Bella Chapter 3

It had been a month since Sadie was taken and then rescued by the Infidels. While we were all relieved she had been safely rescued, and although she'd been psychologically traumatized, she hadn't suffered any physical trauma, thank God. Her kidnapper was more concerned about using her as a way to get to Londyn than he was about raping or beating her. I wish that had been the case for the women and girls they had locked up, which the Infidels had saved, too.

As the club and Londyn suspected, I found out most of the women were from Middle Eastern countries and spoke little to no English. This made Londyn, Malik, and Arek godsends. Londyn had filled Diane and me in on the whole backstory about Tuffin. Well, she told Diane some of it. The rest she told me since Di was dealing with enough trying to get Sadie to recover. My blood boiled every time I thought about it.

As for Sadie, we helped as much as we could, but Diane lived with her day in and day out, so the brunt of it fell on her. Sadie had been so scared at first that she refused to go to school. It took us a week of constant reassurances before she was convinced to return. The thing that made her agree was Torpedo's promise that she'd have a guard who went with her to school and then stayed right outside while she was in class.

We knew there was no threat, but she wasn't convinced. None of the Infidels were upset to do it, even though it took them away from their work and free time. Gradually, she was able to let them stop sending someone. Last week was the last of those watches. It was another example of how they differed from the club I'd seen back home. I knew there was no way in hell they'd ever do something like that.

Meanwhile, Phantom and Tamysin worked to get every scrap of incriminating information they could on Tuffin, his dead men, and anyone else involved in his disgusting ring. Thankfully, it wasn't as large as some of them could be. I found out from the talking I overheard this wasn't the first such trafficking ring the club had dealt with. It made me want to ask when and what else they did that the rest of the town had no idea about. I held back, though, not wanting to cause issues.

Sadly, Sadie wasn't the only one struggling. The others rescued had such awful things done to them. They'd arrived that night at the compound, terrified and in need of so much. I was stunned to see how the club came together to make sure they got what they needed. I knew Adara and what she could do, but I found she wasn't the only one. The other old ladies were powerful forces who left me in awe.

Adara had her counseling. Jackie, I discovered, had turned her old house into a refuge for the women. I'd heard of Soteria around town and vaguely knew what it was for, but I got a firsthand look at it when the women were brought back. It was amazing to see what they were doing for those who had been abused.

In addition, as heartbreaking as it was to find out, there were three people in the club who could totally relate to what those women and girls went through. I discovered Ember, Kinslee, and even young Desi's terrible stories. They'd freely shared them with the captives. Those women being able to see how happy and great those three lives were was inspirational, I believe. I know it was for me.

Some were able to go live with other family members in the States rather than going back to their countries to have this happen all over again. Some of them had been sold or given to the traffickers by their own families. In a few cases, they had no one, and somehow, I wasn't clear on how the club did it. They were placed with new identities and moved to other states to start new lives. A few stayed in Tenillo at Soteria and were learning how to care for themselves. They would be helped to get on their feet, get jobs, and be able to support themselves. Once they did, they would move on to make way for Soteria to help others. I had no idea how the club was able to get the paperwork together, which allowed them to stay in the US, but they did. I suspected Phantom and Tamysin had a lot to do with it. Most of the women were here illegally.

It was sickening to find the youngest victim was only thirteen. She and Sadie spent a lot of time together during the two weeks she'd been here. She was one of them who had a family here who took her in. I was relieved when I found out that those who left, no matter if it was to go to family or not, the Infidels were keeping tabs on them to be sure they stayed safe.

I wished I could do more, but I was assured that helping at Soteria when I could, as well as the equine therapy I offered to those who stayed, was more than enough. I knew there had to be more. I'd figure out what to do eventually. I was happy that Sadie came out more often to ride. She seemed to relax only when she was with the horses. I knew Adara had started to see her, and when she wouldn't leave the house initially, Adara made house calls.

Another thing I thought was really helping her was her new friendships. Adara introduced Sadie to a young woman, a girl a few years older than her, named Joy. She was a patient of Adara's who'd been molested and terrorized by a family member. Joy had been so terrified of him, and what he would do she became essentially agoraphobic. After she worked with Adara, she went on to not only be able to leave her house, but she was in college now. Along with Joy, she'd formed a friendship with Desi.

Desi was eighteen, and Joy was nineteen, I think, so it still put Sadie in a peer situation even if they were older. They were good at doing things more appropriate for a fifteen-year-old. One of those was she got both of them to come out and learn to ride. When they did, she got to take the teacher role, which I felt empowered her. Sometimes, when she came, Desi brought her son, Shane. I'd encouraged her to do it. He would be three in a couple of months. He loved the horses and had the best time. I adored working with small kids and instilling a love of horses when they were so young.

Despite all the awful things many people were dealing with, there were still great things happening, too, which was wonderful to see. The biggest was Londyn and Torpedo. The two of them were totally committed to each other and their relationship. I knew this and how serious she was about him when she gave up her apartment above the salon and moved to the compound permanently with him. They were even building a house. Or they would be as soon as she made up her mind about the design.

I laughed when Torpedo told me he'd give me anything I wanted if I convinced her to pick a plan. I teased him and told him he couldn't afford me, but then I ruined it when I laughed. I did, however, ask him to do one thing, although if he didn't, I would still work on her. I asked him to come out to take one lesson with me and the horses. I recalled he said he'd do it, and I could ride a steel horse. I wanted to take a ride even more so than before, but first, he had to take his.

It was his ride that was happening today. I was surprised when he requested no other students be here and to block out the last half of my day for him. I didn't want to lose the money, but it was only for a day, so I did it. I was pacing outside the barn, waiting for them to come. Londyn had texted to tell me they were almost here and to stand by.

The rumble of more than one engine had me running around the barn to look down the long dirt road that came in from the main road to where I had my barn and a small house. It wasn't anything fancy, and it sure wasn't big, but it served my needs—the big one being that my horses were close, so I could always keep an eye on them.

My mouth fell open as I noted several bikes coming down the road. What in the world? Had he brought half the club to watch him ride? I mean, if he did, I wouldn't mind, but wow. I waited until they parked and turned off their bikes, and then I headed for the one carrying Londyn. I recognized Torpedo. I had to admit, seeing them on their bikes, with those leather cuts on, was thrilling. They had on sunglasses, and since it was a nice day, despite technically being winter, most of them were sporting short sleeves, and I could see tattoos.

I reached her just as she swung off, and Torpedo gallantly held out his hand to help her. I hugged her. It had been a few days since I had seen her in person. When I got done, I was tugged into Torpedo's arms and hugged.

"Hey, are you ready to teach this old dog new tricks? I think I'm ready. Be gentle with me, and don't let me look stupid in front of the club," he said with a pleading look on his face. I giggled.

"Torpedo, I make no guarantees. Just know I could change your life today. You're in my house now, and I'm the boss. Though, I gotta ask, why did you bring so many witnesses if you're nervous you'll look stupid?"

"I didn't ask them. They insisted, but they're not all here to watch. Some want to give it a try, too. I guess riding a horse is a dream for more than just me. Saddle up for the ride." He grinned.

"Really? Wow, okay, I don't have a ton of horses, but until I feel you're all alright in the saddle, I'll have to put you up one at a time. Sorry, it's better to be safe than sorry."

"I can help," a familiar voice called out. I swung around to see where it was coming from. I saw Sadie climbing off the back of Ashes' bike. The smile on her face was the biggest I'd seen in ages. She took off the helmet she was wearing and then ran over to me after handing it to Ashes. He was watching her with an indulgent smile.

I held open my arms to hug her. As I did, I had to ask, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming yesterday when you were here?"

"I wanted to surprise you. Isn't it cool? I love riding bikes, too. Wait until you try it. It's so much fun," she chattered excitedly, just like her old self.

"I can't wait. Where's your mom?" I knew Diane had barely let her out of her sight since the kidnapping.

"She's at the salon. Torpedo told her I'd be with them and no one would bother us. She needs a break. She can't be with me all the time."

"You know she's just worried, sweetheart. She'll relax. Okay, let's get to work. Who all wants to give it a try?" I asked loudly so the others could hear me. They'd all dismounted their bikes and were standing around, checking out the place.

I saw six hands go up in the air. Besides Torpedo, there was Luciana, Pitbull, Raine, Piper, and the last person I expected, which was Boomer. I gulped at seeing him. He gave me a chin lift, but I couldn't interpret the expression on his face. He was as devastatingly handsome as the last time I saw him. For the past month, I'd tried to stay away from the compound so I wouldn't run into him. I knew it was cowardly, but he messed with my head, and it was the last thing I needed.

"Alright, Sadie can help me saddle up a couple more horses. I only saddled one. I think we'll start with three of you and see how it goes."

"How many horses do you have?" Boomer asked.

"I have six."

"I can help. I know how to at least do that much and give basic instructions," Londyn offered.

Nodding to indicate she could help, the three of us went into the barn to saddle two more. I'd already selected and had Geralt ready. Thinking of the ones wanting to ride, I quickly pointed to the stalls. "Let's saddle Venus and Indigo." As they did, I stood back and watched. No matter how many times I saw my horses, their beauty always caught my eye. Venus was a brown Holsteiner, and Geralt was a white Arabian. With Indigo being an American Quarter, I had variety in the breeds.

"Is it alright if we come in and watch?" I heard from behind me. I turned to find Luciana standing at the door, looking hesitant.

"Of course, you can. Sorry, I should've offered. Just stand back when they bring them out of the stalls. They might be a little jittery with so many people around. Also, never stand directly behind a horse in case they kick," I cautioned her.

Not everyone followed her inside, but all the ones who would be riding did, along with a couple of others. They were quiet as they watched Sadie and Londyn saddle the horses. I went over to the stall and opened the door so I could bring out Geralt. He was a handsome horse, standing fifteen hands tall. Indigo was all black and stood fifteen-and-a-half hands. Venus was the tallest of the three at sixteen hands.

"What're their names?" Raine asked as she cautiously came a few steps closer.

"The one Sadie has is Indigo. Londyn has Venus. This is Rocket, Obsidian, and Twilight." I pointed to the others in the stalls before I indicated mine. "And this guy is Geralt."

The name got chuckles from the ladies, which told me they knew who he was named after and why. Based on the puzzled looks on their faces, the guys didn't have a clue.

"Geralt? What kind of name is that?" Pitbull asked.

"He's the main guy on a popular TV show. He's played by a sexy actor. He's a sexy beast with white hair, just like this stud," Piper chimed in to tell him.

"A stud? You're watching a show because you think another man is a stud?" Saint asked her with a frown.

She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively as she grinned and nodded. I watched in amusement as Phalanx and Bullet gave Raine the same look and Pitbull eyed Luciana. Torpedo stared hard at Londyn, who wasn't looking at him. I was so into watching them that I jumped when Boomer's voice spoke in a low growl in my ear.

"Is that what you think, too? Is that why you named him Geralt? You think this Geralt character is a sexy beast?"

I fought not to shiver from the goosebumps erupting all over my body. I slowly turned my head to look up at him. He was only inches away, so I stepped back.

"As a matter of fact, yes, I do, and yes, it's why I named him that."

Before either of us could say more, I heard Saint grumble. "This is Geralt? Well, I mean, he's okay, I guess, but seriously, Sparky? I'm way better."

His comment had the other guys crowding around to look at his phone. Boomer moved over, too. I took in a deep breath of relief. I jumped again when Londyn spoke in my ear. Jesus, I needed to put bells on these damn people.

"What was Boomer saying to you? You had a funny look on your face."

I shrugged. "He just asked if I thought Geralt was a sexy beast, and that's why I named my horse after him. I told him yes on both accounts. Why?"

"Hmm, no reason, just wondering. Let's get these victims, I mean riders, outside and on these horses," she said loud enough for the others to hear. I had to hold in my laughter. They did give us a wide berth as we led the horses out to the corral and to the blocks used to mount for those who found it challenging to do. I'd been doing it for so long that I could easily throw myself up on any horse, no matter how tall it was.

I ran them through basic safety instructions. The first set was about approaching them. "Always speak to your horse before you go near it or touch it. If you startle them, they might jump or kick. Always make sure you come at them from the front. Call his or her name if their head is turned away. Never come from the rear. When you pet one, put your hand on its shoulder or neck first and make it a rubbing action. Don't pat the end of its nose. If a horse is tied up, get him or her to look at you so you can see its expression before you get near one. If it looks pissed, then stay back. They can have moods just like we do."

Once I was positive they understood, I ran through the safety tips for handling, leading, tying, saddling, and then riding them. I was happy to see they all listened carefully, even the ones not planning to ride. Once I was done, I got down to business.

"Who's going first?" I asked. It was no surprise Torpedo was one, and along with him were Piper and Raine.

I decided to take on Torpedo. He used the block for his first mount which was smart. He sat still, and I adjusted his hold on the reins and the length of the stirrups. As I did, I kept an ear out to hear what was happening with Londyn and Sadie's students. After he was comfortable, I took the lead and walked him around the corral. After several laps, I let him do it himself once I felt he was ready, but I stuck close by. Overall, he ended up not doing a bad job. I was pleased with how all three of them did. After they had a good turn, I had them dismount so the rest could have an opportunity.

Boomer came over to me. He was studying me intently. I wanted to ask him why, but I didn't. "I want you to teach me," was all he said.

"Sure. Let me get him over to the block."

Before I could move Geralt, Boomer shook his head. "I don't need the block. Watch me and make sure I don't mess up."

Nodding, I stood back and let him put into practice what I told them. I was curious to see if he'd forgotten any of it. Most people did, so no worries. I'd correct him before he got himself into trouble. As I watched, he went through it flawlessly. Everything I told them about approaching a horse, he did. By the end, he had Geralt moving in to nudge him with his nose.

"You've ridden before. Why didn't you say so?" I accused him.

"No, I haven't. I just have a thing with animals. They recognize one of their own," he told me with a slight smirk.

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, animal, let me see you get up on him and see if you're still in harmony."

He effortlessly swung up in the saddle, not surprising, considering how tall he was. He took the reins into his hands and waited for me to tell him what to do next. I barely had to adjust how he was holding them before I took the lead string and began to walk Geralt. Boomer's body was relaxed, and I only did one circuit before I asked if he wanted to try it alone. He said he did, so I let him go but kept a close eye on him.

I had to admit, he was a natural. Watching him made me tingle all over, which was the last thing I wanted. Guys like him scared me. They were used to getting their way with women, were usually only out for one thing, and some could turn scary—all things I didn't need or want in my life. I'd stick to the quiet, less-full-of-themselves guys, not that there had been many of them lately. There seemed to be a lot of guys willing to get into my pants, but meaningless sex was all they wanted.

Seeing he was doing great, I checked on how Londyn and Sadie were doing with the other two. They seemed to be fine as well. They all rode for a while before getting off. They took the initiative to lead them back toward the corral gate to return to the barn. I was pleased. Overall, this was one of the easiest beginner classes I'd ever had, which should've told me something was about to go wrong. Only it wasn't with the horses or the riders. No, it was with the pain in my ass who came roaring up to the barn, honking her horn like a maniac. Loud, sudden noises startled horses, and she knew it. I'd told her enough times.

Out of the horses we were using, Venus was the most susceptible to noise. She reacted by rearing up on her hind legs and pawing at the air as she whinnied loudly. This scared Londyn, so she dropped the lead and backed off, which was the right thing to do. Not wanting anyone to get hurt, I went running to get her, except Boomer beat me there.

"No, don't! Back off. I'll get her," I called out in fear.

He ignored me and somehow got close. He grabbed both sides of her chin strap and tugged down on it hard. At the same time, he put his head on hers and was talking softly to her. I stopped, stunned. Venus quieted down for him almost immediately. Seeing he had her in hand, I stalked to the fence and up over it. I was gonna kill the bitch. I hoped the club would keep their mouths shut when I did and buried her.

Rage was seething through me. I was done with her and her bullshit. Kathy swung out of her Lexus in her high heels and skintight dress. She whipped off her sunglasses and glared at me. She put a hand on her bony hip as she jutted it out.

"What's the meaning of this? You rescheduled Kiley's lesson, saying you had to take the afternoon off. Now I see you have a bunch of bikers hanging here, and they're riding. I don't appreciate you wasting my time on your personal matters, whatever this is. I would think you would value your business more than hanging out with riff raff."

The hell with remaining calm. After the late lesson fiasco almost six weeks ago, she'd kept coming back, much to my dismay, and was just as shitty. Enough was enough. I got right in her face. I saw her eyes widen, and fear entered them before she could hide it. Good.

"I don't owe you a goddamn explanation about what I'm doing or why I had to reschedule. I don't exist to be at your beck and call nor at your spoiled brat of a daughter's whim. You're done. Get in your car and leave."

"W-what? How dare you speak to me this way! Do you know who I am?" she screeched.

"Yes, you're an entitled bitch who's bored and hates her life, so you make everyone around you miserable so you feel better. You're turning your daughter into the same kind of person. You think your money makes you special, but it doesn't. Your husband inherited his money, and you think it makes you someone. It doesn't. I'll speak to you any way I feel like. You almost caused injuries to these people by not listening to the rules you know about loud noises. All because you're in a snit. You and your daughter are done. Don't bring her back. I will no longer give her lessons. Good luck finding anyone who will," I snapped.

"I'll sue you." was her comeback.

"Try it. There's no breach of contract. If you cared to read what you signed, you would know I can choose to terminate the relationship at any time, without notice, just as you can."

"Well, I'll make sure no one uses your pathetic little stables. I can ruin you," she snapped.

"That's highly unlikely. Not many people like you in this town. Even if they did or you threatened them somehow to do it, I'll sue you for defamation of character and anything else I can think of. Now, get in your car and leave. You're trespassing."

I heard cheering behind me and some clapping. I fought not to look, but it did put a smile on my face. Suddenly, there was a hand on my lower back. I glanced back and saw it was Boomer. He was staring holes into Kathy.

"Bella, if this woman gives you any more problems, I'll call my brothers at the police department to come get her. If she keeps it up, I know just the lawyers to call."

"Thanks, Boomer, but she was just leaving. Goodbye, Kathy."

Kathy tried to use her charms on him. She perked up when she saw him and thrust out her fake tits, and batted her tarantula lashes at him. "I don't think you and your friends will want to be taking lessons from her. She doesn't do a good job at it. I was about to fire her myself. She knew it, and that's why she's acting like this. She cancels and reschedules lessons all the time. You can do better."

"Do you think I'm stupid? I heard you spouting off about bikers. Even if I hadn't, I know your kind, and I certainly know Bella. She's nothing like you just described. Your daughter is the one who'll suffer for not taking her riding lessons from her, but by the sound of it, she's too stuck up to realize it. I'd watch making threats. We don't like it when our friends are threatened."

As he talked to her, I heard footsteps behind us. Chancing a glance behind him, I saw most of the club had joined us, and they didn't look very happy. When I looked back at her, I saw her gulp and become nervous.

"Ah, well, um, I'll just go then. I'll expect a refund of this month's payment," she said to me.

"You'll get a prorated one just as it states in the contract."

She couldn't help but give me a sneer before she sashayed her ass into her car. She made sure to blow dust over us as she took off. I waved it away from my nose, coughing. It felt amazing to get rid of her and Kiley for good. As I turned around, I met Boomer's eyes.

"Do you have people like her often?" He was frowning as he asked.

"Thankfully, not often, but it does happen. I try to be accommodating, but she's been a pain since day one, and her daughter is just as bad. Believe me, I won't miss them. Thank you for the backup, but I was handling it. And though I thank you for calming Venus, you should've backed off and let me do it. You could've been seriously hurt," I admonished him.

"So you would rather me let you get hurt? Sorry, that's not how I roll. As for the snobbish bitch, I know you had it handled. I just hoped I might help you shut her up faster. She was irritating me."

I laughed at the look of disgust on his face when talking about Kathy. "Yeah, she's like a rash you can never get rid of. Let's forget her. I need to check on the horses and get them settled. Is Venus alright?" I started for the barn. He fell into step with me, and to my discomfort, he kept his hand on my back. The discomfort was due to how excited it made my body.

"She seems to have calmed down. Sadie said she'd get her back in her stall if I didn't make it back to do it. I'd like to see how you take care of her after a ride, though. Will you show me?"

"Sure, I'll show you guys," I said right before I ducked into the stable and greeted the others who had already returned to the stable.

I took over caring for Venus and gave instructions on how to care for the horses after a ride. Boomer kept me on edge because he stayed right beside me the whole time. By the time they were back in their stalls and each had been given a carrot along with the others who hadn't been ridden, I was ready for a break. The ones who didn't ride today were asking when they might be able to come try. The ones who had ridden wanted to come back. I told them I'd check my schedule and let them know. As they were getting ready to head out, Torpedo came up to me and handed me cash.

"What's this for?"

"For the lessons and for taking your time. We know you gave up others to accommodate us, and we never expected you to do it for free. Londyn told me what you charge. This should cover us."

"Torpedo, it's not necessary."

I tried to push it back to him, but he wouldn't take it. "Yes, it is. You're running a business here. Friends don't take advantage of friends. Believe me, we can afford it."

"He's not gonna let it go, so you'd better take it," Londyn said as she joined us.

"Well, thank you very much. I appreciate it, and I had fun."

I stood by after they all thanked me and watched them get situated to leave. I avoided staring at Boomer. After they left, I sagged in relief. I needed a hot bath and some alone time. I had to work on getting myself under control if he was coming back for more riding lessons.