I’ve broken men with my silence. And what comes after.
“Not that it’s any of your business,” she starts out slowly, her words measured while she stands up. I don’t move which means we’re so damn close I can almost feel how her curves would mold to my body. “But I believe he’s referring to my three brothers. They’re older and they all have their own lives, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t protective and we aren’t family.”
“Okay, Addy. I think it’s time you got some sleep.”
When I offer her my hand, she looks at it for a long moment. It’s just long enough to have me wondering if throwing her over my shoulder would be a better idea.
The feeling of her finally sliding her hand into mine is pure triumph. She’s going to try to fight me about staying in my room, but she doesn’t know where I’m leading her.
Yet.
CHAPTER 6
ADDYSON
I can’t say I’ve thought much about how the lamb felt being led to slaughter before, but it’s all I can think about right now. Oh, I don’t believe for a moment Mayhem gave up that easily when I told him I didn’t want to take his room. His little hum was his attempt at a bandage on the conversation, but a plain one. If he wanted to distract me, he should have gone for one with some color, at least, but sparkles would be better.
Fuck. Now I’m babbling in my head. I suppose it’s better than babbling out loud. That would have been embarrassing.
It’s not my fault. Being alone with him has my entire body buzzing and it’s difficult to focus on anything other than the heat of him, the sureness of his hand in mine, and the confidence in every step he takes. This is a man accustomed to power and he wears it well. Why wouldn’t he? He’s earned his place and the respect of those around him.
You don’t have to be a genius to see it.
Should I be more concerned that I’ve taken his hand and followed him blindly? It doesn’t feel like he’s leading me deeper into the lion’s den, but what the fuck do I really know? The last place I expected to be was in a biker clubhouse.
I never imagined Tallulah would get with a biker either, but at least she has a connection with her brother, Apostle, being an enforcer for the New Orleans chapter. Until Tallulah had to make the hard decision to shut down her parents’ record shop, the one she had taken over after their deaths, he hadn’t been back to Magnolia Point in years.
I’m glad my best friend has gotten to mend the relationship with her brother. They’re neighbors and their lives are entwined now.
She had to leave Magnolia Point to find the life she was always meant to live. My chest aches because I want to snuggle my niece. Honestly, I want what Tallulah has for myself.
For some strange reason my gaze flits toward Mayhem as he comes to a stop in front of a door. He’s too damn handsome and the strength he exudes is tantalizing.
Then there’s the way he rumbles my name. And his nickname for me?
Stop it. My panties are fucking ruined.
“Oh,” I blurt as Mayhem swings open the door, “I have an overnight bag in my car.” His crystal blue eyes take me in, and I can see the questions there. I don’t need him to give them voice; which is a little strange. “I didn’t know how long the interview process would take, and some of the roads getting back home aretwo lanes. I prefer not to drive them at night,” I explain and try not to sound too defensive.
“That’s smart, Addy,” he purrs his praise.
When I shudder, he smirks like he knows exactly what he’s doing to me. Then he’s tugging me through the door before holding out a hand to me. “I’ll get someone to grab it from your car. I’d like it checked over for trackers as well.”
“He didn’t know I was in there,” I point out.
Mayhem doesn’t budge, his hand hanging between us like he has all the time in the world to wait me out. With a huff, I pull my fob out of my jean pocket and plop it down in his hand.
“I hope this doesn’t turn out like my phone did,” I mumble more to myself than him even though he chuckles softly while pulling his phone out and shooting off a text.
That’s when I turn and take in the room. The room which is definitely not a guest room. How do I know? Call it a woman’s intuition if you must; I don’t really give a fuck. I know I’m right. This is Mayhem’s room.
It smells like him—amber and motor oil with a hint of something that’s a little extra and all Mayhem. I turn toward him quickly, but he’s opening his door and handing my key fob out of the crack. He says something, but I can’t hear it.
I don’t really care.
When he turns toward me, he leans back against the door and crosses his arms. He studies me, but it feels curious instead of creepy. Something starts to crumble inside of me.
But I can’t let it. I can’t.
