Page 26 of Colt

“Over my dead fuckin’ body,” Dad ground out. “I’ve told ya. I want you outta the life. It’s no place for a woman.”

“But it’s a place for Mom, Layla, Cara, Sophie, Ned, Iris, Ashley, and all the other ol’ ladies,” I challenged. “Maybe you just don’t believe I’m strong enough.”

“Freya...” Dad warned.

I rolled my eyes. There was no point arguing. We’d had the same discussion since I was fifteen. My mom, Iris, and even some of the officers thought Dad’s views were strange, but he wouldn’t back down.

“I’m gonna go,” I said softly. “If I see or hear from Colt, I’ll tell him to call.”

“Freya,” Dad murmured. “I just want you safe. If anythin’ happened to you, I dunno how I’d cope.”

Tears welled in my eyes. “I know, but there’s nowhere safer for me than with you and the club. Why can’t you see that?”

“I don’t want a life for you where you’re constantly lookin’ over your shoulder.”

I laughed. “I’m always gonna be the Prez’s daughter, sister, or something. That won’t change, whoever I end up with.”

Dad gave a big sigh of frustration. “So, tell me, which brother you interested in?”

“Nobody,” I said a little too quickly.

“So, it’s a moot point then,” he said sarcastically. “You’re givin’ me shit for no reason. Why can’t you, for once, just gimme a break instead of givin’ me high blood pressure?”

Dad always did this. I’d never known a person more adept at emotional blackmail. My dad was one of the best men I knew. He was also one of the most manipulative. I guessed it came with being the President of an MC.

“I have to go,” I said. “We’re going around in circles.”

“Okay,” he acquiesced. “I do love ya, Frey. Can’t wait for you to come home. I miss my girl.”

“I love you too, Dad,” I replied softly, sighing as I ended the call.

If my dad had his way, I’d be married to a doctor or lawyer, churning out babies, and eventually turn into a Stepford wife. That life suited some women, but if that was what I had to settle for, the least I wanted was to do it with a man of my choice and not his.

He didn’t choose for my brothers, so why did he think he could choose for me?

My gaze went to Abigail, who was studying me sympathetically. “Don’t look at me like that,” I protested. “You know what my dad’s like.”

She made an ‘eek’ face. “Daddy Stone loves you, but by God, he’s hard work.”

I laughed. “And I’m trying to get myself mixed up with another biker. What am I thinking?”

“We all know what you’re thinking with Freya Stone,” Abi said tightly, nodding at my crotch. “And I think it’s fabulous. Now go and get ready. We’ve got car repairs to chase, lunches to eat, and a world to put to rights.”

My phone pealed again.

I looked at the display and froze.

Colt.

Abi snatched the cell from me. “Go and get ready! I’ve told you the plan; now stick to it.” She held up the phone. “You’re putting Colt on ice for the foreseeable. You hear me?”

I bit my lip in thought.

Abi had never steered me wrong before. Maybe she was right, and I should make myself less available to Colt.

I smiled and nodded. “Yeah, babe,” I murmured, suddenly grateful for my friend. “I hear you loud and clear.”

Chapter Five

---