“You don’t have to do everything alone,” he says quietly. “Not anymore.”
I nod against his shirt, tears finally spilling.
And for the first time, I believe him.
Chapter 20
Ollie
Wondering Why by The Red Clay Strays
Ifind Jack out at the ranch just as the sun starts dropping. He’s leaning against the fence when I pull up, arms crossed, jaw tight like he already knows this isn’t a casual visit.
“You look like hell,” he says. “I thought the honeymoon period was supposed to make you glow and shit.”
“I thought so, too,” I tell him, shutting the truck door harder than I need to. “We need to talk.”
That gets his attention. He straightens. “What’s going on?”
I scrub a hand over my face. “Poppy went to the biker compound and confronted them about her dad.”
It’s been a few days now and I still can’t get over her doing that. I’ve been so worried.
Jack blows out a slow breath, eyes dropping to his boots. “Shit.”
“I didn’t know until after,” I say quickly. “She didn’t tell me. She went alone.”
Jack’s head snaps up. “She did what?”
“I know,” I say, sharply. “Her dad wasn’t there. They told her he’s been kicked out of the club with a bunch of others. So, whoever Sully’s running with isn’t affiliated with them anymore.”
He shakes his head once, like he’s trying to reset his brain. “I’ve heard they’re overhauling that club. Cleaning house. Got away from drugs and trafficking. Still doesn’t make them safe. I don’t trust ‘em.”
“The guy running it goes by Grave,” I say. “Real name’s Silas Knox. Supposedly, his dad ran the club. His lieutenant is a guy named Jonesy. I’ve been doing some digging to find out what we’re dealing with since she went there, and we’re now on their radar.”
Jack’s expression tightens. “Yeah. I know who Grave is.”
“I don’t like this.” I crack my knuckles, feeling all sorts of emotion. Overwhelm, nervousness, anger that she did that.
“They call him Grave because he’s not afraid to take it to the grave,” Jack says. “And Poppy confronted him?”
I nod and add dryly. “With a tire iron.”
Jack’s eyes widen. He actually looks rattled. “Jesus, Ollie.”
“I know,” I snap. “I’m terrified about the deal she made with them.”
Jack frowns. “Hold up. What deal?”
“I don’t know,” I say, my stomach already sinking as the words leave my mouth. “She said we’re under club protection now.”
Jack goes still. Then he shakes his head slowly. “That’s bad, dude.”
My chest tightens. “I know.”
“Clubs don’t do that without wanting something in return,” he says. “There’s always a hook.”
My stomach drops hard. Worse than it was with Sully making threats. Worse than the CPS meetings.
