I laughed because I had no clue about anything to do with cars besides putting in gas, checking the windshield washer fluid and tire pressure, and changing a tire. I confessed that to them as we walked toward the other men.

  “You’re further ahead than most women and a lot of men. Of course, if everyone knew what to do, we’d be out of business,” Handler confessed.

  We stopped in front of the group watching us. Tyrant made the introductions. “Lakelyn, these are our mechanics—Dutton, Everett, Kev, and Jesse. Guys, this is Lakelyn.”

  “Hello, it’s nice to meet you guys,” I told them.

  I received nods and chin lifts. I saw them checking me out. They had no idea who I was to Tyrant.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, too, Lakelyn. Gotta say, we don’t see anything as beautiful as you in here. How do you know Tyrant and Handler?” Jesse asked.

  I wondered what I should say since Tyrant hadn’t told them what I was to him.

  Before Tyrant could answer, the one called Kev popped in, “I gotta say, she’s an improvement over the women you usually have at the club. But why bring her to work with you?”

  I heard Handler groan a second before Tyrant moved forward. The expression on his face told me he was about to punch Kev. I grabbed his arm and tried to hold him back. Kev stepped back in alarm.

  “I’m gonna knock your teeth down your throat,” Tyrant snarled.

  “Whoa, what did I do?” Kev asked, holding up his hands.

  “You called Lakelyn a slut! Look at her. Does she look like one of the club sluts? Hell no, she doesn’t. Jesse knew that,” Tyrant snapped.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know. Is she your sister or something? You’ve never mentioned one,” Kev said in a panic.

  “Shut up while you’re still alive, moron,” Handler hissed.

  “She’s not my sister. Lakelyn is the one I hope will soon be my old lady. That is, if dumbasses like you and your stupid remark don’t send her running. Christ, we’ve never brought a slut to the garage. Bébé, I’m sorry. Ignore him,” Tyrant said as he turned back to pull me into his arms.

  “Old lady?” Kev asked.

  Dutton was the one to answer him. “Jesus, learn the lingo, man. You work for a club. I know you haven’t been here long, but it’s been long enough to know they don’t bring women here, and what an old lady is. He means she’ll be his biker wife. Men like him kill people for insulting their women.”

  I watched Kev pale and gulp. I knew I needed to cut the tension. “Kev, don’t feel bad. I had no idea what an old lady was, either. When he said it to me, I thought he was insulting me. He was lucky I didn’t deck him. I’m learning the lingo, too.”

  The others chuckled at this remark, but Tyrant didn’t. I held onto him and rubbed my hand up and down his chest.

  “Tyrant, fuck, I mean, shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you or her. I swear, I didn’t.” Kev said the last part to me hastily.

  “That’s alright. It was an honest mistake. Tyrant is showing me around the various businesses. I’m curious as to what each one does. Don’t let us disturb your work. I’m unsure how long we’ll be here, but if you need him to work on something, let Tyrant know. I’d never expect him to ignore it for me. I can entertain myself.”

  My unconcerned tone helped ease the tension. After a few more remarks, the guys dispersed to get back to work. I went with Handler and Tyrant to meet the woman who worked at the front counter. Ruby booked appointments, answered phones, and took payments.

  Entering the lobby area, I saw a customer seated there. It was a young woman with a toddler. The boy was playing with the toys in a corner. At least they thought of that to keep kids entertained. I wondered if it was Ruby’s idea. As for Ruby, she was a woman in her early thirties. She was pretty, with medium-length blonde hair and extensive low-lights. Her smile was genuine when she saw the men. When she spotted me, I saw it dim a little. She was checking me out. I could see the question racing through her mind. Who is this chick? I hoped she wouldn’t think I was a slut, as Kev did. We halted on the customer’s side of the counter.

  “Good morning, Tyrant, Handler. Happy Tuesday. What can I do for you?” She greeted them cheerfully.

  “Mornin’, Ruby. I hope it’s a good one. I’m only here for a few hours today. Gotta do my check-ins. I’d like to introduce you to someone.” Tyrant paused as his eyes shifted to me. He smiled. I had to smile back. I thought I heard a small gasp come from Ruby.

  “Mon doux bébé, this is Ruby. She keeps us all straight and organized around here. We couldn’t do it without her. Ruby, this is Lakelyn. She’s hopefully my old lady if I charmed her enough to say yes.” My insides warmed at the introduction, and I wanted to tease him about making sure no one else thought I was like Mera.

  When I glanced at Ruby to say hello, she looked pale and slightly sick, though she plastered on a smile.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Ruby. I’m glad someone keeps these guys straight.” I made my tone teasing as I elbowed Handler and patted Tyrant’s chest. Tyrant had an arm around me, holding me pressed to his side. Handler playfully elbowed me back.

  “Hey, none of that ganging up on us,” Handler chided.

  “If you hope I don’t, you’ll be waiting a long time. Ask River,” I told him.

  Handler chuckled, along with Tyrant. I was watching Ruby as they did. She was eyeing both men, but seemed to focus her gaze on Tyrant the most. Oh shit, did she have a thing for him, or was she one of his past hookups? She probably knew about the lifestyle from working with them. She might’ve met his criteria.

  I knew that I’d have to get used to and live with the fact that I’d see his past lovers regularly if I stayed and accepted his offer to be his old lady. The idea didn’t thrill me. But was it enough to make me say no to being with him? No, not on its own, it wasn’t. I’d learn to ignore them, I hoped. I’d spent a lot of hours thinking and dreaming about us after I went to bed. There were a ton of things that ran through my head. I was still sorting them out so I could give him my answer this evening. Maybe today with him would help me come to my decision.

  I was brought out of my musings by Ruby. “How long have you two known each other, Tyrant? I had no idea you were seeing anyone.”

  “Not long, but I knew from the start that she was unlike any other woman I’ve met. She doesn’t seem to mind my attitude or exterior.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with your exterior, and your attitude can be sweetened with the right—”

  Handler cut me off. “Hey, hey, no talking about that stuff here. There’s a child present,” he teased. He winked at me.

  “I thought bikers liked to corrupt the innocent,” I poked back.

  “I see I’ve got to keep you two separated. Anyway, we’ll be in the office for a while if you need me,” Tyrant told Ruby, who appeared less than happy, before he guided me away from the desk.

  We headed for the door that would take us down the short hall to the bays where the mechanics worked and where I assumed the office was. I heard a soft vroom sound, and then my legs were bumped. I stopped and glanced down to see that the little boy had run over. He was holding up a toy bike, and his eyes sparkled.

  “Bike,” he said excitedly, then ran to the window and pressed his nose to it. Handler and Tyrant’s bikes were parked out there.

  “I’m sorry. He’s crazy for them, and when he saw you pull in, he got excited. I guess he saw you just now and figured out they were yours,” his mom stated.

  “No worries. We react pretty much the same way when we see bikes,” Handler assured her.

  Tyrant steered me over to stand by the boy. I watched as he crouched down to make himself smaller. Tyrant pointed out the window.

  “Which one do you like the most?” he asked.

  The boy thought, then pointed right at Tyrant’s bike. Tyrant stood and turned to the mom.

  “What’s his name?” he asked her.

  “It’s Mattie,” his mom said hesitantly.

  “Would you mind bringing him outside? I can show him the bikes closer if that’s alright with you,” Tyrant said, surprising all of us.

  “Ah, well, sure, if it’s no trouble.”

  “It’s not. What’s your name?” Tyrant asked.

  “It’s Rachelle.”

  “I’m Tyrant. This beautiful lady is Lakelyn, and this ugly thing is my club brother, Handler.”

  “Speak for yourself. I’m beautiful,” Handler jabbed back and smiled at Rachelle, making her blush and lower her eyes. She was a very pretty woman, around my age.

  I was surprised by how Tyrant acted, but I went along with it. Within moments, we were outside. Mattie was jumping up and down eagerly. He went to touch Tyrant’s bike, but Tyrant gently caught his hand.

  “Mattie, do you want to be a biker one day?” Tyrant asked.

  “Yes,” Mattie said.

  “Then you have to know the rules. First, you don’t touch anyone’s bike unless you ask and they say yes. That’s very important. It’s respectful.”

  I thought that concept would go over the boy’s head, but he solemnly asked Tyrant, “Can I touch? I’ll be soft.”

  We smiled at that.

  “Yes, you can touch it. Just not here. Those are hot.” Tyrant pointed out the pipes.

  Mattie’s expression told me Rachelle was in trouble. I moved over to speak to her while the guys told Mattie all about their bikes. He was enthralled.

  “I think you’ll have a rider when he’s older.”

  “I do, too. Since he was a baby, he’s always responded to bikes, even their sound. I don’t know why. His dad doesn’t ride. He sure didn’t get it from him.” The way she said it made me think she and the boy’s dad were no longer together. Her bare left ring finger supported that.

  “Your husband and his friend are nice to do this. I know they have to be busy,” she added.

  “Oh, Tyrant isn’t my husband, but he’s trying to get me to say yes to being his biker wife. He keeps surprising me with the different sides to him. This side is one I haven’t seen. However, he and his club have been invaluable to my brother and me. What brings you to the garage?”

  As she and I chatted and got to know each other, the guys had Mattie all over the bikes. Shortly after, Tyrant turned to Rachelle again.

  “Is it alright to pick him up and sit him on the bike with me? I’ll hold him so he’s safe.”

  “Sure, if you want.”

  The next thing I saw was Tyrant on the bike, with Mattie sitting before him. He placed his little hands on the handlebars and showed him how it worked. Mattie’s squeal could be heard down the street when it suddenly came alive. The boy grinned from ear to ear. Right then and there, I lost another piece of my heart to the gruff, scary biker. I could picture him with children. I didn’t know if he wanted any, but we needed to talk about that before I decided. Based on how Handler was staring at him, this was also a new side of his president that he hadn’t seen.

  ☙☙☙

  Today was an eye-opening day for me. After watching Tyrant with Mattie at their garage, Mechanical Monarchs, we spent two hours there, and then we were off to the next business. It was the hidden dispensary, Bangin’ Bud, where they sold weed. That was new. I’d never been near weed and had no idea all the forms it could be sold in. The gummies had been a shock to me. Jury and Haze worked there, and they took me through the medical uses that some of their customers had that the marijuana helped with. I had no idea there were so many. I left with a different opinion of them selling it.

  After we left there, we went to see the King’s Guard, the security, protection, and bodyguard company they owned. Howler was there. He managed it, though Crypto helped. However, at the moment, Crypto had his hands full with what he was doing at the clubhouse with help from River. Each business and manager was different yet uniquely suited for the business.

  The last stop before going back to the compound was the strip club. It was the one I wasn’t looking forward to. It wasn’t because I judged the ladies there for stripping or prostituting if that was their wish. We all did things, and desperation could’ve led me to this. It was the thought of Tyrant seeing them naked. What did that do to him? Yes, I was secure in my looks and body, but it didn’t mean I never compared myself to other women and wondered if I might be lacking. And since Tyrant and I were new and hadn’t had sex, it was a bigger concern. I had the sluts to deal with. How many of these women had he slept with?

  It was late afternoon, so he explained that the club wasn’t open for business before we entered. I saw cars in the lot, so those had to belong to employees. Going inside, I found it wasn’t as gloomy as I imagined. The lights were on. The place wasn’t sleazy, either. It was somewhat classy, to be honest—another surprise. Its name was Sin & Strip. I thought it was rather catchy. Brutus and Satyr ran it. Both of them were there and greeted us.

  I returned their hellos, but I was distracted by checking out the place. A man was behind the bar, putting alcohol away. Undoubtedly, he was a bartender. A woman was sweeping the carpet. There were two stages. They both had a pole erected on them. I’d heard strippers’ workouts were a great way to tone your body. I just didn’t think I could do the pole without hurting myself. I walked off to get a closer look at the stage.

  I jumped when a woman behind me said, “I can show you how it’s done.”

  I whipped around to find Alice from the clubhouse standing there. She was smiling. She was the nicest of the sluts. I smiled but shook my head as I took in her appearance in a leotard and tights. She looked so sexy.

  “I’d love to do it. I hear it’s a helluva workout, but me on the pole equals me on my ass or head. Thanks, though.”

  She laughed. “I’ve done that a few times, but you figure it out and go at your own pace. It’s a great workout. Here, let me show you. Come with me. They’re busy chatting anyway,” she said, indicating the guys.

  Seeing them in deep conversation, I let her lead me up the stairs onto the stage. She had me stand there while she disappeared behind the curtain at the back of it. Moments later, music began pumping through the speakers. Alice came out and went straight into a routine. She was graceful, sexy, and very talented. When she started her pole work, I was beyond impressed. Alice was strong and sensuous. She didn’t remove her clothes, but I could see people paying to watch her dance without them coming off. She was that good. When the song ended, Alice came back to me.

  Clapping got our attention. Tyrant, Satyr, and Brutus were coming toward us. Tyrant wore a look I couldn’t decipher, and the other two were grinning.

  “Looking good, Alice,” Brutus said.

  “She’s wonderful,” I agreed.

  “Are you looking for a job?” Satyr asked me.

  I choked, and as I did, Tyrant growled. “No, she’s not coming here to strip or waitress, and she sure the fuck won’t be doing the back. Do you want me to tear your head off? I’m not having my future old lady doing that.”

  Shock appeared on Alice and Satyr’s faces. Brutus smirked and said, “About goddamn time. I’ve been waiting for you to claim her. I suppose this happened last night when you two left the clubhouse.”

  “We talked. I jumped the gun, but she’s gonna tell me tonight whether she will or not. You offering her a job here isn’t helping, dumbass,” Tyrant hissed at Satyr.

  “Tyrant, it’s alright. I’m flattered he thinks I’d be able to do it. Alice was sweet enough to show me how to work the pole. It’s great exercise, but I don’t think I can do the pole. She was showing me one of her routines. You were great, Alice. I loved the dance. It was very sexy. Thank you.”

  “Y-you’re welcome. If you’d like, I can show you the dressing room and where we keep our costumes and stuff if you want the full experience. That is, if Tyrant is okay with it.” She gave him a hesitant glance.

  “It’s up to Lakelyn. However, if other dancers are back there, they’d better behave. And no backroom tour. Would you like that, bébé?”

  “I’d love it if Alice has time. I also want to see the backroom. I need to know what conditions the others work in,” I said firmly. He’d said they worked in good conditions with security, and I wanted to see it for myself.

  “Bébé—”

  “Don’t. I need to see it, Tyrant.”

  He said nothing for a few seconds, then sighed and nodded. “Okay, let her see. It’s not the time for anyone to be here anyway, so it’s safe. Just don’t leave her alone, and when you’re done, bring her to me in the office. I’m trusting you with her, Alice. Don’t let me down.” The warning was in his tone.

  “I won’t, Tyrant. I swear,” she responded.

  Tyrant came up to me and swooped in, kissing me. He took his time, and my brain went fuzzy. When he ended it, I was scrambling to think. “See you in a while,” he told me before he walked off with the guys.

  “Are you ready for the tour?” Alice asked.

  “I’m more than ready. Lead on.”

  Tyrant: Chapter 13

  Showing Lakelyn around our predominantly legitimate businesses had been a good idea. Even the strip club had gone better than expected. I almost didn’t go there, but I decided to see how she reacted. I hadn’t expected her to want to tour the back, where the illegal stuff went on. However, she acted the same when she rejoined me in the office.

  It was hell waiting all day to know her answer. I was optimistic because she hadn’t denied it when I referenced her as my future old lady. If she had no intention of saying yes, why wouldn’t she? This thought gave me hope.

  I knew that I didn’t bring much to the table. Sure, I could help her live comfortably, provide protection, and that sort of thing, but I was a hard man with a scary persona and an ugly past. A past that, if she agreed to be mine, I had to tell her about. I wasn’t looking forward to it, but she deserved to know. It would help her understand when I was immovable over something or demanded her obedience. I wouldn’t do it just to be an asshole. There would be a reason.

  The day out had ended hours ago. It was evening, and we’d eaten. We were seated in the living room. I’d informed Cobra that Lakelyn and I needed to talk. It meant River would have to wait until tomorrow to see his sister. Cobra said he’d ensure River stayed away, and the guys would do the same.