Really fucking bad.
It’s why I can’t go on this ride with them.
It’s why I can’t see it in action, because knowing it is one thing, it’s already messing with my head, but seeing them giving out toys to children, witnessing the joy on those kids’ faces and the happiness that these alpha bikers are bringing them—that Sin is bringing them—would completely crumble any strength I have left.
And I am here with a job to do, and so far, I am not doing it well.
Within minutes, the club is mounting up. The sound of engines revving fills the air, a symphony of power and rebellion. I watch from the doorway as Sin throws his leg over his Harley, the machine purring beneath him like a caged beast. For justa moment, his eyes find mine across the parking lot, and something passes between us. Something that makes my chest tighten and my pulse race.
He signals to Liam, who moves into position at the gate. He props himself there like he is ready for a long haul station at the clubhouse gate, and then, without hesitation, the rest of the club revs their bikes and takes off, disappearing in a cloud of dust and exhaust fumes, leaving me alone with my guilt and my mission.
My heart hammers in my chest. I weakly smile at Liam, and he dips his head at me, then settles into his position. I don’t think he’s moving for anything. I spin and make my way inside, making sure to close the clubhouse door so I will know if Liam enters the clubhouse or not. But for now, there’s no one in here but me and my racing thoughts. I wait a full ten minutes, listening to the silence settle around me like a shroud. My hands shake as I pour myself a glass of water, trying to steady my nerves. The migraine wasn’t entirely a lie, the stress is building to a crescendo behind my eyes.
Finally, I can’t put it off any longer.
Sin’s room feels sacred and forbidden as I step inside, closing the door softly behind me. The space is surprisingly neat, masculine, and understated. A king-sized bed dominates the room, the sheets still rumpled from where he’d slept. The scent of his cologne lingers in the air, mixed with something uniquely him that makes my knees weak.
Quickly glancing at the door to make sure Liam isn’t here, he’s not, so I force myself to focus, moving methodically through the space. Sin’s dresser reveals nothing but clothes and the usual male accessories. The nightstand holds a book on motorcycle repair and a photograph that makes my blood freeze.
It’s Sin with a woman, both of them smiling at the camera with genuine happiness. She’s beautiful in a classic way, with long brunette hair and delicate features. But it’s the way he’slooking at her in the image that guts me. It’s like she hung the moon and stars just for him.
This must be Rebekka, his ex.
The woman who shattered him so completely that he can barely let himself feel anything for anyone else.
Jealousy, sharp and unexpected, slices through me.
I hate that I care.
I hate that seeing him happy with someone else makes me feel like I’m drowning.
But most of all, I hate that I’m standing here feeling jealous of a dead relationship when I’m supposed to be investigating him for my brother’s murder.
Marcus.
I have to rememberwhyI’m here.
I’m not here to get lost in Sin’s eyes. I’m not here to feel the warmth of these people or to let myself be lulled by the loyalty that runs through this clubhouse like blood.
I’m here to find thetruth.
To find justice for Marcus.
I scan the rest of Sin’s room one last time, but there’s nothing useful. No smoking guns, no evidence of illegal activity. Just the life of a man who’s locked himself off behind steel and leather, whose secrets don’t spill easily.
That should be my cue to leave.
To play it safe.
But the moment stretches, heavy with possibility.
Because I know what comes next.
The tech den.
Ghost’s domain.
The heart of their operation.
