Page 106 of Tempting Fate

Chapter Forty-One

Jamie

I want to skip right out of that packhouse. Or run. Get as far away from Axel as possible because I know he’s not going to do anything, but it’s been a long fucking day, and I just want to be alone.

Well, not alone. I want Patch and Em with me. Obviously.

“Come by mine tomorrow,” Kieran says as his and Sam’s taxi pulls up to the kerb. “I mean it. You don’t have to have made up your minds, but there is a bit to talk about.”

“Yeah, okay,” I say.

To my surprise, he pulls me into a hug. His hand comes up to the nape of my neck and something about him makes me truly relax for the first time all day. I sag against him, and he huffs in amusement.

“The afternoon,” he clarifies. “And get some rest. You’ve done a good job today, Jamie.”

“Thanks.”

Sam hugs me too, though it’s less overwhelming, and they both wave goodbye to Patch and Em before they leave. I turn to the pair of them.

“Shall I book the taxi, then?” No way I’m getting on the fucking Tube. I just want to be at home.

“I should get back,” Patch says. “Flynn will wonder…”

“Flynn’s not going to wonder about shit,” I reply. “Who do you think told me that I had the best claim to staying here?”

“Well, no, I know, but…”

“Are you running away again?” My voice doesn’t break, but barely. Em hurriedly pulls his phone out of his pocket.

“I’ll book something.”

“Jamie…”

“We need to talk this through.”

“Tonight?” Patch shakes his head. “Is that a good idea?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t—”

“I want to know exactly what’s going on,” Em says firmly. He has his arms crossed over his chest when I spin toward him. “All of it. Please.”

Patch caves immediately, of course. “Fine. Fine, I’ll come with you.”

“Great,” I say and pull out my phone. I don’t want to kick Nick out, but I don’t think either mine or Em’s bedroom is the best place for this chat, so it might be best if he waits upstairs.

Vince already offered me their sofa. Good luck! We’ll talk tomorrow.

At least Vince knows what’s up. When the taxi arrives, Patch sits up front and I glare at the back of his head; I want to sit in the middle, all squished between them. I need them close right now, and they’re not close enough.

We make it to the house, which is dark and quiet, and Em bustles straight off into the kitchen, waving for us to go into the living room. I sigh and shrug out of my jacket, then loosen my tie and unfasten the top button of my shirt.

Patch moves closer. He’s left his bike at Alpha Deacon’s packhouse, I realise, so he’ll have to go get it in the morning. If he stays the night.

My thoughts stop when he reaches out and tips my chin up. He turns my face, examining my cheek.

It hurt like a bitch when Gideon slapped me, of course. Really, though, I was more surprised than anything else. And then pissed off. Vince’s classes came in handy at least—I kicked him in the shin and legged it out of there.