When she returns inside, she hands me the fob, and I smile. “Thanks.”
Again, she just nods.
Something is going on with her, and for some reason, I am desperate to find out what that something is. Shuffle seems oblivious, but I’m not.
I don’t like being oblivious, especially to women, but I get the feeling that being tuned into things about this particular woman is going to cause me a world of trouble.
CHAPTER 9
ROXIE
Stay the fuck away from Screamer.
What the fuckis wrong with me?
When Shuffle insisted that I come with him to talk to the mechanic, I hadn’t put up too much of a fight because I thought it’d be Jared we were meeting. What harm could seeing an old man do? But when we arrived at the shop, Jared was nowhere to be seen, and two bikers were in his place at the counter.
Since returning home, I’ve been fine around men. Hell, I was when I was traveling, but the moment my eyes landed on Screamer, fear ricocheted through me like a malfunctioning pinball machine.
What’s that about?
“Seriously?”
My brother’s tense voice caught my attention, and I turned to see him walk out of the shop to stand on the sidewalk.
“So, how come this is the first time we’re meeting you?”
I whirl toward Journey, wincing at the jolt of pain that remains in my ribs and wondering about my lack of fear of him.“I’ve been gone for a few years,” I admit as I move to sit in the chair my brother vacated.
“Gone?” Screamer asks, and my muscles tense at his voice.
Trying to inhale deeply, I square my shoulders. “Yeah, gone,” I snap.
He holds his hands up. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to touch a nerve.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to make my own apology, but I refrain. The guy’s done nothing wrong, yet he makes me uneasy. An awkward silence fills the space, and I find myself wishing I could disappear.
Several minutes pass, and I startle when the door bangs open, further aggravating my still healing injuries.
Maybe riding my Harley hasn’t been the best idea.
My brother’s expression is murderous as he faces me.
“I’ve gotta go,” he grits. “Can you get back to the clubhouse?”
“I’ll make sure she gets home,” Screamer says casually, and Shuffle nods before leaving me alone with two men I don’t know.
Without thinking, I jump to my feet and chase after my brother, but he’s already pulling away from the curb.
“Fuck,” I mutter, beginning to pace while hugging myself.
“Aw, c’mon, I’m not that bad.”
I whirl around to see Screamer propping the door open with his shoulder, arms crossed over his broad chest and a grin spread across his face.
“I…” I clear my throat. “Be that as it may, I don’t know you.”
“Your brother trusts me.”
