“Do you know where he is? I thought he was working today, but I went by the horse barn and no one was around. He didn’t answer his door either.”
“I don’t have a clue where he is. Did you call him?” I asked.
“No, I didn’t want him to know I was coming,” she explained.
“...thanks, Dad,” Ember said, cell phone in her hand. She looked over to us. “He’s at the clubhouse. Do you want me to drive you over there?”
“Yes, thank you. Reese, are you coming, too?” Harper asked, begging me with her eyes.
“Nope. I don’t want to take James to the clubhouse this late in the day, especially since it’s the weekend. There’s too much smoke and other debauchery for him to be around.”
“I bet Coal’s mom would be happy to watch him. She loves little James.” Thank you, Ember.
I flopped down on the bed and started combing out my hair. “Fine. Call her and see.”
Thirty minutes later, we dropped James off with Mrs. Martin and were on our way to the clubhouse. I didn’t want to see Duke, but knew I inevitably would. That meant I had to dress carefully. I wanted to look good, but not look like I tried to look good. I wore my cutoff jean shorts and a black Blackwings MC tank top that was probably a size too small, but did wonderful things for my boobs. Since the outfit was so casual, I did my eye makeup a little heavier than usual. Leaving my hair down, I styled it in subtle beachy waves. For the first time since the accident, I felt good about myself.
That feeling lasted until we walked into the common room of the clubhouse. I knew they would be having a party, they always did on Friday nights, but I thought they would just be getting started since it was only a few minutes after 8pm. Apparently, they got started a little early tonight. Several of the brothers already had club whores in their laps or crawling all over them, most of which were barely clothed. One of those brothers was none other than Duke.
Fuck.
This.
Shit.
“There’s your brother,” I snapped at Harper and gestured toward the fuck nugget with the whore on his lap. “I’m out.” I turned with a wobble and did my best to storm off down the hall.
I was not going to cry. We weren’t together. He could do whatever or whoever he wanted. I just didn’t want to see it. I needed a drink, but there was no way in hell I was going back in the common room. Not just because of Duke. I also noticed a whore pawing at my brother and trying to climb in his lap, which meant it wasn’t safe for me to go hang out in his room. Damn it. I never should have agreed to come with them.
I pushed through the back door, hoping no one was fucking in the pool. I breathed a sigh of relief when I didn’t see anyone else around. Closing my eyes, I tilted my head to the sky. Why was my life so complicated?
“What are you doing out here?” a deep voice asked from behind me, close behind me.
I screamed and whirled around, nearly falling over thanks to my booted foot. “Shaker! You asshole, you scared the hell out of me!”
He grinned. “Yeah, that’s what I was trying to do.”
“Bastard.”
“Brat.”
“Go away.”
“But I brought you something. You don’t want it?” he asked, taunting me.
I didn't have the patience for his crap. “What is it?”
He handed a bottle to me. “Tequila.”
“Hell yes! You got limes and salt?” I asked, my night suddenly looking up.
“Of course.” He reached inside his cut and pulled out two limes, a salt shaker, and a shot glass.
“I think I’m in love with you.”
“I know. My thoughtfulness and my handsome face make me irresistible. Oh, and let’s not forget my rockin’ body.” He flexed his biceps and smiled widely.
I couldn’t help but giggle. He could be standoffish at first, but once you got to know him, he was hilarious.
