Page 5
Rebel
I should have told Rio why we had three days. I’d had all night to say something. Now it was the next afternoon, and I still hadn’t said shit. She entered the living room, dressed and ready to go.
I cleared my throat. “Um, there’s something you need to hear before we go anywhere.”
“What?” She folded her arms, staring at me.
“The three days I mentioned yesterday. Charming said I had three days to either convince you to be my old lady, or you’d have to go. I did make it clear to him I wouldn’t send you off on your own. If you have to leave, I’m going with you. At least until those assholes are found and dealt with.”
“Old lady?” Her brow furrowed.
“You may have noticed some of the women around here also wear a cut like mine,” I said, tugging on the leather. “Except theirs say Property of and whichever of my brothers they belong to. For instance, Havoc’s woman has one that says Property of Havoc . If you agreed to be mine, you’d get one too and it would say Property of Rebel .”
She opened and shut her mouth a few times, clearly at a loss for words.
“I know, it’s a lot to process.” I sighed. “It wouldn’t mean I own you. Think of it like a marriage, without divorce. Once you agree, that’s it. We’re together for life.”
“What the fuck, Rebel? I don’t even know you!” She took a step back, looking seconds away from running.
“I know, and I tried asking Charming for time. Three days is all he gave me. As for his reason, a lot goes down here. If you aren’t one of us, then you’re a liability. People from town are only allowed here to party, and there’s surveillance in the clubhouse. Cameras and audio.”
“Three days to decide something that will last the rest of my life?” she asked.
I nodded. “Yeah. It’s… well, you probably think it’s insane. But like I said, if that’s not something you want, I’ll go with you when you leave. Help watch your six until those men are caught. Or buried. I personally prefer option two.”
Her lips twitched like she might smile. “Fine. But I need the full three days to think it over, and I want to know more about what I’m getting myself into.”
“And that’s why we’re on our way to the clubhouse. About this time, two of the old ladies should be setting out lunch for the single guys.”
She followed me outside and climbed onto the back of my bike. We rode over to the clubhouse and parked at the end of a line of bikes. Looked like quite a few people were here already.
I guided Rio through the main doors of the Devil’s Boneyard clubhouse, my hand hovering near the small of her back without actually touching her. She’d made it clear she didn’t like being handled, and I respected that boundary. Rio’s gaze darted around, taking in every exit, every person, cataloging threats. Even after being with us a few days, she hadn’t broken the habit. I wondered if she ever would, or if she’d be on edge the rest of her life. It went beyond her military training. Because of what happened to her, she was in constant survival mode.
“You good?” I asked, keeping my voice low.
She nodded once, sharp and quick. “Fine.”
The main room buzzed with activity. A few brothers played pool in the corner, the crack of balls against each other punctuating the rumble of conversation. Behind the bar, bottles clinked as one of the Prospects restocked the shelves. Music thumped from speakers mounted on the walls, just loud enough to fill the space without drowning out conversation.
I spotted Jordan and Josie near the long wooden table that had seen more than a decade of club celebrations, and the occasional brawl. The scars in the dark wood told stories of their own. Today, they were laying out food -- burgers, wings, and sides that steamed in aluminum trays. It was something the old ladies had started doing a while back, making sure all the single men were fed.
“This way,” I said, nodding toward them. Rio followed, her stride confident but her body tense, like a spring coiled tight and ready to snap.
Jordan looked up as we approached, her eyes quickly assessing Rio before she offered a small smile. Josie continued arranging food containers, her movements efficient.
“Jordan, Josie, this is Rio,” I said. “Rio, these ladies have been with the club for a while. They know the score.”
Rio crossed her arms over her chest, chin tilted up slightly. “Hey.”
“Heard you know how to handle yourself,” Jordan said, wiping her hands on a towel.
Rio’s eyebrow quirked up. “Yeah, I guess.”
I moved toward the food. “You hungry? Josie makes the best pulled pork this side of the Mississippi.”
“Not really.” Rio stayed where she was, still scanning the room.
Jordan leaned forward, elbows on the table. “We’ve all been there, fighting our own demons.” Her voice dropped, intimate and knowing. “Every woman connected to this club has a story that would curl your toes. We’ve all had to prove ourselves, usually to ourselves, one way or another.”
Rio’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not trying to prove anything to anyone.”
“Aren’t you?” Jordan tilted her head. “Then why are you still here? You could have left town this morning.”
I watched Rio’s jaw clench, a muscle jumping beneath her skin. She didn’t answer.
Josie set down a stack of plates with a clatter. “Club life isn’t easy. There are long nights when you don’t know if they’re coming home. There are rivals who think targeting us is easier than targeting the men. There are law enforcement assholes who think we’re all criminals or whores or both.”
“So why stay?” Rio asked, her eyes fixed on Josie now.
“Because once you earn your place, you’ve got family for life,” Josie said. “Not the kind that shares your blood, but the kind that would spill theirs for you. This club has taken down rapists, murderers, human traffickers, drug dealers, and more.”
“What Josie’s saying is that it’s not just about the men. We look out for each other too.” Jordan pointed at Rio’s hands. “Those scars on your knuckles tell me you’ve been fighting alone for a long time. That gets exhausting.”
Rio’s hands unconsciously curled into fists at her sides. “I manage.”
“Sure you do,” Jordan said. “But there’s a difference between surviving and living.”
I could almost see Rio’s defenses climbing higher, her eyes hardening. Time to step in.
“I brought you here because I was impressed, and I could see you had something in common with women like Jordan,” I said, placing a steady hand on her shoulder, making sure she could see it coming. I locked eyes with her. “Not for any other reason. And despite what you might think about MCs, character matters here. We don’t let just anyone stick around.”
Rio studied my face, most likely looking for lies or manipulation. “So what, this is a recruitment pitch?”
“No.” I shook my head. “This is me introducing you to people who might understand what you’ve been through better than most. People who won’t ask questions you don’t want to answer, but who’ll have your back if you need it. Even if you decide to walk out of here tomorrow, I’m sure Jordan would be willing to swap numbers and listen if you ever needed someone to talk to.”
The distant roar of motorcycles filtered in from outside as a few more brothers returned to the clubhouse. Ice clinked in glasses at the bar as the Prospect poured drinks. Through it all, Rio stood still, absorbing, evaluating.
“How do you know what I’ve been through? Just because I told you about one event…” Her voice was quiet but sharp.
“I don’t,” I admitted. “But I recognize the look. The way you check exits. How you position yourself in a room. The way you flinch when someone moves too fast near you. We’ve all got ghosts, Rio. Some of us just hide them better than others. And I have a feeling you may have more than the one you’ve told me about.”
“You’re not wrong, exactly. But some of it is just my Army training. Always observe your surroundings and be prepared for anything.”
Josie picked up a plate and loaded it with food. “Eat something. You’re too skinny.”
For a moment, I thought Rio would refuse again. Then, surprisingly, she reached out and took the plate.
“Thanks,” she muttered.
Jordan smiled. “There’s beer in the cooler or soda if you prefer.”
“Water’s fine.” Rio’s posture had relaxed just a fraction, her shoulders dropping an almost imperceptible amount.
I grabbed a beer for myself and a bottled water for Rio. As I handed it to her, our fingers brushed briefly. She didn’t pull away immediately, which felt like progress.
“So what happens now?” Rio asked, looking between the three of us. “Is there some kind of club initiation I should know about?”
Jordan laughed, a genuine sound that lightened the mood. “Honey, you already passed the first test by not backing down from us. Most women run for the hills after five minutes with me. I’m with Havoc for a reason. He’s the only one who could handle me.”
“She can be intimidating,” Josie agreed with a small smile. “But it’s necessary. Too many women come around thinking they want the MC lifestyle until they actually see what it entails. Or they’re the type to stick a knife in your back if they think it will profit them in some way.”
Rio took a bite of pulled pork, chewing thoughtfully. “And what does it entail, exactly?”
“Loyalty,” I answered before the others could. “Above all else. To the club, to your brothers and sisters. It means having each other’s backs, no questions asked sometimes. And especially to the man you’ve let claim you.”
Josie snorted. “ Let . Better not let some of your brothers hear that word. They think they laid down the law.”
“As if anyone here would take a woman without their consent. I can be the first to admit we’re hard as nails, but we all have a soft spot for women,” I said.
“And if I’m not looking to join some family?” Rio asked, her gaze steady on mine.
“Then you eat good food, enjoy the hospitality, and leave when your three days are up,” I said. “No strings. But my offer stands either way.”
“What offer?” Jordan asked, raising an eyebrow at me.
I kept my eyes on Rio. “Protection. To be mine, but only when she’s ready. Charming gave us three days to sort shit out. Otherwise, she has to leave. And I said I’d go with her until I know she’s safe.”
Josie whistled low. “That’s generous, Rebel.”
Rio’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Why?”
It was a loaded question, and I knew my answer mattered. I took a pull from my beer, buying myself a second to find the right words.
“Because sometimes people deserve a fucking break,” I finally said. “And it looks like you’re due for one. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to you. Hell, you had my attention the moment you walked into this place. But I will never take a woman against her will.”
Rio’s face remained carefully neutral, but I noticed her posture straighten just a bit. Her gaze scanned the room again, but this time it felt different -- less like she was looking for danger and more like she was truly seeing the place for what it was.
Jordan and Josie exchanged a look that communicated volumes. Jordan had been in Rio’s shoes once, wary and untrusting. And Jackal had fucked up with Josie. I was amazed he’d convinced her to give him a shot. I could see them remembering their own journeys to find peace within these walls.
“Eat,” Josie urged again. “Everything looks clearer on a full stomach.”
This time, Rio didn’t hesitate before taking another bite. The background noise of the clubhouse continued around us -- laughter from over by the pool table, the clink of bottles, the low rumble of conversation -- but in our little circle, something had shifted. Not trust, exactly, but the possibility of it.
And for now, that was enough.
The conversation gradually softened as Rio worked her way through the plate of food. I noticed her shoulders drop another inch, her gaze scanning the room less frequently. That’s when I spotted Cade making his way toward us, practically vibrating with eagerness. The kid had been prospecting for three months and still hadn’t learned when to hang back. I shifted my weight, preparing to intercept him if necessary. With Rio’s history, overeager puppies like Cade could be a trigger.
Jordan noticed my attention shift and followed my gaze. “Shit,” she muttered, setting down her drink.
Cade maneuvered through the room, his Prospect cut still stiff and new-looking compared to our worn leather. His eyes were fixed on Rio, that hungry look men get when they see fresh meat. Not necessarily sexual -- though there was probably some of that too -- but the thrill of someone new to impress, to bring into the fold.
“Hey, is this the chick from the other night?” he called out as he approached, too loud, too familiar.
Josie shot him a warning look. “Cade --”
But he was already pushing his way into our circle, his hand reaching toward Rio’s shoulder. “I’ve been dying to meet you.”
It happened in a blur. Rio’s hand flew up, blocking his before it could make contact. Her body pivoted, stance dropping lower, more stable. Her eyes narrowed to slits, hard and cold as winter ice.
“Don’t touch me,” she said, voice low and lethal.
Cade froze, confusion flashing across his boyish face. “I was just --”
“Cade, back off,” I cut in, stepping between them. “She’s not a toy or your new best friend.”
The silence that followed felt heavy. Everyone in our vicinity had clocked the confrontation, conversations pausing as their gazes turned our way. Rio’s fists were clenched at her sides, knuckles white, body thrumming with fight-or-flight energy.
“I didn’t mean anything by it,” Cade mumbled, face flushing red.
“Doesn’t matter what you meant,” I said, keeping my voice even but firm. “When someone’s body language says ‘keep your distance,’ you respect that. Especially with women you don’t know.”
He stumbled back a step, visibly deflating. “Sorry, I just wanted to --”
“To what?” Rio interjected, her gaze locked onto him with laser focus. “To test if I’m tough? If I’m easy to get into your bed?” Her Georgia drawl thickened with her anger. “I’m not a sideshow attraction or a pet.”
The tips of Cade’s ears turned crimson. A few chuckles sounded from the bar where some brothers were watching with interest.
“I think you’ve got Prospect duties to attend to,” Jordan said pointedly, gesturing toward the bar.
Cade nodded, shooting one last apologetic look at Rio before retreating. I watched him go, making a mental note to talk to him later. The kid needed to learn boundaries if he was going to survive here.
I turned back to Rio, studying her. She was still coiled tight, ready to spring. “You good?”
She exhaled slowly through her nose. “Fine.” Her eyes followed Cade as he moved behind the bar. “Who is he?”
“Cade. Prospect,” I explained. “Means he’s trying to earn his way into the club. Does all the shit jobs, follows orders, proves his loyalty.”
“Like a pledge at a fraternity?” Rio asked.
“Something like that, but with higher stakes.” I took another pull from my beer. “He’s young. Enthusiastic. Doesn’t always think before he acts.”
Rio’s posture gradually relaxed, though her eyes remained alert. “So what happens if he fucks up? Gets kicked out?”
Josie snorted. “Depends on the fuck-up. Could be anything from cleaning toilets with a toothbrush to… well, worse.”
“The club takes loyalty seriously,” Jordan added. “Breaking that trust isn’t something you come back from easily.”
Or at all, but I left that part unsaid.
Rio seemed to consider this, her gaze drifting back to me. Something had shifted in her expression -- a flash of hesitation, contemplation. “Earlier, you said we could take things at my pace, if I agreed to be yours. What’s the catch?”
I felt the weight of Jordan and Josie’s attention, knew they were curious about my answer too. This wasn’t my normal play. I generally kept to myself, focused on club business. Couldn’t remember a time I’d ever kept a woman around.
“No catch,” I said. “You’d have your own space. You can keep sleeping in the spare room until we’ve had time to get to know each other better. I won’t make a move until you tell me you’re ready.”
“And in return?” Rio pressed, skepticism etched in every line of her face.
I shrugged. “You don’t cause problems for the club, don’t betray anyone here. That’s it.”
“Bullshit.” Her voice was flat. “Men don’t offer something for nothing.”
“Then I guess I’m not most men.” I set my empty bottle on the table. “Look, I’ve got no interest in pushing myself on you, if that’s what you’re worried about. You’d be under my protection, which means you’re off-limits to everyone in the club.”
Rio’s eyes narrowed. “Under your protection? What does that mean exactly? Does it have to do with that property cut you mentioned earlier?”
I could feel Jordan and Josie watching this exchange with interest. They knew what I was offering -- what it meant in our world.
“Yeah, it’s about that. It means you’d be considered mine,” I said bluntly. “Not as property, but as someone I’m responsible for. No one would fuck with you without answering to me.”
A tense silence stretched between us. Rio’s jaw worked as she processed my words.
“And if I walk away? Decide this isn’t for me?” she finally asked.
“Then you walk,” I said simply. “Door’s always open. Like I said, I’d have your back until your issue is settled. The club just wouldn’t be standing by us.”
Josie leaned forward, voice low. “It’s a good offer, Rio. Better than most get. Rebel doesn’t take in strays.”
Rio shot her a sharp look. “I’m not a stray.”
“No,” I agreed. “You’re not. You’re a fighter who’s been on her own too long. That’s different. It’s up to you to decide if you need us. Need me.”
The silence returned, filled with the background noise of the clubhouse. The clink of glasses. Someone cranked up the music a notch.
“Why?” Rio asked finally, the single word loaded with suspicion.
I considered my answer carefully. The truth was, I wasn’t entirely sure myself. Something about her had gotten under my skin from the moment I saw her. The way she moved -- efficient, deadly, but with a control that spoke of training. The hollow look in her eyes that I recognized all too well. The way she held herself apart, always ready to run or fight.
“Because we recognize our own,” I said finally. “And because sometimes the universe puts people in your path for a reason.”
Rio’s eyebrow arched. “Didn’t take you for the spiritual type.”
“I’m not,” I said with a half-smile. “But I’ve been around long enough to know coincidences are rare.”
She studied me for a long moment, weighing, assessing. I could almost see the calculations running behind her eyes -- the risk assessment, the cost-benefit analysis of trusting someone after God knows what she’d been through.
“One night,” she said eventually. “I’ll stay one more night, and then I’ll decide.”
I nodded, careful not to show too much reaction. Something told me it would be longer, but I wouldn’t press the issue. “Fair enough.”
Jordan and Josie exchanged glances. I knew them well enough to realize they felt something was off with Rio, as if she wasn’t quite herself.
“I need some air,” Rio said abruptly, setting down her barely touched drink.
“Hang a right off the porch and you’ll find a picnic area,” Josie offered, pointing. “Quieter out there, unless a bunch of kids are there.”
Rio nodded her thanks and moved away, her stride purposeful. I watched her go, noting how the brothers made space for her as she passed, respect already forming after word spread that she was former military.
“What are you doing, Rebel?” Jordan asked once Rio was out of earshot.
I glanced at her. “Helping someone who needs it.”
“Is that all?” Josie pressed, arms crossed.
I didn’t answer immediately. The truth was more complicated than I was ready to admit, even to myself.
“She’s running from something,” I said finally. “Or someone. I’d rather she ran to us than keep going alone.”
“And if she brings trouble?” Jordan asked, always the pragmatic one.
I shrugged. “Then we handle it. That’s what we do. And just FYI, Charming is already aware of what’s going on.”
Josie studied me for a moment longer, then nodded slowly. “I’ll tell Jackal to keep an ear out, see if anyone’s looking for her. You know he has friends at the bars in town.”
“Appreciate it,” I said.
I looked toward the door where Rio had disappeared. Through the window, I could see her leaning against the railing, staring out at nothing, her posture alert even in this moment of solitude. Looked like she hadn’t wanted to go over to the picnic area. She might say I was a stranger, but I got the feeling she felt safer with me nearby.
And for reasons I wasn’t fully ready to examine, I liked that I made her feel safe.