She’s surrounded by people who didn’t even know her a few days ago but are cheering like she’s one of their own.
Because she is.
And damn, she looks good—flushed with pride, her eyes brighter than I’ve ever seen them.
A few of the younger patch members eye her from across the bar, but I step forward just enough to make my presence known. One sharp look from me and they suddenly remember they’ve got errands to run.
Faith turns back to me, cheeks pink and eyes shining. “You did all this?”
I nod once. “Didn’t want the moment to pass without someone making a fuss. It’s only what your brother would’ve done.”
She steps into my space again, close enough that her fingers graze my stomach. “Thank you.”
I nod, my throat a little tight. “You earned it.”
“Still,” she whispers, leaning in, “this is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”
And fuck me if that doesn’t slice right through my chest.
I curl my arm around her waist, not caring who sees. “Get used to it, Sunshine. You deserve people who show up.”
Our eyes lock for a beat too long, but I never want to let her go and I hold her for longer than I should, not caring who sees, wanting everyone here to know she’s with me.
Prez leans against the bar with a pint in hand, breaking the spell I’m under. “Congratulations Faith. Your brother will be proud.”
“Thank you.”
He nods towards the cake. “Get us a slice of that chocolate cake, would you, sweetheart?”
She spins around without hesitation and weaves through the crowd to the buffet table.
Now out of earshot, Prez leans in, his voice low, “What’s the deal with Oak’s little sister?” He raises an eyebrow. “She’s a long way from home, isn’t she?”
“She needs somewhere to stay for a while. Just until Oak gets out.”
“You failed to mention it at church last night.”
“Do I need to declare every woman I have over at the garage?”
“No, but she’s not every woman.” He lifts his pint to his lips and takes a sip. “You heard from him?”
I shake my head. “Not directly.” Getting a prison visitor pass can be difficult. “Why?”
“Just wondering if he knows his little sister’s shacked with you. I don’t want this turning bad. Oak’s done a lot for this club and we owe him.”
I straighten my spine with gritted teeth. “That’s why I’m taking care of his sister.”
Prez nods, a half smirk on his face as he raises one bushy eyebrow. “Just make sure you don’t get too familiar.” He pats me on the back as he walks towards the buffet and towards my girl carrying a plate of sliced cake.
I let her chat with her friends and enjoy her moment while I slip into the back room, looking for Draven.
Kane chalks up a pool cue with his buddy Shane. Draven’s in the corner talking with Colin and Sawyer.
“Hey, you got a minute?” I ask Draven, pulling him away from the two construction workers.
“Sure, what’s up?”
“Just wondered if you’d heard anymore from Oak?”
