Page 11 of Tempest

“I can handle the heat,” I growled.

“Can she?” His question hung in the air, heavy with implication.

“She’s stronger than she looks.”

“She’d have to be,” Viking said, “to stand beside the Sergeant-at-Arms.”

The truth of his words stung more than I cared to admit. If Kasen couldn’t handle a chance encounter with a brother, how the hell would she cope with the constant scrutiny and danger that came with my position? She’d grown up the daughter of the previous Sergeant-at-Arms, but we all knew Tank coddled his girls.

“She just needs time,” I muttered, more to myself than to Viking.

Viking clapped me on the shoulder. “Time might be a luxury you don’t have, brother. Word travels fast in this club.”

As he walked away, I stared down the empty road. I’d waited years for Kasen, watched her transform from a fiery teenager into a woman who ignited my blood. But Viking was right -- time had been slipping away.

I needed to know if Kasen was all in because half-measures wouldn’t cut it. Not in this life. Not with me.

I stalked into the house, slamming the door behind me. The walls seemed to close in, suffocating me with their familiarity. I needed air, space to think.

Before I even realized what I was doing, I turned and headed for my bike. The engine roared to life. I tore out of the driveway and raced to the gate. Sam saw me and threw it open before I hit it head-on.

The wind whipped past as I pushed the bike faster, harder. Each turn was a razor’s edge between control and chaos. Just like my feelings for Kasen.

I found myself on the outskirts of town, pulling into a dingy bar. The neon sign flickered weakly, promising escape in bottom-shelf whiskey.

Inside, the air was thick with smoke and regret. I claimed a stool at the far end, signaling the bartender.

“Whiskey. Neat.”

The amber liquid burned going down, a welcome distraction from the storm in my head. I stared at my reflection in the grimy mirror behind the bar.

“What the hell are you doing, old man?” I muttered.

The door creaked open, and I tensed instinctively. In the mirror, I watched Sticks walk in, his presence commanding.

“Thought I saw your bike outside,” he said, sliding onto the stool next to me.

I grunted, downing the rest of my drink.

Sticks ordered his own, then turned to face me. “Viking called. Said you might need a friendly ear.”

I snorted. “Friendly, my ass. More like nosy bastards, the lot of you.”

“Maybe,” Sticks conceded. “But we’re also family. And family looks out for each other.”

I met his gaze, seeing the concern there. “Even when one of them is eyeing the old SAA’s daughter?”

Sticks’ expression hardened. “Especially then.”

Chapter Four

Kasen

My phone buzzed, jolting me from my daydream. Connor’s name flashed on the screen, along with a message:Looking forward to our date tonight! See you at 7?

I stared at the text, my finger hovering over the reply button. Tempest’s face flashed in my mind, his intense eyes boring into me. I shook my head, trying to dispel the image.

“Get it together, Kase.” I tapped out a quickSee you thenbefore I could change my mind.

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