My mom is wiping her eyes. My brother has his arm around Melissa. Everyone is smiling and happy. My own smile slips. I made a conscious decision to focus on my career a few years ago.
This is the life I am happy leading. For a moment, just a split second, I wish I had someone with me.
Not a date. Something more.
Chapter Three
Eli (Handlebar)
Mace sits at a table near the door to the clubhouse. He’s with Talon, his VP and a few other guys from their club. Two of them are members here but King put a few of our guys over at their clubhouse. He said it’s to help integrate them. I’m sure Mace doesn’t believe that.
The keys to his bike are in my pocket. He hasn’t asked about it and we haven’t even spoken, but the bike is fixed. I hide a grin as I turn away, not quite ready to hand them over.
The party is still going strong. The bride and groom disappeared at one point, then returned looking disheveled enough to cause riotous applause from the brothers.
King toasted them both, uncharacteristically laughing and cheering at them ‘consummating’ their marriage. She’s dancing with a few of the other women now. My eyes seek out Cassie who is with them, her face dewy with perspiration.
It is getting cooler now the sun has set, but it’s still damn hot. Her dress flares out at the bottom as she dances. It is sexy as hell, with a cut out down the center of her chest, showing serious cleavage.
Fuck she is something else, beautiful, confident and not afraid to let loose with her friends.
I drag my eyes from her and straighten up when War comes to stand beside me, grabbing a beer from the cooler on the ground. He nods at me, and I return it.
“He’s in for a hell of a life tying himself to her,” War says with a chuckle.
“Ah, she ain’t so bad,” I grin.
“Thank Christ they live off compound though,” War mutters. “I’m gonna be heading out in a couple of days, you alright to check the bike?”
“Sure,” I nod. “Is there a problem?”
“No, nothing like that. I just want it to be in its best condition.”
War won’t tell me where he is going or what business he has away from the club. I’d given his bike a once over a few months ago, fixed a few issues. It should still be running like a dream, but I get it. If he is going long distance.
“Bring it by in the morning. I’ve finished a job and am still waiting on parts for something else so I can fit it in.”
“Thanks, appreciate that.”
We make small talk until one of the new club girls comes over. They aren’t shy and this chick makes it clear she’ll be happy with either or both of us if we want. I’ve seen War with a couple of the club girls recently, but he isn’t interested. He slaps my shoulder as if to say she’s all mine then walks away.
Molly is young, probably around twenty-two or three, way too young for me. If I do hook up with anyone, it is always women more around my age. Feels weird going with someone I consider a kid. She is nice enough, good looking with short blonde hair and big blue eyes. I haven’t fucked anyone for a few months and don’t intend to start now.
I happen to glance up and see Cassie looking over. She isn’t dancing anymore, she’s at a table with Waverley and a couple of the other girlfriends.
Her eyes scan over Molly as she leans into me, one hand resting on my abs. Whether Cassie wants to admit it or not, the look in her eye says she isn’t happy about it.
“Want to dance?” Molly asks, drawing my eyes away from Cassie.
“I don’t dance, sugar.”
“Well, there is something else we could do.” She bats false lashes at me.
“And what might that be?” I arch a brow.
“Oh, you know… Anything,” she whispers into my ear.
“That right?”
