Chapter Seven
Damon
I never thought I could be turned on by watching a woman paint. Yet here I am, unable to look away from Corey in her cute-as-fuck denim overalls as she starts to create a masterpiece on the back wall of the new clubhouse.
I pretend to continue fixing the back fence, which got damaged in the storm the other day, but I’m getting a little distracted. Especially when she bends over to dip the brush in the paint can.
I don’t know why I torture myself like this. But I know I’m doing the right thing. Keeping her safe is a priority and I know something is brewing with the Lions. We’ve been getting reports around town, and they are getting a little too comfortable for my liking—hanging out at the local bars, getting drunk and causing scenes. They don’t feel like they are just passing through, but this is Vegas.
Julianna walks out with a soda for Corey, and then walks over to me with a beer, and a smug expression on her face. “Wow, Damon. I’ve never seen you be so slow to fix something.”
I tighten my lips, and she laughs. I’m the one they go to when they want something fixed, because I happen to be good with my hands. “You brought her here on purpose, didn’t you?”
She grins and hands me the beer. “What do you mean? This is her home too, you know. And this mural is going to look epic when we have our first party at the new clubhouse next month. It isn’t always about you, Damon.” But her amused expression contradicts her words.
“I never said it was about me, but we did just have that conversation about her the other day—”
“Coincidence. I want the wall done, she’s a talented artist, and...” She looks over at Corey as she trails off. “I think it will be good for her.”
I nod, agreeing with her on that front. She’s been through a lot for someone so young. Between her brother being killed in front of her, to moving into a motorcycle clubhouse, to dropping out of school.
“Now stop checking her out and hurry up with the fence. Romeo wants you at the Devils clubhouse in an hour. He’s taking a few men for a ride out to deal with some business,” she says, raising her eyebrows. “And River will be going too, of course.”
Wonderful.
“I’ll be there.”
She touches my arm, smiles, and then heads back inside. I finish the fence and my beer, knowing exactly what business we’re handling today.
I’m someone who appreciates the small things in life, especially after growing up in foster care. I love my family here, and I’d do anything to support them. I came from nothing. And now I’ve got money, power, family, and I get to ride a badass motorcycle around all day.
You sure as hell won’t find me complaining.
“You heading out?” Corey asks as I open the garage door as quietly as I can, not wanting to disturb her creativity.
“Yeah, going to the Devils. You need anything?”
She tilts her head to the side and flashes me a small smile. “No, but thank you for asking.”
Fuck.
I nod and step inside, grabbing my leather cut, sliding it on, and getting on my Harley.
I start the engine, enjoying the sound while I put on my helmet. I fucking love my bike. And riding her is one of my favorite pastimes. I grin as I roar off.
Romeo and River are out front of the Devils clubhouse when I ride in, standing by their bikes and chatting.
I take my helmet off and approach them. “Reporting for duty.”
Romeo smirks, while River’s expression gives away nothing as per usual, his blue eyes flickering.
River is a hard motherfucker, I’ll give him that, but when I see how kind and protective he is to Corey and Bella, I know that there’s another side to him. It’s just not reserved for the likes of me. Still, he’s a useful man to have around, and he’s clearly loyal to Romeo and the motorcycle club.
I was always wary of him based on his reputation alone. He was the enforcer, the one the Devils turned to when they needed to put pressure on someone. But he’s not just the muscle. He obviously advises Romeo and is very strategic about how they operate the MC. I respect him, a lot.
We head off to meet with another chapter of ours, to see what they know about the Lost Lions MC.
Knowledge is power, and we need to know what we’re getting into before we dive into it.