Chapter 18 #2
I’m hoping it will hide how shaky I am.
His gaze pins me to the spot. Time stands still as we look at each other.
I want to sink myself into his chest, have his arms wrapped around me, and have him whisper in my ear that I am his, and he is mine. He is looking at me like he wants to do the same, but neither of us makes a move.
A car horn breaks the connection, making me jump. His lips twitch but I do not fall for it.
Folding my arms across my chest, I lick my lips.
Deep down I know he will not explain anything to me. Once I tell him the rest of what happened, he can leave and go back to her. Then I can move on and forget Logan-Crash-Vaughan, and find a man who is just right for me.
“I was at the mall, picking up some things that I needed. On my way back to my car, there was a group of men sitting by their cars, who I recognized from Valarie’s crew. I kept my head down…”
“Did they hurt you?” In an instant he is in front of me, anger radiating off him.
His hands go to my shoulders, causing a shiver to roll through me.
“No, they didn’t.” I try to step back but he keeps a hold on me. “At least, I am not sure.”
“What do you mean? And fuck, please let me hold you, baby.”
“I can’t.” Sticking to my guns, I step back. “Tell me why she was there.”
“Club bus…”
“You say that one more time and I am going inside and you can leave.” Agitation stirs through me.
“Okay, let me clear some shit up first. I have not touched Valarie since I came back to Phoenix.” My eyes look over his face, seeking out the truth.
My heart stops in my chest when I see it. How did I not see it before now?
Taking one big step back, I scoff, my fists clenching at my sides.
“Maybe not her, but someone has.” I point to his jaw where a glossy pink lipstick mark sits.
The thick gloopy lump in my throat makes it hard to swallow.
“What?” His brow dips.
“I assume that glossy pink is not Savage’s color.”
His eyes flash, as it dawns on him what I am talking about. He rubs his jaw, which is set hard. His teeth grind out and he spins on his heel muttering under his breath.
“What was that?” I ask him.
I know I shouldn’t care who he sleeps with. We are not together, most likely never were. No doubt I was just someone from his past that he wanted to get out of his system and if I am being honest with myself, I made it easy for him.
Even as I think those thoughts, I know that Logan is not that malicious.
“Finish telling me what happened. I need to know.”
“Will you tell me?” I counter.
Turning to look at me, the look in his eyes is intense and enough to penetrate anyone’s soul. Mine included.
With a slight nod, I sigh.
I explain what I heard: the drugs, the race, and his name.
Everything that made my stomach knot with worry and anxiety. Reliving what I went through a few hours ago is making my body shake, and my heart rate spike. Clearly, it was a good choice to stay home from work.
“What happened then?”
“I almost crashed into them when leaving the parking lot. When I hit the highway, I saw that they were behind me, following closely. When I changed lanes, so did they. One time they speed toward me, then broke harshly, scaring me.”
“That is why you called me.” I nod. “Fuck, I’m sorry, baby.”
“Grady is looking into it.”
“I will let Pres know. Can you give me the details on the vehicle?” I nod again.
“Now you.” I sound brave, but I feel anything but, as my body shakes.
I need to, for my own sanity.
He nods. “Two days ago, Valarie came to the club; one of her crew beat her up. Bolt, our medic, treated her, but she has been anything but happy to be there. Snapping at people, but being sweet as pie with me. The brothers think she is a plant. I wasn’t so sure at first, but now I have to agree with them.
I was in my room alone when she came in, when on the phone with you.
It was innocent, baby, I swear to you. I have not touched her. Or anyone,” he tacks on the end.
“That.” I point to his jaw.
He tilts his head back, groaning, his hands go to his trim waist. Agitation and frustration roll off him.
“Val knew I was coming to see you, and just before I pulled off, she fucking kissed my jaw. She fucking knew. Savage saw it, you can ask him, he will not lie to you. Believe me.”
The sincerity in his voice makes me melt a little toward him. His explanation seems legit, but I seem to be a shitty judge of character with some men.
“You haven’t touched her?”
He comes to me, the tip of his boots touching my bare toes.
“No, baby.” His hands cup my jaw, and my body freaking melts like it needs his touch.
Images of Val kissing him flash through my mind. Even if he says it was innocent, or just a game by her, I hate that she is with him. And how did she know about his collarbone tattoo?
My head spins at the still unanswered questions, and right now, I need to think. For the last two days, I have been imagining the worst.
“I need some time.” My voice is low, but he hears me.
Sighing, he kisses my forehead, his lips lingering.
His body is tight, clearly not liking that I will not let him back in right now. Men always think things are black and white when in fact things can get blurred and become grey.
“I need to tell Pres what you have told me. I know that what happened to Val and you are connected. She is playing a fucking game, I just don’t know what it is yet.”
I say nothing, because what does one say to that? This is his world, not mine.
“I will give you some space. Maybe a day, or two, but I am coming back to you, baby. Nothing will keep me away anymore.”
“We’ll see.” Pulling back, he grips my face gently, making me look at him.
A smirk plays on his lips, before he leans in kisses the corner of my mouth, then my ear.
“I will be back, Stevie, and you will be screaming my name again. You can bet on that.”
A burst of heat floods through my body at his words. A warning and a promise all in one, if not a good time and a few O’s.
“See you soon.” He winks and walks back to his bike.
I wrap my arms around my waist, watching him sling his leg over the machine he loves so much. He fires her up, and the deep rumble makes my knees weak. With a grin on his lips, he leaves.
Now that he is gone, taking his heat and kisses with him, the thoughts flood my mind and I feel uncertain again.
Time to work through this and see where we go from here.