“Probably. Let’s put this T-shirt on you so you don’t get chilled.” Without making her uncomfortable at all, Vex somehow kept her balanced as he tugged the soft cotton over her head and helped thread her arms through the sleeves. She basked in his thoughtful attention after the brutish treatment from the Ravagers.
Vex supported her as she slid from the bed. When he smoothed the fabric down over her slender hips, his garment reached her mid-thigh. “Just like you’re wearing a dress. Let’s go get some food. The guys are grilling. I’ll run out and grab us something.”
“No” popped out of her mouth before she could stop it.
“No?” he repeated.
“Sorry.” Angel forced herself to explain. “I’m better with you around.”
“No need to be sorry. That’s probably the nicest compliment I’ve ever received.”
Distracted by her embarrassment, Angel asked, “Really?”
“Baby girl, my club name is Vex. I wasn’t named that for following rules and getting along with everyone.”
“I think you’re wonderful,” she blurted and then forced herself to ask. She’d rather know now. “Can I stay with you? For a little while?”
“I don’t plan to give you back to anyone.”
She blinked at him. “You mean that, don’t you?”
“I never say anything I don’t mean. Social politeness was never something I followed. Vex, remember?”
Angel didn’t know how to answer that and could only stare at the handsome man who held her. She’d never met anyone who disregarded the everyday rules of getting along with others. Before she could answer, the doorbell rang.
“My brothers are bringing us some food. Let me put on some pants, and we’ll go get the plates.”
Her face burned with embarrassment as she realized they’d stood inches apart and she had forgotten he was naked. She turned around. Immediately when he was out of sight, she shook uncontrollably with fear. She was alone again. Vex wrapped his hand around her bare forearm, and she jumped automatically. Her trembling stopped almost instantly.
He slid his hand down to hold hers and squeezed her fingers tightly. “I like that you feel safe with me, Little girl.” Without grumbling, Vex maintained their contact as he opened a drawer and grabbed a pair of gray sweatpants. He pulled them on one-handedly as she tried not to watch. His body was fine from the front as well.
“Come on, Angel. Let’s grab some food.”
Several minutes had passed since the doorbell had rung. Angel suspected that whoever was outside would have given up by the time they reached the door. To her surprise, a man stood on the porch with two covered plates in his hands.
“Scythe. Thank you, brother,” Vex said.
“I figured you were hungry. Text me if you want another couple of plates,” the handsome man said. He didn’t ask questions when Vex reached one hand out instead of two. Scythe stacked the containers on top of each other and set them on Vex’s palm.
“I’ll do that. Angel, this is Scythe,” Vex introduced her.
“Hi, Scythe.” Angel leaned closer to Vex. The delicious aroma coming from those plates was enticing. She pressed a hand to her stomach as it rumbled.
Vex immediately closed the door and led her to the table.
“You shut the door in his face.”
“You’re hungry. I can talk to Scythe later.” Vex pulled out a chair and waved her into it. “I’m going to get the milk. Take a bite.” When she rose out of her seat, he pointed to the refrigerator.
“You can see me the whole time. I promise not to disappear.”
Angel didn’t take her eyes off him. Emotions tumbled within her. This need to have him in her sights…. Her reliance on Vex wasn’t normal, but with him, her fear lessened. Not being scared felt really good.
Vex grabbed a couple of glasses and a gallon jug of milk. “See, I’m still here.”
“Won’t he be mad?” she asked, not helping herself to anything because that would be rude.
“Won’t who be mad?” Vex asked as he sat in the chair next to her. He leveled a look at her as he removed the cover on the first plate.
