"Yes, now." His eyes narrow. "Problem?"
I glance back at Maddie, who I now see is being approached by Reaper. Shit. "No. No problem."
"Good. Because your brother's friend will still be here when you get back." Blade's tone is knowing. "Unless you plan on disobeying a direct order?"
"I'm going." I pocket the package. "Just didn't want to be rude."
Blade's laugh follows me as I head for the door. "Since when do you care about being rude?"
Good fucking question.
I stop by Maddie on my way out, very aware of Reaper standing nearby. "Club business. I'll be back in thirty."
She smirks up at me. "I'll try to contain my heartbreak until then."
"You do that." I lean in closer, unable to help myself. "And maybe when I get back, you can tell me about the bank in Seattle James mentioned."
Her eyes widen slightly. "He told you about that?"
"Enough to make me very curious."
"We'll see." She takes another sip of her drink, but I catch the slight smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
I nod respectfully to Reaper as I pass. "Be back soon, Prez."
His eyes flick between me and Maddie. "Make it quick."
Outside, I swing my leg over my bike, a customized Harley Dyna that's seen better days but runs like a dream. The night air is cool against my face as I kick the engine to life.
As I pull away from the clubhouse, my mind keeps circling back to Maddie. There's something about her, beyond the curves and that sassy mouth, that gets under my skin. A kindred spirit, maybe. Someone who understands what it means to make your own rules, your own family.
Knight is waiting at the garage when I arrive, leaning against a partially dismantled Chevy.
"That was quick," he says, taking the package from me.
"Didn't want to keep you waiting." I try to sound casual, but Knight sees right through me.
"Nothing to do with getting back to the clubhouse, I'm sure."
"Fuck off."
He laughs. "Just remember, brother. You hardly know this chick. All you've got are stories from your brother's letters."
"I'm not sniffing around," I protest, even as I check the time on my phone. "Just being friendly."
"Sure." Knight tucks the package into the safe. "And I'm just Princess Diana in disguise."
I flip him off as I head back to my bike. "I'll tell the Queen you said hello."
The ride back to the clubhouse takes exactly twelve minutes, not that I'm counting. When I walk back in, my eyes immediately scan for Maddie.
She's not at the bar. Not with Kelly either. Shit.
I check the pool tables, the dartboard, even peek toward the bathrooms. Nothing.
"Looking for someone?" Ghost's voice startles me.
"James's friend. Maddie. You seen her?"
