“What can I get you, hun?” The bartender nodded her way.
“I’ll take a Coors.”
“Comin’ right up.”
She slid onto a stool, set down her purse, and placed a few dollars on the bar.
He took it and popped the lid on her beer.
“Thanks.” She took a sip, and he quickly moved on to the next customer. She’d skipped the line ahead of several guys, but they didn’t seem to care. She was cute, which meant she got away with it.
She drank deep, enjoying the cool liquid slipping down her throat. With her eyes closed, she inhaled then blew out. The familiarity of the sounds around her, and the taste of the beer brought back memories of Pierce from years gone by. In a moment, she’d find some of the other women from her chapter and pass the time until Marie arrived.
“You want another?”
She turned at the sound of a deep voice.
Beside her, a bald biker wearing a black leather cut over a Harley t-shirt nodded at her half-drunk Coors.
“No thanks.”
“Why not? You’re clearly thirsty.” He paused. “No strings, babe, it’s been a long ride for everyone to get here.”
After a moment’s hesitation, she shrugged. “Yeah, go on then, thanks.”
He held up two fingers to the bartender.
“Where’d you come from?” he asked.
“Phoenix. You?”
“DC.”
“Long way.”
“Sure is.” He took one of the two beers set before them. “Gotta catch up with buddies and enemies no matter how many miles it takes.” He laughed then took a sip.
“I hear you.” She thought of Wyatt. Would he count as her enemy?
Probably.
“Busy in here.” He glanced around. “Seems to be the first place bikers hit when they land in town.”
“I’m sure the management is pleased. Eager to drink but not too wasted to tear the place up.”
“Smart girl.”
She studied him. He wasn’t handsome, but he wasn’t ugly either. He had a scar on his left cheek, a tick shape that lacked stubble on the raised skin. His eyes were dark, his lashes black, and he had all his teeth, which was always a bonus with bikers.
“Malc.” He tapped his chest.
“Belle.”
“You someone’s old lady?”
“No.” She nodded in the direction she’d last seen Rigor. “My brother is standing in as chapter president, Phoenix, while my father’s serving time.”
“Who’s your pa?”