Standing up, I saunter around my desk toward him. He pulls me into his body as soon as I’m close and kisses me. My brain scatters when his lips touch mine. I practically climb him as he presses me into the wall. Someone clears their throat, and I realize I never saw Hammer standing behind him.
“Judge, we only got Grave to come out of his cave for a short time. We need to get this taken care of now.”
Lucian lays his forehead against mine before stepping back. “Go get dressed, baby, you’re coming with us.”
I can’t stop myself from jumping up and down. “I get to leave. Woohoo.”
I take off toward Lucian’s impressive closet, spinning around and taking everything in. He made me start unpacking on Sunday, but I would have done it immediately if he hadn’t asked. It’s such a beautiful work of art, I couldn’t stand seeing it messy.
It’s lined in dark, elegant wood, with recessed lighting in each section. It contains a marble-top island that Lucian has already put me on top of. And when I first saw the closet, I doubted him not having a previous relationship because it was set up for a woman, not a man. But he assured me that his mother insisted he needed it. He said she told him that no woman would stay there if she didn’t have some touches catered toward her. One reason why she barely stayed with his father when he was at the clubhouse.
Lucian also tends to live mostly at his place out of town, except right now because of me. Changing so much of his life for me is bothersome, but he says I’m worth it. He says I’m safer here; there are more eyes to keep watch over me.
I get dressed in a pair of boot-cut jeans, a t-shirt, and a leather jacket, slipping Lucian’s cut over it. A pair of black ankle boots finishes off the look. I did my curls yesterday, so just a quick refresh on them before tying them back into a low ponytail that dangles down my back.
When I step out of the bedroom, Lucian is waiting for me. He takes my hand and leads me from the suite. I’m always overwhelmed by the elegance of this place and can’t believe that Lucian’s father purchased it for the club, saving the historic building from being destroyed. I love that even though they’ve gone through and adapted the various areas to their needs and, in some cases, fully remodeled, the bones of the structure still remain.
I feel the guys’ eyes on me as I usually do. None of them seemed off or upset by my presence, but there is at least one guy I hear grumble about me.
Chump, I found out, is a prospect and about a year younger than me. He thinks having a girl here will change how the club runs. I overheard him telling one of the others that soon, Judge would be stopping them from having whores come around. His words, not mine. I was pissed he said that. Loco, who was walking with me at the time, smacked him in the back of the head, telling him to watch it. When he finally looked at me, I could see his disgust.
“Are we going to take the bike?” I ask when we don’t head for Lucian’s truck.
“Yeah, I put the second seat on for you.”
“That’s so cool. I can’t wait.” I told him I’d never ridden a motorcycle before, and Lucian kept making jokes that he would pop that cherry, too.
He hands me a helmet as soon as we round the corner to a large open garage with several bikes out front. Men work on their rides, or some are climbing on, and I notice Loco, Rusty, Chump, Hammer, Hooks, Mal, and Racer are all seated already.
Lucian climbs on first, then balances the bike up off its stand. He reaches out to me after I slip on the helmet he gave me. Taking his hand, I throw my leg over and sit behind him. He shows me where to put my feet on the pegs and then grips me by the back of my knees, pulling me snuggly into his body. I tried to give him some space, but obviously, he wants me close.
“Babe, just do exactly as I do, and not only do I want you up against me, but it will help with the ride.”
“Okay,” I respond.
“Loco, you’re tail gunner,” Lucian says, and we head out.
I squeal and wrap my arms around Lucian, who I can feel laughing. We pull out of the gate and head toward downtown.
I love how small and quaint the town is. We turn off a few times, ending up on a street that parallels Main Street. Lucian pulls to a stop and turns his bike around before backing up to the curb. The other guys, who’ve hung back a bit, do the same.
I sit there for a moment, waiting to see what Lucian has planned. We’re parked in front of a private veterinary practice. It’s on the block, but in its own building rather than attached to the strip of other shops. It has all-glass doors, and the front of the practice is red-stained wood, with light brown trim. Overall, the building gives off a warm, inviting feel.
Another bike approaches, and it turns down the street, backing into a spot I realize is open next to us. The man is older, with gray hair and a beard. He is wearing glasses, jeans, a T-shirt, and his cut. The air is cold, but he has on no outer garments as if he can’t feel it.
He lifts his chin at Lucian, but when he turns to look at me, he smiles and shakes his head. The man stands up after dropping his bike stand. He’s not quite as tall as Lucian, but he’s still not a small guy. Only a couple of men in the club are below six feet.
Lucian helps me off his bike, and I stand there for a moment as he holds onto me.
“First ride,” the guy asks. His voice is raspier, as if he’s smoked for years. He reaches out toward me. “I’m Grave.” I shake his warm, strong hand. “Ignore the hand. I work around an oven all day long,” he comments when I seem surprised by the warmth.
“I’m Evie. Do you work with Gus at the roadhouse?” All the guys, including Grave, chuckle, and I look around, sure I’m missing a joke.
“Not that kind of oven, babe.” Lucian takes my hand. “Everyone, wait here. Except for you, Grave, come on.”
“I don’t agree with this. Why me?”
“You go to the other practices in surrounding towns for Mathews, and you are the acting manager until he comes back. Stop bickering and just suck it up. What makes this place different?” Lucian moves to the entrance and opens the door. A bell dings, and I hear children laughing before a tall, blond woman steps from the back. She’s carrying a tiny girl, maybe about two or three, with red hair.
