Page 16 of Havoc

I shrugged. “The brothers like nonverbal communication. It’s a holdover from the military. We used them when we were sneaking up on an enemy encampment—really anytime we were in a dangerous situation. Once you get into the habit, it spreads to other parts of your life. It’s convenient for ordering drinks because we don’t have to keep running up to the bar all night.”

“So, you were in the military? Storm mentioned you were,” she told me like it was nothing.

I froze in my seat because my time in the military involved active duty, and that was the last thing in the world I wanted to talk about. When I didn’t pick up the thread of the conversation, she switched it up.

“So, what made you decide to join the Dark Slayers MC?”

“Does it really matter? Is this what passes for casual conversation in the outside world? I only ask because you’re very close to three strikes out with me.”

“Yeah, these are normally considered safe topics of conversation. Come on, you wanted me to learn about club life. Why guys join MCs is part of my education on the subject.”

I shook my head and took another drink of my beer. “What does it matter why I joined the Slayers?”

Exasperation edged into her voice. “Because it helps me understand you better. Why does every topic of conversation feel like pulling teeth with you, Havoc?”

Since I wasn’t about to go into all the reasons that had brought me to the Dark Slayers, I told her grudgingly, “This is where I belong—the one place that makes sense to me.”

“Storm told me most of the brothers are prior military. Is that why you feel so understood here?”

I just stared at her and nodded, ‘cause I was trying my level best to cooperate, but this woman was testing all my limits without even knowing it. “Yeah, I came for the brotherhood.”

“And you clearly love to ride. I can tell because your neck tattoo says so.”

I had to admit I was amused on the inside, but I didn’t show it. Instead, I pointed to my eye with one finger. “An eagle eye, that’s what you are.”

A familiar voice spoke up from nearby. “No, brother. I’m the eagle eye.”

I turned with a smile for one of my favorite club brothers. “I forgot everyone says that about you. Long time, no see, Mace. Where have you been?”

“I’ve been around. Busy with work. You know how the grind can be.”

“Yes, sir. I sure do. Where’s Alicia tonight?”

He jerked his chin towards the restroom but didn’t say more because he didn’t consider it polite. “She’ll be along shortly,” he said.

“Who’s your friend?”

“Her name’s Riley Dalton. Riley, this is Mace.”

She extended her hand, and he shook it. “Wow, she’s really formal.”

“She’s my life coach. Storm assigned her to me ‘cause of the flash flood I made in the clubhouse last week.”

“Glad I missed that one. I was visiting my mom and gran. I heard it was epic.”

“More like everyone was epically pissed at me.”

About that time, several squealing club girls came running out of the women’s restroom, followed by his dog, who caught sight of Mace and came running. He skidded to a stop and managed to bump right into Riley.

She jumped out of her chair and backed up. “Oh my God. What is that thing?”

Mace bent over to pet his wolfdog, murmuring, “Don’t pay any attention to Havoc’s new friend. She has no idea how amazing you are, buddy.”

I explained, “Mace’s family crossbreeds wolves with large dogs. Fuckers turn out to be gigantic, don’t they?”

Mace just laughed, and his dog tried to maul him with dog kisses.

Riley glanced around before edging back into her seat. “Is that even legal?”

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