by Amelia Shea
“Kase Reilly, huh?”
She glanced up and smirked. “Polar opposite of Jared.”
He snorted and cocked a brow. “Not a bad thing when you put it that way.”
“He’s not a bad guy, Carter.”
He smiled and sighed. “No, he’s not.” He angled his head. “Not with those he loves.” He stood and walked toward the door. “Call Dad, he thinks you’re still pissed at him.”
She bolted up. “Going to get Nadia?”
“In an hour.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Why? Gonna invite me for dinner?”
She shrugged, and for the first time in her life, she didn’t want her brother to walk out of the room. “I’m not cooking for your ass, but I will let you buy me a burger at the diner.”
He shook his head and laughed. “Get your shit before I change my mind.”
****
The vote was unanimous, as he knew it would be. Hades was officially a Ghosttown Rider.
“Welcome, brother,” Kase said and rose from his seat. He walked over, extending his hand, and pulled him in for a hug. He’d had his reservations about Hades joining their charter. He’d always been loyal to the club, but he was coming from a different charter with illegal ties. If Hades could stay out of that shit and keep on with them, he was sure this decision wouldn’t come to bite him in the ass.
Kase stepped back, allowing his brothers to welcome him. Kase watched from the corner of the room as Saint approached.
He stepped in line next to Kase and sighed. “I’ll keep my eyes on him.”
“Not concerned, Saint. He’ll do the right thing, ’cause if he doesn’t, he’s out.”
“He’s got too much riding on this.” Saint didn’t elaborate. He didn’t have to. Allie. He watched the men filter out the door, and followed behind with Saint at his side. The party would be the first since Jack’s funeral. It was good. The club needed some good shit happening.
He breeched the door and found Meg leaned up against the wall. She smiled at the brothers as they passed by and pushed off the wall when Kase stopped next to her.
“What’s going on, darlin’?” She would forever hold a soft spot for him and all the brothers. He usually didn’t take outside help, but Meg stepped up when they needed it five years ago for the LLC to buy the property in Ghosttown. Not a woman he trusted more. Until Phoebe.
“Need a minute.” She smiled, and he backed up, ushering her into the room again. Most of the brothers followed Hades to the bar except Saint, Trax, and Rourke, who came back into the room. Trax and Rourke were especially close to Meg, as was Kase.
Meg pulled out the seat and sat down. “Got a call last night. James Zink?”
Kase furrowed his brows. The name wasn’t familiar.
“He’s from a leasing company. Was interested in leasing out the land in Ghosttown for development. He gave some spiel about making money, sold it as if I could make crazy cash.” Meg folded her hands at her waist and shifted in her seat. “I originally wrote it off as bullshit marketing, but then he mentioned he had a resident interested. A rep was setting up a meeting.”
Kase furrowed his brows. “Who?”
She swallowed with an uneasy sigh. Her answer was going to piss him off, he could feel it. “Phoebe.”
Kase felt the fire burn through his blood. “Bullshit.” Meg flinched. Fuck! His intention wasn’t to come after her. Saint rested his hand on his shoulder, and he jerked his glare to his brother.
What the fuck?
“Kase,” Meg said, gaining his attention. Her face softened. “That’s what he said, but I got my doubts. This morning I got a call from the rep. A mousy little thing who mentioned she’d be up in the area and wanted to set up a meeting. When I pushed, she basically confirmed she was trying to get a meeting with Phoebe.” She raised her brows. “She didn’t have one set up. Sweetheart, these are salespeople. It’s what they do. Thinking Phoebe might not realize her name is being thrown around.”
Kase eyed Saint. It was only a matter of time before they’d have to deal with people trying to come in. He thought it would be a few years while they opened up their businesses in Ghosttown, but he knew eventually the vultures would descend. This company was just one of many who would think they could make a go at Ghosttown. No fucking way. He needed to send a message. He gripped the chair and nodded to Saint, who read his mind. He smirked and jerked his chin. Kase turned to Meg.
“Call them back, set up a meeting. Need you to sell it like you’re interested, Meg.”
Her eyes widened, and she glanced up at Saint.
“What? Why?”
Kase stretched his back, eyeing his brothers. They’d known him long enough. They knew where his mind was at. Trax and Rourke nodded.
“You set it up, you let Saint know when, and make it at the town hall.” He stalked around his brother. There was only one person he needed to see now, and she better hope to fucking God her answers didn’t piss him the hell off.
Saint would handle Meg and explain the details. He walked through the bar, ignoring the naked women, and made a beeline for the door, tossing it open and hearing it slap against the building. He needed to calm himself. Meg’s voice played over in his head, reminding him Phoebe hadn’t betrayed him. His blood still boiled at the possibility. He hopped the fence and double timed to her door, not even bothering to knock as he swung open the door.
She jumped and gasped when he started toward her. She was smiling, but grew wary as the seconds passed. “I was just on my way over.” She blinked. “Something wrong?”
He stood across the counter and rested his knuckles on it. “Did you fucking set up a meeting with the leasing company to buy your place?”
Her eyes widened, and she blushed. Fuck. It was not the response he wanted. She held up her hands. “Hear me out, Kase.”
“What the fuck were you thinking?”
He should have known better. Phoebe wouldn’t respond kindly to his harsh response. She squinted and cocked her head. The blush across her cheeks wasn’t from anything other than fueled fire.
“You ain’t selling to that motherfucker.” He was losing his grip with her abashed reaction. No woman alive could get under his skin and do the fucking opposite of what he wanted like Phoebe.
Her lips pulled down. “Please, Kase. I don’t want to do this again.”
He scowled but knew exactly what she was referring to. He was starting an argument the same way he’d done before. It almost destroyed them. She glanced up through her lashes with a somber stare. She didn’t want this and neither did he. He drew in a breath and clenched his fists. He needed to calm the fuck down before he did something stupid and he lost her again. Maybe for good this time.
“When I listed the house, I got some calls from leasing companies. Most backed off when I said I wasn’t interested.” She sighed and rolled her eyes. “Except for this one. He’s a pushy little bastard.”
His brows furrowed, and the heat ran through his blood, but he remained silent.
“I spoke with James from Zink Realty Leasing, and once he explained how it worked, I knew it wasn’t an option. I love Ghosttown. I’d never do that, Kase. You of all people know how much this town means to me. Do you really think I’d throw it under the bus and have them come in and put a strip mall on my land?” She raised her brows.
She had a point, and it was making sense beyond his anger.
“Why the fuck didn’t you tell me?”
She shrugged. “The whole house fiasco was what almost ruined us. Why bring up something that is a sore subject?” Her voice lowered, and she shook her head.
He dragged his hands through his hair. It was long overdue, but with everything, his dad’s death, Hades coming in, he’d pushed it off. Her scowled, glaring across the counter and pinning her with his stare. “That fucking talk? It’s happening now. I’ll give you the loan. You pay back Carter.”
She clenched her jaw, shaking her head. “Kase.”
He raised his brows. “Non-ne
gotiable.”
She furrowed her brows and opened her mouth, but he held up his hand, and by a miracle she remained silent. “Same as a bank. Set up the loan with my lawyer. You pay each month; you work out a payment that works for you. No interest.”
“Kase.”
“No fucking interest, Phoebe.”
Phoebe laughed and leaned forward, resting her elbows on the counter, jutting her ass back. Fuck me. Seeing her in the position alone was throwing off his train of thought. He tightened his lips, shooting her a harsh glare. It did nothing. Her irritating yet sexy smirk never wavered.
She tilted her head. “I’ll think about it.”
He ground his teeth, feeling the pressured sting in his molars. “What do ya need to think about? You got no other fucking choice.” The second the words left his mouth, he regretted. It was talk like that which had her bolting. He balled his fists as he waited for her to lose her shit again.
She clucked her tongue. “Always got a choice, Kase.” She lifted her brow. “Heard Gage is pushing for a strip club in town.” She straightened her back and stood, mimicking his stance, except her arms cut into her breasts, causing her shirt to bunch and giving Kase a perfect view of her cleavage. It was a premeditated move. “If I got a side job…” Her blue eyes glimmered, and he drew in a breath. There was no doubt she knew how to work him. She skimmed her hands on the counter, making her way next to him. She stood next to him, inches from touching. It was calculated. She ducked under his arm, placing her body caged in his arms. She peered up through her lashes.
“I’m a great dancer. How different can it be without clothes?”
“You get off on pissing me off, dontcha?”
Her lips curled, and her blue eyes sparkled. “Maybe.” She licked her lips.
He shook his head knowing Jack was probably looking down on him laughing his ass off. He was settling this shit with her now.
“I’ll buy it, you pay Carter back, and we live here. Together.”
“Wanna move in with me, huh?” She grinned and cocked her head. “You’d really do that, put the money up for me?”
“I’d do a lot for you.”
She grinned. “Thank you.”
He nodded and breathed a sigh of relief.
“I talked to Carter this morning. He wants to continue with the loan.” She snorted. “I’ll pay him directly.”
“You want that?”
She shrugged. “I want to take the olive branch my brother is extending. It’s more than just the money.”
As much as he would have preferred to be the one helping her, he wouldn’t push. She and Carter needed something, and this was a start. Sibling relationships were hard to maneuver sometimes. He knew from his own experience with Caden. He wouldn’t come between them.
“Since we’re sharing, maybe we should just put it all out there.” She licked her lips; it was a nervous reaction to what she’d say next. “You said we’d live here together. You and me, Kase?”
“Yeah?”
She snorted, and her cheeks pinked. “Gonna make me say it?”
He’d have to, because he wasn’t sure what she was getting at. “What?”
“You and me? The long haul? You see us together?”
“Do you?”
She clamped her lips and nodded.
He brushed his hand over her jaw, forcing her gaze to meet his. “You and me.” He curled his lip. “Maybe even a kid or two, ’cause Riss is all over my ass about making her an aunt.”
Phoebe grinned. “She’d make a good aunt, I think.”
“Yeah.” He smirked and wrapped his arm around her waist. He understood it. Actually, made him fall for her a little more. He cupped her jaw, yanking her body against his and taking her for a kiss. Even fired up and pissed off, he’d be no match for Phoebe. The enemy was his downfall.
She pulled away. “How’d you know about the leasing company?”
“They reached out offering us a deal, same as you.”
She widened her eyes, and he caught the wariness.
“They wanna do this? Then let’s fucking do it. Set up the meeting.”
She widened her eyes. “What?”
“I want you to set it up, schedule it with Meg’s. Make it for Town Hall, I’ll arrange it with Bailey.”
“Why?”
“Because this is my fucking town, and I’m gonna be very clear about it.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Phoebe was the first to arrive, a few minutes before Bailey and Saint. Her friend opened the door and turned on the lights. It was strange to be in the town hall without all the residents. She dropped her bag in a chair and stretched her arms over her head. She wasn’t one hundred percent on board with the plan. It had to be done; she understood Kase’s reasoning. If they didn’t put up a solid front for the developers coming in, it would only be a matter of time before more would come. While the club owned three quarters of the town, there were a few residents who owned large parcels of land. If they were sold with a high offer, it could be the beginning of the end for the quaint and quiet Ghosttown.
“Bailey.” The deep warning had Phoebe turning around.
The tiny mayor sighed and rested her hands on her hips. There was no one cuter than a pregnant Bailey. It looked like someone had planted a giant Easter egg under her shirt.
“It’s a folding chair, Saint. I can lift it.” She blew out an exasperated breath and folded her arms. Saint had become quite possessive over Bailey. Well, more possessive. He started toward her, and she defiantly grabbed the chair, giving him her back. Phoebe covered her mouth, concealing her snicker.
“Feebs, tell him.”
Oh shit. She clamped her lips and shrugged. “I’m on Saint’s side with this one, Bails.”
Saint glanced over his shoulder and smirked while Bailey frowned. Her soft murmur echoed through the empty room. “Traitor.”
Phoebe kept her head down and helped Saint with the chairs, all the while feeling Bailey’s scornful glare on her back. Meg arrived a few minutes later. Thank God. It was a slight distraction for Bailey. She unfolded a chair, set it down at the end of the row, and then sat down. Something felt off, she just couldn’t place it.
“Hey, Saint?”
He glanced over from a few feet away and walked over to her.
“How hard will Kase go on this unsuspecting girl?”
He furrowed his brows. “What do you mean?”
She sighed and crossed her legs. “She sounded really young, ya know. She fumbled over her words and just seemed nervous as hell, and all we were doing was setting up a meeting.” Phoebe shrugged. “I guess I’m feeling a little guilty, which is so unlike me, but I just think she’s clueless, and I think Kase is out for blood.”
Saint nodded with a half-smile. “He’ll go hard. As you know, it’s how Kase usually handles things. He wants to set a precedent for any future developers thinking they can come in.” He paused. “Needs to be done.”
“That’s what I thought.”
“I’m guessing if he needs to be reeled in?” He cocked his head. “You’ll know how to handle him.”
She snorted. “I was hoping you’d handle him.”
Saint smiled and held up his hands. “No, he’s all yours. I got my own spitfire to handle.” He glanced up at Bailey, and she followed his gaze. Some couples were beyond perfect. That was Saint and Bailey.
There was a brief minute before the club descended on town hall. Kase led the pack into the old building. She was surprised to see as many brothers, but it made sense. The more backing, the deeper the intimidation. She stood, and was happily surprised when Kase made a beeline in her direction. They were official, though since the decision, she hadn’t been around the members of the club. It was new territory for her. She had never been overly affectionate with Jared or any past lovers. It seemed Kase was the opposite. He stopped in front of her and lifted his chin. She was slightly unprepared when he grasped her neck and pulled her against his chest, but she went willi
ngly. Why the hell wouldn’t she?
She trailed her hands down his shirt and raised on her toes. The kiss was what she’d come to crave from him. Soft lips parting, inhaling his heated breath, and a sensual slip of his tongue. Nothing scandalous but enough for her to tighten her grip to keep him from backing away. Her arm wrapped around his waist, and she deepened the kiss.
“Missed you.”
His gaze softened, and he leaned closer for another kiss. Then it was all business.
“Where is he?” Gage asked.
“Her,” Kase responded, and stepped out of Phoebe’s hold.
“What?”
Phoebe sighed. “Yeah, the developer set it up and sent a rep. Vada Zink.”
Kase snorted. “Vada? That’s her fucking name?”
Phoebe snorted and playfully slapped his stomach. “I think it’s adorable, and she sounded very sweet on the phone. Nothing like the shark of a developer from last week. Right, Meg?”
“That man is an asshole. I can just sense it by his tone.” Meg snorted. “But I gotta agree with Phoebe. Almost felt bad knowing it was a set up for her. She sounds young and innocent, like a lamb walking into the tiger’s cage.”
Kase snarled. “Don’t go soft on me Meg. Already got my doubts about this one.” He hooked his thumb over his shoulder, pointing at her.
“Hey.” Phoebe sidled up next to Kase. She wrapped her arm around his waist and dug her fingers into his side. He didn’t even flinch. His lip twitched. “I’m not soft. I’m an ex con, remember?”
The statement garnered a few chuckles from the men.
A soft voice echoed from the back door, and Phoebe turned. The little lamb had arrived. She looked exactly how she sounded. Young, naïve, and completely unprepared for what she was about to go up against. Phoebe and Meg both walked to the door.
“You must be Vada. I’m Phoebe.” She extended her hand.
“So nice to meet you in person.”