“Yeah, but didn’t you say he was a bossy asshole?”
I did say that, but now I understand the motive behind his behavior: jealousy.
“He was only acting that way because he was jealous. He said he doesn’t like the other men looking at me.” And he obviously doesn’t like me flirting with any of them. His hand got extra heavy when he was making his point. I can still feel the tingles between my legs.
“I’m having a really hard time wrapping my head around this, Shay. He’s like…old.”
“And how old is the good ol’ doctor you’re dating?”
She’s the last one who should be passing judgement. Her boyfriend is thirty-eight. Link is two years younger than him.
“Yeah, but Officer Price was your correctional officer. It seems wrong.”
Maybe it is. I mean…it’s not exactly normal. But then again, look at my life. Nothing has ever been normal. All I know is that Link is a good man. He’s strong and protective. And in spite of his growly attitude, he’s always looking out for me. He took me in when I was at my lowest point and gave me a home and a job. He gave me a family. These guys have become a part of me. They’re my brothers now too.
“He’s a good man, Izz.” That’s really all that matters. Not age. Not status. Not the way we met or our past. All I care about is feeling safe. And with him, I’ve always felt safe.
“So, are you guys dating now?
“I don’t know what we are.” He told me not to mention a word of what happened to anyone, which doesn’t bode well for my confidence in the situation. But maybe he’s worried about what everyone will think. He claimed me as his family and hasstuck by his “fatherly” role this entire last year. The guys might have a problem with him crossing that line.
“Did you guys talk about it?”
“No. We were kind of interrupted.” Dagger had to show up at the wrong time.
“What if it was a one-night stand?” she asks, and the question resonates in my nerves. It didn’t feel that way, but I’ve been one to misjudge situations in the past.
“I didn’t sleep with him. And the things he said made it feel like more.”
“Can I be honest?”
“No, Izz, lie to me,” I deadpan. “Of course, I want you to be honest.”
“I don’t know if it’s a good idea to get involved with him. The past aside, he’s a Savage Knight, Shay. He’s probably killed someone before. Remember when you told me about the guys going out last year on a run and then one of them got killed and another is now in a wheelchair? Do you really want to be with a criminal who has some major enemies out there? Didn’t you even say that Rory can’t leave the compound because there’s a hit over her head?”
When she puts it like that, it sounds like it’s a horrible idea for me to get involved with him. But it’s not like I can stop my feelings. I’ve been falling in love with him since the day I arrived. It’s been getting to the point that I couldn’t even be in the same room with him because it hurt so much to know he would never feel the same about me. But after what just happened, it feels like I’m not the only one who’s been struggling.
“They’re good men, Izz. I know that’s an oxymoron considering they’re one-percenters, but they are truly good people.” I see it every day. They’re hard working, humble, and kind. They always look out for each other. And despite Linkbeing an ass most days, I know he would protect me with his life. “I feel safe with them.”
“I guess I’ll take your word for it.” She still sounds skeptical, but I don’t blame her. She’s worried about me. And the rumors around town don’t paint the guys in a good light. Everyone fears the Savage Knights, including the cops. “Just tread lightly, okay? I don’t want to see you getting hurt.”
“I will. And don’t worry, if I find out this was a one-night stand, I’ll make him pay.”
She laughs through the line and it settles some of the tension that was building. “I bet you will. You’re a ballbuster, Shay.”
“Anyway, enough about me.” I’ve consumed the conversation for long enough. “How are you? How are things with the dirty doc?”
“Things are good. School and work are keeping me busy. And the doctor is good, but he’s been working crazy hours, so I haven’t seen much of him lately.”
“That’s the life with a surgeon, Izz. You’re going to have to get used to it.” It’s a Saturday night and they can’t even go to the movies or hang out because he’s on call. That’s not a life I would ever want. But as long as he takes care of my friend and treats her well, that’s all I care about. At least I know she’ll be well provided for.
“I know,” she sighs. “But if we were living together, I could at least see him during the in-between hours.”
“Have you talked to him about it?” They’ve been together for over a year. They should be making plans by now, right? Although, I’ve lived with Link for over a year and never once thought he had any kind of interest in me. I just thought he was angry with me all the time because I refused to be told what to wear.
“I did,” she says, “but he said he wanted me to have a true college experience and to not rush into becoming a housewife.”
He obviously doesn’t know my girl. All Izzy’s ever wanted is a family. A husband and kids, a house to call home. She’s going to school, but at the end of the day, she wants to be a stay-at-home mom. If I’m being honest, it’s all I’ve ever wanted too.
