Between Embers (Lost Kings MC #5.5): A Companion to White Heat: Three Short Stories (5 page)

Soft laughter flows out of her and she covers her mouth with her hand the way she’s done since she was a kid. “No.”

Teller’s watching us with narrowed eyes, and I reluctantly pull away from Heidi. He gives me a chin lift. “I promised Trinity I’d go check on the prospects out at the site.”

“Okay.”

He tilts his head toward Heidi in a
watch her
gesture Heidi absolutely notices. “I’m not a kid. I don’t need a babysitter.”

“I ain’t a babysitter,” I tease. Teller glares at me again.
Can I trust you with my baby sister or not?
his face seems to say. We’ve been best friends so long, I can pretty much figure out what he’s thinking. I nod at him and he heads out to the site where the wedding’s taking place.

Members from our downstate charter and a couple other LOKI charters are here for the wedding. Two clubs we’re friendly with are also attending, so whether Teller asked or not, today is a day I absolutely plan to look out for Heidi. When we were kids, Teller protected me when no one else would. In turn, I’ve always had his back. Together, we’ve always looked out for Heidi. That will never change, no matter how old we are.

By age eight, I’d already lived a life full of disappointment and turmoil. She doesn’t remember, because she was only a baby, but Heidi was the sweetest thing in my world. She made it impossible not to love her. Teller and I did our best to provide her with everything her parents should have and failed.

Even today, I’d kill anyone who hurt her.

I love her. I can’t
have
her because she’s only seventeen and I’m twenty-five. She’s made it damn hard too.

Or at least she used to. Before her boyfriend Axel wormed his way into her life.

“Are you okay?” she asks, glancing up at me with the sweetest, concerned expression on her face.

While she can be a hellraiser when she wants to be, Heidi also has the biggest heart of anyone I know.

She twists her hands into the plastic covering her dress nervously, and I realize I’m still staring at her like an idiot.

“Yeah.”

“Oh.” A nervous smile flickers over her lips.

“That the dress?” Unfortunately, I’d had to escort the girls to the dress shop. I bitched about it mightily, but I got to spend time with Heidi, so it wasn’t all bad.

She glances down at the bag. “Yes. I’ll probably look silly.”

I doubt that. I may know fuck-all about dresses, but she could wear a pair of coveralls and still be the most beautiful girl in any room.

“You’re beautiful no matter what,” I finally answer.

“Thank you.”

“Are you excited?”

“Oh, yes. I love Hope so much. I’m so happy she’ll be an official part of the family now. She and Uncle Rock are so perfect together.”

Her enthusiasm makes me smile. Hope’s sort of mothered Heidi since the day they met. Something Heidi’s never had, but always needed.

“Have you seen Axel today?”

My jaw tightens at the sound of his name. “Yeah, he’s down at the site doing last minute decorations, cleaning and stuff.”

“Oh. Where’s Hope?”

“Down in Trinity’s room, I think.”

She raises the arm her dress is draped over. “I should probably go put this on.”

“Yeah, okay.”

“I’ll see you later.”

“
K
NOCK
, knock.”

I’ve never been in Trinity’s room and I’m not sure I’m welcomed now.

The door swings open, and Hope’s friend Lilly waves me inside. “Yay! Heidi’s here,” Lilly yells.

I’m still rattled from the way Murphy’s gaze roamed over me out in the living room. No, rattled isn’t quite the right word. Warm and tingly?

“Hi, Heidi,” Hope greets.

“Don’t move,” Trinity warns. “Hey, Heidi,” she says without looking at me. She’s focused on lining Hope’s eyes with dark brown eyeliner. A bunch of nail polish is lined up on the desk next to them. One’s a glittering gold that I’m instantly jealous of. I glance down at my own short nails. Last night, I’d painted them a bright plum to match my dress, but now I wish I’d thought of something more fun.

“Are you sure the polish will dry? Shouldn’t we do that first?” Hope asks as Trinity starts sponging foundation over Hope’s forehead.

It must not be the first time she’s asked. “Yes,” Trinity answers with exaggerated patience.

Hope tilts her head at the space next to her. “Come. Sit. Tell me what you’re up to.”

“She’s nervous,” Lilly whispers to me.

Trinity sets the foundation down and picks up one small clear bottle. “Shit. My fast-dry topcoat is hard as a rock.” Trinity bites her lip as she keeps trying to wiggle the brush around.

“What’s the closest store? I’ll go grab another bottle,” Lilly offers.

“Are you sure?”

Lilly rolls her eyes. “Yes.”

Trinity writes down the directions to Wards. The clubhouse is so far out in the country, it will take Lilly at least an hour to drive there and back.

“Don’t move. I’ll be back. Heidi do you want to come with me?”

“No, thank you.”

“You can use my bathroom to change if you want,” Trinity says.

After closing myself inside, I pull the dress out and inspect it for wrinkles or lint. It’s one-shouldered, so I had to buy a special bra for it, but it’s the most grown-up thing in my closet.

Once I’m finally in it, I need someone to help with the zipper. “Trinity?” I call out.

She opens the door and I don’t even have to ask, she automatically moves behind me and pulls up the zipper.

“Perfect,” she says.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, Heidi! It looks so pretty,” Hope gushes when I come out.

“Thanks.”

They go back to last minute wedding talk, and there are a few dirty jokes that I’m pretty sure are in reference to my uncles Rock and Wrath—
ew
.

“I’m starving. Do you mind if I go grab something to eat?”

“Not at all. You know where to find us,” Hope says with a giggle. I guess she’s nervous.

“Do you want me to bring something back for you guys?”

Both of them say no.

This end of the clubhouse is surprisingly quiet, considering the big event that’s about to happen. I’d kind of like to say hi to Uncle Rock, but I’m not sure if he’s upstairs or out at the wedding site.

As I’m about to step into the dining room, I run into Murphy.

“Sorry.” He reaches out to steady me with a hand on my waist. “Wow.” The way he stares at me heats my skin and I pull out of his grasp.

F
OR SEVERAL LONG
, uncomfortable seconds, I forget how to breathe. I stare at Heidi for so long, she fidgets, nervously tugging at the skirt of her dress.

“Stop,” I say, reaching out to still her hand.

“It looks awful, doesn’t it?”

Absolutely not. I may know fuck-all about dresses, but it’s perfect on her. “No. You’re gorgeous, Heidi. That’s a pretty color on you.”

Her cheeks flush and she glances down at her feet. “Thanks.”

I’m not lying. The purple suits her dark hair and eyes. The bare shoulders and skirt that falls right above her knees aren’t too bad either. But it’s the damn top of the dress, fitted tight to her curves, that’s making me edgy.

Curves I shouldn’t be noticing.

Curves I don’t want anyone else noticing.

I’m so quiet, she twists her hands in her skirt again.

Words. Where are my fucking words?
Fuck.
I saw her in the dress when she bought it, but somehow she looks so…different now.
“You’re beautiful. I’m just not used to you looking so grown-up, that’s all.”

“Oh.” Her face brightens, and I feel like an ass for making her doubt herself for even a second.

I finally manage to shake myself out of my stupor. “Why aren’t you with the bride?”

“I’m hungry. I had breakfast, but it was hours ago.”

“Let’s get you some food then.”

Slinging one arm around her shoulders, I pull her to my side and walk her through the dining room and into the kitchen.

“I have something for you.”

Her eyes widen. “You do?”

“Yup.” Opening the fridge, I dig around until I find the container I hid in the back so no one would touch it.

God help me, but she bounces up and down on her toes. It physically hurts to tear my gaze away.

“What is it? What is it?” she yelps. My Heidi has always loved presents of any kind.

I set the container on the counter and pop the lid off, revealing a batch of plump chocolate covered strawberries.

“Oh my God!” she squeals. “They’re so pretty!”

“Trinity made them for their sleepover last night. I asked her to set some aside for you.”

Her pretty brown eyes blink a few times. “Thank you.” She hesitates. “Maybe I should eat some real food first.”

“Good call.” I end up making us sandwiches while she watches and critiques my sandwich-making skills. We take our plates to the small table by the window. That way I can keep an eye out for anyone who’s going to intrude on our time.

She only ends up eating half of her sandwich, pushing her plate toward me. “Berry time!”

I nudge the container to her side and finish her sandwich.

“Hmm…they all look good. I don’t know where to start.”

I chuckle while she makes her decision as if it’s life or death.

I’m not laughing a few second later when strawberry juice lands in her cleavage.

No, I’m biting my tongue so I don’t lick the drop from her skin.

“Oh. Crap.” She wipes it away, sucking her finger and seriously testing my control.

“Better be careful. Don’t wanna ruin your dress.” I grind the words out and hand her a paper towel.

“Yeah, I’m not used to so much skin showing.” She waves her hand over her boobs, as if I need the reminder. “Good thing, though or I totally would have stained my dress.”

I’ve never felt the meaning of “no good deed goes unpunished” as acutely as I do in the next fifteen minutes while I watch her carefully work through half the berries.

“Don’t you want any?” she asks.

“Sure.”

She ends up handing me one and having me eat it out of her hand. Isn’t that appropriate?

“I can’t believe Trin made these. They must take forever. They’re soooo good though.”

“She seemed to have a system down. Mariella helped her.”

She nods and stands, carrying the rest of the berries back to the refrigerator. I wait and watch her at the sink, washing her hands. Hell, I’ll pretty much sit and watch Heidi do anything.

When she’s finished, she turns and flashes a sweet smile. “Thank you.”

“You know I’m always thinking of you.”

Her smile fades. “I know.”

Time to lighten things back up. “Can I steal you away from the bridal party a little longer?” I ask, holding out my hand.

“Sure.”

I have one final thing to give her, waiting in the living room behind the bar.

“Is Axel still helping to get things ready?” she asks, waving her hand toward the woods.

My stomach twists at the sound of her boyfriend’s name. “Yeah.” Axel wouldn’t be getting off prospect duty any time soon if I had any say.

What I’d stupidly forgotten was, a couple weeks ago, I’d invited Serena to the wedding. A fact that’s bound to bite me in the ass soon. As I’m about to grab Heidi’s present, I glance out the window and spot Serena walking toward the front door. She notices me and waves.

Fuck.

“Hi, Murphy,” Serena calls out as she walks inside.

“Hey.” I motion for her to stay where she is. But it’s too late. Heidi turns and figures it out immediately. Her face crumples with disappointment.

“I should go see if Hope needs anything,” she says softly.

Serena approaches me slow. A dress slung over her arm. “Do you mind if I change in your room?”

My gaze returns to Heidi, who hasn’t looked up or moved or anything. Her reddened cheeks signal she’s either about cry or blow up.

“Yeah, sure,” I finally answer Serena’s question.

“Later,” Heidi says, moving past me without another word.

“Is everything okay?” Serena asks.

I rip my attention away from Heidi, hurrying away from us.

“Yeah. Same old shit.”