Page 8 of Word to the Wise

Sage’s jaw ticks, even though that’s good news.

“Come here.” Sage stands, holding out his hands for me.

I’m not stupid enough to think he’s letting this go, but right now, I’m tired and don’t have the energy to argue with him. I knew that by coming here, my brother would be pissed. That he’d want vengeance. But that’s not happening tonight, no matter how much Sage might want to act on it.

Carter isn’t like the guys the Twisted Kings are used to dealing with. He’s rich and powerful. If he was dragged into a horse stall on the Twisted Kings compound and disappeared, people would notice.

So if sleep is what Sage is offering, I’ll take him up on it.

“Thanks.” I lift off the ground with Sage’s help, bracing myself on the wall to maintain my balance.

“Lyla’s still remodeling the house, so it’s kind of a mess, but there are a couple of spare bedrooms in the clubhouse.”

“The clubhouse?” The thought of going back there has my stomach twisting.

“If that’s okay?”

“She can stay here,” Mason offers.

It might be out of courtesy, or he might have noticed my hesitation; either way, I appreciate it.

“She’s safer at the compound.”

“I’m fine here.” I glance from Sage to Mason. “I don’t need you watching out for me.”

Neither of them seems to believe that.

Do I?

“I’m used to crashing here when I’m in town.” My focus returns to my brother. “It’s more comfortable.”

The clubhouse is an endless party. And even if it’s quieter upstairs, it’s the last place I want to be right now.

I know Blaze and Sage have been turning things around at the club these past eight months, so it’s not the chaotic hellhole it was when Kane was in charge, but it’s still a motorcycle club and a work in progress.

“Please, Sage.”

He looks from me to Mason, worry etched in his expression as he thinks it over.

“All right. If you’re more comfortable here, and Mason’s fine with it…” Sage rakes his hand through his hair, glancing at Mason.

“Of course it’s fine.”

Mason might be saying that out of pity or protectiveness, but I’m too tired to care.

Sage nods, turning back to me. “Lyla said she’ll come and see you tomorrow if you’re up for it. She’s worried about you.”

“That would be nice.” Lyla is like a sister, and that might be exactly what I need right now. “I’m going to lie down.”

I reach in for a hug, and it takes Sage a moment to process what I’m doing. Frustration comes from him like it’s a physical being, and I get it. There’s nothing comfortingabout things being out of your control. I’ve lived with that for years now.

Finally, Sage uncrosses his arms and lets me in. He hugs me tight, and I wish it was as simple as when we were kids. When a hug could solve all our problems because they weren’t so big.

Pulling back, I start toward the hallway, glancing up at Mason as I walk past.

“Thanks.”

He nods, once again not saying anything in return.

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