A pool table sits not too far from the couches and there’s a group of men surrounding it. Most of them have beers in hand and they’re loud, laughing and clapping each other on the back. I don’t know how the woman on the couch is possibly able to hear her show.
In the far corner, there’s a full bar, with liquor for years lining the wall. There’s at least a dozen bar stools, half of which are currently occupied. A short woman with curly black hair is manning the bar, a wicked smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye.
Off to the side of the bar, there’s an open door and I can see a set of stairs inside of the alcove.
There’s people all over the room and as I continue to look around the place, one thing sticks out to me.
Iron Skulls MC.
The same symbol that was on the front gates sits on the back jacket of most of the men inside. And I even notice a few women wearing the jackets, theirs reading Property Of above varying names.
Bones, Lunge… one even said Bandaid.
“We’re at a barbeque for a motorcycle club?” I say, turning my head to look up at Giovanni who’s standing a few feet away from me.
“Yes,” he answers shortly, “Come.” He gestures for me to follow him and I do so, clinging even closer when I realize that Maximo and Enzo are no longer with us. I hadn’t even seen them dip off.
Never thought I’d see the day that I’d be using Giovanni for protection.
Giovanni walks up to one of the men who turns around and gives him a wide smile. “Gio,” he says, taking Giovanni’s hand and slapping him on the back in a bro hug that seems so weird to watch Giovanni exchange.
It’s so… improper, and much too fucking friendly. I’m pretty sure I’ve never even seen him hug his brother before.
“Hollow,” Giovanni says and his lips tilt up a little. It’s not quite a smile, but I figure it’s the closest Giovanni will get to one that doesn’t have malice in it. “It’s good to see you, old friend, thank you for the invite.”
“Of course, we’ve got a lot of catching up to do.” The man’s smile is wide and genuine and I can’t help but to take him in while he’s distracted.
He’s beautiful, but there’s also this edge to him with his salt and pepper beard, blue eyes, and sharp nose. His black hair falls to his shoulders, the sides cut shorter than the top. He’s wearing a plain black shirt under his black leather vest. Black ink covers his right arm.
My eyes stop on the patch that sits under the Irone Bones MC symbol.
President.
There aren’t any motorcycle clubs in the city, something that I’m sure has to do with the mob families. But even I know what that title means.
We’re staring at the most powerful man in this club.
And his eyes are flicking toward me, curious.
“Hello there,” he drawls out, his brow creasing. He looks up to Giovanni before his gaze moves back over to me. “Who do we have here?” he asks.
“This is Winter,” Giovanni says before I can introduce myself.
“Winter,” Hollow seems to test my name out on his tongue before he holds out a hand to me. I look at the calloused fingers before sliding mine between his. They’re rough and warm but he keeps his grip gentle. “Nice to meet you.”
I decide the man seems far too friendly for a motorcycle club president, but there doesn’t seem to be any underlying motives as he continues to smile at me. And his eyes don’t stray from my face, unlike a couple of men around the pool table, their eyes stuck on my chest.
The romper that I’m wearing isn’t even that low cut, but I can’t help but to shift uncomfortably.
Hollow’s smile falls and he releases my hand. He turns around, waving a hand at the men. “Be respectful,” he says and the way his tone has dropped an octave or two, the menace in his voice clear, has me realizing I was wrong.
This is definitely a dangerous man in charge.
I swallow.
“Everyone is out back,” he says, returning his attention to us and lightening his voice slightly. “If I’m not mistaken, I saw Abramo and his sister come in earlier. I think someone has already had to get his kid off the roof twice.” He rolls his eyes but there’s amusement in his tone.
“I’m unsurprised,” Giovanni says. “I hear his offspring is more of a hellion than he is.”