“You’ll pick it up,” Madden said quietly.
“Fuck. I have got such a fucking headache,” another man appeared in the doorway. His hair was pulled back in a man bun, the lower half of his face hidden behind a patchy beard. He was thin and a little hunched.
“Rory! You’re late!” Duke barked. She jumped.
“Fuck, Duke, stop yelling,” Rory whined.
Duke appeared in the doorway, frowning at the other man. “Pull your shit together and get to work.” Duke walked away.
“Jesus, he’s an uptight bastard. Thought working for a biker he’d be more easygoing. Parties and biker trash sluts, but no, he’s all about work ethic and coming in on time,” Rory muttered.
Her eyes widened and she stared over at Madden who was glaring at Rory. “That’s your mistake then isn’t it? Duke’s a good boss, as long as you follow the rules.”
Oh, so it wasn’t just her that he had lots of rules for. Somehow, she was a little disappointed.
“Who’re you?” Rory turned to her.
“Hi, I’m Sunny. The new front desk person.” She looked over at Madden who just grinned as he poured himself coffee.
“About fucking time that Duke hired someone. I’m an artist not a fucking phone bitch.”
Right.
“Make me a coffee. Cream and two sugars.”
“Um, sure.”
Madden leaned against the counter and she had to reach around him to get a coffee mug from the cupboard.
“Not that one,” Rory barked. “The one with the bulldog on it. We got a lot in common, me and bulldogs.”
“Yeah, both ugly as sin,” Madden whispered to her.
“I don’t know, I think bulldogs are kind of cute. Him, on the other hand. . .” she trailed off, slightly embarrassed. You just started, Sunny. You should be trying to get on with everyone, not insulting them.
But Madden just grinned and winked.
“Here you go.” She handed Rory the mug.
He took a sip and nearly choked. “What the fuck? Have you never made coffee in your life? This is fucking shit.”
She’d worked with men for years and she’d never had one be quite so rude and abrasive, at least not right off the bat. So she just gaped at him for a moment. Then she was suddenly facing a wide, muscular back.
Madden.
“I made the coffee, asshole. Don’t like it, make it yourself.”
“Not paid to make coffee. New girl, make a fresh batch and bring me a cup. I’m going to get my station ready.” He stomped out.
“Was it something I said?” she asked, uncertain anyone had ever taken such an instant dislike to her.
“Nah, it’s not you. Rory’s got a problem with women. He’s just a fucking jerk.” Madden sighed. “It’s gonna be a long fucking day.”
8
Sunny parked her car around the corner from the tattoo shop and got out, opening the trunk to drag out the big bag of stuff she’d packed up. She’d been working here for nearly two weeks and this was the first time Duke had been unable to drive her in. Something about club business, which she knew not to ask about. He was very tight-lipped about anything to do with the club.
She carried her bag around to the entrance of the back alley.