"Violet Elena Martinez, I've known you since we were kids. I can hear it in your voice. Something happened between you and my brother."
I'm quiet for so long that Ashley sighs.
"Finally," she says.
"Finally?"
"Do you know how long he's been pining after you? Since you turned eighteen, at least. Maybe longer. I've been waiting for you two to figure it out."
"You're not... mad?"
Ashley laughs. "Mad? Vi, you're perfect for each other. You're both stubborn, both loyal to a fault, both way too smart foryour own good. My only concern is whether you can handle his world."
"What do you mean?"
"The club, Vi. It's not just weekend rides and charity events. There's dangerous stuff involved. Santiago tries to keep that side of his life separate, but if you're with him—really with him—you'll be part of it whether he wants you to be or not."
I think about Derek following us last night, about the protective way the motorcycles formed around us. "I'm already part of it."
"Yeah," Ashley says quietly. "I guess you are."
We talk for a few more minutes before she has to go to a meeting. After hanging up, I feel a little restless. Santiago's room suddenly feels too quiet, too empty. I decide to take a shower and get dressed.
The hot water feels amazing on my sore muscles, and I take my time washing my hair with his shampoo. When I catch myself getting aroused remembering last night, I immediately stop touching myself, his command echoing in my mind.
I'm drying my hair when I hear a knock at the door.
My heart jumps, but then I remember Santiago said he'd send someone to check on me.
"Vi? It's Cruel."
I pull on jeans and a sweater from Savannah's selections before answering the door. Cruel stands in the hallway wearing dark jeans and a black t-shirt, looking much less intimidating than normal..
"Morning, beautiful. How are you feeling?"
"Better. Want some coffee?"
"Always." He follows me into the kitchen. "Santiago asked me to swing by, make sure you were good."
"I'm fine. Just trying to figure out what to do with myself all day."
Cruel accepts the mug I hand him and leans against the counter. "Derek giving you nightmares?"
"No, actually. I slept really well." I blush, smiling to myself.
Cruel grins. "Whip's got that effect on women. Mans got magic hands."
"Cruel!" I protest, mortified.
"What? I'm just saying." He takes a sip of coffee. "But seriously, you good? You seem wound up."
I sigh. "I'm just not used to sitting around doing nothing. I'm a busy person. I have work, routines, responsibilities."
"All that shit will be there when this is over. Right now, you need to focus on staying safe."
"How long do these things usually take to resolve?"
Cruel's expression grows serious. "Depends on the person. Some guys get the message quick. Others..." He shrugs. "Others need more convincing."
