Page 39 of Smoke

“Don’t think for one minute that I don’t regret getting pissed,” he said seductively. “I hoped that the night would play out differently.” His tone made it very clear what he meant by that.

A promise of a second date ‘to make it up to me’ was arranged, but only to postpone the day before our meeting. I dutifully faked disappointment while also relishing in the fact that I’d quite possibly dodgedanother awkward situation. He’s a gorgeous man, and although I’m not as promiscuous as people judge me to be, you know, the blonde hair, long legs, big breast stigma, avoiding his advances without giving a plausible reason was difficult. ‘Saving myself for my wedding day’ wouldn’t cut it.

We did, however, chat for a while. He explained the reason behind the late cancelation. That he had business contacts flying in from Europe in the next couple of days, which he needed to prepare for. He went on to say that his work was going to tie him up for the next few weeks, so not to worry if I didn’t hear from him, but be assured that he would think about me often.

As soon as the call had finished, I’d shot off a message to Smoke, not that I could tell him much, but maybe it had some significance to him.

Almost immediately, I got a response back, summoning me to the clubhouse.

That was last night.

Dressed in a bubble gum pink dress that ends mid-thigh, a black tailored jacket and matching heeled pumps, I grab my purse and head for the door.

I could have dressed down in jeans and a tank, leather jacket and my chucks, but if I have to see that asshole Smoke, I’m going to damn well show him that while he might have ruined me for any other man, I sure as hell was going to show him exactly what he’s missing.

I walk up to the solid gate at the entrance to the YOMC’s premises. I’d toyed with the idea of getting a cab over here but decided against that and have driven over in my car. I’ve parked up a few yards down from the club,so if need be, I can make a quick exit without too much hassle. Plus, the idea of waiting around outside until a cab arrives doesn’t appeal.

Smoke must have made it known that I was coming today, because as I step up to the smaller entrance gate, Edge steps out of the hut, which I’m sure has been re-cycled from an old toll road booth.

“Hey, I could say it was nice to see you again,” I fake smile as he frowns back at me. “But by the look on your face, you’re not so happy to see me.”

“I’m not,” he admits. He’s stood with his legs apart, booted feet firmly planted on the ground. His arms crossed over his chest and head tilted slightly up, causing him to look down his nose at me. Despite his good looks, his stature and aura make him a bit scary.

“Why’s that then?” I challenge.

“Because you’re fucking trouble, and I don’t trust you.” He steps back to let me into the compound, then secures the door behind me. Another brother is also here, the one I think is called Rex. “Give one of the Prospects a shout if you need someone to takeover on the gate, I’ll be back with her once Stone has finished with her.”

“You mean Smoke,” I correct him. He flashes me a knowing smile before getting hold of my upper arm. Asshole.

“I’m not going to run off, for God’s sake.” I shake myself free from him. “I know where to go.” Edge sighs and gestures towards the clubhouse, and we make our way towards it.

“So, Bruce, how long is it now that you’ve been a member of the Young Outlaws?” He comes to a suddenstop. I follow suit, standing by his side when I add. “It must be quite some time now, since you got released from prison. What is it? Twelve, thirteen years, now?” With clenched fists, he swings to face me, baring his teeth.

“None of your fucking business,” he growls into my face. I’m not sure if it was the use of his real name that pissed him off or the remark about his time in good old Juliet. He takes off walking again, but this time, he ups his speed so he’s a good few paces in front of me.

“Sorrrrrieee,” I keep the snicker that’s brewing under wraps as I continue. “Just trying to make conversation.” I double-time my steps to catch up with him, but in these heels, it’s not that easy. I side-eye him and see that his neck and face are bright red, and I’m sure that if he’d been a cartoon caricature, steam would be gushing from his ears like a volcano spilling its lava.

I drop back a couple of paces so he doesn’t see me pressing my lips together to suppress the smile threatening to burst across my face. I know poking the bear is pushing my luck a bit, but God, it’s so much fun.

I follow him up the steps onto the wraparound porch. The wooden boards creak under the weight of his boots. Flinging the door open, he again steps back for me to go first, but this time he doesn’t make eye contact. However, when I check, his face is like thunder.

“Whoops, did I hit a nerve there, Mr. Dick-er-man?” I can’t hold it in any longer. I burst out laughing only to be grabbed by the arm again and marched towards Smokes’ office.

When we reach the door, he spins me aroundto face him before letting go of my arm. He leans up close, our noses almost touching, yet I continue to giggle at his dramatics. Edge puts his hand behind my back, and for a minute, my laughter stops as I wonder what he’s doing. He places his hand on the middle of my chest and I drop my gaze to where it sits between my breasts. The door behind me whooshes open and the next thing I know, the pressure against my chest increases as he pushes me into the room.

I chuckle again, but this time it’s tinged with relief, as for a minute, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen.

“Call me when you’ve done with her,” Edge growls out over my head. “And I will have great pleasure in making sure she off the fucking premises.”

“Ever the gentleman,” I joke, earning me another scowl and the door shutting in my face. I hesitate for a moment before spinning around to face Smoke, giving me a chance to school my emotions.

Part of me is still so pissed at him for leaving like he did, making me feel used and honestly abused despite his warning. But hey, even though it was a one-off thing, he could have handled it better and not been such a douchebag.

The other part of me is itching to see him because, truthfully, I’ve not stopped thinking about that night. The kiss, the sex, the way he made my body light up like no one has done before. In conjunction with it all, I know that I have to hide both my attraction to him and my embarrassment for stupidly giving in to him so easily.

“Sit down, Tenley,” The voice breaking me from my thoughts is not that of Smoke. I spin around.

“Stone?” I stare, but only for a instant before I check out the corners of the rest of the small office, expecting Smoke to be situated somewhere in the room. “Where’s Smoke?”

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