Page 66 of Ruin

There was also the point of Taro wanting me to have time to make sure what I wanted was him. Yes, we’d moved fast in a way and yes, being with a guy was new….

But he was who I wanted. I didn’t need time apart to confirm that. I missed him as soon as I left.

His teasing.

His smile.

Him. All of him.

I hadn’t even fucked him, yet I already knew he was meant for me. He pissed me off, but there was a high chance I’d do the same to him. We’d work through it.

I’d give him the time he’d asked for.

Only, I didn’t know how long I’d last. It already felt wrong being away from him.

In my time away, I’d need to speak with Talon. Taro worried about shit blowing back on the Hawks MC, and I understood his concern, appreciated it even. I would never want any fallout. I’d see what Talon thought, and if it came down to it, I’d step down as a member. The decision was massive and one I didn’t take on lightly. However, if I had to pick between Taro and the club, Taro would always be the choice. No one but Taro had captured my attention, left me wanting,needingmore from them like he had. It didn’t mean I wouldn’t be a friend to the club. They would always be my family.

When we’d arrived at the compound in Ballarat, I felt a sense of home. It was good to see the brothers, but I couldn’t help but think I wasn’t where I was supposed to be. The Hawks were putting on a family barbeque that day, and I looked forward to seeing everyone, but I didn’t feel the normal happiness I held when I stood at the bar looking out and around at everyone.

Fuck.

I sucked back the last dregs of my first beer and headed to the exit. I needed to get out of there, maybe catch my family before they left for the family gathering. I’d missed them a shitload, so it’d be good to see them alone before it got too rowdy. The urge to see them had hit me on the ride. I didn’t know if it was just because they were my family or if I’d be spilling the beans about a certain someone. I still wasn’t sure if I was ready to tell them. Not because I was worried or ashamed. Fuck that. But not having things sorted with Taro, especially not knowing if we had a future, made me unsettled, as did this bullshit of him pushing me away when things got hard for him.

I pushed through the front door and stopped. “Brother and Bakery Girl,” I called, spotting Coyote and Channa walking towards the door. I made my way over to them and embraced Coyote first. Christ, it was good to see my brother.

Coyote and I had been close since we were kids. I hadn’t realised how much I’d missed the fucker until I actually saw him. I pulled back and smirked down at Channa. I knew my brother would get his crap together and claim this beauty. A blind man could see the chemistry they had right from the start. Of course I gave him shit about it; it was one of my jobs of being his best friend.

“So,” I drew out, “he finally manned up and grew some balls to claim you.”

“S-Sorry?” Channa asked.

“Yeah, my brother here was pining over you—”

“All right, enough.” Coyote glared, but it wasn’t at full power. He looked to his woman. “Babe, don’t listen to him. Whatever he says is a lie.”

With a chuckle, I said, “He’s right. Like the fact he’s the best rider in the club. See, all lies.” Just to taunt my brother some more, I reached out, grabbed Channa’s wrist, and spun her so I could place my arm around her shoulders to lead her inside.

“That’s my damn woman,” Coyote snarled before he clipped me on the back of the head.

Grinning, I complained, “Jesus, brother. I was just being nice and showin’ her in.”

“Bullshit.” He shook his head and wound his arm around Channa’s waist; she seemed amused by our actions.

I swept out a hand and bowed. “Lead the way with your wonderful woman.” A sudden pang of jealousy had my smile dimming. Coyote could walk in there with his arm around his woman because she hadn’t pushed him away.

Shit. I wanted Taro there with me, but was I just being selfish and not taking him and his feelings into account?

I rubbed at the back of my neck, trying to ease some tension, and followed after Coyote and Channa. Coyote glanced over his shoulder and asked, “I thought you were headin’ out?”

“Yeah, was just gonna head out for a minute, but it’s all good now,” I lied, not really in the mood to party. I was worried about Taro. Worried his other uncle would try something, along with his other rivals.

I didn’t want to be here.

Maya stepped up and quickly pulled Channa away to meet the other old ladies in the club. Coyote nodded towards the bar. “Come get a drink with me.”

With a slap to his back, I said, “Sure, I could use one.” I ordered the drinks at the bar and slid one to Coyote, only he wasn’t paying attention. His eyes were on his woman. “Shit, brother, you’re totally in love.”

Coyote smirked. “Never really known what love is. Nothin’ like this, at least. So all I’m gonna say is that I think it’s damn close.”

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