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Chapter Eleven
Rowan
“You headed to bed?” I ask Lincoln as he stumbles off of his bar stool with Tate trying her best to support his large body against her own. He has been posted up there since dinner ended and it’s just been the three of us for the past hour as I read my book on the couch and waited for him to decide that he was done. It felt like a damn eternity, especially when I couldn’t stop thinking about the lingering looks Travis shot me all night long when no one was looking or the way he pressed me up against the wall and kissed me senseless when we both ended up in the back hallway alone. I shiver as I remember the way his hand slid up under my shirt as his lips consumed mine.
“Yeah, you should, too,” Lincoln slurs and I nod as I look back down at my book. Yeah, that’s not going to happen for a while. I have plans. My mind drifts back to dinner and I can’t help but smile. At first, the guys were outraged that we would even suggest something like going out to a club for Piper’s bachelorette party when Warren was on the loose and actively coming after the club but after some convincing and a tiny bit of ass kissing, they came around. They agreed to let us go out as long as we all stayed together and we listened to everything they said. I’m pretty sure that last part has nothing to do with Warren but whatever. We’re all excited for the chance to get out and have some fun.
“Night,” Tate calls as they head for the stairs. I smile at her as she glances back at me and winks. What the hell? “Don’t stay up too late.”
Oh, shit, does she know?
“Night,” I tell her, proud of how steady my voice sounds when internally I’m freaking out. Whatever, it’s a problem for another day. Besides, I’m fairly certain that Tate would protect my secret. I motion to my brother as he leans into her more. “And good luck.”
She scoffs. “Yeah, thanks.”
As they start up the stairs, I pretend to read the page in front of me but the entire time, I’m very aware of their progress and as soon as I hear their door close, I throw the blanket off of my legs and climb off the couch. With my book in my hand, I practically run across the room to the theater, eager to see Travis. Once I’m inside, I close the door behind me and lock it before walking over to my suitcase. During dinner, I had the best idea to surprise him and I can’t wait to see his face when he sees it. Riffling through the clothes, I find the one I’m looking for and hold it up with a grin. The top is a little black strappy leather thing from my stripping days that frames my tits rather than covering them and the matching panties are crotchless, which is going to make Travis lose his damn mind.
When it’s on and properly situated, I stand in front of the full length mirror one of the guys put up for me and turn to the side to examine how it looks from the back. Back in Alaska, I bought this and wore it often but it never felt like this. I never had butterflies in my stomach and my heart was never racing when I thought about baring it all for someone. My nipples pebble at the thought of Travis seeing me like this and I bite back a moan as I grab a t-shirt and a pair of shorts out of my bag, throwing them on. Once I’m covered, I take one last look in the mirror before walking out of the theater.
God, I’m so fucking nervous.. and excited… and turned on.
“Evening,” Blaze says as I walk into the bar area and I jump so high I nearly hit the ceiling before turning to look at him as he pours some dark liquor into a glass and I press my hand to my chest.
“Jesus, you scared the hell out of me.”
He smirks and nods. “Yeah, I caught that. You headed somewhere?”
“Uh…”
Arching a brow, he stares at me over the rim of his cup and just waits.
“I was…uh…” I mutter, looking toward the stairs before realizing what an epically dumb idea it was.
“That’s what I thought,” he sighs, taking another sip of his drink. “I know we just met but can I give you some advice?”
I nod, hesitant. “Sure.”
“Be careful with Streak. I love that boy like my own son but he’s been through some shit and I honestly don’t know if he’s the settling down type. I would hate to see you get hurt.”
I consider protesting, telling him I have no idea what he’s talking about but from the look on his face, it’s clear he knows what’s been going on between Travis and me. For fucks sake, does the whole damn club know? Is it the secret that everybody is in on but no one will talk about? One thing is for sure - my brother still has no idea because if he did, I would know. Travis would know. Hell, all of Baton Rouge would fucking know.
“I know what I’m doing,” I tell him and he shakes his head.
“No, darlin’,” he says, shaking his head. “You really don’t. I don’t want to see this club fall apart because you two couldn’t keep your hands to yourself. Everyone else may be clueless but I see what’s going on.”
Taking a step toward the bar, I lean forward on my elbows and meet his gaze. “We agreed to keep things casual. This is just fun and nothing more.”
“Yeah.. where have I heard that before?”
I open my mouth to assure him again that both Travis and I know what we’re doing but he stops me, holding his hand up as he shakes his head.
“You both are adults and I’m not here to tell you what to do with your lives but think about what I said. There will be consequences for what y’all are doing.” He leaves with his drink in his hand without another word and I watch him go back to his room before releasing a sigh.
Is he right?
Should Travis and I stay away from each other for the good of our ourselves and this entire club?
Could we even if we tried?
