Chapter 6

The next day at work, Rachel found herself distracted and jittery. Her date with Jaxon had been thrilling and intense, igniting a passion she’d never known. But in the harsh light of day, doubt crept in. What was she getting herself into?

During their lunch break, Rachel pulled Tess aside. “I have something to confess. I went on a date last night.”

Tess’s eyes lit up. “With who? Tell me everything!”

Rachel bit her lip. “It’s Jaxon Jones. President of the Green Devils MC.”

All traces of excitement fled from Tess’s face, replaced by concern. “Rachel, those guys are dangerous. What are you thinking?”

“I know, I know.” Rachel twisted her hands together. “But there’s something about him. A woundedness I recognize.” She thought of the shadows she’d glimpsed beneath Jaxon’s bravado. “And the way I feel with him—alive, and free.”

Tess grasped her shoulders. “You’re playing with fire. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

Rachel held her friend’s gaze. “What if it’s worth the risk? Don’t I deserve a chance at happiness after everything I’ve been through?”

Tess searched her face for a long moment. Finally, she sighed. “You’re right. You do deserve to find love in whatever form it takes.” A wry smile curved her mouth. “Just promise me you’ll be careful. And call me if you need anything.”

Relief flooded Rachel. “I will. Thank you, Tess. For always understanding.”

Tess pulled her into a fierce hug. “That’s what friends are for. Now go get your man—and try not to get into too much trouble!”

Rachel laughed, the sound light and free. She had Tess’s blessing, and her own fears were fading into the background. Tonight, she had another date with Jaxon, and this time she would dive in headfirst. Danger be damned. Her heart knew this was a risk worth taking.

Rachel stood before her mirror, scrutinizing her reflection. She’d chosen a flirty red dress that showed a hint of cleavage, paired with strappy heels. Her makeup was subtle but smoky, her lips stained cherry red. She hardly recognized herself. When had she become this woman, daring enough to court danger for the promise of passion?

Her thoughts drifted to Jaxon, conjuring the intensity of his gaze, the roughness of his hands. A delicious shiver ran down her spine. But along with the attraction came the familiar ache of anxiety in her stomach, a warning she couldn’t ignore.

Rachel sank onto her bed, suddenly breathless. What was she doing? This man lived a life of violence and lawlessness. If she let him in, she’d be stepping into a world where nothing was safe or certain. Where she could be hurt in ways, she didn’t dare imagine.

The old fears rose up to choke her, shadows of the past threatening to eclipse this newfound daring. Her fingers curled into the bedspread as she fought for control, torn between yearning and terror.

She had a choice to make, and no easy answers. Did she dare expose her fragile heart to a man who might break it? Or should she cut her losses now and cling to the security she knew?

Rachel closed her eyes, searching for the truth amid the chaos.

No, she wasn’t going to back out of this. Jaxon and her had a connection, deeper than just attraction. Their souls were both wounded.

So, she got dressed and headed to meet him.

Jaxon pulled up on his custom chopper, black from handlebars to tailpipes. His piercing blue eyes gazed at her from beneath the black leather cut he wore, the words “President” and “Green Devils MC” stitched across the back in lurid green thread.

Rachel swallowed hard, clutching her purse. She had lived a sheltered life as a nurse, craving order and routine. Now she was plunging into a world of danger and unpredictability. But one look at Jaxon’s ruggedly handsome face filled her with a thrill she had never known.

Jaxon killed the engine and swung off his bike, striding toward her with a predatory grace. “You came.” His voice was a low rumble, like the bass growl of a big cat.

“I said I would.” Rachel tilted her chin up, trying to seem braver than she felt.

Jaxon stopped in front of her, close enough for her to feel the heat radiating off his massive frame. “A lot of people make promises they can’t keep.” His eyes darkened with old pain and bitterness.

Rachel sensed the shadows lurking in his past. She wanted to soothe away the hurt, to show him she was different. Reaching out, she laid a hand on his leather cut, feeling his heart pounding beneath.

“I don’t make promises I can’t keep,” she said.

Jaxon’s eyes widened. He grasped her hand, turning it over and pressing a kiss to her palm that sent shivers down her spine.

“Maybe you’re not like the others after all,” he said, a note of wonder in his voice.

Rachel smiled, her own cynicism fading in the warmth of his touch. “Why don’t you show me your world...and I’ll show you mine?”

Jaxon’s lips curved into a smile that lit up his face, erasing the darkness that had lingered there. “It’s a deal, angel. Hop on.” He jerked his head toward the chopper.

Heart racing, Rachel climbed on behind Jaxon and wrapped her arms around his waist. Together, they roared off into the night, toward a future of thrilling possibilities.

The clubhouse came into view, a dilapidated warehouse with several motorcycles parked outside and the unmistakable roar of rock music blasting from within.

Rachel’s heart skipped a beat. What was she getting into? She tightened her grip around Jaxon’s waist, her palms slick with sweat.

Jaxon glanced over his shoulder. “You okay back there?”

She swallowed and forced a smile. “Just enjoying the ride.”

Jaxon’s laughter rumbled beneath her hands. “Atta girl. You’ll get used to this.”

Used to this? Rachel didn’t know if she wanted to get used to this world of lawlessness and danger. But she couldn’t deny her fascination with Jaxon and the tantalizing glimpse into a life of reckless freedom she never knew existed.

The chopper rolled to a stop outside the clubhouse. Jaxon killed the engine and helped Rachel off, steadying her when her knees wobbled.

“Still with me?” His voice was gentle, his hand warm on her lower back.

She nodded. “Just a little shaky.”

“Nothing to worry about, angel.” His smile did little to reassure her. “The guys can look tough, but they won’t hurt you. You’re with me.”

With that, he guided her toward the clubhouse. The heavy metal music grew louder, the bass thumping in time with her erratic pulse.

Rachel took a deep breath and walked through the doors into a haze of smoke and noise. A dozen bikers and scantily clad women populated the dimly lit room with its concrete floors and pool table.

All eyes turned to the entrance. A dozen pairs of assessing eyes settled on Rachel, more than a few unfriendly. Her steps faltered as a lump formed in her throat. What had she gotten herself into?

Jaxon’s arm tightened around her waist, pulling her close against his side. “Relax, angel. I told you, you’re with me.”

His show of possessiveness did little to reassure the watching crowd, but no one challenged him. Rachel forced herself to keep walking as Jaxon guided her to the bar.

“Beer?” He raised his voice to be heard over the music.

She shook her head, clutching his leather cut. Jaxon ordered himself a beer and two shots of whiskey, passing one to her.

“Drink up, angel. It’ll steady your nerves.”

The liquid fire scorched her throat, but warmth blossomed in her belly, easing her anxiety. She managed a tremulous smile. “Thanks.”

Jaxon leaned down, his lips brushing her ear. “See? Nothing to worry about.” He nodded to a group of women shooting pool. “The old ladies can smell fear, but they won’t give you trouble if you don’t give them any.”

Rachel surveyed the women, her gaze settling on a curvy blonde in a tight tank top, eyeing her with suspicion. She tipped her shot glass toward the woman in challenge and threw back her shot.

The blonde’s eyes widened, but she gave Rachel an appraising look and a slow smile. Rachel straightened her shoulders, emboldened by the whiskey and Jaxon’s solid presence at her side. Maybe she could get used to this after all.

“Atta girl,” Jaxon said with a grin. “What do you say we get out of here? I’ve got a party to show you.”

Rachel smiled up at him, pulse racing. “Let’s go.”

She was ready to see what else this biker world had in store. Tonight, she would dance with the devil and see if she survived the flames.

Jaxon’s lips curled into a smirk, accentuating the scar that bisected his cheek. “You look beautiful.” His voice was a low rumble, filled with unspoken promises.

Rachel flushed under his gaze, acutely aware of how little her sundress concealed. She cleared her throat and met his stare. “Shall we go?”

He chuckled, a sound that did dangerous things to her equilibrium. “Impatient, are we?”

Before she could respond, he grasped her hand and led her to his bike. “Climb on.”

Her heart stuttered at the prospect of sliding onto the back of his motorcycle, of wrapping her arms around his solid torso. But she had made her choice, and there was no turning back now.

Rachel hitched up her dress and swung her leg over the seat, scooting forward until her chest pressed against Jaxon’s back. His skin was hot, even through the barrier of their clothes, and she breathed in the scent of leather and spice.

“Hold on tight.” He kicked the stand back, and the engine roared to life beneath her, vibrating in her bones.

She looped her arms around his waist, clinging to him as the bike surged forward. The wind whipped her hair, but she didn’t look away from Jaxon. Not for a second.

The bike handled as smoothly as Jaxon himself, eating up the road in a blur of motion that set her blood racing. Rachel smiled against his back, laughing in delight.

She had taken a chance, and it was turning out to be the thrill ride of her life.

Rachel’s curiosity deepened. What was it really like to live this life on the edge of society’s rules? And what about Jaxon himself, with his air of danger and a hint of darkness in his past?

She glanced up at his profile, sharp jaw and full mouth, and heat pooled low in her belly. How had this happened, her sudden fascination with a man who was all rough edges and mystery?

Jaxon slanted her a knowing smile. “Thinking deep thoughts, angel?”

Rachel shrugged, a flush creeping into her cheeks. “Just wondering what I’ve gotten myself into.”

“Don’t worry,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ll take good care of you.”

The tenderness in his touch made her breath catch. Maybe she was in over her head, but she couldn’t deny she wanted to dive in deeper.

Jaxon guided her inside.

Rachel approached the woman”s shooting pool, pulse fluttering with nerves. The curvy blonde gave her an appraising look, but nodded in greeting.

Summoning her courage, Rachel said, “I’m Rachel. Jaxon invited me to the party tonight.”

The blonde snorted. “We know who you are, sweetheart. You’re with the prez, ain’t you?”

Rachel ducked her head, a blush staining her cheeks. “That obvious, huh?”

A brunette with tattoos snaking up her arms laughed. “Jax has been waiting for a woman like you. You’re not the usual crow-eatin’ slut he drags around.”

“We were taking bets on how long you’d last,” the blonde said. “But maybe you’re different.”

Rachel leaned against the pool table, crossing her arms. “What’s it like, being an old lady in the club?”

The women exchanged a look, a wealth of meaning in their silence.

“Ain’t no life like it,” the brunette finally said. “Wild and free, but it ain’t ever easy. Life in the MC is raw and real—the good, the bad, and the ugly, all out in the open.”

“But we stand by our men,” the blonde added. “Through hell or high water. That’s what an old lady does.”

Rachel nodded, a surge of longing and fear twisting in her gut. Did she have what it took to stand by Jaxon’s side in this world? She had a feeling she was about to find out.

Jaxon emerged from the crowd, wrapping an arm around Rachel’s waist. “Ready to head out?”

She glanced up at him, at the intensity in his eyes and the warmth of his touch. Her heart kicked into overdrive as she nodded.

They said their goodbyes and headed out into the cool night air. The rumble of bikes and raucous music faded behind them as they walked to Jaxon’s Harley.

He handed her a helmet. “You still want to go to somewhere else tonight?”

Rachel stared at the helmet, hesitation flickering through her. She thought of the wild, raw world the women had described—and of Jaxon, a pillar of strength beside her.

She lifted her gaze to his. “If you’re there with me...then yes.”

A slow, sexy smile spread across Jaxon’s face. He pulled her close and kissed her, a possessive, searing kiss that left her breathless.

“Count on it, baby,” he rasped. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

Rachel’s heart kicked into a sprint, but for the first time, the fear was eclipsed by a thrill of excitement. She put on the helmet with trembling fingers, anticipation for the night ahead building inside her.

Whatever happened at this party, she had a feeling her old life was slipping further away with each passing second. A new world was opening up before her, dangerous yet seductive, and she was ready to ride into it with Jaxon at her side.