Page 13 of Dagger

He raises an eyebrow, clearly putting the pieces together, and I feel my face flush.

I lift a finger to my lips, shaking my head. “Not a word,” I whisper, giving him a look.

He blinks for a second, then smirks, assessing the situation like only Hawk can. “Got it,” he says with a small nod, his expression almost amused.

I roll my eyes but can’t help smiling a little as I brush past him. I’m not going to let the best night of my life turn into a bad morning. Whatever happens next with Dagger, that’s a problem for another day.

I make my way to the parking lot, the morning air crisp against my skin as I climb into my little beater car. It rattles to life, and I take a moment to breathe before pulling out.

I drive back home, determined to carry last night with me as a good memory—something that’s mine and mine alone. Whatever comes next, I’ll face it. But for now, I focus on the road ahead.

Weeks later, I’m sitting around the bonfire outside the clubhouse with the women who have become my world. Carlie, Mason’s wife, is leaning back in her chair, sipping on a beer. Jenny, Piston’s wife, is sitting cross-legged, laughing at something Sophie just said. Sophie, now Tank’s wife, looks so happy and settled, her eyes glowing with contentment. These women have been my lifeline, and I feel more like myself when I’m with them.

The club is hosting a members-only event tonight. I don’t have a patch, but I’m always included, and that means everything to me. They’ve made me feel like I belong in a way I never expected.

Mason walks by, his usual commanding presence shadowed by something darker. He leans down to kiss Carlie on the top of her head before stalking off toward the clubhouse, his jaw tight and his fists clenched like he’s ready to take on the world.

“Everything okay?” Jenny asks, her gaze following him.

Carlie smiles slightly and shrugs. “Something’s going on with Dagger,” she says, her voice low. “He’s refusing to come home, and Mason’s pissed.”

Jenny frowns, sitting up straighter. “What happened?” she asks. “That’s Mason’s VP, and they’re more like brothers than anything else. He relies on Dagger for so much.”

Carlie shakes her head. “I don’t know the details. Mason won’t say much, but Dagger told him he wants to step down as VP and go nomad for a while. Said he needs to get things sorted out.”

Jenny’s eyes widen. “Step down? Dagger? That doesn’t sound like him at all.”

“I know,” Carlie says with a sigh. “Mason’s losing it over this. He’s not just mad—he’s hurt. He doesn’t understand why Dagger’s walking away.”

I stay quiet, staring into the fire as their words sink in. My stomach twists as a thought creeps into my mind, one I’ve been trying to push away since Dagger disappeared.

Is he gone because of me?

I called him once. Texted him once. When he didn’t respond, I let it go, telling myself it wasn’t worth chasing after someone who clearly didn’t want to talk. But now I wonder. Did I do something wrong? Did I make him leave?

I bite my lip, staring into the flames as the conversation continues around me. I want to ask, to say something, but I don’t. Instead, I stay quiet, hoping I’m not the reason Mason’s best friend—and the man who turned my world upside down—is gone.

I stand up, brushing off my jeans. “Anyone want anything?” I ask, keeping my tone light.

Carlie and Jenny shake their heads, but Sophie hops up immediately. “I’ll come with you,” she says, falling into step beside me as we head toward the clubhouse.

Once we’re far enough away from the others, she nudges me with her elbow. “You okay?” she asks, her eyes scanning my face with concern.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” I reply, a little too quickly.

She stops walking and gives me a pointed look, one that says she’s not buying it. “You know why,” she growls, crossing her arms.

I glare at her, my jaw tightening. “We are not having this conversation here. But yes, I’m fine.”

“You are so far from fine,” she says, rolling her eyes. Her tone softens as she continues. “But I love you, and I respect you. We’ll talk about this later.”

I sigh, knowing she’s right, but also knowing I’m not ready for whatever lecture—or truth—she’s planning to drop on me. “Later,” I agree, trying to focus on the path ahead instead of the growing ache in my chest.

She hooks her arm through mine, giving it a squeeze. “Good. Now let’s go grab those beers before anyone else notices we’re gone too long.”

Her lighthearted tone makes me smile despite myself, but deep down, I know this conversation isn’t over. Sophie knows me too well, and sooner or later, I’ll have to face whatever it is I’ve been trying to ignore.

The next morning, I wake up with a knot in my stomach. I know what I have to do—tell Sophie what happened between Dagger and me at her wedding. She’s going to be pissed I waited this long to say anything, but there’s no good way to bring something like this up.

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