and unapologetically in love with Mick. Not everyone in her circle understood it. Her parents, though they tried to remain neutral, had their reservations. Her father had gently given her the speech about how Mick’s life would not be a traditional one.

Good! The last thing Meg wanted for her life was a traditional, white-picket fence with a husband who worked nine-to-five, two kids, and a small dog in the yard. It wasn’t a bad life per se, just not the one Meg wanted for herself. While her parents, mainly her dad, had his concerns, he didn’t try to rule her decisions. And for Mick’s part, he’d made an effort with her parents. Her brothers were fascinated by him, mostly his motorcycle.

“Mick’s here!” her brother shouted, and she grabbed her backpack and jacket, rushing out of her room.

In the last month, she’d only spent a handful of nights a week at home. During the week, when she worked at the phone company, she’d drive over after work and stay with him. The only times they hadn’t spent the nights together was when he was away on runs. Otherwise, she’d practically moved into his room at the clubhouse.

“Bye!” Meg rushed out the door and down her front steps.

Mick glanced over, smiling as she hooked her pack over her shoulders. This would be her first ride with the whole club. Meg quickly learned there were two types of rides. One she was allowed to join, and the other she wasn’t. Mick never went into too much detail about the club or what he did when he was gone for days at a time. Even when Meg pressed, Mick was firm. Ghosttown was his club, and there were aspects of it she’d never be privy to. It might’ve been a sore spot for some women, but Mick’s ending words to the conversation were enough for Meg.

You get all of me. You just don’t get all of the club.

Meg stopped at the bike and lifted her foot to the peg, but Mick stopped her, pressing his hand against her stomach.

“You forgetting something?”

She furrowed her brows. She couldn’t think of anything. She’d packed light since they’d be on the bike for hours. She’d brought a jacket for when it got cooler at night. Two pairs of shorts, two tops, undergarments, and her toiletries. What else was there?

“I don’t think so.”

Mick raised his brows. “You forgetting to give me something?”

Give him something? Meg cocked her head and watched him smile, focusing on his lips. Oh, right. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him as his hand hooked around her waist, pulling her closer. Making out in front of her house had become the new normal when Mick dropped her off. Meg was sure she was the weekly topic for the gossips on her block.

He broke away and tapped her ass to get on the bike.

Once she was settled, he turned his head. “Meeting up on the highway. It’s gonna be a long ride, so if you need a break, tell me.”

Meg was determined not to be the reason they all had to stop. That was one thing she found fascinating. Whenever one member stopped, the whole club did.

“I won’t.”

Mick grabbed her thigh in a tight squeeze and glanced over his shoulder. “You tell me.”

“I’ll tell you, I promise.”

Then he took off, meeting up about thirty minutes later at a designated rest stop with the remainder of the club. They’d be staying at a motel close to the musical festival. Maureen, who Meg had gotten closer to, mentioned she was lucky they were actually staying indoors. It seemed popping a tent in fields was common for a lot of runs. Jack was a fan of camping out, as was Mick and a few others.

And I’m a fan of indoor plumbing.

The ride was long and more painful than she’d expected. Mick had periodically asked if she’d wanted to stop. She’d declined every time, though during the past hour, she was internally struggling. By the time they reached the motel, her ass ached so much it hurt to stand. While the men gathered near the open lawn in front of the motel, the women stayed near the bikes. It was a clear divide, reminding her once again of Mick’s words.

You get all of me. You just don’t get all of the club.

Meg was discreetly trying to massage her butt when she heard a soft giggle and turned to her right. Maureen was walking over, covering her mouth.

“Everything about me screams amateur, doesn’t it?”

“You’ll get used to it,” Maureen said.

I hope so.

“If it makes you feel better, I looked just like you do now on my first couple of long rides. Think of it as an initiation into the old lady sisterhood.”

Meg snorted. “I thought this was only a brotherhood of bikers.”

Maureen shrugged, pulled out a pack of gum, and offered her a piece. “They have their brotherhood, and we have our sisterhood.”

I like that.

Along with the divide of men and women, there was another noticeable separation. Not all the brothers had a passenger, but a few others did. The four women stood hovered around one bike, laughing. The club girls. Meg recognized a couple of them.

Meg gestured to the girls. “Are we staying away from them, or are they keeping their distance from us?”

“Probably both. But mainly, they keep their distance. A lot of them look at you as the enemy, as competition.”

“’Cause they want to sleep with Mick?”

Maureen smirked. “Yeah.”

“How do you put up with it?”

Maureen was staring at the girls. “I don’t. And neither does Tully. They know better than to give me shit or come on to my husband. We set that boundary a long time ago.”

Meg subtly eyed Maureen. She was tiny in stature, at least two inches shorter and ten pounds lighter than Meg. And a bit dainty. It was hard to envision Maureen in a brawl.

“Did you beat one of them up?”

Maureen snickered. “No. I’m not a fighter. And even if I was, my fight wouldn’t be over a man. This is Tully’s club. He makes the decisions. I may not have a say in the club, but I do in my marriage. All it took was one girl telling me my man would be in her bed by the end of the night.” Maureen smirked. “I told Tully, and her ass was kicked out so quick, she didn’t even know what was happening. But my husband made sure everyone else knew.”

Meg was impressed. “That’s some power you got.”

Maureen shrugged. “I think of it more as a strong relationship with Tully. Have to be with a man who values you as much as you value him. And by the looks of it, you got that with Mick.”

Meg stilled. “We’ve only been together a month.”

Maureen glanced back at her, resting her hand on her stomach. “It seems that’s all it takes.” Maureen lifted her chin toward the girls. “Notice someone is missing from the group. Bebe always goes on these rides.”

The bitter blonde.

“According to Tully, her ass was out the next morning.”

Meg jerked her head. “Out as in not welcome on the rides?”

Meg hadn’t seen Bebe since their confrontation at the party, but she’d assumed they just hadn’t run into one another.

“Out as in not welcome at the clubhouse or anywhere near the MC.” Maureen arched her brow. “Mick’s orders. So call it what you will, power or a strong relationship, but it looks like you have it —with Mick.”

Meg shouldn’t have taken this much joy in it. Or maybe she should. Meg looked across the lawn at the men gathered in a circle. She sought out Mick. My man.

*

“We ride out in an hour,” Jack said as they all parted ways going to separate rooms.

Meg eyed Grain, who was unlocking his door with one of the club girls gripping his waist. There was no mistaking what they’d be doing for the next hour. Grain pushed open the door. Meg expected him to allow the girl in first, but he didn’t. Instead, he glanced over and caught her stare. He winked and disappeared inside.

He was an interesting character.

Mick opened the door to their room, and unlike Grain, stepped to the side and allowed her to pass first. Grain needed to take notes.

Meg walked in, glancing around. It wasn’t exactly what she’d expected. It was dated, shabby, and looked as if it hadn’t been thoroughly cleaned in weeks. Possibly months. Meg settled in, unpacking her clothes while Mick took a quick shower. Once he was done, it was her turn. She was eager to get rid of all the road dust. Her shower lasted longer than usual.

She wiped off the steam from the mirror and glanced down at her folded clothes on the sink counter. We still have forty-five minutes to kill.

Meg tossed her towel on the edge of the tub and walked into the room. Mick was laying on the bed naked, but the covers concealed him. His eyes were half closed. He’d mentioned taking a quick nap since it would be a long night. She’d been on board with the idea, initially. But now?

“Still need your sleep, old man ?”

Mick opened his eyes, and they instantly heated. “Get that sweet ass over here.”

Meg bit back her smile and cocked her head, allowing him a longer lingering perusal. Nudity had never been something she’d fully embraced. Her past partners weren’t as open. And neither was she. Being nude for sex in the moment was one thing, but parading around in his room afterward? Who did that? The corner of her mouth curled. Apparently, me. Mick always looked at her as if she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. It gave her the confidence boost she needed.

Meg had never considered herself insecure, but she was human. Surrounded by gorgeous women in the clubhouse, it was hard not to compare herself. But with Mick, she didn’t question it.

She sauntered across the room, carefully crafting her steps. She was trying to build the seduction. Mick whipped off the covers, and it was clear her seductress act was unnecessary. He slid his hand over his stomach and down to his cock, fisting it. She stopped at the foot of the bed, licked her fingers, and slipped them between her legs.

Mick had opened her eyes to a lot sexually. Teasing was a favorite of hers. Mick, on the other hand, wasn’t a fan. He shot up from the bed and grabbed her arm, pulling her on top of him as his mouth crashed over hers. His tongue slipped past her lips as his hands grabbed her ass, sliding her over his hard length. He wasn’t even inside her, and she was overcome with arousal.

Meg ground against him, her panting uncontrollable. She swiveled her hips, breaking from the kiss. He needed to put on a condom before they got too lost in the moment. It had happened twice. She had started on birth control pills, but she didn’t fully trust the process until the third month mark. It was important to both of them to be diligently careful. Children weren’t part of their plan.

Mick reached over to the bedside table. There was a strip of condoms. Not a full pack. They’d used plenty in the last few weeks. She shimmied her way down his legs, watching him put it on. He was so hard. Meg licked her lips and attempted to swing her leg to get off him, but Mick grabbed her thighs, keeping her straddled over him.

“You on top. Want to watch you ride me.”

Meg had been introduced to a lot of positions outside of missionary, courtesy of Mick. But this was a first. With any other partner, she might have been apprehensive. Not with Mick. If anything, she was eager. She climbed over his lap, lined his cock up with her pussy, and slowly lowered.

Oh fuck!

She whimpered, fighting against a moan. There was so much pressure. The good kind, though her body wasn’t accustomed to him hitting that particular spot. She gasped, swiveling her hips. She pressed her hand against his chest, digging her nails into his flesh. Mick must have recognized her sensory overload. He slid his hand over her back and pulled her against his chest. Her lips found his, and he circled his hips, thrusting in and out slowly.

Mick drove his hand through her hair, fisting a chunk, and she followed his lead and drew back her neck. His lips caressed over her throat, dragging his tongue and sucking her skin. It would leave a mark, for sure. I love that. Never in her life did she think she’d get excited about a man branding her, but everything was different with Mick. She wanted the mark. She wanted his claim over her. I want to be his .

“Sit back,” he whispered, and she followed his command.

Meg braced her hands on his chest and lifted her hips, riding his cock. It felt amazing, but something was slightly off. Meg leaned back and braced her hands on his thighs. The small adjustment was just what she needed. She closed her eyes and felt one of Mick’s hands slide around her waist, up her stomach to cup her breast, while his other hand slipped between her legs, rubbing over her clit. She felt him everywhere. It was as if every nerve in her body awakened.

She moaned, sliding over him and quickening her pace when she heard his heavy breath. She dug her nails into his thighs, riding him hard. Mick groaned, increasing the pressure over her clit. It was like a switch had been flicked, and she felt her body heat as her thighs tightened against his hips.

So close.

Meg called out, “Mick.”

It was barely coherent, and it was shaky at best as she felt her muscles tighten, her blood rushing through her veins. She came hard and fast, bouncing over his cock until her body seemingly gave out. She hazily lunged forward, collapsing against his chest, her face planting in the crook of his neck. She gasped as he continued to fuck her.

Mick groaned, sinking deep inside her and curling his arms around her in a tight hold. She heard her man’s satisfaction echo through the room. A graveled grunt followed by a satisfied sigh. Meg smiled, brushing her lips against the salty skin of his neck. They’d both need another shower at this rate.

The room was drowned in silence with the exception of their panting. Mick’s hands spread over her back, caressing her as she curled deeper into his chest.

“I think I just found my new favorite position,” she muttered, barely coherent.

Mick’s chest rumbled. “My girl likes control.”

She cocked her head, her hair falling in her eyes, and smiled. Before she could swipe it away, Mick’s hand brushed the silky strand over her shoulder and cupped her jaw. He pressed his lips against hers, taking her for a deep, heated kiss. She could’ve spent the rest of the weekend in this bed, just like this, with him.

But…

Mick smacked her ass playfully. “Got ten minutes to get ready before the assholes start banging on the door.”

While she could’ve spent their entire stay in bed, she was eager to go to the festival. It had been something she’d heard about for years but never had the opportunity to attend. That wasn’t exactly true. But none of her friends were interested in going. It had a reputation for being a bit rowdy. It was part of the allure of the weekend. As for safety, she knew she was in good hands with not only Mick but the club. It might have only been a month since she got together with Mick, but she was seeing the Ghosttown MC brothers in a different light. They were family. Maybe not traditional, and they were certainly dysfunctional, but it didn’t make them any less loyal and loved.

Meg gave Mick a quick kiss and crawled off the bed, walking to the bathroom completely naked. A shiver ran over her skin. It could have been from the air conditioner, but she figured it had to do with Mick watching her. And he was watching.

She tried to rush getting ready, but it seemed she wasn’t moving fast enough for her man. Without knocking, Mick pushed open the door. Meg jumped with a soft giggle when his arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her into his chest. Mick kissed her neck, sliding his hands over her bare stomach. Crop tops weren’t her usual style of choice, but she’d seen it and impulsively purchased it. Mick was loving it. His calloused palms spread over her ribs, and she dropped her head into the crook of his neck. He’d just taken her less than fifteen minutes ago, and she was already wet for him again.

“Let’s ditch the festival and fuck all night.” He slid his hands under her shirt, cupping her bare breasts. He growled, pressing his cock against her ass. She’d decided to ditch the bra. A move Mick seemed to thoroughly enjoy.

As much as she was excited for the music, she was willing to give it up if it meant spending the night with Mick. It was on the tip of her tongue to take him up on his offer. But as warned, the banging on the door started.

“Told you,” Mick said, kissing her cheek and dropping his hands. He walked across the room toward the door, shaking his head, muttering, “Fucking assholes.”

Meg bit back her smile, grabbed her bag, and followed Mick out the door.

This is going to be the best night ever!

*

Meg wasn’t sure if it was the music, the chill vibe of the night, or her encounter with Mick back at the motel, but she was flying high. They started the night at a bar, grabbing drinks before making their way out to a large open field.

There was dancing, mostly from the women, and lots of nudity. Breasts in every shape and size were on display. Except mine. While Meg was totally feeling the vibe, she wasn’t ready to strip down.

They had gotten the perfect spot on the hill. A few others made their way down by the stage, but Meg wanted to stay closer to the bathrooms. As it stood, she was already half buzzed from drinking.

Meg was seated on the grass between Mick’s legs and turned slightly, kissing him.

“Meg.” Grain’s loud bark was recognizable.

She jolted forward and whipped around. Grain was offering a bottle of a liquor she didn’t recognize. Mick held up his hand, blocking her view.

“She’s not drinking that shit. It needs to come with a warning label.”

Jack laughed, took a drag of his cigarette, and pointed to the bottle. “Hazardous. No way that’s meant for human consumption.”

“What is it?” Meg asked, leaning closer to read the label.

Mick hooked his arm around her stomach, pulling her back against his chest. His breath tickled her neck. “It’s gonna have you lying flat on your ass in ten minutes. Never take a drink from Grain.”

“Fuck off, Mick. Your old lady wants to try, she don’t need your permission.” Grain’s taunting tone only made her eager to have a taste. “What do you say? Want some?”

“Jesus Christ, Grain. All you need is a van and some candy, you creepy motherfucker,” Mick snapped.

Everyone laughed, including Grain, who wasn’t quite ready to back down. “Come on, Meg. Come play with the big boys.”

She slowly reached out her arm, but Mick tugged her again. “Don’t listen to this fucking asshole. He’s baiting you.”

Maybe, but as he said, whether teasing or not, Meg didn’t need anyone’s permission. She glanced back at Mick.

“Are you trying to tell me not to do it?”

He smirked, shaking his head. “Not the boss of you.”

She leaned in, kissing him. She spun around and reached for the liquor. The strong smell wafted through her senses before she even brought the bottle to her lips. It smells like regret. She made a conscious effort to hold her breath as she brought the bottle to her lips. One sip, one gulp. How bad could it be? She tilted the bottle back too quickly and got a bigger mouthful than intended. The second it touched her tongue, a piercing heat enflamed her mouth. She ripped the bottle away and clamped her lips. She was so tempted to spit it out, and Grain must have sensed that, along with a few others. Suddenly, there was loud chanting with grown men shouting, “Swallow, swallow, swallow.”

It took everything Meg had to lift her chin, angle her head, and swallow. The burning in her mouth and throat made it hard to feel anything. When she was confident she had it all down, she parted her lips and sucked in a mouthful of air. Then the coughing started, followed by the watery eyes and runny nose. Prickled heat spread over every inch of her skin. What the hell was that?

Mick drove his hand through her hair, wrapping it over his fist and taking it off her neck. That seemed to have an immediate effect. Her body started to cool slightly.

“Hey,” Grain snapped, and she turned to him. “Not many broads get my respect. You got half right now for drinking that. You get the other half in an hour if you don’t puke.”

The group started laughing, and she was mildly aware of someone putting a cup of water in her hand. She glanced up to see Maureen smiling down at her.

Meg remained seated, listening to the music and drinking mainly water for the next hour. The burn finally subsided, and she was treated to a very strong buzz. A few joints were passed around, and in her already loose state she reached for one, but Mick quickly grabbed it, took a drag, and passed it along. He wasn’t telling her no, but he was taking away the opportunity. She glanced up at him, and his gaze softened.

“You’re wasted.”

“Beautifully buzzed.”

He laughed, tightening his hold over her belly. Her lips twisted, and she scrunched her nose. “And now I’m about to ruin the buzz. I have to pee.”

Mick bit back his smile and lifted his chin as she shifted forward. Once he stood, she grabbed his hands, and he pulled her up. He wrapped his arm over her shoulder, and they made the trek to the bathroom. They were a good distance away, near the concessions and the crew’s outbuildings. The walk got her blood flowing, and she came out of her hazy daze. A little.

They parted ways at the bathrooms, and when she walked out Mick was leaning his shoulder against the building and taking a drag from his cigarette.

“Didn’t puke, right?” he teased, and she sauntered over, wrapping her arms around his waist.

“I officially have Grain’s respect.”

Mick snorted. “Yeah, you and very few women in the world. May not seem like an honor, but Grain doesn’t give that shit to many women.”

“Are we going back?”

Mick straightened and knitted his brows. “You wanna get something to eat?”

She brushed her lips against his, whispering, “We could find a quiet corner really quick.”

He groaned, grasping her hips. “Ever fuck in public?”

She giggled. “Not yet. Wanna pop another cherry?”

Mick laughed, dropped his hand, and clasped hers. They walked past two buildings and down a small alley of trailers. It was closer to the main event but still a far enough distance. Mick spun her around and pressed her back against the trailer. His mouth came down on hers, stealing her breath as his tongue tangled with hers. This would be a quickie, no extra time for foreplay. Not that she needed it. She was so ready for him. Mick unbuckled her jeans, lowering the zipper. His lips were on her neck as his hand slid down her pants.

“Ah.” His low growl had her swiveling her hips, wanting more. “You’re ready for me.”

I am so ready.

“Now, what do we have here.” The unfamiliar male voice had her opening her eyes and Mick’s hand stilling.

Meg couldn’t see the man with Mick blocking her.

“Mick?” she whispered.

He stared back at her, tension in his eyes and his jaw squared. He slowly pulled his hand from her pants, then zipped and buckled her jeans and belt before looking over his shoulder.

“Fuck off.” Mick’s voice was calm and even, but she heard the threat.

She heard a few men chuckle, and her heart immediately began to race. It was more than one man. Mick turned back and lowered his voice.

“You stay behind me. We get into it” —he paused— “you run.”

What? Get into what? A fight?

****

This was definitely killing his buzz. This was the last thing he needed. They were at least a hundred feet from the stands and triple that away from the club. Adding to the tension was the fear in Meg’s eyes.

“You run,” he repeated, and slowly turned, keeping her blocked.

Three men stood about ten feet away. He’d never seen them before, nor did he recognize their cuts. But clearly, they belonged to a club. “Can I fucking help you?”

The man in the middle chugged back his beer and tossed the can. He wiped his mouth with his sleeve and arched his neck as if to see Meg. Motherfucker.

Mick straightened, blocking as much of her as possible. Being ambushed by these men was threatening enough, but adding alcohol to the mix could have severe consequences. Guys looking for something to prove were more aggressive when they were drunk. Mick was in the worst possible position backed into a dark corner and outnumbered.

“Need me to ask you again, asshole?” Mick snapped.

“You willing to share?”

Mick felt her hand grip the back of his cut and heard her faint whisper, “Mick.”

Hearing the panic in her voice only added to his own anger.

“Back up, motherfuckers,” Mick said. “And walk away. This is the only warning you get.”

They didn’t seem the slightest bit intimidated. Mick stepped forward a few feet, thankful that Meg had released her hold. He was hoping she’d follow his orders of running if a fight broke out. He wasn’t concerned about himself. Only her.

“Got my whole club here. You don’t want to do this.”

“I don’t see your club.” The man in the middle spread out his arms. He eyed Meg, licking his lips.

“Then turn the fuck around.” Mick heard Jack’s voice but couldn’t make out where it was coming from until the Ghosttown Riders MC appeared all around them from the dark.

“You got a fucking problem?” Mack asked, inching closer to the three men.

The guy in the center of the threesome stepped back as he scanned the club. He was finally taking Mick’s advice and trying to retreat. But Mick wasn’t letting it go. You started this shit. Now I’m gonna finish it.

“I think he does have a problem, brother.” Grain sidled up next to Mack.

“Mick.” He heard her whisper, and more importantly, the fear in her tone. And they were going to pay for it.

The club circled around the three men. The guy in the middle, who’d been so brazen minutes earlier, held up his hands.

“We’ll get outta here.”

Oh, the fuck you will.

Mick laughed, shaking his head. “No.”

Another member of the opposing club spread out his arms. “We were just fucking around, brother.”

“He ain’t your brother,” Grain snapped, advancing on the man. “He’s mine. You fucked with the wrong club, asshole.”

In a flash, the third man on the end who’d been silent the whole time darted to his left, revealing their club patch on the back of their cuts. Mick hadn’t heard of Satan’s Hex, but Mack had. He pointed to the men.

“These are the fuckers that took a shot at us!”

This would be getting double retribution.

“No man, that wasn’t us.” His eyes darted around the brothers. “Look, we’re sorry for fucking with you, alright? Nobody got hurt, and we’re just gonna…”

He never got a chance to finish his pitiful plea. Jack came up behind him, grabbed the back of his neck, and pushed him toward Mick.

“What do you say, Mick? He said he’s sorry,” Jack teased.

Mick snorted, balling his fist. “No.”

He pulled back his arm and swung hard and fast, landing his fist straight into the guy’s mouth. His head jerked back, and a line of blood poured from his mouth. He’d nearly knocked the guy out with one punch, but Mick wasn’t done yet. He grabbed the collar of his shirt and punched him directly in his nose, feeling the bone crack against his knuckles. Not my bones.

Mick was barely aware of the chaos around him. He was solely focused on this guy. He took another few jabs to his chest, stomach, and a final blow to the face. The man dropped, barely moving and spitting out blood. Mick wasn’t ready to end it. He would’ve loved nothing more than to beat him into unconsciousness. But he had other concerns, mainly Meg’s safety. He glanced behind him. Grain and a few brothers were walking toward him, leaving the man on the ground, cowering in a fetal position. Grain rolled his shoulders and grinned.

“Thanks for the entertainment, brother.”

Mick wiped his knuckles on his jeans and smirked. “Glad I could be of service.”

“Let’s go,” Jack said, and Mick turned. The other biker was in a similar position on the ground a few feet away. Ghosttown had sent their message loud and clear. You fuck with one of us, you get all of us.

“What are we doing about them?” Dunn asked.

“They can crawl to their bikes,” Jack said. “Let this be a lesson, boys .”

As the brothers walked away, they cleared a path, and he saw Meg standing twenty feet away. It was almost hard to pick her out since she stood frozen in the dark. He rushed toward her, and when he was a few feet away, he saw her back up. Mick immediately held up his hands and kept walking toward her.

“It’s just me, baby.”

It should’ve calmed her, but when he was close enough to see her face, her eyes were wild and still struck with fear. Maybe even more. He needed to get her out of there. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She was still and didn’t utter a word. She also didn’t curve into him. It was as if she was on guard.

This night had been too much for her. It was a defining moment for both of them. Meg got an insight to his real life and the threats and dangers around him and the club. And Mick was seeing just how far outside Meg was compared to him and his life.