Piston (Iron Reapers MC #2)

Chapter 1

ONE

JENNY

“So anyway, I tell him there's no way I'm going out with him after what he did to Jessica,” Brandy says as I finish trimming her short dark hair. “I mean, can you believe the nerve of that guy?”

“What a douche.” I snip a few stray hairs around her ear. “You dodged a bullet there, honey. Plus, there are plenty of men out there who’d die to get with you.”

She laughs. “Yeah right. Did you hear about Maggie’s new guy? I heard he rides a Harley.” Brandy raises an eyebrow at me in the mirror.

I grin, fluffing her hair. “Is that so? Good for her. Those bikers are fucking hot.”

I glance at the clock. Shoot, almost time for my bartending shift at Jake’s. I still need to clean up and change.

“All right, Brandy, you’re all set! Looking fabulous as always.” I whip off the cape dramatically. “Same time next month?”

“You know it, girl. Thanks!” Brandy hops out of the chair and walks up to the front to pay.

I quickly sweep up the hair clippings, my mind already jumping ahead to tonight’s shift, pouring drinks at Jake’s.

I grab my bag and head to the bathroom. Tossing my apron in the hamper, I check my makeup in the mirror and throw on my tight tank top with “Jake’s Sports Bar” written on the front. I give a half hearted shrug in the mirror. This’ll have to do.

“Bye, ladies,” I call as I leave and walk out to my car. Those drinks aren’t gonna pour themselves, and I have a feeling it’s gonna be one hell of a night. My two lives—hair stylist by day, bartender by night—keep me on my toes, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As I drive to the bar, I crank up the radio, singing along to a gritty rock tune, fingers tapping the steering wheel to the beat. The drive flies by, anticipation buzzing through my veins as I pull into the parking lot. Gravel crunches under my tires as I park in my usual spot.

Grabbing my bag, I make my way to the back entrance. As I swing open the heavy door, the familiar scent of stale beer envelops me. I breathe it in, a grin spreading across my face. I’m in my element.

“Jenny!” Mike, the head bartender, calls out as I walk in. “Ready for another wild night?”

“Born ready,” I laugh, tossing my bag in the back room and tying a black apron around my waist.

I join Mike behind the bar, giving him a fist bump. We work seamlessly together, like we have for the past few years.

The regulars start trickling in and I pour a row of shots, knowing their usual orders by heart.

“Jenny, darlin’, how about a kiss with that whiskey?” Big John calls out, a mischievous glint in his eye.

“In your dreams, big guy,” I fire back, sliding his shot across the bar with a wink.

He clutches his chest in mock heartbreak, drawing a round of laughter from his buddies.

As I mix drinks and talk with the regulars, a sense of belonging washes over me. The night wears on, the energy in the bar pulses like a living thing. Laughter roars over the clink of glasses and the thrum of music. I lose myself in the rhythm of it all, pouring drinks and cracking jokes, my earlier exhaustion melts away.

I spot a group of Iron Reapers entering the club, their leather cuts emblazoned with the fierce logo that commands respect. Among them is Carlie’s old man, the president of the MC, his arm slung around her shoulders. They look so damn happy, so in love, and I can’t help but feel a little jealous of what she has.

“Hey, Jenny!” Carlie calls out, waving at me from across the bar. “Can you believe this little one’s gonna be here in just a few months?” She rubs her growing baby bump, a radiant smile lighting up her face.

“You’re gonna be an amazing mom, Carlie,” I say, pouring a round of beers for the Reapers. “And you,” I nod toward her old man, “you better treat her right, or you’ll have me to answer to.”

He chuckles, pulling Carlie closer. “Wouldn’t dream of doing anything else, Jenny. You know she’s my queen.”

As I watch them together, I wonder if I’ll ever find that kind of love—someone who’ll ride with me through thick and thin, who’ll have my back no matter what. But I quickly push those thoughts aside. I’ve got a job to do, and I’m not about to let distractions get in the way.

The night kicks into high gear, and soon I’m swamped, juggling drink orders and struggling to keep up with the demand. The bar is packed. Everyone tuning in to catch the rival game.

“Jenny, we need a round of tequila shots, pronto!” Dagger calls out, slamming his empty glass on the bar.

“Coming right up, honey,” I say, already reaching for the bottle.

I pour the shots, the golden liquid sloshing into the glasses. The bikers clink their shots together, downing them in one swift motion before slamming the glasses back onto the bar.

“Keep ’em coming, Jenny,” another Iron Reaper says, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “We’re just getting started.”

I grin, feeling the rush of adrenaline that always comes with working a busy shift. This is what I live for—the chaos, the camaraderie, the sense of being part of something bigger than myself.

Finally, I get a moment to catch my breath and lean against the bar, surveying the scene. That’s when my coworker, Sarah, sidles up next to me.

“Quite a night, huh?” she says, wiping her brow.

“You’re telling me,” I reply with a chuckle. “But you know I live for this.”

Sarah nods, a knowing smile on her face. “Speaking of living for something... when are you gonna snag yourself a biker of your own, Jenny? I see the way you look at Carlie and her man.”

A pang hits me at the mention of Carlie’s name. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for her—she’s found her ride-or-die, and they’re expecting a little one too. But damn if I don’t want that for myself.

“I don’t know, Sarah,” I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “I mean, I love my life, but sometimes I just want... more, you know? Someone to come home to, someone who gets this life.”

Sarah puts a hand on my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Hey, it’ll happen for you, girl. You’re a catch. Any biker would be lucky to have you.”

I smile, appreciating her words even if I don’t quite believe them. “Thanks, Sarah. I hope you’re right.”

Just then, I spot Carlie across the room, wrapped in her man’s arms. They sway to the music, lost in their own little world. I can’t help but stare, transfixed by the easy intimacy between them.

Carlie’s biker whispers something in her ear, and she throws her head back, laughing. He pulls her closer, his hand resting protectively on the small of her back. It’s a simple gesture, but it speaks volumes.

A lump forms in my throat as I watch them, my heart aching for what they have—the love, the trust, the unshakable bond. It’s everything I want, everything I dream of.

But I can’t dwell on it, not now. The bikers are getting rowdy, and I know I need to get back to work. With a sigh, I tear my gaze away from Carlie and her man, pushing my own longing aside.

“All right, boys!” I call out, plastering a grin on my face. “Who needs another round?”

As the bikers cheer, I throw myself back into the fray, losing myself in the familiar rhythm of pouring drinks and cracking jokes. But even as I work, I can’t shake the image of Carlie and her biker, the embodiment of everything I yearn for.

Someday, I tell myself. Someday, I’ll have that too.

As the night winds down, I wipe down the bar, the routine motions giving me space to think. The club is emptying out, only a few stragglers left nursing their beers. My mind drifts back to Carlie and her man, the way they fit together like two pieces of a puzzle.

“Damn, I want that,” I mutter under my breath.

But do I really? The thought gives me pause. I love my independence, the thrill of being untethered. Could I really give that up for a man, even a biker?

I shake my head, pushing the thought aside. It isn’t about giving anything up—it’s about finding someone who gets me, who can keep up with my wild side and still be my rock.

“Hey, Jenny!” A gruff voice pulls me from my musings. I look up to see Bobby, one of the regulars, waving me over.

“What’s up, Bobby?” I ask, sauntering over with a smirk. “Need another beer to cry into?”

He barks out a laugh. “Nah, just wanted to say thanks. You always know how to keep this place lively.”

I grin, warmth spreading through my chest. “Aw, you’re gonna make me blush.”

“I mean it,” he says, his tone turning serious. “It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“Thanks, Bobby. That means a lot.”

As I move on to the next patron, his words of appreciation ring in my ears, giving me a little pep in my step.

As the last patron stumbles out the door, I let out a sigh of relief. Another night in the books. I grab a rag and start wiping down the bar, the familiar motions soothing my tired muscles.

“Jenny!” Carlie’s voice cuts through the quiet, and I look up to see her waddling toward me, one hand on her pregnant belly.

“Hey, mama,” I grin, tossing the rag aside and pulling her into a hug. “What are you still doing here?”

She shrugs, a contented smile on her face. “Just wanted to check in on my best friend before heading home.”

I lean against the bar, studying her. She’s practically glowing, and it’s not just the pregnancy. “You’re really happy, aren’t you?”

Carlie nods, her eyes softening. “I am, Jen. I never thought I could have this, you know? A good man, a baby on the way...”

“I want that,” I blurt out before I can stop myself. “What you and Mason have, I mean. Not the baby part. Not yet, anyway.”

She raises an eyebrow, a knowing look on her face. “You’ll find it, Jenny. I know you will. You’re too damn stubborn not to.”

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have all night. “Damn straight.”

We chat for a few more minutes before Carlie heads out, her old lady duties calling. I watch her go, a pang of longing hitting my chest. Someday, I tell myself. Someday.

The ride home is a blur. When I climb the stairs to my apartment, the events of the day play back in my mind like a movie reel.

Snipping hair, pouring drinks, laughing with the club members—it’s a good life. A full life. But as I unlock my door and step inside, the emptiness of my apartment hits me like a punch to the gut.

I want more. I want someone to come home to, someone to share my dreams with. And I know, with a certainty that settles deep in my bones, that I won’t stop until I find it.

I kick off my boots and collapse onto the couch, a smile playing at the corners of my lips. Tomorrow’s a new day, full of possibilities. And I’m ready for whatever it has in store.