The Originals (Ghosttown Riders #10)

Chapter Eighteen

This night sucks.

It had been unusually slow, which meant time dragged, and the tips were measly. After dropping the money for the cabin, she needed good tips to replenish her account. Just another reason to be pissed at Grain. Asshole.

Regina yanked the back door closed, then wiggled the handle. Ernie needed to invest in a more secure lock. However, knowing he had the MC as his own personal security, her boss wouldn’t be investing in a new door anytime soon. You’re welcome, Ernie.

Starr’s didn’t have any paid-for protection in place with Ghosttown Riders. A lot of businesses had to pay top dollar for that service. Starr’s just happened to get protection by default because of Regina.

She was looking down, digging through her pocketbook for her keys. There it is . She looped her finger through the key ring and was pulling them out when she heard him.

“Remember me?”

Regina stilled, staring at the door. The male voice gave no indication to his identity. It wasn’t at all familiar but had a taunting tone. If Regina had to make a list of all the men she’d pissed off in her lifetime, it would probably fill a sheet of paper. Both sides . Regina drew in a breath, slowly lowered her arm to her side, and slipped the key between her fingers, forming a makeshift shank, and fisted her hand. It was her only available weapon.

Regina glanced over her shoulder before turning. A sense of relief washed over her as her irritation started to rise. Oh, Jesus, not this asshole. She’d almost forgotten about him. Rick, the guy she’d kicked out of the bar a few weeks ago, was the last person she’d spend her time thinking about. Why the hell was he even here?

“What the fuck do you want?”

His gaze hardened. “An apology.”

Regina squinted and stepped closer. Did I hear him right?

“Say it again.”

His brows dipped in a tight scowl. “A fucking apology.”

It probably wasn’t the best timing, but Regina couldn’t help herself. She burst out laughing and shook her head.

“You ain’t gonna be laughing in a few minutes, bitch. Consider that your fucking warning.” He took two steps closer. “Now, you either say you’re sorry, or you ain’t gonna be saying anything through that fucking smart mouth of yours.”

There were a lot of things Regina could let go of. A threat wasn’t one of them. Neither was a confrontation. Combativeness was second nature to her, and she rarely backed down, especially from a weak, waste of a man.

“You want an apology?” Regina smirked.

He spread out his arms, glancing around the empty parking lot. “That’s why I’m fucking here.”

She slowly nodded as the corner of her mouth curled in a faint smile.

“Okay, I’ll give you one.” Regina straightened her shoulders and moved forward. She had enough self-preservation and smarts to keep an ample gap between them. While this guy didn’t come off as a huge threat with his wounded ego, she wouldn’t discount that they were alone, and he outweighed her by about fifty pounds.

“I’m sorry your precious and tender ego was hurt because you decided that you were a big man who was trying to show off in front of your pal. I’m sorry that you couldn’t foresee how that was going to play out and you wound up looking like a cowardly ass. I’m sorry you walked into my bar and thought you could disrespect me and call the shots, only to find out the only bitch in the bar that day was you. And” —Regina snickered— “I’m sorry you wasted your time showing up here for an apology I’ll never fucking give you.”

Regina sighed, watching the wheels turn in his head. Clearly, he was unprepared for any pushback. If she had to guess, this bullying tactic had worked on women in the past. That thought pissed her off. He had an ass-whooping coming to him, but she wasn’t up for the hassle. If someone in the surrounding neighborhood called the police, there’d be paperwork. Possibly, bail money. I’m too tired for that bullshit tonight.

“Consider this your lucky day. I’m going to give you some advice laced in a warning.” She waved her hand in his direction. “Turn around, get in your car, and drive away. Go back to your shithole life, your miserable fucking existence, and just be happy you dodged a fucking bullet.” Regina raised her brows. “You’re welcome.”

His face turned a bright shade of red, and she tightened her fist, prepared to make use of the key if he lunged forward. Physically fighting was nothing new for Regina. Since childhood, she’d been in dozens of brawls. Her opponent was usually the same sex and it was more of a fair fight. But she wouldn’t back down. Growing up in a volatile household and trained by a few brothers, Regina could handle her own.

There was a long stretch of silence. He was contemplating his next move and if he was willing to move forward with his threats. That decision was made for him when the rumbling engine sounded, and the motorcycle pulled into the lot.

My man, for all his flaws, has impeccable timing.

Regina didn’t bother watching Grain pull into a spot and park. She was more intrigued by Rick’s reaction. He was proving once again he wasn’t a very intelligent man. The smart move would’ve been to quickly retreat to his car the second he laid eyes on Grain. There was a chance her man would’ve followed him, but at least it gave Rick a fighting chance. Idiot.

“What the fuck is going on?” Grain snapped, his heavy boots crunching against the asphalt.

Regina smiled, keeping her gaze locked on the man. When Rick whipped his head in her direction, she merely shrugged. I warned you.

“Who the fuck are you?” Grain shouted and jerked his head to her. “Who the fuck is this?”

For as jealous as Regina was with Grain, he was a step above with his own possessiveness. Grain would never admit it. He didn’t have to. His actions proved it time and time again. Regina could’ve played that card and treated this man to a far worse beating. But, I’m feeling generous.

Regina shrugged. “Unsatisfied customer.”

Grain furrowed his brows.

Regina lifted her chin, gesturing to Rick, who’d yet to move an inch. She couldn’t be sure if he was frozen in fear or just stupid. It doesn’t matter . Either way, he’d missed his opportunity to get away unscathed. Regina loosened her grip on her keys, and walked over to Grain. She hiked up on her toes, brushing her lips against his cheek.

Grain didn’t even flinch, keeping his eyes locked on the man ten feet away.

“He came here for an apology.”

Grain slowly angled his head in confusion. Her lips twitched, and she raised her brow.

“He wants me to apologize. I hurt his feelings.” Regina could barely keep a straight face with her explanation.

The corner of Grain’s mouth curved.

Yeah, baby, I know.

****

Grain had been on edge the whole ride to Lawry. It had started to rain halfway from Ghosttown. The smartest thing to do would’ve been to pull over and wait it out. Grain settled for slowing down. When he pulled into the city limits, it was a little after closing. His plan was to go to Starr’s, and if she’d already left, he’d head to their apartment. As he rounded the corner pulling into the back lot, his headlight shined on two people near the bar’s exit.

It was hard to make out the person with Regina, but when he did, a fire raced through his veins. Nothing prepared him to see his woman with another man alone in the parking lot. Grain was usually a man who acted first and thought later. He wasn’t sure if Regina could read his rage, but she was quick to give an explanation.

A fucking apology? Good luck, motherfucker. In all the time he’d been with her, Grain had never heard her mutter the words ‘I’m sorry’. And if she did, it certainly wouldn’t be to this man.

“My woman hurt your feelings?” Grain smirked. “She’s got a way with words, this one.”

He heard Regina’s soft chuckle on his right, but he kept his control intact, refusing to give in.

“She’s got a mouth on her,” the man said, darting his gaze between him and Regina.

Grain folded his arms. When he took a step forward, the man immediately retreated.

“So, what’s your plan?” Grain asked.

The man furrowed his brows.

“I mean, you come here looking for something you ain’t gonna fucking get. Now what?” Grain lifted his chin to her but kept his gaze locked on the man. “Gonna teach her a lesson? Rough her up? Show her who’s boss?”

His eyes widened, and he held up his hand. “I didn’t touch her.”

“But you want to, right? Show her she can’t fucking disrespect you . Why else would you show up when she’s alone?”

“Look, I…” He never got to finish.

Grain rushed forward, grabbed the man’s collar, and balled his fist. He slammed his fist, catching the corner of the lowlife’s jaw, sending his head jerking back. It was probably enough to knock him out, but Grain wasn’t done. He lifted him off the ground, taking another shot, this time landing directly in his stomach. He gasped and groaned, keeling over. Grain tightened his hold, knowing the second he let go, this guy was falling straight to the ground

Grain squatted down, and reached into the man’s pocket, grabbing his wallet before tossing him against his car. He flipped it open and found exactly what he was looking for.

“Richard Arnold.” Grain said and glanced over at him. “And now I know where you fucking live. Know what that means? You get to live knowing I can fucking show up any time. And I won’t come alone.”

Grain stalked toward him. The man scrambled, trying to get to his car door, but Grain was faster and grabbed him by the back of his neck. He spun him around and slammed him, face first, on the hood of the car. The whimpering plea had Grain tightening his hold.

“You better hope and fucking pray nothing ever happens to her. ’Cause if something does happen, the first place I’m showing up is your fucking house, Richard . You fucking hear me?”

“Yes.” The response was garbled.

Grain gave one hard push and stepped back. He purposely tossed the wallet on the ground by the door. The other man stumbled forward, grabbed his wallet, and rushed inside his car. The door wasn’t completely closed when the engine started. Grain watched the car race out of the parking lot.

“Fucking pussy.”

He heard a soft giggle, and when he glanced over his shoulder, he saw the remnants of a smile. Unfortunately, it was now a glare directed at him. No one could hold a grudge like his woman. Grain wiped his knuckles on his jeans and started toward her. Grain may have come to her rescue and defended her honor, but that didn’t absolve him, it seemed. When she steeled her features and folded her arms, it was confirmation.

He slowed his steps and spread his arms.

“I drive three fucking hours after you go AWOL for days, then I beat the shit outta that guy, protecting you” —he paused and dramatically raised his brows— “and you’re still gonna give me shit?”

“Yeah, I fucking am.”

Grain glared back at her for a few seconds before he burst out laughing, shaking his head. Damn, I fucking missed you. She was a crazy psychotic broad. But she’s mine.

“Where’d you go?”

She cocked her brow. “Away.”

“Where?” Grain ground his teeth.

“Upstate.”

“Gee.” He growled.

She squinted, holding her ground and her grudge. Grain was prepared to stand there all night if he had to. There was a long stretch of silence with neither of them budging. Grain reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette. He offered her one, and when she went to grab it, he pulled his hand out of her reach.

“Tell me where you were first.”

Regina sighed. “I rented a cabin in the woods.”

What? “What the hell are you talking about? What cabin?”

She shrugged and glanced across the lot, refusing to make eye contact.

“Gee! What fucking cabin?”

She licked her lips. “Up near Killcreek. I rented it a few weeks ago.” She paused and looked down at the ground. “For our anniversary.”

Fuck! Regina was a genius at masking her emotions, but Grain was seeing them all now. “That’s where we were supposed to go on Tuesday night?”

She nodded, and her voice was barely a whisper. “And Wednesday and Thursday.”

When Grain moved closer, she backed up. She jerked her head and sent a scathing glare. Now she was in fight mode.

“Stupid fucking me thought you’d want to spend a few days alone with me !” she shouted and tried to walk around him. Grain hooked his arm around her waist and pulled her against his chest.

He would’ve been a fool to think she would come willingly. Regina swung her arms, nailing him in the neck. Fuck! She had one hell of a right hook.

“Calm down,” he snapped.

“Fuck you, Grain.” She thrashed in his arms. “If you don’t let me go, next time you fall asleep, I’m gonna cut off your balls and shove them down your throat.”

Grain swallowed a chuckle. “Does that mean you’re still gonna sleep with me?”

“Only to watch you bleed out, asshole.”

“Will you listen to me for one fucking minute before you start plotting my murder?”

“I already have it plotted out,” she snapped.

Regina was a different kind of crazy. The kind most people would run from. Not Grain.

Grain laughed, shaking his head but refusing to loosen his grip.

“Let me go, Grain.”

“Then hear me out, Gee.”

It took a few seconds, but she seemed to give in. Grain had no doubt if he’d let his guard down, she’d bolt, so he kept his arms around her. He leaned close to her ear.

“I’m sorry.”

Regina stilled. It wasn’t the first time he’d ever apologized, but it was rare.

“I fucked up. I didn’t remember, and that shit’s on me.”

Regina remained silent, so he upped the ante.

“But you can bet your ass I’m never gonna forget July nineteenth again.”

He couldn’t see her face, but she relaxed in his arms. He’d have the date tattooed on his body, if needed. Pissing Regina off was part of their relationship, one he’d never fail to do. It was impossible. But hurting her? He’d try his best to not let it happen again.

“And I’m gonna make it up to you.”

“How?” she whispered.

Grain smirked and brushed his lips against her head. “Gonna take you back to that cabin. You tell me when, and I’ll rent it.”

“I want three days there.”

“Then you’ll get three days. Just us.”

She wiggled her arms, and Grain loosened his grip. Instead of taking off, Regina turned and glanced up at him.

“You promise?”

He cupped her jaw and brushed his lips against hers. “Yeah.”

Regina wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her cheek on his chest. This was a side that no one ever saw. Soft and vulnerable.

“Now, can I keep my balls?”

There was a long stretch of silence.

“For now.”

Grain smiled, hugging her closer to his chest. She may have been off the rails, certifiable, with a touch of psychotic. But she’s fucking mine.