Page 21 of Cold Hard Truth

“I’m good.” Giving Viper a final smile, I make my way through the crowd and out to the front porch.

It’s a clear night and warm since it’s late summer. I’m not cold, even wearing shorts and a T-shirt. If anything, sitting on the step to look up at the stars, I’m on the verge of sweating from the heat.

“You enjoy torturing the guys a little too much.” Sage stops behind me, looking down at where I’m sitting and blocking my view of the night sky.

“It’s not my fault they don’t give up.” I shrug.

He chuckles, moving to sit beside me on the step. “Nice night.”

“Mm-hmm.” Tipping my head back, I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

The air smells like the bonfire nearby, and Sage smells like gasoline from a trip he took into the city on his motorcycle today. Blinking my eyes open, I look over to see Sage watching me.

“You’re going to need to start wearing longer shorts.”

“Jealous?” I kick my legs out before tucking them back under me.

“No, but you’re going to get me in trouble if Kane sees that thing.” His gaze moves to my lap.

The way I’m sitting has my shorts riding up, and the butterfly he inked on my inner thigh is peeking out.

I tug at the hem, but it does nothing to hide the tattoo. “I don’t wear these around Kane.”

“Good.” Sage reaches in, brushing his thumb over the sensitive skin he inked.

My mouth turns to sandpaper as he grazes back and forth, inspecting it. And I swear his touch burns a path straight up to my core.

“It healed nicely.”

I nod because if I try to use words, I’ll be pushing them past the boulder in my throat.

Sage pauses and his eyes dart to mine, like it just occurred to him that he’s touching me. Pulling his hand back, I immediately miss it as he lifts his beer to his lips.

Everything about him makes my mind wander to dark places I swore I’d never let it go. Especially when he’s wearing his cut and I’m reminded why we can’t entertain this. But he looks so good in leather—being the person he’s always wanted to be. It’s almost enough to change my mind.

Sage’s midnight eyes meet mine, and they’re so dark, they reflect the fire nearby. I have to look away before I never escape them.

“I heard from Ellie,” I say, once more looking up at the stars like the universe can answer the questions I’ve been avoiding.

“How is she?”

“Not great.” I shake my head. “I think she’ll be back soon.”

“So you’re not leaving then?”

“I am,” I say. “At least, I’m leaving the compound. Maybe not LA. We’re talking about getting a place in the city.”

He shakes his head. “Whatever you say, butterfly.”

I glare at him. “You don’t believe I’ll actually go?”

“I believe youwant togo.” He rests his elbows on his knees.

“But you don’t think I will?”

He doesn’t answer and it’s irritating. Not because he’s doubting my resolve, but because maybe he’s right. What if I’m all talk but I never actually do anything?

I’m better than that.

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