Chapter Four
The door flew open and Andy rushed outside. She stopped, peered into the truck and grinned. Then she walked to the back door and tugged it open. “You came. You’re really here!” She exclaimed almost reverently.
Avery smiled at her then reached out to hug her. “I’ve missed you girl. Life back home just hasn’t been the same since your mom came home without you.”
Andy chuckled. “Oh yeah, I can almost bet on that. She was pissed when she left here that day and I don’t imagine she’s over it yet. Come on inside, we need to catch up.” She then noted that Ryker held Avery’s hand.
Avery smiled at her then released Ryker’s hand. “Thank you,” she told him. Then she got out to drop down to the asphalt.
Andy slipped her arm through Avery’s and they walked toward the front door.
When they entered Avery saw the rest of the club standing there with their arms crossed over their chests and more than one was glaring at her. She stepped back and tried to hide behind Ryker.
“I need to get her something to drink and that was a long drive,” Andy told the group. “It’s also four in the morning. So maybe you can ask her questions tomorrow?” Andy grabbed her hand to pull her out from behind Ryker and they hurried in.
Finally, after Andy got her a soda, they sat down together.
“That was slick,” Avery told her. “Telling them that.”
Andy shrugged. “It was all true and they are not as scary as they look.” She laughed. “So, I imagine my mom is super pissed.”
Avery took a sip then another as she did feel thirsty. “Heck yeah, you know it and she’s also planning something bad. She said that she’s gonna come back here and burn you guys out. And she doesn't care if she burns her own kin in the process.”
Andy swallowed hard and replied, “I don’t imagine she’d care either way.”
Avery shook her head. “No, she doesn’t. I’m thinking the only person Sarah ever cared about is Sarah.”
“You got that right.” Andy scoffed. “She’s destroyed or tried to destroy everyone that ever went up against her, even me.
When my dad walked away, she had him beaten and lamed because he dared to stand up against her.
She damn near destroyed him because he had the audacity to leave her.
When I did the same I knew she would try to destroy me but I didn’t care.
I was finally free from her and I wasn’t going back.
” She paused then looked at Avery. “But I couldn’t leave you behind.
You were the only thing that was good about that house. ”
Avery slowly nodded her head. “And I felt the same way. I never thought I’d get away from her.
But you sending these guys to get me out gave me something I thought I’d never have again, my freedom.
” She glanced over at Ryker as he stood with the men talking then back at Andy.
“Did you know he knew my big brother? He was Trever’s best friend right up until the day he died.
And he remembered me from all those years ago. ”
Andy grinned. “I’m glad. When I gave him your bracelet he said he saw one just like it a long time ago. Talk about a small world.”
Avery paused then said, “I think it was something more like fate. I always knew there was someone out there that could save me. I just never expected it to be Tommy.”
“Tommy?” Andy looked confused.
Ryker sat down next to Avery and smiled. “My civilian name is Thomas Ryker. I knew Avery before I became a biker.”
Andy wrapped one arm around Avery’s shoulder, “ I never guessed you would be a Tommy.” She laughed. “But I’m so glad you found her again.”
“So King is gonna want to talk to you, tomorrow,” Ryker told Avery. “It’s pretty late now, so Andy can show you to one of the spare rooms when you are ready to sleep.”
Avery looked scared for a moment.
Andy smiled at her. “Don’t worry, King’s a gruff and he does bark but he doesn't bite.”
They both laughed.
“As you already know, I’m really not used to being around so many people,” Avery told her quietly.
Andy grabbed her hand and nodded. “Yup I know that and you aren’t alone here. These guys won’t hurt you. That’s not who they are.” She then yawned. “So I got an extra long t-shirt you can sleep in then we will see if any of the girls have extra clothes.”
“Awesome and I was sort of hyped up during the trip over here, but now I do feel tired.”
“K. Let’s go, I happen to know of a really nice room you can have.”
The girls both got up and headed down the hall.
The next morning...
Avery heard a nose and opened her eyes. Staring at the ceiling, she stilled. She didn’t recognize the room. She had a small sort of closet of room in Sarah’s house and this was not it. Then she remembered last night and smiled. She was at an MC clubhouse and had slept like a baby in this bed.
A knock sounded on the door. That must have been what had woken her up. She sat up and called out, “Come in?” Not sure what to do, she stayed where she was.
Ryker came in smiling. “You okay?” he asked as he carried a tray in his hands.
“Yes, I feel good today for sure. I suppose being rescued from hell might have something to do with that.”
He smiled. “And your days will just keep getting better.” He shut the door with his boot and headed over to her.
She smiled at him as he got closer, thinking how handsome he had become. She remembered what he looked like at 14 and this version was so much better. Back then, he was cute though tall and lanky. This man was wide, tall and so not lanky anymore.
“I brought you some coffee and toast, plus a donut.” He grinned at her.
Sitting up higher in bed, she grinned back. “Oh, wow. I’ve never had anyone do this for me before.’
“Well, it’s about time then.” He set the tray down her lap. “I wasn’t sure how you like your coffee but there’s a little milk and sugar there.” Stepping back, he sat down at the end of the bed.
Avery put milk and sugar into her coffee, then sipped it. “Hmm, good.”
He nodded. “We are all men here and the best thing we know how to make is coffee. But we have a few women here now.” He laughed. “So we eat a whole lot better. Like cold pizza for breakfast is highly overrated.”
She chuckled. “I love to cook. Well, when I can choose what to make that is.”
“We would love a new dish or fifteen.” He grinned at her.
She giggled and bit it into the glazed donut. “Yum.”
“It’s store-bought but good.” He sat there and waited for her to fish.
“So what happens now?” she asked him as she finished her last bit of coffee.
“You meet the rest of us and talk to King.”
“Who is this King you all keep talking about?” she asked.
“He’s Gabby’s grandfather.”
“See, I didn’t know who she really was until Sarah threw a fit over her. It was about the money Gabby inherited.”
Ryker nodded. “Yes, Sarah and Lester did a lot of harm. They are going to pay for it too. This is also why King needs to talk to you.”
“Ok...”
Another knock sounded on the door. “It’s me, Andy.” She opened it up then came in.
Ryker stood and picked up the tray. “I will see you out in the main room.” He gave Avery a wink and left.