Page 34 of Ryder

“Drake Raven owns this bar. He is the oldest of my brothers. He sort of shares ownership with all of us. But, Axel owns a mechanic shop just down the street,” he informs me.

I look around and spot Drake Raven behind the bar, pouring drinks and chatting with customers.

“What was your role here?” I ask.

From our earlier conversations, I learned that all of the Raven’s played an integral role in the family motorcycle club business. However, Ryder was vastly different from these guys. While the rest of the Ravens lived in this small town, Ryder was living as a wildlife in the big city of Los Angeles.

“Honestly,” he begins, running a hand through his dark hair, “I spent most of my time getting into trouble. It wasn’t until Axel made me start to learn how to work on Harley Davidson bikes that I really found a purpose and reason to stop being a little shit. I would leave and travel, looking for something... But I always came back home. It wasn’t until I moved to Los Angeles, that I realized I could have more out of life. While I love what the Raven’s represent here in Hollows Cove, I like what I am building too,” he says.

He seems larger than life standing before me. He looks the part of the biker guy, in his hip-hugging jeans, white t-shirt, and black boots. However, he exudes a star quality that only certain people can possess.

“Ryder!” a voice rings out, and I see Drake waving for us to come to the bar.

Taking my hand, Ryder leads me through the thick crowd. As we move, everyone parts, patting Ryder on the back and offering welcoming greetings. This is different from the fans who see him out in Los Angeles. Here, they are friends, out there, they are star-struck.

“Hey man,” Ryder greets, reaching out his hand as they shake.

“Nice to see things never change around here,” Ryder says, his eyes dancing over every surface and figure in the bar.

I stand watching their exchange, but strangely, I don’t feel left out. It’s nice watching Ryder with his family.

“Hey, Ryder,” a female voice purrs from behind us.

I see a red nailed hand reach out and touch Ryder’s arm. I turn and spot a woman wearing a skimpy black leather skirt and a come fuck me smile. I instantly hate her.

Ryder turns and sees the woman, and a look of disdain crosses his features. At first, I thought I was going to feel inferior next to this vixen, but instead, Ryder’s response makes me feel like I belong in the place next to him.

“Hi, Erica,” Ryder says, his voice void of emotion.

Erica doesn’t seem fazed in the least by Ryder barely acknowledging her. “I heard you were coming back to town. Who is this?” she asks, her eyes finally traveling over to me.

Ryder removes her hand from his arm and moves closer to me, placing his arm around my shoulders. “This is Scarlett. She’s my date this weekend,” he states.

Erica narrows her eyes at me, and a spark of jealousy flashes in me. It’s clear this woman has had her claws in Ryder at some point, and she doesn’t like me being here with him.

“Oh. Well, if you get bored, call me,” she says, before sauntering away from us.

“That was fun,” I say, rolling my eyes.

Drake lets out a loud laugh. “I like you,” he says to me.

“Hey, she’s with me,” Ryder states, flashing his brother a look.

Drake just laughs again. “I’ve got my hands full with one wife and daughter. Don’t think I can handle any more women,” he says. “No offense,” he adds, winking at me.

“None taken,” I chuckle.

“Hey, we are going to the hotel. I will catch up with you later,” Ryder announces, before taking my hand and leading us back out of the bar.

“So, Erica…” I begin as we exit the bar.

“She’s no one. Just a chick I used to mess with when I was in town,” he admonished, waving his hand.

“Ok,” I say.

I want to ask him a million questions about her, but I decide against it.

We head back to the limousine, and it takes us to the hotel where Ryder had booked us our rooms. Tonight, we were scheduled to have dinner with his brothers, and tomorrow would begin his work responsibilities. Thankfully, Ryder’s publicist had emailed me the itinerary before the trip.

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