He took my hand, his grip firm and warm on mine as he led me through the crowd. Everyone parted for Cal, making way for the most powerful man in the room.
The obvious impact of his presence on those around him was something to be seen.
He kicked the office door closed and guided me to sit on the edge of his desk. His muscular arms framed my body as he leaned over me, his head bowed toward my lap.
I didn’t know what to do. I’d never seen this side of Cal. After a moment of indecision, I went with my instincts and tentatively placed my hand on his upper back. His body heaved with every breath as he made a visible effort to calm down.
When his head rose and his eyes met mine they were lighter, though the turmoil was obvious just beneath the surface. “You all right?” he demanded.
I bit my lip and nodded. “It was no big deal—I had it handled,” I assured him.
His eyes narrowed. “It’s a big fucking deal. No one touches you. The fact that anyone would dare, especially here, makes me so fucking pissed it’s taking everything in me not to go after that asshole.”
“I’m okay,” I murmured, stroking a hand over his shoulder.
He swallowed hard. “I don’t understand all you’ve been through—not the half of it, I’m sure, but I can gather enough to figure you haven’t been treated well. That ends.” He growled. “That isn’t your life, not anymore,” he added, his hand cupping my neck tenderly.
Those words meant more to me than I could ever say. The fact that I believed them meant even more.
“I know it isn’t,” I assured him.
He nodded, rising to his full height. He took my hand and I hopped off his desk. His hand returned to my neck, his thumb tilting my chin upwards to meet his eyes. “You look…. Fuck, baby. You look so hot,” he rasped.
I blushed. “I thought maybe it was a bit much.”
He dipped his head, scenting my neck in such erotic appreciation that I had to lean back against the desk for support. “It’s a test of my self-control, I admit. But you look drop-dead gorgeous.” He skimmed his lips along my collarbone and I could swear I felt his tongue for a moment.
My breathing was embarrassingly loud in the quiet space, the sound of the revelry beyond the door a muted hum.
“Can’t wait to see what you look like in nothing at all,” he murmured against my skin. “Been dreamin’ about that.” His hands wandered down my body, moving to my backside and gripping firmly.
I gasped, grabbing his forearms to steady myself. I’d never wanted a man so badly in my life. I was a breath away from begging when an abrupt knock sounded against the door.
“What?” Cal barked with irritation.
“I need a word,” replied an unfamiliar male voice.
Cal inhaled deeply and took a step away from me, running a hand through his hair. I was gratified to see that he seemed to need a minute to collect himself. As it was, I’d need much more than that.
“Come in,” Cal replied, reaching out to squeeze my shoulder briefly as I stood on wobbly legs.
The door opened, revealing Henry, president of the Sinners. As president of the club Scarlet had grown up in, of the club her father used to lead and had ultimately died for, Henry was like family to her.
“Sorry for interrupting,” Henry said, his eyes swinging from me to Cal.
“What do you need?” Cal replied.
“I want to know what happened with my man,” Henry replied, his arms crossed over his chest. “Word is you banned him.”
The air was charged between the two men. I knew from what the girls had told me and from what I’d seen for myself that the relationship between the Sinners and the Knights was a good one. I also understood that having two club presidents under one roof was a lot of testosterone for any one space to bear.
“He put his hands on my woman,” Cal clipped.
Henry blew out a breath. “Well, shit. Never could say that fucker was smart.” The tension in the room reduced significantly as his gaze swung to me. “Apologies for the disrespect. He’ll be dealt with.”
“I’m fine. Plus, I think Cal already scared the crap out of him,” I added dryly.
Henry chuckled. “I don’t doubt it, but I’ll deal with him myself all the same. My men know better than that.” He cocked his head to the side, his gaze assessing. “Have you met my old lady? She’s been dying to meet you.”
