“Yeah, and so are my parents. I’ve been to San Diego. The Insurgents got a charter club there.”
Damn, if I don’t know that. “That’s nice. Do you have any siblings?”
“A younger sister. What about you?”
“I had a brother.” She plucked the olive from the toothpick as she drained her glass. “He was killed in a fight.” Popping the olive into her mouth, she looked away.
“Fuck, that’s tough. Were you close?”
“When we were younger, but we sort of drifted after he joined …” Her voice trailed off.
Animal sat still, fixing her with those dark piercing eyes, which made him seem even more handsome and … dangerous.
Olivia clasped her hands together. “I still miss him a lot. I probably always will.”
“Are you ready to order?” The redheaded server glanced earnestly at each of them.
Olivia picked up her menu and scanned it quickly then looked up at the waiter. “I’ll have the garden salad with balsamic dressing, the six-ounce filet mignon—medium—and mashed potatoes.”
The waiter took the menu from Olivia. “And you, sir?”
“Porterhouse—rare—loaded baked potato and give us an order of asparagus and sautéed mushrooms.” Animal handed his menu to the server and the man scurried away. “I hope you like asparagus and mushrooms.”
“I do. It smells so good in here that I can’t wait to try the food.” She buttered a piece of warm French bread.
“I want you to tell me why you came to the clubhouse a couple of weeks ago, and I’m not buying that BS that you were in the area. And for the record, I was shocked as shit to see you at the club party a few weeks ago. You’re the last person I ever thought I’d find there. I know your friend parties sometimes at the club, but why were you really there that night?” Animal grabbed a piece of dark bread from the basket and slathered on a thick amount of butter.
Olivia drew in a breath and locked gazes with him. “I had no intention of going to the party, but I was missing my brother so much that I just wanted to immerse myself in the club life again, you know … the smells, the loud music, all the guys in denim and leather, and feel my brother again. That’s why I came by looking for you at the clubhouse. Ever since the party, I’ve had the urge to go back and feel Leo—my brother, for a second time.” She turned away and brushed the crumbs off the table. “It’s hard to explain.” Olivia purposely left out the fact that she also wanted to see him, but why muddy the waters?
Animal jerked his head back. “Your brother was a biker? He was in an MC?” Olivia nodded, her gaze cast downward. “What about your old man?”
She groaned inwardly. “A biker too,” she mumbled.
“I’ll be damned—you grew up in the life. What’s your dad’s MC?”
Her mouth immediately went dry and Olivia took a big gulp of water. She blinked rapidly and folded and unfolded her hands too many times.
He cocked his head to the side, his brow furrowed. “What’s the name?”
“East Bay Dogs,” she mumbled, watching Animal as he digested the words.
A silence fell between them, and his dark eyes looked directly into hers as seconds stretched into minutes. Olivia’s heart pounded so loudly, she was positive Animal must’ve heard it.
Finally he glanced away, breaking their contact, and stared out the window. “The East Bay Dogs are our rival,” he said in an even tone.
“I know,” she whispered. “But I don’t have anything to do with any of that. My dad pulled my brother into the MC, and I’ll never forgive him for that. My dad’s whole life was building up my brother, forgetting that I existed, and cheating on my mom. Instead of his life revolving around his family, it rotated around the club, the brothers, and the club girls.” Olivia gulped down more of the water. “My dad finally dumped me and my mom for a club whore. My mom’s life crumbled and blew away like dust in the wind. She was nothing without my dad, and even though he treated her worse than shit, she was the ever-forgiving wife until he left for good. So am I involved with the East Bay Dogs? No. Do I give a rat’s ass about them? Double no. I left all that far behind me.” A lump the size of a golf ball formed in her throat, and she blinked, trying to stave off the tears.
Animal shifted his gaze back to her and reached out and took her hand. “Don’t sweat it. It just took me by surprise, that’s all. I didn’t figure you were a biker chick, but I should’ve guessed it by your sassiness.” A deliciously wicked grin spread across his face.
She pursed her lips and shook her head. “I didn’t think bikers liked sassy. My dad and his cronies adhere to the women-are-there-to-please-and-not-be-heard school.”
“I know quite a few who believe that, but not all bikers are like that. I like sassy and challenging, and you are both.”
“I have to warn you that I’m not very fond of outlaws based on what I’ve seen over the years, and I’m tainted like hell on men and loyalty since every guy I’ve been with has cheated on me. For some reason, I keep getting mixed up with guys who are like my dad. Go figure.”
“You’re the psych major.” Another quick wink and a squeeze of her hand.
Olivia busted out laughing. “I think that’s why I majored in psychology—to figure out me and my fucked-up family.”
“Good luck with the family part. We all got some fucked-up shit going on with our past and present. The thing to focus on is leaving that shit behind. And to set the record straight—I’m not at all like your dad, and I believe cheating is a fucking betrayal and the worst disrespect in a committed relationship, even if the other person is cool with it.” Animal slipped his hand away from hers and downed the rest of his whiskey.
“What do you mean if the other person is cool with it? You mean like swingers or something? I’m totally not into that.”
“Me neither. Anyway, forget it.”
Olivia was about to say something when the waiter returned with their food. She wasn’t sure what he meant by his comment, but she gathered he was upset about someone’s relationship. Maybe a friend’s or his sister’s? Surely not his parents’. From the expression on his face, she knew that discussion was over, so she cut into her steak and took a bite. It was cooked to perfection and the taste was superb. It had been eons since she’d had such a good quality cut of beef.
“This is fantastic,” she said, picking up her wineglass.
“It’s the best steakhouse in the county,” he replied.
Olivia set her knife and fork down and licked her lips. “May I ask you something?”
Animal looked up at her. “Sure—anything but club business.” He scooped up a forkful of potatoes. “But you know that.”
“Where’s Lucy’s mom?”
His hand froze in midair, hovering just in front of his mouth for a split second before he lowered it to his plate. “In Illinois somewhere.”
“So, you’ve raised Lucy yourself?”
“Not exactly.” Animal’s chest moved up and down as he sucked in a deep breath and exhaled. “Lucy came about after a one-night stand. Her mom—Emerald—and I were both drunk, and she got pregnant. She wanted a relationship—you know the husband, the house, the two cars in the garage. I didn’t even know her—we just hooked up at one of the club parties, so I told her no. I tried to be a part of Lucy’s life, but after she turned one, Emerald took off and moved away from Colorado. I always paid child support, sent gifts and cards, and called to talk with my daughter when she was old enough to speak, but Emerald made it real hard. She was a vindictive bitch and kept Lucy away from me. Anyway, about four months ago, she showed up at the clubhouse and left Lucy in my care. Seems like the guy she took up with didn’t like kids.”
Olivia’s skin crawled while she listened to Animal. She wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “That’s unconscionable! How awful. I feel for Lucy.”
“Yeah … it’s been real tough on her. I try hard, but I’m no substitute for a mother.” Animal motioned the waiter for another whiskey.
“So what the fuck do I do? I’m never gonna walk away from her. I’m happy she’s with me even if I’m still struggling with being a parent.”
Olivia placed her hand over his and smiled. “Parents struggle their whole lives. No one is born knowing how to be a good parent. There are so many stumbles along the road, but the important thing is that you’re there for Lucy emotionally as well as physically. She needs to feel safe and to know you love and care for her. Believe me, I know. All I ever wanted was for my dad to love me and pay attention to me.”
“And he fucked up big time?”
“Oh yeah.” Olivia took a sip of wine. “And so did my mom, but this isn’t a pity party, okay?”
“That works for me. Have you ever hooked up with a biker?” Animal asked.
“No—the whole thing with my dad turned me off to the lifestyle. One of the guys in my dad’s club—Iceman—wanted to hang with me, and my dad and brother were all over that, but I was so not interested. He was one step above a Neanderthal.”
Animal chuckled. “I know some of those.” He placed a morsel of steak in his mouth and chewed, staring intently at her.
“I bet you do,” she muttered, breaking off a corner of her bread.
“If you hate bikers so much, why the fuck are you out with me?” He wiped his mouth with the napkin.
Taking her time to answer, she held his gaze then leaned forward with her elbows on the table, resting her chin in her hands. “Because I like you. You’re not at all like the bikers I knew back home. I love the way you care about Lucy and her education.”
“Is that the only thing you like about me?” Animal’s mouth tugged up at the corners, his ebony eyes watching her steadily.
Olivia felt her cheeks grow warm as memories of his kisses and his body pressed against hers rushed through her mind. Thinking about it made her grow hot all over.
“Well?” The faint smile hovering on his lips sent shivers right to her core.
“There might be some other things I like about you,” she replied, looking down at her plate.
Animal let out a deep laugh. “There’s a lot I like about you, and I don’t say that to many women.” He pushed his empty plate away. “As a matter of fact, I don’t say it at all.” He rose up from the chair and stood next to her.
Olivia sat transfixed, watching him as he wrapped strands of her hair in his hand then tipped her head back.
“You do something to me, woman,” he said, his voice low and sexy. His eyes zeroed in on her lips as he bent his head down.
Olivia’s mind told her to pull away, but she didn’t budge; there was no way in hell she was going to stop him. His lips pressed against hers, soft and tender, and she raised her arms and entwined them around his neck, pulling him closer. The kiss deepened. Someone at a nearby table coughed loudly, but Olivia simply tightened her grip and he slipped his tongue between her lips, which she met with her own. The world dissolved around her and it was only the two of them, pressed together, sharing so much more than this one kiss.
Flicks of desire swirled inside her, burning her body, stimulating every nerve ending. A small moan rose up from her chest, and he slowly pulled up, his gaze smoldering with unsated lust.
“I’ll be right back,” he said, his voice husky.
With her body still throbbing in places she didn’t even know existed, Olivia nodded and sank back in her chair. She watched him swagger away, his firm ass moving oh-so-right, and noticed how several women gave him a double-take when he passed their tables.
What’s wrong with you? You’re doing exactly what you weren’t supposed to. No … she couldn’t be trusted with him. Her body misbehaved in the most deliciously wrong way. But is it wrong if it feels so good … so right? Animal was unlike any man she’d ever known, and even though she knew he wanted to sleep with her, Olivia didn’t feel like that was the only thing he wanted from her. None of the men who’d littered her past gave a shit about who she was—they only cared about having sex like … all the damn time. They’d all been shallow and she’d been sucked into their world because of her damn neediness to have a man pay attention to her. But Animal seemed different.
“Do you want another drink?”
His deep voice startled her out of her thoughts. “If you want.” Stop psychoanalyzing yourself. You’re having a great time with him, and it’s been a long time since you’ve been with a man.
“I thought we’d go to Jimbo’s for some drinks and dancing. They got a cover band on Saturdays.”
“I’d love that.” Olivia couldn’t remember the last time she went dancing while on a date. Kory wasn’t into music, and the guy before that, Nathan Rogers, didn’t like to dance. Nathan. She hadn’t thought of the police officer in quite a while. Every once in a while she’d see him drive by Slavens, but he didn’t stalk her with the frequency he had before she moved into her home. He probably found himself a girlfriend. Olivia shuddered at the memory of going out with the possessive, overzealous cop.
Animal paid the bill and grasped Olivia’s hand as he guided her out of the restaurant. Bright stars sprinkled the inky sky and there was a slight chill in the air. He slipped his arm around her shoulders, drawing her close, and she rested her head against him. Two electronic beeps rang out and the car’s headlights flashed as they approached his SUV. Opening the passenger door, Animal helped Olivia into the car then walked over to the driver’s side and slid into the seat. He leaned sideways and brushed his lips against hers in a light kiss. Then, without a word, he sat up and turned on the ignition, gripped the steering wheel, then threw the SUV into gear and drove out of the lot.
Jimbo’s was on the other side of town, and when they arrived, the place heaved with people. Animal held her close to him as he pushed their way through the labyrinth of patrons and tables until they reached the counter.
“Dude!” A bartender with a shaved head, full sleeve tattoos on both arms, pierced brows and nose, and a plug in each ear grinned from ear-to-ear.
“Titus,” Animal said, high-fiving him.
“Where the fuck have you been?” Titus poured a glass of dark beer and set it in front of Animal. “What does your girl want?”
Animal leaned into Olivia. “What’re you drinking?” he said in her ear.
His warm breath fanned over her neck and a single shiver rode down her spine straight to her core. “A vodka cranberry.”
“Cran vodka,” Animal said, and Titus nodded.
“You must be a regular,” she said to Animal.
“Yeah—some of the brothers and I like coming here to listen to the live music. One of the brothers—Gopher—has a sister who’s in a local band. She’s a great fucking lead guitarist.”
“Is that who’s playing tonight?”
“No—tonight’s a cover band. Leila’s band plays original music. They’re real good. Do you like metal and hard rock?”
“I love them both.”
He pressed her closer and dipped his head down. “Awesome.” He kissed her quickly then reached for his beer.
Her lips tingled from his touch, and she murmured her thanks when he handed her drink to her.
“Can you get us a table?” he asked Titus.
“Hang on.” The bartender rushed away.
“Is it always this packed?” she asked before taking a sip of her drink.
“Yeah, especially on the weekend. Titus owns the place. We go back to high school.”
“That’s cool. How long has he owned it?”
“About five years or so. He and his brother started it, but he bought his brother out three ye
ars ago, and now he’s flying solo.” Animal nudged Olivia with his elbow. “Titus got us a spot—let’s go.”
Olivia sipped her drink while he guided her to a table near the stage. She plopped down on the chair then shrugged off her coat. The band was on stage setting up their equipment while hard rock tunes played from overhead speakers.
“I’m having a good time,” he said.
“Me too,” she said, looking up at him.
Her breath caught as the feral look in his eyes seared her. A shiver raced down her spine, and arousal flashed hot through her system.
Animal scooted his chair toward hers, closing the space between them. An influx of butterflies danced inside her as his gaze melted over her.
Curving his hand around the back of the her neck, he drew her to him, bent down and crushed his lips to hers. His tongue invaded her mouth, flicking across her teeth, entwining with hers, and she looped her hands around his corded neck. She’d never been kissed like that; it was wild, consuming, and addictive all at once, making her senses come to life. Their mouths meshed with escalating hunger.
“Fuck, Olivia,” he murmured on her lips.
Hearing him say her name between kisses sent static sparks from her hardening nipples straight to the pulsing between her legs. She never wanted to pull away; she wanted to stay forever cocooned in his arms with their lips fused together. Moaning, she ran her fingers through his hair, and he yanked her closer against him. At that moment, all her notions about bikers faded away, and she wanted nothing more than to feel him inside her.
The first few beats of Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again” filled the bar, and Animal broke away and glanced over at the band.
“Let’s go,” he said against her ear as he grasped her hand in his.
As always, his touch caused a small jolt through her, and she rose from her chair and followed him onto the dance floor where he pulled her into his arms. Olivia rested her head against his hard chest and heard the erratic thud of his heartbeat. As they danced, Animal sang the lyrics softly into her ear as he ran his hands down her back, stopping just before her ass. The scent of him surrounded her and his warm breath teased her skin into a carpet of goosebumps. Animal’s hand on the small of her back pressed them together and her breasts rubbed against his chest. A low growl stopped the flow of the lyrics as he ground against her, his firm erection sending sizzling shockwaves shooting through her. Olivia clenched her legs together in the vain attempt to stop the throbbing between her thighs.
Animal’s Reformation Page 19