I’d seen the haze of anger come over him in the bar, but I hadn’t expected to feel its power here. “I didn’t know.”
My voice came out trembling, and I forced air into my lungs and steeled myself against the anger coming my way.
I stepped out from behind Bishop. “I didn’t know they were a rival club. I’m new in town.”
That excuse felt as flimsy as ever, but it was my story and I had to stick to it. “I didn’t think?—”
“That’s right.” Rafe interrupted me. “Youdidn’tthink.”
His hands flexed at his sides.
The garage’s bare walls couldn’t contain this argument forever. “You told me you were running errands. What kind of errand takes you to a biker bar?”
He waited for me to answer, and when I didn’t immediately jump to my own defense, he dropped his head. “Answer me, Noelle.”
There was that controlling asshole I’d met in his office.
Only that night had brought some of the best pleasure in my life.
Today, I saw the thin veneer of the real Rafe threatening to break free.
I should be terrified.
What would he do if he found out I was investigating him?
Sweat slicked my palms.
I ignored it and the twist in my gut. “I wanted to talk to people who’d been at the Christmas drive. I thought if I talked to them,I could get some nice things to say about the Steel Vipers. Some character witness statements for the paper. I wanted to show everyone you’re not the monsters they’re led to believe.”
Too far.
I’d gone too far.
I remembered too late that Rafe wanted people to think they were awful.
His jaw twitched, a muscle leaping several times as he stared at me.
Bishop’s constant presence at my side gave me strength.
He placed a hand at the small of my back. It wasn’t much, but it was yet another stab to his loyalty to Rafe.
“Character witnesses?” Rafe shook his head, the look in his eyes showing his disbelief. “You walked into their den to prove we’re good people?”
I tried for flirty as I tossed my hair. “Well, to be fair, I didn’t know who they were.” I swallowed hard when reality took hold and reminded me anything could have happened if they hadn’t showed up.
Which reminded me… how had they found me? “I didn’t think anyone would get hurt.”
Bishop’s hand ran up and down my spine.
Even without words, he provided incredible emotional support.
Rafe sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Unbelievable.”
Bishop relaxed when Rafe lowered his hand and the tiniest smile lifted one side of his mouth.
“Maybe I overreacted.” Another breath. “When Colt told me where you were, I took off. Didn’t think it through.”
“You…” I glanced at Colt and the sudden guilty expression he wore. “You had Colt follow me?”
