The Baddest Biker Bar In Town: Hidden By The Night (7 page)

In comparison, the next day was something that she could barely stand it. It was another day of pushy employers, and she was thankful that they didn’t talk about jobs the night before. After all, she was just a secretary, and that wasn’t something that she wanted to admit to. Sure, there was a part of her that wanted to climb the cooperate ladder, but there was a much stronger part that just didn’t feel right there in the office at all.

She couldn’t help but to shake her head as she finished filing the paperwork, and that’s when she decided to take a break. She once again looked at the number that she had put into her pocket, and for just a moment she thought about calling it.
I’m at work.
She reasoned, knowing that she couldn’t just ditch everything for a little excitement.

He’s probably at work too.
She thought before she finished grabbing a cup of coffee from the break room, remembering his own warmth. She didn’t know why she was thinking of him so much, but she couldn’t help it. Lila hadn’t had something exciting in her life in a while, and a little excitement no matter where it stemmed from was welcome because of it.

“What are you staring off at?” Allen said as he slammed a pile of paperwork down on her desk. He frowned, and she just rolled her eyes.

“You really shouldn’t do that to someone above you.” He snapped.

“You really shouldn’t be so hurt that someone won’t go out with you. Do I need to talk to HR again?” She snapped back, and he just walked away without saying a word.

She looked at the paperwork he had just put down on her desk, and it was a mountain’s worth. She couldn’t stand it, but she started to work anyways. The rest of the day was monotonous because of it, but she continued on with her work anyways. She knew she needed the money, and that was something that Lila hated. She wanted to do something else, but there was nothing else to do.
This is my job.
She told herself, and Lila couldn’t be happier when she finally got to clock out.

“Watch where you’re going.” Someone gripped at her, and she nearly jumped out of her skin as she realized she had almost bumped into someone going out of the elevator.

With his tone, he didn’t even bother to apologize. There didn’t seem to be a reason. Instead, Lila decided to do something crazy. She pulled out the number, but she didn’t have the courage to call him. Instead, she texted, asking if they could meet up. She didn’t expect the reply to be so sudden, but her phone started buzzing away. It was a text message, and it was a long one.

She looked down at her phone, seeing the address splayed out with instructions to wait for a car there. He said that he was happy to see her soon, and she couldn’t understand why he was insisting on picking her up. Lila just shrugged as she started. It wasn’t too far away, and it was just a block or two from the coffee shop that they had agreed to go to yesterday.

Lila tried to keep her excitement in check, but it was harder with each and every step. She wanted a little excitement. She wanted to see him again, and she couldn’t help but to shake her head with a smile on her face as she stood there on the corner, waiting for him. When the black car pulled around, she just beamed even more, but then she saw someone step out that wasn’t Adam. He walked around the car before opening the door.

“Mr. Barret asked me to pick you up.” He said, and she looked at him confused.

“Adam?” She inquired, and the guy nodded.

Alarms went off, but she ignored them.
I did ask for excitement.
She thought to herself as she slipped into the car. It was just a short trip before they stopped in front of a nice Italian restaurant, and she gave him a puzzled look. He went over to open the door for her, telling her that Adam could be found inside. Lila went a little closer to the door, and immediately she felt out of place. Turning back crossed her mind, but she refused to allow herself too. She knew that she needed to do this. I’m the one that texted him. She thought. The hostess looked at her with a fake smile. She could see the judgement in her eyes.

“May I help you?” She asked.

“Yeah, I’m looking for Adam.” She said. “Adam Barret.” She answered, watching the hostess’ eyes go wide before she ushered her further inside.

“Of course, of course. Right this way, ma’am.” She said, leading the way, and Lila was lead through the main dining room to a private room. It overlooked the river, and Adam smiled at her.

“When you texted, I thought you might be hungry.” He said with that warm smile of his.

“Yes, but isn’t this a little elaborate?” She asked, heat flushing to her cheeks.

“Well count this as our second date.” He said, shrugging casually.

“Will I ever get a chance to get ready for one of these dates?” She questioned as he pulled the chair out for her, and his smile was mischievous.

“What is on your mind?” She asked, and he held up a finger. The waiter came, and he smiled at them. Before she could order, he took the lead, ordering in perfect Italian. She looked at him, clearly impressed.

“So you order for me now?” She asked, and he shrugged.

“I want to help you try new things.” He said, and there was that flash in his eyes again. He studied her intently as she shook her head, trying to clear her mind.

“I suppose I can deal with that. You seem to like taking the lead.” Lila told him, and he just laughed. Adam couldn’t help but to agree. If only you knew. He thought, waiting for their wine to arrive.

“I’m only 20.” She said, and he shrugged.

“I don’t care if you don’t, but if you’d prefer something else I can have it fetched.” He told her, but before he could even get it all the way out she took a sip before making a face at the white wine.

“How about I get you a blush?” He said, making her blush.

“I’d make a joke that you already have one, but I think that’d be cheesy.” He told her before ordering a blush for her.

Adam didn’t even wait for her to answer, and she just smiled at him the entire time. Dinner came, and she didn’t realize how much she was enjoying herself until she knew that everything was coming to a close. In the back room, she forgot how far out of place she had felt with everyone dressed up nicely in the other room. Even with him in his suit, she didn’t feel as bad as he prattled on about flowers and foods.

They even talked about their favorite tree and where they’d go on vacation if they got the chance to go anywhere they’d like. Neither of them seemed to care too much for travel, and both of them picked the woods. He told her that he’d love to take her, but the comment was quickly brushed aside. So quickly that she barely remembered that he said it. He elegantly led the conversation, and Lila was more than happy to let someone else take the reins for once. Every time her glass was empty, he called to have it refilled. He just shook his head as she giggled the night away, and her plate was soon empty. Lila felt fuller than she had before.

“Desert?” He asked, but she went to shake her head, still giggling.

“No, no, I shouldn’t.” She said, and he clenched his teeth just a little before relaxing. It was like his entire body tensed up.

“You’ll love it.” He said, ordering for the both of them, and with him taking command once more she could feel the rush of excitement as it ran through her body. Lila did love the dessert. The chocolate mousse with a touch of raspberry was better than she could have hoped for, and another glass of wine later and they were done.

“This was wonderful.” She said, and he just nodded. He started to help her up, offering his arm when she stumbled. She walked out, smiling smugly at the hostess that had once snubbed her. The woman just glared at her, which only gave her a little more pride. There was a car already waiting for them, and he opened the door before getting in the back seat beside her. She leaned on his shoulder as the driver gave them a look. James had always been the nosey type, but he liked him as an advisor, and so he didn’t say anything at all.

“Where are we going?” She whined in that cute way of hers. He shook his head before brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. He could feel the heat and desire radiating off of her, and he leaned down to brush his lips against hers. It was just like he thought when she moaned into the kiss, opening her mouth to let him in. his tongue brushed over her own, and she mewled cutely as he pulled away. Her lips were tingling, and she looked up at him, clearly waiting for her response.

“Where you can get rid of that alcohol in a safe place. We’re going to my house.” He said.

“I’d like to do more than that.” She giggled, but she didn’t say anything else.

Despite her attentions, Lila fell asleep before they got to his house. He couldn’t help but to chuckle a little at the notion. Picking her up in his well-muscled arms, he carried her into the house before putting her in one of the nicer guestrooms. Tucking her in, he laid out a nightgown for her to change into if she wanted, and there was a note that he put by her bedside. He could feel the ache of desire, as he wanted to do more, but he couldn’t do it. Not like this, but soon. He reminded himself.

James was waiting for him in the living room, and he just leaned against the doorway giving him that look. He tried to ignore it, but it was easier said than done. Something about James always got under Adam’s skin, and worse yet, James knew it. He just shook his head, going to the kitchen to make a Whiskey Sour.

“What?” Adam asked before James sighed again.

“You know she’s not one of us.” He said.

“Your point?” Adam asked.

“My point is that you need to choose a mate, and you know it. There will be people that will rise up against you if you don’t take one soon. It makes you feel weak. Dragon’s don’t take to weak.” He scolded Adam.

“I don’t care if you’re my bodyguard, you can’t say things like that.” Adam said, trying to tease him and lighten up the mood some.

“Not helping the situation. Is this your mate?” He growled.

“Not sure yet. How about you just deal with it for now and I’ll see.” He told James.

“You’ll have to tell her eventually. Then we’ll see what the girl is made of.” James told him, and that was the last thing James said before he started to walk away.

“Night!” He called out, but James just snorted. It was clear that he was very annoyed by it all.

For now, I’m still in charge. He thought to himself, but he knew that James was wise in his words. He thought about it for a moment. Could she be my mate? She hasn’t run away yet. I like her. She’s beautiful. Comparable to any dragon shifter. He ran through the options in his head, but he just wasn’t sure. Not yet. She might just be a fling.

He told himself, but there was a part of him that knew he was lying to himself. He just didn’t care to admit it yet. There was a part of him that just wanted everything to be better and clearer. He didn’t want to have to deal with the politics of his clan, but that’s the price of being an Alpha. He knew that, but it didn’t make him grit his teeth any less. He tried to get to bed, but he tossed and turned as he could feel the ache of desire. His thoughts went to Lila sleeping peacefully in the next room.

Lila woke up the next morning, and for a moment panic seized her. She knew today was her day off, and for a moment she relaxed. Then she lazily looked around before panicking again. She didn’t recognize the room, and that’s when everything came flooding back to her. It wasn’t until she looked down to find out she was still wearing her clothes that a hint of disappointment and a mountain of relief hit her.

She didn’t remember anything after they left the restaurant, but she was willing to bet that this was Adam’s house. The furniture surprised her. It was upper class with deep mahogany wood and curtains of sheer fabric falling around the bed, making it look like it had just come out of a fairytale. She got up, seeing a robe and a nightgown that she presumed was laid out for her. That’s when she saw a note, looking at it curiously she picked it up to read.

There’s a button by the table. Call when you want breakfast. I should be there in the afternoon. There’s no reason to rush off and leave, and I’d like it if we could talk when I get back. See you then.

~Adam

It was short, to the point, and it didn’t seem to leave room for any argument. She looked for the button, and it was cleverly hidden in the wall. Soon enough, a man knocked on the door and she told them to come in.

“I brought up what he instructed for breakfast.” The man said, and Lila recognized him as the driver from last night.

“Thanks. Do you know when he’ll be back?” She asked, and he just looked at her coolly. She couldn’t get a read on him.

“When he gets back.” He said. “Perhaps less than an hour.” With that, he set the tray down and started to leave. She felt more frustrated than before.

“What’s your name?” She asked before he completely cleared the doorway.

“James.” He responded.

“Nice to meet you Lila.” He said, shaking his head.

She was surprised by him knowing her name, and there was a slight chill that seemed to run through the room. She tried to turn her thoughts to something a little nicer, and the breakfast on hand made her smile. It was French toast with powdered sugar, a tall glass of orange juice, and eggs over easy. She couldn’t help but to dig in. It was everything she wanted, and she couldn’t imagine how James or Adam would have known.

Either way, she was thankful, and a part of her knew that she didn’t want the answer to that just yet. The more she thought about it, the more she wondered just where she was. She knew something was off about the place, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.
He’s obviously rich.
She thought, which once again turned her thoughts to what his job could be. It was something that he tried to avoid talking about.
Maybe a drug dealer?
She asked herself.

He could be the mob type too.
She thought, but the thoughts were mostly playful, and the ideas were quickly dismissed as foolish. She eventually finished eating with a smile on her face, and she turned towards the bathroom, deciding on a shower before she ventured out. She still smelled like alcohol, and that wasn’t what she was looking for.

Even the shower screamed of luxury, and she tried not to think about it. After drying off, she went to put on her clothes, but she couldn’t find them. The room was made up as well, causing her a little distress until Lila saw that there was a silky black robe laid out for her, and it seemed to be just her size. She shrugged it on, pulling it tight.

Lila decided to venture out, just hoping that she wouldn’t run into James again. She ran smack dab into someone’s chest, and the warmth radiating out of the man was one reason she thought that it was Adam, but the dark brown eyes that stared down at hers weren’t his. His hair was disheveled and black. She just tried to apologize, but his arm wrapped tightly around her.

“Why hello there sexy thing.” He whistled, leaning down to kiss the top of her head.

“Are you here to welcome me?” He asked, and she went to shove him away, but she didn’t have to.

“Get away from her.” She heard Adam growl, but the man just laughed. It was starting to become obvious that he was a little drunk.

“I was just greeting your latest swing. You’ve outdone yourself, but you really should share with your brother.” He teased Adam, and her eyes widened hearing it. She watched as Adam quickly shoved her up against the wall.

“You will not touch her.” He hissed in his brother’s ear before delivering a punch to his face. His brother’s lip busted open, and he laughed when Adam let him go. His brother raised his hand to touch the blood on his lips.

“How weak.” His brother laughed, and Adam kicked him down on his knees before quickly grabbing her hand.

He pulled her down another hallway, and Lila nearly tripped trying to keep up. He pulled her into a room, closing the door. Before she could ask what just happened, he kissed her. Her back was pressed against the door, and she groaned as she arched into the kiss. His hand wrapped in her hair, gripping it tightly as his lips moved against hers. His tongue danced across her own as she moaned a little louder, and slowly he pulled away.

“What’s going on?” She asked, and her voice broke from the desire that she felt.

“My asshole of a brother is staying for a while, and he just staggered in from his nightly rounds.” He said, clearly disgusted, but there was something else on his mind. When he saw Daniel’s hands on her, he was disgusted, but he knew why his brother did it.
It had nothing to do with being drunk.
He growled, making her jump as she looked up at him. Her heart was pounding so loud that he could hear it. He kissed her cheek and down her neck, smelling her arousal.

“Your brother is kind of an ass.” She said, trying not to moan when he nipped her neck.

“That’s an understatement.” He said.

“Let’s not concentrate on that right now, though. You look delightful.” He said, nipping her neck again.

“Speaking of.” She said, slipping out from under his arm.

“Where are my clothes?” She continued, and he just gave her a puzzled look.

“Getting washed. What else would I do with them?” He said, and she laughed.

“Most people would just let me wear them again.” She said.

“You deserve better, I prefer you in this, and I’m not most people.” He said, with a hint of a growl, but there was desire in his eyes.

“That I’m getting. It seems like there’s something going on here that I’m missing.” She said.

“Other than the fact that you’re obviously richer than I had imagined.” She added, and he just gave her a look that mixed confusion and annoyance. It was clear he wanted to get back to something else, but his mind was elsewhere.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He said, keeping his voice calm and even. He didn’t know what else to say. He knew that she was onto him. She was something that he wasn’t used to. She was smart, and he wasn’t sure how to handle it. It’d only be a matter of time before she found out, and he didn’t know how he’d react to that.

“You’re such an odd woman.” He said, and she just smiled sadly.

“Something tells me that you don’t trust me.” She said, and he could hear the hurt in her voice, but he couldn’t clear it up. It wasn’t like that, but if he continued, eh knew that he’d just make it worse.

“What would you like to do for the day?” He asked, and she looked at him as if he had just said the most ridiculous thing that she had ever heard.

“What?” He asked, and she motioned to the robe.

“You know I don’t have anything under this, don’t you?” She asked, clearly bewildered.

“I do now, but I figured you’d just borrow one of the dresses in the room. I made sure that the ones displayed are in your size.” He said, and she gave him a confused look. He just laughed.

“I had them fill your closet.” He said, and she gave him a confused look.

“I told you that I like being in control.” He said, and there was that glint in his eyes again. It took her breath away.

“Go put one on, and then come back down. I’m sure you’ll be ready to go out then.” He said. “Besides, I have to go take care of my brother.” He said, and with a soft smile she nodded.

“Fine. I’ll give you this one.” She said before he watched Lila walk out the door.

With her gone, all of his attention turned to his soon to be ex-Omega. He couldn’t stand the way his brother was starting to act, and he knew that he couldn’t have his second in command behaving that way for long. Looking down at his hands, he saw his fingers shift into talons before he willed them to shift back. His back itched where his wings begged to be let loose, and he could feel himself wanting to tear into the man.

The beast wanted out, but he held it back. He knew that he’d cement his throne soon enough. His clan wouldn’t do anything once he took a mate. He wouldn’t be viewed as so weak.
At least I hope so.
He said to himself, but he knew that time was running out, and that’s why he marched out of the room.