Seduced by the Biker Outlaw

“Leo, I’m serious. Stay inside. No trouble today,” I said, pointing a finger at my younger brother. Leo leaned against the kitchen counter, tossing an apple in the air. He was nineteen, just a year younger than me, but he acted like he was ten. We both had the same bright, messy red hair—the kind that made people stop and stare—but while mine was pulled back into a tight, professional bun, his was always a wild mop. “I’m just going to hang out with my friends for a few hours, Jade. Relax,” he said with a grin. “Don’t ‘relax’ me. I’m going to the library to check for new job openings, and then I have my shift at the bar. There’s food in the fridge. Eat it and stay put.” I grabbed my bag, feeling the heavy weight of my law textbooks inside. I was twenty years old, graduated top of my class, and a licensed lawyer. But in the city of Oakhaven, a law degree didn’t pay the rent. As I walked toward the bus stop, my mind raced. It had been two years since I passed the bar exam. Two years of sending out résumés. Two years of silence from every big firm in the city. I kept telling myself it wasn’t too late. I was smart. I was the valedictorian. Someone had to call eventually. By the time I reached The Sapphire Lounge, the sun was setting. The bar was one of the few legal spots in Oakhaven—and the only place I could afford to work, given I still had my morals intact. Dark marble floors. Soft jazz. Bottles of scotch that cost more than my rent. While I was getting ready in the staff room, I heard two of the other waitresses whispering. “Did you hear?” one said. “The Iron Vultures are looking for a ‘clean face.’ Someone with no record to move a high-end SUV across the city tonight.” “How much?” the other asked quickly. “Two thousand. For one drive. Twenty minutes, max.” I sucked in a breath. Two thousand? That was three months of rent. For a second, my heart pounded. Then I shook my head. The Iron Vultures were exactly what they sounded like—criminals on bikes, wrecking lives without a second thought. Once a law firm finally hired me, my first pro bono case would be tracking them down and putting them behind bars. Shaking the thought out of my mind, I turned to my locker and pulled on my black pantyhose. “You’re still dressing like a nun, I see,” my manager, Mike, said as he walked in. His eyes skimmed my long skirt and modest blouse with disapproval. “That’s why you don’t get the big tips. The other girls show some skin. You look like you’re going to church.” I forced a small smile. “I didn’t spend four years studying law without letting a man touch me just to start showing my legs for five-dollar tips, Mike.” He rolled his eyes. “Whatever. Get out there. There’s a big group at the corner booth. Very rich, very picky. They specifically asked for the ‘redhead valedictorian.’” My heart dropped. The redhead… valedictorian? Leo. Of course. He’d been bragging again. I could already feel the other girls glaring at me. Ignoring them, I smoothed my skirt, put on my professional smile, and walked toward the VIP booth with my notepad ready. “Good evening,” I said, keeping my eyes on the page. “Can I start you off with—” “So it’s really true,” a female voice cut in, dripping with fake sympathy. “Our valedictorian really does work at a bar.” I froze. I knew that voice. I looked up—and the blood drained from my face. Clara Thorne. Second in our class. Always right behind me. She sat surrounded by four men in expensive suits and watches, all of them familiar faces from law school. “I didn’t believe the rumors,” Clara continued with a smirk. “But here you are. Serving drinks. I thought you’d be at the Supreme Court by now.” A low chuckle came from beside her. Deep. Masculine. Dangerous. “Our valedictorian?” the man asked smoothly. I looked at him—and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. Marcus Hayne. Third in our class. Always chasing behind me in Constitutional Law. Now he wore a watch that probably cost more than my tuition, and his eyes flicked over my cheap apron with open distaste. “Our lecturers always bragged about you,” Marcus said lazily. “Said a top firm would snatch you up immediately.” Quiet snickers spread across the table. Heat crawled up my neck, burning my skin as red as my hair. I tightened my grip on my tray. “I’m between firms,” I said calmly, even as shame roared in my ears. “In the meantime, I like to stay busy. Now, what can I get you? The Macallan is on special tonight.” “Oh, look at her,” Clara cooed. “She even knows the specials. What a waste of a brilliant mind.” She leaned forward, eyes gleaming. “Maybe if you’d spent less time studying and more time… networking, you wouldn’t be standing there with a notepad while we celebrate.” “A celebration?” I asked before I could stop myself. “Marcus and I just got hired at Lorne & Associates,” she said proudly. My stomach dropped. The biggest firm in Oakhaven. The one I’d applied to six times. “Six-figure starting salary,” Clara added sweetly. “We’re toasting to our future. Something you clearly don’t have.” It felt like a slap. “Congratulations,” I said shortly, lowering my gaze. “I’ll get your drinks.” I turned before they could see the tears in my eyes. Instead of heading to the bar, I slipped into the bathroom and leaned against the sink, breathing hard. It’s just a job. Just money. My phone buzzed in my pocket. Leo. I answered immediately. “Hello?” “Is this the lawyer?” a rough, unfamiliar voice asked. “Who is this and why do you have my brother’s phone?” I hissed. “We have your brother.” I scoffed, already annoyed. “Tell Leo I’m not in the mood for pranks. Unless he’s dying-” “J-Jade… please help me…” My blood ran cold. It wasn’t as broody as this morning, but that was Leo. Why did he sound like- “Listen carefully,” I said, my voice turning deadly. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but if anything happens to my brother-” “Iron Vultures incoming! Kill the boy!” The words suddenly shattered through the line from another voice in his background. Then the call went dead.