***
Breanna placed aBLT sandwich in front of him and scurried back to the refrigerator to take out a beer. She handed it to him and sat in the chair opposite him.
“You’re not eating?” he asked before he took a big bite.
“No. I’m more of a night eater.” She sipped a tall glass of water with lime.
He washed down his sandwich with his beer. “Did you ever hear from your brother?”
She smiled. “Yeah. He texted me early this morning. Says he’s okay. Thanks for asking.” She placed her hand on his, a small frown forming when he slipped it away and stood up.
“I gotta check in at the clubhouse, then go see Chenoa. Thanks for the sandwich and the good time.” He put on his leather jacket and pulled his hair back in a ponytail. She sat watching him, a hard knot forming in her stomach. “So I’ll see you.” He came over and pecked her on the cheek, then walked out of the kitchen.
She stood and followed him until he left her house, looking through the screen door, watching him climb on his Harley. The bike sprang to life and he jerked his chin at her before he took off, leaving a trail of noise. She stood at the screen long after he disappeared from her sight. Numbness filled her. Did they have the most incredible sex ever, or did she dream it?
He just walked out and left. Just like that. What a fucking asshole! IknewI shouldn’t have slept with him.
Pissed at herself for weakening because he showed her some compassion the previous night, she stomped back to her bedroom and retrieved her briefcase. She had an appointment with one of her clients in less than thirty minutes.
On her way, she fumed about how stupid she’d been letting his gentlemanly act manipulate her.He knew exactly what he was doing.When he left he didn’t tell her that he’d call, nor did he make any plans to see her again.It was like I thought all along—just a good time and then on to the next woman. A typical biker.She could’ve asked him if they’d get together again, but she’d rather eat glass than do that.
As she turned onto Santa Nella Road, she vowed to keep her interactions with Steel 100 percent professional, both with his daughter and mother and at Cuervos Bar. The one thing she refused to become was a sometimes fuck-toy. And she’d make sure she stuck to her guns no matter how badly her body wanted him. Having mind-blowing sex didn’t help, but she was hardly ready to lose herself completely with a man who’d end up being like her dad.
No way. Mr. Thinks He’s the Best Lover can just go fuck himself.
Grabbing her file from the briefcase in the passenger’s seat, she opened the door and slammed it behind her, walking up the sidewalk to her client’s porch. The bright sunlight stung her eyes and a low throb ached at the base of her neck. She felt a headache coming on. She rubbed the back of her neck, wishing she could go home and crawl back into bed. The day was already proving to be a long, annoying one.
***
As far asBreanna was concerned, five o’clock couldn’t come soon enough. She packed up her files and walked out of her office. Most of her day was spent dropping in on clients, paperwork, and thinking about Steel. She couldn’t help but whip her head in the direction of a motorcycle each time she heard one at the reservation. Her heart would race and she’d hold her breath in anticipation of seeing his corded legs hugging his black and chrome Harley. But none of the bikes proved to be his. She’d bet he hadn’t thought of her once that day.
She’d planned on stopping by the rehab center after work, but she was so drained and out of sorts that she decided to call for an update on Chenoa’s progress instead. She’d go see the teen the following day when she was more like herself.
When she arrived at home, she opened the kitchen door and walked in, immediately feeling like something was amiss in her home. She wasn’t sure what it was, but the feeling washed over her and prodded her to check it out. When she went into the living room, she gasped as she saw the ransacked area. Chairs were overturned, papers strewn about, a few items knocked off her bookcases. She darted her eyes all around and a sinking feeling filled her.Nicholas did this.At first she was mortified that he’d be the first one to come to her mind, but as she noticed her iPad, TV, and various other electronic devices were gone, anger slinked up her spine. Over the years, she’d worked with so many drug addicts that she knew the drug superseded everything and everyone.
She sighed and slumped on one of the straight-backed chairs. Deciding not to call the police, she plugged in the number of a locksmith she’d used before, making arrangements for him to come by later that night. Rekeying all the locks would cost most of her tip money she’d made the weekend before. She thought she was finally making some strides in her debt, but she could never really get ahead in this life.
She put her phone down, propped her elbows on the table, buried her face in her hands, and sobbed.
