Page 6 of Chill’s Chance

“Go ahead. I’ve got this.” She tells me as she also grabs Max’s plate.

I smile my thanks and move to join Puma and Chill, Max following me over.

“Yeah, Prez.” Max says.

“We’re heading out. I want you and Hunter in an SUV following us. We’re headed to Nicole’s apartment. We got permission from Detective Sterling to go through the place. He knows we’re looking for your son. He does not know that you’re staying here. I’d suggest you stay behind, but I think we’ll need your eyes. You can’t let on who you are. Got it?”

I nod. Grateful that Puma is taking me with them. I was afraid they’d keep me out of the search. I need to help find Slade.

I sit in the passenger seat of the SUV with Max driving. Puma and Chill are riding their Harleys.

“Can I ask you a question?” I ask Max and he nods. “You and Showtime?” I leave it there because I’m curious to see his response. I watched them this morning and I’m suspecting there is more to their relationship than they let on.

“We’re friends.” He says. “That’s all. Why? I thought you were hot for Chill? If you think Showtime will put up with you dissing Chill, think again. In fact, the entire club will beat your ass.”

I chuckle. “I’m not interested in Showtime. Yeah, she’s a beautiful woman, but Chill is the only one I want. I want to know what the deal is between you and Showtime.”

“We’re friends.” He repeats, giving me a side eye.

“I think there’s more to it than that.” I admit. “You make an interesting-looking couple.” I press and watch his face. When I see the disgust, I know I’m right. “But I guess that’s expected, since you’re what? Brother and sister?”

Max jerks the wheel just enough to have both Puma and Chill glancing back at us.

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Max grits out.

I hold my hands up in capitulation. “I’m trained to observe body language, and I can see the similarities between you two. Your eyes are the same shape, even though yours are green and hers are blue. You hair color is similar and you have the same nose and similar bone structure.” I tell him, listing off my observations. “I also saw your reaction when she was standing mostly naked in the room.”

“I don’t ogle my friend, so she’s my sister or I’m gay?” He bites back.

I chuckle. “Not what I said. You acted like a brother who is fighting the urge to cover up his sister when she wears a bikini in front of his horny friends.”

He huffs out a breath, glares at me, and then sighs. “Fuck. Don’t tell her. Hell, don’t tell anyone.”

“No one knows? Not even Puma?” I ask in surprise. The formidable President seems omnipotent.

“I think he suspects, but he hasn’t asked.” Max admits. “Showtime doesn’t know and I don’t want her to know, not yet.”

“She doesn’t know she has a brother?” I ask in surprise. “How is that possible?”

“She thinks I’m dead. Hell, until I learned the truth, I thought she was dead. She isn’t just my sister. She’s my twin.” He admits. “It’s a long story. My dad can be a real asshole. One day, my mom and sister were gone. He claimed they died in a car accident. I found out later that he lied. My mom left him and took my sister with her. I don’t know why she left me behind.”

I frown. “That’s fucked up.”

He snorts. “That’s just the tip of the iceberg in how fucked up our family is.”

“But why keep it a secret from Showtime?” I ask. “I’m sure she’d love to know you and your father survived.”

Max shakes his head. “I can’t. Not yet. Please. Just know that I’m keeping it a secret for a good reason. I’m protecting her from our father.”

“And you’re afraid that he’ll find her if she knows the truth?” I ask.

“He will. He was looking for her when I took off.”

“Shouldn’t you warn her?” I ask. “Seems like you're exposing her to danger by not telling her. And yes, I know it’s none of my business.”

“It’s not.” Max says, then sighs again. “Look. I don’t know if I’m making the right decision, but I know her. She’ll want to confront him and she can’t do that on her own. Even if I’m with her. She needs the entire club to back her.”

“And you don’t think the club will help?” I ask in some surprise.

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