The Devil's Aces [h.s . au]

13

HARLEY

"Are you ready?" Cameron sat in the driver's seat. We were parked near the Devil's Aces and it seemed like he wanted to give me a pre-party pep talk.

I nodded at him, considering I needed all the confirmation I could get because I had never been around this type of crowd. "I'm not sure anyone is ever ready to go to a party with a bunch of gang members who happen to be their boss. But to answer your question, yes. Let's get in there."

Cameron shut off the car, "This is gonna be the most exciting party we've ever had." He jumped out of the car and waited for me.

I climbed out carefully, not wanting to flash the poor kid. I hadn't worn a mini skirt since moving here, I wasn't as used to the short length anymore. Thankfully I grabbed a denim jacket before running out to meet Cameron. My thin cotton halter top wouldn't have done me much good on the chilled October night, as I could already feel the cold air through the bottom of my pink skirt.

"Why's that?" I laughed at his excitement.

He held the bar door open for me and smirked, "Because you're here."

I knew what he was implying, I pursed my lips and winked at him as I walked into the bar.

Once again, the bar had a different vibe than the last time I'd been there. It was closed to customers tonight. We had the whole place to ourselves, which made sense seeing as they owned the place. It reeked of weed and alcohol. The lights were dimmed more than normal, the main light source seemed to be the dappled red neon lights.

The 'party' was more of a small get-together. I couldn't tell exactly who was there, I could only see figures of bodies. I had a feeling I'd be meeting a few new people tonight.

Cameron ran ahead of me. He jumped over the couch and landed in between two of the other figures. "Griller's not here right?"

"You wouldn't be here if he was, dipshit." An unfamiliar American accent answered.

"Davidson!" Niall got up from the bar, he had a beer in hand.

"Harley." I corrected him.

"Let's get this party started." He shouted into my ear as he wrapped his arm around me. Leading me into the bar where everyone else was lounging. I looked like a piece of arm candy. "What are you drinking tonight?"

I looked over at the loaded bar as we walked past it. "Vodka martini please."

"Liam," Niall shouted, "Get Davidson a Vodka martini. And another round of shots."

Now that we were closer to everyone I could properly see their faces. Niall pulled me down with him, we were sitting on the couch. Squished between Cameron, Niall, and someone I'd yet to meet.

Liam gingerly carried a tray of shots in one hand and my drink in the other. "There you go, darling."

"Thank you." I reached up and plucked the drink from him.

Niall took the drink out of my hand, "Sorry Harley, shots first." He put the glass on the table in front of us.

I glared at him but picked a shot off the tray Liam was holding. Everyone around us mimicked my action and held their shot glass up.

"To Harley!" Cameron shouted as we all downed the alcohol.

I gave the kid a weird look, but he just shrugged and continued his conversation with one of the people I didn't know.

I talked with everyone sporadically throughout the night. For some reason, I felt slightly disappointed that Harry hadn't shown up yet. I didn't know why I assumed he'd be here, he never mentioned it. I just wanted him here. I needed some familiarity.