This club issmall.
As Haole said,not a lot goes on here,and it’s obvious. Certainly, not the kinds of drama we see on the mainland. So they don’t need as many bodies as we do. This feels more like a group of guys hanging out together to have a good time than a Defiance club. Don’t get me wrong, I know they could kick some serious ass if they needed to, but there’s no edge of danger here.
Turning off the engine, I smile at Kaia. “Here we go.”
We hop out of the car and walk toward the entrance. The doors are open, and as I go to walk inside, Kaia slaps her hand on my chest almost violently, stopping me from taking my first step inside the clubhouse. I glance down at her, furrowing my brows as she takes off her shoes, then places them on the rack outside the door, where a bunch of other shoes are located.
I scrunch my brows and let out a snort. “You’re kiddin’?”
She grins, glancing down at my feet. “You’re in my country now, baby. You have to do as I say. Take off your boots.”
I scrub at my beard. “What the fuck for?”
“Because it’s tradition. It is considered rude to enter someone’s home wearing shoes. Now, get those bootsoff.”
Groaning, I bend over, yank off my boots and socks, then place them on the rack next to Kaia’s sandals. “Happy?”
She smiles, leans on her toes, and kisses my cheek. “Very. Now c’mon, let’s meet the brothers.” Kaia yanks me through the clubhouse doors, where the smell of something cinnamon wafts through the air, and my stomach growls in appreciation. The clubhouse appears more like a resort than a biker hangout. The walls are white with gray accents, bamboo fans hang from the ceilings, and a giant skylight sits in the middle of the clubhouse, letting the beautiful Hawaiian sun through. A slow smile crosses my face as I spot the telltale pool table and dart board. The bar is over by the other wall, lined with bamboo, giving it that exotic Hawaiian Island feel.
Even potted palms in the corners make this place feel—I don’t know—loved?—like someone loves to take care of the place.
“Hui!”A gentle but motherly voice gains our attention as she steps out of what I assume is the kitchen. “Your poi cinnamon rolls are ready. Come get ‘em while they’re still warm.” She’s short and curvy, but her smile and general aura light up the entire room. And the way the guys all turn to her, smiling in appreciation when she called out to them, lets me know she is a much-loved club member. She is probably the reason this place is so immaculate.
Kaia smiles at me, inhaling deeply. “Do you think we should interrupt?”
I dip my chin, clearing my throat. “Sorry, brothers, don’t mean to be a pain in the ass. Just wanted to let y’all know we’ve arrived.”
The woman slaps the hands of one of the guys who was going to grab a second cinnamon roll, and he chuckles as she walks past them, heading for us with the plate. “Aloha, welcome to Oahu Defiance. I’m Aunty Malia. We are so pleased you are here with us. Our president, Pono, is in a meeting, but he will be out shortly to greet you. In the meantime, please make yourselves at home and enjoy one of my famous cinnamon rolls.”
Kaia smiles so wide, her shoulders bob up and down in excitement. “I’m Kaia. I’m so freakin’ excited to be here,” she replies, eagerly taking one of the sweet-smelling treats without hesitation.
I smile at Malia. “Nice to meet ya. I’m Hurricane, President of NOLA Defiance. This is a great place you have here,” I tell her.
Kaia takes a huge bite of the roll, letting out a moan that should only be reserved for when I fuck her.
My eyes widen, and Malia chuckles. “I’m glad you approve. Would you like one, Hurricane?”
I put my hand up as if to say no, but Kaia stares me down with a glare that if she could shoot lasers, I’d be dead right now. So, instead of dropping my hand, I grab one. “Thank you, Malia.”
Kaia groans in disapproval.
Malia chuckles, placing her hand on Kaia’s shoulder. “It’s okay, sweetheart. He doesn’t know our culture and customs. He can call me Malia.”
My eyes widen as I turn to Kaia for guidance.I never fucking know what I’m doing wrong.She shakes her head, turning to me. “No, he’s here in your country, in your clubhouse. He can learn. Hurricane, you need to call her Aunty Malia or just Aunty. It’s a respect thing.”
Respect is something I can do.
“My apologies. I know a little bit about Hawaiian culture, being married to Kaia, but having never been here and seeing it all firsthand, I’m a newbie to all this. I apologize, Aunty Malia.”
“Oh, sweetheart, there is nothing to forgive. Come, let’s meet the others.” She turns and starts walking toward the other guys while I glance at Kaia and grimace. “Was I a real dick just now?”
She chuckles. “No, you’re doing fine. Just take a bite of the roll before we meet the brothers.”
Nodding, I bring the sugary treat to my lips and take a huge bite. The coconut milk cream cheese glaze hits my lips first, andthe cinnamon bursts as I chew into the soft center of the roll. My head snaps to Kaia, and she chuckles, grinning at me like she understands the heaven that has exploded in my mouth.
“Fuck me!” I groan through my mouthful.
She licks her fingers clean, devouring the last of hers as we follow Malia to the other guys by the pool table. As we approach, I scarf the last of my roll down, and they all turn, smiling big, happy grins. Malia steps up to them, jabbing one of them in the ribs. He jumps up and spins, turning to face us. He’s the size of a damn truck. His muscles are massive but stocky, and tribal tattoos cover his body, but he has a kind face beneath all the alarming stature.
