Page 39 of Devil's Dilemma

But being Skull’s, she’s completely out of bounds.

My hand moves up and down her back, rubbing gently. Contradicting what’s going through my mind, I repeat in what I hope is a soothing tone, “It will be okay. It will work out. You’ve got us, you’re not alone.”

Gradually her sobs start coming less often. She pulls away, sniffing loudly then blowing her nose. She stares at me, then looks horrified.

“Your tee shirt’s wet, I’m so sorry.”

“No matter.” That’s the least of my worries.

“I’ll be okay. You don’t have to stay.”

I’m not surprised she’s embarrassed. I’m a virtual stranger, I’m here in her home. Yet I was the one to confirm she is indeed pregnant, and now the man whose clothes have been dampened by her tears.

I’m also the man who’s got one more blow to deliver.

“I do,” I contradict, wiping my hand down my face. “I’m sorry, but I’m not leaving you alone.”

Her reddened eyes crease. “What?”

“Until we know what’s happened to Skull, we need to take precautions.”

“What?” she repeats. “What do you mean, precautions?”

I breathe in deeply. “You know we’re a one-percenter club?”

A little nod. “But I thought you weren’t into shady stuff.”

My mouth quirks at the way she describes it. “We’re not, much, nowadays. In fact, we can’t name an enemy who’d want to hurt us.” Or not until Demon and Beef have their meeting with the Wretched Soulz. “But there’s always the chance someone is using Skull to get to us, which means we pull up the drawbridge just in case.”

Her head moves side to side. “I don’t understand.”

“Tonight, I stay here, sleeping on your couch. Tomorrow, you move to the compound.”

Her head shakes more emphatically. “I can’t. Not without Skull. This is my home. And how long for? I’ve got work…”

“Tomorrow you call in sick. Fuck, woman. You’re in no condition to go to the office.”

“I’ve already told Beth I can’t go in tomorrow.” Before I can ask, she adds hurriedly, “Not why, not until I know more. I’ve told her a lie for me, that I’m sick.”

“You’re worried sick about your man. That’s not a lie. No one can blame you. I’d stay off until after the weekend. If you want to go back then, we’ll make it happen if we’re still on lockdown.”

She’s quiet for a moment, then, “You’re right, Pyro. I’ll not be able to concentrate. Hopefully Skull will be back between now and Monday, and if he’s not?” She gives a little shake as if she’s no idea what she’ll do. If he doesn’t reappear, she’ll have to start to come to terms with a new normal. Fuck, I’m hurting for her now.

“But I’ll stay here. I’m not coming to the compound.” Her mouth sets in a stubborn line.

How do I make her see sense?

“Mel, look. Skull’s missing. You’re Skull’s woman. May not have had much trouble in the recent past, but if someone does have him, if someone’s starting a war with the club, then they’ll hit us where it hurts. You know what our weakest spot is? You know what would fuckin’ destroy us?”

Again her head moves first to the left, then to the right.

“Our women. Someone wants to hurt us, they’ll go after our women first. And you, being close to Skull, would be one of the first targets. Can’t leave you unprotected darlin’. Need you on lockdown at the compound.”

“Lockdown?”

“We call everyone in and stay for the duration.”

“I can’t do that. I can’t afford to lose my job. I can’t let everyone down.”

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