Page 10 of The Secrets We Keep

Grayson and Rowan’s dad, Kurt, greets me with a smile. “Hey, sweetheart. I didn’t believe Ro when he told me you were back, I had to come see it for myself,” he says as he rises from his seat and walks over to hug me. I wrap my arms around him and try to hold back my tears. “It’s so good to see you,” he murmurs into my hair.

I almost forgot how much Grayson and Rowan look like him. They share his height, his broad build, and his smile. Looking at Kurt Williams is like looking at his sons’ futures.

“It’s good to see you, too,” I say, my words muffled by his chest.

This man was always like a father to me, so not seeing him for the last seven years has been an unimaginable loss. I was prepared for him to hate me, just like Grayson does. So, it feels good to know he’s happy I’m here.At least until he knows the truth.

“Can I get one of those hugs?” A craggly voice says from behind us.

I turn to find Chef waiting with open arms. He looks just like I remember. He’s just a few inches shorter than Grayson with a pot belly, short grey hair, and bright smile with a few gold teeth peeking out. I smile and walk over to him, careful not to hug him too tight.

“I’m old, but I’m not going to break from a hug,” he chides as he squeezes me tight.

I laugh and squeeze him tighter.

Chef has been just that since I was little. He’s the chef of the club. He’s also one of the best men I’ve ever met. He’s probably in his eighties now but still looks like he gets around well. This is the man who gave me my love of cooking. We share a special bond.

“Are you still working, old man?” I ask him playfully.

“You’ve been calling me that for years and I just keep getting older,” he laughs. “What else am I gonna do? Retire?”

I pull back and see the unimpressed look he’s giving me. I quickly introduce Chef and Kurt to Asher, not missing the look that they share, or the way that Kurt’s gaze lingers on him.

I look around the room to ease my discomfort and take in the rest of the club members. They’ve thinned out since last night, so I guess this is the just the SilverSprings chapter. Most of them are eating quietly at the long table. My eyes land on Grayson at the head of the table, with Rowan on his right, and who I’m assuming is Axel on his left. It’s not them that catch my eyes though, it’s my old friend Alice, who is hanging off Grayson’s arm like she’s his.

7

GRAYSON

I called for church an hour ago, so when I walk in the room, I’m glad to see everyone in their seats. Church is what we call our meetings. It’s where we decide how to earn our money, how to spend it, and what to do about any and every situation that can arise.

Patched members are the only ones allowed to vote in church. We have a vote on everything, and they have earned their right to have their voices heard. We sometimes bring in the prospects, but only on less important issues, not ones that can change the club or anything that could be held against us in a court of law.We don’t look to break the law, but sometimes it happens.

Today, I’m calling church for my first official time as president of our club. I walk to the head of our large table and take my seat. Rowan falls in alongside me on my right and Axel takes the seat to my left.

The hierarchy of our club is pretty simple. You have club officials, patched members, and prospects. Clubofficials hold the titles of president, vice president, sergeant at arms, and secretary. Our vice president is my brother Rowan, he’s my second in command. If I have to leave town, he’ll hold down the club in my place. My sergeant at arms is Axel, my best friend. His job is to protect me. No matter where I go on club business, he’s with me. Cane, the broody bastard, is our secretary. He’s basically our club’s money man. He supervises all our accounts and investments.

We currently have nine patched members in our club, including club officers. Trace, Atlas, Cole, Nash, and Luke sit around the table in their usual seats. Our four prospects, Noah, Theo, Ace and Levi, stand against the wall.

I grab the gavel from the table and bring it down on the block to start our meeting. Everyone looks at me expectantly.

“I know that most of you probably have questions,” I start. “I don’t know that I have answers for you.”

That makes them all chuckle.

“Why is she really here?” Nash asks.

I sigh and run a hand through my hair. “She’s in a bad spot,” I tell them. “She was staying at the Sunrise Inn, and I couldn’t let that fly.” Murmurs of agreement rise. I raise my hand to silence them. “She has a son, and whether we all want her here or not, it’s what John would want, his grandson safe. It doesn’t matter what Sophie’s relationship with her father was, she’s here and while she’s here, she’s under our protection.All our protection,” I add a little more forcefully while I pin them with a look. “In case you missed it last night, she’s off limits.”

Atlas groans, “Can you make an exception, pres? She’s smoking hot.”

I grind my teeth as Trace leans over to swat the back of Atlas’ head. Atlas wasn’t in Silver Springs when Sophie lived here, so he has no idea that I have a past with her, he’s only heard the horrible things that John had to say about her over the last few years. Apparently, that doesn’t skew his opinion of how hot she is.

“What?” Atlas asks. “Don’t act like you guys aren’t thinking it!”

I look around the table and see Nash and Luke hide their grins. They also weren’t around when Sophie lived here. Trace, Cane, and Cole grew up around the club. They know our history.All of it.

“No exceptions,” I say to the table. “Sophie’s son is named Asher, he’s not to be messed with either. I shouldn’t even have to say that since the kid is like six years old. You jackasses should know better.” They all laugh. “I’m serious about not fucking around in the main room, too,” I continue while I’m met with groans. I roll my eyes. “Keep your dick in your pants unless you’re in a room with a door that locks. You wouldn’t want to have to explain to a little kid what the hell you freaks are doing.” And I wouldn’t want to have to explain it to his mother. “We’ve had a few reports that the Devil’s Knights are trying to weasel their way into Silver Springs. I want everyone to keep their eyes out for anything suspicious with them. We don’t want a rookie crew coming in here and thinking they can rule over our town.”

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