Careless or Cautious: Terri Adventures

By Teresa Greathouse

Life is a crazy rollercoaster, and I have been thrown around too much. Do I get off this rollercoaster, or do I keep on it and keep rollin' along? The other thing I worry about is, am I too careless or too cautious?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887310688

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

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

About the Author

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Careless or Cautious

Terri Adventures

Teresa Greathouse

Copyright © 2023 Teresa Greathouse

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2023

ISBN 979-8-88731-067-1 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88731-068-8 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Chapter 1

Day 1

Terri

My name is Terri Stone, my crazy life has finally settled down just a little bit. I have been on the mend for six months from being cut and beaten on by men who think they ruled the world. Mind you, I don't mind powerful people. They were just evil. Unfortunately, my body still hurts a lot of the time because of all the cuts. They were deep. Thankfully, but it's not as excruciating as it was a couple of months ago. It gets better a little bit every day. I am living with great people who watch out for one another. Sometimes I feel like an outcast even though I am with the president of the motorcycle club. I will say the Ravens are a lot more country than I first thought, and they have a couple of cowboys within the group. The president, Bull, my guy, has been around horses all his life. He has two horses himself that live on a different property. I told him to bring them here, but he said they would be better there. Less stress on the horses. Okay, sorry, offtrack here. Now back to location. The Raven's compound is big. It's located on the outside of San Antonio. It is technically in town, but they have enough acres to feel like you are in the country. Still not used to all the smog and hearing cars. I hear a few birds chirping this morning. I can get used to being in the city, I guess.

Now I won't lie, but the Ravens are crazy sometimes. I have crazy bones in me, but I use them when someone is threatening me or my family. They party all the time or travel. When Bull is around, I don't do as much work on the compound as when he is gone because he sometimes is too protective. Love him, but it can be a little overwhelming sometimes. Majority of the time I have been healing, Bull and his Ravens have been gone on the weekends a lot lately. Doing God knows what. I care and I want to know but I just pray they come home safe. All the women worry but they just go on. There are six old ladies who are great to me. They treat me with respect and vice versa. They welcomed me with open arms, except the club brats who wear barely anything and are here to entertain the men. I had trouble with them from the start, but they keep their distance from me most of the time now. Within this club I love the comradery here. You can hate people, but they are going to have your back even if you don't. They have a code here, and it's great to see.

I have talked to Flo and Sherry, the main old ladies. They have been here the longest. We talked about all the people who have wanted a piece of me. They wrote down the names, then Zap can gather information on them so if they strike, we know what their weaknesses are. Everyone and their neighbors want a piece of me. It's just a little crazy that I am wanted, but I am somewhat an easy target. So much from the past pops up in the news, and they go on rants about me and the Ravens. I know everyone is sick of it. Bull is exhausted but keeps me around. He likes me for some odd reason.

The past few weeks we have been are doing some dealings with the Kings, who have taken over my family ranch. I would possibly train at their ranch here in San Antonio which is called Kings Ranch 2.0. We will see after this month once I heal up some more. Doc wants me to heal since the training would be a little more vigorous. Doc is an amazing doctor, as well as Daisy. They keep everyone alive.

Now as for Bull and I, we have a house getting finished. I know it's quick. I go back and forth if it was the right thing to do, but I look at Bull and know I love him. I want to give it a shot and see. If it doesn't work out…I don't want to think about that. The house has another month at least, so we have been living in the clubhouse. Don't get me wrong. There are great times there, but I am ready for house living again. Bull is the best and brought a king-size bed to his room. I tell you, it takes over the room. There is barely any walking space around it, but the bed is so comfy, and we get some good sleep. Well, he does anyway. Oh, and guess what? Doc released me to walk with the horses. No running. So guess what again? I haven't had a day that I haven't ridden a horse in the past two weeks. I rode a few times a week previous to get used to riding again. Now like I said, it's hard for me not to gallop everywhere.

Bull freaks out if I ride too much. I will say in our relationship, I have never compromised so much in my life, but it can be fun. We have been on so many adventures. We surprise each other with something at least once every couple of weeks. Sometimes it's a trip, something special that we want, or just spending extra time together. We make life interesting for sure.

I wake up and roll over. to feel Bull isn't there. Once I sit up, I get nauseous. I get to the bathroom and throw up a couple of times. What the hell? Once I have felt like I am done, I go to the sink then get some water and rinse out my mouth and brush my teeth. I look at myself to see I am almost back to normal in the face. I have very little bruising left from my run-in with the Demons and the Jenkins brothers. Assholes! My stitches on my body are out. My muscles will always be achy unfortunately but no pain to the point where I want to curl up in a ball. I freshen up then go to the closet to grab some clothes. I don't have a lot of my clothes here. I am waiting for the house to finish before I unload everything.

This morning I get dressed in a razorback bra and tight low-cut workout shirt that is blue as well as undies and black capri yoga pants. I put my leather sleeveless jacket also known as a cut. It says I am Bull's old lady. I grab my jacket and smell. I love the smell of leather, and I have some perfume as well as Bull's cologne on it. I take a deep breath, and it relaxes me. I giggle then grab my guns. Bull wants me to wear Luna and Betty. I keep them on safety for the most part. Since the drama with the Jenkins and the Sullivans, there have been a few threats on me that I know of. Knock on wood. Cooper and James Sullivan have an older brother. We see his scouts every blue moon watching me, but he hasn't done anything. Zap, our security man, has trackers on them. We just have to keep our eyes peeled.

I grab my phone and keys then head downstairs. I was going to train this morning with the horses, but I need to get a good workout in other than having sex with my man. Even though that is a fun way to work out. Once I get downstairs, I go over to Flo, who is at the bar closest to the front of the clubhouse. I smile, and she does too. Morning, sweetheart. How are you doing?

I smile. I am doing great. Just ready for a new day. Do you know where Bull is? He didn't leave a note or anything? Don't worry, I am not the type to fret where he is all the time. But it's just nice to know, ya know.

She giggles. I know exactly how you feel. Pops drives me crazy when he doesn't tell me where he is, but this morning, they are in the garage.

I nod. Flo hands me a cup of coffee. Just toast this morning, please. She nods then goes to the back. Ginger comes out front the kitchen. Morning, Ging. How are you?

Doing great. I am about to leave and go teach my yoga classes.

I need to take one sometime.

That would be great, and if Bull doesn't want you out, we can go into the gym and do a private lesson.

You are amazing, friend. That is probably what will happen. Let's get together this evening and find a good time for us to do it.

She smiles, and Flo brings out my toast with butter and a little strawberry jam. Ginger smiles. That sounds like a great plan. Y'all ladies have a great day, and I will be back this evening.

She gives us both hugs, as I take a bite of my food.

Flo then says, So what is on your agenda today?

Well, I need to do a workout then train the horses. Is there anything you need?

I was wondering if you could help me plan a party for Pops. Our anniversary is next month, and I want to find something special for him.

I smile. Of course I will help. While I am helping with lunch here in a bit, we will figure out what to cook and everything.

Sounds great. Hope you have a great day.

You too, and thanks for breakfast. I will be here if you need me.

She smiles then nods. I grab the toast, and I walk outside. I take a deep breath. It's nice this morning. Not too smoggy or muggy…yet. Wonderful Texas weather doesn't know what it's going to do.

I look around, and no one is outside this morning. Usually have a few of the guys eating breakfast and drinking their coffee, but they must have super important stuff going on to not be outside, or Bull let them sleep in. My guess is that they are busy. I walk along the wall of the clubhouse until I get to an oversized door. They keep it open during the day and locked up at night. It also has an electric code for the members to get in, if they want to work out in the evenings. I walk in to see they have a small gym. There's a treadmill and free weights. They put in a small ring for fighting each other, boxing gear to spar, and a mirror on one side of the garage so they can see their muscles growing. I see Ghost, Bash, and Bruiser working out. Ghost kisses his muscles.

I laugh. You compensating for something? He growls then lifts his shirt and shows his muscular abs. Eh, I have seen better.

His jaw drops to the ground. I laugh even harder. Terri Stone, that was harsh.

Well, you showing everything off is not egotistical at all.

He smiles. Girls like my ego.

Yeah, okay. You keep telling yourself that. Also, not to boost that ego of yours, but you are very handsome, Ghost. Someone I know is lucky to have you.

He smiles and walks over to me. I know you are.

I roll my eyes with a smile on my face. He winks at me then goes back to working out. I wave at Bash and Bruiser, and they kiss their arms. I rolls my eyes again and shake my head. I walk to the other side of the garage, which has three big garage doors where they can work on their bikes or their cars. Full functioning garage. I also never have to take my truck in to get the oil changed somewhere else because the guys know how to do it, and they are teaching their prospects how to be mechanics. So you could say my truck is a guinea pig. Bull has two garages away from the clubhouse. The Ravens are entrepreneurs. They have the garages, the bar/restaurant, the club, and a gym. The gym was the latest buy. Bull bought it from the owner, who he knew. The owner wanted to retire, so Bull took the opportunity. This place also gets a lot of kids off the street. Don't worry, it's in Raven territory, but I know that he would make that place neutral for the other MCs to come and use but to not wear their cuts. No fighting unless they are training. Bull has hired a lot of great people to help. I am so proud of the Ravens for being as legit as they can. My brain tries to stay on as much of the legit business. I don't know much of the not legit. I try not to get in the middle of everything. I stick with Bull because I love him madly but I question myself to stay or go. I don't know.

Now back to my man, who is standing with Jigs and Pops. I see his back is to me, so I walk up to him and wrap my arms around him. He grabs my hands and turns around in my arms. He chuckles. Morning, my sexy girl.

I smile as he grabs my face and kisses me. I giggle then back up. Hey, biker. How are you and the fellas this morning? He gives me one more kiss then pulls me to his side.

Pops smiles. We are doing good. About to head to work, but Jigs needed to tweak something on his bike. We will leave in a minute.

I nod. Bull speaks up, What are you up to, babe?

Well, I thought I would do a little training at the gym away from here because the muscles are getting to the guys' heads. The guys chuckle. After, I am planning on bringing y'all lunch at the garage, if that's cool with y'all?

Jigs stands up, and he smiles. Hell yeah! I giggle. Jigs is a great guy. He was in the army and decided that since he was a mechanic, a Raven mechanic was the next best thing. Also, he loves to fish. Hence his nickname. I don't know a lot of the Ravens' birth names. If they say something about it, then I will talk to them, but I go by their nicknames.

Anything y'all want specifically?

They shake their heads. Whatever you bring us, we will eat.

I smile, then Bull pulls me to the garage door. He turns to me, and I hold onto his hips as he holds my face. How are you feeling really?

You can tell I don't feel good?

He chuckles and puts my bangs behind my ear. Babe, I read people for a living, and I especially know your sexy body. What's going on?

I look down to mess with his jacket. He raises my chin. I stare into his eyes. He is so hot. Well, I threw up earlier, and I am sore, but I don't want to not work out because I threw up, you know?

He sighs then drops his hands and pulls me closer to him. I get it, babe. But if you throw up again, then Doc or Daisy will see you. And no working out. I nod as I pucker my lips for him to kiss me. He chuckles, then we sort of make out a little. He growls and backs up. He lays his forehead on mine. How did I get so lucky?

I smile then I reach up and run my hand through his hair. I was thinking the same thing. Biker, be careful, huh?

He smiles. Yes, ma'am.

I giggle, and he gives me one more kiss. Then we walk outside to see Flier and another new prospect. His name is Scooter. They don't get nicknames until they've been here for six months. Have to see what the members start to call them. Scooter is skinny and tall. He has been Flier's shadow. Flier has been my bodyguard all the time, even at the clubhouse. Ever since all the drama, I don't mind the bodyguard, but I am getting tired of being followed. I love how protective Bull is over me, but it can be a lot. Don't think I am not thankful. I probably would be in a worse place if they didn't get to know me. Now I just have a lot of pros and cons to figure out. I know I am his old lady which means a lot to him. Now I don't want to leave him, but I am giving him time to sort things out before I make a decision. I am holding onto Bull's side, and his phone rings. He grabs my face and kisses me then goes to answer it away from us. Flier comes over to me and gives me a hug.

Hey, Flier. Scooter, how are y'all?

They nod, then Flier says, Doing great. Looks like you are ready to get rid of some demons in a workout.

I give a small smile. No heavy workout. Just treadmill today.

Sounds good.

Have the horses been watered and fed?

He smiles. Yes, ma'am, as well as the cattle. Cheyenne is planning on riding the horses this evening. She said y'all had a training session later.

I smile and nod. Yes, we do. I have a cramp in my leg, then I bend over and try to rub it out.

Pop says, Darlin', you okay?

I stand up. Bull comes over and gets me to lift my leg. Pops holds onto my hand, and I look at him. Thanks, babe. I'm good. Just a cramp.

Bull frowns. You sure? I nod. He lets my leg down then I let go of Pops. Bull grabs my waist then kisses me gently. He backs up a touch. If you need me today, you call, okay? I pull him down for one more kiss.

Of course I will, and vice versa, huh? He nods, then I look at Pops and Jigs. I am okay, and take care of each other.

They smile. Pops says, Yes, ma'am.

Flier gets my attention, then we all head over to the trucks and motorcycles. I walk hand in hand with Bull. He gets on his bike then does the come hither with his finger.

I giggle and take a step closer. Yes, my biker?

He smiles. I need you to have a great day, babe. Second, I need one more kiss for the road.

I lean in, and he holds onto me. I give him a kiss then back up. Love you, handsome biker of mine. I better get more kisses later. Oh, and some snuggles.

He chuckles. Damn, skippy. Love you, sexy girl.

I blush. I back up, and he starts up his bike then winks at me as he leaves. I turn to see Flier and Scooter waiting for me. I walk over to the truck and get in. I see they are on their bikes. I head out, and they follow me to the gym. Mostly lights on the way there, and traffic wasn't too bad. I listen to music and decide what I am going to be doing at the gym. While I am deciding, I think of the Ravens and how they have legitimate businesses. The gym makes decent money for them. A lot of Ravens from out of town use it as well. I started using it a couple of weeks ago. I'm hoping these workouts will help with the nightmares and will also help me get stronger. My nightmares have been crazy lately, and I don't know why. They slowed down a lot, but I don't know what is triggering them again. Just need a beer and relax, but I will try the workouts first.

When we get there, the parking lot is pretty full. Flier and Scooter park their bikes next to each other, then I park one down from them. I put my guns up. I take my cut in because I want men to know I am Bull's. I don't want drama while I am in here. Then I grab my bag, phone, and keys. Flier opens my truck door for me. I thank him and lock up the truck. The three of us walk in.

Flier says, If you need me, just holler. I won't be far. There are more people here than usual.

Right. An hour or so good for y'all?

They both nod. Yep. Also, if you need a spotter, let us know.

I nod. We walk up to the front desk. There are two pretty girls there. One is Leia. Like Princess Leia from Star Wars. She checks out Flier. The other is Ava, who checks out both Flier and Scooter.

I smile. Morning, ladies. How are y'all this morning?

They smile, then Leia says, Good morning. We are doing great. Just busy as ever.

Do you know why the gym is so busy?

She leaned closer to me, and I leaned to her. I heard there are a few fights happening within the next couple weeks. Don't know where they are going to be. She backs a bit. Also, this next weekend is a big boxing tournament, so a lot of fighters are using our four rings. This place and two other gyms are the only ones in this area.

Glad you're busy. Now can we get our keys for the lockers, please?

Yes.

While she is signing us in and getting our keys, I look around. The weights are set at the front of the gym on the right side, and the treadmills and stationary bikes are in the front on the left so you can see outside. There are locker rooms in the back next to the rings. I am the biggest chick in here always, but I don't care. I get looks and get talked about, but that's my life, so I just keep going forward.

I look at Flier and Scooter. Well, I think I am going to stretch on the treadmill then get some boxing in on the bags if they are empty. I am not really supposed to be working out that hard, but I feel fine.

Flier nods. We will be doing the weights. Can we have a minute with the girls?

I look at the girls, and they are blushing. I smile then take my key. Of course. See y'all later. I smile at them, and they nod. As I head back to the locker room, I get looks left and right. The women snarl at me and the men check me out, but a few men snarl as well. A lot of people think the gym is for skinny people, but I just ignore their hate to the best of my abilities. All the women are buffed-out toothpicks and curvy in the right places around here. Then the men are either huge shoulders with small waists and abs or smaller and fit like boxers.

As I pass the rings, I see they are all busy. I also see one has three sets of two people with an instructor in the middle. They are having a class, I guess. I catch eyes with the instructor. He checks me out. I look at his arm, and he has a Raven tat on his muscular shoulder. He winks at me, and I give a small smile then walk into the locker room. I am the only one in here, so I get ready. I feel nauseous again and run to a toilet and upchuck. Thankfully, I have good aim. I don't know why I am throwing up. I don't have a fever. I am usually clammy when I have a fever. I flush then go out to the sink and get some water to rinse out my mouth. I look at myself in the mirror to see my eyes are watery. I take a few deep breaths. I rinse out my mouth one more time. I call Bull.

He answers on the second ring. Hey, baby. Miss me already?

I smile. Of course. I wanted to make sure you were okay. You seemed anxious this morning after your phone call. We didn't have time to chat long. I am not telling him about throwing up, or I would have to come home. I need some me time. I put my hair up in a ponytail while he talks.

He sighs. You know me so well. I have some party stuff for tonight I have to figure, and I have a couple of prospects coming in for interviews as well as day trips. Lots going on. I will try to get us as much time together as possible. I can't promise anything.

I inwardly sigh. I get it, babe. Just remember, you are strong, and presidents need breaks too, you know.

He chuckles. I take that as a hint to hang out with you a little more.

I giggle. Not necessarily me, but your niece, Cheyenne, a.k.a. Princess, might need some uncle time sooner or later. She is strong like you but also needs her blood family, I think. Just my opinion and what I observe. I will also take time, but I just want us both sane. Us not sleeping isn't helping. I sigh.

He sighs too. I know, baby. I see it, too, with Princess. I will get her to eat dinner with me tonight. Then you and I have a date with a bed.

I shiver. Sounds good to me. Have a great day, and I will see you later.

He chuckles. I will see you tonight. I hang up, then a group of girls come in. I walk over to my locker to lock it up. I get my music where I want it then put my phone in my pocket. I head out. I smile at the girls on my way out. They grimace at me. I roll my eyes inwardly. Whatever, ladies. Now I have to keep from puking again. I now need to get a good tiring workout in.

Bull

My old lady is amazing, but I have been second-guessing asking her to be my old lady. We are great together and I love her, but we have our problems. I am trying to get through some of them as best as I can. One of the problems is not getting enough sleep. I feel like I have been slacking a little, and the guys can tell. The past couple of weeks, Terri has been having horrific nightmares, and we have tried everything. Ever since she got off her pain meds, it's been bad. Maybe working out and finding some horses will help her relax a little bit. The biggest thing is we have had more threats on us since she has been here. I do know I am trying to keep them away. I don't want us to worry all the time. She has told me she hates that she brings the extra stress on us and that she should probably leave, but I get angry at her because I want her to stay. I want her to be here with me. I love her, and I know she loves me. I just have to fix everything so we can live a happy life. I will try my hardest. The first step I took was hiring someone to train her. Sometimes I will, but I want someone she doesn't know very well so she can work out her anger and fear. The training is not to lose weight but to get some muscle back. I don't want her to feel weak if anything were to happen again.

Terri has demons from her past like most of us, but she has to see them on her body all the time. She copes, but sometimes the fear of the future scares her, and she is afraid I will leave her. I am thinking about it. I hate having these thoughts, but I have to also look out for the Ravens. I need to take a ride on my bike sometime soon and clear my head. So much shit to think about. By the way, I went behind her back to hire this guy. Ninety-five percent of the time, we are truthful with each other on what's going on. I think this will be good for her. Plus, it's another person to watch out for her. The guy I hired is a nomad Raven, which means he doesn't have a permanent home. He travels a lot. He is what some like to say is a floater. He is big into boxing and helping women try to defend themselves. I am glad because we need his help. I dial his number. He answers on the third ring.

Yeah?

Hey, this is Bull. How's it going?

Hey, man. Everything is going great. What's going on?

Tell me you are going to stay and help. Otherwise, I need to take my money elsewhere.

He pauses a minute then says, I see your woman. Have to be careful there. She is a beauty.

I growl. Don't even think about it, man. She is mine, and I will fight for her.

He chuckles. Good. Because I've heard some rumors that you might have to fight, literally. I am hoping they aren't true.

I know, and don't say anything to her about the threats. Threats to women are the worst at the moment. There is also a man, but I won't get into that right now. I sigh. I want Terri to concentrate on trying to get her fear away. I don't know if that will ever happen, but at least figure out what is getting her from sleep. We don't want her on sleep meds if at all possible. Just get to know her today, then come to the clubhouse later.

Sounds good, man. I appreciate you letting me stay at the clubhouse.

No problem. Now one thing. My girl is strong but can get in her head sometimes.

I know the type.

She is special. Just be careful.

I understand. Now I will call you later.

I hang up, then I see Skull and Ghost sitting at the tables in the clubhouse. I walk over, and they are drinking some coffee. Fellas, I need to talk to you in my office.

Cheyenne was grabbing something from the fridge then says to Ghost, Ooooh, someone's in trouble.

I chuckle and hear Ghost say something to her, but I ignore it. They have something going on, but until Cheyenne comes to me and says something, then I will just let her be. Ghost got the talking to already anyway. I get in the office, and Zap is at my computer. He was checking some emails of mine to see if there are any threats on us or not. He is the only one that is on my email. He logs out and looks at me.

Only six threats today. I will sift through them more. Also, the Jenkins' oldest brother, Ramon, has been driving by a couple times. Scoping to see what's been going on. I would suggest that you keep Terri in the clubhouse as much as possible so we can keep an eye on her.

I nod, then Skull and Ghost come in. I tell Zap, Get everything you can together, then when we have church. We will tell everyone. Also, I want a background check on our nomad coming in. I want to see what he has been doing the past few years. Zap nods then leaves. Ghost and Skull sit in the chairs in front of my desk as I go around and sit in my tall back comfy chair. I look at the guys. I smile at them. I have a job for y'all, and I don't know if you're going to like it. They nod. Our nomad is here, and I want him to train Terri, but I want y'all there too. She trusts y'all, and you can push her. She hasn't been sleeping a lot. I know our motto is to never let a woman rattle us, but Terri is getting to me. Between us, I am wondering if I said yes to her being my old lady too quickly.

Skull nods. In my opinion, I think she is great for this place. She gets people straightened out. She fits in with practically everyone, and I know she loves you more than you know. Just the way she looks at you tells you a lot. We want y'all at as much peace as you can. What would you feel if this new guy fell for Terri? I growl. They chuckle. There is your answer, Prez. You would have our hides or any other if Terri got hurt again. We don't want you hurting either, but from the day you met Terri, I knew you'd be her old man. She is tough, and I think she is a lot tougher than she thinks and what we give her credit for. Now just take a breather. We will take care of Terri while you get what you need done.

I nod. Thanks, fellas.

Ghost says, No problem, Prez. Are there any runs coming up?

I sigh and run my hand through my hair. We have a couple day runs, but I might bring Terri with us. I haven't decided yet.

Ghost says, Isn't that dangerous though?

Yeah, but we at least have her in our sights.

I sigh. Skull gets my attention. We will go to the gym now. Just get some of the prospects and a few members to get the gym together here at the clubhouse. Then she doesn't have to go to the other one anymore.

I nod. Thanks, fellas. I will get Gunner on it. Now y'all have fun. They smile and leave. Now I have to get things moving here, work on the threats, and get a few things set up for the house that I went in on with Terri. Plus, we are celebrating birthdays tonight. Lots going on. Make as many happy moments as we can.

Terri

I have my headphones in and everything situated in my locker. I take a deep breath then walk out of the locker room. I look at the rings as I pass by. I see the instructor in my peripheral looking at me. I don't pay attention and keep walking. Now I won't lie, but the guy who has the Raven tattoo