Page 44 of Ravish

“I thought I saw someone taking pictures across the street from the café today.”

Colby’s eyes narrowed.

“I’m sure it was just some tourist.”

“Yet it bothered you.” Colby lowered his head. “If anything happens, and I mean anything, even if it’s just a feeling, you call me, or better yet, if any of the bikers are in the café, tell them. I’ll spread the word.”

Lara shook her head. “I don’t want anyone to get into trouble.”

“No one will. I don’t like this, Lara. Your family is abusive.”

She considered his words. “Dysfunctional.”

“Semantics. I want you to promise me, if anything happens, you’ll call me. Even the slightest thing.”

Lara stared at him. “I can only promise to call you after the event, during the event may be too difficult.” Especially if she had to get the police involved. “Weren’t you going to show me your sketches?” she said, trying to get their conversation off her and her crazy family.

“I’m not forgetting this.” He slid her from his lap onto the sofa. “I’ll get my sketchbook because I did promise you, and I don’t go back on my word. Remember that, Lara. Because I give you my word: I will keep you safe.”

Warmth filled Lara’s veins at Colby’s words. She believed he would keep her safe, even if meant him getting into trouble. Well, she wasn’t going to allow that to happen. She would protect him as he protected her. He didn’t realize how vicious her family could be.

* * * *

Lara stood staring at her closet on Thursday evening. What to wear tonight? She had a skirt already picked out, but the top was the issue. She wanted something easy on and easy off.

A shiver slid over her skin. Tonight, she was going to try and go topless at the club. Not that she thought it was a bad idea, but she was still nervous about it. She finally settled on a lacy blouse she’d bought years ago, but thought was too sheer to wear outside the house.

She dressed and applied her makeup before glancing at the clock. Colby would be here any minute. Lara slipped on a pair of ballet slippers and a jacket. Barely a minute later, her doorbell rang.

“Hi.”

“Hello, beautiful.” Colby leaned down and gave her a kiss. “Ready?”

“Yes.” Lara grabbed her purse. “Whose car do you keep borrowing?” she asked as he led her down the steps.

“Damon’s. It’s a little hard to ask you to ride my bike when you’re already dressed for the club.”

“How about this next time. Ride your bike here and we take my car?”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” He was always so concerned about her. “It’s silly for you to keep borrowing a car.” Besides, if her family was watching, it would freak them out to see his motorcycle parked outside her home late at night. She smiled at the thought of making her family crazy.

“So, this weekend you’re catering at the club again?” Colby asked as he drove.

“Yes, Max wants to do it once a month and see how it goes.”

“Shall I come by the café and help you?”

“If you like. Pretty much everything will be ready. I’ll just need to load the hot boxes and other stuff.”

“If Max is going to continue having you bring food, you need to talk with him about keeping some supplies at the club so you don’t have to bring so much.”

“That’s not a bad idea.” Lara shifted in her seat.

“Nervous about tonight?”

“A little.”

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