Page 21 of Irons

I looked at him. “What?”

He nodded his head to the other side of the bar where I saw a cute red head. “She’s been trying to get your attention.”

I took a swig of my beer. “Not interested.”

“How the fuck do you do it? No girls back home…” He leaned in. “Come on now, I have to know. Are you a fucking virgin?”

I had to laugh because he was serious.

“Seriously, dude. When was the last time you got any tail? This happens all the time. The hottest chicks in the bar try to get your attention and you ignore them. Its bullshit, the only time I see action is when you, Magnus, and Axton aren’t out with us for the girls to drool over. Come on, seriously when was the last time?”

I shook my head. “None of your business.”

It had been about six months, but that wasn’t his business. I wasn’t like the other guys. When I was young I was different, but I had other priorities. I was running the bike business without a vice president, commanding units, and I had obligations to the community. Not to mention the fact that Addie was pissy if I didn’t stop and see her once a day. She was like that with me and Magnus. I had a family now, and I wanted to keep it that way. If Creed was spending the night working at the command center, Magnus and I took turns staying with the girls. Morgan was way too pregnant to be staying home alone at night. I also helped Steph out with the kids, and I didn’t find the women at Club X all that attractive. Shit, I had zero desire to fuck a woman Magnus or Drakos already fucked. I never once touched any of the girls at Creed’s Lake.

I dated a woman from Clarity for a few months, but when we went into lockdown she thought I was blowing her off. Shewas a nurse and a pretty hot one at that, but she wasn’t meant for our lifestyle. Besides her, I had my moments here and there with a few quick fucks but not many. I was also struggling with a few issues after what happened to Bolton. Quick hookups weren’t much of an option for me.

I wasn’t the same person that I was as a kid. I spent two years locked up, then went to Nebraska and there really wasn’t any girls my age around that small town and I had already graduated school. Then I went to basic training in Fort Sill and didn’t have sex again until I got to Fort Bragg and had a hell of a great time with the girls. Once I got to Delta Force and was stationed at Fort Liberty, I met someone and was in a relationship for about a year. She couldn’t handle my deployments, and it took its toll on our relationship. I didn’t understand how Granger and Steph made it work. Most special ops were either divorced or single. It was a well-known fact that it was nearly impossible to have a girl and keep her as a member of an elite military unit.

I heard my phone buzz with a text, and I quickly picked it up.

Creed: She accepted the invitation. Are you okay with it?

Me: When is she visiting?

No, I was not okay.

Creed: She will be arriving Monday with Stone.

I honestly think my heart stopped.

Me: I leave Monday morning for Sydney.

Creed: I don’t want you here because you might sway her decision. If she accepts our offer, I want it to be because it’s what she wants for a career. Not because you’re here.

Me: That’s probably for the best.

Creed: Relax and enjoy the break. I’ll take care of your girl. I’ll make sure she knows you are the only Original not included in this decision because you travel. Maybe that way it’ll take some of the pressure off.

Me: She’s not my girl.

Creed: Just chill, it’s handled. She won’t walk away from this offer.

I shut my eyes and let my head fall in defeat. It wasn’t that I hated the idea of Wrenly. It was because she saw me at my weakest. Yes, we were just kids, but I could never forget the look on her face all the times my actions caused her pain. I also wasn’t sure if I could face the fact that she saw and did the things I did as an operative. How much damage did it do to her?

“What’s that about?” Drakos asked.

I shook my head as I laid my phone face down on the bar. “Nothing.” I took a swig from my beer. Creed agreed not to tell the others about Wrenly. I didn’t want our childhood history to give the guys any ideas, and also to make sure she got the job on her merit instead of our past. She didn’t need to be treated the way we treated Morgan, Steph, and Heidi either. We treat them like China dolls. Wrenly was a soldier like Bolton and deserved her respect to come from her achievements, not mine. Jesus, what the hell will happen when I see her in person? I just about had a heart attack when I looked at just a photo alone. I had truly hoped to leave my past in the past.

“Bullshit it’s nothing.” Drakos was pushing my buttons.

“Hey, I think that brunette over there was just looking at you.” Magnus had his hand on Drakos shoulder. “You should go say hi.”

“Really?” There was a hint of excitement in Drakos’ voice.

He hopped off his stool and Magnus took his place. He ordered another beer and just sat next to me without saying a word. I could sense it every single time he glanced at me.

“Creed told you?” I asked and pressed my beer bottle to my lips to take another swig.

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