“Only patch members sit at the table and they have not reached that phase yet. They have to prospect a minimum of one year before they are even considered for a cut.”
Wow.
A whole year and even then they may not make it.
“Why do they do that?” I asked, turning in my chair to look at her.
She laughed lightly. “Ask them.” I had a sense that this was some sort of test or challenge.
“Can I do that?”
“What? Ask them a question?” There was a mischievous glint in her eyes and I knew that unless I found out myself, I would never know.
“Excuse me
,” I said to the PROSPECT standing behind the bar. He looked to be in his mid-twenties and had an attractive face with big green eyes that were framed in dark eye lashes.
“Yes ma’am?”
“Why would you want to prospect a year for a club, when you’re not even sure you will get in?”
His answer came almost immediately, as if it was as natural as breathing. “For the brotherhood, ma’am.”
I looked at him expectantly, hoping he would elaborate. When he didn’t I decided to push further. “What does that mean exactly?” He had my full attention. I was expecting him to say something about getting women or how bad-ass his cut would look if and when he got it, but he surprised me.
“Ma’am, in the real world there is no such thing as loyalty. I have been betrayed by my friends and even my own family, but with this club, I never have to second guess my potential brothers. I’m willing to take a year of my life to work hard and prove my loyal
ty to the club, so that one day, hopefully, I will have the honor of wearing a Devil’s Renegades patch that will ensure a lifelong brotherhood with some of the most honest, honorable and respectable people I have ever met. Don’t you think that’s worth it, ma’am?”
I was shocked. His last statement hit home with me. I knew he was not trying to be a smart-ass, even though it kind of sounded that way.
Did I think it was worth it? I
knew
it was worth it. I had seen the way these guys were with each other and it amazed me. This life was not for everyone, but for PROSPECT MARTY, it most definitely was. I could relate, because it was worth it for me too. “Yes, Marty I do.” I smiled at him and he smiled back, passing me over another shot.
“Excuse me ma’am.” He turned and headed to the other end of the bar, checking on the ladies making sure there was nothing they needed.
“Such manners he has,” I said to Red who was eyeing me. “Rule number one, be respectful. When the guys are prospecting, they are walking on thin ice. Some of the things they do may seem a little overboard but the meaning for it is there. There is not a man in that room who did not go through the same thing.”
“What’s the meaning?” I asked.
“The greatest thing a man possesses is his pride. That is not something that is easily given up. If a man is willing to swallow his pride for the club, that is a true sign of loyalty. Women will come and go. Material items can be replaced, but pride is something in your soul, something a real man cannot live without. So, when these guys have to lower themselves to waiting on grown men hand and foot and doing things that belittle them, their pride is taken. But, respect is earned in its place.” Red seemed to be in deep thought over what she just said. I could tell she was struggling with something. I decided to drop the subject and move to another more important one.
“Why did you need Luke to stay with me last night?”
“It was not safe here,” Red said to me as if the answer was obvious.
“Well I know that, but Luke is a big boy.”
“Well that ‘big boy’s’ safety is the most important thing right now. He was safer with you than he was on his bike alone and vulnerable trying to come back here.”
Alone and vulnerable? Was someone after Luke?
“I don’t understand. Why would anyone want to hurt Luke?”
Red
laughed, “You’d be surprised.” That was her only answer. She took a draw from her beer and turned to me, curiosity consumed her expression.
“What did you say to him to make him stay?” That awful feeling I had in my gut resurfaced. I didn’t want to relive what I did last night. Lying to Luke was one of the hardest things I had ever done. I felt like shit for making him choose between me and the club, and I was ashamed at the feeling of satisfaction I got when he chose me.
“It was bad. Let’s just leave it at that.” I couldn’t look at her. She nudged my shoulder and placed her hand over mine.
“Hey, look at me.” I turned to meet her serious gaze. “You did the right thing, Dallas. Thank you. And speaking of doing the right thing…
,” Red said raising her voice. The chatter died down and Red walked behind the bar, grabbing a bottle of tequila and lining up a row of shot glasses. She filled them and everyone grabbed one and turned to me.
“To Dallas
, for standing up and taking care of business when business needed taking care of. I am proud to call you my sister.”
“To Dallas!” The ladies all said in unison and through back the shot in my honor.
Red was already refilling glasses. Luke was going to have to carry me inside at this rate. I forced the drink down my throat and looked up into the eyes of the ladies standing before me. I wasn’t sure if they wanted a speech or a thank-you or what, but I was glad I had already had several shots of liquid encouragement and my voice came out smooth and strong.
“
It is an honor to be a part of this family. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms; to love, loyalty and respect.” I raised my now full shot glass to the women and once again, as if they had rehearsed this a million times, they chanted in unison. “Love, loyalty and respect.”
I took the drink easily this time and looked over my shoulder to see Luke and all the guys standing behind us. Luke had a very pleased smirk on his face and it seemed the others were pretty happy too. I figured a happy Luke meant a happy club. He sauntered over to me and once again
, we were the only two in the room. I wanted him to kiss me. I could feel his mouth on me everywhere and my breath was ragged and shallow.
“You seem to have made some friends
,” Luke said smiling down at me, but not touching me
. I almost whined as I shifted, trying to draw his attention to my body.
He leaned down and whispered in my ear, never letting his body touch mine. “You will have to wait, baby. We have a house full of company.” A groan escaped my lips before I could catch it and his amused expression didn’t sway me in the least.
“Fuck the company.”
He through his head back and laughed, “Not much longer baby, I promise.”
I suddenly remembered my trip tomorrow and
the realization must have been all over my face because his expression turned to concern.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, I am just wishing I didn’t have to work tomorrow
.” I wasn’t sure why I had not come out and told him, but it made me feel somewhat rebellious and I liked that.
He smiled at me, the worry gone from his eyes.
“Well we still have the night. Stay with me?”
Like he had to ask…
Chapter 16
It was after midnight when everyone left. I was exhausted and knew I had a long drive ahead of me, but when Luke pulled me into his arms sleep became the last thing on my mind.
“Take off tomorrow. I’ll take you to the beach.” I pulled back looking at him.
He was smiling so big his cheeks must have been hurting. I was tempted to say yes. The beach with Luke would be incredible, a whole day of seeing him completely shirtless.
“I have to go to Tupelo tomorrow
,” I said pouting.
“Tupelo? For how long?”
he asked incredulously. My eyes looked everywhere but at him.
Why did I suddenly feel like I had done
something wrong?
“When were you going to tell me Dallas?” He asked, his voice harsh.
“I didn’t know until Sunday and with everything going on, I didn’t want to bother you.” He dropped his arms from around me and stalked into the bedroom.
Did he seriously want a fight?
“Luke!” I called stalking after him. “What the hell is wrong?”
“Nothing
,” he stated not looking at me.
“Something is wrong.” He
was undressing to get in the shower and the fight was out of me as I stood there watching. He had his back to me and I watched as his muscles flexed while he took his shirt off. He was completely naked when he turned around and finally spoke.
“
Get undressed.” I was slightly taken aback by what he said. I stood there in shock, not sure what to do. Luke walked slowly towards me. The darkness in his stare was so intense that I had to look away. When he was only inches from my face he stopped. I could tell he was mad, but was trying to control it. “You belong to me. When you decide to just up and leave the city I need to know about it.” I wanted to slap him and tell him I belonged to no one, but when I opened my mouth he silenced me with just a look. “Raise your arms up Dallas.” He spoke with authority in his voice, but so softly that I had almost asked him to repeat it. I raised my arms and he pulled my shirt over my head and then unclasped my bra. He grabbed my belt loops on the front of my jeans and pulled me up against him. Luke was pissed. I remembered seeing him this way only twice before. Once at my house and the last was when I left him at the bar. This could go either way and I knew it. I was scared to death, but a thrill of excitement coursed through my veins
.
“A man broke into my house yesterday. He came into my bedroom and touched the face of the girl I
love. Yesterday, she was so beside herself that she could not be alone. Today it is as if nothing has happened. Then, this incredibly frustrating woman plans a trip-out of town-and somehow forgets to tell me about it. Now, I am not sure what the fuck is in her head, but I can assure you that within a matter of minutes she will think twice before she ever does that bullshit again.”
His voice was full of malice, his eyes that of stone and I had never wanted him more. I raised my arms around his neck to bring his face down to mine. I kissed him hard, pulling the back of his head down to me and letting my tongue invade his mouth. I could tell he was torn, but when he groaned into my mouth, I knew I had him. He pulled back from me and viciously ripped my pants off. He was like a predator and I the prey. I didn’t care that he had just ripped the buttons from a pair of my favorite jeans, or that I was probably not going to be able to walk tomorrow. At that moment all I wanted was him. He grabbed me around my waist and lifted me onto the counter.
“I love you so much. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you.” His confession came out like a strangled groan. I could tell he was in pain and worried-about me. It seemed that sex was his release and I wanted him to know that we were okay. I wanted him to know that I was ok and that I was sorry. We couldn’t get enough of each other. Our kisses were not enough and even though our hands wondered freely over each other’s bodies, I knew we wouldn’t be satisfied until he was inside me.
He wrapped my legs around his waist and in one swift movement was inside me. I cried out from the harshness of it, and he covered my mouth with his
.
Luke’s arms were resilient and he lifted me with ease, pushing in and out of me.
“Stop. It’s too much
,” I moaned between kisses, but I knew it was not too much.
It was just enough
. He slammed into me harder and a whimper escaped my lips.
“You can take it baby. This is what you want, what you need and most definitely what you deserve.” His voice was softer this time
, hypnotizing. Luke knew my body better than I did and just as he promised; the feeling became phenomenal. I could feel myself building and I threw my head back allowing Luke to take full advantage of my throat. “Tell me whose pussy this is, Dallas,” he growled into my ear.
Fuck me
. “It’s yours Luke, I’m yours.” “Come for me baby,” he whispered into my ear. His unremitting arms lifted me high, and then pushed me back onto him, so that he was buried deep inside me. I came apart on top of him, crying out his name
.
He came with me, as his mouth found mine. When he broke the kiss I was breathless and could do nothing more than lie my head on his shoulder. I silently hoped he wouldn’t put me down. I feared that if he forced me to stand, my legs would buckle. He must have known that, because when he slid out of me, he boosted me higher, tightening my legs onto him and carried me into the shower. “You ok babe?”
“No
,” I pouted. He chuckled into my ear and I was happy to know that the tension was gone and we were back to normal.
“Someone is grumpy. Usually you are in a good mood after we make love
,” he said to me. I could feel his smile even though I couldn’t see it.
“That wasn’t even close to love making. You fucked me…
hard and now I won’t be able to walk tomorrow.”