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He scoffed. “I hurt them. I betrayed their trust. I see the doubt in their eyes. I’m not family anymore.”
She shook her head then cupped his face between her hands, capturing his gaze. His stubble tickled her palms and made her want to feel it all over. But there were more important things to deal with now. He needed to hear these words and make them his reality. “It doesn’t matter. That’s the thing about a family as strong as yours. They forgive. They move on. I dare you to go in there and tell Curly or Brooke they’re not your family, or Liv, Spec, or Tracker. They’ll kick your ass so hard you won’t sit for a week. I’m the outsider here, and I can tell you with one hundred percent certainty every man and woman associated with your club loves you. They love you and have your back. No one holds a grudge or needs or wants you to prove yourself. Only you.”
She could see how badly he wanted to believe her, but the guilt and lingering grief wouldn’t let him. That was okay for now. She’d remind him every day until he believed it.
He was so close, and she wanted a taste of his lips so badly. She knew how they tasted now. How well they fit with hers and how her sex clenched when his tongue tangled with hers.
“You’re too fucking sweet for this life,” he whispered. “Too sweet to be anywhere near us. You should run away while you can.”
Her chest ached, and she spoke the truth she’d been afraid to admit until now. “I can’t. It’s too late. You’ve all gotten under my skin.”
But none more than him. She’d stay for him alone. To make sure he knew how much the people in his life loved him. To watch him succeed and be the one to say I told you so. And to do that, she needed to keep some distance. She’d have to keep her hands, mouth, and every other body part to herself, but mostly her heart. She couldn’t hand that over and probably wouldn’t to anyone ever again. Sure, the chances weren’t high that another man would set her up to be collateral for a biker club, but she’d never thought Oliver capable of such a thing. How could she hand over her trust again after that?
“So,” she said as she forced her hands to release his scratchy face. “Friends?”
His lips quirked. “Friends.”
And then, as though she’d lost control over her brain, she continued to speak words opposite what she had promised herself. “And if we happen to fall into bed now and again…”
His grin grew wicked. “Why, Brenna, are you asking me to be your fuck buddy?”
Fuck buddies, huh? She’d never had one of those, but yeah, that’s exactly what she wanted. A friend she could scratch the itch with—someone she liked who’d give her smokin’ hot sex without any of the messy emotions.
Perfect.
“I think I am,” she said.
“Then fuck buddies it is.”
Now what? Did they seal it with a kiss? A hand shake? A friendly climax? They were back to the weird staring that had her feeling squirmy in her skin.
The sound of the door opening had her lurching away from him as though she were a teenager caught making out with the boy next door.
“Sorry, you two.” Liv flounced outside and strode their way. “Didn’t mean to take so long. Hope you found something to do with your time.”
Lock rolled his eyes as he shifted to face Liv. “Subtle, Livvy.”
“Hmm? Whatever do you mean?” Her voice rose three octaves. She flopped down on the blanket with an innocent smile no one bought.
“Where are the cookies?” Brenna asked.
“What?”
“You went to go get cookies.” She arched an eyebrow at the devious lady.
Liv snapped. “Oh, right. Sorry. You won’t believe it… I dropped them on the floor.”
Brenna barked a laugh. “You’re right. I don’t believe it.”
“Hey, Liv?”
She turned her head and aimed a sweet smile at Lock. “Yes, Lock?”
“Your shirt’s on backward.”
Liv glanced down to find a blank shirt where there had been a cute logo earlier. “Whoopsie,” she said with a giggle as her cheeks grew pink. “Guess I got sidetracked.”
Brenna laughed along with her while Lock rolled his eyes. Their gazes locked, and he winked. She couldn’t keep the broad grin off her face if she tried.
