“Sure,” Magic pulled it out of his jeans pocket and held it out. “Want a drink?”
“Yeah, and I need some advice. I don’t know anyone locally and need some help.”
“Not a problem, soda or hard drink?”
“I’m driving, make it pop,” I replied. Magic nodded and disappeared around the counter to fetch a Coke. I grabbed a stool and sat.
“That it? They yelled at each other and are now having a drink together. What the fuck? She’s as crazy as Magic,” a guy said.
I turned and speared him with a warning glance. “I remember you, Madcap. Interesting how you got your name, isn’t it?”
Madcap, from the Riders of Vengeance, suddenly decided he needed to finish his beer.
“Yeah, I thought so,” I mumbled and smirked at Venom, who offered a head tilt, although there was amusement in his eyes.
“You owe me that story,” Alice muttered as she leaned over the bar.
“What’s it worth?” I replied, and Alice laughed.
“Nice to see you again,” Alice said as she wiped the counter down.
“Is it? Didn’t think you liked me last time.”
Alice smiled. “I didn’t. Nothing personal, but anyone who has issues with Magic automatically is on my shit list.”
“Magic means something to you?” There was a backstory, and I needed it.
“Yes. He saved me from a cult. I’d been heavily indoctrinated, and Magic taught me how to live free. Magic gave me my first fizzy drink.” Alice smiled. “Then he risked this bar to save me. Magic’s my dad for all intents and purposes.”
I glanced over at Magic, and my heart skipped a beat. There was an expression on his face I bet people rarely saw. He wipedit within seconds, but I recognised the look of a doting father. I’d seen it on Vulcan often enough. Alice was Magic’s daughter, and I was glad for him.
“I’m going to check the barrels, and then I’ll be back,” Magic said, and I nodded.
“So, you’re the mother of his twins?” Alice asked.
“Yes.”
“Will you let Magic see them? Bunny and I would hate to beat you up, but we would,” Alice stated fiercely. I laughed.
“It’s the kids’ choice, not mine. They’re over sixteen and know their own minds well enough. Laila has already visited.”
Alice held my eyes. “And you’re okay with that?”
“Alice, old man was a biker, a member of an MC. I’d be very hypocritical if I kicked off at Laila coming here to see Magic.”
“Hey, you serving or what?” the guy called, and Alice turned around.
“Yup, what do you want?”
“A fuckin’ drink would be nice.”
“Well, obviously, ain’t nothing else on offer here. What would you like?” Alice said slowly.
“Get me a Jack Daniel’s.” The lack of manners made me grind my teeth, but the next words out of his mouth sent my temper boiling. “Cunt.”
I was off my stool before anyone else could react. I grabbed the back of his head and whacked it on the counter twice. He let out a roar of rage, but the second strike stunned him.
“Apologise now!”
