Page 128 of Burning Ember

Not once does she condemn, judge, or bolt. Which is what I’ve been braced for all night.

At the same time, I need to know if she can handle us at our worst.

It’s a test every old lady has to pass.

The fact she’s passing with flying colors has me pulling her tighter to me.

We’re sitting at the picnic table. One of my arms is wrapped around her waist, and my other hand is lying on the table gripping a beer. She’s leaning back against my chest and her thighs rest against mine as we straddle the bench. I can tell by her relaxed posture, small smile, and steady breaths, she’s at ease with the brothers and their women gathered around us.

Lil’s on Goose’s lap, and she and Taz are warning Bodie to stay away from the slutty brunette currently eye fucking him from across the yard. The girl is wrapped around a Greenback and not just any Greenback, but Deeds who we call Sonny Psycho for a reason. He’s Pappy’s son, and he’s batshit mental. He arrived with Smoke and a few other GBs an hour ago. The chick who won’t stop staring at Bodie is wearing her man’s property patch. In our world that means she’s off limits. Bodie knows this. And he’s usually not one to stir up trouble for the club. But he also loves fucking with Taz, so he keeps looking over at her.

A female shriek rings out across the yard. A chorus of cheers follow. I look over to see Cajun, the El Paso chapter president strolling away with a woman over his shoulder.

As my eyes travel back over the party, my gaze locks with Smoke’s. He’s stayed out of sight most of the night, where the other Greenbacks are partying hard. He’s standing behind a raging fire as shadows and flames dance eerily over the front of his face. His gaze moves from me to Doll, but she’s sitting right in front of Bodie. I realize he’s witnessing the exchange between Bodie and Deed’s old lady.

“Knock it off,” I tell Bodie. “Smoke’s got your number.”

The table turns quiet for a moment. Taz, never one to let opportunity for trouble pass him, turns around and searches the party for the Greenback’s VP.

“Let it go, T.” I shake my head and take a sip of my beer.

“So what do you think of your first HOC party, Pumpkin?” Lil’ questions. “Pretty crazy right? Is it as bad as you thought it’d be?”

Ember looks around. “It’s what I expected, only—”

“With more dicks and naked chicks,” Bodie takes a hit on his joint and wiggles his eyebrows.

She laughs. “Yeah. More of everything. I didn’t know it would be this big. I didn’t know biker gangs hang out together.”

“Club, little stray,” Taz corrects her. “We’re not a street gang of baggy-ass-pants-wearin’-pussies.”

“Oh. Sorry, I—”

While glaring at Taz, I whisper against her temple, “Nothin’ to be sorry about. It’s a different world. Takes some time to get used to.”

I noticed earlier how Ember had taken an interest in the different club colors being represented on the back of biker jackets. The only one I could tell that she didn’t particularly like was the Greenback’s patch. It’s of an evil leprechaun that’s missing all but two of its teeth, standing on a pile of bones and holding a skull in his hand. In fact, when she saw it, her face paled and her gaze darted away.

Looking around at the different colors being sported, I tell her, “These are the clubs we’re friendly with. We support each other and watch each other’s backs.”

“Bikers tend to stick together,” Bodie adds.

Lil’ continues, “We meet up for parties and runs, rallies, and at Sturgis.”

“Because it’s us against the fuckin’ world.” Bodie opens his arms and raises his voice, which has Ember laughing again.

“There are certain clubs and gangs you need to watch out for and stay clear of,” Taz warns.

Glaring up at him, I snarl, “Jesus, what’s with you tonight? Back off.”

Taz shrugs. “What? You gotta warn her about shit.”

“Yeah, but fuck, can we give it to her in small doses, so you don’t scare her the hell away? I’m trying to get her to stick around, not send her runnin’ for the fuckin’ hills.”

Ember turns her head so our eyes meet. “I think you’re forgetting I’ve already been around this for two weeks. And Lily’s already told me some of this. I’m not scared, just curious about what I’m getting into with you.” Her smile is sexy and teasing. Without a second thought as to all the people who are going to see us, I kiss her. For a moment she kisses me back, but when Griz shouts, “Take that shit into the clubhouse,” from behind us, and grumbles, “I don’t need to be seein’ you mackin’ on my girl here,” she breaks away from our kiss.

“She’s my girl,” I growl.

Griz takes a seat on the other side of Ember and gives me a shit-eating grin. After slamming the bottle of tequila on the table, he starts placing shots glasses on the table. Lita has more she’s carried out and does the same.