sure how Falcon felt about his loyalty to the other president, even though both clubs were governed by the mother club.
"I've been on the road and haven't had enough time to decide," he said.
"Why don't you sit in on the meeting tomorrow at three o'clock." Falcon paused. "We're having general business before the officers sit down privately. You can get a feel for the members."
"Yeah, I might do that. Thanks."
"Well, whenever you want to discuss your options, let me know." Falcon pushed off the table, slapped both men on the shoulder, and went inside.
Buck held out a joint. Dutch took a hit and passed it back. "Good shit."
"Yeah." Buck stretched his arms. "I heard you're related to Skull."
"Brother-in-law."
"No, shit?" Buck chuckled. "I know your sister."
He knew where the conversation was headed. Many of the men had no problems switching ladies for the night. At one time, he had no problem seeking pleasure from anyone who offered, but that was then. "Touch Marla Marie, and you're dead."
Buck's amusement faded. "Keep her happy, man."
His MC brother slapped Dutch's arm and went back inside. He finished the cigarette he'd started.
Peering across the darkness, knowing a field and the highway separated him from the house, it seemed like a lifetime had passed since Marla Marie ran away from him, and he'd tracked her down.
He still questioned if he was doing the right thing by her.
He'd given her time to learn on her own what she wanted in life, and she'd stayed loyal to him—something he hadn't expected but would admit he knew she would do all along. That's why he'd given her freedom.
It would've killed him if he'd lost her.
Tossing his cigarette to the ground, he stubbed the coal out with his boot and went inside. He found Marla Marie behind the counter, talking with Mike, who sat on a barstool.
He took the seat beside his MC brother.
"We were just talking about you." Marla Marie retrieved a plate with a hamburger and fries and set the food down in front of him. "I told him the very first time we met, you served me this very same thing."
Every detail of their past was fresh in his mind. He picked up the burger. "Where's your food?"
She held up a cup with a straw. "I eat burgers all the time, so I got a milkshake."
"They should pay you for working tonight," said Mike.
"I only fetched our food." She laughed. "Dutch doesn't even have to tip me."
"You'll get your tip tonight." He cocked his brow.
Mike chuckled and got off the stool. "I'll let you folks eat. I need to see if I can kick someone's ass in pool."
"I'd see if Jeffrey wants to play you." She stole a fry off Dutch's plate. "Just sayin'."
Once Mike walked away, she whispered, "Jeffrey sucks at pool. I even beat him."
He eyed her dipping her fry in the chocolate milkshake, and shook his head. That was the craziest thing he'd ever seen. But at least she was eating.
"We've never played pool together." She dipped another fry, coating it with ice cream. "Do you want to play a game when we finish?"
"No." He stretched over the counter and kissed the dot of ice cream off her lip. "I plan on taking you home and getting you all worked up the way you've done me tonight."
She giggled, picking up the milkshake and smiling with the straw in her mouth. "Oh, sounds fun."
Little flirt. He finished his meal in record time.
Looping his arm around her shoulders, he walked her out to his Harley. He handed her the helmet.
She latched the strap through the D-ring. "Is it weird having me on the back of your motorcycle?"
He sat the bike and scooted back, patting his lap. "Let's try it with you in front like you did when you were little."
"I get to steer?" She put her foot on the peg.
He stopped her from getting on that way and picked her up, putting her on his lap, facing him. "You're not a kid anymore. You can face me."
"Backward?" She gawked at him.
"Cuddle up, Marla Marie."
She wrapped her legs around his waist and slid her hands around his back. Small enough, her helmet stayed low enough, he could see over the top. He started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot.
Marla Marie held on, squealing when he revved the engine. She couldn't see how slow they were going. She just enjoyed the ride.
And, he was happy to share what he loved with her.
Chapter 31
A CHILD'S CRY