Taking the stairs two at a time, I didn’t slow until I reached the second-story landing. There were four men, including the one I recognized from the first time I’d tried to kick Roxy’s door in. He’d thought it was just a fight with my Old Lady. I doubted he would give me any trouble, but they were too close to Roxy’s room.
Knocking on her door wasn’t part of the plan. She wouldn’t answer if she knew it was me. I’d lost her respect. Picking her lock wasn’t an option either—not with them watching. They’d see how easy it was. Getting her to talk to me was one thing, but I wouldn’t put her in unnecessary danger.
My boots squeaked on the concrete, catching their attention.
“Hey man,” the one I recognized said when he saw me at the top of the stairs. “You in trouble again?” He’d remembered. I didn’t miss the irony. It hadn’t been true then, but now was a different story. The other men laughed, assuming he was right.
“Did she ever give you a key?” he asked me. Turning back to his buddies, he pointed in my direction. “The last time I saw this guy, he was hitting the door with the heel of his boot, getting nowhere fast.”
I shook my head, not saying a word. They didn’t need to know my business, and I was running out of patience.
“I should be all neighborly-like.” It only made the men in the group laugh harder. He took a step towards her door, his fist getting ready to knock. The scars on his knuckles shone in the moonlight. The contrast was a warning to anyone who wanted to step up. I wasn’t a stranger to violence, but he looked like he’d fought to survive.
I wasn’t interested in puffing my chest, proving I was the better man. This wasn’t about him or his cronies, but I’d be damned if they thought they had a chance. I planted myself in front of her door, daring any of them to try me.
“You could ask for a cup of sugar.” I didn’t know which idiot had said it, but they slapped each other’s backs, lighting up more cigarettes. The smoke curled around us in a haze.
They thought this was a joke. A lover’s quarrel. I might have laughed with them years ago, but now I didn’t see the point. This was about owning up to the damage I’d caused her. I wouldn’t let them use her pain for entertainment, but if they kept this up, she’d shut all of us out.
“You won’t be able to speak to her when I break your fucking jaws.” The words rolled off my tongue, smoother than I expected. I had a few years on them, but I had earned my patch while they figured out how to shave. I grabbed the edges of my club cut, reminding them I was a Saint.
I’d only protected her when it was convenient for me, and I owed her one. She didn’t need these assholes harassing her in this shitty motel.
Roxy must have heard the commotion because her door violently swung open, bouncing off the inside wall of her room. She appeared in the doorway, still dressed as she had been for the club—a sheer tank with spaghetti straps and a short skirt. There were slits on either side of her thighs, skin showing as she shifted her weight. Her hands clenched into fists. Her eyes glared, and I thought she might take a swing.
“Get the fuck out of my face,” she told me through gritted teeth, shoving my side. I held my chuckle back as I shifted my stance, regaining my balance.
“Damn.” There were a few wolf whistles. “Shit, I’d be a good boy if my woman looked like that.”
She turned in their direction, freezing when she saw how close the four of them were. The other man still had his hand raised near the other side of the doorway. She paled but quickly regrouped. “Are you going to wrap up this pissing contest soon?”
I didn’t let it show, but I was proud of her. I’d seen her freeze multiple times, and this was the first time she’d actually tried to fight back. It was progress. She didn’t have to worry. I wouldn’t let anything happen to her.
“If you want me to whip it out, we can measure the stream.” The man lowered his arm, but he leaned into her space.
“Keep it in your pants, Romeo.” She crossed her arms over her chest.
This was done. I turned toward her, putting my hands on her shoulders. “Come on, sweetheart.” I thought I had been gentle as I tried to guide her backwards into the room. She shrugged me off, pushing me out the door. She tried to close it, but I quickly stuck my foot in the doorway, blocking her path.
“We’re not doing this.”
“Nope, we’re not.” She opened the door just enough to slam it again. I caught the edge, holding it before it hit my foot. If she locked the door, any chance to make amends would be over for me.
I’d had enough, and if we kept going like this, one of us was going to get hurt. I slung her over my shoulder, intending to set her on her feet inside the room, but she squirmed, fighting like hell. Her fists knocked against my back.
The door slammed behind us.
“I’m not doing this with you,” she snapped, hitting her fist against my back. “Seriously, put me the fuck down. I’m not wearing underwear, asshole.”
I said nothing, dropping her onto the bed. I’d heard the panty comment, but if I let my mind go there, I’d lose the only shot I had to fix this.
“When you’re done fighting me, let me know.” I grabbed the chair, dragging it to where she had no choice but to look at me.
“Call Aces and tell him to fix my car. I know he’s waiting for your approval.” She sat up, plopping the pillows behind her back, before crossing her arms and facing me. “I have the money.”
“You don’t have shit,” I said, flinching at my own words. I’d been a biker too long. I’d never had to use words when fists were easier. That was where I kept fucking up with her.
It had slipped, but as I started to apologize, a plastic bag came flying at my head. My reflexes kicked in, catching it before the bag touched my nose. She’d been saving her tip money. At a glance, I could tell there was more than enough for her to leave.
