Page 3 of Swan

Seriously, I must have been drawing closer to that time of the month with how quickly I was ready to bawl like a baby.

And over what?

It couldn’t be from the thoughts of my childhood friend.

Maybe it was just the loneliness.

Because even though I was surrounded by people who loved me, I didn’t have that special someone who just got me. Who wanted me for me, flaws and all.

Straightening from the wall, I cleared my throat and nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“My mum and sisters have always told me that when a woman says they’re fine, they’re actually not.” My heart rattled my ribs when his fingers grazed down my arm before he pulled them away. “I’m a good listener.”

I believed he was. He was also a very sweet, nice, charming, and good-looking man.

I bet he could pick me up and kiss me wild, then throw me on a bed and teach me how to have amazing sex.

I quickly looked away from Drake.

I shouldn’t be thinking those things and looking at him like that in the first place.

Drake was like family.

It was wrong to think something like that about a biker brother.

Drake and I had grown up together, like a lot of the kids in the club. We were all close. I should not be attracted to him, especially while I was still mixed up in the head about Lockland.

I was tired and stressed; it was the only reason those thoughts about Drake slipped through.

I snorted to myself, which had his brows dipping in worry.

Shaking my head, I told him, “Don’t worry about me. I’m just in my head like always. I might go and find a quiet space to read a book.”

With his arms down at his sides, his fingers tapped against his thighs as he studied me. “There anyone I need to take care of?”

These men were always willing to fight your demons.

No matter what kind they were.

“There’s no one.”

No one.

I’ve had no one love me like the love I see constantly around here. How Dad loves Mum, Coyote loves Channa, Texas loves Maya, and Wolf loves Ruin.

God, I sound pathetic.

Love wasn’t everything.

I could have a happy, single life.

I didn’t need a man, and I had to stop thinking about a certain rock star who didn’t remember I existed.

“Birdy—”

“Drake… sorry, I mean Dragon.” I had to remember he had a club name since he’d patched in as a full member. That was after two years of prospecting when he turned eighteen. “There’s nothing to worry about. I’m f—all right.” I glanced to the floor and up again, blowing out a silent breath. “I just have a lot going on with work.”

“Anythin’ I can help with?”

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