Page 1 of Hawk

Tessa

There’s always been an air about him. An easiness that I’ve craved. Even as kids, his boyish smile made me feel things I didn’t understand. Now, we’re almost out of high school, and my feelings for him have intensified. Only he doesn’t know it.

“What are you looking at?” Sienna, my best friend, asks.

“The boys.” I lift my head toward Sienna’s brothers, Matthew and Devin Jr., who are standing with Keith, Hawking, and Tylan.

We’re at the lake. The first somewhat warm day of the season, and we’ve decided to spend it out on the water. Matthew enlisted in the army, and this is his last weekend before he ships off. Sienna hasn’t been happy about it. Not that I can blame her. If either of my two brothers were to leave home, I’d be devastated, and we aren’t nearly as close as she and Matt are.

Sienna and I have opted to spend some time in the water on the rafts while the boys toss a Frisbee around on the sand. Of course, they aren’t alone. Those boys rarely go a day without having some girl hanging from their arm.

“I hope you’re not staring at my brothers because that would be gross.” She shakes her body, making the plastic raft dance in the water.

I laugh. “Not your brothers, squirt.” I nudge her raft with my foot. I like to call her squirt even though she’s technically older than I am. Only by weeks, but still.

Glancing her way, I witness her shaking her head. “I don’t see why you bother with Hawking, Tessa. He doesn’t give you the time of day. He’s too busy sticking his package into worn out club snatch.”

“I’m gonna marry that boy, I tell ya, Sienna. One day I’m gonna marry him.”

“If you say so.” She shrugs.

“I don’t just say so, I know so. I can feel it in my soul.”

It’s destiny. I don’t care what anyone says.

Tessa

“It’s gonna be killer tonight. The party is supposed to be off the hook,” Sienna says as we leave the mall. The sun is slowly setting in the west allowing the golden glow of the parking lot lights to illuminate the blacktop. The air is still warm even though it’s the beginning of fall, but that’s what we expect in New Mexico.

“Devin said he’ll cover for me, so I don’t have to have someone from the club following us.”

“You mean you.”

“Yeah.” She shrugs. “Whatever.”

“Is that why we don’t have a babysitter now?”

When we aren’t with her brothers, then someone from their MC is with us—except today. Protection, Devin Sr. says. It’s the only way he’ll allow his little girl to have somewhat of a life. Even at the age of twenty, she still has to have someone close by. I don’t pretend to know how it is to live as a daughter of an MC president. My mama has told me time and time again to keep my head down when I’m around the clubhouse or even the members. I’m surprised she’s allowed me to continue my friendship with Sienna all these years.

“Hey, chicas. Que pasa? What’s up?”

My eyes shoot up to a group of guys walking towards us. The lights shine above them, causing dark shadows to fall upon each of their faces. They’re all wearing black leather vests, which only means one thing in these parts—MC club. The hairs on the back of my neck raise, an uneasy feeling comes over me as they continue to get closer. From my peripheral vision, I see more guys surround us.

“Looks like they’re all by their lonesome,” the second guy says as he scans the area.

“Tsk, tsk tsk, where’s your Papi, little lady?” Another guy asks.

Sienna’s hand grabs my wrist. Her nails dig into my skin.

“You’re a pretty little thing, aren’t cha?” Another guy steps closer, taking her hair between his fingers, bringing it to his face before he inhales. “Hmmm… No wonder the Prez has a thing for the Sinclair ladies. They are some fine ass bitches.” He tilts his head back and hoots into the air, making me jump.

“What do you want?” Sienna snaps while I stand there, silent. My heart is pounding within my chest, my blood rushing through my ears.

“Well, that’s a damn good question.” The one who still has Sienna’s hair in his hands answers. He eyes her up and down, licking his lips. Without warning, he tugs on her hair, pulling her body to his. Her back hits his chest, making her yelp. “Now, now, little lady. Let’s keep this little exchange quiet, shall we?” he speaks in her ear, while he stares at me. Slowly I watch as his hand comes up and squeezes her breast. Tears instantly form in her eyes before they roll down her cheeks.

“You aren’t a Sinclair, are you?” The voice coming from the left asks me.

Turning my head, a man stands next to me. His eyes are crazed as he takes in my body. I start to shudder in fear as he runs his fingers up and down my arm. Sienna’s cries are muffled. I shake my head no.