7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Axel

"What are you doing, you fucker?" Drake asked, as he kicked my legs off the seat of his bike .

I was sitting in the shop, resting after working five straight hours on a massive Harley for a client.

Jolting up, I came face to face with my older brother, my fists at my sides ready to fight if needed. "What the hell are you doing?"

We may be brothers, but trust me, we have been in plenty of fights over the years. I may love them, but sometimes each of the Raven Boys pisses me off and we handle our emotions with our fists and alcohol.

Glaring at me, Drake put his finger on my chest and pushed. "I know you love to play games with the women who come into the clubhouse, but I told you not to mess with Lacy and her friend," he stated, his breath hot against my face.

I stared back at my brother, unsure of what he was rambling on about. He ran his fingers through his thick beard in frustration once he realized I was clueless to what he was saying.

"Damn, you really are a dumbass," he half laughed.

"Alright, can you please tell me what you are talking about before I pound in your face," I seethed back.

A few of the guys at the shop stopped working and began walking toward us. I could sense they were unsure of whether or not to get involved yet. If they were smart, they would just walk away.

Shaking his head, Drake turned and began pacing the concrete floor. "Lacy told me today that Ivy was wondering why you acted interested and then went MIA. Look, I know you don't date and you could care less about how women feel, but I like Lacy. Just don't do anything to ruin things between Lacy and me," Drake said .

For the first time ever, he looked nervous. Oh shit, he liked Lacy. Like, really liked her.

Laughing, I shook my head. "You must have it bad for Lacy. I get it, she's hot and pretty cool, but you don't have anything to worry about. I won't mess up what you two have going on," I said.

And I meant what I said. If Lacy had my brother this twisted up, then she must be pretty special to him. I loved my brother and I would never do anything to take away his happiness. Even if I did like to mess with him sometimes.

Drake's body relaxed and he seemed to smile. "Thanks, man. I appreciate that."

Watching Drake get upset made me feel guilty. Or at least I think it was guilt. Ivy thought I wasn't interested? Of course, I was. Who wouldn't be? She's crazy hot, cool, and I can't stop thinking about her. But, I don't know how to handle these feelings.

Turning to Drake, I did the one thing I never thought I would ever have to do.

Ask him for advice on women.

"Hey, Drake," I called, as he was about to head to his bike.

"Yeah," he said, stopping and spinning around to face me.

I dug my hands into my jeans pocket as I nervously rocked on the heels of my black boots. "Can you let Lacy know, I do like her friend, Ivy. I um…" my voice trailed off as I was unsure of how to say the next part. "I need your advice," I began.

Drake's face lit up with surprise and he almost laughed, but he stopped himself .

Smart man.

"What do you need, Axel," he asked, his tone growing serious.

"Well, I think I might like Ivy, but I have no idea what in the hell I'm doing. I had a great time with her at the bar the other night, but I thought she might need space or something like that," I added.

Walking over to me, Drake threw his hand on my shoulder and finally let out that belly laugh he had been holding in. "Oh man, Axel, you are in trouble now. You finally found a girl that sparked your interest. Sure, I will help you, but if you do anything to hurt her and screw up my relationship with Lacy, I'll cut off your balls," he teased.

At least, I hoped he was teasing.

"Thanks, Drake," I said nervously.

With his arm still draped around my shoulders, I allowed Drake to lead me back to the bike I had been working on. As I got back to work, I listened for over an hour as my brother gave me advice on how to do things right by a woman. Hearing his words of advice made me realize what a douchebag I had been over the years and how I couldn't be that guy anymore if I ever wanted a chance with Ivy.

"We can focus more on this conversation later, but tonight, we have a funeral procession to lead," Drake said as he stood.

"Oh shit, I forgot," I growled. It was true, my mind had been so occupied by Ivy, that I had forgotten about one of our obligations which was to help out our local fallen soldiers.

Following Drake's lead, I finished my job at the shop and then got ready to ride for a real sacrifice.