Page 10 of Riding Dirty

I’ve never been protected. And in the few years I’ve been alive, Gunner is the only one who’s ever asked me to stay… twice now. That said, I’m not about to let this guy who’s been through hell and back fix my problems. For now, I know I have to play this right. Arguing with him is only going to make him worry more.

I nod and pinch my lips shut, knowing the second Gunner leaves and Levi turns his back, I’m doing to do what I do best. I’m making a run for it.

Chapter Five

Gunner

The lodge is set against the rocky ledge of granite cliffs that overlook the wide green forest and a twenty-foot waterfall. It’s a gorgeous spot and we’re lucky to be building on this land. Our names will forever be known here as generations of people come to enjoy this lodge, which is why everything needs to be perfect.

The upper windows were flown in from a custom builder in the Yukon who specializes in impact resistant arches that will keep our view clear and stay strong in the event of any minor avalanches. We get them a few times a year, but normally, they don’t amount too much.

The fixtures were custom made by a local iron smith. It’s taken him over a year to design and create each faucet, doorknob, drawer pull, and grommet, but the attention to detail is worth it.

The tiles, countertops, and fireplace that surround the space are all locally sourced from granite on Rugged Mountain. Same goes for the pine floors and the logs that we’ve used to build the structure. This lodge will be like no other, and the MC is beyond proud to be known as the builders.

I climb off my bike and stare out at the property, sucking in a deep breath as I ready myself for the ribbing I’m about to get for the door debacle. Two twelve by eight glass window doors with hand carved wooden arches, and a custom wrought iron elk antler door pull. They’re the centerpiece for the lodge, and it was on me to make sure they were here on time and in shape. Trouble is, Artful Doors in San Diego claimed to lose my order. Normally, I’d let this roll off my shoulders, but I’ve been so bogged down with anxiety lately that I’ve been dropping the ball left and right. A mistake like this is unacceptable. I was sure the guys assumed I’d forgotten to place the order, which his why I drove out to speak to the company myself. They can’t put me on hold if I’m standing in their office.

Tex leans against the wall of the lodge and stares toward me with a stupid look that I want to punch off his face.

“You know those doors are going to set us back a month.” He’s running his mouth an awful lot for a man on a break.

“Where’s Diesel and Kane?” They’re the leaders of the MC and I’ll get a lot further with them than I will Tex. He’s not a bad dude, but he’s a perfectionist. When things aren’t done to his liking, he expects everyone to stop and fix it. I don’t work like that.

“They’re up in the loft working on the windows.” He tips his cowboy hat down and strokes his beard as he stares toward me. “You get an estimated time on the doors?”

I glance back toward him with a downturned expression as I step inside the lodge. I think my face says it all.

This brotherhood reminds me of the military. We all have each other’s backs despite the bullshit, but some days, knowing these assholes is a huge fucking pain. Maybe that’s the anti-social introvert in me.

Diesel is the first to see me. He’s a big guy with a long beard and tattoos covering most of his body. He’s one of the co-founders of the MC. “Hey, man. How was San Diego? You teach those customer service people a lesson?” He laughs.

I knew I’d get shit for driving all the way out to San Diego to fight a company over a mishandled order, but when I left, it made sense. “Everything worked out. The doors are on their way. We should have them by the end of the month.” I drag in a deep breath, a little anxious to tell them about the new drama that’s happening. We’ve only recently come out of an issue with the Death Rangers. Having their drugs in the back of a stolen car on Rugged Mountain isn’t ideal. “We’ve got a problem—”

My phone buzzes in my pocket. It’s Levi. Fuck!“Sorry guys, one sec.” I pull the phone and answer, my heart in my throat as I say, “What’s wrong?”

“You’re going to want to get here with the guys. I’ve been trying to call you. Your girl ran off.” I’m sure he’s saying more because I hear a low rumble in the phone, but I’m somewhere else. My head is reeling and static fills the recesses of my mind.

An army of my men behind me, all of their lives dependent on my next move. You fucked up again! You can’t be trusted!

I stuff the phone in my pocket and stare toward Diesel. “Change of plans. I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

“Wait.” Diesel grips my arm. He’s known me for the better part of twenty years. I doubt he’s going to let this go as easily as I want him to. I’m going to have to be good at bullshitting. “You said something was wrong.”

“No. Well… it was, but it looks like things are cleared up now. Sorry to bother you.”

His heavy brows wrinkle downward. “You alright? You made that last-minute trip to San Diego over the doors, and you were supposed to be up here helping this morning. We’re worried about you.”

My chest is tight and air is barely filling into my lungs. I don’t like lying to my brothers, but I couldn’t live with myself if anything happened to them because of me. Besides, I know where Millie went. There’s not a doubt in my mind.

“Everything is good. I’ll be back tomorrow.” I jog past Tex and toward my bike. It’s a sunny day and the ride to the railroad tracks won’t be long. She mentioned last night that she’d follow them in and out of town as a kid to see the mountains. Now, I only have to get to her before the Death Rangers do.

Chapter Six

Millie

I’ve only been walking for twenty minutes when I hear the deep rumble of a man’s voice behind me.

“Keep your back against that tree.” I knew Romeo was a massive man when I saw him a few days back, but this close he’s even bigger. I’d guess six foot six and pushing well over two hundred and fifty pounds. His hair is buzzed close, but his beard is a long auburn color. Tattoos line his arms and cover what I can see of his chest. He’s intimidating to say the least.

---