Page 92 of Boulder's Weight

"Intense," I admit, taking a grateful sip. "But they actually listened to me."

Astra snorts. "Of course they did. You've got the intel they need. Plus, Boulder's got them all convinced you're the second coming or some shit."

"What do you mean?" I ask, confused.

"Haven't you noticed?" Oakleigh says, exchanging a look with Astra. "Since you showed up, he's more focused, more driven. The guys are starting to see him differently."

"And you're not just a prospect's piece of ass," Astra adds bluntly. "You've got your own value to the club. That shit matters."

I feel heat creep up my neck at their frank assessment. "I'm not trying to?—"

"No one's saying you are," Oakleigh interrupts. "Just stating facts. The club respects useful people. You're proving to be useful."

"Plus," Astra adds with a smirk, "you've got Boulder wrapped around your finger, whether you realize it or not."

I shake my head. "It's not like that. This is just temporary protection, not?—"

Both women burst out laughing, the sound drawing glances from nearby members.

"Oh, honey," Oakleigh says, wiping an imaginary tear from her eye. "You really believe that shit?"

"It's true," I insist, though my voice cracks. "Boulder was clear from the beginning. He's not the settling down type."

Astra leans forward, her expression suddenly serious. "Let me tell you something about these club men. They all say that. 'Not the settling down type.' 'Never want an ol’ lady.' It's like their fucking mantra. Until they meet the woman who changes everything."

I take another sip of beer, uncomfortable with where the conversation is going. "You're reading too much into it."

"Am I?" Astra challenges. "Then why does he look at you like you hung the fucking moon? Why does he touch you every chance he gets? Why does he get that murderous look whenever your brothers are mentioned?"

"That's just... possession," I argue weakly. "Territorial instinct."

Oakleigh rolls her eyes. "Call it whatever you want. But don't lie to yourself about what's happening between you two."

Before I can respond, Boulder appears beside our table. "Sorry to interrupt, ladies, but I need to borrow Kelsey for a minute."

Something in his expression sends a shiver down my spine—not fear, but excitement.

I rise from my seat, ignoring the knowing looks Astra and Oakleigh are giving me.

Boulder leads me upstairs, down the hallway toward our room, his hand once again at the small of my back.

The silence between us is charged yet again, and who am I kidding? There is something intense between us.

Once inside, he closes the door and turns to face me.

For a moment, he just looks at me, and I meanlooksat me.

"What?" I finally ask.

"Did you mean what you said in there? About being used as bait?"

I lift my chin defiantly. "Yeah. Eventually, that's what it will take to end this."

His jaw tightens. "Do you have any idea what Benji would do if he got his hands on you?"

"Better than anyone," I say quietly. "I'm not suggesting we be reckless, Boulder. Just realistic."

He steps closer, crowding my space in a way that doesn't feel threatening, just overwhelming. "You trust us—the club—that much? To keep you safe in that kind of situation?"

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