Page 79 of The Originals

What began as a ride of freedom with the Ghosttown Riders shifted into what felt like a prison at times. Of course, she was free to leave.But where would I go?She’d spent so much time with the club, their life had become hers. Truthfully, there was a part of her that wasn’t ready to part with the family aspect of the club.

She placed the bottles on the bar in front of the burly biker. He didn’t have the best manners, but deep down she knew he had a big heart.

“’Bout fucking time. I’m dying of fucking thirst here, sweetheart.”

“Sorry, Grain,” she mumbled, about to walk back to load more ice into the cooler when she caught a glimpse ofhimwalking in.

Colleen stalled and peeked over at the president of the club. Everyone stopped to greet Jack. They always did. Gorgeous, sexy, and unattainable Jack Reilly. Many of the women tried to claim him, but it was a well-known fact if a girl got the opportunity in his bed, she’d better enjoy it. Jack never went back for seconds with any of the women. She wasn’t sure his reasoning other than not wanting to be tied down.

He hadn’t been with as many women as some would assume. Colleen always thought of them asthe lucky ones. A small group she’d not been a part of. While he’d always been nice toColleen, she hadn’t piqued his interest. Even after years of subtle attempts to flirt with him, Jack never gave her anything more than a few words and a handful of kind gestures. It was as if he was purposely keeping his distance.

Jack stopped at the bar next to Grain. “Meeting in ten. Gather the brothers.”

Grain nodded and grabbed his beer, walking off. Jack scanned the room and cupped his mouth. His stress was evident. Colleen could understand. Jack took a lot of pride in the club, the brothers, and the town. It was a lot of responsibility for one man to carry. And he did it flawlessly.

I have hero worship.

Watching Jack had become an everyday ritual since she was introduced to the club years ago. Power and leadership was usually cause for attention, but Jack didn’t bask in it the way others would. He didn’t use it as a weapon on those beneath him. He carried himself in a way that drew people to him.I’m so drawn.Colleen had other reasons, mainly her undeniable and unrelenting attraction. Tall, muscular, long hair, and the most gorgeous brown eyes.Sign me up.

Jack dug into his chest pocket, pulling out his cigarettes and lighter. His hands were weathered and scraped, a result of sun exposure and hard work, she assumed.Rough hands. Colleen felt a twinge of excitement with all the possibilities of what those hands could do. A heated flash spread over her skin. He lifted the cigarette to his mouth, and her eyes locked on his lips. More possibilities. Colleen was in a sex-induced trance and froze when Jack stilled and slowly looked over.Shit!

It wasn’t the first time she’d been caught staring. She smiled, giving a short wave and rushing toward him.

“Hi Jack.” Her voice cracked, and she immediately cleared her throat in hopes of covering it up. “Can I get you anything?”

The corner of his mouth curled. He’d obviously noticed. Her infatuation with Jack Reilly was the worst kept secret. He had to have known, not that it mattered. He may have been nice to her, but he’d never showed any interest in taking her to his bed. That was reserved for other women. Not Colleen. She’d tried her best years ago but never made any headway with Jack.

Jack’s smile faltered as he scanned her face. “I’ll take a bourbon.”

She rushed across the bar, ignoring the two brothers holding up their empty glasses. Jack was always priority when she worked the bar. She quickly made his drink and rushed back with his glass, placing it in front of him.

“Anything else?”

The term was used often in the club with the innuendo being obvious. Not with Jack, though. He wouldn’t take her up on anything she was willing to offer.

Jack reached across the bar, brushed her hair from her face, and grasped her chin, turning her head.Shit.Her face immediately heated. She tried to do her best covering it up with makeup, but as the night drew on it must’ve worn off. When his finger slid over the small cut on her cheekbone, she winced.

“Walk into a door?” His graveled tone was anything but teasing.

Her cheeks prickled with heat, and she averted her gaze across the room, muttering, “Something like that.”

Jack let her go, and she peeked up. Embarrassment was hard to mask. Jack’s expression was harsh, and his eyes darkened. She waited, but he didn’t say a word. He picked up his glass, taking a sip and staring at her over the rim.

Jack was quite a few years older than her, though it didn’t hinder her attraction. It did, however, increase her level of respect for him. He was the kind of person she didn’t want to let down. As his gaze lingered on her cheek, she could read thedisappointment in his eyes. She bowed her head, giving a subtle shake. Her hair fell past her cheek, concealing her cut.

Jack placed the glass on the bar top and gestured to the opposite end.

“The boys need a refill.”

She pressed her lips together and walked to the bikers at the end of the bar. By the time she’d gotten them their drinks, Jack was gone.

Colleen spent the next fifteen minutes rushing around, getting drinks for the brothers. It was a mad rush since Jack called the meeting. As she turned back around, she saw Dunn and Mack walk from the back hallway with Lyssa trailing close behind. From her disheveled hair and smeared lipstick, it was obvious what they’d been up to.Better you than me.

“Doormat or don’t give a fuck?” Regina asked.

Grain’s old lady was sitting at the end of the bar watching the trio just as Colleen had thought, her sneer more than obvious. Regina seemed more disgusted with the display than Colleen felt.

“What do you mean?”

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