Page 40 of The Price of Love

I’m not sure what possesses me to speak up. “The Thorns have been very generous.” I point to the pile. “They turned our hill into a mountain.”

“The Adirondack way?” Wiz says with an edge in her voice, making me regret saying anything.

“You know it,” Storm says. “This lovely Grace…” Storm pauses and looks at my chest. Wow. That’s blatant. “Shadow.” She points at my patch. “We’ve not been introduced yet.”

Heat creeps up my neck. I’m feeling guilty thinking the worst of her and for not introducing myself. I thrust out my hand. “I’m so sorry. Yes, I’m Shadow.”

She takes my hand with one hand and rubs her chin with the other. She scrunches up her face as if thinking. “Shadow, huh? Is it because you lurk in the dark?”

I smile and am about to offer a response when Wiz interrupts. “I think you’ve found your mission for the day, Storm,” Wiz says. “Anything you need, Shadow is your go-to.”

“Perfect,” Storm says. “I’ve got my own shadow today.”

I stand rigid, swallowing down my nervousness at her prophetic response. When I realize Storm and Wiz are staring, my first thought tumbles from my mouth. “Keep walking into the sun, and I’ll be behind you.”

Oh, god, shoot me now.

CHAPTER 18

STORM

I try to hide my grin as I walk away from the registration table. The girls don’t need to see their president losing her composure over a Steel Grace. But damn, that woman is fine. As I return to my bike, I can see her in my mind.

Her light blond hair brushes her shoulders, but there’s a hint of darker roots. I wanted to see her eyes, but they’re covered by her aviator glasses, making her seem cool, aloof. Her leather jacket has more silver zippers and buttons than my more traditional jacket, but it looks cute on her. Her tight black jeans show off her thicker thighs and ass. And those fucking white sneakers with the chunky heel are the cherry on top.

The fuck. I need to get a grip. I normally don’t notice every inch of a woman when I meet her, but something about Shadow pulled me in. And when she hugged the teddy bear to her chest—damn. I’m not going to complain if she shadows me today. It’ll keep things interesting, but god knows Thorns and Graces don’t mix.

I’m grateful the others are still registering, so I can get my bearings. For once, I’m happy that Frost was behind me and not Dimples. No way would Dimples have missed my reaction to Shadow. Hell, she probably picked it up even from several positions back in the line.

I pretend to rummage in my saddlebag, but I soon give it up. I sit sideways on my bike and let my gaze take in all the bikes. The spring sun bouncing off chrome makes my heart happy.

It’s easy to spot the Steel Graces. Their patches are the only ones sporting bright pink lettering, which pops against the black background. Their symbol is a Valkyrie wearing a winged helmet. It could be a pretty cool logo, except the pink’s not doing it for me.

Since they’ll be the first ones out, their bikes sit at the front of the lot. That’s how it works. The club sponsoring the event always takes the lead. Most of their bikes are Softail Slims and look to be factory models. You’d never catch a Thorn riding a bike that didn’t have heavy modifications.

My gaze lands on a red bike. No way. It looks like an old Shovelhead. Possibly the late seventies. I’ve not seen one in years since the model is notorious for overheating. Somebody is either brave or stupid.

Dimples bounds over and interrupts my thoughts. “Cute, huh?”

I’m pretty sure I know who she’s talking about, but I feign ignorance. “I know I am.”

Dimples rolls her eyes. “Nice deflection, but I saw the way you were checking out Shadow.”

I stiffen at Dimples’ mention of Shadow. “You know her?” I try for casual, but from Dimples’ expression, I didn’t pull it off.

“Yeah, I came across her on a run or two last year.”

I want to ask why I haven’t seen her before, but I fear it would be too obvious. “How long’s she been around?”

Dimples gives me a knowing smile. “I don’t know for sure. Maybe a couple of years. She was on that big one in June last year. When your mom had surgery.” Dimples squints. “And it might’ve been the small one in Lake Placid.”

“That’s the one I stayed back with Aces.” I wouldn’t have forgotten someone like Shadow, but I’m not telling Dimples that.

Frost laughs as she approaches. “Jesus, they all look like a bunch of sausages.”

Dimples and I both give her a puzzled look.

“The Graces.” Frost points toward where they’re gathering near their bikes.