AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Why are you bringing all of this stuff?” I complain, picking the pack up and situating it on top of the other items in the back of the SUV.
“Kincaid asked me to bring it. Their vehicle is full,” Ugly says with a grin on his face like my irritation is funny. “Keep shoving at it. I imagine he’ll be appreciative if you break something of his.”
Instead of lifting the nylon bag left at my feet, I carry it around to the rear passenger door.
“You can’t use all of the room back there either.”
“No one is sitting back here,” I remind him.
“About that.”
My hackles go up. I don’t even have to turn toward the crunch of gravel under tires to know what’s happening.
“I was wondering if you were going to show up,” Ugly says.
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
The sound is both a relief and somehow the bane of my existence.
I’ve missed the man. I can’t even deny it. The thought of him is like a child’s bruise, and I can’t help but press on those memories to see if they still hurt or if I’m further along in my healing process. It does, and possibly will always ache. Him being here doesn’t help me at all. Right now, I hate Ugly for what he’s done. How can the man know what he knows, yet instead of mentioning it or having a normal conversation, he goes and does something like this? Inviting Drake could be catastrophic. Having him so close while every other member of Cerberus and their families are around is the very last thing I need.
I step away from the SUV, the nylon tent bag in hand, debating how much people would talk if I just headed right back into the clubhouse. But as much as part of me wants to run and hide, there’s an even greater part that senses the thrill of a weekend in the woods with Drake.
If I go, I’m stuck. We’re heading several hours away. It’s not like I can just jump on my bike to clear my head like I’ve been doing this last week. Out on the open road, I could avoid conversation, could avoid the scrutiny of people questioning why I’ve been in such a foul mood lately.
I sense rather than see someone follow me to the front of the SUV. The bulk of the shadow says it’s Ugly rather than Drake, but I still grind my teeth in irritation. I wonder if I’ll be able to avoid a confrontation, but know deep in my bones it’s going to happen eventually. I turn on the man I consider a friend, thinking it would be best if that conflict happens now rather than on the road in mixed company or in the woods in front of every person.
“You had no right,” I say, my voice low but still menacing.
“Really? You think this has nothing to do with me?”
I’m shaking because I’m so angry at this man.
I don’t know why I look over his shoulder to see Drake’s position, trying to figure out if he’s able to hear us.
“This little lover’s quarrel you two are in is causing problems in my own life,” he snaps, stepping closer to challenge me rather than backing down like I guessed he would.
I cross my arms over my chest because I’m extremely close to letting this turn violent. I’ve wanted to hit something or someone for days. As much as I think Ugly may deserve it right now, it’s not exactly going to be well received by the others, considering there are several children out here with their parents as they load the vehicles for the trip.
“Bishop complained the other day that his beer tasted funny.”
My eyebrows scrunch in confusion.
“Drake isn’t making drinks with love anymore, and that’s your fault.”
I don’t know whether to laugh or knock his lights out. This has to be a joke, right?
Making drinks with love?
What a freaking joke.
“Are you serious right now?” I ask through clenched teeth.
“Look, you’ve been a sullen bastard all week. Drake’s mood is affecting others as well. You two need to get over this little snit you’re having,” he growls, drawing the attention of others.
I dart my eyes around, my skin growing hot at others looking in our direction. “This isn’t the time or place.”
“I can easily ride with someone else so the two of you can work your shit out.”
I instantly shake my head, the thought of what could happen in the SUV during the multi-hour drive to the camping area, trying hard to take root.
My spine stiffens when Drake walks up. I’m a grown man. I’ve seen and done things the majority of the world will never experience, but his approach makes me want to kick a rock in his direction and run off like a pouty brat.
I stand my ground, noticing just how hard it is to actually do.
