Page 31 of Baby for the Bikers

“Racing.” His eyes shift to me. “Among other things.”

I don’t answer. Don’t know what to say that isn’t another lie.

Maddox returns, flushed with victory and adrenaline. “Did you see that shit? Left Williams eating my dust!”

“Nice riding,” I say, relieved by the interruption.

“Want to go for a spin?” He gestures toward his bike. “I can take you around a few laps.”

“No.” I shake my head quickly. “I’m good just watching.”

“Come on, princess.” He nudges my shoulder. “Loosen up. Live dangerously.”

If only he knew. Danger has been my lifelong companion, whether I wanted it or not. But tonight, surrounded by the familiar yet different atmosphere of the track, the smell of gasoline and burnt rubber filling my lungs, I feel something like yearning.

“Maybe next time,” I say, and his grin widens.

“I’ll hold you to that.”

As the night continues, I find myself relaxing despite Ryder’s cryptic observations. The Kane brothers move through the crowd with an easy authority that’s nothing like Dad’s brutal command. The races are competitive but fair. No one pulls weapons when disputes arise. No one disappears behind the garage for “private conversations” that end with blood on the ground.

It’s still an MC world, but it’s nothing like the one I fled. For the first time since arriving in Wolf Pike, I allow myself to hope that maybe, just maybe, I’ve found a place where I can stay.

If only the past would stay buried where I left it.

13

BRICK

I’ve been trying notto stare at her all night, and failing miserably.

Rowan moves through the crowd like she’s done it a thousand times before, leather pants hugging curves that shouldn’t be legal. Her top rides up whenever she reaches for something, revealing a slice of toned stomach and a navel I’m having inappropriate thoughts about. I want to trace my tongue around that little indent.

Jesus. What the hell is wrong with me?

I force my attention back to the betting table, adding another stack to Maddox’s race. My brother’s good—one of the best riders I’ve seen—but it looks like I’m not here for him tonight because my mind keeps drifting back to our baker.

Friday nights at the track are supposed to be my escape. No garage paperwork, no diner supply issues, no charity foundation plans still sitting half-formed in my desk drawer. Just engines, speed, and the simplicity of machines pushed to their limits. But tonight, with Rowan here, I can’t focus on anything else.

Maddox should never have brought her. She’s already got him wrapped around her finger, and Ryder’s even worse—watching her like she’s some puzzle he’s desperate to solve. I’m not getting tangled up in that mess. When I want a woman, I want her to myself. I don’t share, not even with my brothers.

Especially not with my brothers.

The crowd roars as the current race wraps up. I register dimly that Maddox won again, but my eyes are tracking Rowan as she cheers alongside everyone else. The genuine smile lighting up her face transforms her from merely beautiful to something that makes my chest ache. Her head tips back as she laughs at something Evie says, exposing the elegant line of her throat, and my fingers itch to trace that curve.

My mind supplies unhelpful images of peeling those pants off, following those fat ass cheeks with my tongue until she’s trembling and begging. I should slap myself for thinking this way about a woman—a woman who works for us, for Christ’s sake.

“You betting on the next one?” Kip asks, breaking my train of thought.

“Nah.” I shake my head, turning away from where Rowan stands. “Think I’m done for the night.”

“Too bad. Ayla’s running, and she’s looking good.”

I grunt noncommittally. Ayla’s a hell of a rider, but I’m not in the mood for more races. I need air, space to clear my head before I do something stupid like join my brothers in their obvious pursuit.

The night air is cooler away from the crowd, carrying the scent of pine and exhaust. I check my phone, finding three missed calls from Teller. The special ringtone for club business was drowned out by the track noise. Probably about the meeting tomorrow. Nothing that can’t wait until morning.

“You alright?” Ryder appears beside me.

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