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I could not say what she expected. Say my baby belonged to Kingpin. I would not.
Instead, I said, “I left because I was embarrassed. Because everyone would know what he did to me.” Touching my neck, I spoke of Kingpin in a way to let her think I was talking about Hallow. Only Kingpin would realize. “I know I let everyone think I didn't want it. But I did. I just didn't realize it at the time.” I was still talking about Kingpin, but I didn’t want them to keep thinking Hallow raped me. “I was upset when it happened at first, but only for a moment. The tiniest moment. But then I loved it. You see. It was all a big misunderstanding. He thought I didn’t want him, but I did. He got back with his ex.” I spoke of Sky, letting her think I was talking about Steph. “Then I found out I was pregnant. I didn't know what to do. I hadn't been with another man. I ran away.” On the edge of their seats, they seemed to buy it. All but Paisley who knew Hallow didn’t rape me that night. “Anyway, Kingpin found me. We've talked about how everything was a big mistake. I'm ready to go back to Hallow now. If he’ll have me.”
I told Kingpin I wouldn't lie. And I didn't. Not technically. But I wasn't stupid. I was lying all the same. I was leading them to believe something that was simply not factual even as I spoke my truth. I’d be doing the same thing if Hallow ever showed up.
Chapter 20
Kingpin
At the bar I was certain that Eve was going to tell Sky everything. I was prepared to take it. Deal with the consequences of my actions. But Eve shocked the hell out of me again. Her words struck me, though. She tried not to tell a lie. Even though she was addressing the few there, Paisley, Sky, and Leo, her words were for me. And I didn't know what to do with them. I had a choice. I could stop her and tell the whole truth. Tell everybody, I wanted to be with her. Or I could let her save face. Not only did she convince Sky Hallow was the father of her baby, but she also claimed the rape that didn’t even happen wasn’t as bad as they thought it was.
Eve said she’d wanted me. But that didn’t mean she wanted me now. Ultimately, I didn't truly believe if she had a real choice between Hallow and me that she would pick me. For the rest of that week, I kept my distance. Eve was keeping away from me, too. I got my news of her from Jassica. Hallow called and took my deal. He was coming back to Royal Road for Eve.
The next day when I made it to the clubhouse, I walked in to hear an angel singing. Eve was back at it, up on stage with Rome strumming his guitar beside her. She was singing, bluegrass, “I’ve Got That Old Feeling”. She sounded as beautiful as ever. But I made it a point not to look at her. I didn't even glance her way. Going straight to my office, I got on my phone. I let Gunn and Cricket know to expect Hallow. I wanted to see him as soon as he arrived. Later that night. Gunn brought him to me.
Hallow stood in front of me, at attention, like the good soldier he was.
Behind my desk, I sat, leaned back and put my boots up.
He asked right away, “You serious about an officer position?”
“I keep my word. Thorn’s becoming my enforcer. And you'll take over his station."
Hallow started to argue.
Standing, I stopped him. “I don't often get blackmailed into a promotion, brother. That might be how things work in your old job.”
“Blackmailed? Thought you just wanted me to be with Eve.”
“I don't want you to be with Eve. Eve loves you. As I see it, you wouldn't come back until you got a position. You belong to this club, this chapter. You promised me this girl was the one. You were going to marry her? I see this as blackmail. You have private information about my chapter. And if you leave my club without my permission, you'll leave in a body bag. Because of Eve and only for Eve, you'll be my cleaner.”
Hallow crossed his arms. His head went sideways. Alone in my office with me, he knew better than to argue.
Allowing this biker to come without a real hazin’ had been a mistake. Hallow had gotten too big for his britches. “You're standing here so I can make it crystal clear that the next time you leave Royal Road and refuse to come back, refuse an order from your President, you’ll be leaving this life for good. Not with your backpack ripped off, burned off, or whipped off, you’ll be leaving life, period. Brothers have perished for much less. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Prez.”
“And another thing. We don't go leaving our women high and dry.”
“I didn't know Eve was pregnant.”
“That's no excuse. You should’ve known. She wears your brand. You and I made a deal. If you planned to leave her, you should’ve informed the club. Now, she's over at Goliath's place. I don't know your personal business. But once Eve says you can move in there, you can move in there. For now, you're over top of the bar.” I slid him a key. Hallow took it.
“If it’s all the same, I’ll stay over at the Eagles’ Nest.”
“Boy, I thought you were used to taking orders. That was an order. I know you’ve shacked up with Steph. You’re only an officer because of Eve, so get rid of her. Today.”
I dismissed him before he could argue. Leaving my office when he did, I followed him. When he went straight from the club house toward the officers’ houses, I watched from a distance.
He banged on Eve’s door. She answered it, and slunk back in. Hallow disappeared inside with her. I wouldn't know what was happening.
And it killed me.
Fuck, I should’ve gotten the place bugged.
Chapter 21
Hallow
