Текст книги "Tempted"

Автор книги: Alana Sapphire

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Текущая страница: 3 (всего у книги 9 страниц)

***Gage***

I’llstay.

I never thought two simple words could make me so happy or that a woman could both infuriate and calm me to such degrees. I was about to explode when I walked in here and saw her bent over the pool table, her ass on display. I can’t believe she erased all that anger with just a touch.

She’s leaning against me once more, observing everyone. It’s a calm night—by our standards, anyways. With no Hounds around, the boys are pretty tame, but they’re still having a good time. They don’t seem to mind the girls. In fact, they look like they’re fitting right in. Rico yells something in Spanish and the girls burst out laughing. I have no idea what’s so funny, but the three of them start going back and forth. What I do know is that Rico’s enjoying having people around who speak his language.

E walks in and slowly takes in the scene. Once his gaze lands on me, his lips curl up in a smirk, and he heads our way. Asshole.

“Hi, Raven. How do you feel?”

“Great, Dr. E! Whatever you gave me last night, it knocked me right out.”

He looks up at me with a grin. Fucker knows I stayed with her last night, and I know I won’t hear the end of it.

“And you? How’d you sleep?”

“Just fine, Dr. E.”

I’m smiling, but he knows the “fuck off” look I’m giving him all too well. He chuckles, unable to hide his amusement.

“Do you still want me to do that thing for her?”

Shit. I totally forgot. “Yeah, yeah. Go with E, babe. He’s going to take care of you.”

“’Kay.”

She takes his hand as they walk away and jealousy rages inside me once again. I take deep breaths, reminding myself that this is my best friend. A man I’ve known all my life. My anger doesn’t dissipate until they return, though. She talks with Chrissy and they hug before her friend starts saying her goodbyes.

“Bye, Gage!” She waves at me.

“See ya, Chrissy. Ron, get Allah to go with you.”

I smile as Raven walks back to me, trying hard not to trip over my pant legs. Why do I feel so good seeing her in my clothes?

“I’m a little tired. I’m going to take a shower and lie down.”

“Okay, doll. I’ll be in soon.”

“’Kay. ’Night, boys!”

I’m surprised to hear a few disappointed groans and pleas for her to stay. Damn girl has bewitched my entire club. She giggles and waves them off as she leaves.

“She’s a good girl,” E states, taking the bar stool next to me.

I turn to him as I take a pull of my beer. “I know that.” He hands me a piece of paper that I unfold and see it’s Raven’s prescription. Finally, an advantage of having a gynecologist for a best friend. “Thanks. I’ll take care of it.”

“Take care of her.”

“Why the fuck are you talking like I’m getting married or some shit?”

He pats me on the back as he pushes the stool away from the bar.

“You’ll figure it out soon, brother. I’m out. Got a hot nurse to examine,” he says, waggling his brows.

“Yeah, you need to go fuck a pussy and stop being one.”

He gives me the finger and waves Booker over as he walks backwards out of the clubhouse.

“Come on, Booker. You’re with me.”

“Yes, sir.”

He leaves, but his words stay with me. I know she’s a good girl and I have no intention of hurting her. That’s why I’ve always been honest with her. I won’t let anyone else hurt her, either. Not as long as I’m breathing. As I grab another beer from behind the bar, I realize I care about her more than I thought. She’s slowly working her way under my skin, and I’m powerless to stop it. Do I want to? I don’t have a fucking clue.

I give Tek the card with the phone number I got from Cassidy. He nods and heads toward the rooms.

“I’ll see what I can dig up.”

“Tek…tomorrow, yeah?”

“Got it, boss.”

Razor winks at me as he leaves, jerking his head at Rico to follow. I hope that fucker knows what he’s doing. Cassidy is a real piece of work. With everyone else gone, Crow and Motor start grumbling about their old ladies. After they leave, I lock up and head to my room.

She’s in my bed, wearing one of my T-shirts with the club logo. Her knees are drawn up to her chest, those thick, juicy thighs taunting me. The only thing I can think is that she fits. She fits me, my club…she just fucking fits. She’s reading something on her phone and singing that Bonnie and Clyde song by Jigga, but stops and smiles up at me as I enter. I swear it’s the most beautiful sight in the world.

“Hey,” she greets me.

“Hey. What you doin’?”

“Trolling Amazon for free books.”

“Free? They can’t be very good.”

I sit on the edge of the bed and lean on the headboard. Like it’s the most natural thing in the world, she moves over right next to me. I drape my arm around her shoulders and she leans in to my side.

“Not really. Sometimes it’s promotional…or maybe the first in a series. They give that one away, and then you have to buy the others to finish the story.”

“I see.” I hand her my credit card and she gives me that big, beautiful smile again. I know, without a doubt, I would do anything to keep her smiling like that. “Get whatever you want.”

She launches at me, throwing her arms around my neck and squeezing tightly.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Fuck. All this over a few books? Not that I’m complaining. Trust me. “Doesn’t take much to please you, does it?”

“Nope. I just need your billing address please,” she says in a sweet voice, batting her lids.

Fucking cute. I give her my driver’s license and she looks down at it with a grin.

“Your middle name is Harley?”

“Yeah. Blame Chopper. If he had his way, it would have been my first name.”

“It’s cute...Harley.”

“I don’t do ‘cute’, baby doll.”

“Okay, Harley. Whatever you say.”

“What’s your middle name, smartass?”

“Selena.”

“Selena. I like that.”

“Thank you. Now, go away.”

She goes back to her phone and it’s like I don’t exist anymore. I leave her there and head into the shower. Yup, under my skin, all right.

CHAPTER 5

***Raven***

I feel like a kid in the candy shop…on Christmas and my birthday rolled into one. I got a couple books I wanted and I didn’t have to pay for them. Sweet. He just found the way to my heart. No. Not heart. What he’s after is a little farther south. Although lately, he seems different. The jealousy, the way he talks…he wouldn’t be like this if he didn’t care, right? Could he possibly want something more? No. I can’t think like this. That’s how I’ll end up getting hurt. He likes me and I like him. Let’s just leave it at that.

He walks back in, wearing those sexy-as-sin boxer shorts that don’t leave much to the imagination. I lick my lips and watch as he climbs into bed.

“Put away the phone. Book time is over.”

“Oh? What time is it?”

“Gage time.”

I burst out laughing, and he raises a curious brow.

“What’s so funny?”

“I just got this image in my head of you saying that while doing the ‘Hammer-time’ dance.”

I gasp as he grabs me by the waist and pulls me to him. Nothing is funny anymore. In fact, I don’t even remember why I was laughing. He takes my phone and places it next to his on the nightstand.

“I. Don’t. Dance. Got it?”

“Got it,” I whisper.

He laces his fingers through my hair then gently trails his index finger down my cheek.

“You’re beautiful, you know that?”

“So you keep telling me.”

“And I won’t stop.”

Tremors run through my body as I stare into his eyes. With just a look, he makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

“Tell me something about you,” he says in a low voice.

“What do you want to know?”

“Everything.”

“Wow…that’s specific.” He leans in and bites into my bottom lip. “Ow!”

“Keep it up. I might put you over my knee yet.”

“Okay, okay. Where should I start?”

“Tell me about back home.”

I shrug, not really knowing what to say. “My dad raised me and Lonnie. She left when she turned eighteen, and then for a long time it was just me and him.”

“How’d he die?”

“Killed in the line of duty…armed robbery gone wrong.”

“What about your mom?”

“Never met her.”

“How come?”

“She was some kind of heiress. Her parents didn’t approve of my dad. He was Mexican and a cop, so he wasn’t good enough for their princess. When she found out she was pregnant, they gave her an ultimatum. Us or the money. They actually wanted her to get an abortion, but she opted instead to give me up to my dad.”

His arm tightens around me supportively. I haven’t talked about her in a long time. I don’t know how she could do it. How do you leave a baby you spent nine months carrying inside your body? And afterwards…she never even tried to see me once. “Daddy was my rock. After he died, I was a little lost. Everything moved so fast. Lonnie swept in, signed some papers, and packed me up. I didn’t even get to go to prom or graduation.”

“Do you miss it?”

“I do, especially Toni. She’s my best friend. But there’s nothing there for me anymore.”

“You don’t have any other family?”

“Nope. I was accepted into the Miami International University of Art and Design, but I had to give it up when I moved.”

“Art? What were you going to study?”

“Graphic and web design.”

“There are other art schools around.”

“I know. I just have to get some other stuff sorted out first.”

“Like what?” He asks.

“I need to get my own place. I can’t stand living with Lonnie. I just wish my birthday would hurry up and get here.”

“You and me both.”

I lay my palm flat on his hard chest and move closer. “Why don’t you remind me what’s in it for you?”

His hand creeps under my shirt, and his fingers slowly dance up my spine. My breathing gets ragged and my body trembles against him.

“I finally get to do what I’ve wanted to do since the moment I saw you…sink my dick deep inside you.”

I can barely keep my eyes open, but I fight it because the look on his face is affecting me as much as his touch. “Is that all?”

He traces circles over my heated skin – my hip, the dip of my waist, and up my ribcage. His voice, low and hoarse, weaves its way into my senses.

“I’m going to kiss every inch of your gorgeous body.”

I slide my fingers into his hair and lean in, our lips just inches apart. My pussy is twitching, begging for attention. He gets close to my breast and I arch into him, but he withdraws his fingers.

“Once you’ve come on my tongue a few times…I’m going to fuck you nice and slow.”

“Gage…”

“At first. But then I’m going to take you hard and fast…in every position and location I can.”

He parts my thighs and places his knee between them. I move my hips, desperately trying to ease the ache between my legs.

“When I’m done with you, you won’t be able to walk for a month.”

“That…sounds painful.”

His fingers continue their exploratory mission, trailing over my thigh. I moan, feeling like I might shatter at any moment.

“I’ll have you coming so hard, you’ll welcome the pain.”

Dios. “Please, Gage. I don’t want to wait.”

He stops instantly, pulling my shirt down.

“No, Raven.”

“It’s just a few weeks. What difference does it make?”

“I just can’t.”

“I have something I want you to hear.”

I sit astride him, reach for my phone, and play the song Toni sent me earlier – “Nobody Has To Know” by Kranium. He raises a brow at me, and I wonder if he’ll understand any of it. I lean in close to his lips and whisper, “No one has to know.”

Toni’s been giving me a few pointers, so let’s see how they work. Moving to the beat of the music, I roll my hips and grind on his now rock-hard dick. He lowers his gaze, biting into his bottom lip as he watches. I reach up and cup my breasts, kneading them and pulling on my nipples. With a moan, I throw my head back and imagine doing this while he’s inside me. He grabs my hips, chest rising and falling rapidly as his breathing gets out of control. I smirk as I turn around, kicking things up a notch. He groans as I pull my T-shirt up to my waist.

“Raven…”

I lean forward, place my hands on the bed between his legs and slowly bounce on top of him. Let him see what he’s missing…what he could be getting right now. He growls and pulls me down onto the bed.

“Fuck, Raven! Stop it.”

“But –”

“No. I…”

He takes a deep breath and pulls me into his arms. I lay my head on his chest, waiting for him to continue.

“Go to sleep, doll.”

***Gage***

An ungodly sound rips me out of a deep sleep. What the fuck? Raven reaches over me and silences her phone then falls back on my chest. She groans, yawning and stretching. I pull her back into my arms when she tries to roll away.

“I have to get up,” she mumbles.

“What the fuck for?”

“Work…and you have to take me by the house first so I can change.”

“Stay.”

“As much as I want to, I can’t.”

She gets up and I growl in irritation. Two nights of having her in my bed and I don’t want her to leave. Shit. I don’t even recognize myself. The shower comes on and I look at my phone. Five-thirty. The ass-crack of dawn. Fuck. I hug her pillow and her scent washes over me, both lulling me back to sleep and arousing me at the same time. Fuck me, I’m referring to it as her pillow. Two nights. Two fucking nights. What is she doing to me? I don’t know, but I wish she’d just come back to bed. Damn it. I sit up and shake the sleep away then get dressed. She walks into the room wrapped in a towel, and I almost give in to the urge to take what’s mine.

“Good. You’re up.”

Shit…in more ways than one.

“It’s probably cold outside. Can I borrow something to wear?”

“Take whatever you need.”

“Thanks.”

By the time I brush my teeth, she’s dressed and waiting. I grab two hoodies from my closet and hand one to her. She takes it wordlessly and slips it on. I hold her chin between my fingers and raise her face to mine. “I hate this sneaking around.”

“Me, too.”

“Once we get past all this, the only place you’ll be sleeping is in my bed. Got it?”

She sucks in a breath and her eyes widen. Then she nods.

“Words, babe.”

“Got it.”

I grab her backpack and we head out to the Bimmer.

“I meant to ask you, how did they repair the Mustang so fast?”

“They didn’t.”

“So…it’s a different one?”

“Yeah. I got a few.” I tell her.

“Wow.”

“What?”

“You make it sound like nothing…so mundane…like ‘yeah, I got a few lying around’.”

“What can I say? Gotta be prepared.”

She turns in her seat, and I just know she’s coming with something serious.

“Those guys the other night –”

“I’m taking care of it.”

“But…why would they come after us?”

“No, baby doll. They came after me. It has nothing to do with you.”

“I don’t know why they came after you, but I know you do more than security and customize cars. Illegal things.”

I remain quiet. She’ll learn more about me as time passes. Will she still want me when she finds out the kind of person I am? She takes a deep breath and continues.

“That first night you took me to the clubhouse…what kind of shipment were you protecting for those Mexicans?”

“That’s club business. I can’t tell you that.”

“After getting shot at and shooting a man, you owe me more than that.”

“Raven...” Fuck! I shake my head in frustration, tightening my grip on the steering wheel. She’s right. I owe it to her to make sure she knows what she’s getting into with me. That still doesn’t mean I can disclose club secrets though.

“Please, Gage. I promise anything you tell me stays between us.”

“You sure you wanna know?”

“Yes.”

Fuck me. I hope I don’t regret this. “You don’t repeat this to anybody. Got it?”

“I won’t.”

“Fine. The Mexicans have a guns-for-coke deal with the Columbians. A couple of their deliveries were jacked. They needed extra security and know I’m the best.”

“So…you transported guns for them?”

“No. I just made sure the shipment got where it was going.”

“Were you attacked?”

“Mexicans had a leak. I found it before we even loaded up the truck.”

“How’d you do that?” She asks incredulously.

“I suspected it was one of his drivers. I gave each of them a different route and had Tek tap their phones. We found the rat and sent him and a few guys with a fake shipment while we went the other way with the real one. Jefe found his leak and sent a message to the guys who were stealing from him.”

“I see…and you do stuff like that for other people?”

“I do.”

She leans back into the seat and remains silent for the rest of the drive to her house. The journey to Millie’s is no different. I guess I’ve given her a lot to think about. She already had an idea, but now she has confirmation. I hope all this doesn’t scare her away. I don’t want to lose her. When I drop her off at work, she mumbles “thank you” and reaches for the door.

“Raven.”

“Hmm?” She turns to me expectantly.

“Come here.”

She leans toward me and I grab the back of her neck, pulling her in. I kiss her lips gently, needing to taste them. I need to know we’re okay. She moans and opens up, giving me free reign. I flick my tongue against hers, and her little whimper goes straight to my dick. Her response is the only affirmation I need. I break away reluctantly. “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” she says with a smile.

“I’ll send Ron to pick you up later.”

“’Kay. Will I see you?”

“I’m not sure. I’ll call you.”

“Okay.”

I reach across and open her door then watch as she runs inside the diner. On the drive back, all I can think about is how good she feels in my arms and how these last two nights I’ve slept better than I have in a really long time. Again, what the fuck is she doing to me? To be honest, she hasn’t done anything but be herself. The more I see of her, the less it becomes about waiting for her birthday so I can fuck her. I can’t believe I’m actually developing feelings for this girl. The question is, what am I going to do about it? I can’t do the relationship thing, especially after what happened the other night. She could have been killed, and it would have been because of me. How long were they following me? Did they see me put her in the car? There could have been others or they could have been communicating with the rest of their crew. Shit. I need to find these motherfuckers fast.

Tek approaches me when I arrive at the clubhouse. Good thing because I was just about to drag his ass out of bed.

“Found ‘em, boss,” he says.

“Who are they?”

“Call themselves The Muscle. Just a group of guys who hire themselves out as security or muscle, as it would be, if needed.”

He turns his laptop toward me and shows me a picture of the group of men. I spot the two from that night at the Kitty and the two from the other night. I count ten in all and we took out four, so I’ve got six motherfuckers gunning for me.

“Word on the street is they’re on a manhunt.”

“That means I have to get to them before they get to me.”

“What are you thinking?”

I’m thinking I need to take them out all at once. The only place I can get them together and know we can get it done without being seen or heard is the warehouse where I keep my other cars and bikes. “Call the number. Tell ‘em you got a job that will need the whole crew. Offer to triple their regular fee. Make up whatever backstory you need and get ‘em to the warehouse…unseen.”

“Got it.”

“Wake up the boys. Keep Rico and Motor with you. The rest of us are heading to the warehouse. We got a trap to set.”

CHAPTER 6

***Raven***

I’m listening to music and having my lunch in a booth at the back of the diner when I decide to make a playlist for Gage. He definitely deserves his own playlist. The first song I add is Saving Jane’s “Butterflies” because, well, he gives me butterflies. Or maybe Alicia Keys’ “Butterflyz”...What the hell. I’ll add both. Next, I add Maroon 5’s “It Was Always You”. I have to add Colbie Caillat’s “Bubbly” and definitely “’03 Bonnie and Clyde”. We’re totally like the new Bonnie and Clyde...minus the whole part with the dying. Oh, also Tamia and Fabolous’ “So Into You”.

My heart leaps into my throat when someone slams their palms down on the table. I look up to see Chrissy grinning down at me. Chick scared the hell out of me. I remove my earbuds and smile back at her.

“Hola, chica,” she greets me.

I slide from the booth, put one arm around her and kiss her cheek.

“Man…I still can’t get over this kiss thing.”

“It’s a Miami thing. ¿Que pasa?” I ask as we take opposite sides of the booth.

“Nothing much. Wanted to talk about my birthday plans.”

She reaches over and snags a few fries from my plate as I ask, “You decide what you wanna do?”

“My parents wanna have a party, to which you’re invited, of course.”

“You sure that’s a good idea? I don’t want to make Chris uncomfortable. It’s his birthday, too.”

I haven’t spoken to him since that night at Chiquita’s. I’ve tried contacting him a few times with no luck, so I’m leaving it up to him whether he wants to talk or not.

“You’re my best friend. I need you there.”

“And I want to be there. I just don’t want to ruin it for him.”

“You may be right. I’ve never seen him this…withdrawn before.”

“I hate myself for what I did. It wasn’t fair to him.”

“Eventually, he’ll understand that you had to do what’s best for you.”

“I hope so.”

She reaches toward my plate again, and I push it to the center of the table so she’ll have better access.

“Okay. I won’t push you on the party, but we’re going dancing after with a few of my other friends.”

“No problem. Where do you wanna go?”

“Scythe. It’s an eighteen-and-over club just outside of town.”

“And how do you expect me to get in?”

She leans back with a smirk. “Shouldn’t be a problem since your papi chulo owns it.”

“He’s not –”

“Yeah, yeah…says the girl who spent the night in his bed.”

I bite my lip and look down at my plate sheepishly. I haven’t told her about last night.

“What’s that look?”

“I stayed with him again last night,” I whisper.

“You bitch! Did you have hot, monkey sex?”

“Hot what?” I giggle. “No, he won’t. Not until my birthday, even though it’s perfectly legal. The age of consent here is sixteen.”

“It is? I didn’t know that. So, what happened?” She asks, leaning forward eagerly.

“We talked and then we slept.”

“What did you talk about?”

“My life before I came here.”

“Oh. So, are you going back tonight?” She asks.

“I don’t know.”

“Why not?”

“He hasn’t asked. The other night…I was upset about Chris.” Without even saying a word, I know Gage expects me to keep quiet about what happened. I know it’s something I can only talk about with him. “And I was tired. I just fell asleep while he was having church or whatever with the other members.”

“And last night?”

“Last night, he asked me to stay.”

“This guy’s really into you, Ray. The way he blew up when he walked in and saw you? Shit, I wish someone was that protective of me.”

‘Protective’ is not the word I’d use, but hearing from someone else that he cares makes me feel better. “What about you and Ron?”

Her smile returns. “I think I just might get some birthday sex.”

“Jesus. Already?”

“You forget I’ve known him practically my whole life. And it’s been a while. I’m tired of my own fingers.”

“And he’s the one to break the dry spell?”

“Definitely. He’s just…fun…and I know exactly what I’m getting with him. Nothing like my boring, loser ex who cheated on me.”

“Like me?”

“Ray –”

“It’s okay. I accept the ‘loser ex’ title. I deserve it.”

“It’s not the same.”

“It is. But don’t let me interrupt. Tell me about Ron,” I prod, trying to redirect the conversation.

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

“Okay...well...hanging out with him and the other guys last night, it’s kinda changed my perspective on the club.”

“How?”

“I mean, I know they’re not saints, but I know now that they’re not as bad as everyone makes them out to be.”

“Me, too.”

“And Gage…I had my doubts, but you know him better than I do so if he’s okay in your book, then he’s okay in mine.”

“Speaking of books, have you checked out my Kindle library?”

We set up the Family Library so we could have free reign of each other’s books.

“Yeah. Saw some new stuff. Why?”

“So, Gage saw me browsing last night and just pops his credit card out and says ‘get whatever you want’.”

“Shit. He keeps doing that, he’s definitely getting into your panties.”

I try, but I can’t hold back my smile. “Whatever. It’s not like that.” Well, not exactly like that. I want him, but it’s so much more.

“What’s it like?”

I take a deep breath, trying to figure out how to explain it, explain what I feel when I’m with him.

“He’s…complex. He’s smart…so smart, but I think he hides it from most people. It’s like he has two personalities. One minute, we could be having the most intelligent conversation and the next, he slips into ‘badass biker mode’ with a dirty mouth to match.”

She places her elbow on the table and drops her cheek onto her palm, listening intently.

“He’s kind and strong and protective. I feel safe with him. I feel –”

“You’re falling for him.”

Am I? Maybe. “Do you ever crave someone’s company? Just their presence? It doesn’t matter what you do. You could be sitting together in complete silence, staring into space, but you’re just…happy. Completely fucking happy.”

“No. But I’m happy for you. I hope this all works out.”

“Me, too.” She squeezes my hand and gives me an encouraging smile. “My break is over. I have to get back to work.”

“No prob. I’ll just go home and check out those books your sexy, biker daddy bought you.”

“Chrissy –”

“See ya!” She laughs and breezes out the door.

Millie corners me before I start taking orders again and ushers me to her office. I follow her, curious as to what is going on. She closes the door and pulls out a poster from under her desk.

“I put on a fair for the kids around here every year at Halloween. I was wondering if you’d like to help out.”

The poster is from last year but it shows all the different rides and activities for the kids. It looks like fun and something I’d definitely want to get involved with.

“Sure, I’d love to! What would you want me to do?”

“Great! I know you draw. Do you paint? I was thinking you could do face painting.”

“I can definitely do that. This is going to be so much fun!”

“Thanks, sweetheart. I’ll get the new posters printed up and get you all the materials you’ll need.”

“Awesome. Thanks for including me.”

I leave her office and go through the rest of the day thinking about all the different faces I can paint. This fair is going to be off the chain!

***

I’m about to go to bed, just after midnight, when my phone vibrates with a text from Gage.

G: I’m outside.

I quickly throw on a robe over my tank top and boy shorts and let him in. Lonnie’s working tonight, so I know she won’t be home until morning. He tips the hood of his jacket back and gives me a weak smile. He looks so tired. I wonder what he’s been up to. He hands me a paper bag, and I peek in to see the pills Dr. E prescribed.

“Thanks. I’ll be right back.” I hide them in my room and return to see him leaning against the wall, head back, eyes closed. “Are you okay?”

He turns to me with a weary sigh and pushes off the wall. His eyes wander over my face as he cups my cheek with one hand and slides the other through my hair.

“I am now.”

His lips brush mine tenderly and a moan emanates from the back of my throat. I curl my fingers around his wrists and move up onto my toes, trying to get closer. I breathe him in, his scent of leather, cologne, and him, going to my head. His tongue flicks out, licking at my bottom lip, and I open for him. He slides in with a groan and I catch his tongue between my lips, sucking gently. His hands move to my hips and I curl my arms around his neck, playing with the hair at his nape. Growling, he picks me up, wrapping my legs around his hips. The kiss changes. It becomes harder, more aggressive. It’s not a passionate frenzy like before, more like a punishment or a release of pent-up anger. My lips begin to throb from the force of it, and I can’t breathe. I fist my hand in his hair and pull back to catch my breath.

“Gage!”

He forces me against the wall and buries his face in my neck.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it was just...a little intense.” Intense enough that it’s clear something’s bothering him. I knew it the moment he walked through the door. “What happened today?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re off. What did you do today?”

He moves to the living room, sitting on the couch with me astride him. He looks at me carefully as if deciding if he should talk to me or not. I wish he would. I can never tell what’s going on in his head. I need him to trust me, too, to know I’m here for him when he needs me.

“You can tell me anything, too, you know.”

“I can’t, doll. Not this.”

I cradle his face in my hands and stare into his beautiful, blue eyes, now dull with the weight of his troubles. I need to see the brilliance returned. “I trust you with my life, Gage. You can trust me.”

He closes his eyes, sinking his fingers into my hips. I place my forehead on his, pleading, “I’m here for you. Trust me. You can trust me.”

“I do trust you, Raven. My world isn’t pretty. I need to shield you from all the bad shit I do.”

“And I love that about you...that you want to protect me. But I hate seeing you like this. I wanna help.”

“You can’t.”

“How do you know? Sometimes, just talking can help. You don’t have to give me specifics.”

“You sure you want to go down this road? There’s no turning back, Raven.”

I nod and settle into his lap, clasping my hands at the back of his neck. He takes a deep breath.

“Those guys from the other night. I found out who they were and why they were after me. We found the rest of the crew and took ‘em out today.”

“You mean…?”

He looks directly into my eyes, his expression stoic. “Yes, Raven. I killed them.”