Page 6 of Rebel

The amusement fell off Zoe’s face and she became serious. “The Dark Slayers is the perfect name for a club of men who are all trying to slay their inner demons. Storm has told me a little about what it was like serving in Afghanistan, and from what I could tell it was brutal.”

“That actually makes sense,” I told her. “But Alison said Grit was never in the military.”

“Grit was Storm’s best friend growing up. They were also tight with Storm’s cousin, Celt. So, it was only natural that they would want to support Storm in this venture even though they weren’t veterans. I’d say about eighty percent of the brothers in this club are ex-military. The rest are just looking to do some good with their lives and hang out with like-minded men who love riding the open road.”

“Wow, Zoe. You should be the spokesperson for the Dark Slayers MC. After listening to your impassioned speech, I want to join up myself.”

She relaxed back into her seat. “The Dark Slayers doesn’t need a spokesperson or any extra PR. There are men fighting to get into this club. Storm turns down applications all the time.”

I glanced around the room again, getting a good vibe from the brothers and their guests. “Well, I can see why. Even a numbskull like me can see how special this club is.”

Zoe picked up her glass and took another sip. It was such a long sip that she drained her glass dry. She raised her hand and motioned to the bartender for another drink.

“You want a refill as well?” she asked.

“I’d better not. If I drink any more, I’m not going to be safe to drive home later.”

“You can stay here at the clubhouse. That’s what I’m doing tonight. I’ll have the prospects make up a room for you.”

Zoe saw my hesitation and added, “Just so you know, it’s perfectly safe here. All the bedroom doors lock from the inside and Storm would strip any man of his cut for acting inappropriately with a guest, particularly a guest of mine.”

Since I’ve always trusted Zoe, I took her at her word. “Alright, I’d love to have one more. The next round is on me.”

Zoe laughed and held up two fingers to the handsome bartender. “Nobody pays for their food or drinks here. It’s a private club. The brothers pay their dues, and the club runs several businesses that bring in more than enough to cover operations.”

“Now that you mention it, I thought it was weird that there wasn’t a cash register on the counter.”

“That would be why,” she responded merrily.

“You are in such a good mood tonight. I wish I had your energy.”

“Storm’s been gone to a meetup of allied clubs for the last three days. He’s coming back anytime now, and we made a date for a little basement time.”

“What’s this fascination you and Alison have with this club’s basement? I don’t get it.”

About that time, the handsome bartender thunked our margaritas on the table and answered my question before Zoe could get to it. “We have a discreet sex club in the basement. If you want to check it out, my shift ends in an hour. It would be my pleasure to show you around.”

I’d just taken a mouthful of my drink and promptly spat it out.

Zoe waggled her eyebrows. “Girl, you lived in LA for years. You can’t tell me you were never even curious about sex clubs.”

I didn’t see any reason to lie, to I told it to her straight, “Sure, I’ve been curious. I just never had enough nerve to go because I didn’t know anyone there. It seemed risky, you know?”

The handsome bartender was somehow still standing at our table. He responded, “Yes ma’am, I sure do know. The thing is, our club is safe for nice women like you. All you have to do is say the word no, and if whoever you’re with doesn’t stop, every man his club will jump up and make him stop. When you’re in the Dark Slayer’s clubhouse, you’re always safe.”

I glanced at Zoe, and she nodded. I turned back to look the hot biker up and down. Unless I missed my guess, he stood a little taller and flexed his arm muscles slightly. I quickly realized he was preening for me, hoping I’d take him up on his generous offer. It had been months since I’d been with a guy, and therewas no doubt he was hot. But while I might have been curious about sex clubs, the thought of doing all kinds of stuff out in the open in a biker clubhouse wasn’t exactly my cup of tea.

He added quietly, “No one here will think bad of you, and I specialize in one night stands because I’m apparently too incompetent to have long term relationships.”

The tone of his voice led me to believe he might be telling the truth, so I told him, “I’m loving all the honesty, mister.”

“Benny. My name’s Benny. You can call me Benny.”

I squinted my eyes at him. “Did you just repeat your name three times to I would remember it?”

He flinched slightly. “That obvious?”

“Yeah, but look, why don’t you let me think it over. I’ll let you know, Brad,” I joked.

---