She lifted her glass. “Having a drink.”
“Cleo.” He growled, fighting against the anger rising.
“You said yourself, I didn’t have to check in all the time. I could have more freedom. Remember?”
Oh, I fucking remember.
He leaned closer. “You know this isn’t what I meant.”
“Well, um.” Her cheeks pinkened and her throat bobbed. “You didn’t specifically say I couldn’t come to Lawry.”
“Valid point,” Ghost said as he passed by.
Shut the fuck up, Ghost.He glared at his brother, who merely shrugged and walked to the opposite end of the room.
“Wraith?”
He glanced down at her.
“You said I just needed to be safe, right? Well, I am.” She hooked her thumb over her shoulder. “You know Taryn and Regina.” She looked across the room and her face softened, smiling. “And Grain and Brew are here, and you know them. If something were to happen, I’m sure they’d help me.”
“Damn right, sweetheart.” Grain said.
He shifted his glare to the older biker. Grain folded his arms and stared back at Wraith.
“And,” Cleo pointed over his shoulder. “Gunner and Blade are here now.” She waved, “Hi.”
Blade chuckled and lowered his chin. “Cleo.”
Gunner didn’t say a word, shaking his head as they moved across the room.
Cleo rested her hand on his forearm, and he felt the heat through his body. That’s the effect this woman had on him. “It’s for my birthday.”
“Your birthday is over.” He growled.
“I didn’t get a proper celebration.” She inched closer, lowering her voice. “Please don’t make me leave yet.”
Wraith grasped his jaw, sliding his hand over his beard. Had she asked to come to the bar, he would’ve never allowed it. And she would’ve missed out on this. Navigating this relationship was exhausting. But worth it. He glanced down at her and she was waiting on him.
He held up a finger. “One fucking hour. That’s all you get.”
“Thank you.” She lifted on her toes, kissing him quickly before climbing back up on the stool.
He slowly turned, noticing every man in the room staring at him. They may have suspected something between him and Cleo, but it had never been made official. Until now.
Wraith scowled when Blade smirked. “Welcome to the world of old ladies. It’s a wild fucking ride, brother.”
So I’m learning.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Cleo tightened her hold around Wraith’s waist and shivered under the cool breeze. It had been two days since her excursion to Lawry and her belated birthday celebration. Thankfully, without living at the clubhouse anymore, she wasn’t subjected to a verbal scolding from Ace. Wraith had done just fine with his own speech.
However, she was now about to enter the lion’s den. Cleo had no idea about the party until he sprung it on her a few hours ago. It was meant to commemorate Knox’s life on the anniversary of his death. It was a sweet gesture, but not how she’d intended on remembering her brother. Cleo would’ve preferred to stay at home, look through her old pictures, and reread his letters. It had become a sort of tradition since his passing. But she wasn’t given a choice.
Wraith pulled up in the driveway, and her stomach twisted, scanning the area. There were more people than she’d expected. It was a usual MC party but on steroids.
Wraith parked, and she got off his bike, peering around the lot. The area was at full capacity with a line of bikes pulling in the driveway. All for Knox? Her eyes welled and she sucked in a breath. It was obvious, he was loved and remembered by so many.
