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“Yeah, all night long I couldn’t focus on my job because you’re a distraction,” she pointed out.
“I’m a what?” Priest feigned innocence, a bemused expression on his face that only served to mildly irritate her.
In response, she lightly elbowed him in the ribs, but he responded with a chuckle.
“You hover,” she insisted. “I could use less hovering.”
“But who’s going to watch your back when I’m not around?” Priest asked.
“I can take care of myself,” Sadie asserted, though the words faltered as she realized the truth.
Five years ago, she sought refuge with him, escaping her troubles, just as she had done recently with Mason. As if sensing the internal struggle, Priest gently cupped Sadie’s face. He seemed to consider her and her words for a few moments.
“I can’t have you work at the clubhouse,” Priest finally admitted.
Was it wrong she found the possessiveness in his voice kind of hot?
Priest continued, “It would drive me insane, thinking about any of my MC brothers hitting on you.”
Sadie took a moment to process his words, vividly recalling how Priest had dealt with Shadow earlier. She understood the complex dynamics within the motorcycle club, and the last thing she wanted was to put Priest in a difficult position.
While she believed most of the bikers had good intentions, the clubhouse was undoubtedly a dangerous environment to work in.
“Then we have to compromise, or this won’t work at all,” Sadie asserted. She was surprised by her own courage in addressing the issue head-on.
Priest regarded her with a steady gaze, inviting her to elaborate.
“I want to be useful, Priest. To contribute,” she continued, determined to express herself. “Your girlfriend’s not a freeloader. I can stand on my own two feet.”
A teasing smile touched Priest’s lips. “What did you just refer to yourself as?” Priest asked.
Sadie groaned. “Be serious, please,” she said.
“I am. I hear you, Sadie. Fine, then what’s your plan?”
Priest’s openness to her opinions resonated with her, a stark contrast to some of the men she had encountered in the past who would automatically dismiss her ideas.
“I can get a job in town, something safer?” Sadie suggested. “I took odd jobs over the years, but the one I liked most was being a barista.”
Priest considered her proposal, nodding in agreement.
“I think there are a couple of stores in town hiring,” he said, looking thoughtful. “A barista, huh?”
As they settled in for the night, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. They spoke about Sadie’s past jobs, the moments she cherished, and the challenges she faced. In the end, they also delved into deeper subjects, including her complicated relationship with her father and the experiences that shaped her over the years.
As they continued talking, sharing fragments of their lives, Sadie felt a sense of contentment and happiness settling within her. Eventually, fatigue claimed her, and Sadie drifted to sleep.
****
“Sadie,” Emery’s voice interrupted, pulling her attention away from the animated conversation she’d been having.
Emery and her had kept in close contact ever since he brought her to Hanging Grove, to Priest. She had been on her lunch break when she received his text message, indicating that he needed to talk.
Sadie realized she might have dominated the conversation, sharing details about her new job at a cafe in town and her relationship with Priest.
“Sorry, I got off topic,” she said. Sadie sensed there was more on Emery’s mind.
“It’s fine. It’s strange, you know,” Emery commented.
