Page 62 of Property of Tacoma

Uh…no. Hell no. Nope.

I’m hiding out like a big ol’ coward.

Don’t judge. I know it’s a chicken shit move, but my big brother can be a real asshole sometimes, and I hate feeling like I’m disappointing him.

On one hand, he doesn’t need to know what I’m doing.

I’m an adult, and I don’t answer to him, something I told my grandfather last night when he called.

But on the other hand, he’s my big brother, and I love him. Even if he does drive me up the fucking wall.

Ugh! I don’t know what to do, but I do know that I can’t keep hiding.

Panda’s chittering as he scurries through the bedroom door and up onto the bed pulls me from my thoughts.

“Oof.” I giggle-grunt when the fat butterball pounces right on my belly. “You’re so crazy.” I give him a scratch under his chin, and his eyes close, savoring the touch.

I love this little shit.

Grabbing my phone off the bedside table, I glance down at the screen and see multiple missed calls from Mason.

I groan, knowing I can’t put this off any longer.

Reluctant as a mofo, I press the call button and bring the phone to my ear, bracing for the explosion that I know is coming.

It only rings twice before my brother is barking down the line. “Where the fuck have you been?”

I roll my eyes. “Well, good morning to you, sunshine.”

“Quit the bullshit, Cali. What the fuck is going on? Are you still in Odin?”

I take a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. “Yes, I’m still in Odin.”

“Why?” His voice is sharp, demanding. “You were supposed to be back days ago.”

“I needed some time.”

He growls, the sound making my blood pressure spike. “Time for what? To fuck Tacoma?”

“Jesus, Mason! That’s none of your business.” I sit up straighter, clutching the sheet to my chest even though he can’t see me.

“It is my fucking business when it affects the club,” he snaps. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing? What kind of position you’re putting me in?”

I feel my temper flaring. “I’m not putting you in any position. I’m a grown woman, Mason. I don’t answer to you.”

“You wouldn’t have to answer to me if you’d stop acting like a child!” His voice rises. “Living in a damn RV and now shacking up with a man you just met. What’s next? You gonna play mommy to his kids?”

His words hit like a physical blow, and I flinch. “That was a low blow.”

“Well, someone needs to knock some sense into you.” He sighs, his voice softening slightly. “Look, Cal, I’m worried about you. This isn’t like you.”

“You don’t even know what I’m like anymore,” I whisper, hurt blooming in my chest. “When was the last time you actually asked me about my life instead of just telling me what to do?”

“I’m trying to protect you!”

“I don’t need your protection!” I shout, startling Panda, who scurries to the end of the bed. “I can take care of myself. I’ve been doing it for years.”

“You’re threatening the arrangement we have with the Kings,” he says, his voice going cold. “Is that what you want? To cause problems between our clubs?”