“It’s yours.”
Cleo flinched and her brows dipped. “What?”
Wraith gestured to the house. “The house.”
“I-I…don’t understand. Ace said no.”
“And I’m saying yes. Consider it a gift.” He moved closer, and she peered up through her lashes. “Happy Birthday.”
“W-what?” Her voice was shaky, and she darted her gaze between him and the house. She didn’t fully get what he was saying. But she would. He grasped her hand, leading her up the porch steps. He grabbed the door handle and opened it.
Cleo slowly walked in, staring at the remodel. It was all pretty basic. He’d added all new appliances to the kitchen and features to the bathroom. A fresh coat of paint on the walls. A cream color, but he expected her to add her own personal touches somewhere down the road. He had the floor sanded and refinished. Initially, he hadn’t planned on buying furniture, but he wanted her first look to be something she could envision as her home. Something that was all hers.
“You don’t like the furniture, you can get whatever you want. Same with the walls. Pick out a color, and I’ll have the prospects paint it.”
Cleo hadn’t said a word, and she moved slowly, inching toward the living room. She gently slid her hand over the back of the recliner, taking in every inch of the room. She was struck silent for what seemed like minutes until she turned to him, her eyes welled, and her lips curved into a smile. “This.” She glanced over the room. “It’s….” Her voice trailed off.
He slowly angled his head. “It’s yours.”
Cleo spun around and gasped. “Mine?”
He lifted his chin. “You list the changes you want. Tell me, and I’ll get it down.”
“Wraith…” she muttered.
He snorted. “It’s yours, Cleo.”
A tear streamed down her cheek. She quickly wiped it with the back of her hand. “All mine?”
“Yeah,” he paused. “But it comes with conditions. Cypher put in brand new security cameras and surveillance. You don’t turn it off, you understand?”
Her face softened. “I won’t.”
He drew in a breath, gesturing to the back of the house. “There’s a trailer out back. It’s about fifty yards from the door. When the club goes on runs, the prospects will take turns staying over at night as additional security.”
She parted her lips but Wraith held up his hand, narrowing his gaze. “Non-negotiable. They won’t be here during the day and won’t come inside unless you need them. But when the whole club is out of town, I need someone here in case something happens.”
Inez’s speech had really hit home for Wraith. True, she’d given them an ultimatum but with good reason. In a way, it had made him see the light. He still didn’t like it, neither did Ace and Cross. The VP had been adamantly against her living on her own since he’d gotten the new information. But it wasn’t about what they wanted. It was about what Cleo needed.
“That work for you?”
“Yes!” She blurted and her smile widened.
She spent the next thirty minutes inspecting the whole house. She made a habit of sliding her hand over the surfaces. The counter, the cabinets, and even the walls. It was as if she couldn’t believe this was hers.
Wraith followed her into the bedroom and leaned against the doorframe, watching her check it all out. Wraith had kept it simple. A queen bed, two side tables, and a dresser. The room was small and couldn’t handle more furniture. He chose a neutral bedding set.
“So, this is my birthday present.” She paused and cocked her head. “From you?”
He slowly nodded, and she rounded the bed, coming to stand in front of him.
“I love it.” She drew in a breath and whispered. “This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.”
Wraith cupped her jaw, and she moved closer. She didn’t evenhesitate. She circled her arms around his waist and her breasts pressed against his chest.
“But I can’t let you pay for all of this.”
Jesus fucking…
