Page 14 of Cold Hard Truth

Someone pushes past him to get to the bar; it brings him so close that I’m tipping my head back to maintain eye contact.

The temperature in the room is already sweltering, but with him pressed beside me, I look away before I make a fool of myself.

Sage takes a sip of his beer and I lean against the bar, looking around. The party just started an hour ago, but it’s already a shitshow.

The Vegas chapter of the Twisted Kings is in town—the original club. Their presence brings twice the number of people that usually attend these mixers and triple the chaos.

Blaze is chatting with their vice president, Helix. While Kane is taking shots with Steel, their president.

At twenty-one, Jameson Steel doesn’t look old enough to be a Twisted Kings president. Usually, they’re closer to my dad’s age and not nearly as handsome. But from what I’ve heard, Steel’s dad was gunned down a couple of months ago during a gun run gone bad, and the council voted him into his place. He’s young, out for revenge, and enjoying every perk of being an MC president.

Patch bunnies flank him on either side. Pawing and hoping he’ll give them some attention. One has her hand in his dark hair while another strokes his chest. His strong jaw clenches as he downs another shot, and I seethe appeal by looking at him. If only I wasn’t so wrapped up in the man standing next to me.

Once more, I glance up at Sage and find him staring at me instead of scanning the room.

“I heard from Ellie this morning,” I say to fill the silence between us, even if he didn’t ask. “She’s getting things settled before I head up to San Francisco.”

I was supposed to move next week, but then Ellie called to say they were moving apartments because there isn’t enough space. And I didn’t argue because I’m dreading actually making the decision to walk away.

Plus, Ellie might not say it, but I sense things between her and her boyfriend are tense. I don’t want to leave just to look like a fool if I have to come crawling back.

“So you’re still going then?” Sage leans in, and he smells so good tonight it’s distracting.

“Probably.” I shrug. “I can’t just hang around the clubhouse forever.”

Tiffany, one of the club’s long-standing patch bunnies walks by. She winks at Sage when she does, and I try not to wonder how many of them he’s been with, even if I have no right to ask.

I hate that he brings out that hint of jealousy when I’m not someone who normally feels it. Especially when I don’t blame them or him. They’re beautiful and Sage is… everything.

His dark eyes drain the universe from existence when you look into them. A black hole erasing gravity.

Sage is twenty-one and pure man now. No longer the kid who used to boss me around. His teenage softness hasbeen replaced with lean muscles and a smile that makes girls lose all sense of direction. Put him on a bike and it doesn’t matter if I’m into bikers or not, I want him.

I want his tattooed arms and his signature grin that knocks me in the chest.

I want us to be people we’re not like that could make this an option.

Sage watches Tiffany as she passes. Her dress is so short I’m surprised her ass doesn’t hang out the bottom. Her blonde hair brushes her lower back, and there’s no denying she’s pretty in all the ways that I’m rough around the edges.

I watch him watch her and I shake my head.

“What?” Sage asks, turning his attention back to me.

“She wasn’t exactly being subtle.” I wave my arm out at Tiffany. “Don’t let me ruin your night.”

“You’re not.”

I hum, shaking my head. “Whatever you say.”

“It’s not like that with Tiff.”

“Sage, come on.” I roll my eyes. “I’m not an idiot, and I don’t give a shit, so give me a little credit. The club has perks, and you all take part in them. I don’t want details, but I’m not stupid.”

He grinds his jaw as he looks down at me. The room is getting louder, and another group of bikers has arrived. We’re standing even closer together, and it’s everything I want and don’t at the same time.

“Lyla—”

“How does it feel?” I cut him off, changing the subject. “Finally being sent out on runs with the club. Almost a King. Everything you ever wanted, right?”

---