by Romi Hart
“Well, can’t say I don’t understand that, but you look like hell. You might wanna think about a shower,” Corey mentioned, nodding toward the door.
“Yeah, I was headed there when I saw your light on. Thought it might be wise to check in on you.”
“I’m all good, but like I said, you look like utter shit.” Corey laughed. Eli nodded and shot him the bird.
“Yeah, I know you’re the godlike one here,” Eli murmured, walking out the door and heading to the bathroom down the hall. He stepped out of his boxers and turned on the water.
It heated quickly, and he welcomed being surrounded by the hot steam. He leaned forward and ducked his head beneath the spray, sucking in a breath as he wet his hair. The water felt calming as it rushed across his skin. He gripped the bar of soap in one hand and began scrubbing beneath his armpits. This was one of the few moments that he got to himself, and it was these times he could really reflect on his choices. Lathered up, Eli turned to rinse his back, and wondered what it might be like to have someone help him with the hard to reach places, but he knew that simple things like affection and convenience weren’t all that women wanted, and the games they played were for kids, as far as he was concerned.
He twisted the tap off with a tight grip and flicked his head once, scattering droplets of water all around the walls as his hand swiped at the mirror. He grinned, winking at his reflection playfully,
“Yeah, you’re still a sexy beast, with a steel horse and an appetite for destruction.” He chuckled, referencing the Metallica album. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he hurried back to his bunk room, where he pulled a white t-shirt over his chest and stepped into his pants. Socks and boots followed, and Eli pulled a comb through his hair as a final act of self care. Then he opened the door to face the world.
“Hey you!” a voice called out behind him, Eli paused, eyes clenching together as he recognized the voice. It was female, and he knew immediately who it was approaching him. Turning on heel he lifted his eyes to meet with hers briefly, wishing he could blink and make a mug of fresh, hot coffee appear in his hands before having this conversation.
“Hello, Leigh,” he mumbled. She tilted her head and leaned into the corridor wall, arms crossing over her chest as she looked back at him.
“You know, my friend, Rory – she’s really not that bad,” Leigh began.
“Never said she was, but that doesn’t really matter.” He considered trying to walk away but knew that would only raise all sorts of new issues. Resigned, he stood there, prepared to take the verbal lashing.
“Well, she’s coming to the clubhouse more often, so you should probably get used to her presence,” Leigh commented. Was this a scolding? Or a warning?
“I already told Zeke, and I’ll tell you, too. I’ll make nice with the girl, but don’t expect it to go anywhere else. I’m only doing this out of respect for you and Zeke.” He gave a shrug. Leigh was breaking a number of cardinal rules right now. Engaging him freshly out of bed without coffee. When he had a hangover. And an empty stomach. In fact, considering how he felt about talking, she shouldn’t push for more than five words at a time from him, regardless of the situation or timing.
“Alright, fair enough, but can I ask why you felt the need to pretend she didn’t even exist?” Leigh asked.
And there it was. He already had to explain himself to a woman that didn’t even belong to him. He certainly didn’t need one of his own. “Because I’m not a commodity, Leigh. I’m a fucking real person. Not just a cock on a bike like so many women seem to think.”
“Damn, I wasn’t aware you felt like a piece of meat. For the record, you shouldn’t judge,” Leigh said pointedly, pushing off the wall to brush past Eli as she headed back to the bar. Eli huffed, aggravated by not only the lecture he had received from Zeke, but now the hounding of his old lady, too.
He shook his head, knowing that walking into the bar right then would only make things worse. He reached back into his bunk room and grabbed his jacket, pulling it over his shoulders. His pace, swift and motivated, carried him through the main room quickly, and as his hand pushed open the door, the sun burst into his vision, causing pain to slice through his head again as hurried to the shop in back.
“Eli!” Zeke’s voice filtered into his ears. Pausing, Eli closed his eyes and balled up his fists at his sides. If it ain’t one thing it’s another. “Where you headed?” he asked as he caught up to Eli.
“For a solitary ride,” Eli mumbled, hoping Zeke would catch his drift.
“Alright then. Nice day for it. Leigh and I just got back ourselves.”
Eli nodded and strode toward the shop, waving Zeke off.
Alone didn’t have to mean lonely.
3
Another night with an invitation to the clubhouse, but tonight Rory was intent on making sure she would stand out. She ran her hand through her hair, and, looking over herself, she lifted a brush to work out the knots that remained. A few minutes later, she found herself wrapping strands around a curling iron and coughing as Aquanet hairspray filled her bathroom.
“Facts, this is the only hairspray that can chase people and animals from a bathroom in less than thirty seconds.” She waved at the air to clear the hairspray as she looked back at her reflection. She adjusted her locks to set just perfectly at her shoulders and leaned in to fix her lipstick.
It was strange getting ready to go to the clubhouse and knowing that Eli would be there again, but at the same time, she knew that if she let one bad experience with a biker get her down, then she really wasn’t made out for being an MC bitch, which she knew to be completely false. “Hell, maybe it’s all this biochemical warfare that’s been chasing Eli away,” she remarked, coughing again on the fumes. On the counter, her cellphone lit up suddenly.
She reached for the device and clicked the speakerphone button, “Hello, Rory speaking.”
“Hey, girl. What are you up to?” Leigh’s voice broke instantly echoed through the bathroom.
“Oh, just trying to wind my hair around this little wand and make sure that my hairspray doesn’t glue my hand to it at the same time,” Aurora joked, frowning and holding the small curling iron before her face as she adjusted a few more loose strands.
“Oh, where are you going?” Leigh asked.
“Did you forget already?” Rory muttered.
“No, I’m just flipping you shit. Can’t blame me, I need to get my fun somehow, right?” Leigh teased.
“Yeah, well tonight I am going in with all guns blazing,” Rory stated with conviction.
“Oh, yeah? Full arsenal war paint and all?” Leigh asked, “Don’t forget to wear some killer shoes, then.”
“You know it. And if Eli gives me the cold shoulder again, I’m just going to nurse away my pain with the biggest bottle of booze I can find,” Aurora said.
“Well, that can sometimes be fun. Don’t go look for the Tennessee honey, though,” Leigh told her, humor in her voice.
“What are you talking about?”
“Nevermind. Inside joke. Do you need a ride?” Leigh asked.
“No, I’ve got my own wheels. I’d prefer having my own way there and home, especially after the last time,” she finished.
“Okay, suit yourself,” Leigh agreed. “I’m about to head over with Zeke now.”
“I’ve got a few final touches, and I’ll be on my way,” Rory choked as she sprayed her hair one more time.
“Awesome, see you soon!” Leigh said excitedly as Rory clicked off the call.
Glancing at her reflection again, she smiled widely. The black leather corset halter she had chosen was perfect in that it tightly hugged her ribcage and gave her boobs just enough push up to show an ample swelling of pert and supple flesh, all for onlookers to enjoy.
At least, one onlooker in particular.
She slid her hand down her sides, the tiny black Daisy Dukes she had chosen clinging tightly to her round derriere, just the way men liked it. She plucked out a bright red capsul
e of lipstick and pulled off the lid, smearing it across her lips as she puckered them slightly. ‘Devil’s lips in search of only one devil’s kiss,’ she mused as she leaned forward and pressed her lips to the mirror. If nobody else wanted to kiss the smoldering Aurora, she could at least afford some time for a little self-love.
* * *
“Rory!” Leigh’s voice was filled with excitement as she rushed in to hug her friend, her eyebrows rising quickly as she noted Aurora’s look, “Damn, pulled out the stiletto boots and everything!” she remarked, her arm pulling her friend in slightly as she pressed her lips to her cheeks. Leigh had obviously already been drinking.
“Yeah, I put a little extra effort into it this time.” Rory smiled as she glanced around the clubhouse, eyes in search of one particular MC member.
“Come on let’s go get some drinks,” Leigh cooed, turning back toward the bar. She thought about telling Leigh to slow down, but Aurora’s eyes settled on Eli’s back as she moved through, and suddenly a bold idea came to her. Turning and walking away from Leigh, she moved toward the man standing furthest from the crowd.
“Hey,” she called, sashaying slightly as she strode over to him, “Want to play some pool?” she asked, her lips curling into a hopeful smile.
“Maybe, aren’t you Leigh’s friend?” the guy asked – Rory was still clueless to his name, but that didn’t matter for what she had in mind.
“Yeah, but maybe I like to make new friends, too,” she drawled, winking at him.
“You might want to be careful making friends with me. I’m a lone wolf,” the guy warned, a twinkle in his eye.
“Oh, but you are A Devil’s Flames rider, aren’t you?” she asked.
He chuckled softly. “Don’t you know it. What’s your name, sweetheart?”
“Rory. What’s yours?” she asked, glancing over to Eli, who didn’t seem to be paying her any mind at all. Leigh looked a little perplexed as she sat at the bar, watching Aurora’s conversation, but she didn’t gesture or give her a warning sign.
“Guy,” he replied. Aurora chuckled lightly and quirked a brow.
“For real?” she asked. Of course that would be her luck.
He gave a nod. “Yep. As for pool, you paying in for this game?” he asked, ponying up a twenty-dollar bill, which he flashed before Rory’s face.
“Hell yeah,” she said, reaching into her corset and pulling out a tiny black card wallet with a cash clip on the side. She fished out a twenty of her own and slapped it down on the pool table’s edge, “Winner gets it all.” She smiled.
“Forty bucks in the pot,” Guy rose to go get a cue stick. Rory smiled and slid her backside across the pool table’s edge as she lifted a chalk block and pulled her own cue stick free.
Aurora rubbed the chalk over the tip, and Guy began to rack the balls. “I’m going to get a drink, then we can start.” Rory motioned toward the bar.
“Sure,” Guy nodded. Aurora grinned and sauntered directly past Eli, glancing up at his dark eyes for just a moment as a playful smirk threatened to replace her grin.
She leaned into the bar, arching her back just slightly as she looked at Leigh and whispered, “Think he’s paying attention yet?”
“Hell if I know. Of all the men you chose to pursue, it had to be the one nobody can read. What are you doing?” Leigh hissed.
“Having fun. Isn’t that what you said for me to do tonight?” Rory asked with a challenge as the bartender came to stand in front of her.
“What you want?” he asked.
“Jim Beam,” Aurora said hopefully.
“You got it.”
“Are you seriously trying to make Eli jealous?” Leigh asked, whispering in Rory’s ear. She smiled as the bartender placed the shot in front of her and shrugged coyly.
“Well, if it works that wouldn’t be so bad, would it? I mean, I’m here to enjoy myself, not sulk in a corner.” Aurora pointed out, “And sometimes a man needs a little encouraging. You should know that.”
“Yeah, I guess.” Leigh said with a tiny grin. “Hope you didn’t just gamble away your last twenty, though, because Guy over there has a rep for kicking people’s ass at pool.”
“Then it seems like I’ve signed up for the perfect diversion, and you know me, I love a challenge,” Aurora winked.
Leigh shook her head and laughed. “Yes, I can see that.” Rory moved back to the pool table, and Guy grinned at her.
“You break first,” he told her. Aurora smiled and lifted her cue, aiming and cracking loose.
Balls scattered in all directions, and Rory beamed as a bright maroon solid ball and a dark blue solid ball slid into opposing pockets.
“Hell yeah!” she grinned. Guy nodded.
“Nice shot. Keep going,” he stated. Rory slid the stick forward with a thwack.
Rory gritted her teeth slightly as she watched the balls roll away from one another, but sighed when not a single one went in pocket. So much for running the table.
* * *
Aurora sauntered over to the bar and slipped her butt up onto the barstool with a sigh, “Hit me with some more Jim Beam, and I mean a few of them.”
“Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Leigh said, a hint of concern apparent in her voice.
“I can’t believe I just lost that game. I started out so good!” Rory said in annoyance.
“Hey, he’s the one who holds champion billiard trophies. I haven’t seen anyone beat him yet.”
Aurora rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I get it.” Rory lifted the shot as the bartender placed it and knocked it back quickly, tapping the glass on the bar twice, reminding the guy to keep it coming. The bartender smirked and poured, “Now, get me another glass.” She muttered. The bartender’s brows drew together.
“You double fisting now?” he asked.
She glared at him. “No, but I need two separate shot glasses of Jim.”
With the two shots in hand, she winked at Leigh, who looked like she might try to stop her. But Rory turned away and strode over to Eli, lifting one of the glasses in in offering.
“Hey, want a drink?” she asked. Eli pursed his lips, a strange expression overtaking his face as he glanced past her. His nostrils flared slightly as he took the shot and quickly knocked it back. “Thanks,” he said with a curt nod. Rory’s eyebrows shot up, a little surprised by the response.
“Wow, is that what it takes to pry your lips open?” she asked, polishing off her shot quickly, “Want to come have a few more with me at the bar?” she asked. Eli stepped back and shook his head.
“I’m not a big fan of Jim,” he retorted. Rory scoffed and turned to walk away in annoyance.
“That guy is such a jackass!” she said, stomping her foot slightly as she slid back atop her barstool, “Fuck it, I need more liquor. Fill me up, barkeep,” she ordered, “and keep them coming. I’m having a shitty night.”
“I think Zeke and I are going to head out. You okay?” Leigh asked as Rory sat drinking a new mixed drink at her request. Rory at least had the bartender’s attention. Maybe tonight wouldn’t be a total bomb, if she could wash away the rejection of her first choice with the booze.
“Oh, yeah, no problem. I’m going to finish this off and get lost.” That was probably for the best.
“You sure?” Leigh asked again, her gaze uncertain.
Rory nodded. “It’s all good here.” She gave the scout’s honor sign. She lifted her drink and began to gulp it down quickly. She glanced sidelong toward Eli one more time, debating the merits of going home, before she slapped her hand on the counter. “Alright, this shit’s empty. I need another just like it.”
* * *
Rory’s head was starting to spin, and her stomach seemed to cramp up slightly as she finally slid off the barstool, stumbling as her knees buckled slightly. She’d lost track of time since Leigh and Zeke had taken off, but she knew that it was getting late. She rubbed at her temple gently, listing to the side as it made the world spin faster, but she made her way to the d
oor. Catching herself on a nearby table, she straightened and threw her shoulders back, running her hand through her hair and snagging on a tangle as she quickened her pace and opened the door. In her inebriated state, she didn’t notice the shadow of a person walking out behind her.
The sky tumbled beneath her, and Rory’s body hit the dirt fast as her stiletto stumbled over a loose rock just a few feet from her car. She grimaced as her knee slammed into the ground with a painful and sharp sting. Suddenly, Rory felt hands lifting her from the ground.
“Are you okay?” a deep voice filtered into her ears. Rory looked up and scoffed.
“Let go of me!” she cried, beating on his chest ineffectively, shaking her head in defiance. “You never give a shit to pay any attention to me any other time, so why the hell do you care now?” she asked, pulling away from Eli and stumbling back to the ground again, this time on her ass.
“You’re hella drunk, woman. I don’t think you should be driving,” he replied.
“Is that what you think? Let me tell you what I think. I think you’re a huge dick, Eli, and I think you don’t know shit about how to treat a lady!”
He had the nerve to smirk as he crouched beside her. “Well, I might be a huge dick, but I definitely know how to use it on a lady. When she acts like a lady, anyway.”
Rory blinked at him. What the hell had he just said to her? “Go suck on a dead pig’s nose, Eli.”
“Yeah, you’re not driving. You’re way too drunk.” He stood and bent slightly at the waist and lifted Rory clean off the ground like a ragdoll. He carried her around to the passenger side of the car and pried her keys from her fingers.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing!” she squealed as he slid the key into the door and opened it. He dropped her into the seat and reached to grab the seatbelt, slipping it over her chest and into the buckle as Rory began to punch and hit him anywhere she could land a blow. The fact that he smelled delicious this close up wasn’t lost on her, though, and she wished again that he’d noticed her before she was rip roaring drunk.