Banger's Ride: Insurgents Motorcycle Club (Insurgents MC Romance Book 5) by Hot Tree Editing, Chiah Wilder Page A

she had been.
    The phone rang and she jumped, cursing it for its intrusion on her reveries. As a screeching tune played, she wondered why she’d let Emily change her ringtone. She answered the phone.
    “Is Mrs. Dermot there?”
    “This is she.”
    “Hello, this is Mr. Campbell, the principal at Pinewood Springs High.”
    Belle’s stomach twisted.
    “I’d like to meet with you this afternoon, if possible.”
    “Can I ask why?”
    “It’s about your daughter and her many absences from school. I think it’s better if we meet rather than do this on the phone.”
    Belle turned white as her hand grasped her neck. Emily is skipping school? What the hell is she doing when she’s supposed to be in school? Why can’t I just have one day free from all bullshit?
    “I’m sorry, Mr. Campbell. I’m not able to meet with you this afternoon because I have to work. I can’t skip my job. I’m available tomorrow morning, if that works okay with your schedule.”
    “Does nine thirty tomorrow morning work for you, Mrs. Dermot?”
    “Yes, that’ll be fine. I’ll see you then.”
    “Thank you, Mrs. Dermot. Goodbye.”
    Belle hung up the phone then rubbed her temples. That one phone call had dashed any glimmer of hope of them having a happy family. The last thing she wanted to deal with right then was all that. She decided she’d talk to Emily after she went to the meeting with the principal the following morning; she didn’t want to rock the boat and have Emily storm out, because then Ethan would be all alone that night. She didn’t have a backup plan for anyone to stay with Ethan, so she’d pretend like everything was okay between her and her daughter until after the school meeting.
    As she finished her last touches of makeup before heading to work, she wished her life was easier and not such a roller coaster ride. Under her breath, she cursed Harold for spending all their money and leaving her and the kids with nothing. The way she felt right then, all she could think about was how life sucked big time. With a frustrated sigh, she grabbed her tote and car keys, locking the door as she headed to her job.
    When Belle arrived at Ruthie’s, every booth, table, and stool was occupied. She was happy when she saw how busy the diner was, because then she wouldn’t have to think about her daughter and all the problems that came with it.
    At around seven thirty that evening, she heard the low rumble of a motorcycle. Thinking it may be Scorpion again, her heart sank and her stomach twisted in knots. She knew she couldn’t deal with him right then. When the door opened, she couldn’t help but look through the pass-through window, the heaviness of her heart disappearing when she saw Banger’s imposing figure enter the diner. Her insides tingled when she saw his strong, broad shoulders as he slipped out of his leather jacket. His eyes went directly to hers, and she felt a strong pull to him—a connection. She’d never felt anything like it before. The intensity of it thrilled and frightened her at the same time.
    Belle turned away and busied herself with stirring several pots on the big gas burners. About twenty minutes later, she went over to Banger’s table to say hello. When she approached, she saw his eyes slide up and down her body. Crimson streaked her cheeks, and a sweet sensation pulled between her legs.
    “How are you? I haven’t seen you in a few days. I was hoping you’d stop by tonight,” Belle said softly.
    “Were you?” Banger’s eyes lingered on her mouth. “I’m doing okay. What about you?”
    Belle sighed and tucked the stray hairs behind her ears. “I could be better. Just having a rough time with my daughter right now.”
    “Yeah, I know how it can be. Raising a teenage daughter on your own is a real challenge. I’ve raised Kylie single-handedly since my wife died, and I gotta say, we had some trying times.”
    “I just don’t know what to do with Emily. I wish I could be at home and spend more