Page 8 of Falling for Her Protector

“X.? Believe me, he’s seen some shit. He’s lived this life since he was in diapers. Our dad was president, and our grandfather before. We have roots in the club,” Lacey grins back, holding up a cute denim jacket and I offer a small nod indicating that I like it.

Wait a minute. I pause and process what she just said.

“Did you just sayyourdad?” I ask for clarification.

“Uh huh. X. is my big brother,” she replies easily as she grabs another hanger and holds it up to show me a pink flowery crop top, but I cringe and shake my head. I watch as she hooks it back on the rack and continues to browse.

“This is a little embarrassing, but I actually thought the two of you had a thing. I... uh...I didn’t realize you were his sister,” I admit and her head snaps up, my face instantly flushing.

“Ew...that’s so gross,” she makes a gagging face. “Hang on a minute. Doyouhave a thing for my brother?” her question hits me and I feel my face and chest get warm again.

“No,” I turn away quickly, pretending to look at a stack of t-shirts.

“Shit, you do. Look, I love my big brother, but he’s not a guy you want to get involved with like that. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an amazing leader. And as you can tell, he cares with his whole heart when it comes to family. But he’s not the same when it comes to the ladies. It’s almost like he turns into a different person. A part of him just sort of shuts down, it’s really hard to explain unless you actually see it in person. He loves the sex and all the fun stuff, but the smallest sign of anything more and he drops them like a hot potato. I know he’s been giving you a lot of attention, but please...pleasedon’t get your hopes up thinking that he wants more,” her words of warning wash over me softly.

“I get it,” I breathe out. “And don’t worry, I’m not going down that road any time soon,” I tell her.

Sure, Xavier is definitely nice to look at, fantasy worthy even, but I know how guys like X. live. I witnessed plenty of it firsthand during my time with the Vipers. I didn’t want to be there, but Grady refused to let me leave; yet there seemed to be an endless supply of willing girls who would let those guys use them repeatedly for whatever they wanted. I couldn’t understand it because I just wanted to run away as fast as I could. The thought of Grady touching me makes me ill straight to my core. Even if I wanted Xavier, I’m honestly not sure I could handle him or his lifestyle.

“Although, I do wish there was some way I could thank him and repay him for everything he’s done. He’s been so nice to me,” I say continuing to browse the t-shirts.

“I have an idea,” Lacey’s voice causes me to turn and I find her grinning. “There’s a bakery next door. You wouldn’t know it looking at him, but X. has a major sweet tooth. They have the best soft molasses cookies. It’s so simple, but he’ll love it,” she says.

“That actually sounds...perfect,” I smile.

I have a pair of jeans, two t-shirts, and a hoodie clutched against my chest as we step up to the cashier. As I set them down on the counter, Lacey glances at me sideways.

“Wait. You definitely need more than one set of clothes. What happened to those other things you had?” she questions and I feel my face flush as she drops her own pile of treasures on the counter.

“I put a few things back,” I admit. She and X. have already done too much, and I can’t have her spending a bunch of money on me when I have no way to pay her back. I watch her eyes roll.

“Go back and get them,” she waves her hand in the air. “And don’t try to tell me you’re worried about the money. We’re at a thrift store. Trust me, this isn’t going to break the bank. If you’re really concerned, you can pay me back later,” she says and I can tell she isn’t going to let me leave the store until I go back and get the rest of the stuff I had originally picked out.

“Thank you so much,” I say for the third time as we step back outside.

“I’m happy to do it, and please stop thanking me,” she smiles, sliding her sunglasses down over her eyes as we move back towards her small car. After tossing our bags in the backseat, we make our way across the parking lot to the bakery.

* * *

The small white box filled with cookie sits on my lap as Lacey and I sip iced coffees and she drives back in the direction of the clubhouse.

“So, I have to know, does Xavier mind you hanging out at the clubhouse? I mean, you’re so pretty, he must get pissed off when the guys look at you,” I question lightly, remembering the rant we heard coming from X. as we were leaving. I guess she probably grew up at the clubhouse with her dad and grandfather both being involved, but still, it has to be a little different now. There’s no way the guys haven’t noticed how beautiful she is. Her soft laughter rings against my ear and I turn to see a wide smile on her face.

“Oh, it was an issue at one time, but not so much now. I’ve been around the club my whole life, and yeah, there have definitely been a few awkward moments over the years, but Mikey and I have actually been together for close to two years,” she shares.

“Wait. Are you actually telling me that you’re in a long-term relationship with one of the guys?” I question in pure disbelief.

“Uh, yeah. And he’s not just any member, he’s X.’s V.P.,” she offers with a clenched smile before quickly continuing. “It was definitely a sore spot for a minute, but X. finally realized that it wasn’t his choice. Honestly, growing up I had always had a little crush on Mikey. Then right around the time I turned twenty I finally decided to take a chance. He’s different than the rest of the guys. Sure, he’s rough and tough and he’ll stand toe to toe with anyone who dares to challenge him, but when it comes to the ladies, he’s always been a one-woman man. And now, that one is me,” she smiles and her cheeks turn a soft pink.

“Wow,” I breathe out, still absorbing what she’s just told me as she pulls back into the lot at the clubhouse and parks.

“We’ll just drop off the cookies, then I’ll take you over to the apartment so you can get comfy in your new home,” she promises with a smile as we open our doors and climb out. “Hey, I’m just going to go see what Mikey’s up to,” she says noticing him outside standing beside his bike. “I’ll be right in, if you want to go ahead in and give the cookies to X,” she adds. I don’t really want to go inside alone, but I nod knowing that she’ll be right behind me.

Stepping inside, the lighting is dim compared to the brightness outside, and it takes my eyes a few seconds to adjust. It’s almost empty, other than Griz and Stone sitting at a small table. Stone’s eyes lift in my direction as Griz turns glancing over his shoulder when they hear the door close behind me.

“Hey there, sugar. Back again so soon,” Stone’s smooth voice runs over me and I freeze for a split second.

“Whatcha got there?” Griz grins as he notices the box in my hands.

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