That was a rarity and one I planned to enjoy.
With Macy.
I hardly heard any of the details or updates because my mind was so full of her. Last night she’d been so light and carefree, generous with her laughs and her smiles. The way she looked at me this morning when she said she wanted me. Fuck, the way she trusted me with her body and her pleasure. After what she’d gone through I knew what a fucking gift that was.
That was why I hadn’t pushed for more even though my cock really wanted more. A fuck of a lot more.
But there was no rush. I had her back and I had no plans on letting her go.
No matter what.
I didn’t plan to just keep her in my life, I planned to make her mine.
Chapter Twelve
Macy
The clubhouse was… a lot.
Not in a threatening way. It was just overwhelming in the way something big and unfamiliar always was at first. It was like a bar and a pub and a game room all smashed together, layers of noise in the form of laughter, clinking bottles, conversation, and kids playing. The main room was full of camaraderie and family, of a kind of togetherness I’d only ever experienced with Drew.
Men who I learned were prospects, which meant they weren’t full-fledged members of the Steel Demons MC yet, moved around the space with ease and confidence. The women, old ladies and club girls, coexisted as one unit, serving food and drinks, and caring for children as needed. It was more than overwhelming.
What the fuck was more than overwhelming?
Nobody stared or ogled. A few heads had turned my way when I walked in with Drew but that seemed to be more out of curiosity than anything else. Being here the second time was as intimidating as the first.
I wasn’t comfortable, but I was less wary. I still clocked the exits and counted the doors, but not because I was scared of anyone inside these walls, but because I was always looking for a way out. Vigilance had been drilled into me out of necessity years ago, but here I was calmer than most places.
The last time I was here, I hadn’t paid attention to anything beyond the noise and the people. Today I noticed just howlived-inthis place was with scuffed tables, the dartboards, and pool tables that were well maintained, and even the chalkboard menu written in someone’s careful script.
My heart still raced a little faster than normal, but I felt oddly relaxed. Maybe it was the early morning orgasm from Drew. Or maybe it was just because he’d chosen to trust these people which meant, in a way, I’d also chosen that. Or something like that.
Ellie spotted me first, approaching with a smile so bright it almost felt unreal, like she’d stepped out of a fairytale instead of a biker clubhouse. “Hey, Macy. How are you holding up?”
I shrugged. “I’m sleeping better and still alive, so that’s good.” I tilted my head. “How are you?”
“Busy,” she sighed. “There’s always stuff to do here, plus, I’m editing my latest book.” She paused for a moment and I was about to ask her what she wrote, when she continued. “Worrying about you.”
I blinked. “Me? Why are you wasting your time worrying about me?” She didn’t even know me.
She nodded. “Vandal said you left without a lot of clothes.”
My eyes went wide and I felt that old mortification rise up and sting my eyes. “He didn’t.” Instantly I was a teenager again with ratty, old clothes and ill-fitting shoes that made me the subject of scorn and ridicule.
“He did,” she answered with a nod. “I can help if you want?”
Help. I shook my head immediately. Everyone was so nice here, but I didn’t need charity. I also didn’t want to be more of a nuisance than I was already. “I can’t ask you to do that. You have so much to worry about already and you don’t need to add me to that list.” I was done being a burden on the world. I hesitated, then added more honestly. “But you’re right, I do need a few more items. So if you want to help, I would love the names of a few secondhand shops?”
Her smile wavered and surprise flashed in her eyes. “Oh. Yeah. Sure.” She looked away and I couldn’t tell if she was hurt or just disappointed. I was no good at connecting with people, even when I wanted to. Still, she rattled off a few names, still looking unsure. “They have good deals and trendy pieces.”
I didn’t bother telling her I didn’t care about what was trendy, only comfortable and affordable. “Thanks,” I said instead.
“Hey, what’s going on?” Drew asked when he approached.
“Not much,” Ellie smiled. “I was just giving Macy the names of a few secondhand shops in town so she can grab a few things. But it might be better if you took her and got her some decent stuff?”
My gaze narrowed at the woman who onlyappearedto be sweet and innocent. She’d clearly seen through my act. “Traitor,” I murmured under my breath and she laughed.
