"It wasn't a suggestion," King cuts me off, his tone brooking no argument.
Luna appears at my side, her hand gently but firmly taking my elbow. "Come on," she says quietly. "Trust me, this is better."
I look at James, who still won't meet my eyes. Part of me wants to fight, to stay and protect him as I always have. But another part—a new part, perhaps born last night in Jacob's arms—is tired of the endless cycle, tired of sacrificing everything for someone who refuses to help himself.
"Fine," I say, standing. "But I want your word he won't be harmed."
"You have it. This is just a conversation." King tells me.
I nod once, then allow Luna to lead me from the room. As the doors close behind us, I hear King's voice, low and serious: "Now, James, let's talk about the concept of consequences..."
Luna guides me through the clubhouse to what appears to be a kitchen area. It's surprisingly homey. Large wooden table in the center, well-used appliances, a coffee pot brewing what smells like fresh coffee.
"Sit," she instructs, guiding me to a chair at the table. "You look like you're about to collapse."
Luna busies herself pouring coffee and assembling what looks like breakfast—eggs, toast, some fruit.
"Is King going to hurt him?" I ask, unable to keep the fear from my voice despite my anger at James.
Luna sets a steaming mug of coffee in front of me. "No. King gave his word, and he keeps it. He's just going to make sure your brother understands the reality of your situation."
I wrap my hands around the mug, letting the warmth seep into my fingers. "And what is the reality of our situation, exactly?"
She sits across from me, her own coffee cradled between her hands. "The reality is that the Iron Eagles will kill you both if they find you. Not because of anything you've done, but because they're at war with us, and they think you're connected to Steel."
"Because of last night," I mutter, shame coloring my cheeks again.
"Yes," Luna corrects me firmly. "Because Steel was at your apartment. That's all they know or care about. The rest is... complicated, but irrelevant to them."
I take a sip of coffee, letting her words sink in. "So, what happens now? We just stay here indefinitely?"
"For now, yes," she confirms. "Until the situation with the Eagles is resolved. After that, we'll see." She pauses, staring at me. "You have a job, right? At the diner?"
I nod. "I was supposed to work today, actually. And tomorrow. I can't afford to lose that job."
"I'll call them for you," Luna offers. "I can say you had a family emergency. It's not even a lie, really."
Her kindness brings fresh tears to my eyes. "Thank you. I don't understand why you're being so nice to me. To us. After all the trouble James has caused."
Luna's expression softens. "I know what it's like to be caught in the crossfire of club business. Before King and I got together, I was just a nurse who treated the wrong patient. Next thing I knew, I had a target on my back."
This revelation surprises me. With her confidence and poise, Luna seems like she was born into the club life. "How did you handle it? Being thrust into this world?"
"One day at a time," she says simply. "I fought it at first. Then I realized there are good people here, despite what the world thinks of MCs. They protect their own fiercely."
Their own. Am I one of "their own" now? Is James? Or are we just temporary problems to be solved?
"Steel hasn't come to find me," I say, the words slipping out before I can stop them. "After last night, I thought..."
Luna's expression is sympathetic but not pitying. "Club business comes first, especially during times of conflict. It doesn't mean he's avoiding you."
But I'm not so sure. The way we left things this morning was awkward, unresolved. Maybe in the harsh light of day, he regrets what happened between us. Maybe taking my virginity was just another conquest, another night of pleasure with no strings attached.
"It was a mistake, wasn't it?" I say quietly, more to myself than to Luna. "Getting involved with him."
Luna reaches across the table, her hand covering mine. "I can't tell you that. Only you know what last night meant to you. But I will say this. Steel isn't the type for casual flings. If he was with you, it meant something to him."
Her words provide small comfort, but doubt has already taken root. What if Jacob only wanted me because I was convenientand willing? What if last night was nothing more than a moment of weakness for both of us, driven by adrenaline and fear?
