Could it be the Kings’ property line? According to the directions, it had to be where the clubhouse was located.
Why did a club need to be so well protected?
I tried to dial into the radio. Sara Evans was singing “A Little Bit Stronger.” Boy, talk about a relatable song. It could have been my anthem during the months leading to mine and Brock’s breakup.
It was stupid to believe I could change a man. But since Brock, I’d gotten stronger. I was okay and if there was to be a new guy, he’d better put me first and accept my brother. Those were my two deal-breakers. I wouldn’t spend years learning about a guy like I had with Brock.
At thirty, I didn’t want to waste a second on the wrong guy hoping he’d turn out to be the right guy.
Slowing my car as I neared an iron gate, my heart pounded in my chest. I had major second thoughts about coming out here. They didn’t need me. The drugged woman would be fine. Hector had already examined her.
I wasn’t needed.
I should turn around and go home…
Before I could speed off or turn my car around, a guard appeared from behind a concrete wall. He had a rifle in his hands and a scowl.
Oh, shit! Too late.
Stupid, stupid, stupid!Never hesitate, Kel!
The scary looking man approached my car and gestured with his finger for me to roll down the window.
Recalling my brother’s words about bikers giving orders and not options, I didn’t balk and lowered my window.
“Hi,” I said with a forced smile, trying to hide my unease. “I’m Kelly. The nurse Hector sent to help the woman.”
The man in loose, faded jeans and a black leather vest considered me. “Identification.”
“Oh. Okay.” I nodded and dug my wallet out of my bag.
Did this guy not believe I was the nurse Hector sent? Like how would I know anything about it, if Hector hadn’t contacted me? I didn’t feel comfortable showing him my driver’s license, but did I have a choice?
“Can’t find it?” he asked.
“Nope. I mean, yes. Here it is.” I presented my wallet and when he tried to take it out of my hand, my grip on it tightened.
He growled and thankfully let go. “Kelly Lloyd,” he said my name in a weird way and studied my I.D., flicking his dark eyes at me, then my license.
“Mhm.” I gave him the fakest smile I could produce under duress. “That’s me.”
“This has a San Francisco address.” It wasn’t a question. “Is that where you live?”
“No. I moved here a few months ago and haven’t gotten the address updated.” My stomach tightened under his scrutiny. I’djust been so busy that I forgot to go to the DMV, which was always a nightmare to deal with in California.
“Height. Five five. Weight. One sixty-two.” He peered into my car to check me out. “Nice.”
“Excuse me?” I’d had enough of this. “What does my weight have to do with letting me in? A woman has been drugged for Christ’s sake. If you’re not going to let me in, move out of the way so I can leave.”
“What the fuck is the hold up? Slay is getting pissed off,” a man yelled. He stalked toward the gate and grabbed onto the bars. His fingers looked rough and I could see tattoos on his tan arms. He was handsome, in a gritty slasher movie sort of way, and he was also wearing a leather vest.
“Just checking out the goods before everyone else stakes their claim on this beauty, Jefe.” The guy took a couple steps back. “I’m Dom. After you get Slay’s woman sorted out, come find me.”
“She won’t have time,” Jefe yelled. “Now, open the gate!”
Dom didn’t reply and strolled back to his post. The iron gate magically opened and the man in the compound waved me in and pointed to left side. I assumed he wanted me to park my car next to a couple of motorcycles.
I swallowed thickly and sent a quick text to Kevin, letting him know I’d arrived.
