SHADES: An Evil Dead MC Story (The Outlaw Series Book 3) by Nicole James Page B

name?”
    “Ashley.”
    “Ashley? That’s a real pretty name.” He reached up to trace the side of her face with his index finger, a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. Shades knew how to turn on the charm when he wanted. He knew how to work a girl, too. Show a little interest, then pretend to put them off, then reel ‘em back in. Worked every fucking time. He nodded toward the prospect standing guard duty at the back gate. The one he’d sponsored about six months ago. “You see my prospect standin’ over by the gate?”
    She turned to look, and then nodded to him.
    “Go bring him a sandwich and some water for me. Keep him company for a while.” She looked confused, her bright smile faltering. There were a lot of girls that wanted his attention. They seemed to single him out as one of the prizes in this club. He knew he was younger than a lot of the members, but there were other young guys. Ghost, who was a little taller and broader in the shoulder. Hammer, who had the muscular build some girls swooned over.
    Shades supposed it was his face that drew the attention he received, that and the hard look that stamped his face most days. There were bigger brothers, but for some reason it was that cold hard look they all seemed to want to be the one to melt. Only one woman had ever done that. And she was across the compound. In the arms of another brother.
    Ashley narrowed her eyes for a split second before catching herself and pasting the smile back on her face. Shades watched her hand lift, her own index finger moving slowly down the leather of his cut, pausing to trace the 1% diamond. His eyes followed her movement and then lifted to hers. Maybe this one he wouldn’t be so quick to toss back.
    “Sure, darlin’,” she mimicked him. “What’s his name?”
    A grin pulled at the corner of Shades mouth, and he reached up to grab her hand. He saw her eyes widen, probably wondering if she’d crossed a line in touching him without permission. He brought her hand to his mouth and brushed a soft kiss to the palm. His eyes moved over her shoulder and connected with Skylar’s. He could see, even across the compound, her reaction. This was probably the first time—ever—that she’d actually seen him showing attention to another woman. His eyes returned to cute little blonde Ashley, who, if he was being honest, didn’t hold a candle to Skylar’s beauty. But Skylar didn’t know that. He knew women. They were a competitive breed when it came to the attention of men.
    “His name’s 12Gauge, darlin’.”
    She frowned. “12Gauge?”
    He grinned. “He’s good with a shotgun, babe. A 12 gauge shotgun.”
    “Oh.” He watched her pretty pink mouth form a perfect circle and all kinds of thoughts crossed his mind. Lifting his chin toward his prospect, he raised a brow at her, his message clear. She’d yet to do as he’d bid her. He released her hand and grinned as she turned, moving off to do his bidding. Just like he knew she would.
    Ghost shook his head as Shades lifted his beer to his mouth. “You’re something else, Brother.”
    Shades eyes were on Skylar. “Why do you say that?”
    “I’ve watched you pull this bit a hundred times. I’m just amazed it works for you.”
    “Can’t let ‘em think you want ‘em too bad. Got a let ‘em think you could take it or leave it. Make ‘em earn it.”
    “You’re so full of shit. Especially when I know and you know that the girl you really want is standing right over there.” He lifted his chin towards Skylar.
    “You’re full of shit.”
    “Am I? What’s the problem? She ain’t givin’ you the time of day?”
    “She’s with a brother. She’s not supposed to be giving me the time of day, now is she?”
    “Point taken.”
    Shades eyes followed Ashley as she moved off toward the food, but they soon lost interest and returned to Skylar.
    She’d taken his money. Stolen his mother’s rosary. And now she was with one of his brothers, rubbing it in his