By the way, it’s a biker party for my ex’s sister, so my ex and her family will also be there, and they don’t know I’m seeing anyone and think I’m a huge cheater because I let them think that, so it might be awkward. But I want you there with me.
Yeah, I’m a selfish fuck, but it’s true.
I want her there.
We’ve been texting, calling and seeing each other ever since we exchanged numbers, and she’s become a big part of my life really quickly. I don’t know how she got my guard down, and I have no idea how this all happened.
For the first time in a long time, I feel good. I’m smiling at my phone like a fucking idiot, I’m not drinking just to get through the night, and I don’t feel so alone in the world. Con is sweet, she’s rough around the edges in a way that attracts me to her, and she’s down-to-earth and real. And she’s beautiful. She smells like vanilla and she’s funny.
And maybe Cara and Clover will like her.
Then with their blessing maybe I can finally move on. Maybe Con is the person I’m supposed to be with and I can pursue a romantic relationship with her. This is what everyone has been telling me, that there is someone else out there for me. I mean, I want to take it slow with her, but this can be a first step.
I guess we will just have to see how this plays out.
And if it’s meant to be, it will be.
* * *
The weekend rolls around quickly. I didn’t want Con to meet me at the clubhouse and have to walk in alone, so I told her to meet me at my house. Mine and Cara’s house. I know it’s fucked-up, but I had nowhere else to tell her to meet me. So now I’m standing out the front of my old house that I used to live in with my ex and waiting to take this new girl to a club party.
Why did I think this was a good idea again? I offered to pick Con up because I felt bad that she had to do the long drive for me. I’m used to it, but she won’t be, and her car doesn’t look as reliable as I’d like. But she insisted that she doesn’t mind driving up by herself.
Like I said, independent.
She pulls up in her little red car and I smile when I lay eyes on her. When she parks I walk over and open the car door for her, pulling her into my arms and giving her a warm hug. “You made it.”
“I did.” She looks beautiful, in tight black belted jeans, boots and one of those tops that shows a little of her stomach. Her hair and makeup are done, and she just looks effortlessly sexy.
“You look...”
“Tired?”
“Perfect.”
She smiles and lets out a small sigh, like she is relieved. “So this is your house?” she asks, taking in the vast open gates. “Is this a bad neighborhood or are you just big on security?”
I smirk. “It’s technically my house.”
She arches her brow. “What does that mean?”
I wrap my arm around her. “It is mine, but I’m selling it, so I’m not actually staying here right now.” I decide to quickly change the subject, not wanting to get into that. “You ever been on the back of a motorcycle?”
She shakes her head, and the pleasure her reply gives me, only a possessive biker would understand.
“I thought we could take the bike,” I explain.
She touches her hair, but then shrugs. “Okay, sounds good to me.”
She locks her car, and I put my spare helmet on her, then kiss her. When she opens her eyes, she smiles at me. “You know, you never even told me whose party we are going to.”
Oh, I know.
“A friend of mine. Her name is Natty,” I explain. “I’ve known her and her family for years now. I should also probably tell you that the party is at a biker clubhouse. Don’t worry, it’s safe, and it’s a family party.”
“Okay.” She nods. “Did we bring Natty a present?”
I grin. “We did. I got her a gold necklace with an evil eye pendant on it. I gave it to her early.” I dropped it off at her front door because she’s still pissed at me too, but Con doesn’t need to know that.
Why am I going again? Oh, right, because even if they are holding a grudge against me or not, they are still my family, and I’m theirs.
Whether they like it or not.
I lift Con up onto the back of my bike, my hands on her hips. She straddles it and smiles over at me, excitement in her eyes. I show her where to put her feet, and then climb on in front of her.
“Hold on to me and just enjoy the ride,” I say, bringing her arms around me.
She scoots forward and rests her body against my back, gripping on to me for dear life, and it feels so good to have her there. No one has been on the back of my bike except Cara and Clover, and Clover was only on there because Cara let her. Con might not know it, but it’s a big deal for me.
And everyone that sees us showing up like this will know that it is, too.
So I guess tonight is more than just a shit show—I’m also showing my club that Con does mean something to me.
How they’ll take it is another thing.
We ride to the clubhouse, and I purposely take the longer route so we can have a lengthier ride together. Her grip lessens, so I know she’s more comfortable and hopefully enjoying herself. If she hated riding, it would be pretty fucking difficult.
The clubhouse is packed when we get there, loud music, cars and motorcycles parked everywhere. I park in the corner and help Con get off the bike.
“What did you think?” I ask, helping her take her helmet off.
“I loved it,” she says, smiling as she attempts to fix her hair. “I want to ride one. I mean, I work with bikes all day in the garage; I might as well learn to ride. Could you teach me?”
Fuck.
I get hard at the thought of her riding.
When she told me she had started work at a bike garage, I have to admit I was surprised and impressed. And then when she mentioned it was Fast & Fury, it kind of seemed too good to be true. I think the Knights of Fury own that garage, so it’s a bit of a small world. They helped me out of a jam when I got into some trouble months ago. Normally MCs keep to themselves, but I owe them one, even if they have a connection to Decker. Con is obviously comfortable around bikers, and maybe she would like the lifestyle that comes with being with one?
Swallowing hard, I nod. “Yeah, I think I could.”
“Sweet,” she replies, glancing toward the clubhouse. “Anything I should know or expect before I walk in there?”
I wince, and she doesn’t miss it. “What?” she asks, brow furrowing.