Page 97 of Declan's Dove

“No. But I have an idea.” She says as we pull up to the gate of the clubhouse. Mason sees me in the front seat and presses the button to let us in.

“Park by the row of bikes, there.”

We exit the vehicle, heading toward the clubhouse doors, when I notice how tense Allyson is. “What’s wrong?”

“I didn’t think this would be so hard,” she says, as if speaking to herself.

“What? It’s just my brothers. They’re more bark than bite, except—Hawk may be the only exception to that rule, actually. But he’s probably busy with his computer shit, so you should be fine.” I shrug.

Upon entering the clubhouse, I’m greeted by roars and shouts of “Welcome home” and “How’s your ass this morning?”

Assholes.

Pres, Jameson, and Kayce are sitting at a table talking. Caleb is sitting on a stool beside them. When Pres sees me, his face twists. Jameson must’ve caught the look too because he turns to see what’s wrong, only his expression is even worse. He’s gone pale, like he’s seen a fucking ghost.

I feel a small hand on my shoulder, and Mrs. Archer whispers, “I’m really sorry about this.” Then walks over to greet the men. I’m shocked to see Caleb hugging the woman. Gabe comes up next, offering the same greeting. But Jameson looks like he’s been cast in stone.

“Hey, Jamie.”

What the fuck? Jamie?

“What the hell are you doing here?” the VP asks. He doesn’t seem angry. I’d say more shocked than anything.

“Kayce, uh, Mr. Eaton called me. I’m Mr. O’Malley’s lawyer.” She tucks a piece of stray hair behind her ear. This does not look like the spitfire who came to get me out of jail. She’s acting timid and unsure.

“Holy shit. You fucking made it, huh? Good for you.” Jameson looks from Kayce to Allyson and back to me. I shake my head, not having a clue as to what’s going on. “You always said you were going to be a lawyer. That’s …” He clears his throat. “That’s great.”

Allyson doesn’t answer with words, only a nod of her head. Kayce takes the moment and walks behind Allyson, stretching his arm over her shoulder and hugging her from the side. “You two know each other?” I know that tone. The son of a bitch already knew they did. He just wants to fuck with Jameson for some reason.

What game is he playing at?

“We went to high school together,” Allyson answers at the same time Jameson says, “You could say that.”

“Well,” Allyson pulls out of Kayce’s hold and rummages through her purse, handing something to Kayce. “This is what you need from the snitch. I was asked to hand deliver it to you specifically. So, now that I have …” She turns to Gabe and Caleb. “It was great seeing you again. Jameson, uh, good to see you too.” She turns around to face me and says, “I’ll mail you your bill. But I really need to get going now.”

She doesn’t fuck around either. She makes a beeline for the front door with Jameson’s eyes tracking her every step of the way as she leaves.

“Where’s Violet?” I ask, but before anyone can tell me anything, the sound of a car peeling off out of the lot and Avery’s squeals of excitement change the subject.

“Did you guys see that car?” Avery asks grinning.

“Of course you noticed the car before you noticed me,” Jake teases, walking over to embrace his woman.

“Are you for real? That was a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle. It’s a fucking beast of a car.”

“Language, Angel. Or I’ll show you my beast,” Jake admonishes, earning him a glare and the flip of the finger.

“I’m not seeing the downside.”

“Ew. Get a room. Hey, Dec,” Sadie calls out, coming up to give me a side hug. “Heard you got your ass busted last night in the slammer.”

“What the fuck?” I push her off me. The guys are all laughing. Sadie shrugs.

“What? That’s what I heard Hawk say,” she teases.

“Hawk said what, now?” His voice comes booming down the hall as he enters the room with his laptop in hand.

“You told her I got my ass busted in the slammer?” I reiterate what was said. Hawk wrinkles his forehead, then looks to Sadie and smiles.

---