That calm shattered when I saw Tripp step into the lounge.
My muscles tensed as I watched him carefully, feeling the betrayal all over again. I forced myself not to react outwardly, unwilling to show my hand before I was ready. Instead, I took a sip of whiskey, allowing my body language to remain casual despite how my chest tightened at the sight of him. Tripp laughed and joked easily with a few brothers nearby, playing the perfect prospect. His cover remained intact for now.
The party eventually wound down, with guests and families dispersing slowly back to their homes. Jax was just about to leave with Lark, his old lady, but paused near the couch where I sat.
He leaned in slightly, his voice lowered. “Left what you asked for on your desk.”
I gave a brief nod, waiting until they walked away before slowly standing from the couch. Curiosity and anticipation mingled in my gut as I moved down the quiet hallway toward my office, pushing open the heavy door and stepping inside. The folder sat in the center of my desk, and I hesitated for a tense moment before sitting and flipping it open.
A photograph rested on top, immediately drawing my gaze. Petite, dark-haired, and undeniably beautiful, the woman in the image looked unaware that her picture was being taken. She had clear blue eyes and a genuine smile, the kind that made me pause, despite the anger fueling my intentions.
Desire surged hot and unexpected, tightening every muscle in my body with an intense awareness. I stared at her photo, surprised at the immediate physical reaction that slammed through me. I hadn’t reacted to anyone in a very long time, and never like this.
Even as I felt the powerful draw, something possessive stirred beneath the attraction. Which I’d never felt toward any woman before. I recognized it immediately as the same fierce, all-consuming drive I'd watched overtake my brothers one by one. The realization hit hard enough to leave me shaken.
Fuck no.
I fought it down immediately, anger and frustration flaring hotter. This wasn’t the time for attraction. This wasn’t the fucking woman I should be feeling anything for. It wasn’t the moment for whatever the fuck was flaring inside me. This woman was collateral, nothing more than leverage against Tripp, a tool to use and discard. I couldn’t afford to see her as anything else.
Yet each time I glanced at her picture, the possessiveness deepened, mingling with my anger until it felt almost unbearable. I sat there brooding, staring at the photograph as the minutes ticked away into hours, my mind at war with my conscience and my instincts.
Eventually, late into the night, I couldn't sit still any longer. I snatched up the folder, my grip tight enough to crease the edges as I stood and left the office, slamming the heavy door behind me.
My heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway as I moved, my pulse quickening from the turmoil of emotions still swirling through me. Just as I entered the kitchen, I saw Rev and Delaney, the two of them wrapped around each other and whispering. She glanced up, meeting my gaze. His attentionsnapped onto me immediately, clearly reading the tension in my face.
“You good, brother?” Rev asked, his voice edged with quiet seriousness.
He didn’t miss much, especially not when it involved one of his brothers.
I nodded, forcing my voice to sound casual. “Yeah, just dealing with some bullshit.”
As I shifted, something slipped from the folder. The photograph fluttered loose and drifted gently onto the floor, landing directly at Delaney’s feet. She bent and picked it up, her brows knitting slightly as she glanced briefly at the image. Her eyes met mine again, gentle curiosity in her gaze, as she carefully handed the photo back.
“Who’s she?” Delaney asked softly, unaware of the tension tightening in my gut.
Something cold and quietly furious moved beneath my ribs as I quickly reclaimed the photograph from her fingers. For a tense, charged moment, I didn’t answer, my jaw tightening as I forced myself to remain calm.
“No one,” I finally answered. “Just somebody I need to deal with.”
Without another word, I turned away and headed toward the back exit to a small parking lot where my motorcycle was parked. Once outside, I moved quickly toward my bike, determined to leave the clubhouse behind and clear my head.
As I pulled away from the compound, headed for my house just outside of Crossbend’s downtown, I knew one thing clearly: there was no going back from what I’d decided. My plan would begin tomorrow, and nothing—not even my own conflicted conscience—would stop me.
3
AUBREY
Pulling up to the familiar two-story house, I parked my little blue Honda next to the sleek black SUV in the driveway. Then I grabbed my bag from the passenger seat and headed up the front walk. The front door opened before I even reached it.
Mr. Hargrove stepped out first, his wife right behind him, both of them dressed for their date.
“Aubrey, thank you so much for coming today.” Mrs. Hargrove adjusted the strap of her purse. “We really appreciate you giving up your Saturday for us.”
Mr. Hargrove nodded in agreement. “Seriously, you always come through. It means a lot.”
I beamed them a smile. “It’s no problem at all. I’m happy to be here. Mike and Jenny are great.”
Mrs. Hargrove’s expression softened. “You’re a lifesaver. Between work and everything else, we just needed a little time to ourselves. You’re sure you’re okay with the full day?”
