“I’m Sunny.” She held out her hand and Jewel took it with another grin.
“Hi, Sunny, I’ve heard about you.”
“I can’t believe your name is Jewel. That totally suits you.”
“Yeah, I can see your name suits you too.”
“It’s caused me all sorts of issues growing up.”
“Get that too,” Jewel commented. “Come on, I’ll buy you a drink.”
“Cool. How do you get your hair so straight and shiny?” Sunny asked, about to follow the other woman.
A throat cleared behind her and a large arm wrapped around her waist. “Forgetting something?”
“Oh, right, sorry.” She turned and placed a kiss on Duke’s cheek.
“Have fun at your meeting. Don’t rush, I’ll be safe enough with Jewel.”
The other woman slipped her hand in Sunny’s and tugged her gently over to the bar. Just as she was about to slip onto a bar stool, a loud whistle filled the air. Everyone in the bar suddenly stopped talking and turned to look at her.
She blushed bright red and glanced up at Duke who stood beside her, his arm back around her. He’d been the one to whistle.
“Listen up. This is Sunny.” He pointed at her. Actually, pointed at her. Her mortification grew. What was he doing? She looked over at Jewel, noticing the huge grin on the other woman’s face.
“She’s mine. Anyone touches her and they’re dead.”
A series of grunts and nods accompanied that statement.
“Now, you’ll be safe.” He kissed the top of her head and strode away with Ink, who sent her a wink over his shoulder.
“He didn’t just do that, did he?” she asked Jewel, feeling slightly dazed.
“Oh, he certainly did. He just claimed you in front of the entire bar.”
“It was completely caveman, wasn’t it?”
“Yep,” Jewel agreed, signaling the bar man.
“I suppose I should be upset about that.”
Jewel shrugged. “Up to you. Personally, I like my men as possessive as fuck. Not jealous, petty-minded little fuckers, but the type of guy you know will have your back, no matter what. Who’ll fuck up anyone who harms you. Who you can call to bury the body and they’ll just ask if you want a shovel or some acid?”
Sunny gaped at the other woman who grinned and winked. “Joking.”
Sunny shook her head. Somehow, she wasn’t so sure. “It is nice having someone who cares about me. I’ve never really had that. I’ve always been the person looking after everyone else.”
Jewel nodded. “I get what you’re saying. What’s your poison?”
“Uh, beer please.” She wasn’t much of a drinker, but she figured in this sort of bar, beer was a safe choice.
Jewel ordered them both beers and when they had them, she linked her arm with Sunny’s, and led her off to a quieter corner. The guys sitting at a table, jumped up to give them their seats. Jewel nodded her thanks.
“That was nice of them,” Sunny said as they sat. “I have to say, I think I had some misinformed stereotypes about how bikers would behave.”
“That so?” Jewel drawled. “Well, some of them have manners and some of them are pigs. Like most men. You get the good and the bad. Plus, Duke just claimed you in front of everyone and no one wants to go up against him. He’s a tough bastard.”
“My Duke?” As though there is going to be another one, Sunny.