“It’s so good to finally meet you, Ember. Maverick talks about you all the time. It’s nice to see you in person.” She pulls back, her eyes softening. “I know it’s been a rough road, but I want you to know, you’re family here.”
“Thank you, Jazz. It’s uh… a lot to take in, but everyone’s been incredibly nice and welcoming,” I admit, overwhelmed by her sincerity.
“It is a lot,” she says knowingly. “Being an ol’lady to the president comes with challenges. Trust me, I get it since I’m married to the VP.” She grins, and I sense there’s wisdom in her experience. “If you’re open to some advice, I’d love to share.”
“Please,” I say, eager to listen.
“When it comes to being with a man like Mav or Steel… trust is everything. Loyalty defines them, but so does their protectiveness. Their world is rough and they’ll do anything to keep the people they love safe, even if it means keeping secrets.” She pauses, letting that sink in. “It doesn’t make the lies hurt any less, but understanding their intentions can help.”
I nod, her words echoing in my thoughts. I remember how my mother handled being the wife of the VP and the chaos that came with it. I’d been too young to grasp it all, but I’m getting a quick education on the loyalty that a real brotherhood holds.
“I’m starting to see that. It’s just… the secrets are hard to swallow.”
“I get it.” She gives my hand a reassuring squeeze, letting me know she understands where I am. “But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that they need us just as much as we need them. They may act like they can handle the world alone, but they’re stronger with us by their side. Remember Ember, you’re not just part of his life, you’re his strength and he knows it.”
“Thank you, Jazz. I needed to hear that, and it puts things in perspective.”
“Anytime.”
Pulling me into another hug, she holds on a little longer as my emotions catch up. “We all have each other’s backs here, so if you ever need to talk, vent, or just grab a drink, I’m here.”
“Thanks again, Jazz. I’m sure I’ll take you up on that,” I say, blinking away a lone tear. She gently wipes it from my cheek, her voice full of encouragement.
“Ember you’re stronger than you know, and I promise, you’ll forget all about the Rebel Riders once you experience what it really means to be a Royal Bastard.” I can only nod, deeply moved by her words, and this side of Silas I never knew.
Sensing I need a moment, Londyn suggests, “Why don’t I take you to Mav’s room so you can get settled?”
“That’d be great.” Smiling gratefully at Jazz, I follow Londyn up the stairs where there’s a series of bedrooms.
“I’ll come get you when dinner’s ready. Vandal’s grilling steaks tonight,” she tells me, opening a door at the end of the hall.
“Sounds amazing,” I reply, realizing how hungry I am.
Shutting the door behind me, I walk to the center of the room, taking in the quiet intimacy of Silas’s space. The first thing I notice is a picture of me on the nightstand by the bed and it makes me smile, knowing he always had me near. My breath catches at the sight of his kutte hanging in the open closet, and an unexpected wave of emotion hits me. Walking over, I runmy hands along the worn leather, lingering on the patches and marks that tell his story. A story that he kept hidden from me. My fingers trace over the Royal Bastards patch, feeling the rough texture, and I imagine the pride Silas must feel every time he wears it.
Stepping into the bathroom, I notice his toothbrush and other small belongings neatly laid out on the sink, the faint scent of his cologne clinging to the air. Each detail speaks to the life he leads, one I hadn’t fully understood until now. As I stand here, the reality sinks in… I can’t just walk away from him, from everything we’ve shared. The thought of losing him terrifies me, and though the hurt is still there, so is the love and the deep sense of belonging. Silas needs me by his side, and there’s no turning back. Whatever we need to face together, I’m ready.
TWENTY-SEVEN
MAVERICK
Four Days Later
To my disappointment,the doctor kept me an extra day in the hospital, just as a precaution. Though I’m in pain, it’s tolerable compared to when I was shot. I still can’t believe it happened, but I was distracted with thoughts of Ember. We’re going to see each other later. I can’t wait to spend time with her and talk to her, so we can work our shit out. Being in the hospital was all about my recovery, and she refused to discuss anything until I was discharged. My heart fell each night she left, not knowing if it was for good. She still hadn’t said she forgives me, and I’m not sure how to feel about that.
Nightmare drives, eyes fixed on the road, while Steel sits in the passenger seat. It’s a comfortable silence but I want an update on club business to see if I need to address anything.
“So, how are things at Peaches?” I break the quiet, glancing between them.
Steel glances over his shoulder, a grin on his face. “Business is steady, man. The girls have been working their magic and we’ve had a good crowd every night. Seems like word’s gottenout about some of the new talent we’ve got rolling in. Profits have definitely been seeing a boost.”
Nightmare lets out a low chuckle from the driver’s seat. “Yeah, had to deal with a few rowdy idiots who don’t understand that looking is a whole lot different than touching, but otherwise it’s been smooth,” he says, exiting the highway.
“I got Demolition and Lone stationed at the door every night and that keeps most of the trouble outside,” Steel adds.
“Good. Last thing we need is cops sniffing around because some drunk can’t keep his hands to himself. What about the new shipment?”
Nightmare’s voice drops lower, taking on a serious tone. “Got it handled. Delivery went down without a hitch, and we’re pushing it out in phases. Profits are coming in solid, probably the best haul in months since Legion stole part of our last shipment. We’re expanding distribution without anyone catching wind of it.”
