Page 1 of Untamed Crow

Chapter 1 - Emma

I check my reflection in the bathroom mirror one last time, smoothing down my navy cocktail dress.

My hands are shaking slightly as I adjust a stray curl that's escaped from my updo. The butterflies in my stomach have been intensifying with each passing minute, knowing that Crow is on his way here.

I still can't believe I actually called him yesterday. After Wrath told me he couldn't make it to my high school reunion because of a date, I surprised myself by immediately thinking of his brother. The words tumbled out before I could stop them: "What about Crow? Do you think he'd mind being my plus one?"

The knowing chuckle in Wrath's voice made my cheeks burn. "Why don't you ask him yourself?"

And so I did. The memory of his deep, gravelly voice answering the phone still sends shivers down my spine. "For you, Emma? I'll be there."

Now, standing in the women's bathroom of the Cedar Falls Country Club, I'm second-guessing everything. It's funny how life works out sometimes.

Years ago, I went on a single date with Wrath—a blind date set up by a mutual friend. While there wasn't any romantic chemistry, we clicked as friends immediately. That's how I ended up spending so much time at their house and garage and how I met Crow.

My phone buzzes with a text from Jessica, my best friend since sophomore year: "Stop hiding in the bathroom! Your hot biker is going to be here any minute!"

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. She's right - I need to get out there. But the news reports about the escalating tension between the Iron & Blood MC and the Outlaws keep playing in my mind.

Last month's incident with Butcher's family was all over the local news, even if the details were sketchy. I know I should feel guilty about asking Crow to come alone tonight, but the selfish part of me is just grateful he said yes.

The ballroom is already half-full when I emerge, the familiar faces of my former classmates mixing with their dates and spouses. The DJ is playing something from our senior year, and the nostalgia hits me hard. Ten years. How did that happen?

"There you are!" Jessica appears at my side, pressing a glass of wine into my hand. "I was about to send a search party."

"Sorry," I mumble, taking a generous sip. "Just needed a minute."

She gives me a knowing look. "You're nervous about him coming, aren't you?"

"Is it that obvious?"

"Emma, honey, you've been making googly eyes at that man every time we've gone to their house for BBQ. Even during game nights, you always somehow end up sitting next to him."

I feel the heat rising in my cheeks again. "I have not-"

"Please," she cuts me off with a laugh. "You practically melt every time he calls you 'doll' in that gravelly voice of his."

She's not wrong. Every casual touch, every lingering look across the room, every time he's fixed my car for free – it all adds up to this ridiculous crush I can't seem to shake.

"Oh my god," I groan, taking another sip of wine. "I'm pathetic, aren't I?"

"No, you're not," Jessica says firmly. "You're just a woman who knows what she wants. And tonight might be your chance to finally do something about it."

My phone buzzes again - this time it's a text from Crow: "10 minutes away, doll."

My heart starts racing all over again. Ten minutes until I see him in something other than his work clothes or MC gear. Ten minutes until I have him all to myself for an entire evening.

"He's almost here," I whisper to Jessica, gripping my wine glass tighter.

She grins and gives me a quick hug. "Remember - you're Emma freaking Clark, successful business owner and total catch. Now go get your man."

As she disappears into the crowd, I move toward the entrance, my heels clicking against the polished floor. Through the large windows, I can see the sun setting over Cedar Falls, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. Somewhere out there, Crow is making his way to me, probably breaking every MC safety protocol just to be my date tonight.

Please let this night be worth the risk, I think, touching the small crystal pendant at my throat for luck. Please let this be the beginning of something real.

The click of the front doors opening makes my heart skip a beat, but it's just another classmate arriving with his wife. I check my phone again - seven minutes since his last text. The urge to pace is overwhelming, but I force myself to stay still, not wanting to ruin these heels before he even arrives.

Through the window, I catch glimpses of arriving cars, their headlights cutting through the growing dusk. No motorcycles yet. My mind wanders to all the times I've watched him work on his Harley at the garage, his strong arms covered in grease, those mysterious tattoos peeking out from under his shirt...

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