~TESSA~
The clubhouse was quiet. Too quiet.
Most of the guys had gone out on a charity run Ryder had organized — miles of asphalt and noise, leather and engines fading into the horizon.
The whole place felt hollow without the constant hum of bikes or Duke’s voice echoing from the kitchen.
I was curled on the couch, hair pulled into a loose bun, a paperback open on my lap.
I’d just started to feel… peaceful.
Then Raven walked in.
Her heels clicked against the wood floors like tiny threats. Her perfume filled the air — something heavy and floral, the kind of scent that lingered even after the person was gone.
She smiled when she saw me. Too sweet. Too sharp.
“Well, look who’s nesting,” she said, sauntering closer. “Mrs. Perfect Biker Girl.”
I looked up slowly. “Hey, Raven.”
She t
