Page 106 of A Love Like Venom

I watch as her eyes take in everything around her. I don’t miss how her mouth hangs slightly agape as she admires the oversized flat screen television followed by our newly furnished leather couches.

Living here I have gotten used to this style of living. A far cry from how I lived in Hollows Point. A small bedroom with a tiny television and worn-down furniture.

Although we may not live lavishly here nothing is exactly cheap either.

Seeing how Alice reacts to the most things people take for granted is eye opening.

Here’s a girl who has had nothing her entire life and coming here it looks like we have everything.

“Wow, Reed,” she breathes, the awe heavy in her voice.

Tightening my hand in hers I tip my chin towards the bar where the rest of the Old Ladies are including our one of our prospects. “Come on, I’d like you to meet some people.”

Her eyes are still glazed over with this awe-inspiring look as I lead her to the women that are important to this club and my life.

The prospect still has to prove himself yet but so far he seems like a good enough man.

He’s younger than me, Alice’s age to be precise. Twenty-two years old but with his build and stature doesn’t look it. The tattoo work helps too. Both of his arms and hands are blanketed with colorful ink.

With his curly black hair, clean shaven face and eyes that are a clear water blue he looks more like a lead singer to a rock band than a prospect for a motorcycle club.

Usually, boys with the pretty faces don’t like to get them messed up but Slater is different.

I’ve already seen him in a few fights and the boy can handle himself pretty well.

Doesn’t mean he stands a chance against me. I could knock him out in two seconds flat if given the opportunity.

The only man here who is a worthy opponent for me is Oak. That’s only because we fight hard. With no honor and no code we don’t hold anything back. If we fought anyone else in this club besides each other we wouldn’t be fighting at maximum effort.

Every man here can still hold their own. Even Pax who is more of a lover rather than a fighter.

To belong in an MC, you either learn how to fight or your born with it.

There really is no exception. For the shit we deal with knowing how to handle yourself and others is vital.

Coming to a stop I position Alice in front of me so that all the Old Ladies see her.

I introduce her to Rosa first, The President’s Old Lady and wife. She has caramel skin, chocolate brown eyes and long ebony hair that waves to the middle of her back. For an older woman she hasn’t lost her beauty. “Rosa, this is Alice. Alice this is my President’s Old Lady and wife, Rosa.”

After I make their introductions, Rosa immediately rises from her chair and envelopes Alice in a hug.

Alice stiffens in her arms for a second, the response so quick if you would have blinked you wouldn’t have noticed but I did.

I notice everything when it comes to her.

Living in Hollows Point you aren’t showered with affection. You don’t expect anyone to give you a hug or a warm smile like Rosa does.

I can tell the welcoming is throwing Alice off.

Releasing Alice, Rosa takes a healthy step back and welcomes her, “It’s nice to finally meet you. I hope you find yourself at home here.”

I almost snort at that. Not because of how sincere Rosa is being but because I know this is a huge adjustment for Alice.

Making a place like this home is a little too good to be true. I’m sure she wouldn’t know what to do with herself when she’s given the chance.

It’s hard coming from nothing and then having stuff be given to you.

Alice clears her throat before replying, “It’s nice to meet you, too.”

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