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“That’s good, brother, but I hear some reluctance.” Stone says. It grates on my nerves that he’s always so intuitive.

I rest my body back against the chair as I thrum my fingertips on the desk.

“Things are great. We’ve found a flow that works and Ryder’s calling me Dad,” I say.

“But…”

I scrub my face roughly, hating to bring this up to him. I know what it’ll sound like and the last thing I want is for my Prez to think I can’t handle my shit.

“Found an overnight bag in the back of the closet on her side the other day,” I admit. “Thought it was weird but she’s got everything she needs in there to be gone for almost a week. Even found a wad of cash rolled up and tucked in one of her sneakers. Made me start thinking so I went into Ryder’s closet and found a bag there too.”

“Huh.”

“Huh? What does that mean?” I ask.

He snorts like I’ve missed the elephant in the room.

“It means that your woman has had to deal with life on her own since she was a kid. Not only that but she had a baby thrown in the mix.”

“Oh-kay, anddddd?”

He lets out a sigh as though I’m missing the point.

“Remi is independent just like my Ol’ Lady,” Stone starts. “They own their shit and have had a life that worked outside of us.” I’m staring at him, waiting for the big reveal. “Hell, if they get any more independent, they might start a rival club of women bikers and burn us to the ground.”

“I know. We’ve talked about how she was able to survive by herself, but I’m here now to take that load from her,” I defend.

“It’s not something she can just switch off, Reaper. Remi had to become an adult even when she had no idea how to survive. Yes, you had to grow up fast too being thrown to the wolves, but she didn’t just have herself to worry about, she had a baby she had to protect and provide for.”

I know all this and I’m sure there are so many more stories that Remi had to endure over the years but won’t tell me.

“I can’t make up for those years but I’m here now.” I can’t help how defensive I feel.

“I know that and she does too, brother. But you have to understand that she hasn’t needed you for the last thirteen years. She’s done everything on her own and has gotten by. Those instincts don’t just go away at the snap of a finger. She’s going to be in flight mode for a while and you need to be there to reassure her that you are the rock she can lean on,” Stone reveals.

His words give me pause. Have I given her the reassurance she needs? Does she not feel as though this is going to last?

“I can see your brain working overtime,” Stone says, bringing me out of my thoughts. “All I’m saying is that Remi doesn’t need you. She’s proven that she can stand on her own. Make her want you and the life here with the club. Give her a reason to unpack those bags.”

A knock on the door brings us to a stop.

“Yeah!” I call out as Stone and I both rise from our seats.

The door opens and in comes the subject of our discussion. Every time I see Remi, I think it’s a mirage; like she can’t be real. I went so long without her it seems like she’ll disappear into thin air. She’s dressed in jean shorts and a tight top with white sneakers. She looks causal as hell and it makes my mouth water, wanting to touch every inch of her exposed skin with my lips.

“Hey, sorry to interrupt,” my girl says when she sees Stone in the room.

“I’ll see you two later,” Stone tells us as he goes over and gives Remi a hug. “Thanks for the strap.” He holds up his right wrist and I notice the new leather on his arm.

“I’m glad you like it.” A hint of pink comes to the surface of her cheeks at the compliment.

“I didn’t mean to break up a meeting,” she says apologetically as I come around the desk and greet her with a kiss on the lips, the click of the door closing behind us. “The prospect showed me in here.”

“It’s fine. You’re never a bother around here,” I say, circling her waist. She smells of cherry blossoms.

“I didn’t realize The Velvet Palace was a strip club.” Remi flicks her wrist towards the door where the club is. “Raegan had mentioned it a few times but I didn’t connect the dots.”

“Is that gonna be a problem if I manage the place?” I ask.