Page 13 of Toxic Biker

Not wanting to be left behind in case he’s discovered something important, I hop out of bed. I pee, wash my hands, and steal a bit of toothpaste, rubbing it on my teeth and swishing with a bit of water so I can speak and not kill anyone with morning breath. I didn’t bring any toiletries with me, just a few clothing items from Seth’s that weren’t too formal, so I wouldn’t look absolutely ridiculous wearing them while riding on a motorcycle.

Tugging on my cute but casual cotton tennis skirt and a plain tank top, I pause in front of the mirror, realizing I look like I’m spending the day reading by the pool and not hunting down my wayward older brother. I could even pass for golfing, or a day of shopping. Not hanging out with a man I’ve crushed on for half of my life who happens to belong to a one-percenter motorcycle club (which I’ve learned basically means he’s an outlaw). We could’ve gone together once upon a time, when he was a jock, hanging out with my brother, but I was too young then. This version of him is opposite of me, and I’m starting to wish I’d been a little more goth Barbie growing up so we’d fit better together from the outside looking in.

Digging through my purse, I find my tinted travel sunscreen and take a minute to apply some on my face and shoulders. I don’t know if we’re going anywhere, and I need some protection from the elements. With a sigh, I slip on my sandals from yesterday and leave the safe sanctuary Asher’s room has quickly become. In any other circumstance I could lay in that bed all day long and be in heaven, but unfortunately, that’s not the case.

The main area we were in yesterday is quiet, except for a few voices speaking lowly. I round the corner to find Asher, an older woman, and a gorgeous man with mischief dancing in his eyes when they land on me. He nods my way, and the voices quiet down.

The gorgeous man speaks first, breaking the awkward silence. “Mornin’. Plague was just telling us we’ve got a new recruit.” The man teases and I instantly feel welcome in his presence. Don’t get me wrong, a few of the guys around here are terrifying, but I trust Asher and if he says I’m safe here, then I believe him.

“Good morning,” I respond automatically to the new guy.

My gaze finds the man in question, Asher’s brow popping up at my warm smile. “Jailbait,” he greets, and my smile instantly turns to a scowl.

“I’m not jailbait, we discussed this already.” I grumble, wanting him to see me as a woman, not as someone always too young for him.

The lady beside him grins. “Hey, baby. Come sit and have some coffee with us.” Rather than getting irritated at being told what to do, I take her words for the invitation they are.

I nod, grateful for her kindness.

She pushes a box of donuts my way, the label from one of the most popular shops in Round Rock. I swear their cinnamon rolls are as big as my entire face, and suddenly I’m starving. “I’m this one’s momma,” she supplies with a wink, gesturing to the hot guy to my right. I knew she was older but not old enough to be his mom. It instantly makes me happier, knowing she’s probably too old for Asher. At least I can hope.

“Nice to meet you…” I pause, waiting for a name.

“Mom,” she smirks, and I read the same mischief in her gaze. I know where the guy obviously gets it from. I bet their entire family is a handful.

I nod again. If that’s what she’s comfortable with, then no wonder she’s here with a couple big boxes of donuts. She’s these guys’ adopted mom apparently and I’m good with that, I love women like her. “Mom,” I grin, not shying away from grabbing the circle of sugary goodness coated in frosting and coconut shavings. I eagerly take the offered paper cup of coffee she removes from the drink carrier and slides my way. It smells delicious and I haven’t even taken a drink yet. Across from me, my testy biker pushes some cream and sugar in my direction along with offering me his spoon. “You don’t drink it black?” For some reason, he seems too manly to sweeten his coffee up, but apparently, I’m wrong.

“Fuck no, I like mine churched up a bit.”

“He likes those girly iced coffees,” the guy says, and my gaze lands on his leather vest. His patch acknowledges him as the club’s president.

“Ripper?” I ask, reading the opposite patch I’ve come to realize homes the guys’ road names around here. “Like, as inJack the Ripper?”

Asher quietly snickers while Ripper shakes his head. “Nah, got it for other reasons. Plague says you got him all twisted up in knots and he’s trying to fuck you but keeps getting cock blocked.”

“Dick,” Asher grunts, but won’t meet my amused stare, so it must be true.

Mom stands. “Okay, that’s my cue to get back to the shop and take some of these to your dad. Enjoy the breakfast. It was nice meeting you, Lacey. I hope to see you around here more often with this one.” She squeezes Asher’s shoulder, as Ripper stands and offers to walk her out.

“You left me,” I acknowledge as soon as we’re somewhat alone, then take a big bite, chewing in a very unladylike manner. I’m too hungry at the moment, realizing I barely ate anything at all yesterday. Chocolate coated coconut flakes stick to my lips and chin, making me scramble to shove them in my mouth and pretend I’m not embarrassed. It’s ridiculous, he’s seen me eat like a pig as a kid, so an oversized messy donut shouldn’t be a deal breaker.

“I had to talk to Prez about what’s going on, along with my other brothers that weren’t around yesterday.”

Glancing around us, I take in the empty space, aside from hearing Ripper thank his mom and tell her goodbye. “Did you call them or something?”

“No. We had church, and I caught everyone up to speed.”

“Mass?”

“No, babe. It’s like a biker meeting. Sort of, but not.”

“Sort of.”

“Yup.”

“This early?”

“You’re full of questions today. You always like this in the morning? I can’t remember because we were getting up for games and trips and shit.”

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