8. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Drake

As Josh rambled on, all I could think about was Lacy.

She was sitting behind the bar, her perfectly round ass mounted on the barstool, as she sat bent over reading a book. Axel and Ivy had left ten minutes ago, and I was still stuck sitting here. That stubborn, brave, and gorgeous woman was it for me and now, I would do anything to give her the world. Looking at her, Lacy seemed too good to be sitting inside a motorcycle bar. She deserved a home, not an apartment above a loud bar.

“Dude, are you even listening,” Ryder yelled to me.

He was sitting at a nearby table, acting as though he hadn’t been eavesdropping on the entire conversation.

Shaking my head, I took my eyes off of Lacy and faced Josh.

“Yeah, I’m listening, but you need to make this quick. I’ve got a group of riders coming in an hour from a funeral procession. They will need cold drinks, so get to your point,” I demanded, folding my arms across my broad chest.

Josh looked timid for a second, before he nodded in understanding.

“Alright, I see you want everything straight to the point. I can respect that. What I need is about five to six riders to follow a large shipment that I have headed down to San Antonio, Texas. We need security detail to make sure no one messes with the merchandise inside the truck. The driver is nervous about the drive alone. You and your guys came highly recommended,” Josh stated.

I thought this over for a minute. We had done several rides before, but never for money. Usually, we rode for funerals or to block strikes. I rubbed my jaw and took another look over at Lacy. With the dark lighting in the room, and the soft glow of the bar signs over top of where Lacy sat, she seemed to glow like an angel. I wanted to buy her that property. I wanted to buy her the house where we could bring home babies. I could just picture that world in my head. Sipping drinks on a front porch, a dog at my feet, and children laughing in the yard. Why I was considering this offer with so much tenacity, was now beyond me. I needed to step up for the future family I desired.

“What would we be protecting?” I asked.

I was so close to just telling him, yes, but I still had to think smartly. This just didn’t affect me, it would affect my brothers, too.

“We are shipping expensive machinery and tools used in a big factory. Apparently, the last driver was followed, and when he stopped at a rest stop for a break, he was robbed. Most of the shipment was stolen. We don’t want to lose clients or drivers, so we need security,” Josh finished.

“You do understand we are just a bunch of bikers, right?” I asked. “I mean, look around. We aren’t security officers and definitely don’t look like your straight-laced patrolmen,” I finished, waving my arms around the room.

Josh smiled, revealing a few yellow teeth. “I get it, but your tough exteriors are what I am interested in. I mean, who would be brave enough to try and rob a group of rough-looking bikers?” he asked. “No offense, obviously,” Josh laughed.

Something about the way he said that last statement rubbed me the wrong way, but I couldn’t let my distaste for most people get in the way of the real reason why I was sitting here listening to this man talk.

“None taken,” I half lied. “Look, while this isn’t the normal offer we are used to accepting, I think this could be something we can handle,” I stated.

I watched Ryder perk up as I spoke. He was like a little kid right now.

“Great!” Josh proclaimed. “We can get our driver and clients schedules arranged and have you leave sometime Tuesday morning,” Josh said. “You seem to be the man in charge around here, everyone looks up to you,” Josh stated.

Axel tapped me on the shoulder. I hadn’t even seen him come over. Think this through before you make any decisions,” he stated.

I looked at my brother for a moment. “I don’t know man, we usually just help out with the police and military,” I said, running my fingers through my short beard. Josh seemed deterred by my comment.

“I saw you with that pretty girl over there,” he says, pointing to where Lacy sits at the bar. “I’m sure you want to put an engagement ring on her finger one day. This job is easy and we would pay you well,” he finishes.

As much as I want to turn down his offer, I just can’t. If this means extra cash to put aside for a ring for Lacy, then I have no other options.

I look to Axel again, and he just nods. In his heart, he has to know why this is so important to me. Even if I’ve never said it to him.

Today was Friday. This gave me four days to secure a few guys and tell Lacy my plans.

Rubbing my hands together, I looked over at Josh and extended my hand. “We have a deal, but before I sign off on anything, I need to know how much you are paying me and what my brother, Ryder, is getting out of this.”

Ryder scooted his chair across the old, wooden floor and the sound made me cringe. It sounded like nails running down a chalkboard.

Josh and Ryder exchanged looks. But it was Ryder who spoke first. “I met Josh at one of the races. In talking, it was brought up that he needed security and had heard about our club. I agreed to arrange a meeting with you, and in return, he gave me half his winnings at the next race,” Ryder stated.

I wish I could say I was surprised, but Ryder can be very generous. He doesn’t need extra money so he always donates his earnings from small races to charities or others in need. It was all harmless fun, and I couldn't be mad at him for trying to better himself, while offering me something that would now put more money into my future.

I placed my hand on Ryder’s shoulder and squeezed, probably tighter than I should have, but I offered him consolation. “It’s ok. I knew you were getting something out of this. Besides, I’ve been looking for a way to make a few extra bucks,” I finished.

“Drake, if you need some money, just ask. Besides, I know I don’t contribute a lot around here since I went pro with racing. I like knowing that I can help you all out when needed,” Ryder says.

Shaking my head, I try to hide my smile. “I don’t need your money, little brother. But I do appreciate you stepping up and wanting to help us out.”

“Well, for the fourteen-hour drive to San Antonio, your hotel and food expenses, and the job itself, I am willing to pay you $250,000,” Josh said, his voice lowering a bit to keep other ears from hearing.

Oh shit! That was way more than what I had anticipated him offering. That would put me almost halfway to the amount I needed to buy that property I wanted. Plus, I could pay my guys well. Of course, I would offer the first spots to my brothers, but a few other guys could use the money too.

We all three stood and shook hands before Josh left. I turned away from Ryder and made a beeline straight to Lacy at the bar. When she looked up and spotted me coming, she smiled and lit up the entire space.

“Hey, what was that all about?” she asked, narrowing those beautiful eyes at me.

I moved my hands over to her waist and pulled her close to me. “Just a little business transaction,” I said, leaning down and kissing her on her plump lips.

Lacy placed a hand on my cheek and gazed lovingly into my eyes. “That’s great, baby. I was hoping we could have a movie night tonight. I feel like we’ve been running at a million miles an hour lately, and I need a calm night alone with you,” Lacy added, throwing her arms around my neck. Her scent of lavender and roses invaded my senses, and I could feel myself growing hard just imagining her in my arms tonight.

“Sounds great,” I said. “But first, I need to talk to you about something,” I said.

Lacy gave me a narrowed look and I swear; I could feel her mood shift with my words. Fuck, I hoped she was going to take my news well.