Hell's Riders MC Book 2
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Amanda Deckard
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Mia's life takes a harrowing turn when she escapes an abusive relationship, only to be thrust into a world of danger and betrayal. As she seeks refuge with her estranged father and his biker gang, Mia must navigate a web of violence, secrets, and family ties. With her young daughter to protect, Mia's resilience is tested as she confronts her past and fights for a future free from fear. Will she find the strength to reclaim her life and the love she deserves?
Prologue
Book 2: Beast’s Beauty
James, my king, my rock, my everything, I love you.
“Who could ever learn to love a beast?”
–Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
FIVE MONTHS AGO
LEXI
“Killian, what on earth do you want from me?” I sobbed.
“Just stop acting like a slut, that’s all I want.” Killian’s voice echoed through the room.
“I haven’t done anything wrong. Why are you acting so possessive? You made it clear you didn’t want me.” My voice cracked as tears streamed down my face.
“You don’t get to flirt with every guy you see, especially not my brothers.” His voice rose again, and he punched the wall in frustration.
“Great, Killian, just keep punching holes. I’m done waiting for you to want me. You got your wish. I’m leaving.” I wiped my tears, grabbed my bag, and stormed out of his room.
“You’ll be back; your brother is prospecting.” His voice echoed down the hallway just before his door slammed shut.
He knew he had pushed me away, but he convinced himself it was for the best.
***
Leaving the beauty of Oregon for California was a tough decision. Don’t get me wrong, I loved it here, especially being with my best friend Mia and her daughter Angel.
But being near him, Killian, was unbearable. I avoided the clubhouse as much as I could, especially after our last fight. I did drop by occasionally to check on my brother and bring him food. He had been prospecting for that damn club.
Mia kept trying to get me to talk about Killian, but I didn’t even know what to call it. A fling? A booty call? I had no idea. But I couldn’t stand it anymore, watching him with other women, then expecting me to sleep with him at night.
My heart couldn’t take it. So, I left him to his drinking and his women.
“Hey, sis, what brings you here?” My brother’s voice startled me.
“How did you find me?” I asked, my gaze fixed on the ocean.
“You’ve always loved nature. You haven’t been around much except to bring food. You okay?” Thomas knew me too well.
“I’m fine, just been busy.” I tried to lie.
“I know you, Lexi. I know you’re not okay. But I won’t push you. Just remember, even though I’m prospecting, you’re still my sister.”
Thomas and I had always been close, and I appreciated him more than anything.
“Thanks, Thomas. I just needed some space to breathe,” I sighed.
“Does this have anything to do with why Beast is drinking like a madman and not touching any sweet butts?”
He knew too much.
“Yes, it does. I can’t be his fling anymore, warming his bed at night, then watching him with other women. But he gets mad when I talk to his brothers. My heart can’t take it anymore, Thomas.”
My voice choked up as I thought about it all again.
“He’s been sleeping with you but still messing around with other women? Hell no, I’m taking him to the ring. No one messes with my sister.”
He stood up, ready to confront Killian, but I grabbed him.
“Thomas, don’t. It’s not worth it. I have to live with it. He got what he wanted; I’m out of his life.”
I looked him in the eye, tears streaming down my face.
“Lexi, that’s not okay. You shouldn’t have to live like this. Let me handle it.” He held my hands, looking at me earnestly.
“No, Thomas. I’ll come by later with dinner, okay?” I said, turning my gaze back to the ocean, watching the waves crash against each other.
“Okay, fine. You miss him, don’t you?”
I knew he wasn’t just talking about Killian. I knew exactly who he meant.
“Every day. Sometimes, I think I can hear him singing Johnny Cash.”
I managed a small smile.
“Me too, sis, me too. I have to go. I’ll see you tonight. I love you.”
He kissed my forehead and left.
“I love you too,” I whispered.
I sat there until the sun began to set, then headed to the clubhouse.
I stopped by Thomas’s favorite restaurant, The Jam Shake, and got him a BLT, fries, and green tea. He might be tough, but he loved his green tea. Ten minutes later, I pulled into the parking lot and saw a party in full swing.
Of course! I grabbed Thomas’s food and tea and headed toward the clubhouse. There was a crowd around the ring, and I saw him there, drinking. He saw me and smirked, making his way toward me.
“What brings you here?” He towered over me, his breath reeking of alcohol.
“I brought dinner for my brother. Can you move, Killian?” I tried to sidestep him, but he blocked my way.
“Let’s go to my room.” He reached for my arm, but I stepped back.
“No. I’m here for my brother, then I’m leaving. If you want someone to keep your bed warm, find a sweet butt. I’m not your hookup anymore.”
I walked away and found my brother at the bar.
“Hey, here’s your dinner and drink.” I handed him his food.
“Thanks, sis. Want a drink?” He took his food from me.
“No thanks, I’m not drinking anymore. I have a dance audition at the California Dance Academy in a few weeks,” I reminded him.
“Oh, right. Well, thanks for coming by. I have to get back to work. I love you.” He kissed my forehead and went back to serving drinks.
“I love you too,” I hollered back at him, my voice barely audible over the blaring music.
Navigating my way through the throng of people to reach my car was a task, but I managed. When I finally got to my car, there he was, standing in front of my car door, effectively blocking my exit.
“Killian, move. I need to go home,” I said, crossing my arms and shooting him an annoyed look.
“No, you don’t get to say that and just walk away,” he slurred, his words confirming my suspicion that he was drunk. He wouldn’t have acted this way if he was sober.
“You’re drunk, Killian. Leave me alone and go back inside,” I said, reaching for my keys and attempting to sidestep him.
But he was quicker, snatching the keys from my hand before I could react.
“I’m not letting you off the hook that easily. Now you can’t leave,” he said, dangling my keys over my head before sauntering off.
“God, you’re such an ass. Fine, keep my keys. I’ll walk home,” I muttered, turning on my heel and starting the trek home.
I didn’t understand why he thought he had this power over me. But I kept walking, grateful that my house wasn’t too far away.
“Lexi, get back here. You’re not walking home alone, especially not in the dark.” Killian’s voice echoed behind me.
I responded with a dismissive wave of my hand, continuing my walk and ignoring him. My heart ached, knowing that he wouldn’t remember any of this in the morning and would revert back to his usual, infuriating self.
After a ten-minute walk, I reached home. I retrieved my spare key from under the mat, unlocked the door, and promptly locked it behind me.
I then turned on the music that my dad and I used to listen to before he passed away nearly three years ago. As the familiar tunes filled the room, tears welled up in my eyes.
I was startled out of my reverie by a knock on the door. Peering through the peephole, I saw Killian, looking as drunk as ever. With a sigh, I cracked open the door.
“What do you want, Killian?” I asked, my voice hoarse from crying.
“Why are you crying, Lexi?” he asked, his voice laced with concern. I could tell he was trying to sober up.
“Nothing, Killian. Just go away,” I said, attempting to close the door.
But he wedged his foot in the gap, preventing me from shutting it.
“I know you, Lexi. You’ve been crying. Let me in,” he insisted. Killian was the kind of guy who didn’t take no for an answer.
“No, Killian. I want you to leave. You’re only here because I told you off at the clubhouse. I’m tired, Killian. I just want to sleep. Go back to the clubhouse,” I said, my exhaustion evident in my voice.
“All right, I’ll go. Here are your keys,” he said, slipping my keys through the crack in the door before walking away without another word.
I closed the door and locked it once again, retreating to my room where the music was still playing. I tried to sleep, but I knew it would be futile. I hadn’t been able to sleep properly since my fight with Killian a month ago.
He used to make sure I slept, even when I had nightmares. He was always there. Now, all I had was the soft music and my dad’s voice singing in the background.
I closed my eyes, letting his words wash over me, tried to find some semblance of peace.
