Page 29 of Dagger

“I’m not acting like that,” I snap, meeting his glare head-on. “I know what I’ve done, alright? I’m not here to make excuses, and I’m sure as hell not here to make friends.”

His jaw tightens, and for a second, I think he’s gonna swing at me. Instead, he shakes his head and spits on the ground. “Hope you’re ready to earn your place back. ’Cause words don’t mean shit.”

I hold his stare. “Yeah, I got that.”

He mutters something under his breath and stalks off, leaving the air around us heavy.

Jax lets out a low whistle, lighting another cigarette. “Sledge doesn’t mess around, huh? You alright?”

“I’m fine,” I growl, brushing past him toward my bike.

“Sure you are,” Jax says, falling in step with me again. “Don’t let him get to you. Some of the guys are gonna need time, that’s all.”

“Don’t need their time,” I mutter. “I’ll prove what I need to prove. They can catch up or not.”

Jax chuckles, taking a drag. “That’s the Dagger I remember. Stubborn as hell.”

I don’t respond, just keep walking. Every step away from the group feels heavier, the weight of their mixed reactions pressing down harder than I expected.

It would’ve been easier to stay where I was. At least there, I wasn’t the guy who let down his entire club. At least there,I didn’t have to see her—Chloe—every day, knowing she’s pregnant with another man’s kid.

The thought twists in my gut, but I shove it down, keeping my head high as I reach my bike. This is home—whether it feels like it right now or not.

ELEVEN

CHLOE

We’reat Smokey’s Diner, tucked into the corner booth like always. The place smells like grease and coffee, and the sound of clattering plates fills the air. Sophie’s arguing with Carlie about pineapple on pizza—loudly. Jenny’s laughing, egging them on, and I’m trying to act like I’m part of the conversation.

I’m not.

My burger sits in front of me, barely touched, and I’ve been stabbing my fries with my fork more than eating them. My head’s not here, it hasn’t been all day. I keep thinking about seeing Dagger at Perdition. It’s been almost a week and I haven’t seen him since. Did he leave again?

Carlie notices first. She always does. “Alright, Chloe,” she says, leaning forward and resting her arms on the table. “What’s going on with you? You’ve barely said two words since we got here.”

“Nothing,” I say, shrugging it off. “I’m fine.”

Sophie glances at me, and I can feel her gaze lingering. She knows I’m not fine, but she stays quiet.

“You’re lying,” Jenny says bluntly, crossing her arms. “You look like you just found out your dog’s been cheating on you with the neighbor.”

Carlie cracks a smile, but her tone stays serious. “Come on, Chlo. What’s up? Is it the baby’s father? Did he do something?”

The question lands like a punch to the gut. My stomach twists, and my heart starts racing. Sophie’s eyes snap to mine, her expression tight. “No,” I say quickly, shaking my head. “It’s not him.”

“Are you sure?” Carlie presses. “Because if it is, just say the word, and we’ll get some of the guys to pay him a visit. Knock some sense into him, you know?”

Her tone is so earnest that it makes Sophie snort. I glare at both of them. “Seriously? That’s your solution? Violence?”

Carlie shrugs, not the least bit apologetic. “It’s effective.”

“Okay, what the hell is going on with you two?” Jenny asks, narrowing her eyes and looking between me and Sophie. “You’re acting weird. Spill.”

Sophie leans back in her seat, her arms crossed, and gives methatlook. The one that says,It’s time.

My heart sinks, and I drop my fork, letting it clatter onto my plate. “You really wanna know?” I say, my voice sharper than I mean it to be.

“Yes,” Jenny says firmly, her eyes boring into mine.

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