Draven Read online

  “Thank you,” he said. “Slide your card, then hit the green button. Sign here, and you’re done. Do you want a receipt?”

  “Please,” I said. He printed off the papers and handed them to me, and I shoved them in my back pocket. I’d take care of them later when I did the paperwork for the rest of the club. But for now, I was eager to get back to the bar.

  “Have a good day,” he said as I turned to go.

  “Right back at you,” I told him. He kept his eyes on me as I headed for the door, but that didn’t stop me from throwing a glance toward Jade. Our eyes met for a brief moment, but she blushed and dropped her gaze, forcing herself to stare down at the pills in front of her.

  It was so adorable, I could have laughed out loud. But, I forced myself to keep a straight face as I made my way through the door and toward my bike. I had to focus. There was a lot more for me to do with my evening than just deliver the medication and other things I’d bought.

  I had to figure out how we were going to start making money again in the club itself. Sure, we had our contributions, but there was more to it than that. Jett had finally put an end to us selling cocaine, and that had made a massive dent on our income.

  We tried to pretend like it wasn’t a big deal, but I knew he was now feeling the pressure to make up for that loss somewhere else. I wasn’t sure how he was going to do it, but I knew he wanted me to get on it as soon as possible.

  Of course, I was doing my best, but it was hard to suddenly replace thousands of dollars every month when we were making easy money before.

  Still, there had to be a solution somewhere. And I had a feeling when I found out what it was, he would make sure I felt the thank you in my wallet.

  I could use a bonus. It had been a while since I’d gotten one, and there were a few things I wanted to buy. But it all came down to making more money. I’d cut corners where we could; now it was time to inflate what was coming in rather than deflate what was going out.

  I was smart. I knew it was just a matter of time before I figured it out.

  But I also knew sooner would be better than later.

  Chapter 3

  Jade

  I was tired the next day as I filled the prescriptions. I had ended up staying later than I wanted to the day before, trying to catch up on the rest of the orders. Some of them still needed to be picked up that morning, but I was glad I had gotten through with my end of the bargain.

  Drew, too, was happy that I made it through the pile of orders that was on my sheet before I called it a night. And, if he was happy, my day went a lot easier, that was for sure. I was a fan of doing anything I could do that would make him go lighter on me.

  But, I was still tired. I had been up late the night before catching up on work at home. It was difficult taking care of my dad with most of my free time, and I didn’t want him to see how hard it was for me to maintain the house on top of what he needed.

  So, I did it when he fell asleep. And, there were times that took a while. Without him being able to have as many painkillers, it was harder for him to be able to relax at night. Of course, that only made me feel worse, and I vowed I was going to do better.

  If there was a way I could make more money, then I would be able to afford better insurance. Better insurance would mean that we could get him the medication he’d need, and life itself would be better for both of us.

  Never would I ever let him know this was a burden on me. He would feel terrible, and I hated to think what that might mean. But, at the same time, I was willing to do just about anything to make sure he got the help he needed. It would not only be better for him, but for me, too, in the long run.

  I loved my father more than anything, but I worried I wasn’t going to be able to keep up with his care. I didn’t know what I was going to do if I couldn’t, and that itself made it harder for me to sleep at night. I just wanted things to be okay, and I feared the worst.

  But, when I was at work, I tried to focus on the work itself. That was the best option, it seemed, to be able to push through the orders and satisfy the customers as best as I could. I wanted Drew to be happy. After all, I wanted a raise. And, I knew the best way to get one was to perform above and beyond what he required.

  It took skill.

  I knew I had it in me. Even with his high standards and how difficult it was at times to meet them, I knew I could do it with the right attitude. And I was determined.

  The buzzer sounded above the door, and I glanced up. I wasn’t as busy with the prescriptions themselves that day, so I was able to help the customers who came in a lot more. I had to admit, I was a bit surprised to see Draven come back in.

  He always came in at least a few times a week, but to see him two days in a row was a treat. I certainly wasn’t complaining. Not by any means. And, as usual, I felt the heat flood through my body.

  He walked right up to the counter, and I braced myself, trying to be as cool and casual as possible, knowing that my cheeks were flushing a crimson red as he smiled at me.

  “I just have one for you today,” he said as he handed me a piece of paper.

  “Thank you,” I said. “Can I see your ID?”

  “I’d think you had it memorized by now,” he grinned. “But if you can’t get enough of me, then here you go. I told you, I’m over 21. I’m legal.” He winked, and I felt the blush take over.

  “Thank you. You know I have to ask.”

  “I know,” he said.

  “It’s going to take a minute to get this. Do you mind waiting?”

  “Not at all. I like the scenery in here.” He didn’t move his eyes from mine as he spoke, and I wished I had the ability to control the flush of my cheeks. But, I didn’t. I had to just deal with the embarrassment and push through.

  “I’ll have this right up for you,” I said.

  Although I wanted to believe it would be better for him to leave and come back later to get the medication, I had to admit, when he walked over to the lunch bar to order something, I was glad he’d stayed. I glanced down at the name on the prescription, and I recognized it as one he brought in often.

  It wasn’t illegal for him to be filling or picking up prescriptions for other people as long as he was on their approved list, and he was. He showed his ID every time, although I only asked for it because of the camera on me as he did.

  He never acted shady about what he was doing, either, so I could only assume this was something he was doing for friends. I wasn’t allowed to ask any questions, but I had to admit, I was curious. Who were all these people he was running these errands for?

  And why did he do it?

  He certainly didn’t look like an errand boy, and the names didn’t sound like they would be for old people. It was driving me crazy, and I hoped sometime, he would let me know what was going on without me having to ask.

  But, today, he clearly had his mind on other things. I glanced over at the bar, only to find him sipping a strawberry milkshake. It was almost comical to see someone at a lunch bar looking like he looked with a strawberry milkshake. Almost like a vampire sucking on a lollipop.

  As much as I wanted to say something, I focused on the prescription, getting it filled as quickly as possible before calling him back over.

  “That was fast,” he said with a smile. “Normally, I like to take my time with things.”

  The heat returned in my body, but I tried to change the subject to the milkshake. “I didn’t peg you as the sort of guy who would go for strawberry,” I said with a nod.

  “Well, there’s a lot about me that might surprise you. Although, I have to say, this isn’t the only pink, sweet thing in this room I’d like to run my tongue through,” he said with a smirk. He looked from my eyes down my body and back up again as he spoke, and this time, there was no denying the blush that rushed through me.

  I noticed the smile of satisfaction he had at the sight of me squirming, and I wished there was a way for me to get out of the moment without looking like an idiot. I di
dn’t know what he did to me, but it was something intense. I didn’t want him to stop, but I wished I knew how to handle it better.

  I wanted him to think of me as sexy. I wanted him to think of me as attractive and desirable, but it was hard for me to feel that way when I blushed at the mere way he was looking at me. I knew I had to get myself together if I was going to make the sort of impression on him that I wanted to make, but it was hard.

  He clearly had the upper hand, and more than that, he clearly knew that he did. I would even go so far to say that he enjoyed having that power over me, and it was hard to know how to react to that.

  I thought of myself as a strong, independent woman, but there was something about this guy that really made me want to fall to my knees and let him take me. I almost envied the straw he was putting in his mouth. I wanted to do so many things with him and to him. I wanted so much from him.

  It was hard for me to think straight with all I wanted. But, I knew I had to stay professional. I had to be the one with the coat on and on the clock right now…despite how much I wanted him to take me and do all sorts of naughty things to me.

  “If that’s everything, you can swipe the card here,” I said, the blush making it hard for me to concentrate on what we were doing. He continued to smile down at me, though he was going through the motions of paying.

  “Receipt?” I asked.

  “Please,” was all he said in reply, but his eyes said so much more than he voice did. I wanted to know what was going on in his head, but at the same time, I didn’t. I was dying of embarrassment, but also thriving under the bit of attention he was giving me. I felt like I was on top of the world when he looked at me like that, and I couldn’t help but attempt to flirt back with him as much as I could.

  The interaction didn’t last nearly long enough in my opinion, but I had to let him go as the next customer walked in. Draven smiled at me, tucking the prescription under his arm as he headed back to the lunch counter.

  “Have a good day,” I called after him, hoping I sounded a lot more mature than I felt.

  “You, as well,” he said with a nod. I hoped the final blush was internal. I didn’t want to be so obvious around him, though I had a feeling the next customer would be able to see right through me when she walked up to the counter.

  I tried to focus on the interaction I was having with her. I wanted to only think about her prescription and what was going on right in front of me. But, I had to admit, it was nearly impossible not to keep sneaking glances over toward the lunch bar.

  Draven was still sipping on the strawberry milkshake, taking his time with it. Enjoying it more than I thought possible. Or, perhaps I was the one who was enjoying the moment, watching him indulge.

  I didn’t understand what it was about that guy, but he did something to me that drove me wild.

  I wanted more. I knew it was foolish to think anything could ever happen between us, but that didn’t stop me from fantasizing about it. I did, it was true, and I wasn’t ashamed of it, either.

  There was something about Draven that screamed freedom. Something that could let me out of the life I currently lived and something I wanted to explore. But, I had a feeling it was just something I would have to fantasize about in my dreams.

  What would a man like Draven want with someone like me? I was sure I didn’t know, but I would love to find out.

  It might be far-fetched. It might not be something that would ever happen for me, but that didn’t stop me from thinking about it – wishing for it, even. I wanted it. I wanted him. I wanted more.

  But there I was, just a girl in the pharmacy filling orders and trying to make the most of her life.

  Trying to get through the day.

  Chapter 4

  Draven

  I didn’t have a lot on my plate that day. Really, picking up the prescriptions at the pharmacy was the biggest errand I had to get done. I had already gotten through a lot of the paperwork I’d had on my mind the day before, and now, I could relax.

  Well, a bit anyway.

  With Jade around, it was hard to ever fully relax. She awoke in me something intense – something fierce – and there were so many things I wanted to do to her, it was hard for me to think about anything but fucking.

  I took my time with the milkshake, only casually glancing in her direction when she appeared from the back room. She was taking off her pharmacy jacket, revealing the tight, low-cut shirt and short skirt she was wearing underneath. If she kept that up, it was going to be nearly impossible for me to keep my hands off her.

  There had been times when I considered assigning these pharmacy runs to another member of the club for that very reason. It was clear she liked me, and it wouldn’t be hard for me to get what I wanted from her. But, she was too innocent, too pure, for the things I had in mind, so I knew I had to behave.

  Still, it was next to impossible when she walked over to me looking like that, and the things I wanted to do to her sprang to mind.

  “Mind if I sit next to you?” she asked as she motioned to one of the cushioned stools next to the lunch bar. Though my initial reaction would have been to shrug and let her do what she wanted before pouncing on her, I shook my head instead.

  Surprised, Jade looked at me as though she thought I was joking.

  “Fine,” she said after a moment. It nearly had grown awkward before she shrugged it off, but I didn’t want her to be so close to me. I hated to think of what I might do to her if she was – to think of all the things I wanted to do to her anyway.

  I smelled her sweet perfume as she made her way past me, but I forced myself not to have any kind of reaction externally. It was difficult.

  But, I had to be the gentleman for once in my life. If I was going to insist on letting myself be the one to come to the pharmacy to run these errands for the club, then I knew I had to be upstanding when I was there.

  I could have given the chore to someone else, sure, but then I wouldn’t be the one who was able to stare at Jade as I took care of the prescriptions. And, there was no way in Hell I was going to let someone else have the shot at seducing her. No, if it was anyone, it would be me. If she was going to cross that line and figure out what it meant to be with a guy from the MC, then I was the only one who would be touching her.

  Of course, the warning in the back of my mind told me even that would be a bad idea. I couldn’t do that to her. I couldn’t let her get a taste for what life would be like with me. It was too dangerous, too rough. She wasn’t cut out for it. I could see that with the delicate way she took a seat and ordered herself a sandwich on the other side of the lunch bar.

  I ignored her, turning my attention back to my phone as I finished the shake. Of course, I would have much preferred she not see me sipping on a drink like that. She had already commented on it, and I would have preferred if she was going to see me with a drink in hand, she would see me with something more along the lines of a whiskey and coke.

  But, there was something about strawberry shakes that brought up some of the only good things that I remembered about my childhood, and I was going to make the most of them when I was in the mood.

  I was surprised Jade didn’t try to talk to me as she ate her lunch, but there was a part of me that was glad for it, too. I didn’t feel bad telling her she couldn’t sit next to me. It was for her own good, and it wasn’t my job to make her feel better about where she was able to sit.

  But, I still wished I could make her understand why she had to stay away. I didn’t like the way she looked at me with her hurt eyes, unable to understand why I wasn’t all over her the way she so clearly wanted me to be.

  This is what was best for her, I told myself. And, I had to stick with that.

  After twenty minutes of silence, I was finished with my shake and just about to leave as Jade wrapped up the rest of her own lunch. Seeing the chance to do something nice for her, I called the clerk over and paid her tab.

  “You don’t need to do that!” Jade called out whe
n she realized what was happening. “I can get it myself!”

  I didn’t say anything, giving him the money before grabbing my things to go. Jade, however, wasn’t done with me yet. She marched over to me with her hands on her hips and glared at me.

  “What do you think you’re doing? You’re not going to let me sit next to you, but then you go and do something like that? How the Hell am I supposed to interpret that?” she demanded.

  I stared at the man behind the counter for a moment, waiting for him to take the hint and head to the back of the kitchen. I would talk to Jade, but I wasn’t going to make this a show for him or anyone else. She might gossip about me when I was gone, but I wasn’t going to be the one to provide the material for him to talk about personally.

  That was for damn sure.

  “You don’t want anything to do with me,” I said with a shrug. “Interpret that how you want, but this is for your own good, trust me.”

  She laughed. “I don’t think so!”

  “I know so,” I replied. I turned to go, but she took a step forward, stopping when she was right next to me.

  “Tell me why I can’t come near you,” she said.

  I looked her over from head to toe. Her sweet smell filled my nostrils, and the view let me see all the way down the front of her shirt. Her tits rose and fell with her breathing, and her hands were back on her hips as she looked up at me defiantly. She wanted answers, and she wasn’t going anywhere until she got them. There was something about that that certainly turned me on. I knew I was going to have to give it to her straight.

  There were so many things I wanted to do to her. If I wasn’t careful, I knew I would give in and do it. I didn’t want to taint her that way. I didn’t want her to get in with more than she bargained for.

  She had no idea what she was doing – who she was messing with.