Haven doesn’t have a clue of the dilemma happening in my head, sniffing as she regains her bearings. “They told me if I got Eliza, they’d give me my brother back.”
“Who arethey?” Leaning forward, she doesn’t flinch like she did at the bar. She uses those brown eyes against me, blinking widely. “Blaze Walker sound familiar?”
She nods, confirming my suspicion. “I think so.”
Good enough for me. I’ve been waiting for that bastard to make the first move. Will Judge give me his permission to visit Meadow Falls? Shouldn’t he want me to kill the man who left him bleeding out in an alley?
The faded memory claws at my chest, and I can already feel the anger seeping in.
“Ripper.” Whispering my name so sweetly, it’s a distraction to the brewing violent thoughts in my head.
“Hm?” Taking in the way she bites her cheeks,otherthoughts start battling over the ones that should be taking priority.
How soft are her lips? Has she ever kissed someone before? What kind of sounds could I make her produce if I pressed her against the wall with a new purpose?
“Please.” Moving in a blur, she reaches out and grabs one of my hands. Soft skin meets my calloused fingers as she squeezes my fingers. “Maybe you could help me? He’s all I have. I don’t have the strength or power to save him myself.”
I don’t have to consider her request; the answer is ready. Yet, I feel like I want to help her for more than just my reasons.
Pursing my lips, Judge’s order rings in my mind. His word is law, and when he tells me not to go and start trouble, I’m supposed to listen. That’s why I’ve been tirelessly waiting for the other club to make the first move.
Nine out of ten times, I’m obedient. There’s always that one time that I cross the line because I can’t help myself.
“Why should I help you?” Lowering my eyes to her hands on mine, my mouth curls into a smile as I swallow my readied answer down. Can’t agree, not just like that. “What am I going to get out of it?”
I’ve already got a long list forming because of the consistent ache happening as metal teeth dig deeper into my flesh, but I want to hear what her innocent heart can think of.
She blinks, confused. Her lips part, and my eyes follow. “What do you want? If it means Paulie will be safe, I’ll do anything. If it’s money, I have a little bit saved up…”
There are a lot of things I want, but that doesn’t mean I can go around suggesting them. God, but do I want to.Anythingis a strong word.
“Let me think about it, and I’ll get back to you about it.” Moving to stand up, she gasps as I drag her up with me. Hand on her arm, my fingers become a cuff.
“Wait, where are you taking me?” She tugs on my grip to no avail. “I’m not a threat!”
While that is definitely the truth, I can’t risk her slipping out to update those other assholes. Depending on how desperate she is to save her sibling, who knows which side she’d end up on? I can’t take the risk.
“You’re a spy, sweetheart. One way or another, we have to build some trust before I can let you move freely.” Walking toward a hall full of doors, my eyes drift over Ghost’s door. Sure, they might not be on the other side, but what if Eliza left something behind? Left some proof that she stayed here for a short period.
“I can walk on my own!” Huffing as she stumbles behind me, I feel the sharp pinpricks of her nails digging into my fingers. Her nails are sharp, my favorite kind. However, I prefer them to leave lines of red down my back rather than stab my fingers. Her fight twists something delicious inside me.
Stopping without warning, her warmth washes over me as she stumbles into my body. Looking over her, I smile. “We can do it this way, or I can toss you over my shoulder. Which would you prefer?”
I don’t expect her eyes to fly open and her cheeks to flush, but it’s a shade of pink that makes my mouth water. “You can’t put me on your shoulder.”
God, Ilovechallenges. More than that, I love proving people wrong, especially when it gives me permission to finally get my hands on this woman in a way that will ease the twist in my gut.
Haven makes this cute squeaking noise when I pull her toward me and dip low enough to sling her over my shoulder. I don’t realize I’m grinning until I feel her fists hit the club’s colorsagainst my back. It’s not some sly smirk that I’ve masked over as I usually do, but a teeth-bearing grin.
Arealsmile. A strange, but pleasant feeling against my lips.
What an interesting woman. She’s the perfect weight, even if she doesn’t seem to think so.
“Put me down!” As her voice gains strength, I tamper it down with a single squeeze of her thigh. She’s soft everywhere. The muscle twitches in return, teasing me for more.
Instead of giving her what she wants, I head toward the room I’m crashing in to make sure this woman can’t cause any more trouble, all while wondering how I’m going to have the strength to keep my hands to myself.
3
