Page 98 of Steel

“Got something I need you to check out, Prez.” His tone already has me on edge.

“Be right there.”

Turning to Tempe, I brush her hair off her face. “You good to head out back yourself? I’ll meet up with you as soon as I can.”

“I’ll be fine.” She brushes her fingers over my cut, straightening it in the front. “Go take care of what you need to, President.”

Every time she calls me that, I want to shove my cock inside her and never come out again. I’ve never wanted an old lady because I’ve got too many responsibilities that inevitably split my time, and no matter how understanding a person is, I’m well aware everyone has their limits.

But when Tempe runs her fingers over my patch, I let myself think for a minute that she could be strong enough to deal with a man like me. The same way she’s been strong enough to step up for her brother.

I’d like to think she could handle it because she sees past the glamor of having the president’s name on her back. She understands the downside. The pain. The disappointment. The hard parts of life that are bound to happen when you’re with a biker.

But maybe she’d be willing to risk that if I was worth it to her.

Not that I am. And for the first time since I slipped on my cut, I’m disappointed I’ll never be enough for someone.

“I’ll be out there soon.” I tip her chin up and kiss her, not missing that Soul is walking past me, chuckling as he walks over to Ghost.

I’m never publicly affectionate with women at the club. It gives a certain impression, and it sets expectations I’m not going to live up to. But with Tempe standing right in front of me, I can’t help getting a taste of the comfort only she offers.

Tempe pulls back, planting her heels back on the ground. Her cheeks warm a shade, and I can’t wait to do something about that later.

“Don’t worry, Prez. I’ve got her.” Luna pops up beside us and snakes her arm through Tempe’s.

The purple in her hair is fading, showing off more of the blonde in the sun. She looks from me to the clubhouse doorway, and Ghost immediately stops staring.

“Come on, girl.” Luna pulls Tempe away. “Looks like we have things to catch up on.”

Luna winks at me over her shoulder, but it’s not flirty. She’s a sweet girl who had a rough go of it, so I took her in. And even if I know she’s messed around with a couple of the guys, only one of my men really has her attention.

Walking up the steps to the clubhouse, I meet up with Ghost and don’t miss that he’s watching Luna and Tempe disappear down the hallway.

“You know she’s gonna move on the second she’s done with her classes if you don’t fucking man up,” I tell him.

“It’s not like that, and you know it.” Ghost shakes his head, turning his back on Luna.

“Lie to the guys all you want, but you can’t lie to me, Marcus.” I cross my arms over my chest. “Itislike that, and I get what holds you back from doing anything about it, but it’s a damn shame when she could be good for you.”

“Doesn’t matter what’s good for me, Prez. I’m not good for her.”

I shake my head, knowing arguing with him won’t do any good. There’s a reason Ghost is the way he is. Dark secrets only a couple of us know about. So while thepatch bunnies treat it like a game, vying to be the one who breaks Ghost’s celibacy streak, I know it’s not going to happen until he works his shit out.

“All right. What do you have for me?” I change the subject, and Ghost pulls out his phone.

“Movement at your girl’s house a few minutes ago.”

“Dimitri?”

Ghost shakes his head. “Nah, a woman. Tempe’s mom.”

“What?” I snatch the phone from his hand and look at the screen.

It’s an angle from the front porch, and it catches Tempe’s mom climbing out the passenger side of a car idling at the curb. She hurries up the walkway, her eyes darting around like she’s checking for anyone watching.

“How’s she alive? That was a lot of fucking blood.”

“No idea, but she is.”

---