But as I walk, Linda’s teasing pops into my head as real as if it were on the phone.
“Take a man like that home and forget he’s there? Sure, Lizzy. Sure.”
She’s right; my eyes already took a slow survey of his body. He got my attention with those bronze eyes that glint with flecks of gold. This wavy brown-haired man stands six feet tall, all of him stone hard muscle. I notice each flex of his biceps and the formation of his V sticking out from the waistband of his dangerously low jeans before it is covered by the hem of his shirt. I want to lift it off of him, and run both my hands down the ridges of his stomach.
I feel my body become flushed, raise my hand to rest alongside my cheek, and then back to my neck. It’s going to be a long night.
132
Brayden
“Get in and I’ll meet up with you later. What’s your address?” I ask her when we reach her car. I have to admit; she’s got some smarts parking it in this out-of-the-way area.
“Wait.” She turns to me and puts her hand on her hip. “What happened to the plan?”
“I got plans and somewhere to be. Go home, Lizzie, I’ll come later tonight and tomorrow we’ll start a full-on investigation.”
“Why are you trying to get rid of me? You have plans to commit a felony or two?”
Her question makes me laugh. “Not hardly. It’s a party of sorts.”
“Perfect. I like parties.”
“No, I don’t think you’re up for our kind of partying.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s safer if you aren’t there.” I can’t come up with a better reason other than that.
“Safer for whom?” She stares hard into my eyes, ready to jump on any hint of deception.
“For all I know, now that I agreed to let you help me and shared my evidence with you, how do I know you’re not just sending me on a wild-goose chase to protect one of your brothers?”
Another poke. Her words have my temper flashing hot again. “I would never do something like that. We have a code we live by, and abusing women or kids isn’t part of it.Besides, I give you my word, and that means something to me.”
She pauses a moment, then looks me up and down, measuring my words once again. “I promise this has nothing to do with covering up evidence or deliberately breaking laws. You have to believe me.” Feeling her scrutiny, I smile to put her at ease.
“Okay, I believe you, but don’t think that smile of yours has anything to do with it.”
“So, you need to give me your address or your number so we can hook up when I’m done.”
“Together. I go where you go until this over.”
She takes off, running back in the direction of the clubhouse. God, she’s gonna be the fuckin’ death of me. I race along catching up and passing her with ease.
“Hey, you can’t just barge in there like you own the place. Now just play along with me when they get back.” There’s still prep I need to finish up for our reunion celebration, I just hope I can count on her to stay put and keep out of trouble.
Inside I gesture for her to find a seat in the back of the room. From this angle she’s mostly hidden from view. She’ll be good there until I get back. The last thing I want is for her get caught up in something.
“Really? You’re putting me in the corner. Why?”
“You’re fresh meat,” I go on to explain. “Most of us are familiar with the other shifters in the area. Either they’re members of the club or someone’s old lady. Everyone is going to be curious about someone as pretty as you, especially my man, Ace. He’s the star of tonight’s show, we’re holding this gathering in honor of him. He took a hit and spent four years in prison and didn’t open his mouth. They offered to lay the world at his feet if he’d roll over on his brothers and true to his oath, he wouldn’t do it. Now that he’s a free man, it means several things. We get him all the things he missed out on while he was in lockup. Alcohol, drugs, his cut, a bike, and pussy. So, I suggest you stick with me and keep your head down. Which means no talking about the true nature of your business here.” She opens her mouth to object and I hold up a hand.
“I’m going to handle this; I gave you my word. Just not tonight. Now can I trust you to stay here while I go handle something?”
She nods in agreement and I leave to go get the present I have for Ace. I look back at the polished curly-haired woman, who seems nervous and out of place against this backdrop. I can’t help but smile. I try to hurry, so I can beat them all back to run interference for Lizzie.
In a matter of minutes, the space fills up with men and women more than ready for the fun to begin.
“Welcome back, brother!” I shout and bring Ace in close for a hug.
“Good to see you too, Hawk,” he says in return. I step back and let Clutch, Doc, and the others have a turn to welcome him back. Now it’s time for the surprise.
“Head out front, we have a gift for you, man, I picked it out myself.”Outside I head to the shed and open it up. Inside I hop on his new ride and bring it out. I wouldn’t do this for just anyone, but for him I’d make an ass out of myself.
When I glance back, it looks like he’s ready to shit a brick as
