Page 17 of Blood & Ash

“Why is that?”

“Everyone at school talks about how hot you guys are.” Blush stains her cheeks.

I snort. “Tell your friends to get better idols.”

“No way. None of them believed me when I said I was living at the clubhouse. Now they have to. Jackson will be so jealous.”

“Who?”

“My boyfriend.”

“No boys,” I grumble, and she giggles.

“Okay then. No slutty women for you, then.”

“Fucking hell,” I mutter as she climbs on the back of my Harley as though she’s done the act a million times. I’m not cut out for this shit.

Ashley wraps her arms around me, and we shoot out of the parking lot.

I don’t know what the future holds, but whatever that may be, I’ll be ready.

My brother and this club are counting on it.

Chapter Eight

“This clubhouse is no place for a baby.” Candyce pins her glare on me.

It’s been two weeks since I signed the birth certificate claiming to be the father of Ash. Anyone who needs to know any differently is aware, but it’s really no one’s business. Was the easiest way for me to take custody without any legal issues.

Custody of Ashley is different. As far as anyone knows, Shelby is still her guardian. I’m just looking after her until I can find a better situation for her. Something more permanent than here.

“I turned out all right.”

“Define the meaning of all right,” she tells me with the hint of a smile teasing at the corners of her lips as she changes Ash’s diaper before she leaves.

“That’s why I’ve got you.”

“This isn’t long term.”

“I’ll figure it out.”

“And Ashley?”

“I’m working on it.”

“Work harder. The way she looks at you. It's going to end badly.”

“She’s a kid.”

“She’s almost seventeen. And her being here. It’s not right.”

“You got a better idea? She’s safe here.”

“All it’d take is one drunken fool accidentally stumbling into her room. You guys party way too hard. You can’t protect her twenty-four seven, take care of a baby, and run a club.”

She’s right.

I can’t do it all.

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