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“Rider, you got it?” Blade snaps.
“Yeah, Prez. See you at the clubhouse in fifteen.”
The sooner I get my club duties out of the way, the sooner I can have Sutton back in my arms.
CHAPTERNINE
SUTTON
Ifinished my design project a few hours ago and emailed the files to my client for approval. Hopefully, there won’t be any major edits needed, and I can get the last payment soon. It won’t be enough to pay Rider back for everything he’s done for me these last few days, but it’s a start.
Rider said he’d be back before dinner, but it’s almost six, and I still haven’t heard anything from him. I get up from my spot on the couch and pace in front of the window overlooking the yard and driveway, pushing down thoughts of him abandoning me after our night and morning together.
He’s not that kind of guy. If Rider is late, he has a good reason.
Plus, he can’t exactly abandon me while I’m staying at his house. He’ll have to come back eventually.
After a few more minutes of stress-pacing, I turn my attention to the living room and kitchen, picking things up here and there to keep myself busy. When seven-thirty comes and goes, my anxiety finally gets the best of me.
I’m not sure who to contact. I have Rider’s number, of course, but he hasn’t answered my calls or texts all afternoon. I could ask Tessa to ask Hawk if he knows where Rider is, but then I would have to explain why I need to contact him, which would lead to me telling her about the house, and I just… I just don’t have it in me right now.
Guilt twists my gut into a pretzel. I feel like a terrible friend for keeping something like this from my bestie, but I’m trying to protect her. That’s how I’m justifying it, at least.
The only other thing I can think of is to go to the Savage Saints clubhouse and see if he’s there. If not, maybe someone there will have information.
Wiping my sweaty palms on my jeans, I take a deep breath and go over the plan again in my mind. A few months ago, the thought of showing up at a biker bar alone would have terrified me. I’m still anxious, but visiting Tessa since she started working there as a bartender has helped. She’s been working fewer hours lately, and I know she doesn’t have a shift tonight, which is for the best.
Gathering up my purse, phone, and keys, I head out the front door and make my way to the Savage Saints clubhouse. Gravel crunches under my tires as I pull into the parking lot and come to a stop, my heart hammering against my ribcage.
I inhale deeply, reminding myself that I’m safe. This isn’t about me right now. I need to find Rider and make sure he’s okay. What if something happened to him while he was out on club business? Rider told me he can’t give any specifics, but I’m not stupid. I know the Savage Saints are involved in dangerous endeavors.
That’s all the motivation I need to kick open my car door and walk up to the clubhouse. I slip inside, inching along the wall until I reach my familiar spot in the corner of the bar top. I don’t know that I’ll ever truly be comfortable in a room filled with so many hulking men, but I’ve been doing better ever since Rider came into my life.
Now, I feel more vulnerable than ever. I’m lost without Rider, unsure of who to talk to or what to say. Luckily, no one seems to notice me. I fade into the background, observing the people around me as they throw back beers and joke around with their MC brothers.
Maybe Rider lost track of time while hanging out with his friends. That would make sense. I’ve taken up most of his afternoons and evenings this week, and I’m sure Rider wants some time with other people. I can’t be selfish with him.
Deep down, though, I know he’s not here. I can’t feel his warmth. Plus, a part of me knows Rider would choose me over anyone here. As crazy as it is, he’s nearly convinced me I’m the most important person in his life.
Still, I allow myself this tiny scrap of hope for a moment. Scanning the crowd, I don’t see my Rider’s kind brown eyes or hear his deep timbre.
“The fuck?” someone shouts.
Every muscle in my body tenses, and I barely hold back a whimper. Tessa isn’t here to check on me, and Rider isn’t here to reassure me with his steady gaze, but I’m able to calm myself down with a few deep breaths.
“How the hell… Yeah, yeah, of course. You know we have your back, Rider.”
My ears perk up, and I hop out of my seat, drawn toward the sound of his name. Peering around a table of bikers, I see Blade, the President of Savage Saints. I haven’t met him in person, but I know him from hanging around the clubhouse. The man is covered in tattoos, his dark olive skin barely visible through all the ink.
Blade has his phone to his ear, and he’s gripping it so hard his hand is shaking. “Goddamn right, we’re gonna get you outta there. We’re not letting this happen again, brother. Hang tight, and don’t lose faith.”
Blade hangs up and runs a hand down his face, rolling his massive shoulders as he sighs. All eyes are on him, and the clubhouse goes eerily silent as every single soul waits for whatever bombshell the prez is about to drop.
“Church!” he snarls as his head snaps up. “Fuckin’ cops got Rider on some bullshit drug charges. Need all hands on deck to ensure he doesn’t spend another five years in prison.”
Men shout in outrage around the room as chairs scrape against the concrete floor. The bar empties as most of the patrons head to the back where church is held. I float toward the exit, everything in me numb as I climb into my car and buckle my seatbelt.
It isn’t until I start the engine that everything comes crashing down.
