Addictive (The Houston Defiance MC Series Book 2)

going on is probably not the best of timings.”
Cherry snorts. “It’s probably the best timing of all because Zero isn’t here to put the kibosh on it. You guys need to figure your shit out. Deal with your issues, and see if what you have is a real thing or not because then you can present it to Zero when… if he gets home. If it’s not, then you don’t have to try and hide figuring it out while Zero’s here. See how this is kinda playing to your advantage? Work with what you’re given, Prinie. Because when you have something, and you didn’t even try…” Her eyes well up. “You have a guy right in front of you, someone you can hold, someone who is right there. Cherish that, Prinie, because when they’re suddenly gone…” she pauses, her eyes glistening as my chest squeezes.
I feel bad for her, but she is actually making sense.
While Zero isn’t here, it is a perfect opportunity for Wraith and me to try and figure things out. “Maybe I do need to see where this can go with Wraith. It’s always been volatile.” That’s because of what happened with us a year ago. “Maybe we need to simply sit down and have a conversation. See why what happened, happened.” Not just the sex, but what happened after. The fallout, which aided in me leaving the club for a year with Koda.
We haven’t talked about that.
All we do is argue or nearly kiss.
We need to find a balance.
“Exactly. You two need to have a civil conversation. Surely, you’re both capable of that?”
I sure hope so, but with shit going the way it is right now, I’m not sure if Wraith will have the time to spend with me.
But one thing is for sure, I need to know if he’s willing.

WRAITH
Sweat trickles down my temple as I grind my teeth together in frustration. I’m furious I let myself get caught up like that with Prinie. I swore to Zero I would steer clear of her, which is exactly what I plan to do. I’m the acting president. I need to focus on the club to keep everything running smoothly and getting Zero out without anything happening to him while he’s in lockup.
So I need to do my fucking job, and not get lost in shit I should be controlling.
Moving to the chapel, I need to make some calls. I know some men in the Harris County judicial system who I can reach out to, who owe me favors and might be able to keep an eye on Zero.
Walking in, I shut the door behind me, then take my seat. I’m not used to being in charge. Sure, Zero’s left me in charge before when he’s been out on a run or some other shit, but that’s different. You know you don’t need to make any fucking judgment calls to do with the club.
Right now, everything is riding on my shoulders.
And I need to do this right.
Pulling out my cell, I go to dial a number when there’s a knock at the door. I lift my head in curiosity. “Yeah?”
The door creeks as it opens, and Cherry pops her head through. “Can I come in?”
I wave my hand, gesturing for her to enter, and she closes the door behind her. “Take a seat, Cherry. What’s on your mind?”
She looks tired, worn out. I think I’ve been so focused on my own shit I’ve been neglecting her.
“I was just chatting with Prinie, and it’s got me thinking…” I scrunch my brows together waiting. “I’m worried about Z-Zero,” her voice cracks on his name as tears begin to stream down her face.
I sit taller, moving closer to her. I know the feeling, though emotional women always make me damn uncomfortable. I reach out to grip her hand. “I know. I’m trying, Cherry. I’m really fucking trying my best. I’m gonna make some calls once we’re done here to make sure he’s protected inside. Believe me, I am gonna do everything in my power to protect him.”
She wipes the fat tears rolling down her face. “I know it’s my job to be strong. I know the first lady is supposed to keep her shit together and build everyone up, but Wraith, I just don’t know what to expect. This is all happening because of me.”
I narrow my eyes on her. “Stop! It’s happening because the club has a beef with the Baron. It’s got nothing to do with you. You were just collateral.”
She sniffles, letting out a small whimper. “I honestly don’t know how to get through this without him. He saved me, Wraith. He swooped in like some fucking white knight on a steely damn horse and rescued me… so we need to rescue him right back.”
That fact hits home so fucking hard.
“He rescued me, too, Cherry. Saved me from my own damn self.” I tighten my hand in hers. “I was a destructive bastard, so don’t worry, we will help him. Somehow, in some way, we will get him out.”
Her bottom lip quivers just slightly. “I hope it’s not in a body bag.”
I stand, pulling her with me into a tight embrace. “That’s not going to happen, you hear me?”
She whimpers against my chest as I hold her tight. “I need you to promise me, Wraith. Promise me you’ll get him out of there safe!”
Shit. There’s no way I can promise that.
“Wraith?” She pulls back, her pleading eyes desperately searching mine.
“I promise!”
Fuck!
Cherry exhales, her tears subsiding as she withdraws from me, collecting herself as only she can. With a quick wipe of her eyes, she sniffles and takes a step away from me. “I’ll never show anything but utter faith in you and the club in