Page 42 of The Secrets We Keep

My shoulders sag in relief. At least my son is okay. At least Grayson is okay. The cool metal presses harder into my temple making me wince. I see Cole and Nash glaring at Candy, Ana is on her phone with the police, and the other members are moving into the room to find out what’s happening. My eyes lock with Grayson’s as he storms into the room.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” His voice booms as he advances on Candy.

She backs up, pulling me with her until she’s inthe doorway. “Stop or I’ll fucking shoot her!” She screeches.

Grayson puts his hands in the air and takes a step back, his eyes taking in every inch of me looking for injury. When he finds none, I see his shoulders slump minutely.

“What do you think you’re going to get out of this?” He asks through gritted teeth.

“You,” she scoffs. “You can’t be with her. I’ve been by your side for almost seven years. I’ve put in the work. I should be the one to reap the benefits.”

“What are you talking about?” Grayson grimaces. “We were never together, Candy. There’s never been anyone but Sophie for me.”

“She doesn’t deserve it!” She yells. “She was supposed to stay in Georgia. You were supposed to be mine. I was supposed to be the queen of the club. I was supposed to be yours. You were supposed to love me like I love you!”

I wince as she tugs my hair with every statement. I almost feel bad for the woman.Almost.She was set up for failure by my father, but she’s a grown adult and should know that that’s not how a relationship works.

“Candy, you’ve been a member of this club your entire life. Don’t do something you’re going to regret,” Grayson murmurs.

“I won’t regret it,” she sneers.

But before the gun can go off, the police swarm theclubhouse and surround Candy. An officer must come up behind her because her grip loosens in my hair and then I’m in Grayson’s arms.

I watch on in a blur as the police toss Candy to the ground, knocking the gun away from her and cuffing her. She screams for Grayson as they lead her out of the clubhouse.

The police chief walks over to Grayson and offers him a hand. “We’ll take her from here, Grayson. Do you guys need medical?”

“Thanks, Tony,” Grayson murmurs against my hair. “I think we’re okay.”

Tony nods. “She’s going to the psych ward, and I can’t see her getting out with the security footage you guys have.”

“Good,” I mutter numbly as Tony walks away. “I better never see her face again.”

“If we do, I’ll kill her,” Grayson mutters. “She’s done fucking with my family.”

30

GRAYSON

My heart is about to beat out of my chest.I’m fucking nervous.I look at my son for reassurance and he gives me a big, lopsided grin. My nerves immediately ease. Okay, only by a fraction.

“You look awfully sure,” I grumble.

“Because I am,” Ash chuckles. “She’s going to be so happy.”

“And how about you? Are you happy?” I ask.

“Yep!” Asher chirps. “But I’ll be happier when you marry my mama, and we finally move into the house!”

I reach out and ruffle his hair, sending the curls in every direction. “I’ll be happier, too.”

We’ve spent the day getting ready for this proposal. Asher and I went to the barber to get our hair cut, we went to the jeweler to pick up the rings, and to the flower shop. Then we came back to the clubhouse and set everything up. Asher and Paisley made a banner, and the guys hung it up for me. Chef is makingSophie’s favorite pasta, baked ziti, with garlic bread and salad. Now, we just have to wait for Sophie to come home.

Gwen took her out for a day of pampering, at my insistence. They got massages, got their hair and nails done, and did a little shopping to kill time. I’m expecting them to show up in the next five minutes and my heart is pounding from nerves and excitement.

Rowan walks up beside me and pats me on the back. “She’s going to say yes, brother. She’s loved you since we were kids.”

That releases some of the tension I’m feeling. “Thanks, Ro.”

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