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The door opens, and he slides out gracefully for such a tall man. The Adonis slips out behind him, turning around to face the interior of the van after righting himself. He offers his hand to me and grins, his entire face lighting up with his smile.
My breath catches. How can a man so beautiful be so terrifying? I’m all out of options. I reach out and place my hand on his calloused palm.
“We went to your church,” He whispers, leaning in to brush against my hair as he helps me step down.
Goosebumps prickle down my neck. By the time my heels touch the pavement, they have spread down my back and even the backsides of my legs. The Adonis doesn’t let go of my hand. I hold back a gasp when he pulls me in closer.
“Now it’s your turn to come to ours.”
Chapter 6
Marigold
I have no idea what he means, but there’s no time to ponder it and no space to sprint away. We’re parked outside of a nondescript red brick building, mere feet away from a heavy metal door. There’s a sign above, etched onto the front of the metal awning. I squint to make out the shape of the hooded skeleton and the scythe. I read the words, but my knees are shaking before my eyes are finished moving over the letters.The Grim Rider’s Motorcycle Club.Only the most fearsome and dangerous outlaw motorcycle gang in the Southern United States.
I’m flanked on either side by Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome and the Adonis, who is still clutching my hand. The immense man that was driving overtakes us in a few steps and swings open the metal door as if it weighs nothing at all. As he turns, I catch sight of the patch on his black leather jacket. The Grim Rider logo matches the one on the sign above the door.
“Ladies first,” He smirks, gesturing, and my eyes glaze over him instead of glaring. I’m heading into the den of the devil and my fear has taken some of the wind out of my sails.
As soon as we step inside, my feet shuffle and I feel my nostrils being assaulted with the smell of smoke. It’s cigarettes, but something else, too. Pungent but also sweet, and at the same time, reminiscent of body odor. We’re in a long hallway and the Adonis tugs my hand, pulling me along. I try to keep track of the doors we pass, but I lose count after we turn left down another hallway.
I hear muffled voices and Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome suddenly reaches out to grab a doorknob. I’m not ready, but he’s turning it and swinging the door open. Before he steps inside, heturns around to smile at me. He looks boyish, even with the touches of gray hair at his temples.
“Welcome to our church,” He says quietly and then he turns back around to step inside.
A hush falls over the room immediately and I don’t want to go in, but the Adonis presses his hand against the small of my back. Though it’s the slightest touch, it sends heat waves through my abdomen. I’ve never known what exactlychemistrywas, but this has to be it. My high heels click against the tiled floor as I follow Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome inside.
The large room is filled with a long wooden table and dozens of chairs occupied by bikers. Bikers occupy every spot along the large oval table, and more chairs line the walls of the lengthy rectangular room. All of their eyes are on me and there’s not another woman in sight. Some stare silently while others murmur in appreciation, but the Adonis still has a grip on my hand. He squeezes gently to remind me.
A grizzled old biker sits in a position of authority at the head of the table. He stands, banging his fists against the wood. His arms, tattooed from his fingers to where they disappear beneath the sleeves of his black t-shirt, and his long gray ponytail covered with a black bandana give him a rugged appearance.
“Here she is, Warden,” The auburn-haired man speaks in his gravelly voice. He reaches from behind to grab onto my free elbow. “This is Marigold Bennett.”
My head jerks to look up at him.He knows my name.I’m afraid, but I don’t dare show it to this company. I tilt my chin up and hold his gaze until he releases his grip on my elbow. I will not cower the way that men expect me to.
“Marigold,” Warden steps towards me and stretches out his tattooed hand. He smiles and I see the flash of a gold tooth. “I’m sorry we have to meet this way. I’m Warden, the President of the Grim Riders M.C.”
With trepidation, I slowly raise my arm. Warden grins again and places my hand between his two rough palms. He lifts them once before letting go.
“Let’s find the lady a chair,” Warden barks over his shoulder.
Within seconds, a seat is cleared near the head of the table. Warden gestures for me to sit down. I’m in no position to refuse, surrounded by a few dozen burly bikers.
I perch gingerly on the edge of the chair, poised to make a quick escape, but the Adonis smiles as he pushes it in for me. I have no choice but to face forward and I fold my hands together on the table nervously.
“Do you know why you’re here?” Warden asks, raising one gray bushy eyebrow.
“No!” I half gasp and half cry.So much for maintaining my composure.
Warden’s expression seems to soften, and he exchanges a glance with the men standing behind me.
“I don’t know why you’re doing this to me,” I stutter and it’s like the floodgates have been released. The tears flow down my cheeks and my chest heaves with sobs.
It’s the exact opposite of the way I was trying to act and clearly not the reaction that the bikers were expecting. Warden’s mouth gapes open as an expression of confusion passes over his face. He looks over my head at the three men standing behind me.
I feel a touch on my shoulder and Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome leans forward to whisper into my ear.
“It’s okay. You’re safe.” His stubble tickles against my ear and he crouches down to wrap one long arm around my waist.
