Page 80 of The First Cut

I have no idea what Khan’s house looks like. I’ve never been inside it, but anywhere is better than here. Besides, now that I know I’m having a boy, I don’t need to stick to neutral colors.

“It’s fine. Thanks.”

I step aside so Millie can walk past me. She places her bag on the bed and sits down beside it. With her hands in her lap and her gaze on the floor, she sits quietly as if waiting me out.

“I’ll leave you to it. I’ll just be downstairs, though, so come find me when you’re hungry, and I’ll make you something.”

She opens her mouth to protest, but I shake my head. “It’s no trouble. I want to do it.”

I move back to the door, sensing she needs a minute or two to get herself together. “I wish it were under different circumstances, Millie, but I’m glad you’re here.”

I walk out and close the door behind me, then lean against it, fighting back my tears as I listen to her cry.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Hannibal

We walk to the car in silence, my mind on Millie and Lola and how the fuck I’m supposed to have two women to care for when I’ve never cared for a damn thing in my life, baring the club.

“Can I be frank, Mr. Hannibal?”

“Just Hannibal. Say what you’ve gotta say. I’m not easy to offend.”

“I used to date a biker back when I was young. I know there's a stigma surrounding MCs, but I’ve experienced how tight-knit of a family they can be and how protective they are of their own. I’m taking a chance on you because that’s what Millie needs. I will, however, admit I’ve had reservations. This club has rumors circling it, nasty ones at that. But none that, from what I’ve seen, have been found to be proven.”

“I won’t lie. We heard the same rumors and did some digging ourselves.”

“We?”

“I’m originally from the mother chapter. We don’t let shit like that slide without investigating.”

“And did you find anything I should be concerned about?”

I smirk, liking the balls on this lady. Not that I’d tell her. “Let’s just say our digging ended up leading us to discover something else, which is why there's now a new president. Me.”

“Ah. Well, then, I’m hopeful that all those rumors will be quickly squashed.”

“I aim to improve the relationships between Raven Souls and the locals, but it will take time.”

“Lucky for you then, Mr. Hannibal, I’m not going anywhere. I wish you luck.”

I watch as she climbs into the car, waves at me, and then pulls out and heads around the bend to the main entrance. Turning back to the house, I stare at the door as my cell phone rings.

It’s Byte. As he knows Millie’s arriving today, he wouldn’t call unless it was something important.Fuck.

I look around to make sure I’m alone, then answer. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Hopefully. Seems we got a gift in the mail today.”

“A gift? What kind of gift?”

“The kind that could unravel everything with the missing girls.”

“Explain,” I bark.

“Someone mailed us a ledger. It’s all in code, so I’ve sent a copy to G. But why bother with a code….

“If they had nothing to hide,” I finish for him.