“You’re going to have to hold on tighter than that.” He reached back, cupped her elbow, and gave it a gentle nudge. She responded, tightening her grip. “There you go.”
The beast roared to life beneath them, and she gasped as the vibrations traveled through her body. The bike began to move, and she leaned against him, allowing his broad shoulders to block the wind. Her hair flew out behind her and, for a moment, she let her mind go blank and found freedom. The hum spread through her body, and she breathed in the fresh air. With the long hours she’d been putting in, free time had gone out the window. At this moment, work schedules and money troubles were a thing of the past. She closed her eyes and remembered the girl with dreams of leaving Denton, having adventures, and discovering herself away from family and the small town that liked to pigeon-hole.
They entered the town, and he weaved his way to an area behind a massive white tent.
“This is set up to advertise for our shop. We do everything from overhauling and custom work to tune-ups.” Demon removed his helmet, and she did the same. “Pretty much everyone you need to know right away will be here. I had them come in early to give you time before we open for business.”
“Sounds good,” she said.
“Don’t be nervous. I gave them the rundown, and despite the exterior, we’re really not that scary unless you fuck with us.” He winked.
Then we won’t have any problems.
He put the helmets away in his saddle bag and offered his hand to help her off. Nerves came back full force. She wiped her hands off on her shorts once more and followed him around to the front of the tent. The flaps were down, but she could hear the buzz of conversation and laughter going on behind the scenes. Like a child who’d wolfed down too many sweets, she placed a hand on her aching stomach. He pulled back the flaps and revealed a bustling room full of vest—wearing men, and a few women.
“Don’t be shy, go on in.” Demon placed a hand on the small of her back and carefully guided her in. Warmth spread up her back. She shuffled inside, and he stood close behind her. A loud whistle pierced her ear drums, and she cringed. All movement in the room came to a halt.
“Now that I have everyone’s attention, this is Ardy. She’ll be watching Harley and Rocket from now on.” Demon applied pressure to the small of her back, steering her the way he wanted her to go. Despite the arrangement, he made her feel safe. The only known factor in a room full of strangers, she deferred to him.
Fifteen minutes later, her mind was stuffed with names. New information leaked out her ears, and her head hurt. “Demon, why don’t I take the poor girl to get something to eat before the shop opens and it get’s even crazier? This is a lot to take in.” the petite blonde, Danielle, said.
Demon paused, and Ardy held her breath, silently praying he’d agree.
“Sure. I bet the kids are hungry too. Harley, Rocket, go with Dani and Ardy to get lunch.”
“Yes.” Rocket cheered, jogging over to stand beside them with Harley at his side. The two tiny beings happy and thriving among such a rough—looking bunch of people created a stark contrast that blew her mind. She’d never thought much about the bikers beneath the surface, what they did when they weren’t taking care of business. Suddenly, the velvet curtain had been pulled back to allow her to see the great wizard, or in this case, flesh and blood men.
They meandered around talking about merchandise, prices, and specials they wanted to push. Still dazed, she barely registered Demon telling the kids to be on their best behavior, and Dani guided them out of the tent.
“You doing okay?”
“Huh?” Ardy turned to look at Dani.
“I said, are you doing okay? It’s a lot to take in at once,” Dani said, smiling.
“Yes, it is,” Ardy said, allowing her stiff limbs to relax as they walked down the crowded strip toward the food mecca in the center.
“You’re taking it all in stride considering,” Dani said.
“No offense, but why are you being so nice to me?” Ardy said.
Dani paused. “I love these kids, and they deserve someone who’ll do right by them. Demon too, though he’d kill me if he knew I said that. You seem genuine. It’s a breath of fresh air we could all use.”
Ardy narrowed her eyes. “I sense there’s a story there.”
“There is, but it’s not mine to tell.” The blonde shrugged. “You know how it is.”
“No, but I’m learning. I mean, you can’t live in this town and be completely ignorant, but I’ve never been close to anyone who knew the inner workings.” Ardy smiled sheepishly.
“It’s more common sense than anything. Don’t run your mouth, start shit you can’t finish, and keep the club’s business inside the club. We operate under the family first clause only. The club is our family.”
“I can get that.”
Dani smirked. “Yeah, from what Demon told me, I can imagine you would.”
The familiarity touched a nerve and her eyes widened. “Are you and him?”
“Oh no.” She shook her head. “We’re both second generation, raised together in the Dueling Devils. We’re more like brother and sister than anything. The thought of getting into bed with that asshole makes me sick to my stomach.”