Page 15 of Cold Hard Truth

For a moment he watches me, and it’s clear he’s annoyed I’m brushing off the conversation, but I don’t care. It doesn’t matter how strong I am, there’s only so much I want to think about Sage fucking around with patch bunnies, so I’m not entertaining that conversation.

“It’s fine.” Sage shrugs, finally answering me.

“Just fine?”

“Doesn’t feel much different.” He takes a sip of his beer.

There’s something working in his dark eyes as they move around the room. Something distant. And I can’t place the emotion playing across his face because it edges on regret when this is all Sage has ever wanted.

“Well, enjoy it.” I nudge him on the arm. “And I’m being serious. My personal feelings aside, you’ll be good for the club. They’re lucky to have someone like you looking out for them.”

Just because I don’t agree with Sage’s decision to become a member doesn’t mean I don’t mean it. Sage actually has a heart that he hides beneath his carefree façade. He’ll be good for the club. He might even bring a sense of humanity or morality back to the group. They need someone like him. So if he wants this, I have no choice but to understand.

“Thanks, Lyla.”

“I’m gonna take off before things get too wild.” Looking around, people are already losing clothes the more wasted they get. “I was just stopping by to stretch my legs.”

It’s part truth, when really, I came here just to see Sage. But the moment I stepped inside, I knew I was out of place. And the longer he’s a prospect, and the more the distance grows between us, the harder it is to ignore it.

“I can walk you back.” He sets his beer on the bar. “It’s dark and late.”

“I’m okay.” I smile, even though I wish he would. “I need some fresh air and some room to think. Plus, all the guys are here. Enjoy. We can always catch up later.”

He nods, and I reach out to squeeze his hand. Making a wish that things could be different. Handing the universe my trust that this is all meant to be and will work out however it’s supposed to.

Then I turn and walk away, even if it kills me a little with each step.

I create some distance and wish it didn’t feel so endless.

Sage is a Twisted King, and I’m the daughter of one. Destined or not, this is never going to be what I want.

It’s time to lay my teenage fantasies to rest.

5

Sage

My head is poundingwhen I open my eyes, and the light coming through the window is blinding.

“Sage.” Another round of banging comes at my door as Dad pounds his fist against it, and I roll over. “Kane wants to see us.”

“Got it,” I yell, listening to Dad’s footsteps disappear down the hall.

Glancing at the clock, it’s only ten, and Kane’s never up this early when the club parties like we did last night, so I don’t know why he’s in a fucking hurry.

I roll out of bed and slip on a clean T-shirt and jeans. Alcohol might as well be leaking from my pores, so I really need a shower. But if Kane’s waiting, it means I barely have time to brush my teeth and put my boots and cut on before heading downstairs.

The clubhouse smells like cigarettes and vomit this morning.

I’m not sure what that says about the fact that we live here. People are passed out on random pieces of furniture, and the floor is sticky from spilled booze. The bottoms of my shoes stick with each step as I make my way through the chaos.

As a prospect, I’ll be expected to clean this shit up, and I can’t wait until I’m fully patched because it’s much more fun making the mess.

Making my way through the main living space, I head toward the voices coming from the kitchen. The smell of coffee in the air has my head buzzing. I pull out a cigarette and light it, trying to wake myself up before I walk into whatever meeting Kane has planned for us first thing in the morning.

Lyla hates it when I smoke.

She hates how I party.

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