He nods and she moves to wrap him in a hug. “I love you, sweetheart.”
“Love you too, Mom.”
When she pulls back, she flicks her attention to me. “Nice to meet you, honey. I hope to see you around.” She narrows her eyes at her son. “Maybe next time with more clothes.”
He rolls his eyes as she leaves, closing the door behind her.
Then he flashes me the most devastating smile. “Morning.”
28
GABE
JUNE 6 YEARS AGO
For the first time maybe ever, someone sees me for me, instead of Jon’s kid, or the future president. To Ash, I’m just Gabriel.
And God, do I love that.
I never realized how lonely I was until Ash. She’s the most intoxicating person I’ve ever met. When I’m with her, I can go from feeling the weight of the world to feeling completely at ease. I think I love her, but that seems crazy.
It’s been three weeks, and I’ve yet to break the news to Shane. Luckily, he lives on another planet most days, so he hasn’t noticed. But it’s only a matter of time. And I’m certain that’s going to go over like a lead balloon. I don’t give a shit, though. She’s mine. There’s nothing he can do about that now.
When I left for work this morning, she headed to Gran’s. She’s supposed to meet me here when I’m done at work to hang out in the clubhouse. I’m finishing up in the shop when I catch a glimpse of men standing outside the door talking to my dad and a few of the other guys.
Shit.
The closer I get, I realize it’s Tony. He’s been the president of the Iron Angels since before my dad took over this club. After a long history of beef, they finally came to an agreement on turf a few years ago, and that’s worked for the most part. But he’s a shady bastard. Anytime his club’s involved, it puts my dad and everyone else on edge.
“Don’t push me, Tony,” my dad barks through his teeth.
Tony’s eyes flick to me. “We’ll talk again soon, Abbott.” Then, he strolls out.
“What was that?” I ask, following my dad into his office.
“Nothing,” he replies curtly.
“Obviously, it’s not nothing.”
He sighs, mulling over what to say. This is the frustrating part of being his kid. He wants me in the club, but then when shit gets sticky, he wants to leave me out of it.
“He thinks we sold on his side.”
“And did we?”
“Not that I know of, but if someone did…” He shakes his head.
Jon Abbott “the president” fades and the man that raised me rises to the surface. His eyes soften but his brows furrow. He opens his mouth to say something but stops and swallows hard. “Shane’s sister upstairs?”
“No. She’ll be back later.”
He nods. “Having her here is a bad idea.”
I blink a few times. “What?”
“This isn’t a place for a girl like that.” He brings his eyes back to mine. “If you care about her, you need to keep her away from this club. Especially with Tony sniffing around.”
I don’t say anything at first, trying to process what he’s saying. “She’s my girlfriend?”
