by Elle Rease
“Really?” she asked, glancing at him uncertainly.
“Yeah, I’d love to eat you out right now.” He got hard just thinking about it. Damn teenage hormones. “But you did say you wanted to pretend like this didn’t happen.”
“I’ve never had a guy who actually enjoys that.”
“How long are you in town for? I could show you a good time,” he grinned.
She sent her eyes heavenward, but he could’ve sworn she was contemplating his offer. She headed to the ladies’ room and looked at him before she went inside. “Maybe another time, when you’re not fucking me to forget about your date.”
He was left alone in the lobby, speechless and a little in awe. He might come across Cass in future, yet it didn’t mean that he had to hang out with her. This was a one-time thing, and he could carry on with his life—and Zoey—now.
Weird how that doesn’t seem so appealing anymore.
Rubbing his temples, he made his way back to the reception, carefully avoiding William Abernethy’s group of men, who all looked aggravated. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could or wanted to stay, but he’d like to have at least one dance with Cinnia before he left.
“By!” Brennan exclaimed, coming forward to give Byron a hug. “We’ve been looking for you all over.”
Byron felt his face heat up out of guilt. “Oh yeah, why?”
“Cin was worried about you.”
“That’s ironic. I was worried about the two of you.”
Brennan’s icy gaze read between the lines. “I’m sorry about that. We got side-tracked.”
“It’s not a big deal,” Byron shrugged, pretending. “I shouldn’t jump to stupid conclusions.”
“If not for your ‘stupid conclusions’, as you call them, Cin might not have been alive to get married to me,” Brennan said solemnly. “I can never repay you for that, but I’ll do my best.”
Byron blinked away the sudden moisture in his eyes. “No need, Bren.”
“There’s every need, lad.” Brennan grinned broadly. “And on that note, I’ve got a surprise for you.”
Hesitantly, Byron followed his VP to the main table, where the Sloane and Drummond families were seated. Byron stepped up to Cinnia and gave her a gentle hug, mindful of her injuries. “Congratulations, Mrs. Drummond.”
“Gosh, will I ever get used to that?” she giggled, pecking him on the cheek. “I’m so happy you were right up there with Bren.”
“I still have no idea why he asked me to be a groomsman.”
She pulled away and cupped his face in her hands, green gaze locked on his. “You know exactly why, By.”
He grew hot under the collar due to all the praise he was getting. He couldn’t understand the way she was looking at him, as if she thought there was more to him than he could imagine… As if he was somehow worthy of being friends with someone as amazing as her.
He hugged her again, mostly to break eye contact.
Reade rose to his feet and tapped a spoon on the side of his glass to get everyone’s attention. Cinnia placed another kiss on his cheek and went to stand next to her husband. Byron felt even more awkward now, realizing that William Abernethy could easily spot him.
“Thank ye all for comin’ tae witness ma son’s weddin’,” Reade announced, his gaze shifting to meet every face in the room. “It means the world tae ma family and it’s good tae see everyone together like this.”
“Hear, hear!” a group of men cheered.
Reade patiently waited for them to calm down. “Ah’m not one for big speeches, but for once Ah have a lot tae say. We’ve been through a rough coupla months and it’s all because of my daughter-in-law.” He gave Cinnia a fond smile. “Most of the time, things changed for the better. Unfortunately, our bride was involved in a scheme, brewed by one of our own, tha’ nearly got her killed.” Here, his eyes landed on Byron. “If not for this young Prospect, we would nae be havin’ this weddin’, tha’s for damn sure.”
Byron stared at his shoes, unused to such continual and public commendation.
“Which is why we moved his vote up,” Reade declared. He was suddenly very serious and official, perusing Byron critically. “It was unanimous.”
Byron thought he was going to pass out from nerves. Why did they have to reject him in front of everyone?
“Come get yer new cut, Byron,” Reade went on, chuckling. “Ye’re officially patched in.”
On numb legs, Byron trudged up to Brennan, who embraced him tightly. He definitely didn’t hear everyone’s whistling and applause: he was too distracted by the leather Brennan shoved into his eager clutches. He stared at it, taking in every detail in the eagle’s wings and its aggressive facial expression, and the dagger that made up the “T” in “RAPTORS”.
This is actually happening. Holy shit.
“Ah’m sure ye’re gonna be an important member in Bren’s MC, laddie.” Reade smacked Byron on the shoulder, which was an intimidating gesture from a man like him. “Congratulations. We’re proud of ye.”
“Aye,” Brennan agreed.
Teagan waggled his eyebrows. “Piper almost ruined the surprise.”
“I’m still surprised,” Byron assured him. It was unbelievable to see that his “PROSPECT” patch had been replaced by one that read “HERO”. There was plenty of space on his leather to earn more badges of honor. He wanted to be a respected and valued member of this MC and will work hard to make that happen. “Thank you, Reade.”
The Scotsman inclined his head in acknowledgement. “Let’s drink and be merry!”
Cinnia pushed through the crowd surrounding Byron as the music started. “Care to dance?” she asked, holding her hand out to him.
He accepted her offer and followed her to the dance floor.
“Let me help you with that.”
He removed his jacket and allowed her to put his cut on. He was in shock while his brain caught up to the new reality of his life.
“How does it feel?”
“Good,” he answered slowly, sniffing. “Really, really good.”
“I’m glad,” she smiled. “Come on, then.”
He took her in his arms and swayed to the beat of the song. “I can’t believe you kept this from me.”
Cinnia laughed softly. “Says the guy who hides his true feelings on a daily basis.”
“You know, this is why I kinda hate you.”
“I know.” She gazed at him thoughtfully. “Are you okay? Do I have to start worrying about your adrenaline junkie side, like screwing Cassandra Abernethy while her father’s around?”
He cleared his throat uncomfortably. “I’m fine, Cin, and you don’t have to worry. I’ve got it under control.”
“I’ll pretend I believe you, how’s that?”
“You’re not good at pretending.”
“Yeah, you’ve got that right.” She sighed and leaned her cheek on his shoulder. She was so tall compared to most women. “Will had her really young.”
“I was wondering about that, actually.”
“He knocked an older woman up when he was fourteen and could only start being a good dad by the time Cassandra turned five. She likes to press his buttons.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not in love with her. I know she only used me.”
“I’m not saying she didn’t find you attractive—”
“I know,” he interrupted.
“I’d just prefer if you tried to make things work with Zoey.”
“She doesn’t always understand the MC.”
“Have you really explained it to her?”
He shrugged. “I suppose not.”
“Then try,” Cinnia urged. “She could surprise you.”
“Why’re you so involved in all of this?”
“It comes with the territory, By. You’re patched in now.” She made eye contact and sighed. “And also, I know you’re hiding something. You’re still messed up about what happened, and you won’t talk to anyone about it.”
“There’s nothing I c
an say that’ll change anything.”
“By—”
“Cin, I know you care about me, and I care about you, too.” He stopped moving and let go of her. “I’m fine, okay? And even if it sounds like a lie, believe this: I will be fine eventually.”
She was silent for a while, contemplating what he’s said. God, she was so beautiful, and she didn’t even know it. It was almost annoying that she was kind, generous, smart and witty, on top of that.
She accepted his words with a nod. “Okay. Are you going to leave now?”
He raked his fingers through his hair, that dark gloom of depression slowly fogging up his brain again, now that the adrenaline of fucking Cass and getting patched in has worn off. “Yeah, I think so. I need…” Drugs, and loads of it. “Maybe I should see Zoey.”
“I wish you didn’t feel like you had to go.”
“I’m sorry, Cin.”
She waved that away, feigning indifference. She really wasn’t good at acting, though. “Go have fun with your friends.”
“Thanks.” He gave her a quick hug. “It’s good to see you so happy.”
He turned on his heel and marched off before she could say anything that would make him change his mind. She was exceptionally good at that. He pushed past people and kept his head down, scared that someone would try to talk to him about his patch. He wanted to be alone.
You should work through this.
He shoved that thought right out of his head, focusing on finding his Harley. There were so many vehicles in the hotel’s parking lot that it took him a couple of minutes to identify his motorcycle. He got on, secured his helmet and made his way onto the main road.
His school friends were all at a jock’s house party, mostly because everyone’s parents were attending Cin’s wedding reception, so he decided to head there. Zoey had asked him to go with her, although he had no idea why: she didn’t drink or take drugs, and she hated parties.
Zoey was the typical girl-next-door. Pretty and wholesome, with saintly morals and a nun’s approach to sex. She had so much light in her soul that his attraction to her had been instant and all-consuming. A part of it, he had no doubt, was because he wanted to taint her, to see what she’ll be like if she took a walk on the wild side.
He hated that part of him. She was perfect and deserved the best.
Cutting the engine once he was parked at the party, he put his helmet away and sauntered over to the front door. The music was loud, bass frequencies hitting him in the chest, and the kids even louder. It was nothing like the celebration he’d left behind, that was obvious.
Byron greeted a few of the people he recognized and went in search of Zoey. She was sitting outside at the pool with a bunch of not-so-sweet girls, giggling over something. She looked up as he approached and her smile widened.
“By!” she exclaimed, jumping into his arms. “You made it!”
He held her closely and inhaled her fruity scent. Her dark hair was piled on top of her head, indicating that she’d been swimming earlier. “Hey.”
“I’m glad you’re here. Where have you been?”
“Cin’s wedding.”
Zoey went still and pulled away from him. “Cin got married today?” At his nod, she began chewing on her lower lip. “Is there a reason why you didn’t take me with you?”
“There were a lot of bikers.”
“I could’ve—”
“Zo, please,” he interjected. “I’m here now, okay? I came as soon as I could.” Into someone else, but that’s beside the point, he reminded himself.
“Okay, but you’ll have to tell me everything.” She smiled and took his hand. “Come sit with me.”
“In a second,” he promised, “I just… have to greet some of the guys.” And get high.
“Cool, I’ll wait here!”
He left her for a bunch of dodgy-looking boys in the corner of the yard, knowing that they’d be able and willing to hook him up. He was surprised that they had cocaine, but didn’t say no to snorting a line. He wanted to forget everything except this moment…
He accepted a beer and wriggled his nose after taking the line, making sure he removed all traces of white before he joined Zoey on a lounger. His head was already spinning and he was beginning to feel horny.
Maybe if she hadn’t worn such a short skirt, his imagination wouldn’t be trying to fill in the blanks.
“So, how was the wedding?” she gushed.
“Like any wedding, I guess. I haven’t been to many.”
“Did she look beautiful?”
“Of course, she’s gorgeous.”
“You know, sometimes I wonder if you’re not secretly in love with her.”
He rolled his eyes and drained half of his beer. “She’s like a sister. Come on, I want to cuddle.”
“By, you smell like beer.”
Not something someone like Cass would’ve said, huh?
Go away! Byron snarled at that annoying voice. “So what if I smell like beer?” he asked Zoey, leering at her. “We could all die tonight, and then you’ll always wonder what it would’ve been like to cuddle with me.”
She sighed deeply and went into his embrace. “You should become a lawyer. You make a good argument.”
“I’d be a pretty shitty lawyer, but maybe the MC needs one.”
“You would do anything for that club, won’t you.”
It wasn’t a question, so he didn’t feel the need to answer. He ran his fingertips over her bare shoulder, feeling as if there were sparks going off between them. Damn, he was finally getting the high he’s been longing for.
“I mean, what do you want to do?” Zoey insisted, lifting her head so she could drill her chocolate gaze into his. “If it hadn’t been for the Raptors, what would you do?”
I wouldn’t have a life, if not for them. Cinnia’s earlier suggestion to explain things to Zoey was good, in theory, but Byron often felt like his girlfriend didn’t really want to understand. Her life was color-coded and compartmentalized, the total opposite of his.
The term “grey area” was invented for him.
“I don’t know,” he responded finally. “I’ll never know, ‘cause I chose them.”
“Do you think you’ll ever be as committed to a woman as you are to that club?”
“Probably not.” I was balls deep in a random stranger earlier today, after all. “Does that bother you?”
“Yeah, a little bit, actually. I mean, if we had to get serious, I’d like to trust that you’ll be there for me, too.”
He frowned. “What makes you think I won’t? Just ‘cause I’m a Raptor doesn’t mean I’ll neglect you.”
“It’s just, you hardly ever come visit my family or do things I want to do.”
“I’m a Prospect, so I have no choice.” He smiled to himself. “At least, I used to be.”
“But why’re you still wearing your leather, then?”
Was he imagining the excitement in her eyes at the mere thought of him not being in the MC anymore? “‘Cause I got patched in at the wedding. I’m not a Prospect anymore.”
“Oh.” She was trying hard to keep her facial expression neutral. “Congrats.”
“I know you don’t mean that.”
“I do, but—”
“God, why did I even come here?” he muttered, getting off the lounger.
“By, where are you—”
“I need fresh air.”
“But we’re outside!”
He ignored that. “See you in a bit.”
Wandering aimlessly into the house, he was handed a tablet by some random kid, which he swallowed with the remainder of the beer. He wanted to get shitfaced, to not worry about anything except where he was going to pass out and whether he would throw up before then.
There were a bunch of girls who rubbed up against him, trying to catch his interest simply because he was wearing his cut. He had to remind himself that he was technically off the market and that his girlfriend was right outside but, since he’d c
heated earlier that day, his resistance was fading fast.
And that’s when he saw her: surrounded by a bunch of guys who were all vying for her attention. What the hell was she doing here?
“I was invited,” Cass informed him. “I went to boarding school with Aaron’s sister. It’s his party.”
His eyebrows knitted together. “Did I say that out loud?”
“Yeah.” She tilted her head to the side. “How far gone are you?”
“Quite.”
“Want another hit?”
He gave her companions a pointed look. “You sure you want that?”
“Oh yeah,” she grinned, grabbing his hand and pulling him away from the crowd, “we both know you have the bigger cock.”
Byron snorted and followed her upstairs. “You really know your way around this place,” he commented.
“I told you, I know Aaron’s sister.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Is your girl here?”
“Yeah, outside.”
“She must not be very interesting.”
He sighed deeply. “She’s just talking a bunch of shit about the MC that I don’t want to hear.”
“Ah, I see.” Cass motioned for him to go into a girly —and abandoned— room, shutting the door once they were both inside and turning the lock. “Does she want you to leave?”
“She didn’t say it in so many words.” He shoved his hands into his pockets and stared at some of the photographs, recognizing Cass in many of them. “Wow, you weren’t lying, princess.”
“Did you think I was stalking you?”
“The thought crossed my mind, I won’t lie.”
“You’ve got a great cock, player, but I’m not that desperate.” She stood next to him and held a joint up. “Do you want a hit?”
“I’m already incredibly horny. Weed will only make it worse.”
“Well, maybe you should eat me out to get rid of some tension.”
He looked down at her, noting how confident she was. It was… easy, being around her. She didn’t make him feel bad about his life choices. He didn’t have to pretend to be sober when they both knew he wasn’t.
She’s only going to lead you further into temptation. Walk away, Byron.
And yet, she wasn’t forcing his hand, either. She was giving him the option to back off and stick to his warped standards, and he was pretty sure she wouldn’t laugh at him if he turned her down. She wasn’t the kind that got all huffy over the small stuff.