“Leave them,” Wraith said, leaving no room for argument.
She started out of the room with her eyes on the flowers and a small smile playing on her lips.So beautiful.
“And the card.”
She knitted her brows. “What?”
“Leave the card,” Wraith said, gesturing to the table with the flowers.
Her stomach dropped as she clutched tighter to the paper in her hand. “Are you going to throw them out?”
Wraith settled back in his chair. “Why would I do that?”
It wasn’t a yes, but it wasn’t a no. Wraith, while extremely rough and brutish, was never cruel to her. She walked over and placed the card near the flowers, and then solemnly walked down the hall to the stairs.
Cleo had just reached her door when her phone pinged. She recognized the phone number and smiled. Cleo had purposely not added her to her contacts. She didn’t want to risk anyone seeing it. This was a friendship the club wouldn’t approve of. She’d met Taryn during an unsavory experience between Killcreek and Ghosttown East. The only good thing that came from it was a newly spawned friendship. Their relationship was restricted to messages, but it was one she valued. It was the closest thing she’d ever had to a best friend.
Taryn: Happy Birthday, girl! Wishing you the day you deserve……AMAZING!!!! Hoping you are showered and “flowered” with gifts and love.
Cleo closed the door, rushed to her bed, and immediately answered.
Cleo: Thank you!!!!! They just came and the flowers are beautiful. It was so nice of you to remember my birthday.
Taryn: Pfftt…..I’ve been counting down the days ’til I could celebrate you! Just wish we could do it together. How do you feel about kidnappings?
Cleo chuckled, crossing her legs and tapping on the screen.
Cleo: I’m not opposed if you’re the kidnapper.
Taryn: Just give me the word. I’ll grab Gee, and we’ll head up north. Operation: It’s my birthday, Bitches.
If only.
Cleo: Someday. Thanks again for the flowers. I really appreciate our friendship.
Taryn: So do I, Cleo. Happy Birthday!
Cleo reread the messages a few times before deleting them. As much as she wanted to keep them, she couldn’t risk anyone finding out she was in contact with Taryn. It had to remain a secret.
****
Wraith waited until he heard her walk up the steps and down the hall. The creaking in the floorboards didn’t let many get away with anything. He stood, pushed his chair back a few feet, and stalked to the table. He knew nothing about flowers. It seemed like a waste of money. They were just going to die. He grabbed the card and flipped it over.
May this next year be your best year. Happy Birthday, friend.
His chest tightened. It was her birthday. And he had no idea.
“Who the hell is sending her flowers?” Ace asked.
Wraith had his suspicions, but he wasn’t going to voice them. He was focused on a more pressing matter.
He walked back to the table, taking a seat across from Ghost. The brother continued eating his breakfast, not bothering to acknowledge Wraith.
“How the fuck did you know it was her birthday?”
It was the first time since he sat down that Ghost looked up and shrugged.
“How the fuck did younot?” Ghost scoffed, shaking his head. “You keep track of her life like it’s your fucking job, but you don’t know her birthday, brother?”
