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But as I step up to the lane, I can’t deny the flutter of excitement building in my chest. I throw the ball, a terrible throw that only knocks down two pins. Jesus, I’m distracted.

I glance back at my phone as my sisters continue chattering excitedly about going to Perdition. Brooke’s already planning her first drink, and Brianna is saying something about needing to check out the pool tables. Jax’s last message is still on the screen, sitting there like an open invitation.

I try and focus as I throw my second ball, but it’s hard. I only end up knocking down three more pins. Shameful. But I don’t care. I rush back to my phone and pick it up to see if he’s replied.

Jax: You won’t have to. They’ll love it. Trust me.

Without overthinking it, I tap out a reply.

Me: See you soon.

I hit send and set my phone down, the flutter in my chest turning into a full-blown buzz of anticipation.

When I turn around, Brooke’s smirk is practically ear-to-ear. “Ohhh, ‘see you soon,’ huh? You’re already in deep, Bella.”

Brianna laughs, looping her arm through mine. “This is going to be fun. And by fun, I mean we’re going to thoroughly embarrass you in front of your new motorcycle friend.”

“Please don’t,” I groan, covering my face with one hand.

“No promises,” Brooke says, grabbing her ball. “Now hurry up and finish this game. The sooner we’re done here, the sooner we can meet your mystery man.”

They both laugh as I shake my head, hiding my smile. Thank god we all have clothes to change into. There’s no way in hell I’m walking into Perdition in my bowling jersey.

SEVEN

JAX

The low humof conversation and the occasional clatter of pool balls fill Perdition as I lean back in my chair, sipping on my beer. Rev and Blade are arguing over whether it’s the cue stick or Rev’s bad aim that’s ruining his game, but my attention is somewhere else.

I keep glancing at the door, waiting. I don’t know what I was expecting when I invited Bella and her sisters. Maybe I thought she’d shrug me off and call it a night after bowling. But when the door swings open and I see her walk in, surrounded by her sisters, it’s like the air gets knocked clean out of my chest.

She’s stunning. Casual, laid-back, but still turning heads as she steps inside. Her hair catches the dim light, and she’s got that same warm energy I noticed the first time we met. The kind that draws you in before you realize what’s happening.

Her sisters flank her, talking animatedly as they scan the room. It’s obvious they’re looking for someone. Me.

I push up from my chair, setting my beer down. “Be right back,” I tell Rev and Blade, who barely notice as they keep bickering.

Crossing the room, I weave through the tables and chairs until I’m standing in front of them. Bella spots me first, her eyes lighting up with recognition.

“Jax,” she says, her lips curving into a smile that hits me harder than it should.

“Bella,” I reply, nodding. Then I glance at her sisters, taking them in. The older one has a sharpness in her eyes, protective but curious, and the younger one’s already grinning like she knows something I don’t.

“You must be her sisters,” I say, offering a smile. “I’m Jax.”

Brooke steps forward, crossing her arms. “And you’re the guy who invited us to a bar. Bold move.”

“It’s a good bar,” I reply evenly, meeting her gaze. “Figured you’d want to see it for yourselves.”

Brianna pipes up, her grin widening. “Oh, we wanted to see more than the bar. We wanted to meet you.”

“Brianna,” Bella hisses, nudging her.

“What?” Brianna says, feigning innocence.

I laugh, shaking my head. “Well, now you’ve met me. Come on, I’ll show you where we’re sitting.”

Turning, I lead them toward the back corner where Rev and Blade are still going at it. Rev’s lining up a shot, muttering something under his breath, while Blade watches like he’s waiting for him to screw it up.

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