It's been a few days since I've seen Shadow, so I casually bring up to Babs that I've noticed some of the men missing. “They've gone on a bike run, Hun. Something the boys do to handle club business. They should be back soon.” She's wiping the bar clean after feeding me a delicious breakfast. “Other than that, we don’t get the privilege of knowing what their runs consist of or how long they'll be out.” I am shocked to realize that while her husband is gone doing god knows what or for how long, she just stays at the house and plays Betty Crocker for the rest of the club men. She talks a lot about club rules and the responsibilities of being an Ol' Lady. If this is one of the duties, I'm not sure I'd make a good one.
It’s midnight and I'm wide awake listening to my iPod. Music has always been an outlet for my emotions. In my roughest troubles it speaks the words of healing that I can’t find for myself. I haven’t been able to sleep this entire week; it’s all so new to me. My stomach speaks, too, with a growl, so I grab some plaid shorts to throw on. Maybe if I eat I can finally fall asleep. I tuck my iPod in the waist of my shorts and hang the headphones around my neck. I see my bra on the floor and the lacy thing reminds me I am only wearing a thin, black tank top without a bra. It’s so late I doubt anyone will be up. I’ll just grab a bite and run back here. I open the door and notice most of the lights are off in the hallway. But I can tell there are lights on in the main room that has the bar. I tip toe down the hallway and into the kitchen quietly, not noticing anyone in my quick jaunt.
I open the big, stainless steel refrigerator and see food stocked on all the shelves; clearly for the upcoming charity event. I grab a dish and open it to find barbecued pulled pork; the smell capturing my senses and making my stomach growl louder. I pull it out and set it on the counter. Plates, pork, buns, and a microwave; perfect! Katy Perry's “Dark Horse” starts blaring through my head phones, reminding me I still have my iPod. I love this song, so I put the headphones back on and start dancing around the kitchen looking for the things to complete my meal. I get sucked into the song and start singing, but try not to get too loud.
As the song finally finishes, I have everything I need on the counter. I put the pulled pork in the microwave to heat and hear a deep laugh. My heart skips a beat. Yanking the headphones off my head, I spin in the direction of the sound to find Shadow.
He’s leaning against a counter wearing gray sweat pants that hang off his hips in a very delicious way. He’s not wearing a shirt, allowing me to see his tight, lick-worthy stomach. He's holding a tub of chocolate ice cream and as his arm moves in to scoop a spoonful, I notice the tattoo on his bicep is a very detailed, black raven sitting on a skull. His hair is wet as if he just got out of the shower. A trickle of water falls carelessly from his hair onto his chest making me pant.
“Don’t mind me, just enjoying dinner and a show. Please, keep going.” He winks.
I scowl back at him. How dare he just gawk at me in a private moment and when the hell did he get back, anyway? Then he licks the spoon clean of anything chocolate; his tongue assaulting without mercy. My lips part and a small moan escapes my mouth.
“See something you like?” he asks, flaunting a playboy smile.
I roll my eyes and look back at the microwave, adjusting my plate and BBQ sauce. I try to think of something to say but come up with nothing. The microwave beeps and I grab my plate quickly, ignoring the painful burn the plate brings. I shrug, letting it bang to the counter. “I just notice you're not wearing your vest.” I say, not completely lying.
“A vest? You mean my cut?” he asks, almost offended. I shrug again, trying to act disinterested. I know he’s still there. I can feel him; his presence. It’s beautiful but embodies a hint of beast. I turn my head slightly, catching him in my peripheral. He’s still leaning on the counter, watching me.
“Do you have a problem?” I say sharply, turning in his direction. Little fake giggles come from the bar in the next room, catching my attention. Shadow also looks at the door briefly before turning back to me, with a lewd glare. I just put myself in a trap; shit.
“Yeah, I guess you could say I have a problem.” He eyes me up and down, his tone sexual, suggesting I could fix his problem.
“Yes, please let me fix your problem,” my inside screams within the depths of sexual tension. But I remind myself of his fake charm; how he’s so cocky and infuriating; the games he likes to play. He’s a womanizer, and I won’t be easy; even if it kills me.
I laugh and turn seductively, leaning over the island separating us. I notice his breath catch, confirming that I affect him and making this that much harder. I lick my lips slowly, eyeing him up and down as he had done to me.
“Well, then, I suggest you have one of them...” my eyes dart to the door where the giggles continue, “...fix your little...” my eyes snap to his groin where I'm sure it’s anything but little, “...problem.” My tone is cold and distant.