Diamond in the Dust (Lost Kings MC 18)

“Nice to meet ya.” Shelby lowers her lashes and smiles.

“Ain’t you a pretty gal.” Hopper grins at her. “Damn, if you don’t look familiar too.”

I can’t picture Hopper listening to current country music or, hell, even finding his way to the Internet. Then again, her face has been all over a few magazines lately. And maybe I’m biased but she’s a stunning woman who makes a man look twice.

“Hello, Rooster. Long time.” Hopper’s daughter—my ex—pushes past her father to greet me with a brief, welcoming hug which, all things considered, is awkward as fuck.

I untangle myself from her quickly. “How you been, Heather?”

“Not bad.” She rests her hand on her father’s arm. “Daddy’s visiting. You and Jigsaw are here. It feels like old times.”

Yay.

As far as homecomings go, I guess this could’ve been worse.

At least no one’s tried to shoot me yet.

Shelby

Are you shittin’ me?

Haven’t I encountered enough of Rooster’s exes?

Okay, it’s just been the one. But Ashley left a bad taste in my mouth. And this chick. Isn’t she the one who got my man shot?

I eye her father carefully. If he pulls a gun on Rooster today, I’m kickin’ him in the nuts. I oughtta kick him anyway.

Only the tension in Rooster’s body stops me from asking what the fuck she thinks she’s doing when she wraps her arms around him, making sure to rub her giant knockers all over his chest.

Her cute-as-a-baby-giraffe eyes land on Jiggy next. “Figured you two would still be riding together. Come here! I’ve missed you.” She wraps Jiggy up in the same welcoming hug she gave Rooster. As she pulls back, she drops her gaze to his road captain patch. “My ol’ man’s RC here. You remember Acorn? You two should have plenty to talk about.”

Ah, I like how she worked her man into the conversation.

Her attention returns to Rooster, taking in his vice president patch. “I’d heard you made VP. Good for you, Rooster,” she says in a sincere way.

Well, now I feel guilty for being all bristly.

Rooster tugs me forward. “Heather, this is my ol’ lady—”

Heather squeals. “Holy shit. You’re Shelby Morgan!”

Next to Rooster, Jigsaw groans and shakes with laughter. Rooster not-so-subtly elbows him in the ribs which only makes Jiggy cackle louder.

Heather slaps Rooster’s arm and grins up at him. “Look at you rolling in all casual with Shelby Morgan as your ol’ lady. Oh my God. Shelby Morgan is in our clubhouse.”

Sure feels weird the way she keeps saying my full name like I’m not standing right here. I let out my own nervous titter of laughter. “Guilty as charged.”

We’re less than a foot apart, but the girl launches herself at me, hugging me like we’re long-lost sisters. “Welcome, welcome!”

I can’t say I’m big on hugs from strangers who’ve fucked my boyfriend, but I return the embrace—briefly. “Thank you.”

“I need to go pick up my kids, but we definitely need to hang out later at the park.” She glances up at Rooster. “You guys are coming to Gold Falls with us, right?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Rooster says with all the enthusiasm of someone about to be poked with a tetanus shot.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Shelby

While the men talk, my eyes stray to the massive slate fireplace in the center of the far wall. It’s late summer now but the homey hearth brings holiday traditions I’ve only heard about in songs to mind. Stuff like roasting chestnuts on an open fire while sipping cocoa with my man and watching the snow fall outside.

Part of me wishes we were visiting in the winter. Or there wasn’t the stress of the tour nipping at my heels. The lodge—I’m not sure how else to describe this clubhouse—fits right into the Northwest’s natural beauty. Rough-hewn timber gives everything a rustic feel. Black leather accents and a pool table used as a sex-ed prop remind you that bikers call the place home.

I catch my name and my attention returns to the conversation. For a man who once tried to shoot Logan, Hopper treats him like a long-lost son. Boy, he sure has some stories to share.

It’s a relief to finally escape what’s turning into a rather rowdy party. We find a room on the second floor. While it’s away from the noise of downstairs, there’s a festive air up here. Lots of open bedroom doors.

“So, people just wander around, pop into whatever room strikes their fancy, and…join in?” I ask.

“Seems like it.” Rooster pushes open a door at the end of the hallway and sets our bags down inside.

I flip the lock behind us and, as an extra measure of security, push my heaviest suitcase in front of the door.

“You think I’m lettin’ anyone get near my girl?” Rooster asks, wrapping his arms around my waist and lifting me in the air.

“Can’t be too careful!” I laugh and struggle as he carries me across the room, dropping me onto an unmade king-sized bed.