Semua Bab Bad Boy Biker : Bab 31 - Bab 40

The Riot Kings Summer Rally transformed Riverdale for one weekend each year. Motorcycles lined the main street, leather-clad riders from chapters across three states filling the bars and restaurants. Music, laughter, and the constant rumble of engines created a soundtrack unlike any other.Valentina stood in front of the full-length mirror in their bedroom, barely recognizing the woman who looked back. Faded jeans hugged her curves, tucked into well-worn boots. A simple black tank top showed off arms that had grown stronger from months of mechanical work. And over it all, the leather jacket with roses embroidered on the back—a piece of her past reclaimed, no longer hidden away in shame."You ready for this?" Duke appeared in the doorway, his own cut displaying the vice president patch she'd once found intimidating."As I'll ever be." She turned to face him, suddenly nervous. "Do I look ridiculous? This jacket is—""Perfect." Duke cut her off, crossing to pull her into his arms. "You l

Valentina barely slept. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the note's words: *Your boyfriend killed his own father.*By dawn, she was dressed and calling the lawyer again. This time, Marcus actually answered."Ms. Ross. I heard about Duke's arrest." His voice was calm, professional. "I'm heading to the courthouse now for his bail hearing.""Can I come?""Of course. Nine o'clock. Don't be late."The courthouse parking lot was already filling when Valentina arrived. She spotted Axel's truck, then Denny's bike. At least she wouldn't face this alone.Inside, the club members clustered in the hallway like wolves separated from their pack. Axel nodded when he saw her, but his usual easy smile was gone."Any word?" she asked."Judge is running late." He glanced around, lowering his voice. "Valentine, there's something you should know. About Sierra."Valentina's stomach tightened. "What about her?""She wasn't just Duke's girlfriend." Axel ran a hand through his hair. "She lived with him

Valentina woke to an empty bed. Again. Three days since Connor's arrival, and Duke had barely touched her. He'd sleep on the couch, citing nightmares he didn't want to disturb her with. But she could hear him pacing at night, could see the exhaustion darkening his eyes each morning.The distance between them was growing, and she didn't know how to bridge it.At the bookstore, Mrs. Winters came in for her weekly romance novel fix, followed by a handful of regulars. The familiar rhythm should have been comforting, but Valentina couldn't shake the unease that had settled over her life like fog.The bell above the door chimed at noon. Valentina looked up from restocking shelves and froze.Sierra Blake stood in the entrance, no longer in uniform but somehow more intimidating in civilian clothes. Dark jeans that hugged her curves, a leather jacket that probably cost more than Valentina made in a month, boots with heels that brought her eye-level with most men."Valentina." Sierra's smile wa

Duke's arraignment was a nightmare. The prosecutor painted him as a violent criminal who'd gotten away with murder for seventeen years. The judge denied bail, citing flight risk and the severity of the charges.Murder. First degree. Premeditated.Connor's testimony had been damning. He'd stood in that courtroom, hand on a Bible, and lied through his perfect teeth about what happened that night. About Duke attacking their father in a rage. About Connor trying to stop him. About the cold, calculated way Duke had disposed of the body.Valentina sat in the gallery, watching Duke's face as his brother destroyed him. Duke didn't react. Didn't shout or curse or try to defend himself. He just sat there, stone-faced, as if he'd expected this all along.As if he'd already given up."Thirty days until trial," the judge announced. "Defendant remanded to county custody."Thirty days. A month to prove Duke's innocence before a jury decided his fate.Outside the courthouse, Axel grabbed Valentina's

Three days passed in a careful dance. Connor texted constantly—good morning messages, dinner invitations, casual check-ins. Valentina responded just enough to keep him interested without seeming too eager.She visited Duke once during that time. The guard led her to a small room divided by plexiglass, phones on either side for conversation.Duke looked thinner, his eyes hollow. When he saw her, something in his expression broke and mended all at once."Valentine." His voice cracked through the phone. "I didn't think you'd come.""Why wouldn't I?""Because I'm here. Because Connor—" He stopped, jaw working. "Because I'm going to prison and you should save yourself while you can.""Is that what you want? For me to leave?""No." The admission cost him. "But it's what you should do."Valentina pressed her palm against the glass. "I'm not leaving, Duke. I'm fighting.""There's nothing to fight with. Connor's testimony, the evidence—""Is all lies." She kept her voice low, aware of guards n