Freedom to Ride (Ravens MC)

  FREEDOM TO RIDE

  RAVENS MOTORCYCLE CLUB

  By Suzanne Clark

  Copyright Suzanne Clark April 2014

  DEDICATION

  To my wonderful sister, who has inspired me to put my thoughts and dreams into my own book.

  To my fantastic parents, who have made me the person I am today.

  And to my kids, who have been my joys in hard times and make me proud of being a single mum

  Suzanne Clark, 25 April 2014

  CHAPTER 1

  FEBRUARY, PRESENT DAY – LEEDS, ENGLAND

  Clutching her ribs in agony Deanna stumbled into the bathroom to grab the few toiletries she would need. She knew she had to be quick before her best friend arrived to help her escape her living hell.

  Walking as quickly as she could with her injuries she finally packed the last items into her handbag and glanced around the room, checking she hadn’t left anything important behind. She knew she would never come back and couldn’t bear to leave any of the possessions that had been hers before meeting Lee. He would destroy anything she left once he discovered she’d escaped.

  Tiptoeing nervously across the dark hallway she gently picked up her baby daughter who was sleeping in her cot and held her close, her ribs screaming in protest. Holding the child tightly, praying she wouldn’t wake, Deanna made her way to the stairs. Descending them as quietly as possible she crept into the kitchen where she could hear her soon to be ex-boyfriend snoring loudly from the living room, sleeping off his booze-induced stupor.

  Trembling with fear she made her way towards the back door but accidentally caught her handbag on the side of the wine rack, causing the bottles inside to rattle loudly in the quiet kitchen. She froze when the snoring from the other room stopped, her heart dropping to her feet as she waited, terrified, in case Lee woke. Thoughts too hideous to comprehend filled her mind of what would happen if he discovered what she was attempting. After a few tense moments his snoring resumed and she softly stepped closer towards the back door, making sure her bag was secured to her side.

  She breathed a small sigh of relief as she quietly closed the door behind her and made her way to the front of the house, careful not to trip over anything in the darkness. On reaching the end of the drive she was relieved to see Megan’s car parked a couple of houses down the road waiting for her.

  Megan got out of the car and ran to help her best friend and was appalled to see the injuries to Deanna’s face appear to worsen the closer she got. Tears filled her eyes when she saw the amount of pain Deanna was bravely trying to hide.

  “Look what the bastard did to your beautiful face. I’ll kill him,” Megan spat, her Scottish accent more pronounced when she was angry.

  “Please, we need to go. Quickly. We can’t risk him waking and finding us gone.”

  “Okay. Give me Holly and I’ll get her in her seat. You get in the car.”

  Deanna shuffled to the car and struggled into the passenger seat. Glancing back towards the house she made sure no lights had been left on and no movement was coming from within. Thankfully everything remained still.

  Megan climbed into the driver’s side and started the engine. As the car pulled away from the kerb Megan leaned over and grabbed Deanna’s hand. The two best friends looked at each other as Megan whispered, “you’re both free,” bringing a weak smile to Deanna’s face.

  Slowly turning in her seat she could see her daughter still fast asleep, thankfully not having woken during their escape. As the car reached the end of the street she glanced back for the final time.

  She had once enjoyed living in the house but that had quickly changed. It was an expensive monstrosity with a cold clinical feel because Lee had decorated and bought only what he wanted - all the limited furnishings, all the food and most of her possessions. He had even begun to take the meagre wage she got from her work.

  The house became her prison and the only time she was allowed to leave was for her part-time waitressing job. This was where she had met her best friend and saviour, Megan Craig. Deanna was loathe to talk at first but with gentle persuasion she had eventually confided in her friend about her nightmarish homelife. Megan had been appalled at first and then become angry. She had wanted to go and kick the hell out of the sorry excuse of a man, it was only Deanna’s insistence that she didn’t as she and Holly would be the ones to suffer the consequences.

  That was when they’d begun to make plans. Megan told Deanna she had a twin brother who had been pestering her to come and live with him. Megan had left Scotland a couple years before to help with a sick cousin living in England, but missed her homeland greatly.

  After much persuasion Deanna decided the only way out for both her and Holly was to go with Megan and start a new life somewhere else far away. Megan had confided in her brother about Deanna’s predicament and he agreed to help. He was the vice president of a motorcycle club based in Glasgow and arrangements were made for their accommodation and he offered them all the club’s protection.

  They’d brought forward their departure date because Deanna knew if she left it any longer she might not survive to see that day. The beating tonight had been brutal, each attack escalating as Lee’s drinking and mental stability worsened. Deanna had rung Megan minutes after the last attack begging for them to leave at once. Megan had immediately agreed and told her she would be with her as soon as she could after contacting her brother to let him know to expect them earlier than planned.

  With shaking hands Deanna took her battered mobile phone from her handbag to check for any missed calls or messages, praying that Lee hadn’t yet discovered that they were missing. If luck was on their side that wouldn’t happen until they were hours away. Nervously she glanced behind them to see if they were being followed, but there were very few vehicles on the road so early in the morning.

  As the stress of the day caught up with her she finally drifted off to sleep near the Scottish border. For the first time in a long time she had dreams of a happy future for her daughter and herself.

  CHAPTER 2

  A few hours later the bright lights of Glasgow were behind them and they were driving through the outskirts of the city to where the motorcycle club was based. As they pulled up outside the compound Megan reached over and gently shook Deanna awake.

  “Deanna. We’re here sweetie.”

  Deanna slowly woke and glanced around to see where she was. She hadn’t been to Scotland since she was a little girl and breathed a sigh of relief to be back in the birthplace of her beloved father. The towering mountains in the distance lit with the beginning of dawn’s light made her feel at home for the first time in years.

  “Sorry I slept so long and left you with all the driving. Did Holly wake up? I didn’t hear her,” Deanna said yawning.

  “No, she slept the whole journey. Don’t worry, you both needed the rest.”

  Deanna smiled gratefully at her friend. As tears of relief began to form in her eyes she reached across to hug her fiercely.

  “Thank you Megan. I don’t know what would have happened if it weren’t for you. I owe you everything.”

  “You’re my best friend. I’d do anything for you.” Megan looked out of the car window and a mischievous smile appeared on her face.

  “Quick, dry your tears sweetie. It looks like we’ve got an audience.” Deanna glanced in the same direction and noticed three men stood awkwardly beside the car watching their exchange. The sight made Deanna giggle.

  “Men. They never know how to deal with crying women,” she joked.

  Both women started laughing, waking Holly, who started to cry. They got out of the car and Deanna saw a man gather Megan into a big hug. She knew this was her friend’s twin brother and
could see the genuine affection between the siblings. The similarity between them was quite striking, both with their blonde hair, blue eyes and slim build.

  Deanna opened the back door and unclipped her daughter from her seat, soothing her with quiet words. Holding Holly, she walked around the car towards the assembled crowd as Megan and her brother broke apart to face her.

  “Deanna Grace. I’m Logan. Megan hasn’t stopped talkin’ about you. It’s great to have you here, though I wish it was under better circumstances,” he said in a strong Scottish accent as he studied her beaten face.

  Deanna stepped forward with one of her hands outstretched, holding Holly in her other arm. Logan ignored her hand and grabbed her in a bear hug. She winced in pain when her sore body protested.

  “Ah shit. Sorry. Are you okay?” he asked sympathetically.

  “I’m fine. Just a bit sore, that’s all. Megan hasn’t stopped talking about you either. Thank you so much for letting us stay here. I really appreciate it, for both me and Holly.”

  “Nah don’t be daft. I’d help anyone who means so much to my sister. You’re more than welcome.”

  Holly was now fully awake and was looking curiously at the newcomers, the men came closer to get a better look at her.

  “She’s a beauty, just like her ma,” Logan said with a wink. “Now, let me introduce you to the rest of the lads.” He gestured to his friends. “This big guy is Bruce and this is Fraser.” Bruce was built like a body builder with a shaven head and a kind smile. Deanna noticed Megan give Fraser, the man with long red hair, a secretive flirtatious wink - obviously there was some history between the two.

  They were interrupted by the thundering sound of a powerful engine and turning, she saw a monstrous black motorbike coming towards them. As the bike stopped a few yards down the road the rider cut the engine and climbed off.

  Deanna blinked when the man rose to his full height, his hulking presence enhanced as he stood illuminated beneath the glow of a nearby street lamp. He was massive, well over six foot tall, solidly built with broad shoulders and was wearing all black – jeans, short sleeved jumper and leather vest.

  He raised his thickly muscled arms to pull off his helmet, causing Deanna to suck in a shocked gasp. He was breathtaking. As he sauntered up to them, the helmet tucked under his arm and raven black hair tousled, she stared at him with her mouth agape. Towering above her, she gazed up into his dark eyes, then lowered her own to follow the intricate tattoos on his neck that led down both arms to his wrists.

  Deanna quickly looked down, embarrassed to be gawping so blatantly and found herself staring at his broad chest, a badge on his leather waistcoat displaying the word ‘President’. So this was the famous Nathan Gunn or “Nate” as his friends called him.

  When she found the nerve to look back up into his face - which was quite a distance above her - she saw his eyes assessing her injuries, making her feel self-conscious. A slow smile spread across his face and she couldn’t help but return his devastating grin, until the cuts on her lips opened up, making her wince. His smile vanished to be replaced by a fierce scowl as his eyes reflected the anger that shot through him. He obviously hated violence against women. Recovering himself he extended his hand.

  “Deanna, it’s good to meet you. Megan’s told us what’s been happenin’ and I’m sorry you had to go through that. But it’s great to have you here. I’m Nate.” His voice was extremely deep and with his rich Glaswegian accent it sent shivers down her spine.

  Deanna found her small hand engulfed by his larger one. A sudden feeling of rightness washed over her at the physical contact. She mentally scolded herself that after everything she’d been through she wasn’t going to swoon over a complete stranger, but in her beaten and fragile state it was difficult not to.

  “Hi Nate. It’s nice to meet you. I’m . . . er . . . thank you for letting us stay, it’s very generous,” Deanna stammered, feeling a little breathless.

  They both stared at each other not too sure what to say but still holding hands, completely forgetting the others gathered around watching their exchange in surprise. Deanna knew her mind had wandered when she felt movement in her arm and looked down to see Holly wriggling trying to get a closer look at Nate. She was surprised when Holly held her arms out towards him. A stunning smile lit up his face as he gazed down at the wee girl.

  “This must be Holly. Can I hold her?” he asked, holding out his hands.

  Holly impatiently wiggled again so Deanna gently handed her baby over to Nate, knowing instinctively she could trust him with her. She held back a sigh when the little girl was lost in his huge arms. The look which passed between Holly and Nate was very tender as he gently rocked the beautiful baby in his arms.

  “You’re such a pretty wean. You look just like your mummy. How old is she?”

  “Nearly ten months,” Deanna replied fondly.

  Deanna couldn’t believe what she was seeing and, glancing around, it appeared that his friends couldn’t either judging by their shocked expressions. Such an enormous and powerful man holding her baby so gently was a heart-warming sight.

  “She’s somethin’ else isn’t she?” said Logan to Nate. “Such amazing hair. Reminds me of the wee lass from that film Brave my niece is always watching,” Logan laughed. Nate hummed his agreement not taking his eyes from Holly.

  Logan watched Nate closely. He could see his friend had been immediately smitten with the wee baby and, he guessed, with her ma too. But they didn’t have time to hang around, the girls had been travelling for hours and would need some rest.

  “Right, let’s get you girls set up at the house. I’m sure you’re tired,” said Logan.

  “Yeah, I’m knackered. Show us our new home.” Megan winked at her twin, throwing her arm around his shoulder as they walked off.

  The other two men began to unload bags from the car and carried them into the detached modern house across the road from the compound. It would be theirs to use until other arrangements could be made. Nate and Logan owned the house and were living there, but it had plenty of bedrooms for all of them. The other members had their own houses close by. Deanna began to follow but looked back to Nate and her daughter, now sleeping peacefully in his arms. Slowly he looked up from Holly and his eyes connected with Deanna’s with an intensity that startled her.

  “Do you want me to take her?” said Deanna.

  “Nah, I’ve got her. She’s beautiful. I can tell you’re a proud ma.”

  “Yeah, she’s my world. I’m happy to see her so relaxed. She’s such a gentle child,” she replied sharing a smile with him.

  Nate followed the stunning redhead in front of him in awe. Even though she had bruises on her cheeks, cut lips and a swollen eye, anyone could see she was a beautiful woman. Her injuries made him want to get back on his bike, find her ex and beat the shit out of him. Any man who hit a woman needed teaching a lesson.

  Their instant connection had left him breathless and when he’d looked into her daughter’s eyes, the complete trust in her expression had made his chest ache. He knew immediately that this woman and her beautiful child would be special in his life. Nate always trusted his gut instinct.

  He looked at the baby sleeping in his arms. With her curly red hair and bright green eyes she was the spitting image of her mum. He felt like an inconsiderate prick when he saw Deanna walk stiffly into the house, she was obviously in pain and he hadn’t offered any help.

  “Deanna, are you okay? Do you need some painkillers?” Nate called.

  “I’m a little sore but I’ve got some tablets that will help me sleep. I’ve had to take them quite a lot recently. But thanks for your concern . . . I’ve not had much of that for a long time.”

  Nate reached forward to grab her hand, a shocked gasp coming from Deanna from the contact.

  “You do know you’re safe here Deanna. He can’t find you. Me and my boys will look after you and this beautiful wee girl here,” Nate said as his gaze drifted back to Holly.


  “Thank you,” Deanna replied, squeezing his hand in gratitude.

  As they finally entered the house silence reined as everyone stopped to stare at the pair of them standing in the doorway holding hands. Embarrassed, Deanna dropped his hand and turned to Nate to take Holly from him. He gently handed the baby to her, feeling the loss immediately. She had felt so right in his arms.

  Deanna addressed the room, “I better get this little one to bed.”

  Smiling gratefully at each person she finally glanced at Megan who gave her a secretive smile and wink. Deanna knew she’d want answers tomorrow about what had passed between Nate and her.

  “Okay,” replied Logan. “I’ve set you both up in the bedrooms at the end of the hall. Get some sleep and we’ll catch up in a few hours. Just shout if you need anythin’. We’ll be across the road at the garage or clubhouse.”

  “Thanks everyone. Night,” Deanna replied, turning to leave the room.

  “Good night Deanna,” Nate said softly, his eyes not leaving the pair until the door closed behind them.

  CHAPTER 3

  A few hours later Deanna woke looking around the strange room, memories filling her mind of the events of the past few hours. She felt much better and when she noticed the clock beside her bed displaying just after ten o’clock she realised it was past Holly’s feeding time.

  Getting out of bed and stretching she wandered over to Holly’s cot watching her slowly waking. Reaching down she lifted her up and burrowed her nose in her little one’s hair. The baby smell always relaxed her and she gave Holly little kisses over her face making her giggle. At that moment there was a soft knock on the bedroom door.

  “Come in,” Deanna called, thinking it would be Megan. She was surprised when Nate walked in, smiling at the sight of the beautiful pair giggling and beaming at each other.

  “Mornin’. How you feeling?” Nate asked.

  “Better thanks. We’ve just woken up, that’s such a comfy bed. Is Megan up yet?”