"I'm making sure she's safe."
"From what? She's in Dublin in broad daylight surrounded by people. She doesn't need you lurking in the shadows."
He's right and I know it, but knowing doesn't change the need to keep her in my line of sight.
"Back off," Pyro says. "Diesel's getting suspicious and if he finds out you're interested in his daughter, it's not going to end well."
"I'm not interested."
"Bullshit. I've seen the way you look at her. We all have."
I don't answer because what can I say?
He's right, I am interested. I'm more than interested.
I'm falling for her and it's going to destroy everything.
"I'll back off," I say finally.
"Good, because if you don't I'll have to pull you off this assignment and that'll raise questions we don't want to answer. Diesel's already suspicious. One more report and he's going to fly to Dublin himself."
The thought of Diesel showing up makes my chest tight. He'd know in seconds, would see it written all over my face.
"I said I'll back off."
"Make sure you do, because this isn't just about you anymore. This is about club politics and Diesel's relationship with us. You fuck this up and it affects everyone."
He dismisses me and I leave the chapel. My jaw is tight and my hands are clenched.
Back off, he said.
Stay away from Everly.
It's the smart move, the right move, the only move that makes sense.
But knowing that doesn't make it easier, doesn't stop the wanting, doesn't change the fact that she makes me believe I could be something good.
Even if I know that's dangerous.
Even if I know believing that is how someone gets hurt.
I get on my bike and ride—no destination, just riding.
I end up back at the clubhouse and find Tank waiting.
"Pyro told me," he says.
"Yeah."
"You gonna listen?"
"I don't have a choice."
"You always have a choice."
"Not this time. If I don't back off, Diesel's going to find out and then everything goes to shit."
Tank nods. "So what are you going to do?"