Page 14 of Xactly What She Needs

“Fine, I will,” she grumbles. “But don’t be surprised if I show up on your doorstep. I’ll even be nice and bring you those chocolates you love, even though they don’t do your ass any favors.”

“This is exactly why Kenzie is my favorite sister,” I drawl.

“Mhmm. Love you.”

“Love you too. Bye.” I hit the end button before Dani can get in any embarrassing parting comments. I have no doubt that she would have tried.

“I didn’t realize that you were so close with your family,” Xander says in a cautious tone. But I get what he’s trying to ask.

I give a small smile. “What you mean is, why did I go to the shelter when I have a good family?”

They all look incredibly awkward right now, which is extremely endearing, that these big bikers look apologetic for being nosey.

I take a deep breath and try to figure out the best way to go about this explanation. As I blow the air out, I decide,fuck itmight as well just tell them it all.

“So, Edge told you that I used to manage a garage?” I look up at Xander, who nods his head slowly. “Well, what he didn’tknow isthat’s where I met my ex. He’s theowner'sson and one of the mechanics.” I swallow hard as all of their eyes narrow.

“That’s why you don’t like going into the garage,” Jax states, making me grimace at how harsh his words sound, even if they are true.

“Tact is somethin’ you really need to learn,” Marrow frowns while shaking his head at Jax.

I give a helpless shrug, “He’s not wrong. After a few unpleasant (that’s putting it mildly)incidents, I just really hate going in there. Maybe one day I’ll get better with it.” Which is doubtful. After having someone hold you down while threatening to cut off your finger with a pair of pliers, you tend to stay away from anything that brings up those old memories.

All three men are currently looking murderous, which should be terrifying to me, but I know in my soul that they’re pissed on my behalf. For as big and scary as they look, I’ve been around them enough to know that they have hearts of gold.

I cough awkwardly and shrug. “So, yeah, the garage is close to my parent’s house and I decided it would be better to go somewhere that he wouldn’t find me. He wasn’t exactly happy with the thought of me leaving him.”That’s an understatement.“Plus, I didn’t want to drag my family into any problems. My older sister is married with kids. I couldn’t let anything happen to them.”

“Does your family know where you are?” Marrow questions thoughtfully.

I nod my head. “Yes, well my parents and Dani. I didn’t want to risk Kenzie’s kids accidentally overhearing. But I still facetime with them once a week. I just don’t mention any specifics. But Dani knows everything,” I frown. “I’m actually surprised she hasn’t tried to murder my ex. She really is the savage one out of the three of us. I have no doubt that my mother had to stop her and my dad from doing something stupid that would land them in prison.”

“She sounds like a lot of fun,” Xander smiles mischievously, like he’s found a new friend. I do a full body shiver at what trouble they could possibly get into.

“You two should probably stay away from each other when she visits,” I drawl. “Because I sure as hell am not bailing the two of you out of jail if you both get into something stupid.”

Xander dramatically puts his hands on his chest. “I’m hurt that you think I would be a bad influence on your little sister.” His response is met with manly chuckles.

I snort and shake my head. “She’s the one who would convince you to do something crazy. I’m trying to save you from a mug shot.”

Xander rubs his hands together gleefully. “I can’t wait to meet her.” His smile is radiant, making my breath hitch. “I think I may have found my new best friend.”

“Don’t you have enough women around who want to kill you?” Marrow drawls. “Adding another to the mix can’t end well for you.”

Xander shakes his head. “Nah, this one sounds like she’s actually fun,” he eyes Marrow, “not like a certain height deficient little gremlin.”

I watch asMarrow'seyes narrow before he crosses his massive arms against his chest. “Did you just call my woman a gremlin?”

Xander shrugs shamelessly, completely unperturbed that he just insulted the love ofMarrow'slife. “If I were you, I wouldn’t feed her after midnight.”

“Did you guys need something?” I blurt out, mainly trying to save Xander from getting killed in front of me.

All three shake their heads, making me frown. “Then why did you come into my office?” I can guess but I want these buttheads to admit it.

All three give me a sheepishlook, confirming my suspicions. Jax looks between his brother and friend before shrugging. “We heard you on the phone and wanted to listen in better.”

I swear, these men are worse than a bunch of women with their nosey asses.

“You literally could’ve said anything else but that,” Xander groans.

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