Page 17 of Taking What's Ours

“I talked her into hanging onto the marriage license. If she doesn’t file it, the marriage isn’t legal. I convinced her to take a few days to think about things. That, and I told her a thing or two about my asshole brother and what a life with him would look like.”

“Man, that’s crazy.”

“That’s not all.”

“What else?”

“I’m bringing her home with me.”

“Baja, you’re kidding, right? Mr. Loner is going to have a house guest?”

“It’s not a joke, Trez. She had nowhere to go. She’d already given up her apartment, and friends and family weren’t an option.”

“Why couldn’t she go to a hotel?”

“She’s got a dog. A big one. German Shepard.”

“So you’re bringing home a dog, too? Mr. Clean Freak?”

“Quit, all right?”

“Fine. So, when do you get back?”

“We’re on the road now. Taking her car back. Should be there by mid-afternoon.”

“All right. Well, the reason I was calling was to tell you Rock called a meeting.”

I squint into the horizon. “Something up?”

“Yeah. We’ll tell you about it tonight.”

“Great. You know I love suspense.”

He chuckles again. “Drive safe.”

“Hey, bro?”

“Yeah?”

“I haven’t told her about the club.”

He huffs out a breath. “And how long you gonna keep that a secret?”

“Don’t know. Just didn’t want to give her an excuse not to trust me.”

“What’s this chick’s name?”

“Elaina.”

“All right. I’ll pass the word and tell the boys to stay away from your place. I’ll see you tonight, yeah?”

“I’ll be there.” I disconnect and turn. When I approach the table, Elaina is on the phone, and Rosie is sitting up, staring intently at her, head cocked, ears perked.

“Elliott, stop. I know exactly how much you miss me, because I know exactly who you took to bed last night. In our honeymoon suite on our wedding night, no less.”

“What are you talking about, Elaina?” I hear his response through the cell.

“I’m talking about you sleeping with my cousin, Madison.” Elaina pauses. “What’s the matter, Elliott? Cat got your tongue?”