Page 87

“Yeah, I know the feeling.”

“Yeah, I guess you do. I’ll see you when you get here.”

I checked the clock again. I was due for my parole meeting, but it would have to wait. Dakota was more important.

I scrolled through my contacts to find Ghost’s number. When I glanced out the windshield, I did a double take. He was standing across the parking lot next to his rusty Jaguar, with our parole officer, Winslow.

Well, that was…convenient.

And strange.

Winslow never walked me out after a meeting. They had their heads bent together, clearly deep in conversation. I hated to interrupt, but this was my best chance to help Dakota.

I popped open my door and started across the parking lot. Winslow noticed me first, his hand dropping from Ghost’s shoulder. Holy shit, had he actually touched him? We didn’t even touch Ghost much. He had to initiate, and he only did that in dire circumstances, like when he thought Knight might go off and die in an illegal fighting ring.

I slowed. Maybe I shouldn’t interrupt this…whatever this was. Ghost turned and saw me. Damn. Too late.

“Hey, Joyride.” I cringed a little at the nickname. Ghost grimaced. “I mean, Joey. Sorry.”

“Hey…Elias.” Saying his real name was strange, so I couldn’t blame him for struggling with mine. We’d all been using the nicknames for a long time. They’d been a reminder of what we did, a reminder we had to stay strong and live right. But now that Kit and Dakota were in my life, I had all the reminders I needed without that fucked-up name.

“We were just wrapping up here,” Winslow said. “I’ll walk you in for your appointment.”

“Actually, I need to reschedule,” I said.

Winslow’s eyebrows rose. “You’re already here.”

“Dakota’s car won’t start, and I promised to go help her.”

“Dakota Willis?” Winslow sounded startled.

I nodded. “I’m, uh, working to make amends.”

He tilted his head. “That could be good for you. Is Dakota comfortable with you coming into her life?”

“Yeah. She’s okay with it.”

“It’s her brother who’s less happy,” Ghost said.

“Ah. That’s tricky,” Winslow said. “It’s important to respect the family’s wishes as well.”

“Kit’s fine,” I said. “He’s, uh, working through it.”

An image of him holding my wrists down while he shoved his cock deeper into my throat sprang to mind. Shit. So not the time to be remembering that.

“Well, as long as you’re not hurting them,” Winslow said.

“Joey doesn’t want to hurt anyone,” Ghost said sharply. “He’s the one in pain. If this helps him, then that’s good, right?”

Winslow looked taken aback. I couldn’t blame him. Ghost didn’t speak up much, but when he did, you listened. Today, he was speaking up for me.

My throat grew tight. “I want to make Dakota’s life better, in whatever way I can. Even if it’s just volunteering for her project and being her friend.”

“And you said her car won’t start?” Ghost said. “I’ve got an hour before I have to be at work. We can run by and check on it.” He glanced at Winslow. “You can reschedule for Joey, right?”

Winslow glanced between us, brow furrowed. “I suppose I can make an exception.”

“Thanks—”