Thirty-One
Shark
I rev the engine on my spare bike and she sounds almost perfect. I haven’t ridden this bike in months, but a little tinkering in the garage and she’s ready to go. Now I can take Scarlett out when she gets back.
As much as I hate to be away from her right now, I have to admit it’s good for her to do something for herself. Plus, I know I can count on Cora and the girls to show her a good time.
Sound’s fuckin’ cherry, brother,” Fifty’s gruff voice hits my ears when I cut the engine.
“Nice to see ya, man,” I say. And I mean it. Before I left, I was a spiteful and jealous prick, but as soon as I met Scarlett, all those thoughts I had about Jade vanished.
“So, is it true?” he asks with a chuckle and I feel my brows pinch. “That you brought home a woman from Vegas?” he clarifies.
“God damn right,” I grin back.
“What’d you do, knock up a stripper?” he barks out in a laugh.
“Fuck you,” I crack a smile. “C’mon, let’s go grab a cold one,” I suggest and he nods, starting to follow me back towards the clubhouse.
I make my way behind the bar, pulling out two bottles of Corona and handing one over to Fifty as he takes his seat.
“So, how’s the desert?” he asks before taking a long swig from his bottle.
“Shit, brother, it’s fuckin’ hot,” I chuckle, tipping my own back.
???
Scarlett is sitting beside me as we enjoy the family barbecue. I can’t take my eyes off her. She’s stunning and she already fits in perfectly, probably better than I do. She’s beaming. I don’t think the smile has left her face since she got back with the rest of the girls.
My hand rests gently on her thigh under the table, and I give a light squeeze as her soft laughter flows. She’s laughing at whatever stupid shit just came out of Army’s mouth. I honestly wasn’t even listening; I’m completely mesmerized by her.
“I need to take a piss. Are you good here if I go inside for a sec?” I ask softly against her ear.
“Mmhmm,” she hums softly, turning her head just enough to meet my gaze. “Just don’t take too long,” she adds, flashing me a look that I just can’t resist.
“I promise,” I smirk back before dropping my head and covering her soft pink lips.
???
I take a minute to hit the head, then make a quick stop in my room to grab a fresh pack of smokes. Stepping back into the hallway, I run almost directly into Jade as she pulls a sweatshirt down over her head.
“Oh, shit. Sorry. I was temporarily blinded,” she laughs, pulling the fabric down off her face.
“No problem,” I chuckle in response.
“So, how does it feel to be home?” she asks.
“Feels good. I think I missed this place more than I realized,” I tell her, finally admitting how nice it is to be back.
“This place missed you too, even if none of the boys will come right out and say it,” she shares.
“Damn, are you trying to tell me that Fifty has been sitting here pining away for me?” I ask and laughter bubbles out.
“Funny. Not quite, but he did miss having his partner in crime,” she offers.
“I hope he doesn’t mind handling this shit solo for a while longer. I mean, the boys are coming along nicely in Vegas, but I think I’m still needed out there,” I tell her.
“And when the time is up, what will you do?” she asks, raising her eyebrows. Fifty definitely opened his big fuckin’ mouth. I just shrug and roll my eyes.
“Don’t give me that. I can see if all over your face. You finally found something real with Scarlett,” Jade observes.
“Yeah, she’s pretty fuckin’ perfect,” I agree.
“And you definitely charmed her. That girl is head over heels. It’s easy to see, even after a couple hours. I hope you hang on to this one, because the other girls and I love her too,” Jade shares.
“That’s the plan,” I offer a simple reply.
“Good,” she smiles. “Now, let’s get back to that party. She’s waiting on you, plus I’m sure those brothers of yours want to give you as much shit as possible before you leave again,” she says.
A deep chuckle vibrates in my chest as I pull a cigarette between my teeth and we step back outside.
“Seriously, don’t let her go,” Jade gives me a soft elbow to the ribs before skipping back over to the table and taking my empty seat beside Scarlett.
I flick my lighter and inhale deeply as I move to the right, joining Fifty and Army in a cloud of smoke.
“What the fuck was all that about?” Fifty questions instantly.
“Keep your fuckin’ panties on,” I smirk back, taking another drag. “Jade was just telling me how much she and the other girls like Scarlett,” I share, blowing the smoke through my lips.
“Does that sway your decision?” Army butts in, thankfully ending any chance Fifty had to keep his jealousy act going.
“It’s up to her, brother,” I answer as my eyes swing back to find her.
“Well, if I were a betting man, I’d say she likes it here,” Army says, following my gaze as his arm falls on my shoulders.
Her blonde hair shines in the setting sun and a bright smile pulls at her cheeks. Cora’s hands wave wilding in the air as her mouth moves a mile a minute, and I watch Scarlett crack with laughter. Without a doubt, she is happy here.