Chapter 4
Chapter Four
AVA
The bass thumps through my body as I perch on the sleek bar counter, sipping my electric blue cocktail. Neon lights dance across the polished surfaces, casting a mesmerizing glow on the well-dressed crowd.
The Eclipse is the fanciest clubhouse I’ve ever been to. The DJ is playing live, the drinks are expensive, and I feel a bit weird with the people peering down from the VIP areas. Archer said they do security here often, and that’s the only way I could imagine my brother in a place like this.
I can see him standing across from me, his back to the wall. With his six-foot tall frame, leather jacket, and three-day-old stubble, Archer stands off. He’s not the only one. A few other leather-clad men stand near the walls, clearly bikers as well.
Archer joined the Savage Knights MC a couple of years after he moved away. I think it was right after he graduated from high school. I remember I used to brag about my brother being a biker to my school friends. Half of them had crushes on him without ever meeting him.
I sip from the cocktail, then glance at Steve. He’s still on his phone, sitting on the stool next to me, a glass of beer in his hand.
Touching his knee, I lean in. “It’ll be done soon, babe,” I say, my voice rising above the pulsing music. “There’s something shady about Congressman Thorne. I think he’s been paying off those girls to keep quiet. The break-in at our place is a sign I’m on the right track.”
Steve’s gaze remains fixed on his phone, his shoulders tense. He huffs out a sigh. “Ava, can we not do this right now? I’m exhausted.”
Guilt pricks at my skin. I rest my hand on his arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Hey, I’m sorry for dragging you out tonight. Let me make it up to you.” I tilt my head towards the dance floor, a playful smile tugging at my lips. “How about a dance?”
He pulls away, his eyes flat. “Not in the mood.”
My smile falters, but I press on. “Come on, it’ll be fun! Let’s make the most of?—”
“Fun?” Steve’s voice rises, drawing curious glances from nearby patrons. “You think any of this is fun? My stuff got trashed in that break-in, and now I’m stuck crashing at your criminal brother’s place.”
I bristle, my grip tightening on my glass. “Hey, Archer was kind enough to take us in. The least you could do is to be grateful.”
Steve scoffs. “Grateful? For what? For my girlfriend being nosy and getting some psycho after her? Hard pass.”
My blood boils, frustration simmering beneath my skin. “They’re threatening me for seeking the truth, Steve. This is serious. I’m sorry I got you involved, and I wish this had never happened. But if I find out the truth, we get to help people. Innocent people. Would it kill you to be supportive just this once?”
He throws up his hands, exasperation etched into his features. “Supportive? Of what, your crazy conspiracy theories? Your obsession with this Thorne guy?” He pushes away from the bar, his jaw clenched. “You know what? I can’t do this anymore. I need a break from your insanity. I shouldn’t even have come here.”
Before I can react, he storms off, disappearing into the crowd. I’m left stunned, my heart splintering in my chest. The music fades to a dull roar as I stare at the spot where he stood, a cold emptiness settling in my gut.
Is he right? Am I really that crazy, that unlovable? I press my lips together, fighting back the sudden sting of tears.
Screw him. Screw all of them. I signal the bartender for another drink, determined to drown out the ache in my chest.
As I knock back the burning liquid, a tingle runs down my spine. The sort of tingle when you know you’re being watched. I glance over my shoulder, my gaze locking with a pair of piercing green eyes across the room.
Dante.
It’s incredible how he’s easy to find in a crowd, even in a dimly lit room. He leans against the wall, his muscular arms crossed over his broad chest. The dim lighting casts shadows across his chiseled features, accentuating the sharp angle of his jawline and the sensual curve of his full lips. His dark hair is tousled, as if he’s just run his fingers through it, and the sight sends a shiver through me.
There’s something magnetic about him, an aura of danger and raw sexuality that draws me in like a moth to a flame. I was never very sex-focused, but Dante starts a fire in my chest.
I’ve never felt like this. Hot and cold all over. Hypnotized, but desperate to look away.
As his gaze rakes over my body, a strange sensation coils in my stomach—a spark I’ve never felt before. Dante sets my blood on fire with one look. He makes me feel powerful.
Emboldened by the alcohol coursing through my veins, I slide off the bar stool, my hips swaying to the beat as I make my way to the dance floor. I lose myself in the music, my body moving without a care.
I can feel Dante’s eyes on me, his gaze scorching my skin like a physical touch. I arch my back, my hands sliding up my curves as I sway to the pulsing rhythm. At first, I’m dancing for him, every roll of my hips an invitation. Then I get lost in the music and I dance for myself.
While the music makes my body vibrate, I forget about Steve leaving, the threats, and the investigation. I even forget about the many times I was told I’m not sexy, that I’m too fat to be sensual, too thick to wear short dresses.
The world fades away, and all that exists is the music and the pounding of my heart. I’m spinning, spinning, desperate to forget the pain. In the back of my mind, I remember Dante watching me. My heart beats faster when I imagine opening my eyes and finding Dante staring back.
But as I turn, my eyes searching for him in the crowd, he’s gone. Vanished.
Disappointment crashes over me, mingling with the bitter sting of rejection. Of course he’s left. He’s not interested. Why would he be? I’m just a crazy, unlovable mess, destined to be alone forever.
I stumble off the dance floor, my vision blurring with unshed tears. I need to find Steve and talk this through. Has he gone home? Is he upset with me? Is it too late?
It takes me several minutes to find him on another floor. So he hasn’t left. Maybe he was waiting it out?
But as I push through the crowd, my heart shatters. Steve’s in the corner, but he’s not alone.
He’s kissing a girl.
I’m too shocked to look away. Steve shoves his tongue into her mouth, his hands roaming her slim body with a hunger he’s never shown me.
A strangled sob tears from my throat, and I turn away, bile rising in my throat. It’s over. It’s all over. He didn’t wait an hour to go after another girl. That’s how much I matter to him. I rush back downstairs. I need to get out of here.
“Ava!” Steve’s voice cuts through the pounding music as he follows me. I pick up my pace. He grabs my arm and yanks me to a stop. “Ava, hold on. Don’t be like that. It’s not what it looks like!”
I whirl around, wrenching my arm free. “Really, Steve? Because it looks like you had your tongue down that woman’s throat!”
His eyebrows raise as if I were crazy. “We are on a break, babe. Just an evening or two until I cool out. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“Well, now we’re on a permanent break,” I spit, my voice cracking. “We’re done, Steve. For good this time.”
Steve blinks several times in shock. “You’re breaking up with me?”
I curl my nose and wipe my hand across my cheek. “Is it that hard to believe?”
“Yes.” He scoffs. “You’ll never find anyone better than me, Ava. You’re lucky I put up with your crazy shit for this long.”
I open my mouth to retort, but a menacing presence looms behind Steve, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Steve’s shoulders stiffen. The shadow behind him grows.
“I believe she said you’re done.” Dante’s deep voice rumbles, his eyes flashing dangerously in the semi-darkness.
Steve spins around, puffing out his chest. It doesn’t work much since he’s a head shorter than Dante. “Mind your own business, asshole.”
In a blur of motion, Dante grabs Steve by the collar, slamming him against the wall. I jump. Steve grunts in surprise.
Dante leans forward, closer to Steve. “She’s Archer’s sister, so she’s my business,” he growls, his face mere inches from Steve’s. “Now get the fuck out of here before I throw you out.”
Steve’s eyes widen in fear, and he nods frantically. Dante releases him, and Steve scurries away.
I stare at Dante, my heart pounding. I know he did this because I’m Archer’s sister, but…
That was so hot.
Dante turns to me, his expression softening. “Are you okay?”
I nod, then wipe my tears away. No, I’m not okay. I’m humiliated, heartbroken, and completely lost.
Dante reaches out, brushing a tear from my cheek with his calloused thumb.
“What did that jerk do to you?” he asks, almost softly.
I shake my head. “It doesn’t matter.”
Dante drops his hand. “Ava.” God, the way he says my name makes me shiver. “What did he do?”
I snap my eyes at him. “Kissed another girl,” I say, so low I’m sure he won’t hear me. “But we were on a break. I guess. I don’t know.”
Dante goes stiff, then freezes. He just stands there, looking at me. I glance up at him, wondering if he thinks I’m stupid for crying about this.
Dante’s eyes are hard as emeralds. I wait for him to say something. Finally, he narrows his eyes and says, “Go sit at the bar.”
Then he walks off.
My stomach plummets. New tears sting the back of my eyes. God, he said nothing. He must think I’m so stupid.
I need a drink.
Striding to the bar, I order a new cocktail. I take a seat and try to distract myself with my phone. I give up, standing up and searching for Archer. I fail at that, too.
What do I do? There’s no way this evening could get any worse.
I grab my drink from the counter and chug it down. The room spins, and I walk slowly towards the bathrooms in the back, my vision blurring with tears.
Alone again. I’ll always be alone. And no man, not even Dante with his brooding eyes and electrifying touch, can change that.