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“Thanks, Lucky. I needed that.”
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
Aria
When Lucky talks to me and looks at me with sympathy, I almost think I can trust him. Easier said than done. He’s an outlaw biker, and that gives me pause. Then again, Daddy isn’t who he seems either, not at all.
From what I can tell, my daddy is a federal agent masquerading as a legitimate businessman with very shady business ties. If that’s not confusing as fuck, it makes me wonder who I am. I hate feeling this way.
It makes me feel stupid, and as much as I want to trust Lucky, can I really afford to put myself in a position to let him hurt me or take advantage of me? I know the answer instantly. No, I can’t afford that.
My conscience mocks me back.You can’t afford not to, either. It’s true. I’m caught in the classicdamned if I do and damned if I don’tscenario.
Lucky’s arms tighten around me, and he drops a kiss on my temple, and dammit, more tears fall just when I think I can’t possibly cry anymore.
“It’s all right, Princess. Cry if you need to.”
I do need to, so I let my emotions go, but only for a brief time. I don’t have time to wallow, not when my future is so uncertain. Lucky is right about one thing; Daddy might not come back. The feds may not let him, and I need to learn how to stand on my own.
“This fucking sucks,” I finally say when I’m sure my tears have run dry.
Lucky lets out a huff of laughter that vibrates against the side of my face. “It does. But we will figure out what’s going on with Geoffrey. I called a few friends, and they’re going to help.”
My body stiffens at his words, and I’m immediately on edge.
“What does that mean?”
I worry that I’m going to be kidnapped again, and I start to pull away from his hold.
“Calm down.”
I shove him away from me. “Don’t tell me to calm down! You’re telling me that you have friends who can help. What? Out of the goodness of their outlaw hearts?”
He flashes that stupid sexy smile, and I want to punch him.
“Aria,” he says in an eerily calm tone that makes my hackles rise.
“These particular friends are good at finding information that people don’t want found, which makes them the best people to find out where Geoffrey is hiding.”
“And it’s going to cost what?”
“Look around, sweetheart.” His tone is harder now. Gone are all traces of amusement. “If me and myoutlawfriends wanted anything, we could take it, and you’d be powerless to stop us. You’re not involved in this, and my MC ain’t in the business of letting innocent people get hurt.”
He’s shaking his head, and suddenly I feel like I’m the bad guy.
“Last time your club helped me, I was kidnapped by a cartel.”
He nods. “And if it wasn’t for us, you’d be shot up with heroin and taking twenty dicks a day to feed the addiction they gave you.”
I gasp in shock and disgust at his vulgar words. “Is that necessary?”
His dark brows arch, and his hand shoots out and grasps my neck, not hard enough to hurt me, just enough to get my attention. His hazel eyes swim with a mix of anger and desire as they meet my gaze head-on.
“Fuck yeah, my words are necessary, Aria. You’re determined to paint us as the bad guys, but yet, here we are, one more time, saving your ass. So instead of judging us, try showing a little fucking gratitude.”
I’m scared, dammit, and a little excited at this dark and demanding side of him. My pulse beats wildly in my chest, but I refuse to show fear. Or arousal. I smack his hand away and snarl at him. “Thank you.”
A menacing smile crosses his face. “You’re welcome.” He pushes away from me, putting more distance between us, and walks across the office. He turns to me and says, “Like I said, my friends will find out anything else you want to know about dear old Dad.”
