Disclaimer: Although I own the rights to this story, I do not own BATB or it's characters.
Summary: (AU) – Catherine Chandler lost her brother, Zach, to The Ryders MC biker club as a young child. All grown up, she is New York's favorite undercover officer and PI. Once she takes her vacation, her work doesn't stop there. She returns to Falling Spring, West Virginia where it all began, to exact revenge on the biker gang. What she doesn't bargain for is Vincent, also known as Beast—the newly-elected vice-president of the gang and Zach's best friend. When Catherine and Vincent come face-to-face, the sparks are immediate, and Catherine finds herself torn between exacting vengeance for her shattered past, and an uncertain future in the arms of a biker bad boy.
Warning:This story contains explicit language, graphic sexual adult content, gang violence, and drug usage. If you DO NOT wish to read any of the named above, then I advise that you not read this story at all.
A/N: Yal are truly amazing! Thank you all for your reviews. I see that a lot of you noticed the tension between Vincent and Catherine. Well, that is only the start of it all. Catherine has a lot to think about though, she has a boyfriend back in New York and gradually, you will see how she struggles with her feelings for Vincent and for Jonas, plus how she feels about the MC in general. Oh, and yes, the dreadful Tori Windsor plays a short role into this story; possibly one of my MANY bad guys in this story.
Muahahahaha!
Anyways, happy reading my lovelies, and I hope you enjoy this chapter.
-Chapter 3—Home Sweet Home-
The whole drive back to my motel seemed like it was taking centuries. Honestly, I was trapped in a daze the whole way back. All of my thoughts were spinning considering everything that happened tonight. Danny. Tori. And then Vincent. Oh, Vincent. His face constantly fills my thoughts the whole way to the motel. My expectations of him being this mean, nasty jerk were actually the opposite. He was so... different. Even his looks had changed.
The way his shirt stretched against his muscular ripped torso, his long brown locks that I craved most of the night to run my fingers through, and his panty-dropping smile was to die for. Hell, I even summed him up into one little word. Sexy-as-fuck! Okay, that was three words, but who cares? The man is even better looking than the first time I laid eyes on him.
Could this really have been the same Vincent that had come to tell my parents about Zach's death, all of those years ago?
Of course it is. Vincent Keller is still here after all of these years. I was completely shocked to see him tonight... and maybe a little thrilled at the same time. I guess it felt good to be around somebody who knew my brother better than me, and a part of me wondered if he was single or not.
Dammit, Catherine!
I need to stay focused. I came here for one reason, and one reason only. I can't let Vincent distract me. I need to remember that even though he may be the sweetest person I've met—besides JT and Tess—since I've arrived back in town, he is still the enemy. He's part of the MC and because of them, my family is dead. Zach is dead. I need to fucking focus! Perhaps hearing my loving boyfriend's voice will help me. Oh, and maybe a hot bath, too.
I enter my motel room, closing the door and locking it behind me as I release a heavy breath. I pull off my wig and sling it onto the bed along with my purse, phone, and keys, then removing the hair pins which releases my long dark brown wavy hair. Damn, it sure feels good getting that stupid wig off. I rake my fingers through my hair several times, enjoying the feel of my nails on my scalp. Wigs can be very itchy, 'ya know. And sweaty, too.
I make my way into the bathroom and notice how truly tired I really am. Between jet lag and long hours of being on feet at the strippers joint, I feel like I could hibernate for months. I sigh as I open the mirror above the sink to grab my contact case and close it removing my contacts revealing my bright emerald green eyes. There, that's more like it. I rub my eyes and walk over to the bath and turn on the hot water faucet, then strip myself of my clothing when suddenly my phone blares from where I left it on the bed. I smile when I recognize the ring tone as Jonas'. I grab a towel and rush to my phone, fumbling the phone when I finally answer it.
"Hey, baby. Sorry I rushed you off the phone earlier. I just didn't want to be late meeting the girls. How was work?" I say, falling back onto the bed causing my body to bounce a couple of times.
"Hey, Cat." he says, sounding a little bit off. "Long and exhausting. I'm really beat, babe. But I miss you, so I wanted to get a few minutes in with your beautiful voice before I called it a night. How was drinks?"
Oh shit... I didn't fully think about how I would play off my lie about having drinks with old girlfriends. Think, Catherine, think!
"Uh... er... uhm... It went really... well. I had a nice time." I truly hate lying to Jonas, but he wouldn't understand if I told him the truth.
He yawns and I can tell he's stretching at the same time. "That's great, babe. I'm glad that you had a great time. Have any plans for tomorrow? I'm off so I was hoping that we could maybe Skype over dinner?"
I smile. I truly do miss Jonas and our dinner nights. It really sucks that we have to do this over video chat, but I suppose it will have to do. "Sure. And as far as plans go, I was hoping to go out into town tomorrow, you know, get to know the place again and see what's new."
He sighs heavily and I close my eyes as the growl that escaped at the end of that long sigh turns me on a little. "I really am going to miss holding you in bed tonight. I wish you would have let me come with you. I'm sure your friends would've loved me as much as you do."
"Mmm-hmm. I'm sure they would, Jonas. But you know that I needed this vacation alone."
"So what are you wearing?" he murmurs oh so deeply into the phone and I can't help the giggle that escapes me.
"You really want to know?" I ask as I bite my lip.
"You know that I do, Catherine."
Sweet Jesus!
Instead of telling him, I put my call on speaker and raise my phone above me to snap a photo, sending it to Jonas and wait for his response. He groans deeply and I smile knowing full well that he approves. "I was just about to take a bath when you called."
Tap! Tap! Tap!
"Hold on, Jonas. Someone's at the door." I toss my phone down onto the bed, run to the door and peep through the little hole on the top portion of the door. "FUCK!" I 's Vincent. How the hell did he know that I was here?
Fuck it. I can't think about all of that now.
"Babe? You there?" I hear Jonas' disembodied voice from where I left my phone laying on the bed. There is a few more taps on the door.
"Just a minute!" I shout, running into the bathroom to put the contacts back into my eyes, then I run back to my bed to grab my wig, hair pins, and phone, rushing back into the bathroom.
"Cat?" Jonas shouts again.
"Hey, let me call you back. Love you!" I say in a rush and before Jonas can finish a full sentence trying to protest, I hang up on him, tossing my phone onto the counter of the bathroom sink. I frantically pin my hair up in no time flat, placing the wig on. After making sure that I no longer look like Catherine Chandler, I run to the door and open it with a loud and fast whoosh.
And there he is in all of his blue denim jeans and black cotton T-shirt glory. Vincent Keller.
He stares at me with his mouth a gape, his eyes a couple of shades darker and when I look down and see that I am still in only a towel, I feel my whole body turn the deepest shade of crimson. I was just in such a rush to put my disguise back on that I completely forgot to dress. Good going, Catherine!
"Vincent." I nearly squeak, in shock. I clear my throat and try to hide behind the door since I'm practically almost nude. "Uhm... wh-what are you doing here?" I ask.
His eyes finally meet mine and he closes his mouth, patting a pair of sunglasses onto his palm. "I was in the area and I saw you here so I thought I would just stop by and say hi." he pauses, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oh, well, hi." I mutter, leaning against the door frame as my arms cross over my chest. But then I realize there is something missing. Oh, no! Zach's necklace!
"I think you dropped this back at Katz." he smiles, handing me my brother's necklace. My eyes instantly widen, surprised that he hasn't recognized the necklace yet. I sigh, reaching for the necklace, our fingers brush against each others and I feel this zap of electricity shoot through my body. I look up at him and from the way he's looking at me, he felt it, too.
"I, erm... I would invite you in, Vincent, but I was about to wash off the day and head to bed."
He shakes his head and smiles. "No, uhm... it's fine. I just came by to say hello, and I did, so... I uh... guess I'll get going."
"Alright, then. Thanks for coming by."
He nods, then turns walking towards his Harley. I can't help but glance at his ass. Hmm, such a nice ass at that. I bite my lip, when suddenly, he turns and walks back to my door. "You want to grab a beer sometime? Maybe a bite to eat or something tomorrow?"
"Oh," I pause, shocked by his proposal. Honestly, I want to say yes. I want so badly to get to know all of the things about him and possibly some things I thought I knew about Zach. But in reality, I can't. Yes, I know, it's just an innocent little date, but to me I would feel like I was betraying both Jonas and my family for even considering going out for beers with Vincent, the future president of the MC. Perhaps I should tell him that I have a boyfriend?
"I have a boyfriend."
"Lucky guy." he pauses to smile. "Look, it's not even like that. All I want to do is buy a beautiful woman a couple of beers in way of welcoming her into town. Please, Erica. Let me do this."
Clearly he's not going to stop asking me if I continue to say no. Maybe this could be helpful to get some information on the gang. I mean, it's just burgers and beer, right? A little harmless outting with a family friend. Perhaps, I should take advantage of this as a way into the minds of the MC.
"Okay, fine. But on one condition." I say, biting my lip to stifle a smile.
He chuckles. "Sure. Your wish is my command."
"We're definitely taking your Harley." I point in the direction of his bike, giggling.
"Deal." he smiles. "I'll see you tomorrow, then. Is noon okay for you?"
"Great." I shrug, smiling. He nods, licking those beautiful kissable lips before turning on his heels to get back onto his bike. Wait, kissable, Catherine? Really?! And here I thought you had complete control over everything...
Oh, shut up!
He stares at me while he puts his helmet on, starting the engine and revving up the motor. Damn, that sound is like music to my ears. I swore for the past year that I would finally get my hands on one myself, but never actually proceeded to do so, and I can't seem to fathom why. His eyes finally leave mine, and like a bat out of hell, he takes off under the night sky to a place I have no clue of. More than likely, he's returning to Katz to where the rest of them are at.
I sigh, closing my door and leaning back onto it. Oh, God... what have I got myself into?
After my bath, I send Jonas a text wishing him a good night, then climb into my bed. It takes me a while to fall asleep, but I manage to anyways.
I'm jostled awake when I hear a motorcycle pull up to the motel. I look over to my left and see that it's four in the morning. The moonlight barely seeps through a crack between the curtains, and I get up out of the bed long enough to see who is outside. I keep my stance hiding behind the curtain and am shocked to see Vincent, and he's walking towards my door. He looks pretty pissed off right about now and I can only think of one reason as to why. He's figured out who I am...
I run for the bathroom, and grab my gun out of the bottom cabinet, loading it as I do. I close the bathroom door, locking it and wait. My heart is assaulting my chest as it beats heavily; frantically. My breathing has increased, but I try desperately to slow it down, taking deep breaths in my nose and out of my mouth. Sweat has formed into little beads across my forehead and on my cheeks. I close my eyes while I wait for all hell to break loose.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
"I know you're in there, Erica. Or should I call you Catherine?" Vincent says as he pounds on my motel door several more times.
I've got to end this now. I count backwards from ten as I slowly open the bathroom door, but am met by Vincent's hand wrapped ever so tightly around my neck. My gun instantly drops out of my hand and I can't reach it due to the vice like grip he holds onto my throat. He slams me up against the wall, his eyes merely centimeters away from mine to the point our foreheads are almost touching. I see fire burning in his eyes. Hate. Hurt. And deceit. I have betrayed his trust by lying to him. And now, he's going to kill me.
I know I could take him down from this position, but oddly, I don't. I have no reason as to why I can't move, but I feel trapped by his gaze. I reach my hand up and, surprisingly, I cup his face, sliding my palm down his cheek.
I feel like I have given up the fight. I just don't feel the need or want to live anymore. I'm ready to join my family. "It's okay." I choke out what I can through his grip on my throat. "Do your worse."
What the fuck is wrong with me? This is not me. I don't understand why I'm not fighting this. It's almost as if I accepted death in the hands of Vincent Keller.
Tears silently fall down my cheeks as I feel my soul trying to force it's way out of this body it's trapped in. My eyes slowly begin to close and my lungs burn from not getting enough air. My head feels like it's about to pop off. I hear a clicking noise and finally build the strength to open my eyes once more. He has a gun to my head now and I just want him to get this over with so I no longer have to suffer.
I jump up in the bed, gasping for air and my hands are grasping my throat. What the hell was that all about? Now I'm dreaming about him? Killing me? Am I that paranoid?
I get out of the bed, grabbing my silk robe off the chair and make my way over to the fridge to grab a bottle of water. I have no idea what that dream meant or if it even had a meaning at all. I honestly don't know what to think of it. I shake my thoughts immediately of the dream.
I down half of my water before putting the lid back onto it and place it back into the fridge. I decide that sleep is not something I want to do right now after that crazy dream, so I decide to open up my laptop and make use of the free WiFi here at the motel.
I do some research on Falling Spring and discover that the house of where I was born and raised in is up for sell. I click on the link that leads me to the web page of Falling Spring Reality and I grab a pen and paper, writing down the phone number and email address of Ken Sparks, the realtor for the house.
I wouldn't say that I want to buy it, but for some reason, I want to go back there and at least look at it. The photos of the house show it in pretty bad shape. The yard looks as if it's never been kept, the siding of the house is peeling off, the porch needs to be painted—hell, the whole fucking house needs a paint job, and from what I can see in the photos, there are a couple of windows busted out. I can only imagine what damages are for the inside of the house if it looks this bad on the outside. I need to get a better look at it.
I take a shower to wash the remains of my nightmare away and prepare for another day in the eyes of Erica Barker. I put on a pair of worn, faded blue denim pants and a black cotton V-neck T-shirt. I decided since my brother's necklace broke, I'll just carry it with me in my pocket. I put on light make-up and spray my favorite brand of perfume on. Mmm, vanilla. I love the smell of vanilla. It's just... simple.
My phone pings and I look to see that it's Jonas. He sent me a text.
Just call me when you actually get a chance to have a full conversation. Miss you. -Jonas
I sigh. I know I'm probably frustrating him by hanging up on him a lot lately, but I have a job to do and I can't have him stall me or distract me. I love the guy, don't get me wrong, but Jonas can be just that, distracting. I send him a text back telling him I will call later tonight before bed and that I love him, then toss my phone onto the bed.
Grabbing one of my brother's favorite black leather jackets that he normally wore when out riding on his Fatboy. It's a tad bigger than me, but it will do, especially since it's drizzling the rain. I grab my phone, keys, and purse and head out towards my truck, hopping in considering it sits pretty high and I'm only 5'4".
Before pulling out, I decide to send a text to the realtor that is over my old family home. I know it's Sunday, and that most realtor's prefer not to work on a Sunday, I let him know that I am highly interested in the house, even though I have no plans what-so-ever to purchase it. I'm not sure I could live in it again after all of these years.
I pull out of the gravel parking lot of the motel and head towards Amber St. where it all began. On the way there, my phone begins to ring and I suddenly feel nervous to see that it's Ken, the realtor.
"Hello." I answer.
"Yes, is this Erica Barker speaking?"
"The one and only." I giggle.
He chuckles and begins doing what sounds like he's shuffling papers around. "So I saw that you're interested in the old Chandler residence?"
I freeze, unable to speak. They still call it that? After all of these years? Bloody hell! "Uhm... yes. "In fact, I'm on my way there and was hoping you could meet me so I could take a tour of the house?"
"Sure. It will take me about an hour to get there since I live out of town, but the door is unlocked. You can go right in and check out the place by yourself. But do try to be careful while walking around the place. The floors are old and need replacing and could give out, mainly in the kitchen area."
"Of course. Thank you so much, Mr. Sparks. I have plenty of time to wait." I murmur into the phone before hanging up.
The rest of my drive is full of thoughts and memories of the old place I used to call my home. I can remember one time Zach and I would always hang out in the attic. I wonder if anyone has been up there since my dad and I left. Only one way to find out.
When I pull into the driveway, I notice that there is a hell of a lot more work needing to be done. I sigh in frustration at how poorly the house has been treated. I'm completely disgusted. This place always meant so much to my parents that I know what I have to do to make it up to them.
I pull my phone out and begin taking photos of the outside damage before I proceed inside. The roof looks to be caving, most of the siding on the back of the house is gone, the yard has dead areas in the grass from where it stands so damn tall, and I counted four windows which need to be replaced. The porch needs to be rebuild in places and the whole house needs a paint job.
I make my way finally to the front door, and my heart falls deep within my stomach when my hand touches the knob. I can't believe I'm doing this. I swallow hard and twist the knob with a click and open the door. I just stand there, my eyes scanning the whole area that's in sight. Wow, it's not as bad as I thought it would be.
I take a step inside and close the door behind me. I try the light switch, but nothing happens. I don't know why I had expected the lights to work in a non-livable house. Ken was right though, the floors feel pretty weak. My eyes go directly for the stairs and my body just begins to move in whatever direction my eyes take me.
Finally, I make it to the door of my old bedroom. I trace my fingers down the closed door before opening it. I gasp at how it almost looks the same as when we lived here. Whoever bought it after us, sure did keep the same colors I had in here myself. It's as if it never changed. I walk inside slowly, taking in all of the memories that flash into my mind. The room of course, is empty, well, all except for a vanity chest and bench.
I make my way to the chest and plop down onto the bench which sits in front of the vanity. I trail my fingertips across the dusty surface before rubbing them onto my pants. I get up and make my way through the hallway. I pass Zach's room on purpose because I don't think I would be able to keep what sanity I have left if I do. I go back downstairs into the living room. I smile at all of the wonderful Christmas's and Birthday's we shared together in here. It looks a tad different, but nearly the same as when I was living here.
The space is large, a huge bay window facing the driveway, a mantel above the fireplace where Zach and I would sit and drink hot chocolate during the winter. All before he joined that stupid biker club, anyways. I frown as tears sting the backs of my eyes. Will I ever get over Zach's death? My parents? I highly doubt it.
I begin taking more photos of the inside of the house just like I did with the outside, when I'm interrupted by the sound of a motorcycle rumbling to a halt just outside of the house. Surely Ken didn't ride one all the way out here?
I peek out of the window and see none other than Vincent, sitting in the same exact spot he sat in when he came to tell my parents the news of Zach's death. For some reason, he stays on the bike, making no effort to come inside. He's just staring up at the house, the same look he had on his face in my dream. Thoughts of my nightmare come flooding back into my mind as my eyes widen. I step away from the window, leaning back onto the wall, just like I did in my dream. I realize that my gun is in the truck and I have no idea if he is armed or not.
Dammit! How could I be so reckless? I've been through special training for situations like this and here I am, without any form of protection besides my own two hands. What if he does know who I really am? What if he's here to kill me?
Not knowing what to do, I decide to swallow any fear down and make my way outside to where he is sitting. The corner of his mouth rises when he sees me.
"Are you following me?" I ask with a raised brow as I finally approach him.
"I wouldn't call it following. More like stopping by since I saw your truck sitting out here. Interested in the place?" he says, finally getting off his bike, kicking the stand down. Damn, he makes even that look sexy.
Catherine!
Okay! Okay!
I need to think up a lie. I don't want him to suspect anything since so far it seems he hasn't. "Maybe I am. I figured since it was pretty cheap and on the market, why not? I mean, I can't just live in the motel the rest of my life, right?"
He laughs and I can't help but melt at how amazing it sounds to my ears. "I guess you're right, although, some people around here do. I guess it's whatever your preferences are, Erica."
I shrug, smiling. I look down at my phone and see that Ken has sent me a text, letting me know that it will be three hours instead of one because he has a flat tire and doesn't know how to change it. Typical, high-class men. I sigh. Oh, well.
"So I was wondering since I'm here, maybe we could go out for lunch?" Vincent asks, his eyes hold a glimmer of hope.
"Uhm, I'm not really that hungry right now, thanks though." I murmur, looking down at the ground, when suddenly, my stomach gives me away. Dammit!
He smirks in victory, raising a brow. "You were saying?" Bastard!
I smile mockingly at him. "That would be nice. I guess I am kind of hungry. But I have to be back here in a couple of hours to speak to the realtor, so." I trail off as I head towards my truck. He stops me, grabbing my hand and I nearly faint at how fast the shock runs through me by his touch.
"I thought we was taking my Harley?" he asks, chuckling. Oh yeah. That's right. I did say that I wouldn't go unless we rode the motorcycle. Surprisingly, I'm thrilled. I honestly can't wait to feel the wind kissing my face.
I lock up the truck and shove my keys and phone into my purse before walking back over to where his bike sits. He smiles, handing me a helmet, helping me adjust it on my head.
"You ready?" he asks, and I swear it comes out so sensually.
"Yup." I say, popping the 'P'. He climbs onto the bike, scooting up a little. He extends a hand to assist me onto the motorcycle and I take it willingly, causing that familiar spark between us, and throw a leg over the bike until I'm comfortably straddling it. The rain has slacked off since I arrived to the house, so thankfully the ride won't be too bad.
He starts up the Harley with a deep pur to the engine, the vibration causing this awkward delicious feeling deep in my stomach. Before taking off, he looks over his shoulder at me. "Hold on tight. I like going fast." he chuckles and my body defies me and begins throbbing by his choice of words. I blink rapidly, regaining my barrens about myself, then awkwardly wrap my arms around his waist.
Damn he feels so good.
His body feels even more ripped than he looked. And he smells oh so good. He kicks the stand back up and we teeter a little. The adrenaline has already began consuming me and I must admit, it feels fantastic.
And with the twist of his wrist, and a loud squeal from me, the bike speeds off back into the direction of town. For the first time in years, I feel alive.
Home Sweet Home...
**Stopping it there. I know it wasn't all that great, but like I said before, even the boring chapters are necessary. Please excuse any mistakes along the way. I will go back when i can and fix them. So what did you think? What do you think will happen next? Find out in the next installment of Ryders. Hopefully soon! Thanks so much for reading!**