“I can see where you’d be leery of trusting me, if the person after you is also part of an M.C.But I’m guessing I’m your best shot at getting out of whatever this is in one piece.If you have the Desert Dogs after you, you’re going to need back-up.And looking at you,” his gaze caressed her, “I’m guessing you lean more toward literary circles than the type of people who know how to handle themselves in a fight.”
“You’d be right.I’m the town librarian, but I grew up in that world.I can handle myself if it comes down to it, but I know my brother, and he won’t stop until he gets what he wants.I ran away when I was sixteen and I’ve managed to stay hidden for eight years.About two weeks ago, I started receiving what I thought were prank calls, but they’ve escalated quickly.I just know he’s found me.”
The waitress returned with their coffee then made herself scarce.
Blaze picked up his cup, blew across the hot brew and then took a swallow.“Why would your brother be after you?”
“He promised me to the President of the Black Daggers.He was negotiating with them the night I ran away.”She poured creamer into her cup, gave it a stir then took a tentative sip.
His eyes gave nothing away as he studied her.Luna felt her heart kick in her chest as she stared right back.Those dark eyes just pulled her in, lulled her into a sense of safety, but she wasn’t sure she could trust it.She knew bikers and they were a rough and tumble lot, and judging by the 1% patch on his cut, he was an outlaw.This was no weekend warrior who worked in an office Monday through Friday.Blaze was the real deal, and while that should have frightened her, she felt this thrill run through her.It had been a long time since she’d taken a walk on the wild side, but even if she did feel a hint of attraction toward him, she couldn’t act on it.Not now, not while Ricardo breathed down the back of her neck, getting closer than she’d like.
“I’ve heard rumors about the Black Daggers and what happens to women in their care.If your brother was willing to sell you to them, then we can’t rely on him discovering brotherly feelings toward you.If he was willing to give you to that sadistic bastard, he must really fucking hate you, sweetheart.”
“He always has.”
“I can handle this on my own, but if there are two clubs after you, it would be wise to have my brothers at my back.And in order for that to happen, I’m going to have to take this to Church.”
“Why would they care about protecting me?I’m no one to them.”
“Because, you’re someone to me.”He smiled, a heat entering his eyes.“Congratulations, sweetheart.You just became my old lady.”
Luna’s eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open.“Excuse me?”
“You want protection?”
She nodded.
“Then those are my terms.”His gaze caressed her again.“I’ve always had a thing for prim and proper, and honey, you aredefinitelyprim and proper.As someone who grew up around the Desert Dogs, you know how the club life works.We do this and then you’re mine.Forever.”
Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched him, but there wasn’t so much as a flicker in his eyes.He was one hundred percent serious.And the hell of it was, just the thought of belonging to the big behemoth had her panties damp.It should have scared her shitless.By all rights, she should stand up, run to her car, and never look back.So why wasn’t she fleeing?Because she was intrigued, dammit.
“What are you?”she asked.
“Grizzly.”
“Shouldn’t you wait for your mate?Isn’t that how it works?”
It was his turn to shrug.“I always thought that the destined mates thing was how it worked, but I’m damn near forty years old.At this point in my life, it seems more like a fairytale than anything else.Truth is that I’m ready to settle down and start a family.Your falling into my lap tonight seems like fate.”
“And if I say no?”
“Then I’ll still help you, as much as I can, but I’ll have to do it alone, which could damn well get us both killed.”
She knew he spoke the truth, and yet she still hesitated.It wasn’t a small thing he was asking of her.It would change her entire life, starting with this very moment.She would be property, have no rights, and be expected to follow orders.She’d always sworn she’d never become an old lady, that she wanted more respect than that.But…
“You’re asking a lot of me.I left that life behind for a reason.I know being your old lady is an honor, but I also know it’s a title and nothing more.It won’t stop you from fucking around behind my back.”
His eyes flashed.“Shifters don’t stray.”
Well, that was good to know.
“It’s a lot to take in, Blaze.I don’t know you and you don’t know me.What if we don’t suit?We could be lousy in bed.We could hate each other in a few weeks.”She dropped her gaze to the cup of coffee in front of her.“You could hate me for bringing trouble to your door.”
He reached across the table and took her hand in his.“Trouble comes knocking all the time, sweetheart.It’s how you handle it that matters, and my brothers and I are experts on the subject.As long as I’m by your side, nothing will harm you.”
“What if you’re the one to hurt me?”she asked softly, her gaze lifting to his.
“I don’t know what your life was like with the Desert Dogs, but let me tell you right now that the Steel Riders won’t stand for domestic abuse of any kind.If I so much as speak a harsh word to you and you rat me out to the brotherhood, they’ll be all over my ass.Now I don’t know if you have a low opinion of bikers, shifters, or just me, but I will do everything within my power to keep you safe.”
