Page 74 of Hash

“It was nice meeting you both,” I tell Evan and Sutton as I lamely wave goodbye.

I don’t know why goodbyes always feel so fucking awkward. Everyone needs to practice an Irish goodbye. I think the world would be a better place if no one would go home and replay how stupid they thought they sounded over and over again in their head.

“It was so nice to finally meet you!” Sutton says.

“I’m sure we will be seeing you very soon,” Evan adds. “And make sure to bring that little guy.”

“Always,” I say before heading back into the clubhouse to grab my stuff.

The sheets on Hash’s bed are still in the same mess we left them in. The light soreness between my legs is an even better reminder of what we did.

Looking around the room one last time as I grab the bags, I realize Hash is right. This room isn’t his home. His home has always been with me.

I exit his room and shut the door while I’m looking down at the bags in my hand, trying to get a good grip on them. Without looking up, I move toward the stairs but smack into someone.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry.” I rush out as I look up, meeting the cold eyes of a man. “I should have been watching where I was going. Are you okay?”

He says nothing as he takes me in, his face set in hard lines. I swallow as I look at this cut.

Trick.

This must be one of Hash’s brothers. I vaguely remember him mentioning him.

“I’m Aisling,” I say, trying to push through the tension that’s radiating off his body and clogging the air.

I would bet all the money in my bank account and say this man doesn’t like me.

“I know who you are,” Trick says, his voice sending a chill down my spine. “You have some fucking balls showing up here.”

Um, what?

“I, I didn’t just show up,” I stammer. “I was invited.”

I’m not usually one to cower in situations like this, but he’s freaking me out. My eyes dart around him, looking at the stairs and hoping Hash will appear to rescue me. He has to be wondering where I am. It doesn’t take that long to grab a few bags.

Maybe this isn’t the best time to have this conversation. As I move to step around him to go find Hash myself, Trick moves with me, blocking my path.

Goosebumps pepper my skin. This is the first time in my life I’ve been truly afraid of what’s about to happen.

“By who?” Trick demands.

“Hash,” I answer slowly.

Who else would have invited me?

Trick’s nostrils flare as his eyes narrow. “The only reason he invited you is to have a relationship with the son he just found out about, no thanks to you. Don’t for one second think he’s in this for you. You’re just some pussy along the way. Anyone who keeps a child hidden from a parent is trash.”

Emotions clog my throat as my chest aches.

“I didn’t keep him hidden,” I whisper.

“Really? Then explain to me how he wakes up one day and discovers he has a fucking kid.” Trick sneers. “I know bitches like you. You were just buying your time until you could pop back up and use the kid to get whatever you want out of my brother. You say jump, and he says how high just so he can see his kid. Well, I’m not about to let you turn him into your bitch toy.”

My eyes start to burn as my body trembles.

Why is he being so mean?

I’ve never asked Hash for money. I threw the money he tried to give me back at him. I haven’t asked him for anything.