“You coming to Pam’s party?” I ask, but deep down I already know what her answer will be. Another excuse.
“I don’t know. By the time I do the Halloween party at the daycare and do trick or treat stuff the only thing I’m going to want is to crawl into bed.”
“Wish you’d crawl into mine.”
“Hound.”
“Zoe. Gotta give me something, woman. We’ve been dancing around this for months. I thought we were starting something. If I got that wrong, that’s my bad.”
“I like you. I do. I just have a lot on my plate right now, and I don’t know that I have the time for a man. You keep busy yourself between the club and your dogs. I don’t want to lead you on. We had a good time, but…I’m not ready for more. I’m sorry.”
“Got it. You’re cutting me loose instead of stringing me, appreciate the honesty.”
“I hope we can still be friends.”
“Of course, Zoe, but don’t be surprised to see me moving on. I’m in a different place than I was a year ago.”
“I want nothing but good things for you.”
“Later.” I end the call. There’s nothing more to say there. We’re in different places. I respect it. She’s Link’s sister. Better to keep things cool than leave her with a bad taste. Zoe’s a good woman. Hard worker. Takes care of herself. Owns a business. She’s independent which isn’t a bad thing, but she doesn’t need a man and apparently, she doesn’t want one either. I tuck my cell back into the inner pocket of my cut and crack open a beer.
I’ve barely put my lips to the bottle when Nav, the prospect comes rushing in, hooking a thumb over his shoulder. “There’s a Harlot at the gate.”
“Well. Let her in. Dipshit.”
I take the swig from my beer and follow the dumbfuck to the parking lot. It’s late and most the brothers are off doing other shit. Like sleeping or fucking their Ol’ Ladies. I should be home myself. I’ve got an early morning.
I can’t stop the grin that spreads across my lips when I recognize her. Fucking Karma. Viking’s crazy ass sister. Her blonde hair flows out from her helmet as she blows past Nav, nearly running him down on her sportster. Fucker should damn near be ashamed.
“Well shit. Look what the damn cat dragged in.” I shake my head. “Been a while, sweetheart.”
“You seen my brother?”
“Not since earlier.” I lick my lips. Karma’s a pure bad ass biker bitch who takes no shit. She’s fun as hell but a Royal Harlot. Our sister club. Only female members allowed, though on occasion I’ve heard some of the other chapters will let dicks in.
Crazy bitch grabs my beer and chugs. “Thanks. I was parched,” she says, wiping a palm across her lips.
“C’mon, my balls are getting cold out here.” I hook an arm around her shoulder, giving her a squeeze and a kiss on the temple.
She rolls her gorgeous blue eyes that remind me of the sky. “Such a man.”
“All man, baby.” I flex one of my biceps. “Don’t forget it.”
“As if you’d let me.”
“Ouch.” I clutch my chest. “Straight to the heart.”
“This place seems dead. Where is everyone?”
“My guess is home.”
“Damn, I’ve been away too long. You’re going to have to catch me up.”
“Was about to head out myself. Where you staying?”
“You offering?”
“Depends. What kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?”
“Just the usual. Breaking Hearts. Kicking ass and taking names.”
“Always the heartbreaker.”
“Oh whatever.” She slaps at my arm.
I rake my fingers through my hair, pulling into a knot at the top of my head. “Up and left me without a word.”
“It wasn’t like that.”
“Bullshit.” I grab my pack of cigarettes off the bar and light one up. That’s exactly how it was. No catch you later or even so much as a fuck you.
“Okay so maybe it was like that. But neither one of us was in a place to be starting something.”
“That’s fair.” Can’t say I was ready to settle down, but we had a damn good time together.
“So…how’s things with you now?” Karma struts behind the bar, going for a beer. She may be Viking’s sister, but she doesn’t look a damn thing like her brother thank fuck. The only thing they share are their eye and hair color.
“Good. Started my own business. Rent a house with Sandman’s dumb ass.”
“How is that cute fucker?”
“He’s good.” When I was tapping Karma, I thought there might’ve been something going on with them, but brother swears he never hit it. “Seeing some witchy bitch.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it.”
I shrug. “You still with what’s his fuck?”