Page 116 of Steel

“Did you find him?”

Jameson nods, and I don’t need to ask what happened to know what Jameson most likely did.

I glance at the images on the wall. The history of the club. The traditions they hold on to, and the things thatthey value. A bond I’ve never experienced when everything in my life has always felt temporary.

Glancing around the room, I take in the space the members consider sacred.

Theirchurch.

“Am I allowed to be in here?” My gaze moves to the large wooden table in the center.

The Twisted Kings logo is carved into it, and someone must have taken a torch to add extra dimension because there are char marks on some of the edges. The chairs surrounding it are large and sturdy, with one that must be Jameson’s at the head of the table.

“You’re allowed to be anywhere you want, wildfire. So long as we’re not in the middle of church.”

“I figured you guys had more rules than letting everyone at the compound run wild.” I smile, walking around the table slowly and brushing my fingers over the smooth wood. “This is beautiful.”

“My grandad carved it.”

“Really? It’s gorgeous.”

Jameson nods. “Yes. And for the record,peoplearen’t allowed to run wild around here. Butpeoplearen’tyou.”

“Oh yeah?” I smile when he meets me at the head of the table, reaching for my chin. “What makes me so special?”

“Generally speaking… everything.” He grins, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Someone woke up in a good mood this morning. Not that I’m complaining; keep the flattery coming, President.”

Jameson shakes his head, dipping his chin and laughing, but there’s a nervous edge to it, and I don’t know why.

He rests his hands on my hips while he towers over me, and his eyes are serious when they lock onto mine. I’m still learning all his little ticks, but the intensity in his gaze tells me whatever he’s about to say is either really good or really bad.

“Did something happen?” My eyebrows pinch, and I bite the inside of my cheek to settle my nerves.

“Nothing bad… I hope.” He tucks my hair behind my ear. “I don’t want you and Austin to leave.”

“I know. Not until this is over.”

He shakes his head. “Not just then. I don’t want you to leave in general.Ever.”

I blink up at him, swallowing hard. “What are you saying, Jameson?”

My heart races as I look into his gray eyes. As I’m swept out to sea in the middle of the desert. As he lifts his hands to my face and looks down at me like he’s torn himself completely open.

“Tempe, I’m not a good man.” He sighs. “This life is hard, and the club will always have more attention than you’ll like. I’m loyal to my men, and because of that, I’ll always stand with my brothers. Before you and Austin, that was enough for me. All that mattered was my club.”

He drifts his thumbs over my cheeks, and I feel the tears already welling behind my eyes.

“But then you came in and stole a hell of a lot more than you ever intended. You found something beating inmy cold chest, and you made me see what life could be like if I stopped trying so damn hard to run from it.”

Jameson leans in to kiss my forehead, pausing with his lips brushing my skin.

“I know it’s selfish to ask you this—to ask you to bring Austin into this life. But I swear, I’ll do everything to give you both what you need. To treat you right and make sure Austin has the support and family he deserves. You two give me purpose. You help me breathe. You see the man, not the patch. You see me. I want to love you for it. To thank you for it. I want us to be a family.”

“Jameson—”

“Just think about it.” He pulls back, dragging his thumb over my lower lip. “I never wanted a family, knowing what it feels like if you lose it. But now I realize that’s just because my family hadn’t come into my life yet. But you and your brother—that’s what you are. My family. Promise me you’ll at least think about it.”

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