Page 70 of Miguel

“Seventeen, actually. Got hauled straight to jail.”

There was a world of pain in Miguel’s expression. It spoke volumes, made my chest ache, made me want to reach across the table and pull him into an embrace.

“Can I ask what happened?” My eyes flicked briefly down to Zeke. He wasn’t paying us much attention. His sole focus was on the rice he mushed around his plate. My gaze went back up to Miguel.

For a moment he looked uncomfortable with the question, and I wondered if he’d answer me at all. Finally, he sighed. “He hurt someone.” He made sure Zeke wasn’t paying attention before he went on. “He killed somebody in self-defense. It’s not a pretty story, so I won’t tell it. But just know he protected someone who couldn’t protect themselves.”

The words sat heavy on my chest. He delivered them slowly, his eyes searching for something in my own. I had to admit, it was frightening to know that Loco was capable of murder. What else were Los Diablos capable of?

I didn’t want my mind to go down that dark path, though. Not only because I wasn’t aware of the situation, but because Miguel was being honest with me. He was sitting here telling me that his president had reasons–good reasons–for hurting someone.

The world wasn’t always so black and white. That was something I had learned in my life. There wasn’t good or bad. Sometimes things happened, rules were bent and broken. I’d met Loco. He was chaotic. He was a wild card, but I didn’t feel like he was evil. He didn’t give me the creeps. None of Los Diablos did.

So why had I left before?

The answer came easily. I’d been overwhelmed. Overstimulated. It was something I’d grown used to as a teacher. A chaos that brewed that I could compartmentalize. Except, this had been a different situation because I’d been surrounded by adults, living within a lifestyle I didn’t feel was for me.

It had been an intimidating concept. And instead of taking a breath and figuring it out, I’d run away. I’d run away and I’d hurt Miguel in the process. And now, having him staring at me like he was waiting for me to pass judgment not only on him but on Loco too, didn’t sit well with me.

It made me feel like shit. Like I’d failed as a person.

“Loco’s been my best friend since we were kids. With him gone, it just wasn’t the same. I dropped out of school, worked the mechanic shop. When Loco got out, we prospected. When he took the mantle of Los Diablos, he made me his VP. The club had already been established before he’d gone away, but when he was gone it’s like we all just sat in limbo. He rebuilt the club from the ground up when he got out, though.” There was a hint of pride in Miguel’s voice as he talked about Loco and the club. “He made us stronger.” His eyes burned, and I swore I could see the flickering flames of his passion in those depths. “He made us a family.”

The undercurrent of the words was clear.

Family.

The brotherhood was his family, and that would never change. They meant as much to him as Camila and Zeke did. It was more than just friendship. It was everything.

It was in that moment I realized something. That this family? This sense of closeness he shared, not only with his sister, but with the whole club? It was everything,everything,I ever wanted for myself.

And I’d just been too afraid of the unknown to really take it.

Chapter Twenty-six

Miguel

AfterIfedmygirl and said goodbye to Cami and Zeke, I led her out to my bike. My hand settled on the lower part of her back, just above the curve of her luscious ass. I’d never had anyone on the back of my bike except for her. She was the only one I ever wanted in that position.

I released her long enough to reach for the spare helmet.

“Let me.”

I placed it on her head, securing it with care. When I finished, she offered me a small smile from beneath the helmet. A little, simple action, and she had my fucking balls in a vice grip.

Fuck.

This woman.

She owned me and she didn’t even know it.

“I like your bike,” she said finally.

“I like you on my bike,” I replied, reaching for the second helmet.

She scoffed and rolled her eyes. “I bet you say that to all the girls.”

Even though she tried to speak to the words casually, I could hear the underlying sense of uncertainty. She’d displayed it earlier at the park as well, and I hated that she thought so little of me. I was just going to have to work harder to be more convincing.

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