But before I reach the car door, Sin pulls me aside. “You wanted to see how we handle things. Now you’ve seen it,” he offers, his voice low. “This is the life we live, Elizabeth. It’s not some game.”
I meet his gaze, my heart pounding, my brows furrowed at the seriousness of his tone. “I know it’s not a game,” I reply, my voice softer than intended. “But I also see the loyalty, the way you protect each other.That’swhat people don’t understand,” I tell him honestly.
Sin studies me for a long moment, then nods. “You’re not as naïve as I thought,” he states, a hint of respect in his tone. “But be careful. You keep pushing, and you might find yourself in a situation you can’t come back from. I can only protect you if you let me, Elizabeth.” He takes a step back, running his fingers through his hair like he’s frustrated with me, then he turns and stomps away.
My stomach churns in the uncertainty of his words.
Does he know?
Chapter Six
ELIZABETH
My breathing is frantic as I watch him leave, my mind racing. I’m in deeper than I planned already, and I know it. But I can’t back down now, not when I’m so close to the truth. Whatever it takes, I’m going to find out what happened to Marcus. And if that means getting closer to Sin, then so be it.
Adrenaline pumps through my veins, and I have to prod him for more information. I want to understand his mindset, the decisions he makes, and the lines he’s willing to cross.
Panic rushes through me as Sin is about to enter the clubhouse.
I don’t want to let this go just yet—not for tonight anyway.
“Why didn’t you push back against them?” I yell across the lot, making Sin pause at the clubhouse doors. The group started to disperse, but with my question, they all stop, their eyes darting between their president and me.
Sin turns to face me. His eyes narrow as he studies me. “You thinkeveryproblem is solved by throwing punches, wildcat?”
I fold my arms, leaning back against my car. “I think if someone challenges you, you should stand your ground.”
Sin moves quickly, his thumping boots like lead weights storming against the concrete. The space between us is narrowing until the heat of his body against mine is like a raging inferno. “Ididstand my ground. My people are safe, and we walked out without anyone getting hurt, including civilians.Thatis what fucking matters!”
I hold his gaze, unwilling to look away, even though my heart pounds at his closeness. “So, it’s just about survival?”
Sin’s lips quirk up slightly, but there’s no humor in his eyes. “It’salwaysabout survival, Elizabeth.” He reaches out and taps my forehead with two fingers, gentle but firm. “Remember that.”
I take a breath, trying to steady myself, but before I can respond, Sin turns and walks back to his bike. He swings a leg over, glancing over his shoulder, his eyes glinting under the clubhouse lights in my direction. “You want a firsthand look at club life. Get on the bike, Elizabeth.”
I blink like a deer caught in the headlights, my clit tingling instantly at how alpha and demanding that was.
So. Fucking. Sexy.
Snap out of it! You have a job to do.
“Excuse me?What are you trying to do? Sound like Rio fromGood Girls?” I mock him, “Get on the bike, Elizabeth.Next, you’ll be having me clean money for you.” I laugh at my own joke.
But Sin stares at me blankly like I just spoke to him in some riddle. “Huh? I have no fucking clue what you just said, and as a club, we don’t and never havecleaned money, so I don’t know why the fuck you would suggest that—”
“No, I didn’t mean…” Frustrated, I add, “Oh, for God’s sake, it’s a joke from a TV seri—”
“Get. On. The. Fucking. Bike. Elizabeth!” he demands, his eyes locked onto mine so fiercely that I have no choice but to obey him.
The idea of getting on a bike with Sin is both thrilling and terrifying, which I think is what makes it so enticing. I take a deep breath, step forward, my hand resting on his shoulder, and swing my leg over the bike, settling in behind him. “Confession,” I whisper as I edge forward into him, not knowing where to put my arms.
He glances over his shoulder at me, his hands sliding out, grabbing my arms, pulling them around his waist. For somereason, it feels like I was always meant to be here. A soft chuckle escapes him as he grins at me. “You haven’t ridden on the back of a bike before.” It’s a statement, not a question, as he spoils my confession for me.
Exhaling, I hold him probably tighter than I should. “How did you know?”
He chuckles, facing back to the front. “A biker can always tell…” He starts the Harley, the engine roaring to life beneath me. A small gasp escapes my lungs as I cling even tighter to him. “You want to know what it’s like to be a part of the club? How can you get a true feel for it if you haven’t been on a bike? If you want to understand how we operate, you need to understand the adrenaline of feeling freedom. You won’t get it if you can’t feel it for yourself.” Sin looks back at me, his eyes filled with challenge. “Hold on, Elizabeth. And remember, this ismyworld. You’re merely visiting.”
He revs the engine, the bike’s vibrations thrumming through my body. The sensation is jarring at first, and then he takes off at breakneck speed, the wind whipping past me, sending my hair flying in all directions.
