“Well, that’s what happens when people keep distracting you,” I reply, closing the book and placing it beside me. “Find yourself lucky that I haven’t gouged your eyes out for distracting myprecious reading time.” I grin as he holds his hands up in defence.
“Duly noted,” he says with a nod. “I’ve got a proposition for you.”
I immediately divert my eyes to the ground, and he sighs gently, “Belle, stop overthinking,” he murmurs. I bite the inside of my cheek to stop me admitting I’m silently panicking that he’ll propose something that pushes me out of my comfort zone.
“I spoke to Drifter this morning about what we can do to help you.”
“You’ve already done so much . . .” I rush out, interrupting him. “Honestly, please, you don’t owe me anything.”
He takes my hand and brushes circles on the back with his thumb. It soothes me and my eyes flutter closed briefly.
“I know I don’t,” he starts. “But we’ve come up with a plan to get you some support with getting your boys back.” My eyes snap open, and tears threaten to fall. It’s all I’ve been thinking about for months, but with no idea how to even start, it’s only ever been a thought.
I swallow, not wanting to get my hopes up. I don’t think my heart can take it. “But how?”
“Gears’ sister is a solicitor. She’s going to come and see you to offer some legal advice and hopefully find a way to get them back where they belong.” I’m so overcome with emotion that a sob escapes me, followed by a single tear rolling down my cheek. Clay grins, “No tears, beaut. This is a good thing.”
“I . . . I . . . I don’t know what to say,” I stutter. “I know it won’t be easy. He has painted this awful picture of me.” I run my hands over my face, wiping away the tears, when I’m suddenly hit with a thought. “I’d never be able to afford her,” I say.
“You’re so innocent,” he says with a laugh as he brushes my hair from my face. “You won’t have to pay for her. She helps the club out whenever she can.”
“Oh my god,” I reach over, wrapping him in the tightest hug, squeezing him. “Thank you so much, you really are my Knight.” He wraps his arms around me, rubbing my back gently and I feel those sparks return. I pull back slowly. “Thank you,” I whisper.
Clay leaves the bathroom with a towel wrapped low around his waist. I find myself gawping at his physique. The water glistens on his six pack, and I trail my eyes over his abs, leading to that sexy V shape sweeping below the towel, and can’t help but imagine running my nails along his toned muscles.Damn, I think I need to open a window.
When my eyes land back on his, he’s grinning from ear to ear, and I realise it’s the second time in as many days he’s found me eyeballing him. He leans on the door frame, clearly feeling pretty proud of himself.
“Sorry,” he smirks. “Didn’t realise you were in here.”
I give my head a shake and head for the corner of the room where my bag sits on the chair.
“I was just getting ready for work, I’m so sorry.” I scramble through the bag looking for my scrunchy so I can tie my hair up out of my face. He casually walks up behind me, so close I can feel the heat radiating from his skin. His arm brushes against my back when he leans behind me to close the curtain and my skin breaks out in goosebumps.
“If you give me a minute to get ready, I’ll drop you off,” he says, and I move away, creating the space between us I so desperately need right now.
“That’s okay, I’ll walk. You’ve done more than enough for me.”
“Not a fucking chance, beaut,” he says. “Not only is it a good half-hour walk, but have you forgotten the reason you’re here?”
And that right there feels like a gut punch. I knew I was here because he was helping me, protecting me. I wasn’t fucking stupid, but it was also the realisation I’m not here because he wants me in that way. He just feels like I needed saving. I smile tightly.
“I’ll wait outside,” I say, making my way to the door. Once I step out, I lean against the cool wood, letting it hold me up. My mind reeling with the complete chaos that has become my life, and now someone show’s me the slightest bit of interest, and I find myself questioning everything.Pull yourself together, woman. I push myself off the door and make my way downstairs.
Outside, I sense him before I see him.
“Ready, beaut?”
“Mmhmm.”
He throws me the helmet before helping me fasten it into place. He stares at me for a few seconds and looks as if he’s about to say something, but winks before closing the visor. Lifting me onto the pillion like every other time I’ve been on the back of his bike.
As we pull up to the cafe, he turns off the engine before offering his hand and helping me off the back of his bike.
“You okay?” he asks, removing my helmet. I nod, offering a small smile. His words repeating through my head,‘Do you not remember why you’re here?’He lifts my chin as he always does to bring my attention solely to him.
“You sure?”
“Yep,” I offer, popping the P for good measure. He takes my hand, and I try to stem this fire building in my heart. As we walk into my workplace, I pull my hand away and he frowns. Jodie comes rushing across, taking my now free hand.
