But I’ll make sure she’s okay.
I stand and turn to find Sage watching me with an unreadable expression.
“You really care about her,” she says.
“Yeah,” I admit. “I do.”
Sage nods slowly. “Good. Because she needs someone who won’t break her, even if you barely know her.”
“I might not know her that well… but I want to. Ireallywant to. And I won’t break her. I’m not that kinda guy,” I promise, and I mean it with every fiber of my being.
Sage studies me for another moment, then waves a hand. “You can go. I’ve got her from here.”
I nod, but as I head for the door, something stops me. The thought of leaving Marley here, drunk and vulnerable, makes myskin crawl. What if she wakes up and needs something? What if she gets sick?
What if—
“Actually,” I say, turning back to Sage. “I think I’m going to stick around. Just to make sure she’s okay.”
Sage raises an eyebrow. “Stick around where? The couch?”
“My car.” I shrug. “I’ll park out front. That way if you need anything—”
“You’re gonna sleep in your car?” Sage looks at me as if I’ve lost my damn mind, and maybe I have.
“Won’t be the first time.”
She stares at me for a long moment, then shakes her head. “You’re insane. But also kind of sweet. Fine. Do what you want.” She points a finger at me. “But if you’re a creep, I’ll—”
“Tell everyone I’m crap at sex. I remember.” I give her a small smile. “I’m not a creep, Sage. I just… I need to know she’s safe.”
Sage softens slightly. “Okay. But seriously, the couch is available if you want it.”
“Thanks, but I’m good.” I head back outside, the cool night air hitting my face like a slap. I climb into the Honda, recline the seat as far as it’ll go, and settle in, sending off a quick text to Sin letting him know what’s going on so the club won’t worry about me not coming back tonight.
Sleep doesn’t come easily. Every time I close my eyes, I see Marley’s face. The way she looked was so broken when she talked about Derek. The way her voice cracked when she called herself worthless.
And the rage… Christ, the rage. It’s a living thing, coiling in my chest, begging to be let loose.
I want to find Derek.
I want to make him understand exactly what he’s done.
I want to go to Sin and ask to take care of the fucker—club style.
No, I tell myself.
Not like that.
Not now.
Marley doesn’t need me to be a vigilante. She needs me to be…
What?
A friend?
Something more?
