I slowly turn to him.
“Did you have a good sleep?” His face is blank, but there’s a smugness in his voice.
I nod as my face burns hotter, because last night was the best sleep I’ve had in a long time, but I won’t admit it. Stepping out of his room, I close the door behind me.
“Ava, is that you?”
My body freezes at Elena’s voice, and she moves quickly.
Her eyes go wide like saucers. My mouth opens, but I can’t speak. She takes my hand and pulls me through the hallway and into a room. Axle is sitting on the edge of the bed, putting his boots on, and looks up at us, watching as we take a seat.
“What happened?” she asks, her voice higher than usual.
I mentally berate myself for even being in this situation. “It’s not what you think.”
“Well, what was it?”
“I went to the bathroom last night, and I must have accidentally gone into his room instead of mine.”
“This ought to be good,” Axle says with an ear-to-ear smile. “Whose room did you end up in?”
I gulp and whisper, “Reaper.”
Axle laughs, slowly clapping. “Hold up. Hold up.” He tilts his head. “He let you sleep in his bed?”
“I didn’t have sex with him!” I blurt out. “I’m still married. That’s not the type of person I am.”
“I know you’re not,” Elena responds, her voice resonating with understanding. “That’s why I was confused when I saw you coming out of his room.”
“Hey!” He waves in front of us. “I couldn’t care less if you shagged the whole MC.”
“Jake!” Elena curses him with narrowed eyes.
He shrugs at her, then gives me his full attention. “Just to be clear, you’re telling me you stayed the night in Reaper’s bed?”
“Yes,” I reply, wondering why he doesn’t believe me.
He cocks a brow. “You sure it was Reaper?”
“Seriously?” Elena huffs. “I saw her come out of his room.”
“He doesn’t letanyonesleep or stay in his bed,” he says, giving me a pointed look. “He was in the Special Forces. Nothing would get past him. He knew you were there.”
I swallow hard, unsure of what to think about that but grateful he let me sleep. Maybe it was how tired I was that I slept so well, or maybe, for once, I unconsciously knew I was safe. The concoction of his scent, warmth, and body was like a sleeping pill I so desperately needed, but I don’t need another dangerous man. I’ve had one. Then why am I attracted toReaper?
* * *
The bruises are changing color.Parts are a pale green and yellow. Makeup covers them better now. Even though this morning was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life, today I feel a little different, a little lighter. A new burn of motivation thrums in my veins. Something I haven’t felt in a long time.
Elena left a bunch of new clothes in my room, like she said she would. After my shower, I make my way downstairs. The potent smell of alcohol hits me first, and when I look around, Twitch is asleep on the lounge, and the woman with him last night is asleep on the ground next to him. Alcohol cans and bottles litter the floor and nearly every surface I can see.
Footsteps fall behind me. I turn to see a young man with reddish-brown hair. He has a black garbage bag and is picking up the surrounding trash. When he sees me, he gives me an easy smile, so I smile back.
“I’m Ava, Elena’s sister.”
“The men mentioned you were staying here. I’m Rage.”
Elena was right. He does not suit his name.
