“I’ll stay here and get on top of the washing,” Elena says.
Ava looks at Elena. “Can you please wash Conan?”
Elena groans. “I’m going to get soaking wet… and smell like dog… but okay, I’ll do it.”
“What about you? What are you up to?” Zara asks me.
“I’ve got a few business items to attend to, then the gym. I’m considering going to see Dad at some point.” I hate the conflict between my family, but I’m torn and don’t know what to do.
Zara flinches. “Good luck.”
I let out a heavy sigh. “Yes, I know… I’ll need it.”
Once I’ve finished with my work calls, I get changed into my shorts and crop top, put on my Nikes, and pull my hair back into a ponytail. I pick up my phone, pressing on the home screen. No phone calls or messages from Viper. My fingers itch to contact him, but I resist. I need to get a hold of myself.
I call the chauffeur and ask him to take me into town, then go out front and wait for him. I’m sitting on the porch when I hear the rumble of motorcycles. When I stand, they’re coming closer, kicking up dirt as they go. The closer they get, the louder the bikes’ engines become. When they come up the driveway, I see they’re all wearing bandanas that cover their faces. They park in the shed.
My pulse races as Viper takes his helmet off and swings his leg over the bike. He gives me one of his sexy smiles as I rush to him. He pulls me into his arms and twirls me around as I squeal. Once he lets go of me, he grunts and grabs his back.
“Sorry…” I say through a laugh. “I forgot you were sore.”
“That’s okay.” His eyes drift over me, coming to rest on my butt. “And where do you think you’re going?” he asks, then smacks my ass.
I jump slightly. “To the gym.”
“I’m coming,” he’s quick to answer.
With my hand on my hip, I ask, “How are you going to go while you’re injured?”
“I can watch,” he purrs.
I suppress a grin.
“What?” he asks coyly. “I like the view.”
“I’m sure it’s got nothing to do with giving men the evil eye when they check me out.”
“I don’t know where you got that idea from,” he muses.
The limousine appears and accelerates slowly toward the house. “Well, my ride’s here. Are you sure you want to come?”
He nods. “Sure am.”
On the ride over, I ask, “Have the men been roasting you about last night?” Though I know the answer.
He groans. “Yes, they have… thanks for that.”
I beam. “No worries.”
He shakes his head at me, with his lip tilted up.
I consider telling Viper I’m going to see Dad soon, but I caused him enough grief last night, so I let it go.
“Have I convinced you to stay with me yet?” he asks. His voice sounds carefree, but there’s a softness and vulnerability in his eyes. It feels like we’re offering our hearts up to each other and greedily accepting while knowing our relationship will end in heartache if Dad keeps threatening the club.
I pause, my throat tightening. He gives me a sad smile and squeezes my thigh, and I rest my head on his shoulder. I never thought I’d fall for a guy so quickly and so hard. It goes against everything I’ve tried to ensure never happened, but Viper forced his way into my life. Now I don’t know if I’ll ever get out from under his spell.
My mouth parts to tell him I’m not sure if I want to go back to New York… that I’m considering staying to see where this leads, but I force my mouth closed. None of that matters if my father is adamant about threatening the MC.
