The Last Riders - First Four Votes Read Online Free PDF Page A

won’t hurt you. They haven’t even started drinking yet.” Which Beth hoped was true. “You have nothing to be afraid of. Have I ever let any harm come to you?”
    A small moan passed Lily’s trembling lips as she took a hesitant step toward Beth. “That’s it, sweetheart," Beth praised.
    “For Heaven’s sake, leave bitches. No one wants you here anyway.”
    Out of the corner of her eye, Beth noticed Razer motion for Evie to get Sam quiet.
    “Why do I have to shut the fuck up? That skinny slut thinks she’s better than us—” Beth heard a sharp yelp as Evie’s hand smacked Sam’s mouth, effectively cutting the girl’s sentence off.
    “I told you to shut up.” Finding herself surrounded by the other women, Sam finally kept her mouth closed.
    “Beth…” Lily’s broken voice tore at Beth’s heart.
    “Come on, sweetheart; a few more steps.” Beth waited patiently on shore, aware that the bikers stood immobile. Finally, Lily walked within reach and Beth wrapped the blanket around her shivering form. Tugging her from the water required every ounce of strength she possessed. As they drew closer, the men in the group pulled back, giving Lily the space she needed. Finally, Beth was able to maneuver her into the car. Hastily she moved towards the driver’s door where Razer had stopped to hand her the towel and basket she had left behind.
    “Thanks," she said.
    “She going to be okay?”
    “Yes, she’ll be fine when I get her home,” Beth tried to explain while remaining tactful. “It’s not you guys, it’s the liquor.”
    Razer smiled, showing that he knew she was lying. “I think a rowdy gang of bikers probably didn’t help the situation.” When Beth would have denied it, he forestalled her. “It’s cool. No offense taken. We scare everyone in this small town. Two lone women in an isolated spot, you would be crazy to have no concerns when we invaded your space."
    Beth smiled at him naturally for the first time, blushing as he grinned back.
    Not wanting to keep Lily waiting longer, Beth got inside the car. She gave her sister a concerned look as she pointed the car towards home. When they arrived, she made a hot bath for Lily and a light dinner of chicken salad. They sat quietly munching without talking. Lily had demons in her past that certain events triggered and Beth had learned long ago that it was best to let Lily battle it out herself. Even without Beth’s aid, she would usually realize it had been an over reaction and then strive harder next time to keep better control of her fears.
    Later in the night, though, screams startled her awake. Running into Lily’s room, she found her curled into a ball in the corner. Beth sat down next to the crying girl, pulling her into her arms to offer what comfort she could while smoothing down her dark curls. Beth rocked her sister until she fell asleep. Gently disengaging herself, she went to the bed where she removed the comforter and pillows. Placing the comforter on the floor, she maneuvered her sleeping sister until she lay prone on the thick material. Beth lay down next to her, raising her head and putting the pillow beneath it.
    They slept curled together as they had done many nights when they were children. Beth felt tears slide from her eyes at the thought of the pain Lily had endured as a child; she had survived only to have the brutal memories there, waiting for a chance to attack. Beth whispered into the darkened bedroom the same prayer she had uttered every night since Lily had become her sister. That she find peace from her nightmare and someone strong enough to give it to her.

3
    B eth saw that Sunday morning had turned out to be a pretty one as she woke a groggy Lily to get ready for church. They had never missed a morning service and, even after their difficult night, it never occurred to either of them to not attend.
    The service was positive and left each girl in a lighter mood, unlike the ones her father used to give. Afterward, they