Hard Ride (Men of Valor MC)

“I didn’t say I was old. I said I was getting old. You about done with breakfast? Some of us don’t get to work the hours you do,” Dad jokes. He never once made me feel like an idiot for not wanting to go to college or a trade school. He said as long as I was happy and I could hold a job down, he didn’t care if I was a bartender or a janitor. He’d love me regardless, and being happy is what matters in the heart. I started as a waitress at the Midnight Oil Bar the minute I turned eighteen, then when I hit the ripe age of twenty-one, I was transferred behind the bar. I thought I was raking in the cash when I was waitressing. My income doubled, if not tripled, once I bartended. It also comes with odd hours, but for only working four to five nights a week, it’s not bad.

“Funny guy, that’s what you are, and yes, your majesty, here are your eggs, bacon, toast, and don’t forget your avocado. You need the healthy fats if you’re going to eat garbage for lunch, and don’t try to tell me otherwise. You know how much Valor talks. They’re sure to tell me anything.” He had a scare last year where we thought he had a heart attack. Thank goodness it wasn’t, but now that he’s on cholesterol and high blood pressure medicine, I make sure to make his breakfast and lunch. The only thing I can’t control is dinner, well, when I’m working at least.

“Thanks, baby girl.”

“You’re welcome.” I eat with him. He’ll grumble about the avocado the entire time he eats it, but Dad eats it just the same, probably because I give him the look. I always laugh when he concedes defeat. If he’s not going to take care of himself, then I will. He’s too young to go anywhere, and even though he’s hell-bent on not settling down, I’d love to see it happen someday. He deserves a life of happiness, just like we all do. Hopefully, mine will come with Gage, that is if he doesn’t piss me off.

7

Gage

I walk into the bar, my eyes clocking Nova. This time, thank fuck, she’s not prancing her cute little ass on the bar top. She sees me, leaves her place behind the bar, ducking and weaving as she runs to me. I brace myself as she launches herself into my arms.

“Gage,” she says against my lips the minute her legs wrap around my waist. I hold her by the globes of her ass in those ridiculous jean shorts she wears.

“Hey, baby,” I murmur, deepening the kiss, getting my first taste of her in far too long. She tastes like heaven and sin wrapped in a bow and given to me on a fucking platter, something I for damn sure do not deserve, but I won’t say no just the same.

“This is a surprise.” She slides her legs down. I hold her to me, my cock nestling against her body.

“Shit, you’re hard to stay away from. I can’t stay long though. I’m still working on that custom bike. What time do you get off tonight?” I’m already dreading going back to the shop. A beer or two sounds good right about now, but there’s no way I’ll fuck around with drinking when work is involved, not this kind at least.

“I’m closing tonight. So, late. It’ll probably be before I get off of work, those knuckleheads forget to clean as they go.” It takes everything I have not to demand her to quit working at the bar, to let me take care of her, but I don’t. Still, the thought of her leaving that late and it getting rowdy here, not to mention the dark corners people are already fucking in, it’s not an easy task.

“Fuck, you have time to walk me out, then. If I don’t leave, I won’t, and then the bike won’t get built. This guy we’re building for is a pain in my dick.”

“Interesting term you’re using there, considering your dick might actually be in pain.” Nova rubs her body against mine.

“Come on, crazy girl, I want my lips on yours without the whole bar looking at us.”

“Why not? They’ve seen this happen so many times, they’re practically used to it,” she smarts off.

“You want me to carry you out?” I cock an eyebrow, letting her know how serious I am.

“Fine, I’ll walk you out. You may want me to walk in front of you though.” Her smile is bright.

“You’re not wrong, plus I’ll get the view of the century.” I squeeze her ass cheeks.

“Don’t I know it.” Her hair is up in a long ponytail, wisps of hair falling around her face, those small braids she loves to do throughout leaving her neck bare, and I know the first chance I get, I’ll be marking it with my mouth.