“What do you guys do anyways since you’re not having sex?”

“What any normal couple does. We talk, get to know each other better.”

“He just doesn’t strike me as the type to be in bed with a woman and not fuck her.”

“Well, it’s that dual personality thing I told you about. He’s the type to cuddle in bed and talk, but will also break someone’s face for me if that’s what I need.”

“Whose face needs breaking?” She asks, giving me the side eye.

“No one.”

The rumble of motorcycles sounds in the distance, and I welcome the interruption. I don’t want to lie to her, but I can’t tell her about Glenn, either. As the bikes draw closer, I steel myself against giving in. I know Gage will try to push me into going. I also know he’s the reason I suddenly got the weekend off from work. As the bikes get closer, Chrissy gets more excited.

“Do your parents even know where you’re going?” I ask her.

“No. They think I’m hanging out with you. Don’t make me a liar…please?”

A couple bikes turn into the driveway while the others stop out on the road. There must be about twenty or more. Gage, of course, is in front. He’s wearing a helmet, shades, and a skull bandana that covers the rest of his face, but I know it’s him. With his hoodie, he is now the very picture of the Grim Reaper. The only thing he’s missing is the scythe. Then again, his version is probably tucked into the back of his jeans. I can feel his eyes on me, but I do my best not to look at him.

“Ray?” Chrissie pleads once more.

“No.”

She grabs my hand and pulls me to my feet. We’re down the stairs before I’m able to dig my heels in and stop her.

“Okay, fine,” she finally relents.

She releases me and heads over to Ron’s bike. Lonnie is with Venom, staring daggers at me.

“You’re not coming, baby girl?” Crow shouts over the roar of the bikes. His old lady, Marlowe, nods and gives me an encouraging smile.

I shake my head, still avoiding Gage. Suddenly, the men—the ones I know, anyway—all start begging me to come along. Lonnie looks confused, no doubt wondering how they all know me and why they’re all so…familiar with me. I also notice the redhead with Razor. She looks at me appraisingly from head to toe. I finally glance at Gage. He’s removed his shades but he’s still just sitting there, watching me. Shit. I look around again at all the faces imploring me to join them, and I crack.

“Fine. Let me just change my shoes.”

I return in my combat boots and find that only Gage, Dr. E, Ron, Venom, and Razor are waiting. Lonnie is fuming. I look to Dr. E, silently begging him to let me ride with him. His gaze flicks to Gage then back to me before he nods. As I pass Gage, he grabs my wrist. Dr. E shrugs helplessly. Chrissy smirks. Lonnie’s shocked, unable to close her mouth, and Redhead is watching with growing interest.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He asks for my ears only.

“With Dr. E –”

“Get your ass behind me.”

He hands me his helmet and slides his shades back on, but not before I see the anger in his eyes. I strap on the helmet and climb on behind him, using his shoulders as leverage. He raises his hand, makes a signal, and we all ride out. I can’t even enjoy the ride because I’m afraid Lonnie’s going to shoot me in the back along the way.

We’re on the road for about an hour before he pulls in to a gas station, where his crew is already waiting for him. As soon as my feet hit the ground, he drags me to the side of the building where no one can see us. He removes his shades, pulls the bandana down, and crashes his lips into mine.

“Ga–”

His tongue barges into my mouth. As much as my brain knows this is not for pleasure, my body still reacts. My heart thuds in my chest. Little tingles travel down my body and land between my legs. He unleashes his anger on my mouth. Lips, tongues, and teeth clash, the sounds of our ragged breathing filling the air. He pushes me against the wall and ravages my lips, digging his fingers into my jean-clad hips. I slide my fingers through his hair, grabbing a handful. It becomes hard to breathe. I try to break away, but he growls and pulls me back in. I pound on his chest and he releases me but cages me in with his arms while I desperately draw air into my lungs. He’s breathing hard, jaw clenching in anger. My lips are pulsating and are, no doubt, an angry red.

“You don’t sit your ass on anyone’s bike but mine. You got that?”

“That’s what this is about? I just thought –”

“There’s nothing to think about. Your ass, my bike. Period.”

Jeez…talk about possessive. He reaches into his pocket and hands me a wad of cash.

“Get yourself some snacks or something.”

I get that the conversation is over, so I walk ahead of him. I pull my bottom lip between my teeth, hoping everyone will think it’s swollen because I’ve been chewing on it. Gage veers off to the pumps and I head into the store. And right into Lonnie.

“What the fuck is going on?” She demands.

“With what?”

“You know what I’m talking about, you little bitch. I told you to stay away from him.”

“Why don’t you go ask him?”

“Because I’m asking you.”

“I’m not in the mood for your shit, okay?”

Razor walks up and glances between the two of us. “Everything okay, girls?”

“Fine. Just a sisterly talk,” I tell him.

“Good. You need anything, you let me know, baby girl.”

In his eyes, I see the meaning behind his words. It’s clear whose side he’d be on if anything went down. Strange, considering this is the first time we’ve spoken. “Sure thing.”

After he leaves, Lonnie turns to me again. “How come you’re so cozy with everybody?”

“I’m lovable. I can’t help it.”

I walk away, not looking back. Chrissy shows up at my side while I’m deciding between Cheetos and Oreos. Oh, why choose? I’ll just get both.

She jerks her chin toward Lonnie. “What was that about?”

“She thinks she has some kind of property rights on Gage and the club. She’s going to be royally pissed when she finds out what’s going on.”

“Shit. You better get that apartment with the quickness.”

“Trust me. First thing on the morning of the twenty-first, I’m signing that lease. I’m taking all my stuff with me, too. Furniture or not, I’m moving into that bitch right away.”

“I hear you. How’d you get past a credit check, though?”

“My dad’s lawyer took care of it.”

“Oh. Cool.”

Razor’s redhead approaches us with a smile and an outstretched hand. “Hi. I’m Cassidy.”

“Raven. And this is Chrissy.”

“Nice to meet you. I thought I’d introduce myself because you two seem like the only friendly women here.”

“Tell me about it. Are you Razor’s old lady?”

“Old lady? I don’t think so. We just started seeing each other.”

“Oh…okay.”

“So…you’re with Gage?”

Fuck. Chrissy watches me, waiting to hear what I’ll say. Cassidy raises her brows. There’s something about her I can’t quite put my finger on, something not right.

“Yeah.”

She looks a little surprised, but she recovers and turns to Chrissy expectantly.

“Ron. He’s still a prospect.”

“Cool.”

“Let’s go. I think they’re ready.” Chrissy grabs my hand and pulls me away. “No confío en ella,” she whispers.

I don’t trust this chick, either. I pay for our snacks but on our way back to the guys, Chrissy freezes and tightens her grip on my hand. She looks petrified.

“What?” I follow her gaze and see a couple getting out of a car at one of the pumps. “You know them?”

“That’s Joel.”

“Your ex? Is that the trick he cheated on you with?”

“That’s her.”

“Are you kidding me? She looks like a thumb.” She cracks a smile and turns a grateful look my way. I swear I don’t understand men. They’ll have diamonds and go out looking for rhinestones. “Please, tell me she at least has a good personality.”