Page 46 of Ghost's Obsession

Brittany nudges me playfully with her shoulder. “Told you.”

He gets up and crosses the floor in several long strides then stops just shy of touching me.

“You wear that,” he says, voice low, “and I’m gonna have to keep a knife in my boot all night.”

I laugh, flushed and happy by his casual awe. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“That’s a hell-of-a-yes in my book,” Ghost says breathlessly.

Frankie reaches over and rings a bell before gushing, “We have a winner.”

We dig into accessories next. First shoes, then costume jewelry—because ain’t none of us millionaires around theseparts. Ghost even insists on a matching wrap to go with my dress in case the night air turns out to be a bit cold. Brittany watches gleefully as they box up her gold sequin dress and matching heels, giving Tusk a big hug. His chest puffs up as he soaks in all her adoration.

Being with Ghost, Tusk, and Brittany, for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m part of something special—instead of just being tolerated or protected for the sake of my unborn child. I belong with these people.

My dress is boxed up with tissue paper. The shoes and accessories are all bagged, taped shut, and labeled for pickup later. Francesca kisses both of us on the cheek before we leave, waving as we exit the building.

Ghost and Tusk each text one of the prospects to pick up our haul so we can ride out light and free on the back of their bikes. When Ghost holds up my helmet, I can’t help but smile. He’s so casual about me riding at his back, and I love it just as much.

After he gets on, I swing one leg over the back of the bike. The minute we both have our helmets strapped on, the engine roars to life beneath us.

We ride just far enough out of town that the surrounding area gets quiet. I enjoy the sight of pine trees drifting past, the sound of the motor humming along, and the gentle breeze pushing against my body as we drive.

I close my eyes and press my cheek lightly against the back of his cut. This doesn’t feel like pretending anymore. It feels more real than anything I’ve ever known.

***

When we finally pull into the parking lot at the restaurant, the building is smaller than I expected. The exterior is neat brick and glass with a fancy sign. It’s the kind of place that serves bourbon by the ounce and steaks so thick they take two knives to cut—just the kind of place Ghost and Tusk would pick.

Tusk holds the door while Ghost leads me inside, one hand resting lightly at my lower back. It’s possessive in the gentlest way, not controlling at all. Like he’s saying,you’re mine,without ever speaking the words.

Dinner is easy at first. Brittany orders a bourbon cocktail with cinnamon bark floating in it. Tusk ribs her for ordering something fancy instead of her typical wine. She makes him taste it, and then he orders one too. I smile at their shenanigans.

I sit beside Ghost in the booth, our knees barely brushing under the table. We flirt, share bites off each other’s plates, and laugh at each other’s jokes. The more I relax into the moment with him, the more right it feels being with him.

But there’s a shift when the plates are cleared and the table grows quiet for a beat. Tusk leans forward, folding his arms.

“The brothers were telling stories about when Claw was killed. Carnage’s name came up again.”

Ghost’s expression darkens. “Do you really think he had a part in killing Siege’s old man?”

Brittany goes still beside him, her hand tightening around her glass.

Tusk nods once. “It chafes me that a dirtbag like Carnage used to be one of us. That he got close enough to the founder of our club to put a knife in his back.”

Ghost’s voice turns tense. “I feel the same way. Although it was before our time, it’s still pretty fucked up.”

Tusk grimaces. “There was a time when Carnage wore a Savage Legion cut. Rolled with our club brothers. Ate at their table.”

“And then he betrayed the club,” Ghost bites out, his voice low.

“For what? Why would he do something like that?” I ask, barely managing to keep my voice from breaking.

“Power,” Tusk answers flatly. “The leader of the traitors made backdoor deals with the Hellfire Hounds. Fucker thought he could take the club from inside and turn it into an outlaw biker club. They claimed Claw was holding the brothers back from earning good money running drugs and guns.”

I’ve heard all about Siege’s father, how he founded the Savage Legion. Rigs had been the first to join and then Tank and Dutch. The prospects are obsessed with the laws Claw laid down back when he first started the Legion. They say he was a genius in his own way.

Ghost’s jaw tightens, a muscle ticking just under his cheekbone. “I heard that after Claw was dead, one of the traitors was voted in as club president. There were six traitors in all, not including Carnage. Siege came back and was trying to take the club back, but they set up an ambush for him. They wanted to kill him like they did his old man. Hellfire Hounds were waiting. Guns drawn.”

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