Page 57 of Petty's Crime

Her narrowing eyes, pursed lips and the little shake of her head suggest she knows only too well what I’m doing and is placating me.

Christ, I can’t wait for this gig to be over, and for her to get out of my life. Why, of all people was it her I confided in? Sure, she’s got nice enough tits and a great ass, but normally I’d tap that, not talk to it.

As I wait for her to make herself ready for the day, I send a quick message to Keys to see whether he’s gotten any further with the information I’d sent. His lack of response doesn’t worry me. He’ll get back when he’s anything to say.

When I came to Texas, I’d known I’d need to step outside of the role I’d carved out for myself if I was going to come over convincingly as boyfriend material. I’d reverted to the man I’d been when I’d first met my wife when meeting RoseLyn’s parents. It had been surprisingly easy to slip back into the familiar routine, like putting on a pair of worn but comfortable shoes. Last night, I’d relaxed and had enjoyed myself. Last night, I sat with a woman, held her, laughed with her, and with no ulterior motive about getting her into my bed.

Today, for the sake of my sanity, I have to get back to the man Britney had made me become.

But I’ve given RoseLyn the keys to destroy me, and I can’t forget it.

Red calls me while she’s still in the shower. Eagerly I answer, hoping it’s the news I’ve been waiting for.

“Safe to come home, Brother.”

“You got him? You got Saul?” A wave of relief floods over me. For the first time since I woke, I feel I can relax. There’s no need for delay and this protection gig with RoseLyn is over. We can go our separate ways.

And I’ll be going home to Britney.I straighten my back.Only to get her out of my life.I’ll just have to find my balls and do it.

“Yeah, we got him.” Quickly I bring my mind back to what Red is saying. “Got him in the basement all trussed up. RoseLyn’s in the clear. He’s been softened up to admit it was him who was after her.”

“And Angel?”

“Played her part well. Reeled him in like a fuckin’ fish and got away without a scratch.” Thank fuck for that. My only concern about the operation had been putting a woman on the front line.

Prez ends the call saying he’ll see me soon as I hear the shower turn off. It’s good news all around. So why do I feel deflated?

RoseLyn appears, her hair wrapped up in a turban. She’s dressed though, in denim shorts and a t-shirt. She has a freshness about her that draws me in. I catch myself staring at her, then force myself to turn away.

With my back toward her, I tell her in clipped tones, “Red rang. Saul’s been caught. It’s safe for you to go home.”

“It’s over?”

The disbelieving tremble in her voice leads me to confirm, “It’s over.”

I hear the sigh that leaves her. A quick glance over my shoulder shows she’s standing with her eyes closed. Her hands fist then gradually relax as she comes to terms with the pronouncement I’ve made.

“Thank fuck,” she states eventually, and a smile appears on her face. As if forgetting the mood I was in, she approaches me, making me fully turn around. Her hands land on my biceps. “Thank you, Petty. Thank you and your club.” Her head moves side to side. “I can’t quite believe this is all over.”

“It’s over,” I confirm again. “He’ll never get near you again.”

“That man, the pastor—”

“Saul’s already confirmed he was your stalker.”

And you’ll no longer need protection, from me or my club.I should feel pleased, but instead sadness settles within me.

I may not have spoken aloud, but it seems our minds are aligned. Her hand moves to rest on my chest, and she stares at where it touches my shirt.

Without meeting my eyes she speaks softly. “If you weren’t married, if you were the man who I got to know during the night, I’d feel something for you… Clark.”

Fuck.Why did she have to go there? I try to remind myself quickly that RoseLyn is not my type. I like soft while she’s hard. I like meek while she’s not. I like… Fuck knows what I like. Right now, I want her.

I can’t help myself. I raise her face and lower my lips, then take hers with a growl. I kiss her like I mean it, demanding entry with my tongue. She clutches at me rather than pushing me away and gives back the same as I’m giving her. Our tongues fight for dominance. Our mouths devour each other. She smells delicious, her shampoo or whatever she uses, not overpowering but fruity and her. She tastes of peppermint from the toothpaste, making me want to find out the brand so I can use it myself to remind me of her. The moans in my ears are like music sent from the heavens above.

I lose myself in that kiss. My dick swells, my lungs heave, until finally I come to my senses and pull myself up to get air and push her at arm’s length.That was the biggest fucking mistake I’ve ever made.I’d been swept away in the moment because this woman had declared she was developing feelings for me. Feelings that, fuck, I have to acknowledge I reciprocate.

Feelings I’d act on if I ever wanted to put myself at the mercy of a woman again. And once, believe you me, was more than enough. As it is, I’ve given her too much ammunition to use against me.

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