Chapter 1 - Maddie
The moment I walk into the Outlaw Order clubhouse, the heavy metal music, booze, and testosterone hits me exactly how I like it. I'm three days early for James's release, but I figured I'd scope out his little brother's playground first.
"Hey beautiful, how about I buy you a drink?" Some leather-clad guy with a beer belly slides up next to me at the bar, his breath already reeking of whiskey.
I don't even bother turning my head. "How about you fuck off instead?"
He laughs like I've just told the funniest joke. "Playing hard to get, huh? I like that." His meaty hand lands on my lower back.
"Remove your hand before I remove it for you." I keep my voice sweet, but there's a razor edge underneath that most men with functioning survival instincts can detect.
This idiot isn't one of them. His hand slides lower.
"You heard the lady." A new voice enters the conversation.
I turn to see who's playing white knight and find myself staring at what has to be the most perfect jawline I've ever encountered. Above it: mischievous dark eyes, messy brown hair, and a cocky grin that suggests he's both trouble and the solution to it.
"Mind your business, prospect." Beer Belly snarls, pointing at the bottom rocker on the guy's cut that reads PROSPECT.
"See, that's where you're confused." The newcomer's smile doesn't falter, but something changes in his eyes. "A beautiful woman being harassed in our clubhouse is absolutely my business."
Something about him seems familiar, though I'm certain we've never met. I'd remember that face.
Beer Belly apparently decides this isn't worth the trouble and mutters something about "bitches" before wandering off.
"Thanks, but I could have handled that myself," I say, taking a sip of my drink.
"Oh, I have no doubt." He slides onto the barstool next to mine without asking permission. "But my brother taught me to step in when assholes don't take no for an answer."
His brother. I stare at his face and suddenly it clicks. The resemblance to James is subtle but unmistakable in the shape of his eyes and that troublemaker smile.
"You're Dice," I say, unable to stop my own smile from forming.
His eyebrows shoot up. "And you know that how exactly?"
"I'm Maddie. James's best friend."
The surprise on his face transforms into genuine delight. "Holy shit! Maddie? The infamous Maddie who helped my brother smuggle contraband into Redwood Correctional and nearly got arrested for it?"
I laugh. "That's not even in my top five criminal accomplishments, but yes."
"I can't believe I'm finally meeting you." Dice signals the bartender for two shots. "James talks about you all the time. Says you're the craziest person he knows, which coming from him is saying something."
"Coming from either Thompson brother, I'll take that as a compliment." I accept the shot he slides my way. "Though I didn't expect to meet you until James's release day."
"Came early to surprise him?" Dice asks, raising his shot glass.
I clink mine against his. "Something like that. Thought I'd get the lay of the land first."
We down our shots simultaneously. The tequila burns pleasantly down my throat while I watch him over the rim of my glass. James always said his little brother was a walking disaster. Impulsive, reckless, and too charming for his own good. Looking at him now, I can see all three qualities radiating off him.
"So," Dice leans forward, his eyes gleaming with mischief, "what kind of trouble are you looking to get into while you're in Pine Haven?"
"Who says I'm looking for trouble?" I ask innocently.
He laughs. "James might be my brother, but I've heard enough stories to know you don't go anywhere without finding it, or creating it."
"Fair point." I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, noticing how his gaze follows the movement. "I'm actually planning to stick around for a while after James gets out. Maybe see what opportunities Pine Haven has to offer."
