Chapter 3

~death~

I couldn't fucking believe what I was seeing and hearing—the pretty redhead was the prez's sister.

I watched as she continued to stare at me until I finally took my eyes off of her.

I heard the prez talking to her. "Okay, Vick. I'll see you later. The guys will make sure you're straight." He then turned back to us. "Okay, you bunch of dipshits, I don't want to see any of you messing around with my sister. If I see it, consider your life forfeited."

And at his words, I could only say, "Fuck!" as I stared at her.

With that, the prez left and headed back toward his office. The rest of the guys began to disperse. I quickly got up and was about to head out until I felt a pair of eyes on me.

Glancing behind me, I noticed her watching me as I headed toward the exit. Just as I was about to open the door, I felt a pair of slim hands grab my wrist.

"Um, excuse me, Death, was it?"

I turned around, facing her again. Her eyes were searching, a mix of curiosity and determination. "Yeah, that's me," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

She bit her lip for a moment before speaking again. "I... I know this might sound weird, but can you tell me more about the club?

I glanced around, seeing some of the guys watching us with interest. "Look, you'll figure it out," I said curtly. "Just stick close to your brother and stay out of trouble."

She looked taken aback by my dismissive tone but recovered quickly. "I understand, but I thought—"

"Listen," I cut her off, my voice firm. "I've got things to do. You want a tour, ask someone else."

I turned to leave, feeling the weight of her eyes on my back. The rest of the guys were watching, knowing full well what I was capable of and why I kept my distance. I wasn't about to get involved in something that could complicate things, especially not with the prez's sister.

Just as I was about to open the door, I heard her voice again, softer this time. "Thanks anyway, Death."

I nodded without turning around and walked out, leaving her standing there.

I hopped on my old girl, Devil Raiser. She might be an old Triumph, but she could still raise hell. As I listened to her motor purr, I took off, the roar of the engine a temporary escape from my thoughts.

But my mind was a jumbled mess. I couldn't stop thinking about the prez's sister. And I knew it would be my death if he found out I was thinking about her in the first place.

"Fuck, fuck," I cursed out loud. "What the hell am I going to do?"

She was staying around the club, and that meant I'd be seeing her more often. Her presence was already stirring up feelings I didn't want to confront. It wasn't just the danger of getting involved with the prez's sister. It was me. I was too damaged for someone like her.

Even if, by some miracle, we got involved, it wouldn't work. I had too much blood on my hands, too many demons. She was fresh, a breath of something good in a place filled with darkness. I couldn't drag her down with me.

As I sped down the road, the wind whipping past me, I tried to push the thoughts away. But they clung to me like shadows. I needed to focus, to keep my distance. For her sake and mine.

But deep down, I knew it wouldn't be that easy. She was already under my skin, and that scared the hell out of me.

I pulled up to my favorite diner, a little ways from Westbrook but close enough for whenever the club needed me. Devil Raiser's engine quieted as I parked, the familiar neon sign flickering in the evening light. This place had always been my sanctuary, a spot where I could clear my head.

As I walked inside, the familiar smell of greasy food and coffee greeted me. I took a seat in my usual booth, nodding to the waitress who knew my order by heart.

I needed this time to think. Being away from the clubhouse, away from her, gave me a moment to breathe. But even here, my thoughts were a tangled mess.

I knew what I needed to do—keep my distance, stay focused on the job. But the image of her red hair and those piercing eyes kept invading my mind. It was a dangerous distraction, one I couldn't afford. If Nick ever found out, it wouldn't just be my ass on the line; it could jeopardize everything.

As the waitress set a cup of coffee in front of me, I sighed, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. "Get a grip, Death," I muttered to myself. I had to find a way to shut these feelings down. No matter how much she intrigued me, I couldn't let my guard down. Not now, not ever.