Texas. Everything to him is always about the campaign and taking the time to pick up his youngest daughter is cutting into his tedious schedule. He’s brought five men along from his new security detail that I hadn’t previously met to assist, if my sister decides to be out of hand. His words, not mine.
He’s reminding me more and more of a crime boss rather than a senator as he gets older. When he initially became interested in a political position, it was all about helping people and our community. With each year that passes and new office he seeks, it seems to become less and less about anyone other than himself.
I shouldn’t complain. His choices have offered me many opportunities for financial stability as an adult, as well as a comfortable lifestyle when I was younger. After being away for so long on the road away from him, and then being around the Royal Bastards MC, my eyes have started to open whether I wanted them to or not. I’m seeing things for what they really are, for the first time in my adult life. I’ve been kept cooped up in this tight-knit bubble of security my entire life, believing I knew what living was about, when I honestly had no idea.
The private jet behind me shields any warmth from the sun and a chill spreads over my skin. This could go either way with Ripper and my father. I know he’s brought the cash he’s promised, and that’s a start. I thought Ripper would be coming with Madison alone, but from the sounds of it, I know it’s not only him. The bikers round the bend, the small hill no longer providing any type of shield from the five loud motorcycles. He’s brought a small army—five men in his club is equal to ten or fifteen regular men.
I was under the impression Madison would be riding along with Ripper, but I see her snuggled up behind his VP, Blow. She’s got her face tucked into his shoulder, not paying any attention as to where they are. The moment she glances up, she’s going to be in for one jarring surprise. I wonder what he told her to get her on the motorcycle with him. It’s so windy out today, it can’t be much fun. I’d probably be hiding my face as well to keep my eyes from watering in that much wind.
My father and Ripper are complete opposites in every way and that has me on edge. My dad’s the epitome of wealth and carries himself every bit as a senator of his state. He screams money all the way from his perfectly trimmed hair to his Italian leather loafers. I should’ve guessed that Ripper wouldn’t be coming alone, knowing who my father is. While my dad thinks he can do what he wants, Ripper is the embodiment of true power. He has no laws, no rules to follow. He’s an outlaw one percenter and that means he has nothing to lose. If my father has any sense at all, he won’t seek to throw his weight around with the MC.
The powerful, loud machines come to a rumbling stop, and I can’t stop myself from staring. The club is a force to be reckoned with as they climb off, clad in black leathers. I recognize Blow, Powerhouse, and Plague, alongside Ripper, but there’s one other, big, ominous looking fellow. He’s got dark wavy hair to his shoulders, muscles stacked on muscles and a mean glare that’s blacker than his wavy locks. He’s the type of man that horror stories are made from. There’s no doubt in my mind that I would’ve been intimidated beyond belief had he been at the clubhouse either time I was there.
The guys kick their stands down, and my sister yells in protest as she finally realizes what’s about to happen. Blow climbs off his bike, grabbing her to him, walking her toward the private jet. He nuzzles into her, whispering things none of us are privy to hear. She fights him, but her tiny frame is no match against his blunt strength. Blow’s not a very big man, probably average, but Madison is petite. She’s always been the smallest in our family and Blow dwarfs her as well.
Ripper meets my stare, keeping our gazes locked as they all come to a stop in front of me. “Gem,” he greets with his signature throaty rasp. I’ve noticed it only sounds like that when it