Page 9 of Claiming Veronica

“Because,” I said casually, “she interests me.”

That got his attention. His whole body tensed like he was ready to throw a punch. I could almost see the gears turning in his head, trying to figure out what angle I was playing. But I wasn’t playing anything. Veronica was more than just a curiosity to me. She was... something else. Something I couldn’t quite put into words.

“Stay away from her,” Pike said, his voice like steel. “She’s not part of this.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Part of what?”

“Whatever game you’re playing, Eli.”

I smirked. “Who said I was playing a game?”

Pike took a step closer, his face inches from mine now. “I mean it, Eli. She’s not like us. Veronica is innocent. She doesn’t deserve to get dragged into this shit.”

I held his gaze, unflinching. “Maybe she’s already in it, and you just don’t know.” It bothered me more than I’d let on that he’d sayVeronica was separate — untouchable. I knew that. I didn’t like it pointed out. It wasn’t going to stop me, though. I’d take what I wanted. “It’s not up to you.” My lip curled derisively. I knew she was too good for me, but I wouldn’t let it stop me.

For a moment, I thought he might hit me. His fists clenched at his sides, his muscles taut like a coiled spring. But then he exhaled sharply and stepped back, shaking his head.

“I’m not gonna fight you,” he muttered. “Not over this.”

“Good,” I said, my voice calm. “Because there’s nothing to fight over. Nothing you could do to stop me.”

But even as I said it, I knew it wasn’t true. There was plenty to fight over — secrets, family, betrayal. And Veronica? She was right in the middle, whether Pike wanted to admit it.

And I wasn’t going to walk away.

Pike’s shoulders dropped slightly, the tension easing just enough to show he wouldn’t walk away from this conversation. I saw his jaw clench and unclench like he was weighing the consequences of giving me what I wanted. He had that look in his eyes — the one that said he was about to make a decision he didn’t like.

He crossed his arms, muscles bulging under the black cotton of his t-shirt, his leather cut barely containing the rest of his bulk. “Fine,” he said, exhaling sharply through his nose. “What do you want to know?”

I saw this was costing him and took a tiny, twisted bit of satisfaction. The almighty president of the Cobra MC, brought low by a little curiosity about his girlfriend’s sister. He was too smart not to realize I had more than a passing interest in Veronica, which probably drove him crazy. If I weren’t an asshole, I’d put him out of his misery and explain why I wanted to know. I’d reassure him that I wouldn’t hurt her, but I wouldn’t give him that. The balance sheet between Pike and I wasn’t even, and I didn’t owe him shit.

“Her health,” I said, voice flat. “I want to know more about it.”

Pike’s expression tightened again, and I could tell this was a sensitive subject. I’d hit a nerve.

“Why?” he asked, eyes narrowing suspiciously. “What’s it to you?”

I shrugged, trying to appear casual even though my insides were wound tight. “I’ve seen her outside, coughing up a lung. Doesn’t take a doctor to figure out something’s wrong.” Instantly,I chastised myself for mentioning that I’d seen her outside. Veronica wasn’t known for going outside, which was an instant red flag. Pike’s forehead creased, and I thought he might mention it.

Pike’s fists flexed, and for a second, I thought he might throw a punch after all. Instead, he sighed again, running a hand through his hair, then rubbing the back of his neck like he was trying to scrub off his irritation. “She’s had health problems for a while,” he admitted, though his voice was still guarded. “She had leukemia when she was a kid.”

The words hit me harder than I expected.

Leukemia. That’s what Natasha had said on the one occasion I’d had to speak to her, but I’d been partly dazed at the time. I’d just killed Victor, and I wasn’t thinking straight. Honestly, I didn’t want it to be true. It explained the pale skin, the fragile way she moved sometimes, like her body might give out on her if she pushed too hard.

“Leukemia,” I repeated, testing the word in my mouth like it was some foreign language. “She beat it?”

Pike nodded, eyes scanning my face like he was trying to figure out why I cared. “Yeah, she’s inremission, but... it left her with some lung issues. Some of the medicines they give you, I guess fuck you up. She has asthma, chronic coughs, and she’s got weak lungs. Natasha says it can get bad if she pushes too hard or gets sick. She’s delicate. I’m not the one to ask if you’re concerned.”

He briefly mulled it over and added, “I’ve not known her long, but she seems to be doing well. She gets checkups and stuff.” That was vaguely unhelpful but not unexpected. He hadn’t been in their lives that long, and I shouldn’t have thought he’d have detailed information. Still, I was disappointed.

The protectiveness in his voice was evident, and I could tell how much he cared about her. Pike had adopted her into his weird, messed-up world of loyalty and protection. But he didn’t see it like I did.

“Okay,” I said, more to myself than to Pike, thinking about how she moved around the house — quick to sit, always catching her breath. She could hide a lot of it, but she couldn’t hide from me or my cameras.

“She’s tough,” Pike corrected, his eyes sharp. “A hell of a lot tougher than you think.”

I smirked at him, amused by his defense of her. “Is that why her sister babysits her like a porcelain doll?”