Page 3 of Sinful Need
“That makes no sense.” Jase’s footsteps resume behind me.
“My father was the president of the Viper’s Den MC until he and my mom were killed in a motorcycle crash last year. Theclubhouse is my home. The club is my family but the powers that be don’t consider them suitable guardians.” I keep my eyes focused ahead, grateful he’s staying with me. His presence is comforting.
“I’m sorry,” the way his voice cracks makes my stomach flip. “My brother died in a car accident four weeks ago. He was the only family I had. That’s why I was there.”
Our shared pain binds us. I slow my steps, meeting him. We’re two lost souls, seeking refuge in each other.
I reach out, my fingers trembling slightly with nervous excitement. His warm and inviting hand waits there, a few inches away. I close the gap, our fingers intertwining effortlessly. It’s as if our hands were meant to fit together, a perfect union. A tingling sensation runs up my arm, and I can’t help but smile reflecting on the connection we’ve forged with just a few words. We walk in silence the next few blocks until I spot the gates of the clubhouse looming in the distance. My feet stop moving, as if I have no control over them.
“What’s wrong?” Jase’s dark brown eyes study me with piercing scrutiny.
We’ve only known each other for a few hours but I’m afraid he can see right into the heart of me with that heavy gaze. If he looks too deep he’ll see how petrified I really am.
I roll my eyes over him, getting my first real look at his slender and unassuming frame. Sandy brown hair falls in disheveled waves across his forehead, and his dark brown eyes hold a certain depth, hinting at hidden strength beneath his soft exterior. Even his clothes are basic, blue jeans, sneakers and a plain gray tee-shirt. His soft lips are curved up in a crooked smile. He’s kind of cute in an awkward sort of way.
As I study him, I can’t help but wonder about the untapped potential that lies within him, waiting to blossom into somethingremarkable. I hope I’m not wrong about him because if I am, these guys will eat him alive.
“These guys are my family but they’re not the friendliest. We have rules about strangers around here and I’m breaking them all.”
“Do you want me to go?” Jase’s voice drops and my heart shudders.
Could he leave me that easily? We may have only known each other for a few hours but I don’t think I can let him walk away. I may be only seventeen but I’m pretty sure the flutter in my stomach means something.
“I mean… If you stay, you could be part of a family again.” My pulse quickens, “My family.”
“How bad could they be?” His crooked smile deepens and my stomach somersaults.
Before Jase can change his mind, I lead him towards the gate. You can’t see them but there’s cameras everywhere so the prospect is already rolling the gate open before we step to it. Without a word the prospect nods and lets us pass though.
My heart beats faster but I tell myself to keep calm as we cross the paved lot lined with motorcycles. A tear forms in the corner of my eye when I see Hawk’s bike parked where my dad’s used to be. I don’t know what I expected. I knew it wouldn’t be there but the sadness hits me all the same.
I push open the old, weathered door and walk inside. It’s like stepping back in time. The familiarity of home, from the worn leather couches to the neon signs on the walls, but it’s different now. The atmosphere is raw.
Loud rock music is blaring from the speakers, some members are huddled around tables slamming back beers while others are balancing raunchy club girls on their laps, double fisting shots. I’m overwhelmed by a sense of unease. It’s a free-for-all of sex, drugs and fights. No respect or brotherhood. Myfather would be disgusted if he could see what this club is becoming.
I catch a glimpse of Jase’s face absorbing it all. As I predicted, he’s in over his head and my selfishness is the reason he’s going to drown.
Thick, acrid smoke hangs in the air making me tear up and choke. Through the haze, I spot Storm beelining straight to me. His top lip pulled into a sneer. The bottle in his hand clanks loudly against the surface of the table when he snaps his beer down before gripping my shoulders, “Where have you been?”
I slump my shoulders. He’s angry with me and has every reason to be. Despite his anger Storm wraps his arms around me coaxing my confession. “I got picked up by CPS, again.”
Since my parents died, my rebellious streak has gotten me snatched up by Child Protective Services three times. I’ve been busted skipping school, smoking pot and most recently, stealing a tube of lipstick. The shrink they force me to see when I’m there thinks I’m doing it on purpose. Like my subconscious is looking for a way out of this life. If that’s true my subconscious is an idiot. There’s no way out of this life.
“You have to stop being so reckless, Rayne.”
“Stop being so judgmental, Storm.” My rebellious defiance hitches my voice. “How are you not angry? Your dad died that night too.”
Storm is like a brother. Only three years apart, we grew up together in this very clubhouse with my father as President and his as VP. Unlike my parents' accident, his dad was killed while on a job for the club. Shot point blank in the head execution style.
“I am angry, Rayne but being self-destructive won’t get either of us anywhere.” Storm finally notices Jase standing next to me. Jase has his head lowered and his hand’s awkwardly hooked in his front pockets. “Who’s this?”
“This is my friend Jase. He needs a place to stay.”
“You know that’s not up to me. You’ll have to ask Hawk.”
“Ask Hawk what?” Hawk swoops in, eyeing me like prey. A chill runs down my spine. I hate the way he looks at me like he wants to eat me alive. I’m a bitter reminder he could never fill my father’s shoes.
“Jase helped me get home and needs a place to stay.” My voice comes out low and shaky. Hawk makes me nervous. He’s dangerous and easily riled up. You never know what mood he'll be in or what will set him off.
