I shake my head with a grin. “Or, maybe they just like me.”
“Maybe.” He grins.
I lean back, and close my eyes, taking a few moments to myself when I hear the distinct rumble of Harley-Davidsons pulling up outside. I feel my heart begin to hammer, but I know it’s just me being dramatic. Hundreds and thousands of people own Harleys. Stop being so paranoid.
“That’ll be your main man. He’s pissed, I hear,” Selena says to Colt, sliding an empty beer bottle across the bar.
Colt grunts. “Yeah, he’s always pissed.”
“Is that a friend of yours?” I ask, hoping for a little information.
“Yeah, actually. He’s the president of the club I’m with.”
“You’re a biker?” I say, shocked.
He grins at me. “Don’t look so shocked.”
“I thought bikers just hung around each other, and didn’t hold jobs.”
He shakes his head. “Well, this one wasn’t going to do that. I do what he needs, but this is my main job. Besides, the guys love it.”
“What’s your club’s name?” I ask, standing and picking up and towel and a glass to dry, making it look like I’m doing something productive instead of just prying.
“Angels In Leather.”
The glass slips from my hand, and smashes on the ground. My head spins, and I take a step back, putting a hand against my chest. This can’t be happening.
“You’re...you’re...one of Axel’s boys?”
Colt’s eyes widen. “You know Axel?”
Selena stares at me. “Oh, are you one of his fuck buddies?”
“No...not exactly. I...we don’t get along very well. It’s a long story.”
She nods, as if in understanding. “He is such an ass. I wanted to fuck him once, but he’s so broody and angry. He told me to fuck off, and didn’t even give me a second glance.”
Colt ignores her, and narrows his eyes. “Are you okay? You look like you’re about to pass out.”
“I just...thank you, Colt. For all this. But I can’t stay if you’re involved with him. Believe me, we don’t like each other. It’s not worth bringing into your life,” I lie.
“Meadow,” he says, firmly. “You don’t need to run. I don’t have to tell him you’re here if there are issues between you two.”
“You d-d-don’t?” I whisper.
He shakes his head. “Nah, just go on home, and I’ll make sure he’s not here for your next shift.”
I quickly untie my apron. “Thank you, Colt.”
Before I can turn and rush out back, the door swings open. I quickly drop to the floor behind the bar; it’s the only thing I can do. My heart leaps into my throat as I hear boots crunching across the wooden floor. I scoot backwards, pressing myself as close to the bar as I can.
“Colt,” Axel’s voice booms out. “Get me a beer.”
Colt peers down at me, and I give him a pleading look. He must take pity on me, because he shifts the bin under the counter, and points to the space. I crawl in, and tuck my knees up to my chest. Selena smiles at me, a knowing smile, and gets on with her work. Why the hell is Axel in San Diego? Does he live here? If Colt is based here, maybe he does. Only I could pick the one city and the one bar that he’s associated with.
“How’s it, boss?” Colt says, his voice gruff.
I hear the sound of Colt popping the top on a beer and sliding it across the bar. I hear a stool being pulled out, and I realize Axel is right there...just above me.
“It’s fuckin’ crap, that’s what it is.”
“Didn’t find what you were lookin’ for?”
Axel makes a growling sound. “Nah.”
“What is it you’re lookin’ for exactly, boss? You’ve been on it for months. I’m thinkin’ I could use a break. Might come with you.”
“I’m takin’ you on the next run. I need someone that can run fast.”
Run fast. To catch me. Oh, God.
“Run fast?” Colt questions, shifting closer to me and reaching for a glass.
“I’m after a girl. She’s got something I want, but she keeps fuckin’ out-smartin’ me. God help her if I get hold of her now. I’m fuckin’ mad.”
Colt’s hands slide into his pockets. “What’s a girl got to do with anything?”
“Open your fuckin’ ears, boy, I said she’s got somethin’ I want.”
“What’s she got?”
Axel shifts. “Nothin’ that’s of concern to you. I suspect she’s around this area, so keep a fuckin’ eye out.”
I don’t feel so good. My hands begin to tremble, and sweat trickles down my forehead.
“What’s her name?” Colt asks, cracking another beer. “I might have heard of her.”
“Meadow.”
I see the exact moment Colt stiffens, because his legs go rigid. Shit. Shit. Shit.
“Here’s what she looks like. You see her in here, you call me.”
Oh God.
Colt’s silent, and I suddenly don’t feel like being here is a smart idea. If he decides to tell Axel I’m here, I won’t be able to get out. I have to run, and I have to run now. I crawl quietly from my space, and as soon as I’m near the back door, I stand.
“What the fuck? Colt, were you gettin’ your fuckin’ dick sucked while I was talkin’ to ya?” Axel bellows, slamming his glass down onto the bar.