Page 37 of Diesel

“Not since I was young enough to still believe in people.” Images of Diesel flashed in my mind and how he was surpassing all of my expectations. “I like you, and I’d like you to stick around.”

He sighed and shook his head. “You are far too young and too beautiful to resign yourself to being alone, Ellie, but I will respect your wishes.”

I nodded, grateful. “Thanks for understanding.”

“Of course. How about we have dinner anyway, but just as friends?” He flashed a charming grin. “Just to catch up. We haven’t spent this long without chatting since we met.”

He was right, of course, and I missed our chats. “Sounds good. When I come back, let’s set something up.”

“Excellent,” he sighed. “I can’t wait to hear about this friend of yours.”

And there it was, the real reason for all of this. “It’s just someone I’ve known for a long time.” Another lie.

Ryan looked around expectantly. “Where’s Leo?”

“Playdate,” I said, trying to count the lies that fell from my lips far too easily.

“Playdate? I didn’t think you did those.”

I shrugged. “I’m trying to do things a little differently. Someone said I needed to let my boy breathe a little.”

He smiled at the reminder that he was that someone. “Sounds like a smart guy.”

“He is pretty smart.” We shared a smile that, to me, was nothing but platonic. Feeling better, I relaxed and told myself that I was being silly. Ryan was as steady as they came, and if it seemed otherwise, it was only because it had just been me and Stacy for so long that it was weird to let other people into my life. That’s all it was, just my suspicious mind.

“So, uh, when are you coming back home?”

“Not sure yet. I’m enjoying the time away too much. The creative juices are flowing.” This felt like an awkward conversation between exes, and it made me uncomfortable. “I should get back to Leo. I haven’t been without him this long. Ever.”

There was a flash of something serious in his eyes and then it was gone, so quickly I wasn’t sure if I imagined it or not. “Yeah, okay, Ellie. I’ll see you soon.” Ryan walked away, a hangdog expression on his face, but I stayed strong, refusing to call out to him or to apologize.

***

After locking up and checking everything looked okay for the millionth time, I headed to my car and hurried back to the clubhouse where Leo played happily with Chopper and charmed all the adults who couldn’t tear their gaze away from him.

“Momma!” He rushed over and wrapped his arms around my legs. “I love Chopper. Can I keep him?”

I laughed. “Leo, all of these people love Chopper too. You don’t want to take him away from them, do you?”

His little shoulders fell forward, and he shook head. “No, Momma, I don’t.” He turned to the guy who gave me shit earlier. “We can share.”

“That’s cool with me, little man.”

His smile was so big, so bright that I couldn’t help but appreciate him, and forgave him for his earlier attitude. They all loved Leo already. Because of their loyalty to his father, they loved him and would protect him. No matter what. “That’s my friend Gio, Momma.”

“Hi, Gio,” I said around a laugh. “Thanks for keeping an eye on Leo today. I really appreciate it.”

“My pleasure. He’s a cool little dude.”

The air inside the clubhouse changed, and I knew before I saw him that Diesel had entered the room. I scanned the area until my gaze met his and I almost wished I hadn’t because the intensity in those blue depths seared down to my soul. He was so big he took up the entire doorway, his presence a living, breathing thing in the room. The heat was so visceral I felt it on my lower back.

Out of nowhere, Simone sauntered in from behind Diesel in another one of her barely-there outfits and wrapped her skinny body around his. Look away, I commanded my gaze, but I couldn’t. I must have been a glutton for punishment because I watched as she rubbed against him and reached up to plant her fat, fake lips against his.

Jealousy tore through me, white-hot and ugly. I wanted to rip her hair out from the root, scratch her eyes, and wrap my hands around her skinny little throat, which was so unlike me it scared me a little, making me freeze with inaction in my seat. I started to turn my head just as Diesel unwrapped the woman from his body and set her back, his gaze still focused on me.

Simone tried again and he growled at her, a dark expression on his face. “Back off.”

I knew about the club bunnies, of course whores, he’d told me about them and so had Stacy. And I was way more acquainted with this particular bunny than I wished I was, but seeing the boldness with which she made her move made me heated in all sorts of ways. Especially when she turned and sent me a smug look, despite being turned down, before she sauntered towards the bar with an extra sway to her hips.

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