Page 95 of Ethan's Sky

“It’s been a day.” I laugh derisively. “No, more like, it’s been alife.” I point to Emily’s grave. Clearing my throat and straightening my shoulders, my weak attempt at appearing to be fine, I snap, “I’d think it obvious.”

He steps in close, brushing a knuckle lightly under my right eye, gently, narrowing his eyes as he studies me. “Your eyes are red and swollen. The light of the sun is dancing across the tracks left behind by your tears. You haven’t just been crying, Sky. You’ve been sobbing. I heard you.”

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“What did you hear?”

If he heard most of what I’ve said, he’ll have questions. How foolish would I be to tell him I did all of this because I love him? Because I wanted to spare him the agony of knowing the truth about Emily. To protect my uncle and the club? Would it even matter? He’s already proven he thinks I’m lower than the shit on his shoes.

“Is your pussy made of magic or are you so good at giving head, a brother would neglect his loyalties to keep you on your knees at night?”His hateful words rattle around in my head turning my stomach, making me nauseous. But this is good. It will keep my anger in place. With my shields back up, I step out of his touch.

He steps in closer, gripping my waist with one hand, cradling my chin with the other, shaking his head, “Don’t run from me, Sky. Not now.”

What the…

I don’t move. Frozen to this spot. Perfectly still except for a slight tremble. My eyes close of their own accord as I breathe a soft sigh. I’m taken back to the night at the Pearl, how I melted beneath his touch. How good it felt to have his hands on my skin, caressing, touching, worshiping. The way he looked at me. His eyes full of desire and need.Not you. Scarlet. He wants her. Not you, Skyler.

I pull back suddenly. The truth is like a hard slap to the face.

God, I’m pathetic.

I want him so badly, but am I willing to be his whore?

Reminding myself he’s not here to check on me. He’s here about what happened at Magpie’s. About the Devil’s and what it means for the club fuels my anger once more.

“I’m not running. But I’m not stupid enough to believe you care all the sudden. You’ve made your feelings about me clear.”

“I shouldn’t have said those things to you, Sky. I was…”

Where’s Cash?” I ask not willing to hear his lies. “Why didn’t Gabe send him to get me?”

“Thought you said you weren’this.”Ethan’s eyes darken, his jaw clenched. “If you’re not his ol’ lady, his obligation is to the club. He’s helping the other’s clean up the mess at Magpie’s then heading back to the clubhouse. Where you were told to go.”

“What about Xander?”

“He’s with Hawk. And before you ask, Ghost went with Austin to get him stitched up.”

“Is Austin, okay?” Silence surrounds us as a wave of guilt crashes over me.

He got hurt protecting me.

“He’ll be all right. The cuts weren’t too deep, but Gabe insisted they get him checked out.”

I don’t respond. I’m not sure what to say, where this conversation could take us.

Breaking the silence, Ethan, quietly says, “I know you’re worried about being sent away, but things are different now, Sky. They won’t send you away. Gabe wants you here where he and Ghost can watch over you.”

Gabe and Ghost. Not Ethan.

Once again, his words pierce my heart and the little voice inside reminds me,he’s not here for me. He’s here for the club. He’s being nice so I’ll cooperate.

“For the millionth time, I’m not fucking leaving. I don’t care who wants me gone, I’m not going anywhere. If this is where it all ends for me…so be it.” Those last words come out on a whisper. But I mean them with everything in me.

“Talk to me Skyler. You’re buried under secrets, baby. Let me help you. What’s got you so torn up inside? What does the D.O. want with you?”

“Don’t,” I snap, pushing him back a step. “Don’t call me baby. I’m not some slut from the bar you need to sweet talk. You don’t want me here. Don’t act like you want to help me now.You’re here for the club. You’d just as soon the Devil bastards took me and got me out of your hair.We both know it. So, please don’t bullshit me.”

“I’m not trying to bullshit you or sweet talk you into anything, Sky. I was wrong when I said that shit about wanting the Devils to take you away. I was angry. It doesn’t excuse it, but you’ve got to cut me some slack here, baby.” he argues. “I admit I’ve been an asshole. And I’m sorry. I am. I need for you to trust me the way you used to. To open up to me so I can help you. I admit I’ve fucked up. You have no idea the hell I went through when Emily died, and then you left. It’s not an excuse it’s the facts.”

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