Page 112 of Tattooed Love

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It was late when I heard a roar of engines pulling in. I knew that the Deadly Dozen must be out on a ride, considering not one of their bikes could be located and not one member had disturbed me all night; there obviously weren’t any members around.

I swung around on the bar stool, waiting for them to make their entrance. I heard the door being forced open abruptly and I gulped the last shot I had lined up, just in time; they all walked through the passageway.

“Glad you are nice and fucking comfortable,” Cole snapped at me, with a look of complete anger as he threw himself down in an armchair.

“Where have you guys been?” I smiled cheekily. “I have been waiting for hours.”

Not one answered; Adam was already behind the bar pouring himself and Tyler a drink. Troy was taking a seat next to Cole, but not one seemed to want to answer.

“Coolies, well I might as well go to bed now,” I said as I slowly got up from the bar stool.

“Don’t you bloody well dare!” Cole pointed a finger at me. “Sit.”

“Why?” I frowned, sitting back on to the stool but then the door opened again, and within seconds, Jax’s figure stood in the door frame. I quickly glanced in the other direction, and attempted to put my business face on.

“Found her,” Cole’s rough voice spoke to Jax.

“Yeah, Troy called,” Jax grunted.

So the room was completely silent, and filled with complete awkwardness.Sighing, I finally lifted my head up and met Jax’s dark eyes, which happened to be staring directly at me.

I just had to keep my head strong, and I was relying on the little strength I had within me to keep myself strong.

“Figure your problem out?” My voice was hard.

Jax grunted, but didn’t break eye contact.

“The deal is off,” Cole spoke up, but I didn’t turn to look at him. I was afraid if I broke eye contact now, I wouldn’t have the strength to reconnect.

“Wouldn’t deal with a stranger?” My voice was still cold and empty towards him.

“I think you know the answer,” Jax growled.

“I’ll do the deal.” I said, swallowing my pride. “For my brothers,” I added that fact quickly. I did not want Jax thinking I was doing it for him.

“You would do that?” Troy grunted.

“I’m only doing this because of you guys. If it was just for anyone, I wouldn’t even consider it,” I snapped, shooting a quick glare at Troy. “Take it or leave it, either way, it doesn’t affect me.”

“It doesn’t matter, the deal’s been called, and it’s off.” Jax moved from the doorframe and to the bar, stealing a shot glass from Tyler and downing it.

“I can call them and change that.” I said, meeting Jax’s eyes as they wandered back in my direction. “There are a few other considerations, however.”

“And they would be?…” Troy cut in.

“One, don’t ask questions about my background with them. You have no right; I’m not a member of your club.”

“Sounds like a fair deal to me.” Tyler said me with complete seriousness. “Considering she could be asking a fee for doing it,” he added.

“Yeah, good one idiot, encourage her to ask to get paid,” Cole snapped at him. “It comes out of his share, seeing as he’s the idiot who brought it up,” he added.

“HEY!” Tyler flew back at him.

“The money doesn’t matter,” I shouted over both their voices. “You guys are family.” That silenced all of them.

“So, you’re doing it for them and no other reason?” Jax’s face was wiped of emotion.

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