I peer down at the shot glasses I’ve placed in front of me on the bar. “How many people are there?” I ask while counting the shot glasses. Zara looks off. “Sixteen, I think.”
“This is going to take me a while.” The shaker holds only four shots at a time.
“It’s your party, I’ll do it.”
I shoo her away with my hand. “I’m happy to, and it’s only a quiet celebration here at the MC.”
After I finish, the music from outside gets louder. It’s heavier music than I’m used to. “Can I change the music?”
Zara nods. “Ask Twitch. I think his phone is connected via Bluetooth.”
“Sooo… Tell me a bit about the MC.” I can’t help myself from snooping.
“Uh… I don’t know what to tell you. They got together after they finished in the military and formed, like, a brotherhood, I guess you could say. They help me with the women and children’s shelter, which I’m so grateful for. I couldn’t have met a better group of people.”
“What else do they do?” I know they need to bring in money from somewhere. Zara averts her eyes. My gut is telling me it’s something shady. “Zara,” I say, with a pointed look. “What else do they do?”
She flinches. “Sorry, I thought you would know because of your family… but I can’t say anything. I promised Bomber.”
My body tenses.Fabulous…My family and the MC are in business together. If Zara won’t tell me, I presume it’s illegal. Annoyance and curiosity swirl through me. I make a mental note to ask Lawson what she’s talking about.
“How’s your club doing?” she asks.
I smile when I think of my achievement. “It’s making a hell of a lot of money, so it’s doing really well.”
“Is it, like, a regular nightclub or…?”
“It’s a medium-sized venue with different dancers every Friday and Saturday night, and we book in popular DJs. It’s a modern vibe. Upstairs is VIP. You need to come and visit.”
Her eyes brighten. “I will. It sounds great.”
I point to Zara’s vest, which I’ve noticed all the women who are in relationships have. “What’s that?”
“A War Brothers MC property vest—it’s like an engagement ring for bikers, but also a deterrent for other men when we are outside the clubhouse to say I’m with Bomber.”
“Well… I’m married… so where’s mine?”
She laughs. “Ask Viper for one. Cash usually orders them.”
“Are these for me?” a teasing voice asks. I peer up to see Axle walking toward us, his eyes following along the line of shots.
“One shot is for you,” I clarify. Knox walks in behind him. “I guess I should call you Bomber now,” I say to my cousin. It’s odd, but everyone except Zara calls him Bomber.
“Shots!” Axle yells over the music.
Everybody files in and stands around the bar. I don’t miss Candy scurrying behind Viper. He gives me one of his sexy smiles. I know he’s not into Candy that way… but I can’t help the distaste that woman leaves in my mouth. “Where’s my property patch, hmm?” I ask, giving Viper a playful scowl. They are badass. I want one.
Viper walks to me with open arms. “Does that mean you’re staying with me after the bet is finished?”
I snort. “No.”
He shrugs. “Guess you’re not getting one then.”
My eyes narrow at him then flick to Cash. “Can you order me one?”
Cash puts his hands up and backs away a step. “Don’t bring me into the middle of this.” Viper chuckles, the smartass.
Everyone grabs a full shot glass and holds it high. “To Sophie and Viper,” Bomber says, then looks at me. “Welcome to the War Brothers MC family.”
