Her Reckless Biker (Broken Heroes Love Harder #9)

Chapter 1

Sadie

There are those moments in life when you just know that you’re in trouble.

It’s usually when we are kids. The look on dad’s face when he discovers the mess you made in his garage, the spilt paint on the floor. The time I lit a candle and the paper napkin caught fire.

That exact moment when the world tilts and it feels like your stomach has dropped.

And right now, as I hear the crack of the wood beneath me, I can feel the whole roof structure start to shift. And I just know I am in big, big trouble.

As a wildlife photographer, I have been in some tricky situations.

I’ve come too close to a bear. I’ve been caught in a snow storm.

I’ve even had an angry encounter with a duck.

I’m not usually big on climbing up onto things, but I came out here specifically looking for a rare owl and I knew being up high would get me the best shot.

I had been quite happy up on the roof. Laying flat.

Camera poised, ready to go. Patiently waiting whenI heard the motorbikes arrive.

I cursed them for the noise. Probably scared off an owls nearby.

But they cut their engines and I didn't give them another thought.

And then there were raised voices. An argument.

Come on. I'm out here in the middle of the wilderness.

All the way up to the area referred to by the locals as The Ridge.

It's known for its thick forest, rocky mountain cliffs.

...and lack of people. That was the deal.

And now I'm up here cursing out engine noise and men deciding to have an argument right underneath me.

I figured they would leave soon. I just had to wait them out.

That's fine. Waiting is part of the game for a wildlife photographer.

But, it's getting dark and cold. And those clouds are threatening rain.

So I wish these guys would wrap it up, disappear and leave me some peace and quiet for the last half hour of daylight.

But it is while waiting, with those voices getting louder, and the wind picking up, that I realize the barn roof is not feeling all that steady.

It's a creak of wood. The sound of metal scraping against metal. And a definite shift underneath me. A moment of panic and then the roof beneath me collapses.

A crash. Falling. It's a short distance to land in a pile of hay. A moment to be grateful and then that gives way and I fall to the floor. Stunned, dazed. And I’m no longer alone.

"What have we got here?"

I look up to see a grizzly, beast of a man. His boots are hip width apart. Arms crossed in front of a barrel chest. Denim jeans. Black boots. Black t-shirt and a leather vest. Tattooed. A beard and a nasty scar down one side of his face. He looks dirty and mean.

From behind me a big hand at the collar of my jacket lifts me to my feet. Eye to eye with Scar Face, I try not to grimace while the man looks me up and down with appreciation.

"Been a while since a girl has fallen at my feet. A pretty thing too." He grins showing yellow teeth. Shit. I'm really in trouble now. But my training tells me not to panic. Just like coming face to face with a wild animal. Be still. Be smart.

I spend a lot of time on my own out in the wilds, so it's good to be prepared for anything.

I have a stun gun but it's in my bag which is probably still on the roof of the barn.

But I always carry a small knife in my pocket and another one in my boot.

Someone behind me is still holding me by the scruff of my jacket but my hands are free.

I put them in my pocket and grip the hard steel.

The problem is I can count three men, and heavens knows how many are behind me. They all look rough.

A motorbike gang to be sure. And I have dropped in on some sort of meeting.

I know a bit of self defence, but not enough to take on this many men.

My only option is a swift kick to knee of the man behind me and then take off at a run.

But for the moment Scar Face is too close to me to be able to get away.

I give him my best stare down. Refusing to show fear. The man laughs and steps back to address the men. "She fell at my feet. I claim this prize for myself. Maybe I'll share her when I'm done."

My stomach churns with disgust and stone cold fear. But this is my chance. I take a deep breath. Hoping I can kick back hard enough to be let go. I turn to the left slightly, getting ready. Praying this works.

One of the men is staring at me hard.

"Sadie?"

This guy is tall, he wears the clothes of a biker but he doesn't look as wild.

And there is something familiar in those eyes glaring at me.

Holy stars, I know him. Kane Wilson? Memories of childhood, running through the streets with my brother, Kane and his brothers.

Our parents were friends, we were always together, our own little gang with our bikes, skateboards and tree houses.

Could it really be him? This is a man, grown, filled out, and if it wasn't for this situation, sexy. What the heck is he doing here with this rabble. And I can see he is wondering the exact same thing about me.

One thing I know. No way would Kane Wilson let these guys hurt me. Relief washes over me. But I'm still being held. Kane is still just glaring at me. And a quick glance at Scar Face tells me he is not happy.