He waved his hand in the air. “It’s fine.”
She forced a smile, finding this entire scene uncomfortable. “Can I have my envelope, please?”
“Sure, sure.” He held it out to her, and as she reached out to take it, he gave her a tug so she was close and she fell against him. His lips next to her ear. “You’re so beautiful. Any guy who has you, make sure he tells you that.”
She pulled away from him quickly, finding him so strange. He let go of the envelope, and she put it in her bag.
“Well, thank you for your … compliments. I’m so sorry for running into you.”
“Don’t worry about it, Ava.” He winked at her.
She frowned as he turned on his heel and walked off.
How did he know her name? He must have been a regular man around town or something. She had to get used to people knowing her name without having the first clue who they were.
After crossing the street, she made her way into the diner where Raven sat waiting for her. The other woman was drinking a coffee as she arrived. She nodded to the waitress that she’d have the same.
“I’ve just had the most bizarre meeting outside the bank,” she said.
“Oh, please, the bank is boring. Has Smokey been in touch?”
At the mention of Smokey’s name, she forgot all about the strange encounter and smiled. “Yes. He just called.”
“Any word?”
Ava rolled her eyes. “He doesn’t talk to me about club stuff. You know that. He only talks about … other stuff.”
“The dirty kind of stuff.” Raven winked at her.
“You’re not making this any easier.”
“What? You’re the one fucking the boss. This should get me perks being your friend.”
Ava tensed up. “Oh, is that the only reason you wanted to have a coffee?”
Raven cursed. “I didn’t mean it like that. It was a joke. I happen to like you, which is pretty big news. I don’t like a whole lot of people. Ignore what I said. I’m used to the whores who stick around at the club begging for attention. You know how fucked up that can be.” Raven sighed. “They hate your guts.”
“What did I do?”
“You got Smokey’s attention. It makes you enemy number one in their book.”
Ava thanked the waitress for the coffee and looked at Raven. “Did he sleep with a lot of the women?”
“Don’t go there,” Raven said.
“Sorry.”
Raven reached out, touching her hand. “I’m the kind of woman who says what went on before you guys met, it doesn’t count. It’s what happens during and after. Smokey hasn’t looked at another woman since you came on the scene. You really need to stop worrying. Smokey’s not going anywhere.”
“I’m not worried. It’s not like that.” Was it, though? She wasn’t sure.
The other women were nice to her. She’d accepted long ago that she seemed to be the kind of person no one particularly liked. No one had a bad word to say about her, but she didn’t mesh with others. It wasn’t without a lack of trying either. People simply didn’t like her.
She sipped at her coffee.
“I didn’t mean to sound like a bitch before.”
Ava waved her hand in the air. “It’s fine.”
“You really need to stop doing that,” Raven said.
“What?”
“Acting like you’re not hurt when you clearly are. Don’t hide your feelings, and don’t make others think they can get away with hurting you. I’m sorry for being a bitch.”
“I’m fine. Really.”
“I’m starting to think I need to approach you with my bitch radar.”
Ava burst out laughing.
“Are we going to get something to eat, or what?”
“Why are you here and not with the guys?” Ava asked.
“They need someone to handle the fort. That’s me. I’m the chick who makes sure all the prospects and bitches stay in line.” Raven shrugged.
“How did you become a member?”
Raven put down her menu. “Why do you want to know?”
Ava pulled back. “I was just curious.”
“Is this about Smokey again?”
She chuckled. “When is it not about Smokey?”
“Babe, listen, the club life, you don’t have what it takes.” Raven licked her lips. “I’ll level with you, okay. Shit gets mean at the club. It gets hard. I’ve got scars on my body from the hits I’ve taken. We’re not a fairytale. It’s hardcore. Don’t get me wrong, there are harder MCs out there. Smokey, though, he knows his shit and he keeps us all safe.” Raven sat back. “The way he looks at you. He doesn’t want you anywhere near the fucking club. He likes that you’re … you.”
“How did you manage to make that sound like an insult?” She tilted her head to the side and laughed.
“I’m downright fucking talented.” Raven winked. “Now, let’s eat. I’m starving and these curves will not feed themselves. Believe me.”
****
“Why the fuck would I want to align myself with you guys again?” Smokey asked, staring across the table at Sebastian Drago.