From what Ryan had mentioned when we ate lunch, there were four Biloxi brothers I hadn’t met last night, but from the lengthy line-up of motorcycles parked behind the clubhouse, there had to be over two dozen more bikers here than last night.
“That’s a lot of bikes,” I said, as Ryan powered off the engine.
“It’s Saturday.More brothers are free today than on a weekday, and all the Devil Lancers are here, now that they don’t have to follow Bridge and Sig.”
He led me across the backyard to where some men were gathered around a large pot drinking beer.
One of the men turned his head to us.He had hair that was an attractive light brown with a heavy hint of red.In profile, he had a well-defined jaw, and a goatee surrounding his lips.A calculating gleam hit his eyes as he watched us approach.
Ryan slung an arm around my shoulders.“Har.Sorry we missed you last night.”
Har turned to us fully.I saw his cut had a patch beneath his road name that indicated he was a chapter president.
“Nickel, it’s been too damn long,” Har said, reaching a hand out toward Ryan.
Ryan let go of me to shake Har’s hand, and get a loud back-clap from Har.
Another man stood close by who was about two inches taller than Har.He had dark hair, but it was shot through with hints of gray.This man had bulk to spare, and that alone made him intimidating.
Ryan stepped away from Har and looked at the other man.“Brute, it’s good to see you.”
“Gamble wasn’t kidding,” Brute said, his eyes fixed on me.
Ryan turned his head to me and back to Brute.“What do you mean?”
A mischievous smile curled Brute’s lips and he shook his head.“You’ll have to ask Gamble.”He stepped toward me with a hand outstretched.“I’m Brute.It’s great to meet you, Ivy.”
I shook his hand and was pleasantly surprised at his grip – not too firm, but not limp either.“It’s nice to meet you, too.”
Ryan introduced me to Cynic and Roman.
The group went silent and the men exchanged glances.
Cynic dragged his thumb and forefinger along his goatee.“Do you run, Ivy?”
My smile faltered and I turned a questioning look to Ryan before meeting Cynic’s gaze.“Not if I can help it.Why?”
Cynic’s deep chuckled filled the air.“Just curious.”
The others were grinning and I turned to Ryan.“What am I missing?”
Ryan gave a slow head shake.“Mom likes to run.Some people say it’s part of how she and Dad met.”His eyes cut through the group.“But I say that’s bullshit.Her being a lawyer had everything to do with it.”
There was movement on the concrete patio and I saw Alexandra heading our way.“I told you they were here,” she called over her shoulder to Bluff.
She hurried to us and grabbed my hand, but looked at the Biloxi brothers.“Sorry, but I’m stealing her.She has lots of people to meet, and not a lot of time before people are too blotto.”
“Or high, if you’re taking her to meet any Devil Lancers,” Cynic muttered.
Alexandra shifted her gaze to Ryan.“Nickel, we’ll be in the common room.Don’t worry.”
My man locked eyes with me.“Stick by her side, babe.”
I nodded and Alexandra tugged me away.
“First, what are you drinking?Wine or beer?”
“I’m thinking beer,” I said.
