Page 106 of Priest

“So,” I said finally, “Priest came over last night.”

Evan’s eyebrows shot up. “Wait, Priest? At your door again? Was he delivering a pizza or just serving up drama?”

I huffed a laugh. “Neither. We talked. Actually talked. He told me about his past, why he’s got all those walls.”

Evan leaned in, mouth open in mock shock. “Hang on, are you saying the big, scary MC president actually unlocked the vault? Girl, did you have to bribe him with cookies or just threaten him with a stethoscope?”

I shook my head, but I was smiling. “No bribery needed. It was a lot, but… then things got heated.”

Evan’s hands went up like he’d scored a goal. “Oh, thank god! Time to call the Vatican and report a miracle. So, was it like a fireworks show? Did he pick you up and toss you on the bed? Details, Blue! Was it all slow burn or straight-up inferno?”

“Evan,” Lila warned, though her mouth was twitching.

“What? I am asking important follow-up questions.” He leaned closer, whispering conspiratorially, “Don’t you dare make me beg. Spill the hot chocolate, or I’ll start making up my own version!”

I covered my face for a second, laughing despite the nerves rolling around in my stomach. That was Evan’s gift. He could take a confession that felt too big to hold and wrap it in glitter until it became breathable.

Lila rolled her eyes, laughter bubbling up. “Ignore him. How do you actually feel, Blue?”

I sagged back in my chair. The truth sat there, messy and inconvenient, refusing to turn into something simple. “Honestly? I don’t know. Am I insane for even thinking about forgiving him? For opening my heart up again?”

Evan pressed a hand to his chest, feigning a swoon. “I’m not answering until Lila does. I want the responsible adult opinion first. Then I’ll give you the Evan Experience: unfiltered and probably illegal in seven states.”

Lila smirked, but her eyes were soft as she reached for her coffee. She took a second, the way she always did, making room for the real answer instead of rushing toward the easy one.

“He didn’t cheat, right?”

I shook my head. “No, he didn’t.”

Lila nodded. “So really, he just kept you out with those walls. But before Sadie started her crap, those walls were coming down on their own, weren’t they?”

I nodded, fidgeting with the sleeve of my cup. “He said so. I think I just forced the issue by running away.”

“I think you protected yourself,” Lila said quietly. “That matters too.”

I looked at her, my throat tightening a little.

Evan, meanwhile, was vibrating with excitement, apparently unable to contain himself one second longer. “Baby, let me translate: that giant, broody man is pining. He may not be able to admit it yet, but trust, he’s got it bad. This is full-on romance novel territory. Possessive MC man, hunting you down to prove how much he wants you? Girl, you need to hop on that bike and ride it straight to the happily ever after! For me, at least. Let me live vicariously!”

Lila and I both gaped at him, then snorted so hard I almost choked on my drink.

I gasped, “We really, really need to get you a man. Like, yesterday.”

Evan straightened, smoothing his scrubs with great dignity. “Who says I don’t have my eye on someone already? Preferably someone tall, tattooed, and answering to the name Ink.”

We all turned to see Ink in line, loading his plate with the focused seriousness of a man who probably had a strategy for cafeteria food.

I bit my lip. “Evan, I don’t know… I’ve only seen him with women at the clubhouse.”

Evan gave me a look. “Please. That man has bisexual lighting. I see the way he checks me out. If I’m wrong, may all my lattes run out of froth.”

Lila coughed into her cup while I tried and failed to keep a straight face.

Just as Evan finished, Ink made his way over, plate in hand and expression carefully neutral. “Hey, Blue. Lila.” His gaze flicked to Evan for half a second before sliding away. “Evan.”

Evan winked. “Oh, don’t say my name like you’re trying to survive it. I’m unforgettable. I’m like glitter, you’re never getting rid of me.”

Lila grinned. “And that’s exactly why we keep him around, he makes every day a little sparklier.”