Page 19 of Ace's Legacy
"He seems more like a father than an outlaw biker president." She pulls her knees to her chest. "He told me about his daughter."
"Emma," I nod. "Smart girl. Too smart for her own good sometimes."
"He also told me about you." Her eyes meet mine directly. "Said you were a good man."
"Reaper sees what he wants to see."
"Or maybe he sees what you don't." She holds my gaze steadily, challenging me in a way few people dare to.
I look away first, uncomfortable with the direction of this conversation. "We should head downstairs. Get some food in you before we go."
Downstairs, the clubhouse is coming to life. Blade and one of the prospects are in the kitchen making breakfast—a tradition after any major club action. The smell of bacon and coffee fills the air.
"Morning, Ace," Blade calls, flipping pancakes. "And good morning, Miss..."
"Sarah," she supplies, offering a small smile. "Just Sarah is fine."
Blade nods. "Breakfast will be ready in five. Take a seat."
I guide Sarah to the large table where several brothers are already gathering. Viper raises an eyebrow when he sees us but shifts to make room. I notice he's cleaned up since yesterday. Fresh clothes, hair pulled back neatly, even his beard looks trimmed.
"Feeling good?" he asks Sarah, his gruff voice gentler than usual.
"Yes, thank you," she replies, then adds, "And thank you for being willing to come with us today."
"No problem."
Reaper enters the room, his commanding presence drawing everyone's attention. His eyes find Sarah immediately, a small nod acknowledging her presence at our table.
"After breakfast," he announces, "church. Full table."
Church—our term for official club meetings. The fact that he's calling everyone means it's serious. Likely planning our response to yesterday's attack.
Sarah leans toward me. "Church?" she whispers.
"Club meeting," I explain quietly. "Won't take long."
Breakfast is a subdued affair compared to our usual rowdy meals. The brothers are respectful of Sarah's presence, toning down their usual crude jokes and war stories. She eats sparingly. A few bites of pancake, a piece of toast, but seems more at ease than she was yesterday.
When the meal is finished, Sarah offers to help clean up, but Reaper waves her off. "The prospects handle that. Ace, a word before church?"
I follow him to his office, curious about what he wants to discuss privately.
"You sure about taking her to the apartment today?" he asks once the door is closed.
"No," I admit. "But she needs this."
"And you need her to trust you," he adds.
I shrug, not denying it. "We'll be careful. Viper's coming, too."
"You care about her. Not just because of the baby."
It's not a question, but I answer anyway. "I barely know her."
"But?"
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "But yeah, there's something about her. Something... good. Too good for someone like me."
