His protective arms envelope me, holding me tight. “Stay with Riley and Finn. Don’t give me something to worry about,” he whispers.
“I promise,” I say.
I walk out of the room, glancing down the hall to where I know Dom is. I stop, feeling the overwhelming need to go in the room. To make him look me in the eye while I tell him what a disgusting human he is. I want to force answers out of him, make him regret everything he’s ever done to me, to hear him beg me to save him.
“Hey, don’t,” Zane yells. I jump and spin back around. He’s standing there with anger in his now dark eyes. He crosses his arms, shaking his head.
I blow out a breath, wrapping my arms around myself. “I just want to force him to tell me everything,” I say, avoiding eye contact.
“Fuck no. This is club business and you are definitely not going in there. I know it’s all fucked up because of your history, but lines cannot be crossed. This is the shit I take care of; you take care of getting Souls Two up and running. Now go,” he demands.
I don’t argue, because I know he’s right. I also don’t say a word as I walk past him. It is a fucked-up situation, which I’ll handle my way.
I meet up with Ivy and the guys. She’s finishing her cigarette as I walk over. “Finally,” she says.
“What? Riley and Finn are great company,” I joke.
Riley wraps his arm around me and smiles at Ivy. “See, Harper likes me.”
I do like Riley, always have. He’s definitely one of the funniest guys I know. He has the ability to get a laugh out of anyone, which isn’t easy with these guys sometimes. He keeps things light and relaxed. Definitely a guy that is always looking for a good time. His light brown hair is always a tousled mess, like he just woke up and ran his hands through it. He’s got an athletic body. Not as muscular as Zane, but well defined. I’m not entirely sure where his tattoos end and begin, but his arms are brightly covered. They aren’t dark like Zane’s or Kace’s, they are full of life, just like him.
“At least one girl does,” she says. I’m not sure if she is trying to be funny or mean.
He doesn’t seem fazed by it though. He laughs, stepping away from me. “Oh, there is one girl who really likes all I have to offer,” he says, thrusting his hips at her.
I can’t help but laugh with him. Ivy tries not to smile, but I see it breaking through. Finn shakes his head. “Come on, let’s go.”
We all pile in the stupid van, even though I thought we should take my car. Of course, they told me it’s too dangerous, and I’m sure they are right. I just hate being in this van, but I focus on the bright side. We’re on our way to what will be my new job. I’m so fucking excited. This is exactly what I needed to feel whole again. I will prove to all of them that it was the best decision. Hell, if I can impress my father, I can surely impress them. No one is as critical and harsh as him.
Thinking back to what Riley said, I wonder if he’s serious. Curiosity gets the best of me and I lean my arms on both the front seats. “Hey, Riley,” I say. He turns his head, lifting an eyebrow. “Are you really seeing someone?”
He winks and turns back around. “Yep.”
“No shit, who?” I ask.
He laughs but keeps looking forward. “I’m surprised you haven’t heard yet.”
I look at Finn, but he keeps his eyes on the road. I glance at Ivy, but she lifts her shoulders. “Well, I haven’t heard shit. You gonna tell me or do I have to ask Zane?” I ask, nudging his shoulder.
“You’re a pain in the ass, you know that?” he jokes. He glances back and grins. “Gillian Holt.”
“What the fuck, seriously?” I blurt out.
I look at Ivy who is clueless. If this girl wants to be with Kace, she’s got to be prepared. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy road. Makes me wonder how long Kace has known this. Maybe this is why he’s not talking to Ivy, or maybe I should just mind my business.
“Who’s that?” Ivy asks, breaking my thoughts.
“Kace’s ex’s sister,” I explain.
Ivy drops her head back and sighs. “Of course, it is,” she mumbles.
“Riley, isn’t she like ten years younger than you?” I ask.
“Age is a number, sweetheart. I need someone younger who can keep up with me,” he says with a wink. “Hey Ivy.” She lifts her head, looking at him. “This has nothing to do with Kace. He’s into you. That ex of his is long gone, nothing to worry yourself about.”
“Rachel’s gone?” I ask.
“Damn, you really are a gossip,” he says, laughing.