Page 74 of May 11

Ruger was living up to his reputation. He was a hard man. Even the sight of a woman wouldn't soften him. He'd spent too many years in prison. Too many years surviving.

"I'm Cora Albright." Cora exhaled harshly. "Your sister."

Ruger picked up the bottle of beer and tipped it back. Wire watched Cora. She held herself stiff, watching her brother. One small touch or one word would shatter her. Wire wasn't sure what she'd expected, but she needed a response from her brother.

"I understand you don't know about me. Mom and Dad told me about you, though. I-I have all the pictures of you when you lived at home." Cora rubbed her lips together. "I'm twenty-one years old. I've always wanted to meet you. I've looked on the internet for you, forever. For the last year, I've been searching all the towns along the coastline, hoping you hadn't gone too far when you left home."

A rude scoff came from Ruger. Wire glanced at him, prepared for some kind of reaction.

"Am I going too fast?" Cora leaned forward. "I've had so much to tell you, and I don't want to overwhelm you. You didn't even know you had a sister and—did you know?"

Ruger ignored Cora and reached into his vest pocket, pulling out a marijuana pipe. Cora's brother lit the end and took a hit. When he finally released the smoke above their heads at the table, he put the pipe back in his pocket.

"I have some things for you." Cora glanced at Wire. "They're not here, but if you stay, I can get them for you."

Ruger lifted the bottle on the table, found it empty, and set it back down. Then, he stood, wandered across the room, and left out the back door. Wire brought Cora's hand to his chest, making her turn toward him.

"He's leaving." Tears welled up in Cora's eyes, threatening to spill. "You have to stop him. I haven't told him about my—our parents."

"He's not leaving." Wire had his doubts, but he kept them to himself. "Give him a break. That was a lot to hear."

"He'll come back?" She sniffled.

"Yeah, babe. He'll come back." He brought her closer and kissed her forehead. "You did good."

"There's still so much to tell him."

"Today is the first day. You'll have more time." He rubbed the tension in the back of her neck.

If he had to take Cora to Beaverton and seek Ruger out at a later date, he would. He'd make sure Cora was satisfied. The rest was up to Ruger.

He caught Dio's gaze by the door. His MC brother shook his head. Fuck.

Ruger had rode off from the clubhouse.

Chapter Thirty Four

WIRE POURED SYRUP OVER the last pancake. Cora walked into the kitchen, rinsed off her plate, and put it in the dishwasher. She usually enjoyed coffee and breakfast. But that morning, she had trouble getting down a pancake and fried egg and had dumped out her coffee after it'd grown cold.

Yesterday's meeting with her brother weighed heavily on her mind.

She couldn't understand how he could walk away without knowing her. Wasn't he curious? Even if he'd left because he hated her parents, wouldn't he want to know about them?

He hadn't asked her anything. He never even acknowledged her.

Sitting across from him at the table, she'd stared, hoping he'd look at her. But he never made eye contact. All he'd done was drink his beer and smoke his pot.

Disappointment clung to her like a debt she couldn't pay.

She wiped down the stovetop. Maybe she was stupid for thinking she could get to know her brother or believe they'd have an unbreakable bond, and he'd stay in her life.

Arms circled her waist from behind. She dropped the dishrag and leaned her back against Wire's chest.

"I can't do this anymore," she whispered.

"You don't have to." He wrapped his arms tighter around her. "He walked away, babe. Nobody thinks you have to bring him back."

She groaned. Every time she asked her parents why they wouldn't search for Jeff, they told her that all adults had the right to live the lifestyle they wanted. It wasn't their job to parent an adult. They believed if Jeff wanted to be part of the family, he'd return.

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