“Jesus fucking…” Joker stopped mid-sentence and straightened. “I got shit to do so” —he mockingly raised his brows— “If you’re gonna ask, just ask.”
She leaned on her elbows. “Have you seen Wraith?”
The corner of his mouth curled. It wasn’t exactly a smile. It came off more as taunting satisfaction. He looked over her head.
“Wraith, man. Cleo’s looking for you.”
What the…She spun on her stool and gasped, seeing him at the edge of the room.
“I wasn’t.” She cleared her throat and smiled, but Wraith’s gaze only hardened. He read through her lie.
And so did Joker who refused to let it go.
“Yeah, you did. You asked if I’d seen Wraith. That’s looking for him.”
You’re an absolute dick, Joker.
“Prospect!” Wraith pointed to the front door. “Get the fuck out.”
Joker snickered and rounded the bar. Once the door closed, Wraith moved forward but left a few feet of separation.
“You need something?”
Cleo slipped off the stool, forcing a smile and hoping it didn’t come off as nervous. “I haven’t seen you in a few days, so I was just wondering where you were. That’s all.” She lowered her chin and felt his knuckles instantly brush against her jaw forcing her to look at him.
“Been working on something.”
“Oh.”
He stepped closer. “Wanna come see?”
This was the last thing she expected from Wraith.
“Sure.”
He scanned her face. “Get your helmet and meet me outside in ten.”
Wraith walked down the hallway toward his room without another word. Cleo didn’t waste any time and ran up the stairs to her room.
****
It was a short ride over to Grizz’s place. Three point six miles. Doing the speed limit on the curvy country road, it was a five-minute drive from the clubhouse. There was also rear access with acres of woods separating the two properties. They’d never considered making a path. Until six days ago. All the logistics hadn’t been worked out, but a plan was in motion.
Wraith rode past Grizz’s house, stopping in front of the metal carport next to the tiny house. He’d built the addition when they’d started renovations. Down the road, an unattached garage could be built, but for now this would do.
Once he parked, Cleo grabbed his shoulders, and he tensed instantly. Her touch had always been his undoing. She pulled off her helmet and looked up at the main house, concern marring her features.
“Is Grizz okay?”
Wraith shut down the engine and got off his bike. “He’s good. Come on.” He didn’t wait for her response and walked up to the house. He’d been busy over the last week. He, along with other members, had called in favors. Usually, renovations took months. For him, it was only days.
He heard her footsteps following him, but they stopped suddenly. He glanced over his shoulder to find Cleo with her lips parted and her eyes the size of saucers, darting her gaze over the house. It had changed a bit since she’d last seen it. The exterior had been painted to a muted blue. The shutters were now a vibrant gray, and he’d replaced the door. The porch had been sanded and repainted as well. They had pulled out all the overgrown shrubs leaving a blank canvas for Cleo.
“You like it?”
Cleo seemed to be in a daze, but she slowly shifted her eyes toward him.
“Yeah, it looks amazing.”
