Page 85 of Steele

He lifted his gaze. “How does my daughter fit in with all your changes?”

“If you’re asking if I’m serious about her. I am. But I’m not pressuring her for more.” I put muscle into loosening a bolt. “I’m going to be there for her.” I grunted and tugged, and the nut finally twisted. “Whatever she needs.” I stared hard into his eyes. “I think she needs me. She needs someone she can count on.” Someone who won’t fuck her over.

“And you think that’s you?”

“I know it is.” I smiled. “I just need to convince her.”

“She’s stubborn, but she’s strong. Strongest woman I’ve ever known. Makes me proud that she’s mine. After everything she’s been through, I trust her to know what she needs.”

Russ turned on the radio. As we worked, he talked about his accident, about Matti, and he told me stories about Jaymi. “When she’s teaching, you can see she has a way with kids. Anyone can see she was made to be a mother.”

Russ smiled at me, but I didn’t say anything. Good thing because a moment later, Jaymi popped into the garage.

“How is it going?”

Russ killed the engine and tossed a shop rag to me. “Working on the timing.”

Jaymi sidled up next to me. The subtle scent of her perfume, the soft tone of her voice, and the way she tucked her hair behind her ear as she stared into my eyes had my gut twisting and pressure tightening my chest. Her tongue slicked across her bottom lip. If we were alone, I’d have my mouth on hers. “Mom has dinner ready.”

“Good.” Her dad clicked off the radio and headed toward the door.

I pulled on my cut, still ignoring the messages that had to be waiting, and stepped closer to Jaymi.

Her dad kept talking as he walked away. “When you two come out next Sunday, we can work on the suspension.”

Jaymi chuckled and mouthed, “Sorry.”

I draped my arm around her shoulders. “I guess I passed the test,” I whispered to her.

I didn’t get the chance to check my phone until we were about to leave. Jaymi remained on the porch for hugs and a little private conversation. The last message came in over an hour ago.

Bullet: We can’t meet at the MC. Tomorrow morning at CCC.

I responded.

Steele: It’ll have to be early. I have court.

Bullet: Early is good. Think we can get Jazzy to bring breakfast?

“Everything okay?” Jaymi asked, taking her helmet from my handlebars.

I popped my phone into the mount. “Club business.” I hadn’t talked to her about Kodiak. I probably should. I didn’t want secrets between us, but I also didn’t want her to think the MC was dangerous. I wanted her to feel safe with me.

“Thank you.”

I buckled her helmet. “Meeting your family was good for me, too.”

She smiled, braced a hand on my shoulder and climbed on behind me. Then she waved to her parents as the pipes rumbled, and I rolled the throttle. This felt good. She felt good. I just hoped tomorrow, karma didn’t fuck me over and turn my life to shit.

Chapter Thirteen

Steele

Lights were on inside Crew Custom Cycle, but I couldn’t see anyone through the glass windows. Maybe I’d misunderstood the time. Instead of parking, I rode around to the backside of the building.

Blade’s Harley was parked next to Bullet’s ride along with Rogue’s and Jazzy’s. Romeo, Dozer, and Torch were here. The whole fucking board was already inside. Maybe they were all in the office. Maybe they’d already decided what to do. Maybe I was fucked, too.

The whole situation was fucked. But I wasn’t the one who fucked it up. Kodiak needed a club intervention. He’d already been on probation once. That he’d be put out bad was less toxic than what Wrench would’ve done to him. The dead prez of the Crawlers would have put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger. Fuck being dishonorably expelled from the club. He’d be dead.