Rock's Secret: Blazing Outlaws MC, #8

By Erin Osborne

Nadia Clements

I didn't want to live my life in the spotlight anymore. So, after graduating with my teaching degree, I found a small town I thought I'd be happy living in. Away from my parents. Before I started my teaching career in the new school year, I got a position as a nanny for the sweetest, cutest little girl. Her dad is unlike any man I've ever met before, but I'm not sure we have a future together with the way things are working out. Only time will tell.

Kyler 'Rock' Nichols

The club and my daughter are the only two things in my life that mean anything. I don't want a woman of my own because they only bring trouble and don't know how to stay faithful. At least that's what I've found. As things start to finally go my way, the one woman I wasn't expecting shows up in my life. Her role is to take care of my baby girl. However, I never thought I'd see a woman hired as a nanny treat my girl as if she were her own flesh and blood. That's how Marliegh's treated though. Even when it means risking her own life to save my daughter.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erin Osborne
• Release date: Mar 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201478155

Book preview

Chapter One

Logo, company name Description automatically generated

Rock

IT’S BEEN TWO weeks since I brought my baby girl, Marliegh, home with me. I love having her in my life every day. The first thing I did was get her into the doctor for a checkup. He’s not happy with how little she weighs, and I have to admit I’m not happy with it either. Other than being underweight, Marliegh is in perfect health. We’ve been shopping to get her new clothes, school supplies, groceries so she has good meals on a daily basis, and a few things I got for her just because she’s gone without so much already in her young life. I’m not going to say I spoil my daughter, but I kind of do. However, seeing the smile and pure joy lighting up her face makes every single dollar I spend on her worth it. I’ll go without every day of my life if only to see her happy as hell.

Marliegh has been back in school after her spring break this week. We’ve gotten her on a good routine at home. She gets up and eats breakfast before dressing for school and brushing her teeth. Once she’s out of school, I pick her up and we work on any homework she has while she eats her snack. Then, we play or watch a movie until it’s time to cook dinner. After, she reads for a while and then I read to her when I put her to bed. My baby girl seems to be happy with the way we do things in our home and has started to come out of her shell. Other than Grinder, Marliegh has been really quiet and shy around the other men, ol’ ladies, and the kids from the club. If I’m with her and not at work, she remains glued to my side. I’m not complaining at all my girl wants to stick close to me, but my heart hurts that she doesn’t run around with the other kids.

Mrs. Crocker is impressed with everything I’ve gotten accomplished in such a short amount of time. She’s been through my entire house, checked out the food and Marliegh’s bedroom, and spent some time talking to her one-on-one. I’ve laid out our routine for her, she’s met Charisma and the other ol’ ladies who will mainly be watching Marliegh if I need someone. Mrs. Crocker is also impressed with me putting her in counseling to help her get through the trauma she’s suffered at Chasity’s hands. I’m doing everything my girl needs and she sees it. It helps to have her make note of everything I’m doing when we go to court. The only thing she suggested is I get a regular nanny or babysitter for Marliegh. This way she’ll be with one person when I can’t be home and will know who it is without having to wonder about it. I can’t say it’s a bad idea, I’m just not sure how I’ll trust anyone with my girl. Not after the shit her mom has pulled.

Yeah, I’ve gotten a court date too. It’s at the end of next week. I’m sure Chasity’s parents will be there with a ton of lies and fancy as fuck lawyers to help their daughter get custody of Marliegh back. I’m done with their shit though. I’ll go to the depths of hell fighting for my girl. Not only is Chasity a monster and doesn’t deserve to be in my daughter’s life, but her parents are also no better. They clearly see the problem and refuse to help their own daughter get the help she desperately needs. Everything has been documented for years and it’s been proven they’re horrible people. That’s why I really don’t want them involved in Marliegh’s life. However, I also know they’ll fight for their supposed rights if Chasity actually manages to lose the case we’re building against her.

I’ve changed my hours at work so I can take Marliegh to school and then pick her up and spend the rest of the night with her. The only time I’m gone is when we have church, or I have to go on a run. Satan has sent me on one run since bringing her home and I was only gone for a day. Charisma and Grinder kept Marliegh for me since she seems to know him and is willing to be somewhat open with him. If at all possible, they’re the ones who have my girl when I’m busy and can’t be with her. However, at this point, I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop. It’s bound to happen sooner rather than later.

Chasity is still in jail awaiting her trial. Her parents have gone silent and not tried to contact me for Marliegh. They’ve always cleaned up my ex’s fuckups and this time I’m sure will be no different. Torch has been keeping an eye on things with the work he does on his computer and found out they hired her a great lawyer. They’re going to do everything in their power to get her out of jail and not have any prison time. For what she’s done to Marliegh so far in her life, I hope she rots in prison and gets everything done to her that she’s done to my girl. I’ve had to put her in therapy just to try and combat some of the damage her mother has done to her.

This week will be Marliegh’s first appointment with her new counselor. Charisma and Grinder helped me find one who is really good with children. I never thought I’d have to take my girl to someone for the damage that’s been done to her, but I’ll do whatever she needs in order to get Chasity out of her head and make her see I’ll never treat her neglectful or damage her further. She is my main priority over every other thing in my life. Including the club and work. If I have to take her to counseling every single day, that’s what I’ll do. Anything to help her become a vibrant, amazing five-year-old little girl like I know she is. Marliegh is so damn smart and not many people get to see that side of her.

I’m at the garage today while Mar is in school. We’ve got so many damn vehicles to work on and not enough hours in the day to get everything accomplished. Grinder has even come out of his office to help in the garage just to get our work caught up. So much shit has been happening and our workload is definitely picking up. It’s just about our lunch time when my phone rings from the tool box at my side. Wiping off my hands, I look over to see a number I don’t recognize.

Yeah? I answer, trying not to sound angry as I answer.

Where is my granddaughter? I want her in my house in the next hour or we’ll rain hell down on you. You don’t deserve to have her in your life. Chasity is a good mom and belongs home with her daughter. You’re nothing more than a piece of shit who belongs to a gang, Chasity’s mom, Janice, demands.

"No, you’re not goin’ to see Marliegh. She’s my daughter and the case we have against Chasity is ironclad. You will have nothin’ to do with my daughter. You don’t get to make demands of me, Janice. You never really did. The only reason I ever went along with your crazy as fuck ideas is because I thought you would get Chasity the help she needs. Instead, you continue to clean up her messes and baby her. It’s time for you all to get a wakeup call and realize I am Marliegh’s dad, and I am doin’ everythin’ in my power to make sure she’s safe and protected from the likes of you all. Do not call me again. I will be lettin’ my lawyer and the case worker know about this call," I tell her, letting all the anger I’ve felt over the years out as Grinder and Satan step up next to me and I put my phone on speaker for them to listen in.

You aren’t building a damn thing against me, Chasity, or anyone else. Have you forgotten you’re the one with a criminal record? This is my daughter’s first time in jail, my husband and I are upstanding citizens who love and adore our daughter and granddaughter. Do you really believe a court is going to side with you? Bring Marliegh here in the next hour or I’ll send the cops to your home letting them know you’ve kidnapped my granddaughter, she demands as more of the guys come to surround us.

"I’ve got the paperwork from CPS so do what you have to, Janice. You’re not gonna win this time. You will never see my daughter again once I win. And I’m not losin’ to you and Chasity. My daughter has suffered at your hands, and I’m done with her bein’ traumatized. Now, I’m hangin’ up. Do what you feel you must and I’m gonna do what I need to do in order to protect Marliegh."

You can’t protect her from the grave, Kyler, Janice threatens me as the guys look on.

Hanging up my phone, I immediately call Mrs. Crocker to fill her in on the call I just received from Chasity’s mom. She’s pissed as hell and going to call the local cops to fill them in on the situation. I asked her if I should pick up Marliegh from school and she doesn’t believe I need to go that far yet. She does believe I should call the school and make sure they know I’m the only one who can pick her up, see her, or make any decisions at this point in time. With her calling them and filling them in on the situation, I won’t have to add calling them to my list of things to do now. Now, I have to call Layne to make sure she knows about the call.

I’m havin’ Torch drop everythin’ else he’s workin’ on so he can dig up shit on these assholes. I never doubted you about these fuckers, but to hear that woman say that shit to you is insane. Especially threatenin’ you. There is no way you can call that anythin’ other than a threat, Satan says, pulling out his phone and calling Torch to get him on the task of looking up anything he can find out about Chasity and her parents.

Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without all the help you’ve given me since this shit started. If I had made sure to protect Mar from the very beginnin’, this might not be happenin’ now, I tell them, dropping my head in shame.

You have been fightin’ since the very beginnin’ of us knowin’ you. There isn’t anythin’ else for you to do now except for build a strong as fuck case against these fuckers so they don’t have any claim against your girl after next week, Grinder assures me, resting his hand on my shoulder. Now, call Layne and let her know what’s goin’ on. This isn’t her usual type of case, but that’s why I know she’s gonna win for you. The other lawyers were bought in the end by her parents and Layne will not fold to them. She knows Marliegh belongs with you and the club.

With a nod of my head, I make my way outside for a smoke break while I call Layne and fill her in on the lovely conversation with Janice. I knew it was just a matter of time before one of them reached out to me. Honestly, I thought it would be Chasity as she wants to get out of jail before her trial. She’s never going to make it in prison with the charges she’s facing and never having been forced to face the consequences of her actions. Now, not only does she have to be in jail until her trial, but her parents don’t have their hands on my daughter. They can’t manipulate her into believing I’m not a good daddy and don’t love her. Yes, they tell my daughter that shit all the time.

Rock, what’s going on? Layne asks, answering the phone as I light my cigarette.

Just got a call from Chasity’s mom. Not only is she demandin’ I bring Marliegh to her, but she said I can’t protect her from the grave. I’ve already called Mrs. Crocker to let her know. She’s callin’ the school to fill them in on the situation and make sure they know no one other than me is to pick her up or make any decisions about her. Janice threatened to call the cops and tell them I kidnapped my daughter if I don’t show up there with her in an hour. She should know Marliegh’s in school at this time of day. Plus, she starts with her counselor tomorrow. They won’t keep that appointment, I tell Layne, the anger still coursing through my veins.

Well shit. This woman has some balls of steel. Did anyone hear the conversation with her?

Yeah. Grinder and Satan were standin’ there with me and heard it. Satan is havin’ Torch work his magic to dig up dirt on the family too. I’m not sure if we’ll be able to use it in court next week, but hopefully he’ll find somethin’ we can use.

It honestly can’t hurt. Make sure you continue to do what you’ve been doing for Marliegh. Everythin’ is documented, and we have Mrs. Crocker on our side too. She’ll be at the hearing to give her testimony to the judge. Everything over the years has been documented and will be stated on record once again. Rock, we got this. I’m not going to let you down at all. Your daughter will be home with you. The last thing you need to do is work on getting a nanny. She doesn’t have to be live in or anything like that. Just someone the court can see is going to be there on a regular basis to help you with Marliegh when you have to work or go out of town for the club, Layne informs me as I hear the baby in the background.

I’ll post an ad in the paper today. We’ll conduct interviews and have Torch run checks on anyone who might get the position. He’ll need to dig deep in order to find out everythin’ he can on any potential candidates.

Yes, he will. Torch isn’t gonna let someone close who will hurt your baby girl. Now, let me work this shit on my end. If the cops do show up and try to take Marliegh, call me immediately. I’ll call Mrs. Crocker after I get off the phone with you so we can coordinate and make sure we’re on the same page.

She was gonna call the cops here and let them know about the call too. Hopefully I won’t have to worry about them showin’ up and takin’ me out in handcuffs in front of Mar. She’s already seen that shit before in her life and I won’t be another person who adds to it, I answer, not sure what else there is to say.

It won’t happen. Now, get back to work and try to focus on being there for your daughter when you pick her up from school. Take her and do something fun today instead of just staying home. She’s been through so much and deserves it.

I’m on it.

Hanging up, I toss my cigarette in the bin by where we sit under the trees before making my way back in the garage. Satan is working on the bike I was tearing apart as I set my phone back down and grab the tools I need. Together, we work in silence. He knows I’m going to be focusing on what Janice is going to do next and nothing here in the garage. Everyone here knows it. Once my daughter became known in the club, I have done nothing but focus on her and try to get her away from her mother. Even if it’s for a few days a week. Or a weekend. We don’t talk about anything as Grinder turns the music up to blare through the garage. It’s just what I need to focus on the task at hand as I count down the remaining hours of Marliegh’s school day. The sooner she’s back home with me, the easier it will be for me to breathe.

Chapter Two

A picture containing shape Description automatically generated

Nadia

THREE WEEKS. THAT’S how long I’ve been in Willow Creek. I’ve been searching for jobs working with children in the newspapers, online job sites, and going door to door if I see a daycare or something. There aren’t a lot of daycares in this town either. One small daycare with no room to hire a new employee. Even on a temporary basis. Right now, I’m still okay financially, but my funds will run out before I start my job as a teacher. I’m not about to call my parents to inform them I failed the first time I moved out on my own either. That’s just not how I want to return home. My goal is to make my own way in life and ensure I succeed in the best way possible. To start my job, love working with the children here in Willow Creek, and being able to help kids with their work and lives. I just love them so much and want to be a guiding light for them and their future.

I’ve been walking around town and getting to know it. There’s a cute little park not far from my house, a diner that’s always busy and filled with the men from the motorcycle club I found out were in the town, and a few other stores I’ll eventually check out. I love walking through the town and seeing everyone out enjoying themselves as they go about their day. Women with small children who point out every new thing they hear and see, older women and men out getting some exercise in the cool weather before it snows some more, and the loud rumble of bikes filling the air as they move around town. I’m surprised they still ride with it being so cold out. Though, I’ve never been around bikers or anything in my life, so I really don’t know anything else to think of them.

When I’m not out getting some fresh air, I’m putting the finishing touches on my small home. It’s a modest two-bedroom home that’s smaller than I anticipated, but actually perfect for me. With an open plan concept, the house feels more spacious than it actually is. My living room is big enough for the couch, recliner, and stands I have in the room. One of the movers actually helped me by mounting my TV on the wall opposite the couch. My kitchen is filled with stainless steel appliances, an island I bought stools for, and room enough for a small kitchen table. Every wall in the house is painted white, and I don’t like everything being the same. So, eventually, I’ll paint in here to put my own mark on the place. To the left of the kitchen down a small hallway is a laundry room. On the right is a hallway with a bathroom and the two bedrooms. I’ve got a bathroom attached to my bedroom and haven’t decided what to do with the second one just yet. Eventually I will.

I’ve figured out I’m doing this whole moving in thing the wrong way. If I were smarted, I would have painted the walls first and then started putting all my things up and away. Now, I’ll just have to go from one room to the next and paint while moving my possessions around. It’s a lot of extra work, but I don’t mind. Especially if I’m unable to find a job soon. Maybe today I’ll go in search of a hardware store to grab some paint and start painting my bedroom. I’ve already got a list made of the things I want to buy for the rest of the house to decorate. I have a vision now that I’m physically here in the house and making it my own.

A smile forms on my lips as I think of all the small ways I plan on making this my home. Not just somewhere I come and sleep at night, but my actual home. I want candles, bookshelves filled with all of the books I love to read, throw pillows on my couch, and pictures for the walls. The only place I’ll have pictures of my parents though is in my room. If I do end up making friends here, I don’t want them to be seeing nothing more than my parents, brother, and sister filling my wall. I’m trying to avoid a ton of people knowing who my parents are and not stepping in the spotlight here away from all the political stuff my family does on a daily basis.

Today, I think I might go have a meal at the diner. It’s called something like Charisma’s Country Diner I believe. Like I said, it’s always packed which tells me good things about the food they serve. Plus, I might get to see if they’re hiring for a waitress or something. At this point, I might have to wait until the next school year starts before I can actually get a job working with kids. It’s okay though. As long as the diner’s owner is willing to work with me when school starts, I have no problem staying on and working weekends or something once I start teaching. I can always use the money and keep working so I’m always busy.

After taking a shower and getting ready for the day, I grab my purse, keys, phone, and head out making sure my alarm is set and I have all the doors and windows locked. Eventually I’ll need to upgrade my security system because this one is kind of outdated. For now, it will work until I can start teaching and get a steady paycheck coming in. Painting most of the house might actually have to wait as well, but for now I’d like my bedroom to be done. I have very few vices in my life, but there are a few. Books is my main one. I love all different books and can never devour them fast enough. Sexy lingerie is another of mine. No one ever sees it, but I know it’s there and I love knowing what I’m wearing under my clothing. Having a comfortable bedroom is also one of my vices.

I’ve already got my King size bed in the room with a memory foam mattress I brought from home. There are more pillows than I actually need on top of it. In one corner of the room sits an overstuffed chair with a footstool so I can get comfortable as I read. I’ve also got two bookshelves sitting around my chair stuffed beyond capacity already and more books I still have to put up. maybe I could turn the second bedroom into a small version of a library. It’s an idea I’ll have to think about some more before following through.

Getting in my car, I connect my phone to the Bluetooth system and select a playlist to listen to as I drive through town and make my way toward the diner. Honestly, I’ll have enough time to listen to a song, but not much more than that. It doesn’t take long to get anywhere in the town of Willow Creek. Part of me is glad for it while the rest of me hates it because it means everyone knows one another and I’m going to stand out like a sore thumb as being someone new in town. I’d prefer to keep a low profile, but it’s okay for now if I’m going to stand out. I’m going to have to get to know people sooner or later. Eventually I’ll be having parent teacher conferences and things like that. I’ll be meeting with people on a regular basis, and I have to get used to it. Maybe working some place like a diner would be good for me. Though I have no experience. We’ll see what happens.

With my window rolled down just a little bit to let in the fresh air, I blare my music as Villain by Lily Rose fills the interior of my car. I love listening to music of all kinds and usually have something playing while I’m reading or working around the house. Reading and music are my ways to escape real life and forget about the world around me for a little while. Especially when shit is going down with my dad’s political career and we have things going on like a party or some campaign trail thing. It’s a lot of work and I don’t even want to be involved. I never have. However, it’s my dad’s career and he loves it.

Pulling up at the diner, I take in all of the cars already parked there. It looks full through the windows and I’m not sure if there will be a