by Nicola Jane
Riggs: How are you?
I type back that I’ve been dragged on a double date.
Riggs: Ouch. Have you tried telling him about Malia? Responsibility is a deal-breaker for some men.
I smile again before replying.
Me: Yep, tried that. He loves kids! Eugh!
Riggs: You want me to call and pretend to be from the sexual disease clinic?
I laugh and Eva glares at me. “Something funny happening that you wanna share?” she asks. I shake my head and place my cell back in my bag, feeling like a chastised child.
We’re two bottles of wine into the double date when Eva follows me into the bathroom. “What do you think?” she grins.
“They’re nice.” I shrug. “But Jamie isn’t really my type, is he?”
“What, nice and friendly?” she asks. “You need to relax and enjoy it. He’s doing all the talking and you’re just mumbling answers. Make an effort.” She sighs.
“I don’t want to, Eva. You shouldn’t have set the date up in the first place. I’m not ready to get into another relationship.”
Eva stares into the mirror and wipes stray makeup from under each eye. “Who said anything about a relationship? It’s a drink with a kind guy, and I bet if Riggs walked in here and asked you on a date, you’d be dragging him up the aisle in no time, screw dating.”
“I would not.” I blush and she laughs. “I’ll try and be nicer,” I add. “Just for you.” Eva kisses me on the cheek and we head back to the guys.
I check my cell and see another text from Riggs.
Riggs: Which delightful restaurant did your kid loving date take you?
Me: Not that kind of date. No food. Just wine. Eva told me off for being on my phone. Stop distracting me from trying to put my date off of me.
“I think we should try the Cross Keys bar,” I catch Eva saying. “It’s livelier and there’s music.”
We agree and finish up our drinks. As we walk to the next bar just a few doors up, Jamie drapes his coat over my shoulders in an attempt at chivalry. It’s sweet and I smile gratefully even though I’m not cold.
The Cross Keys is busy. There’s a country vibe filling the room and I spot a singer on the stage strumming on his guitar. The dance floor is alive with people having a go at country style dancing. I’m smiling at the scene when someone’s hands go to my waist and a deep voice growls, “Excuse me.” I shiver and my heart rate triples when I look up into Riggs’ eyes. He winks and carries on past me towards the bar like we’re strangers.
Jamie’s arm snakes around my waist and he leads me to a small table by the dance floor. All four of us squish around it and then the guys decide to go to the bar to get the drinks. I spot Riggs carrying a tray of drinks. He passes our table without glancing in our direction and sets the tray on a booth table not far from where we are. I recognize a couple of the men from the first night when I went into their bar. A group of women dance nearby and it’s clear they are all here together. “Is that Riggs?” asks Eva, and I nod. “They all look like damn models,” she adds. “You think it’s a requirement to join their club?”
“Probably. I haven’t seen one ugly Kings Reaper yet. My first day at the garage was spent drooling at every guy that came in.”
“And you didn’t see Riggs there?”
I shake my head. “Nope. I met loads of Reapers though, and at one point, I think I actually gasped out loud. Seriously, they are like heaven on a bed of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. I actually wanted to lick each and every one of them to see if they tasted as good as they looked.”
Eva laughs. “I’ll have to meet you for lunch one day. I need to see some hot ass men.”
“Are you saying Chris isn’t a hot ass man?” I quip and she laughs. We both know Chris and Jamie are not on the same hotness scale as any of the Kings Reapers.
Jamie is telling me about the time his nephew blew spaghetti out of his nose when my cell pings. I glance over at Riggs and find him staring at me with his cell in his hand. I try to suppress my smile as I read the message.
Riggs: Try and look interested in what he’s saying. You’re being rude!
Me: I am interested. His nephew sounds like a hoot. He really does love kids. I’m slightly worried that it’s a little too much. I think he’s looking for his next baby momma.
Riggs: You don’t want any more kids?
I glance over and see a female rubbing up against Riggs with her arms wrapped around his neck. She’s part of his group. When he looks up at her, she plants a kiss on his lips, and he smiles and tucks his cell into his pocket. He wraps his arm around her waist, and I feel disappointment creep in as I look away. It’s silly to feel like this— he can kiss who he likes. It’s obvious he’s just being friendly towards me. I put my cell away and try to focus on the conversation between Chris and Jamie about a football game.
The night progresses to shots. Eva places the tray of eight tequila shots on the table and I catch Riggs’ eye. The girl he kissed is sitting on his lap, chatting animatedly to another girl from the group. He smiles at me and I pretend not to notice as I knock the first shot back. My cell buzzes.
Riggs: Be safe. You’re knocking back tequila and you don’t know these guys?
I don’t reply. Instead, I place my cell on the table. Riggs watches me as I drink the second shot, and this time I stare back.
Riggs: Everything okay?
Me: Doesn’t your girlfriend mind you texting other women?
I watch for his response. He laughs to himself and shakes his head before putting his cell away.
“Earth to Anna,” smiles Eva, waving her hand in front of my face to get my attention. “Do you want to dance?” I let her take my hand and pull me to the dance floor. I keep my back to Riggs and his group. They’re getting louder and more boisterous and I don’t want to get caught staring at him. “Have you seen that girl all over Riggs?” asks Eva and I shake my head. “She’s so pretty. Did he say he had a girlfriend?”
“No, we haven’t spoken that much, so why would he?” I shrug casually. Eva gives me a knowing smile. “What?” I ask innocently.
“You fancy him,” she accuses. “I mean, I get it, he’s gorgeous.”
“I think most women would fancy him. Doesn’t mean I want to run off into the sunset with him,” I say.
“But since Reggie, you haven’t shown interest in anyone. It’s nice to see that sparkle in your eye when you look over at him.”
“The trouble with you, Eva, is you’re a hopeless romantic yet you never put yourself out there either,” I point out. She’s never had a serious boyfriend. A few one-night stands and casual flings, but nothing that ever lasted.
“Excuse me, you see my date there, right? I put myself out there and I just never meet Mister Right.”
I feel arms wrap around my waist from behind and try to hide my disappointment when I see that it’s Jamie. He holds me close and I fight the urge to shrug him off. Eva leans close to my ear. “Oh my god, you should see the fire in Riggs’ eyes right now. He does not like seeing Jamie all over you,” she whispers.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Riggs has a girlfriend and he really doesn’t look at me as anything more than Malia’s mom. You’re conjuring up scenarios that aren’t real,” I insist. Eva takes my hand and spins me away from Jamie. I find myself looking at Riggs, and Eva is right, his stare is somewhere between hot and molten. If he could melt Jamie away with just that look alone, he would.
Jamie moves closer and places his hands on my cheeks. I pray quietly that he isn’t making a move here on this busy dance floor. In my head, I silently beg him to stop moving his face towards me, and I shudder as his lips brush my own. I step back and Jamie opens his eyes. We stare at each other, not knowing what to say. The moment is awkward and then he smiles, which comes across more like a grimace. “I think I read that wrong,” he mutters.
“Sorry,” I mutter. “I just don’t really see us like . . . that.”
Chapter Six
Riggs
Bonnie takes the cash and heads to the bar to get another round of drinks. My eyes are firmly fixed on Anna. I’ve enjoyed our little flirty glances and texts, but she seems to have gone cold on me. The blind date guy moves in to kiss her and Anna goes rigid. Her tiny fists curl and she pulls her head back slightly, like she’s trying to avoid his lips. It’s awkward to watch, but I feel satisfied when she pulls away.
Since vowing to stop myself turning up wherever she is, I’ve actually seen her more. It’s an epic fail on my part. I’d even convinced the guys to come to this bar for a few drinks saying that I liked the live band. It was bullshit— I’ve never heard of this band, but I hoped that Anna would come here. The strip of bars along this street is where everyone seems to come.
Blade gets a call. “Pres, Cree is at The Windsor. He wants to know when we’re going back there.”
“One more drink and we’ll head back,” I say, and he relays it as Bonnie sets the tray on the table. She’s been glued to me all evening. I can’t exactly tell her to fuck off when she spends every night in my bed. It’s easier than explaining to the guys why I blow hot and cold with her.
I spot that the two men who were with Anna and her friend have gone, So I head over to their table. Her friend spots me and she taps Anna. Her perfume fills my nostrils and when she turns to look at me with those big green eyes, I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. She’s stunning. “We’re gonna head back to The Windsor,” I say. “You wanna come?” Anna glances back to her friend, who nods her head in response. “Great. Drink up.”
“Won’t your girlfriend mind?” asks Anna, blushing.
I smirk. It’s cute that she’s trying to sound casual and unaffected. “Drink up,” I repeat, purposely not answering her again.
As we walk back to The Windsor, Anna and her friend trail behind the rest of us, so I wait by the door for them to catch up. She smiles when she sees me waiting and we walk in together. My chest swells with pride. Having her on my arm feels good.
Cree hands me a bottle of beer and then his eyes fall to Anna. “Anna, this is Cree, my VP,” I introduce.
“Anna?” repeats Cree, his eyes burning into me. “Thee Anna?”
“And this is her friend,” I say, ignoring him. He looks at her friend and nods his head in a cool move that he uses when he likes what he sees.
“Eva,” she says, holding her hand out for him to shake. He frowns at her offering and then shakes it.
“What happened to your dates, ladies?” I ask.
“Anna upset Jamie, so they left,” says Eva. “I was having a nice time,” she points out.
“For goodness sake, they were annoying and boring. He tried to kiss me after boring me half to death with stories about his sister’s kids,” says Anna.
“I thought you’d like a man who likes kids seeing as you have one!” Eva points out.
Anna laughs and her head lifts slightly. I catch a glimpse of a mark on her skin and frown. Then I notice a bruise under her lip and a cut. I take her chin in my hand and tip her head back to get a better look at her neck. When she realizes what I’m doing, she shakes me off. “Are those bruises?” I ask.
“It’s nothing,” she mutters.
“That’s why you were crying when I called you?” I growl.
“Leave it,” she says quietly, and Eva gives her a sympathetic smile. It’s none of my business, but it’s pretty obvious this has something to do with Reggie. I clench my jaw and take a calming breath.
There’s a commotion at the door that distracts me, and I spot Rock trying to block someone from getting in. I catch a glimpse of the blond and know instantly that it’s Michelle. “Fuck me,” I groan. I pass my beer to Cree and head over. “What are you doing here?”
She looks like she’s been crying. “Sorry to just turn up like this,” she mumbles. “I lost my key. I can’t get into the house.” She stumbles and I catch her.
“Where’s the weasel?” I ask.
“He left,” she mutters and begins to cry. “Why can’t I keep a man? Why don’t they want me?” I look back over to where Cree is chatting with Anna and Eva. I want to spend some time with Anna and now I have to deal with this. I spot the club prospect and grin in his direction. We call him Tiny even though he’s at least six-foot-four. He shakes his head, but as a prospect, it’s his job to do anything we ask him. “Come on, Pres,” he moans. “I have the promise of club pussy tonight.”
“I need you to take Michelle back to my room at the club. Don’t let my mom see her.” I hand her to him, and he sighs heavily. “And lock the door. I don’t want her near Ziggy.” He nods his head and guides her from the bar.
“She okay?” asks Cree when I return, and I nod. “Where’s Tiny taking her?” he asks. I glare at him and he gets the message. I don’t want to discuss my ex in front of Anna.
“Let’s talk,” I say firmly to Anna, leaving her no room to argue. I guide her over to the same table where we sat when I first spoke to her.
“Is this your private table?” she asks. “It’s just this place is so busy and this table is always free.”
“It was my dad’s table,” I say fondly. “People don’t sit here out of respect.”
“Because he was part of your gang too?” she queries. I step closer and back her into the corner of the room.
“Club, Anna,” I smirk. “It’s an MC club. We have rules and respect. Calling us a gang implies we’re like the street rats who sell drugs to kids. A bit like your ex’s gang,” I say. “Speaking of your ex . . . ” My eyes fall to the bruises and she shifts uncomfortably. “If I was a normal guy, I’d leave it. But seeing those marks on your skin does something to me. What happened?”
“It doesn’t matter. It’s done with now,” she mutters, clearly irritated by my questions.
“If you don’t tell me, then I’ll make my own version up and it might get blown out of proportion. Maybe it’s not as bad as I’m thinking.” She remains quiet. “Let me tell you what I’m picturing.” I run my finger along her collar bone. Her eyes stare into mine and she licks her lips. She wants me to kiss her. I gently cover each bruise with my fingers until my hand is placed on her neck pretty much how I imagine Reggie gripped her. “I think Reggie grabbed you just like this,” I whisper. My mouth is inches away from hers and I feel her breath hitching. “And then, I think he . . . ” I slowly run my tongue over her lower lip, and she sucks in a breath. “Tried to kiss you. Did he hurt your lip when you tried to stop him?” She shakes her head. “So that means he bit your lip on purpose?” I ask. Anna doesn’t reply.
I gently brush my lips against hers. When she doesn’t pull away, I run my free hand into her hair and gently tug her head back. She gasps and it’s the opportunity I need to take the kiss deeper. Our lips seal together, and I swipe my tongue against hers. It takes everything in me not to completely overpower this moment and drag her somewhere more private because my entire body is crying out for her. Anna’s hands grip my shirt and she pushes up on her tiptoes like she’s trying to get closer. My cock strains against my jeans and the second she feels it pushing against her stomach, she freezes. The moment vanishes and we step apart, panting for air. “I’ll be on the next visit,” I growl. I’m angry for allowing myself to get carried away and kiss her like that, and I’m pissed that Reggie put his hands on her.
“No,” she says. “It won’t happen again.”
“Damn right it won’t cos I’ll be there.”
She chews on her lower lip. “Oh my god, I let you kiss me and you have a girlfriend.” Her face is full of regret and worry.
“You mean Bonnie?” I ask. “She’s not my girlfriend. She’s . . . ” I pause. What do I say, my comfort blanket? Instead, I go with, “It’s complicated.”
“Life is always complicated. I can’t get involved with complicated.” She looks pained for a second before shaking it off and stepping past me. “Sorry,” she mumbles. I stare after her.
“What did you do?” asks Cree after they leave. “
I was getting somewhere with her hot friend.”
“I made a move and she blew me off,” I sigh. “Where’s Bonnie?”
Cree laughs and slaps me on the back. “Dust ya self off and carry on. I like it.”
I leave the bar soon after Anna and head back to the clubhouse. It’s a short walk between the bar and the club. Tiny is waiting for me. “She tried to see Ziggy. I thought she was gonna wake the whole club up. She’s crazy.” No one is a fan of Michelle, not even the club’s prospect.
“Where is she now?” I ask.
“Your room. She said she was getting a shower, so I left her to it.”
I go into my bedroom and I’m not surprised to see Michelle lying across the bed naked. I roll my eyes as she smiles seductively. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Put your clothes on, Michelle,” I sigh. I grab one of my shirts from the floor and throw it at her. “We’re past those days, don’t ya think.”
She jumps up and pushes herself against me. I clench my fists because despite my feelings of hatred, she’s still the mother of my kid and my first love. “You’re always there for me,” she mutters. “Why did I fuck it all up?”
I take her upper arms and gently move her backward to put space between us. The door opens and Bonnie walks in. She glances back and forth between us. “You need me or not?” she asks. I shake my head and a look of hurt passes over her face. She closes the door and I lean over to lock it. Michelle takes the opportunity while I’m distracted to rub her hand over my cock, but I close my eyes briefly and then remove her hand.
“Get some sleep. You’re a mess,” I mutter.
“I just want things to be good again,” she cries. “Like before.”
“Before you messed it all up, you mean?” I hiss. “I’ve told you before, stop taking that crap and get well again. I can’t have you around here like this.”
“If I was clean, you’d have me?” she asks with hope in her voice.
