Page 40 of Ink's Devil

If I wasn’t almost Ink and Mace’s height, I wouldn’t have been able to hear their conversation, but I am, and I do. Shamelessly I listen, wanting to learn all I can about his club.

“Want me to have a word with them?”

“Wouldn’t hurt, Ink. If you don’t mind.” The enforcer spares an apologetic glance at me as if I might have other plans. I do, but I’ve got all night.

“We were going to have a drink anyway, weren’t we, Ink?”

“Come on, then.” Ink leads the way through the throng to get to the bar, my having to sidestep quickly to avoid having a drink spilled over me by yet another strange man.

Ink growls at him as he passes. “Howard.”

The man looks sheepish, mutters a quick sorry to me, and disappears into the crowd.

“Wannabe biker,” Ink quickly explains. “Man likes to talk bikes all day long and loves coming to our parties. Hasn’t even got a ride. But he’s harmless enough.”

I spy another couple of guys who I don’t recognise. I’m surprised they let strangers into the club.

“Why aren’t you worried about them?” I speak directly into his ear, pointing them out. “They’re not members either.”

“For a start, we keep everything locked down on party nights. Meeting room, offices, even the bedrooms. So, they can see we have a bar, so what?” I appreciate him taking the time to explain. “As for these two, I know them. They come fairly regularly. Hang around the auto-shop as well. Now unlike Howard, they are hardened bikers, ride in all weathers. Well, except for tonight. Even they’re not as stupid as that. It’s pretty brutal out there.”

He’s telling me. I just drove in it. My mind’s trying to establish the hierarchy of the visitors. “Do they go with the club girls?”

He shakes his head. “No, the sweet butts are just for us. Well,” he goes a delightful shade of red, “my brothers for now, anyway. But I wouldn’t be surprised if they manage to go off with one of the visiting girls. I expect you’ve noticed there’s a few around.” I have. And currently one is eyeing up the man by my side. She quickly turns away at my glare and the possessive arm I sneak around his waist.

Ink narrows his eyes, then turns around. He looks back at me and snorts, with a brow raised. “Come on, let’s get that drink.” The blond he’d all but ignored, stands and watches us stride off, her hands on her hips. I get a warm feeling inside that he hadn’t more than glanced at the pretty girl.

We get to the bar. Ink orders two beers having asked what I wanted.

As Karl opens the bottles, Ink leans in. “Any problems?” He jerks his head toward the men standing a few feet down that he’d discussed with Mace.

Karl shakes his head. “Nah, but full of questions about prospecting and the club.”

Ink gestures give me more.

“They asked some serious questions, more about what the experience of being a prospect is actually like. Turns out they’ve both served, and when I’d described it, they likened it to being a new recruit.”

“You reckon they want to come on board?”

The prospect shrugs. “Can’t be certain. I did tell them it was fuckin’ hard work.”

Ink looks worried, and I can understand why. As the prospect goes off to fulfil another drink order, I speak into his ear. “Must be worrying, taking new people in after what happened with Skull.”

I’ve surprised him. He looks at me sharply, then sighs. “I suppose Mel told you all about what happened.”

“I was the one who found Skull in Vegas,” I remind him. “Of course, she told me how that had turned out.” I think for a moment. “I always worry whether I should have told her or kept quiet.”

“Why would you have kept that shit to yourself?” he asks, his eyes wide. “Of course, she,wewanted to know.”

“She lost the baby.” My voice has gone quiet.

“And you think that’s down to you?”

For an answer, I shrug.

“Jeez. Beth, that’s not on you. That’s on Skull. Motherfucker played her, played all of us. Mel wouldn’t have wanted to carry on mourning him.” Ink looks around, surveying the room which is packed.

I follow what’s caught his eye then look away fast. I’ve now seen far more of Lizard’s ass than I ever wanted and don’t recognise the girl who’s lying on the pool table with her legs up around him. Mind you, it’s not exactly her face which I had the best sight of.

---