“Davis is my mom’s name.”
“What, so you picked Crane out of your ass?” He shoves the card into his pocket and then resumes playing with my thigh.
How easy if I could just sayyes.
“Um, no. It was my dad’s name.” I hold my breath. I don’t want him to jump to conclusions yet. I just want to give him a little clue, that’s all.
Comprehension dawns, but not the kind that brings back memories of ten years ago. Shock stabs through me, and for the first time I wonder…does Gage even know the name of my dad? Or is he just another anonymous victim of his father’s violent past?
“Right.” He pulls me close and rubs his jaw against my head, and my tense muscles relax. Even though he doesn’t say anything else, he doesn’t need to. The way he’s holding me and stroking my waist means more than any awkward words.
I lean against his broad chest. He’s rock-hard all over, and I feel safe cocooned in his strong arms. He hands me my beer, and I take a long swallow before idly glancing around the club.
From its name, I’d imagined a Viking inspired place dedicated to Thor, but it’s dark and gothic, although it doesn’t continue the vampire theme from the black iron mirror with the Dracula image that’s upstairs. The small raised stage with the exotic dancers is bathed in a pale glow, and vintage metal and glass lanterns are dotted around this end of the club.
It’s cool.
During the following hour, a few guys stop by and pass the time with Gage, who introduces me as his girl, Amelia. I nod and smile and keep my mouth shut. I know what he’s doing—showing off his property and marking his territory. And while a part of me is spitting bricks at the macho shit going on, another part understands. The part that grew up in this lifestyle, and knows the thing that counts is what happens behind closed doors.
It’s like a rite of passage. No one he knows will try anything with me now. My status in their eyes is elevated from casual lay to a total hands-off zone.
It’s everything I’ve avoided. It’s why I’ve only dated guys who wore suits and drove cars. But the truth is, I can’t escape my roots. This life is in my blood, no matter how much I wish it wasn’t, except when it comes to Gage everything I never wanted is turned on its head.
A couple of bikers pause by the dancers. I guess they’re Bastards, although I don’t recognize them. Then one turns his back, and disbelief slams through me.
No way.
Even though the lighting isn’t great, there’s no mistaking the colors. Every detail of that patch is scored into my heart. Even now, when I close my eyes I can see the magnificent tattoo that covered my dad’s back.
He’s a fucking Silver Wolf.
I grip my bottle of beer with suddenly sweaty fingers. What the hell are Wolves doing in a Bastards’ club? I don’t know who he is, so the chances he’d know me are zero. And even if he was hanging around the Wolves more than ten years ago, it’s not likely he’d remember me, a skinny kid with braids and braces.
“You okay?” Gage’s voice penetrates the panic swirling through my head, and I take a deep breath. I need to get us out of here without raising his suspicion. And I need to clear the air between us.
Tonight. Well, tomorrow morning. It’ll be easier when we’re both glowing from a night of sex.
“Yes, sure.” I snuggle into him so he’s less likely to catch sight of the Wolves. Obviously, they’re welcome here, but I sure as hell don’t want Gage introducing me to them.
Before I realize his intention, he lifts me off his lap as he stands, and threads his fingers through mine. “Let’s dance.”
There’s nothing I’d love more than to dance with him, but it means we have to walk right by the Wolves. Then again, we’d have to walk the same way if we were leaving the club. My stomach pitches, but there’s not a lot I can do about it.
They turn around as we approach, and Gage’s fingers tighten around mine. It’s obvious, to me at least, that he’s not happy they’re here, but he gives them the nod as we pass by. Without an introduction. Thank God.
On the dance floor, he pulls me close, and I wind my arms around his neck. “Has everyone seen me now?”
He grunts in apparent approval of how I know exactly what he’s up to. “Not everyone. But enough. Don’t even think about trying to escape.”
“I was thinking more about your rep. Are you sure you’re ready to let everyone know you’re my man?”
He laughs, a low sexy sound for my ears only. “One day you’re going to tell me how you know so much about my rep.”
I stroke his powerful shoulders through the warm leather of his cut. “I don’t know much about you at all. I guess you might not have slept with so many girls you can’t even remember their names. If so, my bad.”
“I remember yours. That’s all that matters.” His hand glides down my back and grasps my ass. “You know what I’m doing tonight, don’t you?” It’s not a question. It’s a statement of fact, and I shiver with a combination of anticipation and nerves.
I slide my fingers into the back pockets of his jeans. Even through our clothes the heat of his body wraps around me, and the scent of leather and bikes makes me dizzy.
