Bash (Kings of Carnage MC #1) - Sapphire Knight Page 0,11

was dead. It felt surreal. Eventually, the reality sank in, and the grief came crashing down along with it. My dad was an amazing guy, and his loss completely devastated me.

I hadn’t given much thought to dating anyone. I’ve been so caught up in my own head, that no one has captured my interest. Until now, anyhow. Bash certainly made a lasting impression on me. I guess meeting over a traumatic experience will do that to you, though, where you instantly forge a type of bond. Maybe that’s why I feel so comfortable around the man. Well, I’m nervous, but he doesn’t intimidate me as, I’m assuming, he does to most. If the club and the guys in it are terrible like my coworker implied, then Bash has to be pretty twisted, I’d imagine, to hold the spot of vice president. I took in his patches closely yesterday, trying to figure out what half of them could mean. I didn’t ask, and I won’t…until we know each other better. But now, my curiosity is skyrocketing.

I’d almost eagerly made a deal with Bash that we’d have lunch together instead of me paying him. I plan to stick with my word. I told him I’d find a way to prove to him that it means something. I completely ruined his expensive motorcycle, and eating lunch with him is the least I can do—whether he’s scary to some people or not. I don’t think he is, but rather, he’s handsome and a bit flirty. Lord knows I can’t spend years attempting to pay him back at this rate, and I’m not so sure he’d be too keen on that scenario either. Maybe this all happened for some odd reason that I can’t explain right now like it was fate. This man came into my life unexpectedly, and I have to find out why. I just hope it’s not to end up selling me to some sex trafficker.

“Savannah Mae?” My name’s called through the bathroom door, and I shut the water off. It’d been running the entire time I stood there staring in the mirror thinking of Bash. I meant to wash my hands and face, something to break up the thoughts of Bash, but I ended up getting sucked further into them. Somehow that doesn’t surprise me, I’m sure it’s easy getting drawn into all things that have to do with the sexy outlaw MC member.

I clear my throat, replying stronger than before. “Sorry, Mary Ellen, I’ll be right out.”

“Okay, sweetheart. Speaking of those bikers, you were just asking me about…”

I crack the door, peeking at her through the few inches of space. “Yes, ma’am?”

She leans in and whispers conspiratorially. “One of them just came in, asking for a to-go order.”

My eyes widen, and I inhale deeply. I step out into the tiny hallway that leads from the restrooms back into the small diner. I can’t help but wonder, or to hope, “W-was it Bash?”

“Says his name is Sly. I didn’t ask for anything else. Not trying to have trouble pointed in my direction if you know what I mean.”

Swallowing, I nod. “All right, then. Let’s get out there before he thinks anything of us being back here for too long.”

She follows along, and as we step out of the hallway, I see the man she’d mentioned. It’d be hard not to miss him. Not only is he the only guy in here, but he’s gorgeous. He’s got short hair and a closely-cut beard to match; both are dark. His scruff reminds me of Bash’s. That’s not what sticks out the most, though…it’s the ink on his neck and left arm. The artwork is beautiful. Mary Ellen and I go behind the counter to our station, and the biker glances up. I briefly meet his light green stare, the color reminding me of a Granny Smith apple and offer a friendly smile.

“Do you need to-go silverware or any extra sauces with your order?” I ask as Mary Ellen skedaddles back over to her condiments, keeping to herself. She’s probably thrilled I’ve questioned the biker if he needs anything, so she doesn’t have to extend that courtesy.

“Mayo and ketchup. Can’t keep either around with the brothers always eating my shit.” He’s not rude or grouchy. Sly’s the opposite, actually, and I find myself smiling wider. Is it just a coincidence that I’d never see any of these bikers in here, and the day after I have lunch with Bash, another just happens to walk