“I’ll come down with you.”
Shifting back to Ava, I say, “Sorry.”
She tries to smile at me, but it looks forced. “It’s okay. Breakfast is outside this morning.”
When she leaves, I stare at Knox, and my eyes trail over him. His fitted white shirt shows off his broad shoulders and defined chest. I lick my dry lips. As he breezes past me, I’m hit with his cologne. A fresh, clean, masculine cedarwood scent. When he comes out of his room, he has his leather motorcycle vest on.
My hands move on their own accord to his vest, and I feel the leather texture between my fingers. “What’s this called?”
“A cut.”
My fingers rise to the top patch. “One percent, what does that mean?”
“Outlaws.”
I drop my hand as a breath rushes from my mouth. He doesn’t want to talk to me but doesn’t want me out of his sight either.
“I’m going to breakfast,” I say curtly.
He says nothing but follows me. I go down the stairs. The music is pumping, and when I hear the vocals of the song, I know it’s Linkin Park.
I trail through the house. As I open the back door, people are seated around a large table. Cash and Demon are leaning against the back of the house, smoking.
Viper yells out the lyrics of the chorus, while a very large rottweiler howls.
“Even the dog is telling you to shut up,” Reaper says.
There’s an array of deep chuckles.
Viper stops singing and laughs. “He’s singingwithme.” He bends down and grabs either side of the dog’s face. “Aren’t you?”
Ava turns to Reaper. “Honey, we have been through this. His name is Conan.”
The dog sneezes on Viper. “Really, Conan?” He wipes his face.
I laugh at them, then all eyes land on us, so I give everyone a warm smile. When I get to the table, Ava stands. “You stay seated and finish your breakfast,” I tell her while looking from her eyes to her plate.
She has one and a half pancakes left. Her lips press together, like she wants to disagree with me but doesn’t say it. She’s too kind.
Rage stands. “Here, you can take my seat.”
“Thanks, Rage,” Knox answers before I can.
Rage lifts his legs over the wooden seats.
“Oh, look at you, Mr. Gentleman,” Axle says in a mocking tone.
Rage gives him the finger. Axle laughs.
Elena clears her throat. She waits, then shakes Axle’s shoulder. He looks at her. “What?”
She gives Knox a pointed look, then peers back at him.
He shrugs, his head tilting. “What? Speak, woman!”
Elena lets out a long groan. “Can you move so Bomber can sit next to Zara and they can have their breakfast?”
“Ohhh,” he glances at us, then stands and moves aside.
