Page 40 of Rafe: Sins of the Father

Cody, the prospect—who I’m informed is not allowed in Church because he hasn’t earned his patch yet—lines us up more crème brûlée martinis, and soon we’re all giggling and sharing stories and jokes. It’s like I’ve known these women my whole life.

“What is that smell?” Brandy scrunches her nose.

“It’s really bad,” Sutton covers her nose.

“TJ probably took his boots off,” Melissa mutters, taking a sip of her drink.

“Are you gonna let her talk about your man like that?” Harley Jean raises her brows at the one in the sequins. I think her name was Gigi.

“I wouldn’t, except she’s right,” Gigi returns.

We all burst into laughter.

The prospect hurries over, having heard us, and pulls the trash out, tying it up. He looks at us seriously. “You don’t tell about the trash not being taken out, and I won’t tell TJ what you girls were all just laughing about. Deal?”

“Make us all another one of these”—Melissa taps a manicured nail against her empty martini glass—“and you’ve got yourself a deal.”

He nods and carries the trash away in a hurry.

Harley Jean heads to the jukebox in the back of the room, and Brandy, Gigi, and Sutton rack the balls on the pool table.

Soon, it’s only me and Melissa.

Cody returns, and she pushes our glasses forward. “We’re ready for that refill, Cody.”

I’m feeling a flush of heat and know I’m buzzed already.

She turns to me. “I think you and Rafe make a cute couple.”

“Oh, we’re not a couple.” I pull back, shaking my head.

Hers tilts to the side. “Coulda fooled me. How’d he end up bringing you here?”

“Um, well, it’s a long story and not a very pretty one.”

“Oh, my God, girl. You better spill the tea. Maybe I can help.”

I don’t know what possesses me, but I tell her everything—from the first time I laid eyes on Rafe bent over a squad car, cuffed and pissed off, to what happened tonight and how he came to my rescue, then refused to leave me alone.

“So, he brought you with him.” She murmurs the words as if she’s trying to figure something out.

“Yes.”

“I see. Well, if that doesn’t show you his true character, I don’t know what will. Rafe would never do anything to hurt you or let others hurt you.” She sips her drink. “I wouldn’t want to be that Connor guy.”

“Why?”

“Because hell’s gonna rain down on him. I guarantee it.”

“No.” I shake my head. “I don’t want Rafe getting in any trouble because of me. I’d feel horrible.”

She huffs a laugh. “I don’t think you can stop it. That’s just the way these guys are.”

“But I’m not one of you.”

“You may not be part of this MC family.Yet.I saw the way that boy looks at you. Let me tell you… he’s into you. Big time.”

I bite my bottom lip, and her brow lifts.

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