Page 44 of War

I send Danger a quick text, telling him to stay on Ora no matter what, and all the men run out of the clubhouse, climbing on their bikes.

We ride off together in formation.

Unfortunately, Ora is going to have to wait.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

ORA

“Haze is old news,” Lu says after I tell her what went down last night. “I don’t even want to see his face again. Or those amber eyes. Or those long fingers that you know are good at things other than playing guitar.”

“Yeah, really sounds like old news.” I smirk, and she rolls her eyes. “What are you going to do about War?”

I lean forward on the pink countertop and stare into the parking lot. “I don’t know. I mean he’s obviously with me now, he claimed me, but what if he suddenly realizes he wants a little variety?”

“Then he’s a complete idiot,” she replies, touching my shoulder. “Let men show you who they are, Ora. But when they show you, believe them. His actions will prove how he really feels.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Do you want me to kick Daisy’s ass?” she asks, playfully nudging me. “Or hell, you could use those moves I’ve taught you.”

“It might come to that,” I admit with a straight face, and Lu laughs.

Xanthe comes in, buys some cupcakes, and sits at one of the tables with her laptop. “Why haven’t I been doing this the whole time?” she asks, tucking her silky hair behind her ear. “Good food, good company.”

“There’s usually some eye candy here, too,” Lu adds, waggling her perfectly arched brows.

“Although we also may or may not get subtly threatened,” I remind her.

Xanthe’s brown eyes widen. “Sounds like a story I need to hear.”

The bell chimes, and one of the prospects steps inside. Danger is his name. I’ve met him a few times, seen him around, and I know War sent him to protect us. He’s cute, tall, and lean, around my age, with curly brown hair, brown eyes, and a set of dimples to rival my own. His eyes snap to Xanthe, a line forming between his brows.

“I’m meant to keep my eyes on you at all times,” he announces, and Lu pulls out the chair next to Xanthe. “Have a seat, Danger. I’m Lu. I’ll provide the dessert, you provide the entertainment.”

He grins, making his dimples pop. “Now that I can do. Nice to officially meet you, Lu.”

“I’m Danger,” he introduces, offering his hand to Xanthe.

“Xanthe,” she replies, blushing.

Lu and I share an amused look. Xanthe is a primary schoolteacher, and as long as we’ve known her, she’s always been single. Sure, she’s dated here and there, but nothing that has ever stuck. She’s a romantic, and Lu says she’s just been waiting for the right one.

“Why do they call you Danger?” she asks him, and he clears his throat.

“That’s a story for another time, sweetheart,” he replies smoothly, raking a hand through his curls.

He’s confident and charming. Good luck to Xanthe if he sets his sights on her. Danger stands and looks outside, checking the surroundings. I don’t know what’s going on with the club, but normally, he would wait outside, so I know it’s not good.

“Do you want us to close and lock up?” I ask, moving to stand next to him. He towers over me—he must be about War’s height.

“That would be better,” he agrees after a moment, turning to look at Lu. “You guys don’t mind closing up? I’d prefer to have you all back at the clubhouse.”

Xanthe closes her laptop, standing with a worried look on her face. “I can head home.”

Danger shakes his head. “No, you’re coming with us. I don’t want any of you alone right now.”

We quickly lock up and all pile into Lu’s car while Danger rides behind us.

---