SLIDER (The Rebels MC)

By Avery Abbott

Love is just a game, one of many Noah “Slider” Clark plays. But all the women in the world can never really help him forget his first love, the one who ripped out his heart and disappeared without so much as a Dear John letter to explain her sudden exit. Needing to escape Chino and the million memories of her, he heads south and lands a job with The Rebels motorcycle club. He’ll do whatever it takes to watch their backs and forget about lost love and broken promises. Until, without warning, Molly Malone walks back into his life.
Molly had good reason to disappear ten years ago, but it’s a secret so devastating, she could never tell Slider. She’s earned a teaching degree, and thought she’d found a new love, but now she’s on the run again, right back into Slider’s arms. This time she’s in desperate need of protection from an ex—a dirty cop bent on revenge. He’ll stop at nothing to destroy Molly.
It’s kill or be killed. Slider may be a badass on the outside, a dark-haired, tattooed dream, but can he risk letting Molly back in his life—and in his bed? How far will he and the Rebels go to protect the blue-eyed beauty who shredded his hidden soft heart? And will Molly live long enough to finally escape the past and create a new future with a man whose touch still drives her wild?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Avery Abbott
• Release date: Jan 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005431143

Avery Abbott

Lover of all books. Enjoy writing, movies, cooking and my two fur babies.

Book preview

1

SLIDER

Paging Noah Clark to the front office. Noah Clark, I heard Kick call over the intercom, trying to hold back his laughter, while I was hunched over the engine of a ‘58 Chevy Impala.

I was going to ignore my brother figuring he was just fucking with me, but then Kick popped his head out of the front office. Dude, some hot new piece of ass is here to see you. Move it.

The only hot piece of ass I’d been tapping as of late was a stripper at L&L named Cheyenne, and Kick knew her in the biblical sense as well, so I knew it couldn’t be her.

I sighed, praying it wasn’t my sister. She was last thing I needed to deal with right now. But it wouldn’t surprise me if she showed up out of the blue, needing something in the way of cash for whatever adventure she was looking to splurge on. She loved to travel and had zero interest in settling down with a man, claiming ‘love stinks.’

Who?

Kick shrugged. Some hot as fuck chick, that’s who.

I made my way over, peering over his shoulder, not seeing anyone. I stepped around him and went into the main office where clients waited for their cars. Hawk was plugging in some information to the computer, but that was it, and then the door opened from the customer bathroom and out she walked.

My gaze raked over her from her head to her over-priced high-heeled shoes. My mouth grew dry, my heart started to hammer in my chest. I almost fell back into the desk. What the fuck? No, it couldn’t be.

Molly? I murmured, then found my backbone and my anger. What the fuck are you doing here? Molly was my girlfriend all through high school and then disappeared off the face of the planet with no good-byes, no Dear John’s, no nothing. And I nearly lost my mind trying to find her for six months. I thought she had gone off to college; her dream was Northwestern, but she never went. I checked. I even hounded her folks day in and day out for months, but they refused to budge, seeing as they hated my guts.

Noah, it’s been a long time. I closed my eyes briefly, hearing my name roll off her tongue like it always had. That soft, sweet twang from her growing up in Alabama before she moved to California when she was thirteen always stirred my heart and cock.

I heard Hawk snickering behind me as he got up to leave, giving us privacy. I rolled my eyes and gave him the one-finger salute.

I shrugged, trying to find my balls that seemed to suddenly go missing. It has. What are you doing here?

I was in town and your sister, well, Becky, told me where to find you.

She did, huh? I made a mental note to kick her ass.

She nodded. I’m guessing she didn’t tell you. She said she would. She smiled, and like always it sucked the breath right out of me at how beautiful she had still looked after all these years. Long dirty blonde hair, crystal blue eyes, rosy cheeks, and full beautiful lips that I used to love to kiss all night long. She’d barely changed, whereas I had.

I shook my head, trying to erase an old naked image of her underneath me. One I thought was long gone, repressed for a good reason, but looking at her now it came flooding right back like it was yesterday. She was still a virgin, I however, had plenty of experience. It was the summer after her freshman year and the end of my sophomore year of high school. We were both shaking, panting, nervous, but ridiculously happy in love in the back of my piece of shit car. The whole love thing was new to me. We had been dating for six months. She turned my world around. I thought I’d nail her and walk away, but she drew me in like a spider did to a fly. And I fell in love. Hard. Like the I couldn’t breathe without her kind.

She was underneath me, panting, barely catching her breath we had been making out for so long. Both our shirts were on the floor; her still in her bra and skirt, me in just my jeans. She cupped my face. What are you thinking about, Noah?

I’m thinking I love you. She smiled and shimmied out of her skirt. I moved off her and took my jeans and boxers down, and grabbed a condom.

She shivered when I fell back down on her. Are you scared?

No. Yes. Maybe, she whispered, her hands running through my hair.

I stared into her eyes. We don’t have to, you know. I want this to be perfect, and we’re in my car. We can wait.

She shook her head. No, it’s perfect because I’m with you. She reached around my neck and pulled me down. Show me how much you love me.

Before I could talk myself out of it knowing this would probably suck for her being her first time, I rolled the condom on and slid her panties down. You’re sure?

Yes, Noah, she assured me, her fingers grazing my cheek.

I don’t want to hurt you.

She shook her head, smiling. You could never hurt me. I pressed my lips to hers and slowly slid inside of her, biting off curse after curse at how amazing she felt; at how amazing sex had felt period with her, different—better. I held myself above her, slowly thrusting inside so as not to hurt her, until she moaned and moved with me.

I pressed my forehead against hers, fighting back the urge to come. Molly, do you feel how much I love you?

Yes. She captured my mouth with hers, swallowing our moans. I feel it.

I shook my head, snapping the memory away. What are you doing here?

You already asked me that.

Did you answer and I missed it? Maybe she did. I didn’t know if my brain was functioning properly at this point, seeing as the one girl I never in a million years thought I’d lay eyes on again was standing in front of me. It had been ten years since she broke my heart. Nine years since I left Chino and moved down here. I found Hound at a bar who introduced me to the MC and found my place here. I was nineteen going on twenty.

She smiled and her pearly whites gleamed. She had one of those beautiful full smiles that were contagious. I was hoping we could catch up.

I scoffed. Catch up? You can’t be serious.

She started making her way to me, and the closer she got the more I backed up. My ass hit the desk, preventing me from retreating further. She came to stand in front of me, a small, deadly cute smile on her face. You look good. Different, but good. Her small, soft hands came onto my biceps as she pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. I turned away, ashamed. I was ready to forgive her just with one little peck, the scent of her perfume invading my senses, the one she always wore that drove me wild.

No. No fucking way could I go through that hurt again. I swore allegiance to my heart when she ripped it out and took it with her.

I held her at bay. Yeah. I’m kind of busy with work. Becky shouldn’t have given you my number or told you where to find me, Moll. I’m not interested in getting reacquainted.

Oh. Her face fell and her blue eyes got glassy. I guess I can understand.

I moved past her to walk away and head back into the shop, but twisted around needing one goddamn thing from her, the reason she left. It had been the one thing I had never stopped thinking about on a daily basis. At least once a day she entered my mind, wondering why and where she had gone. Why did you leave me?

She looked down, ashamed. I went to college.

No, you didn’t. I checked. She looked surprised at my admission.

Not Northwestern. I took some time off and visited an aunt and uncle back in Alabama for a bit and did two years of community college, then transferred to a small state school down there.

That doesn’t answer my question. Why did you leave me? I

seethed.

She shook her head and tears sprang from her eyes. I’m sorry. It’s not what you think. I loved you, Noah.

It’s not Noah anymore; it’s Slider.

Oh, okay. But why?

I decided not taking a walk down memory lane to explain how I became a brother. I assume you found your way here, so you can find your way back where you came from.

I walked out, slamming the door with my exit, needing to get as far away from her as possible. I grabbed a pack of smokes off the table and lit one up even though I hadn’t touched one in years, needing something to calm my rattled nerves. Three of my brothers were watching me with curious eyes, and then the door I just closed opened. Molly walked through it, tears streaming down her face, her make-up running. Still, she looked perfect.

She didn’t budge. She just stood in the doorway.

Did you love me, Noah?

You know I did.

She ran to me and wrapped her arms around my waist. Then don’t let go of me.

Whoa! Molly, I suggest you back way the hell up or one of two things is going to happen.

Her glistening baby blues looked up just like they always had when I held her petite frame. What? She sniffled, her eyes searching mine for answers.

I’m either going to strangle you until you’re not breathing or pick you up and take you to my room and fuck you senseless. So, if you want to opt out of both of those, I suggest you Back. Way. The. Fuck. Up, I gritted out. Truth be told, I needed to hit something and I needed a drink. Probably a whole bottle of whiskey to erase seeing her again.

Let’s go, Scout ordered the rest to head outside, leaving the two of us alone.

She looked down, regretful, but didn’t budge. Noah, please, I need your help. I’m in trouble.

I leaned back on the table, inhaling and taking in her words. What kind of trouble?

Her eyes were full of unshed tears. The kind that’s not good.

And you thought me being in an MC would take care of that trouble for you? I asked, disgusted.

She shook her head. Noah, I didn’t even know you were in one until Becky told me. Another mental note, don’t get Becky a Christmas present this year.

What did she tell you?

That’s it.

My eyes narrowed. Does she know what trouble you’re in?

No, she whispered, her head down. Just a little.

I stubbed the cigarette out and strode over to her, lifting her chin. Big mistake. I remembered those eyes, those tears, and how they always made me crumble like a cheap suit. What kind of trouble?

I was seeing someone. He wasn’t a good man, but I didn’t know what he was involved in for a good year or so. I left, but he found me, and hit me. I took some time and then I left again and he found me. This time he really did some damage. I couldn’t move for days. It’s been two months since I left. I’ve been hiding everywhere. I’ve been using cash I had saved from my job and some I took from him. It’s the longest he’s been looking for me. I’m afraid he’s going to find me again and kill me this time.

It killed me knowing she had moved on. Deep down I knew she had just as I did, but hearing those words made my heart clench. Jesus Christ, what shit is he involved in?

He’s a detective who lost his badge, I hope; recently anyway. I found out he was a shady cop, involved with this gang on the Southside of Chicago; he helped them with their drug trade and guns. They paid him off for help and to stay out of jail.

I shrugged. Why do you think he lost his badge?

She gnawed on the corner of her lip. I called in an anonymous tip right before I split.

I pinched my nose. Shit, Molly, this is not good.

You think I don’t know that? Tears filled her eyes once again and her pouty mouth quivered in fear.

Fuck, come here. She crashed into me and my arms fit around her perfectly, like they always had, except I was much bigger than I was back then. I’ll keep you safe while I look in to him. I need a name.

She sniffled in my chest. I looked up to the ceiling, asking HIM why the hell he was doing this to me all over again. Brian. Brian Wells.

Fuck, looked like I was bringing the club back to the table for a vote. One, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to, but knew I needed their help to keep her safe. We have a safe room here. You have shit in the car with you? Clothes and stuff?

She nodded against my chest. All right. Give me your keys and I’ll get them.

She reached into her back pocket, still not letting go of me. The black Jetta.

Noah? She looked up, and I swore it was like I was back in high school and madly in love with just her whispering my name.

Yeah?

Thank you.

I nodded, pulled her hands from my waist and went to the Jetta, cursing myself out. Knowing without a doubt, I’d die if it meant saving her. Even after all these years, I would still protect her like I always had.

2

MOLLY

I looked around nervously as Noah left to get my things and saw three men handsome, but sort of intimidating staring at me from outside, talking to Noah. Noah peered over his shoulder, saw me watching, and then stomped off to my car.

Two left but one guy came inside, eyeballing me with a grin. I stuck my chin out, trying to look like he had no effect on me. He strode over and I couldn’t help notice he had this sexy, manly gait attached to a very sexy man. He held out his hand. I’m Hound. I’ll let you figure out how I got my name. He winked, grinning.

Molly, I answered, smiling, and shook his hand. Noah came in soon after and tossed my bags to the floor and then shot this Hound guy ‘a back the fuck off’ look. I knew that look well, even if it had been ten long years. He didn’t like men looking at me, let alone talking to me.

Can you be careful with those? They’re Louis Vuitton.

His head snapped up, eyes narrowed, and then he kicked them into the corner. I don’t give a fuck what or how expensive they are.

I looked down, ashamed that I had run to him, and thinking maybe I was wrong in coming to him for help. Maybe I should go. My mother could probably use some help around the house. I knew she didn’t. In fact, she probably didn’t even want to see me, but I couldn’t think on my feet fast enough. Never could.

Noah’s grin turned smug. He moved and stood in front of the bags, crossing his muscular arms like he protecting the world’s largest diamond from being stolen. Then you’d have to see that asshole father of yours, so no.

No? I recanted. My father and Noah did not get along at all. In fact, their hate for one another was a huge inconvenience for me those three years in high school. I swore I had defied my folks more than anyone else in the world to keep my seeing him off their radar. Finally, they had given in a tad, allowing me to see him my senior year, but I wasn’t allowed to visit him. He had to come to me, and either take me out and have me home at a reasonable hour or we had to sit in my house with eyes on us and watch a movie. Noah hated that.

So, we ended up going out a lot. Noah was from Chino and used his aunt’s address to attend the high school up in Long Beach where I attended. It was his father’s sister, Amy, who married well, and both his aunt and uncle had no problem breaking the law to see her brother, his father. And sadly, after a few good years of trying, his mother faltered and wasn’t the best role model. They loved him dearly and wanted him to succeed, even wanted him to move to our town. But Noah refused to leave his mom and sister, Becky, alone, so he only spent a few days a week in Long Beach. After Noah graduated Becky started in Long Beach as a freshman, so I took her under my wing. She even was brave enough to leave her mother and start anew.

My father found out about their residence my junior year and threatened to tell the school and have him removed. But I pleaded with him to keep it a secret, using a bit of my own blackmail against him. I had overheard and recorded a conversation on my cell about campaign money being used for personal gain, and figured it would come in handy one day, and it did. It saved Noah from being expelled and allowed us to see one another.

It was surreal being back, staring into those blue eyes. He was always handsome, but now his face was more mature, more stately than ever before with the scruff on his face. He was always impossibly handsome, but something about him seemed more dangerous than I’d known him to be. Looking at him, it seemed like it was only yesterday. But it was a long time ago, and I knew everything about him every twitch, every look, every smile. But now something told me he wasn’t the boy I had loved, but a man I wanted.

Noah shook his head. "I’ve decided to give you two options, Molly. So choose wisely. Option one: you come home with me, which means sleeping in my bed, not the couch. And before you ask, no, I don’t have a guest room. Option two: you can stay here in the safe room and I’ll put