Ride Free Read online

  The drumming that led her people slowly died down, leaving only the tom-tom to finish the opening dance. The strumming that dictated the love in her heart departed, and her own pulse returned. She bent at the waist, hands on her knees, and sucked air into her lungs. Exhausted and energized at the same time, she’d never experienced a dance quite like this one.

  It spoke to the hidden part inside her—the part she showed no one, not even herself. It wiped away the doubts, the self-destruction, and the guilt she lived with from her parents. Cleansed from the inside out, she stood, only then realizing the others had left her to dance alone, to share in the spirit that moved her.

  Sarah turned to the drummers to find who played the extra loud thrumming that sent her heart flying in the middle of the song, and instead her gaze extended beyond the instruments to the crowd gathered. She gasped.

  How can this be?

  The fire reflected off the chrome of the motorcycles, and she knew that the darkened shadows beside the bikes could only be the gang that rode into town earlier. She ran out of the circle. In her blind path to get away and hide from the embarrassment of opening herself up to not only the people she grew up with, but also in front of complete strangers, she ran in the direction of her past.

  She didn’t run very far because she was winded from the dance and the excitement over the arrival of the motorcycle gang. Her legs trembled, and she leaned against a worn-down fence. The familiar splintered wood beneath her palms and the broken glass bottle lying between her spread feet somehow brought her back to reality.

  The house contained inside the dilapidated fence sat unlit and serene. Sarah laid her head on her folded arms on the top board and closed her eyes. She shut out the memories, angry that tonight of all nights they invaded her space. Usually she kept them at bay and only permitted them out on her terms.

  “Are you okay?”

  Her head snapped up, and the pressure she put on the picket fence threatened to push it over. She recognized the voice, and to find her dream man in front of her took her breath away. Ellen was right. The end man came.

  He held his hands up. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

  “W-What are you doing here?”

  He gestured in the direction of the powwow. “We often stop to help those in need. I hope we didn’t scare you… I saw the look in your eyes when you noticed my family watching you dance.”

  “No!” She stepped closer and laughed nervously. “I mean, no, you didn’t scare me. Startled, perhaps. I’m sorry, this isn’t coming out right.”

  He folded his arms and relaxed his stance. She caught her lower lip between her teeth. Should she explain or ask him a million and two questions about his life on the road?

  “What are you doing here?” She wrinkled her nose. Good question, stupid. You might as well have asked him to strip naked and dance to the moon.

  He shrugged and swept his hair back. “One of the guys at the gas station a few miles down the road spoke about a fund-raiser for a little boy. We had no plans, so thought we’d stick around and help out.”

  “Yes, the youngest. I can never remember his name. There are eight children in the family—” She waved her hand. “I’m sorry about earlier today. I really wanted to say yes.”

  She bit down on her bottom lip. The lack of light forced her to lean forward to read his expressions.

  He cocked his eyebrow. “Yes?”

  She slapped her forehead and stepped back. Of course he wouldn’t remember her from earlier. Surely he didn’t have a fetish about women who hid behind rose bushes the way she fantasized about bikers.

  “Earlier today, I watched you ride down the street in Astoria. You turned around and asked me if I wanted a ride.” She toed the dirt and shook her head. “That’s what I was apologizing for…turning you down.”

  “I know.”

  “You know? But—” She laughed. Oh God, he remembers me.

  He brushed a strand of hair by her cheek over her shoulder. “The moment I noticed you dancing, I knew you were the woman I talked to earlier. Your hair, the way you move…it gave you away. I don’t think I’ve known anyone with hair dark as midnight, that seems to come to life when they move.”

  “This is incredible. I mean, what are the chances? I came here tonight with the hope you might show up. Ellen said you would, but I thought she pulled a fast one over on me. I never dreamed you’d really show up.” She leaned into his touch, enjoying the way he caressed her cheek.

  “Karma.” He lowered his head.

  He hovered over her, his mouth close enough to steal a kiss. Sarah arched her neck and held her breath. She searched his brown eyes, trying to figure out what he was thinking. His gaze was unreadable, resembling liquid pools of obsidian that blocked her view to his thoughts.

  A loud creak followed by a dull thud broke them apart. He pushed her behind him. An empty bottle landed a few feet from her and shattered into pieces.

  “Hey! Watch it.” The man reached behind him, keeping her safe.

  The shuffling of footsteps across the wooden porch stopped. “Get out of here, you son of a bitch! Don’t make me come down there. I will—”

  The man stumbled and fell against the house, but remained on his feet.

  Chapter Three

  Sarah stepped to go around her protector, but he nudged her back with his hand. She clutched at the back of his shirt. Her heart raced, and she became light-headed. Detached from the scene that played out in front of her, she’d give anything to grab the man’s hand and drag him away from the house.

  “Leave my property!”

  Another bottle followed the first, and Sarah realized the man heading toward them was picking them out of the grass.

  “Hey, hang on. We’re just talking. We’ll leave, no problem, mister.” Her hero in black leather clasped her hand in his. He kept her on the other side of his body, well protected from flying bottles.

  The man poised with another empty bottle raised in the air. “Get going, and take your bitch with you.”

  The hand Sarah held yanked her backward out of harm’s way. She tightened her grip, refusing to let go of his hand. Why did this have to happen now?

  He turned his back to the man and pried Sarah’s fingers from his hand. “I’m sorry I have to do this, but I won’t allow anyone to degrade a woman in front of me.”

  He brushed a kiss against her forehead and turned. Helpless, Sarah reached out, but only caught air. He jumped the sorry-excuse for a fence in one leap and marched across the littered lawn.

  “Don’t! Please.” She hurried over and stood against the fence. She squared her shoulders, refusing to show how embarrassed and ashamed she was over the way her father behaved.

  “Da, go inside.” She started at the man who allowed alcohol to rule his life. Unkempt, weathered, and smelling of the drinks he consumed, her da squinted in her direction. She wondered if he even recognized her in the drunken fog that separated them.

  “Sari?” Her da stepped forward, but Motorcycle Man pressed a hand into his chest and stopped him. “Is that you, girl? Where the hell is your ma?”

  “Ma’s dead. Go back in the house, Da. I’ll send Bill to check on you later.” Sarah’s hands trembled at her sides. She crossed her arms and fought to keep from crying for the life she wanted, instead of the life handed to her. Sensitive nerves radiated throughout her body, and she weakened.

  The shell of a man who she called Da ambled back toward the house, his head down, his shoulders hunched against the cold hard truth. Her gaze remained on his back, but she saw out of the corner of her vision that Motorcycle Man had returned to her side.

  Her da shut the door, but it didn’t latch and remained open a few inches. The clink of glass and the inevitable shatter of broken bottles reached out to Sarah. Her chest rose as she inhaled through her nose, and she drew strength from past experiences. Her da didn’t welcome any help from her; he only sought to escape reality.

  “Let’s walk.” Motorcycle Man urged
her back in the direction of the powwow, his hand resting gently above her jeans.

  She gazed over her shoulder but continued to take one step after another away from her childhood home. She’d gone down this road with her da on more than one occasion. Her involvement only brought out memories for her father that he’d rather forget, and each time he sunk even further into self-destruction.

  “Are you okay?”

  She stopped, cocked her head, and pursed her lips to the side. “Yep, right as rain.”

  He nodded, but his gaze studied her. “Sari—”

  “Sarah.” She cleared her throat. “My name is Sarah.”

  “That’s a nice name. You look like a Sarah.” He strummed her cheek with his thumb. “You don’t have to explain what happened back there, but I’d like to know if you have to return to that house tonight.”

  She shook her head. “I have my own apartment off the reservation, in Astoria.”

  “Good.” His thumb continued to stroke the top of her cheek, right below her eye.

  She relaxed her neck, and he supported her head in his big, capable hands. Her eyelids drifted down, and her tongue came out to wet her bottom lip.

  “Sarah? I’m going to kiss you.” He ran his thumb over her bottom lip.

  She parted her mouth at his admission, nodded, and welcomed him.

  He brushed his lips against hers, tasting, teasing, until gently pulling away.

  She straightened her head and opened her eyes. “Wait. I don’t even know your name.”

  He pulled her into his arms, and the way he mumbled “Reefer” against the sensitive skin at the base of her ear set her world on fire. He kissed her again, urging her to open her mouth for him. The warm moistness of his tongue teased and titillated her desire for the man who rode the end of the line.

  Reefer’s arms wrapped around her back, and he bent her backward. She held on to him, afraid he’d stop. Call her crazy, but she’d already decided she’d give him everything—her body, her mind, her kisses—if only for a few more minutes spent in his arms.

  He urged her closer, and she leaned against his rock hard body. She gripped his forearms to keep from wobbling. In one kiss he’d sucked every thought out of her mind and filled her with a passion she’d never experienced before.

  “Wow.”

  “You can say that again.” Reefer stepped back, shoved his hands in his pockets, and blew the hair out of his face. “Do you want to get out of here?”

  She nodded.

  Hand in hand, they hurried past the others still out enjoying the festivities. She ignored the glares from the other women. Old enough to make her own decisions, she let the judgments roll off her back.

  When they got to the parking lot, Reefer stopped and eyed his bike. “Did you ride here with someone or do you have a car?”

  “I have a car. I can leave it. I want that ride you offered.” She bounced on her toes. Just thinking about her first motorcycle trip and how she was minutes from experiencing the purr of the engine shot a course of adrenaline through her limbs.

  “Okay. Let’s go over and let Crowbar know I’m leaving.” He kept hold of her hand.

  “Crowbar?” She jogged to keep up with his long strides.

  “Yeah, he takes my place if I can’t do my job.” He raised his hand and motioned towards the crowd.

  A huge mountain of a man emerged from the people. His beard, bushy and reaching the middle of his chest, hid his face and gave him an intimidating appearance. Reefer squeezed her hand, and she smiled up at him. Not only did she anticipate her very first motorcycle ride, but she was also meeting Reefer’s family. Ellen is going to flip out when I tell her about this.

  “Whattup, Reef?” Crowbar glanced down at Sarah then returned his gaze to Reefer.

  “I’m heading out for a while.” Reefer removed a handful of bills from his wallet and handed it over to his friend. “I’ll catch you back at the motel later. Get me a room, huh? Oh, and I’m borrowing your helmet.”

  “No prob.” Crowbar nodded and turned to Sarah. “I’m Crowbar, if Reefer hasn’t already told you, which he probably didn’t. Sometimes it’s hard to squeeze two words out of this guy.”

  Crowbar held up his fist, and he and Reefer bumped knuckles, a smile on both of their faces. Sarah beamed at the scene. It was exactly how she’d always imagined two brothers to act. In fact, if they ended up throwing their arms around each other, she’d probably scream in delight.

  “He doesn’t need to talk. I understand him.” She smiled.

  Crowbar coughed and covered his mouth. “Alright, Reef, I’m going back to lose more money at the tables.” He threw his arms around the other man’s shoulders.

  Sarah squealed, and the moment Crowbar turned to her, she launched herself at him. Her arms didn’t go around him very far, but she gave him a squeeze. “It’s so nice to meet you, Crowbar.”

  He stepped back, ran his hand down his beard, glanced over at Reefer. “She’s a friendly one.” He grinned at Sarah. “Nice to meet you too.”

  Sarah barely waited long enough for Crowbar to leave before she turned to Reefer. “Let’s go. I can’t wait to ride.”

  He smiled, and although he threw his head back, only a short chuckle escaped. “I don’t think I’ve ever met someone so excited to meet a biker before. Most people back away, or turn around when they see us.”

  “I’d never do that. I’ve wanted to join a motorcycle gang since I was a little girl.” She chewed on the inside of her cheek. “I don’t mean I’m going to turn into your stalker or bug you about when I can see you next. No, tonight is for us. I’m not worrying about what happens tomorrow.”

  Reefer’s step faltered and he turned to gaze down at her. She dropped Reefer’s hand and hurried over to his bike. “This is yours, right?”

  He nodded, and she walked around it, bent over, and inspected every little detail. She stuck out her hand, but stopped herself before she came into contact with the huge piece of metal.

  “It’s beautiful, much prettier up close and not moving. I didn’t realize how big it was or how wide. Those chrome things stick out far; it’s amazing that you can reach the ground.” She gazed from his feet to his hips. “Although, you have long legs. No way would I ever be able to hold the machine up.”

  “You have a desire to ride one yourself? I thought you were only interested in riding on the back.” Reefer laughed.

  She straightened up and planted her hands on her hips. “You know what? I don’t know. I’ve always imagined myself riding behind someone.”

  “No kidding.”

  She stepped around the bike and stood beside Reefer. “Yeah. Maybe I’d like to try riding on my own someday… Right now, though, I want to ride behind you.”

  “Your wish… Where do you want to go?” Reefer removed the helmet off a different bike before returning to his own and throwing his leg over the seat. He pulled the motorcycle straight and kicked the stand up and off the ground. He passed her the helmet.

  “Surprise me.” Sarah smiled and slipped the helmet on.

  Reefer fired the engine and held his hand out to help her mount the bike. Sarah placed her foot on the footpad and sat on the wide seat. Reefer put his weight down in front of her; she wiggled closer, wrapped her arms around his waist, and laid her head against his back.

  The way his chest shook underneath her cheek made her grin with excitement. She linked her hands together, and Reefer tilted the bike. The rumble from this close up consumed everything. Her heart beat to the rhythm of the putters from the exhaust. The vibration that traveled through the bike seat and onto her bottom showed her exactly how the heavy machine came alive once the engine was started.

  Reefer shifted gears smoothly, and she barely felt the movement. The faster he traveled the more it seemed that Sarah floated through the air. She imagined many things about her first ride, but the way the bike weaved, tilted, and turned without a worry of tipping impressed and delighted her.

  She lifted her head
off Reefer and let the wind whip the ends of her hair. She shook her head and basked in the thought of her hair trailing out behind them.

  She unclasped her hands and moved them to Reefer’s sides. With his shirt fisted in both hands, she leaned back and closed her eyes. The events of the day caught up with her, and she wanted nothing more but to escape into this fascinating world Reefer brought with him.

  She remembered the saying on the key chain Ellen gave her many months earlier. Without a second thought, she let go of Reefer and stuck her hands out to the sides. With only her legs molded onto the bike, she found her Utopia.

  Yes, I want to ride like the wind.

  Chapter Four

  Reefer glanced in his side mirror and saw Sarah leaned back, ink black hair trailing behind her. Enthrallment with the beautiful woman on the back of his bike had temporarily weakened him, and he kicked himself for letting her think her dreams were coming true. What in the hell did he expect from this ride in the dark?

  He’d followed his golden rule to never involve himself with someone outside the biker world since his teen years. Yet this morning, the sight of her peeking out behind that bush with the most orgasmic expression on her face had him forgetting his promise. His bike had taken on a life of its own when it turned around, and he didn’t have the strength to fight it. In an instant, he’d imprinted her face in his head—and there she stayed.

  How he got from a simple talk this morning to a smooch session under the moon remained a mystery. He pulled into a park where he knew of a sandy area on the edge of the Columbia River. He’d bet his bike the place didn’t have a soul around either.

  He downshifted and turned off the paved road. “Hold on!”

  Sarah’s arms came around his waist, and he glanced in the mirror to make sure she’d snapped out of the place she’d disappeared to during the ride. The joy on her face at the mere mention of a motorcycle didn’t compare to how she’d acted on the ride. His pants needed adjusting, and he wasn’t sure he’d be able to swing his leg off the bike without an explosion or seriously damaging his family jewels.