Rogue’s POV
I leaned against my door, pressing a hand against my lips. Did I really just do that? What the fuck was I thinking? Oh, that’s right! I wasn’t thinking at all! He just looked just right with his handsome features and crooked smile. I should have remembered that it wasn’t an actual date. He was just being kind and wanted to thank me for helping him.
I groaned, running a hand down my face. I’m going to pretend that didn’t happen and I’m not going to think about how Pyros probably reacted to the ‘incident‘. If I’m being honest, he most likely doesn’t even care and it was nothing to him. But why does thinking that hurt a little?
I shook my head, attempting to get rid of those thoughts. It’s late and I’m tired. Sleep with definitely help me right now.
I checked on Collin who was asleep in his crib and kissed his forehead before getting ready for bed. Thankfully, I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
The next few days were uneventful. Well, except for the fact that Pyros has been appearing everywhere that I am and I don’t know if it’s just my brain seeking him out or he’s doing it on
purpose.
Just a week ago, he would have ignored me if he saw me but now he’s actually trying to make conversation and include me in certain things. It’s not bad but just a little odd, that’s all.
I sighed as I walked to Pyros‘ office. Collin’s birthday was Saturday, just four days from now and we’re going to dinner with my father and brothers. I’ve decided to invite Pyros, seeing that Collin absolutely loves him. I’m not sure why but it’s honestly adorable how excited he gets when he
sees Pyros.
What’s really funny, though, is Pyros‘ face when my son wants to be lifted or carried by him. It’s like he hasn’t been around a child in his life which I know isn’t true since he has a little sister and
some of his closest men have children.
I hesitantly knocked on his door, silently giving myself a little pep talk. I blew out a breath when I
heard him tell me to enter.
I peeked my head inside before fully entering when I saw the corner of his lips lift into a smirk.
“Are you busy?” I asked, noticing the state of his desk, “I can come back later.”
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He glanced at the stack of papers in front of him before pushing them to the side. “No, I’m not busy at all. Please take a seat.”
I’m pretty sure that’s a lie but I’m choosing to ignore it for the time being.
Pyros gestured for me to sit opposite him. He stared at me with those intense eyes of his and I began to wonder if I had something on my face.
“Is everything alright?” He asked with his eyebrows furrowed, probably seeing the conflicted expression on my face.
I shook my head slightly before plastering a smile. “I’m fine. I just have something to ask you.”
He hummed, giving me his full attention and folding his arms over his chest.
“Well, I’m not sure if you know that Collin’s birthday is Saturday,” I started, tapping my fingers on my knees as I began to get a little nervous. I have no idea why.
Pyros interrupted before I could continue, “I do know about his birthday. Wilder and your brothers have mentioned it about a million times already to anyone that is willing and unwilling to listen.”
He laughed and I felt something fluttering in my stomach. It’s probably caused by the lunch I just
ate.
“I’ve heard about that,” I chuckled, remembering Slash’s annoyed face as Roman spoke to him
about it. “Anyway, you know how much Collin loves being around you and I was wondering if you would like to come to dinner with us on Saturday?”
I bit my lip as I gazed at him, waiting for his answer. At first, we were going to have a little party
for Collin but I decided against that and opted for a lighthearted evening with immediate family. Including Pyros, of course, since he’s great with my son, even if he doesn’t think so.
Finally, after a few minutes, he smiled. “I would love to be there.” He paused for a second before continuing, “I just don’t want to impose or anything on family time.”
I narrowed my eyes at his statement. “You would not be imposing. You’re family too, as far as I know. My father has known you since you were a baby and my brothers are close to you. Not to mention my son thinks you hold the world in your hands.”
He looked at me silently for a moment, absentmindedly rubbing his stubble on his chin, then he
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stood up from his seat and slowly strode around his desk to where I was sitting. “And you?” He asked, leaning against his desk in front of me. “What do you think about me, Riley?”
I gulped at the sight of the rippling muscles in his arms before blinking harshly, forcing my eyes
to meet his.
“You’re… Okay. You are a decent person, I guess.” I said, rubbing my heated neck. Is it getting hot in here or is it just me? Nope, I think the A.C. is broken. That’s definitely the issue.
He grinned, seemingly pleased by my statement. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
I cleared my throat, rolling my shoulders and straightening my back. “So, will you be there?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for anything,” He responded. “And what do you have planned for the day before the dinner? if you don’t mind me asking.”
“Well, Collin and I are going to visit the friend who we were staying with before moving into the clubhouse. She’s like a sister to me and an aunt to my son.”
“You’ll be safe, won’t you?” He said suddenly in a very serious tone.
I remember the threats that the club has been getting and the people who are currently looking for me. Thankfully, I have a lot of friends in certain places who would help me if the need arises. I know I’m safe and I would never put my son in any danger.
“I will, don’t worry,” I said and that seemed to put him at ease. “We’re just going for a few hours to spend some time with her.
We stayed in silence for a moment before I stood up. “I’ll text you the location,” I told him as I walked to the door. Thankfully my father had given me Pyros‘ number in case of emergencies. I would have felt awkward to ask him for it right now.
Just before I could reach the door, he suddenly called out, “Did I tell you how pretty you look today, Riley?”
He caught me off guard and I stumbled into the side table, accidentally knocking down a vase. Without thinking, I bent down and began to pick up the glass.
“Fuck,” Pyros cursed, rushing over to me. “Don’t touch that.”
I didn’t realise that I cut myself until he took my hand into his own. He cradled it tenderly and pulled me up.
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What the hell is wrong with me?
“I’m sorry,” I muttered as he led me to his chair.
“It’s okay, sweetheart.” He made me sit and he opened one of his drawers, taking out a first aid
kit.
I rested my hand on my lap. “I appreciate this but I can do it myself when I get back to my room.”
I tried to stand but he rested his hand on my shoulder, preventing me from leaving. “I want to,
please let me.
I sighed and nodded.
He kneeled in front of me and took my injured hand gently into his own. I allowed him to clean the wound and wrap a bandage around it. He caressed the white gauze before placing a light kiss on my palm.
“All better,” He said softly, gazing into my eyes from his crouched position.
“Thank you,” I said, giving him a small smile.
Pyros kept my hand encased in his, brushing his thumb over my knuckles. “Anytime,” He
responded.
Part 1: The Hidden Truth
