Page 37 of The Biker's Second Chance
I nod once, clenching my jaw tightly. I'm not happy about this, but maybe he's right. Maybe we should go back to the clubhouse and rethink our strategy.
When I don't fight back, Spike's eyes widen a little. He's used to me going after what I want tooth and nail. I guess he's not the only person who has changed since we've been separated.
Just as we get toward the middle of the main area, I notice that there are people beelining straight for us. Unfamiliar faces. All of them with grim expressions on their features.
Spike's movements slow and I see him reach to his back with his free hand as if he were going for his weapon. We didn't bring any inside. We're fucked.
I recognize one of the men making his way to us as the MC of the show. He puts a hand up when he gets close to Spike.
"Oh, don't tell me the two of you are leaving already. There are plenty more activities to come. You don't want to miss out." He readjusts his hand so it's out for a handshake. Spike looks down at it and I can almost feel the contempt rolling off his body, but to my surprise Spike is cordial as he reaches out and shakes the man's hand.
They shake hands, all the while six other men come to surround Spike and me in a semicircle. There's no way forward, no clear line to the exit.
I plaster on a smile. I'm not sure what's happening, but if they are being nice, I'm going to do my best to make them believe nothing amiss is going on.
"Unfortunately, we have to go. We thought we might find what we were looking for here, but none of the ladies really tickled our fancy." I speak up, doing my best to keep my voice from quivering. They have to believe that we are meant to be here.
"Really? That's a shame. I haven't seen either of you at any of our other parties. Is this your first time here?" The man narrows his eyes at Spike and me.
"Yeah, we were invited to a few others, but this is our first one. You guys really know how to throw a party." I add in a haughty laugh, and the men around us laugh as well.
"I understand, choosing is always the hardest part, but I am sorry that nothing here was to your liking. Remind me again, what it is you are looking for?"
"Remind you? We never told you in the first place," Spike says. His voice is harder than it needs to be. I squeeze his hand, trying to get him to realize that we need to play this cool and that he should let me do the talking.
"True. I was just inquiring. Maybe I can be of some assistance." The man in front of us gestures for me to go on.
"What's your name?" I ask, tilting my head as if I am genuinely interested.
"Ah, that's right. We haven't made any introductions. It's just not very often that I meet people at these parties that I haven't vetted myself."
Crap, does he know we're not supposed to be here?
"I'm Zed. I've been with Burning Souls for about three years now. What about you?"
"I'm Stanley, and this is Jill," Spike replies, and I have to drop my face so the people around us don't see the shock on myface. I guess it makes sense for him to give fake names. We don't know what this Zed is up to. I also realize Spike doesn't give any information about our allegiance with Burning Souls. That would be too easy to verify.
"Well, Jill, Stanley, what is it that you came here looking for?" Zed asks again.
"Honestly, nothing too interesting. See, we have certain needs when it comes to our sex life. We were looking for a third. Permanent. Finding good partners is hard nowadays." I joke again, and once again everyone laughs, but now it doesn't sound very genuine.
"Yes, I hear you there." Zed nods his head before he moves in a little closer. "How is it that you got into this party in the first place? I'm sure you could have found someone eager to be your third at one of our warehouses."
"What's with the third degree?" Spike snaps and takes a step forward.
"Oh, don't get upset. It's just—well, I don't mean to bore you with all the details—but unfortunately, we've had quite a few people come to the party with no intention of actually investing. This isn't a museum. Just having people come in and out to see our merchandise isn't good for business. We can't allow spies."
I gulp down hard. The guys in front of us glare. I want to hide behind Spike, but I know that will just make us more of a target.
"Absolutely, that is understandable. But I was under the impression that we didn't have to make a decision right away. Didn't you say that some of the women would be going for training? Who knows, maybe we'll think about sponsoring one of them. The blonde you showed in the very beginning looks like she'd be a good time." I chuckle and look up at Spike, trying to get him to play along. He gives a half smile.
"Of course. Many of our patrons take some time to choose the right option, but you understand how I could be a littlehesitant when it comes to you two? I mean, even you admitted it yourselves. You're new here. We don't know you."
"Agreed, so tell me, how can we put your mind at ease? Do we need to talk to someone else?" I ask, hoping to ease the tension in the small bubble around us.
"No, not at all. I think once everyone sees that you are really part of us—part of this life—we'll all breathe a little easier." Zed nods as if he's just given us the best solution.
I'm not sure what he means.
