Page 32 of Biker Daddy

“Don’t you dare leave this cabin, Addianna. Consider yourself grounded until I return.”

* * *

He jogged through the forest, avoiding the stumps, dips, and roots. He knew this forest like he knew the back of his hand and he needed to burn away the ache that filled him, first for the love he couldn’t give her freely, and second for the trust he didn’t deserve. He’d left her once and he’d do it again. He’d do anything to keep her safe.

Dammit!He’d thought it would be fine. He’d thought he was strong enough to resist the temptation of her, but he wasn’t. He wanted her more than ever. She needed to let go, share her grief and fears, but once she did, there would be a bond between them so strong it would kill them both when he ended it. And it would end.

The Skull Grinders would find him eventually. They seemed to be getting closer. His father had told him countless times he would hunt him down if he ever ran. He would never stop searching. And once he found him, he would be punished for his sins against his brothers. People, places, and things—everything he cared about would be destroyed while he watched. That’s why he’d broken Addi’s heart. It’s why he told her she meant nothing to him.

It was the same with Ray, and the camp. Being sent to Tonalonka to work as a camp leader was part of his release. And it was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

As soon as his full release came due though, they’d come. The roar of their bikes had made his legs itch to run, but Drew knew his father would hurt Ray for information. There was only one option. He had to make his father and the Grinders believe he hated everything about the camp. Addi showing up at his cabin only made things worse. The way Mauler looked at him forced his hand. He had to prove in a big way that Addi, Ray, and the camp were not only just a stepping stone to getting back to his place with the Grinders, but that he’d despised being there.

It was better having the camp destroyed than having Addi and Ray assaulted or worse.

Maybe he convinced them when he had the place destroyed. Maybe they believed he hated it there. Then again maybe they were letting him get comfortable. That was another of his father’s tricks.

Either way, he had to stay away from Addi. But Ray…

“Damn you, Ray!”he yelled into the treetops with a roar of anger. He stopped then, slamming his fist into the tree in front of him, before he bent, grasped his knees, and caught his breath.

“She deserves better, Ray. She fucking deserves someone as good as she is. Someone untainted by evil.” Drew pulled Ray’s letter out of his pocket and unfolded it, letting his body slide down the tree. His hand burned and his knuckles bled but he ignored it. Sitting with one knee bent and his throbbing hand propped on it, he read.

Drew,

I guess I damn well bit the dust if you’re reading this. I’ve been nothin’ but a pain in the ass lately anyway. And I bet there’s good fishing up here. And my wife. Damn, I’ve missed her. I’ll also finally get to meet my son who, as you know, died with my wife.

I’ve been dawdling on the sale of the camp for some time. I can see you rolling your damn eyes! The reason is my business, so don’t expect a damn answer in this letter, Andrew!

You and Addi are like my own children, and since the sale didn’t go through, I feel the camp belongs to both of you.

No matter what happens, the house on the cliff is yours (you built it after all) and five acres around it. However, it cannot be sold or given away. It must remain in your possession for your lifetime. You’ll also remain caretaker of the camp, but all big decisions must be agreed upon by both you and Addi, as you are equal owners.

I’d love it converted back into a kids’ camp, but I can’t force that on either of you. It will however be given to charity if either of you try to break up the property or want out.

Suck it up. These are my wishes and since I’m dead, you can’t go flappin’ your gums at me.

Love you, son. Take care of my little girl, and damn it, let her take care of you, too. You belong together. You always have.

Ray

He hadn’t noticed the P.S. before, probably because his eyes had been swimming at that point in the letter. He swallowed the lump in his throat and finished it.

P.S.

Since I was nothing but a front for these anyway, I’ve left all the art and control over all charitable foundations to you. No more hiding behind me, Andrew. It’s time the world knew how truly good you are—not just artistically gifted, but a good man too! I’ve never been prouder of anyone, Andrew. You define yourself by one moment in your past that wasn’t even your fault. You were just a child. It’s time you look at all the other amazing things you’ve done in your lifetime. Come clean to Addi. She deserves to know the man who’s been in love with her all these years.

You have my blessing to marry Addi. In fact, if you don’t I’ll personally make sure Saint Peter kicks your ass when you get to the pearly gates.

He straightened his leg, still breathing heavily and shoved his hair back. Inside at the bottom of the envelope was a ring. Ray’s deceased wife’s engagement ring.

“Jesus, Ray. Jesus. Why?”

He rose, rolling his shoulders and flexing the hand he’d punched the tree with, still arguing with himself for being weak and kissing her. He shoved the letter back in his pocket and scrubbed his good hand over his face while heading for his trailer. Damn, he’d known she’d let her guard down for him. Just the thought of it made his furnace burn hotter. Jesus, she had a hold on him. Sweet Addianna.

“She’s not yours,” he said aloud, angry with himself for the slip.

The burgers he’d made earlier were in the fridge, so he took one out and heated it in the microwave. He’d made a Caesar salad to go with it and portioned some out into a plastic bowl. He had no idea what Addi ate on a burger, so he took the little dish he kept in the fridge with ketchup, mustard, and relish packets in it and plopped a few on the tray. He put lettuce and sliced tomato on a plate along with the now warm patty and a bun. He covered it with tinfoil to keep the bugs out.

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