Page 9 of Cold Hard Truth

“Some family,” I grumble.

His gaze cuts in my direction, and it hits me so hard in the heart I wonder if he feels it too. The fact that he and I are meant to be something more. That whatever brought us together was the universe trying to tell us something.

Not that either of us can actually act on it.

Even my crush on Sage has its limits. I refuse to let some biker turn me into my mother. To believe a Twisted King could treat a woman right. Sage might be caring now, but that’s only because he’s not fully brainwashed yet.

Besides, if biker behavior wasn’t bad enough, there’s also the risk that comes with being involved with them. I learned that lesson the hard way when someone tried to kidnap me and Ellie after school when we were ten. I’ve been at the other end of death threats. I’ve had a man come up to me and tell me he’ll rape me if my father betrays him again.

I understand exactly what it means to be tied to the Twisted Kings, and I refuse to choose this life voluntarily.

“About the tattoo—” I change the subject when my stomach wells with unease.

“I already said no.”

Sage tips his head back and rakes his hands through his dark hair. His tight black T-shirt rides up just enough to show off the cut of muscles on his lean stomach. I spot fresh ink, and I wonder how far it all goes.

“Oh, come on.” I pull a picture out of my purse and toss it onto the table in front of him. “This will be quick.”

“A butterfly?” Sage laughs, and it’s beautiful even if he’s mocking me. “Is this a joke or an insult?”

“Neither.” I hold my ground. “It’s personal. So just do your thing with it. Add your flare or whatever it is you tattoo guys do to make it special.”

“Us tattoo guys?”

I shrug.

Sage looks at the butterfly again, shaking his head. But even if he’s resistant, I know him well enough to know he’s considering it.

“It’s small, so it’ll barely take any time. And it’s good practice.” I run through my list of prepared responses to his arguments, hoping one sticks. “I heard Blaze talking to Kane. He said you’re getting good.”

“If Kane finds out I did this, he’ll fucking kill me.”

I smirk, knowing he’s breaking and loving every second of it. He always did have a soft spot for me, and I can’t resist using it against him.

“Don’t let him find out then. You’re not scared, are you, Sage?”

His dark eyes meet mine, and he leans back to look me over. He’s shaking his head at me and fighting a grin.

“Fuck, fine. But on one condition…”

I cross my arms over my chest. “Fair enough.”

Sage tips his chin down and the shaggy hair on the top of his head falls over his forehead, skating the ridge of his eyebrows. This close, I'm flooded withthe scent of spearmint and gasoline. Of the earth right before it rains. Of a storm on the horizon.

“Tell me why you really want this.”

“Why does it matter?”

“Didn’t say it did. Just curious.”

He plants his elbows on his knees and crosses his hands over his forearms in front of him; his dark eyes fix on me.

I pick at my fishnets and swallow hard. “You ever feel like you need to forget?”

Sage nods. “Yeah.”

“Well—” I shrug. “Maybe some things are worth remembering.”

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