Chapter Five
Elise
Graduation came and went, and school closed for the summer. Time marched on toward the date John would leave.
He passed his medical and fitness tests with flying colors, and his references and background checks came back clean. It didn’t take long for him to get the date he had to report for boot camp in San Diego, three days after my eighteenth birthday.
I hadn’t slept well since the day John enlisted, so I was already up and dressed by the time Dad came downstairs on the morning of my birthday.
He came straight over and kissed my hair. “Happy birthday,” he murmured. “Can’t believe my baby girl’s all grown up already.” He slid into the chair next to me at the kitchen table, smiling at Mom as she placed a mug of steaming hot coffee in front of him. “What are you doing today, sweetheart?”
I bit my lip nervously. “A crowd of us are going swimming down the creek.”
Dad’s eyes narrowed. “You mean that John Stone’s gonna be there.”
Pop wasn’t pleased that I was spending all my time with John instead of helping him out at our family’s home improvement store. I told him that once John left, I’d work every day until the new college semester started, but deep down, he wasn’t on board with mine and John’s relationship, and he didn’t mind letting me know.
Gathering my composure, I shrugged. “Of course, he’ll be there, Daddy. He’s my boyfriend.”
“I don’t like you seeing him,” he muttered. “They’re all criminals in that biker club. You’ve got a perfectly decent fella who’d love to take you out, a future Mayor of this town, and you turn him down for the likes of Stone.” He shook his head slightly. “I can’t work you out.”
Mom placed her coffee gently on the table on the other side of me. “Come on, Jerome. John Stone’s a decent young man. I’d hardly call him a criminal; he’s joining the Marines.” She went back to the stove, dished some eggs out onto two plates, and brought them over for Dad and me. “He seems to think the world of Elise. That’s what’s important.” She sent me a secretive wink.
Dad studied me thoughtfully. “Still, it wouldn’t hurt to give Robert Henderson Junior a chance. Stone’s leaving town soon.”
My stomach twisted. Dad kept hinting that I should dump John for Robert, but he had to accept it would never happen. He never cared about what I wanted. All he saw was that Robert was the mayor’s son, whereas, in contrast, John’s dad was a biker.
Dad’s snobbery was blatant. His rigid views stirred a suppressed rebellion within me, and for the first time, I couldn’t stop myself from clapping back.
“John may be going into the military, but it’s not the end of our relationship,” I retorted. “I won’t be going out with Robert Henderson or any other guy while he’s away, Daddy, and it’s hurtful to say those things. John’s good to me. He treats me like a princess.”
Dad sat back in his chair, glaring at me over the top of his glasses. “You’re proving I’m right in having reservations about that boy if this is the influence he’s having on you. You’ve never spoken back to me before.”
“I’m eighteen, Daddy,” I argued. “I’m not a little girl anymore. I’m allowed to voice my opinions. You always judge John because of his background, but he’s kind and respectful toward me. Isn’t that what’s important?”
Dad’s green eyes—an identical shade to mine—softened slightly. He ran a hand over his dark blond hair, letting out a deep sigh. “I know you’re growing up, and I also know Stone’s not the worst guy you could end up with, but still, you can’t blame me for wanting more for you. Henderson has better prospects, and you’d have a much easier life marrying him than getting involved with that biker club.” He pursed his lips disapprovingly. “Bandit Stone’s a lunatic and a criminal. Why would you want to get mixed up with people who operate on the wrong side of the law?”
“John’s not part of the club,” I insisted.
My dad looked at me like I was crazed. ‘He will be one day.”
I couldn’t help gaping at him. “Daddy. Please stop. John’s not like that.”
“Jerome,” Mom scolded softly, taking the seat on the other side of Dad. “I like John. He’s helpful and polite. Whatever you think of his father, you must admit, he’s well-mannered, and nobody in town has a bad word to say about him.” She smiled at him knowingly. “And let’s face it, If I’d listened to my daddy about you, none of us would be sitting at this table.”
“That’s different,” he said gruffly.
Mom sent me a conspiratorial glance and took a sip of coffee. “Maybe Elise should enjoy her time with her boyfriend. He’ll be gone in a few days. I’m sure once he goes to boot camp, she’ll be more available.”
“Yes,” I agreed, eagerly taking Mom’s cue. “I can help in the store as much as you need soon. I’ll want to keep busy when John leaves, anyway.”
Dad heaved out a breath and went back to his breakfast. The clinking of knives and forks filled the tense silence until, out of nowhere, the telephone attached to the wall began to ring loudly.
“It’s probably John,” I murmured, jumping to my feet and rushing to answer before it rang off. Lifting the receiver, I held it to my ear. “Hello?”
“Duchess,” John drawled. “Be over in about thirty minutes. I’m leavin’ now, but Stevie needs a ride, so I’ll get him first.” His voice lowered. “Happy birthday, beautiful.”
My gaze fell on my dad, who crossed his arms across his chest, cocking an eyebrow. Turning to face the wall, I whispered, “Thanks.”
Dad wouldn’t allow me to have a phone in my room, so whenever John called me, I had to conduct a conversation in front of my parents. It was downright embarrassing to talk to my boyfriend with my daddy listening to every word.
“Is your pop there?” John asked.
My eyes slid across the room to meet Dad’s. “Yes.”
“Go bring a change of clothes, somethin’ nice, and put him on, baby. Gonna ask him if you can stay out past curfew tonight. Wanna do somethin’ special for your birthday.”
My heart jerked excitedly. “Okay. See you soon.” I held the phone out. “John asked to talk to you, Daddy.”
Dad’s lips thinned as he stood and walked toward me, taking the receiver. “Give us some privacy, please, Elise.”
I nodded, making my way out of the kitchen, and ran up the stairs while trying to ignore the low murmurs coming from the kitchen as my dad and my boyfriend conversed.
Their relationship was fraught at best.
I loved my dad, but I hated his prejudice. Whenever he criticized my boyfriend, it put me in an awkward position. My pop said he didn’t want me to be with John because of his links to the club, but I couldn’t help wondering if he didn’t like the fact that my boyfriend was replacing him as the most important man in my life.
When I was growing up, Dad and I were close, but since I’d met John, my priorities had changed. Maybe it left my daddy reeling. I’d always been the perfect daughter, quiet and polite. Somebody once told me I was the town’s sweetheart, an all-American girl. It made my dad proud, and he loved the fact there was nothing controversial about me, at least until I got with John.
I slipped on my swimsuit, putting my jeans, tank, and sneakers over the top. Then, I packed my deodorant, shower gel, and a summer dress in my overnight bag. After grabbing my makeup, I made my bed and straightened up my room.
The sound of a truck approaching permeated the air. I ran to the window and watched, heart racing excitedly as John’s truck came to a stop outside my house. Smiling, I grabbed my bag and hurried into the hallway, hitting the top stair as the doorbell rang through the house.
Mom appeared in the hallway, wiping her hands on her apron. “Slow down, Elise,” she murmured, shaking her head good-naturedly while reaching for the door and swinging it open to reveal John standing there in jeans, a white tee, and sunglasses.
“Mornin’, Mrs. Bell,” he said, whipping his shades off. My guy looked up the stairs and smiled the second his eyes fell on me. “You look pretty, Leesy.”
I beamed. “Thank you.”
“John asked your dad if you could stay out later tonight for your birthday,” Mom informed me. “We’ve agreed, but John’s got to have you home by midnight.”
“She won’t be late,” John vowed in a low voice, his golden eyes still glued to me. “Appreciate you allowing me some leeway.” His stare slid to Mom. “Wanna do somethin’ nice for Elise’s special day.”
My chest warmed at his words. “Really?” I asked breathily.
He nodded. “You ready?”
“Yeah.” I bounced down the stairs and kissed Mom’s cheek. “See you later.”
John took my hand and led me outside, kissing the side of my head as we headed to the truck. “You had a good birthday mornin’, baby?”
“Yes, thank you.” I held my wrist out to show him the white gold bracelet I wore. “My folks got me this, and they’re paying for my college tuition, so I don’t have to worry about that anymore.”
He gently took my wrist and kissed the inside of it. “Beautiful.”
My heart fluttered because I knew he wasn’t talking about the bracelet.
The truck door flew open, and Stevie Harding emerged. “Morning, birthday girl,” he called over. “It’s a good day for it.” He swept his hand outward with a flourish, ushering me into the truck.
With a laugh, I thanked him and climbed inside, shifting across the bench seat until I situated myself next to John, who was getting into the driver’s side. I turned my head to see Steve get in beside me.
“Seat belt, Leesy,” John muttered, reaching across me, pulling the strap across my chest, and fastening it. He dropped a kiss on my cheek and started the engine. “Everybody’s meeting us down the creek in about an hour. Thought we’d get there first and grab the good spots.”
“I’ve bought my boom box,” Steve told me with a nudge.
John’s hand fell on my knee. “My ma packed us some drinks and snacks.” His eyes locked with mine, and he smiled. “You ready for an epic birthday, Duchess?”
I stared up at the man I loved with all my heart. The man who treated me like I was the most precious thing in the world and smiled big as I told him everything I felt at that moment.
“Every day’s epic with you, John Stone.”
‘West End Girls’ by the Pet Shop Boys blasted through the boom box, filling the warm summer air and mingling with the laughter that rang out all around us.
A loud yell went up, followed by a splash as Stevie jumped into the deep part of the creek. After a few seconds, he came up for air, greeted by raucous laughter from the group of guys egging him on.
“It’s like they regress in age when they’re together,” Kelly said, rolling her eyes. “We’re the younger ones and supposedly less mature, but put them together, and they act like fifteen-year-old little shits.” She nodded toward the guys as they grabbed onto Richard Allen, trying to throw him in the creek like they’d just done to Stevie. “They’re supposed to be grown men.”
A bubble of laughter rose in my throat as I watched John grab Richard and toss him into the water as if he weighed nothing. “They’re just having fun.”
“Until it goes too far and somebody gets hurt,” she sighed, “and it’ll probably be Stevie.”
It was like they heard her because, right on cue, Rob Henderson leaned down and grabbed Stevie’s arms while Harry Stafford clasped his legs, and they began to swing him toward the shallow part of the creek.
“Oh my God,” Kelly exclaimed, starting toward them at the same time as John yelled, “Stop! You’ll break his fuckin’ back.”
Heart in mouth, I watched, panicked, as Stevie kicked out hard, catching Harry’s ribs with his foot and connecting so hard that Stafford dropped him with a loud yelp. Stevie’s torso twisted, and he fell to the ground with a resounding thud.
“What the fuck?” John roared, falling on his knees to check on Steve, who gasped; he was obviously winded. “Jesus, Rob. You know better than to throw somebody in the shallow part. You could’a killed him.” He scooched out the way for Kelly, who crouched down, running her hands over Steve’s shoulders and arms to check he was okay.
“Relax,” Rob retorted. “We were just having fun.”
John rose to his feet, his expression tight and his hands clenched into fists. “It’s not fun when you risk hurtin’ someone. What the fuck’s the matter with you?” He stalked toward Henderson, face turning a furious red color. “You’ve been a dick since you got back from law school, Rob. I’ve ignored it, thought you’d come around eventually, but I draw the line when you hurt the people who’re supposed to be your friends.”
Robert squared his shoulders and opened his mouth to snap back at John but must’ve thought better of it because his body sagged, and he scraped a hand down his face. “Yeah, okay, Stone. I guess things went a bit far.” He turned to Stevie and reached out a hand. “Apologies, buddy.”
Steve grabbed Robbie’s hand and hauled himself to his feet before helping Kelly up. “S’okay,” he muttered grudgingly. “It was a dick move, though.” He slid his arm around Kelly’s shoulders. “Is everythin’ alright, bud? Stone’s right, you have been a little more aggressive since you got back from law school.”
A cold shiver ran down my spine as I watched anger flash across Rob’s face. For a second, I thought he’d hit Steve, but the expression left him as quickly as it came.
“I’m okay,” he assured the guys. “I’ve been stressed studying for the bar exam. There’s a lot of pressure on my shoulders.”
Steve’s face softened. “I get it, bud.” He clapped Rob on the shoulder. “If you ever need to talk, I’m here for ya.”
Rob nodded and smiled ruefully. “Sorry again, Ste. I guess I got carried away.”
Harry said something, and they all busted out laughing, except John, who caught my eye and jerked his head to the side.
I walked toward the tree we always sat under to watch the stars, turning to watch John approach. “Is everything okay?” I asked nervously. “That was weird, right?”
“Yeah.” John took my hand and splayed our fingers together. “There’s somethin’ goin’ on with Robert. Steve started to have reservations about him a while ago, and I’m startin’ to see he was right. All day, I’ve caught Rob watchin’ you when he thinks nobody’s lookin’, Leesy. I think he’s sore about us bein’ together. I don’t trust him.”
I thought about the evil look that flashed across Rob’s face minutes before and almost shivered again at the sense of foreboding it gave me. “You’re right. Robert’s creeping me out.”
“Want you to be careful when I’m at boot camp,” John told me. “Make sure you’re never alone with him. If he approaches you, make your excuses and get the fuck outta dodge. I’ll ask Stevie to keep an eye on you, and if you all come down here or if there’s a party or somethin’, I’ll make sure he and Kelly pick you up and take you home.”
I squeezed John’s hand. “I’ll keep busy and out of Robert’s way. I don’t want to come down here or go to parties without you. I’ll keep busy with college, and I’ll work at the store on weekends.”
He smiled sadly. “No, baby. I don’t want you to sit indoors moping over my ass. Go out and have fun.”
“It won’t be fun without you,” I argued. “You’re thinking about our future, and it’s time I did, too. I can save up and get a little nest egg together while you’re away.”
He cupped my face with his strong hand and softly kissed me. “You know my grandpa on Ma’s side passed away not long ago?”
My brow furrowed as I wondered what he was getting at. “Yeah. But you weren’t close, right?”
“No, we weren’t. He and my grandma cut Mom off when she ran away and married my dad. The thing is, Mom was their only child, so there wasn’t anyone except me to leave their inheritance to.”
My eyes bugged out. “They’ve left you everything?”
John nodded. “I’ll have enough to buy the industrial area attached to this land. Dad doesn’t wanna move the Speed Demons compound yet, but he won’t be prez forever. When I get the MC, I’ll convert the biggest building down there into a new clubhouse. There’s plenty of space, enough for the boys to have their own rooms. I’ll build you and the other ol’ ladies the kitchen of your dreams, Leesy. I was even thinking that later, we could build houses down here and create a little community. Somewhere safe for our kids.”
My chest tingled with warmth at his words. John was good at selling the dream, but I had to remind myself it was still a long way off. He had his military career to complete, and there were plenty of years left in Bandit yet. Except I couldn’t help my heart jolting at the mere thought of John and me having something of our own that we’d built together.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” I told him, beaming. “Maybe you should make an appointment to see the land before you leave. If you like it, buy it.”
“We should,” he corrected. “We’re in this together.”
“So call the realtor.” I waggled my eyebrows. “The sooner we see it, the sooner you can make a decision.”
John grinned before calling out, “Steve. Come here, bud.”
I turned to see John’s best friend saunter toward us with Kelly under his arm. He was a good-looking guy, not as muscled as John, but tall and handsome in a more clean-cut way. His hair was a reddish-brown color, and girls literally swooned over his unusual grey eyes. But more than that, he was a good guy and a great friend to John.
“What’s goin’ on?” he inquired, his stare darting between us.
“You still the agent for the industrial area I was lookin’ at?” John asked.
A slow smile spread across Steve’s face. I could almost see the dollar signs flash in his eyes at the thought of all the commission he’d make. “I certainly am. You wanna see it?”
“Yeah, but it’s gotta be ASAP,” John replied. “I’m leaving in a few days. If we’re gonna do a deal, it needs to be quick.”
“You got your home loan in place?” Steve asked.
It was John’s turn to grin. “Don’t need one. I’ll buy it cash, but only if the price is right.” He leaned forward and patted Steve on the shoulder. “Set it up.”
“I need to make some calls,” Steve babbled excitedly. “Get someone to let me in the office to get the keys. Need to call the owner, too, and make sure the place is cleared.”
“You need me to take you home?” John offered.
“Yeah,” Stevie responded. “Got calls to make.” He looked down at Kelly, who was still tucked under his arm. “Do you mind?”
“Hell no,” she drawled. “Go get that commission. Elise and I will be okay here until John gets back.” She nudged me with her elbow. “Won’t we?”
I almost laughed because I was sure Kelly was mentally spending Steve’s cash already. “Of course.”
John pulled me to one side and tipped my chin up with his forefinger. “I don’t wanna leave you around Henderson. Come with us.”
Honestly, I would’ve preferred to go with John and Steve—especially with Rob being here—but Kelly was enjoying herself, and there were other people here, so it wasn’t like I’d be alone with him.
“Kelly wants to stay, and I don’t want to abandon her,” I murmured. “You’ll only be gone thirty minutes, and I’ll make sure I stay with the girls.”
John frowned. “I don’t like it.”
“I’ll be fine,” I assured him. “You’ll be back before we know it, and I promise I’ll stay by Kelly’s side.”
Turning, I saw Steve approach us. “It’s okay, Stone. I’ve had the same chat with Kell. Told her to stick to your girl like glue.”
I leaned up and kissed John’s cheek. “I’ll be fine. You’re leaving town in a few days. I need to stand on my own two feet without you, eventually. May as well start now.”
John sighed frustratedly but nodded. “Okay. I won’t be long.” He fished the keys of his truck from his pocket and shot me a slight wink before following Steve toward the area where everybody had parked their cars.
My eyes stayed glued to my guy, appreciating his sexy, bad-boy swagger along with his sexy, bad-boy, fine ass before glancing at the gaggle of girls who Monica Stafford and Claire Barrington had arrived with. I noticed a few of them whispering amongst themselves as they watched John leave, too.
Monica said something to Claire’s sister, Sarah, and they giggled. I couldn’t contain the sharp clench of my stomach.
I’d heard John had been with Monica a few years ago, and it made me want to scratch her eyes out. She constantly flirted with him, usually when I was in the vicinity, so I could see her trailing her skanky fingers down his arm or smiling up at him with blatant invitation in her eyes.
The mere thought of it made my throat catch. John had told me about the girls he’d been with. He’d also explained how none of them were special to him the way I was, though it didn’t stop my chest feeling like it would cave in whenever I thought about him with the likes of Monica.
My jealousy was palpable in the way my throat burned and my lungs lost all air. It felt like Monica and all those other girls had one over on me, and it made my insides light up in flames. John still hadn’t touched me, and I was beginning to think it was because he didn’t want to.
I watched John’s truck peal out of the parking lot, and immediately, I sensed Kelly stiffen.
“Robert’s making a beeline for us,” she murmured out of the side of her mouth, threading her arm through mine. “Whatever happens, stay with me—”
“Elise,” Robert called over. “Can I have a word?”
Taking a breath to calm my racing heart, I snapped my back straight and turned to face him.
I observed how the light caught his blond hair. Robert was good-looking in a preppy way. He had broad shoulders and boy-next-door good looks. Add to that the fact that he came from a well-respected family, and I could understand why the girls in town went gaga over him, though I never looked at him romantically.
Robert eyed Kelly disdainfully. “Alone.”
“I promised Steve I’d stay with her.” I smiled to take the sting out of my words. “She argued with her mom earlier. We can talk in front of Kells, can’t we?”
It looked like Rob was about to argue, but instead, he stepped toward me and rummaged inside the backpack he was holding. “Got you a birthday present,” he muttered, giving me a long, thin box.
Stunned, I took it from him and slowly opened it to reveal a long, delicate chain with what looked like a diamond attached. My mouth fell open. It must’ve cost a fortune.
“Wow,” Kelly exclaimed.
My confused stare lifted to meet his. “I can’t accept this.” Shock threaded through my tone. “It’s too much.”
Robert shrugged. “It’s okay. I can afford it.”
I shook my head, grasping for the words as I closed the box, thrusting it back toward him. “It’s a lovely gesture, Robert, but I can’t take this. John would be upset with me. It’s way too expensive.”
Rob’s face reddened slightly, his mouth thinning into a snarl. “Fuck Stone. It’s got nothing to do with him.”
“It has,” Kelly said gently from beside me. “John’s her boyfriend. She loves him.”
Robert’s flushed face turned white.
I tensed. For a moment, I thought he would lose his shit, but instead, I saw him purposely take a breath and relax. His face softened, and he grabbed the box I was holding out and shrugged. “No biggie.”
My shoulders sagged with relief. “The gesture was lovely, Robert, but I wouldn’t feel right accepting it.” I smiled warmly. “You’ll make some girl very happy one day if those are the types of things you do to make her happy.”
“Right,” Rob grated out. “Like I said, no big deal.” He shoved the box back in his bag, turned, and stomped back over to his friends, who were talking to the other girls.
Kelly let out a low whistle. “Someone’s salty.”
“That was weird.” I studied her face. “Right?”
“Yeah, Elise. It was weird.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “You gonna tell John?”
I bit my lip nervously. “I’ll have to. But we’ve only got a few days before he leaves for boot camp. The last thing I want to do is ruin the rest of our time together because of Robert.”
Kelly shrugged. “I won’t say anything. No harm, no foul.”
“You’re right,” I murmured, taking a furtive glance at Robbie, who was laughing with his friends like nothing had happened. He caught me looking as he slid his arm around Claire Barrington’s shoulders and smirked. “Seems a shame to upset John for no reason.”
“Fair enough.” Kelly ducked her head to look me dead in the eyes. “When John goes, I’ll tell Stevie what just happened. He told me your guy’s already asked him to look out for you.” She rolled her eyes. “Like he even needs to ask. You know we’ve got your back.” She grabbed my hand and tugged me down to the banks of the creek. “Come on. Ignore Rob. Let’s sunbathe until John gets back.” She crouched down, scooped some water into her hands, and flicked it at me.
Laughing, I followed her down, bent my knees, and swished the water around my feet, before dropping onto my ass and laying on my back.
The sun was high in the cloudless sky, beating its heat down onto my face. I should have felt content because although John was leaving, in reality, it was the first step in achieving everything we wanted out of life.
Except the churning in my stomach, which had been there since the day John enlisted, latched onto me, digging deep like a cancer tearing into my organs. I couldn’t help but worry that Stone’s enlisting would change the course of our lives—and not for the better—despite the beautiful plans we’d made for the future.
However hard I tried, I couldn’t shake the acidic feeling of impending doom.