Cowgirl:Sounds like you’re trying to brand me as yours, Outlaw.
I think I am. But she’s a wild filly and I don’t want her gettin’ spooked. Most women go straight to talking about commitment, but not this girl. She’s keeping her distance, which I’m guessing is a matter of precaution. Could’ve been a man who did her dirty in the past.
Me:I’m not into branding.
But maybe a tattoo right on that fine ass. To alert everyone to keep off what’s mine.
She doesn’t respond, but I’m guessing that’s because her boss showed up. She described him as a hard-ass. I’ll leave her to it for now. Besides, my stomach is roaring at me.
I start wolfing down my food when I sense someone approach my table.
“Well, look who we have here.” I almost choke on my food as the voice slithers down my spine. “Been a long time, son.”
Not fucking long enough. I swallow down the sludge of hate caught in my throat and look up. He looks exactly the same with maybe a few more grays and wrinkles around those old familiar eyes. It’s one of the problems I have with looking in mirrors. I see him every goddamn day.
“We were wondering how to get in touch with you to tell you the news, Holden.”We?I look behind him and there she is, standing right at his back, clinging to him like he’s a god.
I shove the plate of food away, causing the fork to fall to the table.
“Now, is that any way to act, son? We just wanted to tell you that you’re going to be a big brother.”
The fuck? She’s pregnant?I look down to her stomach and sure enough there’s a little bump forming. She’s fucking pregnant. The woman I thought I was going to marry and have a family with is pregnant with my half-sibling. Talk about some fucked-up shit.
I reach for my wallet in my back pocket and pull out a Benjamin. Since my dad is a thief, I decide not to leave it on the table. I’ll hand it to the waitress on my way out. And I’ll be leaving right this fucking minute.
“Aren’t you going to say anything?” he asks. “I think congratulations are in order.”
Is he fucking kidding me?
I take one last sip of my coffee to clear my throat before I stand. My morning has just turned to shit in a matter of seconds. My good mood capsizing straight to hell.
“I ain’t got nothin’ to say to you, old man. Now, move out of my fucking way before I create a scene.”
I’ll be happy to inform the good folks of this town exactly how it came to be that my dad landed himself such a young wife. I’m sure the story he’s told them about their meeting is nothing but a fabricated tale. One as tall as the man before me.
“You need to let this shit go, Holden.”
I step forward, forcing my hands to stay at my sides. I’d promised my gramps before he passed that I’d never lay a hand on my father, and I’m going to keep that promise. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to show him an ounce of respect.
“I’m never gonna let it go, and I’m never going to be a part of your family. So, don’t you dare say shit to me like that again or else you’ll pay. Now, step aside so I can pass.”
Thankfully, he’s smart enough not to test me. The girl at his side hasn’t said a peep. She knows better than to open that lyingmouth. I lost all respect for her the day I learned the truth. And this is exactly why I don’t like coming to town. You never know who you’re going to run into.
12
Payton
“Oh my God, this place is?—”
“Not safe.” Meg cuts Chassie off, looking like she’s about to freak out. As soon as we pulled up to the gate and the huge biker dude approached asking us our names, Meg wanted to turn the car around and go home. She’s flipping her shit. But of course, she had to come because she didn’t want me putting Kota in harm’s way. I’m sure Meg is armed with pepper spray and maybe even a knife.
“You ladies lost?” asks a deep voice from our right. I shut my door and turn. It’s another huge man. They make them big around here. Every single one of them is massive. It must be a requirement to join the club. They don’t want any weak links.
“I’m looking for Cage,” I tell him. “He invited us out.”
The man looks me over slowly, nodding as if he approves. Then his eyes shift to Meg and narrow in. I feel her tense at my side, her entire body turning rigid. She doesn’t want to be underhis scrutiny. Not sure if he senses her disgust or what, but the look he’s giving her is even making me uncomfortable.
“Do you know where we can find him?” I ask, drawing his attention back to me.
