* * *
The bar isn’t a usual Sinners hangout making it easy to spot our guys. Just the sight of Styx and Ryder sitting there with my brother, Zach, and Jax, laughing and shooting the shit, makes my chest flutter.
River gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “Come on.” She moves ahead of me.
Gone is the shy girl I met all those months ago. Her smile widens as she reaches the guys. Zach stands, hooking a hand around her waist and pulling her into him for a kiss. They don’t care that the bar is full or that we’re watching them. They’re lost in each other, in the love that burns bright between them.
Until my brother barks, “Alright, Stone. Put her the fuck down.”
“Jealous, Daddy D?” Zach’s smirks, sliding back onto his stool and positioning River between his legs.
The guys—my guys—snicker before their gazes swing to mine. Ryder gulps, his Adam’s apple bobbing against his throat as he drags his eyes down my body.
‘Holy fuck,’ he mouths.
A rush of desire goes through me, only made stronger by the way Styx looks at me.
“Fuck’s sake,” my brother hisses, breaking the connection. “I’m going to need more liquor.”
River leans around Zach and whispers something to him, softening the simmering anger and disapproval in his eyes.
“Hey,” I say, finally greeting everyone.
There’s no rule book here, no instruction manual. All I know is I want Diesel to accept this, to give me his blessing.
I need it.
I need to know we’re okay.
“Hey, Kitten,” Ryder drawls, reaching for me. “Get your cute ass over here.”
I go willingly, keeping one eye on Diesel as Ryder tucks me into his side. “It’s okay,” he whispers against the curve of my neck. “It’s going to be okay, darlin’. Just breathe.”
His words settle the ruckus in my stomach.
“Here, you look like you need this.” Jax slides a beer in my direction with a knowing smile.
“Thanks.”
Styx clears his throat, demanding my attention, and I flick my gaze to his.
“Hey, Kitty Kat.” The corner of his mouth tips.
“Hey.”
“You look…” He swallows hard, the air crackling between us. Until my brother clears his throat… again.
“Hey, D,” I say.
“Hey.”
“So… this is weird.”
“You can say that again.” He lifts his beer and takes a small swig, tipping the neck of the bottle toward me.
“It could be worse though,” Zach says.
“Worse?” Diesel balks.