The ache in my chest is already growing just from thinking about enforcing the rules I'm trying to set out.
I don't miss Smoke's silence or the way he curls his fingers, gripping me as if he doesn't want to let go. The silence lasts too long, long enough to get the bravery to look his way and take in his frown.
"We don't need to go that far. I can control myself better." Like this is a discussion, he grunts when my brows lift up. "Idon't have experience under my belt, Bunny. I don't know how a boyfriend is supposed to act. I was just doing what felt right, and I can see that's wrong. I can hold myself back."
His words simmer and take too long to digest. Long enough for me to catch a hint of pink above his beard.
Hold himself back? Wait, what's he like if he's not pulling back on the reins?
That's a thought meant to be had when I'm home in my bed, not alone in his brother's car.
There's a more important issue here. No experience?
"Wait, are you a virgin?" The question leaves me in a rush, and I didn't even consider the idea. Sure, Smoke is awkward, but he's got the kind of looks to make any woman do a double-take. Surely, even if he's never been in a relationship, he must've fooled around.
My question makes him curse, and he's pulling his hand away to ruffle his hair. "Fuck, no. This isn't..." He flushes more, and I realize I'm seeing a new side to him. One that feels like it's made for just me to see. "I've had sex once, but it wasn't... Bunny, this isn't what we're supposed to be talking about."
I've always loved teasing this man to see what different reactions I can get out of him. Now I understand why it's always been so easy. Even now, I feel this need to strike while the iron's hot.
It's easier not to think about my scary situation when this guy is flooding my mind.
My hand finds his thigh, and it's all hard muscle beneath. One little squeeze and I notice his jaw clench. "Want to remind me what we were talking about? I've forgotten. Something about touching?"
Okay, nowI'mthe one going off the rails. Instead of drawing a line between us to play it safe, I'm putting my heart at risk again. Are we still talking about playing a part?
I don't expect his hand to find my chin, and it distracts me from my attempt to make his embarrassment grow.
"I won't let my jealousy fuel my decisions." His words come out deeper, like they're catching in his throat. "I won't pull you away in front of everyone and try to put my hands on you."
My breathing shifts, growing heavier. "That's why you did it, because you were jealous? Not because you were performing in front of a camera?"
His brows push together before his frown deepens. "You think I'dwantanyone to see you like that? If it weren't for those damn things, I would've—"
Ace picks a terrible time to knock on the window, trying to get Smoke's attention.
He would've...what?
Smoke's nostrils flare before he releases me and shoves the door open, purposely hitting him with it. "What?"
Ace grins, seeing his flushed state. "Havoc needs your key." He curls his fingers. "Hope I wasn't interrupting anything? I figured you'd want to see me over him."
Now it's my turn to frown, but that only seems to amuse him more.
After digging it out of his pocket, he slaps it in his hand before shutting the door with too much force. Enough to hear Ace curse through the glass.
"We can talk more about this later," I continue, already knowing my patience is going to be really tested this time around. "Once we're somewhere without any... interruptions."
No brothers, issues, or...anything.Just us two, clearing up misunderstandings.
"We need to go to one more place, our clubhouse. Need to look into who did it." His chest swells with a held breath before he nods. "Then, yeah. We'll talk."
He can finish his earlier statement, and we can see where we'll go from there.
Our next stop is a place they call the warehouse. Despite hearing about it amongst the members releasing steam at tables, I've never thought to pass by. This place kind of feels off-limits to those who aren't wearing the patch.
Then again, I've got Smoke's jacket on. Hopefully, that'll mean I won't get any wary eyes pointed in my direction.
Heading inside, we follow behind the other two. Ace drags himself over to a large couch to throw himself on, and Devil disappears into another section of the large building.
