Kat: Fine. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.
Diesel: See you soon.
* * *
The clubhouse is a hive of activity when I arrive. People litter the compound, hanging out on the picnic benches right outside the entrance to the clubhouse while someone grills, the smoke filling the air.
“Kitty Kat,” someone yells. “Looking good.”
“Don’t let D hear you hitting on his sister,” Dane Stray, Prez of the Red Ridge Sinners, strolls up to me, giving me a cocky grin. “You made it.”
“Yeah.”
“Sorry your mom—”
“It’s fine. Where’s D?”
“Inside, I think. Come on, I’m heading that way.”
I follow him inside, hesitating when I realize how busy it is. How loud and raucous. I should be used to it by now, but it isn’t the noise or the chaos that stops me in my tracks.
It’s him.
Ryder is behind the bar, serving drinks, chatting to a couple of club whores.
A streak of jealousy goes through me.
It’s irrational, I know that. He isn’t mine. Not even close. But they have his attention and I remember how good it feels.
“Kat?” Dane glances back and my eyes snap to his.
“Uh, yeah?”
“I asked like three times if I could sneak you a drink.”
“Sorry, I—” A knowing look passes over his face, and I blurt out, “What?”
“Nothing, nothing at all. Enjoy the party.” He winks and saunters off, leaving me standing there. Alone.
Except, I’m not alone anymore.
Ryder is watching me.
Devouring me with his dark, intense gaze.
A shiver runs through me and I wet my lips, my throat parched.
I’m in trouble.
And if the hungry look in his eyes is any indication…
Deep, deep trouble.
8
RYDER
“What’s this?” Kat hisses, her bottom lip curled back in disgust the second she takes a sip of the cocktail I made, especially for her.