“Welcome to Hell’s Devils. I don’t remember much after passing out on Logan’s kitchen floor but he got a hold of our Hell’s Devils doc just for this kind of situation and brought him here to the compound.” His violet gaze flickers between mine, his massive arms on either side of my head once he lets go of my wrists.
My gaze drops to his naked torso, taking in the white bandage wrapped around his tapered waist. I can’t stop my hand from trembling as I graze my fingers over the spot he was stabbed. He could have died. The thought hits me hard, making a shaky breath get stuck in the back of my throat as my eyes water.
“This is my fault,” I whisper, feeling just as evil as Payne for the first time in my life.
Dalton grunts and moves off of me to roll carefully on his side so he can stare into my eyes as we lay side by side. For a club of dangerous motorcycle gang members, the compound is eerily quiet. It’s the type of silence that comes with a death and that hollow feeling grows in my chest because of his dad… that’s my fault too.
“Shut up. So expressive.” He drags his thumb along my cheekbone as he looks deep into my eyes before leaning forward to place his forehead against mine with a deep sigh. “I’m sorry, little bitch,” he whispers so softly, that nickname starting to sound like an endearment to me.
I rear my head back, startled, and shake my head. “You're sorry? Everything that’s happened has been my fault from the moment I stepped foot in Logan’s house. I should have disappeared where no one could find me but instead, I stayed out in the open where people I care about got hurt.”
I can’t even look at him, guilt laying heavy on my chest. I’m already thinking of an escape out of this town…This state. I’m going to always be running while looking over my shoulder, but at least the guys won’t get hurt anymore because of me. Dalton huffs out an angry breath and grasps my chin with his thumb and index finger so that I have no choice but to look at him.
“You care about me? Fuck, Tillie. After everything we’ve done and what has happened to you…” His jaw goes tight as he glances at the ceiling and lays on his back instead of looking at me. “I don’t even know how you can stand the sight of me.”
I stare at his side profile; the sharp edges of his jawline, the high cheekbones on his honey golden skin, and the long dark lashes that frame his beautiful purple, brown eyes.
“I like a little pain in my life, Dalton. It’s all I’ve ever known. I couldn’t figure it out at first, the attraction I felt for you guys. Even when you kept pushing me, forcing me to my knees, controlling my body… everything you guys did and still do makes me want you. Maybe it’s the desire to have someone who is just as broken as me. It could be because I can see that I wasn’t the only one thrust into this life and seeing the family you guys are, willing to go to any length to protect each other… I’ve never had that and I want that.Needthat. I stayed to seek revenge, at least, that’s what I told myself, but deep down I want what you guys have. A family to fight for,” I admit in a quiet voice and hold his gaze when he finally looks back at me.
“I don’t know how to make this right? I’ve done, and probably will continue to do, things that will hurt you,” he says, expanding his massive chest on an exhale, and the look on his face… he looks so lost.
“Do you want me, Dalton?” I make sure to not break eye contact, even though I’m feeling exposed.
“Desperately so, little bitch,” he answers right away, no hesitation.
He knows, he knows my deepest secret. I’m broken, scared, and damaged, but for some reason, he still wants me.
“Everyone has always wanted something from me but not desperately.” I offer a tiny smile before sitting up in bed and stretching my arms over my head.
My whole body feels stiff like I haven’t moved in days and I wonder how long we’ve been holed up in his room. Where are the rest of the guys? I scoot over the side of the bed and stand, making my way over to his bathroom because I’m pretty sure I have a case of bedhead. A shower sounds perfect before I have to leave the safety of his room to face reality. Just a few more minutes.
“I’ll prove to you how much I need you,” he says across the room in that gravelly voice that sends pleasant chills down my spine.
He needs me?
I pivot around on my heels to face him just as I step into the bathroom doorway and squeal in surprise at finding him so close behind me. I didn’t even hear him move, especially for someone so big and wounded.
“Jesus! Make some noise would you? What are you doing?” I raise a brow as he keeps stepping forward until I have no choice but to keep moving backwards.
My lower back bumps against the edge of the bathroom counter and I just stand there with my mouth dropping open as he begins to unwrap the binding around his waist. He reaches over without looking and turns on the shower, holding my gaze the whole time. Almost like a challenge glittering in his eyes.
“Get undressed,” he orders, a small smirk forming on his plush lips as I place my fists on my hips.
“How about no?” I sass back and jump with a shriek as he moves real fast and cages me against the sink.
“How about yes and don’t argue with me. I’m just going to take care of you. Besides, you kind of stink.” He says this while rubbing his nose along mine and winks.
I would hit him, but the teasing light in his eyes makes me give in to his demands. Challenge accepted. He’ll just have to suffer being naked in a closed space with me without touching. It’s his own fault anyways.
“How long was I out for? I don’t remember anything after being in the pool.” I keep my gaze down as I start to take my clothes off, biting my lip because I’m not quite ready to talk about Payne fully.
“Just two days. You needed it. Doc gave you something to help you sleep and I felt better having you by my side while getting stitched up.” He waves to the stitches on his lower stomach when I take a peek from under my lashes. The slash isn’t big and I’m happy it didn’t seem to hit anything major.
“Are you in pain right now?” I whisper, crossing my arms over my naked chest as I bite my lip so I don’t start crying again.
I’m so tired of crying. I used to think that all my tears were dried up because no matter how sad I was, I couldn’t cry. Now it’s like I can’t stop, years of built up sorrow and pain pours out of me. Tears cascade down my cheeks, set off without my control and I don’t know when I’ll be able to stop crying. I hate it.
“No, little bitch. I’m fine, I’ve had worse. It’s just a flesh wound and it only looked bad because I lost some blood. Get in the shower.” He holds the door open and reaches for my hand with his palm facing up for me to grab.
