Pressing the button to let the top of my convertible down, I decided I was going to enjoy the wind in my hair and just live for today. I wasn’t going to worry about what Harrison and my parents would think. I was determined to have an open mind.
I got to the house in Beverly Hills within fifteen minutes. Mia had already strapped the kiddies into their car seats, and Cobra leaned against the SUV. Mia hugged me and pulled me by the hand—I was finally going to meet Cobra face-to-face.
To say that I was apprehensive was an understatement. What if he didn't like me? And what if he turned out to be everything I expected from a biker? How would I handle that?
At first he appeared intimidating. He was over six feet of brawn and muscle, a full sleeve tattooed on both arms with a piercing in his eyebrow. He looked mean, dressed in all black and with a scowl on his face. His head was completely shaven and his square jaw was set as he appraised me, arms folded over his wide chest. I couldn’t see his eyes; they were hidden behind sunglasses.
Scary biker.
“Baby, this is the lovely Jade.” Mia turned to Cobra and smiled.
What I saw next shocked the hell out of me. The big man pushed away from the SUV and the biggest, warmest smile spread across his face. He removed his sunglasses as he held out a hand.
“So you’re the girl who’s caused so much fuss.” His smile spread to his eyes, chocolate brown, just like Mia’s and the kids. He took my hand in his and shook it, squeezing just enough so that it was welcoming but not painful. Small creases ran from his eyes to his mouth as he grinned.
Mia swatted his arm, laughing. “Baby, don’t make her uncomfortable.”
“So who’s been talking about me? Ryder? Only he’d think I make a fuss.” I frowned. What had Ryder said about me? Remembering my manners, I held out my hand. “I’m glad you’re out of the hospital. Your family missed you,” I said politely. Phew, he isn’t that scary after all.
With the formalities out of the way, I shuffled in next to Jamie, kissing the little ones and enjoying their welcoming smiles. Jamie had a picture book in his hands and was eager for me to read him a story. Well, at least if everything else tanked and I really didn't fit in, I could take the kids off Mia’s hands and let her relax with her friends. Either way, it would work out.
As we got closer to the compound, I started doubting my decisions. Firstly, the decision to accept Mia’s invitation. Curiosity had gotten the better of me, but I knew I wouldn’t fit in, so it would be damn awkward. I came from a world so different, I didn't really have a clue what to expect.
Secondly, about what I was wearing. Shorts, Jade? What the hell was I thinking? There were going to be lots of guys around. I didn't want anyone to get the wrong impression. I should’ve worn jeans or a dress. But right now there was nothing I could do about it. Suck it up, Princess. I had to chuckle quietly to myself at the situation I’d found myself in. Who was I bluffing? I wanted Ryder's eyes to fall out when he saw me. I wanted him panting for me. Yes, I wanted his eyes, his hands and his mouth all over me . . .
I was conflicted between what I knew I shouldn’t be doing, and what I wanted. My lust for Ryder was overwhelming, and making me do things that the old Jade would have slapped me for.
Chapter 14 ~ Jade
My eyes widened when we reached the compound. Even the area looked different to what I was used to. It was industrial, and pretty desolated because it was a Sunday. Barbed wire rimmed the walls, and security guards stood at the imposing gates. Shit. What was the deal? Was this a mistake coming here? If they needed all these security measures . . .
Surely Mia wouldn’t endanger the lives of her kids? That thought at least helped to settle the churning in my gut. My heart was hammering in my chest and my palms were clammy. Ryder wasn’t expecting me. What would his reaction be when he saw me here—on his turf? Would he be mad? Well, I was going to find out soon enough.
The last time I’d seen Ryder was the night he’d broken into our house. I’d fallen asleep in his arms, at peace for the first time in years. And when I woke up in the morning, he was gone. He’d left the way he came. Silently. Unexpectedly.
I’d waited for Ryder to return every night since then, but he never came back. My heart ached, as if cold fingers gripped it and squeezed. The nightmares about The Incident were replaced by a fear that Ryder would completely avoid me now that he knew the whole story. He probably understood just how dangerous the situation was with Harrison, and had decided to move on.
That’s what I wanted, right?
We’d arrived an hour before the party started because Mia wanted to set up a few things. She had organized for a few other wives and girlfriends—or ‘old ladies’, as I'd just learned bikers called their women—to help her, and of course, I'd help too.
The square in the middle of the buildings was barren except for a few benches. It was so different from the lush gardens I was used to. No wonder Ryder and particularly Mia wanted to rent the house in Beverly Hills because of the child-friendly garden for the kids.
A few other couples were setting up folding tables, chairs, and umbrellas. The men were carrying large buckets filled with ice and drinks. Everyone was chipping in to set up the party. Except for Ryder. I kept looking out for him, hoping to see him, but nothing.
Mia introduced me to the people already there. They were welcoming and friendly, completely normal. Why was I so worried I wouldn’t fit in?
More and more people started arriving. I got really busy helping with the salads, and keeping an eye on the kids as Mia ran around ensuring there was enough meat and drinks to feed her extended family. Yet I kept listening for Ryder's voice. Disappointment washed over me. What if he didn't come to the barbeque? What if he was out with another woman? Damn.
Cobra introduced me to his brother, Razor. He looked just as mean and unyielding as Cobra initially had, especially wearing his cut and heavy biker-boots in spite of the weather. What was with that? Surely he didn't need to wear boots today? Around his forehead was a red bandana with skulls that made him look like a pirate. Yet, in spite of his appearance, Razor was really friendly, just like his brother. He was charming in an unaffected way.
“So, Jade, tell me about yourself. How did you become friends with Mia?” he asked as he helped me carry the bread rolls to the table.
I explained about the rental agency and how I’d sometimes babysit the kids, too. Razor laughed when I told him about the inspections I’d arranged because I’d believed there would be orgies and unsavory things happening at the house.
Razor had grabbed us each a cold beer, and we clinked the bottlenecks against one another. “Cheers, beautiful. You sure brighten up this place.” He grinned appreciatively while his gaze raked up my body.
Smiling, I was just about to thank him for the compliment when I felt strong arms fold around my body and draw me back against a hard chest. Ryder. I'd recognize his smell anywhere. And the tingle that went down my spine before I even saw his face meant my body remembered the feel of him, too.
“Back the fuck off my woman, Razor. This one’s taken,” he growled.
Razor’s eyes widened a fraction. “Hey, brother. How the fuck was I supposed to know that?” He held up both hands and laughed. “You never claimed a bit . . . woman before. Trust you to take the beautiful one.”
“Ryder,” I murmured, my breath hitching. His woman?