Chapter Seventeen
No one spoke a word when they filed out of Inez’s apartment.
It was on the tip of her tongue to ask if she could say goodbye.
She didn’t. In the end, it was probably the smartest move.
Cleo was already in enough trouble with the club, especially Wraith.
He wouldn’t even look at her. Oh, the irony.
She’d been avoiding his eyes for the last few days.
And now? All she wanted was for him to look at her.
Cleo followed the club out to the parking lot, keeping her distance from Wraith. It would be a long and awkward ride back to Killcreek on his bike.
Wraith, Ace, and Cross veered off separate from the others and were circled in the parking lot, talking. Cleo was too far away to hear the conversation. But from the hand gestures and their expressions, none of them appeared happy.
She made her way to Wraith’s bike, ignoring the stares from the brothers.
She knew what she’d be met with. Disappointment and possibly anger.
Except for Gent. He never missed an opportunity.
Unfortunately for her, he was parked next to Wraith’s bike.
When she peeked up through her lashes, he was grinning.
He clucked his tongue. “All this for cock sucking?”
It seemed Wraith hadn’t shared the root of the issue. Most members assumed it stemmed from their argument at the party. All over a blow job. Or the lack thereof. And I’m going to let them think that. She’d hoped after his initial comment, Gent would let it go. He didn’t.
“I didn’t realize women were so passionate about blow jobs. That’s a cause I can get behind.”
Asshole! Cleo spun around, giving him her back. She was hoping the move would discourage him from continuing. But again, it didn’t. It was her own fault. That conversation between her and Wraith should’ve been done in private, not in the hallway for public consumption.
“What’s your position on hand jobs, darlin’?”
“Gent,” Cue snapped. “One more fucking word and I’m gonna pistol-whip you in the parking lot. Inez’s got cameras everywhere, so I get to watch that shit over and over. Just shut the fuck up.”
Thanks, Cue.
Unfortunately, it did little to ease the situation. Gent loved confrontation. He fed off of it.
Gent laughed, leaning forward, staring at Cue. “I’m on her side, asshole. I’ll stand with any woman who enjoys sucking cock. You, my brother, are on the wrong side of history if you ain’t taking her side.”
Cleo closed her eyes, trying to combat the heat rising to her face.
I hate you!
Cypher stalked forward, pointing at the line of bikes. “Head back.”
“Riding separate?” Cue asked.
“Yeah.” Cypher glanced down at Cleo. “You’re riding with Ghost.”
Cleo clamped her lips. She’d really pissed off Wraith if he wasn’t even willing to take her back to Killcreek. She was hit with immense guilt. And something else. It was as if Wraith took personal offense that she wanted to leave. Little did he know, he wasn’t the problem. I am.
“Come on, Cleo,” Ghost said, walking toward his bike.
The members pulled out of the lot, and her gaze drifted to the opposite end. Wraith was still circled in what seemed like a deep conversation with Ace and Cross.
I messed up. Again.
*
Ironically, her much anticipated punishment never came. In fact, for the last week, not many people said anything. She figured they were still harboring anger for her latest stunt in Lawry. Even Ghost, who had been in on her plan, seemed to be avoiding her.
No one mentioned it. Of course, most of the members weren’t around. Usually, she heard passing conversations of upcoming runs or meetings. Cleo hadn’t heard anything in days. The one time she’d asked Joker where everyone was, she was met with the usual response.
“Club business.”
Shut down. It was expected but hadn’t deterred her from making conversation. Cleo climbed up on the stool at the bar and clasped her hands. Aside from her and Joker, the room was empty.
“How are you?”
Joker scowled. “I’m not working, so I’m not getting you a drink.”
Cleo scoffed. “I didn’t ask for one. I just asked how you were doing.”
“Fine,” he mumbled, grabbing a case of beer and setting it down near the small fridge behind the counter.
“It’s been really quiet here for the last week. I haven’t seen the guys much.”
“And?” Joker sighed. “Who are you asking about?”
Cleo shrugged, though his name was on the tip of her tongue.
“Jesus fucking…” Joker stopped mid-sentence and straightened. “I got shit to do so” —he mockingly raised his brows— “If you’re gonna ask, just ask.”
She leaned on her elbows. “Have you seen Wraith?”
The corner of his mouth curled. It wasn’t exactly a smile. It came off more as taunting satisfaction. He looked over her head.
“Wraith, man. Cleo’s looking for you.”
What the… She spun on her stool and gasped, seeing him at the edge of the room.
“I wasn’t.” She cleared her throat and smiled, but Wraith’s gaze only hardened. He read through her lie.
And so did Joker who refused to let it go.
“Yeah, you did. You asked if I’d seen Wraith. That’s looking for him.”
You’re an absolute dick, Joker.
“Prospect!” Wraith pointed to the front door. “Get the fuck out.”
Joker snickered and rounded the bar. Once the door closed, Wraith moved forward but left a few feet of separation.
“You need something?”
Cleo slipped off the stool, forcing a smile and hoping it didn’t come off as nervous. “I haven’t seen you in a few days, so I was just wondering where you were. That’s all.” She lowered her chin and felt his knuckles instantly brush against her jaw forcing her to look at him.
“Been working on something.”
“Oh.”
He stepped closer. “Wanna come see?”
This was the last thing she expected from Wraith.
“Sure.”
He scanned her face. “Get your helmet and meet me outside in ten.”
Wraith walked down the hallway toward his room without another word. Cleo didn’t waste any time and ran up the stairs to her room.
****
It was a short ride over to Grizz’s place.
Three point six miles. Doing the speed limit on the curvy country road, it was a five-minute drive from the clubhouse.
There was also rear access with acres of woods separating the two properties.
They’d never considered making a path. Until six days ago.
All the logistics hadn’t been worked out, but a plan was in motion.
Wraith rode past Grizz’s house, stopping in front of the metal carport next to the tiny house. He’d built the addition when they’d started renovations. Down the road, an unattached garage could be built, but for now this would do.
Once he parked, Cleo grabbed his shoulders, and he tensed instantly. Her touch had always been his undoing. She pulled off her helmet and looked up at the main house, concern marring her features.
“Is Grizz okay?”
Wraith shut down the engine and got off his bike. “He’s good. Come on.” He didn’t wait for her response and walked up to the house. He’d been busy over the last week. He, along with other members, had called in favors. Usually, renovations took months. For him, it was only days.
He heard her footsteps following him, but they stopped suddenly.
He glanced over his shoulder to find Cleo with her lips parted and her eyes the size of saucers, darting her gaze over the house.
It had changed a bit since she’d last seen it.
The exterior had been painted to a muted blue.
The shutters were now a vibrant gray, and he’d replaced the door.
The porch had been sanded and repainted as well.
They had pulled out all the overgrown shrubs leaving a blank canvas for Cleo.
“You like it?”
Cleo seemed to be in a daze, but she slowly shifted her eyes toward him.
“Yeah, it looks amazing.”
“It’s yours.”
Cleo flinched and her brows dipped. “What?”
Wraith gestured to the house. “The house.”
“I-I…don’t understand. Ace said no.”
“And I’m saying yes. Consider it a gift.” He moved closer, and she peered up through her lashes. “Happy Birthday.”
“W-what?” Her voice was shaky, and she darted her gaze between him and the house. She didn’t fully get what he was saying. But she would. He grasped her hand, leading her up the porch steps. He grabbed the door handle and opened it.
Cleo slowly walked in, staring at the remodel.
It was all pretty basic. He’d added all new appliances to the kitchen and features to the bathroom.
A fresh coat of paint on the walls. A cream color, but he expected her to add her own personal touches somewhere down the road.
He had the floor sanded and refinished. Initially, he hadn’t planned on buying furniture, but he wanted her first look to be something she could envision as her home. Something that was all hers.
“You don’t like the furniture, you can get whatever you want. Same with the walls. Pick out a color, and I’ll have the prospects paint it.”
Cleo hadn’t said a word, and she moved slowly, inching toward the living room.
She gently slid her hand over the back of the recliner, taking in every inch of the room.
She was struck silent for what seemed like minutes until she turned to him, her eyes welled, and her lips curved into a smile.
“This.” She glanced over the room. “It’s… .” Her voice trailed off.
He slowly angled his head. “It’s yours.”
Cleo spun around and gasped. “Mine?”
He lifted his chin. “You list the changes you want. Tell me, and I’ll get it down.”
“Wraith…” she muttered.
He snorted. “It’s yours, Cleo.”
A tear streamed down her cheek. She quickly wiped it with the back of her hand. “All mine?”
“Yeah,” he paused. “But it comes with conditions. Cypher put in brand new security cameras and surveillance. You don’t turn it off, you understand?”
Her face softened. “I won’t.”
He drew in a breath, gesturing to the back of the house. “There’s a trailer out back. It’s about fifty yards from the door. When the club goes on runs, the prospects will take turns staying over at night as additional security.”
She parted her lips but Wraith held up his hand, narrowing his gaze. “Non-negotiable. They won’t be here during the day and won’t come inside unless you need them. But when the whole club is out of town, I need someone here in case something happens.”
Inez’s speech had really hit home for Wraith.
True, she’d given them an ultimatum but with good reason.
In a way, it had made him see the light.
He still didn’t like it, neither did Ace and Cross.
The VP had been adamantly against her living on her own since he’d gotten the new information.
But it wasn’t about what they wanted. It was about what Cleo needed.
“That work for you?”
“Yes!” She blurted and her smile widened.
She spent the next thirty minutes inspecting the whole house. She made a habit of sliding her hand over the surfaces. The counter, the cabinets, and even the walls. It was as if she couldn’t believe this was hers.
Wraith followed her into the bedroom and leaned against the doorframe, watching her check it all out. Wraith had kept it simple. A queen bed, two side tables, and a dresser. The room was small and couldn’t handle more furniture. He chose a neutral bedding set.
“So, this is my birthday present.” She paused and cocked her head. “From you?”
He slowly nodded, and she rounded the bed, coming to stand in front of him.
“I love it.” She drew in a breath and whispered. “This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.”
Wraith cupped her jaw, and she moved closer. She didn’t even hesitate. She circled her arms around his waist and her breasts pressed against his chest.
“But I can’t let you pay for all of this.”
Jesus fucking…
Wraith hardened his stare. “You really want to fight about this?”
Her gaze softened, “I don’t want to fight about anything with you. I’m sorry, I…”
No fucking way. He wouldn’t allow it.
“You don’t apologize. You did nothing wrong.”
She flattened her lips and he tightened his hold. “Nothing.”
There was a long stretch of silence. This wasn’t the conversation he wanted to have with her now. She was happy and the last thing he wanted was to ruin this for her. But it needed to be said. She needed the truth.
“I don’t see your past when I look at you.”
She stilled and dropped her gaze to his chest. This was probably the worst time to bring it up when she was riding a high. But Wraith had to make it known.
“Look at me.”
Cleo glanced up, and her doubt was evident.
“I don’t. I never have.” He paused, dropping his hand over her shoulder and down her back. “I didn’t want you to do anything that might trigger a bad memory. You said yourself, you blocked it, right?”
She slowly nodded.
“I didn’t want to be the reason it came back.”
“You won’t be.” She whispered. “I just want to be with you without anything from my past getting in the way and ruining it.”
“Just you, me and our future. That’s it.”
For fucking ever.