after you’ve been drinking.” I motioned my hand towards her purse as I ordered, “Get your stuff, and I’ll drive you home.”
“Okay. If you’re sure you don’t mind.”
“Don’t mind at all.”
While Frankie gathered her things, I sent a text to Danny, telling him to pick me up at Frankie’s. As soon as she was ready, I helped her lock up, and then, we headed out to the parking lot. When we got out to her car, I held out my hand, “Keys?”
“We’re taking my car?”
“Yeah. Figured you’d need it tomorrow.”
“I do, but how are you going to get home?”
“I got it covered.”
She handed me her keys, and minutes later, we were on our way. Frankie was quiet, too quiet, and she wouldn’t even look at me. I could only assume she was having some regrets about our night together. I couldn’t blame her for having reservations. Hell, I had plenty of my own. I thought tonight would’ve put an end to the pull I felt towards her, but instead, I felt more drawn to her than ever. I didn’t know what the fuck was going on with me. Fuck. I’d spent my entire life making sure I didn’t get wrapped up in some woman, and now, Frankie had me doubting everything. The problem was Frankie wasn’t just some woman. She was special. I could tell that from the moment I laid eyes on her. I glanced over to her as I asked, “You doing alright over there?”
“Um-hmm. Just a little tired.” She rolled her head to the side so she was facing me. “I’m a bit of a lightweight when it comes to drinking.”
“I see that.” I chuckled as I told her, “You’ll need to drink some water and take a few Tylenol before bed.”
“Definitely.” Her focus went back to the road ahead. After several moments, she looked back at me with an odd expression. “Mind if I ask you a question?”
“Depends on the question.”
“What makes a person decide to join a motorcycle club?”
“It’s different for everyone. For some, it’s nothing more than having a group to ride with. For others, it’s about the brotherhood.”
“And for you?”
“The brotherhood.”
She considered my answer, then asked, “So, why the Ruthless Sinners? Why not some other club?”
“First, the Ruthless Sinners aren’t just any motorcycle club. They’re in a league of their own. Not a club around who can hold a candle to them.”
“You don’t think you’re being a little prejudiced (or biased?) there?”
“Maybe, but I have good reason to be. The Sinners are my family. They have my back, and I have theirs. That kind of loyalty and respect isn’t easily given, so when we call a man a brother, we mean it.”
“These men really mean a lot to you, don’t they?”
“They’re my family.”
“But they seem so secretive. I mean, everyone’s seen you guys riding around the city, but no one really knows much about you—just the rumors that come around now and then, but you never really know if any of that is true.”
“That’s the way we want it.” I turned my focus back to the road as I told her, “Our secrets keep our loved ones safe.”
“I’m not sure I’m following.”
“Club business is club business. We don’t discuss it with anyone. Not even our ol’ ladies. We believe the less you know, the safer you will be.”
Her brows furrowed. “I’m not sure I agree with that. I’d think if I was an ol’ lady or whatever, I’d want to know if something was going on or if something was wrong. That way I could be prepared.”
“It would be our job to be prepared and do whatever it takes to keep you safe. Not yours.”
We continued the rest of the drive in silence, and I could see that Frankie was deep in thought about our conversation. As we got to her place, I was slightly disappointed to see that Danny was already there waiting on me. I was hoping I’d have an excuse to spend a little more time with her. I pulled up in her driveway and killed the engine. As I handed her the keys, I asked, “You need any help getting inside?”
“No, I’m okay.” She glanced over at me, then her eyes immediately skirted over to the passenger window. “I won’t be seeing you again, will I?”
I thought for a moment, hoping I might come up with the right thing to say to her when she suddenly held up her hand and said, “You know what? Don’t say anything. Let’s