“I’m not sure what else I can tell you.” Emily shrugs but never looks away. Libby isn’t the only good actress in the family. “I haven’t talked to her since yesterday.”

“She was okay when you spoke?”

“She sounded good.” Emily cocks her head. “Did they have a fight or something?”

Dex holds his hands up. “Don’t know. I don’t want to get involved in their personal stuff.”

Emily slowly tilts her head the opposite way. “Showing up at Serena’s friend’s house seems awfully involved to me.”

Amusement flickers over Dex’s expression, but he locks it down fast. “Just doing a favor for my friend. Like I said, he’s worried about her.”

“Well,” Emily chirps, almost a little too chipper. “She’s not here.”

“Okay.” Dex hesitates, glances over his shoulder and back at Emily. “Would you mind giving me a call if you hear from her?”

Silence stretches between them. Emily stares straight ahead, like she’s considering the question. Knowing her, she wants to tell him no. Or to fuck off. One or the other.

While he’s waiting for an answer, Dex pulls a small white rectangle from his pocket. A business card.

My, my, isn’t he prepared.

“My number’s on the back.” He gestures toward the black, rectangular mailbox attached to the side of the house. “I’ll drop it in there.”

“All right.” Even though I can’t get a clear shot of Emily’s face, I hear the smile in her voice.

A few seconds later, the door clicks closed. I peer around the corner. Emily’s leaning against the back of the wood, chin tipped up and eyes closed. A dreamy smile curves her lips.

I chuckle and step into the living room. “Everything okay?”

“Oh my word. Yes.” She inhales a deep breath and opens her eyes. “Do you know that guy?”

“I know Dex.” Fighting off a smile, I glance at my socks. “He’s a sweetheart.”

“Is he ever,” she gushes. “So respectful too. I could tell he was pissed I wouldn’t let him in, but he didn’t push or try to convince me.”

There’s a reason all the club girls are eager to solve the mystery of Dex. He’s always had a way of making everyone feel safe and protected, even though he keeps his distance.

“So, did you get all of that?” Emily’s voice turns business-like again and she shakes off her Dex-induced fog. “It sounds like Gray’s concerned about you.”

“I know.” I hesitate, my hands twisting together in front of me. “I’m not ready to call him yet.”

“Come here.” She holds her hands out, motioning for me to join her on the couch. “Let’s talk about this some more.”

I drop onto the bouncy couch cushion and inhale a few deep breaths. Heat burns my face. I haven’t figured it out myself, yet. How can I discuss this with anyone else? Especially Emily. I’m already disappointed with myself. I don’t think I can handle her disappointment too.

“I’m tired.” I yawn to punctuate the statement. “Um, can we not say anything to Libby about this, for now?”

“Of course. I won’t tell a soul.” She shrugs. “I’ll say the heat in your apartment isn’t working or something.”

“Thanks.”

“I doubt it’ll be an issue. I think she’ll just be excited you’re here.” Her mouth turns down. “Somewhere along the way, I went from fun, big sister, to annoying parental unit.”

“Aw, that’s not true.”

“It is,” she shrugs, “but that’s what I signed up for.”

The reminder of all the tough decisions Emily’s faced on her own tug at my heart. I shouldn’t be burdening her with my mistakes. “I’m sorry—”

“You don’t have anything to apologize for.” She pats my leg. “You’re going to stay with us. This is your home now. End of discussion.”

Home has never been one particular place to me. More of a feeling. And right now, with Emily’s acceptance and support, I really do feel home.

Chapter Four

Grinder

Halfway back to the clubhouse, Z and I both receive texts. Mine’s from Wrath.

Church. First thing tomorrow morning.

Z’s message flashes across the truck’s dashboard screen.

Rock: If you’re still local, we’re sitting down for church first thing in the morning.

“At least he seems to respect your role as president,” I say, nodding at the screen.

“Rock?” Z lifts an eyebrow.

“No, Godzilla. Who the fuck else would I be talking about?”

He turns his head slightly. “How’d you end up with the road name Grinder, instead of Grumpy?”

“Hilarious. You should be a comedian.”

“Yeah, things are working well the way they are,” he answers my initial observation.

“Good.”

“I’m trying, but I still don’t quite trust all of the guys downstate the same way I trust—”

After what Serena told me, I don’t blame him. “Always knew Sway would cause a lot of damage if he had an ounce of power.”

“True story,” he agrees. “Rooster’s solid. Jigsaw too. You can trust them. Butcher—he spent a lot of time up here helping out. Good brother.”

“Kinda strange your SAA isn’t at the top of your list,” I point out.

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