Cleo smiled at Cross, who was seated at the table with Oak and Gent.
“Oh, I know.”
She had been in touch with Wraith while he was on his run. Surprisingly, he’d been the one to reach out first most of the time. She’d been so preoccupied with her move, she hadn’t thought of much else.Well, that’s not true.At night, all her thoughts were of Wraith and his declaration.Just you, me and our future.Cleo still couldn’t wrap her head around everything he’d said that night. This was all new territory for her.
Cross sipped his drink. “Ghost ain’t around either.”
Cleo drew in a breath. “Yeah, I talked to him earlier.”
She’d reached out in the morning, and he was out of town but due back late Thursday night.
Cross lifted his brows, and spread out his hands. She read through his silence.Then, why are you here?The VP had always been a bit standoffish with her. Never mean or rude, but it was clear he wasn’t interested in any type of friendship. It had only become more strained after Knox died. Of all the brothers, he seemed the most distant. Rarely did he engage in any conversation with her, almost as if he made a point to avoid her. It was strange. The two people closest to Knox couldn’t have been further apart. But that’s how Cross wanted it apparently. She thought she’d made a small breakthrough when he allowed her to go along on the ride to Lawry.But, I guess not.
Cue passed her, looking back. “What’s going on, Cleo? You need something at the house?”
“Uh no, the house is great. It’s actually all finished. I still have some decorating left to do, but other than that, it’s done.”
Gent snickered. “So eager to leave, darlin’, and now here you are.”
Cleo ignored the sting of Gent’s comment and forced a smile.
“I wanted to stop by and invite you all to my housewarming party.”
Gent smirked. “Your what?”
“My housewarming party,” she muttered, glancing around at the men. “You can just stop by, if you want. Swing in. Check out the house.”
The room was drowned in silence.This is awkward.And reminiscent. She’d only planned one party in her life. Her eleventh birthday. It wasn’t a milestone year for most kids, but it was for Cleo. For the first time, her mother allowed her to have a party. Of course, she didn’t plan it, but said she’d buy pizza and soda. That was her gift to Cleo that year. Cleo planned games, made homemade decorations and invitations, and gave them to every single classmate. The timing couldn’t have been worse. Another girl in her class was having her party the same day.At a friggin’ ice-skating rink.It should’ve been obvious which party the kids would attend. But still, she’d hoped at least a few would come to hers. None did. And the icing on the cake? Her mother was mad that she’d paid for the pizza, essentially wasting money, when none of the kids showed up. The only thing Cleo got for her birthday that year was a whipping with a belt.I still have the scars.
Cleo tucked her hands into her pockets. The silence was deafening, and she was eager to make her escape. “Anyway, I’ll have some food if you want to come over.”
“When is it?” Oak asked.
She perked up. At least someone was showing a semblance of interest.
“Tomorrow. Any time after five.” She’d purposely made it on a day that wouldn’t interfere with the usual parties at the clubhouse.
Gent winked. “I’ll mark it on my calendar.”
“Anything else?” Cross stood, grabbed his empty glass, and arched his brow.
Dismissed.
She flattened her lips, forcing a smile. “Nope, that’s it. Bye.”
Cleo turned, making a beeline for the door. She didn’t expect Cross to make an appearance, but she had hoped others would stop by.
I hope.
****
Wraith clenched his jaw when he heard the jingle from his phone again. It had been going off all night. Cypher had installed the cameras on her house. Cleo knew about the ones around the perimeter. It was one of many conditions he and Ace had set for her living on her own. However, he hadn’t mentioned the door camera that he had access to.
For the last couple hours, Cleo walked onto her porch and stood silently staring down her driveway. Then she’d walk back inside the house. As of now, she’d done this about fifteen times. He was tempted to ignore the latest notification. But?Fuck!He pulled out his phone, tapped the screen, expecting to see her alone.
Ghost was standing on her front porch, hands tucked in his pockets, and waiting. Cleo opened the door and came through the screen. Her smile was huge, and she was bouncing on her feet.
“You came!”
