by Lila Rose
It wasn’t until I was back in my room after work that I regretted my choice, but only because I was a bundle of nerves.
Standing in my black boxers, I shot off a text to Kylo and West. They met each other a few days ago and got along really well. West finally understood how easy it was to become friends with Kylo’s happy attitude.
Me: What does a guy wear on a date where he’s not sure if he should be going so he doesn’t want to lead him on, but could probably handle a kiss in the end to see how it goes?
Kylo: A mankini.
West: Jeans, sweater, and take a condom in case. Though Kylo’s suggestion would make me laugh.
Kylo: Exactly. Call us if you do so we can watch.
Me: It’s freezing out. It’ll look like I have a vagina.
Kylo: Take a jacket for over the top ;)
West: Lol, and don’t forget your rain boots.
Me: You guys are such good help (not) However, I think I’ll go with jeans, tee, and jacket.
Kylo: Boring, but fine. Make sure you have fun.
West: Yes, forget that other guy and give this one a chance.
Kylo: Other guy? WHO?
Dang it. West didn’t know I hadn’t told Kylo about Wreck. I should have warned West not to say anything. I hadn’t even thought of it since West didn’t bring Wreck up in front of Kylo when they’d met.
West: My bad. It was no one. I was thinking of someone else.
Kylo: Bullshit. Now I have to know.
I needed time. I couldn’t have Kylo knowing just yet. Yes, there was nothing to know, but I feared he would say something to Wreck by accident. I didn’t want Kylo to go up against Wreck.
Me: I’ll tell you in person. Just not yet. Please.
Kylo: Fine. This shit sounds juicy though.
Me: I better get ready. Talk soon.
Kylo: Later.
West: Bye, enjoy your night. There was a moment, and then I got a private message from West out of the group one. West: I’m so sorry about that. I didn’t even think.
Me: It’s okay, I would have told him eventually. Maybe.
West: I’m sure he’ll keep it to himself if you ask.
Me: I think so too.
Actually, I prayed he would, and I couldn’t expect him to drop it. I would be the same if the shoe were on the other foot. Dropping my phone, I quickly got dressed and headed back out into the living room just as there was a knock on the front door.
“Coming,” I called. I put on my shoes and went to unlock and open the front door only to freeze. “Zion’s not here,” I blurted quickly and glanced around him to see if Gregory had arrived. He’d wanted to pick me up. I told him I’d meet him at the restaurant, but he wanted the destination to be a surprise. I caved. I shouldn’t have because now there was a big problem at the front door.
Wreck’s lips twitched. “He’ll be here soon.”
“Then… ah, maybe come back?”
Wreck crossed his arms over his wide chest encased in a black long-sleeve Henley and his club vest. I was surprised his teeth weren’t chattering; it was freezing.
His chin tipped up. “Cold as shit, you gonna let me in?”
“Um… can I say no?”
“No.” He smirked.
Crappity crap. “I mean, you’re right. It is cold. You better get your bike out of this weather.”
“I drove.” His eyes narrowed. “You tryin’ to get rid of me?”
“No,” I squeaked.
“Lucas?” was called from behind Wreck. “Everything okay?”
Damn my luck.
Wreck shifted to the side. I plastered on a bright smile that could have looked a little crazed and said, “Hey, Gregory. Ah, yes, everything is good.”
“Who the fuck is this?” Wreck demanded, his tone all growly and cute.
No. No, it wasn’t cute because he would have Gregory peeing himself in seconds if I didn’t get out of here.
“None of your business,” I shouted, slapped a hand over my mouth, and then took it away to blurt, “Gregory, I just have to get my jacket and we can go.” I went to turn around, but my upper arm was seized. I tensed and glanced back to see Wreck scowling down at Gregory.
“Get.”
“W-What?” Gregory stuttered, his eyes wide.
“Wreck, stop it. It’s okay, Gregory. He’s a friend of my brother’s just looking out for me. I won’t be a second.” I pulled enough that Wreck followed me inside. Unfortunately, he slammed the door in Gregory’s face.
Since he still had a hold of my arm, he spun me to face him and backed me up until the backs of my legs hit the couch.
“Stop it,” I told him, if only my voice didn’t make it sound like I enjoyed being crowded by Wreck. Stupid traitor.
His hand dropped away, and two fingers touched under my chin, gently pushing my head back so he could have my gaze. “Who. Is. He?”
My heart tried to jump out of my body, and it felt as if my pulse wanted to beat closer to him, but I was miffed he thought he had the right to ask. Even if he was doing it because I was his biker brother’s brother.
After unhinging my grinding teeth, I snarked, “None of your business.”
His nostrils flared, his eyes flashed, and he dipped his head lower. “It is.”
I shook my head. I needed to get away from him. He had no right to play me because my heart was telling me he was asking because he was interested in me. However, he’d made clear he wasn’t.
I pressed my hands into his stomach, his firm, moan-worthy stomach and pushed back. He didn’t move. Stupid, large muscular man.
Since I couldn’t move the brick, I shifted to the side, grabbed my jacket off the back of the couch, and turned to him, hugging the jacket close as if it could protect me—from him or from me, jumping him.
In a quiet voice, I asked, “Why do you care? Why do you want to know? You’re not my brother, and you don’t need to look out for me for Zion. I’m living my own life doing what I want. I don’t have anyone I need to justify to. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have somewhere to go.”
At my first question, he looked to the ground, and his jaw had clenched so tightly I was surprised he hadn’t shattered his teeth by the end.
I made my way to the front door and held my hand on it. I hoped Wreck would call me back, but when he didn’t, my belly dropped to my toes. Nodding to myself, I opened the door and stepped out, forcing a smile.
“Sorry about that. My brother had his friends look out for me ever since I moved in. Since Wreck didn’t know you, he kind of went overboard with the whole protective step-in brother act.”
Gregory grinned. “It’s okay. But… you still want to do this, right?”
I slipped on my jacket. “Yes, of course.” No, not really. But just because my mood had plummeted, I refused to let it stop me from giving this a chance. Just maybe Gregory could, in fact, sweep me off my feet.
The night wasn’t too bad. By the time Gregory walked me to the front door at the end of the date, I had a smile on my face. I’d managed to forget about Wreck because Gregory made sure of it. He took me to a restaurant where there was a show as well. It was that entertaining and I had such good company, everything just fell away.
“Thank you again. I had an amazing time,” I said, turning to him on the front porch.
His smile almost seemed shy as he kicked at the ground. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you could make it.”
“So am I.”
He lifted his brown gaze to mine. “Does it mean you’d want to do it again?”
“I’m not sure when. I have a few exams I have to study up for, but I’d like to.”
Now his smile was wide. “Great. Don’t worry, I understand about studying. Maybe we could do it together one time?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Good.” He nodded, still smiling. “Would… can I kiss you?”
My stomach gave off a little pitter-patter feeling. “Yes.”
He stepped closer, his hands going to
my shoulders, while I put mine on his hips. We were about the same height, so it was good when all he had to do was lean in and press his lips to mine. It was tender, sweet even.
Light suddenly shined over the both of us.
Startled, we pulled away, and both looked at the front door. In it stood a smiling Zion. “Sorry about that. Just heading out to grab some more beer.”
“T-That’s all right,” Gregory stammered, blushing tomato red. I knew my cheeks were flaming as well, maybe just not as much. “I b-better get going.”
“You sure?” Zion asked. “You can come on in.”
“Oh, n-no, thank you. I have to get up early.”
Gregory’s stumble over his words with Wreck and Zion had me thinking about why he didn’t do it with me. He was shy with me, but not enough to freak out like he was.
“All right then.” Zion’s hand shot out. “Since my baby bro isn’t forthcoming with introductions, I guess I’ll do it. Name’s Zion, Lucas’s brother.”
I hadn’t even thought to. I was still annoyed he’d opened the door in the first place. I’d hoped to enjoy the kiss… see if it took off, or was the interruption a blessing in disguise? Why was I suddenly doubting it?
Slowly, Gregory took Zion’s hand, and he gulped. “Gregory. Nice to m-meet you.”
“You too. Well, I’ll be off. Wreck’s inside, and Death’s on his way over with Quake. We’ll keep it down. Don’t stress, bro.” Zion patted my arm as he walked by. I would have said something if I wasn’t stuck on Wreck being inside the house on his own.
I didn’t want to walk in there knowing he was there.
Maybe I could army crawl in, and he wouldn’t notice me. I would even try an army roll if I thought it would work.
Great, now all I could think about was Wreck in the house, so when Gregory called my name, I jumped like a little girl.
“Yes?”
He smiled. “I’ll see you at school?”
I nodded. “That would be great, and we’ll do a study date soon.”
“Okay, thanks again for coming tonight.”
“Thanks for inviting me.” I grinned. He shot me a half-wave, turned, and made his way back to the car. I stayed on the front porch until he pulled away with a second wave, which I returned.
Then I thought I could just wait outside until my brother got back or Death and Quake arrived. I would have if I wasn’t starting to get chilled to the bone. Sighing, I rubbed a hand across my chest, but it didn’t help my fast-beating heart. I went through the front door quietly, kind of hoping Wreck had somehow magically fallen asleep.
After closing it, I turned and found him standing just behind me. I screamed and then covered my mouth with both hands.
Wreck’s lips twitched. I glared at them, deciding it was safer than making eye contact. “Don’t ever do that again.” I kicked off my shoes and removed my jacket before walking around him. “I’m… yeah, ah, tired. Goodnight.”
His footfalls sounded loud as they followed me down the hall. I glanced back; his eyes were to the floor. Maybe he was just walking this way to go to the bathroom. People had to pee.
I passed the bathroom and opened my bedroom door. Before I could close it, a hand landed on it.
Licking my dry lips nervously, I looked up and asked in a soft voice, “Do you need something?”
His eyes ran over my face. “Did he kiss you?” he bit out.
My heart stumbled over a beat. He couldn’t ask me that. He had no right to ask me that. Why was he even asking me?
“I… you…. I don’t understand this,” I admitted.
His jaw clenched. “Answer me.”
“Why?”
His nostrils flared. “I need to know.”
“Again, why?”
“Are you seeing him again?”
“He goes to my college,” I said in the way of an answer that wasn’t really one.
He made a noise deep in the back of his throat. “Are you dating him?”
“We’re getting to know one another.” Which was true.
“He isn’t for you,” he stated.
I jerked my head back in shock. “What do you mean?” I shook my head. “Actually, I don’t need to know because it doesn’t matter.”
“You need someone else,” he clipped.
I threw my hands up, dropping my jacket in the process. “Who? And I swear to God, if you say anyone but him, I will kick you in the balls. I’ve never done it to anyone, but I’m this close, Wreck.” I held up my finger and thumb to show him I was inches away from destroying his manhood with my foot. “This close,” I snapped. I shook my head, groaned, and rubbed a hand over my head. “You know what, I don’t need this. You kiss me, you freak out, you come back into my life, which I understand is probably because you’re friends with my brother, but if we have to see each other, we don’t need moments like this. Please, you’re hurting my head.” And heart. “We need to stay out of each other’s way.” I stopped short as this was seriously messing with me, and I was sure murder would eventually be in the cards.
“I don’t—”
“Yo” was called when the front door suddenly opened. I peeked around Wreck to see Death and Quake step into the house. “What’s goin’ on?”
“Nothin’,” Wreck snarled before turning and making his way back down the hall, then into the living room. Quake followed after him after he tipped his chin at me.
Death stared down the hall at me. “You okay, kid?”
“Fine. All good.” I rolled my eyes. “Wreck was just asking me something about his phone.” I shot him two thumbs-up. “All’s peachy.” I went too far; he still looked suspicious.
“Right,” he drew out. “You comin’ out for a drink?”
“No, thanks. I’ve got class in the morning. Have a good night though.”
Death nodded but said no more. With a smile, I closed my bedroom door and leaned against it. I couldn’t believe I’d said all that to Wreck. I wished I’d gotten to hear what he was going to reply with, but at least he knew where I stood. At least, I thought he did.
Chapter Ten
Lucas
Sleep was a struggle since the night Gregory had taken me out. Actually, the whole week had gone by in slow motion, where I wasn’t sure if I was living or not. I put it down to the lack of sleep. It wasn’t only because of Wreck and his actions that confused me. It wasn’t. I refused to think of the man. Classes were, for once, kicking my butt as well. Something Mitch “Dickface” Henry thought was hilarious since, for the first time, he got a higher score on a test than me. I was sure he thought it had to do with the other two threatening notes I got, but it wasn’t because I just found them ridiculous. So then, I reminded him, as I left class on Friday, that he shouldn’t act too cocky since it was the first and last time. It didn’t stop him gloating some more though.
I was just glad the weekend had finally arrived. I was going to laze around in between studying. I didn’t have work that weekend since every fourth weekend I got off. I’d just exited the shower when there was a knock on the bathroom door.
“Lucas,” Zion called.
“Yeah?” He was probably heading out and wanted to tell me. We’d both had a day at home and did hardly anything. Except I hit the books every now and then.
“Hurry up.”
Pausing as I dried my head, I moved the towel to my chest and asked, “Why?”
“Family night at the compound. You’re comin’ with.”
Oh no I wasn’t.
“Ah, no, thank you though.”
“Lucas, family night. You’re comin’.”
“I can’t. I have studying to do.”
“I knew I should have told you after I got you in the car,” he complained.
With the towel around my waist, I walked to the door and opened it. “You should have, but I probably wouldn’t have gotten out of the car afterward.”
“Why? You worried about the brothers and what they’ll think? You’ve met some of them, and I know they
’ll have your back. You got nothin’ to fear. Come on, bro, do it for me. I wanna show you my world. Meet the rest of my brothers.”
And now I felt guilty for not wanting to. But really, the only reason I didn’t want to was because of the chance of seeing Wreck. I hadn’t seen him all week, and it had been for the best as even though he wasn’t in front of me, he was still on my mind…. Wait, I wasn’t admitting that to myself. I couldn’t exactly tell Zion I didn’t want to go because of Wreck either; he’d be in my business in a quick flash.
I sighed. “Fine. I’ll go get dressed.”
“Great.” He grinned and moved out of my way.
Already my nerves kicked in as I dressed in jeans, boots, a tee, and then a black hoodie over it, which had an outline of Mario on the back of it in red. My stomach wouldn’t stop twisting, and I worried I would bring the pizza I’d consumed earlier up. I stuck my shaky hand in the pockets of my hoodie when I walked back down the hall.
Zion stood from the couch. “Awesome, let’s go.”
I nodded.
In the car, Zion rambled on for the both of us since he knew I’d be just about crapping myself about the party, but also the number of people, and then there was Wreck. I had my fingers crossed he wouldn’t be there.
“Lucas, what do you think?”
I blinked a few times. “Sorry, what?”
He laughed. “I knew you’d be nervous, but hell, bro, you look like you might piss yourself.”
“It could be a possibility. Maybe you should just take me home. I don’t want to embarrass you.”
He shook his head. “You won’t, and we’re nearly there anyway.”
Dang it all. I glanced out the window. I could jump out of the car and make a run for it. Then again, I didn’t want to worry Zion.
Shaking my head, I asked, “What did you say before?”
“I was thinking of an idea for the Polished Pussy and wanted your opinion on it.”
