Page 91 of The Originals
Jack sharpened his gaze but remained silent.
“How long is she staying?”
Jack wouldn’t be answering any questions about Colleen to anyone, including Mick. Mick had already come to his own conclusions of what happened between them. After all, why else would Jack bring her back to his place if not to fuck her? It came as almost a shock to Jack himself.
Being closer to Mick than some other brothers, Jack knew Mick picked up on his attraction to Colleen. He’d even taunted him a few times when the others weren’t around. Jack also knew no one, including Mick’s old lady, Meg, would ever hear about this unless Jack wanted it shared. Their brotherhood and loyalty was stronger than most.
“Gonna tell me why you’re showing up at my house at the ass crack of dawn?”
Mick took one last look over at the staircase, smiled, and turned back to Jack.
“Mack sent me over. Didn’t want to do it over the phone. Call came in late last night after you left. Sal wants to meet up with you today.”
Fuck.Jack was sure they’d have more time to think over the partnership. As of now, he wouldn’t have an answer for Sal. But Jack had no doubt this was the formal invitation to align with the Underground. He’d known it was coming, but somehow he’d imagined he’d be in a better, clearer headspace. After all, this decision would change the club in more ways than one.
“When?” Jack drew in a breath.
“In about six hours. Mack can’t make it, so he sent me.” Mick smirked and raised his brows. “How fucking convenient for him.”
Jack had made a few mistakes in his life, and choosing Mack to be his VP had been one of them. Years ago, it had made sense, and all the brothers had been in agreement with a unanimousvote. However, the power had gone to his head. Mack enjoyed all the benefits of the position but seemed to skimp on the responsibility.
“So, uh,” Mick said, turning around with a smile playing on his lips. He glanced over at the empty doorway then up to the ceiling. “Got yourself a house mouse?”
Jack clenched his jaw. “With all the shit we got coming at us, that’s what you wanna know about?”
“Yeah, brother.”
Jack scowled. “Gave her a place to stay to let Dunn settle.”
Mick snorted, shaking his head. “Dunn showed up early at the house this morning. Cursing her name for the first hour when she wasn’t around, and no one knew where she went.”
Jack furrowed his brows. “Gun didn’t tell him?”
Mick shook his head. “As far as I can tell, he only told me. Even Mack was asking if anyone had seen her. Gunner kept quiet. When the hell are we patching him in? Gonna make a damn good brother.”
Yes, he will.Not all prospects got patched in. Some guys didn’t fully embrace or understand the life. Others were there for the wrong reasons. Gunner Fallon was born to be in the club. As soon as things got settled, he’d be the first prospect patched in.
“Soon.” Jack placed his mug in the sink and headed toward the living room. “Give me fifteen, and we’ll head out.”
Mick nodded. “Dropping her off at the clubhouse on our way out?”
It was probably for the best. Having her stay any longer would be the ultimate test of his control. He liked having her around, which wasn’t something good for Jack. He wasn’t looking for a woman, especially one like her. He’d called it years ago. Colleen was the type of woman a man wouldn’t forget or want to lose. Jack couldn’t take that chance of getting too close. But…
“No, she’s gonna stay here.”
Mick’s brows shot up, and he flattened his lips but didn’t say a word.
Jack walked up the stairs, noticing Colleen leaning against the wall in the hallway by his bedroom door. She looked uneasy and uncomfortable, shifting on her feet. Her smile was bright but didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“I have my bag packed up, and I made sure to leave your son’s room exactly the way I found it.”
Jack chuckled. “Hope to fucking God you’re lying about that. Even making the bed would be an improvement.”
Her lips twitched. “Well, I did make it.”
Jack stopped in front of her, eyeing her face.Fucking beautiful.He wasn’t sure why he did it, but Jack reached out, brushing his hand across her bare stomach. Her skin was softer than he’d imagined. When she stepped closer, Jack dropped his hand to his side. This was too much temptation from a very willing partner. She was the last person he should be messing with. It had very little to do with Dunn. As Jack said the night before, Colleen wasn’t anyone’s old lady, which made her up for grabs. But Jack had a feeling if he got her in his bed, he might not let her leave. It was a recipe for disaster, and with everything going on with the club right now, he didn’t need any more drama, distractions, or attachments.
Colleen lost all the heat in her eyes and stepped back a few feet. She hooked her thumb over her shoulder, pointing to Caden’s room. “I can get my things and have one of the girls from the club pick me up, if you want.”