Page 47 of I Should Hate You-but I Don't

"I don't understand." Her brows pinched together. "If Gem Haven is in your name—"

"My dad's name."

"Okay, your father's name. These people can't steal it from you. They'd have to show paperwork that you sold to them, and it would all have to be filed in whatever government office records the deeds, right?

Being in the foster system had taught her the ins and outs of how the local government departments worked.

He leaned forward and braced his elbows on the table. That's how it worked when people followed the laws. But Valdone wouldn't care whose name was on the deed. They'd use Zane or River or any one of the members to keep the land in their possession.

The sheriff would never know the war between motorcycle clubs had started.

"In my world, whoever has possession of Gem Haven owns the property." He gathered her hand in his. "I want you to stay safe. Don't wander off Gem Haven property, and if you need to go to town, I'll take you."

"You're not in danger, are you? They won't try to hurt you?"

As far as he knew, he was safe while in Gem Haven. He was saved from answering by their food arriving.

Pointing with his fork, he motioned for her to eat. He wanted to sit here, look at River, and enjoy his time with her before he shut himself into the garage apartment tonight.

TWENTY ONE

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River

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—One year ago

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River padded barefooted down the stairs and headed to the kitchen. Rubbing her eye, she felt along the wall with her free hand. She'd woken from a terrible dream, thirsty and unsettled.

Her dreams always took her back to the day she and Kenna got pulled out of class, and a woman informed them their dad had died and would take them home to pack a bag before taking them to a foster home.

She rounded the corner into the kitchen and stopped halfway to the sink. Zane leaned against the island with a beer in his hand, watching her. Half asleep, she hadn't even realized he was in the house or had the light on.

Without saying anything, she walked straight to him and wrapped her arms around his middle, hugging the front of him. She closed her eyes and shivered, trying to shake off the remains of her dreams.

"Hold me." She rubbed her cheek against his chest.

His arms surrounded her, and his hand cupped her head, holding her to him. "What's wrong?"

"Bad dream." She yawned, wiggling as close as she could get to him.

The leather vest warmed by his body heat soothed her. She sighed, loving the way he smelled. He must've just come in from riding. She pressed her nose into the leather and inhaled deeply.

His body shifted, and his thigh moved. She lifted her foot off the floor, wrapping her leg around the warmth of his jeans.

He patted her back. "Go back to bed."

She raised her head and opened her eyes. "I want to sleep with you."

His body stiffened. "Listen to me, sweetheart. We can't—"

"No."

"I've explained to you before—"

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