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  Saving Ayden

  A Last Hangman Motorcycle Club Book

  by

  Muriel Garcia

  THIS BOOK IS A WORK OF FICTION. NAMES, CHARACTERS, PLACES, AND INCIDENTS ARE EITHER PRODUCTS OF THE AUTHOR’S IMAGINATION OR ARE USED FICTITIOUSLY. ANY RESEMBLANCE TO ACTUAL PERSONS LIVING OR DEAD, BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS, EVENTS, OR LOCALES IS ENTIRELY COINCIDENTAL. THE AUTHOR MAKES NO CLAIMS TO, BUT INSTEAD ACKNOWLEDGES THE TRADEMARKED STATUS AND TRADEMARK OWNERS OF THE WORD MARKS MENTIONED IN THIS WORK OF FICTION.

  COPYRIGHT © 2015 BY MURIEL GARCIA

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  NO PART OF THIS BOOK MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS, ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL, INCLUDING PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING, OR BY ANY INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR, EXCEPT FOR THE USE OF BRIEF QUOTATIONS IN A BOOK REVIEW.

  EDITING BY © GYPSY HEART EDITING

  FORMATTING BY © MURIEL GARCIA

  COVER IMAGES BOUGHT ON DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

  COVER DESIGNED BY © MURIEL GARCIA

  Table of content

  Table of content

  WARNING

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Epilogue

  Author’s note

  Acknowledgements

  Coming soon

  Author’s Bio

  WARNING

  THIS BOOK CONTAINS SEX, VIOLENCE, AND RAPE. SOME READERS MIGHT FIND IT HARD TO READ.

  Dedication

  This book is first of all for my Mom,

  for always supporting me in my craziness

  and never letting me down. I love you.

  But also for anyone who has found

  their little piece of heaven,

  hold onto it and never let it go.

  Prologue

  Ayden

  September 15, 2008

  Anthony and I have known each other our entire lives. We’ve always lived next to each other, which helped since we spent every waking moment together. Anthony is a couple of months older than me and has always been overprotective of me. I always gave him hell over the years for it but I wouldn’t change it for anything. Knowing he’d do anything to make sure I’m happy is such an amazing feeling. I’m not full of myself, just telling it how it is.

  Growing up, whenever a kid was being mean to me, he would step in and make things right. He always looked out for me and over the years it never changed, even when he started dating. I think I was the cause of many break ups. I mean we really were together all the time. I guess his ex’s didn’t enjoy having an awkward girl hang around very much.

  Our dads are in the same motorcycle club, the Last Hangman. My dad, Cabe, became the President after his father passed it down to him. Anthony's father, Philip, is also part of the club. We pretty much grew up around the compound—some of my best memories are from those times. My closest friends, Gabe and Aleck, joined the club almost a year ago and we’ve been a tight group ever since.

  Most people are quick to judge us, saying it's not a good idea to raise children around a MC, but I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. Our dads managed, for the most part, to stay out of trouble even with the illegal shit they do, and they have their hands in everything from drugs to guns. Most of them are the nicest men you'll ever meet—just don’t cross them and you won’t get into any trouble. If you’re a dick to them, don’t complain if they seek revenge.

  Life has always been pretty good for us. Our parents, like most of the MC members, have real jobs on the side. My dad is an accountant for a big firm, quite unusual for someone in an outlaw MC—it’s still weird to me. My mom owns her own bakery. Anthony’s parents own a garage and specialize in customizing cars and bikes. We’ve never had to worry about money or life being hard.

  But everything changed when we were stuck in the middle of a gang war. The club hit a rough patch and lost some deals and a lot money. Ant and I suffered the worst because of it—we were in high school at the time and were kicked out of it because they didn’t want the school to be related to the club and have it tarnish their reputation. We had no choice but to transfer. It was pretty hard to find one that would accept us in the middle of the year, considering the reason why we were transferring, but we did.

  I struggled when we first got to our new school. I was made fun of a lot and kept it from everybody. I'm quite short, big green eyes, naturally pouty lips and here’s the real kicker—I’m a natural redhead. Needless to say, I was an easy target for all the bullies.

  It took Ant a couple of days before he found out I was being bullied. When he found out he was pissed at me for not telling him straight away. It took him a long time to understand my point of view on the situation but he did in the end. He promised he would take care of it and he did.

  Ant, on the other hand, never had a problem fitting in. He’s tall, tanned, has a long lean body, a bit of a scruff and the most beautiful hazel eyes I’ve ever seen. The guys wanted to be as cool as him and the girls wanted to be with him. They were all driving me insane. I know Ant and I were only friends, but I couldn't help feeling jealous of all the girls he was paying attention to.

  I realized about two years ago that I had real feelings for Ant. It was a slow realization but when I finally realized I was actually in love with him, it hit me hard. I know I'm almost eighteen but I know he is my one and only. He's had others before me, but it doesn't change the way I feel for him. I want to be with him but it’s hard to confess your love to someone who’s been in your life forever.

  If I tell him, it could either be the best thing ever if he shares my feelings, or the biggest mistake ever if he doesn’t and it ends our friendship. I think a lot more than that would be needed to break our friendship but I’m not sure I’m ready to risk it.

  I have to either tell him how I feel and risk our friendship or suck it up and move on from these feelings—I’m not sure how I would do that though. It’s not like you can just snap your fingers and boom, no more feeling for someone. Sometimes I wish it were that easy. Even if I’m not dating Ant, I’m beyond grateful to have him in my life, even if it’s only as best friends. I don’t know what I would do if I were to lose him and our friendship.

  Ant’s always been there for me, through the good and not so good times. He means the world to me. I hope that one day he will realize he has the same feelings for me, wishful thinking on my part probably.

  Ant’s been a member of the MC for a couple of months now. Every time he goes on a ride with the guys, I get worried sick that something bad is going to happen to him. I know my dad would never let anything happen to him, but still, I don’t know what I would do if I were to lose him. I know I shouldn’t think that way, I just can’t help it.

  Today is my pre birthday BBQ. I’m sitting outside of the compound on top of a picn
ic table watching it all take place. All of my friends are here as well as the entire MC. It warms my heart that they are all here today to celebrate with me. It’s a tradition we have—we celebrate every single birthday with everyone gathered together a day early and on our actually birthday day, we spend it with our family. It’s a bit of a crazy idea, but it’s quite cool to have two celebrations for your birthday. I have no idea what my parents have planned for tomorrow. I’m not sure anything can top last year’s trip to Disneyworld. Yep, bikers at Disneyworld, it was quite hilarious to see our dad’s there, but they seemed to enjoy themselves.

  I beam seeing Ant walk towards me. He oozes confidence and pure man even at just eighteen. He sits by me and kisses my temple.

  “Ready for your eighteenth birthday tomorrow Sweet Cheeks?” He smirks lighting his cigarette.

  “What do you know that I don’t, Anthony?” I narrow my eyes at him, but can’t help the grin that spreads across my face when I see his.

  “I don’t know anything, so don’t ask.” Finality laces his voice, with a hint of playfulness.

  “You’re not as fun anymore now that you’re eighteen.” I punch his arm, and he doesn’t budge one bit.

  “Who says I ever was fun?” He raises his eyebrow at me.

  “Ah true, you’re the most boring eighteen year old guy I know.” I shrug and hop off of the table and walk towards the compound to join my party. I can feel his eyes on me and add the tiniest bit of sway in my hips. I can hear him groan slightly as he’s catching up to me pretty fast. It’s good that I at least have a bit of effect on him. I smile at my new knowledge. A girl can dream.

  ******

  I groan feeling something wet drip on my face, efficiently waking me from a really nice dream. Ant and I were riding on his bike into the sunset. That’s a recurring dream I have and I never get tired of it. I flail my arm around hoping to move away whatever is dripping on my face, but it doesn’t stop. Then I feel the bed shake slightly, causing me to groan once again.

  “What are you doing in my bed Ant?” I yawn. “And stop it with the water.” I glare at him when he stops me from pulling the covers over my head.

  “Happy birthday, Sweet Cheeks.” He whispers in my ear, making me shiver. I have to hold back the moan that is threatening to escape my lips.

  “Thanks Big Man.” I whisper back, sighing happily as he hugs me from behind, he’s half lying, half sitting on my bed. I can’t help cuddling back into him. I smile seeing him in the full-length mirror that’s on the wall.

  “Anytime Sweet Cheeks. Get up and get ready, big day today.” He smirks and smacks my ass.

  “HEY! No smacking!” I yelp and throw a pillow at his head, but he’s too fast and catches it before it can hit him. He throws it back at me then heads downstairs giving me privacy to get ready.

  I reluctantly leave the comfort of my bed and head to the bathroom to get ready for the day. I take care of business, take a quick shower, brush my teeth and select a comfy outfit. Knowing him and my parents, we could be up to anything so comfy it is. I opt for jeans, a sleeveless Slayer shirt, a flannel shirt and my black Converse. I don’t put any make-up on, but try to tame my wild mane; seriously I look like a freaking lion! I should know better than to wash my hair before bed.

  I make my way downstairs after getting my phone and hug my parents.

  “Happy birthday Princess.” They say in unison.

  “Thank you.” I grin and steal one of my mom’s cupcakes and take a big bite—Red Velvet, my favorite!

  “We’ll give you your gift later today—it’s running a little late but it will be here later today.” My dad says with a knowing grin looking at Ant.

  “Okay? What are you up to you two?” I raise my eyebrow and finish my cupcake, debating if I should take a second one or not.

  “Nothing Sweet Cheeks and don’t even think about getting a second one, we’ll get breakfast on the way.”

  “On the way to…?” I grin innocently hoping for a hint.

  “That’s for me to know and for you to be patient…for once.” He smirks at me.

  “Ugh, fine!” I roll my eyes and down a glass of orange juice. “Are you guys coming too?” I look at my parents.

  “No it’s just you two.” My mom grins knowingly.

  “Uh oh, what am I in for?”

  “You’ll see.” Ant smiles and leads me out of the door and to his bike. “Here.” He puts my helmet on my head and secures it for me. I’m more than capable of doing it, but he insists on doing it every time.

  “Thanks.” I roll my eyes and climb behind him, wrapping my arms around him. I revel in the feeling of having him in my arms. I rest my head on his back and enjoy the ride to wherever he felt it would be nice to take me for my birthday and knowing him, it could be the most random spot ever.

  We stopped on the way for breakfast and after what seemed like forever, we finally pull up to my birthday mystery spot that I don’t recognize. He helps me off the bike and pulls out a bandana from his pocket, holding it up.

  “And what exactly am I supposed to do with this?”

  “I’m going to blindfold you to keep it a surprise until the last minute.” He smirks seeing my eyes go wide.

  “Nuh uh, I don’t think so mister. I’m not letting you blindfold me, I know you!”

  “Exactly, you know me Sweet Cheeks, you should trust me.” He holds my hands, lacing our fingers, making me walk backwards. “Well it’s up to you, you can let me blindfold you or I’ll guide you like this until we make it there. What will it be?”

  “Fine, blindfold me. I don’t want to break my neck.” I sigh and cross my arms over my chest and let him blindfold me. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

  “Oh, you have no idea how much I am.” I can hear the amusement in his voice and something I can’t pin point. Could it be lust?

  We start to walk and he guides me, holding me close to his body. I can feel his warmth pressed to my back and side. I have absolutely no clue where we are and it’s driving me crazy. I’m not good with changes or surprises—combine that with the fact that I’m blindfolded? Yeah not fun at all, but I trust him so I’ll have to wait. I just hope we are close. I’m scared I’m going to trip and hurt myself. I know my limits.

  “Are we there yet?” I elbow him gently making him chuckle.

  “Almost.” He kisses my head and we stop a few minutes later. He removes the blindfold and it takes a minute for my eyes to adjust to the brightness. What I see is straight out of one of those romance books. Picnic by the lake in our spot…our spot? Oh. My. God!

  “I can’t believe you brought me here!” I beam and take in everything. A blanket is laid out by a tree with a couple of gift boxes and a basket with what I guess is food inside. “Did you do all this?” I grin wide.

  “Yes, who else do you think did?” He chuckles, wrapping his arms around me from behind. “Happy Birthday Sweet Cheeks.” He whispers in my ear causing me to shiver and places a soft kiss behind my ear.

  “Thank you, you have no idea how much this means to me.” I whisper back, not wanting to end the moment. He will never know how much this all means to me.

  “I think I do.” He turns me around and looks into my eyes. “You mean the world to me Sweet Cheeks, as long as you are happy that’s all that matters to me.” He brushes his lips on the corner of my mouth. I let out a shaky breath. I’m totally speechless.

  It takes me a moment to get my voice back. This man is out to kill me I swear! “Come on, let’s open your gifts.” He tugs me gently and helps me down on the blanket.

  “What is it?” I giggle excited.

  “You have zero patience.” He chuckles.

  “Well what can I say, you give good gifts. There’s not a single one that I haven’t loved the shit out of.”

  “Ah you just say that.” He shrugs softly but I know that he loves to see my expressions when I open his gifts. He always looks at me intently, wanting to catch that glimpse of pure happiness when I find o
ut what he gave me. He really does give the best presents and not just to me. He is always so thoughtful.

  “We both know that’s not true.” I stick my tongue out.

  “Whatever.” He chuckles and hands me two big packages. “Come on, open them up.”

  I start opening the first one and smile wide when I see a pair of biker boots that I’d been eying for a while but were totally out of my price range.

  “Oh my God you didn't!” I squeal and tackle him to the ground hugging him and kissing his cheek. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

  “You're welcome Sweet Cheeks.” He grins chuckling. “I saw you trying to will them to magically appear on your feet at the store a couple of months ago.”

  “You know me too well.” I giggle sitting up to try them on. “They look amazing!”

  “They do.” He winks at me. “Open the second one.” He bites his lip making me melt to the ground. Seriously there’s nothing sexier than a hot badass biker acting cute to make your heart melt. And mine is currently in a puddle.

  “Alright, alright, you’re spoiling me now!” I slowly open the second one and my jaw drops seeing a customized helmet. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper admiring it. I know he designed what’s on it. It’s a sugar skull with roses on each side, butterflies are flying from the roses and in a banner under the skull, my nickname ‘Sweet Cheeks’ is in tattoo script. “I love it!” I look up at him, tears in my eyes. I can’t help it I’m so touched by the gift.

  “Awe, don't cry Sweet Cheeks. I didn't mean to make you cry, especially not on your birthday.” He wipes my tears and wraps his arms around me and I cuddle into him.

  “They’re happy tears. It’s beautiful Ant, thank you so much. Best birthday ever.” I sigh happily.

  “Nah, the best one was probably your sixth birthday. Remember when your dad got that slip and slide and we ended up completely covered in mud by the end of the day. They had to hose us down before letting us inside the house.” He says very seriously and we both burst out laughing at the memory.

  “You're right, but this one is right behind that one in the top ten.” I giggle and we start eating the food he got us from our favorite Chinese restaurant. “You know me so well.” I grin biting into a spring roll.