Page 67 of Complete Me
“I like it here.”
“You do?”
“It’s peaceful.”
“You know you’re at an MC clubhouse, right?”
She laughs, and the sound carries on the wind. It’s the first time I’ve heard it since before she was taken, and it gives me so much damn hope that she’s going to pull out of this.
“I do. Even though Aspen Ridge is small, there’s still so much hustle and bustle. But here it’s just . . . different.”
“Just wait until you see a party and let me know if you still think it’s peaceful here.”
“Are they wild?”
“They can be. Can’t say it’s on my list of things I want to take you to, but I won’t ever tell you no. You’re a big girl and can make your own decisions.”
“Why don’t you want me to go?”
“Because it’s crazy, Kins. As much as I love ’em, my brothers get wild and rowdy. They’re drinking and letting loose, they’re loud, and they’re fucking everywhere.”
“Fucking as in . . .”
“Fucking. Having sex.”
“Out in the open?”
“Yeah, sweetheart. The patch bunnies don’t care, and neither do they.”
“Patch bunnies?”
“The women who live here at the compound. They serve the club, and that includes sleeping with the members if theywant to. Chaos makes sure they’re taken care of and they’re here of their own free will.”
“Have you?”
I stop and face her, bending my knees so I’m closer to her level, my hands threading through her hair, pushing it out of my view of her pretty face.
“Have I fucked out in the open?” Kinsey bites her lip as a blush spreads across her cheeks. She’s so fucking cute. “I’m not gonna lie to you, sweetheart. When I was young, drunk, and dumb, yeah. But I’m not into that. I’m not into anyone else seeing the woman I’m with. I also don’t mess around with patch bunnies anymore. Haven’t in a bit.”
“Okay.”
I can’t help but laugh. It’s such a Kinsey response.
“Just okay?”
“Yeah. What should I say? Tell me more? Everyone has a past; it doesn’t change just because you feel the way you do now. What’s it matter?”
“You’re perfect, you know that?”
“Hardly, big guy. Now, where are we going?”
“I want you to meet someone.”
I take her hand back in mine and pull her along, forcing myself to walk at a slower pace since my strides are so much longer than hers. We finally reach the huge Aspen tree at the edge of the property, its bright green leaves swaying in the breeze. Wild lupines are growing in vibrant blues, purples, and pinks across the open landscape.
Lena’s headstone rests under the tree, alone and peaceful, and just like it always does when I come to visit her, the leaves quake and rustle.
Kinsey squeezes my hand and looks up at me patiently. I don’t even know where to start, so I sit down in front of mysister’s headstone and pull Kinsey into my lap. After a few quiet moments of Kinsey running her fingers lovingly through my hair, I open my mouth and let the words fall out as they come.
