Page 2 of Prospect
"That's great. What do you need from me?"
"I know you're busy down at New Hope House, but I want you to go out to the site with Nikolai and meet up with the architect. You have proven yourself to be a vital part of this company, and I'd like to bring you in on other aspects of the job. I want you to head up this next project with Nikolai. The construction won't start for another few months, so you will have time to finish up out at Sofia's. In the meantime, I want you sitting in on all the happenings with the O'Connell project," Reid finishes.
Masking my shocked expression, I stand and offer Reid my hand. "Thank you for this opportunity. I won't let you down."
When I walk out of Reid's office and to the front, I find a very intense looking Nikolai. Only his attention is not on me. At the moment Nikolai's entire focus is on my friend. Standing in front of her desk he doesn't bother with hiding the fact he's staring at Leah who is looking uncomfortable. I can't help but chuckle because her face is beet red and she refuses to take her eyes off her lap. "You with me today?" Nikolai asks finally acknowledging my presence.
"Yeah. You ready?" Nodding, Nikolai turns, walks out the door and I follow behind.
It's nearly 6:00 pm when I roll up to the clubhouse. The guys stop by here after work for a beer or two before going home to their women. I haven't missed one night since I was invited into their fold about six months ago. I climb off my bike the same moment Lisa steps outside.
"Hi, Sam," she smiles. I learned a long time ago Lisa is the momma bear of the club. Her motherly smile reminds me a lot of my own mom.
"Ma'am," I smile in return tipping my head.
"How many times have I told you, young man, to call me Lisa?"
"More times than I can count, Mrs. Lisa, but my mom raised me right. Plus, those old southern habits are hard to break."
"I suppose you're right. Manners can be hard to come by these days."
"Yes, ma'am they are," I grin, and Lisa pats my arm. "Don't change for anyone, Sam."
"I won't. You have a good night, Mrs. Lisa."
"You too, honey."
Walking into the clubhouse Jake is the first to greet me. He tips his chin. "Son."
"Sir," I speak and offer my hand the same way I do every time I'm in his presence. "Have a seat, " he claps my back and gestures to the stool beside him. Ember, one of the club girls, hands me a beer. I tip my bottle, acknowledging Logan, Gabriel, Reid, Blake, Austin, and Bennett who are all seated at the bar. After taking a swig of my beer, I turn to Gabriel. "How's Alba? I haven't called her in a couple of days."
"She's good," he grunts. "She said she was going to call you for a visit and invite you to supper this week. Just a heads up on that."
A second later the clubhouse door swings open and in walks Quinn. "Hey, you assholes didn't talk to him without me did ya?" he says with a big ass grin.
"You got here just in time," Jake replies. "I was just about to ask him."
I look around at the guys to find them eyeing me. "What's going on?" One by one the men stand from their stools and form a line in front of me. I also notice Ember making a quiet retreat out of the room.
Jake is the first to speak. "I had a meetin' with my brothers the other day. You see, over the past year or so I have watched you become an important member of this family. You have proven time and time again you care about the people in this club and our community. I knew the first time you showed up at my clubhouse riskin' your ass for your friend and Gabriel's old lady, that you're a solid guy. With that being said, me and my men have came to the same assessment."
I cut my eyes down the line, glancing at each of the guys, who are all wearing their best poker face. All except Quinn who is still sporting a big ass grin. "What assessment?" I ask with what I'm sure is a confused look on my face.
"That you are just what this club needs and we'd like you to be one of us. We want you to prospect for The Kings," Jake answers in a no bullshit tone that says he is not joking. "We'll give you twenty-four hours to give us your answer."
"I don't need twenty-four hours. My answer is yes." I don't try to hide my smile or the pride I'm feeling. The club is coming to me and offering the opportunity to become one of them. My answer is a no brainer. The room erupts into a round of cheers.
"You show us you have what it takes to be a prospect and that you are willin' to put this club above all else and we'd be damn proud to call you brother one day."
"I'm ready to prove myself, Jake. You can count on me," I declare.
"I know you are, son. Just know there will be no special treatment. You will be treated like any other prospect. You will pay your dues just as the rest of the brothers have. I don't care if one of my men asks you to polish his bike with your dick swingin' in the breeze. You'll do so without belly-achin' and a smile on your face. You got me?" Jake squares off.
"Yes, sir. I got you."
"Good. Now go home and pack your shit. I want you moved into the clubhouse by Saturday."
chapter two
