Twisted Steel: An MC Anthology: Second Edition by Elizabeth Knox (top 5 ebook reader txt) 📕

I’ve lived through my parents cheating and then fighting through a divorce. Holidays alone because it didn’t matter which house I was at; it was a big party where their friends came over. Or they worked. The holidays were never a family event. Half the time, I was either away at school or camp. I’ve been alone since I was born.

Last night, I gave myself the false sense of security, to be loved and have a future with a man. My heart doesn’t exist, and I can’t afford to grow one for Colt. He doesn’t love either for his own reasons. After a good cry and I talk myself out of these feelings, I get ready.

I find my flannel, a t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers in my bag. My hair is dried, and I use my flat iron to give myself loose waves, then natural makeup. Before I walk out, I text a few clients I had booked before I agreed to stay here and help Colt. Of course, they understand when I say my boyfriend was in a car accident. The lie singes my fingers when I type it out, but I need them to re-schedule.

When I come out of the room, I’m surprised to find Colt’s mom and dad in the living room. “Morning.” His dad peers around me to the unmade bed and my suitcase. Hurriedly, I shut the door before his mom can see, and he turns his head like a gentleman. I like this man. He has a gentle way of saying things with the least amount of effort. He knows what’s going on and makes it a point to mind his own business.

“Good morning,” his mom responds and gives me a hug. “Are you feeling up to go get some breakfast this morning?”

“Colton was just suggesting I should take you two out, instead of staying in,” his dad adds.

“Oh, that sounds good, yes. What do you two like to eat? Something with a little more hometown feel?” I ask.

His dad smiles. “What do you want, lovey?” His mom beams back. “I guess she knows best. Where do you two want to go?”

“I know a diner that makes fresh biscuits and I bet Colt and John could do well with steak and eggs.”

“Agreed, I’ll let you lead the way,” she adds.

“She will not,” his dad snaps, “She’ll let me drive her. Darlin’, if you can tell me where we are headin’, I’ll take you ladies to breakfast.”

Oh my swoon. His accent and sweet demeanor could give me a toothache. For an older man, Colt’s dad is trim and his graying hair just adds to his softness and hotness. His mother is a tiny woman, petite but strong, with long graying hair also. They are a picture out of a Wrangler magazine ad with their boots, button-up shirts, and his dad’s beige cowboy hat. I want more than anything to go see this place where Colt grew up. I bet there’s a river or creek and horses.

“Are you okay?” Colt asks and slides an arm around me. He places a soft kiss on my forehead.

“Yes-s,” I stutter a bit, pulling back my heart that just leaped from my chest. “You two are what I assume you would say is a breath of fresh air.”

They thankfully don’t act as if they read too far into my statement. In the parking lot, his dad opens up the back door behind the driver’s seat and shuts the door for his mom. Colt opens the door for me and I’m shocked. He whispers, “My dad would kick my ass, scoot in.” He taps my ass, and I don’t mention I’ll cut off his hand because I like it. No, I love it and I know I’m up shit creek with no paddle.

Cowboy

After breakfast, my dad mentioned to Mom that they should be heading home. She protested but gave in. They have a whole ranch to run and Levi, my brother, was doing it alone. Now that she can see I’m okay, she did relent. I’m no fool to believe she won’t be extra clingy for a bit, but that’s okay. She is going home.

Angie is driving us over to the clubhouse and she’s quiet. I can’t quite get a read on why, but I figure she has some thinking to do, as do I. Before my dad got in his truck, he told me an old line from Richard Rowland, “Learn this well, the last ride is never the last ride. And the end is not the end.” My grandpa would always quote those words. How this pertains to me, I’m still putting together.

I cringe the whole ride. Angie is a horrible driver and I’m taking the keys away from her. I can drive better with one hand than she can with two, I’m sure of it. I open the door for us to the clubhouse and my gaze is fused to her ass. The room grows silent when I walk in, and I can’t tell if it’s because of the dead man walkin’ or the hot woman in front of me, maybe both.

It’s not packed with extra girls, and for that, I’m thankful. How would Angie react? Especially if Topaz, the stripper, was here. The me I know would have not given two fucks who was here. With Angie, I don’t want her to be upset and I’m protecting her feelings? Who the hell am I?

Some mysteries I don’t need the answer to. Tugging her to me, I whisper, “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.” Angie holds my arm that is wrapped around her waist and peers up at me. Her look holds so much more than just lust or waiting for my attention, it’s one of concern. “I’ve got to talk with the Prez, get him up to speed. Don’t worry.” She squeezes my arm and relents.

It’s a natural reaction between us, but one that confuses me.