3. Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Lacy

I woke sometime later that evening, as the bright yellows and reds of the setting sun shone through our bedroom window. After Drake had given me several orgasms, he had retreated to his holy place-- the Twisted Kingdom Clubhouse Bar. And me-- I fell into a lovely sleep.

But now, my body is satisfied and I am in need of a shower, before I make my appearance downstairs. Thankfully, I finished my homework for my classes at Hollow Cover University I take, so I could have the evening to hang out with the Raven’s and Ivy, if she found time to stop by tonight.

After taking a long, hot shower, I dressed in a pair of tight jeans that really showcased my ass, then found a cute red halter top. I pulled my hair up into a tight bun and added a little lip gloss to finish my look. I checked myself in the mirror one last time before heading down the stairs. Already, I could hear the loud thumping of the music playing. Heavy metal wasn’t really my style of music, but it’s what the clubhouse played.

Stepping through the door that led to the bar, I was instantly greeted with loud voices, smoke, and the sight of Drake behind the bar. He was in his element and I loved to watch him work. Sure, most people would take one look at Drake and see just a guy tending a bar. But for me, I saw a guy continuing on the legacy created by his father and grandfather. I saw a man that was taking care of the Raven’s Motorcycle Club members. Also, I saw a man who took on the responsibility of four brothers and helped them create businesses along with his. Whether he liked to admit it or not, he was responsible for the entire success of the clubhouse. But, Drake didn’t always see it that way. At least, he pretended not to, anyway.

“Lacy,” Storm shouted, as he spotted me drooling over Drake.

“Hey,” I yelled, as I made my way over to him.

There was a guy sitting on a barstool next to Storm, but seeing me coming, he quickly retreated from the seat. I sat down next to Storm, and Drake nodded with a slight hint of a smile my way.

Sometimes, when he acted so coy, I just wanted to jump over this bar and kiss him.

“Where is Aspen?” I asked, searching the area.

“She just left. She had to work later,” he said, sounding a little disappointed.

Suddenly, a margarita on the rocks slid over to me and I didn’t have to look up to know how it appeared. Ever since Drake and I had started dating, a margarita machine magically appeared behind the bar. Now, it was a secret and Drake would deny he put it there, but still, it was there. I had told him once that margaritas were really my favorite drink.

I took a sip and allowed the cool tequila and tart sugar to coat my throat.

Laughing, Storm threw his head back. “Damn, you have my brother whipped. That angry brother of mine never smiled until you came around. Now, he’s practically skipping like a little kid,” he said.

We both turned to look at Drake and Storm quickly cleared his throat. “Well, maybe not skipping, but you get the point.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Drake had the same pissed off, a stone-faced expression he always had. But, I could see that tiny hint of life behind his eyes and it made me proud to know I helped put it there.

I heard a roar of voices and turned on my stool to see Axel and Ryder walking through the back alley door. I had heard engines roaring earlier, and seeing them walking in with hands filled with cash, I knew there must have been races tonight. I mean, it is a Saturday night with the Raven’s. Anything is possible.

The last two brothers joined us at the bar. Drake slid two shots of whiskey down to them and Axel and Ryder both threw them back. Ivy walked in a moment later and waved to me.

I loved it when most of the gang was all here.

Leaning on the bar, Ryder nodded for Drake to come to join us. Giving a customer his beer, Drake made his way over to us. “Yeah,” Drake asked, looking at his younger brother.

Axel slid his arm around Ivy’s waist and whispered to me and Storm, “Watch this. Drake is going to lose his shit.”

We all watched as Ryder gave Drake a playful smile. “So, I met a guy tonight at the races who said he had a good job offer he wanted to talk to you about,” Ryder said, trying to win over his older brother.

Drake stood back with his hands folded over his massive chest. His tattoos seemed to come alive as he tensed while Ryder spoke.

“I don’t offer jobs to nonmembers of the club,” Drake spit out. “You would know that if you were here all of the time.”

It was like watching a very tense and awkward ping-pong match. We were all following the brothers during this conversation.

“I know, but this guy seems pretty legit. He is coming in tonight,” Ryder added. He had completely ignored Drake’s jab.

Just then, a guy wearing dark, denim jeans, a brown leather jacket, and a scowl waltzed into the bar. A few heads turned as he wasn’t a regular around here.

Drake never moved, but his eyes followed the movements of the new guy. Ryder nodded and he bravely made his way over to us.

Let me also state, this wasn’t something you saw every day. Only the bikers and family ever walked upon the Raven’s. They were an elusive family and didn’t handle strangers very well. I mean, when you have dealt with creeps like Chuck before, it would put anyone on edge.

Ryder shook his head at his brother and then turned to greet the guy. “Hey man, I want you to meet my brother, Drake,” Ryder said.

The guy extended his hand, but Drake still stood still like the tree of a man he is. His arms were still folded over his chest, and his stoic expression didn’t falter.

“Hi, I’m Josh,” the guy said.

Still, not a peep from Drake.

“Josh owns a trucking company and is interested in working with the Raven’s,” Ryder continued.

“What trucking company?” Axel asked, joining in the conversation. He held the same stoic expression as Drake, but he didn’t look like he wanted to murder this Josh guy though.

Turning to face the new voice, Josh held a timid smile. “JC Trucking. It’s a family business out of Ohio, but we are moving down to Hollows Cove,” he said.

“Why?” Storm asked. Ever since what Aspen had gone through, he too, had become skeptical of anyone outside of the club.

Each brother had an intense story to tell, but at least they found love along the way. Just like Drake and I had.

“The last remaining family that worked the business died, and I hated to see a good family business die out too,” Josh said. “So, I invested a little money and brought it down to Hollows Cove.”

Axel, Ryder, and Storm all nodded, confirming they had accepted Josh's answer. Still, my larger than life man, didn’t budge.

Slowly, we all turned to look at Drake.

“So, what do you think?” Josh asked. “Can we talk about doing business sometime?”

Without moving, Drake finally opened his mouth to speak. I swear, we all waited breathlessly for what he might say.

“Maybe,” Drake offered, before turning back to the bar.

Placing a hand on Josh’s shoulder, Storm offered the guy a sympathetic smile. “Honestly, that went better than expected,” he said, letting out a slight laugh.

Josh looked stunned for a moment, before returning the smile. “I’ll take it,” Josh said.

And, just like that, everything went back to normal. But, I couldn’t help but feel a slight crackle in the air, as Josh sat down with the Raven Brothers. Maybe it was a new person at their designated seats. Maybe it was the awkward conversation between Josh and Drake. I couldn’t quite place my finger on it, but one thing was for sure, something was definitely different in the air tonight.