Page 62 of Rise In Arms

Feeling confused about what I just witnessed, I move closer to Hazel. “I’m going to get my drink, I’m thirsty.”

She opens her eyes and nods her head. “Okay, I’m going out front to get some air. That Rhyder guy is kind of hot, don’t you think?”

I force out a laugh. “Haven’t met him, but I believe you. Are you sure you’re okay to go out there on your own? You’re kind of drunk.”

She waves a hand in front of me. “I’m fine, just gonna get some air, and maybe have a perv at some hot biker man.”

“Okay, then, hon. I’m going to check up on your brother.”

“Aw, aren’t you two cuuuute,” she says, slurring. She’s drunk way too much, I suspect.

“Okay… I’ll see you soon. Come and get me if you need me,” I add, waving in the general direction of where I’ll be.

She leans in and hugs me to her, practically choking me, but I let her. Finally, she lets me go. “I love you, Charity. Hey,” she continues, her tone serious all of a sudden. “If you marry my brother… then we’ll be sisters!”

“Yep, you’re definitely drunk,” I say, chuckling for real now.

She pouts. “Fine, go and be all cute with my brother, I’m going to get me a little of that.” She points in the general direction of a group of guys talking near the exit.

I laugh and squeeze her hand before I turn to head for Kane. When I reach him, I slide my arm around his lower back, nestling into his side. Jasmine looks over at me, happiness shining in her eyes.

“Enjoying the party?” she asks, taking another swing of her beer while Quill kisses her neck.

“Yeah, I am, thanks. This is great,” I say, noticing Kane’s eyes stay on Quill, as he continues to kiss Jasmine’s neck.

Swallowing hard, I look up at Kane and nudge his back, trying to get his attention. He finally decides to look down at me, and smiles. “Here,” he says, handing me my juice from before. I take it from him and swallow some, the coolness just what I needed, then hand it back to him to place on the bar.

A few of the other bikers reach the bar, and Kane shakes their hands one by one. “Guys, I want you to meet Charity. Charity, this is Gunner,” he says pointing to one of them.

Gunner winks at me, and I say, “Nice to meet you, Gunner.”

“You too, sweetheart.”

I’ve seen him in the club before, trying to hit on me, actually. Gunner is definitely cute, quite muscly, with tattoos all over his arms. His eyes are dark, which matches his hair, and I notice tattoos on the side of his skull where it’s been shaved.

He slaps the back of his hand on Kane’s chest, moving my attention away from his head. “If you ever find you need a real man, you know where to find me.” He winks at me again, and Kane gets right up in his face.

“I’ve already warned you, brother. Don’t make me take this outside.”

I pull on Kane’s arm, trying to get him to back down and see it for the teasing it is, but he doesn’t budge.

Gunner laughs loud, a full-blown belly laugh.

“What’s so funny, fucker,” Kane growls.

Gunner takes a moment to answer, trying to catch his breath from laughing so hard. “Oh man, you really need to get your shit together. I’m just playin’ with ya, that’s all.”

“Boys, that’s enough, we’re here to party. Now, both of you get a drink,” Quill demands, shaking his head but smiling at his brothers’ antics.

“The name’s Blaze,” one of the other bikers in the group says, putting his hand out. “We already met,” he adds, and I can’t help but look at the pretty girl hanging onto his arm.

“Yes… that’s right.” I’m trying hard to remember her name.

“And this is my woman, Tess.”

Tess smiles, and I smile back. “Hey, girl, nice to meet you,” she says. I take her in and can’t help but think how strikingly beautiful she is. She’s got this whole biker-chick thing going on—Tattoos covering her arms, her hair jet-black and stylish, black eyeliner, and red lipstick on her full lips completing the look. She also has a leather cut on that has Property of Blaze across the back of it, and under it is a white tank top, her blue ripped jeans fitting her like a glove.

“Uh, nice to meet you too.”

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