Dragon Chapter 8

As we sat waiting for the class to begin, I wondered a couple of things. One, was this a good idea for a date? I wanted her to enjoy it. As for me, I wasn't opposed to learning something new, especially if she was interested in it. The way she danced at the wedding, I saw how much she enjoyed dancing. It was written all over her smiling face.

Two, what did she and Ashes do on their date last night? Would this one match it or, hopefully, exceed it? We weren't telling each other what we did during individual time with her. Once we each had our first solo dates, we planned to spend more group time with her. Maybe I'd get an indication then of how she was feeling. While they were my best friends, in this case, I was rooting for me to be the winner.

The room kept filling up with more people as the time to start crept closer. We chatted about this and that and the dance studio. Most people coming in were in pairs, although there were a few individuals. I wondered if they'd end up paired with one of the other soloists. Not all of them were women, which surprised me for some reason.

As I checked them out, I questioned if the men in the couples were there because they wanted to be or because they had been nagged to do it. There were a few couples where the guy resembled someone being taken to their execution. Their expressions ranged from uncomfortable to angry. Oh boy, it might just be an exciting night.

I noticed Micaela and I were gaining a lot of attention. Most tried to be covert about it, but others didn't give a damn if we caught them gawking at us. When it came to her, I knew it was due to how beautiful she was. Anyone would stare. And the men who were, I gave fierce scowls back at them. They'd better not get ideas. As for the women, some were envious of her and automatically made her an adversary. The envy wasn't necessarily because she was with me. Again, her beauty was the cause. As for me, I knew they were taken aback and, in some cases, uneasy that a biker was in the class with them. Not something you see every day, but I like to do the unexpected. Being predictable was boring in my book.

"Do you think their eyes will pop out of their heads if they stare at you long enough? Should we try and make them?" she whispered, then chuckled.

I snorted. "Honey, they're mostly staring at you. If it gets to bothering you, let me know. I'll tell them to stare at someone else."

"If it bothers me, I'll ask them what the hell they're staring at. It's so rude. And I hate how some view you as a threat because you're a biker. It always pisses me off. They've done it to my brother for years. He wouldn't wear his cut any time he visited, but it was obvious he was one. He'd use one of my brothers' bikes. Papá doesn't look the part, so it's not bad when he rides. Marco, Renzo, and Diego have some visible tats. They get it to a degree, but nothing like Daredevil. As if having tattoos, wearing leather, and riding a motorcycle makes you bad automatically. They have no clue. Although they do give me looks when I ride, too."

Did she mean as a passenger or on her own? "You ride? With your family, or do you have a bike?"

"I don't have a bike, but I do both. Growing up, the guys all had dirt bikes. When I got older, I wanted to learn to ride like them. They threw a fit and said no, but I began sneaking their bikes and teaching myself. Once I was confident in my skills, I did it in front of all of them except Daredevil. He was gone. They were shocked but eventually saw I was serious, and they eased up. One day, I plan to get a bike of my own. It just hasn't been in my budget. I've worked my way up to riding a larger one. I think a 1200 cc engine is a perfect size for me. I couldn't handle a monster the size of yours or the rest of the club."

The fact she rode and knew that much about bikes made me fall even more for her. Christ, the more I learned, the more I was sure she was the woman for me. "We should go riding together. We can find you a smaller bike. Cullen and Colton have smaller ones. They're saving up for larger ones."

"I'd love it, as long as they're comfortable with me riding their babies. And before you say, they'll do it. I mean, they say yes, but not because they're expected to as prospects. The stuff you put them through is enough without adding ‘give me your bike' to it," she said sternly.

"Sunshine, I promise I won't demand it as part of their prospecting."

"Good. Oh look, class is about to start," she said excitedly as a couple came waltzing into the center of the room.

They were dressed fancy, in clothes you'd expect a salsa dancer to wear. Or at least any I'd seen on television. They were in their forties, I'd guess. They had confident smiles on their faces as they greeted us. I listened as they went through their opening introduction and explained what we'd learn and how the class would work. They told us their names were Missy and Raymond.

As the class progressed, there was a lot of stumbling, frustration, and laughter from various students, us included. No one made fun of anyone else, but many of us couldn't stop laughing at ourselves. If there were a video of this, I'd have to pay to have it destroyed. The club would find it hilarious.

"Micaela, if they have video in here, I'll have to come back after they close and steal it. No way can this ever get out and seen by the club," I joked.

"I'll help you. I thought I was coordinated, and after all the years of dance I took growing up, this should be easier. I feel like an uncoordinated elephant trying to dance in stilettos. I must tell Papá and Mamá sorry for all the money they wasted."

"It wasn't wasted. You're not even close to the way you're describing. By far, you're graceful and getting it more than anyone else. It was money well spent."

Her warm smile told me it was the right thing to say. I wasn't lying. She had an innate grace about her. Even when messing up, she remained poised and elegant. I was about to add that but was interrupted by the instructors. After showing us what to do several times, they circled the room, giving advice or corrections. They had finally gotten to us and heard her.

"You've obviously danced before. You move beautifully, and you're catching on quickly. This kind of dancing takes practice. One class won't make you experts, but hopefully it'll cause a passion for the salsa in you," Missy told us.

"She is wonderful. I was telling her that. I'm the one with two left feet. She needs a better partner, and then she'd really shine."

"If you don't mind, I'll take her out on the floor and see if it helps. However, you're not doing badly at all. You're even doing it in boots. That's impressive," Raymond said as he grinned and glanced at my feet.

"My boots are practically a part of me. I wouldn't know how to walk if I didn't have them on. Too many years wearing them in the Marines, then as a biker."

"Oh, you were a Marine. I thought you might've been in the military. It's your bearing. I was, too, many years ago. Maybe after class, if you two want, we can chat. I don't get to talk to a fellow Marine often."

"If she's good with it, we can hang for a few. Babe, would you like to dance with Raymond and see if a better partner lets you shine even more?"

"I think I have an amazing partner, but I wouldn't mind seeing what he can do."

I let go of her and transferred her to him with a bit of reluctance. He led her to the middle of the dance floor. The other students backed up and stopped to watch. Missy remained with me.

As the music played, they began to dance. The music was on a continual loop. It was clear within moments that she did better with an experienced dancer. As they danced, she flourished. However, I did discover one issue. Seeing how sexy she was in his arms and how he had to hold her to dance made me want to rip her away from him. He wasn't doing anything inappropriate. It was that intimate and sexy of a dance. I held back, refusing to be an idiot. When the dance ended, I breathed a sigh of relief.

"You don't have to worry. It looks very sexual in a way, but he only has a professional interest in her or anyone else. He's a committed husband," Missy informed me softly as she held up her hand. There were wedding rings on it. I hadn't paid attention, but a quick glance at him showed he wore one too.

"I'm not trying to insinuate he wasn't. It's just hard to see another man holding her. I'm trying my best to lock her down, and I have competition."

"Oh, I understand. Hopefully, she chooses you."

"If she does, it'll hurt my two best friends." I had no idea why I was sharing this with her. I chalked it up to her being easy to talk to as a stranger.

"That does complicate things. We have some experience with that. If you want, hang around like Ray said. Maybe we'll be able to help."

"I'll ask her again to be sure she's okay to do it," I replied just as Raymond, or Ray as she referred to him, swept Micaela back into my arms.

"She's a natural. After a few more lessons, you'll be dancing like a pro. If you ever want to take more lessons, we'd love to have you both."

"I'm here visiting from out of state, but if I stay, I'll definitely take you up on the offer. It feels so good to dance again." Her smile was huge.

"Well, we'll let you two get back to dancing and remember what I said, Dragon," Missy said before they moved to the next couple.

"What did she say?" Micaela asked once they were out of earshot.

"She extended us an offer to stay and talk after class. She seems to think she may be able to help us, or maybe more me."

"Help with what?"

"The fact I'm desperate to win your heart, but if I do, I hurt my two best friends."

Her smile dimmed. "I hate that I'll end up hurting any of you. It makes me sick. But how did she know about it?"

As we danced, I explained. She wasn't upset with me, which I worried she might be. The rest of the class passed with us improving our salsa dancing. Before I was ready, time was up. Our instructors stood at the front of the room to say goodbye to everyone and shake their hands. We hung back until the room was clear of everyone but us and them. They came over to us.

"Let's go upstairs. Our apartment is up there. We can relax and have a drink if you'd like," Raymond offered.

I knew we didn't know them well and were about to enter their personal space, but I had no worries. If they weren't on the up-and-up, I had no doubt I'd be able to defend us, although I didn't get that vibe off them. My instincts about people tended to be spot-on. We followed them to the back and then up a staircase. We walked into an elegant home when they opened the door and gestured for us to go inside. No one seeing it would know they were in an apartment. It was large, warm, and beautifully decorated. For me to say that, meant a lot. I rarely paid attention to things like decor.

We were escorted to the open living room and offered seats and a drink. Once we had them and were all seated, I waited to find out what they would discuss. I'd seen them whispering after I spoke to Missy. After a few minutes, Raymond disappeared and didn't return for a good five minutes.

"Missy told me what you said to her, Dragon. I want you to know we aren't trying to stick our noses in your relationship, but we believe we might be able to help."

"How, Raymond?" I asked.

"Please, call me Ray. If you'll give us a minute, we'll tell you." He had a slight smirk twisting his lips.

I was about to ask why there was a need to delay when the door to their apartment opened, and another man strolled in. I had no clue who he was, but I went on alert. He strode toward us with a smile on his face. He nodded at us but went to Missy. I was shocked as fuck when he leaned down and placed a passionate kiss on her mouth. When they were done kissing, he bumped his fist with Ray's before taking a seat on the arm of Missy's chair. Micaela was as stunned as I was.

Ray laughed. "I see we shocked you. Let me do this first. This is Alex. Alex, these are the two I called you about, Dragon and Micaela."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to our home," he said in a deep voice as he rose back up and came over to offer me his hand. I shook it. He then held it out to Micaela to do the same. I was stuck on the "our home" remark. When he sat back down, I had to ask.

"Our home? The three of you live here? I thought they were married."

"We are, and yes, it's our home. You're confused. Let us explain. You told me you're working to win her." Missy pointed to Micaela.

"Yes, I am."

"And if you do, you'll hurt your two best friends. We can relate. See, in our case, I found myself attracted to best friends. No matter what I did, or they did, I couldn't choose between them, so I refused to see either one, thinking that was the solution."

"Obviously, you didn't stay apart. What happened?" Micaela asked.

"I was beyond miserable. Any time I saw them, I'd have a crying fit. I saw no solution, and in order to end my misery, I decided I needed to leave Tenillo. I'd go somewhere they weren't. I was in the process of working to make it happen when they came to my apartment one night. They insisted they had to see me. I let them in because I wasn't able to say no. That's when they knocked me for a loop and a half," she said, then chuckled. She gave them loving looks.

"They told me they were heartbroken and they weren't able to live without me a second longer. They'd gotten together and discussed what to do about it. They didn't want to lose their friendship, but they equally didn't want to lose me. They came to an understanding and needed me to hear them out. When I agreed I would, they proceeded to stun me. They wanted us all three to be together, not with them having a sexual relationship with each other, only with me. I was flabbergasted."

Ray took over. "It wasn't an easy decision to make, but we knew it was the only one we'd be able to live with. We went to see her, praying she'd say yes, but prepared to have our hearts ripped up even more. I don't know what we would've done if she had said no."

"She was full of questions. Who did that type of relationship? What would people think? Say? How would it work? What if it didn't work out? Would we get jealous? On and on the questions went. We talked for hours. In the end, she agreed to a trial period. We took it," Alex added.

"And we can see you lasted. May I ask how long you've been together?" Micaela asked.

"It did last, and we've been together for ten years. We don't regret doing it. This is as happy as I've ever been. They tell me it's the same for them," Missy told her.

"You told me you're married to Ray, yet I see Alex wears a wedding band that matches yours, too. You can't marry more than one person," I interjected, trying to determine whether they were like Raine, Bullet, and Phalanx. Why I hadn't thought of them when I saw Alex kiss her, I don't know, probably because I hadn't ever seen it as a solution with three men.

"True, but I'm as equally ‘married' to Alex as to Ray. We worked it out on which one I'd legally marry. As part of it, there was a commitment ceremony to join Alex to me and, in a way, to Ray. We are married in our hearts. I know you have many of the same questions we did, but only you can decide if the answers matter."

"Listen, it's great you three are happy with it. I think it's called a hinge or something. I have two club brothers in the same kind of relationship, but it's more complicated for us. I have two friends who want to be with her too."

"It doesn't have to be more complicated. We're what you call a hinge or a triad. If you and both your friends were to be with Micaela, then you're a reverse harem. Is it typical in our society? No. Will people say ugly things and treat you differently? Some will. There are always haters. In the end, your happiness is what matters. You're not hurting anyone. No one tells the ‘traditional' relationship couple they can't be together. Why does it matter if we are? We have as much right to find happiness and love as they do. When someone gets vocal about us, I say fuck them," Alex added.

It was a tremendous amount to digest. Could I share her even with my best friends? I didn't know. What if we decided we could, but she said no? Or the guys said no? It was an insane idea to contemplate, but as soon as they presented it to me, my brain went into solution-seeking mode. We spent an hour with them, talking about how they handled things and getting to know them. It was with reluctance we left. As I helped her into the truck to go to dinner, I tried to push it to the back of my mind, but it kept creeping to the forefront. It appeared I needed to talk to my brothers. If they said absolutely not, then there was no reason to discuss it further with her.

???

It was killing me to wait to talk to Ashes and Vicious about what Micaela and I learned last night. Dinner had been good, but we were both preoccupied with our thoughts. We only briefly mentioned the topic and then left it alone. There was one thing I knew at the end of the night after I brought her home and got my first kiss. She was, without a doubt, the one I wanted. Now, all I had to do was find a way to make it happen without destroying my friendships or her. Why the fuck couldn't things be easy and simple for once? Oh, right, because this was life.

I decided not to mess with Vicious' date with her. Ashes and I got ours without the other two interfering. I had to give him the same opportunity. There was still hope in the back of my mind that they'd tell me they no longer were interested in her, but I knew the chance of that was next to zero.

While V and Micaela were out tonight, I planned to sit down and list the pros and cons of the type of relationship Alex, Missy, and Ray had. They'd been more than forthcoming about what they faced. Their families hadn't all been on board with it, and some still weren't. I was less afraid of my club family being against it than I was of outsiders and my dad. What would he say? In the scheme of things, I didn't give a rat's ass what outsiders thought as long as they never got ugly with her. If they did, I'd be beating their asses. My dad, on the other hand, I hated to disappoint him, but I had the right to find the woman of my dreams, just as he did with my mom.

It was good that today was Saturday, and I didn't need to work. There was no way I would've been able to concentrate on anything. It was evening time now. Vicious and Micaela had left for their date. I knew there were questions abound. This was the third night she wasn't found on the compound. Where was she had to be running through her brother's mind? Daredevil was stressed. I could tell. Shain was trying to soothe him, but it wasn't happening. He sat in a dark corner, nursing his beer and watching the front door like a hawk.

Fuck, this secret dating thing would have to end. It was hard to do, and I didn't see Daredevil letting her sneak off anymore. I have no idea how she got away tonight. I purposefully stayed in my trailer until I knew they were gone. I was so into watching Daredevil that I jumped when Ashes dropped into the chair next to me. He'd snuck up on me.

"You feeling as stressed as I am? Daredevil is waiting to pounce. There may be a showdown tonight," he muttered.

"I agree we can't keep sneaking out for dates. We'll have to tell him and the others, but first, the three of us need to talk, and then we need to talk to Micaela. There's something big we need to discuss."

He nodded. "Same here. I want to bring up something, too. Depending on what time they get back tonight, you wanna do it then? I'm game if you are."

"Sure, if Vicious is. Any idea where they went tonight?"

"Nope. I tried hard not to ask either of you. It was fucking hard, let me tell you," he grumbled.

"Me too. It's killing me not knowing how yours went and if Micaela prefers one of us now. I think I'm gonna have an ulcer before this is over," I agreed.

"Christ, it's all I can do to concentrate on my work. Rampage was eyeing me on Friday. I was afraid he knew."

"I haven't been much better. I'm not sure if Torpedo noticed. Thank God I had today off."

From that point, we sat mostly in silence, watching the ones surrounding us. There was tons of laughter, some shouting from the pool and dart games, and the squeals of kids and cries of babies. It was chaotic, but I wanted to add to it. The clock seemed to be frozen. Yep, a goddamn ulcer was right.