Free Running Wild (Hell Ryders MC Book 1) by J.L. Sheppard Page A

ethic to suit his motives, another completely to force his employees to do it. She should’ve expected it. Her father would do anything and everything to get his way. More than anything, he wanted her to return to New York and marry a man who hurt her. All to give his company publicity and make more money.
    “I understand. Thank you for your honesty.” She hung up then slumped on the bed and ran her fingers through her wet hair, wondering what the hell she should do now. She had to find a job, the sooner the better. Unused to being inactive, she was antsy. Perhaps, though, it was a blessing in disguise. With her father bad mouthing her skills, she’d be forced to look for a job outside the accounting profession she never liked. Though she didn’t know who’d hire her without experience.
    She sighed heavily, then dressed, intent on heading downstairs to make dinner. Tyler told her she didn’t have to cook for him, but she did. A little she could do to help he wouldn’t fight her on. Not to mention, without a job, it gave her something to do.
    As she headed past the living room, she scanned the area. She always did. She wouldn’t admit it aloud, but she was looking for Jace.
    Since they’d returned from New York, she hadn’t seen him once. As ludicrous as it sounded, it made her think he was avoiding her. She didn’t know why she felt that way, but she did. She’d hoped after he willingly comforted her something had changed between them. Maybe it was just her wanting to get along with the angry biker who wanted nothing to do with her. Maybe it was the inexplicable magnetic attraction she felt. Maybe it was all of the above.
    “Hey, Classy.”
    She turned, spotted Dash behind her, and smiled. “Hey, Dash.”
    He wore his cut, a leather vest with the club’s insignia on it. Tyler recently explained what a cut was. According to Ty, they all had one and wore them. Besides that, they all had tattoos with the insignia, a set of angel wings in flames with a skull in the middle. Under it read, Hell Ryders.
    Dash usually wore his cut without an undershirt, revealing not only his tatted arms, but several other tats on his chest, including the club’s insignia. “You makin’ dinner tonight?”
    “I am.”
    He rubbed his stomach. “Mind makin’ me some?”
    She crossed her arms over her chest. “Getting tired of take-out?”
    He smiled. “Nothin’ like a home-cooked meal.”
    She caught sight of Cuss moving toward her. The first thing she noticed, as usual, were his eyes. Right then, it wasn’t just the sapphire color, but the mischief she read in them. “You cookin’ again?”
    “That was the plan.”
    He grinned, turning on the charm. “Classy, I’ll give you a ride on my bike if you make me some extra.”
    She laughed.
    “She won’t be riding on anyone’s bike.” Tyler’s voice boomed.
    Turning, she spotted him at the end of the hall taking long-legged strides toward them. “It’s okay, Ty. I hadn’t planned on taking him up on his offer, and before you say it, I don’t mind cooking for a house full of bikers.” She faced Cuss and Dash, smiling. “But I’ll warn you, once I find a job, you’ll have to find someone else to make you home-cooked meals.”
    Cuss lifted a brow. “How’s that comin’ along?”
    “Um, well…unfortunately, I haven’t had any luck.”
    “I know the daycare center off of Main Street’s hiring. Don’t know if that’s your thing.” Cuss shrugged.
    Her eyes widened. “Really?”
    “Yeah, know one of the girls there. I can talk to her if you want.”
    It would be a great opportunity. She’d probably love it too. She always wanted to teach and work with kids, but she didn’t have experience. “I don’t have experience.”
    “You gotta record?”
    She shook her head. “No.”
    “Think you’re good then.”
    She smiled. She couldn’t believe her luck. Moments ago, she’d been worried about a job. Now, not only was there a chance she’d get a job, but