Page 192 of His Virgin Romance Series

“First nose break, huh?” Lonny said, patting me on the shoulder before he headed to the living room himself. “I think we should throw you a party. You’re officially one of the MC gang now. Who said a woman couldn’t fit in around here?”

I bit my lip and took a deep breath.

Ryder was the only one who stayed behind. “Are you still worrying about Justin’s nose?”

“He was bleeding a lot.”

“I’ve seen him bleed worse than that.”

“You’re just saying that.”

“I’m really not.”

I sighed. “I don’t know what came over me. I just… panicked when he grabbed me.”

“He had it coming.”

“He was just trying to have a little fun.”

“You have a lot on your mind,” Ryder replied. “He shouldn’t have been playing games like that with you. In any case, I don’t think he’ll try that anytime soon.”

I felt a smile creep onto my face. “It was nice to be able to defend myself.”

“Makes you feel strong and powerful, doesn’t it?” Ryder asked.

“Definitely.”

“Turns out you’re a natural at this.”

“At what?” I asked. “Self-defense or the MC lifestyle?”

Ryder paused for a second, and he seemed to really think about it. “Both,” he said, at last.

I wondered what that fleeting look in his eyes was. It could have been hope, it could have been pride, or it could have been worry. Or it was just as possible that I was projecting my feelings onto him.

---