Free TheSatellite by Storm Savage Page A

problem. He runs with those pussy ass Pythons now. I heard about your run-in with them, and how Ian launched a rescue force—sorry I couldn’t be there but I was on a run.”
    “Ian did a great job. Von hadn’t even dragged me out of PA before your group caught him and saved me.”
    “Von? I thought it was your ex that had taken you captive.”
    “Initially, yes. He had some crazy idea that I was in danger with Hatch. At least that’s what Von said…I think. That night is kinda murky to me. I took quite a beating. They caught me off guard and didn’t fight fair.” From the corner of her eye, she noticed an uneasy expression shadow Hatch’s face for a brief instant. She assumed his unease was from the mention of Von.
    “Von Calder was on the run with you?” Cooper raised two bushy brows.
    “Yeah, he muttered something about helping me get away in Tulsa. Like I said, I was pretty out of it. I have no idea what those two were up to, but it caused me a lot of pain. Someday they will pay, but right now more important matters are at hand.”
    “Your ex ain’t been seen since that day. I suspect the Pythons got rid of him.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Kicked him out of the pack.”
    “Oh, okay. I thought maybe they killed him or something.”
    “Nah, that shit don’t happen as much as people think. Hell, it’s safer to ride with us than on a public bus.” He sipped his coffee but peered over the cup rim at her. “Where’d you learn to ride?”
    “I was born to ride. My mother and father rode all the time so I was told. You won’t have to worry about me keeping up.”
    “Good, because we ride hard and fast with very few breaks.”
    “That’s how I like it.” She met his stare without flinching.
    “I can vouch for that,” Hatch added.
    Flame was puzzled over Hatch’s chipper mood. He hadn’t even inquired where she slept the previous night. Maybe he drank so much he’s too embarrassed to ask. He might even think we slept together if he was that drunk. She decided to remain silent on the subject for now. He obviously had pride issues and most likely was covering in front of his friends.
    After breakfast she meandered out to the terrace with the men.
    “Are the others coming back today?” she asked as they scattered about on lawn chairs.
    “Not today,” Ian replied. “We usually do our own thing. Everyone was here yesterday to join the party. Hatch rarely travels out to Cali. He’s become a hardcore New Yorker. Since you obviously went to a lot of trouble persuading him to ride out, we felt a proper welcome was in order.”
    “He’s not the easiest man to influence,” Flame cast him a guarded look. Pretending was not her style and this chitchat as if nothing happened made her stomach feel tight.
    “You must be a magic woman then. Not only did you get him out here, but you also got him into the pool.”
    “Hey,” Hatch interrupted. “I’m not proud of this aging body.”
    “You ain’t even hit fifty yet, boy,” Coop growled, shaking his head. “Wait till you’re my age, then tell me about wrinkles.”
    “I’d best stay out of the sun then.” Hatch chuckled. “I don’t want to end up an ugly bastard.”
    “Appearance is fleeting,” she said. “It’s what’s in your heart that matters most.”
    “Well said.” Raef smiled warmly then added, “But you don’t look a day over thirty-nine.”
    She smiled at his flattery yet didn’t over indulge in it. “Age is all in the mind. I never give it any thought. I’m only as young as I feel and most days I feel like a teenager.”
    “Good attitude.” Coop gave an approving nod. “I’m starting to like you.”
    “Just starting, huh?” she teased. “Words every woman longs to hear from a ratty old biker like you. My world is bright again.”
    Silence fell over the small group. Everyone stared at Coop, awaiting his response. He eyed Flame pensively for several minutes then let out a boisterous laugh.
    “She’s got