He sighs, and I can imagine him pacing his office. He knows I wouldn’t ask if I thought she would put the club in danger.
“If she’s a copper, I’m going to have your balls.”
“Nah, she’s clean, I promise.”
“She stays in your room.” It’s all he says before he disconnects the call.
Chapter Seven
Bella
I stare at the locked door as I clear the tables, my eyes flicking up every few seconds, waiting for the sound of his motorcycle. Part of me wonders if I could slip out the back, disappear, go home, but deep down, I know I won’t.
Because I’m terrified.
Terrified that Liam will show up again. He’s never been this volatile before.
A hand taps my shoulder and I flinch, heart leaping into my throat, before I realise it’s only Jodie.
“Sorry,” she says, holding her hands up. “You okay?”
I nod, not trusting myself to speak.
“I was gonna shoot, unless you need me?”
“Nah, you go. I’ll lock up.”
“Sure?”
“Mmhmm.”
“Positive?” she asks again.
“Fucking hell, Jodie, go. I’m fine. I’m just waiting for that hot biker who’s picking me up.” I wink, hoping it will be enough for her to stop probing.
She throws an arm around my shoulder and kisses my cheek. “You kept that one quiet.” She heads for the door. “Call me if you need rescuing.” I follow her, making sure to lock it behind her. Then I head back behind the counter to begin loading the dishwasher. Once that’s on, I go and grab my bag from the staffroom and take a seat on the leather couch by the glass door. I pull out my mobile phone and scroll through the images of my boys.
I don’t know how, I don’t know when, but I will get you back.
I hear the rumble of a motorcycle outside the shop, and I take the time to watch Clay as he kicks down the stand. The streetlight illuminates him as he dismounts, showcasing his broad frame. His leathers cling to him, and I watch in awe as he removes his helmet and I scold myself for staring, remembering he’s just helping a girl out.
He taps on the glass, and I realise I’m still staring, he smirks as if reading my mind. I open the door, stepping out into the crisp dusk air. My skin breaks out in goosebumps, and I begin to wonder if it’s the air, or the effect Clay’s close proximity is having on me.
I lock up and post the keys through the door like I always do when it’s my day off and turn right into Clay, not realising just how close he is.
“Sorry,” I whisper, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. A flutter of nerves hits me out of nowhere.He takes my hand and leads me towards his bike, the touch sending a rush of electricity through my veins. Turning me to face him, he reaches for a helmet, then tilts my chin up, his fingers grazing my skin with a gentleness that steals my breath.
For a long moment, he just looks at me, his gaze steady, searching, like he can see every thought and every feeling I’ve ever tried to hide.
I swallow hard, suddenly aware that no matter how deeply I breathe, the air between us isn’t enough.
“You okay?” he whispers. I watch tentatively as his tongue darts out, wetting his lips. I wonder how soft his lips would feel against my own and my heart beats faster in my chest. I nod, knowing it’s all I can muster right now.
“Yeah?” he questions, that perfect smile ghosting his lips. I smile, realising it’s been a long time since someone asked me if I was okay, and actually waited to hear the answer.
“Yeah,” I whisper. “Thank you.”
He winks before placing the helmet over my head, tightening the straps under my chin and sliding the visor down. He lifts me as though I weigh nothing, placing me on the pillion before climbing on in front of me. He pulls my body to his and I rest my head against his back, inhaling his scent as I wrap my arms around his waist.
