New Love (Rising Crusaders MC) Read online

  New Love

  Rising Crusaders MC

  J.B. Jacobs

  Copyright © 2022 J.B. Jacobs

  All rights reserved

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  www.jbjacobs.club

  Cover Photos: Denham Girls Photography

  and Paul Henry Photography

  Printed in the United States of America

  To those who find an open road and a full tank, the best way to live, this is a two finger salute to you.

  A special thanks goes to those who assisted in my knowledge. The path of these characters in the following pages wouldn't have been the same.

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  About The Author

  Books By This Author

  Chapter 1

  Rough Rider

  "This is a pretty good turn out this year." Tophat, my Vice President, looks over the activities from his rocker on the porch.

  "It's nice to see some old faces that made it this year. Hey... "

  I slap Tophat on the shoulder to point his attention toward the bike line up. "Who’s the doe in the headlights with Sure Shot? His new girl?" I ask.

  "Naw. That's his sister's best friend. He had to rescue her from a bad situation. She’s staying with him until she can get on her feet." He says.

  "His business?" I ask.

  "Yea, said he could handle it. And he did. She’s here and he's walking around. Not so sure about the other guy." Tophat says.

  "I want an introduction!" I say.

  "I knew you would. I told him to find you when he arrived." Tophat waves his hand and the pair weaves through the crowd. He slaps me on the shoulder.

  "That's my cue. See ya’ around." Tophat says.

  I only manage a grunt as I watch her fiery red curls bounce in the sunlight. Her hips sway as if she hears the beat of music in her head.

  "Hey, Rough Rider. I want to introduce you to Rachel. Oh, heads up. Don’t call her red." Sure Shot, my Sergeant-at-arms, rubs his jaw. "She has a mean left arm."

  "I'll keep that in mind." I say.

  Her green eyes lock with mine. I stretch my hand toward her. "It's nice to meet you, Rachel."

  She reaches for my hand. Her skin feels as soft as a rose petal. I bring her hand to my lips. She’s shaking like a frightened puppy.

  "If you need anything, please let me know." I say.

  "She doesn't need club protection. She is my sister's best friend. I don’t think she would want her to be a pass around."

  Sure Shot stepped a little closer. Rachel tugs on her hand as if she realizes for the first time I am still holding it.

  "I will take care of her." Sure Shot squares his shoulders.

  "Are you naming her, Sure Shot?" I say.

  "No. She’s a free woman."

  I hold out my hand to her. "May I escort you to the food table?"

  She looks at me with fear in her eyes then turns to Sure Shot. "It’s not code for anything. He just wants to show you around."

  That’s what he thinks. I’m about to claim her as off limits to the whole club.

  She takes my hand. "I don't bite, hard." She smiles at me, a smile that reaches her eyes. I see joy for the first time. My heart melts for her. I place her hand on my arm near my elbow still holding her gaze. I turn to Sure Shot and wink. He rolls his eyes. He knows now. As we step off the porch, I glance at her.

  She’s regal on my arm. If she will have me, I will make her my queen.

  We walk the long way around the house. I make eye contact with every person we pass. She tightens her fingers into my arm. Catching a side glimpse of her face, she is watching everyone watch us walk.

  I lean down and whisper in her ear. “Don’t be nervous. We’re all family here.” The smell of her hair tickles my nose. I feel my blood rush southward as swirling thoughts race through my head.

  So sexy, stay close to me.

  I put my other hand over her fingers. “You’re protected. Sure Shot’s sister, remember. No one here will harm you.” She turns her head to look at me. I didn’t move back far enough in time before her hair sweeps across my face. Her scent fills my nose. She gives me a weak smile but holds my gaze.

  Magnificent, sensual, I must have her.

  I walk her to the food table and hand her an empty plate. When we have both full plates and a drink, I lead her to a table. She chooses her place and I sit next to her. She brushes against my arm to get my attention. If only she knew my senses are on high alert for her.

  “Why are you so kind to me? Or is this the treatment you give to all the new girls?”

  I shrug. “It’s how I was raised. This is my home. This is my family. You’re Sure Shot’s sister now. I want you to feel comfortable.”

  “It’s beautiful here.” She says as she swishes her hair. The smell catches my nose once again. I close my eyes, enjoying the smell of her.

  This lady is going to be the death of me.

  I watch her eat a few bites and shift in my chair to face her little. Putting my hand on the back of her chair, I’m able to brush my fingers across her back. I hear her sigh and I shove a large bit into my mouth.

  Once I finish chewing, I say. “You’re welcome any time to come and hang out.”

  Her hair swishes again as she moves her head towards me. It brushes across my hand. I take the opportunity to capture a strand and watch as she closes her eyes. Taking advantage, I grab another strand and twist it in my fingers. As if coming out of a trance, she opens her eyes and looks up at me while gathering her hair out of my reach. The look in her eyes reaches into my soul. I have to resist the urge to gather her into my arms.

  “Thank you. I don’t know what I will be doing yet. I’m feeling rather useless.” She says as she lowers her head.

  I say, “You could work at the club house. Do you know how to mix drinks?”

  “No.” She says.

  “Wait tables?” I ask.

  “No.”

  “Wash dishes?”

  “No.”

  “You’ll have to come in early for training. Don’t worry. I‘ll set it up for you.” I say as I place my hand on her thigh. She tenses and shifts slightly.

  “It’s very kind of you to offer me a job.” She says.

  “We take care of our own.”

  She shifts again but glances up at me long enough to show a sweet smile before hiding her face from me behind her hair.

  Coy, shy or self-confidence issues? Don’t care. She’s cute as hell and driving me crazy.

  I’m not sure when I finished my plate and as much as I don’t want to leave this pretty lady’s side, I need t
o get her job set up. I run my hand down the back of her arm to her hand and bring it to my lips.

  “Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be back.”

  ◆◆◆

  Rachel

  For the second time today, that man has kissed my hand.

  The most handsome and scariest guy I’ve ever seen. I watch as he walks away. I’m still trying to figure out how I ended up here of all places.

  Chris didn’t even say anything to me. Sure Shot, why do they call him that? How am I going to get home or rather back to his place? I don’t even have a home anymore. Am I going from one bad place to another? Can’t be. There are differences, right?

  ◆◆◆

  flashback

  The rain runs down the window. I see a box in his hand.

  “Victor, I don’t need a new phone. Mine works just fine.” He sets it on the table next to me and picks up my phone.

  “I want you to have the best. Besides, I can protect you better with the locator app.” He comes to me and kisses my forehead.

  “I need to get my phone numbers off the old one first.” I reach for my phone.

  He takes my hand and brings it to his lips. “You won’t need to contact those people any more. They don’t care about you like I do.”

  end flashback

  How stupid of me to think…. aahh wait… he’s giving me a job. He couldn’t keep his hands off me. Oh Gawd. Oh Gawd. Not again.

  “Sugar, you look like you’ve seen a ghost. Are you alright?”

  “Huh. Oh, I’m fine, just out of my element.” I say.

  I look up into the eyes of an older woman. She’s wiping her hands on her apron and sits next to me.

  “I know it’s a lot to take in. You’ll get used to it. You just need to find your place and I can’t think of any better than at his side.”

  Her meaning is lost on me as she gets up and walks away. I overhear a conversation I am sure I was meant to overhear.

  “Do you know who she is? Why is she here?” An unknown woman says.

  “She’s Sure Shot's sister. He brought her here. If you knew your place, you wouldn’t even question it. Now go and be nice.” An elderly voice says.

  “And what place would that be?” The unknown woman says as she puts her hands on her hips.

  “That girl will out rank you very soon. Mark my words. She will be queen bee around here and you best know your place or you may find yourself in a worse way.” The elderly voice says.

  “Is that a threat?” The unknown woman’s voice grows louder.

  “Honey, I’ve been around a long time. I practically raised that boy, most of these boys in fact, and I’ve seen the way he looked at her. I also seen plenty of girls come and go. I’ll let it slide this time since you haven’t been around long.”

  I look over my shoulder to see the elderly woman walk away with a plate of food. A tall blonde skinny woman stalks toward me.

  “Hi.” She sits in the chair next to me. “Everyone calls me Stiletto. What’s your name?”

  “Rachel.”

  “That’s a nice name, for a red-headed girl, like you. That’s what I will call you, Red.” says Stiletto.

  “I’m not fond of that name. I decked the last guy who thought it would be cute. Why wouldn’t you call me by the name I just gave you?”

  “Oh, Ginger, if you are going to hang around here, you need a road name.” Stiletto says.

  I narrow my eyes at her. She just basically calls me Red again.

  “Stiletto, if she doesn’t like it, don’t call her that.”

  A young woman steps from behind Stiletto without a sound. “Hey. They call me Lashes.” She bats her eyes.

  I understand why they call her that, but I don’t understand why everyone has a nickname. She sits next to me.

  “You do have quite the mane. What do you think of Lioness?” Lashes says.

  I don’t like the nickname. I whisper no.

  “I think you are fierce and single, right? Hunting for the “right” one? What about Cougar?” Lashes says.

  I shake my head. “Why do I have to have a nickname?” I say.

  She smiles. “We’ll give it some time. If you’re done eating, I’ll show you around. It might be a while before he comes back.”

  I stand and look around for a trash can. Lashes takes my plate. Stiletto tucks her hand into my elbow and leads me to a group of women sitting in lawn chairs watching kids play.

  “Temptress, this is Rachel. She is…” Lashes says.

  “This is Red. She’s new.” Stiletto jumps in.

  Warrior princess looks between the three of us. “Lashes, please continue.” She looks back at Stiletto, narrows her eyes then rolls them.

  “She’s new here. She’s Sure Shot’s sister.” Lashes shoots Stiletto a dirty look.

  “Actually…” Rachel starts.

  “Doesn’t matter the details. You’re family now.” Warrior Princess waves her hand in dismissal.

  “Here, take my chair. I think I smell Frank.” Temptress says. She picks up a chucky child and walks into the house.

  Lashes whispers in my ear to tell me each person’s name. None of which are common names. I’m pretty sure I won’t remember any of them for a while. I watch the interactions of the women and children.

  Is this completely safe? The children laugh and play without fear.

  I lean back into the lounge chair to watch the festivities of children playing and listen to women gossiping. It doesn’t go unnoticed that Stiletto seems to go out of her way to be rude.

  The roar of bike engines deafens my ears. I watch as each man dismounts his bike. He stalks toward me, a stern look in his eye. His boots stop in front of my feet. I look up at him. He holds his hand out. I take it. In the next moment, I’m on my feet and his hand is at the back of my neck. His fingers grip my hair at the base and his lips lock onto mine. I’m so startled, I freeze.

  Without pulling away too much he says, “I want you if you’ll have me.”

  My shock hasn’t worn off by the time he releases me. “It’s ok, darlin’, I don’t need an answer right now.”

  He smiles and winks at me.

  Chapter 2

  Rough Rider

  The sun set hours ago. I touch my lips remembering the way she felt in my arms.

  “You miss her don’t you?” Tophat says.

  I look over at him sitting in a rocking chair he claims each time he comes over. “You have no idea how much.”

  “I have a clue. It may have been years ago, but I remember longing for a lady.” He reaches for Moma Bear’s hand.

  “If you aren’t careful, you’ll chase her away. She’s as skittish as a lost puppy.” She looks up from her phone and at me over the top of her glasses. “That little girl has been through something terrible. It would do you good to take your time.”

  “She’s right ya know. Sure Shot mentioned a few things his sister had told him. I’m sure it’s only a fraction of what actually happened. I know you, son. You got it bad for her and you gonna rush in with both feet.”

  “I’m not that bad, am I?” I try to remember the last girlfriend I had.

  “We’ve seen a few of them come and go in the last few years.” Tophat stands. “We’ll leave you to your thoughts.”

  “None of them were awarded the looks you gave Rachel today.” Moma Bear says as kisses my forehead. “Gnite son.” She follows Tophat.

  After saying good-byes, I move inside. Looking around at the empty space, I try to imagine her walking through the room or sitting on the couch. I sit in my chair thinking of her fiery, red curls and innocent green eyes.

  I’ll make you forget him. You’ll be safe in my arms, baby girl. I’ll make sure that is where you stay.

  Thoughts of her sitting on my lap or draped across my chest on the couch fills my head as my eyelids grow heavy.

  ◆◆◆

  Rachel

  “Chris, why do they call you Sure Shot?” I ask.

  I curl up in the corner of
the couch. I’m ready to lose myself in a movie, but I still have this nagging feeling about my afternoon.

  “It’s just something that stuck.”

  “Come on now. You’re my best friend’s brother. I’ve known you a long time and according to everyone I met today, I’m now your sister.”

  He comes into the room and hands me a bowl of popcorn. “You remember when I had to leave, right?” I nod. Tears at the edge of my eyes, I think I know where he's going.

  “Me and the boys had a lot of downtime. We would toss rocks into the empty ammo boxes. I got good at it, so good that they would challenge me into what seemed like impossible shots.” He smiles at the memories. “My buddies would place bets. Some lost big. How do you think I got the beast in the garage?”

  He shakes his head and his face changes into frown. I see pain in his eyes when he looks at me. “You ready for that movie yet?” In that split second, he replaces his brave face mask. Sure Shot’s phone rings.

  “Hello? About to watch a movie. OK. Hhmmhmm. Yea. Alright. See ya soon.”

  “Well, who’s coming over?” I ask.

  “Not telling.”

  I throw a popcorn piece at him. He catches it and pops it in his mouth. I gasp. He laughs.

  “OK, fine if you must know, my sister.”

  I squeal and leap up from the couch to hug him. I’m pretty sure she was outside the door when she called. He lets her inside and we both squeal. I don’t remember much of the movie. My best friend is here and we are spending time together. It seems like it’s been a lifetime even though it’s only been 18 months. Just over a year and so much has happened.

  How? Why?

  As if a switch has been turned, the sun is filling the room. I sit up to stretch my back.