by Amelia Shea
“Morning,” she said.
He didn’t look over at her and kept his stare on her backyard. She crept closer and stood a foot away behind him.
“You wanna be alone?”
“No.” His answer was graveled and sharp, leading her to think maybe he was lying.
Kase hadn’t spoken much about Jack. Even when all the members were sharing stories, while he listened and added a few comments, he never shared any of his.
She was prepared to go back inside when his hand shot out and grasped her ankle. She jerked her head downward to see him peering up at her. When he released her, she took a seat on the step, ignoring the moisture seeping through her shorts and drenching her butt. Her knee brushed against his leg, and he grasped her inner thigh, holding a tight grip with one hand and smoking a cigarette with the other.
She rested her palm over his hand and stared off into the yard. The last time she’d been out back was with Jack. The corner of her mouth quirked up.
“You wanna talk?”
He drew in a breath, staring out into the yard. “No.”
She nodded, watching his profile. His hard face had lost some of the harshness and sharp edges usually reserved when he scowled, which seemed to be a usual uniform for Kase.
“According to Jack, I had a great ass,” she whispered, pulling her hand from her leg and resting it on his back.
He smirked and turned his head, angling closer. “You do have a great ass.”
She chuckled, resting her head on his shoulder. His grip tightened on her thigh. This was them. They worked without the words. She inhaled a breath and smiled. Jack would like this. Her and Kase sitting on the back porch with memories of him.
“You got shit to do.” He raised his brows.
She did. Her deadline for her next contract had been extended, but she needed to get in about two hours before the end of the day. And he remembered. She rested her chin on his shoulder.
“It can wait.”
He snorted. “Gonna sit out here all day with me?”
“If that’s what ya need.”
There was a pause in the silence, and then he grasped her jaw. She gazed up. His mouth dropped over hers in a soft, slow kiss.
“Whatever I need, huh?”
She nodded. “You’d do the same for me.”
It was a statement, not a question. He answered anyway.
“Yeah, I would.” She believed him.
It was over an hour of sitting on her back porch, mostly in silence, and while she was prepared to do it all day, she was relieved when he grabbed her hand and pulled her up from the stairs, leading them back into the house.
Kase had hung out, making calls while she worked. She’d overheard a tense discussion involving a member who wanted to switch charters. It seemed to put Kase on edge. When she asked him about it, she was almost surprised at how open he was with her. Apparently, Hades, who she’d met briefly at Jack’s ceremony, was wanting to change over charters. Bailey had also mentioned Hades being Saint’s brother. Kase downplayed the situation, but she was reading his stress level. The conversation abruptly ended when he mentioned going to Gage’s property.
The ride to Gage’s was a short one, and when they pulled up to the lot, she glanced around. She knew all of Ghosttown, but street names always threw her off, as did the development on the street. Three lots down, more construction had been started. She wasn’t sure who owned the property, but she had a sneaking suspicion. When Gage mentioned the lot on Oakwood Drive, she hadn’t put two and two together. Taking a look around the street, mainly across from Gage’s, she smiled. She dismounted, waiting on Kase to park.
Gage and Dobbs were making their way down the hill.
“What do ya think?” Gage asked with his arms spread wide. There was no missing the pride written on his face.
The construction had been started, and the framework was done. The house, if she had to guess, would be a replica of the one across the street. A two-story smaller colonial. It seemed the design would coincide with the original construction. Perfect.
“All it needs is walls and you’re set.” Phoebe teased.
“Got my guys working round the clock. Should be done in the next month.” Gage grinned and jerked his chin. “You know my new neighbors?”
She did. In fact, she’d been fairly close with the family before they moved. An original Ghosttown family. Karen and Charlie had lived there for over twenty years, raised their kids in the small town.
“Yeah. They’re actually the reason I was bitching about apple turnovers at the meeting.” She laughed and glanced over at the house. “They moved to California after Charlie retired, but Trista should be moving back soon.” Phoebe smirked. “Their daughter. Twenty-four, I think. Just graduated college with her Masters.”
Dobbs snorted. “She hot?”
She bit back her giggle. Yes, she is, and with her beauty comes a whole lot of sass. Even from a young age, Trista held a certain level of maturity usually reserved for adults. Until someone pissed her off. Her temper could rival Phoebe’s. Of course, Trista lacked the patience of most adults. One strike and she’d bite back like a cobra.
Phoebe sighed and turned to face the men. “Gorgeous, actually.” Phoebe cocked her head. It was only fair to give them a heads up. “Just a warning, boys. Trista may be young, but do not fuck with her.” She arched her brow. “I’m serious. Not the neighbor you want to get on the bad side of.”
Gage strolled closer with a slight gleam in his eye. “I like feisty women.”
Phoebe chuckled and fell into Kase’s side when he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Okay, Gage. Just don’t underestimate her. With Trista comes the whole damn town. Don’t mess with her.”
Gage and Dobbs laughed it off, and Phoebe shrugged as they walked up the job site.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
****
Kase sat at the end of the bar watching the door. He felt her hands curl around his waist and grip his stomach. Even without seeing her, he knew it was Phoebe. Only one woman alive would be so direct without asking. The only one he’d allow it from. She rested her chin on his shoulder, brushing her lips against his neck.
“Ditch your meeting and come play with me at my house.” Her teeth grazed his neck, and it took great effort not to close his eyes. Her fingers tightened over his stomach. He turned his head glaring, but Phoebe stared back smiling.
“Can I tempt you with a blowjob?”
He smirked. “Try me.” He growled, and she leaned closer for a kiss. The moment was fleeting.
Kase had been dreading the meeting. The other charter wouldn’t let Hades go without something. He just didn’t know what. He glanced over when he heard the voices.
Mack walked in flanked by two men. They were all members, but the meeting had all his brothers on high alert. Mack jutted his chin at Kase as his gaze filtered over to Phoebe. Back the fuck off, man.
Kase gripped her hand at his stomach and turned. “Head out now.” It was a command. Phoebe leaned in kissing him and settled back, walking around the group and heading toward the door. He’d explained the meeting to her earlier, and she seemed to understand why he didn’t want her around. Her safety was important.
Mack watched, as did his guys, as she sauntered out to the door. Kase jerked his chin toward her as he eyed the prospects. They followed her out as he knew they would. They’d also watch her house. He’d given instructions of Phoebe being watched while the other charter was in town. There was a mutual respect between the charters, but he wasn’t taking any chances with her.
“Old lady?” Mack asked.
“Mine.”
Mack’s eyes crinkled. “We should trade sometime.”
He’d known Mack since he started with the club at eighteen. He’d been a few years older, but also new to the club.
“No.”
Mack smirked. “Don’t blame ya, probably wouldn’t be offering up mine if she looked like her.”
Kase
respected Mack as a president. As a husband, he was a piece of shit. It never bothered Kase in the past. A man did what he wanted. For some reason, it bothered him now.
“You want my guy, huh?”
Kase sipped his beer and raised his brows. “I don’t fucking poach members. You know me better than that. Hades approached me. Told him we won’t take him unless he’s got the votes from you.”
Mack sighed and rested back in his seat. They were in a stare down with neither man relenting. Kase had a feeling it would go down like this. He folded his arms. He’d do what he could to get Hades into the club, but Mack wasn’t going to make it easy.
Nadia brought beers over and walked away. She was comfortable around most bikers, but he read the hesitation with Mack.
“All right, let’s start the deal.” He smirked and waggled his brows. “Start with you giving us two of your girls.” He angled his head, staring back at Nadia, mainly her ass.
Kase slammed his bottle down on the bar, gaining attention from Mack and all the surrounding brothers from both charters.
“I don’t peddle fucking human flesh, asshole. You want one of the girls, they wanna go with ya, that shit don’t need my approval. You fuck with one of them, you’ll have every one of my guys on your ass before you can even mount your bike. We straight?”
Mack snorted. “Getting soft on me, Kase.”
Kase took the insult and banked it away. He’d never fallen for the name calling. Except when Phoebe called him a little bitch. Somehow her words got under his skin and festered. He made a mental note to paddle her ass next time he got her naked. He sighed, holding back the reaction Mack was dying to get.
“Gotta give me something. Losing my VP, need something from you.”
“What?”
“Property.”
Kase grinned. “Not on your fucking life. This is my town.” He wouldn’t barter with the Ghosttown property.
“Future marker, then.”
Kase shook his head. “No.”
Mack took a sip of his drink and set the bottle on the bar, swiping his lips with his sleeve. He glanced over at the men standing close by and gestured his guys to step back. Kase glanced up at Saint, who was scowling. When they locked eyes, Kase stared back at him. Whatever was about to be said, Mack wanted it to be private. So far, the negotiations on Hades weren’t going in their favor. Saint and Kase, knowing each other for so long, had grown to read each other. Saint nodded slowly and backed away, setting the tone for the other members to do the same.
Kase turned back to Mack. “You give me a marker.” He held up his hand before Kase had the chance to speak. “Nothing illegal. Just something I can call in, and you’ll make good on it.” He cocked his brow. “I need something, Kase. Hades is a big loss for the club, for my guys. Need something in the bank to pacify them.” He paused and scowled. “You’d do the same in my position.”
He would, and as president, Mack needed to show he had a strong hold on Hades leaving. It was more about saving face than anything else.
Kase nodded and stretched out his hand. “I’ll give you a marker.”
Mack clasped his hand. “Next meeting we’ll vote him out.”
Kase tightened his grip and pulled Mack toward him. The move had caught the Ghosttown East president off guard.
“Nothing illegal, you hear me?”
Mack smiled. “You have my word, brother.”
Something didn’t sit well with Kase, but only time would tell if Mack lived up to his word. The brothers from both sides congregated, and the party picked up. He stuck around for a while, mostly watching the charter. He’d given strict instruction to Trax, Dobbs, Rourke, and Gage to be on the watch for the charter. Keeping the peace was important, but so was the safety of his members, which included the women.
Chapter Twenty-Four
“They loved it, Phoebe.”
She smiled and tapped her feet on the floor in a celebratory dance. She’d been waiting on hearing back after submitting her project a few weeks back. After Jack’s death, her life had been consumed with the club, and she’d almost forgotten about it.
“We have two other accounts we’d like you to take on.”
“Absolutely.”
“Great, I’ll send you the contracts. If you need to negotiate terms, let me know, but they are high end and pay accordingly.”
“I’ll take a look and get back to you. Thanks.”
She hung up and sighed in relief. It may have been a slow start, but she was getting back on her feet. She walked over to her table and powered up her computer. Her main focus was the pay.
When her phone rang again, she hadn’t even bothered looking, assuming it was Jane.
“Hello.”
“Mrs. Shaw?”
“Yes.”
“Hi this is Vada Zink with Zink Realty Listing.”
Shit! She had been avoiding the number for the past few weeks. After speaking with the aggressively pushy rep, she’d decided the leasing company was out of the question. She’d been able to dodge the calls. Until now.
“Ms. Zink, listen…”
“Call me Vada.”
She snorted, shaking her head. “Vada. As I told James, I’m not interested in leasing out my property.”
“He said you were a maybe?”
Phoebe furrowed her brows. The utter defeat in her tone was evident. She was a far cry from the shark she’d first spoken to. Maybe she was new?
“I’m not, and I don’t want to waste your time.”
“I prepared a whole presentation.” The hushed tone had Phoebe thinking Vada was talking to herself. Why the hell do I feel bad? No, she wasn’t doing this.
“I could come to you, take you out to eat. I have a company card.”
Phoebe laughed. “I’m pretty sure you aren’t supposed to let on that you’re trying to schmooze me, Vada.”
“Oh, right.”
“Look, I’m not interested, but I appreciate you reaching out.”
“W-well, umm, if you change your mind, will you call me back?” There was a slight pause. “Please.”
Phoebe smiled and cocked her head toward the door when she heard the knock. She started through the living room.
“Yes, if I change my mind, you’ll be the first one I call, Vada.”
“Thank you. Have a great day.”
Phoebe clicked the phone and opened the door. She shifted back in surprise and then curled her mouth.
“Hey.”
“How’s it going?”
“Good.”
Carter nodded awkwardly. “I’m picking up Nadia, but thought I’d swing by.”
“Come on in.” She opened the door, making room for him to enter. They may be blood, but there was an awkward stranger vibe, always had been with Carter. For the first time, it felt different. Not completely comfortable and casual, but definitely better.
“Kase here?”
She snorted. “I got him tied to my headboard in the back.”
Carter jerked his head and scowled when she laughed.
“Why are you always so fucking sarcastic, Phoebe?”
She laughed. “Same reason you’re always so damn serious, Carter?” She shrugged. “You’re you and I’m me, it’s how we roll.” She strolled to her couch and took a seat. “What’s going on?”
He shifted awkwardly and searched the room.
“I shouldn’t have told you about the money. It was fucked up, throwing that shit in your face. Pissing on ya when you were down.” He straightened his back. “Not proud of how I acted. Should have told you that when you were at my place.”
“It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not, Phoebe. And you shouldn’t think it is.” He shook his head with a hushed curse. “You don’t take that shit from me or Jared or any man, you hear me?”
Her bottom lip fell open, and she gasped quietly. In all her thirty-two years on Earth, her brother had never apologized to her for anything. It was surreal and hard to grasp his words.
&
nbsp; “Well, I didn’t technically take it. I mean, I did hang up on you, then kicked you outta my house.”
“Yeah, and I deserved it.” He raised his brows. “And you deserve my apology.”
He walked over, taking a seat next to her on the opposite end of the couch. He clasped his hands and angled his head toward her. She righted herself on the couch and leaned closer.
She squinted her eyes. “Did Kase threaten you?”
Carter scoffed. “He’s a mean motherfucker, I’ll give him that. But I’m not afraid of Kase Reilly or any of the club.” He paused, drawing in a breath and pinning her in his stare. “I’m apologizing because I was being a dick. Because I was wrong coming at you like that. You had a husband who was shit to you, you don’t need that from me.”
As small as it may seem to an outsider, it was the kindest thing her brother had ever said to her. She didn’t quite know how to respond.
“Thanks, Carter.” She glanced down at the floor.
There was a small gap of silence before he spoke.
“Got a proposition for you.”
“What?”
He didn’t respond immediately.
She chuckled. “What, Carter?”
“Don’t sell. You keep doing the payments each month, send the checks directly to me, or you can go through Dad, whatever ya want.”
She shook her head. “Carter, I just think….”
“Fuck Phoebe, let me do this.” He glanced around the room and snorted. “For reasons I don’t get, you love this place, and you should keep it. God knows you lost enough. You deserve this.”
It was the nicest gesture he’d ever done for her. It tugged at something deep in her belly. Her eyes welled, and she drew in a deep breath, unable to speak.
“I’ve never done anything for you, let me do this.”
She glanced up, and a tear escaped. “I’ve never done anything for you, either.”
Carter smirked. “Then you’ll owe me, I guess.”
“Okay.”
Carter nodded, and she saw the relief in his face. He wanted to do this, and he wanted her to let him. He shoved his hands into his pockets, seemingly nervous. She could relate. They’d spent their entire lives at odds. Their truce would take some time to get used to.
