Page 49 of Deceiver

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“YOU OKAY?” LEO ASKS, narrowing his eyes as I make my coffee a week later.

I’m about to go into the club after being called in by Colt. I’ve managed to successfully avoid it since the last time I saw Western, but that has come to an end. I can’t give up now, I’m going to find out what’s going on here, but I needed time and space to get myself past what was going down between the two of us.

“Yeah, why is that?”

“You look ... unwell.”

I have been feeling sick the last few days, but that’s no surprise considering the stress I’ve been under. Things have been hard, to say the least, and I’m not getting any sleep. Luna was away sick last night at the club, so I’m probably catching what she had. I’m sure it’ll pass soon, but it’s the last thing I need right now.

“Just a bug, I think. I’ll be okay. I have to go to the club now, but can we catch up later? I enjoyed you being here last night.”

Leo came by last night and we watched a movie, had pizza, and he allowed me to have the first comfortable sleep I’ve had in weeks. I kind of don’t want him to leave because he brought me a comfort I was so desperately seeking. He has a life, though, and I’ve already caused more than enough stress for him in the last few months.

“I can’t tonight, I’ve got a date.”

I raise my brows. “A date? Like, an actual date?”

He grins. “Yeah, an actual date. I like this one.”

“Why are you just telling me this now?”

“You’ve had a lot going on.”

I punch his arm, and he groans. “Ow!”

“You tell me when you’ve got things going on,” I instruct, crossing my arms. “Now tell me about this date. What happened to the last girl who was claiming she was pregnant? Don’t tell me I was right about that.”

He chuckles. “You were right, so right. Anyway, this one ... I actually like. I mean, I haven’t once tried to get in her pants. We’ve been hanging out, and I’m liking the time with her. Like, really liking it.”

“Aw, Leo is falling in love,” I tease.

He flips me the bird. “I don’t think so, but it is nice having someone that I actually want to spend time with.”

“I’m happy for you. I’d like to meet the girl who has the potential to take your heart, considering I kind of like to think I own some of it.”

He steps forward, grinning, and pulls me in for a hug. “You’ve got a good 2% of it.”

I giggle and shove him back. “You’re a bully.”

He leans in, kissing my forehead. “You’re my best girl. I’ve got to run. I’ll call you later.”

Leaving the kitchen, I watch him go with a smile on my face.

I get myself ready and make my way over to the club. I spend the entire drive attempting to build up my confidence, in hopes that I don’t come across as the broken wreck I actually feel like inside. Parking my car, I climb out and walk through the front gates, greeting the two bikers standing by it. They’ve upped the security since the shooting, and still, I don’t know what it was about. The club doesn’t share anything that’s going on, but there is always something.

I enter the main house and greet a few people as I move down the hall and toward the office where Colt asked me to meet them. I knock on the door, and, a few seconds later, Fury answers. He gives me a small smile, and his eyes move to my neck. The marks have faded, but I know he’s thinking about it. Aren’t we all?

“Hey, Fury,” I say, giving him a weak grin.

“How are you, Bon?”

“I’m alive,” I answer him. It’s sarcastic ... kind of.

He pushes the door open and lets me inside. I walk into the office where Western and Colt are both waiting. I avoid Western’s gaze, and instead stare at his dad. Colt zeroes in on me and gives me a small nod. His expression is far less angry that it has been, which I’m guessing means he got news of Western’s little strangling event.

“What can I help you with?” I ask, crossing my arms, not in a defensive way, just in a way that makes me feel safe.

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