Biker Next Door Read online

  Elizabeth chuckled. “Not at all.”

  “I can’t even sell my house. Everything is going wrong. I can’t live here any longer. I’m a failure.”

  “You’re not a failure.”

  “My neighbor didn’t fall in love with me. I can’t sell my house. I have ruined everything. I can see everyone whispering about me. How bad could I be?”

  “Nonsense. You shouldn’t be listening to anyone but yourself and your heart. It’s not your fault if something goes wrong. There are two people responsible here. Not just you.”

  She shrugged. “I know. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t just allow my mouth to vomit like that.” She put her fingers to her lips and flung them out. “I’m fine. Really.” She stood up. “I better go. My realtor believes I’ve put too much of a personal touch to the place. She’s advised I allow people to see themselves in my house.” She was so close to tears.

  “You know you’re more than welcome here, sweetheart.”

  “Thank you.” She hugged the older woman, thinking she was the closest person to a friend she had. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  After letting herself out of Elizabeth’s house, she walked back to her own. So long as she didn’t look up, she never had to consider if Rix had been able to sell his house. It would be even more of an embarrassment if he had. In fact, it would royally suck. He could easily move on while she had to live her life knowing all that she lost.

  Deep breaths.

  Big, deep breaths.

  “I will love you, darling, with all my heart, and we will make this work.” She was a lot stronger than this. She had to find her backbone.

  Squaring her shoulders, she went into her sitting room and started to take down each picture. The life she intended for herself here wasn’t meant to be, and she was going to move on. One day at a time.

  She kept repeating the mantra, hoping one day, she’d be able to follow it.

  ****

  There was no rest for the wicked, at least not for Rix.

  Before he’d been able to deal with his feelings for Anna-Beth and make her see reason, he had no choice but to organize a drug run. It was part of his agreement with the new capo, and of course he had to be present to make sure everything ran smoothly. The run itself had taken a lot longer than he’d anticipated.

  Nearly two weeks. One of which was spent just waiting for the shipment to come in. Again, the agreement he’d made was for him to keep an eye on the sale of the product so nothing went awry It was his biggest mistake. Arriving in his clubhouse late one Sunday night, he wanted nothing more than to have a long bath, some good food, and a night’s sleep. Tomorrow, he’d go back to Anna-Beth with the intention of telling her how he felt and what he wanted, but also promising her the world.

  He couldn’t give up the club. He wanted her as part of him and the club.

  One of the prospects, Crow or something was his name, came rushing out.

  “Sir, we’ve got a bit of a situation here,” the prospect said, looking terrified.

  “What?” he asked, not really interesting in dealing with any drama. He’d been to full power at the club for less than a month and he’d had his fair share of teen dramas to deal with, and he was thoroughly bored of it. Since when did he become the parent of reasoning?

  “Where is he? I will not be put off for another moment.”

  “Elizabeth,” he said.

  One of the club girls put a hand on Elizabeth’s arm. “You get your hands off me. I know Rix. I intend to see him now.”

  “Sorry,” Crow said. “She has been coming every single day. Tonight she wouldn’t leave and you wouldn’t respond to our calls.” Crow shrugged. “We didn’t know what to do about her.”

  He raised his brow. “You don’t do anything about her. We’re good friends, aren’t we, Elizabeth?”

  “Good friends. I have the very idea of washing your mouth out with soap.” She tutted.

  Some of the boys were laughing, but they tried their hardest to hide it.

  He rolled his eyes. “What have I done?”

  “Do you know how much Anna-Beth is struggling? She can’t even sell her house, and she’s pregnant with your baby. I’m worried about her. She’s losing weight, which isn’t good.”

  “Wait, what?”

  “You heard me.”

  “She knows?”

  Elizabeth stopped. “Knows what?”

  “About the baby?”

  “Of course she knows. She’s not an idiot like you. How could you? I know you had all this funny business going on, but I liked you, Rix, and she is hurting. She is hurting real bad!” Elizabeth stamped her foot. “She feels like she is a laughingstock of the town. Like people are judging her at every single moment because you didn’t fall in love with her, and now she can’t even sell that precious house.”

  He held up his hand. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Did you sell your house?” Elizabeth asked, continuing as if she hadn’t heard him.

  “No, I have no reason to sell it just yet.”

  Elizabeth put her hands on her hips. “Just exactly what have you been doing?”

  The boys were enjoying the drama unfolding.

  “Boys, inside. I need to talk with Elizabeth alone.”

  “I’m good. I don’t know if she has a weapon,” Night said.

  “My mouth is the biggest weapon I have. I can’t believe my eyes. You’re going to be a father, Rix. Anna-Beth loves you.”

  “She does?”

  “I wonder why people believe men are the superior species.” She shook her head. “Of course, she loves you. Why do you think she’s hurting? Spends most of her day crying. The only time she seems to smile is when she’s walking my dogs.” Elizabeth tutted.

  “I’m completely in love with her,” Rix said. “I love her more than anything else in the world. I know she’s pregnant. I never intended to leave her. Shit happened. Life happened. I want her to come here. Be with me. Be my old lady.” He looked past her to Crow. “Is it all set up?”

  “It is. We’re waiting on another delivery of candles,” Crow said.

  “Come with me, I’ll prove it to you.” He led the way from the main parking lot to around the back where he intended to propose to Anna-Beth. There was a white veranda with flowers traveling up, lights covering the clubhouse, chairs, and tables. “This is what I planned. I’ve got to get Anna-Beth to come here and I can’t do that while she’s hating me.” He turned to Elizabeth. “I have no intention of leaving her or letting her go. I love her more than anything.” He offered her a smile.

  Elizabeth’s lips were pursed.

  “You’re still angry.”

  “I don’t hold on to such stupid emotion.” She clucked her tongue. “No, you know what? I think we could make this work. How good are your men at kidnapping someone?”

  He folded his arms across his chest. “You think I should kidnap her?”

  “You said it yourself. Do you have a better idea?”

  He looked around and shook his head. “Can’t I just attempt to talk to her?”

  “Again, a good try, but maybe it won’t work.” Elizabeth was silent, glancing all around, humming, nodding, and then she smiled. “Yeah, I think kidnapping would work. Anna-Beth is always with me. We can be kidnapped together.”

  “Why would you both be kidnapped?”

  “I don’t know, but it sounds like a fun idea to me. You can take my dogs as well. I want to be surprised. Do you think you can handle that? Also, a nice touch would be, if you’re planning on marrying her, to have a priest ready.”

  “And if she doesn’t want to marry me?”

  “Then it serves you right for leaving her this long. You should have learned your lesson. Now, how about a ride home. You can then plan this, and we can see that you and Anna-Beth have your true happily-ever-after.”

  Rix really did adore this wonderful woman.

  Chapter Eleven

  For the past couple of days, all Anna-
Beth had wanted was to be left alone, to dwell in her misery. In having a baby she couldn’t tell the father about because he was never home. The house she couldn’t sell. The lack of love. If she’d known this was how she’d end up after moving here, she wouldn’t have even given moving a thought. No, that was a lie. She would’ve moved still, but she wouldn’t have been happy about it.

  Elizabeth wouldn’t leave her alone, not once. From the moment she woke in the morning, Elizabeth was there with drinks and breakfast. She even found the time to go to town, complete with the dogs. They’d enjoy a nice meal together, and then they’d go home. On the way home, she’d insist on walking her to her front door, then back to her house.

  This continued for four days, completely.

  By the fifth, she had decided she was going to talk to Elizabeth about it. There was no reason for her to continue being with her. She wasn’t going to do anything stupid. The realtor was having a hard time with the house and getting people to want to buy it. Life, at this point in time, sucked, big time.

  Martin had stopped approaching her about dates. Guy’s marriage also seemed to be on the mend as well. All around her life was happening and she was miserable and alone. She hated her life so damn much right now.

  She wanted nothing more than to sob, but instead, she saw Elizabeth waiting for her.

  Holding her bag to her shoulder, she walked out of the office and smiled. Elizabeth was just too nice not to adore.

  “Hey,” she said.

  “Hello, honey. So I’m thinking I cook you dinner tonight. How about that? I mean an amazing spaghetti casserole. Lots of cheese and all the good stuff.”

  Her stomach chose that moment to growl.

  “Settled,” she said.

  “No, no, you don’t have to do any of this,” she said, reaching out to take Elizabeth’s arm.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Taking me to dinner. Hanging out with me. I’m fine, you know. You don’t have to worry about me.”

  “You think I’m doing all of this because I’m worried you’re going to do something silly?” Elizabeth asked with a chuckle.

  “Aren’t you?”

  “I know you’re a little upset right now and for good reason, but no, I’m not here for that. I enjoy the company. So do my dogs. It’s the most excitement we’ve had in weeks. Believe me.”

  “Excitement. You think hanging out with me is exciting?”

  “It is, dear. Believe me. Now, come on, let’s go to the supermarket. I’ll get everything I need to make my famous spaghetti.”

  She laughed with the older woman. Taking the leads, she walked the dogs as Elizabeth carried her briefcase. “How was work today?”

  “Good. Good. I have told them of my intention to leave. I’ve got an appointment at another firm in a different town. I’ve told them I’m in the process of selling my house, and wishing for a fresh start. We’ll see what happens.” She offered a smile to Elizabeth.

  “You don’t think you’re acting a little rash?”

  “Nah, I’ve got to get a move on. I’ve got to do something. Staying here is no longer an option for me.” She couldn’t even find Rix to let him know about the baby. She’d come to a decision that she would tell him about the baby, but she also would tell him he wasn’t obligated to do anything.

  They’d find some agreement between the two of them to actually make it work with any baby, if he wanted to.

  “Well, you know I’m going to miss you,” Elizabeth said. “It’s not right, how you two are ending things.”

  “I know, but relationships don’t always work in a happily-ever-after. I think I’m more upset about your cursed houses thing,” she said, offering a smile.

  “Why?”

  “I couldn’t even make that work.” She shrugged. “I’ve accepted it.”

  “Honey, what’s to say it’s not still working?”

  Before she could comment, the sound of squealing tires filled the air.

  Anna-Beth watched in amazement as a black van came to a sudden stop. Masked men shoved a bag over her head and threw her into the back of the vehicle.

  She heard Elizabeth and the yapping of dogs. Her hands were also tied behind her back. She let out a scream but no one came.

  Darkness enveloped them as the door closed.

  “Well, this has never happened before,” Elizabeth said.

  “Elizabeth? You’re okay? You’re fine.”

  “Very much so, dear. I have to say I’ve never experienced anything like this before. It’s all an entirely new experience.”

  “I don’t know what’s going on. What’s happening?” Fear rushed through her. She didn’t know who those men were or what they wanted.

  “I’m guessing we’ve been kidnapped.”

  “Kidnapped? Why?” She tried to free her hands but it was no use. She growled in frustration. “I hate this.”

  “Don’t stress so much.”

  “It’s hard not to. There’s no reason to kidnap us. I don’t get it.”

  “Just take a deep breath.”

  She heard the whining of the dogs. “They took the dogs as well.”

  “I know, it happens.”

  She shuffled until she was sat upright with a groan. “I hate this right now. I can’t believe you’re so calm.”

  “I’ve got no reason not to be. We don’t know why they’re doing this.”

  This all seemed a little too surreal for her. Elizabeth wasn’t panicking. There was no fear. What the hell was going on?

  They drove for hours. They only stopped every now and again to be given some water.

  “I won’t be able to cook my famous spaghetti for you.”

  “I’m sure one day you will be able to. When all of this is, you know, over.”

  “I don’t know.” She huffed. She started to mutter things about the worst timing.

  “It’ll be fine, Elizabeth. I’m sure your casserole is the best there is going to be.”

  “It will be. Stupid men.”

  “I know.” This was so surreal. As the hours passed, they continued to hydrate them but food seemed to be forgotten.

  She stopped panicking when the car came to a complete stop and the engine turned off.

  “We’ve stopped.”

  “I know.”

  “This is the part where they’re going to kill us?” Anna-Beth asked. “I haven’t told Rix about the baby or how much I love him. I’ve wasted so much time.”

  “Don’t panic.”

  The doors opened up and this time she did scream. She didn’t know what happened to Elizabeth as she was carried somewhere, her arms still bound behind her back.

  She was dumped on a bed. She screamed as the ties were cut off.

  The man stepped back.

  The room was still dark. A lock clicked into place.

  At first, she didn’t move. Her heart raced.

  Finally, she scrambled with her hood, tearing it off her face. Next, she worked her arms, wincing as she brought circulation back to them. Getting to her feet, she went straight to the door, trying the handle.

  “It’s locked,” Rix said.

  This made her jump, release a little scream, and turn to find him sitting in the corner of the darkened room. He turned the small lamp on, showing him in his full leather kit.

  “Rix,” she said.

  “Anna-Beth.”

  “I don’t understand. Are you kidnapping me, or is this some kind of trick? I don’t know what to think.” She put a hand to her stomach protectively, realizing what he might think of that, she quickly moved it away, trying to calm her breaths. “What is going on?”

  “You look beautiful.”

  “I’m not really ready to play any of your games right now,” she said.

  “Who said anything about playing games?” he asked. “I’m not playing. You’re beautiful and yes, it was my boys who found you and brought you to me.”

  “Why?” she asked, frowning. “None of this is making any sense. Is Eliz
abeth okay?”

  “I imagine she’s enjoying a cold beer while her dogs get fed.”

  “She was in on it?”

  “It was her idea.”

  She shook her head. “Wow, you think you know people.”

  “Elizabeth was only doing what she thought was right. She loves you.”

  “Then tell me, Rix, why am I here?”

  ****

  Rix had played this moment out in his mind so many times. So far, it hadn’t gone how he’d hoped. With her running into his arms, kissing him, loving him. That would have been too easy, and he hated that.

  Now, he had to think of how she would understand his feelings.

  “I can’t sell my house,” she said. “I think we broke the curse.” He saw the tears in her eyes.

  “We didn’t break the curse.”

  “Really? Could have fooled me. We saw the paperwork. We’re the only couple to not get together. To not find happiness. That’s got to say something.” She averted her gaze, looking down at the floor. “I’m sorry.”

  “No need to be sorry.” He got up from his chair, moving toward her. “There is a reason we haven’t broken that curse, Anna-Beth.” He placed a finger beneath her chin. “And that is because, you and I, we’re not finished. We’re not ever going to be finished.” He tilted her head back. “Because I’m in love with you and I have no intention of letting you go. I didn’t handle everything as well as I could have. That’s on me, and I’m sorry for fucking it up. I didn’t mean to.”

  He stroked her hair back from her face. “Do you know how beautiful you are?”

  She frowned. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

  “I know,” he said.

  “I don’t think you do.”

  He laughed. “Believe me, I know. I know about our baby. I know about everything. You don’t need to worry.” He kissed her lips. “I can’t believe you even for a second thought I could walk away from you. I couldn’t.”

  “You love me?”

  “Yes, more than anything. The past few weeks have been a nightmare. I wanted to come and get you sooner but I had club business and I had to take care of that first. I didn’t want to.”