Page 74 of Cold Hard Truth

Both prospects leave without question, and it reminds me of when I was one of them.

“Sage.” He nods, walking over to us.

He’s not a warm person or a welcoming father. He barely acknowledges Lyla beside me, and I wonder if it bothers her as much as it bothers me.

He walks over to the bar and pours a shot of whiskey.

“Come, have a drink.” He looks at me, being an asshole, when he’s the one who made Lyla come here.

I look down at Lyla who rolls her eyes.

“It’s fine.” She drops into a chair, and I make my way over to the bar, where he’s pouring me a drink as well.

He lifts his up, and I take mine, clinking the glass against his but only drinking half the shot because I’m not sure how long we’re going to be here and I’m not driving around wasted with his daughter on the back of my bike.

“What do you want?” I ask, cutting to the chase.

“To check in.” Kane pushes both our glasses aside. “Any trouble?”

“She’s your daughter, what do you think?”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Well, that’s better news than I’ve got, unfortunately.”

“What?”

“Blaze can’t get a fucking clue off Tank. And we think it’s because the threat is internal.”

“You think one of your own guys turned on you again?”

He nods, his teeth gritting. And I’m sure he’s remembering, like I am, how that turned out the last time.

“That narrows it down then, right?” I try to be hopeful. “Whoever was here back then and is still around has to be in on it.”

“It’s shit news either way. But until I know she’s safe, she’s going to have to continue staying with you.”

“I’m aware.”

His expression changes. “I’m not losing another daughter.”

Kane doesn’t show weakness. It’s dangerous for the club’s president to hint at concern, so it’s rare he lets anyone see he’s affected. But in his eyes now, I sense his worry.

“I need to talk to her alone.” Kane glances over my shoulder to where she’s sitting on the couch. “But I got you some company while you wait.”

He pulls out his phone, and almost as soon as he hits send on a text, a door to an adjoining room opens. Out steps a redhead with her tits spilling out the top of her tank top and itty-bitty shorts that show off half her ass.

“Brandi, keep Sage company for me while I talk to my daughter.”

Kane leans in close, planting a hand on my shoulder and pulling me in so Lyla can’t hear. “Do yourself a favor and take me up on this courtesy. Work out some tension, and don’t forget my daughter is off-limits. I saw you in the hallway. Too. Fucking. Close.”

He walks away, leading Lyla toward the kitchen. But her eyes find me before he closes the door.

Disappointment.

Pity.

More emotions swirl in her gaze than I’ve felt in years.

The door shuts and Brandi stands in front of me looking like she wants me to take her up on it.

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