Page 45 of Torch

“Smoove, go away.” I turned to go inside, but he grabbed my arms. Christian was next to me in seconds, chopping his hand down.

“Don’t touch her.”

Smoove faced him with a hard glare. “Motherfucker, did you just touch me? Do you know who the fuck I am?”

Christian spat on the ground next to him, stepping toe-to-toe with him. “Does it look like I give a fuck?”

Smoove gazed at me. “Brit, you better tell this man. Because you know exactly what I’ll⁠—”

“Go into the house, Brit,” Christian said, cutting him off.

My palms began to sweat. I knew Christian had the club behind him, but right now he was alone. I saw several of Smoove's guys lurking on the sidelines. I had no doubt my man could handle his own. But right now wasn’t the time.

“Chris, baby, let’s just⁠—”

Christian gave me a stern look. “I’ll be fine, beautiful. Go inside,” he ordered firmly but gently.

My feet moved before I could even register what was happening. When I stepped inside, my grandmother was looking through the window in concern. She knew as much as I did how reckless Smoove could be. I stood in front of the screen door, watching and praying nothing happened to Christian.

TORCH

Once Brittney was out of harm’s way, I gave my attention back to Smoove. I was fully prepared if something went down. On the way here, I sent out a text to inform everyone I was about to be in Smoove’s territory with Brit. I still hadn’t been able to tell anyone about their past relationship. Once I sent out the alert, Cara responded with “bird in the sky.” Basically, letting me know she would be somewhere out of sight with her rifle. Several other brothers let me know they would be close by watching as well.

“Now, listen. I know you’re probably used to people walking around in fear because of you. But that ain’t me. Find you something safe to do.”

I could see the anger swirling in his eyes. He looked off to the sidewalk and did a head nod. Two of the guys pulled guns out of their waistbands. Smoove turned to me with a smirk. “What about now? Still feeling tough?”

I chuckled as I took a few steps back. “I should be asking you the same thing.” I mirrored his smirk, staring at his chest.

He looked down and saw a red dot. All the color drained from his face. He swallowed before trying to mask the fear. Angrily, he nodded, walking backward. “This isn’t over.”

He stomped over to his car and drove off with his minions right behind him. Just as I was about to make my way back to the mower, the front door swung open. Brit ran over, crashing her body into mine.

“Are you okay?” She looked me over with worry.

I kissed her forehead. “I’m fine, Brit. I promise.”

I knew a guy like Smoove wasn’t going to let this go. He ruled by fear, and I had just compromised that by standing up to him. Everyone outside watched what happened. Smoove was going to have to redeem himself in his eyes. We were already watching him, but now we would have to come up with a plan to execute quickly, or we would risk giving Smoove the opportunity to gain the upper hand and strike.

Chapter Fifteen

TORCH

Tonight was the charity ball for Hearts Remembered. From the moment Brittney stepped out of the bedroom, I wanted to call it a night and stay home. That red off-the-shoulder silk dress she picked out was stunning against her chocolate skin. The dress had a thigh-high slit. She was incredibly sexy while maintaining an elegant appearance. Brittney was hands down a double threat.

I beamed with pride when she spun around, giving me a full view. I was going to have the sexiest woman in the room on my arm tonight. Brittney’s confidence appeared to be through the roof as well. It only added to her allure. I couldn’t wait to get her back home. I was going to spend the rest of the night inside her.

Since the first night we had sex, I couldn’t get enough of her. I wanted to kick my own ass for getting so sloshed that I could barely remember what it was like to be inside her. Another thing that had changed is that Brittney hadn’t returned to Kira’s apartment. She tried going back a few times, but I always convinced her to stay. I had become attached to having her here when I woke up and returned home from work.

I had yet to take her to the clubhouse for breakfast or dinner. Those could be a lot. We were a big group, and it wasn’t easy adjusting to all the chaos. Plus, I wasn’t ready to share her. I liked the little bubble we had created for ourselves. We were all about each other at the moment, and I was greedy for her attention.

I knew I was going to have to take her to the clubhouse sooner rather than later. This morning she talked to me about a business proposal she presented to Oscar at the dinner they had. I hated that she even felt the need to ask me if it was okay, as if I would try to block anything she wanted to do with her business. I knew most of that stemmed from Myron and Julian. They had really done a number on her perception of men. From what I’ve learned, the only real men Brit had had in her life were her grandfather and Uncle Gavin.

Every day I was proving to be the man I said I was. In time, she would learn that some things didn’t need to be asked. I would always stand behind her and uplift her. If she wanted to open ten thousand businesses, I would support her. If she wanted to give it all up and stay home, I would support that too.

As we pulled up to the venue, I took another glance at her. I had to resist the urge to get a boner. Brit caught me staring, and she hid her face with her hands. I chuckled, loving the fact that I could effortlessly make her blush.

“Did I tell you how fine you look tonight, baby?” I asked, pulling her hands away.