Running Wild (Hell Ryders MC Book 1) by J.L. Sheppard

He talked to her. She called me that same night for an interview. The next day, I was hired on the spot.”
    “You can always make him extra meals. He won’t complain.”
    “I thought about getting him soap to wash his mouth out. He really can’t go an hour without cursing.”
    Lynn and Mia laughed out loud. She did, too.
    Mia took a sip of her drink. “What I really want to know is what’s the deal with you and Trig.”
    Nothing.
    Absolutely nothing.
    Before tonight, she hadn’t seen him for days. The last time had been four days ago, and it had just been a glimpse. She’d seen him heading into his room, two doors away from her brother’s. Before then, she’d seen him striding away after he punched a hole in the wall. Why? She had no clue. The loud thud of the drywall cracking sounded, and she turned. By then, he’d been toward the end of the hall. Cuss, who’d been on the phone at the time, and Dash hadn’t reacted, as if it happened often. Ty called out his name, but he’d never turned.
    Tonight was the first time since New York she had a good look at him. It didn’t mean she hadn’t thought of him, didn’t mean her attraction had ebbed either. It meant he was avoiding her. The guys talked and when they did, he was mentioned, so she knew Jace hadn’t disappeared. He went to the garage and hung out at the compound with the guys. He just never did it when she was there.
    She sighed. “Nothing.”
    Lynn pressed her lips together. “That was a loaded nothing.”
    Mia smiled. “Is that why every time you sip on your beer he looks this way?”
    Her cheeks heated. “No, he doesn’t.”
    Lynn nodded. “Yeah, he does. I noticed, too.”
    “Maybe because he hates me,” she mumbled under her breath. To their disbelieving looks, she added, “I’m serious. I think he does.”
    Mia lifted a brow. “Why do you think that?”
    “Because…he…I think he’s avoiding me.”
    “Yeah, I’ve kinda noticed,” Lynn said, softly.
    “Exactly, so—”
    “He likes you. No other reason in the world why he’d avoid you,” Mia said.
    Lifting a brow, she asked, “What, are we in middle school?”
    “No, but you’re off limits. He probably thinks it’s better to stay away. You know, so he won’t be tempted.”
    “Um, I think you’re both putting too much thought into this. Besides, if he really liked me, wouldn’t he be trying…” She shrugged. “I don’t know…to be nice or something.”
    Lynn shook her head. “You’re off limits. Him going after you spells trouble between you and your brother, him and your brother, not to mention the club.”
    He avoided her because he liked her? She shook her head, trying to get rid of the thought. That sounded like something women told each other to make each other feel better instead of coming to terms with the fact the guy you crushed on had no interest in you. She wouldn’t say this to them though. “I’m my own woman, and I chose who I date. My brother and the club have no say in it.”
    Mia popped a chip in her mouth. “Know you’re new here, but there are rules. Remember I told you not to bother asking Army what he spends his nights doing?”
    She nodded.
    “This is like that. Army says you’re off limits. Prez agreed, which means, babe, you’re off limits. If Trig tried, he could get kicked out of the club.”
    “What?”
    “It’s as good as written in stone.”
    “But—”
    Lynn leaned in and whispered, “I’m hearing you have feelings for Trig.”
    “I…” Her cheeks flamed, but she denied it. “I don’t.”
    Lynn smiled, her eyes softening, then sipped her drink.
    “Take this piece of advice from me,” Mia said. “You two hit it off, before you announce it to the club make sure it’s solid.”
    Lynn shifted, her gaze went behind Allie. She smiled. “Here come our men.”
    Allie spun and spotted both Wild and Stone headed for them. Time for her to go. “That’s my cue.” She slid off her stool. “See you guys soon.” She