The Originals (Ghosttown Riders #10)

Chapter Twenty

Jack & Colleen

(1 Year Later)

Long fucking ride.

For Jack Reilly, life had always been about the ride. The open road, the freedom of nothing but him and his bike. He’d been riding a motorcycle long before he was even legal to do so. It’s where he found peace, where he found himself because it felt like home. Nothing in the world like it. It was the sole reason he’d started Ghosttown Riders MC years ago. A brotherhood who shared his same passion for the ride and a life without rules or limits. And for a lot of years, they’d lived their dream. But nothing stayed the same forever.

Welcome to Turnersville.

The sign had seen better days. So had the town. When Jack settled the club in Ghosttown, he had no plans to live anywhere else. After his first son was born, his ex insisted they get a home in a more established town with schools and a semblance of civilization. Ghosttown lived up to its name. It was off the beaten path, very few businesses, and a lot of privacy. It was perfect for the club but not idyllic for the boys. He settled on Turnersville, twenty minutes away from Ghosttown.

Jack pulled up to the stoplight and fought against a yawn. He’d been on the road for over nine hours with only two stops. Riding through the night was rough. Being alone didn’t help matters either. He rolled his neck, watching the light change to green, and he took off down the road. His house wasn’t within walking distance from the center of town. If Jack was going to have a house, he’d wanted land too. And he got it down the quiet rural road.

He turned left into his steep driveway. The house wasn’t much to brag about. It wasn’t big, but it suited him and his boys.

He’d get a few hours of sleep before he had to head into the clubhouse for a meeting with the brothers. The club as a whole had been on edge about this meeting. It made sense. Their vote and decision could possibly change the trajectory of the club. Jack planned on debriefing but not making any hasty decisions. This was a choice each brother would have to make based on their loyalty to the club and their own best interests.

He knew the brothers were anxiously awaiting his arrival, but for now, they’d have to be patient. Besides the club, Jack had other responsibilities. Single dad. It hadn’t always been that way, but since he’d kicked his ex out years ago, it had been just Jack and his two boys, Kasen and Caden. He parked next to the house and eyed the backyard. The fire pit was still smoldering, and beer cans were thrown on the ground. That was the last thing he needed to see after an aggravating ride home.

“Little fuckers,” he snapped, shaking his head as he made his way to the house.

It was just after nine when he walked in and found his youngest sitting at the kitchen table.

“Hey Pop.”

The good one, if there was such a thing when it came to the Reilly boys. Jack would be the first to admit he’d raised them hard. Loved them fiercely, but he didn’t have a soft bone in his body, especially when it came to the boys. He was building men and giving them the foundation to be strong, independent, and protective. But children were led by example. It was inevitable the Reilly boys would be reckless and wild. And they are .

Jack stopped at the edge of the table, narrowing his gaze. “You throw a fucking party here last night?”

Caden smirked and slowly glanced up at the ceiling. “I didn’t.”

Jack ground his teeth, knowing Kase’s bedroom was above the kitchen. He walked over to the coffeemaker and started to set it up. The creaking from above had him sighing. It started out soft but by the time the coffee brewed, he heard full out fucking with an enthusiastic female voice shouting his son’s name.

Jack dragged his hand down his face, muttering, “Oh, Christ.”

Sons.

He grabbed his coffee, took a sip, and lifted his chin toward the ceiling. “How long has this been going on?”

“Twice last night. It quieted down after midnight. They must be up,” Cade said, seemingly disinterested.

Jack had no leg to stand on when it came to preaching about pre-marital sex. He’d had plenty of it. In fact, it was the only reason he’d ended up married in the first place. His ex found out she was pregnant two months after they’d met. They hadn’t even been official, and he’d been bedding other women. Jack had never had any intention of settling down and having a family back then.

“Who is she?” Jack asked, not that it mattered. Kase was the definition of a manwhore.

Cade scoffed and dipped his brows. “I don’t know. Hell, I’d be surprised if Kase knows her name.”

Fuck.

“Ahhhh, yes!” The voice was so loud it sounded as if it was coming from the next room over.

Caden laughed, shaking his head. “I call bullshit. That girl’s been watching too much porn.”

Jack smirked. “Stroking that boy’s ego.”

“Not the only thing she’s stroking.” Cade stood and walked to the fridge. He grabbed the milk and started downing a mouthful.

“Use a fucking glass.”

Caden sighed and reached into the cupboard. All their dishes and glasses were mismatched with no formality. Jack didn’t know where half of them came from. When he kicked his ex out, she left with close to nothing but her clothes. She couldn’t get out of there and away from her responsibilities fast enough. Bitch.

Jack was pouring his second cup when he heard footsteps coming downstairs. Two sets. He grabbed his mug and leaned against the counter, watching the doorway to the living room. They’d have to pass the kitchen to get to the front door.

He heard the soft giggle before they appeared. Kase had his shirt off and his jeans on, but the belt buckle undone. The girl who Jack hadn’t seen before was fully dressed, but her hair was disheveled and her makeup smeared slightly. Even if he hadn’t heard the liaison, it was clear what they’d been doing.

Kase glanced over without a care in the world. And no greeting. The little bastard didn’t even flinch when Jack sent him a scathing glare.

“When did you get home?” Kase said, walking into the kitchen, leaving the girl standing alone. Clearly, she wasn’t prepared for an audience. Her face turned a bright shade of red, and her eyes were the size of saucers. Jack couldn’t help but feel sympathy for her. She probably banked on spending more time with his son, and by all accounts, Kase was done with her.

“’Bout a half hour ago.”

I’m raising an asshole. While Kase was old enough to know better, Jack took responsibility for his upbringing.

“Um…” —the girl cleared her throat— “I’m going to go now.”

Kase nodded and made no move to walk her out. Fucking asshole.

“You’ll call me?” The desperation in her tone was almost sad to watch, knowing his son was about to lie to her. And he did.

“Yeah,” Kase said.

She gave a short wave and walked out. Caden had the decency to wait until they heard her car start before turning to Kase and shaking his head.

“You’re not gonna call her,” Caden said, rolling his eyes. Of all the Reilly men, Caden was the most decent. He spoke the truth and saw through all the bullshit.

Kase shrugged and walked over to the coffeemaker, pouring himself a cup.

“You knock her up, I’ll fucking kill you,” Jack sneered. He was only half kidding. The last thing they needed in their dysfunctional family was a baby.

Caden snickered, but Kase said nothing. It was a smart move and hopefully gave him something to think about. Raising kids was no joke. Jack had been doing it on his own for years. Some people would say growing up without a mother was the worst scenario for children. I say depends on the mother. Kase and Caden were better off in most people’s eyes. Jack may not have done everything right, or been a great role model for his boys, but he loved his boys. No one could deny that.

Jack reached in his pocket, pulling out his cigarettes.

“Can I get one of those?” Kase asked.

Jack tossed the box on the table and pulled out his lighter. He lit his cigarette and took in a deep drag. Sleep deprivation was finally kicking in. He’d have to get at least a few hours. Jack glanced down at his watch. It would probably put him at the clubhouse by late afternoon or early evening. There was a party scheduled, which would mean all the brothers would be in attendance.

“How’d it go in Blacksburg?” Kase asked.

Jack squinted, taking another drag from his cigarette. His son was itching to be a part of the club. Jack welcomed it. They needed loyal brothers, and for all Kase’s faults, he’d make an outstanding addition to the club. However, they had strict rules, which meant Kase had some time before he could prospect.

Even if Kase had been a member, Jack wouldn’t have divulged the information outside of the whole club. This was a particularly touchy and sensitive subject among a lot of the members. Not everyone was keen on Jack taking the meeting at all. Especially on his own. A few years ago, they’d got into a small war with another MC. Ghosttown came out as the victors with Satan’s Hex having to start from the ground up to rebuild their club. Their new president had asked for a truce and called for a meeting with Jack. Presidents only. Jack had his own concerns going in, but as promised, it was amicable.

“Went alright.” It was a neutral answer and the only one he’d give.

“What was the meeting about?” Kase asked.

“Club business.” Jack chugged the remainder of his coffee and turned, placing the mug in the sink. “Which makes it none of yours. Not a member, kid.”

“Not yet,” Kase blurted.

Jack controlled a smile and looked back at both his boys. They were on the verge of manhood. Different paths, though. Kase had been wanting to join the club for as long as he could remember. Everything about the Ghosttown Riders had fascinated him for as long as Jack could remember.

Jack lifted his chin to Caden. “When are you heading out?”

“Drake’s mom is picking me up in two hours.”

His youngest was different from him and Kase. Caden loved riding but didn’t show much interest in the club. He had his sights set on playing football and possibly going to college. He’d be the first in their family. That would be something to see. Jack never pushed either way. But he was still holding out hope that one day he’d have both his boys riding beside him, wearing the patch.

“How long is the camp again?” Jack asked.

Caden snorted. “Football training not camp. I’ll be gone for two weeks. Probably something you should know, Pop.”

True.

“Well, now I fucking know.” Jack smirked. “You got what you need?”

Caden hesitated, and the corner of his mouth curled. “Not gonna turn down some extra cash, if you’re offering.”

“I didn’t pay enough for that fucking camp?” Jack snapped, but pulled out his wallet and tossed three twenty-dollar bills on the kitchen table.

“Me, Saint, and Roman are going to the music festival in Virginia. Can I get some cash?” Kase said.

“No.” Jack cocked his brow. “But you can get a fucking job.”

Kase rolled his eyes. “That’s real fucking fair, Pop.”

“Life ain’t fucking fair, Kase. Better you find that out now.” Jack rounded the table. “When will you be back?”

Kase glared at Jack. “Gonna stay up there and do the ride through the mountains. Camp for a few days. Probably spend the rest of the time at Saint’s house.” Kase smirked. “Be back in two weeks. Now can I get some fucking cash?”

Little fucking prick.

Jack reached into his wallet, pulling out his last fifty. He held up the bill, and when Kase went to take it, he snatched it back. “You pay your own way at Saint’s. You ain’t their kid, they shouldn’t be paying for you. Respect them.” He handed the money to Kase.

For all his flaws, he had no doubt Kase would show respect. The Monroes saw Kase as one of their own. Same as how Jack saw Saint and Roman.

“Check in,” Jack said, and walked out of the kitchen and to the stairs. It was going to be a quiet house for the next two weeks.

He welcomed the peace.

****

“Christ Coll, how many fucking times I gotta ask?”

Colleen drew in a breath, grabbed a bottle of beer from the cooler, and rushed to the other end of the bar. Usually the prospects served as back up at the bar, but tonight it was all her. She should’ve had help, but Lyssa was currently involved in a threesome in the back room. One that included Mack and Dunn, her man . She resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the claim. For all outward appearances, she was with Dunn, but not in the sense of forever. Dunn only claimed Colleen when someone else showed interest.

It hadn’t always been that way.

Years ago when she’d started hanging around the club, she’d been with plenty of the brothers and not tied down to anyone. The good ol’ days. Always a wild and free-spirit, Colleen found her place with the Ghosttown Riders MC. Club whore extraordinaire. Some people looked down on the term. Colleen embraced it. After all, she was having fun. It was amazing to be around people who believed in living off the grid, no judgement, and free love. When she first started hanging around the club, her sexual freedom meter was on one hundred. Zero inhibitions and enjoying life and all the men in it. She’d experienced things most people never would in their lifetime.

But all good things must come to an end. And it did.

Colleen had made a lot of mistakes, and Dunn was one of her biggest. He’d seemed so nice and different at the beginning. But that shifted somewhere over the years. He’d gotten possessive over her. Initially she saw it more as protective, which was a draw for her. It wasn’t until she moved in with him that Dunn showed his true colors. He had a mean side he kept hidden from everyone else.

Dunn being with Lyssa was meant to be her punishment, along with the swollen cheekbone she was sporting. Double standards were nothing new with Dunn. He continued to be with other women while expecting Colleen to be exclusive with him. She wasn’t his old lady. She was just his personal club whore. Colleen was happy with the reprieve, being away from him for at least a few hours, maybe more.

What began as a ride of freedom with the Ghosttown Riders shifted into what felt like a prison at times. Of course, she was free to leave. But where would I go? She’d spent so much time with the club, their life had become hers. Truthfully, there was a part of her that wasn’t ready to part with the family aspect of the club.

She placed the bottles on the bar in front of the burly biker. He didn’t have the best manners, but deep down she knew he had a big heart.

“’Bout fucking time. I’m dying of fucking thirst here, sweetheart.”

“Sorry, Grain,” she mumbled, about to walk back to load more ice into the cooler when she caught a glimpse of him walking in.

Colleen stalled and peeked over at the president of the club. Everyone stopped to greet Jack. They always did. Gorgeous, sexy, and unattainable Jack Reilly. Many of the women tried to claim him, but it was a well-known fact if a girl got the opportunity in his bed, she’d better enjoy it. Jack never went back for seconds with any of the women. She wasn’t sure his reasoning other than not wanting to be tied down.

He hadn’t been with as many women as some would assume. Colleen always thought of them as the lucky ones . A small group she’d not been a part of. While he’d always been nice to Colleen, she hadn’t piqued his interest. Even after years of subtle attempts to flirt with him, Jack never gave her anything more than a few words and a handful of kind gestures. It was as if he was purposely keeping his distance.

Jack stopped at the bar next to Grain. “Meeting in ten. Gather the brothers.”

Grain nodded and grabbed his beer, walking off. Jack scanned the room and cupped his mouth. His stress was evident. Colleen could understand. Jack took a lot of pride in the club, the brothers, and the town. It was a lot of responsibility for one man to carry. And he did it flawlessly.

I have hero worship.

Watching Jack had become an everyday ritual since she was introduced to the club years ago. Power and leadership was usually cause for attention, but Jack didn’t bask in it the way others would. He didn’t use it as a weapon on those beneath him. He carried himself in a way that drew people to him. I’m so drawn. Colleen had other reasons, mainly her undeniable and unrelenting attraction. Tall, muscular, long hair, and the most gorgeous brown eyes. Sign me up.

Jack dug into his chest pocket, pulling out his cigarettes and lighter. His hands were weathered and scraped, a result of sun exposure and hard work, she assumed. Rough hands . Colleen felt a twinge of excitement with all the possibilities of what those hands could do. A heated flash spread over her skin. He lifted the cigarette to his mouth, and her eyes locked on his lips. More possibilities. Colleen was in a sex-induced trance and froze when Jack stilled and slowly looked over. Shit!

It wasn’t the first time she’d been caught staring. She smiled, giving a short wave and rushing toward him.

“Hi Jack.” Her voice cracked, and she immediately cleared her throat in hopes of covering it up. “Can I get you anything?”

The corner of his mouth curled. He’d obviously noticed. Her infatuation with Jack Reilly was the worst kept secret. He had to have known, not that it mattered. He may have been nice to her, but he’d never showed any interest in taking her to his bed. That was reserved for other women. Not Colleen. She’d tried her best years ago but never made any headway with Jack.

Jack’s smile faltered as he scanned her face. “I’ll take a bourbon.”

She rushed across the bar, ignoring the two brothers holding up their empty glasses. Jack was always priority when she worked the bar. She quickly made his drink and rushed back with his glass, placing it in front of him.

“Anything else?”

The term was used often in the club with the innuendo being obvious. Not with Jack, though. He wouldn’t take her up on anything she was willing to offer.

Jack reached across the bar, brushed her hair from her face, and grasped her chin, turning her head. Shit. Her face immediately heated. She tried to do her best covering it up with makeup, but as the night drew on it must’ve worn off. When his finger slid over the small cut on her cheekbone, she winced.

“Walk into a door?” His graveled tone was anything but teasing.

Her cheeks prickled with heat, and she averted her gaze across the room, muttering, “Something like that.”

Jack let her go, and she peeked up. Embarrassment was hard to mask. Jack’s expression was harsh, and his eyes darkened. She waited, but he didn’t say a word. He picked up his glass, taking a sip and staring at her over the rim.

Jack was quite a few years older than her, though it didn’t hinder her attraction. It did, however, increase her level of respect for him. He was the kind of person she didn’t want to let down. As his gaze lingered on her cheek, she could read the disappointment in his eyes. She bowed her head, giving a subtle shake. Her hair fell past her cheek, concealing her cut.

Jack placed the glass on the bar top and gestured to the opposite end.

“The boys need a refill.”

She pressed her lips together and walked to the bikers at the end of the bar. By the time she’d gotten them their drinks, Jack was gone.

Colleen spent the next fifteen minutes rushing around, getting drinks for the brothers. It was a mad rush since Jack called the meeting. As she turned back around, she saw Dunn and Mack walk from the back hallway with Lyssa trailing close behind. From her disheveled hair and smeared lipstick, it was obvious what they’d been up to. Better you than me.

“Doormat or don’t give a fuck?” Regina asked.

Grain’s old lady was sitting at the end of the bar watching the trio just as Colleen had thought, her sneer more than obvious. Regina seemed more disgusted with the display than Colleen felt.

“What do you mean?”

Regina turned in her seat, scowling. “You. Are you a doormat willing to let your man step out right in front of you? Or?” She raised her brows. “Do you just not give a fuck ’cause you know Dunn ain’t worth giving two shits about?”

She swallowed the knot in her throat. Talking with any of the old ladies was rare and potentially risky. They had more power than the club whores and could make time with Ghosttown a living hell. This one in particular was an old lady no one dared to mess with. Regina was her own breed. Possessive, volatile, and she was even known to go against some of the brothers. Some people viewed it as disrespectful. Not Colleen. If anything, she admired Regina’s strength. Still, she always kept her distance. Among all her traits, Regina was unpredictable.

“So?” Regina took a drag from her cigarette. “Which is it?”

Colleen smiled. It was shaky at best, and she shrugged. “Dunn is free to do whatever he wants.”

Regina scoffed. “But you’re not?”

It was complicated. Technically, she wasn’t an old lady, which meant Dunn had no real claim over her. But most of the brothers stayed away from her knowing how much time she spent with him. It was out of respect for Dunn, not Colleen. It was a win-win position for him and a lose-lose for her. Still, she’d always remained neutral.

“Sure, I am.” That was a lie. A big tall tale, and from the look on Regina’s face, not a very good one.

“Then why don’t you fuck someone else?” Regina straightened on her stool, scanning the room. “Hell, there are plenty of guys here. Pick one.”

This felt like a test. Coming from Regina, Colleen wouldn’t put it past her to be setting her up. Colleen had yet to be on the receiving end of Regina’s vitriol, but she’d born witness quite a few times. Colleen just shook her head, hoping it would end the conversation. It didn’t.

“Weak isn’t sexy. Neither is eating shit for a man who doesn’t respect you.”

Colleen chuckled without an ounce of humor. Regina didn’t live the same life as her. Things were different for Colleen.

“Not much respect being handed out around here for someone like me.”

Regina squinted. “That’s because respect isn’t handed out . It’s earned. And you’ll never get any if you keep taking what they give.”

Colleen stilled, eyeing Regina, unsure of what she meant. Asking was the last thing she was going to do. Luckily, she didn’t have to.

“They give you shit, and you take it? They give you pain, and you take it? You keep taking everything, they’ll never stop giving it.”

There was the insult she’d been waiting on. But there was no denying Regina had a point. People only gave as much as another would take.

Regina narrowed her gaze and cocked her brow. I hear what you’re saying, Gee.

Colleen grabbed an ashtray, cleaning it out and busying herself. The last thing she wanted was to further this conversation. Just as she was rinsing the ashtray, another club girl, newer to the club sidled up to the bar next to Regina. Kay tapped her nails on the bar.

“Get me a beer, Coll?”

Colleen wiped her hands. She was halfway across the bar when she noticed Regina glaring at Kay. It didn’t take much to get Regina riled up, but Colleen wasn’t quite sure what had provoked it this time.

“You can’t get your own fucking beer?” Regina snapped.

Kay may have been warned about Regina, but clearly it hadn’t fully sunk in just yet. She furrowed her brows, angled her head, and then made the ultimate mistake. She laughed. Kay was under the impression Regina was joking. Kay was unaware that was something this old lady didn’t do often, especially with club whores.

“Colleen’s the bartender, not me.” Kay smiled over at Colleen. “And you’re great at it. But I don’t like being stuck behind the bar and serving everyone while they get to party.”

Neither do I. But it was par for the course. At least for some of us.

Regina smiled and looked over Colleen. Oh shit. Colleen knew that look.

Run, Kay, get away while you can.

“Well, how lucky are you that you get to do whatever the fuck you want.” Regina’s sarcasm was loud and clear.

Kay shrugged with a smug smile. “I got connections.”

Colleen clamped her lips. Kay was so far up her own ass in delusions she didn’t even catch the vibe from Regina. In an effort to save the newbie, she rushed to the cooler, grabbed a beer, and handed it to Kay.

“Here you go.”

Kay smiled and walked away without even a thank you. Colleen hadn’t expected it, but considering she just helped her out, it would’ve been fitting.

“Another Vodka?” she asked Regina, whose hardened gaze was focused on Kay walking through the room.

Thankfully, Regina’s perfect distraction came forward, bulldozing through the crowd. It was a wonder everyone hadn’t learned by now when Grain was coming, make room, otherwise they’d be a casualty. Colleen quickly grabbed a beer, placing it on the bar next to Regina.

Grain grabbed the bottle, turning to his old lady. “Got a meeting.”

Regina grabbed his arm when he started to walk away. “Need you to do something for me first.”

“After the meeting.” Grain attempted to walk away again, but Regina tugged on his arm and grabbed the waistband of his jeans, pulling him toward her.

“Now, baby.” Regina slid her hand up his chest, and Grain immediately moved closer, sliding between her legs and dropping his hand to her hip as he bent down. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d seen them make out at the bar. It was a nightly event for these two. Their chemistry was off the charts.

Colleen busied herself sneaking a peek. They weren’t kissing. Regina had her hand wrapped around the back of his neck, whispering something in his ear. When Grain straightened, he was scowling with a hint of confusion.

“That can’t fucking wait?” Grain raised his brows.

The corner of Regina’s mouth curled. “Do it now, and I’ll be happy. And you like when I’m happy.”

Colleen bowed her head to conceal her smile. She had to give credit to Regina. She was the only woman alive who could semi-control Grain.

Grain sighed and looked over his shoulder, eyeing the crowd at the party.

“Which one is she?”

Regina leaned closer, grabbing his arm with a devilish smile and pointed across the room. “That one,” Regina said, and Colleen followed the direction. It landed on Kay.

Regina turned to Colleen and cocked her brow. “I think she’d be perfect behind the bar tonight.”

Well, fuck! Colleen muffled her snicker but couldn’t hold back a smile.

Never underestimate the power of an old lady.