Page 1 of Emmy's Ride

Emmy

The deep rumble of engines echoed in the distance from bikes I’d passed on the way. Flipping my signal on, I pulled into the gravel lot of the Kings of Chaos clubhouse. The place loomed ahead, a beast of a building tucked behind a row of towering pines, its long history soaked into the worn wood and oil-stained pavement. Neon beer signs flickered in the windows of the old factory, casting a hazy glow against the night. Loud music, laughter, and shouted curses spilled out when the heavy metal door swung open and two men in KOC-patched cuts walked out.

A row of motorcycles, chrome gleaming under the outdoor lights, stood lined up like a battalion, each one a symbol of the men who ruled this place. My brother’s bike was resting in its usual spot.

My stomach knotted. Luke never left his ride behind, not without a damn good reason.

Shutting off the engine, I gripped the steering wheel. This was the last place I wanted to be. I’d spent years fighting my way out of this world—out of the chaos, the violence, the temptation of falling for the wrong man.

But now? Now, I was stepping right back into the lion’s den.

With a steadying breath, I opened the door and slid out, my boots crunching against the gravel. Conversations outside the clubhouse tapered off, eyes tracking my movement. Some of the faces were familiar, ghosts from my past, while others were new—young prospects still earning their place in the Kings of Chaos.

I ignored the stares, ignored the prickle of unease creeping up my spine. I had one goal tonight—find out what the hell happened to my brother.

The door swung open, and heat wrapped around me, thick with cigarette smoke, the smell of beer, and something darker.Power.

The interior of the clubhouse was exactly as I remembered. A massive open space with a bar stretching along one side, its wooden top scarred from years of fights and celebrations alike. Billiards tables filled the center, where men in leather cuts leaned over to take their shots, cigars dangling from their lips.

The walls were adorned with patches, photographs, and relics of a brotherhood built on loyalty and blood. I knew that in the back, behind the big wooden doors, a Kings of Chaos flag hung over a massive oak table—the war room. That’s where business was handled. That’s where deals were made, threatsissued, orders were given, and church was held every Thursday night.

Of course, I’d never attended a church meeting. No woman had. They were strictly for brothers only.

That wasn’t saying that women weren’t a big part of the club. Just not in any significant way. A few were dancing on the stage, wearing only a small thong, their breasts bare and swaying with their movements. Their eyes were closed as if each sensual movement was for a secret lover.

Looking around the room, I found women were in service to members in other ways. A few were waitresses, delivering drinks and food to the men at tables. One was dealing cards, and others were servicing in more personal ways.

Even with my brother trying to protect me from the rawness of the club, I’d seen it all. Blow jobs at the bar, sex on the couches, even tag-teaming on the pool tables. Those women were considered club whores and would do anything to be able to call one of its members their old man, but were too delusional to realize that would never happen. Thankfully, I didn’t recognize anyone.

A fresh wave of dread unfurled in my gut. Luke was part of this world in ways I never had been even though I’d spent my young life wanting nothing more. At one time, I’d seen myself as a queen to the Kings. I’d wanted that more than anything in the world, and Luke hadn’t been pleased. He’d wanted me far away from club business.

But now he was missing, and I was out of options.

A low hum of conversation buzzed as I walked deeper inside. I’d been recognized. And then…

Silence.

Like a wolf catching the scent of an old adversary, Austin “Prez” King looked up from where he leaned against the bar. The moment his eyes locked on to me, a slow smirk spread across hisface—the kind that made my stomach tighten and my pulse race in a way it had no business doing.

Lord, help me.Time had only made him hotter.

His dark hair was a little longer now, swept back in that effortless way that made him appear wild and untamed. The sharp line of his jaw was dusted with just enough stubble to make my heart jump, framing full lips that had once whispered dirty promises against my skin. Tattoos snaked down his arms, partially hidden beneath the black T-shirt stretched across his chest. And those piercing blue eyes—God, those eyes—still held that same intensity that used to unravel me with a single glance. He exuded undeniable, unapologetic authority, the kind that made men move when he spoke and women look twice when he passed. But he’d only wanted me.

My heartbeat stuttered, torn between the ache of everything we’d lost and the sudden, overwhelming pull that said I still wasn’t over him. Not even close.

He took his time pushing off the bar and closing the distance between us. Heat licked up my spine.

"Welcome home, Emmy," he said, voice smooth as aged whiskey.

Home.That word didn’t fit anymore. I’d spent years separating myself from this life. I’d built a name for myself in the outside world, somewhere I wasn’t just Luke Carter’s little sister. Or Austin’s… whatever I was.

Luke. That’s why I was here. Luke was gone. Fate had a twisted sense of humor because the only man who could help me was standing right there, gazing at me like I was a buried memory he never wanted to relive.

I straightened my shoulders. "Where’s my brother? I’ve been trying to get in touch with him for two days and he’s not answering my texts or calls. The gym said he hasn’t shown up for his training sessions. We both know that’s not like Luke."

Austin’s smirk vanished, replaced by a look I couldn’t quite read. His jaw clenched, the muscle ticking beneath his scruff. He didn’t answer right away, and that hesitation set my nerves on edge.

"Where’s Luke?" I demanded again, forcing my voice to stay steady while an iron band of fear constricted my chest, preventing me from taking a full breath of air.

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