Page 33 of Sweet Anarchy

Rylee lingers behind me, holding hands with Asher. I can tell it's for his sake, rather than hers. She's always been comfortable around bikers, even ones she doesn't know. Plus, a lot of her friends are here too.

Frank's green and blue eyes light up when he spots Blake, giving him a slap on the shoulder. "Fuck, it's been too long, brothers."

"It has," I agree, waving at the brunette walking up behind him.

"Zayn," she says warmly, leaning in for a hug.

I can't help but glance over at Rylee, my mind automatically checking if she's okay. Her eyes are locked on the brunette, a little uneasy as she watches our encounter.

"Rylee," I motion to her. "I want you to meet someone."

Asher lets go of her hand as she steps forward. I take his place immediately, squeezing her hand.

"This is our old friend, Frank, and his daughter, Lenah."

"Hey," Rylee greets, giving them a small smile.

Lenah looks between us and back at Asher, putting together the resemblance. "This is your younger brother?" she asks politely.

I nod. "That's Asher. And this is our girlfriend, Rylee."

It always cracks me up seeing people's reactions to the use of our. Lenah pauses for a moment, the words sinking in, while Frank lets out a booming laugh.

"Atta boy. It's nice to meet you, Rylee. I think I've seen you around Wheels."

Rylee nods. "You definitely look familiar. It's good to meet you in person."

Lenah nods to Asher before waving to Blake. He returns the gesture with a sharp nod.

"I didn't think I'd see you both again," Lenah says softly. "Keeping out of trouble, I hope?"

"The best we can," I reply with a grin. "You know how it is."

We chat for a few minutes until Rylee suddenly shoots past us. The five of us watch as Butch appears with Vito through the crowd, Rylee tackling them both in a hug.

"Lee," Butch says, giving Rylee a squeeze. "How you doing, love?"

Rylee glances at him up and down. "You're out of hospital?"

"Can't keep me down, kiddo. Plus I hate the place."

Butch sends a nod our way before returning his attention to Rylee. I can see her more relaxed at the sight of her friends and I smile.

"Aw, you're a good man, Zayn," Frank says, punching my shoulder. "I'm surprised to see Butch here though. He copped quite a beating."

Blake sighs. "He wasn't the only one. I'm sorry to hear about Denver."

Frank and Denver were best pals, both joining the club together many years ago. They took us under their wing when we joined a few weeks before the split happened. When Blake told me that Denver's name was on the list, I was devastated. He was always a barrel of laughs, cracking jokes to keep the mood light.

"Me too," Frank says with a bit of a shaky voice. "His wife is getting him cremated and we're spreading his ashes over the mountains where he loved hiking."

"That sounds beautiful," I tell him. "Denver would have loved that. He liked being outdoors, even in the pissing down rain."

Movement catches my attention and I look over, spotting Bill climbing onto a picnic table so he stands above everyone.

"Okay, everyone take it down a notch."

Next to him, an old familiar figure climbs on to the table. Mack Minton – the Brightmore Prez.

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