Twenty-Eight
Shark
I left Scarlett sleeping comfortably in her bed while I joined the rest of the boys for coffee and breakfast. I was surprised to find most of them already awake because I knew a bunch stayed out pretty late. But then again, every night in Vegas seems to be a party.
“Shark, come sit,” Rays hoarse voice requests.
I set down my plate and cup of coffee as I take the vacant seat beside him at the head of the table.
“How was your night?” I question, seeing the redness rimming his eyes.
“Real fuckin’ fun,” he grins back. “How about you?”
“It was good. Scarlett and I grabbed a bite to eat at a little barbecue joint,” I share, clearly leaving out some of the finer details from last night.
“So, I got a call from Ryder,” Ray says, cocking an eyebrow. Damn, that motherfucker didn’t waste any time.
“And,” I prompt, already knowing what he’s about to say.
“He wants you home for a weekend. I think he wants to make sure you’re still whole,” Ray cracks a grin.
"What would you say if I said that I want Scarlett to come with me?” I question before lifting a strip of bacon and taking a big bite.
“You can’t be fucking serious,” he answers and his eye twitches.
“Yeah. I mean, it’s just a weekend, right? I’d like her to meet my family, see where I’m from. And maybe see a different side of this club,” I try.
“Fuck…” he breathes. “I guess when you put it like that, I can’t really say no.”
???
By the time the end of the week rolls around, our plans are set and we’re on our way to Rock Hill. Scarlett’s excitement has been building all week, which has been amazing to watch. But it’s suddenly hit me that I’ll be back in the presence of my boys again soon, causing my own eagerness to skyrocket.
“You’ll get to see more tomorrow,” I promise her as we drive.
The sun had already set by the time our flight landed, and I can tell she’s a little disappointed that it’s too dark and she can’t see much as we make our drive towards the clubhouse. She was fucking adorable on the plane. It’s been years since I flew, but watching the delight in her wide eyes as she stared out that tiny window made giving her the window seat completely worth it.
“You’re real quiet over there, sweetheart. Is everything okay?” I question, reaching over and letting my palm cover her thigh, giving a gentle squeeze.
“It’s just…” she starts but pauses, letting out a deep breathe. “What if they don’t like me?” she finally releases in a whisper and I feel my eyebrows lift.
“Is that what you’re worrying about? Trust me, darlin’, everyone is gonna love you. They’re not going to want to let you leave. Me, on the other hand, they’ll probably be ready to ship my ass back to Vegas within twenty-four hours,” I chuckle. “Trust me, they’re going to want to keep you,” I tell her.
“Really?” her voice is soft in the dark cab of the truck.
“I guarantee it,” I answer, knowing that it’s true because it’s how I feel. “Now, I know it’s late, but I’m really fuckin’ hungry. How about we grab a bite, then I’ll take you home.”
???
It’s quickly apparent how hungry we both were. We’ve managed to inhale an entire large pizza in less than fifteen minutes. I need to do a better job taking care of her, it’s just not something I’m completely used to yet.
“I’m not sure what the scene will be like at the clubhouse tonight,” I warn, knowing that we don’t have much longer to drive once we’re back in the truck.
“It’s okay, James. How quickly you’ve forgotten where I grew up,” she reminds me with a smile.
I know she’s used to the scene, but I honestly don’t want that to be the first impression she gets of my home and my family.
“C’mon, let’s hit the road,” I say, dropping some cash on the table and lifting from my seat.
Within minutes we’re pulling into the lot at clubhouse. And as happy as I am to be here, it feels wrong to be driving into the yard in a rented pickup. Tomorrow I’ll be pulling out my spare bike and getting her fired up and ready to go.
A few bikes are lined up outside, and as I walk around the truck to meet Scarlett at the passenger side door, I take a closer look. A few are obviously absent, but then I spot two that I wouldn’t normally expect to see on a Thursday night. Ryder and Kane’s bikes are parked side by side. Normally they’d both be home with their women; I hope nothing serious is going on with both the Pres. and V.P. here at this hour.
Stepping inside, I inhale deeply, pulling the warm scent of home deep into my lungs. I feel my chest swell. I fuckin’ love this place, and I missed it more than I want to admit.
“Well, I’ll be God damned. Look at this sneaky motherfucker. Rollin’ up in practically the middle of the night,” Kane’s voice hits me and I turn to find his broad grin.
“Good to see you too, brother,” I reply. “Boys, this is Scarlett,” I introduce her as we move closer, my arm wrapped around her back.
“Nice to meet you,” Kane tips his head in her direction.
“Scarlett, it’s good to see you again,” Ryder offers. I had forgotten that he had met her before. He hasn’t taken a trip to Vegas in a few years.
“Thanks. It’s been a while,” she offers softly as her eyes start to roam around the room, taking it in.
“What the fuck are you two doing here this late? Your ladies finally kick you out?” I question with a laugh.
“Fuck off,” Kane instantly snarls back.
“Cora and Ayla are having a girl’s night. You know, dinner, wine, chick flicks, all that shit. We came here to play a couple rounds of pool and have a drink,” Ryder clarifies. “Grab a couple glasses and come join us. That had to have been one long-ass flight,” he adds.
“Sounds good. Let me just throw these bags in my room. We’ll be back in a second,” I say, reaching for Scarlett’s hand. The fact that both Kane and Ryder’s eyes instantly drop to focus on my gesture doesn’t go unnoticed.
I lead Scarlett down the hallway, towards the bedrooms. I stop at my door, reaching inside and flipping on the light before holding the door open for her. Her eyes widen as she steps inside.
It’s clearly bigger than the room they gave me in Vegas, plus it has much more of a personal touch. This is my room, I’m not just a guest here. But what she doesn’t realize, is that this is a first for me. I have never invited a woman into my room, and honestly, it’s nothing I ever expected to happen.
My bedroom has always been my sanctuary, a place for me to sleep and be alone. I won’t deny I’ve had my share of women, but anytime I wanted to fuck I took them somewhere else. Usually to the dark room, our designated room for quick hook-ups and shit like that. I never brought them here. I wouldn’t trade the sanctity of this space just because I wanted to get some.
I drop my duffel on the floor and Scarlett steps up to the edge of my king-sized bed, setting hers down carefully. Her hand runs over the surface of the dark gray comforter. I definitely didn’t leave it this clean.
“It looks like Carrie must’ve come in and put on some clean bedding for us. I’ll have to remember to thank her tomorrow,” I think aloud.
Scarlett’s posture stiffens slightly. “Who’s Carrie?” she questions softly.
“Is my girl jealous?” I smirk, stepping up behind her. I drag my finger up her arm and she shivers, giving me the reaction that I can’t seem to get enough of. “Don’t worry, darlin’. Carrie is like Trish. She’s Big E.’s ol’ lady. She’s like a mom around here. She takes care of a lot of shit for us, cooking and cleaning,” I explain and she instantly relaxes.
“Let’s go back out and have a quick drink with the boys,” I say before dropping my lips to her ear. “Because once I get you in this bed there’s no way I’m getting back out,” I whisper and she shivers again, almost making me rethink having that drink.
She nods and I take her hand, leading her back out into the main room. As much as I want to see her naked and spread out in my bed, I know the boys are expecting us to come back out. And I’ve missed my crew, so it’ll be nice to sit down and have a drink together.
We find Kane and Ryder relaxing on the large leather furniture that fills our clubhouse, having already abandoned their game of pool. I reach behind the bar and grab two glasses as we pass by. As Scarlett sits, I take the bottle of Jack Daniels from Ryder’s outstretched hand, starting to pour.
I give her a quick pour, barely more than a sip or two before starting to fill my own glass. I give myself a heavier pour, filling half the glass, then setting the bottle down and taking my seat beside her.
“God damn, Sharky boy. You definitely picked a good one if she’s gonna sit here and drink straight Jack,” Ryder chuckles before lifting his glass. “Cheers, brother. It’s good to have you home,” he adds and I feel my chest tighten before raising my glass and tipping it back.
“So, I know you just barely walked through the door, but what do you think of the place so far?” Kane asks, looking in Scarlett’s direction.
“It’s the same, but it’s different…” she breathes out softly as her eyes bounce around the room. “And it’s quiet,” she observes, causing the three of us to crack smiles.
“Don’t let this fool you, darlin’. Trust me, this place gets pretty damn loud when it wants to. Maybe not on the Vegas level, but we can hold our own,” I chuckle softly beside her.
“Oh, I don’t doubt that for a second,” she smiles back before bringing her glass to her full pink lips and taking a tiny sip.
As I talk with Ryder and Kane, catching up on everything I’ve been missing, Scarlett curls into the side of my body warming me along with the whiskey flowing down my throat. I carefully take the glass from her hand and set it down on the table when I notice her eyes starting to close. Pressing my lips to her forehead, her eyes re-open and her skin flushes a soft pink.
“Sorry,” she whispers.
“Don’t apologize. You’ve had a long day,” Ryder speaks before I get the chance.
“Go on ahead and get comfortable in bed. I’ll be there in a couple minutes,” I tell her.
“Okay,” she offers, quickly slipping from her seat. “Thanks for the drink, and I guess I’ll see you all tomorrow. Goodnight,” she offers and I watch her disappear down the darkened hallway.
Turning back to my boys, they both have their eyebrows cocked in my direction.
“What?” I question roughly.
“Shit, brother. You’ve got it bad,” Kane’s laughter rolls deep from his chest but I choose to ignore him, taking another large swig from my glass.