Page 67 of Paladin's Hell

Chapter 23

Paladin

Fuck these club girls. There are five of them, and each one seems to have trouble understanding when I say no, I mean it. They look on me as someone new, someone they haven’t yet taken for a test ride. My only qualifications are that I’m a biker, and unfamiliar, a challenge. I’ve had to fend each of them off.

I’d been looking forward to Jayden arriving, giving her a tour of where I’m living now, and showing her off to my brothers. She looks fucking gorgeous today, figure-hugging jeans, knee-high boots, and a leather jacket Ella had bought her in recognition of the lower temperatures here. Her long blond hair brushed until it shines, flowing around her shoulders. I’m proud to walk in with her, but hope it won’t be long before I get that scowl off her face.

I was going to take her straight outside, but decide to detour. “Want to come see my room?”

“Oookay,” she agrees, the strung-out word betraying her hesitation.

Damn it. I don’t want her scared of me. Just wanted somewhere where we could talk uninterrupted. I’m also too embarrassed to say anything in case I’m misreading her reluctance. If she thinks I’m going to take advantage, she’s on the wrong track. Tugging a little on her hand, I don’t give her time to take in the bar area, before leading her to the stairs and then up and along the hall until we reach my room. Oh, shit. I left it unlocked and now the door’s ajar.

As it opens fully, Jay bursts out laughing when she spies a very large feline taking up the middle of my bed. First time I’ve actually been pleased to see Bitch. Her presence has broken the tension.

Quick as a flash, I tell her, “And that, is the only female that’s been in here.”

Her eyes shoot to mine. I’m telling her the complete truth, and can only hope she believes it. “Keep forgetting to lock the darn door. Cat must know who’s got a mind like a sieve. Hey, be careful…”

She’s crossing to the bed, her hand outstretched. Holding my breath, I wait for that paw to strike out, but damn Bitch is actually purring as she starts getting stroked. Jay’s attention on the cat, she asks over her shoulder, “What was that, outside?”

“Fuckin’ club girl not taking no for an answer.” I scowl. “Honestly Jay, sometimes I don’t think we talk the same language.”

Jay giggles.

“It’s not funny.”

“It is. And it’s a compliment, isn’t it? They want you?”

Gingerly, trying not to disturb Bitch and keeping away from her claws, I sit on the bed. “They want to try a new cock. They’re having a competition to see which of them can get me first.” Mace had explained to me. The brothers think it’s a joke and have been placing bets as to how long I’ll hold out. “But no one will, I promise you, Jay.”

When her eyes meet mine, I can see a maturity there as she asks in a serious tone, “How long can you keep refusing, Pal?”

“With you waiting? Forever.”

Stroking the cat, her hands having something to do, seem to make the conversation easier. It suddenly hits me we’re alone. In a bedroom. For the first time ever. “What if,” for a second I wonder if she’s speaking to Bitch, as that’s where she’s now looking. “What if I can never give you what you want?”

“I won’t be going with a bitch, Jay. Just want what’s best for you.” I love her. Have done for quite a while now. The feeling having gradually grown, morphing from being that of a friend or a brother into something else. As she’s matured, so has the way I feel about her. But I can’t tell her. Don’t want to scare her off.

I watch, intrigued, as Bitch gets up and stretches, then rubs herself against Jay’s arm. Even the darn cat is entranced by her. I hold my breath when Jay scoops her up in her arms and cuddles her. Don’t let her claws come out now.

Then Jay’s standing, carrying her to the door, placing her outside. “Sorry, Puss. I’m not sharing my man.” She closes the door, but not before eyeing the scratches under the door handle. A slight grin comes over her face as she realises how the crafty feline gets in.

“Better lock it. She’ll only be back.”

“I can see that. Clever cat.” She locks it. Another first. Her and I behind a locked door.

We both laugh as we can hear Bitch throwing herself at other rooms along the hallway. Then Jayden’s face grows serious, as she glances at the barrier between us and the outside world, then at me. She’s biting her lip, making me want to soothe it with my tongue. My cock thickens in my jeans. It has to be because we’re behind a locked door, hundreds of miles away from Drummer, Slick, Ella and all the men and women who’d watch us like hawks back in Tucson. For the first time, I’m allowing myself to have a very masculine reaction around her. There’s no doubt of my feelings toward her at all.

Now the cat is no longer between us, I allow myself to move closer, pushing for something I never have before. “Can I kiss you, Jay?”

She rears back, looking startled. I hope it’s because my request came out of the blue, not because she finds it distasteful. Again, her teeth worry her lip.

“Never mind,” I say softly. “We’ll just go join the others. Food should be ready soon.”

“Pal,” she puts out her hand and touches my arm. “I’ve, I’m…”

“It’s not the right time.” I get it, I do. I’ll just live with my disappointment.

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