Elias almost felt sorry for them. They wouldn’t know what hit them if Dutch asked Seth to lead the group in physical training.
“You know, that’s not a bad idea,” Dutch said. He turned to Seth. “Do you keep up the same routine away from your home base?”
“Yes, sir. Our president insists on it.”
“Have you done your exercise routine this morning?”
Seth shook his head. “Why?”
“Would you mind taking the Blackthorn Riders along when you do your exercises?”
And there it was, the request that would make enemies of the Blackthorn members. None of them would thank the operatives for having to work out each morning.
Seth smiled. “I’d love to bring them along. It will be fun for all of us.”
Right. Elias could think of many things more fun than PT.
Dutch beamed. “As soon as your Old Ladies have some time on the bikes, you can start my people on their new routine.”
“You know, Z is right in the thick of training with us. You should join us, Dutch. That way you’ll know what we do every day, and you can create your own routine based on ours.”
The other MC leader was already shaking his head. “Oh, I don’t think so.”
“That is a great idea,” Iona said. She let her gaze coast over Dutch from head to toe. “Not that you need training, Dutch, but seeing you set the example for your people, that just gets to me.” She pressed her hand to her heart. “I love powerful leaders, don’t you?”
“Ah, well, as a matter of fact, I do. How did you know?”
She laughed. “Oh, leadership power is so attractive, especially in a man who is fit.” Iona turned her gaze to Elias. “A powerful leader is exactly why I fell head over heels for Elias.He reminds me of you, Dutch.” She sighed. “Trish is a blessed woman to have you.”
The more she praised Dutch, the more relaxed and puffed up he grew.
Elias glanced at Seth. Amusement sparked in his eyes. Yep, exactly how Elias felt about this conversation. Dutch could look at Iona, but not touch her. If he touched Iona, all bets were off.
Teagan released Seth and stretched with her arms above her head. “So, Dutch, are you ready for us?”
Dutch smirked at Teagan and Iona. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m always ready for beautiful women.”
The women laughed as though he’d said something funny. Their eyes, though, told a different tale. They weren’t amused at all. Although the men of Blackthorn wouldn’t know the truth, Elias saw the disgust in Iona’s eyes.
Satisfaction filled his gut. He didn’t want Iona to be comfortable flirting with other men. Yeah, he knew that was a double standard. He’d done his fair share of flirting to get the information he needed on missions or undercover assignments. Elias had a feeling his days of flirting were over. The idea of pretending to flirt with a woman other than Iona was distasteful to him and had been since he met her. He hoped Maddox understood his reservations.
Iona and Teagan headed for the motorcycles along with their teammates. One of the Blackthorn Riders rubbed his hands together.
“So, ladies, which one of you wants to learn to ride a motorcycle first?”
Teagan sauntered up to Seth’s bike and stroked the gleaming handlebars with her hand. “That would be me.”
“Well, hop on the bike, little lady, and I’ll show you what to do.”
She flashed him a grin. “Oh, it’s sweet of you to offer, but I already have a teacher lined up.”
Seth stepped up, captured her chin with his palm, and brushed his mouth over hers. A moment later, he broke the kiss, and the lesson began.
Elias watched the proceedings with interest, as did the rest of their teammates. Minutes later, Teagan rode down the dirt road through the orange-cone path the MC members laid out for the women, successfully turned in a broad circle, and returned to her starting point. After turning off the engine, she smiled at her husband.
“Well, how did I do?”
“You’re a natural,” Seth said and kissed his wife. After settling her against his side, he glanced at the other women of Artemis. “Who’s next?”
