Chapter 12
CHAPTER TWELVE
WRENLEY
I stuffed my hands under my thighs as Torch drove us to the compound to pick up Harley. My body wouldn’t stop reacting from being close to the man. I could still feel the imprint of his hand on my neck, and I was sure my blood had ignited the moment he’d brushed his thumb over my pulse.
I’d wanted to kiss him then.
Which told me just how strong my feelings had grown for the man who had become my own personal guard. He was the most selfless man I’d ever known.
“Won’t know how long I’ll be at your place.”
Meaning he wasn’t sure when they would be able to deal with Tony and his friends to make sure they were out of my life forever. Of course, the Diamond brothers had to be careful, considering who those men were in society, but more so with who their families were since some held high-ranking positions within the government.
“That’s okay. It doesn’t matter how long it takes. I know I’ll always be protected with you around. As long as you’re okay with the job.”
His hands tightened around his steering wheel. “You want me to guard you day and night?”
Oh…. Well, that was embarrassing. I should’ve thought he’d want a break from me during the day. But it wasn’t like he’d been ordered to guard me at night anyway. That had been his choice. Besides, he knew I had Death either next door or in our house every night. I hadn’t needed anyone else, yet Torch had still wanted to be there for me.
Still, he probably had other commitments during daylight hours.
But he’s not left your side yet.
Still, it was wrong of me to presume.
“Sorry, I… no. Not all the time.” I forced a laugh. “You have other jobs to do. I don’t want you to stop working for my sake.”
Hands threatened the wheel again. He seemed nervous. Maybe he wasn’t used to being around a woman all the time. He cleared his throat before saying, “If you’re comfortable with it, I’ll stay with you day and night.”
A thrill rolled over me, and my heart fluttered under my ribs.
I’ll stay with you day and night.
Yes, please.
“Only if you’re sure.”
Because I already knew I was completely safe with him around, I wouldn’t have to look over my shoulder or jump at every shadow.
Did it make me selfish? Probably. But if he was willing, I would accept his offer, especially as I wanted to get to know him.
“Yes,” he replied as he glanced over at me to nod before looking back to the road just as we reached the entrance to the compound.
The brothers on duty saw Torch, and the gates opened quickly for us to drive in.
When he parked, I slipped from his car, met him at the front, and together we walked inside. Gun and Saint should be along shortly. They’d wanted to stay back to chat with Death about something. Earlier, when Torch had suggested for us to hang around for a little while before we grabbed Harley and took him home, I’d happily agreed. I loved the atmosphere in this building.
I peeked down at Torch’s hand, wishing I could hold it, but we weren’t there. Actually, I wasn’t sure we ever would be. There was a possibility that Torch might not want to date at all. Had he even dated in the past, or had he just had casual flings with women?
“You okay?” Torch asked as he opened the door to the compound hallway.
“Yes, why?”
My stomach quivered when he briefly touched a finger to my lips. “They were pinched.”
Smiling, I shook my head and stepped inside. “I’m fine. Promise.”
I couldn’t exactly say I was worried that he wouldn’t want to date me. It was too soon. We were still getting to know each other, and I was letting the… connection I already felt toward him get me carried away.
Slow your roll, Wrenley.
“Okay,” he said as he followed me down the hall.
We entered the common room that buzzed with members, family, and club women.
Stopping, I turned, and Torch nearly ran into me. His hands landed on my upper arms, and before I looked to the ground, I saw him scanning the room.
“What?”
“I-I just remembered the last time I was here and what I said.” My stomach rolled. “They know everything, Torch, and… and I yelled at people. Tech probably hates me. I’m so embarrassed.” I wanted to hide my face in his chest, but I didn’t. Instead, I stood with my head hanging low while I prayed no one had noticed our entrance so I could sneak back out. Torch’s grip loosened, I assumed since he knew there was no threat. I really shouldn’t find his actions sweet, but I did.
However, I could admire and think about that at home, where I didn’t have to face people.
“They won’t care,” he told me.
I shook my head. “Maybe we should just grab Harley and go?”
“Torch, you mind if I touch Wren?” I jolted at Gun’s voice before he appeared at our sides with Saint at his back.
They’d arrived quickly.
And why would he ask Torch that?
I glanced up. Torch had his jaw clenched until he drew in a breath, nodded, and stepped back so his hands fell away from me.
Gun wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me away from the others as he dipped his head to say, “We’re friends, so you know I won’t lie. You’ve got nothin’ to worry about with how you acted in front of the brothers. It was called for, and hell, don’t you think we’ve all had similar outbursts at some point in time? You know most of us have had some type of shit happen in our lives. It’s why we joined the club, to find a family we can trust. A family that’ll help us deal with our own hell in one way or another. Relax, Wren. No one here will judge you.” His arm slid off my shoulders so he could grip the back of my neck and apply pressure. “Yeah?”
“Yes, Gun,” I said. His words were an instant balm to my worry that had me dropping my shoulders. Everything he mentioned made sense. I was too quick to roll with my embarrassment and not consider anything else.
The club wouldn’t care.
Gun grinned and winked; then, with his hand still on my neck, he led me back over to Torch.
“You good, Wrenley?” Torch asked.
“I am. Sorry for getting worked up.”
He tipped his chin up at me. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Okay.” I smiled.
“Who wants a game of pool?” Saint asked.
I glanced to the table and saw it was open. “I’m in. But be prepared to lose.”
Saint snorted. “Ain’t happenin’, princess.”
In the corner, Saint was pouting and talking to Gun after I defeated him for the second time. Though, after we’d had our first game, Gun had also won a round against his partner in between our two, while I’d sat with Torch, Quake, and Tech, who I had quietly apologized to, but he quickly brushed it off.
I held up the cue. “Does anyone want to take over kicking Saint’s butt?”
“I’m not playin’ anymore,” Saint called.
Men around me chuckled.
“Sore loser” came a new voice, and I glanced over my shoulder to see Lucas, Saint’s actual blood brother, approach with his husband, Wreck, who held their young daughter, Opal.
“Like you could win, brother,” Saint teased.
“I could. But I don’t have time.”
Saint approached with his hands out. “Give me my niece. I need some extra lovin’.”
Wreck’s jaw clenched as he glowered down at his friend, but he finally relented and handed her over. Saint started cooing as he walked her over to Gun, and they both huddled around her. Maybe they were getting baby fever.
“A baby,” Dusty cried. Okay, they weren’t the only ones with baby fever, but at least Dusty, who was approaching fast, had one of her own coming soon. Saint dodged her grab for Opal and raced off with the little girl’s laughter ringing out.
Smiling, I placed the end of the cue on the floor and held it between my hands while I watched them.
They truly were a family.
I sensed movement beside me before I felt warmth close to my side. Looking up, I found Torch’s back brushing my arm, and I glanced around him to see he stared someone down.
“Don’t even fuckin’ think it,” he snarled, hand coming back to move me gently behind him again.
Stilling, I waited for Torch to deal with whatever the issue was.
“Come on, brother. I was just gonna have a chat. Been watching her all day and?—”
“Don’t say another fuckin’ word,” Torch warned. “And I’m not your damn brother.”
“Dagger, come get your friend before Torch cuts somethin’ off,” Quake called.
“Shit,” another man said as he approached. “What the fuck you do, Sammy?”
“I was just gonna chat with one of the club’s pieces?—”
As Torch reached out, a voice boomed, “Stop.”
Torch dropped his arm and shifted on his feet in front of me.
I got to my toes and peeked over his shoulder to see that people parted for Country as he approached. He took me in. “Wrenley?”
I shifted to the side of Torch but remained half behind him still. “I’m okay. Torch had it under control.”
Country grunted, then stopped between the other guy and Torch. “What happened?”
A dark, low noise sounded from Torch, but it was Quake who explained while other people around us went back to what they were doing. I even saw that over near the bar, Saint had given up Opal to Dusty for some hugs while Opal’s parents watched on with soft smiles.
Maybe I should have been concerned or scared by the guy who’d approached. Yet, I knew I didn’t need to be with Torch around.
He honestly made me feel safe.
Like I was wrapped in a bubble, and no matter what went on near me, it couldn’t harm me.
How he made me feel this, I wasn’t sure, but I’d accept the warmth and reassurance.
Country’s jaw clenched. “Dagger, who’s this guy to you?”
“A friend who moved away and only recently came back.”
“You didn’t tell him the rules?”
“Didn’t think he’d be stupid enough to approach a woman like that on our turf and say the things he did.”
“Come on, she’s just?—”
“She’s family,” Country stated coldly as he took a step toward the guy. But my heart took a leap at his declaration. “Even if she wasn’t and was one of our girls instead, you’re not club. You don’t get to talk to or touch any of them. Dagger should’ve fuckin’ told you this. That’ll be on him.” He turned to Dagger. “Get him out and see Torch another time.”
Dagger’s mouth moved around a silent curse, but he nodded before he grabbed his friend’s arm and hauled him toward the door.
“This is bullshit,” the friend tried.
Dagger smacked him in the back of the head. “Shut the fuck up, man.”
I drew my gaze back to Country when he placed a hand on Torch’s tense shoulder. “Draw blood if you must. But listen to your brother first.”
Torch grunted.
Country turned to me. “How you doin’, Wrenley?”
“I’m doing well, Country.”
He winked. “Glad to hear it. Wanted you to know we’re gettin’ shit sorted.”
Which told me they were still in the process of figuring out how to deal with Tony and his friends.
“I know,” I said and smiled. “Besides, Torch said he was willing to be my personal guard. If that’s all right with you?” Crap, I wasn’t sure if Torch had run it by Country yet. I’d only just thrown this at Torch, so he probably hadn’t said anything to his president.
Country’s gaze moved to Torch, and I glanced to him also to see he had his head down. “He is, is he?” Country’s brow quirked.
I winced. “Sorry, I only mentioned it to Torch last night, and then earlier, I practically begged him to take me on twenty-four seven. I mean, take on the security job.”
Torch moved closer with his head held high. “I’ll catch up on any jobs I miss, but Wrenley wants one person to take on the duty. She’s asked me, and I’d like to do it.”
My heart hammered in my chest and my stomach danced while I stared at Torch in awe. I’d heard he conversed easily when he wanted to and when he wasn’t angered or nervous, but I hadn’t really heard so many words come from him until now.
“You’ve got the job, Torch.” Country grinned. “I’ll talk to the other brothers and let them know you’re out of action for a while within the businesses.”
Torch dipped his head. “Prez.”
Country waved him off. “No thanks needed, brother.”
That was a thanks?
Why was I giddy over Torch thanking Country for allowing him to stay by my side? Actually, I suspected the swarming butterflies that tickled my rib cage were more about Torch getting permission to be my guard.
Twenty-four seven.
Country did look cheerful about the idea, though. I wasn’t exactly sure why, but I wouldn’t question it in case he changed his mind.
Turning to Torch, I asked, “Would it be okay if we got Harley and headed home?”
I watched his throat work over a swallow before he nodded once.
Country reached out and gripped Torch’s upper arm. “We’ll talk soon, brother.”
Torch grunted and took a step back as he tipped his head toward the back door.
“Bye, guys,” I called, and we got a chorus of farewells in return while we walked.
Another thrill went off inside me.
She’s asked me, and I’d like to do it.
He told Country that.
Could I be hopeful that this guard duty could lead into something personal between us, or was he just being thoughtful and doing his job?
I didn’t dare ask.
Not yet. It was too soon.
I also wanted to see how Torch did being around me all the time. There could be things I did that drove him up the wall. I’d like to think there wouldn’t be, but I didn’t know if I ate in a way he hated or something.
The two of us being around each other constantly would be the best test.
And I already looked forward to seeing how it went.