Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 63967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 320(@200wpm)___ 256(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 320(@200wpm)___ 256(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
His expression is light, almost carefree, but I know our little forty-eight-hour love bubble is close to an end.
“Soph, I hate to say this, but I need to get back to the clubhouse,” he says almost with regret. “You want to come with me?”
Hell no is on the tip of my tongue, but I opt for diplomacy. “No thanks, I think I’ll just stick around here.”
His brows pull into a frown. “Why? What’s going on?”
I shrug. “What do you mean?”
“There’s something you’re trying like hell not to say.”
I sigh. “I went to the clubhouse when you were locked up, and, well, Ace is mad at me.” That’s a gigantic understatement, but that’s enough for now.
“What? Why?”
“Don’t know, maybe that’s something you can ask him about.” I inhale deeply and let it out in one long, slow breath. “Also, you should know that Nova and Maggie are gone, no longer in town. And the clinic was leveled.” My eyes slam shut as the image of the clinic appears in my mind’s eye. “It was a firebombing, but, thankfully, the place was empty, at least as far as the news is saying.”
Tank’s hand shoots out, gripping my shoulder as he pulls me close until my face is pressed against his chest. “Are you all right?”
I shrug. “I’m working on it,” I admit honestly. “It’s just another thing to deal with, you know?”
He nods. “I get it. Honestly.”
He didn’t because he couldn’t, but I let the intention of his words be enough. “Thanks, Tank. But really, I think it’s more important that I stay here. I don’t have a job, and I need to focus on finding a way to support myself, not hanging out at the clubhouse.”
He freezes, an unreadable expression on his face. “I see.”
“No,” I reach out to him. “I don’t mean it like that. It’s just that there’s a lot I have to deal with here, and you should, uhm, go on without me and take care of your business.”
Hurt shines in his eyes. This is the last thing he wants. Hell, it’s the last thing I want after the past two perfect days. But as much as I want Tank and the life we could have together. I can’t bury my head in the sand. Not now.
“You sure you don’t want to come? I can smooth things over.” His eyes swim with uncertainty, which confirms my answer.
“I’m sure. They weren’t exactly welcoming to me when I needed them, and I need to be able to rely on myself right now.”
It’s the only way I’ll know if I can do this on my own. Testing myself so that if I’m in similar circumstances where people aren’t there for me, I’ll know I can take care of myself.
“And that’s all?”
I divert my gaze, wondering if I should let him know about the cars following me. I want to, but the truth is that Tank already has a lot on his plate, and I still have no proof that it has anything to do with him. I’ll see if the problem persists. If it does, then I’ll talk to him about it. Until then, I’ll keep it to myself.
“Yep, that’s all.” It’s just a harmless lie, one to keep the peace.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Tank
Ace stands at the head of the table, a small smile on his face that doesn’t do a damn thing to hide his displeasure. When Church ends, I’m sure we’ll have words, but for now, he welcomes me with open arms.
“Let’s start today by welcoming back our brother-in-arms, Tank. Glad to have you back, man.”
I smile and accept handshakes and fist bumps from my brothers, all happy as fuck to see me.
“It’s so fucking good to be back.” I can’t even describe just how good it feels to be back with my brothers, back where I belong. “Did you fuckers miss me?”
Dix laughs, clapping me on the back before he wraps me in a half-handshake, half-hug greeting. “We missed you like jock itch, brother. Did you find a pretty girl in lockup?”
I laugh and shove at his chest, rolling my eyes. “No one as pretty as you,” I joke. Then, all the patched members gather around the table, and settle into the seats designated for each of them.
Church has officially begun.
Ace’s gaze turns serious as he looks around the table, taking in every detail of every single brother in attendance. “First order of business. I have some fucked up news.”
The room falls silent at his words. “Mouths shut, ears open,” Dix drawls slowly, his tone deadly serious. His gaze meets Ace’s and they communicate silently for a long minute before the Prez turns his attention to the room at large.
“I spoke with Riot, and he heard back from his brothers locked up in the federal prison system.” Ace’s jaw clenches tight, a sure sign of tension he’s trying really hard to hide. “You won’t even fucking believe who was behind the clinic bombing.”