Page 15 of Emmy's Ride

That was it. No elaboration. Just athis is how it’s gonna befinality that made me bristle.

Before I could argue, a familiar voice cut through the space. “Would you look at that?”

I turned just in time to catch Roxy coming out from behind the bar, her weathered face breaking into a grin.

“You got some nerve, girl, waltzing back in here like you never left.”

A slow smile tugged at my lips. “I figured somebody had to keep these boys in line.”

Roxy let out a laugh, raspy from too many years of sucking on a cigarette, before yanking me into a bone-crushing hug. “Damn right. Lord knows I’m getting too old for this shit.”

Something settled in my chest. This. This was the good part of being a member of the family. At least until I had to deal with Austin again.

Roxy was called back to the bar, and we promised to catch up while I was there.

Austin was already waiting for me at the bottom of the staircase, arms crossed.

“I’m assuming you have a room for me that doesn’t involve sharing.”

His lips twitched like he wanted to smirk but thought better of it. “I’ve got a room.”

I lifted a brow. Waiting. Ignoring the voice inside saying I was a liar. Nobody has ever been able to make me come as hard or as often as he did. Why that little tidbit reared its untimely head was a mystery to me and had to be exiled from my brain.

He sighed. “You’re in mine.”

My stomach tightened. Perhaps from excitement but again swiftly exiled. “Austin.”

“You want privacy? You got it. My door has a lock.”

In his room, around his things, his scent all over the sheets and sleeping in a bed we’d had sex on many, many times… I opened my mouth to protest, but what was the point? The clubhouse wasn’t exactly a five-star hotel. I’d probably be better off in his room than crammed into a spare one with a mattress that had seen better days. Still, sleeping under his roof? In his space?

Dangerous. Tempting. Stupid was what it was.

I sighed. “Fine.”

His gaze lingered for a beat before he jerked his head toward the stairs. “Let’s go.”

The room hadn’t changed much. Same massive bed, same leather chair in the corner, same faint scent of him hanging in the air.

Austin stood near the dresser, watching me take it all in. “You don’t have to stay here if you’re uncomfortable. There are other rooms.”

I let out a breath. “It’s not that.”

“Then what?”

You.

The word was right there on the tip of my tongue, but I swallowed it down. Instead, I turned toward the small table near the window, dragging my fingers over the worn wood. “I forgot how much time I spent in this room.”

Austin leaned against the dresser. “I didn’t.”

My breath hitched. He was right. He’d been involved with club business and didn’t have time for anything else. Including me. I turned toward him, but he was already moving past me, heading for the door.

“You get some sleep, Em.” His voice was gruff, low. Then he was gone.

I stood there, heart pounding, staring at the closed door like it held all the answers. This was a mistake. And yet… I didn’t move. Didn’t leave. Deep down, I knew this was exactly where I was supposed to be.

A loud boom shocked me awake.

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