Page 23 of Hard as Stone
Axel’s deep chuckle carries on the night air. “Sweet dreams, troublemaker,” he calls back softly.
I duck around the corner, listening as Axel’s bike roars to life. The sound fades as he rides away, leaving me to practically float down the dirt path to our trailer, my lips still buzzing from all his kisses. I’m halfway up the steps when the porch light flicks on, illuminating my brothers’ faces. They’re both wearing identical expressions of disapproval that would be comical if I wasn’t about to catch hell.
“Really, Poppy?” Felix’s voice drips with judgment. “A biker?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I try to breeze past them, but Hugo blocks the door.
“We heard his bike.”
“Lots of bikes in Paradise.” I gesture vaguely at the neighborhood. “It’s practically a requirement to live here.”
“Uh-huh.” Felix crosses his arms. “That why you’re wearing a dress instead of your usual jeans and t-shirt?”
I glance down at my outfit, suddenly very aware of how I must look. The dress clings to my curves in a way my work clothes never do, and my hair is tousled from the ride on Axel’s bike. I can feel a flush creeping up my neck, but before I can come up with a suitably cutting response, the screen door creaks open behind my brothers. My stomach drops as Dad’s shadow fills the doorway.
“Where have you been?” His voice is quiet, controlled. That’s how you know he’s really angry.
“Out.” I lift my chin, refusing to be cowed. “I’m an adult. I’m allowed to go out.”
“Not with members of that motorcycle club.” He steps onto the porch, and my brothers part like the Red Sea. “I thought I made myself clear about staying away from them.”
“You made yourself clear about a lot of things.” I move to step around him, but his hand shoots out, grabbing my arm.
“This isn’t just about you anymore, Poppy.” His fingers dig in slightly. “We have important contracts. Powerful people counting on us. I can’t have you jeopardizing everything I’ve worked for because you want to play bad girl with some biker.”
I yank my arm free. “I wasn’t playing anything. And what I do in my free time has nothing to do with your precious contracts.”
“Everything we do reflects on this company.” He follows me into the house. “I have meetings with city officials who?—”
“The MC are respected business owners,” I cut in, spinning to face my father. “They own legitimate businesses in town andcontribute to the community. You can’t just write them off as criminals.”
“I don’t care if they donate to orphans and rescue puppies,” Dad growls. “They’re dangerous, Poppy. And getting involved with them could jeopardize everything we’ve worked for.”
“I’m not ‘involved’ with anyone,” I protest, even as Axel’s kisses burn on my lips. “I just went out for a drink. I played some pool. That’s it.”
Dad glares at me skeptically. “A drink. With a member of the motorcycle club we were explicitly warned to stay away from.”
“Warned by who?” I demand. “Those city officials and Summit suits you’re always so eager to impress?”
Dad’s jaw tightens. “They’re none of your concern. What matters is that you’re putting this family and our livelihood at risk by associating with those criminals.”
“You don’t know anything about him or the MC.” I throw my hands up in exasperation.
“You’re naïve, Poppy. Always have been. Just like your mother.” He turns away, heading for his bedroom. “Stay away from the MC. That’s not a request.”
“Or what?” I call after him. “You’ll fire me? Good luck finding someone else willing to work shit hours directing traffic for barely minimum wage.”
He pauses in his doorway. “There are a lot of people who’d love your job, kid. Don’t forget that.”
The door closes with a decisive click, leaving me standing in the hallway with my brothers.
“He’s just worried about you,” Hugo offers weakly.
“No.” I kick off my shoes, suddenly exhausted. “He’s worried about his precious company. Same as always.”
“So?,” Felix says, following me down the narrow hallway toward my room, “Dad’s got a point about the MC. They’re not exactly model citizens.”
I whirl to face him. “And what exactly do you know about them? Other than what Dad’s told you?”
