Page 3 of Hawk

“What? You’re not leaving, are you?” Liana replies.

“I need to find a job. I’m not sure there would be much call for a bookkeeper or office manager around here.” Etain sighs. “Besides, I pretty much made a spectacle of myself. I’m sure the gossip will spread like wildfire about the crazy redhead who was played for a fool by her boyfriend. Now, there’s no recommendation for a job,” she says sadly.

I don’t want her to leave town. I don’t want her out of my sight. I guess Guard’s right. It’s time to go for what I want. I saunter up to the counter.

“You need your bill, Hawk?” Liana asks. Etain looks sideways at me.

“Yeah, thanks,” I reply, never taking my eyes off Etain. “I got an office manager position to fill. It’s more of an everything job. Some bookkeeping, some reception, ordering parts. That is, if you’re interested.”

“Are you serious?” Etain whispers, looking hopeful.

“Dead serious.”

“But you don’t know anything about me.”

“Tell you what, come by the garage tomorrow. I’ll show you around, and we’ll talk.” I try to sound casual, not wanting to scare her off. I hand her the card for RR Mechanics. We named our shop after our club, the Redemption Riders.

Etain looks at the card. “You don’t even know my name.”

“Etain, right. Couldn’t help overhearing. Cool name,” I say.

“It’s Irish. It’s spelled E-T-A-I-N, but pronounced Ay-teen. I hated it when I was a kid, but I love how unique it is now,” she says with a smile. Damn! She’s even more gorgeous when she smiles. “Sorry about the scene, but he wasn’t getting it.” Her smile turns into a frown.

“Think he got it this time,” I say.

“Nope. He doesn’t like to lose. He’ll be back.” She sighs, then takes another sip of her coffee.

I don’t like that idea at all. “Well, if you decide to work at the garage, I promise you that Robert won’t get anywhere near you.”

Etain puts an elbow on the table, resting her cheek in her palm. “I can’t figure out if you’re a good guy or a bad guy.” She’s not only beautiful, but she’s also savvy.

“I’m both. Treat me right, I give it back. Fuck with me, I’ll make sure you won’t do it again.” I’ve never been anyone but who I am. I don’t hide that I’m a biker or live by my own code. It’s taken me some time to learn how to temper my emotions and control my impulses with the help of my mentor, Guard.

The bell dings over the door. I turn to see if Robert has returned, but instead see Drifter standing there. Drifter’s my VP and my best friend. We met years ago in Texas at a honky-tonk. I had just turned eighteen and had finally saved enough for my bike. It was old, and it took six months to get it running, but it was my baby. I still have her, and when I get the urge, I take her out for a spin, usually when I need to clear my head. Drifter worked at The Hound as a bartender. His father owned the place. He was a good man and loved his son fiercely.

We’ve been friends ever since one fateful evening when our lives changed forever. I’d trust Drifter with my life, and he’s proven to have my back over and over. Where I have dark hair, his is light brown, and where I have blue eyes, his are chocolate brown. His strong jawline and permanently fixed scowl would scare many men, and he’s built like a heavyweight prizefighter.

Drifter looks from me to Etain, then back to me. An elusive smile crosses his face. “You ready?” he asks, giving me a nod.

“See you tomorrow, Ginger,” I tell her.

Her eyes flash a deeper green. “Don’t call me that. I hate that name,” she grumbles.

“Nine o’clock,” I reply with a sly grin. I follow Drifter out, forcing myself not to look back. “Yo, get Winger to keep an eye on her and keep her safe,” I order.

“Someone special?” he asks.

“We’ll see,” I answer, but I already know I’m into her. I’m also itching to see my Ginger’s passion. I climb onto my bike and ride off together with Drifter.

TWO

A Bed for the Night

ETAIN

Iflip the card over and contemplate my situation. After years of being with Robert, finding out he’s a total douche is a hit to my pride. I thought my heart would hurt, but I’m just angry. The sex was all right, and he was a good companion. We were both driven at work, and when Robert hung up his shingle to start his own law practice, I provided an added bonus and was able to provide bookkeeping services for him, but had an add-on service for clients.

I poured everything I had into our joint venture, but apparently, while I was working late nights, Robert was fooling around. When I came home early one night and heard sounds coming from our bedroom, I was stunned to see Robert in bed with the newly hired receptionist.

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