But I've been down this road before.I believed a man who said he'd changed, who promised he was different, who swore he'd never hurt me.
And look how that turned out.
An hour passes, maybe two.I lose track as Ciara introduces me to everyone.There are too many people to keep up.Everyone's friendly—surprisingly friendly for a biker club.They’re not what I expected, based on the stories I’ve heard.
But I can't settle.Can't relax into the night.Because every few minutes, I feel Tank's eyes on me.And every time I glance over, he's there.Watching.Not approaching.Just...present.
It's maddening.
Ciara leans in close, shouting over the music."Are you sure you're alright?You've been jumpy all night."
"I'm fine."
"Is it being here?We can leave if you're uncomfortable."
"No, it's…" I stop.Take a breath."It's not the club."
"Then what?"
I glance over at Tank.He's still at the bar, still watching.Ciara follows my gaze, and I see understanding dawn on her face.
"Oh," she says."Oh."
"It's nothing."
"That's not nothing."She grins."That's Tank.Rush's brother.And he's looking at you like?—"
"Don't."
"Like you're the only person in the room," she finishes.
My chest tightens."It's complicated."
"It always is."She squeezes my arm."But for what it's worth, Tank's one of the good ones.Bit closed off, bit intense, but solid.You could do worse."
I could also do better.I could do nothing.I could go home to my son and my quiet life and forget this ever happened.
But even as I think it, I know I'm lying to myself.
Because I don't want to forget.
I want… What?Him?This?Something I can't even name?
"I need another drink," I say.
"I'll come with?—"
"No.Stay with Rush.I'll be right back."
I weave through the crowd toward the bar before she can argue.It's a mistake.I know it's a mistake.But my feet carry me there anyway.
Tank sees me coming.Straightens.Sets down his beer.
I stop in front of him, heart pounding so hard I'm surprised he can't hear it.
"Hi," I say softly, unsure what else to say.
"Hi."His voice is rough, careful, like he's trying not to spook me.
