Page 35 of March 5

Bane approached the bar and looked through the bottles lining the counter. Dio walked over to the vice president.

"Hey." He stopped beside Bane. "Have you seen Maverick?"

"I talked to him earlier after we came in from the ride." Bane walked around the counter, opened the fridge, and pulled out a beer can. "He mentioned staying home tonight."

"Skye's here."

Bane turned around and scanned the room. "So, she is."

"She's too young to party with the Havlin members."

"Tell that to half the bitches that are in here." Bane took a drink. "Skye's safe. Everyone knows who her daddy is."

"Maybe someone better tell Tino to keep his hands to himself," he muttered.

Bane chuckled. "Go for it."

He hung back, knowing he'd take her home if he pulled Skye away. He'd also have to explain why having her here and seeing her with someone else pissed him off.

"I need to make new rosters, so I'll be in the parts shop if anyone needs me." Bane grabbed another beer can and carried both through the clubhouse.

His attention was drawn back across the clubhouse to Skye, and he found Rush and Link in the group surrounding Skye. Someone had handed her a beer.

It was only a beer. How much damage could it do?

Dio put his drink down on a nearby table. Cord dropped his duffle on the table before he could move away.

"Everyone started without me." Cord picked up Dio's drink and shot it back. "Fucking long day."

Skye laughed. Even with the blaring music, the raised voices, and the pool balls clanking, he could feel her laughter. The hair on his arms stood up.

It was the carefree way she opened her mouth, and her head went back without any shyness. She was vulnerable but confident.

That's what was different.

She was no longer a quiet girl, wise beyondher years, or a curious teenager who pushed the boundaries. She'd matured into a wise, beautiful, and successful young woman with the right to find happiness.

Two weeks ago, he would've sworn Skye was making a play for him.

Tonight, he felt like he'd lost her.

He fisted his hands. She had him losing his fucking head.

Needing some fresh air, he headed toward the door. Skye's laughter floated behind him. Once outside, he kept walking to his motorcycle. He wouldn't stick around and watch another man enjoy Skye's company.

Chapter Sixteen

Daisy carried a box of donuts into the clubhouse and set it on the table before kissing Bane and leaving. Dio sipped from his cup of coffee, waiting for the meeting to begin.

Wire opened the lid, took a donut, and pushed the box toward Dio. He slid the box to Ruger and leaned back in the chair.

"You're not eating?" Bane bit into the treat.

"Not hungry."

Bane chuckled. "I've never known you to turn down food."

"You don't know everything about me."