Page 24

24

Phoenix

M ason told my dad he cared about me. He would have left the MC to be with me. That realization makes my head spin and my heart soar. I know how I feel about him, but he never said aloud how deep his feelings went for me until tonight. I start to fantasize about our future together when the door to the meeting room bursts open.

The guys filter out, Dad, Hammer, and Bear taking up the rear. Dad grabs Mason's shoulder and says something I can't make out. Mason nods before flitting his eyes in my direction.

When my dad lets him go, he makes his way to me. "Hey, I have to take care of something. Are you good to head back with Raven and the guys?"

I nod as a twinge of sadness hits me, knowing he won't be coming back with us. He gives me a sad smile as he grabs my face gently, leaning his forehead against mine. "I won't be too long. I'll be sliding into bed with you before you know it," he promises, kissing the crown of my head.

"Hey," my dad yells, "that shit ain't gonna take care of itself. Get going."

With a nod and a quick kiss, Mason heads out with a few of the guys, leaving me feeling cold in his absence. I cast a glance at my dad, who looks like he's about to burst a vessel in his forehead. Maybe that display of PDA wasn't the wisest choice.

"You two, get my girls back safe," Dad tells Reaper and Jesse after composing himself.

I feel my sister at my side as she whispers in my ear, "Did you see the vein in Viper's forehead when Raptor kissed you?" She starts laughing. "I thought his head was going to explode. Good job, sis," she teases.

My eyes fly wide as I look at her. "I'm only joking," she reassures me. "Guess Daddy Dearest doesn't like his guys poking around his little girl. If he only knew, right?"

I gasp as she winks at me, snapping my head toward Dad to see if he heard her. "Raven."

"Relax. He didn't hear me. He's busy talking with Ol' Grizzly Bear. Besides, he has no right to tell you who you can or can't fuck." My jaw drops as I slap her arm. At least her mood has improved, even if it is at my expense.

Raven links our arms and pulls me toward the door. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Jesse and Reaper are close behind us as we near the parked bikes. I look at the men and then back to the bikes, realizing we'll have to ride back with one of them since our cars and the club vans aren't here. I don't have an issue with that, but Jesse has been glued to Raven's side all night, meaning I'll be stuck riding with Reaper.

I don't mean to panic. It's not like he's done anything to us—other than verbally spar with Raven occasionally—but he's an intimidating man. He looks me over before hopping on his bike, looking both bored and annoyed. There it is again, that feeling of panic. Great.

Lucky for me, Raven seems to sense my discomfort. "Hey, Nix, how about you ride with Jesse? Grim over there is kind of a crazy driver."

She gives my hand a quick squeeze as I shoot her a thankful look. Her hand playfully grabs Jesse's side as she walks over to Reaper's bike. "Don't get too excited, Big Guy," I hear her tell him as she slides on the seat behind him.

Reaper's responding growl makes me glad I'm not riding with him. Thank you, Raven.

Jesse laughs, turning to me with a smile. "Hop on, Red. I won't bite."

I know it's late when someone gently shakes me awake. I fell asleep on the couch next to Raven when we got back. After the meeting, everyone seemed uneasy, and I didn't want to go to bed alone. So, Raven sat with me on the couch with Jesse on her other side, watching TV reruns until we passed out.

That must have been hours ago because I still feel the heavy weight of exhaustion as I squint up at whoever is trying to wake me. My heart stutters when I see Mason.

"You're back," I whisper, rocketing to a sitting position.

"I'm back." He smiles as he grabs my hand.

I let him lead me back to my room, untangling my legs from Raven's as she sleeps soundly on Jesse's chest. Reaper grunts as he shifts in the oversized chair next to the couch. Quietly, Mason and I tiptoe down the hall, closing my door behind us.

I rub the sleep from my eyes as he guides me to the bed. His hair is damp, and his clothes are clean. He smells like his body wash. Part of me is disappointed that I didn't get to join him in the shower; the rest is curious about the job my dad sent him on. "What time is it?"

He pulls the covers over us, wrapping an arm around my waist as I cuddle into the mattress. "Early morning," he tells me. "Close your eyes, baby girl. Get some sleep. I'm right here with you."

Mason's warm body curls around mine, lulling me into a peaceful state. My questions can wait. Tonight, I'll rest, knowing he's here safe with me.