Page 30 of Raggedy Dan
Riley’s laugh followed him out the door.
***
Riley
Riley watched Dan disappear into the back rooms, broad shoulders rolling under his cut, and felt something warm and dangerous settle in her chest.She’d heard the word “old lady” thrown around in passing over the years, always with a mix of awe from citizens and eyerolls from the women who wore the title.She’d never understood it.Had never wanted to.
Until now.
She turned back to the table.Ella was grinning like she’d won the lottery.
“You heard, right?”Ella asked, eyes bright.“Dawg said he just said it.Out loud.In church.”
Riley took a slow sip of coffee to hide her smile.“He did.”
Nora leaned in.“Never seen Dan claim anyone.Ever.That man’s been a ghost since the beginning.Didn’t think he’d ever let someone close enough to touch the scars, let alone call her his.”
Maria nodded.“He’s serious.You’re in deep now, honey.”
Riley shrugged, but her pulse was hammering.“Guess we’ll see.”
Ella reached over and squeezed her hand.“You’re good for him.And he’s good for you.I can tell.”
Riley didn’t argue.She didn’t need to.
Because deep down, she already knew.
She was his old lady.
And for the first time in her life, thinking of belonging with someone didn’t feel like a cage.
It was a lot more like coming home.
***
Dan
“Brother.”He greeted Tinder with a warrior’s clasp, pulling him in for a one-armed clinch.Tinder pounded on Dan’s back, and Dan returned the gesture.“You didn’t need to.”
“Yes, I did.Every member is responsible for their own actions and words within the club.Being president doesn’t strip me of that responsibility.Once I mentioned what I wanted to do, every man who was in that room offered their assistance.That’s the level of love and respect we have for you, brother.”Tinder pounded on his back again.“One-time deal, though.Because I don’t plan on making that kind of misstep again.”
Mad Dawg walked up, two coffee mugs in his hands.He gave one to Dan, who nodded his thanks.“Ella’s got a full day planned for the ladies.I’m glad Riley already knew Ella.That will make her acceptance happen even faster.”
“Say, man,” Rocker spoke up from the side.“When are you getting your tattoo?”
“Soon as we can work it in.Riley’s looking to do it in a few sessions, since it’s quite a bit larger than I’d originally asked for.”
“The art in her shop looked spectacular.Having a custom tattoo from her is gonna be boss, brother.”Denver hung on Rocker’s shoulder.“I approve of her being the club tat artist, Tinder.Righteous pick.”
“You know you didn’t have a fucking say in it, right?”Tinder shook his head.
Dan glanced around, noting there was a pocket of stillness surrounding them, all other brothers keeping a distance.Good, means I can ask my questions.“Denver, think you can find out what fucking club that was in Cali?Same asshole you’re already looking for, maybe deceased.Ronald Valdez.I’d like to understand if he’s in the ground yet.”
“I’ll check.Do you know where in SoCal?There’s a fuckton of clubs out there, man.Some of them measure their territory by the city block.”Denver pulled out his phone and made a couple of voice notes.“Be nice to have a starting point.”
“I’ll ask her tonight.But, if she’s not having a good night, you might just need to look through everyone.”
“I’ll start today.”Denver made another voice note.“That shit was bullshit.If she’d never known the club, there couldn’t be any way she’d have recognized what she was risking.”
