“What are you suggesting? That we borrow one of the trucks?”
I shake my head. She thinks for a moment, her brow creased, then her expression flattens out.
“You want me to go on a bike? Your bike?”
I’m not stupid, nor is she. There is a whole heap of traditions and rules in motorcycle clubs and no woman rides on the back of your bike unless she’s claimed, on her way to being an Old Lady, or in danger.
“It’s a compromise I’m willing to make. Are you?” I lean forward a little getting close enough to smell her perfume. “Like you said, we don’t have much time.”
“You think I don’t know what it means, Handlebar?”
I don’t like it when she calls me that, but I guess if we’re doing this, then those are the roles we need to take. My brow arches, waiting for her to make up her mind. Maybe having her along will help. Or maybe I like the thought of her riding at my back. Stupid.
I shove my phone in the pocket of my overalls. I’ll need to change.
“If it makes you feel better, we can meet away from the compound so no one sees.” Her nose wrinkles as she thinks. “What’s it gonna be?”
“I’ll meet you at Waverley’s gym. I can leave my car there.”
I nod and without a word we split apart to do what we need to.
Waverley’s gym is fifteen minutes away from the compound and Cassie is waiting when I pull to a stop. She gets out of the car and walks over, eyeing the bike with apprehension. She grew up in the life but women don’t get to ride. This is going to be her first time. My chest swells at the thought. I climb off and take out the second helmet I brought for her.
“Have you ever crashed before?”
“You serious?” I laugh.
“Bikes are dangerous.”
“So are staircases.”
“Very funny.”
She’s nervous. Making fun of her isn’t going to make this easier. “I’ve never had an accident and don’t intend to with you on the bike, Cassie. I would never put you in danger.”
We stare at each other, unspoken words passing between us. She pulls back first, and the disappointment runs through me again.
She listens as I explain how riding works, that she needs to lean with me, not fight the tilt of the bike. And that holding on tight isn’t an option.
Once her helmet is on, I get on the bike and help her get behind me. Instantly my heart rate picks up. Get your shit together, this is a necessity, not a statement. She wraps her arms around me with no hesitation after I start the bike. I’m not sure if it’s her following the rules or being scared of the rumble of the engine beneath her.
Before I pull on my helmet, I turn my head as far as I can and take hold of one of her hands.
“You need a break, tap my leg,” I use our joined hands to show what I mean. “It’s a long ride. I’m used to it but you aren’t so don’t worry about asking.”
She nods and I release her hand to take the handles. She clasps them on my stomach and now I know what some of the other brothers have talked about before. Your cock getting hard while riding isn’t as fun as you think it would be.
We have an important job to do and facing the first people who took me in without question makes my stomach flutter. This isn’t going to be easy.
Cassie follows the instructions I gave her and the ride is smooth. I try to focus only on the road, not where we’re headed, or how she grips me a little tighter when we take a turn, or speed up on the open highway.
She surprises me by not wanting to stop for a break, even when I ask her when we’re at a red light.
“Let’s just get there,” she says.
I’m not sure if it’s because she wants to speak to them as soon as possible, or she wants this to be over.
I’ve been to this fairground before so know the way once we’re off the main roads. I pull to a stop a little way back from the actual carnival. It’s mid-afternoon, so quieter than it will be later. Things usually pick up in the evening, when it gets dark and more exciting on the rides with all their lights and flowing alcohol, people there on dates. It’s the family crowd that usually starts the day off early.
