by C. M. Steele
“Are you staying for dinner?” she asks.
“Sure. Sammie’s at work, so it’s better than me heating up a frozen pizza or something.” Who the fuck is Sammie? He lives with someone? I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. I grow pale and stand up to leave before he sees my reaction.
His fingers catch my wrist, gripping it tight. He stands and pulls me closer. I want to shove him away, but I can’t will myself. His warm breath grazes my neck. “Baby, Sammie’s my younger sister. Don’t get jealous.”
“I wasn’t, you cocky bastard,” I deny, pulling out of his electrifying grip and moving out of the living room. I need some air, so I step out onto the porch and see two prospects standing guard. Boomer introduced them to me so that I wouldn’t be afraid, but for the life of me, I can’t remember their names. I stomp around the wrap-around porch until I’m out of sight. There’s no one lurking, so I take a massively deep breath, then lean up against the side of the house.
Why am I so affected by him?
My brothers are MMA fighters. I’ve met lots of arrogant, handsome bastards in a lot less clothes, but they never did anything to my body like Joe does. My wrist still tingles from where he briefly gripped it. I look down at it to see if his fingers left a mark. Nope. Nothing’s there, but the feeling sure is.
It takes me a while to get my emotions under control. By the time I do, I see Joe rushing up to me like something happened.
“What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong? What’s wrong? You disappeared without telling anyone where you were going, and we’ve been calling out your name for two whole minutes.” I can feel the panic coming off of him. His hands come up alongside my shoulders, trapping me between his body and the wall. He doesn’t touch me, and a part of me feels like he’s doing his best to avoid pressing against me.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t hear anyone.”
“Fuck, Sophia, I hate to do this, but I have to go.” He leans in and kisses my forehead.
“What? I thought you said you were staying.”
“I’m needed, and apparently one day off is too much. Luckily I have the entire weekend to spend with you, or I’d have to quit,” he exclaims.
I roll my eyes and shake my head at him just enough to let him know how full of shit I think he is. “Yeah, right, Joe.”
A low growl rips from his chest, catching my attention, and my eyes move back to his. With a thick, husky grunt, he utters, “Say it again.”
I know what he wants to hear. The look in his eyes says it all, but well, I’m too stubborn for that. “Yeah, right?”
He steps closer, brushes my hair to the side, and whispers in my ear, “Say my name.”
“Joe,” I whisper. His body shakes just slightly, alerting me to how much he enjoys hearing his name come from my lips.
“You’re sin wrapped in innocence. One day, I’m going to take it all. Be good,” he whispers against my racing pulse. He pushes off the wall and gives me one last look before walking away. I follow slowly until I reach the corner of the house and lean on it to watch him drive away. I’m hopeless.
“Girl, Doc has it bad,” my sister says, slipping her arm around my waist and squeezing me tight.
“He’s worried that something’s going to happen to me, but the guy is never around. I think it’s best that I go home right after the Vegas trip.”
“You caught him during a bad week. He has to work at the hospital and his clinic. Normally he only works at the hospital once or twice a week. Okay? But I will tell you this. If he’s anything like Boomer, you might be back here sooner than you think.” The humor in her voice isn’t lost on me one bit. The man worships her and makes sure she knows it.
“If he’s like Boomer? That’s a stretch.” I huff and lay my head on her shoulder for a minute before I continue. “He’s fighting his attraction to me. And that’s fine because we don’t really know each other, but I’m just going to do my best to not think about it.”
“Whatever.” Crystal giggles and walks back into the house.
“We’ll see,” I grumble to myself, already knowing I’m fighting a losing battle, but the best things in life don’t come easy.
Chapter Three
Doc
We’ve been in Vegas for a few hours, but I’ve barely had a moment alone with Sophia. I need to see her. With work and everyone around, I haven’t gotten my fix of just touching her hand. Every single one of my neuroreceptors from my hands down to my toes comes alive with the slightest feel of her skin brushing mine.
In order to have the weekend off, I had to work the rest of the week at the clinic and my two days at the hospital, limiting me to a handful of stolen glances and brief encounters. It’s killing me not to hold her and whisper how much I want to be with her until they put me in my grave.
I spend the night scrolling through her Facebook page, learning all I can about who she is as a person; well, as much as Facebook allows. She doesn’t have much on here, but I love the pictures of her with her sister and parents. Several other pictures need to be deleted because they show too much of her soft, pale skin. I have no right to tell her what to do, but I know who can. A couple of guys loved the picture. I’ll just send a screenshot to Boomer. It’ll be gone by tonight.
Boomer: Thanks for looking out, brother.
Me: Anytime.
I set my phone down with a smile on my face. It’s petty and wrong, but I don’t give a fuck. The thought of fuckers spanking themselves while staring at my girl makes my blood boil. That is the only thought that keeps my own dick under control. I attempt to close my eyes and sleep, but it doesn’t come. So, I pick up my phone and look at the screenshot I sent Boomer.
I throw the covers off of me, hop off the bed, and pace the room. I don’t know who had the room below me, but if I didn’t get myself under control, I’d have an angry visitor.
It’s hard to fucking breathe, let alone sleep. Slipping my clothes back on, I decide to walk out to the strip for some air. The second I open my door, I slam straight into Mr. Miller. Our eyes meet, and he looks fucking pissed. He shoves my chest, bumping me backward enough to step into my room and close the door.
“Can I help you?” I snarl.
He narrows his eyes and stares hard at me with his arms crossed. “Yes, you can. You can stay the fuck in your room for the night and away from my little girl.”
“Why would I do that?” I challenge.
“Besides the fact that I’ve been known to dispose of more bodies than you’ve saved, Doc, I’d say it’s for her own good.”
“Why the fuck would it be for her own good?” I can’t see any way that Sophia would be better off without me.
“Because she’s fucking barely legal and has only had one boyfriend. You’re a damn decade older than her. You may know what you want, but that’s not what she may want.”
“Have you asked her?” I snap out, pouring myself a drink from the minibar. I don’t offer the fucker one until I finish mine. I wave the bottle, but he turns it down.
“No, Crystal did. And she’s not sure. I’m asking you to give it time. You can talk to her, but you need to let her go home and get away from the thrill of something new. If she still wants to be with you, then so be it.”
“Besides the threat, why should I do that?”
“Because you know it’s true.”
My shoulders slump as if the weight of the world is on them. “Fuck, I know you’re right, but I hate it. We’ve only had a few conversations. Yet that’s all I need. She’s mine.”
“You have all day to get to know her. You’re a doctor anyway. Since we met, you’ve hardly been around. What is she supposed to do while you’re working? She doesn’t know everyone, and I sure as fuck know you’re not going to let her just hang out at the clubhouse with all the prospects while Crystal’s at work.”
I snarl in disgust. Fuck if I’d let her be around all those horny fucks who’d love to get their hands on her sweet innocence. “We have a lot to work out,
but I’m not going to give up on her. She may be young, but I’m not. I know she’s the one for me. I’ll give you a week, but that’s all I can give. Understood?”
“If she wants that by the end of the week, then so be it, but she’s leaving with us after the fight. I’m not trying to be an asshole. She’s my little girl and I want her to be happy, but I already lost Crystal to a biker and the trouble that comes with it.”
“Fine. That’s good. Now can you leave me alone? I was going to take a walk on the strip, but now I’m just going to bed.”
“Goodnight, Doc.” He sticks out his hand, and we shake on it. “You know…I’ve always wanted her to marry a doctor.” And then he walks out of my room.
I kick off my shoes and walk back to the minibar in my living area of the suite. I don’t normally drink, but tonight I need it. Six little bottles later, I manage to pass out on the bed, feeling miserable.
Chapter Four
Sophia
I stand next to my sister as she marries Garrett in a small ceremony in Vegas. It’s not the massive wedding our mother wanted for us, but Crystal doesn’t care. She wants Boomer, and he feels the same way.
While I’m happy for them, I can’t concentrate on the wedding. My eyes keep moving to Joe, and his eyes have never left mine. I know it’s because he’s looking at my dress. It’s very short and tight, which has gotten attention since we walked into the chapel. Several times I’ve had to tug it down.
As soon as the service ends, Joe comes up to me and growls, sending a shiver of anticipation up my spine. “That dress is too fucking short. You’re trying to kill me or have me go to jail.”
“Neither. Why do you think I wore it?” I smirk and saunter off to my mother and sister to give more hugs, all the while feeling his eyes on me.
We part, and I’m dragged up to my room to prepare for my brothers’ fights tonight. It’s a big deal and we are getting pumped. Joe’s off doing something else, and I hope that he’s missing me while he’s out because I can’t stop thinking about him.
I’m looking forward to the fight for more than seeing my brothers’ win. Joe and I are going to get some time together.
“Soph, come here. I want to talk to you,” my mother says from the bathroom. I step inside the room and wait for the lecture I’ve been expecting since my father caught me trying to sneak up to Joe’s room last night.
I take a seat on the edge of the bathtub while she does her makeup.
“How are you doing?” she asks while rolling up the curling iron in her hair.
“I’m good, Mom. What’s up?” I cock my brow, wondering when she’s going to get to the point, but she’s too busy concentrating on not burning herself. My father would be upset if something as simple as a curling iron left a mark on her. His love for her is immeasurable. I stare at her and from this angle, I can see why my father likes to watch her. She’s beautiful and graceful in the way she moves.
“Your father told me about last night.”
I release a sigh. “Yeah. Well. I am an adult. Or at least I’m trying to be.” It’s hard to stand on your own when everyone treats you like a child. I wasn’t allowed to find a job because it wasn’t safe. Now that I’m older, I can do what I please, but I’m not sure what that is.
“Yes, you are. I’m not going to deny that, and I’m certainly not saying you’re not allowed to be sexually active, but this is more than that, isn’t it?” She sets the iron down onto the protective mat and stares at me with her brow arched.
Her face softens as I sigh. “It feels like it.”
She sits on the edge of the bath as well, hugging me with one arm. “I think you need time to figure it all out. I’m not telling you what to do, but I’m just suggesting that you let him lead. If he wants you like you want him, then he’ll come around.”
“I wasn’t planning on it anyway. I want what you and Crystal have. The way both Boomer and Dad look at you two makes my heart swell.”
“You’ll have that one day as long as you don’t settle for less than the adoration you hope for and deserve.”
“Thank you, Mom. I love you.”
“I love you, too.” She kisses my hair and stands.
My dad barges in. “Oh, it’s you two in here. I was about to fuck someone up.” She rolls her eyes at him with a smile on her face. He can be so silly, but we love him. He looks at me and asks, “Are you okay, pumpkin?”
“Yes, just a little girl-talk. Now, if you two will excuse me, I have to get ready.” I stand up and walk toward the door.
My mom exclaims, “Oh shoot. Me too.” She narrows her eyes at my father because he may have been speaking to me, but he never took his eyes off my mother in her silky robe. “You better get out of here, Mister.”
My father smirks and holds the bathroom door for me. “Excuse us, Sophia.” He closes it, practically hitting my ass on the way out. I chuckle because I’ve long past gotten over them getting it on.
I step into my own room in the suite we have and pick out my outfit. I’m going pretty casual with a tank top with my brothers’ names on it and a pair of tight jeans that hug my ass nicely. I’m eighteen, so my figure is still young and almost anything makes me look good. I hope Joe doesn’t lose his mind. Then again, I hope he does. I smile to myself as I put on some makeup and pin my hair up in a tight, neat ponytail with a chunk of my hair wrapped around the hair tie. It’s an easy hairdo and adds to the simple style. Yep, I can’t have him think I’m trying too hard.
I give myself another look in the mirror before hunting down my parents. They come out of their room fully dressed, and my mother’s hair is in a braid. I laugh mentally while putting on a subtle smile. “Are we ready?” I ask.
“Let’s get goin’,” my dad cheers with a massive fucking grin on his face. Freaks.
We make it down to the lobby about an hour before the fights, and Joe is standing there waiting for me. He tosses me a crooked smile and extends his elbow, offering it to me, and I slip my arm through it. The feeling is intense, but I hold back the urge to smile up at him. “Shall we?” I ask. With a nod, we all head out together. Once we’re inside the arena, though, most of us separate. “You better take care of her.”
“I will.”
My father surprisingly doesn’t read Joe the riot act and lets us go out on our own. I was supposed to sit down with my parents, but my father let me get away with sitting with Joe and his sister.
We are down the hall from them, walking around the concourse to our seats. Joe leans in and whispers against my ear, “You look so beautiful, Sophia.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t put on something like you had earlier.”
“What? You don’t like this?”
“Don’t get me wrong. I love that you’re covered. The thought of you walking around this event dressed like that would get me in a fuckton of trouble. I’ll murder a motherfucker for eyeing you.” I roll my eyes even though I’m all hot and bothered by the implications.
The fights are about to get started, and I need some snacks. I realize that he has me so worked up that I didn’t eat, so I head over to the concession stands. I get about two feet away from him, but he’s quick and at my side before I take another step.
“Where are you going?” he asks, growling against my ear, his front flush to my back.
I brush off the tingling sensation and try to be bold. “I’m about to get some goodies. Are you coming with me, Joe?”
“You know damn well I am.”
I huff, twisting my lips as I step in line for some nachos. “Well, I’ll let you…since this is our last night together.”
“Do you have to remind me?” he grumbles, but he’s not yet asked me to stay so I guess he’s not that concerned. My mother might be right. He’s not as interested as he lets on. I can’t plan my whole life around a guy I just met. I steel my spine and focus on the sign with the list of food options.
Chapter Five
Doc
The next day, I find myself covered in blood, sitting in the hospital waiting room as everything happens around me. The past twenty-four hours has been excruciating and eye-opening. I let her go without a word because it took all my strength to stop from begging her to stay. A week was all I was supposed to give our time apart. A week would be long enough to realize if she missed me as much as I missed her, but that timetable’s irrelevant.
The memory of the earlier events hits me like a ton of bricks. What was to be a surprise wedding reception for Boomer and Crystal with the club members turned into a bloodbath. My hands pressed to one of my good friends, a brother, as I attempted to stop the bleeding. Mick had been shot while in our yard by a bunch of guys shooting up the place. They snatched up Morgan, Boomer’s little sister, and attempted to abduct her, but our guys were quicker and stopped the vehicle before it could get away.
The surgery to stop the bleeding and repair the injuries went smooth, but Mick’s now in a coma. It’s hardened my heart to these bastards. As a doctor I swore not to take a life, but when I wear my patch I’m not just a doctor, I’m a protector. Knowing that someone came onto our turf and started a war hit all us Riders hard, and we were out for blood.
What strikes me harder is that Sophia’s father was right. Letting her go was the smart thing. Today could have been very different if she’d stayed. Visions of her being stolen from me invade my head. Watching Morgan scream as they attempted to abduct her as Mick bled out plays over and over again, except it’s me in his spot and Sophia is the one being dragged off.
Someone comes to sit down next to me and I lift my head and turn to see Boomer, holding back the tears. We all are brothers through thick and thin. Even big men cry for those they love.
He pats my thigh and says, “You know he wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you, right?” His attempt at consoling me is a nice gesture and it does give me some relief, but that’s not what is bothering me. I see death every fucking day I’m working. I deal with it whether it’s from old age, violence, accidents; I’ve seen it all, but when it’s someone close to you, it’s more painful. Your reality changes as well.
