Losing Me, Finding You(42)

Maybe, just maybe, I've found a girl to match me. Guess only time will tell me that.



Chapter 32

My heart is pounding a strange rhythm in my chest, and I've got the world's most terrible stomach ache. That's what you wanted, isn't it? Some of that heart-stopping angst that's always in your books? I swallow a lump of anxiety and tug Austin's leather jacket tighter around me. It smells good, like soap and oil, but it's far too big, and it's drawing stares like no tomorrow. I wonder why since everybody else is wearing one just like it. There's a big round emblem on the back with three capital M's inside of it. To the right is another small patch with the letters MC and across the bottom, USA is written in red. I stare at the words Triple M across the top of Austin's vest and shuffle along behind him as we enter the parking garage and find ourselves surrounded by even more people.

“Hey.” A hand falls on my shoulder and makes me jump. It's Gaine. He smiles at me and nods his chin at the cluster of grumbling, weary-eyed people. “Don't mind them. They're all just a bunch of tired *s.”

“What do you want, Gaine?” Austin asks, sounding slightly annoyed with his friend. “Don't you got shit to do?” I watch as both their gazes travel over to the dark haired woman from before. I recognize her as the one that was dancing on the bar that night. Mireya. I hate her instantly. Something about her puts me on edge, and I don't like it. To be honest, I think she's the scariest one out of all these bikers. Well, except for maybe Kent.

“She's fine,” Gaine says, waving his hand dismissively. “A little pissed, maybe, but … ” He trails off and I notice that both men seem to be avoiding my eyes. Gaine shrugs and starts to move away when Kent pops out of nowhere, seemingly materializing next to us. I shiver and his eyes immediately find mine. Ugh.

“Welcome, Miss Cross. Sorry we couldn't be a bit more accommodating.” Kent smiles, but there's no joy in his face. “In the next town, I'm sure Austin will do his best to give you a proper welcome.” Kent's lips split and his teeth poke out like fangs. He turns his attention to Austin. “So, Road Captain, where to now?” The words are mocking, almost dismissive. I watch Austin's expression and see that it's tight. He isn't happy.

“Well, I don't rightly know, Pres. Seems our time here was cut a bit short. Why don't you follow me and leave your intercom on?” Austin's hand wraps my wrist and drags me off, weaving us between men and women in leather. They watch me go, some curious, some annoyed, most just looking like they'd rather be in bed. I wonder how many members this group has. At least thirty. Maybe more. “Beck,” Austin snaps and the redhead untangles himself from a short woman with dark, black hair.

“Yeah?” he asks, green eyes catching on mine. He scopes me out at first, raking his gaze down my body until Austin stops him with a small growl in the back of his throat. The hair on the back of my neck stands straight up and my lower parts begin to pulse. I can still feel Austin inside of me, pushing me against that wall with his firm body. I wrap my arms around myself to hold back a shiver.

“I need your extra helmet.” Beck stares at him and then looks down at me, face splitting into a goofy grin. He's handsome, sure, so I can see why Christy was initially attracted to him, but he also looks like a pervert. I smile back and can't help but wonder what would've happened if Christy had come with me. Would she have ridden with Beck? Gaine seems like a nice guy. Maybe she could've gone with him? My smile slides away, replaced by this aching feeling in my stomach. Christy. I let out a small sigh and follow Beck and Austin to a massive motorcycle with gleaming gold paint and a comfy looking backrest. There's a big, red helmet with black stripes strapped to it. Beck takes it off and hands it over to Austin.

“Have fun, Amy,” Beck says, tossing me a wink. “And welcome to the club.” I smile back, but Austin flips him off, pulling me away from his friend and pausing next to another motorcycle.

“Well, beautiful, it's not a Road King, but what do you think?”

I examine the bike carefully, certainly not an expert but able to appreciate the little things – the shimmer of the red paint, the perfection of the chrome, the beautifully oiled, leather seats. It's huge, enormous. Kind of like Austin. I hold back a shiver.

“I guess I'd have to say,” I begin, circling the motorcycle carefully, running the tips of my fingers along its quiet body. I can't wait to see it revved up and burning rubber. My smile turns into a grin. “That she's one, hot f*cking bitch.” Austin chuckles and throws his head back.

“Oh, sugar, you sure are somethin' else.” He drops his gaze down to mine, locking onto my eyes and holding me suspended in time. My heart ceases to beat and my nerves get all tangled. I'm the one that looks away first. If I spend too much time with this man, he could be the death of me. I look back up and wince as Austin sets the helmet on my head. “This here, is a custom bitch,” he tells me as he yanks the visor down and smiles at me with his white teeth. “I made her up from bits and pieces. She might not be winning any shows, but she's all mine.” Austin continues to stare at me through the plastic of my visor and I swear to God, a little voice whispers in my head, Kinda like you, sugar.

I look down at the oil stained pavement below my feet and tuck my hands in the pockets of my jeans, jumping as a motor revs up nearby. It's so loud, like a gunshot. I turn my head and see Gaine on the back of his black bike. He's gunning his engine and looking pointedly at Austin. In fact, as I turn my head and survey the garage, I see that everyone's looking at Austin, even Kent and that dark haired girl, Mireya.