It irritates me that she feels she needs to check on me. She lives with my brother, Calloway, in his cabin on the back side of the property. It isn’t a far walk, which means she is always here trying to be a good friend. I hate that I wish she wasn’t. It only adds to the guilt when I lash out.
“I’m fine. Enjoying the sunrise,” I murmur.
“No nightmares?”
I snort. “They don’t disappear overnight, Mags. I’m afraid I will live with them for quite some time.”
She sighs softly. “I know. I was hopeful, though. What are your plans for today?”
I shrug. “Same as any other, I suppose. Figuring out what I want to do with my life.”
“Rain invited us shopping if you wanted to go.”
I frown. I hate that something I once would have loved has become something I fear. What if I go out in public and he finds me? Monster might be gone, but Adlet got away. I have no idea how to reconcile that.
“I don’t know,” I whisper.
“You think about it and let me know. I could ask Panther or Eagle to come. You know they would love to.”
I nod. “I will consider it.”
Before she can say anything else, two motorcycles come through the front gate. I wince when I see who it is.
Maggie smiles as she jumps up, running to greet her man. My eyes aren’t on my brother, though.
No, they are on the man beside him.
Asher Zimmerman.
The former cop who somehow found a way to pledge as a prospect for my brother’s MC. The same man who lives rent-free in my head. He brings me both peace and guilt.
I hate that I love to see him.
It’s yet another messed-up piece of my brain.
“Good morning, Aspen,” his gravelly voice speaks.
I take a small breath as I turn my glare on him. “What are you still doing here? I would have thought you would have tucked tail and run back to your pig friends.”
“You seem so certain I will betray this club, but have I not proven that I am willing to be loyal?” he asks.
I hate that he’s right. As much as I act like I hate him with a passion, I trust him. I know he wouldn’t hurt me. Still doesn’t help settle my brain.
“You shouldn’t be here. I don’t know what you did to get my brother to let you in, but you should leave before you do any more damage.”
Before he loses any more of his morals.
That’s my real fear. I have already corrupted him enough with my actions. I can’t live with myself if he gives up all of his morals for me.
I’m not worth it.
“I will never hurt you,” he whispers.
He didn’t need to say the words. They have me wanting to curl up into his arms and accept the safety he offers. Instead, I harrumph at him before giving my brother my attention.
“Calloway, you should be more careful who you let into this club of yours. Seems like there could be a rat here.”
Calloway nods at me once. “I appreciate your concern, but trust me, little sis. I got this.”
