Page 195 of Romeo

“But you didn’t stop him.”

“Because Cash proved himself. He showed he could handle it. He showed he wasn’t a predator.”

The word hit me in the gut.

“I’m not a fucking predator,” I ground out between teeth clenched so tightly I was afraid they might crack.

“I’m trying to make sure of that.”

Every instinct in me wanted to take offense. This was King, though. The man was responsible for every patched member under him, and after everything he’d seen Fiona survive through the people connected to this club, he wasn’t going to look the other way because I was his brother.

If anything, that would’ve bothered me more.

“I haven’t touched her.”

“That’s supposed to make me feel better?”

“It should make you listen before you call me a fucking predator.”

King’s mouth tightened.

“I took her to prom. I kissed her forehead. I’ve had chances to do more. I didn’t.”

“Congratulations on not fucking a teenager.”

“Fuck you.”

“No, fuck you.” King stepped closer again. “You want praise for restraint? You’re a grown-ass man. Restraint is the minimum.”

He wasn’t wrong and I hated that.

“I’m not asking for praise. I’m telling you I know where the fucking line is.”

“Do you?”

“Yes.”

“And what happens when she crosses it?”

The question stopped me.

Because Fiona was getting closer to doing exactly that.

She’d gotten bolder in texts. She’d nearly told me she loved me. She’d run across a crowded gym and thrown herself into my arms when she saw me at graduation. Earlier today, outside, she hadn’t hesitated before coming straight into my chest.

I wanted every bit of it.

That didn’t mean the answer was simple.

“I still make sure she’s choosing it.”

King studied me.

“That sounds real fucking noble.”

“It isn’t noble. It’s necessary.”

For several seconds, neither of us spoke.