Page 35 of Barker

Drake nods. He knows I don’t want to talk about Annistyn yet. I miss her too damn much. I swear, there’s literally a hole in my chest right now where my heart used to be, because it’s wherever she is. “Talon, I respect the hell out of your answer. Honesty, loyalty, and integrity are characteristics that we hold in high regard within the Sons of Sin club. Therefore, I’d like to officially welcome you as a full member of the Sons of Sin Motorcycle Club.” Drake turns around and pulls a black leather vest with our patch on the back and passes it to Talon. The look of shock on Talon’s face is priceless as he takes in the new cut. Wilder takes Talon’s prospect cut off his back, while Stryker helps slip his member cut onto his shoulders.

“I really thought you guys were going to cut my ass,” Talon says with a laugh. I give him a smile, but my mind keeps going back to Annistyn. Hearing him talk about her made me miss her that much more.

Thirty

Annistyn

It didn’t take long after Talon left for my worry to get the best of me. I ended up calling both Vienna and Landrey. They both showed up with food and drinks in their arms, and now they are sitting on our couch with me pacing back and forth in front of them as worry consumes me. I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive myself if Talon loses his place in the Sons of Sin Motorcycle Club because of me and Jerick. It’s just not fair to him.

It’s been almost a year since he became a prospect for them, and I hope that they can look past his connection to Jerick. In the past year, Talon has been nothing but loyal to the club and what they stood for. He has earned a spot in that club.

I’m still pacing when the door finally opens an hour later. For a moment, I’m afraid to look in Talon’s direction, then I see the black leather vest resting on his body and the wide smile on his face. I notice his name embroidered in royal blue and outlined in white on the left breast. It’s official: he’s a member of the club.

I rush forward and wrap my arms around his neck. “I’ve been so worried! I thought they were going to kick you out after all your hard work.”

Talon shrugs. “I did too, but they didn’t. Actually, they are throwing a welcome party and we’re all invited. So, all of you beautiful ladies get up because we’re heading to Sinner’s Den.”

For the next few minutes, I try to argue as to why it would be a good idea for me not to go along with them, but no one listens. Landrey is even going. I mean, come on! The barely legal preacher’s daughter, Landrey Collins, and she’s going to a motorcycle bar for a party.

The truth is I just don’t want to see Barker. It’ll hurt too much. As I stand in front of my mirror, I realize I had just thought I was falling in love with Barker. I now know that wasn’t the case. I was already in love with him. My bed is cold and empty. My bike doesn’t hold the same allure as it used to. Everything is so different and it’s frustrating. I never wanted to be one of these girls. I never wanted to get so tied up in a guy or in the thought of love, because I knew you couldn’t depend on people. Then Barker came into my life and changed everything.

He’s been angry and hurt and I don’t blame him, but even though he’s been upset, he's still been here for me as much as he could be. He came over every day after my dad passed away. He went to the funeral home with me. He stayed by my side, despite the awkward tension that was between us. He still texts me every day to ask how I am. We just don’t talk beyond that, or laugh or kiss. It’s hard knowing he’s there, but not mine. It makes the love I have for him harder to deal with.

Before Barker, I was convinced I could only count on two people: my dad, and Talon. Barker proved to me that I could rely on someone else if I was willing to let them help.

There’s one decision for me to make, and really it’s not even a decision. I march over to my closet and pull out the royal blue tank top that I adore and slip it on with a pair of black skinny jeans. I grab my pair of six-inch heels that match the tank top perfectly and slip them on my feet. I touch up my makeup and let my hair down before grabbing my black leather moto jacket and heading out with everyone.

Talon drives us in my car to Sinner’s Den and the clubhouse, where the party is already in full swing. I take a deep breath and climb out of the car. Music can be heard from here, but I can’t make out the song. Then again, the pounding of my heart is drowning out everything else right now. Vienna walks over to me and gives me a smile before handing me a tube of lip gloss. “I figure you’re about to do something big based on your actions and what you’re wearing, so you might want some gloss.”

I forget that Vienna can read me just as well as Talon. She is literally one of the best friends a girl can ask for. I haven’t even told her what I feel for Barker or this plan I’ve formulated in my head, but she already knows something is up. I should have added her to people I know I can rely on. I take the tube and dab some on my lips. “Thanks,” I mumble. My voice sounds weak and I hate that.

“Go get your guy,” she tells me, as she passes me to catch up with Talon and Landrey.

Once I’m inside, I scan the room and the first Sons of Sin I spot is Drake, so I head over to him. When I approach, he steps away from Zoey and the rest of the group that has gathered around him. “Hey Annistyn, how are you doing?”

I nod. “I’m okay. I just wanted to thank you for letting me off work this past week.”

“Not a problem. You needed some time. Besides, that’s what family does. Family helps family.”

I bite my lip. “But I’m not family. Anyways, I also wanted to thank you for not removing Talon from the club because of me. This club means so much to him.”

Drake nods his head. “I know it does. It was never any of our intention to remove him based on a past friendship or even present,” he says, giving me a pointed look.

“Well, I am related to Jerick.” My eyes dart down to the ground because I can’t find any reason to be proud of that.

“Yes, you are by blood, but Talon remindedallof us what true family is. It’s not about the blood you share with someone. It’s about who you can trust, who is there for you when you need them, who can make you laugh when you want to cry, who has your back, no matter what. We all needed that reminder. He’s family. You’re family. It doesn’t matter about who you’re actually related to. Talon proved his loyalty, not only to this club, but to you,” Drake says, as he reaches forward and squeezes my shoulder.

I nod my head. “Thank you.” I take a few deep breaths to collect my emotions. “I actually have something I need to discuss with you too.”

“Okay, shoot,” Drake says, as he crosses his arms over his chest.

“I’m graduating college next month and I’ve been offered a job at the clinic in town, so I need to give you my two weeks’ notice, but if you don’t find someone before then, I can stay on and help out, especially on the weekends.”

Drake smiles and shakes his head. “That won’t be necessary. I’m incredibly proud of you and excited for you. I’m glad you already have a job lined up. I appreciate the two weeks’ notice though.” I smile at him. Drake takes in a deep breath. “Have you talked to Barker?”

I shake my head. “No, I mean, I don’t know what to say. I messed up.”

“We’ve all messed up before, it’s just part of being human. Barker is no saint, Annistyn. Just talk to him. You might both be surprised to know what the other person is feeling. Our minds have a funny way of making things much worse than they actually are.” Drake nods and then turns around to go back to Zoey.

---