Page 45 of Jake's Angel

Get a grip, Avery.

The scary one leans down to get a better look at me. “Hey there, sweetheart. We were introduced earlier. I’m Declan.” He smiles. “I don’t eat small humans or pretty girls—not without their express permission anyway.” He winks at my gasp. “With all the shit going on, I’m not sure if I told you earlier, but it’s good to have you home, brother.” Declan taps Mack on the shoulder.

“It’s good to be home, brother.”

Brother?

“Prospect!” Declan shouts. The young guy standing a few feet behind him rushes over at his bellowing. “Call down and let Gabe know they’re here.” Mason turns away and makes the call. “Hey Mack, keep yourself hidden as best you can. Liz has been trying to get a beat on you since she found out you were home yesterday. Don’t worry, we told her you had Lisa tied to the bed and would come see her when you came up for air.” He winks.

“Fucker,” Mack grumbles.

“Ah, there you go, sweetheart. Youdo have a smile. It’s a pretty one too,” Declan says, winking at me again. He’s not as scary as he looks.

Looks can be deceiving. Don’t let them fool you into thinking any differently.

I know better than to trust first impressions … but a girl can hope for the best.

“Head to the clubhouse. Gabe wants to meet our guest.”

“What? Don’t I have a beautiful smile too, Dec?” Sadie whines. Hawk is glaring at her.

“Oh, of course you do, Sugar.” Then he smiles widely. “Maybe if you weren’t trying to avoid this asshole so much, I’d see it more often,” Declan teases.

“Fuck you.” Hawk laughs. “If it wasn’t for me, none of you assholes would ever smile. Walking around here all moody and shit.”

“You’re definitely a good for a laugh. I’ll give you that one, brother.” The three men laugh. Mack waves out the window while Hawk flips Declan the finger.

“Who’s Liz?” I ask Sadie quietly.

“She’s Caleb’s wife. You’ll meet her soon, I’m sure.” Sadie smirks. “For an ol’ lady, Liz makes it a point to know what’s going on around here. She is the exception to the rule when it comes to club business. They never tell her, but somehow, she always finds out. I can’t wait for you to meet Liz, Aves. You’re going to love her!” Sadie says.

“She’s Caleb’s wife,” I repeat. “So, she would be your grandmother then.” Sadie beams.

“Yep. She’s the best part of this crazy family, if you want my honest opinion. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her.”

Trees line the entire property, keeping it hidden from plain view. “See that big building there? That’s the clubhouse. If you drive around back, past the yard, there’s a long winding road. It’s a long driveway. If you follow it up, it’ll lead you to Liz and Caleb’s house, where you’ll be staying.” Mack says.

“I thought I was staying at Sadie’s?” There’s a slight tremble to my voice, I hope Mack doesn’t notice but anxiety is creeping up inside me again, followed by the unrelenting anger clawing at my chest every time someone feels the need to tell me what I’mgoing to do.

Sadie puts her hand on my shoulder and squeezes, helping to calm me down.

“Let’s go inside the clubhouse. I’m sure Pres will explain everything to you once we get inside.” Mack says somberly. I drop my eyes and study my converse for a minute, untangling the laces with my finger.

Sadie never told me I could get caught and held captive by a bunch of bikers when I agreed to come to Oak Ridge.I don’t possess the same diversion skills she has.

“If it makes you feel any better, I’ll stay at Liz’s house with you.” Sadie comforts me by gripping my shoulder.

“Yes, please. I’d feel much better having you there.” Mack doesn’t say anything, but is watching us closely in the rearview mirror.

Hawk chimes in, breaking the ice. “Well, hell, if you two are having another sleepover I want to join in the fun this time. I get to be in the middle.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me. My face heats.

“In your dreams,” Sadie shoots back just as Mack shouts, “Shut your fucking mouth!” Sadie belts out a laugh, and I am at a complete loss because I’m pretty sure Hawk just propositioned us for a threesome.

“You’re not the brightest crayon in the box, are you?” I ask him, perplexed.

“I owe you one, asshole.” Mack looks deadly serious. Hawk, however, is still laughing with his head against the seat.

“What the hell is wrong with him?” I nudge Sadie, lowering my voice. “He just says whatever comes to his mind and doesn’t care if it pisses people off.”

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