Page 1 of The Riders’ Reign

1

CAMILE

A popcorn kernel hits the side of my head, and I suppress a smile.

“You’re going to be in trouble for that,” I say.

I pluck a piece out of my own tub and throw it back at Ace, who is sitting opposite. He ducks and chucks another one, and we both laugh.

The compound has felt quiet since the guys went on their ride out. Even though lots of people stayed behind, a strange calm has descended. Maybe everyone just needs to chill after everything that’s gone down.

Ace promised Jack that he would spend time with me today, to make sure I was safe while the guys were out on their bikes, so we’re hanging out at my, albeit temporary, place until they’re back.

My thoughts flit to the men on their ride, and the one in particular that takes up far too much time in my head, Jack.

It's a shame he can't realize that his overprotective, controlling ways toward me mean something deeper. It's clear his feelings are getting serious, but he still won't act on them.

The popcorn fight forgotten, Ace stands and stretches, his t-shirt rising to reveal an impressive set of abs, then heads into the kitchen.

“Drink?” he shouts from there.

“Coke, please.”

He returns with two cans of Coke. He hands me one, drops back into his chair, and takes a long pull from the can. I watch his throat work, and it’s impossible not to find it sexy.

He has one ankle crossed over the other knee and his foot is tapping. It’s not like Ace to be nervous. Does he have something he wants to say to me?

“Give it some time,” he blurts eventually.

“Sorry?”

“Jack. He needs time.”

I snort at that. “He’s had a lot of time, Ace. If he isn’t coming around now, he never will.”

It strikes me how I can talk to Ace about this so comfortably. “You don’t mind, do you? About sharing, I mean.”

He shrugs. “Maybe at first, I had my doubts it could work, but we’re family, right? All of us. Those guys are my brothers, and you’re… well, I don’t know what you are.” His gaze searches mine. “Girlfriend seems like such a tame word for all the things I feel for you.”

Goddamnit, Ace. Why do you always tear my heart out?

I fiddle with the ring pull on my can and keep my gaze averted. “Is everyone talking about me? I guess people know I’m hooking up with you and Rook? But maybe not about Ghost?”

“I'm not sure if it's common knowledge, but I figure a fair few people know. They’ve got eyes. Even if they haven’t seen us come and go from your house, they must notice the way I look at you. And as for Rook...” He chuckles.

“What about Rook?”

Ace grins. “Come on, Camile. He stares at you like he wants to fall and worship at your feet. The man has it bad.” Then he adds, almost under his breath, “We all do. Maybe Jack most of all.”

His words stun me, and they hang in the air until, finally, I raise my eyes and look him square in the face. “What do you mean?” I try to keep my voice casual.

“I can safely say I've not seen Jack this twisted up about a woman ever. You know it, too. Look at that flirtatious display today, when they were about to ride off.”

Heat floods my face. Is he judging me? I resist the urge to press the cool can against my cheeks.

“I think Jack is just very overprotective of me because I'm his daughter’s friend.” I shake my head. “He thinks I’m too young for him.”

“Yeah, and you probably are.” He holds his free hand up in a placating gesture. “Hey, no judgement. You just said it yourself, though. There's a big age gap between you guys. I think if I'm reading this situation correctly, it’s part of the reason he's holding himself back. Despite being the leader of this motley gang of ours, Jack is a morally straightforward guy.”