Page 2 of High Velocity

He remained silent, and Charli tried not to squirm under his intense gaze.

“You’re hired.”

Everyone turned at the raspy sound of Owen Ferris’s voice, Roark and Bradley’s father, who stood next to Charli’s dad, Liam Campbell.Despite the warm weather, both were dressed in their standard boots, blue jeans, white t-shirts, and leather cuts which proudly displayed the emblem of their Motorcycle Club, Sons of Sin.The SoS insignia was a winged skull wearing a helmet.Or, brain bucket, as they’re often referred.

Charli had always been fascinated with the concept of the club when she’d been old enough to understand it.The way the various people came together as one big family, caring for one another, supporting one another.Summertime and the occasional school breaks over the past handful of years were the only time she’d gotten to experience the lifestyle.Charli was just lucky to have the time she did with her dad and the MC.She hoped to convince her mom to grant more.Much more.

“Hey, Mr.Ferris,” Charli said in greeting.“Hey, Dad.”

“So, want the job?”Owen said.“Help keep these boys running in tip-top shape?”

Charli looked at her dad then back to the Enforcer of the Sons of Sin.The man responsible for handling security for the Club, along with other duties.Her dad was their Sergeant at Arms—SAA—ensuring the rules of the Club were followed.He also managed events and meetings and dealt with any conflicts within the Club.

He and the Enforcer often worked hand-in-hand with tasks, and that was why her dad and Owen were best friends despite their fourteen-year age difference.

She received a nod and a grin from her dad and beamed.“I’d love the job!”

“What job?Washing our grubby clothes and scrubbing toilets?”This came from Todd who’d been forgotten.“Isn’t that all she’s good for?”

Her dad and Owen turned, scowling at the little shithead.Todd seemed to realize his mistake as his eyes nearly bulged out of his chubby face when he glanced at their leather cuts.Before he had a chance to say another word or turn tail and run, Owen clasped his shoulder and gave a noticeably not-so-gentle squeeze.

Charli had to cover her mouth to prevent the welling chuckle from escaping.

Owen leaned down to hold Todd’s gaze.“This young lady is one helluva mechanic and has more brains than you’ll ever encounter.And if I so much as hear another squeak outta you saying a negative thing about her or anyone in my family, you’ll be sorry.And you’ll never step foot in this arena again.Is that clear?”When Todd remained mute, probably scared out of his mind, Owen squeezed a bit more until the boy winced.“Is.That.Clear?”

“Yeah, yes, sir.Clear.”

Owen released him and grinned.“Good.Now that we understand each other, get outta here.”

Todd tripped in his haste to scramble away.When he regained his feet, he ran faster than Charli had thought possible.Once out of sight, laughter rang out.

Owen winked at Charli.“I’m usually not one to intimidate a minor, but for that little turd and his uncouth words directed at you, happy to make an exception.”

Charli’s dad laughed harder.“Poor boy probably pissed himself.”

“Serves him right,” Bradley said.“Little prick.”

“All right,” Roark interjected.“Go race and beat the little shit.”

“Gladly!”Bradley grabbed the handlebars and flipped up the kick stand.“Thanks, CC.See you from the winner’s podium.”

“Sure thing, Gunner.”

Bradley smiled broader at the nickname just as Owen yelled, “Maith Ádh mór.”Good luck.

“Don’t need luck when I’ve got skill,” Bradley said.“And a great mechanic,” he added, winking at Charli.And then he rode off.

Charli huffed with laughter, but when her gaze caught Roark’s, there was no hint of humor on his face.His dark eyes held hers for a moment before the corners eventually wrinkled with a smile.

“Thanks for tuning up his bike.”

“Um, yeah, no problem.Easy as pie.”

“Hmm,” Roark simply hummed before turning away.

“CC, come have a soda with me and your old man while we watch my boy.”

“Yes, sir.”