with a bit of caution in his voice. “I mean, Brick told me to mind my fucking business in but so many words, but I’m not going to run home and tell either way. Like I said, I like you like this.”
“No, he doesn’t know. It sort of just happened. We’re going to tell him. Brick is waiting for the right timing,” I say.
“No need to explain to me. If King ever asks if I knew, I’m blaming the memory.” He taps his temple.
“Ah, but then you would be breaking a Lost Souls rule, we don’t lie.”
“Wait, so you do know more about the life,” he says teasingly and bumps my shoulder this time. “Besides, I’m not a Lost Soul, remember? My brother has blocked that one.”
This time when he says the words, I hear something in his voice. It’s a longing or disappointment. I peek up at him once more.
“Why do I get the feeling there’s a lot more to you, Holden?”
“Because there is. I’m this great mystery hidden in the Lost Souls’ world,” he teases.
“Aren’t we all?”
Chapter 21
Family
Eva
I had such a good time with Holden as we walked to get lunch. He got in a few more teases about my deer walk in my heels. I managed to throw a few more of my own jabs. We’re laughing to the point of tears when the elevator opens to a raging Owen, pacing in front of the car bay.
He doesn’t give me or Holden a chance to get off. “Let’s go,” Owen demands as he storms right on and jabs the button for the lower level.
I look to Holden with wide eyes. He looks forward, but I can feel the anticipation rolling off of him. I’m not sure what’s going on, but Owen looks too angry for me to even ask.
“Both of you, get in the car,” Owen barks when we reach the parking garage.
Holden doesn’t ask questions as he holds open the BMW’s front passenger door for me, before climbing into the back. Owen pulls out of the parking garage like a madman. My stomach tightens.
I get the feeling something big is going on. My thoughts go back to what I’ve learned. Brick is the Squad captain.
I swallow the implications of that thought. The silence of the ride is deafening. The only sound that registers is the pounding of my heart.
“Holden, take the keys to my Harley,” Owen orders when we arrived at the house.
Holden does as he’s told as he jumps out of the back seat. I get out of the car right before Owen reaches my door. He tugs me to the elevator by my wrist.
Still, he hasn’t done more than bark a few orders. Once on the apartment level, I have to kick off my shoes to keep up with his long strides. He drags me to the bedroom where he sets me on the bed.
He pulls out a duffel bag and starts to throw things in for me. Once the bag is packed, he tosses me a pair of my old jeans and a baggy T-shirt. I dress in confusion. I don’t understand what is going on.
Has King found out about us? Should I be worried? I have so many questions, but my tongue is tied.
Within ten minutes, he has two bags packed and has changed into jeans and his cut. We return to the garage where Holden is waiting for us. I see the lunch we bought resting in the trash can, all but forgotten.
Owen tosses Holden one of the bags. “Let’s ride,” he says, climbing onto King’s bike.
We are on the road before I can clear my head. Holden is on Owen’s bike and Owen and I are on King’s, heading to South Carolina. I’d never seen Holden handle a bike, but he keeps up with Owen the entire way.
I’m frustrated and exhausted by the time we pull into the compound’s gates. The three-hour ride has taken its toll. I stumble off the bike on jelly legs.
“You all right?” Owen asks as he reaches out to steady me with a hand on my hip.
I watch the frown that mars his face as he quickly pulls his hand away. I know my sadness shows in my eyes because his frown deepens. I tuck my helmet under my arm and nod my head to indicate that I’m all right.
“Listen, baby,” Owen starts, but he cuts his words off as King comes marching out of the clubhouse. Owen draws his lips into a thin line.