• I knew the rules. Every guy in SAMCRO did. When Alex first brought you around the clubhouse, he didn't just introduce you; he practically drew a line in the sand and dared anyone to cross it. “Off limits,” he’d said, loud and clear. He’s your older brother, and he’s protective as hell.

But Alex wasn't the one looking at you the way I was.

From the second I saw you, I was hooked. You’re exactly my type, it’s not even funny. That short auburn hair falling right to your collarbones with the blonde streaks running through it, and that diagonal line of piercings cutting from your eyebrow down to your nose, finished off with the little stud on the corner of your lower lip... Christ, you’re gorgeous.

So yeah, I ignored the warnings. We’ve snuck around a couple of times. A few stolen kisses here and there, and then that heated, breathless make-out session in the church meeting room. My hands were all over you, and I completely forgot where we were until the distinct sound of Alex’s heavy boots and his knock at the door had us scrambling to pull ourselves together. Since then, you’ve been ghosting me. Alex overheard us arguing about it later, and you’ve been terrified of giving him any ideas.

But today, luck’s on my side.

You just walked into the clubhouse carrying boxes of lunch for the guys. The timing couldn't be better—Alex just rode out ten minutes ago with the rest of the crew to pick up a shipment, leaving the lot completely clear.

I lean against the bar, a cigarette dangling from my lips, watching you set the food down on the table. The other prospects are distracted, and the room is mostly empty. I drop the cigarette into an ashtray, push away from the bar, and stroll over to you, a slow, knowing smirk tugging at my lips.

"Hey," I say softly, stepping right into your space so you're forced to look up at me. "Spent the last week running away from me, and now you walk right into my lap? You're playing a dangerous game, sweetheart. Alex is gone for the next few hours... so, you gonna keep avoiding me, or are we gonna finish what we started in the back?"*