by Amelia Shea
He was well aware of his president’s unhappiness with him missing the run a few weeks ago, and now the party he originally had declined the offer on. He understood it. Of all the brothers, he was closest with Kase, and since moving, he knew he figured Saint would be around more often.
He eyed Bailey as she tugged down her denim skirt, currently riding up her gorgeous toned thighs.
“I like that,” he said with a low growl.
She pressed her lips together and her nose crinkled. God, she’s beautiful. Just staring at her with the moon lighting her face, he was tempted to make a U-turn and ditch the party. However, Bailey had been adamant on going. From the fidgeting she was doing, her nerves were on high alert. This was definitely a coerced decision.
Fucking Kase.
“Two hours max, then we’re outta there,” Saint said. The timeframe was not up for a debate unless she wanted to leave earlier, then he’d be more than happy to ditch the clubhouse. He rolled his shoulders and hoped to hell it was a tamer night than usual. Walking in finding a woman on her knees giving head to one of his brothers was a common occurrence which didn’t faze him. Bailey, however, was in for an eye-opening experience.
He drove up the steep hill, gaging the number of bikes in the lot. It wasn’t a huge party, but large enough to intimidate her. He parked his truck on the side of the clubhouse, turned off his ignition, and glanced over at Bailey, squirming in her seat.
“We can still leave?”
She whipped her head and widened her eyes. “Why would we?”
“Because you look like you’re seconds from running and hitchhiking back home?”
She chuckled. “I’d never hitchhike, it’s dangerous.” She was trying to make light of the situation even though he knew she was nervous. He reached out, taking her shaky, clammy hand.
“I’ve known most of these men for fifteen years, some longer. You have nothing to worry about.” When she opened her mouth to speak, he tightened his grip on her hand. “And nothing to be embarrassed about. The last thing any of my brothers want is for you to feel uncomfortable around them.” The corner of his lip curled. “Probably gonna see most of them on their best behavior. You have nothing to worry about, you hear me?”
She nodded though he saw her hesitation. He got out of the truck and glanced through the back window as he rounded the bumper. She slowly got out and met him halfway. He gripped her hand and started toward the front. There were two members and a woman smoking and drinking by the entrance. When he felt her tug his hand, he glanced down over his shoulder.
“So, um—” She peeked past him, looking at the small group before gazing up. “Are there rules here? Should I stay with you the whole time, or do you need me to go away at some point so you can talk to Kase and them?”
He furrowed his brows. What the hell was she talking about?
“Or do the women hang out in a certain section?” She crinkled her nose and twisted her lips, obviously not happy with that scenario. Saint flattened his lips, doing his best to hold back his laughter.
“Bailey, it’s just a house where we all hang out, some brothers live here. You’ve been here before.”
“Not as your girl—” She stopped, and her cheeks blazed a beautiful shade of pink. “I’m mean, uh, friend.”
He lowered his mouth to hers, grazing her lips for a soft kiss. He pulled away a mere inch. “Girlfriend, sweetheart. It’s all one word.” He cupped her jaw, raising her gaze. “No rules. You want to stay by my side the whole time, you won’t get any objection from me.” He cocked his brow. “If you want to hang out with the girls, you do it. If you want a drink, tell me, and I’ll get it for you, or if you want, order it yourself.” He watched as her features, which were tight, slowly eased. “The bathroom is down the end of the hall, I can show you when we get inside, or you can wander around and find it for yourself. My advice is if a door is closed,” he winked, “unless you’re looking for shock value, you keep walking past it.”
She chuckled and moved closer.
“There are no rules, Bailey. I just have some requests.” He paused. “Someone touches you; you tell me. Someone says something directed toward you that you don’t like, you let me know. If someone does something, anything, that makes you uncomfortable, you come get me. If you can’t find me, you tell Kase or Trax or Rourke, anyone who shares my patch. Okay?”
She bit her lip. “Okay,” she whispered.
He headed toward the door lifting his chin at the two members. His greeting was usually silent, something all the brothers had come to expect. He noticed Danny stretch his neck and offer Bailey a welcoming smile. These men he chose as his brothers were all good. Not perfect, not always law-abiding, but good to the core whose focus was the club, and those in it which included the old ladies.
He pulled open the door and guided Bailey inside to the dark foyer. Two prospects were heading out as they passed. They did a quick chin lift in acknowledgment, and the newest prospect glanced over at Bailey. His gaze perused her body, and the corner of his mouth curled, eyeing her breasts. Saint’s jaw locked, and he glared. It only took a second for him to realize his mistake. He flinched and moved closer to the wall, with his eyes dropping to the floor.
When Bailey chuckled, he scowled. He ignored her amusement. He would have to get used to it, he figured. Bailey was gorgeous, and men would look. He sighed as they walked into the main room. His calculations from the parking lot was off. There were more people than he anticipated. He stalked through the room, heading to the bar. As they got closer, Nadia glanced up and smiled, then her gaze drew past him, and she grinned. She moved down to the end of the bar where Saint was headed.
Nadia was an exception to the rule when it came to the club girls. Most of them were there for two reasons. One, to have a good time. And two, to become an old lady. Nadia, while she started out as just a good time girl, had grown closer to the club. Her loyalty and dedication were rare for a woman who didn’t belong to a member. She was also very sweet, which set her apart from most of the club whores.
“Hey, Bailey.” She smiled. Though he’d never confided in Nadia as they were not close, she spent a lot of time at the club, and he was sure she’d heard some of the whispers from the brothers about his interest in Bailey.
“Hi, Nadia.” Bailey sidled up next to him when he took a seat on the stool. She remained standing, and Saint wrapped his hand around her waist, settling her in between his legs.
Nadia leaned her elbows on the bar. “I love your top.”
Saint watched as Bailey gazed down. He didn’t know shit about woman’s fashion. It didn’t matter. Everything looked good on her.
“Thank you. I got it from a boutique in Lawry. They have some cute stuff and not too expensive.” Bailey smiled and curled into Saint’s chest. “Rissa and I make the drive once a month. Next time we go, I’ll let ya know. You can come with us.”
Nadia seemed taken aback by the comment, and her smile faltered. Bailey seemed to recognize it also.
“I mean, if you want,” Bailey stammered.
Nadia grinned and nodded. “I’d love to. Thank you, Bailey.”
Saint knew Nadia had a good relationship with most of the old ladies but didn’t recall them ever offering to hang out with her outside of the club. Bailey might not realize it; this was big for Nadia.
“Drinks, Nad, I’m dying down here!” Gage shouted from the end of the bar. Saint laughed, and Nadia ignored him, focusing back on him and Bailey.
“What can I get you guys?”
“Beer,” Saint said.
“Um, beer, I guess,” Bailey said.
Nadia eyed her. “If ya don’t like beer, I can whip you up a margarita?”
Saint watched Bailey shift, and her eyes lightened with a sharp nod. He’d make a mental note that his girl liked fruity shit. Her hand grazed his knee as she glanced around the room. The new clubhouse was doubled in size including the main room. The bar lining the outer wall was twice the size. When Nadia dropped o
ff their drinks she pointed to the margarita.
“I got a whole pitcher in the fridge for you, so start drinking, girl.”
Bailey laughed, leaning against his chest. Once Nadia walked to the end of the bar, Bailey glanced up.
“I’ve been told I’m a super fun drunk.”
Saint snickered and lowered his lips to her ear. “Are you a horny drunk?” he teased.
She twisted her lips. “I guess we’ll find out.” She sipped her drink and side-eyed him.
****
Bailey was walking down the hall from the bathroom when her phone pinged. She was sporting a light buzz and enjoying it. She pulled her phone from her bag and glanced down. She paused mid-step, and her breathing halted in an abrupt stop. She stumbled to the wall, reaching out with her free hand. Nothing was more sobering than the number in front of her with the listed contact. Department of Corrections.
She had known the day would come. Somehow, she figured, she’d be prepared for it. Five years was a long time, surely enough to heal.
“H-hello?”
“May I speak with Bailey Preston, please?”
Bailey cleared her throat. “This is her.”
“This is Officer Brown. This is a notification call to inform you Adam Bollinger has been released.”
Her reaction played out in slow motion. She slumped her shoulder against the wall. It was the only thing keeping her upright at the moment. The officer continued to speak. Her mind drifted, and while she could hear his voice, his words became incoherent.
He’s been released.
She had been prepared for it. Her lawyer had reached out last month explaining what would happen upon his release. If it had been parole, she could have contested it. That wasn’t the case for Adam. He’d served his time, been a model prisoner, and he had been released. She thought she had come to grips with it. Now that he was actually out, it had left an uneasy pit in her stomach.
She drew in a breath, trying to calm herself. Emotion was getting the best of her, and her eyes welled. All she needed was a deep cleansing breath. There was no need to panic. She was sure, seeing her was the last of Adam’s priorities. She’d read all of the letters he’d sent through the years. His notes were never aggressive or angry. He apologized and begged her to write back. She hadn’t. He talked a lot of remorse and what he was doing to better himself in jail. The only thing missing from his letters was why he had done what he did. Even in court, when he was convicted and sentenced, probed by her lawyers and the judge, he never had an answer as to why he’d done it.
She straightened her back and stepped away from the wall. It was her past. His release would have no bearing on how she lived. She’d make sure of it. I’m the mayor of a town I love, surrounded by supportive, loving friends. And Saint. I’ve made a good life here, and I’m going to live it.
She tucked her phone in her bag and started forward. She would not let this ruin her night with Saint. Bailey rolled her neck. When she glanced up from the floor, she stumbled a few steps. Kase stood a few feet away, staring at her suspiciously. She had to wonder how long he’d been watching her. The way he was eyeing her, she assumed long enough to catch the tears in her eyes. She wiggled her nose with a quick sniffle and plastered on a smile.
She raised her brows as she got closer. He was an imposing guy, tall, tatted, with a permanent scowl on his face. Intimidating was an understatement when it came to Kase Reilly. Had he relaxed more and allowed his handsome features to shine through, Kase would be gorgeous, she thought.
“Hello, Kase.”
He squinted, aiming his gaze directly into her eyes. “Mayor.”
Her assessment was correct. Kase was suspicious. Ignore it.
She stopped a few feet away from him and clasped her hands. “Kept my promise.”
He nodded, but watched her carefully, making her slightly uncomfortable. She started past him, but when she got parallel, he stepped in front of her blocking her path.
“You okay?”
She tightened her lips and forced a smile with a sharp nod. She was obviously doing a horrible job at faking it, and there was no doubt, Kase wasn’t buying into her lie. He folded his arms as the silence lingered between them. She shifted on her feet, scanning the hall. Now, what?
“Saint’s waiting on me, so I’m going to head back to the bar now.” She sidestepped and he matched her stance. She glanced up through her lashes to find Kase scowling at her.
“You’re not okay. You tell Saint.” He leaned closer, and she stepped back. “You can’t tell Saint, you tell me, we fucking clear?”
She nodded, which seemed enough of an answer, and he moved, letting her pass by. She glanced over her shoulder to see Kase still watching her. She jerked her head around and slammed into a massive wall of flesh. She sprung back and widened her eyes when she realized exactly who she bumped into. Ah, shit. She was not drunk enough for this conversation.
“Hey, Bailey.”
She smiled through her tense lips. “Hi, Dobbs.” She veered her eyes to the woman holding onto his hips. She waved. “Hi, I’m Bailey.”
The woman chuckled. “Saint’s old lady, I know.” She raised her brows and perused Bailey’s body. Bailey braced herself for a rude comment. Instead, the woman’s smile warmed. “He’s a lucky guy.”
Bailey let out a nervous chuckle. “Thank you.”
Dobbs turned to the woman and jutted his chin down the hall. She seemed to take note and passed Bailey, not before glancing down her body again. Is she checking me out? Bailey turned her head and watched as the woman winked at her.
She turned back around to Dobbs and leaned closer, lowering her voice. She needed confirmation. “Was she checking me out?”
His lips curled, reminding her what a great, friendly smile he had. “Yeah, Rose swings both ways, and I’m thinking she’d prefer you to me right now.”
Bailey’s eyes widened, straightening her chest. It was a compliment. “Really?”
Dobbs laughed with a sharp nod. She smiled back and noticed his smile falter as he stared at her.
“I’m really sorry, Bailey.”
She’d been blindsided by his sincere tone. It was heartfelt, she could feel it. He showed no signs of the easygoing Dobbs she’d always interacted with. She saw the remorse, and more prevalent, the guilt. He shoved his hands in his pockets and shifted on his feet.
“It’s fine.”
He shook his head. “No, it’s not. You were right to call me out on the shit I pulled. I wasn’t thinking of you. I was thinking of getting off. It was fucked up.”
“Really, Dobbs, it’s okay.”
He stepped closer and lowered his voice. “You’re a really good girl, Bailey.” He glanced away from her and shook his head. “Probably the best woman I’ve ever met, and I should have had your back ’cause not many women consider me a friend.” He glanced back as her bottom lip fell open. He seemed destroyed, unlike any expression she’d ever seen on him. “But you did, and I didn’t see it until it was too late.”
She couldn’t help herself. Maybe it was the slight buzz or the heartfelt apology or a combination of them both. She reached out, catching Dobbs off guard and hugged him. Everyone made mistakes, including herself. She wasn’t about to hold a grudge. It took a big person to admit their fault and it was genuine.
“I still consider you a friend, Dobbs.”
She released him and patted his shoulder.
He grinned. “Yeah?”
She nodded.
“Not gonna let that shit happen again, Bailey.” He cleared his throat. “I got ya.”
And he did. Somehow, someway, she knew if there was ever a next time, Dobbs would have her back.
“Gotta get back to my man.” She winked.
Yep, definitely still harboring a buzz. Dobbs stepped out of her way with a soft snicker, and she started down the hall. She clocked Saint at the end of the bar with his eyes set on her and a scowl threading through his brows. Not a doubt in her mind, he’d watched th
e little scene with her and Dobbs.
He was surrounded by a few members. She only recognized two. Gage and Trax both glanced over her at the same time and smiled. She gave them a short wave and ducked her head. Even though everyone had been welcoming, she felt out of her element amongst the club.
As she made her way through the swarms of people, she smiled at Saint, who cocked his brow. She glanced over at the bar.
“Nadia?”
She turned and smiled. “Yeah, babe?”
“Can I get another?”
Nadia chuckled with a wink. “Yes, you can.”
She weaved in between two members and situated herself between Saint’s legs, staring up at him.
“You good?”
“Yeah. Dobbs just wanted to apologize, which I accepted. Now, I’m ready for round three of margaritas.” She leaned closer and whispered in his ear, “To see if I’m a horny drunk.”
Saint curved his hand around her hips and kissed her neck, which she curled into. The drink appeared on the bar, and she was set to continue the night without thinking of the release of her ex. All thoughts would be set on Saint.
Chapter Thirteen
It was confirmed. Bailey was a horny drunk, and he wasn’t immune to her advances. For the first time in his life, Saint made out with a woman at the bar. He didn’t have much restraint when it came to Bailey. She was definitely his weakness, and she seemed to be playing on it. He’d never shy away from her hands. When she melted into his chest and took his lips for a heated kiss, he’d been caught off guard.
He was seated at the bar with Bailey standing between his legs. Her hands curled over his neck, and her tongue swirled around his sending his cock into full erection. Just a fucking kiss and he was hard. His hand wrapped over around her waist, tightening his hold and keeping her close.
The party was pretty lively, but he didn’t doubt they had eyes on them. This was not only a first for him, but a first his brothers were witnessing. Her lips angled over his mouth, deepening the kiss before pulling away slightly, grazing her teeth on his bottom lip. His hand tightened on her waist, digging his fingers into her flesh.
