Page 15 of The Secrets We Keep

On Saturday morning I walk into the main room of the clubhouse and find it full of members. It’s a late start for me, but sleep doesn’t seem to find me anymore. I just keep thinking of Sophie and how she’s created this whole other life without me. When I do find sleep, she invades my dreams. Not just her, her son, too. I felt a connection to him quicker than I’ve ever felt to anyone else before.Probably because he’s half Sophie.

I almost stop in my tracks when I find Candy sitting next to my seat at the table, like the spot belongs to her. I’m going to have to put a stop to this nonsense before it goes any further. I shouldn’t have even entertained hooking up with her. I knew that it would cause problems and that she would think more into it, even though I told her it didn’t mean anything.

I shake my head and internally groan at my drunken self. This is why I have never showed any of the club whores any attention, it always leads to drama. I ignore Candy’s excited gaze and walk straightinto the kitchen, coming to a halt when I find Asher beside Chef wearing a matching apron and a huge grin.

“Hey pres,” Chef calls over his shoulder when he sees me. “What can we get you?”

Asher giggles as he helps Chef roll out dough for cinnamon rolls.

“Uh, where is Sophie?” I ask, looking around the room like she’s about to walk in.

“She had to go to work!” Asher replies cheerfully. “I get to be Chef’s souie chef.”

Chef barks out a laugh and I chuckle. “Oh yeah?” I ask. “How’s that going?”

“Awesome! Chef is teaching me how to make cinnamon rolls. I love cinnamon rolls,” he adds with a wistful look.

“Me too, buddy. Me too,” I murmur. “How long is Soph at work?” I ask Chef.

“Until four,” Chef replies.

I hum in response and grab a plate to dish up some scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast that is already precooked and in warmers. Chef honestly spoils us. He’s been with the club for my entire life and hardly ever takes time off. Hell, he should be retired by now, but he can’t seem to leave us behind. Not that I mind, though. It would be hell to try and find a replacement because there is no replacement for Chef.

Before I walk out of the kitchen I turn to face the duo. “If either of you need me, I’ll be in my office all day, okay?”

“You got it, pres,” Chef says.

“You got it!” Asher parrots.

I give him a smile before turning and walking back into the main room and over to the table. My smile immediately drops when I find Candy still sitting there. I don’t let my steps falter, even though I don’t want to deal with her right now. I sigh as I fall into my seat, setting my plate on the table in front of me.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Gray,” Candy croons as she stands from her chair and moves toward me.

I raise my hand to stop her. “Candy, don’t,” I mutter. Her eyes widen in hurt, but she sits back down. “I’m not trying to hurt your feelings,” I soften my tone, “But we’ve talked about this. I’m not looking for anything. I was just looking to get off. I know that it sounds horrible, but it’s the truth. You knew that going into it.”

“I just thought that you would change your mind,” she mutters as she twists her fingers in her lap, avoiding my gaze.

I swipe my fingers through my hair, pushing it off my forehead. “I’m not going to change my mind.”

“Is this about her?” Candy snaps. “Everything was fine before she moved in.”

I furrow my brow. “Sophie? No.”

She huffs a laugh. “She still has you wrapped around her finger. It’s just a matter of time before she’s leaving your ass without an explanation again.”

“Excuse me?” I growl. “Don’t put your inability to understand a hookup for what it is on me. I was very fucking clear that hooking up would lead to nothing further for us. If you can’t take a hint and back off, I’ll be forced to ban you from the club,” I sit up straighter, angry that she’s doing this. She looks at me in shock and I hold up my hand to stop her from speaking. “I don’t want to have to do that, Candy, but I will. I don’t know what kind of vendetta you have against Sophie, but she has nothing to do with my decision on this. If you try to fight with her again, it will, though. Your dad was a long-time member of this club, that’s why you’ve been welcome here, but those decisions come down to me. You know what club whores are here for. If you don’t feel comfortable in the position any longer, you are more than welcome to leave, no one will stop you. But you can’t expect relationships with the men you’re hooking up with. That’s not how it works, and you know it. You grew up here.”

Candy’s jaw clenches as she fights back tears. “You would still do anything for her, wouldn’t you?”

I sigh. “Candy, I’m not going to keep having this conversation if it’s only running us around in circles. Like I said, if you can’t back off from me, you won’t be welcome at the club. If you pick another fight with Soph, you won’t be welcome at the club. If you try to force a relationship on any of the other members, youwon’t be welcome at the club. Am. I. Clear?”

She nods her head and then rises from her seat. She rushes out of the room, and I sit back in my seat. Everyone in the room is looking at me, letting me know that they heard every part of the conversation. It doesn’t matter, though. I was telling the truth. If Candy can’t back off, she’s out of here.

After a moment, I pull my plate closer to me and start to eat. Axel sits down beside me with a smirk firmly in place. “Don’t start,” I warn him.

He raises his hands as if to say, “I didn’t say anything,” and I just glare at him. He laughs. “Just wanted to let you know that a few of the Tennessee members are swinging by for a few days.”

I nod my head and finish chewing. “Any particular reason for their visit?” It isn’t odd for members from other charters to stop in occasionally. Sometimes they are in the area for business, sometimes for pleasure. When it’s business, we like to know what it is and if it will affect us.

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