Page 58 of Riot

I didn’t know that lump of meat in my chest could fucking feel this much, but it’s like bands snap around my lungs. Seeing them both in that picture sends a wave of possessiveness through me.

What the fuck are you doin’ sittin’ here? Go to your girls.

She looks better.

Ivy

She is. The antibiotics are working. She’s been fussy today but not crying as much.

She misses you.

I miss you too. Are you coming over tonight?

My chest cracks open.She misses me.

Ivy misses me.

Fuck, I don’t deserve that unfiltered goodness. Ugly guilt and shame spreads through my veins like treacle.

I’ve only been gone a few hours.

Ivy

I know, but Mace and May are arguing over some weird concoction he’s trying to get her to drink and my brother just bought a new game.

I smirk. Toby’ll drive her crazy with the game.

I can’t. I got club shit.

Ivy

Come over now then?

Before I can reply, someone takes the seat Nicky just vacated. Caught off guard again, I mentally smack myself as Dash blows out a breath.

He’s another brother who I can’t figure out where his loyalty lies.

We came up through the ranks together as prospects and then newly patched brothers.

That builds a different kind of relationship to the ones I have with the other brothers in the club, but I don’t know if I trust Dash any longer.

He hasn’t spoken out or said anything to make me believe he doesn’t support Crank.

Then again, neither have I.

The only person who has been vocal about anything is Nicky, but he has the weight of two generations behind him. His father was a member of this club long before he was. His grandfather too. Dash and I don’t have that same history, don’t have that same voice either.

You don’t stand against your President or Vice President. Loyalty is expected, demanded, and I can’t blame Dash for not doing what I haven’t done myself.

“You busy?” he asks, and I notice he ain’t looking at me.

My senses tingle.

“No.” I tuck my phone back into my pocket.

“Take a walk with me.” He pushes up from the stool before I can accept or decline, and I slide off my own, following him into the courtyard.

As I push through the door and into the fresh air, my fingers brush against the knife strapped to my hip under my hoodie. Idon’t think Dash has lured me out here to kill me, but my trust level ain’t exactly high these days.

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