Page 107 of The Price of Love

Melodramatic, maybe, but again my life will be decided without me. Margot prepared me well for this moment.

I pull my cut from the hanger, wondering if this will be the last time I wear it. Since Tuesday, I’ve been waiting. I’ll find out my fate soon. I don’t plan on going down quietly, but that doesn’t mean I’ll win. If Wiz wants my patch, she’ll take it.

Tonight, I’ll present my case to the tribunal—the officers of the Steel Graces. I usually work on Friday nights, but I took the time off. Not that I can afford to lose wages, but I need this over.

Storm and Dimples are here, waiting for me in my living room. Wiz would be pissed. I could do this alone. I don’t want to. Of course, they can’t go with me to the clubhouse. Still, having them here for support means the world to me.

While I adore Dimples, I invited her more for Storm than me. I can’t be worried about Storm while I’m in the meeting, and I know Dimples will keep her in check.

After I put on my vest, I rest my hand on my chest, over the patch with my road name, and close my eyes. The club helped me get through some rough spots. At times, they’ve been the only friends I’ve had. Hell, the only family I’ve had since my mom died. They picked me up off the floor when Margot had me so down I couldn’t stand on my own.

Shit. I hate this. My chest aches. I don’t wanna lose my sisters, but I don’t wanna lose Storm, either.

My heart’s heavy when I step into my living room. Storm is still pacing and looks like she might vomit.

“Are you ready?” Dimples asks.

I walk to her and take her hand. “Not really, but I haveta be.” I hold out my other hand to Storm. “Come here.”

Storm hurries over and takes my hand.

“You two have been amazing.” I squeeze both their hands. “I appreciate this more than you’ll ever know.”

“But I put you in this position in the first place.”

I give Dimples an exasperated look.

Dimples whacks Storm in the back of her head. “Knock it off. This is about Shadow, not you.”

Storm looks down at the floor. “Sorry. I just wish I could do more.”

“You can’t. This is for me to do. I’m not going down without a fight because I don’t wanna lose my patch—my sisters. Besides, I still don’t believe I’ve broken any rules.” I glance at the clock. “We need to leave soon. It’d be in poor taste to show up to my tribunal late.” I let out a humorless laugh, imagining Wiz’s reaction.

“You sure you don’t want to ride on the back of my bike?” Storm says.

I shake my head. “No, I need to ride in on my own terms.”

Storm nods.

“Do what feels right, Shadow.” Dimples elbows Storm. “Right?”

“Yeah. Of course.” Storm smiles, but it’s forced. “As much as I want the opportunity to give us a chance, it’s your decision. It must be what’s best for you.”

“Your answer is one of many reasons I want to see where our relationship can go.”

“What’s another?” Storm asks.

I grab her butt. “Your tight little ass.”

Dimples laughs. “She already struts around like she’s God’s gift. Don’t encourage her.”

I wrap my arms around Storm’s neck. “But she’s so fucking adorable.” I kiss her on the cheek.

Dimples groans. “Stop.”

Storm turns and pulls me in for a hug. I can feel her fear—her need. I want to take the worry from her, but I can’t. I don’t know what I’ll do when I stand in front of the officers. Will I fold and beg for forgiveness? Or fight for how I feel about Storm?

I’m uncertain, and that’s what scares me. Wrapped in Storm’s arms, I can’t imagine being anywhere else, but is it practical? Is it possible to fall in love in a month? Do I even know what love is?