Текст книги "Provoke"

Автор книги: Missy Johnson

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Chapter Two

Mace

Well, that had been a nice way to wake up. Who was I kidding? Every day started like that—the only difference was that this time Leets had been an actual participant, instead of a figment of my imagination. Picturing her in that office with her legs spread, exploring herself, had been fucking hot.

We have to do that more often.

I climbed out of bed and yawned, kicking aside the piles of worn clothes that blocked my trail to the door. I was still waking up, and in desperate need of a shower. I glanced down and nodded.

Yep, definitely need a shower.

Yawning again, I staggered down to the bathroom and ran the shower. The feel of the water hitting my skin was like an instant wake-up. I quickly soaped my body and rinsed off the suds before turning off the taps.

I probably should’ve gotten up half an hour ago, but oh well. It wasn’t my fault I got distracted. Wait—yes it was. I reached into the cupboard for a towel. Fuck. Empty. Glancing around, I picked up the cleanest-looking one off the floor.

Yeah, I should probably do some washing soon. Or buy some new towels.

Wandering back down to the bedroom, I turned on the coffee pot on the way past. As I got dressed, I called Finn to let him know I was running late.

“Yeah, it’s me. I’ll be a few minutes late. Just start without me, okay?”

“Already on it. And you’re always late, man.”

That was true. One of the perks of owning your own business was being able to rock up late and leave early. I ran a business fixing bikes from the back of a mechanic in the western suburbs of Melbourne. It wasn’t much compared to Leeta’s achievements, but it kept me busy and I spent the day doing what I loved: being elbow-deep in grease and motor oil.

I drank my coffee and downed a bowl of cornflakes—not hurrying as much as I probably should have—and then grabbed my keys and helmet. Walking out to the garage through the internal door, I zipped up my jacket and threw my helmet on.

Jumping on the bike, I started her up and took off down the street.

#

 “This guy has called twice.”

I took the slip of paper from Finn, recognizing the number instantly. No phone contact. What the fuck was this, then? My stomach tightened as I nodded, trying my best to appear indifferent. Finn narrowed his eyes at me suspiciously.

Finn was an old friend who also knew his way around a bike. He’d been working for me since I’d started up this business, and he knew me well enough to know something was up.

“Just a debt I need to pay,” I explained, my tone making it clear I didn’t want any more questions. Finn nodded and shrugged.

“Hey man, it’s cool. We all have debts we need to pay,” he said, clicking his tongue. I watched him as he walked off, chuckling to himself, wondering what the hell he was talking about. I shook it off and studied the number again.

I was pissed. These were their fucking rules, not mine.

I’d also made it clear that I didn’t want him calling me at work. If he needed me, then he had my mobile number. I loved Finn like a brother, but the guy couldn’t keep his trap shut. If he got even so much of a sniff of my business, all the guys would know within the space of an hour.

I screwed up the scrap of paper and shoved it in my pocket.

I’ll deal with this later.

#

“Hello?”

“Do you want to stop calling my work?” I growled. I kicked and empty bottle along the ground, checking back to the garage to make sure Finn wasn’t looking for me.

“Sorry,” he said, not sounding the least bit apologetic. “I guess I forgot.”

“Right. Sure. So did you want something?”

“Just wanted to check how you were going. The boss is happy with your work. You’re bringing in some big sales, apparently. Consider this your three-month evaluation.”

“It’s been four,” I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck.

“So we’re a little slow,” he replied. “Have a good night, Mace.”

I switched off my phone, trying to figure out what their game was. Were they trying to show me they could reach me anywhere? Because I already knew that.

Reaching into my back pocket, I grabbed my wallet and pulled out the half-smoked joint I’d stashed in there. I stared at the photo of Anna as I lit the joint, crouching down onto my knees.

Calm down. Just go back inside and act normal.

I snorted. Normal. Fuck, I hadn’t been acting normal for the past year.

Chapter Three

Leeta

Dropping my keys on the kitchen bench, I sighed as I began to undress. Walking through to the bathroom, I ran the bath. My biggest demand when house-hunting last year had been a huge bath. That was my only non-negotiable requirement.

It was the best way I knew how to relax, and in my job, I got stressed a lot. Nothing beat a nice, long soak after a stressful day. Well, I could maybe think of one thing . . .

I smirked and put my clothes in the laundry hamper, then grabbed a towel from the closet. Back in the bathroom, I switched off the taps and dipped my fingers in the water. Perfect.

 “Oh, hell yeah.” I sighed as I immersed myself in the hot water, the steam rising up and filling the bathroom. Instant gratification.

I’d texted Mace to see if he was coming over. He hadn’t replied—which wasn’t unusual. He had his friends, and I had mine. After six months together, we spent most nights at each other’s homes, but we were still at the stage of having our own space. I liked that. I was far from clingy, so having our own places worked for the moment.

Closing my eyes, I felt myself relax. It had been a big few days at work, and I was glad it was over. My closing argument had gone just as I’d hoped, and I was quietly confident that I’d be racking up my first win the next day. They say the first one is always the hardest, and that seemed especially apparent in my job. Standing in the front of that courtroom had given me such an adrenaline rush. I was born to be in the courtroom.

Stepping out of the bath, I wrapped a towel around me just as the pounding on the door began. I knew it wasn’t Mace, because he had a key. I contemplated pretending I wasn’t home when a familiar voice echoed through the walls.

“Leet! Open the fuck up!”

I raced to the door, still only in my towel, and flung it open. I looked in his arms and sighed. I fucking knew it.

“No. No fucking way, Tim.” My warnings went unheard as he pushed past me and into the living room, where he plopped down on the couch.

“Leeta, meet your new friend, Marcus.” He handed me a little bundle of pillowcase from which a tiny, fuzzy grey head was poking out. My heart melted a little at the sight of him and his huge green eyes.

“You fucking bastard, Timothy. You can’t bring him here knowing I won’t be able to say no . . .” My words deserted me. Totally gone. I smiled as a tiny little paw hit my finger. I was officially smitten.

Timmy craned his neck, looking past me into the bedroom. “I was kinda hoping I’d be interrupting something. The way you talk about this guy of yours . . . well, let’s just say the odd night, your descriptions kept me quite satisfied.”

“Eww, Tim, you didn’t!” I cried. “And sorry, he’s not here.” I poked my tongue out at him and then disappeared into the bedroom with my new friend still in my arms.

Setting him down on the bed, I threw on a pair of track pants and a pyjama top. Then I picked the little kitty up again, holding him close as he purred softly. We both knew he wasn’t going anywhere.

“This isn’t fair, you know.” I glowered at Tim as I walked back out into the living room.

He snorted and waved his arm at me. “Oh, shut it, Leeta. You’re much more of an animal person than I am.”

“Then why get a cat in the first place?” I asked with frustration. That annoyed the hell out of me. I loved Tim to death, but this kitty had just been another accessory he’d gotten sick of after a week. With so many unwanted animals in the world, his attitude and lack of accountability astounded me.

“Okay! We’ve established that I’m an idiot. Can we move on?” He waved his hand, rolling his eyes as though I were boring him.

I let the matter drop and sank down onto the couch next to him. Tickling Marcus under the chin, I smiled as he craned his little neck. Timmy was right: I did love animals. And I had been planning on getting a cat. That didn’t excuse what he’d done, but I’d get over it. But Marcus? Who the hell names a cat Marcus?

“I don’t have any food or litter,” I mumbled as the little guy circled my lap before lying down.

“In my car. Food, litter, bed, toys . . . I didn’t want to be presumptuous.”

I snorted. “When are you not?”

“I’ll be back in a sec.”

I shook my head as he darted out of the room. I tickled the little guy under the chin as I listened to the front door slam, then open a few minutes later, and then slam shut again. Tim came running in, carrying bags of cat products.

“Uncle Tim’s a silly boy, isn’t he?” I cooed at Marcus as he tried to nibble on my nose. My eyes widened at the stack of toys. Was that a freaking leather jacket? “How much shit did you buy this thing, Tim?” I gasped.

“What?” he shrugged. “So I got carried away. Sue me.” He threw a ball at my head. I laughed, ducking out of the way.

“I can’t believe you,” I sighed, cuddling the kitty up against me. Oh, he is so cute. “If you’re staying, then make yourself useful and get me a drink.”

“Can’t,” he said, shaking his head. “I’ve got a hot date.”

“With who?” I asked. This was the first I’d heard about any date. To my knowledge, he hadn’t been out in weeks.

“Damien, the courier from Speedsters? Asked him out and he said yes.”

 “Well, have fun,” I said, rolling my eyes as he pecked me on the cheek. He ruffled Marcus behind the ear.

“You too. Don’t wear that cute little pussy out.” His laughter rang through the hallway as he let himself out.

“Come on, you,” I cooed, kissing his little nose. “Let’s go to bed, hey?”

Pulling back the covers, I climbed into my warm bed. Thank God for electric blankets, that’s all I could say. Without them, I’d never sleep. Marcus was curled up in his bed on the ground next to me. I hesitated, then reached down, lifting his bed onto the other side of mine. I didn’t want him getting cold. Reaching for my phone, I yawned uncontrollably. It was barely ten, but I was wrecked.

Goodnight from Marcus and I xx

Mace responded to my text right away.

Who the hell is Marcus?

Smiling, I replied.

The cutie sharing my bed. Come see for yourself…you have a key.

I giggled as I set my alarm, and switched my phone over to silent. How crazy was that message going to drive him? Crazy enough to come over here and find out? I snuggled down into my bed and closed my eyes.

#

“Humph,” I muttered, my leg jerking out from under the covers. Half asleep, I reached down and fixed the bed sheets that had somehow become a muddled mess at the end of the bed.

“Is this Marcus?”

I bolted upright, my heart racing. Fumbling for the lamp switch, I clicked it, and saw Mace standing at the foot of the bed, the cat in his arms.

“God, you scared the hell out of me,” I gasped, flopping back down on the mattress.

“You tell me you’re sleeping with some dude named Marcus, and you’re surprised I came over?” He smirked at me.

“So you’ve met, then,” I mumbled. “What time is it?”

“Nearly three, and yes, we’ve become acquainted.”

“Nearly three? I texted you at ten. You couldn’t have been too concerned.” I smirked. He walked over to me, placing Marcus back in his bed, and then crawled over and onto the mattress until he was over me.

“I was busy,” he mumbled. My questions melted away as soon as his lips hit my neck. Oh, Jesus. He licked along my collarbone, lifting my tank above my breasts. “Hello, perky.” I let out a moan as his lips locked around my left nipple, his tongue almost making me orgasm.

“Marcus . . .” I gasped as he yanked my panties off, moving my legs apart.

“Leets, he’s fast asleep. What, are you worried about me corrupting your little pussy?” He ran his finger along my wetness as I yelped. “Because I think we’re too late.”

“No.” I laughed, swatting his arm away and attempting to roll over. “Not in front of the cat.” I giggled, trying to roll over as he gripped both my wrists above my head with one hand and continued his assault on me.

“You don’t mean that.”

I gasped as his finger slid inside me.

“You’re so wet, Leets, I know you want me inside you. Don’t you?”

I leaned up, my lips finding his as his hand worked its way around my back, his fingers electric against my skin. I worked my way down his naked body, my hands resting on his hard cock. I whimpered, so badly wanting him inside me.

“Not so fast, Leets.” He pushed my hands away and shuffled down the bed. I spread apart my legs, knowing what was about to come—no pun intended. I groaned as his arm curled around my thigh, dragging my hips closer to him. He was so close I could feel his breath moving softly past my lips.

Crying out, I clasped my hands over his as he buried his tongue inside my wet pussy. The action was so sudden I had no time to prepare myself, resulting in my thighs clenching his head between my legs.

He chuckled as he pried them back apart, forcing them flat on the bed.

“No need to suffocate me,” he said dryly. “If you don’t want me to—”

“Don’t be a bastard,” I cried, pushing his face back down between my thighs. I moaned as his tongue ran back and forth along my folds while he slipped a finger inside me. “Oh, yes,” I cried. My hands flew up to my face as I tried to compose myself. Compose myself? Who the fuck cared?

I spread my legs further apart. His hands slipped around my thighs, resting under my ass. My fingers stroked his thick hair, clutching tightly as his tongue dipped inside of me.

“Tease,” I muttered, lifting my hips. His tongue began to massage my clit as he thrust two fingers inside me. “Oh, fuck, that feels good,” I mumbled, rocking my hips in sync with his tongue.

Shivers shot down my spine. I moaned, shifting my legs so they locked around his waist. My hold on his hair tightened as his mouth continued to taste me, his tongue sweeping over my folds, the sensation almost unbearable.

“Oh yeah,” I sighed, my body tensing as his tongue began to move faster over me. “Faster,” I panted, his head firmly in my grip. Oh hell, that feels amazing. My hips jerked as I began to climax, while his tongue thrust inside of me and he teased my clit with his finger.

I pulled him away from me, guiding him up to my face, his lips pressing against mine. The taste of my pussy on his lips excited me as his erection pressed against my thigh. Reaching between us, I gripped his cock in my hand, sliding my fist up and down his shaft. He groaned as he kissed my neck.

He thrust at my entrance, his stiffness sliding inside me as my muscles gripped hold of him, refusing to let go. His arm slid under the curve of my back. I yelped as he flipped me so I was on top, straddling him.

“That’s better,” he muttered, grabbing hold of my hips. I grinned and began to ride him, rubbing my breasts as I stared down at him. “Fuck, Leet. You drive me crazy,” he panted, rocking me, driving his hard cock deeper inside of me.

I rolled my nipples between my fingers as I grinned devilishly down at him. He grunted, throwing his head back as his thrusts increased.

“Yeah, fuck,” he gasped. He bucked his hips, groaning as he released, pulling me down into his arms. “You always make me blow so fucking hard,” he muttered, kissing me on the neck. I giggled and lifted myself off him.

Curling up in his arms, barely awake as he tickled my back, I sighed. This was heaven. His touch against my bare skin was orgasmic. I almost couldn’t handle it.

“Love you, Leets,” he whispered as he nibbled on my ear lobe.

“Love you too,” I mumbled, drifting off.

Chapter Four

Leeta

I braced myself as I walked back into the office after hearing the verdict. They were going to go mental, and no doubt Tim had already told them everything. Pushing through the door, cheers erupted as I walked toward my desk.

“Good work, Leeta!”

I grinned and rolled my eyes, trying to pretend the praise didn’t faze me when in reality, I was fucking loving it. As a new member of the senior team at the office of public prosecutions, this was my first major win, and I had slammed it. The guilty decision had been unanimous, and had taken less than three hours for the jury to reach. Three fucking hours. That was unheard of!

“Very well done, Leeta.”

Donovan Peters, one of the head prosecutors, gave me a hug and handed me a bottle of wine with a fancy label. Ooh, expensive.

“There must have been something special in that closing argument of yours.”

I blushed, thinking back to the moments before in the room, on the phone with Mace. Maybe that had been my secret weapon. Well, having to work that into every trial was something I was more than willing to consider.

“Keep this up and you’ll be moving up the ranks in no time,” he added with a wink.

Wow. I loved the feeling of winning. Always had. Right back to my primary school debate days when I’d made a girl from the opposing team cry over what was the better ice cream flavour.

How could the answer have been anything other than chocolate?

My mind drifted back to the moment the jury had announced their verdict. I had rocked that courtroom like it was my bitch, and it felt great. I couldn’t wait to tell Mace.

Shit. I glanced at my watch. I was running late. I was supposed to be at the restaurant in five minutes. Peak hour in the city was a nightmare. It would take me at least twenty to get across the city.

“Shit, Tim, I gotta go.” I brushed my lips past his cheek and shimmied on my jacket. “Dinner with my parents and Mace,” I added with a smile.

“Good luck! Text me how it goes, honey.”

#

The damn elevator wouldn’t move fast enough. I stood there staring at the screen that displayed the floor it was on. Why the fuck was it still on level twenty? I reached over and pressed the button, as if it were going to suddenly give a shit that I was running late and hurry up.

Ugh, fuck this. I sprinted toward the stairwell and began my decent, two stairs at a time. Five minutes later, completely breathless I stumbled into the foyer. People glanced at me, taking a wide berth around me.

Yeah, you should see me running up ten flights of stairs. I was so unfit it wasn’t funny.

Smoothing out my suit, I ran out onto the sidewalk and headed in the direction of the station. On my way I texted Mace.

Sorry baby, running late. Be there ASAP xx

No sooner had I’d shoved it back into my jacket pocket than it began to ring. I answered right away, expecting it to be Mace, not my father.

“Where are you?” asked Dad. I rolled my eyes, clearly picking up the annoyance in his tone. God forbid I keep the Colonel waiting. Our relationship had shifted over the years into the strained, awkward one it now was.

There had been a time when I’d been such a daddy’s girl. He’d been my hero. Everything I’d done was with the intention of impressing him—until that became harder and harder to do. Eventually, I realized I needed to put myself first or I’d go insane.

“Sorry,” I huffed, jogging down the stairs at the station two at a time. “Trial ran over. I’m on my way.”

“Okay. Hurry, though.”

Sure, because I was planning on taking my time.

I picked up my speed when I saw the train on the platform, sliding into it just as the doors began to close. I sat down on the only vacant seat, which was next to a rather rotund man who smelled of cheese.

I kept as close to the edge of the seat as I possibly could without appearing rude, which still nearly had me pressed up against him. He smiled at me and I smiled back, then turned my attention to the book I’d pulled out to pretend to read.

“One of the classics.”

I glanced at the man, surprised. “It is,” I agreed. To Kill a Mockingbird was one of my favourites.

“My favourite novel,” he smiled. “I actually have a signed first edition in my collection.”

Holy shit. I’d dismissed this man as a homeless bum. My face flushed, embarrassed at my rush to judge him. I was better than that. At least I thought I was.

My phone buzzed, saving me. I excused myself, pulling it out to check the message. It was from Mace.

Leets, I cannot go in there without you. Just try and hurry, okay? We don’t need to give your parents more ammunition.

Why is everyone on my case today?

The train pulled up to the station opposite the restaurant I was headed to. Jumping up, I raced off, jogging up the mountain of stairs and out onto the street. I spotted Mace, pacing back and forth just down from the door.

God, he is so fucking hot. And he’s actually dressed up. The last time I’d seen him in a suit was at his brother’s trial three months earlier. Yet here he was, donning a black suit, clean-shaven, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him. Part of me wanted to skip dinner, drag him back to my place, and . . . well, you get the picture.

“There you are.” He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my head. “Busy day?” Argh, he smelled amazing. The scent of wood tones and musk surrounded me. It wasn’t fair that he was so damn irresistible.

I nodded. “I won.” His face lit up, and I couldn’t help but smile. I loved that regardless of the difference in our upbringings, when it came to my work he was always there for me, and supportive.

“Congratulations, babe. I’m so proud of you.” He beamed, leaning down to kiss me. He flicked open my jacket and looked me over. His eyes darkened. “Fuck, you drive me crazy, Leets. These skimpy little outfits you wear.”

“It’s a suit.” I laughed, glancing down at my pressed jacket, black skirt, and thin, cream silk shirt.

There was nothing sexy about my outfit. Everything about me screamed practical, yet there he was, eyeing me like I was wearing nothing but a bra and panties. My body tingled, an instant response to the positive feedback it was receiving. That was one thing about Mace: he loved to tell me how hot I was, or how badly he wanted to bang me. I wasn’t the kind of girl who needed constant reassurance, but I wasn’t about to pass it up when it was offered.

“Yeah, well, you’d look fucking hot in a hessian bag,” he mumbled, nibbling at my neck, his fingers slipping the top button of my shirt undone. Giggling, I glanced inside the window of the restaurant . . . and right into the eyes of my father.

Shit! Moment ruined.

“Come on, let’s get inside.”

“It’s not too late to pretend you couldn’t make it,” he said, grabbing my hand.

Oh, yes it is.

“Come on,” I said, dragging him inside. “I promise it won’t be that bad.” Now, if only I could convince myself of that. Whose stupid idea was this, anyway?

We walked over where my parents were seated. I held Mace’s hand tightly, anticipating the bloodbath I knew was coming. I’d been vague with my parents when telling them about Mace and his family, and I just knew it was all going to come out tonight. I would not be surprised if the first question that came out of Dad’s mouth was asking for his family tree.

No, I wasn’t joking.

“Mom, Dad, this is Mace.” I smiled and held Mom’s gaze, my eyes begging her to control my father for at least the one night. “Mace, my parents, Derrick and Matilda.”

“Lovely to meet you, Mace.” Mom beamed at him. Was she blushing? I leaned in closer. She was! God, Mom found my boyfriend sexy. Kill me now.

“Pleasure to meet you, Mrs Drake,” Mace said, leaning over to kiss her cheek. She giggled, her voice a few notes too high as her face went redder. I rolled my eyes and sat down. At least he’d won her over. I doubted Dad was going to fall for the sexy smile and soft kiss, though.

I snorted, the visual image too much.

“Colonel,” Dad said sternly, sticking out his hand. Oh, here we go. Mace shook it, but not before shooting me a look.

Yes, my father was a decorated army officer who had spent years defending the country. At sixty-one, he had only retired the previous year, which had given him even more time to try and interfere with my life.

Once we were all seated, the awkward silence I’d been awaiting drifted over us. Perfect time to bring up my win.

“So, I won my first case,” I offered, trying to lighten the mood. Going into law had been completely my decision, but I knew how proud it made both Mom and Dad. They loved the path I’d chosen, and were always happy to hear about work.

My diversion tactic worked. “Honey, that’s wonderful,” Dad gushed.

Hugs all around. I sighed, exhaling slowly. Maybe this wasn’t going to go so badly after all. But deep down, I knew this distraction was going to be short lived. Sooner or later, the focus would shift back to all the ways my father thought Mace wasn’t good enough for me.

“How’s retirement?” I asked Dad, desperately trying to delay the inevitable.

“Good. I’ve become quite the gardener,” he announced proudly. “I’ve mastered herbs, and I’m moving on to vegetables.”

“That’s great,” I said with way too much enthusiasm. Mace snorted, then attempted to cover it up with a cough. Dad narrowed his eyes, the smile disappearing from his face.

Here we go.

 “So, Mace . . . Short for Mason, I presume?” Dad cocked an eyebrow and stabbed at his entrée of calamari. He shot Mace a look that I recognized well. I’d seen it used before on numerous boyfriends to scare the hell out of them. Usually it worked, too. But Mace didn’t seem fazed . . . yet.

“Nope. Just Mace.”

“Right. Mace. So what do you do?” Dad asked. I swallowed hard and reached for the water, wishing like hell it was something stronger.

“I fix bikes.”

“You fix bikes?” Dad repeated, dumbfounded. Like the idea that someone might actually be paid to fix bikes had never occurred to him. Well, this was Dad—it probably hadn’t.

“Yep.”

Oh God, you gotta give him more than that.

These one-word answers were killing me, and I could tell they were pissing the hell out of Dad. I squeezed Mace’s leg under the table, hoping it conveyed my message clearly.

“I, uh, run my own business,” he finally added. Wow. He even managed a smile and some eye contact.

“Oh? That must be interesting.” Dad couldn’t have sounded more patronizing if he’d tried. Mace’s jaw clenched. I prayed to the gods to put a stop to the disaster I could see coming. “And your family? What line of work are they in?” He reached for a bread roll and began slicing it open. Oh, God. Anything but family . . .

“Mom died when I was two, and Dad’s in jail.”

My father actually dropped his knife, smearing butter all over the sleeve of his Armani suit. Oh, God. I dropped my head in defeat.

“Yeah, you’ve probably heard of him. Ronald Jordan? I’m surprised Leeta didn’t tell you she was dating criminal royalty.”

Dad turned to me, his expression tight as he waited for an explanation. I glanced at Mom for help, but she was busy focusing on her roll as though it were a kidney she was preparing for a transplant.

“It’s not as bad as it sounds—”

“Leet, let me finish. I might as well tell him everything, right? A rival gang member of my dad’s murdered my mother in front of my brother and I. My sister committed suicide last year. My brother is in jail as well. The same jail as Dad, actually. Which makes it really handy for family gatherings.” He pushed his plate away, tossing his napkin on the table in front of him. “Anything else you want to know?” he challenged.

My heart broke for him. He had seen his mother murdered? I mean, I knew she’d been killed, but I’d had no idea he had witnessed it. I couldn’t even imagine how awful that would have been. I’d known she hadn’t been around since he was a kid, and that his dad had raised him and his brother—if you could call that parenting.

Mace was a very private person, especially when it came to his background. Some days he would let me in and I’d see this wonderful, fun guy, and other days, all I could see was the pain that consumed him.

“Leeta, maybe you should calm your friend down,” Dad said, his voice stiff. I rubbed my temples. How could I have possibly thought this would go well?

Calm him down? I was on the verge of storming out on his behalf. I was proud of Mace for remaining so calm.

“Maybe you should stop trying to make him uncomfortable?” I suggested sweetly to Dad.

 “Maybe it’s best if I leave,” Mace interrupted. He dragged his chair back and stood up, his eyes clouded with anger. He turned to me. “Call me when you’re done, yeah?”

Shaking my head, I watched him storm out of the restaurant. I turned back to Dad. I was so angry I was trembling. I stood up and threw my napkin on the table.

“Would it have killed you to be civil?” I said acidly, reaching for my handbag.

“Come on, Leeta. What the hell are you doing with that fool? You can do better. You had better.” And there it was: he was never going to get over me breaking up with Ben.

“You don’t get it, Dad. Ben didn’t make me happy. Mace does. You might not like the package, but if you gave him a chance . . .”

I laughed as Dad scowled at me. Why am I even bothering?

“All you’re doing here is pushing me away,” I warned as I backed away from the table.

Stalking out through the restaurant lobby, I scanned the room for Mace. I spotted him outside, walking to his bike. I raced after him.

“Mace!”

He turned around and waited for me to catch up. “I’m sorry, Leets. But I couldn’t sit there and be judged like that.” He ran his hand through his dark, curly hair, his blue eyes sad.

“I’m sorry. My dad can be an asshole.” I ran my fingers over his ripped chest, with one thing on my mind: making him realize just how important he was to me. “Take me home?”

“Sure,” he sighed. He handed me the spare helmet. “Jump on.”

#

There was nothing quite like soaring through the streets on the back of a bike with your arms curled tightly around a hot, sculpted body. I leaned my face against the back of his jacket, holding him as close to myself as I possibly could without mounting him.

It took me a moment to realize we were headed to his house, not mine. Smiling, I held on a little tighter to my man. He pulled into his driveway and steered the bike into his garage.

We walked inside through the internal door in the garage. His house was a far cry from my inner-city apartment. Situated in one of the poorer suburbs in Melbourne, his street was one I’d feel nervous about walking down alone at night. Well, nowadays I’d feel nervous walking anywhere alone at night, but around here . . . it gave me the creeps. With Mace with me, though, I felt safe. One of the benefits of dating within a crime family was that nobody was game enough to touch you. Everyone knew who he was, and by association, everyone knew I was his girl.