She clutches my T-shirt. “What he said back there. It’s not true. I’ve never been with him.”
Why’s she worried I’d believe that? “I know that. He’s out of his fucking mind.” He looks half dead, not that I give a shit. He might be a pathetic asshole, and surviving on crack, but that won’t stop me helping him on his way if he even looks at Amelia again. “I’m sorry you were caught up in that. It shouldn’t have happened.”
Too right it shouldn’t. When Ty finds out Abbott got through his security, heads will roll.
She looks at me as though she doesn’t understand what I’m saying. “He came out of nowhere. I’m so sorry, Gage. I didn’t mean to cause a big scene in front of everyone.”
“It’s not your fault.” I hug her tighter in the hope that it’ll stop her shaking. Christ, is she going into shock or something? “This is something between the Bastards and Wolves. It goes back years.” She’s smart; she’ll understand what I’m saying and leave it at that.
“We need to talk about it.” Her voice is muffled against my shoulder, and I suck in a deep breath. Did I really think she’d let it go? Except this is club business, and we don’t discuss club business with chicks. Hell, most girls wouldn’t even dream of questioning me about what just happened.
She’s notmost girls, though. And even though I don’t want to talk about it with her, I know I will. She deserves that much from me, after Abbott screwed up her night.
“Not right now.” I need to get her home, and fast. “Later. Okay?”
“Okay.” She sounds reluctant, as if she’s having second thoughts. “Just promise me you won’t get too mad.”
I give a grim laugh as we make our way to my Harley. “Can’t promise that. But I won’t get mad at you.”
…
Odin’s is still open when we arrive, but I take Amelia down the side alley to the private door to the apartment. I don’t even make a joke about having a quickie outside, since she’s still jittery and clings to my hand like she’s never going to let go.
Not that I mind. It’s just thereasonwhy she’s doing it that pisses me off.
At least Tod won’t be interrupting us. I told him to find somewhere else to crash tonight, with the clear implication his days living here rent-free are numbered.
Once we’re inside, Amelia stands in front of the heater in the living room, her arms wrapped around her waist. She’s wound up tighter than a spring. So much for my plans to give her a great date so she’ll be mellow and relaxed, ready for tonight.
I pour double shots of whiskey and hand her one. “Get that down you.”
She sips it and pulls a face, but doesn’t stop drinking. I finish mine in two gulps, shrug off my cut, and fold it over the back of the couch.
“This is disgusting.” She wrinkles her nose and takes another sip before handing the glass back to me. “So, um. About Rex Abbott—”
No fucking way are we talking about that dipshit tonight, and I slam the glasses onto the coffee table. “Stop.” I press my finger against her lips, and she blinks up at me, and it’s crazy how adorable that is. “Not now, Amelia.”
“Yes, but—”
Christ, what is it with this chick? There’s only one way I know to shut her up. I claim her mouth, and her soft sigh pushes the last of my irritation with Abbott to the back of my mind.
I ease her jacket off her shoulders, and it drops to the floor before I slowly tug the silky scarf from around her throat. The buttons on her sexy top undo easily, and I slide it over her arms. She pulls it off her wrists, and I catch sight of a couple of angry red marks on her pale skin.
“What the hell.” I grab her wrist, and despite the rage pumping through me that Abbott dared to touch her, gently trace my finger over her arm. “He’ll pay for hurting you.”
“It doesn’t hurt. I bruise easily, that’s all.” She tries to tug free, but she’s not going anywhere. I kiss her injuries and force the image of smashing Abbott’s face to a pulp from my mind. Not going to think about him tonight. This is all about Amelia. And when she rakes her fingers through my hair and sighs, it’s easy to forget about everything but her.
I lift her into my arms, and she wraps herself around me. She’s so tiny and fragile, and another wave of anger against Abbott whips through me. If I hadn’t been there to protect her—I crush the thought. Not going there.
In my room, I lower her onto the bed, and as I strip she wriggles out of her clothes. Best show I’ve ever watched. “You better not do that for anyone else.”
“Do what?” Her thong hangs from one finger as she gives me the sweetest smile. “This?” She tosses the scrap of lace aside, and presses her thighs together, hiding her pussy.
I drop a rubber within easy reach and join her on the bed, trapping her beneath me. “Any of it.”
She winds her arms around my neck before tracing her hands over my shoulders and biceps, as though she’s worshipping my rock-hard muscles. “Give me a reason not to.”
“You’re playing with fire.” I kiss her throat, using my tongue and teeth, and she gasps and arches her body, her nails digging into me. “I’ll give you plenty of reasons. All night long.”
