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Let’s not forget, that except for his manners and bedroom skills, I don’t know a whole lot about him.
“So where are you taking me again?”
“The ranch I’m staying at. It’s a friend’s place. Couple of other clubs are there, so stick with me.”
“Will Heidi be there?”
His lips curl up. “Yeah, she’ll be there. Her brother and his girl should be there, too. You and Heidi seemed to hit it off. That’s good.”
Why does that seem important to him? “She was something with that hammer and then whistling to you guys when I warned her the cops might show up.”
“Yeah, she’s a loyal old lady.”
I raise an eyebrow. “I think she’s younger than me.”
“It’s…never mind.” He hesitates, which is odd, since Rooster doesn’t seem to be one to mince words. “Murphy’s itching to put a weddin’ band on her finger as soon as she’s done with school.”
From his expression, it’s impossible to tell if Rooster wants the same for himself or if he’s just amused by his friend. “She mentioned they’re gettin’ married this summer.”
He nods, opens his mouth, shakes his head, then smiles at me. “Yeah, it’ll be a big event. Whole club will be there.”
Was he considering asking me to…be his date? Or am I reading too much into it his behavior?
He nods to his Harley, ending my speculation. After helping me strap on the new helmet, he straddles the bike and motions for me to get on behind him.
It already feels too good and too familiar being wrapped up tight against him. Now he’s taking me to hang out with his friends. People who are important to him.
Hang on heart, this ride’s about to get bumpy.
Chapter Twenty-One
Rooster
Nothing will top tonight for a long time.
Got to indulge in my favorite activities—fighting, fucking, and riding.
Most importantly, I got my girl on the back of my bike.
The night air has cooled off, but it’s still humid as hell.
Finally, I make the turn for the long, dirt driveway that leads to the ranch. Iron gates mark the entrance to the property and two prospects from the Savage Dragons MC sweep their gazes over us before allowing us into the compound.
While the main building is still a good distance away, people are everywhere. Drunk and stumbling around. I take it slow up the road. Lights twinkle in the distance, people doing hell knows what out in the woods.
The parking area comes into view. I back the bike into one of the spots reserved for our club and shut it down.
Murphy and Heidi wave to us from their spot by the fire. They headed straight back here after leaving the Tipsy Saddle.
“Oh! Heidi has a leather vest like yours. I didn’t know that,” Shelby says. “Is she a member of your club, too?”
Before I have a chance to explain, Heidi turns to talk to one of the other girls. Next to me, Shelby stops moving. “Property of Murphy? What the—”
“It’s club tradition,” I cut her off, before she says something that will sour this whole night. “An honor. Means as much, if not more, than that diamond on her finger. Heidi’s proud to wear her patch, and it lets everyone here know who she belongs to.”
She seems to take a second to digest my words. “I guess when you put it that way, it’s kind of romantic.”
I let out a relieved breath. Last thing I need is her saying something insulting to one of the old ladies tonight. I like Shelby a hell of a lot, but I’d do almost anything to protect my brothers’ women.
In the back of my mind, I note that the property patch doesn’t freak her out.
Shelby fidgets, taking my attention off thoughts I have no business considering. She glances down at her outfit. “Am I okay here?”
It’s a valid question. A quick look past the fire where a group of my brothers are gathered shows a lot of adult activity going on. Shit, half the yard is practically an orgy pit. “You’re with me, Sugar.” I sling my arm over her shoulders and steer her toward the fire.
“Are we going to your room? Or…?”
Did she assume I only brought her here to fuck? Or is she worried I want to join the porn-gone-wild crowd? Never happening. Hot rage sizzles though me at the thought of anyone else touching her. Even a brother. Fuck no. “You mind hanging out for a bit?”
“No, not at all.”
I lean down and kiss her neck, tease her earlobe with my tongue. “Sugar, don’t you worry. I’m plannin’ to show you my room and ride you hard until the sun comes up.”
“That right?” Her question’s teasing, but she seems to relax.
“Fuck yeah. First, I want to introduce you to a few of my brothers.”
“More than the ones I already met?”
“Whoever’s not down here now, you’ll meet tomorrow.”
That seems to melt her remaining concerns away. She takes my hand. “Okay.”
I laugh when I see who’s joined the crowd tonight. “What dragged you out here, Wrath?” Upstate’s enforcer is known for his brutal honesty and fighting skills, not socializing.
He points his bottle of beer at Murphy. “He did.”
The beautiful blonde tucked close to Wrath’s side laughs. “Heidi said you were bringing Shelby Morgan back with you, and I had to say hello and tell her how awesome she is.”
“Oh my goodness,” Shelby mutters behind me.
Proud? Impressed? Hell, I’m not sure what I’m feeling, I pull Shelby forward and introduce her to Trinity. Heidi joins them, and they pepper Shelby with questions about music and the reality show.
She seems comfortable with Heidi and Trinity, so I shrug and snag a spot on the blanket next to Murphy. “Teller come down with you guys?”
“Nah, he’s watching Alexa for us. Watching Grace, too.” He glances around. “Rock and Hope were down here, but they disappeared into the woods a couple minutes ago.”
That doesn’t exactly surprise me. Although, I highly doubt those two are involved in any group fucking. More like a private party for two, and Rock will gut anyone who comes within fifty feet of his wife.
I’m looking forward to disappearing with Shelby soon and having our own private party.
Except, I kind of like her hanging out with the old ladies from my club. Seems like she spends so much time working, she doesn’t have time for fun in her life.
Eventually, I pull her into my lap, and she rests her head on my shoulder.
I brush her hair off her face and run my fingers through it. “Tired?”
“Little bit.”
“Had a long day.”
She picks up her head and gives me a sexy smile. “And not much sleep.”
Although I’d gotten distracted at her house, I’ve still got all sorts of questions for her. “So, do you play there every week?”
“I used to. A producer from Roadhouse saw me and asked me to audition for the show.”
“Now I know why those cops treated you like a celebrity.”
Her eyes widen. “Celebrity my ass! They gave me a ticket same as you.”
I
laugh at the memory. “First ticket I don’t mind.”
“Why’s that?”
I kiss the tip of her nose. “Because I met you.”
“That’s—”
“Don’t say it.”
“Sweet.”
I groan and squeeze her tighter.
Murphy stands and pulls Heidi up with him. “We’re heading inside.” He nudges Heidi.
Heidi’s nervous gaze darts between Shelby and me. “Murphy’s taking me boot shopping tomorrow. You’re welcome to come. Or, if not, maybe you can recommend a place?”
“Yeah, I’d love to.” Shelby seems really excited, but then her shoulders drop and she turns to me. “I don’t know what you…”
“That sounds good.”
“We’ll talk at breakfast.” Murphy lift his chin at me. “Maybe we can find you a nice cowboy hat, too.”
“I know a place.” Shelby winks at me.
I flip Murphy off, and he returns the gesture before wrapping his arm around Heidi and leading her away.
Wrath and Trinity are the next to leave us.
“It was so great meeting you, Shelby.” Trin leans in for a hug, and from what I’ve seen, Trin’s not much of a hugger. “You definitely should’ve kicked Ruby’s ass. So glad you got that tour. You’re amazing.”
I must have missed that part of their conversation, but Shelby seems pleased by the praise. “Thank you.”
After they’re gone, Shelby looks down at her hands like she’s nervous or embarrassed or something.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. That was…surreal but so cool. Everyone around here knew I was on the show, but I never met anyone not from around here who…I mean I know people watched it all over but…”
“You know New York isn’t located in Oz, right?”
She laughs softly and slaps my chest. “I know that.”
“So, tell me, how long you been singing?”
She tips her head back and stares at the stars for a few minutes. Texas hill country nights have been gorgeous. As the heat fades with the sunset, the scent of wildflowers clings to the cooler air. Perfect night for stargazing, but all I can look at is Shelby.
