“Maybe you’re right,” I relent, playing devil's advocate in my head. “But I can’t force Indy to feel the same. There’s a chance I could lose both Indy and Dylan if this doesn’t work out. It isn’t a guarantee that Indy will be willing to putusfirst.”
“Nothing in life is guaranteed. You just have to decide what you’re willing to risk in the pursuit of getting what you want.”Jensen folds his arms over his chest, and I study my friend, wondering if he’s ever had to fight for someone he loves. I don’t have a doubt in my mind that he’d go after whoever caught his heart full force.
Running my tongue over my teeth, I think about what he’s said, then nod a couple times slowly. “True.”
“What can I get for you boys?” A smooth, feminine voice overtakes our conversation, and a warm hand slides across my shoulders. Looking up, a stunning brunette smiles down at me and winks. She’s covered in tattoos and has a confident air that surrounds her.
Based on Indy’s description, I know this is her boss and Andromeda’s owner, Rosie.
“Goddamn,” Jensen mutters under his breath, gaze roving over Rosie’s body.
She rolls her eyes, her fingernails drumming against my shoulder. “Drinks? Or are you just going to sit here and drool over my punk princess all night?”
“You two know each other?” There’s a sparkle of curiosity in Jensen’s eye, and he quirks a brow at me in question.
“No, we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet.” A smile pulls at Rosie’s lips as she juts her hand out between us. “Hi, I’m Rosie.”
“Hey, Rosie.” I shake her hand, then nod across the table. “I’m Gareth. This is Jensen.”
“Fellas. Great to meet you. Now, what are we drinking tonight?”
“What’s your beer situation look like?” Jensen asks, leaning back in his seat.
Rosie shifts closer to him, removing her hand from my back and moving her opposite hand to rest on his shoulder while she tells him what they have on tap.
But I stop listening whenZachwalks up to the other bikers at the bar—to Indy. He leans against the corner since there’s no open seats, and she immediately starts to pour him a glass. Her smile is warm as she passes it to him. Jealousy flares to life inside of me again, rage brewing beneath the surface.
Thisguy. Thisfuckingguy is who’s standing between me and the love of my life.
Jensen must feel the energy shift because the conversation that was buzzing around me immediately dies.
“Is that the guy?” Jensen asks, and I don’t need to look at him to know where his line of vision has fallen.
The muscle in my jaw tightens. “Yeah. That’s Zach.”
Jensen nods, and Rosie’s laughter rings out beside me, reminding me we’re in mixed company—with Indy’s boss of all people.
I can’t look away from Indy chatting with the bikers and watch as she glances at Zach a couple of times. For a brief moment, her eyes flicker to mine, but then she pulls her gaze back tohim.
“Think she calls him daddy?” Jensen laughs, obviously trying to make light of the situation, but I seeredat the very idea of her calling some giant fucking biker dude daddy.
“Oh myGod.” Rosie explodes with laughter, her palm hitting the high-top table, barely able to contain herself.
“She’s definitely not calling him daddy. He’s more like Andromeda’s father figure—the king of this castle.” She nudges me in the shoulder, forcing me to look at her. She tosses me a wink. “Plus, I’m the only one who gets to call him that.”
Our heads snap in her direction, and she shrugs, but doesn’t offer anything more.
Now I’m the one who’s confused.
Jensen and I look around at each other like one of us might know what the hell is going on, but we all wear the same puzzled expression.
“I’ll go grab your drinks, boys.” She waves her hand dismissively and saunters away, making a point to say hello to a couple neighboring tables as she passes.
“Usually I can get a good read on people when I meet them”—Jensen purses his lips—“but I can’t quite figure her out.” He stares off after Rosie.
I bark a laugh. “That’s Indy’s boss. She owns the place.”
“What did she mean byshe’sthe one who calls him daddy? Is she screwing Indy’s boyfriend?” Jensen wonders out loud. “Are they in an open relationship?”
