King(57)

The memory of King had been holding her back. She couldn’t forget the times she had spent in his bed. She also couldn’t remember who she had fucked last when she had left the clubhouse before heading out for Queen City. The stark reality of the situation was, she didn’t need The Last Riders to keep being her crutch; she had learned to stand alone.

When Levi had died, she had needed them to heal her to make her feel safe and give her back her sexuality. King had accomplished the rest of her healing—he had taught her to love again.

She wanted more now. She wanted what Lily and Shade had, what Knox and Diamond had. When she saw Beth’s pregnancy becoming more and more noticeable, she ached inside; she wanted a baby most of all.

When she and Levi had planned their marriage, they had talked of children. They had planned two, but secretly, she had wanted four. She wasn’t going to have children if she held on to her anger. She had to forgive King or move on, and tonight would help her make up her mind.

Beginning to feel like she was getting sunburned, she went inside to make herself some lunch. She ate until she heard the doorbell ring, only opening the door when she saw it was Lily outside.

“I wanted to stop by and see you since you weren’t in church today.”

Evie opened the door wider, letting her in. She didn’t make up false reasons why she hadn’t gone. “I think the best way for me and Brooke to get along is to stay away from each other. Would you like a glass of tea?”

“Thank you.” Lily sat down on the sofa while Evie went into the kitchen to pour them some tea.

She placed it on the coffee table in front of Lily before dropping down next to her. “So, what are you really doing here?”

“I wanted to see if you would throw Beth a baby shower.” She rushed on, “I know as her sister I should, but Shade and baby showers don’t mix, and I promised him after Sex Piston’s I wouldn’t throw another one. Of course, when I promised, I didn’t know Beth would be pregnant a few months later.”

“I would love to. When?”

Lily shrugged happily. “That’s up to you. She’s due the last of August.”

“I’ll get right on it then.” Evie smiled.

“Good. I wasn’t looking forward to trying to convince Shade.”

“I don’t think you would have too big a battle; he’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him. I saw him riding home from taking you to the church store on Friday, and he had an actual smile on his face.”

Lily’s violet eyes were so much like her father’s that Evie paused, staring at her.

“What?”

“You resemble your dad.”

“I noticed.” Tentatively, she probed, “When you were in Queen City with Penni, did you see King?” Neither Lily nor Evie had ever broached the subject of her stay in Texas.

“Yes, we went out a few times.”

“I’m glad. I worried about you being lonely while you were there because I’ve noticed Penni can stay busy, getting wrapped up in her own world. I’m happy you and King kept each other company.”

Evie licked her lips. “Would it bother you if I started seeing your dad, now that he’s back in town?”

“King’s in Treepoint?”

“Yes, you didn’t know?”

“No, I guess he made his presence known to the most important one,” she teased.

“I’m sure he knew you were in church.” Evie began to explain in case Lily’s feelings were hurt.

Lily laughed, shaking her head. “He didn’t have any problem finding you, did he? Don’t worry, Evie; I’m not upset. Why wouldn’t I want you to see King?”

“Because of The Last Riders.”

“Evie, I’m not going to judge your behavior with the men and women at the clubhouse, if that’s what you’re expecting. Do I seem selfish to you?”

“No, why?”

“Because I want you to be as happy as I am.” Lily took her hand.

Evie stared back at the most unselfish person she had ever known. Lily truly was a kindhearted woman. Brooke would make mincemeat out of her if given half a chance, and Evie couldn’t let that happen.

“Lily, Shade told you about Brooke, right?”

“That she’s your sister, and you had a falling out. He said she’s had a thing for him, and he thinks she’s mentally disturbed.” From the blush on Lily’s cheeks, Evie was certain those weren’t the exact words Shade had used.

“Don’t trust her, Lily. She would hurt you and not blink twice.” Evie’s hand curled around Lily’s, trying to make her understand how seriously she should take the warning.