Page 104 of All Our Ghosts

“That your girl?” Havoc’s voice brings my attention back to the men surrounding us.

“Old lady,” I correct, crossing my arms over my chest. Ignoring the ache in them from riding all day. I catch Cole’s gaze for a moment before turning back to Havoc.

A hollow laugh booms between the group as Havoc shakes his head. “Never thought I’d hear those words outta your mouth there, Nash.”

I shoot Havoc a glare, unamused by what he’s alluding to.

“Guess I didn’t need to bring all the girls out tonight right?” Havoc goads, clapping his hand over my shoulder. “That’s alright, more for the rest of us.”

“What’s the word?” Cole asks, undoubtedly sensing the slow rolling anger forming around me like a cloud.

This is one place I can’t let the notches on my bedpost get to me. Not while we’re away from home and not where Kadence can realize just how fucked up I am. We’d just gotten over my line of conquests back in Pine River, the last thing I need is having them brought back here.

I shrug out of Havoc’s grasp, turning my body to keep an eye on the men around us as well as Kadence in my peripheral. I clench my fists open and closed a few times trying to get the unwavering need to protect her and her feelings to tamper down.

“Just wanted to give a warm welcome outside of the women’s ears,” he said, tipping his chin towards Kadence and Blake. “Though I have to say Porter sure has a mouth on her. I’m surprised she still got that Prospect patch.”

I narrow my eyes at him. Something in the way he says it doesn’t sit right with me and soon that uneasy feeling churns in my stomach. I open my mouth to question it but before I can Cole squares his shoulders.

“She’ll make a fine member,” Cole solidifies, “pretty sure she proved that the last time she went on a run with your crew.” His own arms cross over his chest as the smirk plays on his lips. “How’s Chauncey’s nose?”

“Still healing, or so he claims.” Havoc chuckles. “Your girl did a number on him.”

I watch as Cole’s hackles rise ever so slightly. Anyone else would have missed it but I know my friend and Blake’s a sensitive subject for him.

“If memory serves correctly, he deserved a lot more than a broken nose.” Cole bites, narrowing his eyes at the other club president. I grab his shoulder, holding him in place as Havoc once again laughs.

“Probably. Let’s not dwell on the past, yeah? All I wanted was to give a proper welcome. We can argue tomorrow.”

Cole nods. “Probably a good idea.”

“C’mon, man.” I pull back on his shoulder.

The last thing we need is a brawl in the middle of a crew who are already on shaky ground with us. It doesn’t matter if the bullshit Havoc spews about Blake makes my temper flare. I’m thankful that Cole actually breaks away from the group.

“Guy’s still an asshole,” Cole mutters as we head back towards the women.

“Yeah, nothing’s changed there. You think this meeting tomorrow is gonna work out?”

Cole shrugs. “We can’t walk away with them as our enemy. So it’s going to have to.”

“And if they ask for something we can’t give?”

“Then we figure out how to give it to them.”

Before we get back to where the girls have been standing I step in front of him, putting a hand to his chest.

“Dex’s right, man, something about this meeting doesn’t feel right.”

The devil himself, Dex, steps up to us with West on his heels. “I fucking told you,” he growls.

“We can’t afford to take on Stokesandthese guys.” Cole glances between the two of us, his eyes landing on me. “We have to figure it out.”

“Tomorrow,” I say. “I’m sick of club shit tonight.”

I turn from my brothers and make my way to Kadence. Her brows furrow as soon as her gaze catches mine. I shake my head before wrapping her in my arms, holding her to my chest as I bury my nose into her hair. Without hesitation her arms wrap around my waist making that stupid grin form on my face again.

“Everything okay?” She asks softly, only loud enough for me to hear.

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