His words creep under my skin and make me feel like shit. They might be true, but that doesn’t mean I want to hear it from his lips. I kick at him, getting him in the back. “Untie me, fucker. I’m done with this shit.”
He leans over me, undoing his belt and setting my hands free.
I sit up in a rush and pull my shirt back around myself, covering up my chest. Then I grab for my shorts and stalk for the door.
“I know it hurts…” he calls after me.
“You have no idea how much this hurts,” I cut him off, spinning back to him, ready to completely bite his head off. But he’s right there behind me.
He takes me in his arms and holds me close. “It’s not that I don’t want your input. It’s just I won’t put you in danger by having you talk with your family. It’s not worth it, flower. I will find another way to fix this.”
“Maybe this can’t be fixed. My family is powerful, and if they want me back, they will make it happen. I knew it when I ran away. I was just hoping for a little time to live. Really, I have had more than I ever imagined I could meeting you guys. Maybe the fun is over.”
His muscles tense. “It’s never going to be over. And your family will learn they aren’t as powerful as they think they are. When it comes to you, the Strykers will always win.” The determination in his eyes scares me a little, but it also does something else. It makes me feel more powerful and stronger just by being in his presence. Every time I want to just give in to stop this madness, he gives me the push to keep fighting.
I pop up on my toes and press my lips to his. “You’re right. We keep fighting until they give up and see my life is with you boys and I won’t be going home, ever.”
Chapter 25
Would I Lie to You
Ashercradlesmeinhis arms from behind as I lean into the breakfast bar, picking at my fresh berries and Greek yogurt Cruz fixed me. He kisses my cheek then steals one of the strawberries and pops it in his mouth. “Morning, princess.”
“Morning.” I smile back at him. This is our routine now. It’s comfortable, the kind of life I could get used to with my boys.It’s been a week since the fire at Jagger’s warehouse, and he’s been in damage control ever since, but the rest of our life has simmered down. I think as long as we’re in this place together, life is good. And I know we can’t live locked away from the real world forever, but at least we haven’t had any drama to contend with. It’s given me time to heal, and as much as I wouldn’t tell the boys, it’s given me this time to fall for all of them harder than I want to. But it’s the little things they do for me. Movies we watch together, workout sessions in the gym, and family meals. I feel so connected to all of them in a way I never have before with anyone.
“Sloane has a few last-minute things for you to work on today for the club opening.”
“Okay. I’ll get on it after breakfast,” I say a little sadly. I’m so excited for Sloane that the club opening is finally happening, but I just wish I could be part of it.
“Don’t pout. Cruz and I are still working on Jagger, you’ll be a part of it somehow.”
“It’s okay, Ash, I know it’s dangerous. I don’t want to put any of you in unnecessary danger all because I miss the club and Sloane.”
He kisses my cheek. “I’ll still see what I can do. Maybe after this meeting Jagger will be a little more pliable.” He laughs.
I glance at him. “What meeting?”
He gives me a guilty look like he’s already said too much. “Just Stryker business, nothing for you to worry about.” With that he leaves me alone to finish my breakfast, passing Cruz on his way to the room they’ve set up as an office at the front of the house.
Cruz goes about making a couple of coffees as he hums some tune I don’t know. He’s awfully happy today. Must have been his early-morning session in the gym. He hands me a coffee, watching me intently.
“What’s the boys’ meeting about?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of me.
His lips curl. “Some business deal Jagger is trying to secure. It’s going to cost him big, but the sacrifice is worth it.”
I stare back at him, puzzled. “Is he purchasing another club?”
His hand comes to my chin, his other hand lacing into my hair. “He doesn’t need another club, baby, he’s got his hands full already.” His lips meet mine, and he kisses me like he wants something from me.
I pull back, not enjoying the way they all still keep shit from me. It wouldn’t be all that hard to let me into their world properly. But since he’s going to tease me with cryptic shit, I’m going to keep my legs closed even though I know what he wants this morning. “Thanks for breakfast.” I kiss Cruz’s cheek quickly as I stand.
He grabs my hand. “Where are you sneaking off to?”
“Nowhere. I’m just going to take a quick shower. I’m all sweaty after that dance session. I’ll be back soon to get a start on that work for your sister.”
He grins cheekily, his eyes lighting up. “I’ll come with you.”
“Come on, Cruz, can I have five seconds to myself?” I huff.
