Page 68 of Bear
“There you are. We’re getting ready to go.” Mason strides into the room in dark jeans and a plain black T-shirt. For once, he doesn’t look like he’s been rolling around in charcoal all day. He cocks his head to the side, his intense, dark eyes scanning my features. “What’s wrong, Kintsukuroi? You look confused.”
“Um. Nothing. I just woke up, I guess I’m a little disoriented. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to come with you tonight or not, and if not, how we’d handle it.” I give him a tight smile and tuck my hair behind my ears. “Stay here and deal with the brotherhood or go with you and chance an encounter with Tristan and his buddies. Great options I’ve got.”
Just then, Tucker comes in from the patio, shooting a disgruntled look in my direction. The bruising on his face stands out against the light tone of his skin. His eyes are trained on me, the roll of his eyes and the clenching of his jaw telling me plenty. It’s safe to say he’s not going to forgive me anytime soon for embarrassing him in front of the brotherhood. My fists bunch, remembering what it felt like to handle him on my own. A whisper of a smile reaches my lips at the memory. A moment later, Tucker tears his eyes from mine and hurries away down the back hall.
Mason clears his throat. “You okay?”
“Yeah. That dude is acting like a pissy little bitch.”
Snorting at my evaluation, he nods. “Agreed. And no way are we leaving you here with him or any of these assholes.”
I let out a heavy breath. “I think that’s probably the right call.”
Bear’s gravelly voice flows over me like a smooth whiskey as he approaches. “If you’re talking about tonight, I think our best bet is to take you with us.” He reaches out, skimming a few fingers along the curve of my jaw. “Don’t worry, there’s no way in hell we’re bringing you into the lion’s den.”
Duke wanders in just in time to hear that last bit. “Yeah, that’d be a bad idea tonight.” His expression is grim as he meets Bear’s and Mason’s eyes. They carry the same disturbed concern. It doesn’t do anything to calm my nerves.
A crease etches into my forehead, and I purse my lips. “Okay. So, I come with… but I stay in the SUV?”
Mason hooks his arms around my neck from behind and pulls me back against his chest, kissing the top of my head. “Take your phone and whatever else you need to entertain yourself. We shouldn’t be too long.”
* * *
Twenty minutes later,Mason pulls our SUV into the driveway of a fancy country club. It’s got the same Southern charm of so many of the homes in the area, only on a grander scale. The odd part is the area surrounding the building is relatively dark with only a few pedestals topped with ornate lights lending any illumination at all. If I didn’t know better, I’d say no one is here.
I draw in a breath, trying to brush off the apprehensive sensation rattling down my spine. “This place is beautiful. What I can see of it, anyway.” My brows pinch together as I continue to peek out the window, searching for some sign of life in there.
“It’s the OG Bastards playground.” Bear shrugs from the front seat. “They spend a lot of time here.”
“Oh yeah?” I turn and give Duke a questioning stare.
He nods. “Yep. They own it. One of their many business establishments.”
Jesus,how many pots do the OG Bastards have their fingers in? “Are you guys here a lot?”
“No.” Mason’s voice is unusually clipped. “Brothers are not invited to participate in events here until they’ve graduated.” He clears his throat, glancing at Bear. “We’ve all been here before, but always just to run errands for them for one thing or another. Half the time, the shit they ask of us is illogical and impractical.”
It doesn’t take me long to understand what he’s saying. It’s all some sort of test to prove they’re worthy. “Show your loyalty. Obey. Keep your mouth shut,” I whisper.
Duke gives me a grim smile before tapping Mason’s shoulder and pointing to a more secluded area. “Why don’t we park over there? It’s a little more out of the way, and anyone who comes outside is less likely to notice Lennon and ask questions.”
Bear’s brows knit together. “I’d say park right here, but it’s not like we can keep an eye out any easier. You’re right. I’d rather not draw attention to the fact that she’s here at all.”
“Done.” Mason hits the gas, taking us over to the suggested lot. Once parked, he reaches back, squeezing my knee. “We won’t be but ten minutes, okay?”
I nod, and a moment later, Bear grunts as he turns in his seat. “We’ll text you if it looks like it’ll be longer than expected.”
“Seriously. Don’t worry about me. I have a fully charged phone and a book on my Kindle app. I’m good.” I wave my hand in a shooing motion, but at the same time, I study the anxious looks on their faces. It’s obvious they’re unsure about what they’re walking into. What the hell is the purpose behind this visit? Is it the auction? Something more? I have no fucking clue, but none of them are happy to be here. My stomach twists into knotsforthem.
With uneasy nods and an air of disquiet, Mason and Bear exit the vehicle.
I expect Duke to follow suit, but instead, he turns toward me, his blue eyes piercing mine. My heart gives a jump when he takes my hand. His thumb skims over the back of it in what would be a soothing manner if everything about this visit didn’t have warning bells ringing in my head. Finally, his voice thick, he murmurs, “Whatever you do, don’t come into the club. Promise me you’ll stay right here, Stella Bella.” He’s so insistent, concern flowing steadily from him that I don’t even mind the usage of the nickname.
“You’re freaking me out.” My worry increases at the troubled look in his eyes, and I tug my hand away. “I promise. Just go do what you need to do so we can go home,” I murmur. “Be safe.”
He exhales hard at my words, his chin dropping to his chest. I watch him with no idea what’s in that blond head of his, but all at once he refocuses on me. “Will do. See you in a few.”
* * *
