Page 50 of Cain

“You good?” Zeke asks while setting the gallons of paint down on the floor.

“How did you know what color to get?”

“Cain said teal. And knowing you, I went a little darker with it.” He pauses as he takes in my stunned face. “Is this not the color you wanted?”

“No, no… It’s good. Darker is good. Perfect actually. Thank you.” I swallow down the lump that’s forming in my throat.

I thought Cain was just asking questions the other night so I didn’t start spiraling with everything that had happened. As a distraction. You know, to keep it from being awkward. What guy wants to deal with a girl freaking out?

I didn’t think he had actually listened.

And I definitely didn’t think he would remember any of it.

I cough, trying to recover from the emotions swelling in my chest. “You can just leave it there, Zeke. I’ll paint the living room this week sometime when all of this has blown over.”

“No way, babe. We’ll have this taken care of.” Hash winks as he walks back inside, heading toward Cain and Trick.

“If you guys insist then I’m paying you back for all of the supplies and I’m paying you hourly for working.”

That earned me a growl from Cain. “Don’t fucking insult me, babe.”

I open my mouth to tell him that I’m not insulting him, that it’s just all too much, but Zeke cuts me off, “Just accept the help, Evan. I know you’re not used to it, and that’s partly my fault for not bringing you into the fold sooner, but this is what family does,” he says lowly so only I can hear. “And now that you and Prez are… whatever you and Prez are, it makes this even more of a priority. So just go outside and do whatever you need in the barn. Levi will be with you.”

I nod my head as I take out some burgers for tonight before I head outside. If they’re going to be working on my house without letting me pay them, the least I can do is feed them. Being in the barn will be good. There’s just something about being around my plants that brings me a sense of peace.

And I’d like some peace and quiet while I text Storm.

Chapter Thirty-One

EVAN

Hades is already outside, sunbathing in his natural element. Dogs don’t realize how easy they have it. No responsibilities. No bills. No one breaking into their house.

“Are you okay watching him? I’m going to work in the barn for a little bit.” I ask Levi, who is lounging on the back deck.

I thought I would feel overwhelmed by having my house overtaken by a bunch of broody bikers, but if I’m being honest, I love it. I’ve been waiting for this feeling all of my life—the feeling of having someone there whenever you need them. Yeah, I’ve always had Zeke, but it’s not the same. I never wanted to bother him more than I had to. He would kill me for thinking that.

I guess I’ve just been waiting for the feeling of family. And for the first time, I’m just hoping it lasts because I know firsthand that good things never last.

“Yeah, we’re good, babe. Just gonna chill right here. Holler if you need me,” Levi says as he kicks his feet up on the little black cast iron outdoor table that I found at an estate sale.

“Will do.” I wave as I head into the barn.

Deciding it’s best to get the Storm situation over with, I shoot him off a text.

Me: Hey, I’ve got some stuff for you.

There. That doesn't sound suspicious, right? I’m one hundred percent overthinking this. I say this to him all the time. It’s going to be fine.

I jump as my phone vibrates in my pocket. “Get a grip,” I mumble as I pull it out. I open the lock screen at lightning speed.

Storm: Yeah? Tell me when I can get it.

Me: Tomorrow? At my place.

Storm: K. Will that guy be with you?

I freeze. Just staring down at my phone.

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