Page 20 of Royal's Reign
“Nothing bad.” Another lie, because in my brother’s eyes, the kiss in itself would be enough to have him on a murder mission. “He’s miserable, and I’m sure it’s because I’m getting in his way, when he should be spending his time on club business. He’s the president, for God’s sake. He shouldn’t be wasting his time babysitting me when he has more important things to attend to.” Wow! Where the hell did I pull that from? Damn, convincing or what?
“You could be right.” Garth, now having relaxed his grip, no longer wanting to kill the car, rubs a hand over the top of his head. “Although I don’t know why, despite what you’re saying, he has been going on more runs lately.”
Oh, fuck. Just when I thought I’d cracked it.
“Really? That’s strange. Maybe it’s because when we are in the apartment together, he’s a grumpy bastard, making it seem like he’s always there.” That does sound quite convincing. I let out a deep sigh. “I guess he must prefer his own space, and sharing it with someone is not his bag.”
“He did refuse at first, when I asked if you could stay there. Maybe I shouldn’t have pushed him into it.”
“What a…?” I say a little too loudly, checking myself just in time. What an asshole. “Anyone would expect, really.” Phew! Sweeps brow. “So, it’s settled. You’ll arrange for somewhere else for me to live and talk to Royal, tell him he needs to put his full attention on the club? If you still insist that I need protection, then any of the guys will be fine.”
“Hold on a minute,” he responds. “If you think I’m moving you out of the club, you’re deluded.”
“But…” I splutter back at him.
“My brothers have proved in the time you’ve been here that they respect my set boundaries, so, as a compromise, I’ll sort you out a room in the clubhouse.”
“But…” I try again, but he cuts me off instantly.
“Chasm keeps his room in pretty good shape. I’ll ask him to move to one of the rutting rooms so you can take his. It’s between Hammer and Junk’s room so they will be able to keep a check on you at night. Quarter and Ink can be on day duty.”
“I barely know these guys, Garth.”
“You don’t need to know them anymore than you already do. They’ll be there to protect you, not to have tea parties with petit fucking fours.” He sniggers. “This is the best I can offer, sis, because one thing’s for sure. Other than work and the odd visit to your friend, which I might add, not fucking happy about because it’s risky as shit, you are not to leave the clubhouse. That’s the deal. Take it or leave it.”
“It’s not like I have much of an option. Deal.” Although limited, putting distance between me and Royal is a good thing. Isn’t it?
Then why do I feel bereaved?
Royal
It’s nearly two in the morning. So, where the fuck is Giorgia?
When I’d hunted down Grinder to find out what the fuck he was playing at letting Gio leave the premises, I was fucking seething and ready to blow. But once he’d explained that she’d gone to visit a friend and not hit the city to party, Ink and Forger with her, then I’d calmed down somewhat, but was still as twitchy as a cat with fleas.
The neat Bullet bourbon that I’d been knocking back for the first two hours of her absence had done nothing to suppress my uneasiness. The surrounding conversation was nothing but white noise. When Boulder tapped me on the shoulder to get my attention, I’d snapped back at him so viciously. I realized that if I didn’t get away from the prying eyes of my brothers, it would only be a matter of time before they figured out why or, should I say, who it was that was causing me to act like I had a stick up my ass.
Since then, I’d stomped my way around the apartment to a point where the carpet pile had a noticeable walkway embedded into it.
Finally, I hear the click of the door lock disengaging, and the door sweeps open. What I don’t expect is to see Grinder, brow creased, glaring and coming right at me. It’s when he gets closer that I hear the door closing behind him, and catch sight of Giorgia as she steps into the room.
“Surprised you’re still up.” Grinder stands in front of me waiting for a response.
“I sleep on the couch,” I counter. “There’s not much point in trying until Gio’s gone to bed.”
“Good point,” he nods back at me. “Sis, time for bed. We’ll talk more in the morning.”
I half expect Gio to argue with her brother, as I know she hates being told what to do, but she sheepishly slips past us both and walks towards the bedroom. My mind is telling me that I shouldn’t follow her movements, but my stupid heart has me craning my neck so I can watch her every move.
“Night,” she mumbles as if regretful. Fuck! Has she told Grinder about our close encounter? Damn-it. Who knew that simply watching the Blues Brothers movie with Gio could potentially put an end to my friendship, and shatter the respect I’d managed to gain as the new president?
Grinder’s obviously not happy, but if it were that, then I would have expected to have met his fists rather than his scowling face.
“What’s going on?” I ask him now that Gio is safely behind a closed door.
“You tell me.”
“Tell you what?” I snigger. Until I know exactly where this is going, I’m not owning up to anything. “At least give us a clue, man. What’s gotten you pissed.”
