Chapter 1
Edinboro, PA
Three Years Ago
There was a time, not long ago, when I was not a nice person. I was selfish to the core. I did what I wanted when I wanted and everyone else be damned. But I recently realized that you can only get away with that sort of behavior for so long. Eventually, your past deeds will catch up with you and the old saying rings true. You will reap what you sow.
Six years ago, I left this town and swore I would never come back. I was engaged to be married to my childhood sweetheart and I ditched him at the altar. I could blame it on the drugs…and for the longest time, I did. But looking back, I realize that I was fully aware of my actions and what I had done. All I cared about was my next fix and the night before my wedding, I pawned my engagement ring to get it. Then I left. Then, to make matters worse, a month later I discovered that I was pregnant. I couldn't even take care of myself, let alone a child, so I did the only thing my cowardly ass could do: I had it aborted. It is the number one regret of my life.
I really never thought I would be back. But there is something about a small town, and this small town in particular, that brings me here. I find myself sitting in my car on the side of the road, debating whether I should just plunge in and face my past or turn around and leave.
My name is Amanda Benson, and I am a recovering drug addict.
It took me the longest time to be able to admit that. But now, after many months of rehab, I am proud to say that I am 1095 days clean. That’s three fucking years and I am damn proud of my progress.
As I look at my surroundings, I can see the small town of Edinboro before me, just down that hill. To my left is the town cemetery and to my right is the home of the Knights of Silence MC. The property is completely encased in a tall chain link fence and is guarded at the gate. I remember the MC when I was here before, and I wonder if all the members are the same.
When I was here before, I would see the bikers around town and it was apparent that there was a true brotherhood with them. Briggs used to talk about their loyalties to each other and how far they would go to protect their own.That's where I need to be. Safe and protected behind that fence. But how do I get in without sleeping my way in?
I'm lost in thought when I hear the low rumble of Harley pipes behind me. Looking in my rearview mirror, I spothim. I say that as if I know him, but I don't. I spot a man that even on his motorcycle makes my heart beat loudly in my chest. He parks his bike behind me and cuts off the engine. When he gets off his bike, I can see that he is tall and broad-shouldered, with a thin waistline. He takes off his helmet and his jet-black wavy hair falls loosely around his neck. He begins to walk up to my car—no, actually he saunters toward me—and I roll down my window. Looking in the window, he takes off his sunglasses and my eyes focus on the bluest, most piercing eyes I have ever seen.
"You alright there, darl’n?" he asks.
At first, I am speechless. He's fucking beautiful. He's wearing a black leather cut and his name is clearly patched on the right: Ice.That must be a nickname.Underneath his name, it reads President.Holy fuck.
"Uh sweetheart, you ok?" he asks again.
"Oh yes, I am. Sorry," I reply. "I was just hanging out here thinking."
"Thinking? I can come up with several places to think that are better than this," he says.
And before I know it, I find myself telling him just about everything. I explain to him that I just got back to town and that I left under pretty bad circumstances. I told him that I am terrified to go any further. I have no idea why, but for some reason, I feel that this man will protect me and that all my secrets are safe with him.
"Well, if you haven't figured it out yet, that's my clubhouse over there," he says as he points to it. I nod. "Why don't you come on over and have yourself a drink? Then you can think some more on what you're going to do next."
"Really, just like that?"
"What do you mean?" he asks.
"Well, I thought you had to be a member or the girl of a member to go in there?" I ask.
He laughs. "No, darl’n, we can invite anyone we want."
"Well, I'm not gonna sleep around with your members or you, if that's what you are hoping for."
He laughs even louder. "Sweetheart, I'm only offering you a place to get your thoughts together. But yes, I do have an ulterior motive. I'm hoping to get you off the road. That curve over there is dangerous where you're parked; if a car comes around too fast, they won't have enough time to see you. It could end up real bad for you and I would hate that I didn't do anything to stop it."
Ok, so now I'm totally embarrassed."Oh, ok … well, if you don't mind, yes I'd like that," I say.
"Good. Follow me, then." I nod. He puts his sunglasses back on and walks back to his bike. I watch him in the rearview mirror, paying particular attention to his incredibly delicious ass. When he straddles his bike and places his helmet on his head I literally swoon. It's the sexiest thing I have ever seen.
He revs the engine and drives up in front of me. I pull out behind him and follow him to the clubhouse. When he gets to the entrance the men guarding the gate immediately open it. He stops briefly and speaks to one of the guys standing guard and then pulls on through. They subsequently wave me in. I follow Ice and park next to a row of Harley Davidson motorcycles.Is this a prerequisite? Do they have to ride a Harley to be a member of the club?I think to myself.
Not sure what to do next, I wait in my car and watch him. He's so fucking sexy. He cuts off the engine and undoes his helmet. Taking it off, he hangs it on the handlebars of his bike. I watch as he dismounts his bike. I love watching him move. Everything is so precise and sexy.
He saunters over to my car and says, "Ready to meet the boys?
"I guess," I reply. I roll up my window, cut off my engine, and get out of the car.
