No one’s stupid enough to cross him or the Prez. Dagger on the other hand, he’s inching real close to the line I’ve drawn, and I’m not sure how to handle it. If he broke our code, that’s one thing, but all he’s done is flirt with the girl. It’s not quite a crime, but my jealousy begs to differ.
“Dagger’s a good kid.”
My eyes jerk to Rip’s, wondering what he’s getting at.
“You know he’d treat that girl right. He’d respect her and protect her with his life.”
“Do you know something I don’t?” The words are seethed between my pursed lips as the anger takes hold. My last shred of calm is obliterated, and now that darkness is in control.
“All I know is that Shayna has been here for over a year, and you haven’t made a move.” My entire frame jerks at his comment. “If you don’t plan on claiming the girl, you should step out of the way and let someone else step up to the plate. She’s not just solid, she’s old lady material.”
Don’t I fucking know it. The girl fits right in with the men and our lifestyle and knows how to stand her ground. Whenever we have visitors from another chapter, some rowdy SOBs who think they can charge in and touch our property, she puts the fuckers in their place. Showing just how fucking strong and confident she is. Damn, it’s sexy as hell. And after Rumble died and Skully ended up in the hospital, she nurtured Skully’s girl through the pain. She’s got a big heart and a bigger smile, and I know damn well what a fine old lady she’d be.
“I almost adopted that girl.” I say the words that burn like a nightmare in my thoughts. “The only claim I have on her is as a mentor. Someone to protect her, nothing more.”
“You want to live in denial, by all fucking means. But as soon as you come to terms with your truth, the better it will be for all our asses.”
“Doesn’t matter what my truth is. That girl doesn’t want me.” She wants the little fucker who is apparently a fucking comedian because all she’s been doing for the last five minutes is giggling at everything Dagger is telling her.
“If you believe that shit, then you need to open your eyes.” Rip rises from the table, taking his glass with him as he makes his way toward the bar. He crowds right into Shayna’s space, leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek as he holds my glaresteady. Don’t know why he’s trying to push my buttons; it’s not him I’m worried about. It’s the one who she’s always flirting with.
Ripper gets the girl to pour him a refill and then joins King at the pool table, while I stew in his words, sipping my bourbon in hopes of numbing these feelings. He thinks the girl is interested in me, but that’s not what I see. All I see is the way she rolls her eyes every time I talk to her. Or the way she grumbles when I crowd her space. And how her face turns red with anger when she sees me watching her.
For Ripper to suggest I claim the girl is ludicrous. Besides, I wonder how Mrs. Williams would feel about that. One of the reasons the state wouldn’t let me adopt the girl was for fear I’d prey on her. If I make her mine, it will prove them right. Shayna may be a legal adult and capable of making responsible choices, but there’s still a wide span of years between us making it inappropriate.
But just look at her in that tight red tank top and that short denim skirt. Those toned legs are killing me with every step. She’s giving every man in the room an eyeful of her curves. Making every dick hard for her. It’s another act of defiance.
She tosses an empty bottle into the trash then turns and walks out of the room, likely heading to the stock room to get a refill. I’m out of my seat, stalking down the hall, ten heavy paces behind her. I follow her in and shut the door, bracing it with my wide frame so she’s forced to hear me out. She won’t be running away from me this time. She and I need to have a chat.
“Is there a reason you insist on defying me at every turn?” Her shoulders bristle as soon as I speak.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Link.” She turns, folding her arms over her chest and holding that anger in her cocked jaw.
“I’m talking about my rule on not dressing in skimpy clothes.” My eyes travel slowly, drinking in every inch, my cock trying to burn a hole through my pants with my need. “I told you when you first came here that I didn’t want you dressing…or acting like the other girls.” Yet, she’s indoctrinated herself as a sweetbutt, prances around here in those tiny skirts, making every man lust for the girl.
“Have you forgotten the fact that you’re not actually my dad? I don’t understand what your problem is, Lincoln. I’m twenty-three years old. I should be able to wear whatever I want. And I’ve worked for this club for over a year now. I’ve seen the way all the other girls dress. I’m talking about girlfriends and old ladies. There isn’t a problem with dressing cute. And as much as I appreciate you getting me this job, I think I’ve done a fine job in proving that I’m worthy of it. The guys tell me so all the time.”
I bet they do. And I bet that’s not all they tell her. Dagger whistles at her every time she walks into the room. He does everything he can to encourage her bad behavior.
“So, you’re just going to disregard my rule, is that it?”
Which means every night my cock gets to burn in hell as she struts around in her tiny clothes showing me all the curves I’m not allowed to touch.
“And why is it that your rule only applies to me? How come it’s okay for everyone else to do as they please but I can’t?”
“Because I’m not their father.”
“You’re not mine either,” she huffs, throwing her arms up in exasperation.
“I almost was, remember? You asked me to fill those shoes, and I’m trying to do that.”
“Well, quit trying,” she snaps. “I was ten years old when I asked. I don’t need a daddy anymore. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself and making my own decisions.”
That one word has me caught in the minefield again. Every direction my thoughts turn, another sinful image tries to burn me alive. My dick exploding with a need so heavy I’m smearing my boxers with seed.
“The rules are simple, Shayna.” I barely get the words out through my gritted teeth. “You keep those tits covered and your legs shut.”
“And what are you going to do if I don’t?” She moves in closer, and I catch a whiff of her sweet scent. She even smells like sin. “What will happen if I don’t obey your rules…daddy?”
