Page 47 of Kiwi

"Alright, sweetheart." Uncle Able sits in the chair across from Lelani, getting on her level. "You have a couple of options. Just know that whatever you choose, my club is willing to help. Option one is we help you get back home."

Lelani visibly swallows, and I squeeze her hand for support. "Go back to Vegas?"

"Yeah. If you choose to go back, I'll have one of my men escort you there. Do you have any family back home? Anyone besides your piece of shit, brother?"

"No. I don't have anyone. No family. I don't think I can go back."

Uncle Abel nods. "No, I don't suppose you do. That leaves us with option two. And that is you stay here in New Orleans. We help you get settled here. Whatever you need, we'll help you get."

"I…I don't know. I've always depended on my brother. I wouldn't know where to begin on starting over."

I cut in. "You have us, Lelani. Like my uncle said, everyone here will be happy to help you."

Behind Lelani, Austin leans over and grips the back of the sofa, his knuckles turning white. As if she can sense a presence behind her, Lelani sits up straighter and turns her head slightly toward Austin. Bella looks between Austin and Lelani then over at Alba. A second later, they share a look with Grace, Mila, Emerson and Sofia. Something passes between them, and I have a feeling I know what it is. Bella speaks up. "What are your feelings on Montana?"

Lelani scrunches her face in confusion. "Montana?"

"Yeah. Would you consider coming back to Montana with me, Alba, Mila, Grace, Em and Sofia?"

"It's perfect!" Alba adds. "Sofia has a place, New Hope House. It's a place for women who are looking to start over."

Mila and Sofia nod in agreeance. Grace looks over at her husband, giving him a cheeky smile. The corner of Jake's mouth lifts into a smirk. He regards Lelani. "My brothers' invitation is extended to my club should you choose to move to Montana."

We all wait with bated breath for Lelani to make her decision. We don't have to wait long. And with a sudden burst of courage, Lelani takes a deep breath and juts out her chin. "I think Montana sounds lovely. That is if you are sure about your offer. I refuse to be anyone's burden ever again."

"You're not a burden," Austin growls from over my shoulder, causing Lelani to jump. All eyes are now on Austin.

A faint blush creeps up Lelani's neck as she ducks her head. She can't see, but no doubt, her other senses are hyper-aware of the man standing behind her.

Jake clears his throat. "It's settled then. You'll be coming back to Polson with us." Jake stands. "Try to get some rest tonight. We ride out first thing in the mornin'." Jake regards Blake. "You cool with Lelani riding with you tomorrow?"

"Lelani will be on the back of my bike," Austin cuts in.

Jake studies Austin for a beat, then nods. "Alright, brother." With that, the men retreat inside, leaving us women alone. Lelani is the first to speak. "That Austin guy is a little intense."

"Oh, Lelani," Bella smiles. "You have no idea."

"Your dad saysyou're going to school to be a veterinarian. That's pretty fuckin' cool."

I smile at Grey. It's late, and almost everyone has turned in for the night since the Montana Chapter will be leaving early in the morning. I tossed and turned in my bed for the better part of an hour then decided to come downstairs and make myself some hot tea, hoping it would help settle me enough to get some sleep. Grey was in the kitchen with a bottle of whiskey when I walked in.

"I am. I just finished my first year over in Texas."

"Did you always want to be a vet?"

I shake my head. "No. The decision was last minute. I started working for the local clinic in my last year of high school and fell in love with everything about it." I shrug. "I guess you can say I didn't have any direction, then one day," I snap my finger, "it just clicked."

"I get that." Grey takes a sip from the tumbler in his hand. "It was like that for the club and me."

Grey and I are interrupted when the kitchen door opens and Tai walks in. He stops dead in his tracks, his eyes passing back and forth between Grey and me. His face goes hard. I'm confused for a moment as to why he looks pissed. Then I realize how close I am sitting next to Grey. Our midnight conversation is entirely innocent, but by the way my body is leaning into Grey's, I can see why Tai would think differently.

"Brother," Grey tips his head at Tai.

Tai levels Grey with a stern look while remaining silent for several beats. "Grey."

Grey must read something on Tai's face because a second later, he stands. "I'm turnin' in." Turning his back to Tai, Grey addresses me. "It was nice talkin' to ya, Piper."

"You too, Grey. I'm glad I finally got to meet you." Grey strides past Tai, giving him a nod. Sighing, I push away from the table and take my now empty cup to the sink. "You know, we were only talking. There was no need to come in here and piss all over me. Especially when I'm not yours."