The Last Riders - First Four Votes (3 page)

“I wasn’t asleep. I can’t sleep until I know your home,” Lily confessed.

“It won’t happen again. I am sorry,” Beth apologized.

Lily shrugged. “It’s not your fault. I need to get used to being on my own unless I go to the community college in the fall to stay closer.” Lily watched for her sister’s reaction.

Beth shook her head negatively. “I told you it would be good for you to go to a college further away from home. There is a whole world out there for you to discover. Give it a couple of semesters. If you’re truly unhappy, then come home. You know if you want to be a social worker, then you need the advantage of a broad spectrum of experiences.”

“But…”

“Give it a try.” Beth smiled.

“All right, but if I’m unhappy, I am coming home.”

Laughing, Beth jumped up and grabbed her hand “Let’s go swimming.”

“What about waiting?”

“Let’s live dangerously.” They giggled as they ran into the cool water, taking turns dunking each other and simply spending time together.

After some time, Beth was finally frustrated at being unable to catch her slippery as a seal sister and headed back to their blanket.

“I’ll pack up if you want to swim a little longer,” she said over her shoulder.

“Cool.” Lily lazily floated on her back as she waved her sister away.

Smiling, Beth was kneeling on the blanket putting away the remains of their lunch when she heard the loud motors coming their way. She began praying they would pass by, however her prayers remained unanswered as the large group of bikers rode into the small nook.

Beth remained frozen as she watched them get off their bikes and then pulled beer and towels out of the side bags attached to the motorcycles. Beth recognized Razer, Knox and Samantha, who had ridden in with five other women on the back of the bikes, though the rest of the group of twelve were unfamiliar to her.

Beth recognized the biker Sam had ridden behind from the bar last night, his heavily tattooed body made him impossible to forget. He had dark hair like Razer’s, but cut shorter, he was also leaner with an air of menace that clung like a glove. His eyes were covered with sunglasses, yet Beth could sense him taking in the position of both herself and Lily.

Her eyes turned to Lily who had been swimming back toward the shore when the motorcycles had turned into their isolated spot. Beth, like her sister, had frozen in place; Lily’s beautiful face showing a mirror of her terror.

With her eyes on her sister, Beth felt someone approaching her as she sat frozen on the blanket.

“Mind if we join you?”

“Not at all, but as you can see, we’re about to leave.” Beth kept her voice even to avoid frightening her sister. Lily was terrified enough.

Beth didn’t think the group would accost them; word would have gotten around town if they had a reputation of bothering women. In fact, the bikers really didn’t have to worry about hounding women; the shortage of available males in the community provided them with plenty of women to choose from.

Razer’s direct gaze pinned her to the spot. “We can’t tempt you to stay?”

“No. We’ve been here awhile and the sun is getting to us.” Razer studied the woman sitting on the blanket. Her pale blond hair was beginning to dry. Parted down the middle, it framed her face before curling underneath. The thick mass was long and silky. Her fair skin was a faint red, showing that the sun was beginning to take its toll. The pale curves of her full breasts were barely hidden by the light blue, one-piece suit she was wearing.

“I bet that isn’t all that’s getting to you,” Sam said snidely, brushing up next to Razer. Her sharp gaze was pointed at Beth’s swimsuit top. Beth blushed, aware the girl saw her pointed nipples through her still damp suit.

“Ignore her. She’s a bitch, but I’m sure you know that since you’ve lived around her longer than I have. Hi, I’m Evie.”

“Hi.” Beth acknowledged the pretty brunette while continuing not to take her eyes off of Lily. Standing, Beth pulled on her shorts self-consciously and was about to reach for her t-shirt when she noticed that Razer already had bent down to get it. He stood, holding it in his hand, and, when she reached to take it, he wouldn’t let it go at her sharp tug.

“Everything all right?” He was staring at the still frozen Lily.

“Yes, everything is fine.” Hastily pulling her shirt from his grasp, she put it on, bending to pick up the blanket.

“She okay?” Evie looked in concern toward Lily, who was beginning to tremble. For the first time, Beth took her eyes off her sister to look at the men. Their expressions were hard to hide, however they weren’t what Beth thought she would find. They were all concerned. At that realization, Beth’s worry about their appearance disappeared. Lily was wearing a tiny pink bikini that showed the maturity of her figure, so for them to see the fear she was exhibiting and not salivating at her lithe body gave Beth peace of mind as to their intentions.

“Hey, we can leave,” Razer offered.

“No… No, it’s fine.” With the blanket in her hands, Beth walked slowly towards her sister. “Lily, I finished packing everything. Are you ready to leave?”

Lily shied away from her, back into the water. Her hands were now crossed to cover her breasts, which only pushed the firm flesh higher. Beth stopped, remembering how this had happened once before when an intoxicated parishioner had shown up at her parents’ house, carrying a liquor bottle. It had taken Beth several hours to get Lily out of her daze. Beth didn’t have to guess the nightmares she was reliving. She knew. It was the same reason that Lily was determined to be a social worker; the dedication she had was the only thing that could lure her away from the safety she had found in the mountains.

“Lily, please. They won’t hurt you. They haven’t even started drinking yet.” Which Beth hoped was true. “You have nothing to be afraid of. Have I ever let any harm come to you?”

A small moan passed Lily’s trembling lips as she took a hesitant step toward Beth. “That’s it, sweetheart," Beth praised.

“For Heaven’s sake, leave bitches. No one wants you here anyway.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Beth noticed Razer motion for Evie to get Sam quiet.

“Why do I have to shut the fuck up? That skinny slut thinks she’s better than us—” Beth heard a sharp yelp as Evie’s hand smacked Sam’s mouth, effectively cutting the girl’s sentence off.

“I told you to shut up.” Finding herself surrounded by the other women, Sam finally kept her mouth closed.

“Beth…” Lily’s broken voice tore at Beth’s heart.

“Come on, sweetheart; a few more steps.” Beth waited patiently on shore, aware that the bikers stood immobile. Finally, Lily walked within reach and Beth wrapped the blanket around her shivering form. Tugging her from the water required every ounce of strength she possessed. As they drew closer, the men in the group pulled back, giving Lily the space she needed. Finally, Beth was able to maneuver her into the car. Hastily she moved towards the driver’s door where Razer had stopped to hand her the towel and basket she had left behind.

“Thanks," she said.

“She going to be okay?”

“Yes, she’ll be fine when I get her home,” Beth tried to explain while remaining tactful. “It’s not you guys, it’s the liquor.”

Razer smiled, showing that he knew she was lying. “I think a rowdy gang of bikers probably didn’t help the situation.” When Beth would have denied it, he forestalled her. “It’s cool. No offense taken. We scare everyone in this small town. Two lone women in an isolated spot, you would be crazy to have no concerns when we invaded your space."

Beth smiled at him naturally for the first time, blushing as he grinned back.

Not wanting to keep Lily waiting longer, Beth got inside the car. She gave her sister a concerned look as she pointed the car towards home. When they arrived, she made a hot bath for Lily and a light dinner of chicken salad. They sat quietly munching without talking. Lily had demons in her past that certain events triggered and Beth had learned long ago that it was best to let Lily battle it out herself. Even without Beth’s aid, she would usually realize it had been an over reaction and then strive harder next time to keep better control of her fears.

Later in the night, though, screams startled her awake. Running into Lily’s room, she found her curled into a ball in the corner. Beth sat down next to the crying girl, pulling her into her arms to offer what comfort she could while smoothing down her dark curls. Beth rocked her sister until she fell asleep. Gently disengaging herself, she went to the bed where she removed the comforter and pillows. Placing the comforter on the floor, she maneuvered her sleeping sister until she lay prone on the thick material. Beth lay down next to her, raising her head and putting the pillow beneath it.

They slept curled together as they had done many nights when they were children. Beth felt tears slide from her eyes at the thought of the pain Lily had endured as a child; she had survived only to have the brutal memories there, waiting for a chance to attack. Beth whispered into the darkened bedroom the same prayer she had uttered every night since Lily had become her sister. That she find peace from her nightmare and someone strong enough to give it to her.

B
eth saw
that Sunday morning had turned out to be a pretty one as she woke a groggy Lily to get ready for church. They had never missed a morning service and, even after their difficult night, it never occurred to either of them to not attend.

The service was positive and left each girl in a lighter mood, unlike the ones her father used to give. Afterward, they walked to the local diner, which was just across the street. Lily’s friends joined them and they ended up at a large table. Her friends were boisterous, as kids their age usually were, but Lily didn’t mind joining in with her own wicked sense of humor. Beth sat at the opposite end of the table, contently sipping her coffee while watching the shadows in her sister’s eyes disappear into their lovely violet depths. The restaurant around them was packed with people standing around, waiting for a table to empty.

“Pastor Dean!” Lily waved at their Pastor when he walked into the restaurant. The good-looking Pastor Dean had received many invitations to lunch after the services, but he always declined. Eligible, young and extremely handsome with mahogany hair, the women in the church were always vying for his attention. She was therefore a little surprised when he excused himself from the parishioner he had been talking to and made his way to their table. Beth watched as he greeted Lily and her friends, the respect they had for the man was obvious. It was no wonder that they respected him; he was a very good pastor who made time for his parishioners, including the young ones, when he had begun earning their trust.

He had taken over for her father two years ago and at first had met resistance from within the church. He was more lenient where her father had been hell and brimstone. Beth didn’t resent the change, though, in fact she was happy that the younger crowd wouldn’t be taught in such a stifling atmosphere.

“Would you like to join us?” Beth asked when she could get a word in.

Pastor Dean laughed. “I would.” Pulling a chair out next to Beth, he sat down. “It’ll give me a break from the more stodgy parishioners.”

“Now, pastor, we don’t want to deprive your flock of your company.” Beth laughed.

“Please deprive away.” Dean ordered his breakfast from a passing waitress. “Unless you need my advice on your everlasting soul.”

Beth shuddered. “No, I’m good.”

Dean laughed again, quickly drawn into a conversation with the others at the table. The youth group was planning a weekend trip to donate their services to rebuild a church that had been destroyed by a tornado, and the kids were talking animatedly about it. It was an enjoyable lunch with at times serious topics.

As the lunch crowd in the restaurant began to thing out, Beth noticed the table in the corner against the back wall. Razer and two of his buddies sat watching her table.

“Beth!” Lily drew her attention. “We’re going to the movies and then to Charles’s for dinner. We need to finish a PowerPoint presentation for class tomorrow.”

“Okay, take the car.” Beth reached into her purse and pulled out her keys.

“We’ll drop you off first,” Lily protested.

Beth glanced at her watch. “No, it’s in the opposite direction; you’ll miss the start of the movie. I can walk, it’s not far.” In fact, when their parents had been alive, they used to walk every Sunday, weather permitting.

“I would offer you a ride, but mine is in the shop,” Dean said, rising. “Ladies, thanks for allowing me to join you. Beth, I’ll stop by one day this week to pick up the boxes for the charity drive. Call and let me know when it’s convenient.” When he picked up the ticket for the table, Beth protested. “Allow me.” With a wink he ignored her and said his goodbyes. All this time, Beth was conscious of Razer’s sharp gaze on her.

“We better be going,” Lily announced. Lily and her friends got up then Lily walked to her sister and gave her a hug. “I’ll be home by ten.”

“Finish your project. Don’t worry about the time, but remember you have school in the morning.” Beth smiled at her, mischievously glancing at Charles.

“I will.” Lily just stared at her. She was wearing a pale lilac dress with lace at the borders. It was soft and flowed to her knees. She looked like a model.

Beth got a lump in her throat as she reached out to give Lily’s hand a quick squeeze. She would often touch Lily, noticing others close to her made excuses to do the same. Beth didn’t take offense because she knew they did it for the same reason as her own; to reassure themselves that Lily was still within their reach. Women of less beauty had made fortunes with their looks, but they could not compare to Lily since it wasn’t only her physical beauty that drew everyone in the room’s eyes; her gentle spirit shone in her face and made her all the more radiant. Charles walked up, taking Lily’s hand to hurry her towards the door.

Beth watched them go. Lily and Charles had grown up together. In fact, he lived just a couple of houses down from them and he was just as protective of Lily as she was, if not more so. He had loved Lily since he had first seen her introduced in her parents’ church. When he placed an arm around Lily’s shoulders as they went out the door, Lily casually moved away. She didn’t return his feelings and never would.

Beth sighed and stood to leave the restaurant, still feeling the biker’s gaze on her back. She was thinking that the walk home would help exercise off the chili cheese fries she had for lunch.

She hadn’t gotten far when a shiny, black, monster of a truck pulled up next to her.

“Want a ride home?” Razer asked. The look on his face plainly said that he expected her to refuse.

“Yes.” She firmly squashed her own internal voice that was asking what the hell she was doing. She was done being intimidated by them. Their behavior yesterday had been kind and Beth was not going to repay them with snobbery.

She moved to the other side of the truck as an expressionless man with the tattoos and wearing sunglasses jumped out, helping her into the front seat. He paused until she slid over to the middle of the seat before getting in next to her and firmly shutting the door. Razer then waited for her to buckle her seatbelt before moving back into the light traffic.

Beth self-consciously pulled down the cream skirt of her light dress to cover her thighs that had become exposed when she had slid into the truck.

“I live down Pine. It’s just—”

“I know where it is.” Beth nodded at his words. “That’s Shade next to you and Train in the back.”

“Hello.” She turned to look at the men as they were introduced, receiving a nod from each. Beth guessed the one wearing the sunglasses was Shade, as every time she had seen him he had been wearing them on the only part of his body she was beginning to think wasn’t tattooed. In the midst of the introductions, Beth wondered nervously who had decided on their nicknames.

“What’s so funny?” Razer asked, seeing her smile.

Deciding to be honest, Beth confessed, “I was just wondering how you decided what your name was, if you chose it or someone else.”

“Depends,” Razer answered.

“On what?”

Razer shrugged. “A lot of things; it’s usually because we’re good at something.”

“So because Shade wears sunglasses, he was given that name.” Beth smiled.

“You think I’m called Shade because I wear sunglasses?" Beth felt his body shake in laughter next to her, and was instantly confused

“Then why do you think they call me Razer?”

“Because you like to shave?” Beth answered, noticing his cleanly shaven face, unlike his friends who seemed to like the shadowed look. This time loud laughter could be heard from the backseat.

Beth could see Razer fighting his own laughter. “Yeah, that’s it.”

Before Beth could figure out their laughter, the truck pulled into her driveway. Shade sat still while, this time, Razer jumped out.

“I’ll help you down.” He patiently held out his hand. As she unbuckled her seatbelt, she felt foolish trying to keep her skirt from flying up while holding her purse in her other hand. She slid toward his opened door where Razer held her hand until she regained her balance, shutting the door of the truck.

“Thanks for the ride.”

“You’re welcome.” Razer followed as she walked to her door. Unlocking it, she turned to say goodbye, but before she could, he stopped her with a hand on her arm.

“I’m going for a ride on my bike for an hour or two; would you like to go?”

Beth looked toward the truck with the men inside.

“Just us. I’ll go get my bike and you can get changed into some jeans.”

“I can’t—”

“Yes, you can. Your sister is gone for the day.” At her surprised look, Razer appeared unapologetic at his obvious eavesdropping in the restaurant. “I bet you don’t have anything important that has to be done today. Come for a ride with me in the mountains.”

“All right.” Beth found herself swayed by his smile. She was just as weak as the other women.

“Good. I’ll be back in an hour. Be ready,” he ordered.

Beth simply smiled at his order, going inside the house. Once the door closed, her calm exterior faded and the recriminations began in earnest. All the time she was getting changed into more comfortable clothes, she was determined to convey to him that she couldn’t go when he returned. As she put on her tennis shoes then fixed her hair back into a tight ponytail, she continued to believe what she was telling herself.

When the knock came in less than the hour, Beth was surprised he was back so soon.

“That wasn’t an hour," Beth accused when she opened the door.

“I was afraid you would change your mind.”

“As a matter of fact—" Beth started to say.

“Oh, no, you don’t. I didn’t bust my balls to drive back here, breaking the speed limit, for you to turn me away. Where are your keys?”

“Wait just a minute. I—”

“Nope,” Razer cut her off again and, seeing her keys sitting on the small table by the door, grabbed them, sliding them into his blue jeans’ pocket. Beth swallowed apprehensively when her eyes were drawn towards him with his action.

“Let’s go.” Taking her hand, he pulled her out and locked the door.

Resigning herself to the point that this was indeed going to happen, Beth followed him meekly to his motorcycle.

“I have never ridden before," she told him nervously when he handed her a helmet before placing one on himself.

“It’s not hard. Get on.” Beth clumsily straddled the huge bike, holding on tight to the seat when Razer got on. “Grab on to my waist.”

Beth nodded her understanding before reaching out and clutching him around his waist.

“No, Beth, like this.” Reaching for her hands, he pulled them forward, scooting her whole body forward until the front of her body was plastered to his. Her arms held tightly to his waist. Without another word, he turned on the motor.

Beth’s first motorcycle ride was an experience she would never forget. The mountains were beautiful in their full glory while the bike made her feel as if she could truly appreciate the natural beauty of their surroundings. She finally understood the freedom someone could feel, the excitement women were drawn to at the skill and strength to maneuver the beast of a machine around the turns as well as other cars on the road.

They rode for over an hour before they headed back to Beth’s home. At her door, he pulled out her keys, unlocking the door before pulling it open.

“Would you like to come in for something to eat before you go home?”

“That’s one of the things I never refuse.”

“Oh, what else is on your list?” Beth teased, walking towards her kitchen.

Razer shrugged. “Not a lot, but home cooked food is definitely on the top.”

“Well, let’s see what I can do.”

Beth opened her freezer, grabbing some Stromboli’s that she’d made the previous weekend and then froze so that Lily could heat them when she arrived home from school. The freezer was full of pre-made meals that Lily could heat up for herself if one of the clients kept Beth late. Schedules were important to Lily and it kept things normal for her to have home cooked food in the oven instead of take-out.

The Stromboli’s were filling the house with their delicious aroma as she made a salad and filled glasses of iced tea. Sitting them on the table, she motioned for Razer to take a seat.

"Sorry I don’t have any beer.”

“I didn’t expect you to after your sister’s reaction yesterday. Care to explain why she freaked out so badly?”

Beth hesitated. The whole town was aware Lily was adopted because her father had made a big production of it, however he had also never told anyone where he had found Lily. Beth didn’t know how privy Razer was to the town gossip, nor did she want to disrespect her sister’s privacy.

Beth answered hesitantly, “Lily has led a very sheltered life.”

Opening the oven, she took out the Stromboli, serving one to Razer then one for herself.

“You haven’t?” He waited until she took her seat before asking the question.

“I went away for college, spent four years in Lexington. I went through the partying stage, but Lily hasn’t. She goes off to school in the fall.”

“You’re going to miss her.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yes, we’re very close. I would even come home on the weekends just because I missed her so badly, but the college she’s going to is just a few hours away. I plan to drive down a couple times a month. I don’t want her driving home; she isn’t the best of drivers. Treepoint is small and the roads are quiet, but busier roads give her trouble.”

“Perhaps you should take her out driving on more heavily traveled roads for the experience instead of trying to keep her from driving them.”

“Tried that, took ten years off my life expectancy.” Beth shuddered even now at the memory.

“That bad?”

“Worse.”

Razer laughed at her expression. “She can’t be that bad.”

“Oh, yes, she can. She pulled out in front of a semi. It was a miracle he was able to swerve and miss us. If another car had been coming, I wouldn’t be sitting here now."

Razer's laughter immediately died and they finished eating in silence. When they were done, they put their dishes in the sink. Not wanting Lily to see the dishes when she got home, Beth did the dishes while she heard Razer turn the television on. When she was done, she went into the living room to see Razer sprawled on her couch. Beth began to feel nervous being alone with him.