Chapter 2
SAYLOR
Present Day
“God damn it,” she yelled as she slammed her hand down on the steering wheel in frustration. The damn car was overheating again; this was the third time in a week. There was no more ignoring it or trying to limp it along until she could get to the next town. She was going to have to take it to get it fixed. “Fucking hell,” she muttered to herself as she pulled over to the side of the road and grabbed her phone to search for garages.
She looked out her windshield at her surroundings first, and started to laugh when she saw a sign just ahead that told her of a Dragons Garage a few miles away. Well, wasn’t that handy? There was a phone number on the bottom, and she figured fate must have finally decided to give her a break. She called the number, but the first thing she heard was the line pick up and then what sounded like a scuffle on the other end.
“I swear to fucking God, Jax, if you don’t give me that phone,” a woman’s voice hissed angrily, a Hispanic accent flavoring her tone.
“Babe, we both know your man doesn’t want you working in your condition, so go take a nap or something,” a male voice replied, clearly unfazed.
More sounds echoed down the line until finally, a clearly annoyed woman blurted into the phone, “Dragons Garage, where there may be a murder today, so if this is the local law, just go ahead and come get me now.”
Saylor couldn’t help her burst of laughter. “If you need a hand hiding a body, I’m sure I could help,” she offered, unable to resist.
“I probably will, but you’ll have to do all the digging because I’m pregnant and the bubble wrap that my man constantly tries to wrap me in is too thick for me to bend over,” the woman joked. “Anyway, how can I help you? At this point I’ll give you anything if it means I can get these assholes out of my hair for a minute.”
“Well, my car has decided to overheat. I’m only a few miles down the road from your shop, so I was wondering if I could get a tow there and have it looked at and repaired. I’m happy to pay any kind of fee.”
“Don’t worry, you’ve moved to the head of the line. Just tell me the make and model of the car, where approximately you are, and I’ll send someone to get you. Are you okay with them bringing you back in the truck with them?”
“Yeah, that’s fine,” she replied, glancing over at her bag where her handgun was safely secured. She could fight her way out if whoever they sent was dangerous, but a gun worked too. She wasn’t taking any chances. She couldn’t.
“Great. See you shortly. Oh, and if he gets bossy, feel free to make it hurt. I’ll handle the damage when you get here.”
Saylor laughed again, unable to help herself. She liked this chick. “Got it.” They clicked off, and she looked around the area again. She was in the middle of a treed spot, and she noted there was plenty of cover if she had to run. She wasn’t experienced with surviving on her own in the woods, but she could figure it out. She had a go bag of essentials that would last her until she could find shelter or get to a town close by. Though, the closest shelter to her right now was the garage, and from the sounds of things, it was an interesting spot.
It pissed her off that she considered these kinds of things now. She had Leon to thank for that, and if she didn’t think that it would be an utter shit show, she’d go back and kill him now. But she didn’t think that would end her problems. See, Leon was hiding more secrets, and not only did she take his little black book of casino cheats, she also took a small piece of paper he had tucked in a secret compartment that included a bunch of names, numbers, and amounts. It didn’t make sense to her, but he wanted it back bad enough he was trying to find her.
Mater warned her that he had shown up at the gym two days after he beat her. That was the first clue something was very wrong, and just how in danger she was. How did he know to go there when she never told him about it? Mater told Leon straight up that he didn’t know who he was talking about, but then Leon showed pictures that either he or a PI had taken, of her entering and leaving the gym. It didn’t appear that he figured out how close of a relationship they had, and Mater managed to keep Leon from doing something too stupid, or finding her car, but it was too close a call for her.
Later that same day a message came and had accompanying pictures.
Leon: Saylor, you fucking cunt, I’m going to kill you when I catch you. You think you can sucker punch me and then take what doesn’t belong to you? Think again, bitch. You took something I need back, and you’re going to give it to me or everyone you know, love, or even associate with will die. I have people that can make it happen. You fucked over the wrong person, and other people by extension. You have twenty-four hours to come see me, and bring that book with you.
Immediately after the message, he sent pictures of her working out at the gym, smiling at some of the people during a couple different workouts. Then her meeting with a client, a sweet young woman who was trying to get her bakery up and running with a social media presence. She was a mother of a sweet three-year-old girl and an infant son who just turned two months old at the time. The last picture was of her sitting in her apartment, and looked to be from a hidden camera he must have placed somewhere. That was when she realized she couldn’t go home, and she needed to get out of town fast.
Mater was pissed, but hadn’t argued with her, agreeing getting out of town was the better option. He also promised that he, the guys, and the gym were all safe and not to worry about them. Still, she called in a favor from an ex-boyfriend she had parted from on good terms, to ask him to keep an eye on the gym for a while to be sure. He was a cop, and hopefully his presence would keep Leon at bay. Thankfully, her ex agreed, and it was him that gave her the information that made her realize just how big of a shit pile she stepped in.
Her ex refused to let her get off the phone until she had at least given him a name, and when she finally relented, he told her that Leon was an enforcer for one of the local bookies, Frank Dunn, who was a mean, and very dangerous, son of a bitch that didn’t like when things didn’t go his way. Her ex explained that Frank was associated with numerous assaults, and was even suspected of being involved in a few murders, though nothing had yet been proven.
It was at that moment that the numbers, names, and amounts in the book clicked in her head. They were debts owed to this Frank guy, and considering how detailed Leon made the list, she couldn’t imagine that Frank would be pleased that Leon lost it. She doubted Leon would have fessed up to that; to save his own skin, she was sure he hadn’t shared that with his homicidal boss just yet.
She didn’t tell her ex about that part, but promised him that she was being careful and was getting out of town. He made her promise to check in with him, and she was intermittently, but mostly just trying to keep going. She didn’t want the cops involved. Not when she was in possession of a not quite so legal firearm, and her past made possessing any firearm not quite so legal anyway.
It was only a week into her travels that she realized she was being tailed. Random vehicles followed her down winding country roads and through large cities, always staying just far enough back that she couldn’t make out what they were, or who was driving them. Usually it was a dark car, but a couple of times it was a white or silver one. When she dared to stop and stay at a hotel, she found that things in her room were searched or moved. She could have convinced herself she was just being paranoid, until she was almost shot coming out of a coffee shop.
Panic ensued, and she’d managed to escape in the chaos before the cops showed up, leaving that town behind in a squeal of tires. Fear had her going faster than she should have been, but it was enough to get her a good distance away from whoever was after her. How did she know the bullet was meant for her? It sunk into the building behind her a mere inch above her head.
Ever since, she’d been driving far and fast, and hadn’t yet seen anyone behind her. She hoped she lost them, but she wasn’t taking any chances. She grabbed things she might need from every town she passed through, careful to only use cash and not any of her cards. She emailed all her clients to let them know she would be out of contact, but would complete all her work and send it as soon as it was ready. She only had a couple more days before she had to find a safe spot to send those and get out more cash. It would give away her location to whoever was after her, but it was a risk she had to take. She couldn’t risk losing her clients after working so hard to build her business over the years.
If it meant she had to travel the damn country and work as she went until this whole mess was sorted, she would. Right now, though, the car needed fixed. She grabbed her bag, confirming she had enough cash to cover the repairs, as long as they were reasonable. If they weren’t, she would have to risk paying with credit so she could get back on the road. She never stayed in one place more than a couple of days.
It was safer for her, and anyone else around her.
The rumbling sound of a large engine pulled her out of her thoughts, making her tense as she stared out the windshield. Down the road came a large tow-truck, the logo of the Dragons Garage across the hood. She relaxed, slightly, before grabbing her bag and climbing out when the vehicle pulled around and backed up in front of her expertly.
She wasn’t prepared for the man that climbed out of it, though. A jolt of desire hit her square in the belly, and she was glad she wore sunglasses that would hide the widening of her eyes. Damn, this man was hot. And not in a pretty boy way like Ty, but the rugged, works with his hands and keeps himself in shape kind of hot.
Six feet of man stood in front of her, with ink all over every inch of exposed skin, a mess of dark brown hair that looked like he was recently running his hands through it, and green eyes that reminded her of emeralds, they were that stunning. He was dressed in a pair of coveralls that were covered with oil and grease, and scuffed work boots. Lean muscles bulged as he waved and made his way toward her. Still, she wasn’t anywhere near naive enough to think this man wasn’t a potential danger. Despite the charming smile on his lips, and a swagger he knew could have her eating out of the palm of his hand, there was an edge about him she knew all too well. He might look pretty, but underneath was a man that saw and did things that would send nice girls running the other way.
Good thing you’re not a nice girl. She ignored her inner voice. She had no time for anything of the sort, no matter how much her body liked to remind her of how long it’d been since she had sex. She didn’t count Leon, since the one time they slept together was hurried and disappointing. The man thought himself a much better lover than he was.
“Your chariot is here to save the day,” the man announced jovially with a wide grin as he reached her.
“I suppose that makes you Prince Charming?” she asked, unable to help herself, or hold back the smirk that pulled at her lips.
He winked at her. “I’ll be whatever you need me to be, gorgeous. But first, let’s have a look and see what we got going on.” He motioned for her to pop the hood. She did, and then moved to stand slightly behind him, but close enough she could see what he was doing. She also kept her purse close, just in case. He hummed to himself as he tested this and that, until finally he said, “Yep, gonna need to tow her in. Looks like we need to check your cooling system, and this engine needs a tune up. Lucky for you, I’m the expert in the shop at both, so today is definitely your lucky day.”
“Will that take long to fix?” she asked in what was hopefully a casual tone.
He shrugged, turning back toward the truck. “Depends on how bad the problem is,” he said over his shoulder. “But since I’m the best, I’m sure I can get you back up and running by tomorrow. You local?”
“No, just passing through.” Shit. She was hoping it would be a quick fix.
“Well, lucky for you, we’re a friendly town and have lots of hotels for you to stay at, but we’ll worry about that later. For now, let’s get out of this heat and into the shop.” He made quick work of hooking up the car and getting it up on the bed, before he headed to the side door and opened it gallantly. “Hop on into your chariot, my lady, and we’ll get on our way,” he drawled smoothly, sweeping his arm to add to his dramatics.
She moved to the open doorway, but before she climbed in, she looked up at him and asked, “Were you the one annoying the pregnant woman on the phone? Jax?”
He laughed. “We all annoy her, but yeah, I was the one she was annoyed at this time.”
She looked him over quickly, and asked, “How bossy are you?”
Jax’s grin widened and turned downright wicked. Shit, she was in trouble if he kept doing that. She didn’t want to be charmed. “Well, now, that depends on the situation. Right now, I’m here to help you get your car to the shop. But after hours, well, I’m happy to be as bossy as you like. Is that what you’re after, sugar?”
She moved her sunglasses to the top of her head and gave him a saccharine smile as she returned, “More like your receptionist told me to make it hurt if you were too bossy. ” She gave him a slow once over. “I think I can take you, big guy, so maybe remember that before you try, huh, sugar?” Then she climbed up into the truck.
He surprised her, though; instead of getting all pissy about it, he laughed and shut her door before rounding the hood and climbing in on the other side. He put the truck in gear and started driving, glancing over at her with that silly grin on his face. “Is it bossy of me to ask your name?” he wondered.
She was tempted to give a fake name, but that was too much work. “Saylor,” she finally replied.
“Saylor,” he repeated, seeming to roll that around in his head for a moment. “Pretty and different. Where did your parents come up with it?”
It was a common question, and one she was used to answering. “My father had a thing for rum at the time, and he told my mother to name me after his favorite bottle. He was a mean drunk, so she didn’t dare go against him, but her rebellion was changing the spelling.”
He instantly lost his smile, and his green eyes hardened. “You going to get pissed if I say that your father sounds like a Grade-A asshole?”
She shook her head. “I have the same opinion, so you’re safe.”
“Your mom ever leave?”
“No,” she answered tightly. She didn’t like discussing her past, and she wasn’t about to get into it with him.
He seemed to sense that and let it drop. “Where are you from?”
She gave him a bland look. “Are you asking out of curiosity or just being nosy?”
That grin was back instantly. “Both.”
She pulled her sunglasses down over her eyes. “I’m from the lower states.”
He snorted. “Real specific. Worried I’m going to stalk you?”
“More like I don’t want to leave any identifying information when I help the pregnant lady murder you and hide your body. Makes things messy.”
He grinned. “The way my brothers are, they’d probably help you and plant fake evidence to get rid of the cops sniffing around. And then they’d probably throw you a party.”
“Your brothers?” she asked, unable to help herself. “There are more of you?”
He laughed. “Sugar, the Dragon’s aren’t just a garage, we’re a motorcycle club, so yeah, there are a few of us around. Although, most of them aren’t as fun anymore, now that they’re all shacking up and having babies.”
Well, now, that was unexpected. She hadn’t considered he might be part of a club, though she could see it. “Are we talking Sons, or just a bunch of guys that like to ride around?” she asked carefully.
His smile dimmed and his eyes sharpened at that. “Sons got things wildly wrong, but if you’re asking if we’re a 1%er club, then yeah, we are. That a problem?” There was an edge to his voice. Not accusatory, but cautious, yet not quite defensive.
Making a split-second decision, and going with her gut, she shook her head. “No. Just curious.”
She could tell he wasn’t sure if he believed her, but thankfully dropped it since they pulled up to a gate that was being manned by a younger man in a leather cut. He nodded and opened the gate when Jax waved at him before driving through. She leaned forward to look around as they pulled into what looked like compound grounds. There was a barbed-wire fence stretching out along the edges of the trees before it disappeared from view. Then there were multiple buildings, including one very large looking one that she assumed was the central clubhouse. But there were also some homes, a very large warehouse, and what looked like a bar with a separate drive and parking lot that was on the opposite side of the fence, and a garage as well. It was a mish-mash of things, with people moving around and motorcycles in multiple spots. She’d never seen anything like it, and was fascinated.
Jax pulled up in front of what appeared to be the garage and said, “Hop on out and head into that door straight through there. You’ll find Esme at the desk, and I’ll put your car in my bay. I’ll have a look and be out to give you a diagnosis soon. That good?”
“Thanks,” she said with a slight smile. She opened the door and climbed down, but before closing the door, she added, “I’ll put in a good word with her, but if you pissed her off hard enough, I’m still helping her bury your body.” Then she slammed the door as he laughed, and turned to head inside.
When she walked in, she stopped and stared at a couple who were wrapped in a passionate embrace. She wasn’t sure what to do, but they pulled apart, and the hot biker man looked at her and then back at the woman in his arms with a slow grin. “Behave yourself, mi tesoro,” he ordered her in a gruff voice. The man was huge, standing at least six-four, with lean muscle, ink covering both arms from at least mid-bicep where his t-shirt ended down to his fingers. He also wore a cut like the one the guy at the gate wore, but his called him Fury. She could see it. His dark hair, eyes, and goatee gave him that dangerous air, and while he was smiling now, she had no doubt that when he wasn’t, he was fearsome. When he turned to her, he took her in quickly and added, “Looks like you got a customer. I’ll be back in a little bit, mi tesoro, and if you aren’t taking it easy, I’m taking your ass home. These bastards can figure shit out on their own for a day.”
Ah, now she saw the bossy, and had to bite back a smile. Especially since that was all it took to snap the woman out of being drunk on his kiss, and her hazel eyes flashed with annoyance. Saylor put her at five-seven, with black hair that she left down in soft curls that framed her gorgeous face, and a decent sized baby belly. The latter didn’t stop her from snapping at him, “I already told you that I am not the only woman to ever be pregnant. I am going to be working until I’m good and ready to stop; you can take your bossy attitude and go the hell home.” The woman turned to her, but Saylor didn’t miss the flash in the man’s eyes, or the narrowed-eyed look of annoyance he was aiming her way. “Sorry about that,” the woman said with a tight smile. “Remember what I said about bossy? Exhibit A, right here for you.”
“Your ass is going to be in trouble if you don’t cut the sass, mi tesoro,” Fury warned her.
Saylor couldn’t help but laugh when the woman turned and told him curtly, “Considering how you won’t spank my ass when we’re getting busy anymore because you’re worried about the baby, I think I’m safe. Now, go and get our son from school, and get the hell out of my hair.”
Fury’s eyes flashed at that. “I’m starting to think I was mistaken in that assumption. Best be prepared to make up for lost time, woman.” He sauntered past Saylor with a nod, and then out the door.
Saylor stared after him for a moment and then looked back at the woman, who was watching him go with a hungry look on her face. “So, who are we burying first?” Saylor asked with an easy grin. “ I have to tell you, I’m going to be mighty disappointed if you say him, because, damn.” She fanned her face to make her point.
The woman gave a dreamy sigh. “Yeah, I’ll probably keep him around. But as for Jax, well, I’m happy to still help you with that one, since he constantly leaves shit on my desk just to piss me off.” She held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Esme.”
“Saylor,” she said, stepping forward to shake her hand. “Thanks for getting me in so quickly. I appreciate it.”
“No trouble at all. Have a seat. Want any water or anything?”
“If you show me where it is, I’m happy to grab it,” Saylor offered. She winked when Esme rolled her eyes. “I’m just giving you a chance to enjoy sitting down for a bit, since I have a feeling it’s going to be difficult for you for a few days.”
“Well, when you put it like that, there’s a mini fridge in the back corner. Help yourself,” Esme laughed as she sat down. Saylor moved to do that, and when she came back, she brought one for Esme too. “Thanks,” she said gratefully, taking the bottle. “So what brings you to town?”
“Just passing through,” Saylor told her, taking a seat and opening the bottle before taking a long gulp. “Just got the itch to travel, and my job allows that, so I’m taking advantage of it.”
“Nice. Did a bit of travelling myself,” Esme said with a dreamy smile. “But yeah, can’t do much of that now.” She indicated her rounded belly.
“Do you know what you’re having?”
“I do but keeping it a secret from everyone. I’m about six months along, so still a bit to go. But the guys are praying for a boy.” She snickered. “They have a fear of girls around here.”
“Because you’re all fucking nuts,” a gruff voice announced, drawing their attention.
In walked a man that Saylor instinctively watched very carefully. Much like Fury, he stood at six-four and also had a goatee, but this man had an air of danger about him that was far more prominent. His coveralls declared him as Rogue, and she could see it. His eyes were a hard blue, with glitters of something wild and reckless that she’d seen in a few of the fighters back home. His hair was dark and cut shorter on the sides than the top. Everything about the man was big: his hands, muscles, and his broad chest and shoulders. He was good looking, but he gave off potent grumpy vibes. He was not someone you crossed. Ever.
Still, Esme clearly wasn’t afraid of him when she gave him a dry smile and replied, “More like it has something to do with a certain set of twins you’re hoping won’t have any more future minions to train now that Emerson and Eden are here.”
Rogue glared at her, then looked at Saylor, his glare easing only slightly. “Jax is looking at your car,” he told her. “But it’s going to need some major work. Probably be a week before we can get it done.”
Shit. That wasn’t good. Now what the hell was she going to do?