Page 63 of All Your Firsts

I’m a piece of shit.

We get back on the bike, and I take a right at the fork in the road and gun it. I let her enjoy the next couple of minutes before we head into the chaos I know will be present at the clubhouse.

The mile-long driveway is adorned with overgrown tulip trees, their branches reaching out to create a tunnel of greenery, guiding us toward the imposing metal security gate at the end. I catch the prospect’s eye, and he immediately guides us in. Nodding in acknowledgment, I carefully navigate my way through the bustling crowd of cars and bikes.

“Where are we?” she asks, a little unsure of her surroundings.

“This is the clubhouse, home base of the Demented Devil’s MC. A place I’ve spent most of my time over the years,” I say, looking around with fond memories from my past. I rebuilt my first bike in this hangar. This was the first place I walked into and felt at home.

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to just walk in?”

“If it was years ago, no, but things have changed a lot since Trey became president,” I say as I guide her through the garage doorsand into a flurry of commotion. “Don’t worry, you’ll be safe with me.”

“You sure about that?” I look over and see Ax. He’s wearing a shit-eating grin while leaning against the wall.

I roll my eyes at him as I pull her through the hall and into the industrial-sized kitchen, where things are in full party mode. Char is making food fit for an army while dancing to the music.

“Hey, sugar,” Char says, looking at Rosie.

“Hi, how are you?”

“I’m good, sugar. You’re more than welcome to food and drinks. Make yourself at home,” she says with a wink before looking up at me with a knowing smile that says I’m fucked.

I’ve never brought anyone here. She knows I don’t get close to women. She’s always said it’s a symptom of my childhood or some shit. I trust her, and even Jess, so that can’t all be true.

We walk through a long corridor and into the great room, which has multiple leather couches placed throughout. A bar sits off to the right, and a small room off to the left has vintage pinball machines and pool tables.

The clubhouse, nestled on a couple of acres, offers a secluded haven for its visitors and boasts a spacious interior akin to an industrial building. It has two stories, not including the basement. From the second story, you can gaze down and take in the expansive great room below. Not only does the ceiling feature skylights, but it also houses surround sound speakers for an immersive audio experience.

I grab two plates and pile them with food, then grab two waters before leading Rosie to the stairs to sit so we can eat.

“This place is pretty cool,” she says, looking around the open area as I hand her a plate.

Some people are milling around, but not as many as usual.

“I like it. We renovated it a couple of years back to bring it up to date.” I peek over at her digging in. “I can give you a tour after you finish eating.”

“Sounds good to me.” Rosie looks around. “So, why don’t you wear an outfit like them?”

“That’s called a kutte, princess.”

“Okay, so why don’t you have one? They’re your friends. You have a bike and tattoos. Your whole aura screams that this is where you’re meant to be.”

“Are you feeling me up spiritually, princess?” I ask with a grin.

“No.” Her cheeks go that rosy shade of red I love so much. I want to rub my thumb against the color and see if it’s as heated as my body feels.

I bump my arm against hers. “Tell me what you see.”

“Not on your life.”

“One day?”

She gives me a one-shoulder shrug. “Maybe.”

Another maybe...it’s not a no. I’ll take it.

“This was once my home,” I say absentmindedly as I look around, feeling the nostalgia hit me. I went from doing homework at these tables to drinking with the guys. This is where I felt full after years of going hungry and feeling empty. “And I was very much a part of this club.”

---