Page 1 of Ace's Legacy
Chapter 1 - Ace
I'm already three shots deep when I spot her across the bar.
A goddess with curves that could make a man weep, wrapped in a blue dress that hugs every delicious inch. Her brown hair falls in soft waves past her shoulders, and even from here, I can tell she's not the usual type who hangs around waiting for MC members to notice them.
She's different. Too classy for this dive. Too innocent for someone like me.
"Stop staring, Ace. You're gonna burn a hole through her dress," Viper says, sliding another whiskey toward me.
I tear my eyes away and smirk at him. "Just appreciating the view."
"Yeah, well, appreciate it somewhere else. We're supposed to be keeping a low profile, remember?" Viper downs his drink in one go, his massive frame dwarfing the barstool beneath him.
With his reputation that precedes him by about a mile, he's the last person who should lecture me about staying inconspicuous.
"I'm always low profile," I say, running a hand through my short hair.
It's bullshit and we both know it. At twenty-six, I'm the youngest member of the Outlaw Order MC, and according to Viper, the biggest pain in his ass.
I can't help myself. I glance back at her again. Our eyes meet for a split second, and I swear the entire bar fades away. She blushes and looks down at her drink, a small smile playing on her lips.
Fuck. I'm in trouble.
"Don't even think about it," Viper warns, following my gaze. "That one's not for you."
"Since when do you decide who's for me?" I knock back my whiskey and slam the glass on the counter. The burn in my throat matches the one starting to build in my chest. Nobody tells me what to do. Except maybe Reaper, our president, but even then, I push my luck.
Viper leans in close. "Since Reaper told us to gather intel, not pussy. The rumors about some shit happening have been increasing."
He's right, and I know it. We can't afford distractions. But something about this woman calls to me on a level I can't explain, something beyond the physical pull I'm used to feeling.
"One drink," I say, already standing. "I'll just buy her one drink."
Viper grabs my arm, his grip tight enough to remind me who taught me everything I know about fighting. "Ace—"
"You said gather intel, right?" I flash my most innocent smile, the one that's gotten me out of trouble since I was a kid. "What if she knows something?"
He releases me with a disgusted grunt. "Your dick's gonna get you killed one day."
I wink at him. "But what a way to go."
Weaving through the Thursday night crowd, I approach her table. Up close, she's even more beautiful. Soft hazel eyes, full lips, and a gentle flush on her cheeks that tells me she's not used to getting attention in places like this. She's sitting with another woman who eyes me suspiciously as I approach.
"Ladies," I say, leaning one hand on their table. "Can I buy you a drink?"
Her friend opens her mouth, probably to tell me to get lost, but the goddess in blue speaks first.
"I'm good with what I have, thanks." Her voice is melodic, but there's a firmness to it. Not a pushover.
I respect that. "I'm Ryan," I say, purposely using my real name instead of my road name. Something tells me "Ace" wouldn't impress her.
She hesitates, then: "Sarah."
Sarah. It fits her—classic, warm, real.
Her friend sighs dramatically.
"I need to use the restroom." She gives Sarah a pointed look that clearly asks if she'll be okay.
