CHAPTER 3

Zara

It was exactly one week after I first walked into Marie’s Cafe when I first laid eyes on him. I’d been wiping down a table when he strolled through the front door wearing nothing but running shoes, gym shorts and a tank. I’m pretty sure I drooled. I mean, who wouldn’t? He was over six feet tall, with ink-covered broad shoulders and a jawline that begged to be nibbled on. My attention dropped to his biceps when they flexed as he closed the door behind him. I’d always had a thing for well-defined, muscular arms, and his were divine.

He glanced around the room and when his gaze caught mine, one side of his mouth kicked up in a little smile. Heat raced over my cheeks as I jerked my focus down to the table that, despite being spotless, I was still wiping. Fuck! He’d caught me ogling him. I hoped Marie hadn’t seen. That woman would tease me for days over it.

I kept him in the corner of my vision as I moved onto another table. He strolled up to the counter with a swagger that was filled with confidence. He must work at the gym down the street, with what he was wearing. Marie greeted him with a smile and within minutes he was moving toward me. My heart skipped a beat.

“Hi. You must be the new girl everyone is talking about. What’s your name, darlin’?”

My face heated again and I suddenly felt like I was a fifteen-year-old girl stumbling to talk to my first crush.

“Ah, hi. I’m Cl—Zara.” I winced. I was so nervous, I nearly said Claire. I couldn’t risk that. In the week I’d been here, I hadn’t gotten the impression anyone had clued in to my real identity. Thankfully, Marie hadn’t recognized the name when we did all the paperwork that first day, either.

Before he could say another word, I rushed off toward the counter. I knew full well I was being a coward but honestly, I didn’t care. The man was causing all sorts of havoc inside my mind and body, and I didn’t need that right now. I needed to keep a nice, low profile that didn’t attract any attention. Maybe after a couple of years I could spread my wings some, and date a man or something. Once the Iron Hammers had forgotten all about me.

“Oh, girl, looks like you gained another fan in that one.”

I gave Marie a puzzled look. “What do you mean?”

“Mac. He’s watching every move you make. Which is funny as hell, after the way you blushed and ran off on him just now.”

I rolled my eyes. Of course she’d seen it. “I’m a new face, that’s all. A lot of men have introduced themselves to me this week—women, too.”

Marie smirked at me. “That, they have. A few of those men have even looked about as hungry as Mac there does. Been great for business.” She winked at me when I glared at her. “Here, take his order to him. Maybe try to talk to the man. You could do worse than that one.”

With a frown, I took in Marie’s now carefully blank expression. “Why are you pushing me so hard at a man?”

“Oh, sugar. So many reasons. Mainly because you look like you could use your world being rocked. And a man built like that? He’d most definitely rock your world. And if you hook up with a local, you’ll hang around and keep working for me.”

Shaking my head, I took the tray that Marie had sat a coffee and piece of pie on. Looks like I was going to have to put my big girl panties on, and try to sound like a functioning adult. It shouldn’t be too hard. After all, I was a thirty-two-year-old woman. It wasn’t like I was in high school anymore.

With a deep breath, I turned and headed back toward Mac. He was sitting with his back to the wall, and his ice-blue eyes followed my every step. My skin prickled as I reached his side.

“Here you go.”

I carefully set the coffee mug and plate of pie in front of him, before adding the wrapped cutlery beside it.

“Thanks, Zara. I don’t suppose you’re due for a break any time soon? It’s not much fun to eat alone.”

Before I could respond, the cafe door opened, and three big men dressed in Charon MC vests strolled in, including the one who’d winked at me on my first day. My whole body froze as fear raced through my system when they headed straight for me. Did they know who I was? Were they going to hand me over to the Iron Hammers?

“Hey, Zara, you okay? You’ve gone pale all the sudden.”

I tried to smile, to pretend like everything was okay but couldn’t quite pull it off. When the men got to us, they all pulled out seats to join Mac, all the while giving me odd looks. I took a deep breath, and tried again to plaster on a smile.

“No problem. Just got a little dizzy there for a moment. Looks like you’re all set to not eat alone now, so I’ll leave you be.”

I turned tail and barely resisted the urge to sprint back to the counter, where I found Marie laughing openly at me. Bitch.

“It’s not funny.”

“Oh, sugar. It truly is. And if you want, you can take five to sit with him. We’ve got some time before the lunch crowd starts coming in.”

I glared at her as I went over to the coffee machine to give it a wipe-down it didn’t really need. But it got me away from the counter before Mac’s buddies came up to order. I didn’t care how many people told me the Charon MC was good, I couldn’t afford to risk them being wrong. What if the Charons had some secret deal with the Iron Hammers? And if they discovered who I was, they’d hand me over to keep the other club out of their town. Anything was possible with a club that could get away with shooting up a cafe in broad daylight.

Marie took pity on me and took the bikers their orders, saving me from having to act like they didn’t scare the piss out of me. She’d seen on my first day how I didn’t like Harleys or their riders and for the most part, she allowed me to get away with not interacting with any bikers that came in. When she came back to the counter, I frowned at her.

“Hey, Marie, if you knew Mac was a Charon, why’d you send me over with his order?”

Marie moved to stand right by me. “Because, Zara, you need to get over your fear of them if you wanna make a life here in Bridgewater. I figured with Mac not wearing his cut you might feel relaxed enough to chat with him. Realize that underneath it all, they’re just men.”

“A cut? What the hell is that?”

She chuckled at me again. “The leather vest they wear. It has their club logo and name on the back, and their name and other stuff on the front. They call that their cut.” She patted her palm on my shoulder. “Don’t worry, sugar. Even if you do keep trying to avoid them, you’ll soon pick up on how they speak.”

The woman had this glint in her eye that had me a little concerned, but before I could quiz her any further, Mac came up to us, ending that particular conversation.

“Hey, Marie. I forgot to ask you earlier—can I put this up on the bulletin board?”

“Well now, that all depends on what it’s for.”

“It’s for the gym. For the self-defense for women class we’re starting next week.”

When Marie took the piece of paper from Mac to read it over, Mac turned his gaze on me.

“You should come, Zara. It’ll help boost your self-confidence, knowing you can take care of yourself.”

Oh, sure. Going to hang out in a gym with a bunch of bikers was going to help me feel safe.

“Maybe one day.”

I didn’t want to say no and have him and Marie keep at me until I changed my mind.

“I’d love to see you there, and I’m serious about it being a great confidence builder.”

I turned back to the coffee machine, busying myself until Mac stepped away toward the bulletin board.

“It might be a good idea, sugar. I don’t know what you’re running from, but I know it’s something that makes you panic whenever you see anything even remotely club-related. Learning a few moves couldn’t hurt.”

“I’ll think about it, okay?”

My hand trembled when I lifted it a moment later to pull down a mug to fill. Dammit. I hadn’t realized Marie had seen through me. Of course, I probably should have. She had that whole motherly-vibe thing going on, which included seeing shit she wasn’t supposed to. And it wasn’t like I hadn’t been as obvious as hell, freezing up whenever I saw or heard anything to do with a Harley.

I needed to be more careful.

Mac

Zara intrigued me. She’d been all sweet blushes and stammered words until my club brothers came in. The moment Taz, Eagle and Arrow had entered the place, she’d nearly passed out, before scampering away. Guess she didn’t like bikers for some reason. I had no idea why, but I suddenly needed to find out.

I found myself watching her as she worked. She was a pretty little thing. Wide, hazel eyes, pale skin with a few freckles. She’d pulled her long, reddish-blonde hair back into a braid that hung down her back. I couldn’t help but wonder how it’d look loose, spread over her bare tits as she rode me.

That thought had me hard as a fucking rock. Dammit. I shifted my legs under the table, making sure my lower half stayed out of sight. Not like my gym shorts were gonna hide the fact my cock was hard as steel. I picked up my cup and took another mouthful of coffee, enjoying the bitter brew. Marie certainly knew what made a good cup of java.

It didn’t take long for my thoughts to wander back to Zara. I couldn’t help but smirk at how much of a little coward she’d been a short while ago, hiding behind the coffee machine so she wouldn’t have to serve my brothers when they went up to order. Funny thing was, for everyone else she’d been open and friendly. The fact she was even all smiles for the male customers had me thinking her issue was with the club, not with men in general. What the hell could have happened? The Charon MC never hurt women, at least not that I knew about.

“Are you even listening, Mac? Or am I just talking for the fucking hell of it?”

I turned my attention from the little waitress to Arrow, the club treasurer. “Sorry, man. What did you say?”

“I was saying how you were spot-on with the gym renovation. It won’t take long at all to cover the costs of doing up the fucking joint, then we’ll be making bank. But you don’t give a shit, do you?”

I raised an eyebrow at him. “Of course I fucking give a shit. I’d be pretty pissed if we’d done all that work at my suggestion, only for it to fall flat and not benefit the club.”

I’ll be even more pissed if the classes don’t take off. That was the real reason I’d offered to take on the remodel. My gaze caught on Zara again. She’d been watching us, but jerked around when I caught her. She could really use a class or two–dozen. If she knew she could take care of herself, she wouldn’t have to act like a scared rabbit.

“Yeah, but you care more about the hot piece of ass over there. The one that scurried away like a mouse when we came in. Did we cock block you, bro?”

The smirk on the man’s face indicated he didn’t give a shit if he had.

“Yeah, I was totally planning on bending her over the table and taking her before you bastards came in and ruined things.” I gave him an eye roll. “This ain’t the clubhouse. I’m curious about her. There’s something going on with her that I can’t figure out, that’s all.”

Arrow continued to smirk as he nudged Taz. “Your habits are rubbing off on your buddy, brother.”

Taz barked out a laugh. “Nah, mate. Mac’s just sitting there trying to hide his fucking hard-on. If I were him, I’d have her out back, already helping me relieve the issue.”

I highly doubted that. Sure, Taz buried himself in random sex regularly, but never outside the clubhouse. No way would he touch a woman like Zara unless he intended to keep her. And I couldn’t see Taz settling down with one woman any time soon.

Arrow shook his head with a chuckle. “Yeah, doubt Marie would like either one of you acting out that suggestion.” His expression turned serious as he focused in on me. “You planning on going after her? Probably should have Keys check her out if you are. Because, brother, that woman doesn’t look like the kind you fuck and throw away. That, right there, is old lady material.”

I nearly choked on my final mouthful of coffee.

“How would you know that? She’s like any other girl.”

Fuck, that was such a lie. I already knew she was special. Arrow shook his head. “Nope, she ain’t. You can see it in her eyes. True, she avoids us best she can, but when she’s forced to serve us? She holds strong, chin up and does her job. I’ve looked into that girl’s eyes. She ain’t no shallow bitch that’ll suck your cock in the parking lot just because you’re wearing colors. Nope, that one there is a full-on Miss Independent. Crack that shell of hers and you better wanna keep what you find inside for a long time.”

I sat back, stunned.

“Guess I know how you got your name.”

Bastard actually winked at me. “I shoot straight. Won’t blow smoke up your ass. I’ll catch you boys later.” With that, the man stood, and with a rap of his knuckles on the table, strolled out.

Taz let out a low whistle. “Well, there you go. So, Mac, you looking to settle down like Eagle here? She’s certainly pretty. Just need to work out what the fuck’s up with her and bikers. Any ideas?”

I relaxed into my seat. I was good with all my Charon brothers, but I’d known Eagle and Taz for over a decade. Our bond was stronger, and they knew nearly everything about me. Neither of them knew about my sister. But that was about the only thing I’d kept from them.

“No fucking clue. But watch her, she doesn’t have an issue talking to male customers, and she was fine with me until you assholes walked in wearing your cuts. It’s a biker thing, not a man thing. And how the fuck should I know if I want to claim the damn woman? Only met her today and we’ve barely spoken more than a handful of words, so all you fucking cupids need to settle the fuck down, okay?”

Taz raised his palms in surrender. “Whoa, mate. Settle down, it was just a question.” He cleared his throat and glanced around the cafe before he leaned in and spoke again. “Speaking of questions–I’ve got Mr. Smith on my case about this shooting. Wants to know anything we can dig up.”

Mr. Smith was the very original, very fake name of our FBI handler. The handler who’d somehow allowed the L.A. mob to discover the information we’d given him about them a month or so back. Since then all three of us were wary about telling the Feds anything.

“Did he tell you anything?”

“That they had an eyewitness finger the Iron Hammers for the Galveston shooting, and that she’s disappeared.”

Eagle leaned in. “Why the hell are the Feds even on this case?”

Taz shrugged a shoulder. “The way Mr. Smith tells it, the fact one of the bodies left behind was a Satan’s Cowboy is enough to have the Feds in the mix.”

I sat back and folded my arms over my chest. “I don’t like it. Them being involved this early on in the case stinks to me.”

Eagle nodded. “Wouldn’t surprise me if the Cowboys had an inside guy, or guys, with the Feds. Especially after the way the bastards let slip to the mob what we gave them. We don’t have anything to give them on this one yet, but we need to decide what we’re going to do if that changes.”

I nodded. “With both the Feds and Scout suspecting the witness will head this way, there’s a good chance she’ll end up here sooner or later. Did Mr. Smith give you details on the witness? Scout only had the name Claire Flynn and the fact she’s strawberry-blonde, whatever the hell color that is, with hazel eyes.”

Taz shook his head. “Bastard didn’t even give me a name. When I asked, he told me I must be confused, because it’s us that gives him information, not the other way around. Bastard.”

I clenched and stretched out my fingers a few times, thinking. “I don’t want to give them anything. They’ve already proven they’re fucking dirty, and if the club finds out we’re ratting them out? We’ll end up like Runt.”

Runt had been a spy sent into the Charons by the Iron Hammers. Poor bastard got pinned with the blame for giving the Feds the shit we did. I didn’t feel too guilty over it though, because the little shit had been funneling all sorts of information he shouldn’t have to the Hammers for years.

“I’m with you, brother. I don’t want to give the Feds another word of information. But I don’t think we can just go radio silence on them and they’ll go away.”

I ran a hand over the back of my neck. “I know. But that’s a problem for another day. Like Eagle pointed out, at this stage, we don’t have shit to tell them about it, anyway.”

I checked my watch. “Fuck. I gotta run. I should have already been back at the gym. I’ll talk to you two later.”