I’d hate for her to leave the clubhouse. I really need to make sure she’s okay when she comes here.
I’ll be there soon.
I put my phone in my pocket and stroll to my bike. I feel like I’m high. I left Rose only an hour ago, but I’m antsy to see her again. She’s intoxicating. I just hope she wants to sleep in my bed. I had such a good night’s sleep when she was next to me. That’s some of the reason I exercise so much—to wipe myself out so I can sleep okay—but with her, I slept like a log. She says I make her feel safe. Well, she makes me feel... feel something. I just can’t put my finger on what.
I curse myself and think of what Ava said. If Rose wants to sleep in a spare room at the clubhouse, well, I have to offer that to her. I’m not going to like it, but I need to focus on her and not myself. For so long it’s just been me, but things are different now. Those boobs, that round ass, those hips... I lick my lips. I need to calm the fuck down.
My heart races.Damnnn... she’s got me all nervous and shit.I’ve always been confident with women, but I guess I’ve never had to try before. With Rose I’m going to have to pull out all the stops. I want to prove that I’m more than just a biker and a fighter. That she’s safe with me. I’ll protect her. I’d walk through hell for her because she’s someone special. She’d be worth the pain.
SEVEN
THE WAR BROTHERS MC CLUBHOUSE
Rose
I’ve been reassuredthat the people at the clubhouse are great people. They rescue women and children from bad situations. But my nerves are throttling me. I’m sitting on the bed. My leg is bouncing a thousand miles an hour, and I’m contemplating my life choices. I’m about to go to a friggin’ motorcycle club.
“Rose.”
My name being called out makes me jump. I’m on edge. Zara is making her way over to me, and the bed dips beside me when she sits.
“You don’t have to go,” she says gently. “You can stay here. I can call Rage and let him know.”
“I’ll be okay. I feel safe with him. I’m just worried about meeting everyone. I’m usually a homebody. I don’t have a lot of friends. Meeting new people, especially motorcycle club members, is just intimidating, that’s all. And what do I call him, Theo or Rage?”
She smiles warmly. “You have nothing to worry about. They may look big and scary, but the men are all softies. The mendon’t help me with the shelter because I asked. They help because they’re good people and they care. No one calls him Theo, but it’s up to you.”
“Okay, Rage it is.” I pause. “What about the women?” I ask, cringing. According to all the shows set in motorcycle clubs that I’ve watched, some of the women are bitchy. All of that drama is not my scene. Never has been, never will be.
Zara chuckles. “They’re honestly amazing. I don’t have many friends either, but those women have become my family. They’re supportive and kind. You’ll fit right in, but I’ll give you a few pointers on a couple of the people living there. You’ll be walking into a big mix of personalities.”
“Yes, please tell me.” I lean forward, listening to every word.
“Okay, for the club members: My husband is Bomber. When you meet him, he’ll appear angry, but he’s not. He just has resting bitch face.” She giggles. “Axle will tease you and joke around. He’s harmless, but be prepared for him to be in your face and want to know all your business. Demon is... umm...” She flinches slightly, and I don’t like the look on her face. “He’s just gone through a lot of trauma, so he’s quiet. He may do odd things on occasion, like”—she winces—“flick his knife around. But he’d never hurt anyone... in the clubhouse, that is.”
Okay, so he hurts people outside the clubhouse. Mental note: Stay away from Demon.
There’s a softness on her face when she says, “The rest are nice and friendly, and easy to talk to. All the women are fantastic. Sophie is probably the most outgoing. She can be direct and blunt and make inappropriate comments, but she means no harm. She’s very funny.”
I take a moment to process everything. They sound like they have their own quirks, but again, if they’re nice to me, then it will all be okay.I think...
“So you know, the club still has two sweet butts remaining in the clubhouse.”
I give her an odd look. “A what?”
She tries to keep a straight face. “A sweet butt. Basically, they’re women who are there for the single men to have a good time with and to help around the clubhouse with cleaning and cooking in exchange for food and a roof over their heads.”
I gawk at her, my jaw practically hitting the floor.
“I’m called an ol’ lady because I have a partner who’s in the club. Some people with partners are married, but some aren’t, and two women have children. Everyone’s nice, though.”
My face twists in disgust. I’m going to the clubhouse because I feel safe with Rage and I enjoy spending time with him, but what if he wants to screw other women? And he can—he’s single—but I’m not that sort of girl. I’ll struggle if he’s amazing and comforting me one minute, then sleeping with another girl afterward. My mouth is dry. I really didn’t think this through. I hardly know the guy.
Zara gently elbows me. “Rage is here,” she whispers, snapping me out of my spiraling thoughts.
My heart pounds. Rage is walking toward us with a big goofy grin. My stomach flutters as a gnawing apprehension grips me. I stand to greet him.
Rage’s grin fades as he reaches me, his brows furrowing. “Hey, what’s wrong?” he asks, his voice soft.
