Page 36 of Ryder

“He goes by Bronco now,” I laugh. “I think we’re gonna catch up tomorrow and watch the game. He’s outta town doin’ some club business tonight.”

Luca gives me a look. “That code for illegal shit?”

I shake my head. “Nope. I told you; the club’s legit. We don’t do illegal shit.”

His lips turn up. “If you say so.”

“Want me to hang around or come back later?” I ask, pulling his suitcase out of my trunk.

“Come up. I’ll take a quick shower then we can grab a drink.”

I’ve never stayed in a flashy hotel before; only the best for Luca. Of course, he booked a suite at the JW Marriott on Canal Street and it is swanky.

The foyer is like something out of a magazine, and a little intimidating. Luca doesn’t care about my MC cut, but I get a few funny looks from some of the patrons and staff.

One thing about Luca is he’s never judged me like that. In a world full of critical people ready to throw you under the bus any chance they get, just by looking at you, Luca has proved time and time again that he’s not like that. I dig him for taking that stance, and I still don’t know where he got it from considering his snooty parents.

Luca checks in; the bellhop arranges his luggage, and I follow him across the expansive foyer toward the elevators.

“How much do you think somethin’ like that costs?” I point up to the ceiling at the massive chandelier dangling in the entryway. It’s a statement piece with hundreds, if not thousands, of intricate little crystals that bounce different colors off the walls when the light hits them a certain way. There’s dark cherrywood everywhere you look, with lighter colored leather couches and glass windows that let all the light in.

“Probably as much as this fucking mohair episode which is now all over my suit,” he complains.

I laugh. “Probably.”

“You’re welcome to stay for the weekend,” Luca goes on, scanning his card on the elevator as we make our way inside the car. “The suite has two levels and three bedrooms.”

“Don’t tell your sister that, she’d be over here the first chance she got.”

“Worried about her,” Luca says at the mention of his sister. “She’s been so secretive lately.”

“About the boyfriend?”

“That and everything. We used to talk all the time, now it’s always me who checks in, and when she does call me back, it’s always a quick phone call.” He taps the floor button and the doors close. “I get we all have busy lives, and I admit, I’m not the greatest at keeping in touch, but this is Crystal.”

Yeah. I kinda know what he means. “How’s Casey doin’?”

Luca’s face lights up. “She’s doing great. In her second year of EMT training, then she’s talking about her associates degree which takes about four semesters. Then it’ll be two to three years continuing her education. She may even go into paramedics, but that’s a ways away.”

“Your family and school.” I shake my head. “Never had the stomach for it.”

“But you’re qualified now, right?”

“Yep, I’m only just startin’ to earn decent coin, but a lot of my coffers go back into the club. That’ll change when I get patched in.”

He gives me a side eye. “Sounds like the club has it good.”

I shrug. “They've been more of a family to me than my own. Cash is big on education. He wanted me to finish my training,which was a bitch at the time. But it turns out he was right. It’s a qualification I will always have, and it can take me anywhere. Not that I’m leavin’ town anytime soon.”

Luca smiles and it’s genuine. He grips my shoulder. “I’m proud of you, Ryd. I mean that.”

“Appreciate it.” That’s a lot coming from him. Luca has always had my respect, but to hear him say he’s happy for me, and genuinely cares about me, feels good.

When we get to the room, I whistle between my teeth when Luca opens the door. This place is fucking insane. Past the entryway there’s a long, oak dining table which could seat twelve people. Soft mottle grey and burgundy chairs give the room some color, along with the soft blue and gold wallpaper. Beyond that is a lounge with two oversized plum chairs and a long gray L-shaped couch facing the largest TV I’ve ever seen. Thick curtains frame the doors to an outdoor patio that floods in tons of light.

I could definitely call this place home.

“Holy shit,” I breathe.

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