Page 49 of Unwrapped

I walk out and back into the madness of a packed bar on the holidays. Standing at the end of the hall, still hidden by shadows, I take it all in. The single women are easy to spot. Their hair’s curled. Lips coated in various colors as they eye the men wearing leather cuts. Some reek of desperation others are more discreet. The old ladies sit at a table together, laughing and drinking, secure in their place. The men are having fun too, but they never let their guard completely down. Some eye the doors others watch out the windows, knowing we can never ever all really be safe. Especially since a pledge infiltrated our ranks last year. Pretending to be one of us while being loyal to a rival MC. Rog and Dev almost got killed along with our current Prez and his woman. It was a betrayal none of us will forget anytime soon.

The interior has changed from the rambling shack it was when I was a boy. However, the atmosphere is the same. These people coming from all different directions chose to make Springdale home and these people their family.

The men who remember me, raise their glasses as I step forward. I smile giving a half wave and move to my spot by the door. I’m the only sober one in the room, well, besides Devon. She saunters over handing me a black coffee.

“Thanks.”

“Sorry about kicking you out.”

“No, you aren’t.”

She glances over to the dance floor where Federico has Shiloh smiling up at him. “He’s a good dancer.”

“It’s in his blood.”

“I need a favor.”

My eyes cut t hers. “Everyone has been asking me for one lately.”

“It’s Rog…he takes on too much. I thought he was out of the MC. But Club business always seems to be in our lives.”

“Come on Dev,” I lower my voice as I lean in closer, “you’re never out. An MC is like the mafia. You’re in for life. Sure, your role might change but you can never leave.”

She bites her lip, resting a hand on her belly. “My baby.”

“I know. Don’t worry. They’ll be safe. You have my word.”

“The men are going to Canada in the morning.”

“I heard.”

“You’re staying here?”

“I am.”

“Good. I feel better when you’re around.”

“You’re the only one who’s ever said that to me.”

“I won’t be the last.”

My eyes are still on the couple burning up the dance floor. She turns her head. “She’s not into him. I can tell.”

“I don’t really care.”

“Yeah, you do.”

“Do not.”

“Do, too.”

I roll my eyes. “Thanks for letting me know what’s it’s like to have an annoying sister. I missed out on so much fun,” My delivery is dry as I tear my eyes away from the curve of Shiloh’s ass. My fists clench under the table as his hands slide low, stopping right above those juicy cheeks.

“Uh-huh.” I ‘ll see you later. She leaves me trying to look everywhere but at Shiloh.

“Who comes to Springdale for Christmas anyway?”

“You did.”

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