Page 41 of Colt

19

Ember

Fuck Colt! I knew this morning was going to be awkward, that’s why I tried to leave last night. But when he asked me to stay, I could see the pain in his eyes. He was hurting with the loss of his brother, and I couldn’t leave him like that. Maybe a part of me hoped it meant things were getting better between us. But, when I heard him downstairs, I realized I’d been the convenient option. It didn’t mean anything. Deep down, I knew that, but I’d at least hoped for a truce of some kind. Instead, this whole arrangement was going to be hellish and not much better for my mental state than my relationship with Torch.

I was tempted to stay in my room for the rest of the day, but I still had some loose ends to tie up with Torch. The thought of being alone with him sent chills down my spine, but I had to do it.

Hoping like hell Colt already left for work, I made my way downstairs for the second time this morning. Lucky for me, it appeared most of the guys were either in their rooms or out for the day. A few minutes later, I heard a couple of voices in the hallway, one I recognized as belonging to the man I was waiting for.

Stone and Torch both stopped when they saw me sitting alone at the bar. “Hey, Ember. We’re heading out. You sure you want to stay?”

I appreciated Stone’s concern for me, and I was glad my brother had some good men he could rely on even if his VP was a total scumbag.

“I’m sure.” I offered him a smile to let him know I was good. “Torch, can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Go wait outside. I’ll catch up in a minute,” he instructed Stone, and then moved toward me.

Having him in my space made my fight or flight instincts kick in, but I pushed them down and held myself steady.

“We were interrupted yesterday before you told me if we have a deal or not. I’ll get you as much information as I can if you promise me James will be safe.”

I’d never been a good liar, something my parents were grateful for when I was growing up, but I needed Torch to believe me now. If I could get him to agree, I would fill Viking and Colt in as soon as the guys were back on the road to Reno. With their help, I figured I could feed Torch tidbits of information to keep him off my back and from finding out Las Vegas was looking into him.

I could see the wheels spinning in Torch’s mind. I didn’t know what he was trying to accomplish, but it appeared he still needed my help since he hadn’t acted on his threats yet.

“I’ll give you one more chance, but that’s it. You fuck up again and I’ll make sure Ice and Phoebe pay for your mistakes.”

I swallowed hard. “You have my word,” I promised while praying I could pull this off.

“You have three days to get me something useful.” He ended our conversation and walked out the door.

Relief coursed through my veins as the first part of my plan was set. Now I needed to work with Colt and Viking to make sure I could give Torch something soon that would fulfill his demands.

* * *

I’d filled Viking in earlier about my deal with Torch and he said the two of us and Colt would sit down tomorrow and hammer out the details of what I should tell Torch. It was now just after nine, and I was still downstairs talking to a couple of the guys when the front door to the clubhouse opened, and Colt walked in. I didn’t know where he’d been all day, nor did I care. I was still pissed about what I’d overheard this morning.

Not sure if I would smack him or burst into tears if I was forced to be in the same room, I grabbed my water bottle, said goodnight to everyone, and started heading toward my room.

“Got a second?” Colt asked as I brushed past him near the stairs.

It looked like I wasn’t going to escape so easily when he grabbed my upper arm. It wasn’t tight, but it was firm, so I shrugged my shoulders. “I guess.”

He let go and led me out the back door to the large patio. I sat down as far from him as I could. It may have been childish, but I didn’t care.

“I need a favor.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. There was no lead-up, no apology for acting like a jerk earlier, he just jumped in and asked me to do something for him.

“You are unbelievable, but why am I surprised you expect everyone else to work around your issues?” The words just popped out, but I didn’t regret them. To Colt’s credit, he took it and didn’t disagree. I leaned back and crossed my arms over my chest. “Go ahead, Colt. Please tell me what I can do for you.” It was impossible to keep the sarcasm out of my voice.

“You’re still mad about this morning, aren't you?”

I rolled my eyes. “You think?”

Judging by the way he was running his hands through his hair and refusing to look at me, it was clear my attitude was annoying him.

“Look, I’m sorry if you’re mad. I didn’t mean for you to hear any of that shit. But the truth is I should never have let things between us go that far.”