CHAPTER ELEVEN

Rhyan

Excitement bubbles through me. I have never been to New York, and the thought of spending my twenty-first in a different state with my closest friends and Noah is so freaking awesome, I can't even describe it. I just have to hope my dad isn't the one to put the kibosh on it all.

Noah and I make our way inside, an obvious pep in my step. Our first port of call is to talk to Maverick and Sadie. Because if they're not in, then this idea is a bust. They're sitting together with Clover at a table, probably discussing something about Clover's social media internship. So we head over and slowly take a seat beside them.

"The thing is, I need to think of a new theme. Maybe focus on one person in the club and follow them. Like a story on how they progress from one thing to the next thing in their life. But who is going through something like that?" Clover asks.

Sadie shrugs. "What about Wes? He's a prospect. You could showcase what it's like for a prospect making his way up through the ranks, also coming in from another club, and how he has to deal with proving himself?"

A slight red flushes over Clover's face. "You think Wes would be interested?"

Maverick huffs, glaring at Sadie. "I think Wes is a little too interested. I think you should focus your attention on someone else, Clover."

I smirk, seeing straight through Maverick. He's so protective over his little sister. And I get it. Wes hasn't proven himself to the club completely yet. So even though he is Sadie's younger brother, he's still a flight risk. Sadie scowls at Maverick, but it's Clover who talks next. "You're right. I'll find someone else. It will all work out. It always does." Clover gathers her books and cell, then stands.

"Clo," Maverick calls out to her.

She turns back, looking at her brother. "Yeah?"

"You know I only want what's best for you, right?"

Clover smiles genuinely. "I know. That's why I love your stupid ass."

Maverick chuckles as she starts to walk off. "Love your stupid ass too."

Sadie glances at me with a kind smile. "Honestly, Rhy, what's it like growing up without siblings?"

The question throws me for a second, and I jerk my head back. "Huh! I never really thought about it because I grew up in the clubhouse, so there was never an issue not having siblings. I always felt like I had one huge family, you know?"

Sadie turns to Maverick, sliding her hand into his. "Having a younger sibling is hard. You'd do anything for them. It's almost like being a parent. I guess that's why Mav and I find common ground but also where we clash a little. He's protective of Clover, and I am protective of Wes, naturally. But Mav is still not one hundred percent convinced Wes is on our side, even after all these months."

Maverick exhales a long breath. "It's not that I don't trust him, cupcake. It's that I don't trust his intentions toward Clover."

"And didn't we discuss the whole you having to let Clover live her own life thing?" Sadie grins mischievously.

Maverick groans, running his hand through his hair. "Yeah… I know. Fuck, this older-brother shit is damn hard."

I smirk up at Noah but then clearly see that Sadie and Maverick aren't at a place where they can pack up and take a few days away from the club.

Sadie turns to me, her eyes wide. "Oh wait, was there something you guys were wanting?"

Noah smiles, taking my hand in his. "No, we can see you guys have enough to deal with."

"Yeah, it's nothing," I add.

Maverick wraps his arm around Sadie, holding her to him, and lets out a small laugh. "Guys, c'mon. We're friends. You came to us for a reason. So talk. Ignore all our shit and just tell us what's going on."

Noah subtly shakes his head, but I want to make this trip happen for him. It's not even about my birthday, even though spending it in New York with him will be cool. So, I turn back, facing our friends. "Okay, hear me out."

"Rhy," Noah warns.

Completely ignoring him, I continue, "In three weeks, it's my twenty-first, and Noah's mom always wanted to take him to New York. But obviously, because of circumstances that are out of her control, she will never get to do that. So, Noah and I came up with an idea. For my birthday, Noah and I, and if you both want to, should take a few days and spend them in New York. Do the trip that Noah and his mom never got to do. We can snap photos with a picture of his mom and then bring them to her in the prison. I want to be able to have a memorable birthday, and I want to spend it with my favorite people. That's you three. So… what do you say?"

Sadie's eyes widen and sparkle with excitement. Maverick's eyes shift to Noah in what appears to be shock. "Have you got the all-clear for this trip?"

Noah lets out a dubious chuckle. "No. We need to see if you want to come with us first, and then we will try to get the approval. If that's even possible."

Sadie beams with excitement. "I've never been to New York. Mav, I think some time away where I don't have to worry about Wes, and you don't have to constantly look over your shoulder protecting Clover would be good for us. We need to have alone time for us as a couple too."

Grinning, I bite my bottom lip, hopeful. Waiting with bated breath.

Maverick stares into his old lady's eyes and groans. "Why'd you have to play the alone time couple card, woman? You know I'm gonna give you whatever you want."

Sadie giggles. "I know. I wanted to bring it on home. After all, it is my girl's birthday, and she asked us, out of everyone, to go with her. So truthfully, Mav, you should be honored."

Noah shrugs. "Sadie has a point, brother. Rhy could have stayed here with the rest of the club, but she wants to go to New York with the three of us. So we have to help make this happen for her… right?"

I turn, smiling at Noah as Maverick huffs. "Yeah, fine. But I don't know how you're going to convince Dutch."

Sadie stands abruptly. "Leave that to me. Rhy, c'mon, let's go talk to your dad."

Noah and Maverick stand abruptly, shaking their heads as I move toward Sadie.

Noah reaches out for my hand. "I think this should come from Maverick and me, Rhyan. It's a respect thing between brothers."

I glance at Sadie, who laughs. "No offense, but this is completely a father-daughter thing, and if you think for one single second that you guys asking permission is going to get you anywhere, you are so fucking wrong. All it is going to get you is a punch in the face. This has to be handled in just the right way, with a woman's touch . I have had to talk to many parents in my line of work, and I know precisely how to play this," Sadie chimes confidently.

Noah shrugs, and I smile back at him. "It's going to be fine. Sadie and I have got this. You guys hang back here. And don't come interrupting and ruin it," I warn, glaring at Noah.

He raises his hands in surrender and sits back down at the table, Maverick following suit.

Sadie grabs my hand in hers, and we walk off to find my father. I turn to her, all my confidence now fading as I exhale. "Okay, so… what's the plan?"

She bumps my side with a wink. "Follow my lead, no matter what. Okay?"

"Okay. This is your show, so let's do this."

We make our way to the bar, where Dad sits across from Mom, who is pouring him another beer. Looks like he's three deep by the number of glasses in front of him. That's good. The alcohol might ease his temper a little.

Mom notices us first, a bright smile appearing on her face. "Oh, here comes trouble," she chimes.

Dad turns and brings his beer to his lips.

Sadie and I stop in front of him, and he lowers his beer to the bar, letting out a huff. "This seems like it's going to be a serious talk. Do I need to get my gun for this shit?"

I snort out a nervous laugh as Sadie wraps her arm with mine. "Not at all, Dutch. Actually, I've come up with a great idea, and I know you're going to love it."

I try to hide my surprise at Sadie taking the credit, but she told me to roll with whatever she says, so I will just go with it. Dad raises his brow. "Well, Sadie, whatever you do turns to gold, so I am all ears. Fill me in."

Mom snickers behind the bar, obviously sensing that Sadie is buttering him up, but Sadie continues, "So, as you know, our gorgeous girl, Rhy, is having her twenty-first birthday in three weeks, and she told me that she wants to go to New York for a girls' weekend. Seeing as neither of us has been, I wanted to show my best friend in the whole world how special she is to me and take her on a pamper weekend. Just me and her. I'm talking the finest spa in all of New York. I really want to spoil her for her big day."

Mom grins wide. "Oh, that sounds wonderful. You're such a good friend, Sadie."

Dad curls up his lip, shaking his head. "There's no way on God's green earth I am letting the two of you go all the way to the other side of the fucking country for a pamper session on your own. No. Not happening ."

Well, I guess I knew this could be the outcome.

"That was my thoughts exactly, and that is why I have already enlisted two brothers to escort us over to New York and to be with us the entire time as our guardians. We will rent a suite, so we will all stay in the same place. I promise you, Dutch, I want Rhyan to have the best twenty-first birthday she deserves. And I also promise there will be no excessive drinking or partying. Just pampering and girls having a great time. The guys will be in the background to watch our sixes the entire time."

Dad turns to look at Mom. "What are your thoughts on this, Ellie?"

Mom shrugs with a genuine smile. "She's only young once, honey. Let her have some fun."

Dad groans, turning back to face us. "What does Maverick think about all this, Sadie?"

She dips her head. "He's one of the brothers coming to watch over us."

Dad folds his arms over his chest. "All right. That does make me feel better knowing Mav will be there. Who's the other one?"

We both hesitate, but I am the first to speak, "Noah."

Dad snorts out a laugh, shaking his head before he picks up his beer. "No. Find someone else. Anyone else. He goes? You don't. Simple as that."

I shift my eyes to Sadie, and she goes to talk, but Mom cuts in first. "Dutch, remember when you first wanted to spend time with me, but because I was the club princess and you were a prospect, you were too shit scared to even talk to me?"

Dad rolls his eyes. "I don't see how that's relevant to this conversation, Ellie."

"Rhyan and Noah are where you and I were back then. Remember what it was like for us when we were young and trying to navigate the club? Remember what it felt like when my dad was fighting against you having anything to do with me at every turn. Remember what that felt like and how we rebelled against it. Don't force Rhyan into having to make the same choices we did. Give her the freedom to make her own decisions about Noah. If it works out, it does. If it doesn't, then we deal with the consequences. But honey, I only ask that you remember what it was like when you were in Noah's shoes."

My eyes glisten when they meet my mother's with a silent thank you. My father takes a long drink of his beer, empties the glass, then quietly places it on the bar. He swipes the back of his bearded chin with his forearm, huffs, and then looks at Noah. He signals, calling Noah over. Widening my eyes, I inhale sharply as Noah hesitantly approaches my father. Dad stares at Noah but waves his finger at me. "If you come back from New York and you're fucking engaged or, God forbid, pregnant, I will put a bullet in Noah's cock. Do. You. Understand?"

Letting out a small laugh, I nod. "We're nowhere near anything like that, Dad. I can unequivocally promise you there will be no ring and definitely no babies."

Noah nods in agreement. "Absolutely no babies, Dutch."

"And?" Dad growls.

"No ring either. I'll take care of Rhy," Noah urges.

Dad turns to Sadie, raising his brow. "You keep an eye on that prospect while you're away. You make sure Rhyan has the best birthday, but if Noah does anything to hurt her, tell me, and I will be on the first flight there."

I scowl at Dad as he talks about Noah like he's not here, even though he's standing right in front of him.

Sadie tilts her head. "I don't think you have to worry. If Noah did anything to hurt Rhy, he'd have to deal with me and Maverick first, and then he'd have the rest of the club to deal with when we return. But thank you, Dutch. This trip means a lot to us. So thank you for letting me treat my girl to the birthday she deserves."

He hums under his breath. "I want nightly check-ins while you're away. No damn excuses."

Moving forward, I wrap my arms around my dad and snuggle into his bulky frame. "Thanks, Daddy. I love you."

He mumbles something incoherent under his breath, then pulls me back to look at him. "When did you grow into such a strong young woman? I swear it was only yesterday you were five years old."

Smiling, I lean in and press a soft kiss on his bearded cheek. "I may be growing up, but I will always be your little girl."

He clears his throat and taps the bar, ordering another drink. "All right, get the fuck out of here. I'm sure you have shit to plan."

Turning, I link arms with Sadie, my eyes shifting to Noah. But Noah doesn't turn with us. Instead, he steps back toward my father, making Sadie and me stop dead in our tracks.

"Dutch, I appreciate you showing some trust in me. It means a fucking lot. I swear I won't let you down."

Dad huffs. "Make sure you don't. Because I won't be held responsible for my actions if anything, and I mean even a fucking papercut happens to Rhyan while you're over there . Do you understand me, Prospect ?"

Noah reaches out to shake Dad's hand. "You have my word. I'll protect her with my life."

Dad glances down at Noah's hand, hesitates, then shakes it. "All right, get the fuck outta here."

Noah dips his head and turns, his eyes meeting mine.

The three of us walk back to Maverick, who's looking at all of us with questionable eyes. "You got him to say yes, didn't you?"

"Actually, Mom did. She reminded him that their story wasn't so different from mine and Noah's and that he should cut Noah some slack. Somehow, that seemed to work. But Sadie and Noah worked some magic on him too," I tell Maverick.

He shakes his head as Noah lets out a long exhale. "So, looks like we're going to New York?"

Sadie slides down next to Maverick while I move in beside Noah. "We're absolutely going to New York."

Maverick rolls his shoulders. "Now we have to clear it with Alpha and Loki, then we can start planning."

"We did the hard part, so you two can face Alpha and Loki," I urge Maverick and Noah.

Maverick chuckles and waves at Noah. "C'mon, Prospect. Let's rip this off like a Band-Aid. See what kind of response we get from Pres."

"This should be fun. Wish us luck." Noah leans in, pressing a light kiss on my head.

"You just went head-to-head with my father. Alpha should be a walk in the park. You got this. I believe in you," I tell him.

He chuckles, stands, and walks off with Maverick toward the Chapel stairs.

I spin back to Sadie, letting out a small laugh. "You think Alpha is going to completely grill them?"

Sadie laughs. "Oh, he is going to give them hell. But that's why we love him. But hey, thanks for inviting us on this trip with you guys. I think we're going to have the best time."

My eyes shift to Noah at the top of the stairs, watching before he enters the Chapel. I have no idea what is in store for us in New York, but I know spending time with Noah away from the club can only be good.

Honestly, I can't wait, and the idea that I will be helping him with a childhood dream while we are there is even more exciting.

Now, I just have to patiently wait three weeks until we can leave because, as they say, what happens in New York stays in New York.

At least, that's what I'm thinking.

Because the four of us hitting a new city with no one else around to watch over our shoulders, who knows what kind of fun we can get up to?