by Amelia Shea
She glanced down at the floor and seemed to be struggling with her next words. “I’ll go, but if ya need me, just call, okay?” She hesitated. “Even if it’s late.” She licked her lips and peeked up through her lashes. Her gaze softened, and he felt it straight in his gut. “Whatever you need from me, Kase. It’s yours.”
I fucking need you.
He hadn’t even realized it until she walked through his door. His chest tightened, and his blood heated at the thought of her leaving. He ground his teeth, scowling back at her, angry with himself.
Say the fucking words. He shot up his hand, dropping his glass on the floor, not even caring when it shattered. He grasped her wrist and pulled her onto his lap. She fell forward, and her legs instinctively straddled his lap. He wrapped an arm around her waist and drove the other hand through her long strands angling her neck.
“I need you,” he growled. He pressed his lips against her mouth, and the sudden ache in his heart mellowed a bit. It was an admission he never thought he’d make to anyone. Kase had never needed anyone, but at the moment, he needed her. He slipped his hand under the back of her shirt, feeling her warm skin under his palm.
She curled her arms around his shoulders, and he leaned back on the bed, taking her with him. She hovered over him, her hair falling past her shoulders.
“You stay with me.” It was a low command. It was an afterthought to ask, but Phoebe nodded as her eyes teared up. “We’ll talk more later, ya hear me?”
She nodded.
Kase tightened his grasp on her bare back, pulling her closer. “Don’t fucking leave again.”
The corner of her lip jutted up, and she whispered, “I won’t.”
A lone tear fell past her cheek, and he adjusted her on his chest. His hand cupped her jaw with his thumb wiping away her tear.
“Pop would be pissed you’re crying.” His tone was graveled and rough but made her smile. She leaned closer.
“Crying is for pussies, he’d probably say.”
The corner of his lips curled. Not many people knew the real Jack Reilly, but she did. It was something they’d always share.
“Yeah, and he’d say I was an asshole for letting you go.”
She licked her lips. “Yeah, maybe. But he’d say I was the asshole for not seeing a man who wanted to take care of me, I think.”
Kase smiled, gripping her jaw, sliding his mouth against hers. “Both assholes in Pop’s eyes.”
The corner of her mouth curled. “And yet, he loved us.”
He did. Jack may not have said the words, but his last letter had. Kase tightened his grip and curled closer to Phoebe. “Yeah.”
Their kiss would fade, and he’d find himself sleeping, no sex, with Phoebe curled against him. It was the only way he’d find peace. With the exception of her, he’d never slept next to someone he hadn’t fucked. When he woke up, she was curled into his side with her head resting on his chest. It took time to untangle from her hold. He needed her close.
Eventually, Kase left her in bed. He walked through the quiet hall. He breeched the doorway leading to the main bar and glanced around, finding Dobbs, Gage, and Saint sitting at one of the tables.
“How’s it going?” Gage asked.
Kase lifted his chin. “Gotta make the calls.”
One of the prospects, Joe, came through the door, glancing around the room before landing his gaze on Kase. He seemed off; a bit nervous. It was understandable. On a regular day, Kase was scary as fuck. It seemed he set everyone on edge, especially after losing Jack.
“What?” he snapped.
“Uh.” He was stalling and glanced over at Saint.
“Fucking speak, asshole.” Kase had no patience on a good day.
“I-is uh, Phoebe here?”
He furrowed his brows. “Why?”
Joe hooked his thumb over his shoulder. Before he could say a word, Kase heard the rushed footsteps coming from the hall. He and the brothers turned to catch Phoebe walk in.
“What’s wrong?” Kase asked.
She smiled, shook her head, and then glanced up at Joe. “They just pull in?”
“Yeah.”
Kase watched the exchange and watched Phoebe, who was heading to the front door.
Kase darted up and walked to the door with the guys following close behind. When he opened the door, he saw an unfamiliar van parked near the steps. He recognized a few residents, Coop, Marty, and Carla huddled near the back where Phoebe was standing. The prospect was a foot behind her, almost in a guarding position.
“What’s going on?” Dobbs asked.
Kase kept his eyes on the scene in front of him. “Don’t know.” He was going to find out. The last thing the club needed today was bullshit from the town. He walked down the steps a few feet away from the small group. His brothers had followed closely with Saint at his side.
Phoebe must have felt his presence because she glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “They brought food.”
What? Who brought food? Kase was having a hard time following what she had said. The whole scene with the residents at the compound was strange on its own. And they brought food? What the fuck was happening?
Carla poked her head around the van and walked straight toward him. Marty and Coop followed behind. She smiled.
“We are so sorry to hear about Jack” Her eyes welled. “He was quite the character, and we’re gonna miss him at the diner.” She drew in a breath and waved her hand. “Anyway, a bunch of us got together early this morning and just prepared some things. Nothing fancy.” She shrugged. “Just thought it might help if ya didn’t have to worry about food.”
When Kase remained silent, Saint stepped forward. “That was very thoughtful of you all.”
Carla scoffed. “It’s what we do here.” She paused and glanced over at the members situated behind him and landed her stare on Kase with a warm smile. “You’re Ghosttown too, now.” She rolled her eyes. “I mean, you always have been.” She bit her lip and stared back at Kase, a warm glow lighting her cheeks. “You all are a part of us, that’s all I’m saying.”
As a club, they were never concerned with being accepted by anyone outside of the Ghosttown Riders. What Carla was saying, though, was resonating with him and his club. She turned to the van, and Kase stepped forward, finding his voice.
“Thanks. You send me the bill.”
She scoffed. “There is no bill, no charge. Like I said, it’s what we do here. We threw in some plates, napkins, and utensils. We weren’t sure what you all needed.”
“Joe will grab it.”
Joe rounded the back of the van and halted when he looked inside. “Uh Kase, man, I’m gonna need some help.”
He furrowed his brows and stepped closer, getting a glimpse. There had to have been over fifty foil trays of food. Who the fuck did they think they were feeding?
He eyed Carla. “You did all this?”
“We all did. Some came down to the diner to prepare the stuff, others did it at home.” She glanced down the driveway, but from his view with the van blocking, he couldn’t see who she was looking at. “And others will bring it themselves. Coop, go help her before she throws her hip out.”
Kase walked around to Phoebe, who was standing near the edge of the van, smiling. Mary, from across the road, was slowly making her way up the hill pulling a small red wagon that held two large bags. Coop grabbed the wagon from her and kept at her pace until they made it to the van.
Carla shook her head. “Mary, you should have called me. I would have sent Coop for it.”
Mary waved her hand. She inhaled a deep breath. It was a bitch of a hill for most people, but for an eighty-year-old pulling a wagon, it would be a beast. She released Coop’s arm and smiled warmly at Kase and the members. A few more had shown up and were standing behind him.
“I want to give my condolences in person.” She smiled and ambled up to stand in front of Kase, reaching out and taking his hand. “I didn’t know Jack, but I’ve heard an awful lot about him from Bailey, and
I wanted tell you how sorry I am.”
“And bring food, I’m guessing.” Phoebe chuckled and gripped his hand.
“It’s my banana bread. I only had time to make fifteen loaves, hope it’s enough.” She smiled, tightening her frail hand on his before releasing him. She turned to Carla. “Anyone else think of desserts?”
Coop cleared his throat. “Marley sent over the cookies and brownies,” Coop said. The man had been wary of the club. It struck Kase deeply that he and his wife would help them out.
Phoebe squeezed his waist. “Well, let’s get everything inside.”
Trax, Gage, and Dobbs stopped Carla when she grabbed a platter. “We’ll unload, we appreciate this.” Carla rested her hand on Gage’s back and smiled.
“You’d all do the same for us, I believe.”
Kase cleared his throat, gaining her attention. “We would.”
She smiled with a slow nod and moved away, allowing the men to grab the food. It took two trips with all the guys helping. There was more than enough for the large crowd they were expecting.
The whole scene was more than Kase could comprehend. They had all lived their lives with a stigma on their backs. At times, it rang true. The club was all they had.
Until Ghosttown.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The last two days had been a bittersweet, somber blur.
After the residents dropped off food, another truck came in with a few more trays and salads. Carla had said it best. It was what they did. She was surprised when the white Lexus pulled in, and she smiled when Elsa got out, heading to her trunk. She dressed up as though she was attending church and stuck out like a sore thumb. When Bailey started toward the car, Phoebe followed.
“Hi Elsa.”
She poked her head from the trunk and scowled. “No one told me.”
Phoebe blinked and glanced over at Bailey, who bit her lip. “Um, told you?”
She sighed heavily and rolled her eyes. “I didn’t find out until a few hours ago.”
Saint and Dobbs came over, probably from Elsa raising her voice at Bailey. As Phoebe moved closer, she saw the two boxes in the back of the truck. She stepped aside.
“I didn’t have time to make anything. Luckily, I know people.” She shrugged. “A twenty-pound turkey, farm raised, so it’s the good kind, and a honey ham.”
Phoebe bit back her laugh and watched as Elsa gestured for Saint and Dobbs to take the food. They thanked her and headed toward the door. Bailey spoke briefly while Phoebe stayed off to the side just watching. When Bailey walked away, Elsa rounded her car. She flicked her gaze to the backseat and then scanned around the lot, seemingly looking for someone. Her gaze locked on Phoebe, and she pursed her lips.
Phoebe raised her brows. Elsa was outspoken about her dislike for Phoebe, but it seemed she was the only option.
Elsa reluctantly waved her over, and Phoebe strolled toward her. When she rounded the back, Elsa was pulling out a large flower arrangement.
“There’s no church service.” It was a disgusted accusation. Considering Elsa’s generosity, Phoebe would let the snarky comment slide.
“Nope.”
Elsa shook her head. “Well, they can use it as a centerpiece.”
Phoebe grabbed the multi-colored array of spring flowers. There was no doubt she’d spent a ridiculous amount of money on them. “It’s very pretty.”
Elsa’s lips curved, though she seemed to be holding back. She jerked her head to the clubhouse. “And I’m gonna pray for all of them whether they like it or not.”
Phoebe smirked. “Thank you for all of this, including those prayers, Elsa.”
She didn’t respond and got in her car. Phoebe, nor any of the members, would ever get an invite to Elsa’s house, but even in small ways, the town had shown unity.
After bringing the flowers inside, much to the shock and amusement of many of the guys, she headed over to her place to take a shower.
“Do what ya gotta do, then get your ass back here. Pack your shit, you’re staying here tonight.”
Kase was harsh and hard, demanding and spouting orders. She let him. They all did. It was what he needed. The turnout for Jack had been bigger than anything she’d ever seen. He would have loved it.
She spent her time at the clubhouse helping out, and while Kase seemed all over the place with prepping Jack’s funeral, he was somehow always close by. Watching other people grieve was hard, watching Kase was heart wrenching. He was stoic and solid through the last two days. He never broke down. She hadn’t expected him to. That wasn’t Kase.
She wasn’t sure what to expect from a biker funeral, but by the end of day two, she was convinced this was what she wanted when she died. It was a celebration of his life. It was drinking whiskey and sharing stories. Those were the best, especially from the older members. There were so many people, she couldn’t be sure who was who, but they were all in agreement. Jack Reilly may not have been a model citizen, but he was a memorable and loyal brother.
The second night was winding down. Most of the visiting charters had headed out a few hours ago. She had finished cleaning up in the kitchen with the rest of the girls and took a seat at the bar.
“Can’t believe you’re leaving us, girl,” Macy said, shaking her head.
The group had been in complete disbelief when Nadia made the announcement an hour ago. While many seemed shocked, she wasn’t, and she noticed Kase wasn’t either.
Nadia leaned on the bar. “I’ll visit.”
Meg snorted. “You better.”
“Find a job yet?” Cheyenne asked.
Nadia glanced around the room. “Not yet, but I have a few leads bartending. It would work out ’cause then I can help my sister with the kids during the day.”
Phoebe zoned out of the conversation but continued to watch Nadia. She was loved and would be missed. While she hadn’t mentioned Carter to the other women, Phoebe had spoken to her brother earlier in the day. He called to extend his condolences to Kase. She only caught the tail end of the conversation when Kase said, “You take care of that one.”
Phoebe smiled, knowing he was speaking of Nadia. Carter would, and if things worked out, she’d be seeing a lot more of Nadia.
After an hour, she started to the back through the halls. It had been a while since she’d last seen Kase, and she wanted to check on him. He continued to be the quiet, stoic leader, which worried her. He was bottling up his own grief. He would handle it however he saw fit. And Phoebe would be there when he needed her.
She walked to the doorway, eyeing the crowd. There were more people than she’d ever seen outside of a concert. She found Kase talking with Gage, who had a buxom blonde on his lap. She also caught Val’s long hair swinging past her back as she made her way through the room.
Val sauntered up, and Phoebe smirked as she inched closer to Kase. She thought for sure Val would sidle up next to him. She didn’t. She glanced up at Kase, who didn’t pay her any mind, and then turned and continued her way through the room.
She walked through the crowds, sharing a few smiles with some familiar faces. It had been a long day for all of them. It may have been a party, but there was nothing wild about the scene. Small groups of brothers gathered, drinking and talking. A few games of pool were being played, along with darts. She weaved through the men and reached for Kase’s back. His back stiffened under her hand. He jerked his head.
When she smiled up at him, he curled his arm over her shoulder and pulled her into his side. His nose skimmed hers, and she rose to her toes, taking his lips for a quick kiss.
“You good?” It was her main objective for the whole day. She gave him the space she figured he needed and gave him the time with his brothers. It didn’t stop her from worrying. Kase wasn’t the type of man to break down and share his feelings. He was a brick wall she’d have to chip at to get inside. It was a task she was willing to take on.
Jack’s death, as tragic as it was, had become a turning point for them. Kase’s walls wer
e built so strong and high, yet she was getting in.
He lowered his head, grasping tight against her waist. “Checking on me, Phoebe?”
She curled her lips and angled her breasts against his chest. “Yes.”
His gaze darkened, his brown eyes appearing almost black, and he leaned closer. His breath fanned over her face. “Acting like an old lady.”
She knew the term; Bailey had explained it a while ago. It meant his woman, his one.
Her lips grazed his bearded chin, and she curled her face against his neck, whispering in his ear, “Does it bother ya, Kase?”
“No.” His answer was immediate, and she turned her head. Within seconds, his mouth was on hers. She grasped his neck, pulling him deeper into the kiss. Public displays of affection had never been her thing. She wasn’t necessarily opposed to it, but Jared was content with just hand holding. Kase was not. His tongue slipped past her lips, and she thrust her body against his, grabbing his neck and pulling him closer. She didn’t bother looking at those who watched. She didn’t care. All she wanted was Kase. His hand pressed against her back, his fingers trailing over her ass.
“Changed my mind.” He glanced over his shoulder around the room. “Staying at your place tonight.”
“Me or us?” she asked.
His hand tightened on her back, and his lips swept across her jaw. “Us.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
She stretched her arms over her head and curled her back to his side of the bed. She scooted her ass a few more inches and glanced over her shoulder, reaching behind her. She cocked up on her elbow, searching the empty room. Did he leave? He’d mentioned wanting to check out the site for Gage’s new house. Construction was set to start in a few weeks.
She rolled out of bed and got dressed, staggering out into the kitchen. From her doorway, the entire house was visible with no sign of Kase. The only telltale sign he hadn’t left was his cut hanging on the back of her chair. She wandered around her small space, peeking out the front door with no sign of him.
When she started back toward the kitchen, she noticed the back door open a crack. She made her way to the back and stopped at the door, peering down on her back steps. She had a small deck built off the back. There he was. She opened the door and made her way outside.