Page 47 of Matrix

“True. But that’s more of a summer/fall issue.” As I stop outside my bedroom door, Reaper grunts in agreement. “See you tomorrow.”

He nods before plodding down the hall.

After taking a long, hot shower, I crawl into bed beside my woman. Damn, I can’t think about her like that. I want her more than anything, but Scar’s right. She’s a Fed. I don’t really know where her loyalties lie. I want to believe it’s with the club and me, but she’s still in touch with the Feds. For all I know, she could be feeding them details about everything we discuss. I should be more careful about what I say to her in the future, at least until I know if she’s with or against us.

As she coils around me like a sexy little snake, I will my cock to stand down. It’s impossible not to react to her soft, warm breasts or her slowly stroking my ass. She’s not even conscious, and she’s got the power to make me hard as hell. I want her so badly it worries me. I’m becoming addicted to her. The only thing that’s ever had that kind of hold over me was cutting.

I brush my thumb over the scars on my wrist. I haven’t picked up a knife to cut myself since I left the hospital. The desire to do it is gone. Is that because Daisy has become my new obsession? Is she taking away my pain instead of the knife? And when this is all over, will she hurt me worse than the sharpest blade in the world?

These unsettling thoughts keep me awake far into the night.

Chapter 12: Daisy

Sitting on the back of Matrix’s bike is making me so horny. I can’t wait to get to the NOLA chapter’s clubhouse. As soon as I have him to myself, I’m going to jump on his huge cock and ride him harder than ever before. It’s going to be amazing. Sex with him is incredible, and I swear it keeps getting better. Every time we get together, we learn a bit more about what the other person likes in bed. He’s into rough stuff. I haven’t done much of that before, but it’s exciting and feels so dangerous. I love it.

We pull up to Café Du Monde and park outside. The New Orleans landmark has been in the French Quarter since 1862. The open-air coffee shop has plenty of outdoor seating under a green canopy, and a couple of dozen small tables fill the space. We timed our ride to get here just after sundown.

I’m super excited because I’ve never been to this city before. Matrix hasn’t either, so we’ll be exploring it for the first time together. I don’t know how much time we’ll actually have to look around, but I hope we’ll get a chance to see the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square.

As we get off our bikes, everyone in the café turns to stare. The guys are wearing their leathers and cuts, proudly representing Underground Vengeance. One lady cowers and pulls her toddler into her lap. Another woman whispers to her friend, and based on his reaction, he’s not impressed with the club.

If these people knew how much good the club does, they wouldn’t feel the way they do. But looks are deceiving, and not all clubs are dedicated to doing the right thing. In fact, many of them thrive on being criminals, so it’s no wonder people are afraid of them.

“Grab some chairs. I’ll go order,” Scar says.

“He didn’t ask what we want,” I whisper to Matrix.

“That’s because there’s only one thing you order here.”

“Two,” Reaper interjects.

“Right. Coffee and beignets.”

“The little powdered French-style doughnuts? I’ve never actually had one.” I sit beside Matrix while Reaper pulls an extra table over for the other guys.

“You’re in for a treat.” He takes my hand under the table. I smile at him, and our gazes lock. “The coffee’s good too.”

“You’ll be on the biggest sugar high ever by the time you’re done. Back in a second.” Talon heads toward Scar to help him carry plates filled with beignets. After setting them down on the table, they go back to get coffee for everyone.

“Be careful. They’re fresh and hot.” Matrix leans over to whisper in my ear. “Like you, babe.”

I giggle and kiss him on the cheek. Reaper gives me the side-eye, but I ignore him. He can judge all he wants. He’s probably wondering why I’m not freaking out about my sister and demanding we find her immediately. I would be, except Scar pulled me aside at the last rest stop and told me the local chapter is well aware of the Garden District house and has a plan. His confidence helped quell my nerves. So, until we get to the NOLA clubhouse, I’m going to enjoy myself. We’re meeting them in an hour, so it’s not like I have to wait too long.

The first bite of sugary goodness melts on my tongue. The beignet is still very hot, but it’s just cool enough that I won’t burn the roof of my mouth.

“Well?” Matrix asks.

“Better than sex,” I mumble through a mouthful.

“Really?” He scowls. “No doughnut in the world will outdo me. I’ll have to change that as soon as we get a room.”

“Wish they had a room right now,” Reaper grumbles.

Scar’s phone beeps. He pulls it out and looks at a text message. “They’re ready for us. Take your time. I’m going to order a few bags to go so we can bring them to the clubhouse.”

“Make sure there’s extra for me,” Talon says.

As I sip my drink, I can’t help but wonder why it tastes slightly off compared to regular coffee. “Do they brew this differently? It has a strange aftertaste.”

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