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“No. I’ve only met King, Snake, Taco and a few others yesterday.”

Compassion filled Julia’s expression. “Cole should have told you, Shae.”

I rubbed at my chest, where my heart hurled itself against my ribs. The palpitations were full of fear and adrenaline. I had a bad feeling that there was no happy ending to this story.

“How did he get mixed up with the bikers?” My voice cracked, betraying my vulnerability.

Julia stared at the floor for a moment, then at me. The seconds ticked by as I waited for her to answer.

ChapterFourteen

“Shae, King is my brother,” Julia said.

I gaped at her, then slammed my jaw shut. “Holy shit, are you kidding me?” I slapped my palm over my mouth. Although Daddy and Julia knew I swore like a sailor, I tried to watch my language around them out of respect.

Daddy gently placed his warm palm against my back. “Why don’t we sit down? I’ll bring your coffee over, Princess.”

I nodded, my brain scrambling to understand how Julia and Cole had ended up in our home with MC ties. Daddy obviously knew, which meant Julia had been honest with him. It was a good thing because she would have had to deal with me if she’d hurt Daddy.

Julia and I sat at the table, then Daddy joined us with our drinks.

“The MC has been in our lives for a while,” Julia explained. “I had the opportunity to join that way of life, but it wasn’t for me.”

Daddy grabbed Julia’s hand and squeezed it. “I’m glad she didn’t.”

He gave her a sweet smile, and for the first time, I pulled my head out of my ass and realized how perfect they were for each other. It had been difficult to see Daddy move on from Mom. I’d spent hours crying in my bedroom, angry with him for forgetting her. I couldn’t see around my grief, and somewhere along the line, I’d made a promise that although I would tolerate Julia, I would never allow her to get close to me. Hell, I’d screwed myself over and had chosen agonizing loneliness when I could have had an amazing woman on my side. I had to change that and realize how lucky I was that Daddy had married a kind and caring person instead of a money whore and complete bitch.

“How long has King been with the MC?” Suddenly, I was eager to learn everything I could about Julia and Cole—even King.

“Since he was nineteen. For a while, I refused to have anything to do with him. I understood these men weren’t law abiding citizens. But King and I lost our parents early, so the bikers filled a void in him. They’re very loyal to each other. Most of the time, their bond is stronger than a biological family.”

Daddy took a sip of his coffee before he spoke. “They also do some good. I certainly don’t agree with their methods of making money, but King has treated Julia and Cole very well.”

“Cole was really comfortable around them,” I said. “More comfortable than I’ve ever seen him.”

“When Cole was thirteen, King showed up and took him under his wing.” Julia offered me a sad smile. Daddy rubbed her back as she spoke, but I wasn’t listening to what she’d said. I was paying attention to what she hadn’t said. Something awful had happened to her and Cole. Although I mentally pleaded with her to say more, I didn’t expect her to share. Even under the circumstances, I understood that it was Cole’s story to tell.

A phone buzzed, tugging my focus away from the situation. I glanced around and realized my cell was on the counter near the espresso machine.

I rose from my seat. “Sorry. I need to check the message.”

“It’s fine. I think we’ve shared as much as we can anyway.” Daddy pursed his lips. He only did that if he was super stressed about something.

“I love you, Daddy.” I kissed his forehead, then smiled at Julia. “Thank you for sharing what you were comfortable with. It means a lot to me.”

“I hope it helped, Shae,” Julia said.

Curiosity pulled me over to my phone. I tapped the screen, hoping to see Cole’s name. Even if he was rude, it would be better than complete silence, especially after last night.

My eyes popped open wide as I stared at a text from Ibrahim.

I need to see you.

Replying quickly, I typed out my response.I don’t think it’s a good idea, but are you okay? Are you in the hospital?

His reply was almost immediate.

The doctor needs to operate on my eye. I need money. If you don’t help, I’ll report Cole to the cops. I told them it happened so fast I didn’t see who beat me.

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