Page 2 of Ginger

The larger of the two held out his hand. “Name’s Reno.”

“Ginger,” I said, sliding my fingers across his palm. He gave my small hand a slight squeeze before glancing at the other man.

“That’s Bronx. Looks like you’re coming with us.”

Neither one looked thrilled by the idea. I knew I wasn’t what most would consider beautiful, but I wouldn’t have called myself ugly either. Were they concerned about my age, like their President had been? I didn’t know if I should say anything or not, so instead, I meekly followed them back through the main part of their clubhouse and down a dark hall. We climbed the stairs to the next floor and stopped in front of a room partway down. Reno swung the door open and motioned for me to step inside. The two men followed me across the threshold and I heard the softclickof my fate being sealed. I’d made it this far, I just needed to last until morning and prove myself to the club.

“Think Vegas suspects?” Reno asked.

Bronx shook his head. “I don’t think so. I think we just walked in at a convenient time.”

I didn’t know what they were talking about, and I doubted they were going to told me. I shifted from foot to foot, uncertain what I should do. The men watched me but didn’t make a move to undress or reach for me.

“Should I take off my clothes?” I asked.

“Jesus fuck,” Bronx muttered.

Was that a no? A yes? I looked from one man to the other, trying to get a read on the situation, but all I felt was overly awkward. I didn’t know if it was me or them. Maybe it was both.

“If you’re just not interested in me, maybe we can go back and let your President know? Then he can pick someone else…” I trailed off as both men focused on me. I suddenly felt like a bug under a microscope. No, an ant under a magnifying glass at noon with smoke rising off me. I’d heard the expression ‘if looks could kill’, but I hadn’t experienced it until now. I swallowed hard. “Look, I just need to pass whatever test this is so your President will let me stay. I’ll do whatever you want.”

“Why does a cute little thing like you want to be a whore for a club like this?” Reno asked.

“Why does everyone keep asking me that?” I muttered. “Do I have Goody Two Shoes tattooed on my forehead? A halo stuck to my head? Feathers coming out of my ass? Why is it so hard to believe I’d want to be here with your club?” I mentally winced. My mouth would seriously land me in trouble if I wasn’t more careful. I didn’t think these guys dealt well with outspoken women. They probably had their every command obeyed and here I was being a smartass. Again.

Bronx’s lips twitched and I saw humor flash in his eyes. “She may just fit in around here after all. Question is whether or not she can keep a secret.”

“I’m good with secrets.” I nodded. “Whatever you tell me I’ll take my grave.”

I only hopes I wouldn’t be tossed into that deep, dark hole anytime soon. And these two might be the difference in being safe, or being prey.

“You rat us out and it won’t end pretty for you,” Reno said.

“I swear. I won’t tell anyone. Just please… I need this to work out. I…” I felt my eyes burn with unshed tears and fought to get myself under control. I hadn’t cried in so long, and I wasn’t about to start now.

Reno’s gaze softened and he came closer, reaching out until he lightly gripped my arm. He tugged me against his massive chest and hugged me to him. Bronx shifted until he pressed against the back of me, and I found myself in the middle of a biker sandwich. Not that I was complaining. I closed my eyes and breathed them in, thinking they smelled so damn good. I couldn’t remember the last time anyone had held me. And that’s when I broke.

A sob escaped before I could pull it back and soon I was bawling all over the two of them. I needed to be strong! I’d learned at an early age, the said ‘only the strong survived’ was incredibly true. Crying wasn’t a luxury I could afford. I couldn’t appear weak to these men, or the other women. Past experience told me they’d use it against me.

“Get it all out, little mouse. We’ve got you.” Reno pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “Whatever you’re running from, you’re safe now.”

Running. They’d discovered at least part of my secret. Would they tell their President? Would he toss me out? I wouldn’t blame him. Having me here could bring trouble to their door. If my uncle ever discovered where I’d hidden… No, I didn’t even want to think about him.

“What the fuck are we going to do?” Bronx asked.

I sniffled and finally stopped the flood, wiping the moisture from my cheeks with the backs of my hands. “I’m sorry. I haven’t cried in forever. I promise, I’m not usually so weak.”

Reno tipped up my chin. “Hey, it’s not a weakness to cry. Whoever told you that is full of shit. Even big men like us shed a tear now and then.”

I had a feeling they cried silently. Only a drop or two permitted to slip down their cheeks. Unlike me. I could have filled a glass with the amount of tears I’d shed.

“Why don’t you sit down and tell us what’s going on?” Bronx asked.

“I’d rather not. I just need to prove I belong here,” I said.

They led me to the bed and sat with me crammed between the two of them, each man holding one of my hands. I’d have laughed if my situation weren’t so dire. Who’d have thought the big tough bikers would be so cuddly and in touch with their feelings? They weren’t at all what I’d expected. Except maybe their VP. The man was scary as fuck. Their President didn’t exactly give me warm fuzzies either.

“We have an arrangement with one of the girls,” Reno said. “Few times a week, she comes up here with us, and we cuddle in bed while we binge watch TV. Sometimes she takes a bubble bath, while Bronx and I…”

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