Page 103 of All Our Ghosts

My arms tighten around him as the thoughts swirl through my mind. I know I'm in love with him. I also know that if whatever we had would end up in heartbreak, that the cracks I would feel would kill me. I feel his hand rest over mine as he drives and soon his fingers interlock with my own, resting comfortably over his abdomen.

We ride like this for a while until the roads deem it necessary to have both his hands on the handles. Every once in a while he reaches back, resting a hand on my knee and giving it a soft squeeze before trailing it down my calf. A silent form of comfort that sends butterflies tornado-ing through my chest and one I was quickly becoming addicted to.

As the sun begins to set over the horizon, we reach Santa Barbara. I peer over his shoulder as we ride down the 101, glimpses of the ocean flicker through the palm trees and buildings. The lights from the wharf burn bright even during the evening sun and a pang of excitement runs through me at the idea of spending a day with him there. I still have no idea what he has planned for our day together but whatever it is I have no doubt I'll enjoy it.

I see Cole signal to our left before turning onto a side street towards the marina. After another few moments we pull into a compound similar to our own. A large fenced gate blocked byblack slats shoved between the fence rungs to block out any unwanted witnesses. The compound back home had the same, only the slats were blue. The gate slides open with a whine as we pull through finding a row of empty spots to park.

I notice over my shoulder a group of men loitering by what I assume is the clubhouse door. Gazes flicker between the six of us, some with grins and others with hardened glares too stoney to read.

I feel a tap on my thigh that signals me to hop off his bike as Holden kicks down the stand. My hands roam to his shoulders and I throw my leg over the side for the first time in hours, planting my feet steady on the asphalt.

He looks up at me, giving me a soft side smile as I steady myself. He helps me with my helmet, and despite having my arms wrapped around him for the past few hours, I step to him, wrap my arms around his shoulders, and move to my tiptoes to kiss him.

His lips are still a little cold from being wind bitten but I don't mind. Ultimately they were his and even if they felt like ice cubes I'd spend hours warming them up on my own if I had to. A low rumble forms in his throat as he kisses me back, his hands grip my hips and tug me closer.

“What was that for?” He asks, a sly grin spreading over his features.

I shake my head, not ready to spill every feeling I have for him right now. “No reason.”

Holden smiles as if knowing there is more, but instead of pressing, he takes my hand and leads me over to the rest of our group. Wolfe is already peering around us, his eyes scanning each person in the lot, assessing any potential dangers while Cole rolls his shoulders, tilting his head from side to side to stretch out his stiff muscles.

"There's a lot fewer members here than I would have expected," Cole observes. "I figured he'd have a whole army lined up outside."

"Yeah, well we haven't been inside yet," Wolfe growls, tension rolling through him.

"He won't want attention, man," Holden counters, squeezing my hand. "Having a whole club here at once brings a lot of eyes to an area like this."

The clubhouse isn't far from the main drag, just tucked off into a small industrial fishing area next to the marina but still enough of it was out in the open that people knew it was here and if I had to guess, that was purposeful.

All of our eyes flicker over to the clubhouse as the hum of voices slowly quiets down, and the main door creaks open. A man steps out, his dreads are pulled back into a loose knot on the top of his head, he's got markings on his face I have never seen on anyone else. Not quite tattoos and not quite scars, but raised skin marked there for purpose. His caramel skin almost glows under the sunset as he makes his way towards us.

I stand firmly at Holden's side, hands still intertwined as a quiet nervousness begins to twist its way up my legs, holding me in place. The man approaches with the same stoic look as the men that flank him. A more than uncomfortable silence falls between both groups, each assessing and sizing the other up.

After what seems like minutes the man's stoney gaze cracks and a smile forms over his face. I glance over at Cole who stands toe to toe with the man. His own smile creeps across his features until the new man finally speaks.

"O'Neil." He breathes out a laugh as he pulls Cole into an embrace, thumping his back a few times.

"Havoc," Cole replies, returning the masculine hug and pushing him back slightly, holding onto his shoulders. "Been too long, brother."

"Far too long." Havoc steps back from him as he glances at all of us standing behind Cole. His eyes land on me for far longer than I like and, assuming from the way Holden tugs me further into his side, it was far longer than he liked as well. "Good to see you all."

Holden only nods his reply while the rest offer a smile or, in Wolfe's case a curt nod and a scowl.

"We've got a lot to talk about but tonight we relax. Leave business for the morning," Havoc speaks, his voice an octave higher, catching the attention of all the other members surrounding us. "O'Neil, Nash, a word first?"

Cole nods, moving to follow Havoc as they make their way back to the clubhouse. Holden turns to me pressing a kiss to the side of my hair before motioning to Blake. "She doesn't leave your side," he says firmly.

"Stuck on me like glue," Blake replies with a nod.

It's the first time I've ever seen her without a smirk on her face or her normal teasing of Holden being too protective. It was with that nod that I knew this place was different, that the men aren't the same as the ones from home and that, even with the semi-warm welcome we had received, everyone needed to watch our backs.

Holden nods again, reluctant to let go of me. I kiss him again trying to reassure him I'll be fine but it's unconvincing as I tug my hand from his. "Go," I say softly. "I'll be here when you're done."

A smile flickers over his features though it doesn't reach his eyes. The stress radiates off of him in waves as he takes a step back from me and moves to catch up with the guys. Leaving Blake and I on our own in the lot surrounded by bikers neither of us knew.

HOLDEN

Havoc’s crew follows behind us, creating a wall of Skulls that do nothing but raise the hair on the back of my neck. I peer behind us, catching a glimpse of a nervous looking Kadence and a wide eyed Blake who looks ready for a fight.

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