AllFreeNovel
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“You asked for it.”
“No dice, brother.”
I have to make a conscious effort to hold in my sigh. It’s not that I thought Soul would be okay with me going to California, especially since there’s no set date for Apple to return, but I hate the thought of her going alone.
“Yeah, that’s what I figured.”
“Look, I get that you want to be with her,” Soul says. “But we need you at the club. Vegas is one thing… you can get back here quickly if we need you. But California? Dude, that’s not a quick trip.”
“I get it.”
Soul chuckles. “Why do you sound like a kid who just learned Santa isn’t real?”
“Wait a second,” I snap. “Santa isn’t real? Then who’s the fat man coming down my chimney every year?”
“You don’t have a chimney. Hell, you don’t have a house.”
I bark out a laugh. “Seriously? That’s what you took out of that statement?”
“Shut the fuck up.” Soul pauses to take several deep breaths. “You really like her, don’t you?”
“What’s not to like?”
“Mal, c’mon. It’s me. You can’t bullshit me.”
I heave a sigh. “I claimed her, didn’t I?”
“Not wanting to share her with the brothers isn’t what I’m talking about, and you know it.”
I roll my eyes, grateful he can’t see me. “Cece’s changed you, man.”
“She has,” he admits. “But we’re not talking about me.”
“What do you want from me, Soul? Do you want me to admit that I like Apple? Fine, I like Apple.” I thrust a hand through my hair. “Do you want me to say that I have actual feelings for her? Yes, I have feelings for her.”
“See, that wasn’t so hard.”
“Apple is… She’s amazing,” I admit. “When I’m with her, life is just a little brighter, ya know? And when I’m not with her, I want to be.” I shake my head in frustration. “All I know is I like her enough to want to see this through. Whatever the hellthisis.”
“Yeah, you’re sunk,” he says with a laugh. “And as much as I want to give the okay for you to go traipsing to California, I can’t. I’m sorry, Mal. But we need you here. If what you two seem to have started is real, then it’ll survive some distance. And if it doesn’t… better to find out sooner rather than later.”
Not wanting to analyze or discuss things further, I change the subject.
“How’s Mark doing?” I ask.
“He’s still staying with Jez, but he’s showing interest in the club, which is great.”
“Is it?”
“Do you want the kid to stick around?” Soul asks.
I think about it for a moment, and the answer is as shocking as my feelings for Apple.
“Yeah, I do. He’s got demons, Soul. A lot of fucking demons. I think the club would be good for him. Or at the very least, being close to family.”
“So, you’re finally admitting he’s family?”
“Tell anyone, and I’ll kill you.”
