She rubbed her chin. “I don’t think so, but I don’t know for sure. Alina isn’t that big, and I stand out with my long hair. Anyway, after what you and your friend did, I don’t think he’ll bother me again. What were you guys doing here?” She slipped out of his hug.
“Looking for hubcaps for the repair shop.” He held her gaze.
Her mouth went dry.What’s going on with me? I’m so nervous.“I should go now.”
“Okay.”
They stood staring at each other, the pull she felt to him intense. Breaking eye contact, she started walking to the office. He came up next to her and put his arm tightly around her.I’m so attracted to this guy. I love his arm around me. Maybe I should give him a chance.Her common sense screamed that she was crazy and emotional. Who wouldn’t be? Two men had attacked her and scared the hell out of her, and Muerto and his friend had come to her rescue. Muerto was her dark knight who offered her aid and comfort.
That’s all he is. Don’t get all sappy and mushy over it.
He opened the door for her and she went inside, the cool air enveloping her. A smile brushed across her lips when she saw her items neatly piled on the counter. Diablo leaned against a wall inspecting a hubcap.
“How much do I owe you?” she asked the owner.
“Sixty bucks.”
As she pulled out her money, Muerto came over to the counter. “She’s a friend of mine. Make her a better deal, Bud.”
“I gave her my lowest price.”
“Bullshit. We’re buying a ton of shit from you. Give her a better deal.”
“You’re killing me, dude. I can’t go any lower.”
“That’s okay. Really,” she said as she gave the money to Bud.
Muerto ripped it out of her hands, giving her back twenty. “Forty’s enough.”
“Fuck, man.”
“You know I’m right.”
Bud pulled out a strong box and shoved the bills inside. “Thanks for your business, lady. What’s your name? I’ve seen you around here before.”
“Raven. I try to come in a couple times a month, but usually the long-haired guy is here.”
“Jake. Yeah, he’s here most of the time.” Bud glanced at Muerto. “You ready to settle up?”
Diablo stepped up to the counter. “We need one of the trucks to bring the hubcaps over.” Bud nodded.
“Thanks again, Muerto and Diablo… for everything.” She walked to the front glass doors.
“We gotta settle up here, then drop everything off at the repair shop. I’ll be in touch.” Muerto came over and held the door open.
“Yeah. Sure. Thanks again.”
“See you.” He dipped his head down and kissed her gently on the cheek. “Be careful. If you need anything, you got my number.”
“Okay,” she said softly. As she went to her car, she glanced over her shoulder, tenderness unfurling within her as her gaze went to his. He slouched against the doorway watching her. Turning around, tingles raced along her spine as she slid into the driver seat. Driving away, she glanced in her rearview mirror and saw that he was still watching her, his white T-shirt gleaming in the bright sunshine. For reasons she couldn’t articulate, she liked that he watched her until she was out of his sight.
I really like him. Maybe he’d be an okay guy to date.Then she remembered what Ava had said about the women who lived at the clubhouse only to service the men. And there was Ruby, whoever she was.
Disappointment crushed her good feelings as realization set in that he would never be the type of man she could get involved with. She could never survive another intense relationship with a man who would break her heart. Being a hustler, she knew the odds were stacked against her. She had no doubt that he’d be an intense, wild man who’d pleasure her beyond all her expectations. But she was sure he was also the type who’d leave one woman for another.
I don’t want that. One broken heart is enough for a lifetime.
