Page 31 of Toxic Biker

Seth turns his head to the side to catch Asher’s gaze over the couch. “Hurt, but alive,” he barely whispers and as I watch my brother’s lips move, I realize he’s missing teeth. No wonder why he wouldn’t speak to me.

Tears instantly crest and fall over my cheeks. Poor Seth, he went through hell and here I am with fifty questions bothering him. I should just be thankful he’s here and keep my mouth shut so he can heal. He deserves to be left alone, not ridiculed for not paying his sister enough attention to satisfy her.

Without another word, I stand, giving the men my back to head to the big windows. Tears continue to silently trail down my face as I stare out into the parking lot. I don’t want them to see me crying like this, not when all I deserve is to be happy inside. Things could’ve been so much worse and yet here I am, with my chest physically aching at the way my brother’s beaten face and body look.

He’s alive. He’s here. Suck it the fuck up and be grateful.

Asher comes up beside me and the moment he notices I’m upset, he pulls me into his arms. His grip tightens around me, like he knows I need his strength.

I’m so emotional I can’t help the rushed confession as I whisper, “I love you, Asher. I’m so sorry, but I do. So damn much. I always have…and I love you more now than ever. I don’t think I can survive another moment without you knowing the truth that’s in my heart.”

He kisses my forehead, laying the side of his head against the top of mine as we both stare out the main window. “I love you too, Lace. I meant what I told you, you’re mine, sweetheart.”

“You’re not just saying that because you wanted to sleep with me? I would still have sex with you even if you didn’t love me, you know that, right?”

His chest vibrates with his chuckle. “Fuck no, woman. I could’ve slept with you long ago, but I didn’t. You’ve always been too special, I wouldn’t let myself get that close to you.”

“And now?”

“Now, I’ve decided I’ve wasted too much time. I should’ve been selfish with you and let you know I wanted you from the moment you were legal. I’ve wasted too much damn time being miserable, when I could’ve been happywith you.”

“You really do love me,” I comment, my sadness melting away as the prospect of him loving me back washes over me. It’s like sunshine pouring into every crevice I possess, as if I’m floating and flying and never falling because the person I love most in the world is there holding me, saving me, and loving me back.

“I do, baby. I will for as long as you let me.”

“So forever it is, then? Good thing you rescued my brother, he has no way to fight this from happening.”

He laughs again, the warm, deep sound making me beam up at him. “You really think I’d let anyone keep you away from me? We’re meant to be, time you figure that out.”

“And your motorcycle club? The brothers won’t be upset you’re atakenman now? Because I don’t want to let you go. I can share you with them, but I need you far too much, Asher.”

“You’re taking me?” He teases, “To bed? We can go right now.”

I nod, “Plan to keep you for forever too.”

He grins, kisses my forehead, and admits, “They already know, baby.”

“What do you mean?”

“The reason they let you stay here and helped me? I told them you are mine and they’ve voted on it. You’re my ol’ lady. I know it, as does the club.”

“I guess all this means I can’t be too upset about you taking my car then, huh? Where is my car, by the way, since it’s not in the spot where I had it?”

He has the nerve to appear a bit sheepish, and coming from this man, I find it hard to believe. He’s the type who unapologetically owns whatever he’s doing or feeling, I’ve come to realize it in the short time we’ve been here together. “It’s, uh, in the garage. I didn’t take your car with me; I rode my bike. I had a prospect park your car in the garage.”

My eyes feel like they’re going to bug out with his admission. It was here the entire time? “Why would you do that and why would Whiskey lie to me about it?”

“Because I wanted you to stay put, and I knew if you had your car, it wouldn’t happen.”

“Tell me you’re joking,” I huff while I tap my fingers in an irritated rhythm at how ridiculous this is. I’m glad he’s admitting the truth to me, but it’s crazy the plan they concocted to keep me here. “You really schemed with your prospect so I wouldn’t know where my car is.”

His hand goes to my throat as he leans his forehead gently against mine. He mumbles the truth, “No scheming. I thought it up all on my own. I ordered him to park your car in the garage and I let Whiskey know my plan. The brothers always back each other up, Jailbait, you should get that in your pretty little head from this moment on.”

“Don’t be a condescending dick,” I grumble, making his mouth drop open.

His head tips back as a loud laugh leaves him and so help me, I’m trying to be angry right now but to hear him and see his wide smile as he laughs…it makes my lips give in and twist up. He beams at me and I grin back, a bit shyly as I don’t know if he’s proud or gearing up to bend me over and spank me in front of his club brothers. I know my brother would not be too excited over the prospect, although it might get him talking to me again.

“I’m not, I would never,” he retorts while chuckling. My brows jump and he grins again. “Okay, I wouldn’t with you, better?”

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