Chapter 16
FRANCESCA
When we walked into the club Saturday night, I felt like a new woman. Though still visible, the bruising on my face had lessened significantly. With some concealer and foundation, I was almost able to hide it—almost. Recognizing myself in the mirror went a long way to helping me feel some renewed confidence. As for my other wounds, they were getting better by the day.
The past few days with Maddox, holed up in his apartment as though we were the only two people in the world, had been some of the best days of my life. We’d spent hours cuddled on his couch watching movies and making out like teenagers. I was surprised that I was the one to want to go further, but he seemed concerned about my wounds and kept insisting he wanted to take things slow. We’d gorged on takeout and the desserts I couldn’t help but bake. And we’d talked about nothing too terribly deep, but despite that, I felt closer to him in a few days than I’d felt to anyone. Every night I’d fallen asleep with his arms around me. I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to sleep alone again; wasn’t sure I’d want to.
“All right, baby?” he asked, his arm wrapped around my shoulders as he led me inside.
“I’m good,” I assured him, and I meant it. I’d loved the world we’d sequestered ourselves in, but the club was a huge part of his life and the more I’d gotten to know Maddox, the more I wanted to be part of that life.
So, here I was.
We’d arrived on the back of his Harley, a first for me and I hoped not the last. Pressed against his muscular body, the motor revving under me, I’d loved every moment. Plus, Maddox in his leather cut, blue jeans, and boots, topped off with hair attractively mussed from his helmet was an added bonus. The man was delicious.
When we walked inside I lost a bit of confidence. The main room was packed with bikers, and compared to the women I could see, clad in crop tops or skintight shorts, I was downright dowdy.
Olivia had been kind enough to drop off another outfit for me, and now that she’d met me, it was much closer to my actual size. I’d thought I looked cute in the jeans, black tank that flattered my figure, and the boots she’d lent me. I thought I’d fit in and be welcome. Now, I wasn’t so sure. I looked down, avoiding the stares—curious from the men and downright hostile from the women. One in particular looked like she wanted to murder me on the spot.
Attuned to me as usual, Maddox sensed my hesitation. He gripped my hand, his eyes scanning the room searching for a source of my anxiety. When he spotted the group of women, the blonde still sending me death glares, he let out of a rumble of anger. At his glare, the blonde immediately looked away.
He looked down at me, his fierce gaze softening into a hint of worry I couldn’t place. “Girls are probably out back,” he muttered, taking my hand and guiding me in that direction.
We walked out onto a large patio, backed by the desert landscape. The delicious scent of meat from the barbeque filled the air as I scanned the space, landing on the group of four women seated around the firepit.
“Frannie!” Olivia waved, her smile open and friendly as she gestured me over. “Come sit, we’ve been saving you a spot.”
“You want me to hang here with you for a bit?” Maddox asked.
Olivia rolled her eyes. “You’ve kept her all hidden away all week. Time to share, Mad.”
I bit back a smile, looking up into his concerned gray eyes. “I’m okay.”
He studied my face for a moment before swooping down for a quick kiss. “All right, baby. I’m gonna go take care of some shit and then I’ll be back to check on you.”
I licked my lips, savoring the taste of him as he pulled away.
“Damn, Mad has it bad.” A beautiful redhead noted as I took the empty seat next to Olivia. “I’m Grace,” she introduced.
I waved in greeting, accepting the beer the brunette with streaks of pink in her hair handed over. “And I’m Ginnie. I wasn’t born into the club like most of these ladies—”
“But you’re family,” the dark-haired woman across from me asserted before turning kind eyes to me. “I’m Emmie.”
“Nice to meet all of you,” I replied sincerely. “Maddox has talked a lot about you all so I think I have this straight, but you’re Cole and Scarlet’s daughter, right?” I verified, looking at Grace. At her nod I continued. “Your mom was so kind to me when I was hurt. Is she here so I can thank her?”
Grace smiled. “Not tonight, but she also mentioned wanting to see you.”
“Hopefully soon.” I nodded. “And you’re Cal’s daughter?” I asked Emmie. I knew Cal was the former prez of the club, before his son, Cole, took the reins.
She nodded. “Yep. Max is my brother. He just married Wren. And we have another brother, Mason, who’s away at school.”
“It’s a lot to keep straight,” I murmured.
She laughed. “It is. And we’re getting bigger by the day.” She winked at me meaningfully.
“How are you feeling?” Olivia asked with concern. “Your face is so much better. And you’re so cute in glasses.” She grinned.
I touched my cheek gingerly. “Thanks. I still have stitches for a few more days, but I’m feeling much better. Thank you all for the clothes, by the way,” I added, turning eyes to the group. “I don’t know who gave me what, but everything was great and it was so generous of you.”
