“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” she peered closely at his jacket, “Spade? When did you get that name?”
“It’s a closely guarded secret,” he replied huskily, her closeness throwing him off.
“Ah, bikers’ secrets.” She stepped back and her sexy perfumed scent drifted away as well.
He inhaled, trying to catch it one more time. He nodded toward his car. “Let’s go. I know a nice Italian restaurant near here.”
“Is there any other kind?”
“Nope.”
And just like that, they slid into the banter and routines they had shared in high school. It was as if they hadn’t spent any time apart. Luke took her to a restaurant Hades’ Spawn frequented and several club members were there. He greeted them, but then moved to a corner booth with Emily, which gave the bikers a clear signal he wanted to be left alone.
They shared a pizza, and laughed and joked about old times, avoiding talking about the accident and anything after. They were laughing over her learning to drive when a shadow fell over their table. Luke glanced up.
A thin blonde man stood over them. Emily’s laughter cut off and her face grew tense as she pressed her back against the booth.
“Whath do we haf ’ere?” the man slurred.
“Evan,” said Emily tightly, “go home.”
He didn’t budge. He jerked his head at Luke. “Who the fuck is this?”
“None of your business, Evan.”
Luke held his tongue but his hands curled into fists under the table. It took everything not to throw a left hook at the asshole.
“You giving it to this biker? Hades’ Spawn, ugly-ass shit.” Evan spat on the ground. “You’re a fucking slut.”
“What?” A look of shock and horror spread over her face.
Evan glared at Luke. “She sucking your dick, too?”
Luke got out of the booth and stood eye to eye with Evan. As he did so, other club members got out of their seats and walked towards Luke. “Time to go, buddy.” He wanted to deck the guy now but knew better than to do it in the restaurant, or in front of Emily.
“Fuck off. I’m not your buddy.” Evan pushed Luke’s hand away. “You gonna try and make me leave?” he jeered.
“No. My friends will.” Luke nodded in the direction of the four jacketed club members who stood glaring at Evan.
Evan took a look at the grim-faced men and his face blanched. “Fuck,” he mumbled under his breath. “Whatever. Emily, if that’s how you want it. I’ll see you in court.” Evan walked quickly towards the door.
Luke took a step to go after him.
“Don’t. Please, Luke.” Emily’s soft voice stopped him.
He turned to the club members. “Thanks guys.” He took that moment to calm himself and hide the anger from Emily.
“No problem.” They went back to their tables.
Luke turned back to Emily, who looked to be on the edge of a nervous breakdown. He slid in next to her and put his arm around her. “That the asshole who’s been bothering you?”
“Yeah.” She let out a shaky breath. “He’s been making phone calls to my attorney since I filed a police report against him. I get the feeling I’m watched sometimes. Guess it was more than a feeling.”
Luke reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Don’t worry. I won’t let that guy bother you again.”
“Luke, please, don’t get involved.” She pulled her hand from his. “This is my problem.”
He wanted to tell her nothing of hers was just her problem, but he didn’t want to push too hard, seeing this was their first date in ten years. But the guy was an asshole looking for trouble. Luke knew the type. “Okay, if that’s how you want it. But,” he said and waited for her to look him in the eye. “If you need anything, anything, I’m here for you.”