“Listen,
sugar, I’ll tell you about your brother, but you need to keep your mouth shut.”
“What
is it about you people? I can say whatever I like. This is a free country.”
He
let his disappointment show on his face. “You’re smarter than you’re acting.”
“I’m
smart enough to know—”
He
slapped the wall, frustrated that he couldn’t make her understand. She
straightened, face pale and eyes wide open. That got her attention.
“For
Christ’s sake, listen to me before you get us both killed,” he said, grinding
his back teeth in impatience. She finally closed her mouth. “Storm is running
an errand for Stonewall. And no, I can’t tell you more than that. I’m taking a
chance as it is. He should be back by midnight and then I’ll tell him to call
you.” Finally, in control of his body, he walked around the desk and grabbed
her arm, wanting to emphasize the danger she was in. He leaned down. “Go home,”
he whispered.
Her
eyes searched his. Probably trying to guess his game. All he wanted to do was
keep her safe, but she refused to believe it. For now, they had one more
problem: how was he going to explain to the club about their time alone in the
office?
He
had only one solution.
Moving
a little closer, he added, “Before you head home, you need to look like we went
at it hot and heavy back here.”
“What?”
She took a step back, confusion on her face as she glanced around.
“There
is only one reason for a Mayhem Brother to take a female in the back office,
and that’s to fuck her. Unless you want me to do it for real, you need to look
the part.”
“Huh?”
She frowned. Why was she having such a difficult time imagining anyone wanting
her in that way?
Whoa!
Had
no one ever come on to her? Were the bastards around there blind? He sighed and
then tightened his grip on her arm.
Guessing
she would learn the hard way, he kissed her. Admittedly, he’d wanted to do that
since the first time his gaze ate her up. All round curves in the right places,
she looked like a sex doll come to life. He’d tried to stay away from her, but
this opportunity was too good to pass up.
For
a split second, she pushed against his chest and then her arms slid around his
neck. He cupped her full breasts and pinched her nipples. She groaned in his
mouth. Without wasting time, he pulled at her tee, twisting it slightly, and
pressed her back against the wall. His hand ran across her stomach, flipping
the snap open on her jeans with his thumb. She smelled so good, a mixture of
healthy woman and a hint of flowers. Her mussed hair from earlier was no match
for his fingers running through the soft strands again. She groaned and arched
into him. Damn, she was deliciously responsive.
His
willpower neared the breaking point and he let her go. He walked stiff legged
to the door and peeked out. All clear. One deep intake of musty air, he braced
for what he’d see. Rumpled and dazed, she appeared well fucked. He bit the
inside of his mouth to stop from groaning in regret. What he’d give for it to
be true.
“Come
on.” He held out his hand. “Better leave now or I’ll finish what I started.”
She
shook her head and hid her hands behind her back.
“Why
are you helping me?”
“The
hell I know,” he snapped. That was a lie. Anything he said would only lead to
more questions he couldn’t answer.
Another
shake of her head. She appeared stuck to the floor. Was she trying to clear her
head or protest his option? Before she decided to cause more trouble, he
clasped her arm. She winced, and he eased off a little.
Damn,
last thing I need to do is leave bruises.
Tugging
her out of the door, he headed toward the barroom. When she placed her hand
over his and looked into his eyes, he loosened his grip a little more. Then she
matched his stride.
Everyone
stared. Two old men playing cards near the door chuckled and returned to their
game.
Showtime.
He hoped she’d play along.
“Next
time, call me.” He lightly slapped her ass. “I’ll tell you when I can visit and
help with your problem,” he said, loud enough for everyone to hear.
She
blinked and glanced around before nodding.
Slightly
amused by the lost-little-girl look on her face, he lifted her chin with a
finger and kissed her again. He sank into it wholeheartedly without any other
motive but to enjoy her taste. Her lips parted without hesitation. Her tongue
darted into his mouth, and he almost came in his jeans. Damn. Why
hadn’t he shoved her out the door faster?
The
room burst out in applause, wolf whistles, and several obscene suggestions.
Regaining
control, he ended the kiss and propelled her toward the door. “See you later,
sweet cheeks.” His hand smacked her ass one last time. It felt so good.
He
watched her move like a zombie down the sidewalk to the parked cars. She looked
back. He grinned at her angry, confused look. She jerked around and sashayed to
her old beat-up sedan. That livened her up.
He
liked that he stirred her up in every direction, from hormones to indignation.
She needed something else to think about besides the whereabouts of a
rebellious brother. That would likely get her into trouble.
As
she stalked by, several Brothers hanging near the front porch checked her out
and then glanced back to where he stood. One burly fellow gave a thumbs-up.
Curses
filled the air. She struggled with opening the car door, and it opened with a
loud metal squeak. The joints definitely needed oiling.
How
did that piece of shit hold together? She needed a better ride, something safe.
Who
was he to worry about that?
He
turned back to the barroom and caught the expression on Stonewall’s face.
Well,
hell. Thorn didn’t like that smile one bit. Meant
nothing but trouble.
What
in the hell had he gotten them into? How was he going to protect her and
himself?
