Page 81 of Havoc

But Reagan doesn’t let it linger. She straightens her spine and crosses the patio, handing me my mug.

“It’s surprisingly nice out here.”

“Quieter than the clubhouse for sure.” Reagan smiles, sitting beside me while Bea kicks a soccer ball around the yard. “There’s an empty lot next to the one Luna and Ghost are building on. We could do this every morning if you were in the neighborhood.”

“You just want me around to help you decorate.” I glance through the glass slider, where boxes of decorations are stacked in the living room.

Christmas is quickly approaching, and it feels like we’re running out of time as Titan’s deadline looms.

“Don’t worry. Jesse made me promise I won’t hang anything until he and Havoc are back later. He’s worried I’m going to hurt myself, but I’m not even showing yet. He must think I’m completely incapable.”

“Or he’s just looking out for you.”

Never in a hundred years did I see myself defending the motives of a Twisted King. But even I can’t deny how Legacy looks at Reagan. She and Bea mean everything to him.

“You’re probably right,” Reagan agrees. “But you’re deflecting. My wanting you out here has nothing to do with decorating. Think about it. We could hang out, drink coffee. It would be fun.”

“Don’t you have Tempe and Luna for that?”

“Doesn’t mean you can’t join us.” Reagan sets her mug down, spinning in her chair to face me. “Am I your friend, Aimee?”

“You know you are.” I take another sip of coffee.

“I don’tknowthat,” Reagan admits. “You keep your distance. You don’t let people in. I understand why, but it makes it difficult to read where I stand with you.”

“I’m sorry.” I frown.

She reaches for my hand. “You don’t need to apologize. I’m just asking. Because you’remy friend, and I hope someday you’ll let me be that for you too.”

“I’m bad at this.” I force a smile, unable to wash the sadness from it. “But you are my friend, Reagan. The first one I’ve had in years, if I’m being honest.”

Which is probably why I’m so terrible at it.

Reagan has done nothing but make me feel welcome, and I’ve been difficult every step of the way.

“I’m glad to hear that.” Reagan smiles softly. “I’m here if you need anything. I hope you know that. You can trust me.”

Trust.

There’s that word again.

I’m surrounded by patches that remind me of what bikers bring to the people around them, and I’m being asked to have faith. In Levi. In Reagan. I barely know how to trust myself, much less anyone else.

“I appreciate it. But still, I don’t have any plans to move to the neighborhood. I’m leaving once we find my father.”

“How does Havoc feel about that?”

“He understands.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Does he? It’s pretty clear he wants you to stay.”

“He hasn’t saidthat.”

“Does he need to?” Reagan challenges, and I don’t answer. “Exactly. Even you see the truth. So tell me the real reason you’re planning to leave because Havoc isn’t a valid excuse.”

“Levi isn’t the only one who makes decisions around here. This isn’t just his home.”

“More excuses.” She rolls her eyes. “And not even good ones. The guys adore you. Each and every one of them.”