Chapter 1
TAYA
Placing the glass on the bar, I quickly poured a shot of whiskey for Prez. He was here for a visit, which was something he usually did once in a blue moon and this time of year was no exception.
Christmas. It always brought the crazies out. The brothers loved to let loose and drink far more than normal. Then there’s the mess they leave. Beer bottles are everywhere. I hated working over Christmas, it was my least favorite thing, but it did mean more money for me to spend.
It was my last shift since it was Christmas Eve tomorrow and I wasn’t returning till the New Year. I was spending Christmas alone since my father passed away three years ago. I love Christmas, and even have my own traditions, like baking cookies and watching movies, sometimes Manic, one of the brothers comes over.
My stomach churned when an image of Manic came to mind, but I shot it down. There was no need to go there, not now.
Most people would wallow in self-pity of being alone, for me, I love the peace. I have a tree in my one-bed apartment, the one place I call home. I had already handed out my Christmas gifts to the people I care about which are my best friend, Terra, and her partner, Slice.
After I had poured the whiskey, I placed the bottle next to the shot glass.
“Thank you, Taya,” he murmured. “I think I’m going to need this.”
My eyes darted around and spotted some club girls roaming around to see if anyone wanted some fun. I hated the way they lurked around; they were so desperate.
Looking away, I glanced back at Prez just when he looked over his shoulder. “Hopefully I can leave before Christmas Day.”
“Do you have someone back in the main charter?” I asked, which made him look back at me. His eyes locked onto me but softened.
“You can say that,” he murmured, motioning to the bottle. I poured more whiskey into the shot glass, which he took and knocked it back. Slamming the glass on the bar, he sighed. “I better head into the office to see Mad Dog before all the brothers come back from the charity event.”
I said nothing since he was the main Prez of The Devil Carnage. Mad Dog was his cousin, someone he trusted and asked to watch over this charter. I never asked if the other charters had any Prez’s running it, it wasn’t my place.
Over the years, I keep my ears open but my eyes to the ground. I would never want to get on the bad side of a brother. Some of them are massive and look like they can kill.
Movement came, which made me pull back from my thoughts and look just in time to see Prez getting up to leave. “Have a merry Christmas, Prez,” I said, which made him stop and look back at him. He smiled. “Same to you, Taya.”
Prez turned back around and headed back to the office door. The man was scary at times, especially when he lost his shit, and I hope to God I am never on his bad side.
“Bitch, over here and give me another one,” a voice came which made me frown when I looked back to see one of the club girls holding up her glass. “I need another one before Manic comes back.”
Don’t react. I am glad I have a high tolerance for bitch mood today or this would have taken a different turn. Knowing that Prez was here, they were all supposed to be on their best behavior, but now he was with Mad Dog, all that went out the window when the man walked into the office.
Grabbing what she and the others ordered, I quickly made it and placed it on the counter in front of her. Her fake-ass smile formed, while another girl walked over to her.
I knew where this was going even before they spoke.
It’s always about Manic. Manic is one of the brothers who doesn’t go with any of the club girls, and no one knows why. I don’t. The man and I are friends. Friends who have slept together a few times over the years, but nothing serious came out of it. Even though I would love to have more. The man is a walking wet dream and the only biker who values his pride more, even though his road name might beg to differ and his behavior when it comes to whatever pisses him off. You don’t want to be on his bad side when he is in a manic mood.
“So, Taya have you heard?” Becca said, leaning on the counter and pressing her breasts together. I stared at her while she continued. “Morgana here is going to be Manic’s first girl to fuck. I hope he puts on a show since there have been rumors about how big the man is.”
Morgana stares at me with that same smile she had since her friend came over here, but I’m not bothered. I hate dealing with these bitches. They are all up in my face about Manic since he made his point a few days ago about claiming someone. How the hell did Morgana get it through her head that she was his woman, I had no idea.
“Well, are you going to—” Becca starts to say, but I roll my eyes which makes her stop mid-sentence. “Oh, please. Manic can claim whoever he wants. Why would it bother me?”
Becca and Morgana laughed.
“Oh please, we all have seen the look you have given him over the years. I mean, it’s so pathetic. The man will never want anyone like you,” Becca said, her eyes taking in my appearance till she frowned.
That is where she is wrong. Manic has had me, more lately when he has been horny, but I don’t mind. I had feelings for him, even when we were kids. I had always liked him. But I would deny to any of these assholes about my feelings toward the guy if any of them asked me but I don’t need to tolerate this level of pettiness.
“Not bothered with what you both have to say,” I said, stepping away from them. “Now if you don’t mind, I have work to do.”
Without saying anything else, I turn around and head toward the door behind the bar. I needed a breather since there was no way I can deal with those bitches all night.
Stepping through the door, I looked at the clock and sighed when it said five. I had another two hours before Brooke took over from me and then I can start my Christmas.
