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Gunner says nothing, despite the long and winding walk, but the girls chatter away the entire time. Tidbits of gossip and interesting anecdotes about various guests in attendance that I have absolutely no hope of remembering. I’mwaytoo nervous.
Finally, after more twists and turns than I can keep track of, we reach a study steel door. Kitty and Kiki seem to slow instinctively.
“Allow me,” Gunner announces in his gravelly voice.
The girls exchange glances and grin at me while Gunner steps around us to hold the door open.
“Such a gentleman,” Kiki remarks, striding through the open doorway out into the fresh air.
I can’t go quite that far, but I glance up at Gunner with a small smile as I pass through the door. His hazel eyes burn into mine and even though it’s just for a second, I feel a crackle of electricity pass between us.
That’s a problem for later, however. Right now, I have to survive a Grim Rider’s cookout. The rubber soles of the combat boots hit the pavement and I whisper a silent prayer.
Do you hear me, God? Things seem to get worse and worse.
I’m not sure if God can even hear me anymore. I’m further away from Him than I’ve ever been in my entire life, but the only way to move is forward. So, off I go.
Chapter 13
Marigold
Kitty and Kiki flank my sides as we stroll on the sidewalk between the buildings. They’re chatting away as they lead me to a sort-of courtyard area nestled between the sprawling clubhouse and the Grim Rider’s enormous steel garage.
There’s a small patch of grass set up with picnic tables and an industrial-style charcoal grill that’s already smoking. A man with a shaved head and snake tattoos winding up his neck is throwing burgers on the grill. Gunner makes a beeline towards him.
“Gunner,” He grins when he looks up and the sunlight reflects on his gold front tooth. “The ladies make you late again?” The leather-clad man reaches into a cooler on the ground beside him and pulls out a dripping wet can of beer. I notice the snake tattoos encircling his arms when he offers it to Gunner.
Gunner grunts in response, quickly flipping the top open. After he takes a long guzzle, he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. Gunner glances around the courtyard and his eyes narrow when they land on us. He’s not the only one looking. Suddenly, the bald-headed biker releases a low wolf-whistle.
“Who is that?” I hear him ask and I look away quickly, but I know that he’s staring at me.
Gunner grimaces and I can’t hear what he mutters in response, but the man keeps gazing at me. He’s shaking his head, as if in disbelief. And now, Gunner’s gritting his teeth.
“That’s Snake,” Kiki whispers.
“And it looks like someone’s jeal-ous,” Kitty sings and the sisters burst into giggles.
I feel my cheeks redden and Kiki nudges my shoulder.
“I think that this means that we nailed the biker chic look,” Kiki playfully boasts.
I can feel eyes all over me. Every new biker that arrives seems to check out the new girl. I feel like I’m a new person. I’m not the same preacher’s daughter from the night before.
“Should we find somewhere to sit?” I ask, my eyes darting around. I’m uneasy being the center of attention.
The girls lead me towards a picnic table at the edge of the party. I settle onto the bench across from them and we’re perfectly situated to look out on the rest of the crowd.
“There’s Warden and his old lady, Minnie,” Kiki whispers. She nods toward the gray-haired club president, arm-in-arm with a late middle-aged blonde.
Kitty waves towards another biker couple, a bare-chested man covered in tattoos and a slim brunette beauty with scarlet-red lipstick. “That’s Venom and Angel. She’s an old lady, too.”
“What exactly does old lady mean?” I whisper back after some hesitation.
The girls exchange glances before answering.
“Old lady is, like, wife,” Kiki answers, her expression slightly incredulous.
“Don’t you know anything about the life?” Kitty asks bluntly. Her brows furrow, creating a faint line between her eyes.
