Iron Horse Rider Trilogy
Book Two
by Adelle Laudan
Smashwords Edition
Copyright © 2010 Adelle Laudan
This book is available in print through Author Website
Cover illustration by M E Ellis © 2010
Smashwords Edition License Notes
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Editor: Faith Bicknell-Brown
Ebook ISBN 978 0 9865413-5-3
Dedicated to
My best friend of over 30 years,
My sister, my friend, Susan Walker-Wazny
We’ve travelled many roads together
Weathered many of life’s hardships and heartbreaks
You are the one thing that has remained constant in my life
I love you
Thank you for your encouragement & support along the way
Through thick and thin...
Four Wheels move the Body...
two wheels move the soul
or so the saying goes
for me it's three...
wheels that is
I've often been asked what it is
about riding that has caused
this life long love affair I have
it's all the known cliche's
and more..
it's the sun in my face, and the wind in my hair
(figuratively here people LoL work with me here)
it's my church
it's the smells of the city, and the country side
it's hearing the sound of your engine and pipes
rattling off the towering buildings
or through the canyons and mountains
it's literally feeling the wave
of field after field of crops
in the prairie winds
and it's also a phenomenal feeling of accomplishment
as a single woman to travel
and experience the open road on your own
I started riding as a means to frustrate my more than
over protective police officer father.
I continued to ride for my soul.
For me it's just as much religion
as any other type of worship I participate in.
the open road beckons
new sights, new sounds
new smells, new people...
three wheels move this body.
By Karen ‘WyzWmn’ Brown
www.wyzwmnswords.blogspot.c
Chapter One
The sounds of industry and traffic grated on his nerves. How the mainlanders overlooked the noise as commonplace baffled him. Although Tia would never say so, the dark circles that marred her flawless, honeyed complexion told of her unhappiness to be so far from her mountain home.
“I think we’re too far from the mountains,” said Shane as he poked their small campfire with a stick. “What do you say we start heading back?”
The fresh ocean breeze carried her sigh of relief.
“I’d say what took you so long?” Tia tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
“We’ll start back first thing in the morning.”
At times like this, he became fully aware of the differences between her and his beloved Kelly. Kelly would have shrieked in delight and flung herself at him, giggling and smothering him with kisses. Tia now tended to a simple meal of fish, the corners of her delicate mouth turning up as she hummed a happy melody. A youthful glow returned to her cheeks.
Tia placed the foil-wrapped fish in the embers and stood. She removed a clean shirt from the saddlebag and disappeared behind a tree. She raised her t-shirt over her head, baring perfect breasts before she turned her back to him. A very sexy back. His body responded to the sight of her flesh, aching to find out if it was as soft as it appeared. Shane shifted his weight to compensate for the sudden tightness of his jeans. A low groan escaped his lips, and he coughed to mask his desire.
As she gazed at him through lowered lashes, a sexy smile played on her moistened lips.
Shane jolted. “Ouch!” The branch he used to poke the fire singed his fingertips. “Shit!”
Laughter bubbled out of her, and she pulled a long-sleeve shirt over her head. “Are you okay?”
More embarrassed than anything, he waved away her attempt to see his injury. “I’ll be back in a minute,” he snapped, instantly sorry for his abruptness. He’d deal with apologies later. Right now, he needed to put a little distance between him and the lovely Tia.
The overgrown foliage hindered his escape. Evidence of previous campers littered every open space he encountered. It seemed they were the only ones here. At least he thought so until he heard laughter filter through a cluster of bushes. He parted the gnarled branches. There, in one of the large camping spots, sat a brightly painted panel truck.
He’d seen the same truck at the fall fair in Langley. In a swirl of red, the name Madame Sylvia arched above a rendering of an exotic woman leaning over a crystal ball. What are the odds of running into a Gypsy caravan in the middle of nowhere?
“Can I help you?”
Shane spun around. A bear of a man stood in front of him, his thick black hair pulled back in a high ponytail. A billowy white shirt, laced up at the neck, gave him a pirate-like appearance. A gold tooth flashed in his wide smile.
Warily, he offered his hand. “The name’s Shane.”
The stranger readily accepted, pumping it enthusiastically. “Tito.”
“I don’t mean to intrude. I couldn’t help but notice the truck on my way by. We’ve set up camp for the night,” he pointed, “just through those trees.”
The big man chuckled. “You must come and share a glass of wine by our fire.”
He wrapped a heavy arm over his shoulder.
“I’ll have to ask, um… my, er, friend, but I’m sure she’d love to come.”
The man slapped him on the back nearly knocking him off balance. “Good! Come by whenever you like.”
Shane made his way back, grateful it hadn’t grown too dark or he might have had a hard time finding their camp. Tia sat with her back to him, turning the fish in the fire. She looked up at him, her brow creased.
“You’re not going to believe who I just ran into.” He leaned against his bike, Belle, to catch his breath. “There’s a caravan of Gypsies just through those trees,” he jerked a thumb over his shoulder, “and they’ve invited us to share their fire tonight.”
She stood and wiped her hands on her jeans. “Do we have time to eat first?”
Shane shielded his eyes as he looked toward the setting sun. “I’m not sure if I can find them in the dark. We don’t have to stay long. Give me a sec to change my shirt and we’ll ride over.”
“Ride?”
“Why not? It beats trying to walk through the woods at night.”
* * *
Curious, she watched him rifle through a saddlebag for a clean shirt. She’d noticed a subtle change in his behavior of late. Like tonight, he saw her changing and became extremely agitated when he realized she knew he’d been watching her. Could he be thinking of her as more than just a friend? Her heart beat erratically as she recalled her dreams of late. His loving touch seemed so real, and she often awoke hungry for more.
The face of her late husband, Danti, had faded; Shane’s expressive eyes now replaced it. She suspected he’d thought about her on an intimate level. How she yearned for him to act on these thoughts. In his own time, Tia. If the day ever came where they moved past their blossoming friendship, it had to be his decision.
“Ready?”
He startled her, and she dropped the fish in the fire. “Oh.” She scrambled to save their dinner. His hand came to rest on hers. The heat emanating from it brought a flush to her cheeks.
“Don’t worry about it.” He kicked some dirt on the fire until the small flames fizzled out. He then took her hand and led her over to Belle.
They rode without helmets around the cluster of trees and brush. The wind whirled around them, and she secretly wished they’d keep going, not wanting the euphoric sensation to end. Shane followed a path in the grass left by the caravan’s tires. Her eyes widened upon seeing the camp. A small group of men sat to one side while women in a swirl of sheer fabric danced for them.
On their fingers, they wore metal plates of some kind, keeping rhythm with the swing of their hips. Scarves fringed with tiny bells added to the enchanted melody. The rumble of Belle stilled their dance.
Her hold on him tightened as he maneuvered his way to park alongside their panel truck—the same truck she saw each fall when her family sold their wares at the fair in Langley. Not exactly the type of people her family would be happy to see her associating with.
Her breath hitched. A large man, who reminded her of Raven, approached them. She stood at Shane’s side and held on to his arm as if it were a lifeline. Any resemblance to Raven dissipated with his wide-toothed smile. She loosened her grip.
“Welcome,” said the stranger, shaking Shane’s hand, “and who is this lovely lady?”
“This is Tia. Tia this is Tito.”
She squeezed his hand and kept her gaze down.
“Well, come on and meet the family, little lady.” He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her toward the fire.
Tia looked back at Shane, who wore a stupid smirk on his face, despite how she pleaded for help with her eyes. He’s not even going to help. How can he let a perfect stranger lead me off like this and not say a word?
“I’d like you all to welcome our new friends, Tia and Shane.”
Tito passed her around like a peace pipe. By the time he finished with the introductions, she couldn’t remember any of their names.
An older woman stood up by the fire. Her regal stature commanded respect. “Unhand the poor girl,” she scolded and smacked his arm. “You’ll crush her, you big oaf!”
Her husband dropped his arm and grinned sheepishly. “Sorry.”
The men had coerced Shane over to the bike where they bombarded him with a million questions he seemed all too happy to answer. She should have known. You’d think he’d tire of the same questions over and over. Nothing could be further from the truth. He stroked Belle, beaming with pride.
“Tia is a lovely name. My name is Sylvia.”
Tia smiled. The woman’s presence intimidated her. A bright yellow outfit clung to her frame. The top looked more like a fancy bra, showing off ample cleavage and a bare midriff. In her belly button, a stunning green stone sparkled. A long skirt adorned with sequins and panels of sheer fabric fluttered in the breeze. Never had she been this close to a woman so confident in her sexuality; Tia couldn’t have been more uncomfortable.
“What are you and your husband doing out here on that motorcycle? Where do you keep all of your things?”
Laughter spilled out of her in spite of how awkward she felt. “We pack everything we need in the saddlebags and strap our beds to the front,” Tia replied. “Shane is not my husband.” Heat rushed to her face; she didn’t really understand why saying this would make her blush.
“I can’t imagine. You’d never get me on one of those machines for all the rubies in the world.” Sylvia straightened her stance. “Marko!”
A dark and decidedly attractive man answered. “What?”
“You can drool over the motorcycle another time. Come get our guests something to drink.”
His gaze scanned the length of Tia with open appreciation. The corner of his mouth lifted in a devilish grin. His chocolate-brown eyes met hers, and he winked. She quickly diverted her gaze, feeling like he’d been undressing her with his eyes. Never would any of the men in her tribe be so bold.
The men made their way back to the fire. Sylvia’s words seemed to hold great credence in this family, reminding Tia of her own mother. The back of her eyelids prickled. She breathed deeply, willing the tears away.
Before long, everyone sat around the fire. Two of the women were sent after Marko to help fetch the wine. Shane’s attempt to decline the offer of wine fell on deaf ears. Despite the fact neither of them really drank, they accepted the dark red substance rather than offend their gracious hosts.
Tia brought her cup to her lips. The pungent aroma caused a shiver to run down her spine. It smelled nothing like the Sarsaparilla from home. The bitter liquid left a trail of warmth down the back of her throat, exploding in her belly. She set the cup on her lap and feigned a smile.
On cue, the women started to dance again. Their jiggling breasts kept perfect time with the small cymbals tied to their fingers. The men clapped, cheering them on, openly appreciating their dance. Shane smiled and clapped his hands along with the rest of the men.
Tia wanted to cover his eyes and take him away. Her jeans and long sleeved t-shirt paled in comparison to all the glitz and glitter that swirled past them. The women of the camp all had long luxurious hair, so black it was almost blue. Jeweled headbands glittered with the slightest tilt of their heads. She ran a hand down the length of her hair that she’d put back in a quick braid before getting on the bike. No way in hell could she compete for his affection against such women. She could only hope when they left this camp tonight that she’d never have to deal with the likes of them again.
The younger girl, Gracie, swooped close to Shane and trailed the sheer fabric strapped to her wrists along his jaw line. She arched her back and shook her belly; her breasts jiggled seductively just inches from his face.
Never had Tia been so appalled. How could she? Did Sylvia tell Gracie that Shane isn’t my husband? I should have lied. Her nails dug into the fabric of her jeans. For the first time in her life, she wanted to scratch another woman’s eyes out.
The second she moved away, Tia tugged at Shane’s shirtsleeve and whispered in his ear, “Can we go, please?”
He frowned. “Aren’t you having a good time?”
She shook her head. “It’s the wine. I think it’s making me sick.”
Concern replaced his annoyance, and guilt enveloped her for the lie. Maybe she’d confess later. Right now, all she wanted to do was to get as far away from these women who looked at Shane with hungry expressions. The sooner the better.
Chapter Two
The all too familiar stench of diesel fuel assaulted his senses. The distorted face of the stricken driver pleaded with him through the window of the cruiser. Words spoken into his ear by the police officer robbed him of any rational thoughts. He lunged toward the car. Kelly’s screams filled his mind as he beat his fists on the hood.
Shane opened his eyes and gasped for breath. His breathing and heartbeat finally slowed down when he realized where he was. Relief filtered in as he recognized the campfire, his bike, and Tia.
He’d lain awake for some time after they returned from the Gypsy camp. Tia’s behavior had been strange to say the least. He believed her when she’d told him she was sick. Soon after they waded through the protests to them leaving, she seemed fine. Back at their camp, she asked him if he’d mind building a fire and proceeded to curl up in her fur skin and go to sleep.
The warm morning sun held the promise of a nice day. Tia had risen before him and brewed tea on the fire. She now sat with her back to him, brushing her waist-length hair. He decided not to bring up the topic of the previous night.
“Good morning. I hope you’re feeling better.”
“Much better. Thank you.”
“Are you hungry? I think we forgot to eat last night.” He poured a cup of tea.
Tia turned. She smiled but did not meet his gaze. “Starving. Shall we go to town after your tea?”
“Actually, we’ve been invited back to the camp for breakfast. We’ll go as soon as you’re done with your hair.”
Insulted, she let out an annoyed grunt. “What’s wrong with my hair?”
Her tone surprised him. “Uh, nothing.”
“Good. Let’s go then.”
Shane knew women well enough not to press. She probably had a good reason for her behavior, but he’d be damned if he could figure it out now. “Fine.” He put on his boots and finger-combed his own mane. Normally, she’d offer to brush it out, but not today.
Belle came to life with a single kick, and Tia climbed on the back, her lips pressed firmly together. With a twist of the throttle, grass flew out behind them as the tires tried to grip the dewy ground. Rather than hold on to his sides, she gripped the seat and looked straight ahead.
His newfound friends bustled about the camp. The women cooked on propane stoves set up along one side of the truck, and the men sipped from tin mugs. Despite the seemingly intense nature of their conversation, no sooner did the bike stop, they swarmed toward Belle.
“Good morning,” said Shane.
Tia, on the other hand, leaned against the seat with her arms folded in front of her. A storm brewed in her eyes.
Candice, one of the women only a year or two younger than Tia, walked towards her. “Hello. Would you like some coffee?”
She offered a strained smile, and followed Candice over to the rest of the women. Sylvia immediately walked over and gathered her to her side. Convinced she’d be okay now, Shane focused his full attention back on the men discussing Belle.
“How far can you go on a tank of gas?” asked Benji. Being younger than most of the men, he asked the most questions. His youthful curiosity amused him.
“Well, it depends a lot on how hard I’m riding the old girl,” answered Shane, running a hand over the smooth black finish of the tank. “She’s got a five-gallon tank so she gives me about 250 clicks.”
Benji stepped from side to side. “You must get awfully sore after a long ride.” He touched Belle’s leather seat.
Shane chuckled. “After a full day of riding, let’s just say you feel it.” He rubbed his backside, and the men laughed.
“Enough questions for now. I’m sure our guest would like a cup of coffee.” Benji lowered his gaze as Tito ushered Shane over to the fire. “Gracie, bring our guest some coffee.”
The woman who’d danced for him the night before led the way. She’d traded her attire for a long full skirt and tunic top with rhinestones around the neckline. He would have to be dead not to notice her womanly curves.
Gracie gave him a cup of coffee, her fingers lingering against his longer than necessary. Shane tilted his gaze upwards and watched the flirtatious flutter of eyelashes. He searched for Tia, and, as he’d guessed, she’d caught the gesture. She narrowed her eyes and glared after Gracie.
Do I detect a hint of jealousy? The thought caused the corner of his mouth to lift in amusement.
The undeniably beautiful Gracie didn’t hold a candle to the flawless beauty of Tia. She didn’t need a lot of sparkle and makeup to take his breath away. She’d never been one to dress sexy, but she didn’t need to. All it took was for him to follow the lines of her jeans clinging to her shapely long legs and his mind turned to mush.
“Shane? How’s your coffee?” asked Tito.
“Huh? I guess my mind drifted. It’s very good.” The dark, warm liquid burst with flavor.
Tito chuckled and slapped him on the back. “Our Gracie has that affect on men.”
Rather than trying to explain himself, he asked, “Do I taste chocolate?”
“Just a hint. We blend our own mixture with a few cocoa beans.”
He much preferred the coffee Tia and her family had introduced him to, but he drank down the first cup and asked for more so as not to offend anyone. Regrettably, he hadn’t taken into account who would be refilling his cup. He barely noticed Gracie this time. Tia had his full attention. Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears. The look of utter betrayal yanked at his heartstrings. Could I be a bigger ass?
Sophie joined her, and after speaking a few words, the two of them disappeared around the side of the truck. He’d better have a chat with Tia. The last thing he wanted was to upset her.
They ate a scrumptious breakfast of sausage and eggs. Shane stood and stretched. His gaze lifted to the clear blue sky, and his thoughts drifted to being in the wind. It’s a perfect fall day for a ride.
He quickly scanned the campsite. Benji crouched by the fire pit, poking a stick in the glowing embers. “Hey Benji.”
The boy looked up at him. “Yah?”
“Feel like going for a ride?”
“You mean on your bike?” His eyes grew wide, and he sprang to his feet, wiping his hands on the sides of his pants.
Shane laughed. “Of course.”
“I better go ask my dad.” He dashed off to his father’s side, speaking animatedly. The big man tilted his head back and laughed. He shoved Benji off with a wave of his hand and nodded his permission.
Tia still hadn’t come back with Sylvia, so he couldn’t say good-bye. “Tell Tia I won’t be long,” said Shane.
Benji’s father waved again and joined the men, while Shane showed Benji how to strap the helmet on.
“Now stand back.” He put down the back pegs. “When I tell you, hop on behind me and put your feet on the pegs.”
Shane straddled Belle and kicked her to life. He smiled and patted her gas tank with the familiarity of a lover. Benji stood back a couple of feet, his gaze glued to him. In the same instant, he motioned to the space behind him, and the young man jumped on the back of the bike.
“Ready?”
Benji gave the thumbs up.
“Hold on!”
* * *
Tia’s breath hitched, and her gaze darted out the window of the panel truck. He wouldn’t leave me here, would he?
Sylvia seemed to sense her distress and peeked out and around the doorway. She groaned, shaking her head. “Well, that didn’t take very long.”
Did he take Gracie out for a ride? Her brow knitted with worry.
“Benji.” She chuckled. “He’s talked nonstop about that motorcycle ever since you rolled into camp. Looks like he talked your man into taking him for a ride.”
Relief washed over her. She didn’t like feeling so insecure, but she’d never been in the company of a woman like Gracie. It unnerved her and dredged up jealousy she’d never experienced on such an intense level before.
“Everywhere we go people are drawn to Belle like a magnet. Shane loves showing her off.”
“Belle?” asked Sylvia.
“Yes, Belle is the name of his motorcycle.” Tia couldn’t help but chuckle.
Sylvia returned to sifting through a rack of costumes—sorted by color, reminiscent of a brightly colored rainbow.
“I remember your caravan being at the Fall Fair in Langley,” Tia said. “I know you see things in your crystal ball, but what does everyone else do?”
“The secrets of the crystal ball are passed down through the generations. I am teaching my eldest daughter, Candice.” She held out a lavender costume. Her gaze shifted from it to Tia like a painter accessing his subject. “The rest of the girls read Tarot and the men breathe fire.”
“Breathe fire? Isn’t that terribly dangerous?”
The fascinating woman stood in front of her now, holding the costume up for size. “This color would be amazing next to your skin.”
She’d never seen such a subtle shade of lavender. The low neckline made her cheeks grow warm. Surely she isn’t thinking that I’m going to wear that.
“My people have breathed fire for many, many years. As long as you do what you’re supposed to do, it isn’t dangerous. Not one of my family has ever been hurt...unless you count an upset tummy.”
Sylvia pulled the shiny material tight across Tia’s breasts, but she pushed the woman’s hand away. “Oh my, aren’t we the timid one.” Sylvia laughed. “Give me one hour and I guarantee Shane won’t be able to resist you.”
“What makes you think I want that?” Tia diverted her gaze.
“I don’t need my crystal ball to see what’s going on. These eyes have seen many who are in love and,” she gently gripped Tia’s chin, forcing her to meet her gaze, “you, my dear, are definitely in love.”
Belle’s rumble reverberated throughout the camp. Tia had never been so glad to hear the sound. “He’s back. I’m sure he’ll want to hit the road again soon.”
“I hope we can convince you to stay longer.”
Tia didn’t stop to respond. She climbed down the truck steps and ran over to the bike.
Benji grinned from ear to ear.
Shane captured her attention and smiled. “Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine. I just wondered when we were leaving.”
“I hope you’re not in any hurry. The caravan is heading back to Langley the day after tomorrow for the fair. I kind of hoped we could travel with them.”
Tia tried to keep her disappointment and anger from surfacing. Maybe she was being selfish, but she looked forward to traveling home with him, alone. He had to be completely blind not to have noticed how uncomfortable these people made her.
“Do you really think that’s a good idea?”
“Why wouldn’t it be?” He beamed with excitement. “Tito even offered to teach me how to breathe fire.”
Anger simmered beneath the surface of her facade. I wouldn’t be surprised if Gracie isn’t somehow behind this change in plans. Every instinct cried out for her to demand they continue their journey alone, but the child-like enthusiasm in Shane’s expectant gaze pushed all reason aside. It had been far too long since she last saw such unbridled happiness in him. How could she let her insecurities stand in his way? She closed her eyes and blew out a long, even breath.
“Okay, if it means that much to you.”
Shane gathered her in his arms and hugged her tight. “Thank you. It’ll be a blast, you’ll see.”