Page 52

Life had settled down.

Thank God!

Charley spoke to her brother on a regular basis, once a week.

Their conversations were short, mostly her asking about his recovery.

Some days he was more forthcoming than others.

It was a struggle, but as he’d reassured her on all their calls, he was going to make it through.

This time is different, Charley. And she believed him. Giving up was not an option.

She’d fully immersed herself into Nash’s life, and he’d done the same with hers. Charley kept waiting for the floor to drop out or some type of catastrophic mess that would rip them apart, taking away her happiness. But it never came.

Nash was her happy place. And so is this…

She tightened her hold over his stomach, feeling the wind brush against her neck. This ride had been a longer one. They were a few hours outside the city, taking back roads she’d never been on.

The thunderous rumbling had Charley leaning past his shoulder watching the opposite lane of traffic.

They hadn’t seen anyone for miles, but suddenly there were an army of bikes heading their way.

They were uniform, two riders side by side.

She’d seen the same type of formation with the local MC in Lawry.

Somehow it looked a little different. Nash lowered his arm from the handlebars to about a 7-8pm position, straightened it, and offered a two-finger salute.

As they passed, she watched each rider do the same.

When the last of the bikes passed, she looked back to the patch on their vests.

Killcreek Drifters MC.

****

Nash was working on the details for the impending venture with Inez and Killcreek. There were a lot of details to plan for everything to succeed flawlessly. There couldn’t be any mistakes. He tapped his keyboard, pulling up a map of the state.

His door was open, and he heard her soft chuckle before she spoke.

“What? No announcement, Caine?”

Nash stared at the open doorway with a smile. It was common protocol for security to tell him when anyone was entering his office. Charley had joked a few times about feeling like royalty when they did it.

Charley had a newfound friendship with security, mainly Ridge and Cyrus, who’d warmed up to her instantly. Caine was still a hold out. He would protect her at any cost, but he didn’t get close to anyone. It was just part of his makeup and a reflection of his past.

She stopped at the doorway, looking down the hall. Nash knew she was looking at Caine, who was stationed as his direct security for the night. Without another word, she smiled and held out her hand, palm up. A few seconds later, he saw Caine’s hand drop something in hers.

“Thank you.”

Charley walked in, closing the door behind her and opening the small wrapper.

She popped the gum in her mouth, making a direct beeline for him.

Nash swiveled his seat, welcoming her between his legs.

He grabbed her hips and kissed her. Mmmm, spearmint.

The kiss ended sooner than he would’ve liked, and as she walked away, he slapped her ass, earning him a sultry smile.

Charley had changed yet stayed the same. She was still the quiet, shy, polite woman around most people. But not with Nash. Or his people. And now, her people. Our family. Maybe not by blood, but they were all bound together.

“This is a surprise.”

She raised her brows. “A good one?”

“Always.”

Her cheeks pinkened. “I closed with Elle, and she mentioned coming by, so I tagged along.”

Perfect!

She lifted her chin, taking a peek at his screen. “Working?”

He closed the top to his computer. He’d shared some of his work with her, mainly the club business. But when it came to the Underground, much like Oz, Rogue, and Trey, he did his best to keep her out of it.

“Yes.” He stretched out his legs settling back in his seat.

Charley sat in the chair across from his desk, clasping her hands on her stomach.

“Are we taking the bike out this weekend?”

He’d gotten the same question every weekend for the last few weeks.

“Yes.”

She smiled, sitting up in her chair, cocking her head. “You know, you still haven’t bent me over your bike, Nash. I’m starting to think you’re all talk.”

A tease.

“It just so happens that’s on my agenda for this weekend.”

Charley laughed and stood, rounded his desk, and sat on his lap, hooking her arm over his shoulder. Nash immediately cupped her ass, tugging her closer.

She pressed her lips to his, muttering, “I love you.”

It was impossible to put into words how he felt hearing her say it. It wasn’t the first time, but it always hit him hard. She gave him more than he deserved, more than he expected.

And I’m taking it all.