Page 5

Dana

I t was hard to believe I was actually there, in Magic’s bar. The big man was legendary, even more so for when he blew up his compound to protect Alice.

Ezra was watching Magic as we chatted, and I noticed something was up.

“So, Magic, I was hearing shit,” Ezra said, and Magic straightened and sent him a dark stare.

“Oh, yeah?” Magic boomed as his eyes slid to the side before returning to Ezra.

“Yes. You been seen digging holes.”

Magic smirked at him, and I giggled as Magic winked at me.

“Sounds like fun. What am I putting in those?” Magic asked, crossing his arms.

“That’s what Drake wants to know,” Ezra shot back.

Magic boomed with laughter. “The little fucker sends a brother in to do his dirty work?” Magic demanded.

I blanched at the thought of calling Drake that.

“Drake’s preparing for war. I came instead,” Ezra retorted.

“We’re all preparing for war, boy!” Magic hissed.

“What were you digging, Magic?” Ezra asked with a sigh.

Magic took on an innocent air, which would have fooled anyone who didn’t know him. Ezra saw through it, and I was too accustomed to the Hawthorne guys to be fooled. I’d seen that expression countless times. Usually, when one of them had pissed off Dylan.

I snickered and earned myself another wink and a squeeze of Ezra’s arm.

“Don’t encourage him!” Ezra warned.

“Okay,” I whispered, enjoying the show.

Whatever Magic had been up to, he’d no plans to share with Ezra, and I wondered who’d win this showdown.

“Just tell me, and I’ll inform Drake,” Ezra said.

“Nope. If a man can’t dig in private, there’s something wrong with the world,” Magic stated, and I shook with laughter.

Ezra stiffened. “Dude, when you’re digging near public highways, the entire fuckin’ United States Marine Corps takes notice!”

“Can’t prove shit,” Magic retorted, sounding like a little schoolboy.

“You were seen!” Ezra exclaimed.

“By whom? I say they were mistaken.”

“Magic,” Ezra said, frustrated, and ran a hand over his hair.

“Ezra,” Magic replied innocently.

“Whatever the fuck you’ve been burying, it had better not be body parts! If someone digs them up, we’re going to have to cover you,” Ezra shot back.

“Don’t need anyone to cover for me. Besides, all body parts are buried out back. I do not go burying shit near public highways.” Magic sounded insulted and miffed.

“No?” Ezra challenged.

“No! I ain’t no amateur,” Magic snapped and gave Ezra a dark glare before stomping away.

“That went well,” Ezra muttered to me.

“Yeah,” I replied softly. I began to say something else, but a man stood in front of me.

“Holy shit, another Rage bites the dust. Hey, darlin’, I’m Inglorious. If you wanna take a biker for a whirl, why don’t you dump this reprobate and try me on for size?”

I nearly swallowed my tongue. It was clear Inglorious didn’t recognise me. He sent me a saucy wink as Ezra growled like a dog behind me.

“Touch my woman and die,” Ezra threatened, and Inglorious threw his head back and laughed.

“You can try, my man! Sweetheart, you are a beauty. You sure you wanna be with him?” Inglorious asked.

I noticed when the recognition hit.

Inglorious froze, and his smile faded, as did his teasing look. “Holy shit, you’re a brave man,” he muttered.

Ezra growled again.

“Hi, Inglorious,” I finally replied, greeting the President of the Unwanted Bastards.

“Hello, sweet Dana. I stand by what I said, though. If I’d thought you were interested in bikers, I’d have swept you up a long time ago. Why do these Rage pricks always have all the luck?” Inglorious complained.

“Because we treat a woman good,” Ezra shot back, and Inglorious chuckled.

“Thought nobody was meant to ride alone,” Inglorious challenged Ezra over my head.

“How you know I’m alone?” Ezra demanded.

“Ain’t no other Rage here.”

“Drake sent me. Everyone else was tied up.”

“And plus, your lady can shoot the shit out of anyone,” Inglorious stated with a wink.

That was correct, but it didn’t mean I liked it. I had a healthy fear of guns, but I was proficient in handling and firing them. Dylan had made sure of that.

“True,” Ezra said and held me tighter, as if he sensed my thoughts and wanted to reassure me.

“I’ll have two of mine accompany you back. It’s the least I can do,” Inglorious offered, waving a hand to stop Ezra’s refusal. “If anything happens to Dana, I wouldn’t like to see Hawthorne unleashed, nor his men.”

“Thanks,” Ezra replied.

“Come and join us. I wanna talk about what that crazy fucker is up to,” Inglorious said, tilting his head.

“Good luck,” Ezra muttered, and I agreed one hundred per cent.

Ezra

Dana relaxed as the Unwanted Bastards made her feel welcome. She laughed at their antics, especially at Inglorious’s laments about finding a good woman before Rage.

It made him smile to see her hold her own, and it was obvious Dana was used to wrangling guys. Ezra realised that she must have her hands full with the Hawthorne’s team and gave her bonus points for lasting so long in her job. He noticed that she clearly cared for the men there, and that Hawthorne would burn the city for her. Hawthorne had made it very clear that Dana was always to be treated with respect, and he cared about her like she was a sister.

Dana was laughing at Mouse when he sensed a presence at his back. He didn’t bother turning around. Nobody would pull a gun in Magic’s bar. It was suicide to do so. Dana might have thought Magic was joking about bodies being buried in the hills behind the bar, but Ezra knew differently.

A chair was dragged across the room, followed by other scuffling sounds.

Ezra glanced to his left and noticed Scythe, the President of the Devil’s Scythe, sit next to him. Beside him sat Tinker, his VP. Opposite Ezra, Inglorious made room as Onyx, the President of the Riders of Vengeance, and his VP, Venom, sat down.

They tilted their heads at Ezra, and their eyes settled on Dana, recognition in them. But nobody said anything.

“So, has he spilled what he’s up to?” Onyx demanded, nodding towards Magic.

“The fuck he has,” Inglorious replied, sounding peeved.

“Asshole,” Venom added.

“Too damn right. Drake sent me to find out what the crazy prick is up to, and he played innocent,” Ezra added and released a chuckle.

“He was digging holes?” Dana asked softly and blushed as everyone turned to look at her.

“Yeah. That’s the reports,” Onyx agreed.

“And he says he wasn’t burying body parts?” Dana mused.

Scythe’s eyes narrowed. “He told that to you?”

“Yes. Well, no. He said it to Ezra, and I was standing there,” Dana answered and ducked her head.

Ezra stiffened; he was getting the impression that Dana thought she was going to be blasted.

“What are you thinking?” Tinker questioned.

“Well, Magic is known for blowing stuff up. Look at what he did to his own bar,” Dana whispered.

Stunned silence fell over the table.

“You think he’s burying explosives?” Onyx asked quietly, keeping an eye on Magic in case he came closer.

“If not body parts, then what?” Dana inquired.

The implications hit them all.

“Oh shit,” Ezra cursed.

“Well, he wouldn’t stay out of this war,” Venom replied.

Poison from the Unwanted Bastards flinched. “I was here last time that fucker turned Rambo on us,” he complained, exchanging a glance with Inglorious.

“I saw the damage,” Ezra said, nodding.

“Saw it? I thought we were being invaded,” Onyx added with a hint of humour.

Ezra chuckled.

“If he is planting explosives, should we warn someone?” Dana asked.

Everyone shook their heads at her.

“Doesn’t pay to piss Magic off. He’s a fuckin’ maniac, but he’d never harm innocents. Magic has some morals. No, if he’s doing what we now suspect, he will wait for us to be under the hammer, and he’ll make sure there’s no innocent people around when he blows Fangs sky high,” Scythe said.

“That’s not reassuring,” Dana muttered, and Ezra gave her a squeeze.

“Do you trust me?” he murmured in her ear.

Dana nodded.

“Then everything will be fine. Magic honestly is a nutcase, but he is a safe one. Hell, we were all walking on mines and didn’t realise it. He’s probably replanted them now around the bar, but he won’t let loose. Not until he’s under attack.” Ezra hoped his words gave Dana the reassurance she needed.

Dana

Time flew quickly in the bar. I noted Ezra only had one beer and thought that was because he was driving… riding? The other guys around us were okay. Inglorious was an unmitigated tease, while Onyx was stern and dour, but I could see he cared. I was more comfortable with the Unwanted Bastards’ men; they reminded me a lot of Rage and Hellfire. The other MCs appeared to have a dangerous edge.

I knew a fair bit about them. I had met most of them during my time at Hawthorne’s, and if I hadn’t met them, then I’d spoken to them on the phone.

Ezra came in for a lot of teasing about Dylan, and he handled it gracefully. But I thought he was a bit worried about how Dylan might react. Honestly? So was I.

Hours passed as they shot the shit—as Ezra called it—before he pulled me to my feet and grinned at everyone.

“Time to go. I’m taking my girl for a meal and then home,” he stated.

Wolf whistles and lewd comments abounded, which made me blush, but Ezra flipped them all the finger.

“They are jealous, baby, because they’re all cowards and are kicking themselves for not asking you out first!” Ezra said in a snide tone.

“I am wounded,” Inglorious bellowed, slapping a hand over his heart. “Babe, you ever need a real man, just call me.”

Ezra growled, and I laughed.

“I’m happy with the one I have,” I replied, and Ezra turned from growling to beaming in seconds.

As we left, Poison and Razor fell into step with us. They were clearly our bodyguard. Ezra helped me back on the bike, and together, the three Harleys headed towards Rage. As soon as Ezra crossed onto Rage land, Razor and Poison raised fists in the air and sped off.

“We’ll leave the bike here and walk to Bernard’s if that’s okay?” Ezra asked.

“We can get takeout. I’m not exactly dressed for Bernard’s.”

“He won’t give a shit. And you are beautiful no matter how you’re dressed. Though, I don’t want men looking at your ass, so maybe takeout is the best option,” Ezra complained.

I began to say something, but I caught the teasing twinkle in his eye and settled for pinching his side. Ezra yowled and leapt away before grabbing me up and kissing me.

As I melted in his arms, Ezra deepened the kiss. I was dazed when he pulled back.

“Love that look, baby, and now I know how to shut you up!”

I responded with another pinch, and Ezra shrieked like a scalded cat. That would teach him a lesson.

“Let’s eat, I’m hungry,” I said, and Ezra gave me a bow, making me laugh.

“Anything my lady wants or needs!”

◆◆◆

I stumbled over my feet when we entered Bernard’s. Ezra steadied me, but my gaze was focused on my boss having dinner with a woman.

“Shit,” I muttered.

Ezra followed my gaze and pulled me aside. “Do you want to go elsewhere?” he asked.

There was more to the question than anyone would have guessed. I sensed Ezra’s uncertainty and felt him wondering if I was ashamed to be seen with him. I cupped his face and smiled.

“Doesn’t bother me unless it does you. Dylan will have something to say, so be on guard. He’s not used to me dating, this’ll be a shock,” I replied.

Ezra’s uncertainty visibly melted away. “Then let him say something. I’ve waited long enough for you, and nobody is going to take you from me.”

“You did?”

“I did what?” Ezra asked, confused.

“Waited for me?”

“Oh babe, if only you knew. The moment I saw you, I knew you were special, but you were so shy I was worried about scaring you. Every time I tried to get you alone, you disappeared. It was frustrating, to say the least. But I have you now, and nobody is going to keep me from you. Let Hawthorne say his piece. As long as you’re happy, that’s all I care about,” Ezra stated, holding my eyes.

Damn him. Ezra knew precisely what to say. He was melting my heart, and I didn’t know how to handle this. I was rather innocent, to say the least. Patrick had not been exciting in bed, and honestly, I’d wondered what all the fuss about sex was. Now, just with a few kisses, Ezra had shown me something different. Patrick had kissed like a wet fish; Ezra certainly didn’t.

I was coming to the realisation that it hadn’t been me at fault or me being frigid. Just that Patrick clearly thought he was more skilled than he was. Which was a shame for him, but highly amusing for me.

“I’m glad you waited. I liked you too, but was too shy to say anything,” I admitted.

The hostess interrupted us, approaching with a warm smile. “Your table is ready, Ezra,” she said in a friendly tone. She sent me a welcoming smile, too, which made me feel at ease. Then she led us to a table.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Dylan notice us and sit upright. Ezra’s hand was firmly in the middle of my back, and I felt rather than saw Dylan focus on it.

With both of us ignoring Dylan, Ezra held out my chair and helped me sit. When he took his own seat, the hostess offered us menus and told us the waitress would be along soon. I causally noted how she headed straight for the kitchen.

“She’s gone to get Bernard,” Ezra said, chuckling.

“Why?” I asked.

“Because whenever Rage is in here, Bernard always comes out, takes over our meal choices and spoils us,” Ezra explained.

“Oh, is that because of his relationship with Phoe?”

“Yes, Stefan, one of Phoe’s directors, is Bernard’s husband. They’ve become family to the MC. Especially when Bernard decides to spoil us,” Ezra answered as a man flew through the kitchen doors in a chef’s outfit and headed for us.

“Ezra and the gorgeous Dana. Together? Wow! Now, you’re both going to have to trust me, but I have the chef’s kiss of a meal planned for you!” Bernard announced. He reached down and patted Ezra on the shoulder. He took my hand and kissed it next.

“I won’t bother with the menu,” Ezra replied and handed it to Bernard.

Bernard took mine away as well. “Trust me, and I’ll have a nice bottle of wine brought over and a craft beer for you.”

I was bemused when Bernard shot back towards the kitchen, clicking his fingers at a waitress.

“Well, I’ve been here a few times but never had service like that,” I teased Ezra, who was grinning at me.

“No, but we’re going to get a hell of a meal,” Ezra retorted, and I laughed. I was so busy laughing that I didn’t see Dylan approaching.

“Hey,” he announced in a calm voice. I recognised that tone. It meant he was unamused.

“Hey, Dylan,” I responded with a smile, hoping to calm him down.

“Hawthorne,” Ezra replied.

“Having dinner?” Dylan asked.

“Well, this is a restaurant,” Ezra answered.

I sensed alpha vibes coming off them both and wanted to hide. Dylan really was angry under his polite veneer, and Ezra was responding. This wasn’t going to be pretty.

“You know how I feel about my women,” Dylan stated.

“Yeah, and we aren’t discussing this in front of Dana. She’s had a great day, and we’re relaxing over a meal. Plus, your date isn’t looking so happy at being deserted,” Ezra said, tilting his head.

I peeked around Dylan and noticed his dinner date glowering at us.

“Er, Dylan, she really looks mad,” I murmured.

Dylan looked at her, then at us. “Don’t care. In fact, why don’t you join us?” he asked.

Ezra broke into laughter. “Dude, go back to your date, and we will continue with ours. We’ll speak tomorrow.”

Dylan looked angry now. “Oh, we will talk, Ezra.” His calm veneer slipped, and his fury could be seen. “Dana, see you in the office Monday, sweetheart,” Dylan said, his voice changing halfway through the sentence. His tone softened when he addressed me.

Dylan offered one final warning glare at Ezra and marched away.

“Guess I’ve got a date tomorrow.” Ezra chuckled.

“I’m so sorry; Dylan’s so protective, and after what happened with the chase, he’s got even more so,” I replied.

Ezra’s face turned blank. “What damn chase?” he demanded.

Oh shit, this night kept getting worse!

“The Venomous Fangs chased me a few weeks ago. They tried to force me off the road, but I called London, and the boys came to get me,” I explained, fiddling with my napkin.

“Fangs tried to grab you?” Ezra asked, and I felt the anger coming off him in waves.

“Yes, but the men came for me. As you can see, I’m safe.” I attempted to soothe Ezra.

“Tell me everything,” Ezra snapped.

I glanced at him. I could see how upset he was, and I quickly explained everything. Including the fact Dylan had ensured I could shoot, and I did carry concealed. By the time I finished, I wasn’t sure if Ezra was mollified or angry, but Bernard interrupted us with starters, and I was forever grateful to the guy.