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“They both come highly recommended from an old friend of mine. I haven’t spoken with Franklin Harrington in a while, but he was my first call when I needed to protect my family.”
I wracked my brain, not recognizing the name. “I don’t think you’ve ever talked about him.” It was nice to chat about something other than what we were all afraid to say out loud … that we’d spent our final minutes with Cole alive. Tiny sweat beads formed on the nape of my neck, and my pulse throbbed wildly. I couldn’t handle thinking I’d just kissed him for the last time. My lips pursed, and I locked those awful thoughts in a deep, dark hole and threw away the key.
“We go way back. He and his family are in Canada for a while. His son and daughter-in-law are the lead singers for August Clover. Not sure if you listen to them or not.”
I grinned. “No kidding? You’re friends with Hendrix and Gemma’s dad? Why have you been holding out on me? I need concert tickets when they tour again. Oh, and VIP passes.”
Daddy chuckled. “I’ll let him know. I think Hendrix and Gemma are close to your age, maybe a few years older.”
“Honestly, it would be really cool to meet them. I’m not sure they’re Cole’s type of music, but Zoe, Isabel, Sibyl, and Dani would definitely go with me.”
As grateful as I was for the distraction, it had passed too quickly. “Julia, how do you do it? Weren’t you worried about King when he first joined the MC? I mean, I know Cole isn’t in the club, but he kind of is at the moment.”
“Honestly, I never stop worrying about King. I don’t agree with everything he does … or what I suspect he does, but he’s my brother and I love him. I think I learned to stay busy and focus on what needed my attention. Most of the time, that was Cole.” She reached over and placed a palm on Daddy’s knee. “Until I met your dad. I feel like when he became a part of my life was when I really started living.”
My hand flew to my chest, touched by her words. “I had no idea.”
“You were pretty mad at me for moving on, which is normal, Princess. But Julia was exactly what I needed. You reach an age where goals and relationships shift. You decide what’s important, and often live for experiences instead of chasing a career. It’s different for each person, but after losing your mother ... I realized life is too short to not be happy.” His expression saddened. “I miss her every day, but I feel like your mom sent Julia to me.”
My brows shot up. That was a lot to take in, but maybe he had a point. Mom loved Daddy so much. I couldn’t imagine she would want him to sit around miserable for the rest of his life.
“I met Samuel at the perfect time.” Julia gave him a sweet smile. “Anyway, to answer your question. I realize that Cole leaving right now is going to be hard for you but try not to let your imagination drive you insane. My son can take care of himself.”
I realized it was a long shot, but I had to ask. “Do you know what’s going on? Cole just said he had to leave for a while. I suspect it has to do with whoever has been after him.”
“I’m in the dark as much as you are. Women aren’t privy to club business. If Cole joins, it’s something you’ll have to get used to. The only reason I have any knowledge of what’s happening is because Cole has told me. King explained that Cole could share anything he wanted, but that since the MC was taking care of us, any conversations with them was off-limits.” She gave me a half-shrug. “It’s how it is. I’m used to it. Well, I thought I was until King offered to help Cole figure this nightmare out.”
“Seems pretty chauvinistic.” I huffed, folding my arms over my chest. “Do you think Cole will want to patch in?” I wasn’t sure I was cut out to live that kind of life, but Cole hadn’t mentioned joining either, so I couldn’t jump to conclusions.
“I hope that he doesn’t. I hope he can settle down, finish college, and start a new life for himself. You’re good for him, Shae. I’ve never seen him care about someone as deeply as he does you. You have no problem calling him on his shit, either.” She grinned at me.
I laughed. “I definitely let him know what I think.”
Daddy cleared his throat, then leaned forward slightly. “Shae, if he does join the MC, then I’m going to ask that you reconsider dating him. If I have to, I’ll force your hand. I don’t want you in that lifestyle. Having King around is one thing but planning a life with a member is another.”
My eyes widened. “Are you forbidding me from seeing Cole if he joins?”
ChapterTwenty-Four
Igrabbed the small, oblong chair pillow and hugged it to my belly, pulling at a thread from the corner of the soft material.
Daddy rubbed his jaw, worry lines creasing his forehead. “I’m sorry, Princess, but that’s exactly what I’m saying.”
Julia tucked a dark strand of hair behind her ear. “We’re in agreement about this, Shae. I realize that I don’t have any authority over you, but I support your father’s decision. I love my son with all my heart, and I think you’re perfect together, but the life you would have with him if he patched in … you deserve better.”
I blinked at them stupidly. Cole was out God knew where, risking his life to take care of his family, and our parents were stabbing him in the back. I shot out of my seat, scooped up my helmet and duffle, and glared at them. “You’ll feel like shit saying that to me if Cole comes home in a casket.”
“Shae,” Daddy said, his tone harsh and reprimanding.
Ignoring him, I spun on my heel and left. Angry tears blurred my vision as I hurried up the stairs and toward my bedroom. Exhaustion suddenly crushed my shoulders while my mind recalled the day that I’d caught Cole watching the video of Ibrahim, Matt, and me. So much had changed since then. It was weird how life stayed the same for years, then in a blink of an eye everything flipped. Slowing my pace as I neared Cole’s bedroom, I leaned on the door frame. He should be here giving me shit and being a bossy asshole instead of whatever the hell he was doing.
I walked in slowly, his woodsy, outdoor scent evading my senses. My body was thick with tension, and my chest ached for him. Daddy should have kept his mouth shut. Cole hadn’t even mentioned joining the MC. Why did they have to talk to me about him when I wasn’t sure Cole would return?
Setting my bag and helmet down, I ran my fingertips over Cole’s dark comforter, then lifted it to my nose. His scent lingered in the fibers. Without a second thought, I crawled into his bed and buried my face in his pillow, inhaling the familiar scent I already missed so much. Finally giving in to the barrage of emotions, I allowed myself to fall apart. Once I did, it would be time to suck it up and make a plan. One that included Cole coming home.
* * *
Three hours later, I peeled my swollen eyelids open. It took a minute for me to realize where I was and that after I’d cried, I’d fallen asleep in Cole’s bed. I pondered sleeping here until he returned. Being surrounded by Cole’s things gave me some comfort. So I decided it was a good idea. For now, I needed a shower and some fresh clothes.
