Page 37 of Sophia, Property of Tracker

Would they tell Ryan that he could do better?

I know I’m not ugly, but I’m also not one of those women that cake themselves with makeup and dress seductively like some of the girls I’ve seen. I’m just a small-town girl who works and goes home to my bed each night. I don’t have much of a life other than my family and my career.

Oh, Sophia, stop doing this to yourself. Ryan loves you, and that’s all that matters.

Driving down the highway, I read the sign, ‘New York - 1 Mile.’

My heart beats wildly, excitement rushing through my veins. When Ryan returned from finding his brother, he made sure he stopped in to see me on his way home. Honestly, I thought I wouldn’t see him again. He said he couldn’t promise me anything right now, but we were here in this moment and that’s all that mattered. After those amazing couple of days, we made no commitments. Ryan had things to take care of back home, and I knew and accepted it. We talked now and then but when he decided to leave the FBI for the club, I was shocked. He said he needed time to work out his life and as much as it killed me to let him go, I did.

A year later, he arrived at my home with flowers and champagne. The Ryan I knew looked different. He had a scruffy face, he was wearing ripped jeans and a leather vest that said ‘Tracker’ on his chest. He wanted to be with me, and although he knew it would be hard, he wanted to try and make this thing between us work. And we did. We both have had to sacrifice and endured some tough times, but we’ve always come through the other end.

The navigation alerts me to turn right, and I drive into a driveway that has a metal gate out front. Nerves hit me in the pit of my stomach, and I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. Coming to a halt just in front of the gate, a man walks toward me, and I wind down the window and smile.

I haven’t seen this club member before. He’s tall and has a large frame. His leather vest reads, ‘Bear’ and immediately I know who it is. Ryan has spoken about all the men at the club, and the name Bear simply stuck. Now I can see why they call him Bear—he’s tall and cuddly like a bear.

Leaning down, he asks, “Hey, darlin’, are you at the right place?”

Smiling, I reply. “Yep, I was invited.”

He smiles and tilts his head. “Really? Which brother are you here for? I’m available if you’re looking for a man.”

I laugh, open my door, and get out. He whistles when he takes me in, and his eyes stop when they reach my legs, then slowly travel back up my body and linger on my breasts.

This man has no shame.

“I’m here for Ryan.”

He frowns. “Ryan? Don’t know a Ryan.”

“That’s right,” I say, waving my hand. “You all have nicknames. I believe he goes by Tracker.”

His eyes widen, and a big smile reaches his lips. He places his hand beneath his chin and scratches his scruff. “No way. Your Tracker’s girl, Sophia? We all thought he was full of shit. Wait, is he payin’ you?”

“Excuse me?” I ask, feeling a little offended.

“Sorry, darlin’, but Tracker mentioned he had some girl named Sophia, but we never believed him. I mean, we ain’t never met you before today.”

“Yeah, well, I’m real, as you can see,” I say, placing my hands by my hips.

“You sure are, darlin’.”

“I’ll go open the gate. Hop back in your car and drive through. You’ve gotten here just in time for the barbecue.”

Smiling, I head back to my car and wait while he opens the gate.

Why do they have such a large gate like this, and one that’s guarded?I feel like I’m entering a prison.

Once the gate is fully open, I drive through and follow the driveway to where cars and motorcycles are parked. So many people are gathered around a large barbecue, and I spot Ryan immediately. He’s wearing a black and white bandana that’s tied around his forehead, a white singlet with light ripped denim jeans. He looks absolutely yummy. He turns when he hears my car and smiles when he notices it’s me.

Placing the plate he has on the table, he turns around and makes his way to me. His jeans sit low on his waist, and his muscled arms are on full display. How did I get so lucky? Ryan was hot before, but as a biker, he is even hotter if that’s even possible. He’s wearing his cut, and I notice he’s had his hair cut. He has some product in it that makes it look wet, and I have to say, that bandana makes him look like a bad boy.

As I park the car and step out, his hands are on my waist, and he lifts me, bringing me in for a kiss. His hands move to my ass, where he supports me while our kiss intensifies and goes on for what seems like a lifetime.

My nipples harden, and I hold his face in my hands, keeping him close to me so I can control the kiss. He tastes of beer and smoky barbecue, and it turns me on even more. He smells like his usual leather, and his cologne is a scent I can get lost in.

Whistles and cat calls sound around us. Suddenly, I feel embarrassed when I remember that we’re not by ourselves. I pull back and look behind Ryan where a whole group of people are smiling at us.

Dipping my head in Ryan’s neck, I hide my heated face.

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