“Depends on the question.”
“What makes a person decide to join a motorcycle club?”
“It’s different for everyone. For some, it’s nothing more than having a group to ride with. For others, it’s about the brotherhood.”
“And for you?”
“The brotherhood.”
She considered my answer, then asked, “So, why the Ruthless Sinners? Why not some other club?”
“First, the Ruthless Sinners aren’t just any motorcycle club. They’re in a league of their own. Not a club around who can hold a candle to them.”
“You don’t think you’re being a little prejudiced (or biased?) there?”
“Maybe, but I have good reason to be. The Sinners are my family. They have my back, and I have theirs. That kind of loyalty and respect isn’t easily given, so when we call a man a brother, we mean it.”
“These men really mean a lot to you, don’t they?”
“They’re my family.”
“But they seem so secretive. I mean, everyone’s seen you guys riding around the city, but no one really knows much about you—just the rumors that come around now and then, but you never really know if any of that is true.”
“That’s the way we want it.” I turned my focus back to the road as I told her, “Our secrets keep our loved ones safe.”
“I’m not sure I’m following.”
“Club business is club business. We don’t discuss it with anyone. Not even our ol’ ladies. We believe the less you know, the safer you will be.”
Her brows furrowed. “I’m not sure I agree with that. I’d think if I was an ol’ lady or whatever, I’d want to know if something was going on or if something was wrong. That way I could be prepared.”
“It would be our job to be prepared and do whatever it takes to keep you safe. Not yours.”
We continued the rest of the drive in silence, and I could see that Frankie was deep in thought about our conversation. As we got to her place, I was slightly disappointed to see that Danny was already there waiting on me. I was hoping I’d have an excuse to spend a little more time with her. I pulled up in her driveway and killed the engine. As I handed her the keys, I asked, “You need any help getting inside?”
“No, I’m okay.” She glanced over at me, then her eyes immediately skirted over to the passenger window. “I won’t be seeing you again, will I?”
I thought for a moment, hoping I might come up with the right thing to say to her when she suddenly held up her hand and said, “You know what? Don’t say anything. Let’s just leave tonight on a good note, and whatever comes, will come.”
I nodded, then she leaned towards me, kissing me briefly before opening her car door. We both got out of the car and closed the doors. Before heading inside, Frankie looked back over to me and said, “Good night, Widow.”
“Night, Frankie.”
As I started over to Danny, I glanced back over my shoulder, hoping for one last glimpse of Frankie, but unfortunately, she’d already disappeared inside. I won’t deny it. Frankie had gotten under my skin. I liked her, more than I thought possible, but deep down, I knew I could never be the kind of man she needed. Frankie deserved more, but sadly, more was something I could never be.
Chapter 8
Frankie
There are women in this world who can be with a man and feel nothing. No guilt. No regret. No shame. And not a single lovey, dovey feeling or even a hopeful yearning. They literally feel nothing at all. I was NOT one of those women. Not even close. I don’t know what I was thinking. From that very first kiss, I’d gotten all warm and fuzzy inside, and then, the sex. Oh my. It was truly unbelievable. It was the best sex I’d ever had. No doubt about it. So, it was only natural that I’d have a rush of feelings—no matter how unwelcome they might be. I wished I could’ve been stronger and kept my feelings at bay. Maybe then, I wouldn’t have been so hurt by Roman’s cold farewell. It was my own fault. I’d never given him any reason to believe I wanted anything more than just a one-night stand—a little romp in the coffee shop, so I shouldn’t have expected some grand gesture at the end of the night.
While it stung a little, it was the right thing to do. Neither of us were looking for a relationship, so I needed to put on my big girl panties and suck it up. No more of the warm, gushy feelings for Roman. It was just a one-time fling, and it was time to put it behind me. Unfortunately, that was easier said than done—especially with Sydney around. As soon as she got to the coffee shop, she started hammering me with questions. “Well, what do you think of the new do?”