Chapter 21
Daisy
The party was fun, but I slowed down on the drinks once Falcon stepped away. Something about him not being at my side made me want to be in my right mind. There were a lot of men around, and plenty of women. I didn’t know that anyone would notice if someone grabbed me.
But once I started paying attention to my surroundings, it seemed like the women were happy to be here. They flocked to the men, not the other way around. And the guys weren’t tossing money at them, so it wasn’t like they were fighting for tips. They just wanted the attention.
Who was I to judge, though? Lacy was eating up all the attention Eagle was showing her. And as much as I kept telling myself not to, I was gravitating to Falcon. He had a perfect opportunity to take advantage of me and didn’t. Buying me shit didn’t impress me, though I was grateful. Other men tried to spend money on me but until I met Tony, I had my own money. And most men bought shit that they wanted for you, not because you wanted it. Although, I was pretty sure Falcon played biker babe dress-up with me. I liked jeans and t-shirts, but never really wore those kinds of boots and never owned a black leather jacket. And my jeans usually fit tight down the leg, but he helped me choose bootcut. Instead of skimpy dresses and frilly lingerie, he got me clothes I could ride a bike in and clothes comfortable for sleep.
I hadn’t ever been on a bike until a couple nights ago but wouldn’t hate riding with him again. And after the long trip down, I understood why I needed better shoes or boots. The heat of the engine was hot on my feet and if we fell or wrecked, I could’ve lost a foot for sure.
“Hey hon, I like this look on you,” a familiar voice said as a hand squeezed my shoulder. I turned and Mama Hen was there, dressed almost just like me, except she had a cut on like the guys. She wasn’t wearing that earlier.
I stood and let her get a good look. “It’s comfy. But one guess who picked it out.”
Mama Hen gave that wonderful belly laugh and rubbed her hand down my arm. “Gonna give that boy hell. Smitten like a kitten. And hello again, Lacy. You ladies look great. Everyone treating you good?”
“Yeah, it’s great. Do you have these parties a lot? ”
Jeannie piped in, “Sugar is acting a fool but everyone else is good, Mama Hen.”
She rolled her eyes. “Don’t mind her. She’s got a perpetual stick up her ass. But she helps around here and some of the guys enjoy her from time to time, so we let her hang around.”
I saw an empty chair nearby, so I grabbed it and motioned for Mama Hen to sit, then took my seat again.
“Mama Hen, Jeannie was telling us you run the strip club.” Despite my twisted ankle, having some money would make me feel better. I needed to get back to work. Even if Falcon was a good guy, these men didn’t seem like the settling type. It would be smart to have a leg to stand on once whatever issue they were dealing with was resolved and he was ready to cut me loose.
She sipped her beer and nodded. “Yep. It’s a nice one, just outside Atlanta. The drive’s not bad and we couldn’t get a business license out here in the boonies, so we found the closest spot we could. It probably pulls better clientele than we’d get out here anyway. If you go to our bar, you’ll see what I mean.”
The ladies at the table laughed. Lacy said, “Well, if you have any spots open, I’d love to see the place. I don’t have anything but the clothes on my back and what Eagle got me today.”
“So, the new snatch got to go shopping. Don’t get comfortable. You won’t be on the back of their bikes.”
I turned around and the bleach blonde with shitty eyeliner and overdrawn lips stood with her arms crossed. “Is there a problem?”
“No problem. Just making sure you know your place here, bitch.”
Mama Hen barked at her, “Shut the fuck up, Sugar, and get back behind the bar.”
“By the way, I already rode on his bike once, and I’m pretty sure I will again tomorrow. I’ll let you know how it goes.” I smiled as I leaned back in my chair and Jeannie, Lacy, and Mama Hen laughed. The other two ladies sitting nearby were fighting back grins and looking the other way.
Sugar’s face turned beet red before she stomped away.
“What’s the deal with riding with them?” I asked. “She doesn’t care we went on a shopping spree but has a problem with me riding on his bike? I don’t get it.”
Jeannie turned up her beer. “Women don’t ride on the bike with them unless they’re an old lady, like Mama Hen,” she said as she tipped her bottle in that direction.
“Really?” Lacy squealed.
Mama Hen put her bottle down. “There’s rules. They live by a code. And when it comes to women, they’re all fair game unless they’re claimed. And being claimed is only good for them. Means nobody else can touch you, but that’s it. If you’re an old lady, though, that’s more sacred than a wife. You’re the only one who rides with him, lives with him, gets taken care of, and is his property.”
I nearly choked on my beer. “Property? Like cattle?”
Jeannie giggled. “Not like cattle. It’s an honor and a privilege. Think of it more like you become part of the club. Just so you know, women aren’t necessarily seen as equal to them. But the old ladies are important and have the protection of the club.”
“And you all are just fine with that?” I scoffed. “I’m not property. I’m a human.”
Mama Hen and Jeannie shared a concerned look. Jeannie went on. “Listen, that’s just what they call it. But you’ll see. It’s different. And from what I can tell, you should probably make peace with that soon.”
“I’m proud as hell to be an old lady. This cut,” Mama Hen said as she grabbed the collar, “is my most prized possession. Even more so now.”
Lacy sank into her chair, and I stumbled over my words. “I–I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it wasn’t important. This is all just so different.”
Mama Hen dropped her chin. “It is. This life is different, hon. But from what you told me, it’s better than any you’ve experienced. You’ve got a family now, if you’re willing to accept it.”
“Accept what?” His deep voice was behind me and I turned in my seat. Even though I wasn’t sure about being his property, I was glad he was back.
“Oh nothing, hon. You boys sitting with us?” Mama Hen asked.
Falcon reached his hand out and I put my hand into it without thinking. “It’s been a long day. Gonna grab some shut eye. I have a long sitting tomorrow. ”
I stood but leaned down to give a soft side hug to Mama Hen. I got close to her ear so she could hear me over the music. “I really am sorry. I appreciate all that’s been done for me and my friend.”
She pulled away and her hand cupped my cheek. “I told you sweet girl, it’ll take a lot to offend me. We’ll show you the ropes. And we’ll see about getting you out to the strip club soon, okay?”
Sighing with relief, I went with Falcon out of the party area and back toward his room. My buzz was nearly non-existent now and exhaustion was creeping in. We were halfway back to his room before it registered that we were still holding hands.
Looking over, I studied him. He was acting like it was totally normal. I probably should have pulled my hand away, but I liked the way it felt in his. He held it tight. Not squeezing hard, but not all loose like it was out of obligation, either. It felt more protective than possessive, but I got the sense it was a little of both. Like property.
I shook off the thought. I probably just didn’t understand, but it sounded bad. Especially since I just left a man who treated me as if I was literal property.
We made it to his door and he opened it, waving me in first. Once the door was closed, he let my hand go and pulled things from his pockets, tossing them into a bowl on his dresser. “What were you shaking your head at just now?”
Shit, he noticed that? “Nothing. I just have a lot to learn about bikers.”
“Not bikers. One percenters. ”
“Is there a difference?”
He chuckled and the deep sound from his chest made the space between my hips warm. “A lot of differences. Yes. What were the ladies telling you?”
I sat on the edge of the bed and watched as he carefully removed his cut before sitting on the futon to pull his boots off. “Things. Like how Mama Hen is property of the club.”
He put his boots side by side against the wall then dropped his elbows to his knees and clasped his hands together. “You mean Raven’s property. And what do you think about that?”
I worried my bottom lip. “I dunno.”
“You can tell me. I’m not gonna fly off the handle. I’m asking because I want to know.”
Meeting his hazel eyes, I took a deep breath and blew it out slow and steady. “The last guy I was with thought I was his property. It wasn’t a good thing.”
“I’m not that prick. And that’s not what it means to us. I’d never hurt you. Or let anyone else hurt you. And I’m saying that now. Today. You don’t get a property patch ‘til you’re an old lady. And we’re not there yet.”
“Yet?”
He sighed heavily as he stood. He pulled his belt from his jeans as he walked closer. My stomach fluttered as he closed the distance between us, but my mind was torn. I just met this guy. I needed to be smarter. I couldn’t trust these people just because they were nice to me .
He tossed the belt next to me on the bed, then his hand caressed just under my jaw, pulling my gaze up to his. “Yet.”
My mouth went dry and my thoughts raced, battling each other for what to do. But he didn’t lean down. Instead, he dragged his fingers under my chin, then leaned into the nightstand and pulled out underwear and shorts.
I sat stiff as a board until the door to the bathroom closed and I heard the water running.
“Go to sleep, Daisy,” he called from the other side of the door before I heard the shower liner open and close.
Yet .