Page 22 of Johnny Gun

“Easy, girl. Take a deep breath. It’s in the fridge.”

“But it’ll be cold,” Isolde protested. “He won’t like it.”

“We’ll nuke it, and he’ll love it. Get moving, fix him a place setting. I’ll take care of warming his food.”

Fingers trembling, Isolde’s hands flew over the table, setting down silverware he would need to eat his meal. Her heart thudded as she felt a presence at the doorway, and she glanced inthat direction. The floor seemed to cave under her feet. But it wasn’t Johnny at the threshold. It was Viper.

She blew out a hard breath. “Oh, Viper… You gave me a start.” She could barely speak, her heart was beating so fast.

“He’s behind me.” Viper chuckled. Striding to the fridge, he opened the door and pulled out a beer. He crossed knowing gazes with Sydney.

So much for Isolde’s secret love. Two people already knew. Her worry didn’t last long. A moment later, Johnny stepped into the space Viper had vacated, and her soul soared with happiness.

“Hungry?” Her voice came out thready and weak.

His smiling blue eyes filled all her empty spaces with a strange peace and a soothing sensation. Everything about him was perfect for her: the long hair with blond streaks, his straight nose, and full sensuous lips she dreamed of tasting and kissing…the muscular physique and calloused hands Isolde wanted to feel exploring her skin. She belonged to him. That was absolutely clear to her.

“Ravenous.” His deep voice was masculine and sexy. An intimate message of affection hung in his words. “Please, don’t bother. Not for me.”

A thrilling heat flared in her cheeks. “It’s my pleasure. We saved food for you.” Now with steadier hands, she gestured at the place setting on the table. “Please, sit.”

“Thank you.”

Isolde’s breath caught in her throat. Johnny lifted her hand and kissed her fingertips. His touch was warm, steady, and firm, and she spun in a vortex. Blinding sparks filled her vision. A current of fire and ice, both burning and freezing, swept through her.

Remembering they weren’t alone in the kitchen, Isolde glanced at Sydney and Viper. Mouths open, they both watcheduntil Johnny released her hand and sat. That was Sydney’s signal to snap into motion.

“Right. I have your plate.” She took the dish out of the microwave and put it in front of Johnny.

“Wow, delicious,” he exclaimed after the first bite.

Standing at his side, Isolde felt awkward and out of place. Should she sit next to him?

Johnny put his fork down and locked gazes with her. “I feel foolish eating alone. Will you sit with me?”

Yes, he’d read her internal struggle.

Where’s your backbone?The mental question pushed her on. There was no good reason why she couldn’t keep Johnny, or any of the MC guests, company. She was doing nothing wrong. Her father could dump his insecurities and jealousies into the trash. She would hold her ground.

As she sat with him, Johnny resumed eating. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Viper silently approaching Sydney. Something about his behavior piqued her attention.

“We need to talk.” He grabbed Sydney’s arm and pulled her close.

“What about?”

“It’s important, and we’re going to need your help. The question is, can we trust you to keep quiet?”

“That’s not fair,” she argued in a hushed voice.

He leaned nearer, murmured words at her ear, and Sydney gasped, covering her mouth. “But?—”

He interrupted her. “Tomorrow, first thing. We talk.”

“Okay.” She nodded.

“Good. You’re back!” Axel’s voice rang out as he entered the kitchen. He slapped Johnny on the shoulder. “Dude. I worried you’d get lost.”

“Viper took care of me,” Johnny said.

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