Page 30 of Glacier

An hour later, the venue was cleared, and we rode back to the clubhouse while the Prospects transported the cage back to the club’s warehouse.

It was four in the morning, but the brothers were pumped from the fight. I knew the clubhouse would be party central well into the following day.

I parked in my reserved spot and tapped Juju’s thigh, letting her know we had to get off.

When we were both standing, I explained, “Got to go in and let the brothers know about our guests. You good with that?”

She gave me a blinding smile. “Of course. You did this for me. Besides, I want to see if the clubhouse matches what my imagination cooked up.”

Chuckling, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and walked her towards the clubhouse. “I’m scared to ask.”

Juju tilted her head back to look at me, her nose wrinkling, her eyes sparkling with laughter. Her dark hair spilled over my arm and down her back. “Oh, you know. Dark, smelling of beer, whiskey, and sex. Stained couches with bodily fluids I don’t want to think about.”

I shook my head, laughing at her imagery. “You’ve described the common room to a T.”

“Really?” She widened her eyes.

“No! What the hell, Juju? We're men, not animals.” I laughed as I ushered her up the steps onto the porch that wrapped around most of the clubhouse.

A couple of brothers sat at the scattered tables, cigarettes glowing in the dark. I didn’t allow smoking inside.

The door swung open, and we stepped into the clubhouse. It was dim inside, but bright enough to see everything that mattered.

Woe stood behind the bar to the left, already lining up glasses. To the right, a cluster of worn leather couches surrounded low tables, with a big wall-mounted TV above. In the far corner, two pool tables sat under hanging lights, the crack of balls mixing with the dull thud of darts hitting the board nearby.

Classic rock played through the surround sound system at a comfortable volume—for now. I knew how these nights went. Give it an hour, and someone would crank it up.

A few brothers were already inside, and the Tarts wove between them, laughing and hugging as more men came through the door. They’d have their hands full tonight.

We had six Tarts. Rita and Harriet were legacies. They’d been around the club all their lives; this was their home. Nobody knew who their fathers were, but I assumed they were brothers from back when my father ran the club.

The other four Tarts had drifted in over the years. Barbara was the newest. Couldn’t say she was my favourite, with her sharp mouth and mean streak. She could be a bitch at times, but the brothers hadn’t complained, so she was still here.

“What do you want to drink, Ju?” I asked as we reached the bar.

“Beer, please. In the bottle.”

With a nod to Woe, I picked up a shot glass of whiskey and offered it. Juju shook her head and took the beer from Woe with a smile.

Carnage and North came in with Janis, Tru, and Jen sandwiched between them, followed by Lawless and Lurch.

“Turn the music off,” I instructed Woe.

Protests rang out, but I put an immediate stop to them as I whistled loudly for attention.

“We’ve got guests tonight.” I waved my hand at North and Carnage. “Make them welcome. The ladies with them are Saint’s Outlaws princesses. They’re under their protection and mine. Treat them with respect. Am I clear?”

The brothers shouted, “Yes, Pres!”

Satisfied, I turned to Carnage. “Grab drinks while I get your rooms sorted.”

“Thanks, Glacier.” He nodded and turned to Woe.

I scanned the room, meeting Rita’s gaze, and crooked my finger. She looked surprised, and her eyes went to Juju. Fuck my life. I’d have to explain to Juju who Rita was.

I kept my arm around Juju as Rita reached us. “Rita, my woman Juju,” I said, making it clear that Juju meant something to me.

Rita’s eyes widened, but she smiled at Juju. “Nice to meet you.”