Page 13 of Colt

7

Ember

Torch and I pulled up behind Fitz in front of the house Meredith secured for me. It was a cute little place with white stucco siding and a red tile roof, which gave it a slight Spanish flair. I looked around the front yard; it was small just like the place behind it, but a small yard meant less upkeep, which was perfect. Under the front window were some exotic flowers and native plants mixed together. There was a sitting area made up of wrought iron furniture on the porch. I could imagine myself sitting out here, enjoying what appeared to be a peaceful space. Meredith had done a great job finding this place.

I noticed the house was in a quiet neighborhood, a bit away from the main road. Safety was always a concern for the club, and since I would be living alone, there was no way they would leave me vulnerable. Warmth filled my heart knowing that Viking was making sure I was treated the same way as if it were my father or brother picking this place out for me.

“Here’s your key.” Fitz handed it over as he followed Torch and me to the door.

I stepped inside and was just as pleased with the interior as I was with the outside. There was a small living area, just big enough for the loveseat and chair already arranged. The kitchen was off to the left with a window overlooking the walkway outside. At the far end of the living room was a sliding glass door that led to a small patio.

“Down this hallway is your bedroom and bathroom,” Fitz explained as I continued to explore my new place.

The bedroom was exactly what I would have picked for myself. Not too big but not too small either. There was already a queen-sized bed in the center with enough walking room around it, along with two small, white nightstands and a matching dresser. The light purple bedding set put a smile on my face.

“Meredith picked out the bedroom set. She wanted me to tell you if you don’t like it she’ll use it for their guest room and take you shopping for something different.”

“This is great! Thank you so much.” I wrapped my arms around Fitz’s neck, but someone clearing their throat behind me ended the hug just as fast as it began. I ignored Torch’s glare as I continued to check out my new place.

When I walked back to the kitchen, I heard a few more bikes pull up, followed by the van carrying my possessions. As I looked over the group, I saw Viper and Mac amongst them, but it didn’t escape my attention that Colt wasn’t with them. He’d managed to avoid me the entire time he was in Reno, and I didn’t see him again last night after we rolled into Vegas.

Viking led the group of guys up to my front door where he knocked instead of walking in. The gesture was a kind one, allowing me some semblance of privacy even though one of the clubs was paying for this place.

I opened the door and was immediately wrapped up in another hug—one Torch couldn’t say anything about. “How do you like the place?” Viking asked as he moved back and let the other guys pass to bring in my boxes.

“It’s wonderful!” I said, truly grateful. “Please thank Meredith for me. I’m sure this was a lot of work getting everything set up.”

“You can thank her tonight. She’ll be at the clubhouse.”

My smile faltered. I had no desire to be Torch’s arm candy for another party. “I didn’t know anything was going on tonight.”

“It’s not a full-blown party, just a hang-out after church.”

Obviously, Torch needed to be there, but I’d wanted to settle in. He loved throwing me off kilter like this, but I had no choice in this matter, regardless of whether he’d told me about the party or not.

It didn’t take long to get my stuff moved in. As a ‘thank you’ for all the help, I ordered a couple of pizzas for lunch and we ate in the living room.

“So, what are your plans while you’re here?” Fitz asked around a massive bite of pepperoni pizza.

“Well, the first thing is finding a job. I know I’m only going to be here for a few months, but I need to find something.”

“What did you do back home?” Viper asked.

“I’ve been working in medical billing since graduating from TMCC.”

“Kate’s friend Evelyn just started working at the hospital downtown. Maybe she can check to see if they’re hiring,” Mac offered.

I smiled. “I would appreciate that, thank you.”

Mac smiled back at me, and I could feel Torch stiffen next to me. I hated that every single interaction with another guy caused him to react with such anger. While it’d be a relief to not have to deal with this on a daily basis, the cost of my freedom would be helping him with his scheme while I was here. James’ comment about something happening in the background with the Phantoms also worried me. Would I really be safer here?

No longer hungry, I pushed my pizza away. There were so many things pushing and pulling at me: Keeping Phoebe and James safe, not feeling like I had anybody to really talk to, Colt’s dark energy and his disapproval of me, and on top of that, Torch wanting me to betray the club was all making me sick to my stomach.

Once the guys finished lunch and left, I kept myself busy unpacking and organizing my new kitchen, all to avoid having to deal with Torch. I noticed while I worked, he was sitting on the couch in the living room, typing away on his phone. That was normal for him, and I often wondered if it was his wife on the other end of those messages. We didn’t see her around the clubhouse very much, and I questioned if she knew the kind of monster she was married to.

Around eight later that night, I decided to head back to my room to change. I picked out a pair of skinny black jeans, paired them with an olive green tank top that dipped low in the back and had a deep V in the front. I went a little darker with my makeup and added some large curls to my hair. I grabbed my favorite pair of black leather boots and put them on just before walking out of my room.

“You ready?” Torch asked from where he was still sitting in the living room.