Page 60 of Mace

He rolls his eyes at her, but his mouth kicks up into a smirk. “No bikes… yet.”

Maylie glares at me, folding her arms over her chest. “Do you see what you started? All I’m going to hear about now for the next month is motorcycles.”

“You’re welcome to come down to the clubhouse any time and look at the bikes.”

I say this only because I know she would come with him, and for some reason, I really want her in that part of my world.

“Don’t encourage him.”

“Ain’t ever going to squash someone’s passion for riding, Maylie. But we’re not going on the bike. There’s a little place I know just around the corner.”

Her expression is soft, and her eyes say a thousand things. “Lead the way.”

“Your sister not joining us?”

Her mouth moves from a smile to a grimace. “No.”

“She ain’t here, but even if she was, Ivy doesn’t like doing anything that ain’t her boyfriend,” Toby says.

“Be nice,” Maylie warns before turning to me. “Shall we go?”

“Sure.”

“You know what, I’ve just remembered I promised Damien I’d play co-op with him today. Sorry,” Toby says.

“Blow him off,” Maylie grinds the words out, like a parent trying to tell their kid off in public without yelling.

“I can’t. Friends are important, May. Why don’t you two go together? You shouldn’t miss out because of me.”

“Toby.” Warning cracks through her voice.

“Thanks for the invite, Mace,” he says to me, grinning before he steps back into the building, ignoring his sister’s protests.

Sneaky little shit.Maylie watches him go before she turns back to me with disbelief written on her face. “I’m so sorry.”

I’m not.“Come on. We’ll grab some milk on the way back.”

Her gaze bounces to the door her brother just disappeared through before her shoulders relax. “Lead the way.”

We fall into step together as we head down the street. People stop to stare at the colours on my back, but I only have eyes for the little brunette at my side. Except for Maggie, I’ve never had anyone treat me with respect or kindness in the way Maylie does.

“So, how did you know where I live?” she asks.

“Employee records.”

Her brows lift up her forehead. “Isn’t that some kind of violation of privacy?”

“Probably.”

“You’re not a serial killer, are you?” A group of people walking towards us split to step around us so we don’t have to part. “Because I watch a lot of true crime and I’m telling you now, I will make sure even in death everybody knows you killed me.”

I snort. This girl is unlike anyone I have ever fucking met. “It’s a good thing you’re doing.”

Her gaze bounces towards me. “What is?”

“Taking care of your brother and sister. Foster system ain’t a good time for any kid.”

“I just did what anyone would do. I’m no hero.”

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