Page 66 of The Riders’ Reign

Ace is gesturing to me and mouthing words I can’t decipher. I take the phone and, laughing softly, speak with Jack.

“How are you feeling? How is your pain?”

“It’s better, thanks, Baby-girl.” His voice softens immediately. “I can’t wait until I see you again. You’re not hurt? Not at all?”

“No. Just exhausted. I think we all are.”

“Well, you go to bed. That’s an order.” Then he adds in a dark tone, “To fucking sleep, Camile. You need to rest.”

I grin at that. “Yes, President, sir.”

“Christ, I like you calling me that.”

“President?” I ask not to innocently. “Or sir?”

“Okay, that’s enough.” Ace takes the phone back. “Jack, we’re putting her to bed and no funsies. Promise.”

“Thought you were taking a piss,” Jack growls.

“I am, I am.”

“And get rid of the porcupine.”

“Okay.” Ace looks like he wants to cry.

“Is Saul there?” Jack asks.

Saul jerks his chin up. “Sure am.”

“Call me in the morning, so we can go over the other club business.”

“Will do, Prez.”

We end the call, and Ace looks around as if the bar can answer his next question. “Where can I hide a porcupine, so Jack won’t find it?”

God, I love Ace. He always makes life feel less heavy somehow.

Another yawn breaks through, and I turn to the men. “I need my sleep. Ghost is only half awake and definitely needs a good rest, a shower, and some pain killers.”

We say our goodbyes to Shelley and her sister, leaving them with Bear, Saul, and Phoenix, and me and three of my men leave the clubhouse.

“Where are we heading?” Ace asks.

Ghost turns to me, his expression almost shy. “Would you spend the night at my place, Camile? No funny business. I just want to hold you while I sleep.”

Ace frowns, but Rook digs him in the ribs and makes big eyes at Ghost’s injuries.

So Ace shrugs. “I guess I can let you have her for one night.”

“I’m not a thing to be passed around, Ace. I get a say, and yes, Ghost, I’d be honored.”

“I can go take care of the animals and get some sleep. But can we come around early for a group breakfast?” Ace flutters his eyelashes at Ghost, who sighs but nods.

Then we say our goodnights, and I head with Ghost to his house, wanting nothing more than to sleep for a month.

29

GHOST