“I didn’t sleep.” I shook my head and walked past him. I could smell the whiskey on his breath as I passed.
The main bar area was clear, aside from one or two girls passed out on the couches. Sunshine poured into the room from the large picture window, giving the room an orange hue. I could see a few of our guys already on their bikes in the courtyard. Looking around, I wondered where Bernardo wandered off to. Not that I wanted to see his nasty ass again anytime soon, but it was early, and it didn't look like any of the Reapers were around.
Stepping out into the crisp morning air, I squinted my eyes against the bright sun. That was when I noticed the noise. I’d grown so accustomed to the sound of motorcycle engines that I tuned them out most of the time. But there they were. Mason sat on his bike, center of attention, giving out directions.
A black bandana held his hair back away from his face, and the sunglasses he wore hid his eyes from me, but I felt the moment they touched me. His muscles flexed as he held the bars of his bike. His mouth tensed, thinned out as I walked behind Jayson to his bike. The few Disciples who would be going back with us waited for Jayson’s orders, while the others stayed to the side, waiting to head out with the Reapers. Thinking it smart to stay away from club business, I had no idea what they had planned, but it looked serious. There was no joking or ball busting like there usually was when the Disciples got together to ride out.
“You ride with me.” Jayson grabbed my arm when I started to walk toward another member. I didn’t resist him—no point. He pointed to his bike, a silent dictate to stay put, and walked off to finish barking out orders. Taking a chance, I looked across the courtyard and found Mason still staring at me. His eyes were still shielded, but the energy of his anger displayed openly with his tight grip on his bike, his pursed lips. I imagined what sort of cold glare he was emitting from behind the glasses and that alone sent a shiver down my spine.
“Looks like your boyfriend isn’t thrilled about something.” Lucas walked up to me with a cocky grin. “Looks like he wants to rip Jayson in two.”
I tore my gaze from Mason and tried to look casual. “Who are you talking about?”
Lucas laughed. “That man has it bad for you, baby girl. But Jayson’s set on you sticking around. I don’t envy your position. And I’m not sure I can protect you if Mason decides to put a claim on you.”
“Claim?” It was my turn to laugh. “No one’s claiming me, Lucas. So, don’t worry.”
Lucas looked me up and down with those steely blue eyes of his and shook his head. He put his helmet on, leaving the straps dangling down his cheeks. “You’ve been with us for months now, Lucy, you know how this works. You can promise yourself it will be different for you, that you’ll just pay back whatever Jayson asks and you’ll go, but you know that’s not gonna happen. Not with Jayson. He’s not that kind of guy.”
It was my turn to study Lucas. He wasn’t telling me anything I didn’t already know, deep down, buried away. I knew it was the truth. But I couldn’t let it sink in. I had to get away from that club, both clubs. I wanted my life back.
“And you? You’re good with this? Him holding me prisoner? Now you’re talking like he’s never letting me go. If I leave, what’ll happen? The same that happened to Kerri? What’s so important about me?”
Lucas’s eyes didn’t betray his thoughts, and Jayson rounded his way back to us before I could push him to answer. “Let’s go. I need to get out of this fucking place.” He swung his fat leg over the bike and motioned for me to follow suit. Once seated behind him, I grabbed his jacket, earning me a laugh. “Put your arms around me, babe. Safety.” I put the helmet on that he handed me and did as he instructed. As soon as my arms were where he wanted them, he waved to Lucas and revved his engine. The ass made a wide turn around, driving us right past Mason.
I closed my eyes and wished myself away. Anywhere else. Just away.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
MASON
Feeling the vibrations of my bike while driving down a long stretch of road usually soothed my nerves, lulled me into a peaceful place. Not today. Not when all I could think about was Lucy sitting behind that fucking pig on his bike. I barely slept after seeing her dragged into a room with that Mexican, Bernardo. And after that I had to watch her get on a bike with Jayson.
Tick kept me from driving over to them and ripping her off, throwing her across my bike, and hauling ass out of town. It wasn’t time, we weren't ready. Hell, we only just started to talk about getting out.