When a car showed up and a woman hopped out, I thought nothing of it. But I paid attention. From the distance, I couldn’t make out the metal worker’s features when they lifted the face mask. But when they took off their coveralls? Yeah, I noticed. Noticed big-time. Might not get the specific details, but a body like the one the sculptor has is art in itself.
Hourglassfigure, sharp lines, and legs that seem to go on for days. I have to hold my mouth to keep it from dropping open and letting the drool come out. I feel myself salivating for a taste. The stress of the job is a bit much, and I want—no,needa release.
We haven’t let the vamps back in yet. I was serious about the club needing fresh ones. Even have an open house of sorts on New Year’s Eve to attract a few new girls. The boys are excited about it; a few are even putting in extra work to make sure they get a taste of what’s on the menu that night. They all know that those still on my shit list will get a duty that takes them out of the club during the party.
Catching the chick’s eye across the street has me thinking I don’t have to wait till then to ease some pressure. I might not be known as a ladies’ man to my friends, but I can pull my own when I try. Never had one turn me down, and I ain’t about to now.
I hear the guys making fun and trying to pull me back into the conversation. Any attempt at being coy was gone the second we locked eyes. I see her mouth draw up to an O shape and grin. Then I start walking over.
“Hi,” I call out the second I cross the street.
She gives me a chin lift but says nothing. The other woman’s bouncing on her toes with a smile as big as the Sahara as her gaze volleys back and forth, looking between me and her friend.
“Name’s Domino. New chapter president of the Hounds of the Reaper Michigan sector.” I give her a smile that I know sets the girls off as I take her in.
She’s beautiful. Only caught a glimpse of her body from across the street before she put on a bulky sweater, but Ican still tell she has feminine curves. Her job might not be a sexy thing—welding ain’t for the weak—but that’s what makes it even hotter. Her hair is pulled back from her face, but I pick up light blonde coloring. I have a mild itch to wrap it around my hand and pull her close. Her face is round but somehow still full of sharp lines. Her dark blue eyes seem to sink into her face with the heavy eyeliner she’s used around them. She must like that look, as I doubt someone does their face up like that when they’re behind a mask all day.
I like it. It gives her this“don’t fuck with me”look. Matching the vibe I’m getting off her quite clearly, as she does nothing but stare at me. And yeah, I’m vain enough to look down at myself to see if something’s wrong.
I’ve got layers on, but I don’t think it makes me look crazy. I opted for a thick black sweater under my club vest and jeans over my winter shitkickers. Yeah, I had shit delivered quick after that first day. Hell, I even had to order thicker socks. Ain’t a fan of the cold. I can tolerate it, but it won’t ever be something I hope for. The local boys keep saying I’ll get used to it, but I’m like Bane in that matter—I don’t want to feel a chill in my bones all day long. I’m glad the fucker put in heated flooring when he had the reins of this place. I’ll make this chapter go broke before I let up on the heating bill.
Not that we’ve got financial problems. Club’s pretty prosperous from the landlord gig. I even told Casper on one of our calls that it’s something we should get more involved in. Not only does it give the club money and bring the locals in a bit more to trust us while we watch our backs with those around us, but it allows for some interesting meetings. Like this one.
The sexy welder still hasn’t said anything. I would be nervous if it weren’t for her friend still grinning like crazy.
“I’m Summer, and this is Viv, short for Vivian. New president, huh? Been in town a while?” Her voice is deeper than I would have thought. If Viv is the sexy welder, then Summer is the girl-next-door type. At least if I went by her appearance. Nothing out of the ordinary about her to pull the eye, but there’s something about her that makes you look twice. She has a similar build to her friend, but not much else I can tell for now, as her bulky white jacket dwarfs her. Bet it’s warm as hell. It looks it. And I’m tempted to ask if they make a man-size one.
“Nice to meet you.” Another grin, this one friendly, as I speak to Summer while my eyes flick back to Viv, who hasn’t spoken or moved at all. “Only been in town for about a month. Been working at the clubhouse for most of it. Still learning the area, you know?”
“Yeah, I get it. We aren’t Detroit big or anything, but we’ve got a few spots in town that draw in the tourists. Especially during the summer months. Winters are tough for anyone not local.”
I chuckle at that and nod. She pegged me easily. “Toughis definitely a word choice for it. I prefer miserable.” I gain a laugh from Summer, but still nothing from Viv. Taking a chance because I really have nothing to lose, I take a step closer. Still keeping outside the shop, I say, “Wouldn’t mind a personal tour from a local, though. To see the sights and all.”
“Visitor center’s on Western Boulevard,” Viv says a second before she hits something and the bay door closes so fast that I have to take a step back.
I’m left in shock as I stare at the metal door in front of me. I can hear the boys howling with laughter from across the street. I would laugh, too, if I’d witnessed it. But having it done to me just leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
I should turn and walk away. Even flip off the girl and call her a bitch.
But I don’t. Instead, I stand there like an idiot and listen to the voices on the other side of the bay.
“What did you do that for? The guy’s cute. And from your track record and lack of male attention lately, you really shouldn’t be turning down any suitors,” Summer hisses.
“Suitors? Funny. Stop watching the Disney Channel after the kids go to sleep. It’s liable to get you believing in fairy tales or some shit. And the last thing I need is some biker boy. I’ve got enough shit on my plate to deal with. Don’t need that ego brought in here.”
Her words should sting, but even through the metal, I can hear the rasp in her voice that’s causing parts of me to warm. Hell, I bet I could even take my sweater off if she keeps talking. Something about it just sets my blood pumping.
“At least admit he’s cute.”
There’s a beat. And I’m ashamed to say I step closer and almost press my ear against the bay door to make sure I hear the answer.
“Sure, cute. He knows it, I know it. End of discussion. Now get the lights and let’s go upstairs. I’m freezing my tits off.”
Her voice fades, and I don’t hear what Summer says in reply, so I assume they movedaway.
I take a few steps back and look over the garage. As a light goes on above, I smile. She lives here too.
She might have shot me down, but unlike the real dominos I’m named after, I don’t fall as quickly. Got no problem stacking my hand and trying again.
