21. Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Lilli
Hours later, I’m lying on the couch. I tried finding something on the television but truthfully, I couldn’t concentrate.
Where is he? With that woman? Did I send him right into her arms?
I never even got the chance to warn him about Mama and Miriam. Now here I sit just as useless as ever.
I feel like a world-class fool, and I’d like to leave but until I have the money, I assume I’m safer here, at least physically. Who knows about my heart.
Wolf is turning out to be far more intense than I thought possible and if I don’t learn how to have a backbone, he’ll walk all over me. I didn’t leave behind Daddy and his rules for that, but how do I stand up for myself without forcing him out the door where I can’t follow?
Something to think about later I suppose.
I’m drifting off, visions of Wolf as he took my virginity dancing over my vision when I hear the door creak behind me. I’m just sullen enough to pretend I’m asleep while he shuffles across the floor and down the hall.
With a frown, I poke my head above the couch, considering what I can possibly say to the jerk who abandoned me in his home but whoever that is, it’s not Wolf.
With my heart in my throat, I slowly slide from the couch and crawl on my hands and knees to the end. Down the hall, the man turns on the light and I hear the faint sound of his curse before I crawl into the kitchen.
What should I do? I’m no match for the man and if he has a gun, I’m toast.
Huddled against the cabinets in the kitchen, I freeze when I hear a second set of footsteps and a low, growly voice says, “Anything?”
“No, where the fuck did the little bitch go?”
Oh no, that’s the sheriff. What is he doing here? Are they looking for me?
Unfortunately, they’re on the other side of the counter and if one of them decides to step around it, there’s no telling what they will do.
Wolf’s home is surrounded by trees. My only option if they don’t leave is to run and hope they don’t follow.
When I hear boots against the tile floor, I crawl to the door and rest my back against the refrigerator. With them right there, it’s going to be obvious if I open the door and I eye the dog door with a grimace.
Does Wolf have a dog? I haven’t seen one.
My hands shake so badly that I’m sure it will be obvious what I’m doing but I have no choice as I push through the little door and ease onto the grass beyond.
Once I’m on the other side, I look back. Nothing stirs but all the hair on my nape stands on end as I push to my feet and run.
The first thirty yards are the hardest because I have no cover and when I look back, I find a man standing at the back door, glaring in my direction.
My heart jumps into my throat as I take in his vest, like Wolf’s before I reach the tree line.
Twigs break under my bare feet, but I have no time to worry about the damage. Behind me, I think I hear him follow, confirmed when a shot rings out and the bark beside my head explodes.
Stifling a squeak, I duck behind a tree and grab my racing heart. Now what?
“Don’t fucking kill her, you idiot,” the sheriff roars and I flinch.
“She knows it’s you,” the man grunts.
Silence follows and I peek around the tree. I can’t see them, but the back door stands open with the light on.
He must be pursuing me but where is he?
“Come out before I break your fucking neck,” the man hollers, and I shrink back, leaning my cheek against the rough bark. He doesn’t honestly think I’m going to just waltz right into my own death, does he?
When I don’t respond, he follows that up with a string of curses. I glance back quickly to see him approaching and I run. I run so fast that I’m not sure how I don’t fall. Without shoes, I should feel every twig and rock under my feet, but I don’t. It seems like hours pass and that I should be halfway to the next town before I slow and slump against the nearest tree.
Is he still out there looking for me? Where can I possibly go?
The sun is just starting its slow descent in the sky and I’m so damn tired of the woods. My bones hurt. I don’t have a plan beyond survival and with a broken sob, I slide to my bottom and close my eyes.
What’s going on? Why would the sheriff come after me?
Would that man have killed me? He was MC. Is he one of Wolf’s brothers or whatever?
I thought I could trust Wolf but how do I explain the man wearing a similar vest and with a gun pursuing me through the woods?
Stifling a sob, I lean over my knees and shake my head. No. Wolf wouldn’t do this.
After a while, the sounds of the forest rouse me and I look up. Luckily, the moon is bright overhead because otherwise, it would be pitch black amongst the tall fir trees. Something howls to my right and the rustling sound of a critter in the trees comes again from my left.
Beyond that it must be late, although I don’t know what time it is. I’m wearing nothing but a T-shirt without even underwear.
I have no money. No nothing. I barely know Wolf and going back to my parents is a hard no. I have no way of contacting my sister, which could be foolish anyway. I’m stuck.
My feet throb from my trek and as I ponder my miserable life, I vow to move to a place surrounded by buildings and concrete. I never want to be in a position where I have to flee into the damn woods again.
What felt like hours before goes by pathetically quickly and all too soon, I find myself back at the cabin. My skin crawls and I glance around. What if the sheriff and that man are still here?
Maybe it’s foolish but while I sat there alone and weary amongst the trees, I concluded that I have to put my faith in someone, and I choose Wolf.
Besides, the sheriff said he had a man on the inside. Wolf wouldn’t do something like this, but the sheriff would.
Warily, I scan the area before following the tree line around the house and to the front drive. There’s one lone bike in front, and I pause when I spy someone sitting on the steps.
Cautiously, I approach, my heart jumping into my throat when Wolf lifts his head. His eyes are glacial as he looks me over, from my braless t-shirt-clad chest, down my legs, and ending at my bare feet.
When he reaches my gaze once more, he says, “Where were you?”
Tears fill my eyes, and I race into his arms, snuggling against his warm chest as he picks me up and carries me inside.
When I glance around nothing is out of place. It’s like it never happened and I shiver as he sits down on the sofa.
“What happened, baby girl?” he says, and I raise my gaze.
His gray eyes meet mine and collapsing against him, I start babbling. “The sheriff. Some guy. They came. He shot a gun at me.”
“Okay, slow down,” he says, grabbing my cheeks. Although his eyes are storm clouds of icy gray, his voice is soft when he says, “The sheriff came here?”
When I nod, his eyes narrow. “What were you doing out there?”
“I lost him in the woods.”
If possible, he stiffens up even more before saying, “He chased you through the woods?”
Shuddering at his deadly soft tone, I nod.
“The dead man walking who threatened what’s mine?” he rasps, and I whip my eyes up.
There must be a sickness inside me because my core pulses at his words. Do I want to be his? Yes. But that sounded positively archaic, right?
“Lilli?” he snaps.
“Yes.”
His arms tighten before he closes his eyes. After a moment, he says, “Tell me about the other fucker.”
“I don’t know, he was wearing a similar vest to yours,” I say.
“It’s a cut,” he says absently, setting me aside and approaching the open door. “What else?”
“I don’t know. I couldn’t see his face. He was tall, maybe. He smelled funny. Like grease or oil…like, a burning demon from hell.”
It’s funny the things you remember after the fact and with a shiver, I lean over my knees and bow my head.
“What about his patch? Did you see it?” he barks, and I flinch, sucking back a sob.
After a moment, he touches my hair, and rasps, “Did you see his patch, baby girl?”
Shaking my head, I look up when he tips my chin back and presses a kiss to my forehead before saying, “Let’s go.”
“Where?”
“The clubhouse.”
After our conversation, Wolf packs me up and takes me to the compound. This time he doesn’t avoid going through the front though and while I find it a small victory, it’s the least of my worries as Wolf gently pushes me inside.
“Toni,” he barks, and I stiffen. Surely not, but apparently, yes. Has he lost his mind?
Toni approaches with a sexy swagger that I couldn't begin to emulate and jealousy at the thought of him with her burns through me as she looks at him from below impossibly long lashes and says, “Yeah, baby?”
If looks could kill, Wolf would most definitely be lying on the floor. Since he’s completely ignoring me though, it’s lost on him.
I also lose track of the conversation when I spy Duke through the masses. His grim gaze meets mine and he nods as I step forward, and say, “Duke!”
He pauses, his brows high but I miss any sort of social cue as I run toward him.
“Duke,” I say breathlessly before Wolf picks me up from behind and growls, “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
“What? I need to speak to Duke,” I cry, flailing in his arms.
“No,” Wolf says, setting me on my feet and pushing me in the opposite direction.
“Wolf!” I say, slamming my hand on my hip.
His eyes widen. His brows lower before he grabs my hand and pushes me down the hall.
“Wo—“
“Nope. Quiet,” he barks, and I rear back. Why does he sound annoyed? I’m the one who should be mad. First that Toni girl and now he won’t let me speak to his brother.
I open my mouth, and he groans before slamming his lips to mine. I open on instinct, and he slides his wicked tongue inside.
Flames lick through my veins ending in my core and wrapping my arms around his neck, I arch against him. The primal sound of his growling sends a thrill through me which is why I’m appropriately confused when he pulls back.
His breath puffs against my lips as he stares at me quietly. Easing away, I drop my arms and say, “What?”
Did I do it wrong? Is he displeased? I wish I could read him better, but his moods, so far, have been grumpy and grumpier.
“Nothing. Go with Toni,” he says gruffly.
Frowning, I shake my head. “No.”
“No?” he sounds so confused that I open my mouth to repeat myself except he cuts me off. “Lilli, you don’t understand. I get it so I’ll explain it to you.”
“Okay.”
“Don’t argue with me.”
If I planned to wait for an explanation, I’d be disappointed because he turns away. Grabbing his arm, I say, “That’s it?”
He pauses and looks at the ceiling. I sense that I’m annoying him again but whatever his issues are, they aren’t mine.
“Wolf?”
Exhaling heavily, he grabs my hand and drops it before pushing me gently toward the great room. “Baby girl, go with Toni.”
Eyeing the tic in his jaw, I say slowly, “Only after I speak to Duke.”
There. I’m compromising. That’s progress. Right?
Wrong.
Wolf swings around and presses me against the wall, barking, “What’s the deal with my brother?”
“What do you mean?” I whisper. When I press my palm against his cheek, his nostrils flare as I whisper, “Wolf?”
His stormy eyes drop to mine before he steps back, his hands clenching, and says, “What do you want with my brother?”
“Why are you so upset?” I stammer.
Breathing deep, he looks away and says, “Answer the fucking question.”
I don’t know what I did wrong, but I refuse to cower. Instead, I lift my chin. “It’s about Miriam. Mama’s paying someone to hurt her.”
He stares at me like I’ve grown two heads before his eyes soften and he touches my cheek. I shiver under the caress before he yells, “Duke!”
Of course, I flinch away and with a sigh, he drops his hand. I miss the contact and the look in his eyes, but turn my thoughts when Duke appears and Wolf says, “Explain.”
By the time I’m done, I’ve got two scary scowls aimed my way and shame burns my throat for my family and their actions.
“Bring her here,” Wolf says and Duke nods before walking away.
Relief makes me noodly, but I stiffen back up when Wolf says, “Now, will you go with Toni?”
I made a promise, and I don’t plan to back out, but I make sure my chilly stare conveys my displeasure. Wolf merely grunts and I find myself shuttled off with one of his lovers.