Page 20 of Rage
When I get closer, she pulls me into a warm hug. “I’m Elena. It’s lovely to meet you. I apologize for Axle—he gets a little excited.”
“Like a puppy?” I tease.
Elena laughs. “Exactly like a puppy.”
Axle goes “ruff” in her ear, then gives her a chaste kiss on the lips. They’re funny and sweet together.
“Come inside and I’ll introduce you to everyone,” says Rage, his voice steady and reassuring.
I release a heavy breath. “Okay.”
“Everyone’s really nice, I promise you,” Elena adds.
I need to stop worrying, but I can’t help it. We reach the front door, and I walk in slowly. My heart is ready to break free from my chest it’s pumping so hard. Rage leads me through a hallway that opens up into an open-plan space. I don’t know where to look. There’s a man behind a bar and three women sitting on the stools, talking. Four very tall, very intimidating men with club vests on are playing pool. They all glance over at us, and three of the four smile at us. I’m guessing the one who’s not smiling and who’s tattooed all the way up his neck is Demon. He’s not angry, though; it’s more like he’s uninterested in my presence.
Rage pulls me along to them. They’re all dressed alike, in jeans, a black or white shirt, and their club vest.
The first man offers his hand, and I look up at him. He’s solid and very tall. I shake his hand and smile.
“My name’s Reaper,” he says in a deep voice. “I’m the president of the club. You’re safe here with us. Your ex can’t touch you. If you ever need anything, just reach out.”
My shoulders fall an inch. “Thanks so much for letting me stay,” I say sincerely.
A woman with beautiful auburn hair puts her arm around Reaper’s waist. “Hi, Rose,” she says excitedly. “My name’s Ava, and I’m Reaper’s partner. It’s great to have you here, and I’ve set out a fresh towel and toiletries for you upstairs. We’re having lunch later this afternoon, but there’s plenty of food in the fridge if you’re hungry.”
Her kindness catches me off guard. I tear up a little. She’s gone out of her way for me... a stranger in her home. I could be anyone, but because I’m a friend of Rage’s, she’s so trusting and caring. It’s more than I ever imagined. I manage to choke out a “thank you” while trying not to get overly emotional.
Rage squeezes my hand. “Are you okay?” he whispers.
I nod, giving him a small smile.
“I’ll catch up with you later,” Ava says, heading back toward the kitchen.
Two more men approach us, one with the same roguish charm as Axle. “Are you and Axle twins?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. The group laughs.
“HA! I’m way better looking than him,” says Axle in a teasing voice and with a smug grin.
The man chuckles, shaking his head. “Fuck off,” he jokingly says to Axle. “You wish.”
Axle blows him a kiss, and I laugh.
“The name’s Viper. I’m the VP. A friend of Rage’s is a friend of mine.”
“Nice to meet you,” I reply. He seems nice.
“I’m Twitch,” the other man says. He’s wearing earrings and a bracelet and seems to be more of a hipster than the others.
“Congratulations on the engagement,” I say.
His smile widens. “Thanks so much. I’m the lucky one.”
“You got that right,” Reaper chimes in, smirking.
“And that’s Demon,” says Rage, nodding toward the tattooed man. I guessed right. The man gives me a small chin lift, so I offer him a polite smile in return.
Well . . . they all have odd names.
I take a look around. There’s a large black flag on the wall with the club’s logo on it, and behind the pool table is a dartboard. Off to the side is the bar, and out toward the back is a couch with a few women sitting on it, watching a large TV.
