I roll my eyes, but warmth spreads through my chest. “You’re full of it.”
“Maybe.” His lips twitch as he offers me his hand again.
I grab hold, threading my fingers through his, and we make our way across the lot to where the next tent is set up.
“That’s a long line.” There must be at least fifty bikers waiting to get their cards.
“Looks like we’ll be here a while,” Rambler agrees, taking his spot at the back of the line.
I nod, leaning against him. “That’s okay. I’m not in any rush.”
We chat with Klutch and Demi, who are standing in line behind us. Crazy Train and Cleo are a few people ahead.
The line moves slowly, and I’m starting to get antsy when I feel a prickle at the back of my neck. It’s that weird sixth sense feeling. The one you get when you feel like someone’s watching you.
I glance around casually.
And that’s when I see him.
No, no, no.
My blood turns to ice in my veins.
Eddie.
He’s standing across the lot, leaning against a black Harley. Some of his brothers from the Dirty Devils MC are standing beside him. His silver hair is pulled back in a low ponytail, and his long beard hangs in a single braid. He’s staring right at me, his cold blue eyes boring into mine.
My body goes stock still.
Oh God. Oh God. Oh God.
“Butterfly?” Rambler’s voice sounds far away. “You okay?”
I can’t answer. Can’t move. Can’t breathe.
Eddie’s lips curve into a slow, cruel smile that I know all too well.
After months of hiding, here he is.
I try to act normal, but my heart is pounding so hard. Shit. I feel like I’m going to pass out.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Train nudge Rambler and nod in Eddie’s direction.
“Butterfly.” He leans down, his lips close to my ear. “Who’s the guy staring at you?” I can hear the tension in his voice.
“ I—I don’t know,” I lie, my voice coming out shaky.
I try to act like I’m not freaking the fuck out, but my body betrays me, shaking uncontrollably.
Rambler’s arm slides around my waist, pulling me tighter against him. “Bullshit,” he whispers. “You’re shaking like a leaf.”
“I need to use the bathroom,” I blurt out, desperate to escape before Eddie approaches. I need a minute to think, to breathe, to figure out what the heck I’m going to do.
Rambler frowns. “We don’t know this area, butterfly.”
With shaking hands, I point to the painted finger on the building with the wordBathroomunder it. “It’s around the side of the building.”
He studies my face for a long moment, then reluctantly nods. “Alright, baby. But be quick.”
