PROLOGUE
COPPER
I watch as Coal takes Thea in his arms and dances her slowly around the room as she wears her new cut with pride. The love they have for each other shines brightly on their faces. My dad lowers his head towards my mother and listens to something she says, his attention solely focused on her.
Is it any wonder I’ve held out? I want what my parents have. What Coal has with Thea and what so many others in our MC have found—some of them years ago, and others, more recently.
I doubt my turn will come anytime soon, not when the one woman who has caught my interest is in love with another man.
Not that she knows I’m interested. We’ve never even met.
I saw her photo at the Crow Investment Office when I went with Coal to set up our accounts.
We heard the rumours when we went to the café.
Our connection to the Crow MC is tight. None of the Crows revealed what had happened with her and the brother she was with, and neither did her business partner, Beau.
Once I was given the information about my new partner, I knew for certain that her breakup with Sam was more complicated than anyone knew. She was gone from her home for two years, training for a job so dangerous that she derailed her entire life to keep her family safe.
While I know she won’t be ready for another relationship, I can’t help the small flame of hope burning deep in my chest—one that grows brighter every time I think of her.
I’m a patient man. I can be her friend until she’s ready for something more.
And I pray that with time, she’ll heal enough to open her heart to me.
I take a swig of my beer and lean against the bar to observe the people celebrating around me. I’m leaving tomorrow, and I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but it’ll be a while before I get to spend time with my family again.
So tonight, I’ll soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the company of those I trust.