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Finished with their short conversation, she beams a bright smile my way and rounds the table with him to come to my side. “Welcome home, Grinder.”
Wrath slips his arm over her shoulders. “Grinder, this is my wife, Trinity.”
“We’re all so happy you’re finally free.” She reaches for my hand and I accept a quick shake.
A boulder of exhaustion rolls over me. So many new people. Reuniting with brothers. Adjusting to new space.
I drop into my seat.
While everyone chatters around me, Trinity squats next to my chair, resting her arm on the table.
“I didn’t want to make anything too rich for your first meal on the outside,” she says softly, careful not to draw attention to our conversation. “We’re having chicken thighs with ginger rice. Ginger’s supposed to be good for the stomach.” She rests her hand on her belly. “There’s a ginger-scallion sauce on the side. But I can make you chicken breasts if you’d prefer something leaner.”
My mouth waters at her description. Real food. Actual spices. No bland, starchy crap. My heart’s lodged in my throat. She’s put a lot of thought into the meal and my comfort. But it’s her discretion that really claws into my heart. The last fifteen years have been an exercise in enduring one humiliation after another. Feels nice to be treated with dignity.
“Or I can make cheeseburgers,” she says when I don’t answer right away. “Or a—”
“You don’t have to go to extra trouble for me.”
“It’s no trouble,” she insists.
“I’m already drooling over the ginger-scallion chicken,” I assure her.
A warm smile curves her lips. “Good.”
I rest my hand over hers. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. We’ve got fresh pineapple and other fruit for dessert too.”
Jesus, I’d forgotten how much I miss actual fruit. “That sounds great.” I hesitate, not wanting to make extra work for her. “You think I could have a side of pineapple with dinner?”
“Absolutely.” One corner of her mouth twitches, and she lifts her chin toward the end of the table where the younger guys have gathered. “Good call. They’re likely to gobble it all down if you don’t get to it first.”
“You telling Grinder stories about us, Trinity?” Ravage shouts.
“Nope!” She laughs as she stands. “Not me.”
Stash jumps out of his chair. “Whatever she says—”
“Is probably true!” Dex finishes for him.
I chuckle at their antics.
“Let me know if you want anything else.” Trinity pats my hand. “We’re pretty well stocked but someone can always run down to Ward’s and get whatever you need.”
“I will.”
“Thanks, Trinny,” Rock says as she passes him.
Murphy sets a mug of coffee on the table in front of me, and Heidi adds a small pitcher of cream and a shaker of sugar. Real cream and sugar. It’s like I’ve hit the jackpot.
“Thanks.”
Z approaches with his arm around a busty brunette, a little boy the spittin’ image of Z skipping next to them.
“Grinder, this is my wife, Lilly. Lilly, this is Grinder.”
She takes my hand between both of her soft ones and gently squeezes. “I’ve heard so much about you. It’s good to finally meet.” She tilts her head toward the hallway. “Sorry I wasn’t out there when you arrived. I’ve been helping Trinity—”
“No apologies necessary, sweetheart.” I nod toward the kitchen. “Sounds like you’re whipping up a feast in there.”
Z swings the little boy up into his arms. “This little dude is Chance.”
“Well, damn, you’ve grown since I last saw a picture of you.”
Chance flashes a quick, dimpled smile, then wriggles out of his dad’s arms.
When everyone’s finally seated at the table and big bowls of rice and platters of heavenly scented chicken are being passed around, Rock stands and taps his glass.
“Ah, fuck,” I mutter. I can’t deal with anyone gettin’ all maudlin on me.
“Tonight we’re welcoming our brother home. Grinder’s sacrificed for this club. He lives and breathes our code of love, loyalty, and brotherhood. This is a time for celebration.”
Everyone cheers or thumps their hands against the table. Embarrassed, I duck my head. “Thank you.”
“Let’s eat!” Murphy shouts.
The guys hassle him for being the chubby kid worried about stuffing his face. But if I remember Murphy’s nature accurately, he did it to take the attention off of me. Sure enough, when I glance at him, he flashes a quick smile and winks.
Warm ginger aromas fill my nose, triggering a grumble in my stomach. I cut into the tender chicken and take my first bite of freedom.
Fuck me. I barely hold back a moan as the spicy layers of flavor burst over my tongue. I struggle not to pick up one of the large serving spoons and shovel the rice, vegetables, and chicken in my mouth.
Pace yourself.
No one’s gonna steal my plate or mess with my food. It’s not going anywhere. I’ve got all the time in the world. Don’t need to act like a savage in front of all my brothers.
