that I started getting ready immediately. I went to the bathroom and did a little last-minute grooming, making sure my eyebrows were plucked and my hair was all right.
Then I slipped on the red dress, and it fit like a glove. The mirror in my room was small and grainy, so I couldn’t exactly get a good view of myself, but the little I did see looked good, and I felt instantly more confident. I also realized that the last few weeks of training had changed my body somewhat. It was leaner and stronger. My stomach was flatter and more defined, and even my arms looked good.
I applied just the faintest touch of lipstick and rouge, choosing not to overdo it just in case Zack interpreted that as real interest. Then I paired the dress with my black jacket and my favorite pair of black boots that could be dressed up or down.
I stared at my grainy reflection in the mirror and took a deep breath. I knew my feelings for Zack were fast growing, but I couldn’t seem to rein them in. I decided to see how tonight played out. If a physical relationship was the only thing that Zack was after, then it would become evident soon. And if not… then I would have to cross that bridge when I came to it.
The clubhouse was empty as I walked downstairs. I was thankful for that because I didn’t want to have to deal with the stares and the questions from the other guys. I suspected that Zack felt the same way too.
No one was downstairs, so I walked outside, and the moment I took a step out of the door, Zack zoomed in on his massive Harley, taking my breath away. He looked extremely impressive on the back of the colossal motorbike. There was something very seductive about seeing a man who knew how to handle a powerful machine. Zack was dressed in his dark denim and a leather jacket that made my heart do a little flutter. He looked better than a movie star, and for a second, I actually hoped that this was a legitimate date.
“Hop on,” Zack said revving his engine.
“We’re going on your bike?” I asked.
Zack smiled. “Scared?”
I shot him a glare. “Please,” I said, rolling my eyes as I walked towards him.
Considering the dress I had chosen was a mini, I could easily hike up my leg and get on the back of the bike, behind Zack. I wrapped my hands around him and nodded. “Ok,” I said. “I’m ready.”
“Here,” he said, passing me a helmet.”
“You’re not wearing one,” I pointed out.
“I don’t need one,” he said cockily.
“Why?” I demanded. “Because you’re invincible?”
“Sure.”
I shook my head at him. “Don’t be ridiculous… wear a helmet.”
“I ride better without one,” he said stubbornly. “Now put on the helmet.”
Clenching my jaw, I did as I was told, and Zack took off immediately. I felt my heart flutter as we left the premises and headed onto a main road. The moment we were clear and there was only open space and unending road ahead of us, Zack picked up speed, and I felt cold wind smash against my face. It was like the hardest yet the most intoxicating kiss I’d ever experienced.
There was nothing gentle or tender about the wind as it smacked against my face, but there was something also extremely liberating about traveling at that speed. At first, I felt a little pang of nervousness because of how fast Zack was going, but then I relaxed when I realized he knew what he was doing. He was confident and sure of himself, and he didn’t take any unnecessary risks. Even the speed was completely in his control. At least that’s how he made me feel.
The longer we rode, I felt my body growing accustomed to the ride. I could feel my soul screaming in delight at the brilliant sense of freedom that I had longed for all these weeks. At that moment, I felt invincible too, and suddenly I understood it. I understood all of it. This was the whole point of the club. This freedom was what everyone who joined was after. Because once you experienced that kind of freedom, how could you go back to mundane, everyday life? How could you go back to a life of tradition and convention? This was real living.
Chapter Fifteen
Zack
We rode for almost half an hour before I stopped at my all-time favorite burger shack that made gourmet burgers with artisan ingredients. I helped Mila off my bike, and we walked inside. I was trying very hard to stay cool and keep my eyes off her. She looked flawless in the red dress I had picked out this morning.
Even her auburn hair matched the bright, sexy color. She had paired it with a cool jacket and black lace-up boots that made her look like a biker chick, and I had to admit, it made me imagine things I had no business imagining.
“What’ll you have?” I asked.
“Have you been here before?” Mila asked.
“Are you kidding… this place is my go-to for good burgers,” I told her.
Mila smiled. “Then what do you recommend?”
“Everything,” I replied. “Honestly, you can’t go wrong. My favorite is the beef burger… slow cooked spiced beef with lettuce, tomato, crispy onions, bacon and homemade mayonnaise.”