Page 20 of Throttle

My phone dings and I glance down to see I have an incoming text message from Emma. She’s Sentinel’s ol’ lady, and we’ve become fast friends. Although I don’t see her much because that man of hers never lets her out of his sight.

The night I met her, I noticed he never took his eyes off her, even while he spoke with other Disciples. It was as if Sentinel had to make sure Emma was safe and close by. He had hearts in his eyes, like she could do no wrong and the sun rose and set with her. I remember wishing I had someone who’d look at me like that. And then I glanced at Throttle to find he had that same expression while he stared at me as I talked to Emma. That’s when I realized maybe I found my someone too.

Emma: Are you busy? Want to hang out?

A smile spreads across my face. I’ve never really had a girlfriend before because I was always working. But I think if I did, it would feel like this. Emma just barged her way into my life and I’m happy she did.

Me: I’m just looking over some files. I’m down for hanging out. Assuming it’s okay with my babysitters. ??

Emma: Oh, c’mon. Tex and Breaker aren’t that bad.

Me: No, they’re not. But they’re like puppies following me around. One is a golden retriever and the other is a German shepherd.

Emma: That is by far the best description of them. ?? I’ll be there in five.

“Who’s that? Is it Throttle…” Tex singsongs and I feel my cheeks grow hot. Just the thought of Throttle heats my body, and I find myself missing him when he isn’t around.

Wait. Do I really miss him?

There are moments where my eyes seek him out in a crowd. Or I fidget when he’s not close by. I don’t know when this started, but as time rolls on, I crave being around him more and more. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.

I force my attention back to the guys. “That was Emma. She’s coming by.”

“That means Sentinel will be over too,” Breaker says, showing minimal emotion either way.

“He found himself a good woman, that Emma.” Tex stares off into the distance, a pensive look on his face. “I’m glad to see her happy. And to see Sentinel put in his place every now and then.” He chuckles quietly.

I don’t know who Sentinel was before meeting Emma, but I couldn’t imagine him not wearing that love-dazed expression he gets whenever she’s around.

I send a short reply to Emma before packing up my things. If we’re going to hang out, I better head to the kitchen for some wine. The women keep a few bottles tucked away back there just for the girls and ol’ ladies.

“Ah, we’re leaving so soon,” Tex whines. “I just started my maintenance check.”

“We’ve been outside for two hours. What have you been doing?” I gape at him.

“Sweetheart, it takes time to keep my baby looking good and running at optimal performance.” He motions to his motorcycle like a game show host flaunting a new showcase, and I roll my eyes.

Without asking, Breaker is already next to me, helping me load up my files and laptop. I flash him an appreciative smile. “Thank you.” An imperceptible nod is the only response I get.

“Such a kiss ass,” Tex teases him but moves in to help me as well. Sometimes I have to wonder how I ended up here with men like these.

As I walk inside the clubhouse, I notice a small crowd huddled around the TV. Jerk stands in the back, arms folded over his chest with a deep scowl on his face. I approach him, my attention snapping between his face and all the commotion.

“What’s going on?”

His eyes remain focused on the TV. “This fucker of a new mayor. Now that he has a taste of power, he wants to fuck with something he has no business fucking with.”

My brows pinch in confusion and I turn to see what he’s talking about, my eyes only getting short glimpses of the screen with so many huge bikers crowding around it.

“Glen Prescott, newly elected mayor, has now declared his goals for his term,” a news reporter states before the camera pans to Mayor Prescott’s face.

The man on the screen stares outward, the fierceness in his gaze making it feel as though he’s speaking directly to us. “I’m making a commitment to the people of Carnage to rid this town of all organized crime. No more will we turn a blind eye and let these fearmongers run free, riding through our streets in their reign of terror. No more will you have to worry about the safety of your children or your women going about town. And no more will you have to fear if your family will return home safe and sound. Let it be heard here and now: I am coming for you and I will not rest until all of you ruthless thugs are behind bars. You’re faithful to no one but evil, and the people of Carnage deserve better.”

The air in the room turns cold at his words. This new mayor isn’t pulling any punches. He may not have outright voiced it but everyone knows what he’s really saying.

I’m coming for you, Satan’s Disciples.

“Fucker,” Jerk mutters beside me.

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