Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

Nevaeh

I lied to my best friend. I told her I was sick for most of my trip and spent it in bed. And then, when it came to the signing itself, I told her I was crazy busy and glad to be home and then changed the subject.

I felt crappy lying, but I knew if I told her the truth, not only would she murder Havoc in his sleep, but it would cause problems between Havoc and G.

So, for the almost two weeks we’d been back, I acted like nothing happened, but we didn’t hide the looks we kept giving each other. After all, I have to make it believable for when Havoc snaps and kisses me in public. It’s going to happen, I can tell. He’s been riding the edge of violence for days.

“Look, I just need some air, okay?”

“So go sit outside. You’ll find all the air you want,” Havoc says.

I step up to him and snarl. “Do not make me hurt you, Havoc. I need to get out of this place for a little while.” I pause, taking a deep breath. “I was thinking of going for a drive into town.” I lower my voice so only he can hear the rest. “I’m coming back, I promise.”

He looks down at me, and for a moment, I swear everyone holds their breath. His lips twitch, then, before I know what’s happening, he bends down and kisses me. That damn rat bastard—I should’ve known. He pulls back, grinning as catcalls ring out around us.

“Hoops!” he yells, not taking his eyes off me.

“Yes, Prez?” Hoops walks out from behind the bar, wiping his hands on a towel.

“Follow my old lady into town. Anything happens to her, and I’ll rip your spine out your throat.”

“Yes, Prez,” he replies without hesitation.

I roll my eyes and sigh. “You just couldn’t help yourself, could you?”

“I’m done pretending, and I’m sick and fucking tired of everyone here eye-fucking you. Now they know you’re mine, and if I catch them staring again, I’ll scoop their eyeballs out and boil them.”

“You seriously need therapy.”

“Don’t need anything but you, Cupcake.”

He pulls me in for another kiss, then steps back. “Wait here.”

He disappears into his office and comes back holding something. I don’t realize what it is until he holds it out for me to see—a cut. The Raven Soul patch is stitched on the back, and underneath it, the words Property of Havoc .

“When on earth did you get this made? Amity doesn’t even have hers yet.”

“Hers came in today with yours. You know me, baby—I don’t mess around.”

He turns it and holds it so I can slip my arms in. I hesitate for a second, biting my lip. His jaw ticks as he waits. Rejecting him in front of his brothers would be a brutal blow.

Damn it. In for a penny, in for a pound.

“Don’t make me regret this.”

“Never,” he vows, helping me put it on.

The room erupts in cheers, and people come over to offer their congratulations.

“Amity’s gonna kill me for not telling her about us and you for making her miss this.”

He just shrugs and gives me a quick kiss. “Now go before I change my mind. And be careful. Just because Khan hasn’t made a move yet doesn’t mean he won’t.”

“I know.” I sigh. “I’m just going to pick up our food.”

“Still need you to be careful.”

“Yes, Daddy.” He gives me a wicked grin, so I cover his mouth with my hand. I like playing the sweet and na?ve virgin with him, but I have my limits.

“No. That’s not happening, so get the idea out of your head.”

“Ready, Tink?”

I turn to Hoops and sigh. “Nobody’s ever going to call me Nevaeh again, are they?”

“Welcome to the club,” he says, smiling—until Havoc crosses his arms, and Hoops’ smile drops.

“I’ll meet you at the gate,” Hoops tells me and hurries away.

I hit Havoc's chest. “Was that necessary?”

“What?”

I give him a look. “He didn't do anything.”

“He was looking at what's mine,” he says, wrapping his arms around me. I roll my eyes.

Crane chuckles as he stand beside us. “Can’t blame a guy for looking.”

“No, but I can make it so he never looks again.”

Crane just laughs, and I pull out of Havoc’s arms. “I’m going now. I won’t be long.”

“Stay safe.”

“I will,” I reply, hurrying to leave before he changes his mind.

As I step outside, I take a deep lungful of fresh air. Since we got back, he’s barely let me out of his sight. For someone who spends a lot of time alone, it’s been… well, a lot.

He thinks I’ll change my mind and run. I can see it in his eyes every time I look at him. But the thing is, the more time I spend with him, the deeper I fall. Running isn’t an option anymore. Honestly, I don’t think it ever really was.

Lil and Legs catch up to me as I head down the slope toward the warehouse. “We just wanted to say congrats. I think you’re exactly the kind of woman he needs,” Legs says, giving me a quick hug.

“She’s right,” Lil agrees. “I won’t lie—I didn’t see it at first, but you two just work.”

“Well, here’s hoping I don’t strangle him anytime soon.”

Lil laughs. “He’s driving you nuts already?”

“He’s intense, I get that. But, God, I can pee on my own, dammit. I swear, every time I turn around, he’s there.”

I look behind me and throw my hands up in the air when I see him watching me from the saloon doors. “Oh, come on!” I say as Legs and Lil laugh.

“Alpha males don’t understand the concept of space. They want you where they want you, and that’s that.”

“Speaking from experience?” I ask.

Legs rolls her eyes. “Midas is the worst of them, but I don’t have one of these.” She tugs my cut. “So it’s a little different for us. He’s bossy, but he’s not possessive of me because I’m his, it’s just a biker thing.” She winks, and even though she’s joking, I know it hurts her that there isn’t something more between them. I can’t imagine loving someone who can’t see what’s right in front of them.

“I better go. Hoops is waiting for me. I’ll catch you both later.”

“You too. And, Nevaeh…” Finally, someone uses my name. “He might be the top dog, but you’re the queen. Make the man work for it,” Legs says before slipping her arm through Lil’s and turning to head back to the saloon.

I grumble about insufferable men as I head to the diner, cursing Havoc for making me bring a bodyguard and Hoops for being said bodyguard when I’m still mad at him for getting me into this mess in the first place. I’ve tried to let it go because I’m an adult, and it all worked out in the end, but mentally, I’m still sticking my tongue out at the big stupid-headed asshole.

Not that he’s helping change my opinion of him. I just wanted five minutes of peace. Instead, I had to sit there watching Hoops flirt in that noisy-ass bar, of all places. Are five freaking minutes of peace too much to ask for? Well, we’re about to find out.

I wonder how long it will take the prospect to realize I’ve left without him? I guess it depends on if he can pull himself away from the bartender’s boobs. I’m sure he’ll come looking for me eventually, not wanting to risk Havoc’s wrath.

I slow my steps and sigh. I don’t want Hoops to get into trouble just because I’m mad. As I pass the alleyway where the dumpsters are, I see a homeless man huddled on the ground with a blanket wrapped around his head and body. It’s not too cold today, but it did rain earlier, and I can only imagine that being wet makes it impossible to stay warm.

After a moment of hesitation, I decide that the best way to help him is to grab him something hot to eat. I head inside the diner and smile at the teenager behind the counter. I’ve seen her here a few times before but have never actually spoken to her.

“Hi, I’m here to pick up my order. It’s under ‘Havoc’.”

“Just give me a second. I’ll grab it for you. Anything else?”

“Yeah, do you have any soup or stew? Something I can take to the homeless guy outside?”

“Um, let me just go check.”

“Thanks…” I look at the badge on her chest. “Sarah. I appreciate it.”

She gives me a smile before disappearing. I look around the diner and spot Conan in one of the booths. I don’t know him well, but I do know he’s getting treatment for some kind of cancer, so he isn’t around the clubhouse much. He’s staring down at the table, and I almost decide to leave him alone, but there’s something so… sad about the guy that I’m standing beside him before I even realize my feet are moving.

Sensing me there, he looks up, a frown on his face before he recognizes me. “Amity’s friend, right?”

I nod. “Nevaeh,” I reply, sliding into the booth across from him. “I’m surprised to find you here alone.”

He huffs. “I snuck out.”

I grin. “Me too.”

He takes me in, his eyes moving to my cut before they widen. “And who are you sneaking away from?”

“I should’ve kept my mouth shut,” I mutter before taking a deep breath. “I may or may not have ditched the prospect that’s supposed to be watching me.”

He doesn’t say anything, clearly waiting for more. I groan and close my eyes, dropping my head to bang it on the table.

“Your president is driving me insane,” I admit.

“What’s Havoc’s problem?” He chuckles, picking up the glass of water in front of him and taking a sip.

“I bewitched him with my magical vagina, apparently,” I mutter, though clearly not quietly enough because he spits out his water all over the table.

I grab a handful of napkins from the dispenser next to the ketchup and clean up the mess.

“So you and Havoc are official now?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Why? Are you saying I’m not good enough for him? Wait, how’d you know about me and Havoc?” I ask, surprised.

He blinks, then throws his head back and laughs, drawing the attention of everyone in the diner. “Thanks, I needed that.” He grins at me as Sarah walks over.

“Hey, sorry to interrupt. The cook’s making some beef stew and biscuits for you.”

“Oh, that’s perfect. Can I also get a hot chocolate to go and a bottle of water? And do you have any disposable utensils?”

“Actually, I think we do. I’ll throw some in for you.”

“Thank you,” I say with a smile.

I turn back to Conan, who’s looking at me curiously.

“There’s a homeless guy outside.”

“God save me from women who want to save the world,” he mutters to himself. “I’ll come with you when you drop off the food.”

“It’s okay?—”

“I’ll come with you. I’m sure the guy will appreciate it, but desperate people can make choices they wouldn’t normally make. Let’s not put him in a situation where he’s tempted, or you in one where your good deed goes sideways.”

I roll my eyes at the cynic but know better than to argue.

“And FYI, I’m not trying to save the world. I’m just a nice person. What’s wrong with that?”

“Nice people get eaten alive in this world. Why’d you sneak away?”

I shake my head at his change of subject and ask a question of my own. “Why did you sneak away?”

“I needed a moment to just…” His words trail off.

“Breathe.” I finish for him.

“Yeah.”

“It’s hard trying to be strong for everyone else. I get it. I don’t know you, so I don’t have a pony invested in this game. Wait, I don’t think that’s how the analogy goes, but… oh well, you get what I’m saying.”

“Not even a little bit.”

“Okay, what I’m trying to say is, if you need someone to talk to, I’m your gal.”

I pull out my phone and look at him. “Give me your number.”

“What?”

“Your cell phone number?” I say slowly. “Did chemo kill your brain cells, too?”

He huffs before giving me his number. I send him a text and wait for his phone to ping before putting mine away.

He lets out a breath. “Everyone treats me differently now. They don’t see my size, or my cut, or my angry glare that only a few months ago would send people running. All they see is cancer.”

“Show me the angry glare.”

He pauses for a moment before scowling at me.

“Meh, needs a little work.” He opens his mouth before closing it again.

“So your hair is a little thin and you have dark circles under your eyes, who cares? I’m sure you’re still terrifying to small children and pearl clutching Karen’s.”

“Do you always say what you think?”

At home I bit my tongue so hard, I’m sure I have scars. Of course, I always made up for it when I was out of the house.

“Pretty much.” I lean forward and lower my voice. “You’re entitled to feel however you want, Conan. That’s your right. But the way I see it, you’ve got two options right now: you can be all sad and give up, or you can fight back. And you don’t strike me as the kinda guy who would just roll over and welcome death when you’ve got so much to live for.”

“I’m not giving up.”

“Good, and I’m serious—if you need someone to talk to, I’m a good listener. I mean, I’ll probably interrupt you like a million times and throw out my opinions like glitter, but I’ll listen to every word you say and won’t repeat it. You can be pissed with me. You can be sad and scared. You can be whatever you can’t be around your family.”

“Why?”

“Why not?” I shrug, standing up when I see Sarah place a couple of bags on the counter. I walk over and pay, then turn to look at Conan. “Coming?”

He nods, leaving a couple of bills on the table, and walks over. He takes the bags from me despite my protests. “I have cancer, woman. I’m not dying.” He scowls, making me laugh.

“I love a man with a sense of humor.” I fake swooning.

“Everyone’s a comedian these days,” he mutters. “Where the fuck’s the prospect who’s supposed to be watching you?”

“Probably still at The Lookout. He said he needed to talk to the owner but ended up drooling all over the bartender. I got tired of waiting. I told him I needed the bathroom and slipped out the back.”

He grumbles something, but I miss it as we make our way outside. We head toward the alley, and I see the homeless man still in the same spot. The guy lifts his head from his knees as we approach, watching us warily.

He’s wearing one of those face masks we all wore during COVID, covering the bottom of his face, but the part I can see is filthy. If I didn’t think Havoc would kill me, I’d ask if he wanted a shower and invite him back to the clubhouse.

“Hi. We got you some food.”

The guy stares at me in a way that makes me nervous, and I’m glad Conan came with me. I take the bag from the giant behind me and hand it to him.

“Oh, shoot. I forgot the hot chocolate. I’ll be right back.”

I turn to leave, almost colliding with Sarah, who has the hot chocolate in her hand.

“Oh, you’re a gem, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’m glad I caught up with you.” Her eyes fall to the homeless guy, and she offers him a smile before heading back to the diner.

I set the cup down next to the guy’s leg and stand back up. He doesn’t say anything. He tracks my every move, though, his eyes scanning my body and face like he’s memorizing every detail.

“Enjoy,” I murmur, stepping away from him.

I turn to Conan, who leads me away with his large hand on the small of my back.

“Okay, so you may have been right. The guy creeped me out. It doesn’t mean I shouldn’t help though. But thank you for coming with me, big guy.”

He chuckles. “Anytime, Nevaeh. Now, let’s go find your wayward prospect.”

He walks me to the bar, and when we reach the door, he opens it and motions for me to go in first. To my surprise, when I look around, Hoops is still standing in the exact same spot. The girl—and I say that because she looks barely old enough to sell alcohol—laughs at something Hoops says when she sees me approaching.

“Hi, what can I get you?”

“Just a prospect to go, please.”

Hoops turns at the sound of my voice, looking confused. He grimaces when he spots Conan behind me and curses when he notices bags of food in his hands.

“Lose something, prospect?” Conan’s deep voice rumbles.

“Shit. I thought you were in the bathroom. Why didn’t you say something?” Hoops asks me, looking more defeated than mad.

“You were occupied.”

“I wasn’t occupied.”

“You didn’t know I was gone until I came back.”

He rubs his hand over his face and stands. The bartender’s face falls when he leaves without even saying goodbye. I give her an apologetic wave and hurry outside after Conan and Hoops, who are now arguing but shut up when I join them.

“Look, it’s not a big deal. Let’s just get the food back to the clubhouse.”

“It is a?—”

“I’m fine, Conan, other than my stomach trying to eat itself. I promise.”

He sighs but nods. “Get in.”

I salute him and climb in as he puts the bags on the passenger seat.

I buckle up and wait for them to get on their bikes. Conan’s is parked at the far side of the lot, which is why we didn’t notice it when we pulled in. The diner’s parking lot is tiny, so people often end up parking over here. The owners must have some type of deal.

I snap out of my thoughts when I hear Hoops’ engine roar to life. I lower my window as he pulls his helmet on.

“I won’t say anything. I’m not trying to get you in trouble.”

“Not your fault, Tink. I fell down on the job.”

He closes the visor on his helmet, ending the conversation.

“Well, okay then,” I mutter and follow him home.