Page 2 of Blade's Return
“Olivia,” she murmurs, understanding exactly what I want.
“Olivia Davis is the wonder woman here, Blade. If it wasn’t for her, none of this would be possible.”
“I think you’re stretching it a little, Bear, but thank you. Everyone is kind of mingling around. You can join in or go straight to the conference room. The meeting is scheduled in about twenty minutes. Although, it wouldn’t hurt to talk to Commissioner Stevens before the meeting begins,” she responds, making her voice softer so that it’s not overheard.
“Thanks, Livy,” Bear says and starts walking away.
“I hope to get the chance to talk to you again soon, Olivia,” I murmur.
“I’d like that,” she says, her cheeks deepening in color.
“Me too,” I respond, forcing my feet to follow my brother and catching up to him.
“Shouldn’t we go talk to this commissioner Olivia mentioned?”
“He doesn’t like bikers. Marty Stephenson is that big, goofy-looking asshole by the punch bowl trying to will that woman’s dress to pop off so he can look at her tits.”
I look around the room and find him immediately. The man couldn’t be more obvious. Of course, the woman—who also has a rock on her finger—doesn’t seem to mind.
“I take it that woman isn’t his wife?”
“Not even close. She’s also on the council. She’s a clerk or something. Their votes are handled. I just had to grease their wheels, so to speak. I’m not about to tell Livy that. She’s too innocent for most of these vultures.”
“Innocent?” I repeat, my gaze moving through the crowd searching for her. I see her walking away from two other men. I have to bite down the growl I feel bubbling to the surface at the way they are watching her ass.
“Livy is a lamb surrounded by hungry wolves,” he mutters.
I can’t say I like that analogy—even though I’m definitely one of the wolves. “Why didn’t you want her to know I’m your brother?” I whisper to Bear before he can open the door to the conference room.
“I could tell you were interested in her.”
His response confuses me and kind of pisses me off at the same time. “Isn’t that a reason to let her know who I am?”
“Blade, I love Livy like my kid sister. She’s a good woman, but I’m not sure she’s for you.”
“What the hell does that mean?” I respond, doing my best to keep my voice down and my facial expressions normal. I love my brother but that doesn’t mean we don’t fight from time to time. Right now, I’d like to lash out at him.
“Like I said, Livy is a good woman.”
“Bear—”
“But she doesn’t like bikers.”
I blink. “Come again?”
“She’s got a history and it’s not my story to tell. I wouldn’t even know it if it weren’t for Ayi. If you like her, you should try to get to know her. If she allows that, then see if you can win her over. That said, Livy will shut down if she knows you’re a member of the club.”
“That’s disappointing. I don’t need a woman who doesn’t accept our club and way of life, Bear.”
“Did she look like she didn’t accept me?” he asks, making me frown.
“Well, no.”
“Exactly. Livy is one of the best women I’ve ever known. She has her reasons to think the way she does?—”
“What—” I try to interrupt but he holds up his hand to stop me.
“Before you ask, they’re valid. You’re more apt to get to know Livy if she sees you as a man behind a desk—instead of a man on a bike.”
