Page 23 of Finn

They really think low of me, and this is exactly what I was afraid of. I shouldn’t need to defend myself or my relationship with Finn. It’s no one else’s business.

“We know that, sweetheart. We know everything. That’s how we protect our guys,” Nora says.

I look at Ivy, pleading with her to help me out here. I’m in over my head. Ivy laughs and reaches across the table for my hand. I lift my sweaty hand off my lap and place it in hers.

She smiles, squeezing my hand. “Every single one of us has had to sit through this. You’re lucky Gloria is gone.”

They all laugh, but I don’t get the joke.

“We aren’t trying to run you off. We’re trying to figure you out. The guys need to be prospects before they get patched in. Us girls, we need to prove we are here for the right reasons,” Gillian explains.

“And what are the right reasons?” I ask, looking around.

“If you’re asking that, maybe you need to rethink your situation,” Nora says, keeping her eyes on me.

I look around at each of them and realize they aren’t here just because they want to protect their club or their guys. They aren’t here just to see how much I’ll take until I break. No, they are protecting Finn. Much like a bunch of older sisters would do if their brother brought home a new girl.

“Finn is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. He makes me feel alive, safe and valued. He makes me happy. I know your opinion of me is important, but I’m more concerned with Finn’s opinion of me,” I say.

“I knew I was going to like you,” Nora says, grinning.

Adalyn reaches over and pats my hand. “The club is not easy. Once you’re in, there’s no way out.”

“Adalyn, shut the hell up,” Nora hisses. She looks at me and nods. “Adalyn’s husband, Axel, was the president of Shattered Souls up until he was killed years ago. Her son is Zane, which is Harper’s husband. Her brother-in-law is Brooks, who is now the president. She may say once you’re in, there’s no way out, but that’s not true. This is her family. Some are blood, and some aren’t. She’s still in mourning, so don’t let that shit scare you.”

I turn to Adalyn, who is staring at the wall. “I’m sorry for your loss,” I whisper.

She grins but doesn’t reply, probably stuck in her head with memories.

“So, Ivy said you used to work with her in California,” Harper says.

“Yes, I was really nothing more than a gofer for a secretary,” I say, shaking my head as I try not to laugh.

I didn’t do much at that job. I didn’t need to be there. It was passing the time for me. I’ve been thinking I should look for a job here, but I honestly don’t know what I would want to do. Better yet, I don’t know what I could do. I have no training in anything.

“Well, if you’re interested in working with us, I run Souls Two. I could find something for you to do,” Harper says.

“You all work there?”

Nora laughs, shaking her head. “Not us old ladies.”

“I run it, Ivy is in charge of the waitresses, and Gillian does all the computer work. We’re a great team,” Harper explains.

“How long have you all known each other?”

I’m getting more comfortable, and now I’m intrigued to find out more about them all.

Which is exactly what happens for the next hour. They explain who they are with, how long they’ve been together, and what it was like coming into the club. I’m sure there is more to each story, but I feel like I’ve gotten to know them a little better.

“Sweetheart, it’s not my place to open my mouth, but I just want you to know that Porter is a hell of a guy. And in all these years that you’ve been gone, he’s thought of you every single day,” Nora says, standing up. “Maybe think about giving him a chance.”

I force a grin but don’t reply.

I know I need to talk to Porter. He’s the only one with the answers to the questions I have. I’m just not ready for that yet.

“The guys just got back from visiting their brothers in California,” Harper says, wiggling her eyebrows.

I don’t know what that means, but that must have been why Finn was in California.

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