Archer: MC Biker Romance (Blazing Rebels Motorcycle Club Romance) Book 2

Chapter Three

The next morning, I was sitting in the Tavern with Tank, Crow, Ripper, and Wrench. Two sunny-side-up eggs and bacon stared back at me happily, framed by peppered hash browns. Next to my plate was a side dish of buttered rye toast and a white mug of black coffee. “You’re too kind, Evelyn.”

“Trust me, I know,” she said as she strutted back to her work behind the bar in her heeled boots and leather pants. In a former life, Tank must have done something pretty spectacular to wind up with her. Turning to Tank I said. “All right, so what’s on the agenda for me today?”

“Gilbert down on Fifth had got a hold of me, saying there was an overdose from some mixed junk I want you to look into. Nothing big, but we should—”

The Tavern’s doors flew open.

Inside stumbled a dishevelled, thin older man I recognized instantly as the owner of my favorite bakery. Under my breath I said, “Ron?”

Scurrying inside, he looked around, appearing relieved it was empty aside from those of us having breakfast. He didn’t seem to notice me gawking at me when he said. “Excuse me? You’re… you’re the Blazing Fires right?”

“Who the fuck is this guy?” Crow grunted. “Comes barging in here, doesn’t even know our name…”

“My apologies, sir,” Ronald said, his voice trembling along with his knees. I couldn’t stand seeing him go against Crow so early in the morning. He hadn’t even had his morning Jack yet, no one should confront him.

“The Blazing Rebels, Ron.” I corrected him.

Ronald’s eyes widened and a hint of relief that looked welcomed on his worn-out face appeared. “Oh, Archer! I know you.” His brow furrowed. “Wait, you’re part of a…?”

“I don’t just ride the bike, no. Full lifestyle,” I answered before he could finish asking.

“Who is this guy?” Tank asked me, seeming irritated by their breakfast getting interrupted.

“This is Ronald Loggins,” I said. “He uh… he owns that bakery I go to.”

“Ohh…” All the guys, except Crow, who just seemed pissed, said, understanding. Thankfully, they didn’t start pestering me about my thing for Rose. Something told me Ron wasn’t in the mood to hear about me ogling his daughter.

“What’s going on, Ron?” I asked and he looked like he was going to break into tears.

“It’s… it’s… it’s the Freeway Kings.” All of us Rebels exchanged looks with each other. My stomach began swirling with hate, wondering why the hell the Freeways would get involved with such a kind gentleman like Ron. “They… they’re after me and Rose.”

“What? Why?” I asked with concern in my voice.

“I… I messed up.”

“What’d you do, Ronald?” Tank asked, gentler than before due to the intrigue overpowering his annoyance.

“I took out a loan from them. I had no choice.”

“So, that’s what they’re up to,” Wrench muttered to himself before asking him. “Where do you live?”

“Over in the west.”

“Fuck him,” Crow said. “Get this westsider out of here.”

“Hang on, Crow,” I said. “What do you need help with exactly? Why’d you come to us, of all people?”

Rooster, who was in charge of our finances, said, “You’re not getting a loan from us, that’s for damn sure.”

“No, I know,” he said. “I’ve heard about your rivalry for a long time. I can’t go to the police otherwise I’ll go to jail for taking out the illegal loan -”

“They’re useless anyway,” Tank said.

“And Rose and I. We don’t have anyone. The Freeways, they’re… they’re going to be checking up on me and Rose. They said I have a month, but I don’t trust them. They’re going to hurt Rose. They’re savages.”

“They are,” I said.

“I need someone to help protect her…” he said. “Just until I get them paid off. Then you’ll never see us again. I’m… afraid they’re… they’re going to…”