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He holds my stare. Once several beats pass without me responding, he answers for me. “Nothing. He’s asked you for nothing. Why do you think that is?”

I shrug. I know he’s right, but I can’t seem to drop my stubborn streak and accept what he’s saying.

“Fuck, you’re dense.”

“Hey. No need to be mean.” I wave down the server and ask her for another beer. She nods and rushes to the bar. With the way this conversation is going, I need a few beers to make it through it in one piece.

“Mean? Honey, you ain’t seen mean.” His tone gets more growly and rougher with every word he speaks. Either his true self is coming out or I’m pissing him off.

“Do you have a point?” I ask. “If so, I’d really appreciate it if you’d get to it so I can leave.”

He grumbles, drops his head, and then runs his hands through his hair. Once it’s all messed up, it’s so much easier to see he is not Chase. “The idiot loves you. Can’t you see that?”

I snort. “Doubt that,” I say because I still prefer to pretend those words didn’t already slip past his lips. “No one loves me.”

Christian ignores me and keeps talking like I didn’t just argue otherwise. “I’d bet money you love him too. You’re just too damn stubborn to admit it.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” The server sets two beers on the table, one in front of each of us. I pick up mine and toss it back.

“Don’t I?” Christian challenges. “You knew I wasn’t Chase before I even spoke a single word. I’d bet a hundred dollars no one else in this bar could’ve done that. Why do you think you were able to tell so quickly?”

“I don’t know.” I shout. “I just did.”

“Well. I suggest you figure it out because here he comes.”

Chapter 28

Three days of hell

Chase

When Christian messaged me asking me to meet him at Posey’s, I rushed over assuming something was wrong. His message was cryptic and had me worried. I didn’t expect to find him dressed like me and sitting with my girl.

Assuming she’s still my girl. She’s hardly spoken to me since the MC set up her new home, and it’s been torture. I knew it would make her mad, and I thought I prepared myself for this reaction, but I was wrong.

It’s only been three days, and I miss the fuck out of her.

I step up next to the table and run my hand down my short beard. I haven’t bothered to shave in days. I glance between Lina and my brother. Lina looks pissed, but Christian is oddly happy. It’s confusing as hell.

“What’s going on here? Is this the emergency you messaged me about?” I ask.

“Just havin’ a little chat with your girlfriend.” Christian stands and pulls his wallet out of his pocket. He tosses enough cash to cover a few beers plus tip. Then he slaps me on the back. “She’s all yours.”

My eyes furrow as he walks away. I rush after him and grab his arm, pulling him to a stop. “What the fuck, man? Mind telling me what this is all about?”

He shrugs like he doesn’t have a care in the world. It makes me want to punch him. “Ask her.”

I step closer until I’m right in his face. “I’m asking you.”

“Calm down, Chase.” He rests his hand on my shoulder and gives me a slight shove back. “We just settled our differences. As far as I’m concerned, Lina’s good.”

I relax at his words. He’s been against our relationship since the beginning. If he’s finally come around, that’d make me happy. “You serious? You’re no longer going to give me shit about dating her?”

He shakes his head. “Never again. Like I said, she’s good.”

Christian spins around and heads for the door, not bothering to acknowledge all the eyes on him. The bar isn’t busy, but the patrons that are here are regulars. No doubt Christian’s appearance is confusing the hell out of everyone.

I turn back to Lina and she’s staring at me with a worried look in her eyes. I don’t know why she’s worried. I’m not the one who’s doing the avoiding.

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