Page 61 of Steel

Pearl looks over her shoulder, jutting her chin to the hallway. “He’s in the den with Jameson watching a movie. I hope you like tacos; they’ll be ready in ten minutes.”

“Love them.”

Pearl hasn’t made a bad meal yet. And she cooks much better than I can.

“Need any help?”

She shakes her head. “No, but if you can wrangle those two, that would be great.”

I head toward the den in the back of the house, pausing to notice the fresh-cut flowers in the middle of the dining room table.

I’ve never lived anywhere that felt likehome. My houses and apartments were temporary landing places while I figured things out—something I’m still doing apparently. But being here with Jameson and Pearl feels like family. Even if Austin and I are technically outsiders intruding.

Turning the corner into the den, I find Jameson and Austin sitting on the couch. Austin is up on his kneeswatching the battle scene, and Jameson is leaning back with his arm stretched across the back of the couch.

“I’d freeze him.” Austin holds his hand out like he’s reenacting the action on the screen, pretending to freeze the villain.

I pause in the doorway when Jameson chuckles. It’s a sound I’ve never heard, even if he’s laughed before. This time there’s no sarcasm, no irritation, no holding back. Just genuine amusement.

“And what about when he unfreezes?” Jameson asks.

Austin sinks back on the couch thinking about the question. “I’d kick him.”

Jameson shakes his head. “Gotta learn to fight first if you’re gonna do that.”

“Will you teach me?”

“Why don’t you ask your sister?” Jameson looks over at him. “She’s a fighter.”

“You’re bigger.”

“It’s not always about being bigger. It’s about being smarter than your opponent.”

“Tempe’s smart.”

“That she is.” Jameson smiles. “And fearless.”

Fearless.

The word swells in my chest. A man who demands the respect of his club, and he’s sitting here singing my praises.

Austin sinks back on the couch, curling his legs to his chest. “Tempe stood up to the bad man.”

“The one who came to your house?”

Austin nods.

“That’s because your sister will always fight for you. Don’t you forget it.”

“Would you?” Austin blinks up at him. “If the bad man comes back, will you help her fight him?”

Jameson’s jaw clenches, and he swallows hard. “With all I am.”

Tears sting my eyes when I watch them. It’s easy to judge Jameson for his club because then I don’t have to face this side of him. The man he is when he lets his guard down. When he lets us see he’s human.

A man with honor.

A man who has done nothing but help us when I’m the one who threw his life into upheaval.

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