The Enemy Read online

  The Enemy

  Ghosttown Riders Book 5

  Amelia Shea

  Copyright © 2020 Amelia Shea

  All rights reserved

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer's imagination, or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is coincidental.

  The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyright work is illegal. No part of this book may be distributed, reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  For Tricia, my favorite Nebraskan.

  The Enemy By Amelia Shea

  A Ghosttown Riders Motorcycle Club Book

  Resident bad girl, Phoebe Shaw is back after her six-month hiatus from Ghosttown. After a year of heartache, financial strain, and an assault charge, she’s ready to put the past behind her and set her sights on a fresh start. With the restraining order lifted and her community service obligations completed, she is eager to get back to her normal life, her friends and the small quaint town she calls home. However, Ghosttown has seen some changes since she’s been gone. The most intriguing being the arrival of the MC.

  President of the Ghosttown Riders, Kase Reilly leads his club with a strong fist, unwavering loyalty and a commitment that has earned him the respect and trust of every member in the club. Five years ago, his brothers put all their faith in him and made sacrifices for Kase’s vision of returning to where it all began. Ghosttown. It’s been a long time coming, but Kase is finally fulfilling his promise to his brothers and everything is falling into place for the MC. There’s only one person standing in his path of making the club’s life perfect. Their new clubhouse neighbor, the enemy.

  When Kase and Phoebe go head to head, sparks fly in all directions. Kase isn’t accustomed to anyone taking him on, and Phoebe doesn’t know how to back down.

  It seems the devil has finally met his match.

  Chapter One

  Welcome to Ghosttown.

  Phoebe eyed the dented brown sign with a small smile playing on her lips as she drove past. It was old and beat-up, some of the lettering scuffed. God, I’ve missed that sign. She drew in a deep breath and let it out with a slow release. It had been too long. Six months since the same sign had been in her rearview mirror. She gripped her steering wheel and rolled her neck, fighting against her nerves.

  Relax, you’re home.

  She was. Her small shack on four acres in the middle of nowhere was the only home she had been able to afford to keep once the debt was paid off. Well, almost paid off. She was still forty thousand dollars in the hole for her deceased husband’s extracurricular expenses. Vacations, five-star dinners, jet-setting around the world to places Phoebe had never been. Those luxuries were reserved for his lovers. Not his wife. Christ, Jared, really? A year and a half after his death she was still paying off his sins. ’Til death do us part, and then some.

  She shook the memory of Jared from her head. Nothing good ever came from rehashing the past and playing the blame game. If she did, she’d be forced to take a long hard look at everything she’d been blind to. Every lie she had believed and every gut instinct she’d ignored. She had to own her part in their marriage—the unsuspecting wife. A role I’ll never play again. Neither unsuspecting nor wife.

  She had given him everything, all of her, and in the end, was left with nothing.

  “Past is in the past,” she muttered.

  She entered Main Street, and a budding warmth filled her blood. Ghosttown. The only place she ever truly felt at home. There was just something about the town that put her at ease, with the exception of the dark cloud currently looming over her head. She sighed, ignoring the anxiety building in her chest. It had been over six months since she’d been back. Considering how she left, her reception would be interesting.

  The town had closed down for the night. The businesses occupying the three-block center of town usually closed by five, including the only gas station for twenty miles. It was what kept it quaint. As she drove down the empty street, she gradually pressed on the brakes until she came to a dead stop in the middle of the empty road.

  “What the…” She was shell-shocked from her view, unable to even finish her sentence.

  She jerked her head toward the passenger side window and leaned over the seat to get a better look.

  “We have a tattoo parlor?” Her eyes widened. “And a coffee shop?”

  When she had left six months ago, the only businesses open were the market, the diner, and the antique store. All the other buildings sat vacant.

  She settled into her seat and slowly angled her head to the left. GHOSTTOWN AUTO PARTS. She arched her brow and smirked. It could only mean one thing. The new residents had arrived and settled in. She had left town before they had officially moved in. The Ghosttown Riders MC. While the mayor sang their praises, others didn’t seem quite as sold on the motorcycle club taking up residency.

  She remained neutral on the Ghosttown Riders. She wasn’t currently in a position to judge anyone. Even if her circumstances had been different, it wasn’t Phoebe’s style. She believed everyone was decent until they proved her wrong. A prime example would be her deceased husband. Asshole.

  Phoebe continued down the road, eyeing the new look of Main Street. Some people, the old-timers, or originals as they liked to call themselves, wouldn’t be happy with the expansion. One in particular.

  She snorted and shook her head. She’d bet money, she and the MC would have at least one common enemy.

  She turned left at the gas station, driving a quarter mile before the townhall came in view. It was fitting her homecoming would be at a town meeting.

  She had wanted to come back quietly. The townspeople had other plans. Once word got out that Phoebe was coming home, she received calls demanding her presence at the meeting.

  My town, my people.

  She widened her eyes as she neared the lot for the town hall.

  “And those must be the new neighbors.” She eyed the motorcycles lined up along the edge of the road and on the side of the building. There had to be about thirty of them. She wasn’t privy to exactly how many members had moved to their small town. From the looks of the lot, the population had doubled with the arrival of the club.

  Phoebe slowed down, bringing the car to a roll as she turned into the graveled driveway. It had been quite some time since she’d been to a town meeting. She couldn’t remember ever seeing this much action. Most residents showed up, mostly for the pastries, free coffee, and the drama.

  Arnett.

  She eyed his blue truck as she passed the entrance. First spot taken by the resident pain in the ass. She rolled her eyes with an amused smirk as she made her way around back.

  Tonight would mark her first face-to-face with him since the incident that drove her out of town for half the year. While she wasn’t proud of how she handled herself with their altercation, she couldn’t strum up regret. She could only be pushed so far before she snapped. For all her thirty-two years on the earth, she’d never laid her hands on anyone. Until six months ago.

  Move forward, not backward. At the suggestion of her court-mandated anger management counselor, she reached out to Arnett a few months ago. It was important to make amends and take ownership for her part. Arnett refused to accept her apology. He called her a handful of colorful names, and then he continued to berate her until she struck back with a sarcastic rant. Thankfully, they were separated by three hundred miles at the time.

  Phoebe scanned the back edge of the lot and pulled into the on
ly available spot.

  She climbed out of the car and took in her surroundings. The gravel lot looked like a motorcycle convention. Before the club moved in, even a packed meeting wouldn’t have filled half the lot.

  She tucked her keys in her back pocket and started through the lot.

  The town hall was a converted barn. Some renovations had been done outside, mainly the roof and siding. The last she heard from Bailey, an anonymous healthy donation had been given to restore the inside.

  She slowed her steps as she grew closer to the entrance. Her heart beat faster on her approach to the double side doors. She dragged her sweaty palms down her jeans. It was the first time seeing everyone since her abrupt departure. She didn’t doubt she’d get a warm welcome from most, but there were a select few who would have been happy to never see her face again. I’m back, Arnett. She drew in a breath and walked up the stairs.

  From the platform deck, she got a peek inside. Even through the throngs of people, she immediately noticed the walls had been repainted a lighter warm beige. The floors were either refinished or completely replaced. Either way, they looked amazing.

  She stopped at the entrance, taking in the scene. The meeting hall was packed, beyond capacity if she had to guess. There were many familiar faces, and even more unfamiliar. Her gaze skated around the room as she remained unnoticed tucked away close to the entrance. She flattened her lips, keeping her amusement at bay.

  There was an obvious divide. To her right, lined against the wall were a slew of men dressed similarly in jeans, work boots, and their obvious cuts, naming them as part of the club. On the opposite side of the room were her people. The front half of the seating was occupied by all the familiar faces. When she glanced to the back, the Ghosttown Riders took up the entire three rows of chairs. It was dominated by men, only a few women mixed into their crowd.

  Bikers. The corner of her mouth curled. There was an even mixture of old and young, though they shared a similar rugged and rough appearance. The bad boy persona had never been her thing. Then again, her type had led her to a man who had betrayed her. Jared had been the polar opposite of every man sitting in the back of the room. Where Jared had been charming and handsome, he lacked the virile sex appeal and intrigue of the men sitting five feet away from her.

  A warm heat flashed over her cheeks. And I’m intrigued.

  She leaned over slightly to get a better angle of her view. Her gaze drifted through the rows, catching a few glances her way. She continued her perusal until she locked eyes on a man sitting at the end of the aisle.

  I’m really intrigued now.

  He was living up to every stereotype she had in her head. His long, light brown hair weaved down his back, falling just past his shoulders. His hard features were outlined by a light-colored beard. It wasn’t quite the length of a mountain man who’d been living in the wild for a year, yet it was too unruly for the average Joe jumping on the latest beards are in trend. She muffled her snort. Nothing about him was average.

  His thick arms were folded, resting over his chest. The cuffs of his shirt were hiked to his elbows, showing off his intricate black and gray tattoos. Even from twenty feet away, she noticed the bulging outline of his muscles. Sweet! She flicked her gaze to his hard face. Deep lines imbedded between his thick brows, a darker shade of brown than his hair. She tilted her head and bit her lip.

  All the while as she openly checked him out, he watched her. His dark stare was sending a shock to her system and awakening her lower region. She shifted on her feet but refused to glance away. It almost feels like foreplay.

  Since Jared, she’d dated quite a few men, keeping everything casual, including the sex. It was a rule she’d set up for herself, and one she strictly followed. She wasn’t interested in a relationship, or anything more than a good time. The corner of her mouth curled. He looks like fun.

  She quirked her brow and smiled. The faint hitch in his cheek was the only reaction she got. It was enough for her. A warm swirl circled in her belly. This man was not her type, yet something sexy and sinister had her fascinated. I bet he has wall sex. Yeah, definitely the guy who presses you against the wall, rips down your panties, and fucks you until you can’t remember your own name. And counter sex, from behind, gripping your ass as he pounds inside you until you’re riding the longest orgasm of your life. She smirked. And the positions this man must do. Him on top, me on top, doggy style, reverse cowgirl, legs thrown over his broad shoulders with my heels digging into his sweaty back. I would definitely keep my stilettos on. A burst of heat trailed from her belly to her core. This man definitely 69s. She drew in a deep breath trying to combat her beating heart. Her nipples beaded into sharp points, and she swore her panties would be drenched if this eye-fucking continued. I bet he’s amazing with his tongue. She clamped her thighs together.

  “Can we get on with this?”

  She released a small whimpered moan at the interruption to her fantasy. Asshole. Her shoulders sagged, and Phoebe closed her eyes. His fucking voice. There were so many things she missed about Ghosttown. Arnett’s voice was not one of them.

  She blinked her eyes open to find the biker’s gaze still on her. She licked her lips, watching his eyes drop to her mouth. Is he imagining my lips around his cock, my tongue licking him from root to crown? Are we in his bed or my bed? Are we naked? Oh God, I hope we’re friggin’ naked.

  “I have issues that need to be discussed.” Arnett’s nasally voice echoed through the room, sucking every sexual vibe out of her dazed fantasy.

  Oh hell. She sighed and regrettably turned away. She stepped into the room, lining up with the bikers on the wall. All of whom turned to look in her direction.

  “Didn’t you get the memo, darlin’?” The familiar voice was music to her ears. She glanced across the room at Bill. “Meeting starts at seven.” His boisterous chuckle was definitely one of the many things she’d missed in Ghosttown.

  Bill, like most of the residents, was friendly and warm, with a fabulous sense of humor. He, like her and so many others, showed up mostly to enjoy the comic relief of Arnett and to watch him lose his shit. Nothing set him off more than people showing up late.

  The sound of chairs shifting was her warning. Her presence was now known to the whole room. She was greeted with short waves and smiles from the front half of the room, including the men lined up next to Bill.

  My people.

  She chuckled and shrugged. “Well, it’s seven,” she glanced around the room, “-ish.” Her comment garnered an uproar of laughter from most.

  Arnett shot up from his seat in the front row and scowled at her.

  Here we go…

  She slowly moved past the bikers lined up on the side, offering a welcoming smile. She received some glances and perusals of her body. One in particular, a dark-haired handsome man with a goatee, raised his brows and smiled. She winked as she passed and heard the soft chuckle from behind. He didn’t quite rank as high as the man with the dark eyes, but he was a close second when it came to sex appeal.

  When she reached the front of the room, her greeting to her friend was interrupted.

  “You’re late!” Arnett shouted.

  Phoebe turned. “I’m here now.” She tilted her head with a grin, watching his face turn a dark shade of red. “Have you been counting down the days until my arrival, Arnett?” She clicked her tongue and waved her finger. “I knew it. Deep down inside, I think you missed me.”

  He scoffed and his eyes went wild. She had anticipated and prepared for her first face-to-face with Arnett. His sharp tongue would not get the best of her again. Calm and cool was how she’d handle him, no matter what he threw at her this time.

  She made her way to the large oak desk. It had replaced their old folding table. Phoebe slid her hand across the wood, stopping in front of Bailey who was flanked by the councilmen. Like most of the people, she was greeted with welcoming smiles.

  “Look at you guys, all fancy at your new desk. It’s starting to look li
ke a real legit town.” She winked at Gerry, who chuckled. She reached out and grabbed Bailey’s hand. “Good to see you, girl.” Bailey tightened her grip and nodded.

  “Welcome home, Feebs.” Bailey leaned forward and wrapped her arm around Phoebe’s shoulders. They had a lot of catching up to do. Phoebe closed her eyes, taking in the warm embrace. God, I’ve missed her.

  It was only a matter of time before Arnett and his snarky mouth ruined their reunion. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. Phoebe stepped away from the desk, smiling back at her friend. They’d get together soon. For now, the meeting was top priority. She turned around, sending smiles to those who were watching her. She made her way down the end aisle toward the snack table.

  The only saving grace to these meetings was the food. Six months was too long to wait for her favorite. She glanced down searching for them. I’ve waited six months. Where the hell are they? She glanced over her shoulder, realizing most people were watching her.

  “No apple turnovers?” Her mouth watered just saying it. They’d always been her favorite homemade dessert. She glanced around the seats. “Where’s Karen?” She was a goddess with baked treats.

  “She and Charlie moved six weeks ago,” Marley said.

  They moved? Karen, Charlie, and their children had been one of the first families to introduce themselves when Phoebe had bought her house seven years ago. They were one of Ghosttown’s original families. They couldn’t move. Some changes were acceptable. This one was not.

  “What? Why?”

  “They moved out to California, be closer to their son.” Marley smiled and rested her hand on her belly. “He just had a baby.”

  She eyed Marley suspiciously. Phoebe wasn’t struck so much with the news of Karen and Charlie moving as she was with Marley’s hand placement and how she slowly caressed her belly. Phoebe gasped as she began to put two and two together. She and her husband, Coop, had been trying to get pregnant for years. It had been a struggle, some of which Marley had shared with her. She glanced up to see Marley grinning with pride. Holy shit!