Page 64 of When the Smoke Clears

I frown at the blunt way he addresses what happened with Colt. Not that it’s accusatory. Just uncomfortable.

“I’ll come,” he says plainly.

My heart rate kicks up at his speedy decision. “Really?”

“Aye. I’ll not let my daughter go marching into the funeral of the man she killed, with his very angry kin, unprotected.”

An unfamiliar tingle coats my skin, and my cheeks heat.

He stands. “Let’s show you around, in case you care to spend any amount of time here.”

There are more men filling the main room compared to a few minutes ago. It’s nearing dinner, but it appears most are drinking their meal.

“Hey! Maci!” A familiar voice catches my attention, and I snap my head its direction to find Pete walking over from one of the pool tables.

“Pete, how are you?” I force a pleasant smile. As Colt’s friend, I’m not sure what he thinks of the situation.

He shuffles. “Heard what happened with Colt. They’re really taking this seriously. You doing ok?”

I nod. “Yeah, thanks.” My fingers are drawn toward the scar on my side, but I drop my hand. I’m not sure how much they know, and I’m not interested in getting into the details.

Pete’s eyes drop to my side, and his face softens as his gaze returns to me.

“All good,” I press.

“Prez.” Pete nods at James.

My father’s eyes linger on him, not unlike the way they studied Colt the night we met at the bar. He finally nods, and I take in the rest of the room. Several people sneak glances our way.

James clears his throat, chatter dying down around us. “Listen up. I’m going to say this once and only once.” He looks around the room with a dark gaze. “This is Maci. She’s my daughter. Nobody fucks with her, or I’ll castrate you on the spot.” His bright green eyes land on Pete.

I should be annoyed that he announced our connection without asking, but I’m unbothered. Murmured agreement travels through the room. Pete stares at me bewildered, while James waits for him to nod agreement.

A brighter patch on Pete’s leather cut draws my attention. It has a freshness to it that some of the others lack. Where Prospect used to be, a Member patch has replaced it.

Hawk approaches from James’ other side. I study him closer this time. He sports a Vice President patch, among others that I largely ignore. He’s the only one that doesn’t seem surprised by the new information.

“You met Hawk.” James acknowledges his presence before addressing him directly.

The majority of the group seems to be older than Pete and me, though they vary in age somewhat, aside from one guy sitting alone at the bar chatting with the bartender.

James looks the same direction I have. “That’s Ginger.” He motions to the woman behind the bar. Her greeting is stiffer than the others, only acknowledging me with a glance. James doesn’t bother introducing the rest, and I wonder if it’s because there are so many or some other reason.

Slowly, our observers return to their conversations. James gestures to the stairs. “Upstairs are a few rooms with beds. Occasionally the guys will stay over, but I suggest staying out of that area, lest you find something you aren’t looking for.” He grins.

I laugh. “Noted.”

His smile remains wide another moment before he continues. “I have private quarters on the third floor. You ever need to get away, you head up there.” I don’t know what I could need to get away from that would drive me here for refuge, but I nod in acknowledgement.

“I’ll let Petey show you around outside.” He turns to Pete. “Church in ten.”

My brows furrow.

“Proud of you, Gracie.” James winks at me and turns to talk quietly with Hawk.

I turn to Pete. “Church?”

“Yeah. It’s club meeting lingo. It was already planned; that’s why there are so many people here. Buuut, after the news he just shared, I’m thinking he’ll have more to go over.”

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