“You don’t owe me anything,” I argued. “We had sex, Menace. No strings or attachments. It was just sex, so there’s no reason for you to put yourself in danger. Not for me.”
His eyes grew fierce as he clenched his jaw and let an aggravated breath slip through his pursed lips. He cocked his head to the side, trying to rein in whatever emotions he was feeling—which I’m pretty sure was outright anger, then rolled his head, popping the vertebrae in his neck. “You might just be the most infuriating woman I’ve ever met.”
“I don’t understand why you’re getting mad here. I’m letting you off the hook.”
“Never said I wanted ‘off the hook,’” he barked. “I’m trying to help you. I want to help you, but I can only do that if you let me. So, let me.”
I didn’t immediately respond. As much as I wanted to take him up on his offer, I knew it would mean putting him in danger, and that was something I wasn’t eager to do. Menace was fabulous in bed, and sweet and attentive. I liked him. He seemed like a good guy, and I didn’t want to see him get hurt. But at the same time, I was tired of being so scared and alone. If there was a chance that he and his brothers could help me, even a slim one, I had to take it. “Okay, I’ll let you help, but under one condition.”
“And what’s that?”
“That you’ll be careful and won’t put yourself or your brothers in any unnecessary danger.”
“I’m not making any promises, but I’ll do my best.” He gave me a wink, then jumped right in. “I need to discuss it with Viper, but I still think you should move into the clubhouse—at least for the time being. The security here is just not enough.”
“Okay.”
“Okay? You aren’t going to give me hell about it?”
“Nope.”
“I’m gonna have to do some looking into this Rossi guy, but I’m good at what I do. I can make it where no one knows I’m snooping around.”
Unable to control my fear, my voice trembled as I replied, “Okay.”
“You can trust me on this, Parker. I know what I’m doing.”
“Okay.”
“Is that how it’s gonna be?” A mischievous smile swept across his face as he asked, “You’re just going to keep saying okay to everything?”
Thinking he was implying another round of sex-capades, I smiled and answered, “I guess that depends on the topic of conversation.”
“Mm-hmm. I’ll keep that in mind.” He smirked at me, then said, “I’ve gotta get going. I have to run by the clubhouse before work.”
“Okay.”
“I gotta say,”—he stood and gave me a quick kiss on the forehead—“I like this agreeable side of you.”
“Don’t get used to it ’cause it’s probably not gonna last long.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” As he started to the door, he said, “I’ll see you tonight at the club.”
“Okay.”
“Yep, I definitely like it.”
Once he was gone, I got up, grabbed a few things from my bags in the kitchen, and took a shower. My mind was racing with doubt as I dried off and put on my clothes and makeup. I wanted to believe Menace and his brothers could help me, but the thought of them going up against Rossi and his family was terrifying. I didn’t want him or anyone else to get hurt. There was only one way I could make sure that didn’t happen. I had to get the hell out of there and never look back, so I put my things back into my bag and started for the front door. I was just about to bring everything out to my car when there was a knock at the door. I thought it was Menace coming back, but when I opened it, I found Country and Locke standing on my doorstep.
I quickly stepped in front of my bags. “Hey, what are you guys doing here?”
“Menace asked us to swing by and pick you up on our way to the club.”
“Oh, you didn’t have to do that. I can drive over on my own.”
“I said the same thing, but he was adamant about it.”
“Seriously, I’m good. I don’t need a ride.”
He motioned his head towards the two motorcycles in the driveway, then said, “You ready or do you need a few minutes?”
“Ummm.” It was clear he wasn’t going to let it go, so I feigned a smile and said, “Yeah, I’m ready. I just need to get my stuff.”
I grabbed the bag with my uniform and the rest of my things, then followed them out to Country’s bike. After he placed my things in his saddlebag, he gave me his spare helmet and waited as I got on behind him. I’d just gotten settled when Country glanced over his shoulder with a smirk plastered across his handsome face. “I’m gonna have to thank Menace for sending me over to get ya.”
“Oh?” I knew a coy comment was going to follow when I asked, “And why’s that?”
“You kidding me? Hot chick on the back of my bike. Don’t get any better than that.” He shook his head. “He’s gonna be all kinds of pissed when he finds out I didn’t take the truck.”
“What difference does that make?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
Before I had a chance to respond, he started his bike and eased out of the driveway. I’d only ridden a motorcycle a couple times, so I had to focus on holding on without giving Country any ideas. Sadly, it wasn’t enough to distract me from the onslaught of mixed emotions I was feeling. Menace must’ve figured out I was having doubts and sent Country over to get me. It was a sweet gesture, but at the same time, infuriating as hell. It seemed the man was always one step ahead of me. Maybe that was a good thing.
Maybe it wasn’t. I guess only time would tell.
Menace
“Does Lynch know?”
“No, I came here to talk to you first.” I shook my head at Viper. “Not sure what to say to him. Thinking his grandparents were killed in a robbery was tough enough. I’m afraid this is going to be an even harder pill to swallow.”
“Peter was a stand-up guy. He knew the risk when he took in that girl, and he did it anyway. That says a lot about him.”
“I hope Lynch’ll feel the same way.”
“I’ll talk to him. Considering the situation, it would be better if he heard it from me.”
“Whatever you think is best.”
Axel glanced over at me and asked, “You said she was thinking about leaving?”
“Yeah, she doesn’t want anyone else getting hurt.”
“Maybe she’s right,” Viper replied. “Maybe you should just let her go.”
“Can’t do that, Prez.” I had no good explanation for why I couldn’t simply cut ties with her, at least not one that made any fucking sense. “She needs someone to help her.”
“What are you wanting to do here?” Viper pushed. “This chick is up against the fucking Italian mafia, and they’re no goddamn joke. We don’t have the means nor the desire to go toe to toe with these motherfuckers for some chick who just so happens to work at the bar.”
“It’s not like that, Prez.” I knew I was opening a door I wasn’t ready for, but I didn’t have a choice. “She’s more than just some chick from the bar.