Page 7 of After Glow (Lost Kings MC 11)
Neither of us said another word until I pulled into the clubhouse lot, parking directly in front of the dark gray building, the club’s emblem positioned high above the entrance door.
“Wait here. I won’t be long.” I ignored him and opened my door at the same time he did. “What are you doing?”
“I have to pee.”
He stretched his neck from side to side. “Fine. Let’s go.”
No matter how upset he seemed to be with me, his manners never escaped him. He held the door for me, placing his hand on the small of my back as we entered. The small gesture calmed some of my earlier irritation.
Two men sat at the bar, and two more lounged on the couch. Their chatter died when they saw me, but I ignored them. My only focus was relieving my bladder.
“I’ll be right back,” I said, heading toward the hallway. I could feel the stares of the men as I passed but didn’t take it personally. I didn’t think women often visited this place. My assumption, at least.
Once I’d finished and reentered the main room of the clubhouse, I scoured the area looking for Utah but didn’t see him.
“He’s in Chambers. You can wait here.” A man smacked the stool beside him. “I won’t bite.”
I recognized him as the man who helped bring Utah to my place. “Brick, right?”
“Yeah. And you’re Ria?” I nodded, situating myself on the barstool next to him.
“Do you want something to drink?”
“I could use some water.”
“You got it.”
He rose from his seat and instantly dwarfed me. He was even bigger than Utah. He leaned over the bar and grabbed me a bottle of water, setting it down in front of me.
“Thanks.” I twisted off the cap and took a healthy swig.
“My wife, Zoe, was constantly thirsty when she was pregnant.”
His smile deepened at the mention of her, and I thought it was sweet. If anyone saw this guy on the street, they’d cross the road to get away from him. They say not to judge a book by its cover, but appearances are the first thing anyone noticed. AndBrick looked unapproachable. But sitting next to him, able to witness his demeanor, he seemed anything but.
“How many kids do you have?”
“Just one for now. Isabelle. She’s gonna be eight months old soon.” He swiped the screen on his phone and turned the device toward me. A picture of a gorgeous redheaded woman and a precious baby appeared.
“She’s adorable. You have a beautiful family.”
“Yeah, I’m a lucky guy.” He stared at the image for several more seconds before flipping over his phone. “Is this your first?” he asked, pointing toward my belly.
I nodded. “I’m a little scared.”
“So were we. You’ll be fine. You and Utah will figure it out.”
“I hope so.” I glanced around the room. “Speaking of, where is he again?”
Brick pointed toward a set of closed doors near the entrance. “Chambers. He’s talking with Salzar.” Based on my expression, he elaborated, “The president of our club.”
“Oh, okay. He wanted to find out about Crash’s funeral. Or he could be talking about the Mexico trip.” I mumbled the last sentence, hoping he’d hear me and offer some information. Delusional, I was aware.
“What do you know about Mexico?” Brick angled his large body toward me, his expression darkening slightly.
“Utah told me some of you are going to Mexico to have a little chat with the cartel.” Brick’s eyebrows shot up. “I know it has something to do with Crash’s death. I think it’s reckless, especially for him, because he almost just got killed. He’s not even remotely healed, yet he’s willing to risk his life again. And for what? He can’t change what happened.” I rambled on more than I thought I would, but it turned out that I needed to get some things off my chest. I tried telling Utah this, but he seemingly dismissed everything I’d said as ridiculous. At least, that was my take on our earlier conversation.
“No, he can’t change what happened. But he can ensure, right along with the rest of us, that you and that baby will be safe going forward.” His voice dipped in seriousness. “I’d do everything possible to protect my family.” His words fell away for a moment as a far-off look swirled through his brown eyes, and I couldn’t help but wonder if a memory had captured him.
