Page 61 of The Price of Love

Margot lost her shit when she discovered I’d joined the Steel Graces, but with their reputation being stellar, she didn’t have any ammunition against me. Though, even with the Graces, she’s tried to paint me as straight out of the Sons of Anarchy.

I pull my jacket from its hanger, but I leave my vest in the closet. I doubt Storm would care if I wore my colors, but going into the Thorns’ territory, I think it’s best not to. After dropping my jacket onto the kitchen table, I’m uncertain what to do with myself while I wait.

I can’t remember the last time I’ve been so nervous. At least I think it’s nerves since I have butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I consider sitting but know I’ll be up as soon as my ass hits the chair.

I pace into the living room and straighten the cushions on the love seat that I’ve straightened at least a dozen times this morning. With such a tiny apartment and limited possessions, there isn’t much to keeping it clean.

My sneakers catch my eye. I snatch them off the mat a few feet from the door and slide one onto my foot. As I’m lacing it up, a knock sounds, and I let out a yelp.

Shit. The walls are so thin, so Storm had to have heard. With one shoe on, I hobble to the door and take a deep breath before I open it.

Storm is standing there with a crooked grin. “Happy to see me, or do you always squeal when someone comes to your door?”

I narrow my eyes, attempting to give her a stern look, but my smile gives me away. “I didn’t squeal.”

“Then what would you call it?”

“A yelp.”

She laughs. “Okay. I stand corrected. Do you always yelp when someone comes to your door?”

“Maybe.” I turn away. “Come in.” I do my best to walk away gracefully, but it’s hard when I’m clomping across the room with only one shoe on.

I reach the opposite side of the living room and haven’t heard the door close, so I turn. Storm is staring at me with a smile on her face.

“Why are you just standing there?” I ask.

Storm puts her hand under her chin as if she’s thinking and then tilts her head. “Who needs high heels?”

“Huh?”

“Women around the world would give up high heels if they realized how nice their asses look doing the peg-legged pirate walk.”

“Jerk,” I say and pretend I’m going to throw my other shoe at her.

She laughs. “Sorry. I couldn’t help it.”

It was something else I hadn’t expected from the brooding president of the Iron Thorns. She makes me laugh—a lot—and I’ve not had much reason to laugh. Somehow, I think she knows that.

“Are you excited to get your bike back?” she asks.

“I am. But I still wish you’d let me pay you for it.”

“Ain’t gonna happen. Nora and Leah need you to save up your money.”

Warmth fills my chest. “Thank you. When they’re back with me, we’re going to take you out for a thank-you dinner.”

Storm smiles. “Deal.” Then her expression grows serious. “I’d like to help.”

I shake my head. As tempting as her offer is, I can’t take her up on it. Once money is involved, it changes everything. I don’t know where whatever we’re doing is going, but I won’t complicate it. “I appreciate the offer, but you know I can’t accept it.”

Storm sighs. “I thought maybe if I tried in person, I’d get a different answer. I swear, no strings attached. No-interest loans with generous repayment plans.”

I step toward her, forgetting I’m still holding one shoe, so I clunk, causing us both to laugh. I slip on my sneaker before I continue walking. Our gazes lock, and I feel heat radiating between us. Her dark brown eyes are the most intense I’ve ever seen.

“Money changes things,” I say. When she doesn’t respond, I continue. “And I don’t want any weirdness between us.”

She smirks. “Why does it feel like there’s already weirdness between us?”