Page 5 of Falling for Her Protector

“So, what’d you think of your first ride?” I question with a chuckle as Vanessa climbs off the bike and hands me the helmet she was wearing.

“I think it might also be my last. That was terrifying,” she says. But the smile on her face and the light in her eyes tells me something different. I know from my own experiences that being on a bike can make you feel alive in a way like nothing else can, and I recognize that look on her face. She fucking loved it.

“Well, this is it. Welcome home,” I open the door and she follows me inside. We find beer bottles and empty glasses strewn across tables and the surface of the bar. Damn, it looks like the boys had some fun last night.

“Coffee and donuts, as requested by the king,” Lacey’s voice rings in my ears as she comes through the door only minutes after us. She sets a box of donuts and a cardboard cup holder, filled with four cups on the table beside me. “Why couldn’t you go out and get them yourself?” she gripes.

“Don’t be a bitch. I couldn’t stop,” I gesture towards Vanessa.

“Oh...who is this?” Lacey quickly shifts gears. “Wait. Are you the girl? The one Mikey told me about? Vanessa, right?” she questions. I knew it. Mikey can’t keep his trap shut around my sister.

“This is Lacey,” I tell Vanessa. “I thought she might be able to help you with some fresh clothes,” I offer with a smile.

“X., are those your clothes?” Lacey asks with an easy laugh as her eyes move over Vanessa.

“She needed some clean stuff to sleep in,” I shrug. “But she looks close to your size, I thought you might have something that’ll fit her better.” Lacey smiles brightly and quickly loops her arm around Vanessa’s.

“Come with me. I’ll show you where there’s a nice big shower and I’ll find you some clothes that you won’t be swimming in,” she says.

“Coffee...” I remind them. Vanessa turns back with a look of slight shock filling her face as she takes a cup of coffee from my outstretched hand.

“Thank you,” she replies softly before turning back towards my sister to let herself get dragged away.

“By the way, I’m taking her to your room to use the shower. So, it’s off limits until I give the all clear,” Lacey cackles from the hallway.

“You know your threats will never stop me. It’s my fucking room,” I call back, only to have Lacey poke her head back around the corner.

“Give the girl a little privacy,” she smiles, giving me a wink and mouthingshe’s cute.

5

A Friend

Vanessa

Lacey pulls my arm, leading me down a long hallway with doors lining both sides.

“All the guys have rooms here,” she starts to explain. “Some live here, and then others just use the rooms to crash after parties,” she adds as we reach the last door and she pushes it open.

“This is X.’s room. He lives here most of the time, and since he’s president he’s got the biggest room and a really nice shower,” she smiles closing the door after we step inside. I can’t help but wonder how she knows all this about X. and his room. Maybe she’s spent time with him here...

She flips the light switch and I feel my eyes widen and my jaw drop slightly as I look around the room. It’s huge. And the black and gray color scheme is subtly beautiful. My eyes stop on the dark wood of the large king-sized bed that fills a portion of the room. It’s gorgeous, and not at all what I expected.

“The bathroom is over here,” Lacey says as she moves across the room and towards an open doorway on the left. She flips another switch and the room fills with soft light. I can see a large shower and a long double vanity. This room is unbelievable. It’s no wonder he lives here. The bedroom and bathroom alone are the size of a small apartment. Although, the cabin was beautiful too. It would definitely be a tough choice.

“Why don’t you take your time in the shower and I’ll go try to find you some clothes. I think X. is right, other than your boobs, you look pretty much the same size as me,” she laughs and I feel my face flush at her open observation of my chest. She is right, but still to have her point it out like that is a little embarrassing. “Hey, I didn’t mean anything by it. You should be proud of that rack, I bet the guys love it. I mean, I’m happy with my Bs, but I’ve always wished they were just a little bit bigger,” she starts to babble. “Anyway, I’m guessing you’re a six or an eight?”

“Close,” I smile back. “Bottoms are usually an eight, but sometimes a ten, depending on the brand and style.”

“I’ll grab a few things and you can try stuff on and take your pick. Maybe later or tomorrow, whenever you feel up for it, we can go do a little shopping. There’s a local thrift shop that sometimes has great deals on stuff that’s never even been worn. For now, just relax and enjoy a nice hot shower,” she says before stepping back through the door.

I hear the outer bedroom door close and I know I’m alone. I’m really alone for the first time in weeks...months. I turn and close the bathroom door, letting the feeling wash over me.

My hands move to the waist of X.’s large sweatpants and I push them down off my legs. As I pull them off, I can’t help but wonder how they might look hanging off his hips. The thought of what his body might look like, creates a deep and unexpected pulse straight through my center. I shake my head, trying to push it away. He’s the president of the MC, and I’m sure he has women throwing themselves at him constantly. Xavier will never want me anyway, especially after Grady. He’ll just see me as the broken girl who showed up on his doorstep.

I lift the t-shirt next, easily stripping it up and over my head. And as I do, I catch sight of my naked body in the mirror. My pale skin is marked with fresh cuts and scrapes, but I can see the faint yellowing of the fading bruises. My hands lift to my face as the large tears start to fall.

I can’t believe I made it out alive. I honestly thought I might die inside the Viper’s compound, especially that first night. As the days passed and I realized my dad wasn’t coming back, my mind became numb and I shut down. Seeing my reflection brings it all to the surface. But I made it out. I’m free and I believe Xavier when he tells me that I’m safe now.

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